SEEN: It's More Fun in the Philippines....in Kuwait.

In observance of the Philippine Independence Day, a popular hypermarket chain here in Kuwait decorates its store with the Philippine national colors and "It's More Fun in the Philippines" posters..they been doing that every year and not only for the Philippine, but also for other countries' National Days, like the US, UK, Thailand, India among others. I guess its a simple tribute to all its loyal customers and staff... they're the only ones doing that here in Kuwait, and I gave them props for that..

King with no Ring wins, King of the Ring lost

It was a big day for sports fans as two highly anticipated matches happened today.

First up was the NBA Game 7 match-up between Eastern Conference rivals Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. The Heat forced this game via an MVP-like performance by LeBron James in Game 6. It was a statement game for James who was often criticized for folding in big games. Today, the Heat won the game , the Eastern Conference trophy and the right to meet the rising Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City Thunders in the NBA Finals starting on Tuesday, June 12.

After the basketball game, fans switched to watch the boxing match between American Timothy Bradley and Filipino Boxing hero Manny Pacquiao. Many fans, still enthusiastic with the thrilling basketball game, are already expecting a double celebration with an anticipated dominant victory for PacMan. But the end result shocked fans, analysts and observers as Bradley won via Split Decision over the much-heralded Pacquiao.

Two of the judges scored 115-113 with only one judge calling the match for Manny. It was a controversial win that overshadowed the Heat and James victory and one which will surely be a hot topic for the days to come.

I can only say, you win some, you lose some. And others can make you lose even if you clearly won..sadly, this is how the game is played sometimes.

Barrio Fiesta 2012-Philippine Independence Day Celebrations in Kuwait

Filipinos in Kuwait celebrated Philippine Independence Day 2012 last Friday, June 8. The festivities, dubbed Barrio Fiesta sa Embahada, was organized by the Embassy with the support of Filipino organizations in Kuwait. Held at the new Embassy grounds in Faiha district, activities include a food fair, specialty booths sponsored by Pinoy orgs, parlor games for kids and adults and of course, music courtesy of Pinoy DJ's and bands. Filipinos who attended the event, many are wearing flag-inspired shirts, surely enjoyed the activities of the day, the first of what could be an annual gathering here in Kuwait.

Here are some photos I took from the event:

Jollibee opens in Kuwait

The bee is in Kuwait. Again.

There were some rumors already swirling around a few months ago that a store will open here soon. That rumor turned out to be a fact. And everyone- at least the Filipino community- becomes excited about it. 

Today, February 25, it becomes a reality.

Labor Attache David Des Dicang and franchise owner Yacqoub Al Hajery cuts the ribbon to formally open the store in Kuwait City, February 25.

Fr. Ben Barrameda officiates the blessing of the store with selected guests.

The large crowd that turns out for the event waits outside the store despite the rain and cold wind.

Philippine fast food giant, Jollibee, "re-opened" its doors to its loyal customers here in Kuwait. Yes, I wrote "re-opened" because there used to be one store here when I first arrived "few" years ago. They closed down for still unknown reasons but anyway, it's not my story.

What is important is it's here. The "langhap-sarap" goodness every Filipino-young or old- comes to love and made this brand one of the most recognizable name in the Philippines, is here. 

My kids are already too excited  about our first visit but that's not gonna happen anytime soon. We'll just have to wait until all these excitement dies down a bit. I'd prefer to have a good seat while enjoying a bite of the Champ with my wife :)

Argh. I can't wait.

The store is located in downtown Kuwait, behind the Main Post Office, the same building as Caesar's Restaurant and Kodak.

Credits:
Jollibee Kuwait Facebook page
Photos by Jobz Torres and Tin de los Santos.

Convoy of Ferraris in Kuwait

A large convoy of Ferraris head to Marina Crescent in Salmiya, Kuwait to take part in a parade marking the birthday of Enzo Ferrari, one of the side events of Concours d'Elegance 2012.



