‘Pinoy Arabia FM Sing Ardy Fernando Galing competition’ bags FILGOLFERS 02kicks off Presiden 03t Cup title www.kuwaittimes.net

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015

‘Pinoy Fiesta’ 2015 starts with a bang Page 05

‘WORST TRAFFIC ON EARTH!’ : Nalagay sa kasaysayan ang lungsod ng Maynila sa usapin ng pinakamalalang trapiko sa buong mundo. Ayon sa inilabas na “Global Driver Satisfaction Index” ng GPS-based navigation apps na Waze, tinukoy nito ang Metro Manila na pinakamalala ang trapiko sa 32 bansa at 167 metro areas sa buong mundo. Base sa resulta ng ginawang pag-aaral ng Waze na sa antas ng siyudad, ang Metro Manila ang may pinakamalalang trapiko, na sinusundan naman ng siyudad ng Bandung sa Indonesia at Guatemala sa Central America gayundin ang Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo. —Abante

Saudi national with suspected MERS dies in MANILA: A Saudi national suspected of carrying the MERS virus has died while visiting the Philippines, the health department said yesterday. The patient, who had a cough, fever and occasional chills, died in an undisclosed hospital last Tuesday after a two-day confinement, Health Secretary Janette Garin said in a statement. The patient’s X-ray results also “suggested” MERS infection, Garin said, without providing additional details. MANILA: A Roman Catholic priest, center, blesses K-9 dogs and animals with holy water on the eve of World Animal Day at Malabon Zoo in Twelve health workers who had contact with the suburban Manila yesterday. The day began in Florence, Italy, in 1931 at a convention of ecologists, whose intention was to highlight the patient were isolated in government hospitals after they plight of endangered species and October 4 was chosen as the date because it is the feast day of nature lover Francis of Assisi, the patron developed MERS symptoms, but they were negative for saint of animals and the environment. —AFP infection as of Saturday, she said. Sixty-two other people who had contact with the patient had not developed symptoms, but will be moni- tored for 14 days, she said. US, Philippine marines hold annual amphibious exercises MANILA: More than 1,500 U.S. and Filipino marines on upheld over the years through their close working rela- “We urge the public to be vigilant to make sure that Thursday began annual exercises to improve combat tionship. MERS-CoV has a limited presence in our country,” she said. readiness and better respond to humanitarian crises in Noting the territorial disputes, Kennedy told the open- “What is important is to report to the nearest hospital the Philippines, which is frequently hit by powerful ing ceremony of the drills that if anyone challenged the if you experience flu-like symptoms and a history of travel typhoons and is locked in a territorial dispute with China. Philippines’ sovereignty, the U.S. “would respond within a to the Arabian Peninsula or possible exposure to a MERS- Field training drills during the nine-day Philippine matter of hours, and generally, I assure you that that is not CoV infected patient.” Amphibious Landing Exercise will be held at five military a hallow promise.” Kennedy left after the ceremony with- Before the new suspected case, the Philippines this year camps in the northern Philippines, said Col. Nathaniel out taking questions. confirmed two MERS cases: a 36-year-old man from the Casem, the Philippines’ director of the exercises. Washington has said many times that it does not take Middle East, whose nationality was not disclosed, and a Command post exercises involving computer simulations sides in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Filipina nurse who returned to the country from Saudi and humanitarian projects will take place in western which involve the Philippines, China and four other gov- Arabia. Saudi Arabia recently reported a surge in MERS infec- MANILA: US Marine Brig.Gen. Paul Kennedy, Palawan, the province closest to disputed areas of the ernments. But it has declared it has a national interest in tions with 19 deaths last August, ahead of the annual hajj pil- left, Commanding General of the 3rd Marine South China Sea. ensuring freedom of navigation and overflights in the grimage. A total of 536 people have died of MERS in the Expeditionary Brigade, Philippine Marine At least 860 U.S. Marines from Okinawa, Japan, and area, where much of the world’s oil and trade passes. kingdom since it first appeared in 2012, according to data 749 Filipino counterparts are taking part in the drills. The underfunded Philippine military has turned to the Maj. Gen. Alexander Balutan, center and from the Saudi health ministry’s website as of Friday. —AFP U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, the U.S. exercise U.S. to acquire used warships and planes as the territorial Naval Director Gen. and Col. Nathaniel Casem director, said the two countries’ security alliance has been rifts have intensified in recent years.—-AFP of the Philippine Marines. —AFP SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 2 ‘Pinoy Arabia FM Sing Galing competition’ kicks off

