Filipino Mass Wedding

"And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy." -- Hosea 2:19

The Theresian Filipino Catholic community in Salmiya recently held a free service called "Kasalang Bayan" from April 5 to June 21 respectively for Filipino couples who wished to be wed in church rights. This event was spearheaded by Fr. Ben Barrameda and the newly formed Pinoy Youth Ministry in Salmiya Kuwait (PYMSK).

 The last scheduled Kasalang Bayan for this year will be held on  October 21.

Strict Implementation of Laws

News of thousands of people being deported out of Kuwait has raised fear among the expats. Different concerns has been raised and one report from a local newspaper even told tales of Indians asking their Embassy for help due to manhandling by the authorities. But who knows what is really happening? Some stories may well be exaggerated but then the fact that a number of people is being deported daily due to illegal issues is not a good thing. And since this is a sensitive issue that tackles violations, punishments and worst -- being thrown in prison cells for not following Kuwait laws, expats should be more cautious and disciplined. Besides, this is not our country and we are simply aliens living in a foreign land.

I saw this on an FB group page telling people to be more alert during checkings done by the police. I f you read it more closely, all the details were already existing rules here. No idea why some people are exaggerating this now..but anyway it's better be informed than being ignorant of what's happening around

Although this massive clean up of illegal residents is a bit of a shock due to their increasing numbers, abiding and respecting a country's law is compulsory in order to continue living freely and without any kind of hassle. 

Alkaline Media Blessing

Last Thursday night I have been invited to attend a blessing ceremony for the new Filipino paper Kabayan Global Magazine's mother company, Alkaline Media Advertising. It was a fun-filled event where representatives from the Philippine Embassy and Filipino organizations here are present. Interestingly, it was actually my first time to attend such an event here in Kuwait so it was an experience that would probably stick for a while.

Invitation I got from Ms. Gracia Amor

Alkaline Media owner with the Philippine Embassy representatives during the signing  of the Alkaline Media  blessing memorabilia board

Alkaline media owner with the Philippine Embassy representatives during the ribbon cutting ceremony

Office building at Room 103

During the reception where Pastor Gil Bantugan led the grace before meals. A small active discussion was presented by Filinvest Representatives highlighting Filipino pride

New Traffic Penalties in Kuwait

Along 4th Ring Road (Salmiya-Hawally-Jabriya)

Road accidents are very common in this country. I remember the first time I passed 4th ring road to head out for a family dinner towards Arabian Gulf Street, we witnessed an aftermath of a car accident. It took us more than 20 minutes stuck on traffic that it caused but instead of being annoyed I felt sorry for the wrecked car (it was a small car hitting an SUV) and the people who were brought to the hospital by the ambulance team. But as I get myself immersed on the road etiquettes of drivers around this place, I was in shock. Seriously, who on their right mind would drive around with babies or toddlers on the driver's seat? Who would be sane enough by allowing their kids to play around the car windows while driving fast on the highway? Or who would be driving without knowing how to use car signals (tail lights for example) when overtaking or turning a different road? I'm definitely not an expert driver myself but I sure know the basics. But here..it's a totally different story. I have heard a couple of people (including my Dad) telling me that when you want to drive here, you need to always be on alert mode or else it's either you'll get hit or you'll be the one going to hit something.

Click to enlarge.

Anyway, since I thought this information is imperative when driving in Kuwait I do hope people would really find this traffic violations serious in order to minimize road accidents. It's obvious some people don't care much about the fines since this place is rich, but for the sake of those who wanted to live longer and avoid any accidents..I seriously hope and pray that drivers (everyone who has a car and license to drive here) will take this really, really, really, really seriously.


Image source credited to: q8hosp[dot]info

Eleksyon 2013

Bakit nga ba kelangan bumoto? Napakasimpleng tanong na mayroon din napakaraming sagot. Ngunit kung ito'y ating uunawain, isang bagay lamang talaga ang dapat isa isip. Ito ay isang karapatan.  