Video credits: q8engineer
Related post: 248am

At the 2012 Grammy Awards

 

Album of the Year: 21, Adele

Record of the Year: "Rolling in the Deep," Adele

New Artist: Bon Iver

Country Album: Own the Night, Lady Antebellum

Song of the Year: "Rolling in the Deep," Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth, songwriter

R&B Album: F.A.M.E., Chris Brown

Rock Performance: "Walk," Foo Fighters

Rap Performance: "Otis," Jay-Z and Kanye West

Pop Solo Performance: "Someone Like You," Adele

Pop Vocal Album: 21, Adele

Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Duets Ii, Tony Bennett and Various Artists

Pop Duo/Group Performance: "Body and Soul," Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse

Short Form Music Video: "Rolling in the Deep," Adele

Long Form Music Video: "Foo Fighters: Back and Forth," Foo Fighters

Rap/Sung Collaboration: "All of the Lights," Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie

Rap Song: "All of the Lights," Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter and Kanye West

Rap Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West

R&B Performance: "Is This Love," Corinne Bailey Rae

Traditional R&B Performance: "Fool for You," Cee Lo Green and Melanie Fiona

R&B Song: "Fool for You," Cee Lo Green and Jack Splash

Pop Instrumental Album: The Road From Memphis, Booker T. Jones

Country Solo Performance: "Mean," Taylor Swift

Country Duo/Group Performance: "Barton Hollow," The Civil Wars

Country Song: "Mean," Taylor Swift

Folk Album: Barton Hollow, The Civil Wars

Hard Rock/Metal Performance: "White Limo," Foo Fighters

Rock Song:  "Walk," Foo Fighters, Songwriters (Foo Fighters)

Rock Album: Wasting Light, Foo Fighters

Alternative Music Album: Bon Iver, Bon Iver

Producer of the Year: Non-Classical: Paul Epworth

Read more: E!Online

Miss Philippines finishes 3rd Runner-Up in Miss Universe 2011

Miss Shamcey Supsup of the Philippines bags 3rd Runner Up in the just concluded Miss Universe 2011 pageant held in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Miss Angola, Leila Lopes won this year’s crown. Supsup, who is one of the early favorites, finishes 2nd in the online fan voting and 1st in the Final Fan ranking.

In the question and answer portion, she said she would not change her religion just to marry the person she loves.

Shamcey, who hails from General Santos City, is quiet an achiever. She graduated as Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Architecture from the University of the Phillipines-Diliman. She also topped the June 2011 Architecture Licensure Examinations.

Sources: ABS-CBN News
Miss Universe 2011

posted from Bloggeroid

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).

Kuwait's 2nd Concours d'Elegance

I got three words to say tonight: Vintage. Classic. Elegant.

Those words can best describe what I've just seen tonight at the Kuwait's 2nd Concours d' Elegance happening at the grounds of Marina Crescent..I have seen a lot of vintage cars before but I have never seen a huge gathering of historical and vintage cars, all together in one place! The event is very prestigious and yet, very rich in history.

I mean, where else can one find cars owned by royalties like Prince Albert of Monaco, King Farouq (the last King of Egypt), the rulers of Oman, UAE and of course, Kuwait's very own Sabah Family. These cars are featured as a side attraction along with some muscle cars parked around the marina. The event also features the current generation of "prestigious" cars like the Aston Martins, Bentleys, Maserati and Ferrari from the event sponsors.

But still, the vintage and classic cars are the stars of the event. And not even the chilling winds can hamper my spirits after seeing these cars..Classic cars, as early as the 1920's and with some coming from outside Kuwait, all restored and maintained to flawless condition. It does not take a car enthusiast to admire such perfection and elegance.

The event will go until the 6th of February from 10 am to 10 pm. You can see more photos from the event here.

(Post updated Feb. 4, 2011, 8:30 pm)

Gulf Run 6: The Car Show

I went to the 360 Mall today to check out the cars participating in Gulf Run 6, to be held in Bahrain on January 27-28. Today is the last day for the Car Show so I just have to be there to take some shots. I am not a car nor a racing enthusiast but I must say, those are really gorgeous looking cars!

Exhibit Stand inside the Mall

The participating cars parked outside the main entrance

More photos from the event here.