Edge Davao 5 Issue 10 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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P 15.00 • 20 PAGES Yehey, we are

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

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Serving a seamless society

Indulge! Page A1

Mayor Sara scolds Central 911 staff n ‘You’re just a group with a nice

name and bad service,’ personnel told

By Jade C. Zaldivar

Agritends Page 7

FFICIALS and employees of Central 911, much-vaunted emergency response unit of Davao City, got a tongue-lashing from an incensed Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio for their “air of arrogance,” endless whining, attitude of self-importance and “bad service.”

At one time during the 20-minute dressing down, the lady mayor blurted “ano ba’ng pinagmamalaki ninyo (what are you so boastful about)? You’re just a group with a nice name and bad service.” The mayor met the 911 personnel at the Davao City Recreation Center at about 7:50 a.m. minutes before the personnel joined yesterday’s civic-military parade celebrating the 75th founding anniversary of the city. She allowed the media to cover the meeting on condition that they will only take notes but not shoot footages or

HEAR NO EVIL. Lawyer Vitaliano Aguirre, who rose to prominence with his now popular ear-covering gesture in the Senate impeachment trial, reenacts gamely as Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also mimics the act. Aguirre was in town as one of

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‘I was not insulted’

tape-record the proceedings. Of the 517 personnel of the unit, 250 showed up at the meeting, instead of the 400 expected. It was learned that 90 personnel could not join the meeting as they were left at the Central 911 manning its operations. It was not known why 177 staffers failed to show up. The mayor said people serving as members of the emergency response body have failed to be loyal to their job, saying ‘they answered complaints with complaints.’ At about 7:50 a.m. the mayor ar-

FMAYOR,12

the judges in the Mutya ng Dabaw pageant. It was logical for Aguirre to enjoy in Davao because he was a judge here like Senator Miriam D. Santiago, not just a prosecutor as in the Impeachment trial, according to newsman in jest. [Junnex e. Chua]

Ex-prosecutor Aguirre enjoys Davao visit

AWYER Vitaliano Aguirre II, controversial ex-prosecution panel member in the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, expressed his enjoyment in being invited as judge a Mutya ng Dabaw 2012 pageant. “Mas masarap dito kesa sa impeachment court,” Aguirre said in an

interview Wednesday night at the Davao City Recreation Center. Aguirre became an instant celebrity after getting caught covering his ears while Senator-Judge Miriam Denfensor-Santigao was scolding him and other prosecutors in court. Aguirre was cited in contempt leading to his decision to withdraw

from the prosecution team on March 1. Now enjoying his time off, Aguirre said he likes it better here in Davao where he “wasn’t insulted”. “Mas maganda dito fair, ‘di ka minumura,” Aguirre said. It was his fourth visit to the city and that he enjoyed. FEX, 12

2 THE BIG NEWS Drive vs. coco pest intensified A

gRICuLTuRE officials in South Cotabato province are pushing for the massive propagation of natural parasitoid Tetrastichus to help combat the continuing onslaught of the Brontispa longissima or coconut leaf beetle pest in the area. Reynaldo Legaste, South Cotabato provincial agriculturist, said they dispatched their technical personnel to train local farmers on the growing and use of the parasitoid, especially in areas that were affected by the Brontispa infestation. Based on their monitoring, he said around 30,000 hectares of coconut plantations in the province are being threatened by the pest, which mainly feeds on young leaves and damages seedlings and mature coconut palms.

Legaste said Brontispa infestation has been so far confirmed in Koronadal City and in the municipalities of Tampakan, Tupi and Polomolok. “The massive growing of Tetrastichus has been proven to be more economical when compared to using chemicals, which may pose health and environmental risks,” the official said. He cited that the parasitoids are used by dispersing them among the affected coconuts, where they would reproduce naturally and eventually counter the Brontispa pests. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist earlier sent the province’s municipal and city agriculture personnel to Davao City to undergo training on the culture of Tetrastichus. He said the trained

It figures

158.80

milliont

The total number of passengers who took the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 last year, a 3.9 percent higher than the figures recorded in 2010.

city.

Arnaiz said, “Living in a city has its corresponding economic advantage. Thus, it would be utterly unfair to the inhabitants of such municipalities to forever foreclose their right to the benefits of cityhood, simply because their municipalities’ land area or population is less than one hundred square kilometers or one hundred fifty thousand, respectively.” “The primordial reason for converting a municipality or cluster of barangays into a city is to ensure its economic viability and primarily, the Code’s objective is to ensure cities and municipalities are capable of providing social services to the inhabitants,” Arnaiz said. under the bill, the general rule remains, that for creation of or conversion into a city, a municipality must have an income of at least P100,000,000.00 and a land area of at least 100 square kilometers or population of at least

P21.6billion The increase in profits of JG Summit, the listed holding firm of the Gokongwei family, after it sold its stake in money-losing Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (Digitel) to Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. amounting to P13 billion.

EDGEDAVAO

BEAUTIES. Mutya ng Dabaw 2012 Mariannae Mae Te (center) with her court (from left) Jazelle Therese Gomez, Jhoanna Myles Te, Dorothy

Maruel Ibañez and Mari Theres Tan. [Joseph LawrenCe p. GarCia]

personnel are now propagating the parasitoid in Koronadal City and Polomolok, Tupi and Surallah towns. “We’re presently going down to the barangay level to effectively eliminate the Brontispa infestation,” Legaste said. He said their person-

government calamity preparedness programs. The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Regional Crop Protection Centers, is presently promoting the propagation and culture of the parasitoids to counter the Brontispa infestation in various parts of the coun-

try.

players in the country,” he added. Escudero said that Republic Act No. 8479, or the Oil Deregulation Law, was enacted to equip the DOE with enough powers to monitor the pump prices and ensure reasonable pricing on the basis of prevailing inventory and market price set by oil companies and dealers. “But those seem to be just lip service for any oil price increase implemented is faster than lightning. Oil companies can easily raise oil prices

without having to seek government’s consent. But the reverse is very glaring when decrease in oil is implemented by oil companies and retailers,” the senator said. This asymmetric price adjustments then become a burden to consumers, he added. Escudero said the transport sector, which bears the brunt of the price escalations, has to seek and plea for the government’s nod for any fare hike to cope with the escalating prices of petroleum products.

Have P220 million, will be a city

municipality which is tiny and sparsely populated can still become a city for as long its income is at least P22 million annually. The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill allowing a municipality to be converted into a component city if it has a locally generated average annual income of at least P220 million, exempting it from the population and land area requirements. House Bill 5620, a substitution of House Bill 4990 of Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Roy Loyola (5th District, Cavite), Erineo Maliksi (3rd District, Cavite), and george Arnaiz (2nd District, Negros Oriental), the House Committee on Local government Chairperson, is amending Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local government Code of 1991 providing a mechanism for high income municipalities to be elevated to the status of a component

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

150,000. “The exception is, if the municipality generates a local annual income as certified by the Department of Finance, double than that of the general rule, that is two hundred twenty million pesos for the last two consecutive years based on 2010 constant prices, then it is qualified to be converted into a city without regard to the size of its land area or population,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez explained that there are some municipalities which, despite their small land area or population, have nevertheless demonstrated their unquestionable capacity to provide essential government facilities, social services to its inhabitants, comparable or even superior to existing cities. “Noteworthy are the small states, specifically: Monaco, a tiny state along the French Riviera which has an area of just 0.7 square miles (1.81 sq.km) and a population of just 32,000,” Rodriguez said.

47.6percent

The drop in the net income of Cebu Air Inc., operator of Cebu Pacific, mainly due to an increase in operating expenses brought about by higher fuel costs. Expenses incurred by the budget airline last year grew by 34.3 percent to P30.40 billion from P22.63 billion in 2010.

nel have been conducting seminars and trainings among local farmers’ organizations as part of their campaign against the pest. The official said they have earlier allocated P200,000 for the pest control initiative, which is also part of the local

Elvira de Silva, Philippine Coconut Authority general manager, urged local governments to establish their own parasitoid laboratories and utilize them as primary means to combat the spread of the coconut leaf beetle. [pna]

Escudero calls for comprehensive review of Oil Deregulation Law

MID unabated oil price hikes, Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero pushed on Thursday for a comprehensive review of the Oil Deregulation Law in order to strengthen the powers of the Department of Finance and the Department of Justice in monitoring and addressing price increases. Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, reiterated this call as contained in proposed Senate Resolution (SR) 217 he filed several years ago. “The situation in 2008 when oil pump prices reached P60 per liter is looming to happen again now, with our Department of Energy (DOE) saying it so,” the lawmaker said. “I am calling for an immediate review of the present Oil Deregulation Law to balance the equilibrium between our government agencies concerned and the oil

P1billion

The mandatory capital increase for life insurers by 2016 imposed by the Insurance Commission which, the industry players has predicted, will leave no more than nine players standing after four years instead of the 30-odd players now in operation.

Quips

‘WE expect the growth trajectory of our business to continue as we aggressively expand our products and services to address the needs of a still largely untapped segment of our population.’ --Ayala president Fernando Zobel de Ayala

P256billion The projected growth rate that the Philippine economy may post in the first quarter of the year on the back of improved government spending, according to the First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC)-University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) Capital Market Research Center.

IMPORTANT: The figures and quotations featured in this paper are culled from the past issues of Edge Davao and other community and national papers like the Philippine Daily Inquirer, BusinessMirror, Business World, and others.- The editor

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

Charming chef, 21, wins Mutya crown By Jade C. Zaldivar

HE reigning Mutya ng Dabaw 2012 is a chef who bested four rivals for the title during the Coronation Night pageant Wednesday evening. Marianne Mae Te, a 21-year-old graduate of Philippine Women’s College (AB Hotel and Restaurant Management) wowed the crowd and charmed the judges with her regal beauty and wit. Te received thunderous applause after answering the question asked of her by Brig. gen. Benito Antonio T. De Leon of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the question and answer portion. The question was: “How would you show Davao City to a first time visitor within a day?” Although momentarily flustered, Te replied: “Davao City is close to perfection, offering beauty and bounty from islands to highlands.” Te is also Miss AirPhil Express which gives her the opportunity to travel to and from one destination in the world for free. Natural charm Earlier that night, Te received the loudest cheers when she charmed 37th Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor Dingdong Dantes, one of three hosts of the pageant. Dantes asked Te, a chef, whom she would want to cook for, prompting her to answer: “Since my name is Marianne, one day I hope I’d have a Dingdong to cook for” referring to Dantes’ current love, actress Marian Rivera. From there Dantes and Te’s lively conversation snowballed, finishing with Dantes’ question on how Te would end a perfect dinner.

Te innocently answered a dinner would be perfect “with a kiss on the cheek.” Matinee idole Dantes then leaned towards the beautiful Dabawenya and kissed her on the cheek, triggering an eruption of screams and squeals the jampacked. When asked later whether she thought her moment with the actor Dingdong Dantes helped her win the crown, Te said, “I don’t know, I just kept thinking that god really gave this night to me fow which I am very thankful.” Livelihood for women Te’s advocacy as Mutya ng Davao is to provide cooking seminars for women. “I will be arranging a series of seminars for women, teaching them how to cook food which require minimum financing but would be very mabenta sa tao like yung maruya at ibang putahe na patok sa tao,” Te said. As this month is in celebration of women, Te stressed that all women --“even housewives--can earn for themselves and contribute to the finances of the home while fulfilling their role as mothers.” The Mutya court Crowned Diwa ng Davao (first runner-up) and Sinag ng Dabaw (second runner-up) were two registered nurses; Dorothy Maruel Ibanez of Lanang and Jhoanna Myles Te of Bajada, respectively. The Pag-asa ng Dabaw (third-runner up) is Maria Theresa Tan of ulas, an AB Communication Arts graduate from the university of the Immaculate Conception, while Ateneo de Davao university law student Jazzel Therese gomez was crowned fourth runner-up.

