SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015

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aittimes.net

02 03‘Pinoy Arabia FM SingGaling competition’

kicks off

Page 05‘Pinoy Fiesta’ 2015 starts with a bang

Ardy Fernando bags FILGOLFERS

President Cup title

MANILA: Nalagay sa kasaysayan ang lungsod ngMaynila sa usapin ng pinakamalalang trapiko sa buongmundo. Ayon sa inilabas na “Global Driver SatisfactionIndex” ng GPS-based navigation apps na Waze, tinukoynito ang Metro Manila na pinakamalala ang trapiko sa32 bansa at 167 metro areas sa buong mundo. Base saresulta ng ginawang pag-aaral ng Waze na sa antas ngsiyudad, ang Metro Manila ang may pinakamalalangtrapiko, na sinusundan naman ng siyudad ng Bandungsa Indonesia at Guatemala sa Central America gayundinang Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo. —Abante

‘WORST TRAFFIC ON EARTH!’

MANILA: More than 1,500 U.S. and Filipino marines onThursday began annual exercises to improve combatreadiness and better respond to humanitarian crises inthe Philippines, which is frequently hit by powerfultyphoons and is locked in a territorial dispute with China.

Field training drills during the nine-day PhilippineAmphibious Landing Exercise will be held at five militarycamps in the northern Philippines, said Col. NathanielCasem, the Philippines’ director of the exercises.Command post exercises involving computer simulationsand humanitarian projects will take place in westernPalawan, the province closest to disputed areas of theSouth China Sea.

At least 860 U.S. Marines from Okinawa, Japan, and749 Filipino counterparts are taking part in the drills.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, the U.S. exercisedirector, said the two countries’ security alliance has been

upheld over the years through their close working rela-tionship.

Noting the territorial disputes, Kennedy told the open-ing ceremony of the drills that if anyone challenged thePhilippines’ sovereignty, the U.S. “would respond within amatter of hours, and generally, I assure you that that is nota hallow promise.” Kennedy left after the ceremony with-out taking questions.

Washington has said many times that it does not takesides in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea,which involve the Philippines, China and four other gov-ernments. But it has declared it has a national interest inensuring freedom of navigation and overflights in thearea, where much of the world’s oil and trade passes.

The underfunded Philippine military has turned to theU.S. to acquire used warships and planes as the territorialrifts have intensified in recent years.—-AFP

US, Philippine marines hold annual amphibious exercises

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 insuburban Manila yesterday. The day began in Florence, Italy, in 1931 at a convention of ecologists, whose intention was to highlight theplight of endangered species and October 4 was chosen as the date because it is the feast day of nature lover Francis of Assisi, the patronsaint of animals and the environment. —AFP

Saudi national with suspected MERS dies

in PhilippinesMANILA: A Saudi national suspected of carrying theMERS virus has died while visiting the Philippines, thehealth department said yesterday. The patient, who had acough, fever and occasional chills, died in an undisclosedhospital last Tuesday after a two-day confinement, HealthSecretary Janette Garin said in a statement. The patient’sX-ray results also “suggested” MERS infection, Garin said,without providing additional details.

Twelve health workers who had contact with thepatient were isolated in government hospitals after theydeveloped MERS symptoms, but they were negative forinfection as of Saturday, she said.

Sixty-two other people who had contact with thepatient had not developed symptoms, but will be moni-tored for 14 days, she said.

“We urge the public to be vigilant to make sure thatMERS-CoV has a limited presence in our country,” she said.

“What is important is to report to the nearest hospitalif you experience flu-like symptoms and a history of travelto the Arabian Peninsula or possible exposure to a MERS-CoV infected patient.”