Mark Lester Salmo Mark Lopez Arthur Ganiron Monawara Zacaria

Emma Malinyawe Jophel Ann Agustin Angel Ann Balgua Princess Shyn Galang KUWAIT: Pinoy Arabia FM (Marina 88.8 FM) are Mark Lester Salmo, Mark Lopez, Arthur on Facebook by liking the page and send via from Monday to Friday. All weekly winners kicked off ‘Sing Galing’ competition, the ‘first Ganiron and Monawara Zacaria. Other weekly message the following: Name, Age, Address, will compete and sing live during the Grand grand singing competition on radio’ for contenders include Emma Malinyawe, Jophel Occupation, Phone Number and Title of Song. Finals. The board of judges for the week in Kuwait. From among eight weekly Ann Agustin, Angel Ann Balgua and Princess Qualified contestants must come to the Pinoy included Ricky Laxa and Jennifer Uy; both contenders (weekly qualifiers) who audi- Shyn Galang. Arabia FM station in Marina Mall on the day of well-known singers in Kuwait who rated par- tioned last week, four were announced ‘first The Pinoy Arabia FM first grand singing their scheduled audition and bring with them ticipants based on vocal quality (40 %), per- week winners’ and will be moving to the competition is open to all talented Filipino cit- their minus one accompaniment in MP3 for- formance (30 %), timing (15%) and song inter- grand finals on November 6, 2015 at a place izens aged 18 and above. Interested individu- mat in the USB. There will be two to four con- pretation (15 %). For inquiries and other to be announced later. First weekly winners als may register at the Pinoy Arabia FM Page testants daily who will sing live on the radio details, please call 99047504.

Required Pinoy Farewell party for Salon workers FCC member Home Service Lady Salon Professional, with experienced in KUWAIT: Jhet Tan, a Filipino worker bade goodbye to threading, sheera, waxing and his friends/acquaintances in Kuwait as he finally ended hair dressing, Transferrable visa his journey here and depart for Manila ‘for good’. He stayed in Kuwait for more than two decades and consid- Please call 97998667 ers Kuwait as his second home. May God continue to Libreng transport, day off every week guide and protect your family back home Jhet...from and free round trip tickets very two years your FCC family! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 3

Ardy Fernando bags FILGOLFERS President’s Cup title

By Bien Dantes President of Filgolfers, Bong Gante in celebra- of the day, followed by Mr. Cool Lito Cazon Trophies and Prizes were awarded during tion of his birthday. who submitted 3 under 33 net with his preci- the dinner party hosted and organized by KUWAIT: While the USPGA were busy prepar- With the full attendance of majority mem- sion putting. Luis was 2nd runner up with 1 the Celebrant and his loving wife Cristy. ing for the President’s Cup to be held in Seoul bers, the first flight Teed-off as early as 6:00 under 35 and Ray-An with even Par 36. Special Guests for the night includes some South Korea, the Filipino Golfers in Kuwait am and completed before lunch under the Longest Drive trophy went to Oral Knight Philippine Embassy officials headed by held their own version last Friday at the scourging summer heat. while nearest to pin was grabbed by Ray-Ann Labor Attache Cesar Chavez , Father Alfred Kuwait Int’l. Golf and Country Club (KIGCC). The power hitter Ardy Fernando posted a while a special trophy for most honest golfer of Ahmadi Parish, and other friends and rel- The tournament was sponsored by the 4 under 32 net score to be declared champion was awarded to Dante Ilaya. atives of Filgolfers. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 4