Mindanao tourism school to offer 100% employment

to E approach—enrolment to employment is the target of the Mindanao Tourism Training Institute (MTTI), according to Jonallier Perez, executive director of Mindanao Tourism Council (MTC) for Davao City. “We want to guarantee 100% employment of the course,” he said, adding that they are accepting scholars who intend to be employed or about to be employed by private tourism stakeholders. “We can do this because all our members in the Mindanao Tourism Council are employers, being a private organization,” he said. A program of MTC to provide employment in the region while addressing the needs of the tourism industry, the first batch of scholars

of MTTI will probably begin its classes in the first semester of this year, Perez said. Each region will have 500 scholars for the first batch. The classes will take three to four months, he said, and will be conducted in accredited schools in the region, which will be identified in the process of completing the details of the program. In the meantime, MTC is at the stage of finishing the Needs Assessment Survey, asking people in the region what courses they want to be offered by the MTTI. The courses will all be tourismrelated. “These courses should be industry-responsive given that any region in Mindanao has this distinct industry need,” Perez noted. [Lorie a. CasCaro]

STREET DANCING. Elementary and high school students from different schools in Davao City garbed in colorful costumes compete in the street

dancing competition on Thursday. The street dancing competition is part of the celebration of the 75th Araw ng Dabaw. [KarLos ManLupiG]

HE partnership of Alaska Milk Corporation and FrieslandCampina dates back four decades ago when in 1972, the first can of Alaska evaporated filled milk was produced in the country through the collaboration of uytengsu family and the Dutch dairy co-operative. Today, that partnership was further strengthened through the increased investment of FrieslandCampina in Alaska Milk. R o y a l FrieslandCampina is the leading dairy company in Netherlands and ranked 5 among the largest dairy companies in the world with annual turnover of EuR 9.0 billion. Currently, FrieslandCampina employs 19,000 people in 25 countries with products sold in more than 100 countries. To Alaska Milk, the partnership presents a host of possibilities from an operational standpoint. FrieslandCampina brings to the table a portfolio of dairy products

ranging from raw material ingredients to valueadded dairy products such as infant formula, cheese, butter , yoghurts among others. It also affords Alaska Milk to compete globally through the possible distribution of Alaska Milk products in territories outside of the Philippines. The practices, including exchange of talents, culled from years of solid experience by both companies . This partnership is expected to usher an era of unprecedented development for the domestic dairy market in terms of transfer of technology, research and development and will elevate food and security awareness in milk processing in the Philippines. Alaska Milk also sees the partnership in line with its strategic goal doubling the business by 2014. Alaska Milk posted compounded annual growth of 9% from 1999 to 2010 and average double – digit earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) since 2001. “We expect

this historical agreement to propel Alaska Milk to its nest stage growth and the products developed by FrieslandCampina will strengthen our position in all dairy categories. The intented integration will provide Alaska Milk with access to an international dairy company. It is a testament to our aspiration to bring our business and products regionally”’ said Wilfred Steven uytengsu, president and chief executive officer of Alaska Milk. For forty years, Alaska Milk has shown consistent brand leadership in the liquid canned milk category, a strong and growing position in the powdered milk and value-added mil products such as ready-to-drink milks and ready-to-use products. Recently, Alaska Milk expanded its product portfolio in the non-dairy coffee creamer category and sterilized milk segment. The Company has likewise established a strong partnership with its trade and business

partners in providing its consumers with the highest level of service. Alaska Milk and FrieslandCampina are both committed to lead the growth of the domestic dairy market. They share the ame passion of providing consumers with affordable and worl-class products that play an important role in people’s nutrition and well-being. Forty years ago, Alaska Milk set forth to provide quality and affordable nutrition to Filipinos and today that commitment remains true and is further reinforced through this renewed partnership. Working together to help the country and its people move forward in life with natural dairy nutrition. The heart of Soul of Alaska Milk remains stronger than ever. “My heart remains here and I will continue to lead the management team of Alaska Milk for the foreseeable future,” uytengsu adds.

Father Tentorio. In the spirit of brotherly love, I am impelled to appeal to all those still enamored by empty promises of violence to at least allow those who are not of the same persuasion to try the healing ways of peace,” said the bishop. Earlier, the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) in Southern Mindanao has owned the killing of Swiss-Filipino national Patrick Wineger after they found him guilty for the crimes he committed against the people, including his connections

as one of the “principals” behind Tentorio’s slay. “As a Christian, and as your Bishop, I cannot pass over this incident in silence. The sanctity of life, which we hold dear in our faith, can never make us agree, implicitly or much less explicitly, with gunning down a defenseless man no matter what crimes he may have committed,” he stressed. For Dela Cruz, he cannot condone such act because Wineger was not given opportunity to defend himself.

The Italian priest, of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Mission (PIME), was gunned down inside his parish October 17 last year. He was priest of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in the hinterland town of Arakan. At least four people were charged of the murder, including two Teduray natives from a remote village in Arakan town. Of those charged, only one was arrested, the rest remain at large.

Alaska Milk Corp. marks 40th year milestone with FrieslandCampina T

Bishop vows not to condone revenge

IDAPAWAN Bishop Romulo dela Cruz said the church is not condoning any act of revenge for the death of an Italian missionary in the hinterlands of North Cotabato. Dela Cruz said he wanted that justice be served for the death of Fr. Fausto Tentorio in a peaceful way, not in a violent manner. Besides, he said he did not ask anybody nor any group to avenge the priest’s brutal murder. “We do not seek revenge for the death of

(MaLu CadeLiña Manar / Mindanews)

4 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Shot in the arm

EDITORIAL

World class woes

S we enjoy the sights and sounds of the ongoing Araw ng Dabaw marking the 75th founding anniversary of Davao City, let’s not be lulled into complacency and forgetfulness. For the realities on the ground, even in the city’s state of development, point to a litany of problems that we need to seize by the horn and triumph over. True, we seem to be on the way to becoming a world-class city and a potential regional hub of commerce, education, medical services, tourism, business process outsourcing, ICT applications, eco-tourism, etc. in this part of the universe, but our problems have also gone world-class. These include rapid urbanization, security

EDGEDAVAO Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ALBERTO DALILAN Managing

Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

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Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc.

OLIVIA D. VELASCO General Manager

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

threats, air, water and air pollution, street and flashfloods, environment decline, traffic congestion, and, worse climate change which will surely exacerbate those problems. Taking cognizance of these challenges, we must be daring and uncompromising in protecting and nurturing our finite resources against over-exploitation and abuse. So, we can see that the challenges are daunting enough in themselves. However, if we believe in ourselves and battle the obstacles with all our collective resolve and might, nothing is impossible. We’ve proven it during the city’s first 75 years. We can do it again in the next. And again--ad infinitum. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO CARLO P. MALLO Associate Features and Lifestyle KENNETH IRVING K. ONG KARLOS C. MANLUPIG • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA LEANDRO B. DAVAL JR., Creative Solutions Photography LORIE ANN A. CASCARO • JADE C. ZALDIVAR • MOSES C. BILLACURA Staff Writers

Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDIO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

RICHARD C. EBONA IMELDA P. LEE Advertising Specialists

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

I T H r e tirement from boxing now a very distinct possibility, probably no later than 2013, Manny Pacquiao needs to close out his illustrious and phenomenal career with flourish. A one-for-the-ages fight with archrival Floyd Mayweather should be the loud bang to end his career as demanded by boxing fans all over the world. But alas, Floyd is not obliging and perhaps never will. So Pacquiao will have to pick up fights, credible fights, to keep fan interests at high levels and the cash register ringing. On June 9, he faces undefeated American light welterweight Timothy Bradley. Coming from two lackluster fights in a row, Pacquiao needs to demolish Bradley in a manner only he is known for. He needs to register a quick victory. Pacquiao has not recorded a knockout win in two and a half years although he came close to stopping Antonio Margarito. He was close to losing his third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. His last four fights lasted the distance. Ironically, these victories came when he was deeply embroiled in Philippine politics. One wonders if his immediate past performances are directly related to his job as member of Philippine Congress. Fans may be missing the old Manny Pacquiao who rams his opponents like a bullet train but it looks like he may be able to give them what he has been giving them since he broke into the consciousness of global sport fans. Short of it, people will begin to wonder if Pacquiao still has the desire or he is just piling up retirement money in preparation for his bigger political ambitions. Notice how Pacquiao is no longer invoking dedication for country in his last two or three fights. Yes, everybody now knows he is doing it for his honor and future because he had already served his country that privilege. In short, it is his payback time. unless it is Floyd who can do him another defeat, Pacquiao cannot afford to pick opponents that have real shot at earning the distinction of handing him his third career loss. Bradley, despite the hype-building by promoters, is not within Pacquiao’s league who is a sui generic, to borrow a famous Latin phrase from the ongoing trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. The embattled chief justice was once a house guest of Pacquiao when the latter inducted the current officers of the general SantosSouth Cotabato chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in July last year. That aside, Pacquiao really, really need to knockout Bradley and not give the latter a chance to even prove competition. That will be a shot in the arm for Pacquiao who is said to be losing ground in the popularity department. (Edwin g. Espejo writes for www. asiancorrespondent.com.)

EDGEDAVAO

ERHAPS it’s a quirky part of our Davao City history not worth remembering, but we couldn’t resist digging up that little fact that a typographical error by a city council clerk and a defective typewriter turned the founding of the city from March 1 to March 16. If you have the patience of combing the dusty pages of the city council’s archive files, you will find that the city was founded on March 1, 1937, not March 16 which is the day we’re celebrating Araw Ng Dabaw this week. It’s our guess that city officials didn’t really mind this little error as pertuated for 75 years now. To hide this error, it was a good decision to make the celebration run from March 1 to 16 so we keep our mouths shut. At that time in 1937 when the city was finally declared a city, the city council clerk was probably new in thejob and just trying to learn the keys of an underwood typewriter, trying hard to find where the alphabets and the numbers are located on the typewriter. So when he tried to type the comma after the number “1”, he typed the number “6” on the document declar-

Fear of Japanese gave birth to Davao City ing Davao a city and didn’t bother correcting it as the councilors at that time were all in a big hurry to get the document out for signature by President Elpidio Quirino who was also in a hurry to get it done. Why were they in a hurry to sign the declaration? Well, if you’re curious enough to open the pages of Ernie Corcino’s book on Davao History, you’ll find out that the presence of a growing Japanese community of workers, investors, traders, was seen as a growing threat to the political and economic control of Davao by local officials. These erstwhile Davao town officials admitted that they were AFRAID of Japanese domination and won’t allow this to happen by making Davao a city---as fast as possible. The Japanese was becoming a powerful economic group, taking over every business, trade and industry in the city during the 1930’s. Every hotel, trading firm, restaurant, bar, department stores, etc were owned and controlled by the Japanese. That was why Davao was known as “Little Tokyo” in those days. These businesses and stores were located along San Pedro, Anda, Magallanes, and Legaspi streets. In every street corner, you’ll see Japanese trad-

ers, abaca workers, bar owners, restaurant owners, all speaking Japanese and trying to learn the early dialects of Tagalog and Bagobo. If you’ve seen that exhibit of very old photographs of San Pedro street and other parts of Davao at Abreeza Mall during the Araw Ng Dabaw, you’ll see one old photo showing a group of Japanese officers posing in front of a school in Mintal around 1930’s. There’s a caption on the photo that says “there were more Japanese than Filipinos living in Mintal” because they owned and controlled most of the abaca plantations there. Abaca was then, the biggest Davao export to Japan before the Second World War, not bananas which were brought in by the Americans much later in the 1960’s. It’s nice to know these days that Japan’s soft heart for Davao has remained all these years. They’ve become the biggest buyers of Davaogrown Cavendish bananas grown and exported by their former war foe, Americans, and pouring billions of Yen for the development of Davao, building long-lasting infrastructures and helping fruit farmers earn more money to improve their lives. Totemo arigato gozaimasu ! ( Comments ? Email : tradingpost_davao@yahoo.com)

