By Michelle Fe SantiagoArab Times Staff

Filipino groups such as the IlocanoWomen’s Organization in Kuwait

(IWOK), Kabayan Cancer SupportGroup (KCSG) and the MalikhaingKulturang Layag (MAKULAY)joined with various cancer volun-teers, non-government organisationsin Kuwait such as the Cancer AwareNation, Patients Helping FundSociety and many more in the 2ndBreast Cancer Awareness Day withthe theme “Early detection saveslives” organised recently by the AlSidra Association for PsychologicalCare of Cancer Patients under theauspices of Sheikha Azza Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah at the Al HashemiBallroom, Radisson Blu Hotel.

The IWO-K is a newly establishedgroup founded by Farida Al-Halimi,Mariam Al-Zankawi and Rosita Ortizwhich is composed of Filipino moth-ers who are mostly married toKuwaitis and other nationals whospeak Ilocano, the third most populardialect in the Philippines.

TreatmentOn the other hand, the KCSG led

by its President Marcelino Mallarifounded on February 7, 2015 is com-posed mainly of 55 Filipino nurses,medical technologists and radiologytechnicians working at the KuwaitCancer Control Centre (KCCC).Among the specific objectives of thegroup are to provide additional infor-mation about their specific cases by

giving them reading materials; imparthealth teachings before, during andafter their treatment; provide themmoral and spiritual supports by visit-ing them while they are under treat-ment in the ward based on the avail-ability of any member and to assistthem financially depending on thegroup’s capability.

Meanwhile, the MalikhaingKulturang Layag (MAKULAY), aFilipino artist group led by RomanoRoman aims at promoting theadvancement and excellence of everyFilipino artist in Kuwait in the fieldsof painting, sculpture, digital andphotography, illustration and per-forming arts. The group has been alsoactively involved in socio-civic andcharity events.

All the three organisations hadtheir respective stalls along withother organisations. Clad in pink, theKCSG had all pink souvenir items forgive-aways as well as cupcakes andbrochures while the MAKULAYartists exhibited their masterpieces incommemoration of the breast cancerawareness month. Their artworkmostly in pink hue, were put on dis-play at the lobby, earning the admira-tion of the guests. The IWOK hadsome brochures distributed at theirstall.

Among the highlights of the eventwere the speeches of special guestssuch as Consultant Psychiatrist DrRossol Bourisli, Dr Rania Azmi whotackled the “Survive & ThriveInitiative for Cancer Patients and

Mona Jaffar, a cancer survivor whoshared her experiences to the audi-ence. Present also during the openforum were Asst Professor Med,Consultant and Medical Oncologistand Head of the Breast Cancer Unitat the Kuwait Cancer Control Centre(KCCC) Dr Shafika Al-Awadi andfamous Kuwaiti oncologist Dr FaisalAl Terkait. Spotted also were AlSidra Information Officer KarenWebster and Clinic CoordinatorShebina Amlani.

An awarding ceremony followed

where members of the medical com-munity, donors and volunteersreceived plaques of recognition fromSheikha Azza Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah,Al Sidra Association forPsychological Care of CancerPatients Chief Executive Officer.

AwardeesOne of the awardees was Filipina

volunteer Farida Al Halimi, who hasbeen helping cancer patients in mak-ing them look good and feel good.Al-Halimi who owns a beauty salonspends her time at the Al SidraCentre every week to help cancerpatients in their ‘make-over.’ She andher fellow IWOK members havebeen organising various charity activ-ities and supporting Al Sidra Centre’sinitiatives for cancer patients.

“It’s a great honour for us to berecognised for our voluntary work. Ididn’t expect this. I’m very happy.Thank you to Sheikha Azza and to AlSidra Centre. I share this award to allmy fellow volunteers,” stated Al-Halimi.

Al Sidra Centre is the psychologi-cal support centre for women andtheir families who are living withcancer. Located beside the SheikhaBadriya Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabahbuilding at the Kuwait CancerControl Centre (KCCC), Al SidraCentre’s dedicated staff and volun-teers provide information and educa-tion along with emotional, social andpsychological support for womenwith cancer at any stage of the dis-ease.

ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015

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The MAKULAY Pinoy artists group led by its President Romano Roman (second from right) with their art work.

