SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015

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aittimes.net

03 04At Manila’s autism-friendly cafe, it’s

A-OK to be different

Page 02ATNU organizes ‘Wellness Day’

FCC/CIA inaugurates‘Read a Book Corner’

at Hateen

ULUGAN BAY: This file photo shows US and Filipino soldiers during a joint mock beachfront assault on the shore of Ulugan Bay on Palawanisland. Thousands of American and Filipino soldiers tomorrow will kick off expanded wargames, showcasing a deepening defence alliance asalarm bells ring over China. —AFP

MANILA: Sa kabila ng banta ni Justice SecretaryLeila de Lima na 90 katao ang kakasuhan saMamasapano clash, walang balak ang Moro IslamicLiberation Front na isuko sa gobyerno ang kanilangmga tauhan. Iginiit ni Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vicechair for political affairs, na walang kasalanan angkanilang mga tauhan sa pagkasawi ng mga miyem-bro ng Special Action Force (SAF) noong Enero saBarangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.Sinisisi ni Jaafar ang SAF dahil sa kawalan ng koordi-nasyon sa pagtugis kay Malaysian terrorist ZulkifliAbd Hir alyas Marwan.—PSN

MILF di isusuko ang tropa sa

Mamasapano clash

MANILA: Malacanang yesterday said it was positive thatthe Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) won’t simply be stalledin Congress despite the controversies stemming fromthe botched Mamasapano operation. “We have facedchallenges in the past when it comes to the peaceprocess ... we remain optimistic that the discussionremains on the table and that it will be given attentionby our legislators,” deputy presidential spokespersonAbigail Valte said over state-run radio Radyo ng Bayan.Valte said they continued to hope that the discussionswould help push the BBL forward.

The BBL, which seeks to create a political entitybased on the peace agreement between the Philippinegovernment and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front(MILF), is among the priority measures being deliberat-ed in Congress. However, after the Mamasapano mis-sion, which left 44 policemen, 17 MILF fighters and threecivilians dead, the BBL has become an even more con-tentious topic. Critics of the peace process and the MILFhave taken the opportunity to point out controversialprovisions. Some have also claimed that the MILF, whichwas among the groups involved in the misencounterwith policemen in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, is notsincere in pursuing peace with the national govern-ment. While the government continues to dismiss fearsthat the new political entity will not serve the interests ofother stakeholders, the MILF warned that a breakdownin the peace negotiations would result in more prob-lems for the country. —Inquirer.net

Palace optimistic with BBL despite challenges

MANILA: Thousands of American and Filipino soldierskicked off expanded wargames, showcasing a deepen-ing defence alliance as alarm bells ring over China.

The 10-day exercises in the Philippines are an annualaffair between the longtime allies, but this time they willinvolve double the number of soldiers as last year in asign of their expanding military partnership.

The Philippines is seeking more US military anddiplomatic support to fend off China’s increasing force-fulness in its bid to assert sovereignty in disputed areasof the South China Sea.

In an interview with AFP last week, PhilippinePresident Benigno Aquino said the two militaries oper-ating side-by-side should offer a “deterrent aspect toany entity, be it a country or Islamic radicals”.

Aquino insisted the Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) wargames starting on Monday were notdirected at China, pointing out they were annual exer-cises, but he discussed at length the Philippines’ relianceon the United States.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also saidlast week the Philippines planned to ask Washington forextra help in containing China.

“We are, at this point, seeking additional supportfrom the US in terms of being able to take a strongerposition, in defending our position, which is to upholdthe rule of law,” del Rosario told local broadcaster ANC.

Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the strategi-cally important South China Sea, including areas just offthe coasts of other Asian nations, using vague demarca-tion lines that first appeared on Chinese maps in the1940s.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei andTaiwan have overlapping claims.

China has sought to expand its presence in disputedparts of the sea in recent years, including by taking con-trol of a shoal that is a rich fishing ground within thePhilippines’ exclusive economic zone.

It has also embarked on giant reclamation works onreefs and islets, turning some into islands capable of

hosting military aircraft landing strips.

‘Elbowed aside’ The Philippines has been the most vocal of the rival

claimants to express alarm over China’s moves.In his interview with AFP, Aquino warned that the

world should fear China’s actions in the South ChinaSea. US President Barack Obama also expressed concernthis month, criticising China for “using its sheer size andmuscle to force countries into subordinate positions”.