Before the new suspected case, the Philippines this yearconfirmed two MERS cases: a 36-year-old man from theMiddle East, whose nationality was not disclosed, and aFilipina nurse who returned to the country from SaudiArabia. Saudi Arabia recently reported a surge in MERS infec-tions with 19 deaths last August, ahead of the annual hajj pil-grimage. A total of 536 people have died of MERS in thekingdom since it first appeared in 2012, according to datafrom the Saudi health ministry’s website as of Friday. —AFP

MANILA: US Marine Brig.Gen. Paul Kennedy,left, Commanding General of the 3rd MarineExpeditionary Brigade, Philippine MarineMaj. Gen. Alexander Balutan, center andNaval Director Gen. and Col. Nathaniel Casemof the Philippine Marines. —AFP

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 2

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Please call 97998667 Libreng transport, day off every weekand free round trip tickets very two years

KUWAIT: Pinoy Arabia FM (Marina 88.8 FM)kicked off ‘Sing Galing’ competition, the ‘firstgrand singing competition on radio’ forFilipinos in Kuwait. From among eight weeklycontenders (weekly qualifiers) who audi-tioned last week, four were announced ‘firstweek winners’ and will be moving to thegrand finals on November 6, 2015 at a placeto be announced later. First weekly winners

are Mark Lester Salmo, Mark Lopez, ArthurGaniron and Monawara Zacaria. Other weeklycontenders include Emma Malinyawe, JophelAnn Agustin, Angel Ann Balgua and PrincessShyn Galang.

The Pinoy Arabia FM first grand singingcompetition is open to all talented Filipino cit-izens aged 18 and above. Interested individu-als may register at the Pinoy Arabia FM Page

on Facebook by liking the page and send viamessage the following: Name, Age, Address,Occupation, Phone Number and Title of Song.Qualified contestants must come to the PinoyArabia FM station in Marina Mall on the day oftheir scheduled audition and bring with themtheir minus one accompaniment in MP3 for-mat in the USB. There will be two to four con-testants daily who will sing live on the radio

from Monday to Friday. All weekly winnerswill compete and sing live during the GrandFinals. The board of judges for the weekincluded Ricky Laxa and Jennifer Uy; bothwell-known singers in Kuwait who rated par-ticipants based on vocal quality (40 %), per-formance (30 %), timing (15%) and song inter-pretation (15 %). For inquiries and otherdetails, please call 99047504.

‘Pinoy Arabia FM Sing Galing competition’ kicks off

Farewell party forFCC member

KUWAIT: Jhet Tan, a Filipino worker bade goodbye tohis friends/acquaintances in Kuwait as he finally endedhis journey here and depart for Manila ‘for good’. Hestayed in Kuwait for more than two decades and consid-ers Kuwait as his second home. May God continue toguide and protect your family back home Jhet...fromyour FCC family!

Required PinoySalon workers

Mark Lester Salmo Mark Lopez Arthur Ganiron Monawara Zacaria

Emma Malinyawe Jophel Ann Agustin Angel Ann Balgua Princess Shyn Galang

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 3

By Bien Dantes

KUWAIT: While the USPGA were busy prepar-ing for the President’s Cup to be held in SeoulSouth Korea, the Filipino Golfers in Kuwaitheld their own version last Friday at theKuwait Int’l. Golf and Country Club (KIGCC).The tournament was sponsored by the

President of Filgolfers, Bong Gante in celebra-tion of his birthday.

With the full attendance of majority mem-bers, the first flight Teed-off as early as 6:00am and completed before lunch under thescourging summer heat.

The power hitter Ardy Fernando posted a4 under 32 net score to be declared champion

of the day, followed by Mr. Cool Lito Cazonwho submitted 3 under 33 net with his preci-sion putting. Luis was 2nd runner up with 1under 35 and Ray-An with even Par 36.Longest Drive trophy went to Oral Knightwhile nearest to pin was grabbed by Ray-Annwhile a special trophy for most honest golferwas awarded to Dante Ilaya.

Trophies and Prizes were awarded duringthe dinner party hosted and organized bythe Celebrant and his loving wife Cristy.Special Guests for the night includes somePhilippine Embassy officials headed byLabor Attache Cesar Chavez , Father Alfredof Ahmadi Parish, and other friends and rel-atives of Filgolfers.