PBAK 3rd Season Team Tourney rolls off, SNAC’Z lead By Juan David Samonte Andaya, Mina Andaya, Neng Cervantes, and Rose Saliba; NUSANTARA - Saleh Al Faraj, Ahmed Fahmi, Benyamin Hasan, Tatang Razak, Endang Wendy, Abel, Laras, and Iman Nitikusumo; KUWAIT: After 3-weeks respite, the inaugural round of the Philippine Bowling Association in Original Pin Killers- Christopher Bush, Greg Melancon, Ishaaq Al Wahid, Alma Turley, Jelyn Kuwait 3rd Season Team Tournament at the Cozmo Bowling Center in Kheifan kicked off last Colegio, Jenny Ganot, Tyrone Leacock, Ahmed Fadel Karam, Aris de Guzman and Rashid Akher Friday. Thirteen teams participated including Philippine Embassy team and was unveiled by Ali; Swooping Eagles- John Caldwell, Riz Roque, Danny Solis, Alonzo Bush, Darrell Sullivan, Labor Attache Caesar Chavez. The different teams who posted victories were Thunder Dragons, Jessica Balagat, Angie Bush, Benjie Roque, Jocelyn Ty and Glenn Corbitt; COZMO - Fahad Abul, Asian Air Safari, Original Pin Killers, SNAC’Z, Mangaf Strikers, Cozmo, and Kuwait Stars who Noe Mahayag, Farid Gabriel, Jun Husmillo, Jacky Guitang, Jeanette Angeles, Mike Gonzales, Cris played bye. Tirona, Neveen Wassil and Nasser Hajras; and Philippine Embassy - Mac Khalil, Mar Hassan, Bert The tournament started with the presentation of the participating bowlers from the 13 vying Pantanilla, Mandy Lucman, Adela Baclig, Dexter Nebres, Girlie Caiba, Mua Mamasion and Nabil teams and speeches from Labatt Chavez, PBAK president Lito Mercado, and Veep Hermie Tarusan. Saliba, it was followed by the Oath of sportsmanship led by Greg Melancon, declaration of Competing teams are playing with handicapping system and after the 13 game elimination Tournament Open by Alonzo Bush and the ceremonial ball roll off headed by the Atty. Chavez round, the top eight teams will be playing for a two-week round robin. The tourney now features and representative bowlers from Kuwait, America, Indonesia and Philippines. Aris de Guzman the masters’ event for the ladies and men’s categories. Special awards will be presented to teams served as master of ceremony. and bowlers with high averages and high scores. After the first round play SNAC’z snatched the The thirteen teams with their members were Thunder Dragons - Camilo Baker lll, Mar Team of the Week (2821), Team High Game Scratch (918) and Team High Series (2821). Evangelista, Eddie Pena, Joel Tizon, Mandy Manalo, Moises Amahan, Agnes Noble, Eden Evangelista and Perla Virly; Scavengers- Jess Tolentino, Ali Adel Ata Khalil, Aji Varghese, For individual high scores: Mohammad Ismat, Anthony King, Hanadi Mezail, Josie Lorino and Nasha King; Kuwait Stars- Category Name Individual Name Individual Mohammad Al Othman, Abdulaziz Ashkanani, Abdulaziz Al Ali, Ahmad Al Matrouk, Abdul High Game High Average Rahman Al Ali, Khalid Al Tattan, Bima Nitikusumo and Hussain Al Majed; Mangaf Strikers- Roque Men’s A Norlan Balasan 212 Greg Melancon 200.50 Gamba, Medz Nicdao, Jhun Janoras, Ceddie Martin Faa, Robert Opena, Adolfo Prena, Ernie dela Men’s B Ishaq Al Wahid 234 Ishaq Al Wahid 201.66 Torre, Leila Cervantes, Ron Fabor and Pinky Pardillo; LEAF- Rene Marzan, Rocky Castil, Cris Men’s C Ahmad Al Matrouk 201 Kevin Andaya 58.50 Carungay, Lito Mercado, Joe Presenta, Reygan Percy, Blanca Sambajon, Krestylle Andaya, Ladies A Naveen Wasel 198 Naveen Wasel 75.66 Marjorie Mercado and Imelda Daguio; UAE Exchange Co.- Rudy de Lima, Abdul Aziz Al Aslawi, Ladies B Abel Nitikusumo 199 Neng Cervantes 173.00 Renato Pante, Freddie Santos, Jackie Young, Marriotte Vito, Rani Sheik, Myra Manalo and Bader First round results: 1. SNAC’Z (2921); 2. Thunder Dragons (2836); 3. Original Pin Killers (2828); Malalah; Asian Air Safari- Mousa Abdullah, Lito Michael, Norlan Balasan, Ronnel Valencia, Vernie 4. Asian Air Safari (2739); 5. COZMO (2798); 6. Mangaf Strikers (2636); 7. Philippine Embassy Villaruel, Gani dela Cruz, Sonia Mathews, Hermie Saliba, Fe Ferrer and Zairos Javellana. (2628); 8. Swooping Eagles (2591); 9. Nusantara (2590); 10. LEAF (2581); 11. UAE Exchange SNAC’Z - Kiko Andaya, Tony Zuleta, Alex Cervantes, Ferdie Saliba, Hermie Saliba, Kevin (2547); 12. Scavengers (2546) and 13. Kuwait Stars (2459). SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 5

