Community Community More than British author 12,000 Neil Gaiman’s people novel will P6explored Filipino cuisine P16 feature at Qatar National as part of the three-day Library’s (QNL) first ‘Handog ng Kulinarya book reading event sa Qatar 2016.’ of the New Year.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Rabia I 22, 1438 AH

DOHA 16°C—23°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

COVER Inspired to STORY be natural Think Pink Wear Green is not just a label for Manjulakshmi Bharathan; it is a movement carefully carved out of the designer’s research. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 21, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.53am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.15am Zuhr (noon) 11.32am Asr (afternoon) 2.29pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.51pm Isha (night) 6.21pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Wajah Tum Ho television network Global Times Ranvir Bajaj ( helps DIRECTED BY: Vishal Pandya Network (GTN). Kabir Deshmukh Kabir in sending Rahul Oberoi behind SCREENPLAY BY: Vishal Pandya (Sharman Joshi), an honest bars. But is Rahul actually guilty of CAST: , Sharman Joshi, cop, starts his investigation and accuses murdering ACP or is someone else using Emergency 999 Gurmeet Choudhary Rahul Oberoi (Rajneish Duggall), CEO his channel to destroy him? This is what Worldwide Emergency Number 112 , Sherlyn Chopra of GTN for the murder. Siya (Sana is all about. Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 SYNOPSIS: The story begins with Khan), Rahul’s legal advisor assures of Local Directory 180 the mysterious murder of ACP and his safety but Kabir is adamant about THEATRES: Mall Cinema, Landmark International Calls Enquires 150 its telecast on the nation’s biggest proving Rahul guilty in court. Lawyer Cinema Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Moana Qatar Airways 44496000 DIRECTED BY: John Musker, Ron Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Clements Qatar General Electricity and SCREENPLAY BY: Jared Bush Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 CAST: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera 44593363 Morrison Qatar Assistive Technology SYNOPSIS: In the beginning, there Centre 44594050 was only ocean. Then Te Fiti, an island Qatar News Agency 44450205 goddess, emerged. Te Fiti’s heart, a small 44450333 pounamu stone, possessed the power to Q-Post – General Postal create life. But it also attracted monsters Corporation 44464444 who tried to steal it for its creative power. It was stolen by the demigod Maui, Humanitarian Services Offi ce who planned to give it to humanity as (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) a gift. After he stole it, the island was Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, enveloped by darkness. As Maui made his 40253369 escape, the lava demon Te Ka confronted Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 and attacked him, causing the heart to Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 become lost in the ocean along with his Qatar Airways 40253374 magical fi shhook. A millennium later, Moana Waialiki, the daughter and heir of a chief on the small Polynesian island of Motunui, is chosen by the ocean to receive the heart as she is collecting shells on the shore. te Unqu uo ot THEATRES: Mall Cinema, Landmark Q Being the e Cinema richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me. Mall Cinema (1): Moana (2D) 3pm; Moana (2D) 2:30pm; Star Wars: Going to bed at night saying we’ve Collateral Beauty (2D) 5:30pm; Rogue One (2D) 4:30pm; Moana Moana (2D) 7:30pm; Collateral (2D) 7pm; Star Wars: Rogue One done something wonderful, that’s Beauty (2D) 9:30pm; Eshtebak Rogue One (2D) 4:30pm; Eshtebak (2D) 9pm; Star Wars: Rogue One what matters to me. (2D) 11:15pm. (2D) 7pm; Collateral Beauty (2D) (2D) 11:30pm. Mall Cinema (2): Wajah Tum Ho 9:15pm; Eshtebak (2D) 11:15pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace – Steve Jobs () 2:15pm; Moana (2D) 4:30pm; Landmark Cinema (2): Moana (2): Ore Mukham () Star Wars: Rogue One (2D) 6:30pm; (2D) 2pm; Moana (2D) 4pm; Star 2pm; Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu Star Wars: Rogue One (2D) 9pm; Wars: Rogue One (2D) 6pm; Star (Telugu) 4:15pm; Star Wars: Rogue Star Wars: Rogue One (2D) 11:30pm. Wars: Rogue One (2D) 8:30pm; Star One (2D) 7pm; Collateral Beauty Mall Cinema (3): Naanna Nenu Wars: Rogue One (2D) 11pm. (2D) 9:30pm; Eshtebak (2D) Naa Boyfriends (Telugu) 2pm; Miss Landmark Cinema (3): Ore 11:15pm. Community Editor Sloane (2D) 4:30pm; Meelo Evaru Mukham (Malayalam) 2pm; Naanna Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Kamran Rehmat Koteeswarudu (Telugu) 7pm; Ore Nenu Naa Boyfriends (Telugu) 4pm; Star Wars: Rogue One (2D) 2pm; e-mail: [email protected] Mukham (Malayalam) 9:15pm; Collateral Beauty (2D) 6:45pm; Collateral Beauty (2D) 4:30pm; Telephone: 44466405 Wajah Tum Ho (Hindi) 11:15pm. Miss Sloane (2D) 8:45pm; Ore Eshtebak (2D) 6:30pm; Miss Landmark Cinema (1): Star Wars: Mukham (Malayalam) 11:15pm. Sloane (2D) 9pm; Ore Mukham Fax: 44350474 Rogue One (2D) 2:15pm; Star Wars: Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Wednesday, December 21, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Treasures of China DATE: Until January 7, 2017 VENUE: Museum of Islamic Art Terracotta soldiers from the First Emperor’s Terracotta Army will be on show at the Museum of Islamic Art where visitors will get the chance to meet the warriors who guarded a hidden empire. The exhibition will display 116 pieces dating from the Neolithic period to the Qing Dynasty, spanning over 5,000 years of China’s history. Potteries, bronzes, jades, porcelains, gold, silver, enamel and many other Chinese treasures will be on show.

