Earthquake in Kuwait

Earthquake in Kuwait

Well, apparently..I didn't feel a thing, to think that I was already up that time (7:32 local time)..I just came to know about it because some of my friends in Facebook were talking about it this morning..the above link confirmed its true, I can just hope and pray that there won't be any repeat....I mean, Kuwait is not known to be in an earthquake zone (or so I thought), so even if I am in the construction industry myself, I am not quite sure about the structures of most of the buildings here.

Store calls for graffiti artists

Al Maha.com published a call for graffiti artists in Kuwait to go visit Pink Moon and do their thing on the store's side walls. I think its a welcome opportunity for these "underground" artists and I wonder how they will respond to this.

The call comes with a small warning though, saying the store is not responsible for the wall so if  the government decides to repaint it, they can do it.

Contact: info@mypinkmoon.com
Photo courtesy of Al Maha.com

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..

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:

D-days are here again, Kuwait

After continuous dust storm for the last ten days, it's good to finally have clear skies again today. But knowing the weather here in Kuwait,  it won't be long before the dreaded dust makes a comeback..

For now, we will just enjoy the good weather while it lasts.

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

Pinoy Artist won Red Bull Art of Can Competition in Kuwait

Everlito Villacruz and his winning entry
(Photo courtesy of 360 Mall Official FB page)

Reblogged from Pinoy Online Chronicles:


Everlito Villacruz, a Filipino OFW based in Kuwait, won the top prize in the Red Bull Art of Can competition and exhibit which opened on December 3 and will run until December 17 at the 360 MALL Exhibition Hall, Kuwait.

Villacruz’s winning work, entitled “Scorpion,” bested 120 other art pieces submitted to the competition, which includef a variety of creations from sculptures to paintings as well as photography and unique handmade mock ups. Of the total entries, 63 made it to the exhibit.
All in all, the competitors used around 20,000 cans of Red Bull energy drink and Red Bull sugar free drink to create their innovative work.

Six judges from Kuwait selected the winners based on three criteria: creative concept, execution, and construction.

The art of creating masterpieces out of Red Bull cans started in 1999. Exhibitions have been held all around the globe from Europe to New Zealand. In countries like Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore and the USA, artists have been inspired to create artworks made from aluminum.

Villacruz, an OFW for the last five years, works as Project Design Coordinator at Warba Group in Kuwait. He also writes for the Philippine Online Chronicles’ Buhay Pinoy Channel.

**Credits to the author**

The Rise of the Parking Sheds

There's a large open piece of land in front of our building which is being used as a free parking lot for residents/guests of the apartments around it, and even by worshipers at the nearby mosque.

Sometime this year, a parking shed (right, photo below) was constructed by a resident obviously for his own use. A few months later, another shed (left, photo below) followed just a few meters from the first one.

Just a couple of days ago, another resident built his own in between the first two.

Photo taken Sept. 15, 5:50  pm

Photo taken Sept.16, 7:20 am

 I won't be surprised if more parking sheds appear soon.

UPDATE: When I came home today from work....voila!..there's goes another one...

Photo taken Sept.17, 5:37 pm

and I haven't even finished writing this blog!........


This practice has been happening not only in my area but also in other parts of Kuwait...people claiming a piece of public land for their own selfish motives as if they paid for it..

Or did they?

I don't think so.

I remember one incident that happened last month. It was past 1 am and most of us were already sleeping when we were awakened by a noise coming from outside. Apparently, the "owner" of the leftmost shed arrived to find another car parked in her "territory". So she (yes, she's a woman) was deliberately blowing her horn (without any regard for her neighbors) continously for almost 30 minutes hoping to alarm the "invader". A patrol car came, probably alerted by one irate neighbor. At about the same time, another lady from the building across came rushing. She was the driver of the other car. After a short discussion and gesturing, the "invader" moved her car, the original "owner" reclaimed her "territory" and the police left the scene, without even bothering why there's a parking structure there in the first place!

Maybe it's not my business but I mean, come on...the last time I checked that lot is a government-owned piece of land and I believe whatever structure built there, even if temporary, is definitely illegal...

Or is there any exemptions to local regulations that I am not aware of?

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!

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.

Road Scenes: Lamborghini Towed

At the 5th Ring Road 

Google Kuwait Commemorates Total Lunar Eclipse

Tonight (June 15), a total lunar eclipse is happening as a write this blog.. Sadly, I don't have a telephoto/zoom lens to capture the event..I did took some shots but they were not good enough :(...What makes this eclipse special is the fact that it will lasts for more than 3 and a half hours, from 9:23 pm to about 1:02 am local time..

I took my two daughters outdoors to watch the eclipse during its earlier stages (shortly after 9 pm) but it became too windy and dusty so we had to go back inside..It's unfortunate (yet again) that our flat is located at the other side of the building, where the moon is not visible even from our windows..so no use.

I decided to just go online and here's what I saw first on my monitor..Google Kuwait made this doodle of a lunar eclipse in its various stages..how cool is that!

At least I have something to post about the eclipse..

Cianna and her Itchy Bitsy Polka Dot Skinny

Our daughter, Cianna, is down with chicken pox, my poor girl. Most probably she got it from school because right now,at least four of her classmates also got infected. Fortunately it was the last 2 weeks of school already and at least she was able to take all her Final Exams..I guess it's the season of the disease here in Kuwait..

Now we're worried about our other daughter, Zoe, she's been exposed already so no use to get her vaccinated...She will surely get it, we just have wait and see when...maybe sooner or later.

Day One with Chicken Pox

External References:

Chicken Pox- Pub Med Health
Chicken Pox- Wikipedia

Kuwait blogger won Benihana lawsuit

Late January of this year, the blogging universe was stirred when blogger Mark of 248am was sued by Benihana over his negative reviews of the restaurant. Today, he gladly announced that he just won the lawsuit.

