2 Pinays charged for 'sex in public’ in Dubai

DUBAI - A Filipino women’s group advised their compatriots in the United Arab Emirates to strictly follow the laws of their host country particularly on morality and public decency following two separate cases involving Filipinas who had sex at Dubai’s public beach recently.

In a report published in UAE’s major dailies, a Filipina housemaid was sentenced to one year in prison by the Dubai Court of Misdemeanors on Tuesday after her Emirati employer reported to the police that she had become pregnant during her several late night trysts with her Pakistani lover at the Jumeirah Open Beach.

The 26-year-old Filipina admitted in court she had consensual sex with her 25-year-old Pakistani boyfriend who works as an accountant. Presiding Judge Mohammad Ahmad Shoaib said the couple will be deported following the completion of their jail terms.

In another report, the Dubai Court of Misdemeanors heard in the same week another illegal sex-on-the-beach case involving another Filipina and her Lebanese boyfriend who were “caught red-handed by the police kissing and having sex at a secluded spot on Umm Suqiem’s public beach” last July 5.

According to police records, the 30-year-old Filipina salesgirl and her 21-year-old Lebanese waiter boyfriend admitted to their act.

"We were at the beachside having a walk along with my two friends. I took her to a poorly lit spot near the rocks. When we finished and were getting dressed, the police arrived,” the Lebanese said.

The court charged the two with having "sex out of wedlock and public indecency" but the pair did not attend the hearing and the next trial was moved on August 18.

Gabriela-UAE Coordinator Jhasmin Cipriano said Filipinos should strictly follow UAE rules.

“Nananawagan ang Gabriela-UAE sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan – babae man o lalaki – na mag-ingat at sikaping gawin ang lahat para maitaguyod ang dangal ng ating lahi,” Cipriano said.

Chona Nocido, who works as personal assistant in one of the multinational companies based in Dubai’s business district, shares the same view.

“Bukod sa hindi sila kasal, bawal talaga iyon. Sana matuto na sila,” Nocido said.

Gay Mendoza, finance administrator at Westin Mina Seyahi, said she was scandalized after hearing the news.

“Are they idiots or are just plain dumb? This is a Muslim country and they should know better. Nakakahiya. At any rate, regardless of what country and nationality, I believe stuff like that should be done in a private place,” Mendoza said.

Cipriano, however, warned others not to make sweeping generalization and pass quick judgment on Filipino women’s morality.

“Hindi nakapagtataka na sa isang patriyarkal na lipunan na may relihiyong Muslim man o Kristiyano, na lagi na lang babae ang mas naituturing o lumalabas na masama sa paningin ng nakararami lalo't patungkol sa usaping katulad nito,” added Cipriano, who works as a Social Science teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Dubai.

“Totoo na hindi akma lalo na't sa publikong lugar nila ito ginawa, hindi pa rin maipagkakaila na ang mga bagay na katulad nito ay gabutil lamang kumpara sa mas malaking suliranin ng mga kababaihan tulad ng talamak na human trafficking, prostitusyon at sinasapit ng mga kasambahay na pagmamalupit sa kamay ng kanilang mga employer. Ito ang mga suliraning kailangang mas tugunan ng pansin ng mga nasa otoridad lalo na ng ating Embahada at Konsulado dito sa UAE,” Cipriano concluded.

Evans confident of beating Ortiz

MANILA, Philippines – Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans is confident that he will defeat Tito Ortiz in the upcoming UFC 133 event.

"I'm confident no matter where the fight goes, I'm gonna destroy him," Evans told UFC.com.

Evans and Ortiz will fight in the main event of UFC 133, a rematch of their 1st bout in UFC 73, which ended in a draw.

"It's been a long time, and I actually gave up on the hope that this match-up may happen again," Evans said. "But fate has shown me differently, and I'm very excited and pleased that Tito Ortiz stepped up so we can have this fight."

Evans, who was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 2, believes that he has the advantage over Ortiz.

"I'm much faster than him. As long as I keep my movement, keep using my speed, he should be a couple of steps behind me," he said.

Evans holds a 20-1-1 win-loss-draw record and is coming off victories over Thiago Silva and Quinton Jackson.

"He's making a mistake when he steps into the cage with me," Evans said. "There is no doubt in my mind that I will defeat Tito Ortiz."

Turqueza scores win in World Juniors Chess

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino chess player Mari Joseph “MJ” Turqueza notched a win in the 50th World Junior and 29th Junior Girls Chess Championships in Tamil Nadu, South India on Thursday.

Turqueza defeated India’s Abhilash Reddy in the third round for his first win in the tournament.

In the women's event, Filipina Janelle Mae Frayna suffered another setback against Russian Aisa Imeeva.

Turqueza will meet Benjamin Vincent Hercules of South Africa in the fourth round. Frayna, on the other hand, plays opposite Zsofia of Slovakia.

