Azkals lost the game and still won the hearts of Pinoys in Kuwait

Kuwait vs. Philippines, Qadsiya Stadium, July 23, 2011 (Photo by the Author)

Filipino Pride is alive in Kuwait as the much anticipated World Cup qualifying match between Kuwait and the Philippine Azkals was played yesterday (23 July) at the Qadsiya Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait. At least 70% of the capacity crowd were Filipinos--solid fans, plain supporters and curious spectators alike--who were off from work, have probably asked for a leave or simply skipped their duties for the day. They braved the 46-47 degree late afternoon heat, the traffic in the area and the queue and near stampede at the gates just to be in there at least 2 hours before the game.

The seating for the area was arranged so that Filipinos occupy one half of the stadium and Kuwaitis on the other half. But there are still a lot of people waiting outside the gates! Minutes before the game, more people-mostly Pinoys- were allowed in to the Kuwait side until all seats were taken. As it seems, it’s a home game for Filipinos as we filled the stadium..I know we have a large population working in Kuwait but in my years of stay here, I have never seen that huge number of Pinoys all in one place..it was an amazing sight!

The Azkals singing the National Anthem  during the Opening Ceremonies (Photo by the Author)

Inside the stadium, the energy was so high, the anticipation growing as the time draws near..fans were ecstatic even before the players enter the field..mostly wearing their Azkals shirts, some with waving flags, banners and even face paintings to show their support..the feeling reached fever-pitch when one by one, the players hit the grass and started their warm ups..the chants, cheers and screams were so loud I can’t even hear myself!

The same level of energy was sustained at game time until a Kuwaiti striker head home the first goal at the 17th minute of the match and even until the end of first half with Kuwait maintaining its 1-0 lead....we continued to cheer keeping the upbeat mood though everybody's already drenched in sweat..By the second half, everyone can sense the Azkals are already showing signs of exhaustion, due mainly to the sweltering summer heat while the Kuwaiti team is gearing up to deliver the finish. A small scramble at the post resulted to a Kuwait goal at the 67th minute but the crowd almost failed to notice..it even took some time before it appeared in the huge scoreboard..by then, Pinoy fans started feeling restless...It was not so long after when Kuwait delivered its final blow, a solid goal from the middle that left everyone stunned..With so little time left, that should be it for this match..Some fans already sensing defeat, started flocking to the exits but still a good number stayed behind, us included..

The Final Score. Kuwait 3, Azkals 0. (Photo by the Author)

When the game ends, right after the congratulatory handshakes for the winning Kuwaiti team, the Azkals ran next to the stands and acknowledged their countless supporters...it was a gracious exit for the team as they waved and thanked the Kuwait-based Pinoys who came in droves and cheered for them till the end.

Azkals acknowledging the crowd after the match.  (Photo by the Author)

Outside the stadium, while walking towards our parking spot, we passed by some Kuwaiti teenagers playfully taunting us for the score but we proudly showed them our "Go Azkals" placards and continued walking..Another group of Kuwaitis were walking next to us and one of them offered me a packet of Sunflower seeds. I politely said "No, thanks" and instead gestured towards my daughter..He then handed it over to her..I tap the back of the teen and said "Thanks" and "Nice game"..he just smiled back..I think it’s what the game was all about, just a friendly match between two friendly nations..

Though defeated, I know every Pinoy left the stadium happy and proud..The Azkals may have lost the game but they've earned thousands more of supporters and the respect of the Kuwaiti audiences..I can only wish them Good Luck for their second match against Kuwait to be played in the Philippines on July 28...

Go Azkals!

Philippine Azkals in Kuwait

Football fever hits Filipinos in Kuwait as the Philippine Azkals football team arrived in the country for their World Cup qualifying match against the Kuwait National Team . As news spread that the team will be practicing at the open Salmiya Sporting Club at around 7 pm last night, a good number of Pinoy fans trooped to the venue to see the team up close. I was also there together with my family and some friends.

The match will be played at the Mohammad Al Hamad Stadium, Qadsiya Sports Club in Hawally this Saturday, 23 July from 7:00 pm..Tickets, according to press releases, will be available starting today till the day of the match and are priced at KD 2 ( roughly Php 312), KD 3 (roughly Php 468) and KD 5 (roughly Php 780).

Food Trip: OK (Open Kitchen)

Description: Specializes in Filipino and Chinese dishes. Their tapsilog and lomi are my all-time fave. I've known the place for 8 years now and the taste remains the same even though I think the original Pinoy cook is no longer working there, I am not sure. The Pinoy food section used to occupy the smaller store on the left and the bigger place for American and Arabic foods and sandwiches to cater to the taste of local families and other nationalities. But even they are ordering soup and noodles from the Pinoy section.