Study in the UK exhibition

British Council organisesEngineering Study TourKUWAIT CITY, Oct 31: BritishCouncil in Kuwait is organizing avisit by engineering academics fromleading UK universities on Nov 3 &4, 2015.

In response to the increasing num-bers of Kuwaiti students studyingEngineering, the British Council (theUnited Kingdom’s internationalorganisation for cultural relations andeducational opportunities), will beholding the Engineering Study Touron Nov 3, 2015 at the Sheraton FourPoints Hotel in Kuwait.

Since Engineering continues togrow in popularity as a degree pro-gramme of choice for Kuwaiti stu-dents, the British Council is organiz-ing a study tour to help Kuwaiti stu-dents develop a greater appreciationof the strengths of a UK Engineeringeducation.

As part of the tour, the academicswill meet with the Kuwait UniversityEngineering department, PublicAuthority for Applied Education andTraining (PAAET) to explore part-nership opportunities and some pri-vate international school with theaim of clarifying the structure andcontent of UK engineering degrees,opportunities for undergraduate,post-graduate study, and careerprospects.

The British Council will be hold-ing this exhibition in the evenings forthe general public during which time

they will be able to meet with highlyrespected, knowledgeable academics,all of whom are leaders in their fieldand will be able to provide extremelyfocused, field-relevant information.

Tuesday Nov 3, 17:00 - 21:00 inAsshamiya Ballroom, at the SheratonFour Points Hotel

Education Project Manager - ImranYousef stated that:

“The Engineering Study Tour inKuwait will provide students and par-ents in Kuwait with a platform tomeet representatives from 7 UK uni-versities and gain valuable insightsinto the specifics of different pro-grammes on offer. In addition to that,with the right qualification, these stu-dents will be able to return to Kuwaitwith the necessary skills to contributeto the economy and drive growth andinnovation across the Engineeringsectors”

Representatives from UK institu-tions will be talking to visitors aboutthe UK’s wide range of Engineeringcourses and degree options, as well asentry requirements for studying in theUK and what student life in the UK islike.

Participants in the tour includeQueen Mary University of London ,University of Salford, University ofPlymouth, Swansea University,University of Brighton, University ofHudders field and University ofStrathclyde.

Jeweller expands in GCC & India

Joyalukkas opens 13 new showroomsKUWAIT CITY, Oct 31: The world’sfavourite jeweller has major plans forexpanding across the world for thenext two years.

Joyalukkas, the world’s favouritejeweller, continues its massive expan-sion drive with the opening of thirteenbrand new showrooms in choice loca-tions across GCC and India in the lastweek of October. The back-to-backinaugurations were in keeping withJoyalukkas Chairman and MD, JoyAlukkas’ objective to make the brandmore accessible to all jewellerylovers.

The opening of the new show-rooms, just before the historicallyfrenzied gold and jewellery buyingmonths of November and December,is a move that was welcomed by loyalcustomers.

John Paul Joy Alukkas, ExecutiveDirector, Joyalukkas Group says, “Weare very pleased that our goals toexpand rapidly across GCC and Indiaare coming to fruition according toschedule proving that there is quite a

demand for the unique Joyalukkasexperience. I personally thank eachand every customer for the supportand encouragement offered to us inthe last 28 years.”

The new showrooms feature thebrand’s signature bright and spaciousinteriors, showcasing the jewellerycollections’ world-class craftsman-ship, as well as the high quality ofservice Joyalukkas is known for in allits locations.

The showrooms inauguration start-ed with Udupi showroom opened onOct 23. The Tirunelveli and Nagercoilshowrooms opened on Oct 26, fol-lowed by the Malleswaram store onOct 29, and the Viruthachalam show-room on Oct 31, in India. AvenuesMall, Oman, Boushar showroom onOct 29. Safari Mall, Abu Hamour,Doha, Al Watan Centre, Airport Road,Doha & Barwa Village, Al Wakrah on30 and Oct 5, followed by the LuluHypermarket, Al Batha, KSA store onNovember and opening soon inShabiya, Mussafah.

Bid to support farmers, artists

Ooredoo joins ‘Qout Market’to empower local communityKUWAIT CITY, Oct 31: OoredooKuwait, a member of the internationalOoredoo Group, today announced thatit has partnered with the Kuwait-basedartisanal farmers market, ‘QoutMarket’, to support their third season,which will run from November 2015to April 2016.