Like that day when the lawsuit was announced, the news of the court decision was widely welcomed by everyone. It just simply shows that freedom of speech is alive and is being respected in this country.

Here's to freedom of speech and expression not only in Kuwait, but everywhere.

Before the Tower, there was Al Hamra Cinema

I was browsing through my files from my previous office when I chanced upon these photos of the Al Hamra Cinema as it was before. Our office (LAS) used to do a lot of Master Planning studies and proposals for the development of Kuwait City and this area, Al Maqwa Al Shargi, where the cinema used to stand, was part of one of our studies. I don't know much about the history of this cinema, or even Kuwait in general, but I know this cinema was and will always be a part of each and every Kuwaiti families lives.





We took these photos during our survey of the area in 2003. The other photos in the set were taken in the latter part of 2004, I guess for sentimental reasons,  when the building was demolished to give way to the construction of the Al Hamra Tower.

These files had been stored in our hard disks since then, almost forgotten and in danger of being corrupted, deleted and worst, being lost forever.

More photos can be found on my Flickr account.

A little disclaimer though, I don't claim ownership of these photos. They are just uploaded for the sole purpose of sharing a rare glimpse of Kuwait history for the younger generations, citizens and for expats who arrived in Kuwait in the later part of the decade. All credits are due to LAS Architectural Consultancy Office.

Highway Man..FAIL!

I drove down South again today to check out the relocation area for our project site offices. While driving, I was toying with some photo ideas I want to do after my visit. I already had the photo in my mind- me as a highway trekker or something like that..its only a matter of execution and of course, location.

And so, on my way back to Kuwait City, I looked around for good location until I spotted this long stretch of road and decided to stop. I took my camera and tripod and prepared to make the shot. I was already doing some test shots, like 5 or 6 including the photo above, when a huge pick-up truck stopped by and parked in front of my car. A burly middle-aged man alighted from the vehicle and walked towards me. I quickly realized my mistake..I was shooting next to a pipeline!..I was aware of it but somehow I neglected it..stupid me.

At first I thought he is a police officer because of his khaki uniforms..Then he introduced himself, in good English, as the security officer for the area...He asked me in a polite manner what I was doing there and I explained to him I just came from our site and thought it was nice to have some souvenir pictures of myself in that area...He asked if I was not aware it is prohibited to approach or even take photographs there..He also asked if he can see the pictures I took so I let him.. He saw two photos of me sitting on the guard rails with the pipelines behind me and told me to delete them..I apologized and deleted the two photos with him looking while telling me not to do the same mistake again..of course I said yes..When everything was clear, we shook hands and drove our separate ways..

I could only shake my head and laugh for doing such stupidity...FAIL!

Desert Adventure + Funshoot Weekend

Last Friday, the LightBenders Photography Group drove down South for 2 important events: first is our induction as official members of the group (yey!) and second, as birthday treat of our resident designer/HMUA, Kenneth.I brought my family with me to experience the outdoors and to meet the rest of the LB families.

First stop was this beautiful rock formations at the outskirts of Khiran, some 90 kms. south of Kuwait. There in the looming shadows of the rocks above,we conducted our oath-taking as the first batch accepted by the group in their young existence..

LB Batch 1 (L-R): Amie, Mel, Alvin, Me, Verge, Rey and Johnny.  Photo by Diomil dela Pena

Just to be in the same company as these talented and creative individuals is already a rewarding experience by itself and to be formally inducted as one of them is just the icing on the cake..

LightBenders Photography Group in Kuwait. Photo by Johnny Dao

Next stop is at this camel farm in Wafra where we spent the rest of the day. There, in the middle of the desert, we had our barbecue/lunch, the children played around, and we simply had a good time, taking photos of the camels and their caretakers, and later on, an impromptu photoshoot with our guests turned models.

It was a fun and exciting day, a great outdoor experience indeed....I can't wait for more fun and creative shoots with the whole LB team...soon!

Sarayat Season is here again

Here in Kuwait, the month of April is usually the onset of unstable weather conditions known as "sarayat". It is characterized by sudden changes in the weather day by day--from sunny to rainy, dusty to thunderstorms, and even with hailstorms at times. That massive sandstorm that hit Kuwait two weeks ago may have served as a prelude..and today must be the official start of the season..

The day started normal though there were already traces of dusts in the atmosphere as early as Saturday. Gradually, the day became darker and by around 10 am, thick dusts have already covered the skies. We're already expecting that construction work on our site will be suspended because of the conditions. We (me and my colleagues) were having lunch at The Avenues when they informed us that work at the project offices as well is being called off for the rest of the day. It marks the first time, at least since I joined, that office work has been cancelled because of the weather.

Here are some photos I took on my way home:

Workers at The Avenues Phase III construction site wait for their buses as work has been cancelled because of the sandstorm

Workers walk to their assembly area as work has been cancelled for the day

Workers wearing dust masks wait for their ride home. Work has been cancelled for the day because of the sandstorm.

Massive Sandstorm hits Kuwait....March 25, 2011

I was at a children's party with my 2 daughters at past 5 pm today when we noticed the skies suddenly turned dark...a huge, huge sand storm is slowly enveloping Kuwait!...

Just like last year, at about the same period..only it was early morning then...and just like last year, I am also not in a good location to videotape the event....unlucky me!..

Here are some videos I gathered from the lucky ones...(Credits to all the owners/original uploaders of the videos featured below)







But I am still lucky to be able to get out of there with my 2 girls, pick up my wife from work, drive through the storm and get home safe..thank God!