“Just because the Philippines or Vietnam are not aslarge as China, doesn’t mean that they can just beelbowed aside,” Obama said. China has repeatedlyinsisted it has sovereign rights to the contested areas,so criticism of its reclamation and other activities inthe area are baseless. The US has been looking to re-build its military presence in the Philippines, a formercolony where it had naval and air bases until the early1990s, as part of Obama’s “pivot to Asia”.

Continued on Page 2

US-Philippines wargames to start under China’s shadow

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 2US-Philippines ... Continued from Page 1

The two nations, bound by a1951 mutual defence treaty, lastyear signed another pact thatwould allow more US forces in thePhilippines, although theSupreme Court in Manila stillneeds to ratify it.

Even without the implementa-tion of the new pact, more than12,000 soldiers from both sideswill be involved in this year ’sBalikatan exercises, double lastyear’s number.

On Tuesday, marines will con-duct beach landing exercises froma naval base facing the SouthChina Sea just 220 kilometres (140miles) from the Philippine-claimedshoal that China has controlledsince 2012. —AFP

ATNU organizes ‘Wellness Day’ KUWAIT: The Assistance to the Nationals Unit (ATNU) shelter of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait held a one day event in its premises in Hateen to celebrate wellness day. The successful eventwas organized by Vice Consul Sheina Tesorero, Department of Social Welfare Officer Annie Mendoza wherein programs from self-defense, Zumba, medical mission and personal grooming werepart of the one-day event. The occasion was graced by Charges D’ Affaires (CDA) Atty. Raul Dado.

SOUTH CHINA SEA/WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: This combinationphoto of satellite images taken on Feb. 6, 2015, top, andMarch 23, 2015, bottom, by Airbus Defence and Space, anddistributed by IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly, shows what IHSJane’s describes as an airstrip on Fiery Cross Reef in a disputedsection of the South China Sea. The US has warned thatChina’s development on the artificially created island couldraise tensions in the area. —AP

BEIJING: China is building an airstrip on an artifi-cially created island in a disputed section of theSouth China Sea, according to independent ana-lysts, a move the U.S. has warned could raise ten-sions in the area.

Defense group IHS Jane’s said satellite images ofFiery Cross Reef taken March 23 show a runwaymore than 500 meters (about 550 yards) long aswell as paved sections of apron. The U.S. says Chinais carrying out eight such land reclamation projectsin the area.

Jane’s said the island is already big enough for arunway 3,000 meters (9,500 feet) long that wouldbe able to accommodate air force planes. Chinaalready operates a runway on Woody Island to thewest of Fiery Cross Reef, which is also claimed byVietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan, and anotherisland it is creating could also be big enough toaccommodate a runway.

The airfield construction also was mentioned bythe commander of US forces in the Pacific at a con-gressional hearing on Wednesday. Adm. SamuelLocklear said the reclamation work would allowChina to exert more influence in the contestedregion and possibly deploy military assets such aslong-range radar and advanced missile systems.

China claims virtually all of the South China Seaand its island chains. Malaysia and Brunei also claimwaters and islands in the area.

At a Friday briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesmanHong Lei defended the island reclamation work,which China says is largely to improve living condi-tions for people in the area and help with weatherforecasting and search and rescue work.

Such work is “lawful, justifiable and reasonable.It does not target or impact on any other countryand we hope that relevant parties can have a cor-rect understanding on that,” Hong said. —AP

Report says China buildingairstrip on reclaimed island

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 3MANILA: Guided by a therapist and cue cards, Jose Canoy carefullyremoved a waffle from the griddle, turned off the waffle maker andasked for a serving plate from the kitchen staff at Manila’s brightly-decorated Puzzle Cafe. Each of Canoy’s next moves were similarlylaid out in index cards with pictures: A script for greeting cus-tomers, offering them the menu, serving the food and finally hand-ing out the bill.

Canoy, 20, is among seven trainees with autism at the small cafe,which aims to provide its workers a place to assimilate into society,improve social skills and spread awareness of the poorly under-stood disorder, which the World Health Organization estimatesimpairs about one child for every 160 worldwide.

Canoy’s elder brother and co-owner of the cafe, Jose Antonio,said his family decided to create the coffee shop to help hisyounger brother become productive and secure his future. Thefamily also wants to promote autism awareness and to train otherslike Jose to help them find permanent, paying jobs and avoid beingostracized. Two other apprentices have Down syndrome and mostof the trainees are in their 20s.

