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Philippine ambassador Lillibeth V Pono lauded the Filipino architects’ contribution to the development of the built environment of Qatar at a recent event, urging them to use their knowledge and skills to be drivers of change and innovation.“Here in Qatar, Filipino professionals — notably Filipino architects — have had an outsized role in helping spur our host country’s development and progress. Renowned for their world-class talent and creativity, Filipino architects have been instrumental in the transformation not only of this country, but also of the broader Middle East region, into what it is today,” said the envoy.Taking part in various events organised by Filipino professional groups in Qatar, Pono recently joined members of the United Architects of the Philippines - Qatar Chapter in their induction, oath-taking, and turnover ceremonies.She also attended the general membership meeting and seminar of the Qatar Chapter of the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines, Inc, themed ‘Plumbing Strategies, Technologies, and Approaches Towards Sustainable Development Goals’.Pono said the theme “resonates with the Philippines’ immediate agenda of promoting advanced research and development, technology, and innovation, particularly in technical fields”.She also paid tribute to the value of the work being undertaken by master plumbers.“Beyond jokes and funny quips about being a ‘tubero’, being a master plumber requires technical know-how and expertise that could only be obtained through practical experience and continuous learning,” she said. “Whether it’s designing comprehensive plumbing systems or ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, it takes dedication, passion, and competence to be a good master plumber.”The day was capped off by the general assembly, election and induction of the Board of Directors, and recognition of the life members of the Filipino Planning Engineers Association.In her remarks, Pono said the event’s emphasis on achieving global competitiveness was a “timely reminder of the urgency to upskill, to keep up with the fast-paced progress in the field of technology, and to be updated with developments in your respective fields.”“Being static and complacent amounts to a grave disservice to your profession and your own personal growth,” she said. “Without growth, you risk losing out to others who are ready, adaptable, and able to take on the challenge of learning new and innovative ways of doing things.”

Qatar made its mark at Toastmasters International’s 100th anniversary, with District 116 director Sabeena M K, walking the stage with the national flag at the centennial 2024 Toastmasters International Convention, held from August 14-17 in Anaheim, California. The occasion drew thousands of Toastmasters members worldwide, celebrating a century of fostering effective communication and leadership.“This moment represents the accomplishments of everyone in District 116,” said Sabeena. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organisation that helps individuals improve their public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs, with over 364,000 members in 145 countries.

Picpa Doha, a network of Filipino financial professionals in Qatar, recently organised a school supply drive by distributing notebooks, papers, pencils, erasers, crayons, and kiddie meals to less fortunate students in a remote island community in Mindanao, Philippines.The corporate social responsibility (CSR) event took place on August 3 at Look Jambangan Elementary School in Baluno, Isabela City, Basilan — serving under 100 students from pre-kindergarten to 5th Grade, a statement issued in Doha said.The event had the theme, ‘Empowering Education, Equip the Future’. Effie Sevillano, chairman for CSR for FY2024-2025, and Jeremy Santiago, associate volunteer for CSR for FY2024-2025, coordinated the initiative. Picpa Doha president Kathryn Fajardo, Antonia G Tanghaji (Public Schools district supervisor of Isabela North I); Murada Danial (Public Schools district supervisor of Isabela North II); Rene M Delgado (head, Look Jambangan Elementary School); Jerold Francisco, Karen Joy Taccad-Dela Torre, Christyanne Jhoielle Monterola, Faizal Jr Amilaan, Al-Rashed Taugiag; Aljabar Musallain, and Akim Mussallain and the teachers of Look Jambangan Elementary School supported the event.

Around 150 workers from various labour camps, along with community members, attended a heat stress awareness session organised by Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) Qatar recently.The session proceedings were coordinated by general-secretary Varkey Boban, who emphasised the importance of early detection of heat stress symptoms. President Shanavas Bava highlighted the significance of the awareness programme during the peak of summer, as part of ICBF’s 40th anniversary celebrations.Indian embassy’s Labour Department ASO Jaya Ganesh Bharadwaj, the chief guest, lauded ICBF’s active involvement in addressing community issues and enhancing well-being.Sushant Savardekar, SHEQ manager at Almana Group Insulation Engineering Company, was the resource person. He provided attendees with insights into preventing heat stress and managing health risks during extreme temperatures.ICBF’s fishermen welfare head Shankar Goud welcomed the gathering. ICBF managing committee member Neelambari Sushant and advisory council member T Ramaselvam coordinated. Indian Cultural Centre secretary Abraham Joseph, Indian Sports Centre managing committee member Deepak Chukkala and other community leaders were present. ICBF secretary T K Mohamed Kunhi proposed a vote of thanks.