EVENTS teaching its students the principles of Arab and Western music. As part of the “Our Moments Culture is a School” programme, Qatar Salam International Investment Ltd (SIIL) Music Academy has off ered interested is hosting unique archival photography schools the opportunity to attend various exhibition titled Moments in memory of workshops. These workshops will include an HH the Grandfather Emir Sheikh Khalifa introduction to Arab and Western music and retraces the ‘organised chaos’ that led to the Tavola off ers a range of cake decorating and bin Hamad al-Thani, paying tribute to the instruments, as well as the teachers giving destruction of Iraq, and presents a response kitchen skills classes. It is the only authorised nation’s Grandfather Emir and recognizing a brief overview of the educational music to witnessing the city of Baghdad fall piece by Wilton method provider in the Middle his contribution to Qatar’s progress. Held programmes at the Academy. For further piece. Obaidi recreates what has been stolen or East. It is authorised by Wilton enterprises at The Gate Mall’s Maysaloun Hall, the details, visit katara.net destroyed to try to piece the city back together to conduct classes in the Wilton Method exhibition draws from the private collection again. cake decorating and the Wilton Method of the Abu Issa family, bringing them out Muhammad Ali: Tribute to a Legend Instructors (WMI) training programmes by for a public showing. The collection off ers DATE: Until February 25, 2017 Tumbao Latin Nights Knightsbridge PME (UK). Tavola conducts a fascinating glimpse into the country’s WHERE: Eastern Gallery, 4th Floor, DATE: Every Sunday sugar-crafting programmes and also off ers historic journey, with a prime focus on the Museum of Islamic Art VENUE: Grand Hyatt Hotel programmes in baking and chocolate making. Grandfather Emir, making it a must-see event The temporary exhibition is curated by Tumbao is not only a salsa rhythm, it for Qatar’s nationals, expatriates, students Qatar Museums’ 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports enables you to share in the creative fl ow and photography enthusiasts. Museum and presents a unique collection of life and get connected to the beat and FOODIE’S CHOICE Moments is open to the public until of artefacts from the boxing legend’s career, dance. Join us every Sunday at Dunes with January 7, 2017 from 10am to 10pm. including photography from Ali’s outdoor the fellow Latin dancers in town and nightly RESTAURANT: Majlis exhibition bout at the Doha Stadium in 1971 competitions with valuable prizes brought LOCATION: Grand Hyatt Al Gannas and memorabilia spanning his journey to to you by Salsa n Candela. For more info & The philosophy of Majlis is to provide (For school students) the 1960 Rome Olympics; Ali’s world title reservation, contact 44481280. an environment imbued with warm Arab Until March 31, 2017 winning bout against Sonny Liston in 1964 hospitality that embraces but puts a spin 9am–Noon and his fi nal world title winning fi ght against Cake Decoration Classes on Arab mezzeh. Majlis is designed in a Al Gannas Society Leon Spinks in New Orleans in 1978. DATE: Morning and evening contemporary Arabic style, where private Free ( For boys only, requires VENUE: Tavola Royal Plaza, Al Sadd seating is available for ultimate privacy. registration) The Backyard Street Al Gannas association is participating in DATE: Every Friday the “Our culture is a school” programme, by TIME: 6pm organising many activities for the students VENUE: Sheraton Grand Doha every Monday and Wednesday of the week. The Backyard is a fi rst-of-its-kind venue These activities include explanations on in Doha and brought to you by Candela hunting and related items tools, kinds of entertainment. Live music every Friday with falcons and preys, in addition to workshop a variety of your favourite local bands and on how to carry a falcon, set a traditional occasional surprises of bigger performers! tent (made of goat & camel heir), prepare Entrance: QR100 for gents including one traditional Arabic coff ee and start a fire. For beverage/ladies free entrance until 8:30pm, further details, visit katara.net after it will be QR65 for ladies including one beverage. Qatar Music Academy (For school students) Until March 28, 2017 11am–2pm Free (Requires registration) Qatar Music Academy focuses on

Fitness Training DATE: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday TIME: 6pm-7pm VENUE: MIA Park Fragments There are fi tness classes in the park on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights between 6 and DATE: Until January 30 7pm. Open to all levels of fi tness, Bootcamp is an intensive and fun way to train and also meet VENUE: Katara new people in the open and friendly group atmosphere. More information, from Bootcamp, In this exhibition, Mahmoud Obaidi Qatar or info@ bootcampqatar.com.

E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 21, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Designs devoted to natural fabric To be a fashion designer, Manjulakshmi Bharathan thinks, you do not necessarily have to have a degree in fashion design, but of course, it helps you to be more professional. You have to have a creative mind and the ability to create something totally out-of-the-box, writes Umer Nangiana

t is often simple things with a degree of sentimental value that inspire her to create a design. And such designs tell stories that are printedI on fabric. The fabric itself is not just another ordinary piece of textile. It is there for a reason. Manjulakshmi Bharathan mostly works with linen and silk. Linen and silk, she also believes, are clothes with their own medical benefits. Think Pink Wear Green (TPWG) by Gills Manjulaskhmi is not just a label for her; it is a movement and has been carefully carved out of the designer’s research. And she wants people to wear natural fabric as much as possible. Her designs are devoted to the cause. “I found that linen long before was supported by a doctor who actually won a Nobel. He actually supported the concept that linen is a very healthy wear,” Manju, an Indian expatriate, tells Community in an interview. The up-and-coming designer was born and brought up in Doha and launched her brand — in her name — in both India and Qatar. “Based on that research, I followed up and found out that linen has this unique identity. So I based my ready- to-wear collection on it,” says the designer, who also teaches fashion and design at Virginia Commonwealth University-Qatar (VCUQ). She recently launched her ready-to-wear collection Aadima for Middle Eastern women at the recently concluded Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week in Doha. “I really want the community to wear the natural fabric. My favourite fabrics are linen and silk. Surprisingly, I found silk very easy to work with,” says Manju. It is the use of fabric that she thinks makes her designs standout. She uses natural fabric to the maximum, save for certain draperies where it does not really work. She selects the fabric that is very unique and brings it from CHOICE: Manjulakshmi prefers linen and silk for her choice fabrics. different countries. Manju says Wednesday, December 21, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Manjulakshmi uses natural fabric to the maximum, save for certain draperies where it does not really work. She selects the fabric that is very unique and brings it from different countries. She says she does not use the same fabric that is available in the market