“We’re out here to show people that being different is not bad,”Jose Antonio Canoy said. “You can live it.”

The autism-friendly cafe, with Thomas the Train toys and picturepuzzles on its shelves, opened in November and held a grandopening ceremony April 11, in time for Autism Awareness Month.The puzzle piece is a global symbol of autism.

Cards and crafts made by young people with autism are sold inthe cafe, where odd-shaped tables are paired with brightly coloredchairs. A leaf-shaped wooden table bears these words, painted inred and black: “If you think I’m puzzling, imagine what the world islike for me.”

Dr. Anna Treichler, a developmental and behavioral pediatricianin Manila, said working in the coffee shop helps people with autismbecause it allows them to develop their social interaction skills.

“We take them from the home, to the therapy, to the school, to

the wider community because the aim is full assimilation, or assimi-lation to the degree that is most possible for that particular individ-ual,” she said.

The cafe has three paid chefs - including one with autism butwho is highly functioning - and a salaried cashier. The nine traineeswith autism and Down syndrome who cannot yet work independ-ently do not receive salaries, the owners said. Jose, however,

receives money from his parents for the work he does at the cafe.According to the WHO, autism spectrum disorders are complex

brain development disorders characterized by difficulties in socialinteraction and communication and a restricted and repetitive setof interests and activities. People with autism often suffer from stig-ma and discrimination.

Josephine de Jesus, a Manila-based speech and language thera-

pist, and others with training work with the trainees. She said thecafe’s autistic staff at first had to be pushed to work, and some wereupset about changes to their routine schedule. She preparedscripts for them so they can start conversations with customers.

“As we are going on with the operation, we found that they cancome up with their own scripts outside from what we have trainedthem to use,” she said. “And I think that’s great that they are becom-ing more spontaneous.”

Unilab Foundation’s Project Inclusion, a supporter of PuzzleCafe, partners with schools and organizations to research and pro-mote employment of people with disabilities. The foundation ofpharmaceutical company Unilab has done a study showing thebenefits of hiring people with disabilities, and is developing ahuman resources manual to equip companies willing to hire them.

Project officer Grant Javier said the foundation itself hired threepeople with autism. One is a graphic artist who turned out to haveanother special talent - he can efficiently and quickly process tallstacks of reimbursement receipts and reconcile piles of checks.

Mona Magno Veluz, national president of Autism SocietyPhilippines, said there are no studies on autism prevalence specifi-cally in the Philippines, but notes that the U.S. Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention says studies in Asia, Europe and NorthAmerica have found that about 1 percent of the population has it.

That would suggest that in the Philippines, a nation of 100 mil-lion, there are about 1 million people with autism. But Veluz saidjust 100,000 Filipinos have been formally diagnosed, and only halfof those have received intervention like therapy or special educa-tion because of a dearth of experts and trained professionals. Thecountry has only around 50 developmental pediatricians, and lessthan a thousand occupational therapists and speech pathologists,she added.

Veluz, whose son Carl works at Puzzle Cafe, said the shop hasmade autism friendliness a selling point in its business strategy,creating a template that other businesses can follow. —AP

At Manila’s autism-friendly cafe, it’s A-OK to be different

MANILA: In this photo, Jose Canoy, left, a trainee with autism,makes a waffle as his sister Isabella, right, watches during histraining at the Puzzle Cafe in suburban Quezon city, north ofManila, Philippines. —AP

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 4

By Maria Al-Ameri

KUWAIT: Launched on Friday, 17 April 2015, at the PhilippineEmbassy Welfare Centre Extension at Hateen, North Surra, thethought of opening a ‘Read a Book Corner’ came to light when at oneoccasion, FCC teens attended a charity event in the centre twomonths back and in the course of the gift giving, a curly brownedskinned innocent 6 year old girl with a very black sparkling eyes serv-ing as a spokesman for the kids, approached one of the FCC teens andasked if they are giving coloring books for them, caught in surprised,FCC teens promised them to bring some on the next visit at the cen-tre. Touched by the innocence and moved by the very simple gestureyet deeply felt request, the group wasted no time to request the cen-tre to provide FCC a room to serve as a ‘Read a Book Corner’ whereeveryone in the centre can be provided a place to spend time to read,learn and even reflect while waiting repatriation to the Philippines.For the kids , it will be an opportunity to learn how to read and write,who unfortunately, majority of those housed in the centre had notbeen given a chance to experience what a school is! Receiving a gosignal from Ms. Russel Ocampo, Welfare Officer of the centre, mem-bers started campaigning for book donation from kind hearted andgenerous individuals and in a very short span of time, a library at thecentre was born!

