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Filipino Times
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Filipino Times
Twelve-year-old Filipina gymnast wins 4 medals at GAP Challenge, earns spot on PH national team
Filipina artistic gymnast Jhodelle Chavez, 12 years old, delivered a stellar performance at the GAP Challenge 2025 in Manila, winning four medals across multiple events. Representing Italy, the Batangas-born athlete showcased her strength and artistry at the international gymnastics competition held from March 29 to 30. Get the latest news instantly on your phone—join the Filipino Times WhatsApp channel now! Chavez secured a gold medal in the Beam exercise, two silver medals in the Uneven Bars and Overall/Individual All-Around categories, and a bronze in Floor Exercise under the HP4 level. Jhodelle Chavez clinches gold medal in Beam exercise. Jhodelle Chavez earns two silvers in the Uneven Bars and Overall/Individual All-Around categories. The event gathered top gymnasts from different countries, many of whom were vying for a spot on the Philippine National Team. 'Masayang-masaya kami kasi importante itong GAP Challenge kay Jody. talagang sinadya lang namin ang competition,' her mother Jonalyn shared, adding that their family flew back to the Philippines just for the 10-day trip to attend the competition. Now officially part of the Philippine National Gymnastics Team, Chavez will return to Italy to continue her high school studies while training under Coach Monica degli Uberti of CAG Napoli. Her next international competition will be in Italy this April, followed by the National Championships in Riccione, Italy, this May. Jhodelle, who turns 13 this June, has already won the Italian national title for three consecutive years. Her consistent performance and dedication continue to inspire young gymnasts in the Philippines and abroad. Her journey shows how passion and hard work can take young Filipinas to international platforms while bringing pride to the country with every victory. Written with the contributions of Alona Cochon.
Filipino Times
03-04-2025
- Filipino Times
Three sentenced to death in UAE for kidnapping, murder
Three individuals have been sentenced to death by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals' State Security Chamber for their role in the kidnapping and murder of Moldovan-Israeli citizen Zvi Kogan. Meanwhile, a fourth defendant received a life sentence for premeditated murder with terrorist intent. Get the latest news instantly on your phone—join the Filipino Times WhatsApp channel now! The court ruled unanimously on the case, convicting the defendants based on strong evidence, including their detailed confessions, forensic reports, and witness testimonies. However, authorities have not disclosed a motive for the murder of Kogan or how he was kidnapped and killed. The Attorney General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, ordered an expedited trial in January 2025 after investigations confirmed that the defendants had tracked and murdered the victim. The State Security Prosecution handled the case, which presented evidence in court. Under UAE law, death sentences are automatically subject to appeal and will be reviewed by the Federal Supreme Court. The fourth defendant, who assisted in the crime, will be deported after serving his life sentence. According to The New York Times, Kogan was a dual citizen of Israel and Moldova and was active in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, a Hasidic Jewish group focused on outreach.
Filipino Times
19-02-2025
- Filipino Times
PH Embassy in UAE announces adjusted service hours for Ramadan 2025
In observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Philippine Embassy has announced a temporary adjustment to its service hours. From Monday to Thursday, the Embassy will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while on Fridays, services will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on March 1 this year. Regular office hours will resume following the celebration of Eid Al Fitr. Get the latest news instantly on your phone—join the Filipino Times WhatsApp channel now! Filipinos in the UAE are highly encouraged to plan their visits accordingly and extend their understanding during this period. Related story: Ramadan 2025: Possible start date set for March 1
Filipino Times
10-02-2025
- Filipino Times
Dubai's initiative to create car-free, pedestrian-friendly residential areas
Dubai just launched a new initiative to turn several residential areas into car-free, pedestrian-friendly zones. Recently, Dubai's Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, approved a series of initiatives that improve the quality of life across the emirate. Get the latest news instantly on your phone—join the Filipino Times WhatsApp channel now! The 'Super Block' initiative solidifies Dubai's position as a global leader in pedestrian-friendly urban living. Through this project, the emirate is dedicated to transforming selected urban areas into pro-pedestrian zones, fostering sustainable mobility, enhancing social interaction, and improving overall quality of life. Under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the initiative also aims to reduce carbon emissions by designating car-free residential areas in Al Fahidi, Al Karama, Abu Hail, and Al Quoz Creative Zone. A car-free residential area not only encourages residents and citizens to walk and cycle more often to promote a healthier lifestyle but also reduces carbon footprint across the emirate. It can also improve air quality, create safer streets, enhance community interaction, reduce traffic congestion, and provide more green spaces.
Filipino Times
10-02-2025
- Sport
- Filipino Times
Filipina gymnast represents PH, shines bright in Italy competition
Filipina gymnast Jhodelle Mallari Chavez made the Philippines proud in Italy, securing first place in the Individual Women's Artistic Gymnastics A5 Category at the Regional Competition in Naples. The young Filipina gymnast is just 12 years old, but she was already making Filipinos proud everywhere as she fought to win more titles for the Philippines. Get the latest news instantly on your phone—join the Filipino Times WhatsApp channel now! Chavez, born in Naples but with roots in Lipa, Batangas, was discovered by Coach Monica degli Uberti, the president of CAG Napoli, while her family was on the metro heading home. The coach approached them, recognizing the great potential in the young Chavez for artistic gymnastics. Starting training at just 5 and a half years old, Chavez has dedicated herself to gymnastics, and her hard work and talent have paid off with her impressive achievements on the international stage. Some of her accomplishments are as follows: 2021 – Gold A1 Regional Champion (Campania) & Top 10 in Italian National Semifinals 2022 – Gold A2 Regional Champion & Finalist in Italian National Competition 2023 – Gold A3 Regional Champion & Finalist in Italian National Competition 2024 – Gold A4 Regional Champion & Finalist in Italian National Competition 2025 – Gold A5 1st Place (Regional Competition) Her next competition will be on March 29, 2025, where she will be competing in the 2nd Regional Competition to qualify for the Italian National Competition in May 2025, which she has reigned as champion for three consecutive years. Written with the contributions of Alona Cochon.