OFW Agila sa Kuwait Movement organizes clean up drive KUWAIT: Some members of the OFW Agila sa Kuwait Movement throng the Kuwait Disabled Club in Hawally (at the Filipino Badminton Committee’s badminton court) last Friday to register in the on-going Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) spearheaded by the embassy’s representative of the Commission on Elections. The group will be organizing a special day ‘cleanup drive’ on the occasion of ‘International Coastal Clean Up Day’ which they also offered in honor of Rodrigo Duterte, as Davao City is internationally recognized being the Safest, Greenest and Cleanest city in the Philippines. The event will be held on Friday, 09 October 2015, 6am-9am, from the coastal area adjacent to Holy Family Cathedral and National Evangelical Church, Kuwait City.

‘Pinoy Fiesta’ 2015 starts with a bang u&Lu Hypermarket, the popular destination for amaz- ing promotions, announced the launch of ‘Pinoy Fiesta L2015’, a celebration of the lively and varied culinary cul- ture of the Philippines. The festival was inaugurated by the chief guests, Ambassador of Philippines to Kuwait H.E. Renato Villa and Labor Attache Cesar L. Chavez Jr. in the pres- ence of Lu&Lu management on Oct 1 at the hypermarket’s Salmiya outlet. With the sensational promotion taking place in all its out- lets from Sept 30 to Oct 10, Lu&Lu Hypermarket is highlight- ing popular Filipino food brands, as well as a range of fish and food items at attractive prices. The Pinoy Fiesta 2015 aims to engage consumers in a shared experience of enjoying the amazing diversity of Filipino food along with various food related activities. Seeking to stimulate activity in the young minds during the festival, there will be a children’s cultural program on Oct 1 at Salmiya outlet from 7 pm onwards. This will act as a platform for children to display their pride in the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 6