Ardy Fernando bags FILGOLFERS President’s Cup title

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 4

By Juan David Samonte

KUWAIT: After 3-weeks respite, the inaugural round of the Philippine Bowling Association inKuwait 3rd Season Team Tournament at the Cozmo Bowling Center in Kheifan kicked off lastFriday. Thirteen teams participated including Philippine Embassy team and was unveiled byLabor Attache Caesar Chavez. The different teams who posted victories were Thunder Dragons,Asian Air Safari, Original Pin Killers, SNAC’Z, Mangaf Strikers, Cozmo, and Kuwait Stars whoplayed bye.

The tournament started with the presentation of the participating bowlers from the 13 vyingteams and speeches from Labatt Chavez, PBAK president Lito Mercado, and Veep HermieSaliba, it was followed by the Oath of sportsmanship led by Greg Melancon, declaration ofTournament Open by Alonzo Bush and the ceremonial ball roll off headed by the Atty. Chavezand representative bowlers from Kuwait, America, Indonesia and Philippines. Aris de Guzmanserved as master of ceremony.

The thirteen teams with their members were Thunder Dragons - Camilo Baker lll, MarEvangelista, Eddie Pena, Joel Tizon, Mandy Manalo, Moises Amahan, Agnes Noble, EdenEvangelista and Perla Virly; Scavengers- Jess Tolentino, Ali Adel Ata Khalil, Aji Varghese,Mohammad Ismat, Anthony King, Hanadi Mezail, Josie Lorino and Nasha King; Kuwait Stars-Mohammad Al Othman, Abdulaziz Ashkanani, Abdulaziz Al Ali, Ahmad Al Matrouk, AbdulRahman Al Ali, Khalid Al Tattan, Bima Nitikusumo and Hussain Al Majed; Mangaf Strikers- RoqueGamba, Medz Nicdao, Jhun Janoras, Ceddie Martin Faa, Robert Opena, Adolfo Prena, Ernie delaTorre, Leila Cervantes, Ron Fabor and Pinky Pardillo; LEAF- Rene Marzan, Rocky Castil, CrisCarungay, Lito Mercado, Joe Presenta, Reygan Percy, Blanca Sambajon, Krestylle Andaya,Marjorie Mercado and Imelda Daguio; UAE Exchange Co.- Rudy de Lima, Abdul Aziz Al Aslawi,Renato Pante, Freddie Santos, Jackie Young, Marriotte Vito, Rani Sheik, Myra Manalo and BaderMalalah; Asian Air Safari- Mousa Abdullah, Lito Michael, Norlan Balasan, Ronnel Valencia, VernieVillaruel, Gani dela Cruz, Sonia Mathews, Hermie Saliba, Fe Ferrer and Zairos Javellana.

SNAC’Z - Kiko Andaya, Tony Zuleta, Alex Cervantes, Ferdie Saliba, Hermie Saliba, Kevin

Andaya, Mina Andaya, Neng Cervantes, and Rose Saliba; NUSANTARA - Saleh Al Faraj, AhmedFahmi, Benyamin Hasan, Tatang Razak, Endang Wendy, Abel, Laras, and Iman Nitikusumo;Original Pin Killers- Christopher Bush, Greg Melancon, Ishaaq Al Wahid, Alma Turley, JelynColegio, Jenny Ganot, Tyrone Leacock, Ahmed Fadel Karam, Aris de Guzman and Rashid AkherAli; Swooping Eagles- John Caldwell, Riz Roque, Danny Solis, Alonzo Bush, Darrell Sullivan,Jessica Balagat, Angie Bush, Benjie Roque, Jocelyn Ty and Glenn Corbitt; COZMO - Fahad Abul,Noe Mahayag, Farid Gabriel, Jun Husmillo, Jacky Guitang, Jeanette Angeles, Mike Gonzales, CrisTirona, Neveen Wassil and Nasser Hajras; and Philippine Embassy - Mac Khalil, Mar Hassan, BertPantanilla, Mandy Lucman, Adela Baclig, Dexter Nebres, Girlie Caiba, Mua Mamasion and NabilTarusan.