Manjulakshmi says her cuts have developed from years of practice. A design with her signature cut. she does not use the same fabric be accepted, but it would not that is available in the market. necessarily be a bestseller or Another thing that brand seller unless it is something distinguishes Manju from others that the market approves of,” she is cuts. Her cuts are unique and contends. she has developed them over the She was passionate about fashion years with her signature style. and design since her childhood. The toughest part in the process Qatar, she says, has been a ground of designing, she says, is finding for designing. Everyone here loves a story to base your collection designed clothes. around. At VCUQ for instance, Souq Waqif was one of her she says she teaches her students favourite places where her father that you start with a concept and used to take her. Seeing costumes and have a story in mind from where textile, she got her fi rst inspiration for you develop a mood board. From designing. there come the sketches and Before getting into designing, themes. Manju was a dancer into traditional “Interestingly, for me, it has Indian fare. She used to do been working in the reverse order. choreography in those days and from I need inspiration to get my ideas. there she started with designing Once something inspires me, costumes for dancers. I start with a basic design and However, during the early years of may be that will be my creation graduation from school, she got into and from there I split it up into engineering and medicine, but fi nally moods,” says Manju. left it. “And my inspiration would “So I quit and joined a fashion come from simple things. design college in India as there were Sometimes when I am travelling no universities here which would and something clicks my mind; support fashion design. VCUQ came my Batula collection, for instance, a few years later. After returning, was one of the hits of this year. I got appointed at VCUQ. There The idea came from my childhood was no looking back,” recalls the memories as I have been seeing designer. women wearing Batula,” she To begin with, her clients came explains. from local families, including affl uent It is something that is unique to ones. Then, she felt she should take the region. Women wear it after it a little forward and started her marriage and it is a traditional brand in 2013 in Qatar and India. In mark. So she thought why not the beginning, it was limited only to bring it to design because they bridal and evening dresses. might not be wearing it anymore, In 2014, she did her maiden bringing it to dresses would make She uses only natural fabric in her designs except for Manjulakshmi says the use of fabric in her designs make international show at the annual it a traditional mark. draperies. them stand out. IWED event in Qatar. It was the main “And when I put this story into opening for Manju. The following design it was very well received To be a fashion designer, she have to have a creative mind and marketing and understanding year, she launched her Henna wear, because people are used to seeing thinks, you do not necessarily the ability to create something the market that makes a designer a basic Middle Eastern wear. Most this and they could relate to it. have to have a degree in fashion totally out-of-the-box. stand out. of her clientele comes from Qatar During Ramadan and Eid, it was a design, but of course, it helps In the modern world, Manju “If I create, for instance, and Dubai and some from America bestseller,” says the designer. you to be more professional. You believes, it is more about something innovative it might as well. 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 21, 2016 COMMUNITY

People of multiple nationalities attended the three-day event. Over 12,000 attend ‘Handog ng Kulinarya sa Qatar 2016’

