ONE Championship are closing out 2017 with a bang, with a host of its top stars set for action.

One such star is Eduard Folayang, who captured the ONE Lightweight World Title when he dethroned Japanese martial arts legend Shinya Aoki in November 2016, then cemented his championship status with victory over Ev Ting at ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY in April this year.

The Filipino star initially struggled to generate momentum in his ONE Championship career, with early defeats derailing his title runs when he thought things were on the rise.

Now, he stands atop the ONE lightweight division, and will put his title on the line against featherweight belt holder Martin Nguyen in a special world champion-versus-world champion matchup at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD in Manila on 10 November.

“My journey in ONE Championship ever since my first bout has been a roller coaster,” he admitted. “There were moments in my career when I was already near to a title shot, but suddenly I lost momentum. And then I climbed the ladder again and fell again.

“This time I really pushed hard to be on the top, and finally after five years, I had the chance to compete for the title.”

That chance saw him face Aoki, one of the most respected athletes in Asia. But, determined not to allow another setback to halt his charge towards the title, he stopped the Japanese star via third-round TKO to capture the lightweight world title.

It proved the conclusion of a long, hard road to the top.

“It feels good after a long journey,” he said after the bout. “It is just like what I said, this is my time, and I proved it.”

The victory not only gave Folayang personal pride in achieving a lifelong goal, it also helped show the people back home in the Philippines that it is possible to work hard and fight your way out of poverty.

“My parents sacrificed a lot to bring us to school,” he explained. “Sometimes, they even borrowed money just for us to pay our tuition fees. In their daily lives they didn’t focus on just one job, they found extra work that they could do so that it would compensate for the needs that we had.”

Now a proud world champion for his nation, Folayang wants to use his position to help influence and inspire people to strive for greatness in their own lives.

“The reason I compete is because I have the passion for it, and because I know God has given me the ability to influence my countrymen,” he said. “There are a lot of problems in the Philippines. We’ve seen the effect of drugs on the Filipino people.

“Being champion has given me the opportunity to touch the lives of so many. Even by just giving the fans a single evening, just one performance that can prove to them that anything is possible if you really want it means the world to me,” said Folayang.

“As an athlete, I want to inspire the youth to not waste their lives on doing drugs, but to find the purpose of their existence; to find if they have the talent in sports or whatever areas they are talented in.”

Folayang successfully defended his title against Malaysia’s Ting in his last outing, and said that his first performance as a defending world champion posed new challenges that have forced him to raise his game to new levels.

“That match helped me to realise that every bout from here on will become increasingly difficult,” he explained. “Ting was no easy opponent. When you are the champion, everyone wants to take the belt from you, everyone comes in with their A-game.

“I am working even harder now to keep this title because I know how much it means to the people who believe in me.”

The next man in line to try to wrestle the title away from Folayang is Australian Nguyen, who stunned unbeaten world champion Marat Gafurov with a huge KO to capture the ONE Featherweight World Championship at ONE: QUEST FOR GREATNESS in August.

That stunning victory stands out as one of the very best performances in ONE Championship this year, and Folayang knows he’ll need to be at his best to ensure Nguyen doesn’t spring another shock when they met on 10 November.

“Facing a guy like Martin, it is not going to be easy.,” he admitted. “He is a world champion, he has tremendous all-around skills, and he is incredibly intelligent.

“The challenge is so intense, so coming in with the right game plan is key. Winning this bout is my top priority, to keep this belt on my shoulder. It is going to be tough, but I have my people to support me.

“I want to make everyone proud. I want to show the fans that Filipino athletes are world-class.”

Filipino flyweight Danny Kingad couldn’t believe it when he was told he’d be competing for a ONE World Title in his next bout, but now that his big chance has arrived, he’s determined to make it count.

Kingad has impressed in his martial arts career so far, compiling an undefeated 8-0 record to push him into title contention.

Now, the 22-year-old Team Lakay standout will look to become one of ONE Championship’s youngest-ever champions, when he challenges experienced Adriano Moraes for the ONE Flyweight World Title on 10 November at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD.

When the call came, Kingad admitted he was taken completely by surprise by the news.

“When coach Mark Sangiao revealed that ONE Championship had put me next in line for a shot at the ONE Flyweight World Championship, I was shocked. I was nervous,” he said. Those initial nerves have subsided, and Kingad is ready to step up and take on the toughest tests of his career.

Moraes is a two-time world champion with a wealth of martial arts experience. having dominated previously-undefeated champion Kairat Akhmetov to reclaim his belt at ONE: KINGS OF THE WORLD in August. In addition, the 28-year-old Brazilian has more wins than Kingad has had bouts, with a record of 16-2.

Those credentials initially had Kingad questioning his own, but he quickly shook off any sense of disbelief and doubt, and grew in confidence as he launched into his training.