Taxing times for the Pacman

IKE his rival Floyd Mayweather Jr., who never runs out of reasons to evade fighting him, Sarangani congressman and world boxing champion Emmanuel Pacquiao now finds himself embroiled in legal issues, particularly concerning tax-related documents which he has reportedly failed to submit to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. It seems the charge is not actually tax evasion but simply failure to heed the demand to submit such documents on time, on February 7 this year to be exact, making the BIR file a complaint of contempt against Pacquiao. Based on the country’s judicial culture it is unlikely that Pacquiao nwill get to serve time if ever the court finds him guilty as charged. And with his popularity and resources, he can easily find a way out of this mess. Yet while he may be able to hurdle his problem with the tax agency – and I believe he or his lawyers would settle this soon – the boxing champ should realize that this and other issues are chipping away at his image as a public figure and official. Maybe he should check if his accountants and lawyers are efficiently doing their job to avoid more complications in the future. Already, like Mayweather Jr.’s pending jail sentence for domestic violence, the BIR complaint against Pacquiao has created ripples on the web. Even sport news writers have taken note of the issue and its likely impact on the image of the lawmaker cum boxing champ, a clear

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS By Marcos C. Mordeno sign that they are closely following not just his performance inside the ring but also his demeanor as a citizen. In the Philippines tax-related cases against public figures may not sound as sensational as intrigues and scandals surrounding their private lives – maybe because the people already have a prejudgment of what usually happens to these cases. When even tax cases involving hundreds of millions of pesos normally get swept under the rug, the apathy is understandable. But in the uS and European countries the slightest hint that a public figure – especially a government official – may have failed to comply with his or her tax obligations will readily dominate prime time and the front pages. Everybody there knows what happens when an official’s indiscretion becomes media fare. Aside from telling his accountants and lawyers to do their job well, Pacquiao needs to think many times over before doing what his advisers tell him to do. If he plans his moves inside the ring, the more that he should be circumspect in his actions as a public official. For instance, the P75-million libel case he filed against journalist Edwin G. Espejo shows Pacquiao’s poor appreciation of the attendant risks of being a government functionary. The congressman

should understand that being in office is an invitation for other people – journalists in particular – to scrutinize one’s words and deeds vis-à-vis a certain set of standards and expectations. At times, journalists may sound harsh in putting up their subjects to scrutiny – and possibly, judgment by the reading or listening public. But had the good congressman read closely the articles that were the bases of the libel suit, he would have noted that it was written without malicious intent. Espejo’s articles said that Mohammad “Bong” Akia, former head of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling group, was seen disembarking from a commercial plane from Manila weeks ago, and immediately boarded the waiting vehicle of Pacquiao who flew in on the same flight. Akia, who has been accused of selling stolen cars, reportedly stayed in Pacquiao’s house. In the same articles, Pacquiao’s lawyer, Francisco gacal, was quoted as having said he was not aware Akia had stayed in his client’s house. The boxer was then in the uS to promote his upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley. On hindsight, Pacquiao could have just issued a denial [that Akia stayed in his house] and that he is not the kind of person to harbor people of questionable character. That would have put a lid on the issue and made him not just a people’s champ but also a press freedom champ. [H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com.]

CJ Corona and TG Guingona

E R M SHARINg or power sharing. That’s the name of the game that Sen. Teofisto TG Guingona III allegedly introduced to Chief Justice Renato Corona during their private lunch-meeting at the residence of the senator’s father, Teofisto Guingona Jr., resigned vice president in the Arroyo government Part I (when she took over from the ousted President Erap Estrada). The game calls for Corona to share part of his term with Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio by opting for early retirement to allow Carpio to take over as Chief Justice. Corona is to retire in 2018 when he reaches the age of 70. The term-sharing scheme suggested by guingona was revealed last week by Corona in one media foray. As expected, this was dismissed by the junior senator as a lie. He admitted, however, that there was indeed such a meeting but term-sharing was never discussed by them. Who is telling the truth? Who is telling a lie? Well, between the word of a politician and that of a jurist, I’ll take the word of the latter. Why? It’s because jurists don’t have the talent to enter into compromises or behind-the-scene maneuverings which are normal practices of politicians to advance a political agenda. Most politicians are silver-tongued liars. They have mastered the art of lying to a point that a truth and a lie are interchangeable depending on how it will affect their political career. Politicians are master schemers, plotters and bargainers. ooOoo Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, presiding officer of the Senate Impeachment Court, wants Chief Justice Corona to take the witness stand and testify to his dollar account and to clear all the doubts and speculations as to its legality. I say all incumbent senators and congressmen and cabinet officials who DO NOT have dollar accounts in the Philippine banks or foreign banks take one step forward. Wow! Everybody has moved forward. It’s incredible! ooOoo Over the weekend, gMA television network reported a four plus billion peso drop in their net income for the year 2011. The report said that the network (which is now No. 1 in the country) tallied 25 billion pesos net profit in 2010 an election year. For 2011, its net profit dropped to 21 billion pesos. Management said it will do its best to raise its profit in 2012. You earn profits in billions and you still complain. Perhaps it’s good to recall the world-wide economic meltdown that saw well-established known banks, investment companies declaring bankruptcies and had to be bailed out by the government in America. Such economic collapse was attributed to gREED. gMA network bigwigs should take a cue from this.

THE ECONOMY

Stat Watch

1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

3.7% 4th Qtr 2011 USD 3,342 Million Nov 2011 USD 4,985 Million Nov 2011 USD -1,643 Million Nov 2011 USD -114 Million Dec 2011 P4,442,355 Million Nov 2011

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities 8. Interest Rates 4/

4.71% Oct 2011 P128,745 Million Nov 2011 P 4,898 Billion Oct 2011

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

SOCCSKSARGEN declared country’s ‘food basket’ C

entral Mindanao’s Regional Development Council declared Region 12 as the country’s ‘food basket’. During the RDC meeting, gen. Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio, RDC-12 chairperson, stressed that the region has been transporting its goods to the nearby provinces and other regions in the country. Region 12 or SOCCSKSARgEN region is composed of the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal, Kidapawan and gen. Santos City. “Our goods have been exported to the different prov-

inces and regions across Mindanao and in the country in general,” she said. “In this region, ang bida ay agrikultura,” she said even as she lauded the agriculture sector for having the greatest contribution in the country’s economic growth. Region 12 ranked first in coffee production, second in banana and rubber production, third in corn, fifth in rice and sixth in mango production based on national agricultural statistical reports. “I am happy that the new DA leadership under the Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan pools the Agriculture’s attached and line agencies that consist the Regional Management Commit-

tee,” Custodio said. She also recognized the consolidated reports shared by the Agriculture key players. Custodio said the region should export these goods to the international market thereby improving the agricultural infrastructures in the region. “Mas mapapalawak at mapapaunlad pa natin ang sektor ng agrikultura kapag maayos na hindi lamang ang mga farmto-market-roads (FMRs) kundi pati ang mga (We can improve agriculture sector once farmto-market roads and national highway to facilitate the transportation of farmer’s goods,” she explained. As food basket, she stressed that everything should level up like the packag-

ing of our goods. “Para tunay na umunlad (To ensure growth, we need to bring our production to its optimum level),” she addressed the local chief executives, municipal, provincial and regional agricultural officers and its partner agencies. However, she said, this could not be achieved if there is no unity among the Department of Agriculture (DA), its partner agencies and the farmers. “Ang RDC ay patuloy na sumusuporta sa mga programa ng (RDC will continue to support agriculture development programs of) DA-12 because we believe that these programs are significant to the further development of the region,” she assured. [pna]

By Lorie A. Cascaro

danao to unite against the privatization of hydropower plants. “Ang hydro ay hindi talaga i-privatize. Kumikita na man,” she said, adding that the National Power Corporation (NPC) can afford repair of any problem in the hydro plants. She mentioned that NPC spent some P200 million for the dredging in Pulangi river. “The fund was internally sourced. Sila nagbayad noon, hindi sila humingi sa labas ng system, sila mismo. So kumikita ang NPC actually,” she added. “Kahit pa ang rason nila pag hindi pina-privatize yan walang papasok na investors dahil mahirap magcompete sa hydro dahil mura. Besides repair na lang ang ginagawa, walang fuel,” MinDa secretary Antonino said. Antonino also mentioned that the power need of industries in Mindanao is really big that cannot be supplied by hydropower plants alone, adding that the need is growing especially of mining companies. “It’s against business na hindi ka mag-invest dahil

may kakumpetensiya ka. Ang dami naman na nagpapipe line na,” she said. She believes that in the next three years, Mindanao will have additional power sources and that as time goes by, as Mindanao progresses, more and more power industries will come in as they can see the need for power supply here. Despite the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 or Republic Act No. 9136, the MinDA Secretary maintains her opposition, saying that the EPIRA law needs to be revisited. “Wala kang masabing batas na perfect. It’s tested by time, in time you know that the law doesn’t work, it’s time to revisit the law,” she said. She added that there will

be more investors of power supply, and it is important to regulate the price of electricity such that the cost will not be “spiraling”; not as double or triple the cost that people in Mindanao are paying now. Further, AMRECO has a comprehensive Mindanao Power Development Plan which involves proper planning, assessing of the power situation in Mindanao, Julie B. Real of its grid management committee said. Dagooc said a group of 21 electric cooperatives are proposing for a new power plant, whether or not solar energy, with a capacity of 300 MW, which is open for investors. Already entertaining bid for this power plant, the group said this project will not go beyond 2017.

Antonino, electric coops junk privatization of hydro plants M

INDANAO electric cooperatives and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa), joined in by cause-orinted groups, oppose the privatization of hydropower plants in the rivers Pulangi and Agus. In a press conference last Tuesday at the grand Regal Hotel, Davao City, officers of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) stated their opposition to the privatization of the island’s hydropower plants. “I will push our advocacy not to privatize the hydropower plants in Pulangi and Agus rivers,” AMRECO president Sergio C. Dagooc said. “The acquisition and installation costs of the hydropower plants are already fully-paid. Operation and maintenance na lang,” he said. Having conducted dialogues with stakeholders in Mindanao, Antonino said earlier that the ordinary citizens cannot afford high cost of power, thus there is a need for everyone in Min-

Quips

‘THE Philippine economy is clearly moving toward inclusive growth. These positive indicators reinforce the economic momentum it is gaining 21 months into the Aquino administration.’ --Deputy Presidential Spokesman Abigail Valte

as of august 2010

Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Silk Air Mon/Wed/Sat Cebu Pacific Thu Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 MI588 / MI588 5J965 / 5J968 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 18:55 12:55 13:35

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Davao-Cebu-Singapore Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:35 13:25 14:05

Silk Air Thu/Sun Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri Philippine Airlines August Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippines Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Tue/Sat/Sun Cebu Pacific Daily Airphil Express Daily Philippine Airlines Daily except Sunday Philippine Airlines Sunday

MI566 / MI566 5J507 / 5J598 15:55 Z2524 / Z2525 5J967 / 5J600 PR813 / PR814 5J215 / 5J216 5971 / 5J970 5J973 / 5J974 5J969 / 5J972 2P987 / 2P988 PR821 / PR822 PR821 / PR822

18:55 15:00 Mani2Mani 16:05 16:35 16:55 18:00 18:40 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:20 22:20

Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu 16:50 Cebu-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Cagayan de Oro-Davao-Cagayan de Oro Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

15:20 15:30 16:45 17:05 17:45 18:20 19:10 20:30 21:00 21:00 21:50 22:50

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

Tampakan mining project ECC reconsideration ‘still in the dark’

HE appeal of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. before the Philippine government to reconsider the denial of its application for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) remains in the dark more than a month after it was lodged. Datu Tungko Saikol, Environmental Management Bureau director for Southwestern Mindanao, said on Tuesday they have no information on the outcome of the petition filed by the company last January 27. He noted that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to which the EMB is an attached agency, should have acted within 30 days from the filing of the motion for reconsideration. “So far there’s no development. Some sectors are pushing for the issuance of the ECC. [Others], specifically the [Catholic] church, really want a denial,” Saikol said in a text message. He said that while there is a 30-day prescriptive period for action to the petition, the “EMB legal department may have moves unknown to

the regional office. Even if the 30-day prescriptive period does not include Saturdays and Sundays, action for Sagittarius Mines’ motion for reconsideration should have lapsed.