By Anand Holla

nding a rather scrumptious year on a high, Kulinarya Qatar pulled off another tantalising event bustling with an assortment of Filipino dishes and a long line of foodies at aE cool, three-day bazaar at the Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, over the weekend. The opening ceremony for the event named Handog ng Kulinarya sa Qatar 2016 (A Thanksgiving for Qatar) was led by the ambassador of the Philippines to Qatar, Wilfredo C Santos, with all Asean ambassadors in attendance. With 15 Doha- based Filipino restaurants showing their fi nest culinary creations at Kulinarya Qatar’s closing event of the year, it was an extension of the gastronomic delights that the patrons were presented with in previous events. the three-day event was more than 12,800. married to Filipinos who naturally want to Filipino culture and showcasing the Call it a clever brand strategy, or the The visitors also included expatriates [from adapt the Filipino cuisine.” Philippines as a viable tourist and business ultimate excuse to showcase the range and multiple countries,] of which 60 per cent Organised by Team Kulinarya Qatar 2016, destination. Food is a major component of richness of Filipino cuisine in Qatar, or both, were Filipinos.” the bazaar – Handog ng Kulinarya sa Qatar culture. By allowing people to get a taste of Kulinarya Qatar is determined to put Filipino It was not just Filipino food outposts that 2016 – brought together various community Filipino cuisine, they get a glimpse of our food into the Arab mainstream, promote drew the crowds in. Around 30 companies groups: Beats & Bytes by Eve Events, Doha culture and hospitality. Food is also a useful economic diplomacy through cuisine, and put up booths at the bazaar showcasing the Shutterbugz, WEGO Qatar, HERO Qatar, medium to promote Philippine tourism increase appreciation and awareness of the products and services they off er. Bernal said, Grupo Uno, Pinoy Heart Radio, Filipino as our cuisine can encourage tourists to Philippines as a tourist, business, and trade “Some of the highlights of the event were A Fashion Designers of Qatar, Qatar Fitness visit our country and even come back for destination. In its second year, Kulinarya Star for Qatar, a star-making contest (with Squad, Shine Doha & AGP, Boholanos of a truly Filipino gastronomic experience. Qatar 2016, earlier in September, staged recycled materials); Feels like Ballroom, Qatar, Zambalenos, AKHRO, Guardians Kulinarya Qatar is also in support of our a successful three-day event under the a dance sports contest; Handog Himig, a Qatar, World Safety Organization, and the economic diplomacy initiatives as this theme ‘Tightening the bond of the Filipino chorale competition; Fashion Rocks, a street Alliance of Filipino Journalists in Qatar provides opportunities for our many Filipino Community through food and culture’. Some wear fashion show; celebrity photoshoot; (AFJQ) – the offi cial media and publicity food entrepreneurs in Qatar. Our Filipino of the highlights of that main event featured Sayawan ng Bayan, a community dance partner of the event. food entrepreneurs serve as our cultural Glow Zumba with celebrity artistes, Little session; and Zumba Zone, a dance and The guest celebrities at the event included ambassadors in Qatar.” Miss Kulinarya Qatar Finals, Junior Master fi tness charity show, along with a tribute to Miss Tourism Metropolitan International Kulinarya Qatar is an initiative of Chef fi nals, Pasiklaban fruit-carving, the ambassador Santos.” 2016 runner-up Janela Joy Cuaton along with ambassador Santos and is headed by Layla best of Kulinarya Qatar menu, and celebrities When asked why she feels Filipino cuisine model and television actress Jelai Andres and Barnal al-Lengawi. The Philippine Embassy shoot for a cause. is increasingly getting popular, Bernal said, Internet sensation Jon Gutierrez. believes that the Kulinarya food festivals are Layla Bernal, who heads the Kulinarya “I think it’s because of the increasing number Earlier, prior to the opening of the an opportunity for Filipinos in Qatar to bond Qatar 2016 core team, told Community, “The of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) being Filipino Community Family Day and Food with their families and friends. The next big response of the community was enormous as employed by the government of Qatar and Festival, Santos had told Community, “As event on their calendar is the fourth Filipino the total number of visitors received during its citizens. Additionally, many expats are an Embassy, we are tasked with promoting Food Festival and Community Day. Wednesday, December 21, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY New PSD building 85% complete: contractor tiling, fl ooring, and painting, or delay of classes for the next By Joey Aguilar among other things. academic year since the school is He added that the 25m set to celebrate its 25th anniversary swimming pool, as well as the in October 2017. onstruction of the pool for children, is nearly 100% The new building, which can Philippine School of complete. Both are located in the accommodate more than 4,000 Doha (PSD) building in basement of the building. students, is designed to have Abu Hamour is nearly Plastering and ducting work 136 classrooms – 24 for pre- 85% complete, it is have also started on diff erent fl oors elementary and 112 for primary, learnt.C and sections of the building while secondary and intermediate – and With structural work at 95%, most of the steel support for the several other facilities. Hussam al-Ali, senior project multi-purpose gym, located on the With around 3,500 students manager and co-ordination third fl oor, has been installed. currently at its Madinat Khalifa manager at JASR Trading and The project manager said campus, a senior PSD offi cial told Contracting Company Qatar (main the building will be ready for Gulf Times that the 4,000 target contractor), expressed confi dence inspection of government is feasible due to the increasing that they will meet the deadline for authorities by middle of February. number of enrollees annually. the QR123mn project by the end of In an advertisement posted While the school has started January next year. recently, PSD confi rmed that it will accepting reservations for various Hussam al-Ali shows the structural plan of some sections of the building. “There is no delay, we are operate from the new 14,374sqm levels, he said they expect more to on track,” he told Gulf Times, lot campus starting next school register early next year. accreditation by Qatar National legal documents for the change of stressing that electrical and year (2017-2018). PSD is also planning to change its School Accreditation (QNSA), the school’s name. mechanical work will follow once “Defi nitely we are moving name to Philippine Science School is a timely opportunity for the Being accredited by QNSA the construction work is done. to the new site,” the ad noted, of Doha (focusing on Science and present school building,” PSD means PSD graduates will not Currently, al-Ali noted that announcing the schedule of Technology courses) once the new principal Alexander Acosta said in encounter any problems if they they are now in the fi nishing reservations and enrolment. campus is fully operational. a statement. decide to go to college in Qatar work, which includes false ceiling, PSD offi cials are pushing for “The plan of changing the But he stressed that they are after fi nishing Grade 12, according plastering (of walls and ceilings), this plan to avoid any disruption name, being granted a three-year still in the process of obtaining the to Acosta.

Workers try to finish piping and ducting works in one of the sections of the building. Photos by Joey Aguilar Finishing work is underway for the new PSD building in Abu Hamour.

Steel support in place for the multi-purpose gym ceiling. Tiling work starts for the two swimming pools. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 21, 2016 COMMUNITY Indian classical dancer Shobana mesmerises audience at QNCC

nternationally acclaimed danseuse artistic endeavour that spanned two yet contribute to social and religious Padma Shri Shobana set the stage hours. harmony,” said Mathew Joseph, another ablaze with a passionate, riveting The synchronicity between the highly avid dance lover. rendition of Dancing Drums-Trance talented live musicians and the dancers The dance recital was organised by Sree fusion recital at the Qatar National on stage was clear to see. Equally Kerala Varma College Qatar Community IConvention Centre (QNCC) hall last stunning was the use of high tech lighting in association with Sky Media. Indian Friday. to perfection, as light rays showered from ambassador P Kumaran was the chief The thematic production, based on the the above as sun rays on Buddha in scenes guest. Milan Arun, president of the Indian classical performing traditions, meant to symbolise the transformation ICC; Atul Ambardekar, GSA head of Jet was rolled out in a collage of rhythm and enlightenment of Buddha. Airways; Sharaf Hameed, CEO of City and kaleidoscope of colours and had a With the display of visual texts in the Exchange; and Yusuf Hameed, CEO of discerning 2,000-strong audience in a backdrop to narrate the story line and Islamic Exchange also attended. Arati state of trance. history, the recital was easier for the Prajeet of Sky Media compered the Show. The renditions centred around the audience to follow. City Exchange-Western Union was ever-evolving mythology of Indian “The Dancing Drums-Trance felt like an the Main Sponsor and Jet Airways the deities, Buddha and Sufi traditions. The unmatched artistic spectacle, likes of which Title Sponsor of the show. Crowne Plaza show culminated in “Dancing Drums”, we have never witnessed in Doha before,” provided accommodation to the artists. a unique presentation where Shobana said Ramesh Krishnan, who had come all the Gulf Times was the media partner. Other herself was drumming and rendering way from Al Khor to watch the recital. major sponsors included Yokohama, “Jathis” in polyrhythms. It proved to be “This is a spectacular art form that Apollo Tyres, Mazda and Al Madina the unique point of a highly absorbing could entertain you thoroughly and Trading & Services. Shobana

Loyola International School celebrates second annual day

Loyola International School celebrated its second annual day programme with the theme ‘Miracle Night.’ Students showcased a variety of performances at the event.