Competing teams are playing with handicapping system and after the 13 game eliminationround, the top eight teams will be playing for a two-week round robin. The tourney now featuresthe masters’ event for the ladies and men’s categories. Special awards will be presented to teamsand bowlers with high averages and high scores. After the first round play SNAC’z snatched theTeam of the Week (2821), Team High Game Scratch (918) and Team High Series (2821).

For individual high scores:Category Name Individual Name Individual

High Game High AverageMen’s A Norlan Balasan 212 Greg Melancon 200.50Men’s B Ishaq Al Wahid 234 Ishaq Al Wahid 201.66 Men’s C Ahmad Al Matrouk 201 Kevin Andaya 58.50Ladies A Naveen Wasel 198 Naveen Wasel 75.66Ladies B Abel Nitikusumo 199 Neng Cervantes 173.00

First round results: 1. SNAC’Z (2921); 2. Thunder Dragons (2836); 3. Original Pin Killers (2828);4. Asian Air Safari (2739); 5. COZMO (2798); 6. Mangaf Strikers (2636); 7. Philippine Embassy(2628); 8. Swooping Eagles (2591); 9. Nusantara (2590); 10. LEAF (2581); 11. UAE Exchange(2547); 12. Scavengers (2546) and 13. Kuwait Stars (2459).

PBAK 3rd Season Team Tourney rolls off, SNAC’Z lead

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 5

OFW Agila sa Kuwait Movement organizes clean up driveKUWAIT: 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 inthe 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 theoccasion 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 thePhilippines. 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.

Lu&Lu Hypermarket, the popular destination for amaz-ing promotions, announced the launch of ‘Pinoy Fiesta2015’, a celebration of the lively and varied culinary cul-

ture of the Philippines. The festival was inaugurated by thechief 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’sSalmiya 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 fishand food items at attractive prices.

The Pinoy Fiesta 2015 aims to engage consumers in ashared experience of enjoying the amazing diversity ofFilipino food along with various food related activities.Seeking to stimulate activity in the young minds during thefestival, there will be a children’s cultural program on Oct 1 atSalmiya outlet from 7 pm onwards. This will act as a platformfor children to display their pride in the rich cultural heritageof the Philippines.

‘Pinoy Fiesta’ 2015 starts with a bang

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 6

Eat Bulaga’s AlDub continuously breaking new records25M tweets for #ALDUBEBforLOVE on National Pabebe Wave Day

The AlDub phenomenon continues to gain unparalleledsuccess as it broke Twitter records once more with thehashtag #ALDUBEBforLOVE garnering over 25 million

tweets as Eat Bulaga celebrated the first National Pabebe WaveDay last September 26.

This surpasses a previous record of over 12 million tweetsalso set by AlDub for the hashtag #ALDUBMostAwaitedDateduring Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza a.k.a. Yaya Dub’sfirst date in the Kalyeserye segment of Eat Bulaga, which isaired internationally on GMA Pinoy TV.

It was definitely a thrilling weekend for AlDub Nation, asAlden and Maine’s avid followers are called, when the twowere permitted by Lola Nidora (Wally Bayola) to have their sec-ond date on last Saturday’s episode.

Now widely known as the Pambansang Bae, Alden wasfinally welcomed into the de Explorer’s mansion by LolaNidora, Tidora (Paolo Ballesteros) and Tinidora (Jose Manalo)where Yaya Dub was eagerly awaiting their third face-to-faceencounter.

Before going to the mansion, Alden fulfilled one of LolaNidora’s conditions for courting Yaya Dub, which was to sing

their theme song “God Gave Me You” live. Viewers weretouched as Alden, overwhelmed with emotion, began cryingduring his performance.

He finally met Yaya Dub again with the condition that the

pair were not to touch at any time during their date. Thepromise was accidentally broken as Yaya Dub choked on herfood and Alden had to give her a glass of water. They admittedthis to Lola Nidora during the Wednesday episode of theKalyeserye, which made her furious, taking back her surprisegift of allowing the two to have a movie date. However, LolaNidora eventually forgave the two for being honest with her.

The exciting Saturday episode drew a 45.7% rating amongMega Manila Households (based on overnight data) accordingto ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement,higher than either of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao’slatest fights.