From January 27, it has been 32 days at the time Saikol claimed Tuesday that there is a 30-day prescriptive period for the DENR to act on the motion for reconsideration. The 30-day period should have ended March 9. John B. Arnaldo, Sagittarius Mines corporate communication manager, said there is no such 30day prescriptive period for the DENR to act on its motion for reconsideration. “I’m not aware of such a rule. That’s why I could not give a definite answer every time the media would ask when do we expect a ruling from the DENR for our petition,” he said on the phone also Tuesday. Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje instructed last January 3 EMB national director Juan Miguel T. Cuna to

deny the application of Sagittarius Mines for an ECC to its Tampakan copper-gold project. In turn, Cuna informed Sagittarius Mines president Peter Forrestal on January 9 that the firm’s ECC application has been denied. The reason for the denial of the ECC application was the open-pit mining ban imposed by the South Cotabato provincial government, which was hailed by anti-mining groups spearheaded by the local Catholic Church. “We are returning herewith the application documents with instruction to deny the same, without prejudice to resubmission, until the issues and concern on the use of open-pit mining method shall have been clarified and resolved by the company [SMI] with the provincial government of South Cotabato,” Paje said in his memorandum. To date, requests from pro-mining groups to lift the open-pit mining ban, which is contained in the province’s Environment Code, remains pending before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. [BonG s. sarMiento /

E-TRIKE. To join the global effort reducing fossil fuel dependence, the local government of Davao has dis-

patched 20 electric tricycles which offer free transportation in the city. [KarLos ManLupiG]

Local franchising industry Huge P26B windfall tax from VAT on oil ‘unjust’ posts 17% sales growth

HE domestic franchising industry remains robust with a 17 percent growth, from uS$ 9.4 billion in 2010 to uS$ 11 billion in sales in 2011. Franchising comprises an estimated 30 percent of total retail sales in the Philippines. The industry registered a staggering 262 percent jump from year 2000 to 2011. Even Bloomberg, a premier business website, confirmed that the Philippines is now the leading Asian Tiger Economy that is beating China’s growth in franchising. “Franchising has a high success rate. Filipinos believe in the system and once entrepreneurs put 100 percent of their attention to their business, the results are simply unimaginable,” said Samie Lim, CFE, chairman of Francorp Philippines, a member of the worldwide network of Francorp International. Organized in 1997, Francorp Philippines is the premier and leading franchise developer in the country, with over 200 successful franchises developed or assisted at various stages of their growth. Francorp, which has presence in 22 countries worldwide, has been rigorous and dynamic in guiding clients through the franchise process, as proven by

hundreds of its successful clientele, many of which have become international phenomenon such as Jollibee, Max’s, goldilock’s, Pancake House, PR gaz, Island Souvenirs, Bench, Kamiseta, The generics Pharmacy, Crystal Clear and hundreds more. Francorp clients account for more than 25 percent of the total franchises in the Philippine market and works nationwide with about as many as 5,000 entrepreneurs a year through franchise seminars, events, media and other marketing activities. It was also able to help increase the number of franchise brands from a little over 100 in 1997 when Francorp was founded, to 1,300 in 2011. Francorp launches an average of 20 new franchises yearly during franchise expos and can be credited for creating hundreds of successful franchises that generate millions of jobs for the economy. The Philippines offers the most strategic place for expanding and investing in franchising, according to Lim. “Consumer index is at an all-time high. This is highlighted by new investors’ confidence in the country. Would-be franchisees include OFWs and new

Mindanews]

entrepreneurs who need to be guided by a ‘big brother’ in ensuring that their venture is a success,” said Lim. To mark Francorp’s 15 year in the Philippines, two seminars will be held featuring Don Boroian, Francorp chairman and top authority on franchising, and Lim. The seminar “World’s Best Franchise Secrets from the Master” is slated on March 19, 1-5 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Topics include “Franchising in the 21st Century: How the rules have changed business management tools”; “Franchise Trends Worth Watching”; “Building a National Franchise Network/ Chain”; and “Acquiring and Managing Multi-brands”, among others, and the Hottest trends in global franchising. “Advanced Franchise Management Program,” on the other hand, is slated on March 20 and 21, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Asian Institute of Management, Paseo de Roxas, Makati, for franchisors and franchisees as well as aspiring franchise professionals who wish to earn Certified Franchise Executive points as requirement for a Mini-MBA in franchising.

AYAN Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said that the projected P26B windfall revenues from the VAT on oil for 2012 is «an unjust and oppressive burden on the people that has no place in a government that professes to be for the poor.» At a forum titled “High Oil Orices: Seeking Solutions” held at the House of Representatives, Casiño accused the government of raking in billions of additional VAT on oil at the expense of the public interest. “Considering that there is a P1 billion additional VAT revenue for every $1 increase in Dubai crude, there is already a P4 billion VAT windfall for the first quarter of the year alone. Assuming that there is no huge change in the volume of consumption and the level of price for the rest of the year, we can say that the projected windfall VAT revenues for 2012 is P26 billion.” Casiño based his estimates on the February 2012 Dubai crude average of $116/bbl (IMF commodity data) and using $90/bbl BESF 2012 programmed Dubai cost. “Sobrang laki pala talaga ang nakukuha ng pamahalaan dito sa VAT kaya

ayaw ibigay sa mamamayan,” said the progressive solon. He said the rationale for imposing the VAT on oil seven years ago does not hold true anymore. «The VAT was increased to 12% and expanded to include oil, power and basic commodities in 2005 as a response to the fiscal crisis of 2004. Now seven years have passed and we are being told that the economy is doing good, gross international reserves are at historic levels and the public debt is well managed. Therefore there is no more basis for such a high VAT rate and immediate relief can be given to the people even on just the VAT on oil,» said the lawmaker. He said seven years after increasing and expand-

Quips

ing the VAT, it is time to give the public a break. “The Aquino government should forego this gigantic windfall, which is gained in exchange for the suffering of the people. Consumers need immediate and concrete relief, and the president should listen. The estimated immediate reduction in the pump price of diesel if the VAT on oil is removed is almost P6 per liter; almost P7 per liter for gasoline; and as much as P110 per 11-kg tank for LPg. “Again we demand that marathon hearings should be done to fast track House Bill 2719 to scrap the VAT from oil products and to fast track House Bill 4355 to again regulate the oil industry,” ended Casiño.

‘THE Philippine government is already getting the highest share from mining revenues among governments around the world.’

--Philip Romualdez, president of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

AGRITRENDS

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

Growing hot pepper by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

CCORDINg to the Department of Agriculture, hot pepper can be grown from low to wind elevation throughout the year. Production is best, however, during the cool, dry months of October to March in sandy loam soil (with pH of 5.5 to 6.5). Sustainable Livelihood Options for the Philippines: An Information Kit, published by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has come up with a timely method of growing chili pepper: Seed sowing: Select mature berries of superior quality and extract the seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the ground in prepared sowing containers like empty sacks, unserviceable kerosene cans or washing bowls. (Air dry extra seeds collected for at least three days and keep for future use.) Fill-in containers with pulverized topsoil, level them and form furrows before sowing. If sowing is done direct to the ground, cultivate the soil then follow the same procedure as in using containers. Sow the seeds evenly along the furrows, after which, cover the sown seeds with thin layer of soil to prevent direct exposure to sunlight or rainfall. Seedling maintenance: Place the containers with sown seeds in elevated places to keep them away from destructive pests, rodents, and flooding. Keep the sown seeds moist to

Scientist eyes rice husks to fight disease in bananas

hasten early germination. Maintain the seedlings until they are ready for transplanting or until they reach the height of at least two inches with three leaves. Land preparation: Prepare the area thoroughly. For small areas, make plots 0.75 to 1.0 meter wide for two-row/plot planting. In

bigger areas, make furrows 0.5-0.75 meter apart for single row planting. Apply basal fertilizer at 5 -7 bags per hectare of 14-14-14 and 5-10 tons of manure per hectare. Transplant at a spacing of 0.3 - 0.5 meter between hills. Transplanting. Hot pepper grows best under full sunlight although it can

also tolerate partial shade. Transplant four to five week old, sturdy seedlings. Prepare raised beds one meter wide and about 2030 centimeters high. The spacing between hills and rows should be 30-50 centimeters with two rows in each bed. Make holes in the beds and place a handful of compost or animal manure.

FGROWING, 12

What breed of goats should you raise?

OATS are usually docile and can be raised by anyone — even children. under orchard and coconut plantations, goats are good clippers of weeds. They also provide manure for fishponds, farms, and gardens. In some cases, farmers can use goats as an “insurance” against the failure of their crops. At least 12 goat species are known to animal scientists, but only a few breeds are tended for their economic and commercial values. Below are the most common breeds. ANgLO-NuBIAN The name Nubian came from Nubian, a desert section of the Northern Sudan. Its average weight is about 65 kilograms. Some are born with horns, while others are hornless. It has long drooping ears, distinct Roman nose. and prominent forehead. Its coats color may black, tan and white, or red and white; but it may be any of these colors without

EDGEDAVAO

Filipino scientist has expressed alarm at the growing threat of Panama wilt that has affected an increasing number of banana plantations in the Davao region. Dr. Dionisio Alvindia of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) said he shares the fears of Davao banana farmers and growers about the possible devastating impact of such plant disease on the entire Philippine banana industry. “We also share their growing concern on how this plant disease can spread to all the banana plantations in Davao. That’s why we’re also studying ways how we can help solve this problem,” Alvindia told reporters here. One possible solution being studied closely by Alvindia is the use of rice husks now being tried by Davao farmers in fighting the destructive effects of Panama wilt. “We’re still look-

Sin tax reform bill to benefit farmers

ROPONENTS of the reformed sin tax bill currently being heard at the House of Representatives on Monday said that the controversial bill will in fact be beneficial not only to the national government but also to local tobacco farmers. Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, author of House Bill 5727, said the passage of the bill will not only increase government revenues but will also result to a higher revenue share for tobacco farmers while actually financing the universal health care program of the government. This, as HB 5727 seeks to impose a unitary excise tax on tobacco and alcohol products The bill has been identified by President Benigno S. Aquino III as

Quips

markings. This is a dual-purpose breed with its prime value as a heavy meat producer. Nubian goats produce an average of 2 liters of milk daily. The

butterfat content is about 5.6 percent. A N g O R A This breed originates from the ancient Angora region in Central Anatolia province of Turkey,

now known as Ankara. Angoras offer the raisers a highly viable diversification away from traditional crop cultivation and farm produce that invariably are in surplus.

FWHAT, 12

ing closely into this and evaluating whether it can change the soil conditions to stop the spread of Panama wilt in a farm area,” he said. The PhilMech scientist recently discovered a way to fight “crown rot”, one of the most severe diseases attacking the banana industry for many years. Crown rot usually appears in fresh bananas after harvest and most often after ripening the fruit when the fungi infect the crown of the fruit by the fresh wounds inflicted by trimming the banana hand at the packing plant, according to Alvindia. The scientist addressed this problem by using “natural antagonists” like fungi and bacteria without the use of any chemicals or pesticides. “This natural solution fit perfectly with Japanese consumers’ preference for chemical-free fresh bananas,” said Alvindia who won a Bronze Award recently for this scientific breakthrough. [pna]

one of his priority bills and included in the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) agenda. “The first full year of the implementation of the bill alone will lead to more than P60 billion in additional revenues to the government, half of which would come from tobacco. Total revenues are projected to reach almost P140 billion by the fifth year, the bulk of which will be used to fund the universal health care program,” Abaya, who is also the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said. Contrary to arguments proffered by opponents to the bill, he said that the new sin taxes would not harm tobacco farmers but will actually add to their income.