To formally open the ‘Reading Room’ FCC kapamilya held a smallgathering at the centre which coincided with the celebration of SarahAl -Ameri and Ghetta Wifack’s birthdays. As part of FCC’s culture, aspiritual intercession was led by Ms. Judith Oreta Perez, followed by abrief remark from the FCC President, Madame Mildred Lacson. ViceConsul Sheina Tesorero, who represented the Philippine Embassy,warmed FCC’s hearts by calling the Filipino Cultural Club, the fairygodmother at the rescue! It was a wish came true! On behalf of thecentre, Welfare Officer Annie Mendoza also extended her gratitude forinitiating said project which is truly beneficial for everyone who staysin the centre. To keep the ball rolling, FCC teens ( Sarah, Sheila, Najwaand Ghalia) entertained the guests with their dance wrecking rendi-tion of ‘I Will Survive’ with the wards joining in! As the crowd startedheating up, Ms Cristina Panimdim assisted by Mr. Bong Pagutayao ini-tiated various parlour games which really made everyone laughed totheir heart’s desire! The day ended with some appetizing sweets andpalatable foods with Mr. Boyd Bill leading the prayer before meals.

Continued on Page 6

FCC/CIA inaugurates ‘Read a Book Corner’ at Hateen

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 6

FCC/CIA ...Continued from Page 4

At this point, FCC would like to extend its sincerest thanks andheartfelt gratitude to the Certified Ilonggo Association (CIA) membersfor taking extra effort in the active campaign of book donations, Dr.Chie Umandap, FBC Chairman and Mr. Macky Pintado, president of theIlokanos in Kuwait for gracing the ocassion, Madame Vangie Gernalefor donating a box full of reading and reference materials, Mr.Kamaran Sheayan for the very informative books, Ms VanessaAlmaquer Gustilo for the all out support and active book campaign,Mr. Nelson Lacson, for beautifying the library and facelifting the furni-tures to make it look brand new, Mr. Danny Ursaiz for the assistanceand to the rest of the FCC family who never ceases to support andextend a helping hand, whereby keeping FCC’s spirit alive!

A big warm of applause FCC kapamilya! Also, happy happy birth-day to sweet Sarah Al-Ameri and Ghalia who joined and celebratedtheir special day with us during the event!

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 7

By Sebastian Javier

KUWAIT: From Game 1 until Game 7 of the two-week champi-onship round of the PBAK 1st Season Team Tournament 2015the high scoring 5-man team of All Star Strikers subjugatedthe championship round with huge pinfalls difference overthe first runner up Z’CLAS Strikers (773), second runner upCozmo (770) and LEAF (799). The All Stars pinbusters led sevenother teams in the awarding ceremony held simultaneouslyafter the four-hour ultimate lane battles.

All Star Strikers whose members played their best, overshad-owed their own high averages dominated all group bestrecords, ended the seven games with1073/950/1085/1092/1005/1070/1016 (7291) pinfalls to lift thechampionship trophy. First, second and third runners up withtheir scores were the Z’CLAS Strikers (6558), Cozmo ( 6521} andLEAF (6492). Fourth to seventh runners-up were Original PinKillers (6472), UAE Exchange (6243), Nusantara (6227) andBowlersmate (6183). The All Stars Strikers was the runaway win-ner from first Friday of the finals when they posted 4200 pointsand the second Friday’s 3-game output of 3091 pinfalls.Winning all the seven games with game points of 175 plus fourbonus points of 100 after scoring above thousand points gar-nering 275 points was one of the reason of the wide gapagainst its antagonists. The top scorer of the 5-man team wasJoe White (1492), followed by Fadel Qassem (1424), HanadiMezail (1422), Abdulaziz Al Aslawi (1369) and Anthony King(1309).