Qatar Velicham Veliancode, Blood Donet Kerala organise donation drive

Qatar Velicham Veliancode and Blood Donet Kerala recently organised a blood donation campaign in conjunction with the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to mark the Qatar National Day. The drive was held near Grand Mall in Asian Town. A large number of people showed up to donate blood, according to the organisers. Wednesday, December 21, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

Olive International School celebrates Sportolive 2016

The Olive International School (OIS) celebrated its third annual sports day, Sportolive 2016 at its Club; OIS Chairman Davis Edakulathur; and OIS Board Member Juttas Paul. The first day featured sprawling Umm Salal Ali campus over two days. students from all KG campuses of the school. The second day saw primary students participate in The chief guests for the event were R K Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian embassy the sporting competitions. and Mohamed Ahmed al-Othman, Head of Clubs Public Committees Unit at the Sports Aff airs Both Pre-Primary and Primary OIS students were represented via four houses: Gandhi House (Red), Department, on the first and second day respectively. Mandela House (Green), Helen Keller House (Yellow) and Mother Teresa House (Blue). The overall The guests of honour included Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer al-Thani, founder of Al Kharaitiyat Sports winners, based on points, were Gandhi House, who were presented with the Chairman’s Trophy.

‘Star Children’ awarded for excellence

The Olive International School (OIS) conducted an exclusive ‘Coff ee with Principal’ evening recently at its Nuaija campus to felicitate a total of 56 “Star Children of the Month” in the presence of their parents. Addressing the audience during the ceremony, OIS Principal Jacob K M mentioned that “the Star Children are adjudicated upon excellence in various factors, such as good behaviour, social skills, discipline, commitment, inter-personal skills and display of empathetic values.” He also congratulated the “Star Parents” for their respective contributions towards upbringing of children. The celebration comprised a formal certification ceremony, group and family photo sessions, and other activities. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 21, 2016 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Wednesday, December 21, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY 6 green gift ideas everyone can love

id you know DIY project is one of the reasons and electronics. Satisfy their electronics left so many people enjoy this hobby. love of technology with a new plugged in drain Help your friends express their smartwatch this holiday season. energy, even when creativity on a DIY project with If you’re looking for a gift without they’re turned off? the gift of a cordless glue gun, the hefty price tag, consider DTo reduce energy consumption, cordless mini-sewing machine or wireless headphones or a new give battery-operated, cordless even a cordless drill. gaming console. gadgets this holiday season. Need ideas? We’ve got you covered with The foodie The outdoorsperson these green gift ideas for every Have a family member whose Thinking of a gift for that personality on your shopping list! cooking rivals that of any four- special person who loves going star restaurant chef? Surprise on hikes, camping or doing any The globetrotter them with the perfect gifts for activity that involves the great Know someone who loves to the kitchen that are not only outdoors? Get them ready for travel? A backup phone charger eco-friendly but will also elevate their next adventure with a can be the perfect present for their culinary skills, such as portable GPS, tactical flashlight or someone who is always on the an electric knife or a cordless even rechargeable hand warmers go. Or give them a gift that will blender. Another great gift idea is for the cold winter months. let them stay chic and stylish at a vacuum sealer to make storing home and abroad, like cordless or freezing food even easier. The student beard clippers or a cordless hair Finding the perfect gift for to make term papers a breeze. The battery. When that battery runs straightener. The techie someone in college can seem like a old laptop battery can be recycled out (sometimes after 1,000 or Whether it’s a new laptop or challenge, but you can’t go wrong at a retailer near you! more charges!) keep it out of the The DIY-er gaming system, we all have that with portable bluetooth speakers. These creative gift ideas all waste stream by recycling it. The satisfaction that comes one friend who likes to keep up And if they’ve been extra-good have one thing in common – they with successfully completing a with the latest popular gadgets this year, consider a new laptop contain a rechargeable, recyclable ©Brandpoint

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Today’s Moon shines in your home and family zone making it a great Don’t hesitate to tell someone how you really feel about something Avoid getting caught up in going nowhere schemes and dreams day for you to do something special for someone you love or do that’s been on your mind lately Taureans. Being open and honest is a today Geminis. If you focus on what’s tangible and right in front of your holiday shopping and nip it in the cosmic bud now! good idea right now that Mercury is out of phase. you, you will get things done.

CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

The Moon in your sign today makes this a great day for you to reach Stop beating around the cosmic bush today Leos and instead, get Unless you are feeling ultra optimistic, don’t be too sure about out to someone you love and let them know just that – that you love right to the point Leos. It’s important that you don’t waste time on anything or anyone today Virgos. Mercury your ruler and the planet them and care about them. people or things right now that aren’t worth wasting time on. of communication and clear thinking remains out of phase in your self–fulfilment zone through early January 2017.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Stop and rethink a decision or action you are about to make or take In your third house of communication and clear thinking, Mercury Money makes the world go round – sad but true in many ways. If you today Librans. Not everything is as easy and clear as you think it is out of phase is hitting home hard. You have to think long and hard feel that you are overdoing the Christmas cheer, pull back and rein in with Mercury out of phase right now. before you say anything Scorpios. Especially when talking to a your spending now. sibling or neighbour.