‘IT’S been called an angel fund, an incubator, an accelerator fund. Whatever you call it, what’s important is that we are able to identify the talents that appear to be commercially feasible and helpful for the country.’ --Manuel V. Pangilinan, on his group’s investment of P500 million in a “incubator” program.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

COMMUNITY SENSE

Tagum City donates chairs to Sta. Cruz schools

By Jade C. Zaldivar

agum City extended assistance to schools in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur by donating 360 school chairs. A total of 260 arm chairs were donated to Sta. Cruz National High School-Extention School and 100 kiddie chairs to Tuban Elementary School. Tagum City Mayor Rey uy joined the delivery of the chairs which were made from confiscated logs from illegal loggers caught by the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The donation form part of uy’s program “Care for School Chairs Program” wherein 29, 386 pieces of school chairs have been distributed for the past seven months to cities and municipalities within the Davao Region. Joining the uy were City Councilors Tristan Royce Aala and Alfredo Pagdilao last March 9. The local government of Tagum, located at Davao del Norte, constructed the chairs following a request from Sta. Cruz public school teacher Elizabeth Regino. Regino said she wrote

ALL SMILES. Sta. Cruz students are all smiles after receiving new chairs donated by Tagum City. Looking on from the back are Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy with City CouncilorsTristan

a letter to Tagum City Mayor Rey uy who then

arranged for a meeting resulting to an agreement

Royce Aala and Alfredo Pagdilao, Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez and teachers including Elizabeth Regino who requested for the school chairs.

that Tagum City would finance construction of chairs. The school teacher said she read of uy’s school chair donation program through a newspaper thus she contacted the latter. “Badly needed man

gyud namo ang mga bangko. (We needed the chairs badly)” Regino said who was overwhelmed upon seeing the bright yellow colored chairs enter the classrooms. Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez also expressed his gratitude to uy, say-

ing he admired the school chair project “which knows so borders.” This is the second time that the program reached Davao del Sur, the first beneficiary being Lapulabao National High School Annex in the Municipality of Hagonoy.

Rey Leonardo B. guerrrero said the cash assistance is intended to help former rebels alleviate their living as they start life anew. “This is also a guarantee that the government is willing to help and always ready to give its assistance whenever rebels decide to lay down their arms,” guerrero said in a press release. guerrrero was formerly commander of the local anti-terrorist unit Task Force Davao before he was replaced by Army Colonel Marcos Norman Flores last February 28. The financial assistance turnover ceremony was held Monday after the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting at the provincial capitol building in, Matiao, Mati City. One of the recipients, Eufemio Ombaogan, received a livelihood check from Davao Oriental gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon. Also present were Davao Oriental Vice governor Joel Z. Almario and OPAPP Davao Area Man-

ager Oliver Binancilan. Publico said this the AFP’s way of addressing the issue on armed rebellion by way of “convergence of peace and development efforts of the government, stakeholders and the community.” Landmine Meanwhile, the 10th Infantry Division (ID) reported a landmine incident Tuesday supposedly the handiwork of an organized crime group (OCg) affiliated with the NPA. Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, 10th ID spokesperson, said the landmine incident occurred at 11 a.m. in Brgy. New Visayas, Mawab, Compostela Valley. “Troops from the Batal66th Infantry lion on board two M35 trucks were heading towards Brgy. Limbo, Maco in Compostela Valley, when the explosion happened,” Paniza said through correspondence. No casualties, however, were reported, according to Paniza. [Jade C. ZaLdivar]

Ex-rebels get P1.2M cash aid

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) says P1.2 million worth of financial assistance has been granted to former rebels even as soldiers to be attacked by the New People’s Army (NPA). Financial assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) was given to 24 ex-rebels on Monday in Davao Oriental at a time when troops fell prey to a landmine on Tuesday in Compostela Valley. The 701st Infantry Brigade (IB) reported that through the military’s cooperation with the OPAPP, each of the 24 former rebels received a check of P50,000 after they returned to the fold of the law. Public affairs officer Cpt. Romeo Publico of the 701st IB said the financial grant is part of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program of the OPAPP. Newly installed 701st Brigade Commander Col.

10 SUBURBIA Ugmad Komunidad brings hope to depressed villages D

AVAO del Norte’s ugmad Komunidad program will strive to change the outlook of the residents of beneficiary barangays, by fostering community pride and appreciation of the natural beauty of their place. Assistant Provincial Administrator Romulo D. Tagalo, who coordinates the ugmad program, said the target communities must have a change of heart so the mini-convergence initiative can have a positive impact in improving the quality of life of the residents. “What we need to do is to plant hope and change the people’s outlook of their own community,” he told city officials and executives during the ugmad roadshow in the Island garden City of Samal (IgCS). He explained the ugmad Komunidad program is a new strategy of the Provincial government to combat poverty in poor barangays. “We should not lose

hope in solving poverty . . . . in bringing hope to the people,” he said. He bared it is their intention to make the impact of ugmad’s development interventions sustainable in the villages, even after the program has been brought to an end. The island city was the fourth stop of the ugmad roadshow, which was rolled out to promote the centerpiece program among the various local government units of the province. APA Tagalo said his team will start the implementation of the program through the conduct of a social preparation activity on March 21-23, 2012 in Talikud Island, Kaputian District, IgCS, which was identified as a pilot destination of the program. gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario launched the initiative last February 2012 to bring together the benefits of the governor’s tourism, sports, and livelihood skills programs into depressedbarangays, es-

pecially with tourism potentials. The program strategies of Tour DavNor, Dula Dabaonon, and Learn & Earn, aim to make Davao del Norte a premiere tourist destination in Mindanao by developing destinations and products, providing access to existing and tourist potential sites, and aggressive promotions and marketing. [noeL BaGuio]

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EDGEDAVAO

ROADSHOW. Former Mayor and now Executive Assistant Roger Antalan gestures as he welcomes the Ugmad Komunidad program to the Island Garden

City of Samal, during the initiative’s roadshow in the city. [noeL BaGuio/davnor pio]

EXPLANATION. Provincial Tourism Officer Noel Daquioag explains the tourism component of Davao del Norte’s Ugmad Komunidad program, during the ini-

tiative’s roadshow in the Island Garden City of Samal. [noeL BaGuio/davnor pio]

Thousands of kids avail of sc feeding program A total of 9,378 school children in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato and several other areas in the country have benefited from feeding programs and other related initiatives conducted by an international child welfare organization in the last three years. Fanny Divino, program manager for South Central Mindanao of Save the Children, said they launched the feeding programs for three consecutive years since 2009 in the lean months of August to October to mainly help poor children remain in school. Aside from the feeding programs, she said they provided livelihood assistance to 287 poor families as well as helped improve the capabilities of 662 health care providers and 268 community health workers. “The participating families have significantly improved household food security, increased food diversity scores and gained economic opportunities,” she said during the program’s exit conference held in Lake Sebu town Tuesday. Dubbed “Making Food go Further,” Divino said the project was also implemented in marginalized communities in Paranaque

City in Metro Manila and San Remigio town in Antique. The three-year project, which was supported by international food firm Kraft Foods Inc., was mainly aimed at ensuring “that Filipino children are healthy and wellnourished, and belong to food-secure families by facilitating families’ access to food,” a Save the Children statement said. It said the project focused on mitigating hunger among vulnerable groups; supporting livelihood activities of families; raising awareness on health and nutrition though the help of communities, vgovernment agencies and the private sector; and, enabling communities to address issues affecting children, particularly hunger and malnutrition. In Lake Sebu, Divino said they held sessions on feeding, deworming and vitamin supplementation among residents of the community-beneficiaries. She said they educated residents on proper health practices through the Positive Deviance/Hearth Approach, wherein “families , communities and schools work together to quickly rehabilitate malnourished children, sustain the reha-

bilitation and prevent future malnutrition.” Through the project, Divino said they helped improve the capacity of local health workers in recognizing and immediately referring for treatment the severely malnourished children in their areas. “To sustain the project, we provided assistance to several families in the area for livelihood ventures such as vegetable growing, loom weaving, food processing, abaca production and cutflower growing,” she said. “Save the Children wants to prove that communities can fight hunger as one and have the power to make children’s lives better,” Divino added. During the exit conference, the group challenged local government leaders in the province and officials of several government agencies to adopt the project and replicate them in other poor communities. South Cotabato officials led by Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. immediately expressed commitment to sustain the project and push for legislations as well as allot resources for more hunger mitigation and nutrition initiatives in the area. [aLLen v. estaBiLLo/Mindanews]

EDGEDAVAO

NATION bRIEFS

Urged

HE number of senatorjudges urging Chief Justice Renato Corona to face his own impeachment trial continues to snowball after Senator-Judge Loren Legarda asked the chief magistrate to personally explain his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth as well as his peso and dollar accounts. ”I think he should face the impeachment court. He is his best defense. He has firsthand knowledge in all the questions,” Legarda said in a media interview on Thursday, the 30th day of the impeachment trial.

Confirmed

HE current undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, Esteban B. Conejos Jr., is among the 18 officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed to their new assignments on Wednesday by the Commission on Appointments. Conejos was named the Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO), based in geneva. He once campaigned for a high post with the united Nationslinked International Office of Migration but failed to clinch the post.

Diplomacy

HE Philippines and Russia on Wednesday agreed to approach security threats to maritime navigation in the Asia-Pacific on “a rules-based regime based on transparency and diplomacy.” This bilateral approach was reached in what is described as a “historic bilateral meeting” in Moscow between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.

No increase

HE Department of Energy (DOE) said no oil price increase will take place this week even as it hinted that there may be a rollback in gasoline and kerosene prices due a decline of prices in the international market. DOE Director Zenaida Monzada said oil companies, including the so-called “Big 3” (Shell, Chevron and Petron) have made the assurances to the department that they will not increase pump prices this week.

Urged

HE House of Representatives’ prosecution panel called on beleaguered Chief Justice Renato Corona to consider calls to go on leave on the question of propriety after defense witness Demetrio Vicente was spotted using a government vehicle registered under the Supreme Court. Marikina City Rep. Romero “Miro” Quimbo, one of the prosecution spokespersons, said it was brought to their attention that Vicente, who admitted being a second cousin of the chief justice, was transported to and from the Senate last Tuesday when he testified for the defense, by a beige Toyota Camry 1996 model belonging to the high court.

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WORLD/NATION 11

Obama hails alliance with britain WORlD TODAY Extradition A M

“chuffed to bits” President Barack Obama gushed over British Prime Minister David Cameron, but deepening world crises conspired to darken a cheery welcome for a special ally. Obama went out of his way to hail America’s “indispensable” relationship with Britain, even offering to learn the rules of cricket, and gifted his guest top of the range American grill, and a sumptuous state dinner. But both men were forced to dwell on the terrible human costs of war, with sharp questions looming about the justification for more combat in Afghanistan and the possibility of new Middle East combat over Iran’s nuclear program. Obama and Cameron conspicuously used a joint press conference to try to convince weary publics in both nations that recent sacrifices in Afghanistan had wrought “real progress” towards a future secure state. The uS leader went on the record for the

ALAYSIAN authorities on Thursday applied for a court order to extradite to Thailand an Iranian man suspected of involvement in an alleged bomb plot against Israeli diplomats in Bangkok. Masoud Sedaghatzadeh was arrested at Kuala Lumpur’s international airport on February 15, a day after the alleged plot was exposed by an apparently unintended blast at a Bangkok house occupied by three Iranian suspects.