Filipino Badminton Committee announces new officers

KUWAIT: The Filipino Badminton Meanwhile, FBC Chairman Dr. Chie Members: Director for Social Media Marketing & Committee recently held another one day Umandap announced the new set of FBC 1.Annie Centeno Zaballero Promotions: Amador Caceres fun game dubbed as ‘President Regine Organizing Committee officers as follows: 2.Shielyn Hassan Director for Program & Events : Cup’ in honor of the successful FBC lead- President: Jimmy Carandang 3.Janice Lowela Cayme ership under President Regine Panesal. Director -Technical & Games: Vee 4. Jhonalyne Goronio Members: Tandem of Lijo and Sandeesh grabbed Sandig 5.Eduardo P. Gardose 1. Erma Menor Carandang the trophy and cash followed by 1st run- Members/Court Managers: Director for Finance: Lita Caballero 2. Monrea ner Dennis Malay and James Flores. 1.Eric Erick Torno Member: Ailyn A Borcena 3.Liezl While, FBC new President Jimmy 2.Russel Centeno. Director for Community and Social 4.Cheryl Manaytay Meslmani Carandang formally launched on Friday its 3.Raymund Cruz Services: Susan Librada Reyes FBC would like to invite all past and first tournament dubbed as FBC OFFICERS 4.Michael Moral Member: present members and other badminton CUP. The said tournament is the 61st tour- 5.Essam Meslamani 1. Elma enthusiast to join its regular tournament nament of the Filipino Badminton Consultant : Engr. Doy Viray 2.Mona at Kuwait Disabled Sports Club located at Committee since its inception in 2007. Director-Membership: Jules Francisco 3.Louie Bin Khaldoun cor Road 40 in Hawalli. Eat Bulaga’s AlDub continuously breaking new records 25M tweets for #ALDUBEBforLOVE on National Pabebe Wave Day he AlDub phenomenon continues to gain unparalleled pair were not to touch at any time during their date. The success as it broke records once more with the promise was accidentally broken as Yaya Dub choked on her Thashtag #ALDUBEBforLOVE garnering over 25 million food and Alden had to give her a glass of water. They admitted tweets as Eat Bulaga celebrated the first National Pabebe Wave this to Lola Nidora during the Wednesday episode of the Day last September 26. Kalyeserye, which made her furious, taking back her surprise This surpasses a previous record of over 12 million tweets gift of allowing the two to have a movie date. However, Lola also set by AlDub for the hashtag #ALDUBMostAwaitedDate Nidora eventually forgave the two for being honest with her. during and Maine Mendoza a.k.a. Yaya Dub’s The exciting Saturday episode drew a 45.7% rating among first date in the Kalyeserye segment of Eat Bulaga, which is Mega Manila Households (based on overnight data) according aired internationally on GMA Pinoy TV. to ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, It was definitely a thrilling weekend for AlDub Nation, as higher than either of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao’s Alden and Maine’s avid followers are called, when the two latest fights. were permitted by Lola Nidora () to have their sec- Eat Bulaga also posted a 37.2% rating in the Nationwide ond date on last Saturday’s episode. Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), marking a Now widely known as the Pambansang Bae, Alden was significant lead over its ABS-CBN counterpart. finally welcomed into the de Explorer’s mansion by Lola Whether on television or in online platforms, the year’s Nidora, Tidora () and Tinidora () breakthrough has certainly enamored viewers where Yaya Dub was eagerly awaiting their third face-to-face their theme song “God Gave Me You” live. Viewers were from all over the world. And as the Kalyeserye continues to encounter. touched as Alden, overwhelmed with emotion, began crying unfold, audiences will just have to await and stay tuned to Before going to the mansion, Alden fulfilled one of Lola during his performance. the onscreen love team of Alden Richards and Maine Nidora’s conditions for courting Yaya Dub, which was to sing He finally met Yaya Dub again with the condition that the Mendoza. (30) SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 7

The Gym Team celebrates birthday of mentor, spends hour of tough class KUWAIT: The Gym Team celebrated one of its mentors birthday after its hour and half tough and sweaty cardio Zumba class Friday morning at its home base Chai al Dhaha Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Hotel. Celebrant Mrs. Ida Pelaud, wife of the General Manager of the hotel and fitness enthusiast expressed grati- tude to the Filipino group for a heartwarming welcome to the community. The team also spent an hour and half of tough and sweaty workout with five instructors leading the class. The morning kicked off with a floor cardio warm up led by its team leader Ricky, followed by a power packed basic kickboxing workout by Stella Munch of Al Mabroor Gym. Munch a remarkable instructor powered with passion to share her knowledge and expertise in the field deliv- ered a half hour of kicks and punches of full body workout. ZIN Nymfa Gasser of Champions Health Club marked her class with another half hour of high energy Zumba routines. The crowd cheered every after routine Gasser delivered. Two guests’ instruc- tors were requested to perform a routine each. ZIN Janice Capili, noted chore- ographer, dancer and certified group and personal trainer also popular for her style led the group to an extended version of a popular Zumba song. The crowd cheered as Lebanese fitness trainer and Zumba instructor ZIN Helen Rahi took the stage. Rahi noted for her expressive and entertaining style of teaching Zumba led the crowd to another remarkable routine. The class culminated with a cool down from Ricky asking the crowd to sing along to a popular Filipino song “Hawak Kamay”. “Today’s class was tough and participants were undeni- ably with full of energy as they followed through the routines. The enthusiasm and passion are just remarkable. As an instructor, it inspires us to mentor better and encourages us to deliver our classes the way they will always remember. Redundancy of instructors on stage and routines not only limit the participants’ appreciation of the workout but does not allow them to grow and experience other fields of fitness”, stated Blanche Bravo, a member of the board of The Gym Team. The Gym Team instructors also lead classes at the Indonesian Embassy every Friday and have been requested to open the Malaysian Embassy Sports Day on the 10th of October. More requests have been forwarded to the team to lead other embassy Zumba classes in coming months. The event culminated with a birthday song of the celebrant Mrs. Pelaud. In return she expressed her gratitude by delivering brief remarks of gratitude to everyone.