Location: The place is located at the food court of the amusement center behind McDonalds' at Salem Mubarak street, Salmiya . It's usually packed with families on weekends so the best time to visit is during weekdays and late nights unless you are capable of waiting until a table becomes available.

Recommendation: Tapsilog definitely!

posted from Bloggeroid

Food Trip: Pinkberry

Origin: Franchise from Los Angeles, California

Description: Original (Plain) or Green Tea, Pomegranate, Mango, Coconut, Passion Fruit and Chocolate Flavored Frozen Yogurt topped with your own choice of fresh fruits like  strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, mangoes, kiwi and pineapple and even dry toppings such as chocolate shavings, white chocolate, granola and nuts.

Locations: More stores coming up all over Kuwait

Recommendation: Absolutely

Note: A little pricey but it's definitely worth it

Food Trip: PF Chang's China Bistro

Origin: Scottsdale, Arizona
Location:  The Avenues Mall, Shuwaikh and the Arabian Gulf Road across Sha'ab Park

Descriptions:  Authentic Chinese American cuisine. Generous serving sizes at very affordable prices. Friendly and fast service. Beautiful ambiance. Perfect dining experience.

Recommendation: Highly Recommended.

One small warning: It is highly addictive.

Welcome to the Car Wash

I went to have my car washed at the Oula branch along 4th Ring Road in Salmiya..The service, being automatic, was quick and precise..but that's not what I am writing this blog for....

After the automatic car wash (video posted above), I parked my car outside to have the body wiped dry and the interior vacuum cleaned..one of the cleaners found my wife's silver anklet (which has been missing for some time now) underneath the seats and quickly returned it to me..the truth is, the anklet was not really expensive, but the gesture was commendable, right? ...not to mention the fact that they really did a good job on my car..at a very reasonable price :)

Definitely, I will have my next car wash at the same branch again soon.

Food trip: Tabab Restaurant

Passed by Tabab Restaurant in Bneid Al Gar to try their kebab sandwich, which according to popular belief, is the best tasting kebab sandwich in town..turns out it is indeed a FACT!



The place is located in between Al Salam Hospital and the jamiya.

posted from Bloggeroid

Save the Bells ( Kampanya para sa Kampana)

It all started from a casual exchange of conversations in a Facebook group of alumni from the Mount Carmel School of Infanta (MCSI)..

But it quickly gathered momentum and has spread like wildfire...before we knew it, it is now an official campaign project aptly dubbed KAMPANYA PARA SA KAMPANA..a fund-raising campaign for the restoration/replacement of the historic church bells of St. Mark's Cathedral in my hometown of  Infanta, Quezon.

The only remaining bell. Photo courtesy of Shina Mutya-Combalicer

To me and to everyone in Infanta, the bells are part of our every celebration...Almost everyone in town grew up hearing their unique sounds.....slow and solemn during the Angelus, sorrowful during funerals and times of mourning....and of course, who can ever forget their very festive and joyous rings to mark the start of our traditional Simbang Gabi and how they compete with the fireworks at the high point of every Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve mass....It is something we look forward to especially during the Christmas season..they really bring happy thoughts..happy memories..

The sounds were so unique only a handful of individuals is capable of doing it... They all came from a a family of talented musicians, the bell-ringing task being passed from one generation to another thus preserving the unique and distinctive "repeke" the bells are best known for..

That is why it is quite disheartening to know that our beloved Church bells are no longer ringing as they used to..

Old age has already caught up with them..inscriptions on the bells suggest they were made in the late 1800's..but nobody in our town could tell exactly when they arrived and were installed in our cathedral..From the original three bells, only one is left working..the largest (32" dia.) ,though still hanging precariously,had developed a crack while the smallest (about 22" dia.) already fell off from its chain..

Our alumni association together with the Parish Priest and of course, the whole town of Infanta are initiating a campaign to raise funds to help save the bells..Restoration is originally part of the plan but initial investigations and various expert opinions suggest it will be a very delicate and, admittedly, expensive process..the least we can do now is to replace them.

In line with this, we have launched various campaign strategies to help generate funds. I've done my part in creating the advertising posters and t-shirt designs while others are making the rounds and visits to solicit donations. Shina of streetsmartchic.com  has already posted the same call in her blog. ..Still others are giving and sharing their time and talent for the success of this project...

Here is the campaign theme song composed and sung by our homegrown talent, Norman Taniegra. Video courtesy of Kaye Villaflor with photos from various sources.



For anyone who wishes to help, kindly visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kampanyaparasakampana for more information.