The Qatar Volunteer Center, under the Ministry of Culture, honored the winners of the third edition of the "Qatar Volunteer Sash Award" on Saturday. The event, held at Qatar University, was under the patronage of HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani.This award, organized in collaboration with the American Points of Light foundation, aims to promote and encourage the culture of volunteerism. It recognizes volunteer leaders who have met various criteria, appreciating their outstanding efforts in events and festivals.During the ceremony, 500 volunteers who participated in various fields and events were honored. Additionally, seven volunteers were awarded the "Qatar Volunteer Sash," recognizing their exceptional contributions. The winners were Jassim Issa Al Mohannadi, Ahmed Saleh Al Halahi, Sarah Saadoun Al Jamal, Dana Raed Ribhi, Suhaib Abdo, and Mohammed Marei Al Hajri.Executive Director of Qatar Voluntary Center, Moaid Al Qahtani, emphasized that the center's efforts and those of its members have significantly contributed to supporting numerous activities and events in Qatar. This aligns with the Ministry of Culture's vision and strategy to promote and instill the culture of volunteerism in the community, encouraging creative initiatives and highlighting the capabilities and potentials of the youth. The center has also established fruitful partnerships with various organizations and institutions.Al Qahtani added that the programs and initiatives of the Qatar Volunteer Center, including training courses and qualifying workshops under the Ministry of Culture, have led to an increase in the number of young volunteers, particularly Qatari youth. These programs have enhanced their role in contributing to the success of various mass events and opened up job opportunities for them through volunteerism, which serves as a cultural and social legacy supporting the development path in Qatar across various sectors.The Executive Director of Qatar Voluntary Center affirmed the success of its members in leaving a significant mark on the activities they participated in. Hundreds of volunteers provided assistance, support, guidance, and awareness in many events, including the "International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha," which lasted six months, the 2023 National Day celebrations at Darb Al Saai, the 33rd edition of the Doha International Book Fair, and more.It is worth noting that candidates for the Qatar Volunteer Sash Award must complete 300 hours of volunteer work, excel in their tasks during the selected month, continuously participate in volunteer activities, and be a member of the Qatar Volunteer Center.

Qatar Museums and 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum announced the opening of 'Olympism: More Than a Dream Exhibition, recording 40 years of Qatar's participation in the Olympics since 1984,' which will run starting today until August 25, in Paris.The exhibition is divided into 3 parts: the 1st part is a tribute to the Founder of the Modern Olympics Pierre de Coubertin, and celebrates Qatar's gift of the first translation of Coubertin's Selected Writings into Arabic for the first time. The exhibition features iconic Olympic objects from the Museum's collection, from Muhammad Ali's left boxing glove from Rome 1960, hand-inscribed by the most charismatic of athletes, detailing his victories, to a rare Innsbruck 1964 Olympic torch used on the first occasion that the Olympic flame for a Winter Games was lit in Olympia, Greece birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games.The 2nd part highlights key milestones in Qatar's progress as an Olympic nation, from its first participation at Los Angeles 1984 to Tokyo 2020. Foregrounding Qatar's continuous involvement in each subsequent Summer Olympic Games and Paralympics featuring milestone moments, memorabilia and medals from Qatar's first medal in 1992 to one of the two Tokyo 2020 Golds the exhibition shines a light on how the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship have been articulated in Qatar and across the MENA region.On display is the bronze won by Qatar athlete Mohammed Suleiman in the 1500m at Barcelona, the first medal in the history of the Olympic Games to be won by a Gulf Country. The gold medal won by the Qatari Falcon' Mutaz Barshim at Tokyo 2020 is one of the highlights of the exhibition. In the high jump final, Qatar's Barshim and Italy's Tamberi both cleared a height of 2.37m but did not progress. In one of the most heart-warming moments in Olympic history, Barshim then made history by suggesting that the pair share the gold. This rare instance of athletes of different nations agreeing to share the same medal is a shining example of Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship.The 3rd and final part explores Qatar's emergence as a global sporting leader and host, and its aspirations to host the Olympic Games in the future. Building on its long and successful track record as international sport host, Qatar now wishes to progress its Olympic dream.Qatar Museums will for the first time present Pierre De Coubertin: Textes Choisis, Volume 1.