Eat Bulaga also posted a 37.2% rating in the NationwideUrban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), marking asignificant lead over its ABS-CBN counterpart.

Whether on television or in online platforms, the year’sbreakthrough love team has certainly enamored viewersfrom all over the world. And as the Kalyeserye continues tounfold, audiences will just have to await and stay tuned tothe onscreen love team of Alden Richards and MaineMendoza. (30)

KUWAIT: T h e Fi l i p i n o B a d m i n t o nCommittee recently held another one dayfun game dubbed as ‘President RegineCup’ in honor of the successful FBC lead-ership under President Regine Panesal.

Tandem of Lijo and Sandeesh grabbedthe trophy and cash followed by 1st run-ner Dennis Malay and James Flores.

W h i l e , F B C n e w Pre s i d e n t J i m myCarandang formally launched on Friday itsfirst tournament dubbed as FBC OFFICERSCUP. The said tournament is the 61st tour-n a m e n t o f t h e Fi l i p i n o B a d m i n t o nCommittee since its inception in 2007.

M e a nw h i l e , F B C C h a i r m a n D r. C h i eUmandap announced the new set of FBCOrganizing Committee officers as follows:

President: Jimmy CarandangD i re c t o r -Te c h n i c a l & G a m e s : Ve e

SandigMembers/Court Managers:1.Eric Erick Torno2.Russel Centeno.3.Raymund Cruz4.Michael Moral5.Essam MeslamaniConsultant : Engr. Doy VirayDirector-Membership: Jules Francisco

Members:1.Annie Centeno Zaballero2.Shielyn Hassan3.Janice4. Jhonalyne Goronio5.Eduardo P. GardoseDirector for Finance: Lita CaballeroMember: Ailyn A BorcenaD i re c to r fo r Co m m u n i t y a n d S o c i a l

Services: Susan Librada ReyesMember:1. Elma2.Mona3.Louie

Director for Social Media Marketing &Promotions: Amador Caceres

Director for Program & Events :Lowela CaymeMembers:1. Erma Menor Carandang2. Monrea3.Liezl4.Cheryl Manaytay MeslmaniFBC would l ike to invite all past and

present members and other badmintonenthusiast to join its regular tournamentat Kuwait Disabled Sports Club located atBin Khaldoun cor Road 40 in Hawalli.

Filipino Badminton Committee announces new officers

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 7

KUWAIT: Sinematika, a group of Filipino independent filmenthusiasts/makers, launched recently the First Filipino ShortFilm Competition in Kuwait. A collaborative project betweenlocal and Philippine media, the contest aims to encourage nonprofessional film makers and editors utilizing on hand devices;mobile phone and hand held cameras to produce clips or filmsthat would depict daily occurrences in the lives of OverseasFilipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait. Sinematika announced thatthe competition is open to all OFWs in Kuwait with ages 18 andabove, competitors can be in group or individual, registration isfree and a form must be filled up and submitted to the organiz-ers and one single entry for each individual or group.Competitors may choose between two media categories whichare films to be produced using mobile phones or hand heldcameras. Duration of the films allowed may run between fiveminutes minimum to fifteen minutes maximum. All entriesmust be submitted in viewable formats and high definition andsubmitted in a USB with the synopsis of the story, plot summa-ry, characters and list of the production team. English tittles

must accompany the clip and must not contain sex, violence,religion and nudity. All entries must also be submitted on orbefore the deadline allotted. All entries will be judged basedon the following criteria; Originality-writing, editing, acting anddirecting will be based on the originality of the piece,