Demarcation

ALLIANCE. US President Barack Obama (R) shakes hands with British Prime Minister David Cameron

during remarks at the State Dinner at the White House March 14, 2012

first time to back NATO’s planned transfer to a support role in 2013 before a full withdrawal the next year, though said there would be no sudden unscheduled drawdowns in coming months. He also used the press conference in an unseasonably warm White House Rose garden, with cherry blossoms in full bloom, to deliver a clear,

and stiffened warning to Iran -- take new nuclear talks seriously, as time is running out. But the elaborately choreographed event, from a 19-gun salute to Cameron to a state dinner, was about celebrating an alliance forged in war that endures in a new century. “Through the grand sweep of history, through all its twists and turns,

there is one constant: the rock-solid alliance between the united States and the united Kingdom,” said Obama. Both men quipped about the time in 1814 when the British sent a colonial army to burn down the White House. “They made quite an impression -- they really lit up the place,” Obama said.

case our rich culture and the distinctiveness of our own habi,” she explained. The Queen Sofia Hall and Hall 318 in the Old Legislative Building of the National Museum were converted into the Textile galleries, which will be formally opened in May 2012. The galleries house the National Museum’s extensive textile collection, such as the Abel Iloko from Vigan, Tinguian blanket from Abra, gaddang garments from Ifugao, Textiles from Polomok, South Cotabato and Maranao garments from Southern Mindanao, to name a few. Weaving looms, including those from Senator Legarda’s personal collection are displayed in

the galleries; while Wyg Tysmans’ photos of indigenous people wearing their traditional garments decorate the walls of the museum. The uP Asian Center, the Fiber Industry Development Authority, Congressman Victor Ortega of the First District of La union, Ilocos Sur Vice governor Deogracias Victor Savellano and Councilor Edmund gavina of Bangar, La union also contributed items to the museum. Even before the construction of the galleries started, Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, already showcased the various native fabrics and costumes of the Philippines through several ex-

hibits in the Senate. Meanwhile, to enrich the citizens’ knowledge on tropical fabrics and the culture of weaving, the Senator Loren Legarda Lecture Series on Philippine Traditional Textiles and Indigenous Knowledge was organized. After the inaugural lecture last March 13, succeeding talks will be held every third Friday of every other month at the new Textile galleries. “Our pride in being Filipinos fundamentally begins with the awareness of the beauty of the Philippines—the land and its people—our heritage, and this textile museum will be a testament to the greatness and richness of the Filipino culture,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda previews showcase of PHL textiles

HE new Textile galleries at the National Museum were opened on March 13 for preview and made the setting of the inaugural lecture on philippine traditional textiles and indigenous knowledge, Senator Loren Legarda announced. The creation of the Textile galleries was a brainchild of Senator Legarda and emanated from her initial fondness of tropical fabrics, which later on became part of her advocacy to preserve indigenous culture. “I have long dreamed of seeing a textile museum in my own country. With more than a hundred indigenous cultural communities in our country, we should show-

ambodia and Vietnam have reviewed the implementation of last year’s agreement on land border area adjustment, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported Wednesday. The report said the review took place during a three-day meeting in Phnom Penh between Senior Minister Var Kimhong and Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son.

A S

Gallery is a product of a vision many years ago to hold in one museum the rich collection of indigenous textiles in the country.

Marathon

ELECT cinemas will stage movie marathons leading up to the midnight debut of The Avengers, with the five films that feature the cast of Marvel’s superhero characters. On May 3, beginning at 11:30 am, “The ultimate Marvel Movie Marathon” will include backto-back screenings of Iron Man and Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk -- and The Avengers.

Senator Loren Legarda walks through the entrance of the National Museum Textile Galleries during the preview on March 13. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities said that the Textile

Missing

total of 89 Buddha images from the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang remain missing after being stolen over the past seven years and sold to undiscerning buyers in Laos and Thailand. Deputy Director of the Culture Department in Luang Prabang province, Norseng Saivongduan, informed Vientiane Times of the situation after the findings of the Investigation Report of Stolen Buddha 2012 were released.

Attack

firebomb attack on a Shi’ite Muslim mosque in Brussels that killed a popular local imam triggered an antiterrorist investigation on Wednesday, but police remained uncertain of the detained suspect’s identity and local Muslims are baffled about his motives. Prosecutors have released few details about the suspect, a man in his 30s who locals said entered the mosque in a rundown quarter of the city shortly after evening prayers on Monday carrying an axe, a knife and a can of petrol, which he poured over the prayer mats and ignited.

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Mayor..

FFROM 1

rived and wasted no time in asking who among the 911 personnel present wanted to resign. In the stunned silence that ensued no one raised a hand, prompting the mayor to add that those who would make up their minds later could give their names to Assistant City Administrator Erwin Alparaque, the acting chief of the Human Resource Management Office. “I will not discuss with you the management of 911, or the budget because dili ninyo na level. I will not even discuss with you Monsanto kay dili ninyo na problema,” the mayor continued, referring to former Central 911 chief Ret. Col. Verner Monsanto was recalled to the city mayor’s office on Monday. “What I will discuss with you is akong mga nadungang mga complaints gikan sa inyoha, when you started to b**ch when people complained of your service,” the mayor said. Air of arrogance The mayor accused said Central 911 of show-

Ex..

ing an “air of arrogance”, adding: “The problem with you all is meron kayong environment o kultura na ‘kami lang at kayo lang’ which I do not know paano na nahitabo.” Duterte-Carpio said she had personally observed how 911 personnel “treated themselves as more important.” “Anong kaibahan ninyo sa TMC (Traffic Management Center personnel) na gikulata sa Tugbok tungod naa siyay gidakop. unsay kalahian ninyo sa garbage collector na nahulog sa truck, namatay. samtang nagkolekta ug basura? Sila wala ka-eskwela kamo oo. You are higly trained. But the problem is you carry a chip on your shoulder as if you are better employees,” she said. “When you could have said ‘we have limitations, we are sorry but we will do our job better’ but the first thing I heard from you when people complained was asking ‘where is our hazard pay?’ What the f**k kind of attitude is that?” the mayor asked with enough anger

Growing..

your friend. How 911 will succeed will depend on how serious you are in doing your job to serve the people,” she said. Dismissing all The City Mayor also revealed that she had contemplated on firing all of the 911 personnel over her disappointment. “You know what’s stopping me from dismissing all of you? Ang inyong mga anak because I know some of you, most of you, are the ones who bring food into your house,” she said. Duterte-Carpio ended her tirade by asking: “Who want to do their job?” Who want to do their job seriously?” On both questions a majority of the personnel promptly raised their hands, some doing so after being nudged with elbows while others kept their arms folded across their chest. The mayor then introduced newly-appointed Central 911 officer in charge Emmanuel Jaldon and consultant for disaster organization Antonio Buquirin who were met

FFROM 7

FFROM 2 “First time kong mag-judge ng isang beauty pageant. Pero ang nakakatuwa, yung boto ko yung nanalo. Marunong rin pala akong mag-judge ng beauty pageant,” Aguirre said, referring to Mutya ng Davao 2012 Marianne Mae Te. Aguirre was invited as Mutya judge by Mayor Sara Duterte. The ex-prosecution member, however, revealed his connection to Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the former city mayor. “Si Mayor Rody friend ko. Magka-eskwela kami. We belong to the same fraternity, ang Lex Talionis ng San Beda,” Aguirre said. Meanwhile, Aguirre said even as he’s standing on the sideline, he remains confident of the prosecution’s arguments. “Maganda ang lagay ng prosecution. I remain confident of their position and their cause,” Aguirre said. As to whether he’ll reconsider going back to the prosecution panel, Aguirre demurred. “Baka makasama pa eh. Kaya siguro it’s better na ganito na lang. Pero sa ngayon much better na ang tayo ng prosecution than be-

to silence the gymnasium except for the chirps of birds outside echoing during her pauses. “Isulti na diri sa akong atubangan kay mag one versus five hundred ta,” she challenged the now thoroughly subdued 911 personnel. “The people have the right to complain because Central 911 runs on public funds,” she went on. “Ano bang pinagmamalaki ninyo? You’re just a group with a nice name and bad service. . I’m sorry for pissing on your parade and bursting your bubble, but my success as city mayor does not depend on Central 911, does not depend on you,” she said. She went on to say that success of Central 911 ‘depends on its personnel.’ “Your success does not depend on me. I’m just the person who luckily won the position of mayor during the 2010 elections. At the end of the day I will not be part of your lives. I won’t be in your home. I’m not even

fore,” he said. During the Mutya pageant program Dabawenyos cheered for Aguirre whenever he was mentioned. After the pageant ended, he was immediately mobbed by supporters and fans. For several minutes the instant celebrity was surrounded by admirers, posing for pictures with him while covering their ears – the pose which went viral online. Aguirre, who stood up to the feisty Senator Santiago during the 26th day of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona, is no stranger to colorful personalities. He had served as lawyer for Senator Panfilo Lacson, Vice Mayor Duterte, and as lead counsel of Hubert Webb in his murder-rape case. Aguirre was also part of the government probe body which examined now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and other mutineers who participated in a failed occupation of Oakwood Hotel in 2003. Asked whether he has adjusted to being an ‘instant celebrity’, Aguirre answered: “Ewan ko, hanggang ngayon hindi ako makapaniwala.” [Jade C. ZaLdivar]

Place 1-2 seedlings in the hole and cover with soil, pressing lightly near the stem for maximum contact between roots and soil. Water immediately after transplanting. (Hot pepper can also be grown in clay pots, cans and plastic bags. It can be treated as an ornamental if maintained properly.) Fertilization. Hot pepper responds well to inorganic fertilizer. However, animal manure and compost are better sources of nutrients. Another alternative is to grow chili pepper around basket composts. Irrigation. Apply water once a week or as needed, however, water is much more needed in containergrown plants. Mulching in both plots and containers can cut watering by at least 50 percent. grasses, paper, sawdust, manure, and plastic sheets can be used for mulching. Pest and disease management. The main diseases of chili pepper are bacterial wilt and viruses. Bacterial wilt is soil borne and difficult to control so that wilting in fully-grown plants is usually due to bacterial wilt. It is best to grow hot pepper in containers with sterilized soil instead. Viruses are systematic, so it is good practice to pull out and burry infected plants (mosaic, leaf curling, fernlike leaves) to prevent the spread of diseases through insect vectors. The major insect pests of pepper are

thrips, mites, army worm, fruit fly, and shoot borers. Thrips is a problem during the dry season and can be managed by overhead irrigation. Shoot and fruit borer can be managed by removing damaged fruits and shoots. Harvesting. Harvest mature green or fully ripened red fruits. Pack in plastic crates, cartons, or bamboo crates lined with banana leaves. Seeds can also be extracted from the red fruits. Air-dry or sun dry seeds for 3-5 days. Place in plastic bags or clear bottles, seal and store in a cool, dry place or inside the refrigerator. Label properly to indicate variety and date of harvest. Yield increases as the plants mature. Peak fruiting time is on the second year, after which, yield begins to decline. Each plant can yield an average of 75 grams every two weeks during the first year of fruiting, 150 grams on the second year, and 100 grams on the early third year. From thereon, yield gradually declines until it reaches marginal production. The DENR information kit says hot pepper production is highly profitable. Establishing a plantation requires minimal cash outlay. A 1/8 hectare planted to hot pepper can provide a net income of P36,450 during the first year, P79,800 on the second year, and P38,300 on the third year.