The second edition of the Katara Space Science Program (KSSP), organized by the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, in collaboration with the global MAPS Foundation, concluded amidst great enthusiasm and significant participation at the Katara Al Thuraya Planetarium.The three-day program featured a diverse range of interactive scientific activities focusing on "How to Reach Outer Space" and the "Artemis Program to Return to the Moon," presented by scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).The program included three sessions, each offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.One of the highlights was the hands-on workshop where participants built and launched prototype space rockets from the Al Thuraya Planetarium, under the supervision and guidance of the participating scientists.In addition to scientific presentations and live interactions, the program also showcased the second edition of the Cosmic Canvas- Space Art Exhibition, featuring a collection of stunning photographs related to space exploration. About 20 artists participated, providing new creative dimensions to the exploration of space.The second edition of the program saw remarkable attendance, with over 400 students from more than 80 schools across Qatar, as well as officials from various companies.This event served as a scientific platform for students and young people through numerous rich and diverse discussions, as well as interactive workshops and impactful presentations. The significant engagement from participants highlighted the immense potential of the next generation of young scientists.

More than 200 people donated blood at a camp organised by Syro Malabar Cultural Association (SMCA) Qatar in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation recently.

The Philippine Human Resource Practitioners - Qatar (PHRPQ) recently hosted a workshop on ‘Recent Amendments to Qatar’s Labour Law’. Chairperson Amelita D Andrada facilitated the session among Filipino HR professionals eager to stay abreast of the Labour Law.The workshop marks another milestone for PHRPQ, established in November 2022 to foster continuous learning among HR practitioners. The seminar also underscores the PHRPQ’s commitment to keeping its members informed about crucial developments in Qatar’s labour landscape.The PHRPQ’s committee on Continuing Professional Development (CPD), headed by Dr Richelle Arugay, designs various programmes throughout the year, covering a wide spectrum of HR-related topics. This latest seminar on Labour Law amendments demonstrates the organisation’s responsiveness to the evolving needs of HR professionals in Qatar.For HR practitioners interested in future PHRPQ events and further information on upcoming learning opportunities, contact Dr Richelle Arugay at [email protected].

Qatar resident Shikha Sharma, has won the title of the second runner-up at Mrs India Empress of the Nation Season 5 in Pune, a statement said. There were 54 contestants in the event organised by Karl Mascarenhas and Anjana Mascarenhas.

Utkalika Qatar celebrated the Raja festival, honouring womanhood and the fertility of Mother Earth.Traditionally celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha, the festival marks the beginning of the agricultural season and the onset of the monsoon.The event was a colourful spectacle, with members showcasing a variety of Odia delicacies, including traditional cakes and sweets. The spread included classics such as 'Poda Pitha', a baked rice cake, and 'Chakuli Pitha', a type of pancake, among other sweets and savouries.The chief guest, Dr Maneesh Mangal, principal of Podar Pearl School, inaugurated the festival, addressed the gathering and feted the Class X and XII achievers along with Utkalika Qatar president Dr Basanta Kabi, general secretary Abinash Acharya, vice president Nihar Ranjan Mohanty, joint secretary Ipsita Satpathy, education secretary Satyajit Samal and joint education secretary Priyadarshini Senapati.The event also featured traditional music and dance performances. Attendees dressed in vibrant Odia attire, participated enthusiastically, showcasing the unity and cultural pride of the Odia community in Qatar.As the festival concluded, there was a palpable sense of joy and fulfilment among the attendees, who left with cherished memories and a strengthened sense of cultural pride. The event was organised by the Utkalika Ladies wing headed by Secretary Niharika Swain and Joint Secretary Jayashree Mohapatra.

Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) hosted a tribute to Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, India's 11th President. Dr Ponraj, a former scientific adviser to the late luminary, gave a motivational address for children.

The Zeal Toastmasters Club in Doha installed its executive committee for 2024-25. The committee has President - Muna Fathima Moiz; vice presidents - Elizabeth Thomas, Jayant Kadri, Samreen Shahanshah; treasurer - Merrin John; secretary - Yatika Tripathi; sergeant at arms - Mohamed Rafeek. Area 8 director Shweta Koshti was the installation officer. The immediate past president Seema Bhardwaj and her team were acknowledged for their contributions. Division 'B' director Nufaisa was the general evaluator for the meeting.

Qatar Tamilar Munnetra Sangam (QTMS) honoured students of Adhiran Silambam for their outstanding achievements in the ancient martial art form of Silambam at the International Open Silambam Competition in Malaysia recently. They won four gold, four silver and two bronze. The felicitation event was graced by Dr Ponraj, a scientific adviser to the late Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India.