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

With the planet of communication and clear thinking out of phase in Don’t leave something until the last minute today Aquarius. With Avoid someone who seems intent on picking a silly argument with your sign through early January 2017, this is not the time to be trying Mercury the planner out of phase in your secret agenda zone, now is you today Pisces.There is absolutely no coming back from it right to make bold moves – especially at work. not the time to try to catch someone in a surprise. now. Walk away. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 21, 2016 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Classifi ed Ads

ADAGE ADDRESS ADULT ADAGIO ADEPT ADVANCE ADAMANT ADHESIVE ADVANTAGE ADAPTOR ADIEU ADVENT ADDENDUM ADMIRAL ADVERB ADDER ADOBE ADVICE ADDITION ADONIS ADVOCATE

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Wednesday, December 21, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Cook (4) 1. Shears (8) 3. Increase (8) 2. Boredom (5) 9. Batting spell (7) 4. Scatter (6) 10. Lure (5) 5. Endless (12) 11. Marauding (12) 6. Huge (7) 13. Tell (6) 7. Memo (4) 15. Picture house (6) 8. Rashly (12) 17. Poisoning (12) 12. Chief support (8) 20. Borders (5) 14. Listlessness (7) 21. Most bland (7) 16. Aviator (6) 22. Erring (8) 18. Fatuous (5) 23. Prop (4) 19. Girl (4)

Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 1. Raise money from a chess set (4) 1. Hobbies make time pass (8) 3. Spend a long time in sea-journeys 2. It enables one to turn one’s hand to many (8) things (5) 9. Not a sure footed mule (7) 4. A selfish characteristic, no argument 10. Pride is no deadly sin in their about that (6) case (5) 5. The last fish in the sea (4,8) Yesterday’s Solutions 11. Son is in Crete, possibly helping in 6. A line in gold showing age (4,3) defence (12) 7. Rings up repeatedly for nothing special QUICK CRYPTIC 13. Become engaged (6) (2-2) 15. A game on which the captain 8. They play noted parts in the theatre (5,7) Across: 6 Clamour; 7 Felon; 9 Vogue; 10 Across: 6 Disease; 7 Ashes; 9 Pilot; 10 Comes rules (6) 12. Unique description of the House of Beneath; 12 Legislation; 14 Magnificent; 18 to; 12 Breadwinner; 14 Foot the bill; 18 Strains; 19 17. He has a moving role on the stage Commons? (8) Contest; 19 Avoid; 21 Price; 22 Concern. Snipe; 21 Round; 22 Croesus. (5-7) 14. It infects more than one mouse about to Down: 1 Gloom; 2 Impure; 3 Hug; 4 Reject; 5 Down: 1 Rigid; 2 Detour; 3 Ask; 4 Astern; 5 20. Be after a professional for an steal (7) examination (5) 16. American expert is employable (6) Portion; 8 Reflect; 11 Diffuse; 13 Savoury; 15 Leather; 8 Cobwebs; 11 Dashing; 13 Pontoon; 15 21. I’m bored perhaps, due to this? (7) 18. Now and again (5) Notice; 16 Novice; 17 Diary; 20 Foe. Trains; 16 Longer; 17 Spout; 20 Urn. 22. They may well be employed in 19. Adventure story told in simple pictures checking (8) (4) 23. None of it is good, it’s said (4) 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 21, 2016 COMMUNITY CINEMA At Dubai Fest, some films tugged at the heart

Only Men Go To The Grave deals with burning issues in the Arab society. A scene from Soliaire.

By Gautaman Bhaskaran

may be a movie critic, but sometimes I would like to call myself an emotional critic. For, sweetest are those fi lms that end up tugging my heart. Really, I am not a great one to be fl oored by style Ior technique. Any day, give me a movie that has a great story and which is narrated with feeling, a sense of passion, and I am hooked. So, much as one would disagree with me, I – at the recent Dubai International Film Festival – did not quite care for movies like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with all its 3D trappings and special eff ects or The Founder about the dubious emergence of McDonald’s or Collateral Beauty tracing the The Preacher is based on the controversial Egyptian writer, life of a New York advertising executive or Mukti Bhaven is a wonderful piece of cinema. Ibrahim Essa's 2013 best-selling novel, The Televangelist. Befi kre that seemed like a PR campaign for Paris. As a friend from the French Cultural there is believed to stop the cycle of birth. Egypt. And this is important, given the a Pedro Almodovar work, and Kaabi takes us Centre in Dubai quipped: “They have not But his son, Rajiv (another superb kind of turmoil we have seen there in recent to Ghanima (played by Hebe Sabah), a radio shown the fi nest parts of the city, the oldest, performance by Adil Hussain) is in a times. The Preacher takes on the attack on host, who gets an urgent call saying that her the most historic”. He was bang on. The fi lm quandary. With a wife and a daughter who is the Coptic church and on the Sufi Muslims in mother is dying, and that she wishes to reveal has so much of the Eiff el Tower and hardly all set to get married, and a boss at offi ce who Egypt – urging for restraint and tolerance. a secret. But before her mother can disclose anything other than that! And, as for the just cannot exist without Rajiv, he somehow Amr Sa’ad is brilliant as the lead actor, what she wants to, she falls from the roof and plot and theme, come on, Mr Aditya Chopra, agrees to take the old man to Varanasi. It is playing Sheikh Hatem – a pious, witty man dies. And then the family gets into a mess – you could have done much better than this journey that the father and son make who lands a job as a television evangelist. when the mourning period becomes one for this. Remember, you once gave us Dilwale which changes how they feel about each While he is quite liberal in his private life, his pulling skeletons out of the cupboard. While Dulhania Le Jayenge! other. Their relationship turns from one that public utterances seem somewhat rigid. He the fi lm deals with a lofty subject – which Among the fi ve Indian titles at the Festival, has been cold, even hostile, to one that is marries a beautiful woman and they have a includes taboos like women being disallowed there was one that I quite liked, though, as I warm, caring and understanding. son, but Hatem’s over-protectiveness puts from the burial ground – the execution at did tell the director, Shubhashish Bhutiani, Really a wonderful piece of cinema that the little boy at risk. times looks listless. he could have ended his work a few minutes to me came as a wind of reassurance, Mukti The fi lm takes us through many paths: After this sombre story, I saw Solitaire, a earlier. This would have been far more Bhawan has been admirably helmed and how his audience is handpicked and how the Lebanese work from Sophie Boutros. Theresa eff ective. But I would think that most helmers mounted. Bhutiani does not shy away from questions are pre-approved. But then there is a Lebanese woman, the wife of a small are averse to giving a free hand to their showing us the ugly side of Varanasi, images is one woman who veers off the prescribed town mayor. When her daughter brings home editors. that are disturbing and which seem to erase path and asks an explosive question. The her suitor, a Syrian, the mother is horrifi ed. But then Bhutiani’s Mukti Bhawan or Hotel a bit of the city’s holiness. But then it is here movie then turns into a thriller, and there is For, years ago, her young brother was killed Salvation was very diff erent from the over- that some men and women believe that they more tension brewing when Hatem is asked in Syrian bombing. The movie is extremely the-top kind of cinema we are battered with can fi nd salvation, yes in all this mess. And to help sort out a family squabble of a son- comical with the brother, looking out of day in and day out. And movie fi ts perfectly Kumar is one among them who is determined in-law wanting to convert to Christianity. a photograph on the wall, keeps talking well with the cinema of subdued. The young to spend his last days in the city, and despite The Preacher is really engaging, because to Theresa, imploring not to agree to her Bhutiani, barely 25, presents a poignant plot his son’s and grand-daughter’s pleas, he sets its protagonist defi es defi nition. Is he a daughter’s match. And in a subtext, we see of 77-year-old Dayanand Kumar (and what a on his journey to life’s end. rationalist? Is he autocratic? We would never the mayor having his bit of fun with Theresa’s marvellous piece of acting here by Lalit Behl), There were a few more fi lms at Dubai that know, but he is a glib talker, a humorist and best friend! A wonderfully breezy work that who wants to spend his last days at the holy gripped me. Magdy Ahmed Ali’s The Preacher plays his game with charismatic cunning. had me rooted to my seat. city of Varanasi after he has a dream that is is based on the controversial Egyptian writer, Emirati director Abdulla al-Kaabi’s Only recurrent and ominous. He feels his end is Ibrahim Essa’s 2013 best-selling novel, The Men Go To The Grave focusses on burning z Gautaman Bhaskaran covered the recent round the corner, and he would want to die on Televangelist. A thriller, the movie examines issues like gender equality in the Arab society. Dubai International Film Festival, and may be the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. A death the politics of the region, particularly in Many felt that the opening sequence felt like e-mailed at [email protected] Wednesday, December 21, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY All stars I approached said no to Manto: Nandita Das