Storytelling-use of structure to communicate the story to theaudience, Use of the medium-offers the producer and directorthe opportunity to economically shoot individual scenes frommultiple angles and be able to choose from those the bestparts, Production values-proper use of lighting, sounds, music,visual and music effect enhances viewing experiences and use

of Props and line to better enhance the story. Entries to thecompetition must be submitted on or before October 16, 17and 18, 2015 to any organizers. Entries will be viewed by theselected panel of judges and organizers and all qualifyingentries will be advised via email immediately after the pre-screening dates. Judges will provide advices and suggestionsas to what to edit in the film entries. Submissions of edited andfinal project are scheduled on October 23, 24 and 25, 2015 toensure that suggestions were made. Gala nights are scheduledon November 19, 20 and 21 depending on the numbers of finalentries at the Marine Museum of the Radisson Blu Hotel. Allentries will become automatically the property of Sinematikaand certificates of participation will be given to all entries.Three major prizes will be awarded, plus additional prizes tomajor winners. For details of the event, interested individuals orgroup may contact the following numbers: 66091908,66387642 and 65020905. Email: sinematikaq8@gmail.com.Facebook, Youtube and Instagram accounts will be announcednext week.

‘First Filipino short Film Competition’ launched in Kuwait

KUWAIT: The Gym Team celebrated one of its mentors birthday after its hourand half tough and sweaty cardio Zumba class Friday morning at its home baseChai 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. Theteam also spent an hour and half of tough and sweaty workout with fiveinstructors leading the class. The morning kicked off with a floor cardio warmup led by its team leader Ricky, followed by a power packed basic kickboxingworkout by Stella Munch of Al Mabroor Gym. Munch a remarkable instructorpowered 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 ofChampions Health Club marked her class with another half hour of high energyZumba 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 herstyle led the group to an extended version of a popular Zumba song. The crowdcheered as Lebanese fitness trainer and Zumba instructor ZIN Helen Rahi tookthe stage. Rahi noted for her expressive and entertaining style of teachingZumba led the crowd to another remarkable routine. The class culminated witha cool down from Ricky asking the crowd to sing along to a popular Filipinosong “Hawak Kamay”. “Today’s class was tough and participants were undeni-ably with full of energy as they followed through the routines. The enthusiasmand passion are just remarkable. As an instructor, it inspires us to mentor betterand 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 experienceother fields of fitness”, stated Blanche Bravo, a member of the board of The GymTeam. The Gym Team instructors also lead classes at the Indonesian Embassyevery Friday and have been requested to open the Malaysian Embassy SportsDay on the 10th of October. More requests have been forwarded to the team tolead other embassy Zumba classes in coming months. The event culminatedwith a birthday song of the celebrant Mrs. Pelaud. In return she expressed hergratitude by delivering brief remarks of gratitude to everyone.

The Gym Team celebrates birthday of mentor, spends hour of tough class

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015

Page 4

PBAK 3rd SeasonTeam Tourney rolls

off, SNAC’Z lead

CHANGSHA: Gilas Pilipinas falls short to powerhouse China, 67-78, to settlefor another bridesmaid finish and settles for the silver medal in the 2015 FIBAAsia Championship. The odds simply were too much to overcome.

Amid the roar of a crowd hell bent on seeing them lose, Gilas Pilipinas fellversus the giant China, 78-67, to settle for silver in the 2015 FIBA AsiaChampionship on Saturday, October 3 in Changsha, Hunan, China.

The Philippines missed the outright berth to the 2016 Summer Olympicsand will instead be relegated to theFIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournamenthappening in 2016 from July 5 to 16. That qualifying tournament will have 18national teams from FIBA’s primary events divided into 3 competitions of 6.The winner from each tilt will qualify for Rio 2016. Hosts China will return tothe Olympics, where they have been a fixture since 1976. It is the secondstraight silver medal finish for the Filipinos after losing to another big team inIran back in 2013.

Gilas started the game well at 5-0 but the Chinese steadily crept back inand erected a double-digit lead thanks to 14-of-22 free-throws while theFilipinos had only 7-of-11 from the stripe.

China, ranked 14th in the world by FIBA, never relented the 46-35 half-time lead they established as they hit open baskets from the outside. Theyled by 16 point bulges in the second half and with just over 3 minutesremaining. The game got ugly as early as the first half with calls and breaksnot going the way of the Philippines, as the Gilas bench and players inces-santly complained all game long.