‘First Filipino short Film Competition’ launched in Kuwait KUWAIT: Sinematika, a group of Filipino independent film must accompany the clip and must not contain sex, violence, of Props and line to better enhance the story. Entries to the enthusiasts/makers, launched recently the First Filipino Short religion and nudity. All entries must also be submitted on or competition must be submitted on or before October 16, 17 Film Competition in Kuwait. A collaborative project between before the deadline allotted. All entries will be judged based and 18, 2015 to any organizers. Entries will be viewed by the local and Philippine media, the contest aims to encourage non on the following criteria; Originality-writing, editing, acting and selected panel of judges and organizers and all qualifying professional film makers and editors utilizing on hand devices; directing will be based on the originality of the piece, entries will be advised via email immediately after the pre- mobile phone and hand held cameras to produce clips or films screening dates. Judges will provide advices and suggestions that would depict daily occurrences in the lives of Overseas as to what to edit in the film entries. Submissions of edited and Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait. Sinematika announced that final project are scheduled on October 23, 24 and 25, 2015 to the competition is open to all OFWs in Kuwait with ages 18 and ensure that suggestions were made. Gala nights are scheduled above, competitors can be in group or individual, registration is on November 19, 20 and 21 depending on the numbers of final free and a form must be filled up and submitted to the organiz- entries at the Marine Museum of the Radisson Blu Hotel. All ers and one single entry for each individual or group. entries will become automatically the property of Sinematika Competitors may choose between two media categories which and certificates of participation will be given to all entries. are films to be produced using mobile phones or hand held Storytelling-use of structure to communicate the story to the Three major prizes will be awarded, plus additional prizes to cameras. Duration of the films allowed may run between five audience, Use of the medium-offers the producer and director major winners. For details of the event, interested individuals or minutes minimum to fifteen minutes maximum. All entries the opportunity to economically shoot individual scenes from group may contact the following numbers: 66091908, must be submitted in viewable formats and high definition and multiple angles and be able to choose from those the best 66387642 and 65020905. Email: [email protected]. submitted in a USB with the synopsis of the story, plot summa- parts, Production values-proper use of lighting, sounds, music, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram accounts will be announced ry, characters and list of the production team. English tittles visual and music effect enhances viewing experiences and use next week. PBAK 3rd Season Team Tourney rolls off, SNAC’Z lead