ctress-fi lmmaker Nandita Das presumed that there will be “young charming actors” in abundance to play Saadat Hasan Manto’s closest friend Aand charismatic actor Shyam in her ambitious movie Manto, but she says “all stars” whom she approached said ‘no’ for the fear of looking like a second lead. The talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays the title role of Manto, one of the best known South Asian short-story writers. “Intriguingly, all the ‘stars’ I approached BUSY BEE: Justin Hartley said ‘no’ without even reading the script or asking any questions,” Nandita posted Justin Hartley hopes on Twitter with a link to a detailed column to get married in 2017 piece she has penned for theweek.in. Titled ‘No Shyam in sight’, the column American actor Justin Hartley says he has not describes the woes Nandita has faced in fi xed a date for his wedding to actress and his casting for the character of Shyam, and how fi ance Chrishell Stause, but he is sure that it will she has more clarity about “the connection be next year. Hartley and Stause – who starred between the roles they (the actors) choose and together in TV show The Young and the Restless the perception of their ‘worth in the market’”. – announced their engagement in August. They “Between fi nding less conservative fi rst confi rmed that they were dating back in producers and relentless location scouting, January 2014. there was one problem that I hadn’t “We are going to look at a couple of choices quite anticipated – the casting for the (venue) that will determine when. But we are charismatic actor and Manto’s closest looking at next year. We just don’t have a date friend, Shyam,” Nandita has written. locked down yet, but it will be next year for sure. She adds: “Naively, I thought that known I am very happy,” Hartley told IANS over phone young charming actors, wanting to play from Los Angeles. the layered character of Shyam, would be Hartley, who is garnering applause for his role in abundance. Intriguingly, all the ‘stars’ I in American TV series This Is Us, is busy with approached, said no without even reading LESSON LEARNT: Nandita Das the TV show and wedding planning. He says his the script or asking any questions about the 12-year-old daughter also keeps him on his toes. role that was being off ered.” “I thought I could work around this by determined by other factors. “For me, the “Well the show, and wedding planning which is “Their sole reason for declining was that off ering a credit of ‘special appearance’ or excitement has always been about being fun but a lot. I have a 12-year-old daughter so she Shyam would be seen as the ‘second lead’. ‘many thanks to’ kind of status, elevating part of stories that must be told and the always keep me busy. She likes to do theatre, likes As Nawazuddin Siddiqui, an accomplished it from what they call a second lead. But to promise of them being well-told. Guess acting and singing all of that ... So watching all actor, is playing Manto, I want to ensure no avail,” Nandita said as she rued that how I can only think like myself,” she added. her stuff , the homework she got,” he added. that Shyam is no less.” after 40 fi lms and 20 years of being in the Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, upon reading the This Is Us – also starring Mandy Moore, Her inference from the experience has fi lm world, she has realised “how little” she column, tweeted: “I’m almost relieved that Sterling K Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley been that “the road to stardom is to play knows about market forces and what drives I’m not making the Manto fi lm I’d set out and Milo Ventimiglia – is on hiatus right now. – the lead, have the girl and be heroic in the them. to make. Nobody wanted to play Manto. IANS climax.” As an actress, her choices have been Nobody wanted to produce it.” – IANS