The country’s best finish in the tournament was back in 1991 when GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr. won the bronze medal

Pacman wants default ruling vs Floyd in defamation case

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is seeking a default ruling from a US District Court regarding his defamation suit against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

According to USA Today.com, the boxing congressman from Sarangani province sought a default ruling because of Mayweather's refusal to give a court deposition in relation to the case.

Pacquiao filed the defamation suit over claims made by Mayweather and his trainer uncle, Roger Mayweather, that Pacquiao was using performance-enhancing drugs (PED).

The Filipino boxer is asking up to US$10 million in damages plus attorney's fees.

"[Mayweather's] lawyer has to respond to the motion, and the judge will need to decide," Pacquiao’s lawyer, Daniel Petrocelli said in the report.

"Judges can and do issue defaults against parties who do not obey their orders and won't participate in the discovery process according the rules. And you forfeit your opportunity to be a litigant when you defy the rules," he added.

Pacquiao’s camp reportedly offered 24 dates for Mayweather to make his deposition.

Mayweather allegedly declined all the dates, citing that he is busy training for the Victor Ortiz fight.

Gang-raped OFW in Saudi gives birth

MANILA, Philippines – The pregnant overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was raped by 3 Saudi nationals last week has given birth to a baby girl.

More good news came for "Salley" (not her real name) when her 3 rapists were caught

Salley was scheduled to identify the 3 suspects last Wednesday, but had to be rushed to the hospital early in the morning to give birth.

Salley had a healthy, 3.6-pound baby girl.

The OFW said that she was thankful that her daughter was not affected by the rape that she endured.

"Healthy naman po siya ngayon, normal," Salley said of her daughter.

Although she is still weak, Salley will go straight to the police precinct once she gets out of the hospital in order to identify the rapists.

The Philippine Embassy has confirmed that the 3 suspects, all Saudi nationals, are currently in jail at Dammam.

But the suspects are not yet being named as Salley has yet to positively identify them.

Salley will also be given an attorney to ensure that she receives justice.

"Tinatanong nila ako kung itutuloy ko ang kaso, sabi ko, opo. Pinapirma po nila ako kanina," Salley said.

The medical results that may tie the suspects to the rape have not yet been released.

Meanwhile, many Filipinos in the Middle East have offered their support and sympathies for Salley, with some offering financial help.

"Masaya kami ngayon at nakapanganak siya ng maayos, at healthy ang bata. Maraming salamat sa mga Pilipinong tumulong sa kanya," community leader Aiza Monares said.

Pinay is one of top entrepreneurs in US

WASHINGTON DC – Ten years after immigrating to the United States, and 3 years after starting her own business, Nina Rodecker is one of America’s top entrepreneurs.

She has been feted by the Chamber of Commerce, the US Congress, and the White House.

It was a far cry from her days growing up in Sampaloc, where she sold mangga and bagoong at a grade school until the nuns forbade it.

Rodecker and about a hundred other young entrepreneurs were invited to DC to help promote business start-ups and jobs, and help rescue the US economy.

"We have to support small business started by entrepreneurs because small business accounts for three-fourths of the economy. More small businesses, more jobs, better economy," Rodecker said.

Rodecker's Tasty Clouds Candy company was born when she couldn’t find a store to satisfy a craving for cotton candy when she was pregnant.

Some of the candy that Nina Rodecker sells in the Tasty Clouds Candy Company.

The company has now cornered the cotton candy business in Los Angeles, capturing an A-list clientele which includes Paris Hilton, other stars, chefs, musicians and athletes.

She said that Filipinos have qualities that make them good entrepreneurs wherever they may be.

"First and foremost, they should work on their passion. We Filipinos are very persevering, we are very determined. Those are good qualities that would really turn to successful business," she said.

Her advice to other aspiring Filipino-American entrepreneurs: "Think big. This is America, think bigger."

After making one of the simplest sugar treats into a million-dollar business, Rodecker is now setting her sights on bigger things.

Barbosa wins top place in Campo Memorial Chess

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino International Master (IM) Oliver Barbosa won the overall title in the Florencio Campomanes Memorial Yangon International Open Chess 2011 in Yangon, Myanmar on Monday.

The Taytay, Rizal native finished with 7.5 points to bag the overall title and the $3,000 prize that goes with it.

The event was organized by the Myanmar Chess Federation and Myanmar Sports and Physical Education Department to pay homage to the FIDE (World Chess Federation) honorary president Florencio "Pocamps" Campomanes.

“Once again our flag has been raised in this foreign land,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

Li Hanbing of China finished second with 7 points for the $1,600 runner-up purse.

Seven players -- IM Richard Bitoon and FM Mari Joseph Turqueza of the Philippines, IM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam, IM Atanu Lahiri and IM Dinesh Kumar Sharma of India, IM Myo Naing and Moun Moun Latt of Myanmar -- shared third to ninth places with 6.5 points.

IM Wynn Zaw Htun, Myint Han and Zayar of Myanmar finished in a tie for 10th to 12th places with 6 points.