This season, the ‘Qout Market’ willbe held at Murouj; a Sahara Golf Clubproject and will include local farmproduce, artisanal food products andcrafts, with a ‘street food’ sectionaimed at highlighting the culinarydiversity of our local food community.The market also offers a section dedi-cated for children’s activities.

Commenting on the sponsorship,Mijbil Alayoub, Director of CorporateCommunications at Ooredoo Kuwaitsaid: “It’s important to us to be part ofa successful project, such as Qout

Market that supports small businessesand empowers entrepreneurs to takethe first step towards introducing theirbusiness concept. We wish everyonethe best of luck for this season, andhope to be part of it in seasons tocome.”

At the event, Ooredoo will engagewith participants and visitors througha special onsite booth. Company rep-resentatives will be available to pro-vide information aboutOoredoo’slatest offers and promo-tions, answer inquiries and distributegiveaways to all.

Ooredoo is committed to support-ing Kuwait and its youth. This partic-ipation is one of the many initiativesthat comes in line with the company’sobjective to contribute to the supportand development of Kuwait’s youthacross different areas.

Five race categories to appeal to all ages and fitness levels

Gulf Bank Marathon 1st internationally certified race in KuwaitKUWAIT CITY, Oct 31: Gulf Bank ispleased to announce a unique achieve-ment for the Gulf Bank 642 Marathonwhich is scheduled to take place onNov 14 at 8 am, starting at SouqSharq. This is the first full road race totake place in Kuwait and three of therace categories have now been accred-ited by the Association of InternationalMarathons and Distance Races(AIMS) and the InternationalAssociation of Athletics Federations(IAAF Athletics).

AIMS is a member based organiza-tion of more than 380 of the world’sleading distance races from over 100countries. IAAF Athletics is the worldgoverning body for the sport of trackand field athletics. Once a course isAIMS certified, only then is IAAF ableto recognize any world records whichmight take place on the course. AIMSrecently sent a representative to Kuwaitto measure and assess the race path

with a special bicycle equipped with adevice called a Jones Counter, which isthe only means of measurement accept-ed by the IAAF for the accurate meas-urement of road race courses.

Following this rigorous assessment,three categories (10 km, 21 km, and 42km distances) of the Gulf Bank 642Marathon have been AIMS certified.These races now appear in the interna-tional calendar of races.

In order to appeal to the broadestaudience and different fitness levels,there are five race categories, for thosewho wish to walk or run:

■ Family Fun Run for new begin-ners (5 km)

■ Special Run for the physicallychallenged (5 km)

■ Souq Run for regular runners (10km)

■ Half Marathon for more advancedrunners (21 km)

■ Full Marathon (42 km)

The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon pathpasses by many of Kuwait’s land-marks. It starts at Souq Sharq and

passes along Gulf Road, the KuwaitTowers, the Gulf Bank head office,Souq Mubarakiya among other places.

The course will be closed to traffic, asper coordination with the Ministry ofInterior, to ensure the safety and secu-

rity of the runners and walkers. The date of the race (Nov 14) also

coincides with World Diabetes Day(WDD), in order to raise awareness ofthe growing problem of diabetes inKuwait, and how exercise and fitnessplay a role in combating this majorhealth issue. Gulf Bank is also happyto have the Dasman Diabetes Instituteas a part of the race. They will be onhand to raise awareness about ways tocombat the alarmingly high rates ofobesity and diabetes in Kuwait. Partof the proceeds from the race will bedonated to the Dasman DiabetesInstitute to assist in their ongoingwork. The number 642 was selectedbecause it is the number of muscles inthe human body.

To find out more about the GulfBank 642 Marathon, visit the dedicatedwebsite at:www.gulfbank642marathon.com or itsInstagram account GulfBank642.

Sheikha Azza Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah awards Pinay volunteer

Pinoy groups join Al Sidra’s mission

Sheikha Azza Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabahawards a token of recognition to

Farida Al-Halimi.

The Ilocano Women’s Organization in Kuwait with its President Rosita Ortiz (sixth from left).

The Kabayan Cancer Support Group with its President Marcelino Mallari (sec-ond from left).