EDGEDAVAO

with applause. Before adjourning the meeting, the mayor again reminded Central 911 personnel who wished to resign to submit their names to the HRMO. As the horde of 911 personnel filed out of the gym, this reporter requested for several employees’ opinions on the remarks made by the mayor, however, all six refused. Finishing her private discussion with department heads present, including Jaldon and Buquirin, Mayor DuterteCarpio agreed to be interviewed but not about the ‘911 drama’. City Administrator Zuleika Lopez opened proceedings by greeting the the attendees, followed by Assistant City Administrator Erwin Alparaque who stressed that as employees of the city government “everyone’s job is to aid and not to mandate.” Alparaque repeatedly asked the Central 911 personnel to raise their concerns, after a long

interval one of them had to courage to stand up wanting to know about medical privileges they could acquire form the city, saying it had been difficult for them to get attention from Lingap if they did now know anybody. The employee was referring to the city’s Lingap para sa Mahirap Program (Lingap) which provides hospital financial assistance and funeral/burial assistance. The query was met with applause from the Central 911 personnel present by way of showing that the matter was an important concern. The mayor’s office chief of staff, Lemuel Ortonio, said Central 911 employees will be gladly catered to by Lingap. “You don’t need to approach your head of office, just go directly to us bringing your hospital bills. This service is open to all of you, the same as with the TMC, mga garbage collectors sa CENRO (City Environment and Natural Resources),” Ortonio said.

What.. FFROM 7

Angoras are primarily raised for their fleece and secondarily for their meat. while their milk yield is considered “fair.” They are browsers, meaning they nibble at leaves and grasses rather than graze where the animals crop the grass or forage. Angoras as shorn twice a year of their fleece and they need not to be dipped after shearing unlike sheep. S A A N E N This breed originated in the Saane valley of the famous Swiss Alps. It has been exported to many countries of the world and is considered one of the most widely distributed of the improved breeds. It weigh about 65 kilograms at maturity. Some are hornless although horned but disbudded ones are preferred. It has a straight nose and erect ears. It colors is either pure or creamy white. The average milk production of Saanen is 3 liters, with butterfat content of about 4.3 percent. Although it is nicknamed the “Queen of Dairy,” this breed performs poorly in Asia, including the Philippines. TOggENBuRg Also from the Swiss Alps, the name originated from Obertoggenburg. This breed weighs about 52 kilograms at maturity. It is hornless with dished nose and erect ears. The color is chocolate brown with two white stripes on the face and white on the legs below the knees.

Toggenburg has an average milk production of 3 liters daily, with butterfat content of 3.8 percent. FRENCH ALPINE This breed is found throughout the goat-producing districts of France particularly in the Pays de Loire. It weighs about 56 kilograms at maturity. Some have horns and others are hornless. It has erect ears and straight nose. It has multicolored coat with no standard markings. In the Philippines, its adaptability to local conditions ranks second to Nubian. Its daily milk production is 3 liters, with about 4.5 percent butterfat. P H I L I P P I N E OR COMMON gOAT Small but hardy, this goat weighs 25 kilograms at maturity. Its average daily milk production is only about 350 grams, with a butterfat content of about 4.6 percent. Its coat color is either red or black or a combination of these colors. This type of goats is found throughout Asia. DADIANgAS gOAT This is common in Dadiangas (now known as general Santos City), South Cotabato. It is mixture of native, Nubian and Jamnapari goats and some may have some Alpine or Saanen blood. It varies in color. Its milk production and butterfat content are a little higher than the native goats. This breed thrives best in the drier areas of the country.

EDGEDAVAO

Marfori, buddies rule 4th Phoenix Open Golf J

PITCHING POPOY. Popoy del Rosario, DBP President, pitches from the fringe in the recent Phoenix Open Golf tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes. (Boy Lim)

Agojo, Ardina show way in Thailand, KL

AYVIE Agojo and Dottie Ardina turned in a pair of solid games as the top ICTSI bets seized control in the Thailand Ladies Amateur Open in Bangkok and RSgC AmBank Junior Amateur Open golf Championship in Kuala Lumpur, respectively, late Wednesday. Agojo, the reigning Hong Kong Amateur champion, birdied two of the last five holes to fire a two-under 70 at the green Valley Country Club and force a three-way tie for the lead with local bets Pitsaon Chaichompoo, who had 3436, and Pitsinee Winrayat, who carded two 35s. Ornnicha Konsunthea shot a 71 while fellow Thais Sasima Anatasiri, Pathamaporn Ariyamatepreecha and Benyapa Niphatsophon shared fifth with 72s. The ICTSI-Phl squad also took a one-stroke lead in team play with either Lovelynn guioguio or Andie unson’s 73 counting for the team’s 143 aggregate. Ariyamatepreecha and Niphatsophon were in second with a 144 while fancied Pinrath Loomboonruang and Pornvipa Sakdee stood two shots farther back with a 146 after a 72 and 74, respectively. Over at the Royal Selangor golf Club in Malaysia, Ardina shot a second straight 71 to pull away by six over teammate Sarah Ababa after two rounds of

play. Ardina, last year’s winner of the Thai Amateur and priming up for her title defense in the Queen Sirikit Cup next month, dished out top form for the second straight day, hitting all greens in regulation although she muffed a couple of birdie opportunities on her way home. Still, Ardina’s 142 aggregate put her way ahead of the field with Ababa matching par 72 for a 148 and Malaysian genevieve Ling fumbling with a 75 for a 152. Ababa actually fought back from a two-over card after nine holes with birdies on Nos. 12 and 15 but she ran out of holes to gain grounds on Ardina in the premier 18-and-under division. Princess Superal, meanwhile, moved closer to a second title in as many weeks as she kept a twoshot lead with a second 74 in the 15-and-under category of the 54-hole tournament featuring the leading junior players in the region. Superal, who copped the premier individual title in last week’s Montecillo Cup, had a 148 as she held off ICTSI teammate Daniella uy, who also had a 74 for a 150, heading to the final 18 holes. Local bet Siti Shaari stood too far behind at 155 after a 78.

OE Marfori and his teammates composed of Louie Brodeth, Modesto “Ting” Castillo, JP Marfori, and Boy Tan captured the team championship in the Araw ng Dabaw 4th Phoenix Open golf tournament held on March 10 at the Rancho Palos Verdes golf & Country Club, Davao City. Cashing in on their course familiarity, Marfori’s team carded a combined 158 total in the 18hole, Stableford format to rule this annual event sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum and Pioneer Insurance. The champions bested Team Sea Dove com-

AVAO football honors the man credited for the sport’s rise here with the staging of the first ever PSC-DFA Jose Te Memorial Football Festival this weekend at

the Tionko football field. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Executive Director Atty. guillermo Iroy, Jr. will personally lead the ceremonial kicks ushering the two-day festival held in honor of the late Jose “Sensei” Te. “This is the time to

posed of Nonoy Llamas, Jun Pedro, Mayong Pillerin, Jong Tan and Andy ugdoracion, and Team Eagle 2 with Johan Dalmacio, Abe Dizon, Louie Jacinto, Jorge Segovia and Joe Testado. Teams Sea Dove, and Eagle 2 finished 2-3 behind Marfori’s squad. The tandem of Jing Cadez and Willy Maldia tallied an 81 to emerge net champion in the partner division. Cadez shot a 41 while Maldia added a 40 and beat by a count back pair Alex Rivera (39) and Leo Yap (38). The duo of Sonny Libosada (37) and Joel Yamyamin (39) placed second runner-up.

Yamyamin pocketed the over-all individual gross title while Edgardo Cago took the over-all individual net crown with a 46. The winners received Royal Selangor pewter plates, limited edition Phoenix signature golf bags, and fuel gift cards, during the awarding ceremonies led by Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis uy. The individual winners in the different categories are: Class A: gross champion – Marlon Tabanao (29), runner-up – Jaime Fernandez (28); net

champion – Calso Villegas (35); runner-up – Noe Taojo (33). Class B: gross champion – Lando Cachuela (30); runner-up – CK Chang (28); net champion – Ed Batacan (43); runner-up – Peter Deloria (43). Class C: gross champion – Sam Stong (23); runner-up – Alfredo Abundo (41); net champion – Daniel Briones (41); runnerup – PJ San Pedro (23). Class D: gross champion – Wilfredo Caballes (18); runner-up – Alan Vega (15); net champion – Ed de guzman (37); runner-up – Felix Ian Dagatan (36).

OUT

MIKE D’Antoni (left) with Knicks star Carmelo Anthony who must be the one responsible for the eventual resignation of Mike D’Antoni. The Knicks changed coaches and for one day, their fortunes changed.

MIKE Woodson

Knicks win by 42 after coach resigns

IKE D’Antoni is gone, and the Knicks finally got his offense right. Amare Stoudemire made all seven shots in the first half, Carmelo Anthony passed and shot well, and the Knicks shook off the surprising departure of their coach to rout the Portland Trail Blazers 12179 on Wednesday night, snapping a six-game losing streak. Anthony, who denied wanting a trade or having friction with D’Antoni earlier Wednesday, had 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting and tied a

PSC-DFA Te Mem’l football festival opens Saturday By Neil Bravo

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

give back to Sensei the recognition he deserves for bringing football to this level in Davao,” Iroy said in a text message. He will take a break from his dual role as executive director and senior executive assistant of PSC chair Ritchie garcia.

season high with seven assists. Stoudemire finished with 17 points and shot 8 of 10, before both stars sat out the fourth quarter while the Knicks rang up their highest point total of the season. D’Antoni decided to step down Wednesday, shocking his bosses and players. But the Knicks delivered a powerful performance and a good imitation of his offense in their first game under interim coach Mike Woodson, getting 23 points from JR Smith, 20 from Steve Novak, and making a season-high 19 3-pointers,

one off the franchise record. The Knicks had dropped into a tie for eighth place in the Eastern Conference before breaking out with the kind of effort that was expected from a team that D’Antoni said was good enough to contend for a championship. LaMarcus Aldridge and gerald Wallace each scored 15 points for the Trail Blazers, who were blown out for the second straight night and lost for the fourth time in five games. Portland showed no energy after its 92-75 loss in In-

DFA CHAMPS. The SOS FC girls team recently won the DFA Under-16 Girls Football Tournament held at Tionko Field. SOS beat Medvil FC in the finals. Also in

diana on Tuesday and played without guard Jamal Crawford, whose name been linked to trade rumors ahead of the Thursday afternoon deadline. So was Anthony’s on Wednesday, with a report in the New York Post that he would welcome a deal barely a year after the Knicks acquired him in a blockbuster with Denver. He emphatically denied the report, but it had become clear how much trouble he and D’Antoni had in finding a way to make the All-Star forward productive in his system.

photo are DFA Technical Committee chair Albert Ryan Lim (extreme left) and Match Commissioner Ching delos Reyes (second from right).

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

You can now buy your favorite Business Paper from any of these establishments still at Php 15.

Koronadal

RED KNIGHT. Steve Grandeza, world kickboxing welterweight champion, shows fine form in training.

Raring to go

Gen. Santos Drive, Koronadal City Telefax No.: (083) 520-0816 Mobile No.: 0922-843-9427 email: manggorio09@yahoo.com

By Moses Billacura

TOP BET. Anna Clarice Patrimonio shows world-class form in her match yesterday in the Selecta-Mayor Sara Duterte National Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championship at the Woodridge Park Tennis Courts. (Boy LiM)

UE five to play as RMH Warriors

general Santos

HE university East Red Warriors will be carrying the colors of sponsor Royal Mandaya Hotel in the forthcoming 2012 Araw ng Dabaw Basketball Invitational which reels off on March 20 at the Davao City Recreation Center. Sports Development Division officer-in-charge Pocholo Elegino disclosed the new sponsor of the uAAP squad coached by former PBA cager Jerry Codinera. The Royal Mandaya Hotel has also sponsored visiting com-

mercial squads in the past tournaments in the city. “That‘s confirmed,” said Elegino. RMH through VP glen Escandor has reportedly agreed to sponsor the Warriors who will be playing as among the favorites to win the title in this event backed up by Mayor Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Rody Duterte. The tournament is sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas-Region XI and organized by Liga Dabaw and the City Sports Development Office.