Junior Archers shoot down Blue Eaglets in OT

MANILA, Philippines - De La Salle University (DLSU) drew first blood over bitter rival Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) this year as the Junior Archers defeated the reigning 3-time champion Blue Eaglets, 78-75, in overtime on Tuesday's UAAP juniors basketball.

Gabby Reyes scored 21 points and Isaac Lim added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to lift La Salle-Zobel at AdMU's home court in Katipunan.

Reyes sank two pressure packed charities for a 76-73 advantage, before the Junior Archers forced the Blue Eaglets to a 5-second inbound violation in the next play just 30 seconds remaining.

Kristiane Velhagen's free throw gave La Salle Zobel more breathing room in overtime, but Ateneo made it 75-77 on Gab Capacio’s putback.

Axel Torres split his charities to make it 78-75 with 18.6 seconds remaining. The Junior Archers then tightened its defense in the final seconds, forcing Blue Eaglets’ Gerald Austria’s desperation triple to miss its mark.

It was Ateneo's Thomas Ramos who sank two free throws to send the game into overtime, 67-67.

NU rips UST

National University nipped last year’s juniors finalist University of Santo Tomas (UST), 63-59, in overtime at the Ateneo Blue Eagle gym.

The Bullpups practically led for most part of the game, but found a resilient team in the Tiger Cubs who placed the scores at 53-all in regulation.

Ralph Tristian Tansignco led the Bullpups with 20 points while Rafael Lorenzo Busa added 10. Paul Bernard Baliton dished an all-around game with 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Adamson University (AdU), meanwhile, beat University of the Philippines Integrated School, 83-64.

Bryant to join All-Star series vs Gilas, PBA

MANILA, Philippines - Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant is reportedly joining a stellar NBA selection, including two-time scoring champion Kevin Durant and reigning MVP Derrick Rose, coming over to play a two-game blockbuster series against Smart Gilas Pilipinas and a PBA selection at the Araneta Coliseum late this month.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar, who is in town to kick off his five-city Nike Asian tour, was included in a roster of NBA stars who will play in the series to be held for the benefit of the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) to uplift Philippine sports and help develop Filipino athletes.

Organizers will officially announce full details of the giant cage event Friday at the Meralco Lighthouse inside Meralco Complex in Ortigas, Pasig.

The two-day basketball extravaganza, presented by the MVPSF, Smart, Meralco and TV5 with Maynilad, MNTC, MIPC and Philex Mining as other sponsors, coincides with the birthday celebration of basketball chief Manny V. Pangilinan on July 14.

Also in the NBA roster are Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma Thunder, Darko Milicic of the MinnesotaTimberwolves, Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings, DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers and Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat.

Milicic’s teammate Kevin Love and Andrei Igoudala of the Philadelphia Sixers are no longer part of the team as earlier reported.

The two-day event became possible following the NBA lockout, making the NBA stars available for the Manila visit.

Sources said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes is in charge of negotiations with the NBA group led by former star Chris Webber who had played in an exhibition game against a PBA selection early this year.

The Nationals hope to use the game as one of their alternative buildups to their cancelled trips to Lisbon, Portugal and Istanbul, Turkey as they prepare for the Fiba-Asia Championship slated Sept. 15-25 in Wuhan, China.

Injuries to a number of players prompted Smart Gilas to cancel their Europe trips.

The Nationals are scheduled to play in the Jones Cup from Aug. 6 to 14 in Chinese Taipei and one more tournament, perhaps in China, before plunging into action in Wuhan where a lone berth to the 2012 London Olympics is at stake.

A PBA source confirmed the league is forming a selection to play the NBA stars.

James Yap, Marc Pingris, Rabah Al-Hussaini, Arwind Santos, Mark Caguioa, LA Tenorio, Gary David and Gabe Norwood are among players tipped to make the PBA selection to be handled by Reyes himself.

Azkals eye improved defense vs Kuwait

MANILA, Philippines – Azkals team coach Hans Michael Weiss said defense will be an important aspect of their game when they face Kuwait in their away game on July 23.

“We will change the central defense and try not to concede a goal in the first match,” Weiss said in a FIFA.com report.

Weiss said they will have to shut down Kuwait's attacking game to come up at least with a goalless draw.

“If we can come away with a goalless draw, then things will be different when we play as hosts five days later,” he said, referring to the Azkals’ home game on July 28.

He admitted that Kuwait is the toughest opponent for the Azkals so far.

Kuwait made it to the 1982 FIFA World Cup finals and is currently placed 102nd in the FIFA world rankings. The Philippines is ranked 159th.

“They (Kuwait) are a very strong team in Asia,” said Weiss. “I wish I had a year to prepare for the match-ups, rather than a couple of weeks, then we should have a good chance against them.”

However, he assured that the Azkals will give their best to upset Kuwait.

“With solid preparation, good performance and perhaps an extra ounce of luck, it’s possible for us to turn the corner,” he said.