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CHANGSHA: named to FIBA Asia Mythical 5. Still the best point guard HUNAN: Makoto Hiejima, left, of Japan takes the ball during the semi-final match in Asia. against the Philippines at the FIBA Asia championship in Changsha, China’s Hunan province on Friday. —AFP Gilas falls to China, settles for FIBA Asia silver CHANGSHA: Gilas Pilipinas falls short to powerhouse China, 67-78, to settle enter the venue. Later on he tweeted they might end up having a fight in for recuperation compared to their finals foe China. for another bridesmaid finish and settles for the silver medal in the 2015 FIBA Changsha. This was not the first instance Gilas had to deal with funny busi- Gilas Pilipinas went on a scary rollercoaster ride through the first 30 min- Asia Championship. The odds simply were too much to overcome. ness as their semifinals schedule versus Japan was moved at the last minute utes before its old vanguards built the needed momentum on the way to an Amid the roar of a crowd hell bent on seeing them lose, Gilas Pilipinas fell from 9:30 pm to 10 pm on Friday, October 2. 81-70 victory over the resilient Japan side and into the gold-medal game of versus the giant China, 78-67, to settle for silver in the 2015 FIBA Asia The change in schedule resulted in Gilas’ game finishing near midnight, the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship here Friday night. Championship on Saturday, October 3 in Changsha, Hunan, China. while the first semifinal match-up between Iran and China, which was won Dondon Hontiveros and Jayson Castro frolicked on the offensive end The Philippines missed the outright berth to the 2016 Summer Olympics by host China, ended earlier in the evening. It also left Gilas with lesser time while Marc Pingris, and Ranidel de Ocampo formed the and will instead be relegated to theFIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament backbone on defense as Team Phl outfought Japan in the payoff period and happening in 2016 from July 5 to 16. That qualifying tournament will have 18 made the finals of the biennial Asian meet for the second straight time. national teams from FIBA’s primary events divided into 3 competitions of 6. The Philippines and China, with 20 crowns between the two of them, The winner from each tilt will qualify for Rio 2016. Hosts China will return to square off in a first ever FIBA Asia title confrontation at 8:30 p.m. Saturday the Olympics, where they have been a fixture since 1976. It is the second night. “We didn’t come here to play in the final. We came here to win the straight silver medal finish for the Filipinos after losing to another big team in gold,” said Gilas coach . Iran back in 2013. The victory also gave the Nationals a crack at an automatic berth in the Gilas started the game well at 5-0 but the Chinese steadily crept back in 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. and erected a double-digit lead thanks to 14-of-22 free-throws while the Team Phl reigned supreme four times from 1960 to 1973 before China Filipinos had only 7-of-11 from the stripe. rose to become the region’s most dominant team. China, ranked 14th in the world by FIBA, never relented the 46-35 half- China stayed on track in a bid to re-establish itself as Asian basketball time lead they established as they hit open baskets from the outside. They kingpin as the host team ripped Iran, 70-57, in their highly charged semifinal led by 16 point bulges in the second half and with just over 3 minutes faceoff at the Changsha Social Work College Gymnasium. remaining. The game got ugly as early as the first half with calls and breaks Drawing tremendous support from a virtual sixth man in the home not going the way of the Philippines, as the Gilas bench and players inces- crowd, the Chinese churned out a solid, amazing game on both ends of the santly complained all game long. court and stretched their hot unbeaten run all the way to the gold-medal TV5 commentators also noted several instances where Chinese fans game. The Filipinos, meanwhile, made it seven in a row and twice over the allegedly threw objects at Gilas assistant coach , at Filipino fans Japanese in four nights largely behind the wondrous shooting of Castro and in the venue, and even at after the Gilas rookie fouled out with Hontiveros. over 4 minutes remaining. Castro drained 20 points including four triples while Hontiveros piled up It was an ugly loss for the Philippines, which dominated most of their foes 18 points on a sizzling 6-of-9 three-point shooting. De Ocampo and from the first round. The also slayed perennial tormentor Iran in the second Norwood had their key efforts that helped Gilas make crucial separation at round to enter the playoffs as the top seed. endgame. The Filipinos were still holding a shaky lead at 72-68 when De Just before the finals, Gilas Pilipinas chief patron Manny V. Pangilinan Ocampo scored on a putback then Norwood had two steals, the first one aired his frustration over a series of bad lucks the Philippine national men’s parlayed by Hontiveros into a trey that made it 77-68 with time down to 1:23. basketball team experienced ahead of their 2015 FIBA Asia Championship And the Filipino gallery, led by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, started finals match against China. HUNAN: Makoto Hiejima, left, of Japan is challenged by the celebration, high-fiving one another as the Philippines got a shot at end- In a series of tweets Saturday, October 3, only a couple of hours before ing a 25-year title drought in this tourney. the finals, Pangilinan bared Gilas arrived late at the playing venue due to the Gabriel Norwood of the Philippines during the semi- The Japanese put up a whale of a fight on an explosive 28-point game by delayed electric bus that “failed to charge,” leaving the team with less time to final match at the FIBA Asia Basketball championship in Makoto Hiejima complemented by an 18-point and 16- job by Joji warm-up. He then claimed that some coaches were not given any tickets to Changsha, China’s Hunan Takeuchi. —Agencies