An environment-friendly fashion contest and colourful group dances captivated the audience at Indian Cultural Centre’s 'Malhar 2.0' held as part of the Wednesday Fiesta in association with ICC Youth Wing.Renowned lyricist Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma and acclaimed Kannada singer Seema Raiker were the special guests. A highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Indian students who were recently awarded medals for educational excellence by His Highness the Amir.The fashion contest showcased outfits made from recycled materials, highlighting the importance of environment conservation. ICC president A P Manikantan emphasised the importance of cultural preservation and community unity. Vice president Subramanya Hebbagelu, general secretary Mohankumar Duraisamy, management committee members, ICC Youth Wing chairman Edwin Sebastian, general convener Dishari Roy, executive members and senior community leaders were present.ICC Youth wing committee member Maran Chidambaram welcomed audience and Prathiksha Bhosale proposed a vote of thanks.

Sundaresan Rajeswar, a senior Toastmaster from Qatar, has been selected to receive the Presidential Citation Award for 2024 at the 93rd International Convention in Anaheim, California, US, on August 15, 2024, a statement from District 116 Toastmasters in Qatar, said.“I congratulate you on your outstanding contributions and dedication to Toastmasters International,” said Morag Mathieson, international president 2023-2024, in her letter to Rajeswar.Since 1999, he has served in various leadership roles in the Toastmaster community in the Middle East, including region advisor. As the first district director in 2018-19, he led Qatar as the number one district in the world.“Rajeswar’s exemplary leadership, coupled with professional achievements and international exposure, embodies the spirit of Toastmasters. His ability to coach, mentor, and guide individuals and teams has set high standards. His dedication to fostering a multicultural environment and pursuit of excellence have positively impacted many globally,” said Ravishankar, district director.Rajeswar, who is leaving his current employment in Qatar after 27 years, has contributed to the formation of the Institute of Internal Auditors Qatar chapter and been serving on the Board throughout. Rajeswar is also on the Global Board committee of the IIA and in the thought leadership for over 10 years. He was chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and was awarded the CA Achiever award by the Chapter for his contribution.Rajeswar was also named for the Internal Audit Beacon Award 2022, which recognises the top dozen auditors globally who made a difference by Richard Chambers, past CEO/president of IIA Global, the statement added.

More than 300 individuals, including a significant number of domestic workers, benefitted from a medical camp conducted by the Indian Cultural Centre’s (ICC) Women’s Forum in association with Apollo Clinic Qatar.Indian ambassador Vipul inaugurated the camp and ICC president A P Manikantan presided. Indian Sports Centre president E P Abdulrahman and other officials from ICC and Indian Community Benevolent Forum were present.Doha Healthcare Group director Louis J Moylan and medical operations head Dr Hythem Naser presented the privilege card that offers discounts and offers on healthcare services to Women's Forum external events head Gargy Vaidya.Women's Forum general secretary Naveena Priya explained that an array of vital tests along with doctor consultations were offered to the participants. They were also presented with privilege cards.

Qatar Singa Pengal, a community of Tamil women, celebrated their third anniversary, with a night of culture and festivity.Indian Cultural Centre's (ICC) former chairperson Milan Arun was the guest of honour. Dr Zerin Rose and Thirukkural researcher Renganayaki Krishnamurthy were present.The programme featured dance, standup comedy, fashion show, orchestra and debate.

District 116 Qatar Toastmasters Speakers’ Bureau joined hands with the recently concluded Expo 2023 Doha to organise a speech workshop attended by around 50 children.The initiative was led by Expo organising committee secretary-general Dr Fayqa Ashkanani and Bureau chair Shoba Raj with support from District 116 programme quality director Sabeena M K and other officials from both sides.

Indian Cultural Centre’s (ICC) Youth Wing, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation’s Blood Donation Centre, organised a blood donation camp at Grand Mall in Asian Town Industrial Area. Indian embassy first secretary Harshvardan Patel, the chief guest, lauded the initiative. ICC president Manikantan A P thanked the participants and volunteers. Indian Community Benevolent Forum president Shanavas Bawa, ICC general secretary Mohan Kumar and other leaders were present. ICC Youth Wing chairman Edwin Sebastian led the event. Joint convener Pallavi Jayaraj welcomed the gathering and welfare convener Brammakumar proposed a vote of thanks.