TV5 commentators also noted several instances where Chinese fansallegedly threw objects at Gilas assistant coach Norman Black, at Filipino fansin the venue, and even at Calvin Abueva after the Gilas rookie fouled out withover 4 minutes remaining.

It was an ugly loss for the Philippines, which dominated most of their foesfrom the first round. The also slayed perennial tormentor Iran in the secondround to enter the playoffs as the top seed.

Just before the finals, Gilas Pilipinas chief patron Manny V. Pangilinanaired his frustration over a series of bad lucks the Philippine national men’sbasketball team experienced ahead of their 2015 FIBA Asia Championshipfinals match against China.

In a series of tweets Saturday, October 3, only a couple of hours beforethe finals, Pangilinan bared Gilas arrived late at the playing venue due to thedelayed electric bus that “failed to charge,” leaving the team with less time towarm-up. He then claimed that some coaches were not given any tickets to

enter the venue. Later on he tweeted they might end up having a fight inChangsha. This was not the first instance Gilas had to deal with funny busi-ness as their semifinals schedule versus Japan was moved at the last minutefrom 9:30 pm to 10 pm on Friday, October 2.

The change in schedule resulted in Gilas’ game finishing near midnight,while the first semifinal match-up between Iran and China, which was wonby host China, ended earlier in the evening. It also left Gilas with lesser time

for recuperation compared to their finals foe China. Gilas Pilipinas went on a scary rollercoaster ride through the first 30 min-

utes before its old vanguards built the needed momentum on the way to an81-70 victory over the resilient Japan side and into the gold-medal game ofthe 2015 FIBA Asia Championship here Friday night.

Dondon Hontiveros and Jayson Castro frolicked on the offensive endwhile Marc Pingris, Gabe Norwood and Ranidel de Ocampo formed thebackbone on defense as Team Phl outfought Japan in the payoff period andmade the finals of the biennial Asian meet for the second straight time.

The Philippines and China, with 20 crowns between the two of them,square off in a first ever FIBA Asia title confrontation at 8:30 p.m. Saturdaynight. “We didn’t come here to play in the final. We came here to win thegold,” said Gilas coach Tab Baldwin.

The victory also gave the Nationals a crack at an automatic berth in the2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Team Phl reigned supreme four times from 1960 to 1973 before Chinarose to become the region’s most dominant team.

China stayed on track in a bid to re-establish itself as Asian basketballkingpin as the host team ripped Iran, 70-57, in their highly charged semifinalfaceoff at the Changsha Social Work College Gymnasium.

Drawing tremendous support from a virtual sixth man in the homecrowd, the Chinese churned out a solid, amazing game on both ends of thecourt and stretched their hot unbeaten run all the way to the gold-medalgame. The Filipinos, meanwhile, made it seven in a row and twice over theJapanese in four nights largely behind the wondrous shooting of Castro andHontiveros.

Castro drained 20 points including four triples while Hontiveros piled up18 points on a sizzling 6-of-9 three-point shooting. De Ocampo andNorwood had their key efforts that helped Gilas make crucial separation atendgame. The Filipinos were still holding a shaky lead at 72-68 when DeOcampo scored on a putback then Norwood had two steals, the first oneparlayed by Hontiveros into a trey that made it 77-68 with time down to 1:23.

And the Filipino gallery, led by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, startedthe celebration, high-fiving one another as the Philippines got a shot at end-ing a 25-year title drought in this tourney.

The Japanese put up a whale of a fight on an explosive 28-point game byMakoto Hiejima complemented by an 18-point and 16-rebound job by JojiTakeuchi. —Agencies

Gilas falls to China, settles for FIBA Asia silver

CHANGSHA: Jayson Castro named to FIBA Asia Mythical 5. Still the best point guardin Asia.

HUNAN: Makoto Hiejima, left, of Japan takes the ball during the semi-final matchagainst the Philippines at the FIBA Asia Basketball championship in Changsha,China’s Hunan province on Friday. —AFP

HUNAN: Makoto Hiejima, left, of Japan is challenged byGabriel Norwood of the Philippines during the semi-final match at the FIBA Asia Basketball championship inChangsha, China’s Hunan