“I thought to myself, ‘Am I ready?’” he admitted. “I have waited so long for this. Ever since I joined ONE Championship, I had my eyes set on becoming champion. This is what I wanted when I became a martial artist – to be the best in the world.

“Now that it is finally happening and I have this opportunity right in front of me, the feeling of nervousness quickly turned into motivation.”

Kingad has been hard at work training at altitude in Baguio City in the Philippines, preparing himself for the biggest bout of his life. The 22-year-old says he’s ready to step up to championship level and defeat a seasoned, well-rounded champion.

“Although I am prepared for wherever this bout goes, whether it stays on the feet and we battle it out with our striking, or it goes to the ground and I have to deal with his high-level grappling, I will be ready,” he explained.

“Moraes is a beast on the ground, and I know he will be looking to take me down, so my team and I are preparing the best we can for an all-out war. I am making sure that my escapes and submission defence are there.

“My game plan is to definitely stay on the feet and strike with this guy, but if it goes to the ground, I will be ready.”

The Filipino challenger also paid tribute to the champion, saying Moraes “does not have many weaknesses” and that he is “probably the closest to being a complete martial artist”.

Despite respecting Moraes’ skills, Kingad says he’s ready to take advantage of the smallest opening during the bout.

“His striking is on point, his grappling is top-notch, and you really cannot underestimate him for one minute,” he stated. “He is open to counters, and all I have to do is land that one big shot. That is why I am working on my strength and power, so that when I do connect, it is going to be lights out.

“Make no mistake about it, I am going for the knockout. This is going to be the most exciting bout of the year.”

Around 4,000 members of Pro-Jokowi, or Projo, a volunteer group supporting President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and other societal elements, are set to attend the wedding celebration of the President’s daughter, Kahiyang Ayu, and her fiance, Bobby Afif Nasution, in Surakarta, Central Java, on Nov. 8.

They reportedly will arrive in stages at Purwosari Station starting from Monday.

The Surakarta administration prepared transportation and lodging for the Projo volunteers. They will stay overnight at Donohudan Haj Dormitory in Boyolali before they attend the Kahiyang-Bobby wedding ceremony. Fifty buses have also been prepared to transport them from Purwosari Station to Donohudan and on to the wedding venue.

“Every 10 buses will have a road escort and patrol team from the Surakarta Police’s traffic subdirectorate. The Projo volunteers will only attend Kahiyang’s midodareni [prenuptial ritual] on Tuesday evening,” said Surakarta Transportation Agency head Hari Prihatno on Thursday.

Separately, Joko Pujiyanto from the Surakarta Assets and Donohudan Haj Dormitory Management Unit said the administration had prepared 2,000 rooms at their facility. “Actually, the dormitory has a capacity of 4,000 rooms, but we booked only 2,000 rooms. One room can be used by two people. We can prepare more if needed,” he said.

Separately, Col. Widi Prasetijono, commander of the 074 Military Resort Command (Danrem) Warastratama Surakarta, ensured the readiness and safety of Donohudan Haj Dormitory to accommodate the thousands of Projo volunteers.

Meanwhile, the Boyolali Police have prepared two security posts and dispatched 250 personnel to secure Donohudan Haj Dormitory and Adi Sumarmo Airport.

A Batam radio station that Singapore accused of spreading Islamic State (IS) group propaganda has been cleared of the allegation and was granted permission to continue operations.

The Riau Islands Broadcasting Commission (KPID) conducted a review of the contents aired by Hang FM and and found no evidence it was airing radical teachings espoused by the terrorist group.

“The accusation that was made by Singapore is no longer a problem,” KPID chairman Azwardi said recently.

The commission said Hang FM had changed its method of propagating Islam, adding that it was now more open and no longer promoting radical teachings. The radio station, it said, had repeatedly denounced terrorism in its programs.

Hang FM owner Zein Alatas said his radio station was committed to fighting radical teachings.

The radio station held an off-air discussion on Aug. 30 themed “Developing Indonesia without Radicalism,” presenting local members of National Police, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and KPID as speakers.

The radio station was forced to change its contents after being accused by many parties of spreading radical teachings, including Singaporean authorities, who said it spread extremist ideology and radicalized two of its citizens, who had been arrested under the Internal Security Act for allegedly trying to join the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria.

The city-state’s Ministry of Home Affairs alleged that Rosli Hamzah, 50, and Mohamed Omar Mahadi, 33, started listening to Hang FM between 2009 and 2010, after which they became interested in “armed jihad” and IS.

Foreign tourists presumed to be Westerners have earned voluminous praise from Thai Facebook users after photos of them cleaning up beaches on Koh Pha Ngan were posted online.

A Pha Ngan resident posting on Facebook as “Noom Coral” shared the pictures on Wednesday.

The first images showed foreign men and women collecting garbage on beaches between Mae Had Bay and the smaller island of Ma.