The second best team, the Z’CLAS Strikers dropped to thirdplace when they were overtaken by the former second placer

LEAF in Game 6 but easily snatched the position in the finalgame. High scorer was Tony Zulueta (1445), ensued by KikoAndaya (1210), Ferdie Saliba (1110), Alex Cervantes (862), MinaAndaya (614) and Neng Cervantes (451). Rank third was the teamof Cozmoheaded by Farid Gabriel (1475), who jumped to its rankonly in the final game after consistently holding the fourth placefrom Game 1 to 6. Other members were Noe Mahayag (1316),Fahad Abul (1304), Mike Gonzales (1249), Aris de Guzman (482),Jacky Guitang (463) and Jeanette Angeles (147).

Fourth rank was the LEAF team who holds the second posi-tion from Game 2 to 4 but slide to third and finally to fourthposition due to absence of its Class A lady bowler Blanca.Thebowlers were Joe Presenta (1179), Rocky Castil (1166), CrisCarungay (1129), Rene Marzan (957), Blanca Mercado (766)and Maricel Montero ( 364). From six placer, Original Pin Killersjumped to fifth position on the fifth game and managed tohold until the last game when Christopher Bush delivered212/211/187 with Kingpin Greg Melancon who scored243/186/219. Other players were Ishaaq Al Waahid, AlmaTurley and Jenny Ganot. From fifth placer the UAE Exchangedropped to sixth place in Game 6 and 7 when they scored verylow 848 and 810. Team members were Aldin Avila, Rudy deLima, Rani Skeik, Renato pante, Michelle Avila Omar Al Saqranand Mariotte Vito. Nusantara remained in the seventh positionfrom Game 1 to Game 7 same with the holder of the last posi-tion, the Bowlersmate. Player of Nusantara were Saleh Faraj,Benyamin Hasan, Ahmed Fahmi, Endang Wendy, AbelNitikusumo and Laras Nitikusumo while the team of JessTolentino who just won 2 games stayed and was tied in thelast spot. His bowlers were Norlan Balasan, Ali Adel Ata Khalil,

Aji Varghese, Hammad Yassen, Fe Ferrer and Josie Lorino. After the final tabulation of final scores, PBAK Vice President

Hermie Saliba and PBAK Adviser Rudy de Lima awarded thedifferent prizes to the following winners and recipients.

Champion - All Star Strikers - Team Trophy, special t-shirtsfor members bearing their names and rank plus KD 250 cashprize First Runner Up - Z’CLAS Strikers - Team Trophy, individual

t-shirts and KD 100Second Runner up - Cozmo - Team Trophy, individual t-

shirts and KD 75Third Runner up - LEAF - Team Trophy, individual t-shirts

and KD 50Fourth to Seventh runners up - individual medals, KD 35

each team Team High Game (Scratch) - All Star Strikers - Special

Award PlaqueTeam High Series (Scratch + Handicap) - UAE Exchange -

Special Award Plaque Meanwhile, after the awarding rites the PBAK officer and

adviser awarded a Plaque of Recognition to Joe White who willbe leaving for good, Plaques of Appreciation to McDonaldMarketing Executive Ms .Erny Hasa and Mr. Ahmed Hamed ofDunkin’ Donuts’ Operation Manager and thanks all the mem-bers, sponsors and donors for the enormous support theyhave accorded to PBAK. Finally, Rudy de Lima announced thaton April 24 and May 1, 2015, it will be a regular games forPBAK would be members and new members without record toestablish their individual average and handicap before theopening of the second conference slated on May 8, 2015.

Z’CLAS Strikers, Cozmo runners-upAll Star Strikers capture PBAK 1st Conference crown

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015

Z’CLAS Strikers,Cozmo runners-up

Page 7

2nd ‘Pagibig Fund Cup’ kicks offFBC’s 56th Badminton Tournament

KUWAIT: The Filipino Badminton Committee’s(FBC) 56th Badminton Tournament dubbed 2ndPAG IBIG FUND CUP formally started last Fridayat the Kuwait Disabled Sports Club in Hawally.

Number of participants surpasses the expec-tations of the FBC Technical Committee as manyformer players have once again showed up andregistered for this tournament.

Janice Capili, a member, was recognized withspecial gift for bringing 8 new participants. Also,in preparations for the ‘Four Feathers BadmintonTournament, FBC will continue to spearhead try-

outs every Friday at 1pm to select players thatwill represent the FBC to the said inter club tour-nament. Former school varsity players fromPhilippines are welcome to join.