Love story with the world. The actress says all of it and two adopted children, Kidman Bajirao Mastani changed my and . One year of Tom Cruise was was “pretty sudden”, and she was and Cruise went their separate life forever: Ranveer Singh Bajirao Mastani.” sudden: Nicole Kidman distracted. ways. Priyanka thanked everyone “It was pretty sudden. But, you Kidman channelled her personal Actor Ranveer Singh, who for making her character Nicole Kidman met her fi rst know, when I fell in love, everything anguish over the break-up, and put played the role of Maratha Kashibai “memorable”. “Thank husband Tom Cruise on the set of else was like, ehhh!. I was on a prosthetic nose, to play the Peshwa Bajirao I in Sanjay Leela you for making Kashibai such a 1990s fi lm Days of Thunder, and distracted,” cbsnews.com quoted role of British author Virginia Woolf Bhansali’s historical love saga memorable character. Love you they instantly became one of the Kidman as saying. The actress still in 2002’s The Hours. Bajirao Mastani, says the film has Sanjay sir, Deepika Padukone, most famous celebrity couples in won’t say exactly why after 10 years Talking about the movie, changed his life forever. Bajirao Ranveer Singh. One year of Kidman said: “Yeah. I mean, I was Mastani has completed one year Bajirao Mastani,” she tweeted. – deeply sad at the time. So then since its release on December 18, IANS I sort of ... just kind of got lost 2015. Ranveer took to Twitter to in her. And it all sounds sort of share his love for the film, which mumbo-jumbo crazy stuff , but it also featured Deepika Padukone kind of saved my life.” and Priyanka Chopra. She is now married to country “A character that changed my singer Keith Urban in 2006, and life forever. Thank you Sanjay they have two daughters. On the sir, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka professional front, Kidman will be Chopra and team Bajirao Mastani. seen in movie Lion. In the movie, Unforgettable love. One year she plays fellow Australian Sue of Bajirao Mastani,” Ranveer Brierly in the heart-wrenching true tweeted. story of a couple who adopt a lost Apart from the Befikre actor, Indian boy, and help him fi nd his Priyanka and Deepika also took birth mother. to the micro-blogging site to talk Lion, which features British actor about the film. Deepika, who of Indian descent Dev Patel besides played the role of Mastani in the Indian actors like Deepti Naval, film, wrote: “Thank you for giving Tannishtha Chatterjee, Priyanka me one of my most challenging Bose and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, is and memorable characters and nominated in four categories of the thank you all for the love. Sanjay NOSTALGIC: Nicole Kidman Golden Globe Awards. – IANS Leela Bhansali, Ranveer Singh GRATITUDE: Ranveer Singh 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 21, 2016 COMMUNITY Gaiman’s novel to open QNL discussion in 2017 The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by British author Neil Gaiman, will feature at Qatar National Library’s (QNL) first book reading event of the New Year. By Anand Holla

The discussion of the novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane will be held on January 11.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane presents returning to his childhood home to attend exciting events that combine fi ction and a funeral. Although the house he lived in reality, it sheds light on the relation between is long gone, he is drawn to the farm at the writer, the reader and the characters the end of the road, where, when he was of the story, QNL says. The novel tells the seven, he encountered a most remarkable story of a middle-aged man who returns girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and in his memories to his childhood home grandmother, the book’s synopsis says. remembering places, people and his He hasn’t thought of Lettie in decades, experiences at that time. QNL recommends and yet as he sits by the pond behind that you read the book beforehand – copies of the ramshackle old farmhouse, the the book are available at the local bookstores. unremembered past comes fl ooding back. If interested, you can RSVP to Maryam And it is a past too strange, too frightening, Maarafeya at [email protected]. too dangerous to have happened to anyone, Gaiman, the New York Times bestselling let alone a small boy. author of the novels Neverwhere (1995), Forty years earlier, a man committed IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Neil Gaiman Stardust (1999), the Hugo and Nebula suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the Award-winning American Gods (2001), end of the road. Like a fuse on a fi rework, bewitching and harrowing and how our lives are shaped by childhood Anansi Boys (2005), and Good Omens (with his death lit a touch-paper and resonated tale of mystery and survival, experiences. Terry Pratchett, 1990), as well as the short- in unimaginable ways. The darkness was and memory and magic, from Kummam M al-Maadeed, Public and story collections Smoke and Mirrors (1998) unleashed, something scary and thoroughly one of the most prolifi c living Media Relations Specialist, QNL, told and Fragile Things (2006), is known to write incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie – post-modern writers will be Community, “We try in QNL to diverse our books for readers of all ages. magical, comforting, wise beyond her years – Athe subject of discussion at Qatar National choices of books each month to appeal to Regarded as one of the creators of promised to protect him, no matter what. Library’s (QNL) fi rst book discussion event of people’s diff erent tastes. Our aim is to gather modern comics, as well as an author “A groundbreaking work from a master, the New Year. a community of readers and provide them whose work crosses genres and reaches The Ocean at the End of the Lane is told The discussion of British author Neil with a platform where they can freely discuss audiences of all ages, Gaiman is listed in with a rare understanding of all that makes Gaiman’s novel The Ocean at the End of the and share their thoughts and experiences on the Dictionary of Literary Biography as one us human, and shows the power of stories Lane – in English – will be held at Al Khor the books’ subject. Neil Gaiman is, of course, of the top 10 living post-modern writers to reveal and shelter us from the darkness Hall, Education City Clubhouse, on January a pioneer in his fi eld and has many fans in and is a prolific creator of works of prose, inside and out,” Goodreads points out in its 11, from 6pm to 7.30pm. An imaginative and Qatar, and we hope they will join us in the poetry, film, journalism, comics, song synopsis, “It is a stirring, terrifying, and poignant fairy tale, the thought-stirring session to provide us with their insight on the lyrics and drama. Set in Sussex, England, elegiac fable as delicate as a butterfl y’s wing novel deals with the search for self-identity story.” the story opens with a middle-aged man and as menacing as a knife in the dark.”