A second batch showed an apparently Western woman picking up litter on Had Thong Nai Pan.

As Thais expressed their admiration and gratitude for the foreigners’ help, it was noted that local authorities have no way of keeping the beaches tidy.

Village heads in the area muster volunteers to clean them every Friday.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has extended moral support to rock star Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai, who on Wednesday began a 2,191-kilometre charity run.

“I’m giving encouragement and blessing for Toon to achieve his goal and to be safe while running throughout the long journey,” government spokesperson Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd quoted the premier as saying. Prayut urged Toon to take care of his own health and eat and rest sufficiently during the “Kao Kon La Kao” (Take One Step Each) run.

Sansern said the premier also instructed officials along the route to accommodate the runners as needed. Prayut thanked Toon and his fellow campaign organisers for their determination to assist the Public Health Ministry and state hospitals, saying citizens in need of care would be the ones who ultimately benefit.

“The prime minister praised all activities that benefit society and hopes young people will be inspired by this campaign to do something constructive and show their volunteer spirit,” Sansern said.

On the first leg of the run in Yala, the participants led by Toon – singer for the popular band Bodyslam – covered 55.55 kilometres and collected more than Bt47 million (S$1.9 million) in donations.

By December 25, they expect to have crossed the entire country, from southernmost point Betong district in Yala to northernmost Mae Sai district in in Chiang Rai. They aim to raise more than Bt700 million for 11 hospitals in need of better medical equipment.ai district.

However, the campaign has been criticised for only being a short-term solution that will not tackle the fundamental financial problems facing hospitals.

Prior to beginning the run, Artiwara said he respected everyone’s opinions regarding the campaign and related issues, while asking people who agreed with him to help with the cause.

He added that he had practiced running “the hardest in life” to prepare and wanted to see people coming together to help as happened during his previous 400-kilometre run over 10 days, which raised more than Bt70 million for Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Bang Saphan Hospital last year.

Thailands Culture Ministry announced |yesterday morning a ban on entering the Royal Crematorium of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej after visitors reportedly touched exhibits and displayed other inappropriate behaviour during a trial run on Wednesday spread on social media.

After HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening of the Royal Crematorium exhibition yesterday morning, the ministry announced a new rule restricting photography to the area outside the Royal Crematorium in an effort to protect the sacred structure.

The Culture Ministry hosted “trial run” tours for 16,500 invitees on Wednesday, including governmental officials, monks, students, physically disabled people and other citizens.

Three separate hour-long tours of the complex took place.

The exhibition organising committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn, permitted the select audience a close-up look of the Royal Crematorium, including visiting the interior second level.

But photos posted on social media showed visitors with their heads leaning together and posing with the Crematorium in the background.

Additionally, people were seen touching the sculptures decorating the masterpiece, while others took items from the exhibition.

“In order to run the tour smoothly with appropriate manners, the ministry announced that from November 2 [yesterday] onward, the general public can visit only the surroundings of the Royal Crematorium,” Anan Choochote, director-general of the Fine Arts Department, told Kom Chad Luek. He added that the committee was also concerned for the safety of visitors.

In the afternoon, Deputy Prime Ministry Wissanu Krea-ngam met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House to discuss Princess Sirindhorn’s advice regarding related problems.

“The government will take action immediately on HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s advice to solve problems related to visitors crowding the area at the Royal Crematorium Exhibition, where items could be broken before the exhibition closes at the end of this month. However, there is no discussion on the extension of timetable,” Wissanu said.

Officials were seen yesterday equipping sensors on some items, which were said to be a preventive measure to detect if people came in too close a proximity. Wassachon Thiangtae, a second-year student at Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin Poh Chang, said that it was a pity that people cannot enter the second floor of thcrematorium after the prohibition was issued.

“Because of them [people displaying inappropriate behaviour], people today missed an opportunity to get closer and to have an experience to visit the Royal Crematorium. “Those people are selfish and did not think about others,” said Wassachon. She added that she and her friends would return to the site since one hour was not enough.

“We waited at the screening point only a short time. Officials there have very good management,” Wassachon said.Sanchai Premsiri, 53, from Bangkok, said at first he planned to just look around, but after an official told him the queue was not long, he waited only 20 minutes to take the tour. He agreed with the prohibition preventing people from entering the second floor, saying items could be damaged if 100,000 of people went there each day for one month.

“This place is not a tourist attraction, it is a sacred site,” Sanchai said. He said he wanted the Royal Crematorium to be kept intact for the next generation. A Cultural Ministry official said the tours were running smoothly, with people dressing properly, behaving well and following the rules.

As many as 100,000 people are expected to visit the exhibition daily, with the eight roads adjacent to Sanam Luang remaining closed. In total, more than 3 million visitors are projected to visit the Royal Crematorium exhibition, which is open to the public until the end of November from 7am until 10pm.