Registered Absentee Voter

Exercising my right to suffrage is something I have actively done since I turned 18. But since moving to Kuwait, this was the first time that I opted to become an Absentee voter to continue my participation in this national elections. The registration and transfer of my records from my previous local precinct took a couple of months (registered only late last year when I renewed my passport) but luckily it was approved without any hassle. So yesterday, I finally had my chance to be a part of this Overseas Absentee Voters program for Filipino Citizens living abroad. As per COMELEC rules, OAVs are given a month before the official election begins in the Philippines which will be on the 13th of May 2013.

Philippine Embassy in Faiha, Kuwait

Reminder posted at the entrance of the Philippine Embassy in Faiha

What's happening inside the Voting place

Trying out the PCOS machine. It looked old but still working.

The election was held at the Philippine Embassy in Faiha and in order to ensure that you're a registered voter or a Filipino citizen, you'll either need to show your OAV voters license or your original passport. The procedure is done through properly shading electronic papers and be fed under PCOS machines. Once the machine accepts the paper, the votes will be counted and should be wired through their main system. Not sure where the main system was located but hopefully it's in safe hands. Hopefully. *crossesfingers*

Just like what Dr. Jose Rizal said, "It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted in the field without becoming part of an edifice. The glory of saving a country is not for him who has contributed to its ruin. (El Filibusterismo)" This simply states that in order for us to achieve something greater, we must all do our part in our own little way. As this Senatorial election continues on, may we as proud Filipino citizens try our best to perform our right to choose wisely who we think should fill in the vacant seats in our democratic government. If we won't act, who else will?

Streets of Kuwait: Part 3

Sunset at Marina Bay

When finding a fun leisure activity around busy Kuwait, it's never a dull moment to hang out around the coastline. You may ask what the locals and expats both love to do during weekends..if not shopping (for the rich ones) it's obviously chilling out on marina bay. What other thing is also good about it? Well.. I guess the fact that it's absolutely free! You can either go for a swim, take your fishing skills to the test, ride a water boat, chitchat with your friends, jog, run, relax or just lay down under a palm tree for a quiet time.

The pics below covered the long bay stretch from the Scientific Center to Marina Mall.

There's a food shop inside the Scientific Center (Burger King, Pizza Hut etc) if anyone wanted to eat. That afternoon, my friend and I preferred a BK kid's meal hence Simpson on the bay side standing with his arms wide open

You can check out the local boat rides. Not sure how much the fares cost. Will have that separate post once I get the chance to be on it soon-ish 

Old Kuwaiti boats. I featured these ones in a previous post HERE!

Where's ze captain?!

Not sure what that small circular thing was. But my friend told me she think it's  like a boat-toilet or something.

The KAIT boat description

This reminds me of the "bangka" I used to ride on when I was younger back in my mom's province. Although this looks a bit majestic with its paint and stuff

Who wants to jog?

Unfortunately I don't know what this structure is called so I just call it The Umbrella

It's fishing time!

The CATS are EVERYWHERE! Fun thing is...they look like they have good  breeds

No clue on what the sign says. I still can't read arabic *sigh*

This structure makes me think of a gazebo. I'm no architecture major so I don't really know what this is called.

Docks probably used for smaller boats or yachts? 

Gazebos everywhere...

The park. The trees look interesting.

Fountain or small pool? No idea.

Playground for kids

Restaurants along the coastline

Mesmerizing coastline amidst the busy street

Kuwait Yacht Show

I'm not really sure when the exhibit started and for what cause, but one thing I know it's meant to showcase the local's wealth with their obviously expensive yachts. A friend of mine got in but because she's friends with one of the yacht owners wife and as far as I know the show is kind of exclusive. We do tried to get in (Jan 31st) but were told you need invites to do so. It sure sucks since I wanted to get inside one of the yachts. But anyway... I have also seen the model used by the local coast guard when patrolling their seas. The amount of each yacht were not plastered but by the looks of them, I'm definite they're worth thousands (millions) of dollars!

Main entrance to the Kuwait Yacht Show 2013

Italian Azimut 95 model Yacht, a Flybridge collection model

It has a total of 120 square metres surface

Guess how much it's worth? A staggering US $10,000,000!

Since I keep seeing logos of Wataniya and Burgan Bank, I guess it's obvious they're one of the show's sponsors

Coast Guard model yacht