WORlD TODAY

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SERVING A SEAMLESS SOCIETY

Tel No. (083)- 553-2211

HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

EAM Phoenix Petroleum Moo Duk Kwan’s Steve “Red Knight” grandeza is all powered up for the “9th Battle of the Best: Rage of the Champion” on March 17 against Dennis Domingo. When the bell rings at exactly 6 o’clock in the evening, the “Red Knight” intends to unleash all his might at the Makati Sports Club and stop Domingo from shattering his dream of representing the country to the AXN Challenger Muay Thai that offers a grand prize of $100,000. “I’ve been training hard for this and I don’t want to disappoint my supporters in Davao,” said grandeza, one of the outstanding athletes recognized in the 1st Mayor Sara Z. Duterte and Vice Mayor Rody R. Duterte Athletes Recognition Night

last March 9 at the Ritz Hotel of garden Oases. grandeza is all out to prove to Stephan Fox, vicepresident of the World Muaythai Council, who will be gracing the event, that he can be at par too with the world’s best muay thai practitioners in the 63 to 66 kilogram division. “Hopefully, he will notice your humble fighter from Davao City. So, I’m requesting my fellow Dabawenyos to pray for our success,” said grandeza whose younger brother Bryan is also competing in the 57 to 60 kilogram division against Alvin Velasco. His father, Edgardo “Bing” grandeza has prepared his sons for the event with the assistance of coaches Edgar Alan Paulino, Rudy “4K Kevkatche” Tacogue, Herbert Jardinel, Jojo gatmaitan and Noel Namoc.

buen juego, Angel

NgEL Aldeguer guirado must be the man of the match in the game against Tajikistan—the match that shoved the Azkals to the semifinals of the AFC Challenge Cup. No doubt, Angel stepped up bigtime. Angel was all over the field. He was defending and attacking. Not minding he was already hurting himself in banging bodies against the tough Tajiks. He set up Phil Younghusband for the Azkals first marker coming off the locker room during the break. The Malaga, Spainraised Azkal flicked a pass to a streaking Younghusband for the equalizer then came through with his own goal with a header. Angel landed hard on the ground and for a moment it looked like he was hurt. Any mere mortal would have disintegrated into pieces after a hard collision with his Tajik defender and the impact of his fall. He gave away his body for that heckuva goal. Desire is spelled in the face of Angel that afternoon. And although he was slapped with two yellow cards, Angel’s gameface showed he was hell-bent on winning—no matter what it takes. Angel’s superman efforts made me think he should have been wearing his Superman briefs over his shorts, but that would elicit a wildfire of intrigue. Angel and his team-

mate Lexter Moy was mired in controversy as the two Azkals were charged for sexual harassment by Match Commissioner and former POC president Cristy Ramos in a match against Malaysia in Manila. After the case went public, the controversy hogged online trending since. Not only that, several sectors jumped into the controversy and immediately issued statements—some too harsh to swallow. It happens. There was judgment even before the Azkals were even heard. Maybe in a few days, we will get to know who is telling the truth. Angel’s much talked-about pregame underwear-clad swagger has put him in the headlines. One thing, Angel put all these behind him in a match that mattered for the country. This one is history and Angel does not want to let that slip away. So was Angel using the magic briefs that afternoon in Kathmandu? I wonder. Que era un partido bien jugado, Angel.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS

The art of

Hermés O

FTENTIMES, we dismiss a bag, a scarf, or a items are made lovingly and painstakingly by human belt as merely a manufactured item, a craft, hands, that piece of leather, or silk, or metal that you and as such less important than a painting hold may actually be called a work of art. or a piece of sculpture. Although when such Now you may argue that art has to evoke an emotion as is a form

of expression as what your art teacher would tell you on art class 101 and that is true. But what I saw at the Festival de Metiers: A Rendez-vous with Hermes Craftsmen, really changed the way I see things as how and why hand-made items are considered a cut above, and why people are just willing to cough up a small fortune to own a Birkin or Collier de Chien. The exhibit features eight stations will introduce to visitors the dedication that goes into making every detail on your product just right, like the stitching of leather bags and accoutrements; the layer-by-layer silkscreening of the House’s legendary carré; and the affixing of individual diamonds (999 to be exact) using the tiniest of tweezers on your Collier de Chien cuff. Who would have known that it would take up to forty-five layers of silkscreen, each engraved by hand by the artist just to make one iconic Hermes scarf? Talk about passion and deep devotion to their craft. In fact, most of the craftsmen joined the company when they were

in the early twenties and stay on until they retire. Their lifelong dedication to handmade items is an amazing thing to even just witness for a short moment, their craftsmanship echoes their passion that evokes awe and admiration from me and everyone who witnessed the craftsmen in motion. It makes me wonder though, why this passion of excellence

In fact there are so many hand-crafted, artisan products here in Davao that should be treasured as art-worthy pieces and command premium prices abroad. and great love for the hand-made has not translated yet into much of our culture? Why do just crave for the brand without batting an eyelash to the human skill and artistry involved in the creation of our favorite bag, belt, or watch? In fact there are so many hand-crafted, artisan products here in Davao that should be treasured as art-worthy pieces and command premium prices abroad. I guess it would just be a matter of time and with proper product development and appreciation, they should. Follow me on twitter @kennethkingong

EDGEDAVAO

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HOT or NOT

ENTERTAINMENT

ROYALLY BLOWN AWAY. Kate Middleton’s 21-year-old cousin Katrina Darling flaunted her royal lineage -- and everything else -- during her racy nearly-naked stage show in New York City last night. Darling, who is the Duchess of Cambridge’s second cousin once removed and has never met Kate, is a burlesque dancer and brought her erotic dance act to the U.S. this week. It’s safe to say Darling has been stripped ... of her title.

AMERICAN IDOL’S GENTLE GIANT SENT HOME FOR LYING. Jermaine Jones is kicked off the latest season of “American Idol” after producers learned he concealed the fact that the was arrested twice last year, one incident involving violence. Producers of the show discovered last Tuesday that Jermaine had lied about his criminal history and that triggered the producers to confront him on camera Tuesday afternoon. Jermaine appeared on the show before he was sent packing.

LADY GAGA TO RETURN TO MANILA. After her successful concert last August 11, 2009 at the Araneta Coliseum, Lady Gaga is set to conquer Manila once more. This time the concert which is part of her ‘Born This Way Ball Tour’ will happen on May 21, 2012 at the newly constructed SM Arena. Yes, the world famous American singer-songwriter will be the opening event at what could be considered the biggest concert and sporting events in the country. Better book your tickets early.

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

Bruno Mars on Playboy’s cover

Only the 10th man to appear on the cover BRUNO Mars has joined an elite group of only nine men, including Burt Reynolds, Donald Trump, and Gene Simmons, who have graced the cover of Playboy in its 58 years in publication. The “It Will Rain” singer appears alongside Miss April, Raquel Pomplun, for the magazine’s new Sex and Music issue. Unfortunately for his fans, Mars is fullyclothed, but he does rock his usual 50s-era style for the pictorial in which he sports Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana — and one gorgeous guitar. The Grammy winner, 26, dishes about the men who influenced not only his sound, but also his style. Growing up as a kid in Honolulu with a musical family (mom and dad met when they performed in a show where she was a hula dancer and he played percussion), Mars — born Peter Gene Hernandez — was heavily inspired by his parents’ favorites. “Growing up in the showbiz world, I looked up to those guys: Frank Sinatra and, of course, Elvis Presley,” says Mars, who impersonated the King as a child during his family’s show and even in the 1992 movie,“Honeymoon

The 10 lucky men who have appeared on Playboy’s cover • Peter Sellers(Apr 1964) • Burt Reynolds (Oct 1979) • Steve Martin (Jan 1980) • Donald Trump (Mar 1990) • Dan Aykroyd (Aug 1993) • Jerry Seinfeld (Oct 1993) • Leslie Nielsen (Feb 1996) • Gene Simmons (Mar 1999) • Seth Rogen (Apr 2009) • Bruno Mars (Mar 2012)

in Vegas,” starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker. “My dad was into the 1950s doo-wop era. If you look at those groups, or at James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and the Temptations in the 1960s, you’ll

see you had to be sharp onstage.” And while those guys influenced his fashion sense, it was another legend who inspired the “Grenade” singer’s musical ability: Jimi Hendrix.

“I think he’s the greatest guitar player in the world, and I would want to see him do his thing in person,” Mars tells Playboy. “He’s the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place.” omg! Yahoo

VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

EVENTS

Cosplay fun at SM’s Annex OPENING last March 9, a bigger Cyberzone at SM CIty Davao’s The Annex, kicked off a Cosplay fun weekend. Cyberzone is the country’s largest chain of IT retail stores which brings to everyone all the latest in consumer electronics. With choice techie stores8Telcom, CameraHaus, Case Logic, CD-R King, Data Blitz, Digibabe, GamePlace, Games and Gadgets, , Herrera Brothers, i-Click, Meetrovi Mobile Shop, Nikon, Nokia, Philcopy, Phones and Gadgets, Photoline Digital, Skycom, SST Laptop, Tekpone Communications, The Sun Shop , Acer and many more; Cyberzone at The Annex offers all the IT everyone will need. From March 9 to 11, colourful characters paraded around the mall and participated in exciting games at the Cosplay Zone. Great tech ideas and products were also on exhibition at the new Cyberzone. Plus, shoppers also got the chance to be a DJ using the latest gadgets and apps! Apart from trend-forward IT shops, the City’s hippest hub will also be a home to hip new brands in fashion and an exciting mix of dining choices. With The Annex, SM City Davao gives a whole new meaning to ‘community malling’ for the hip, the young and the tech savvy. For inquiries, call 297.6998. Like SM City Davao on Facebook or visit www. smcitydavao.blogspot.com for event and promo updates.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 10 • MARCH 16 - 17, 2012

MUSIC

VOCALIST and guitarist Ben Gibbard

The sound of sadness:

Death Cab for Cutie live in Manila By Cheekie Albay Photos by Niña Sandejas

THE author with her Death Cab for Cutie concert pass (Photo by Crisha Albay)

“PRETTY much LY be back, Manila!” the wildest, loudSo goes frontman Ben est crowd we’ve ever Gibbard’s post-show tweet played for last night. after American alternaWe will DEFINITE- tive rock act Death Cab

for Cutie’s first-ever Philippine performance, held on March 5 at the NBC Tent in Taguig City. It is a pronouncement that has been retweeted and favorited countless times, presumably by the same people who made up the “wildest, loudest crowd” the band has ever played for. How does a timidlooking foursome inspire such fervent devotion in an army of fans all the way across the globe? Next to today’s bigger, more marketable pop rock acts, Gibbard, guitarist Chris Walla, bassist Nick Harmer, and drummer Jason McGerr certainly don’t seem like they try very hard to win you over—they don’t create big, arena-sized anthems like Coldplay, nor parade around in red carpet-ready threads like Maroon 5. They’re just four white men from Washington who’d sooner be mistaken for tax accountants than rock stars. But what Gibbard and company have no lack of is a fragility and openness that is hard to come by in a rock scene that rewards machismo and irony. With each record they’ve released, they mesmerize listeners with intimate, vividly poetic lyrics buoyed by clear, unburdened melodies, endearing them to legions of young, sensitive souls looking for a musical hero who knows just how they feel. On the evening of the sold-out concert, fans milled around NBC Tent, a sizable swarm of young urbanites sporting oxford wingtips, skinny jeans, and a disaffected, beenthere-done-that demeanor to go with their hipster duds. But when Gibbard, Walla, Harmer, and McGerr finally went onstage,

we shed all initial traces of cool and cheered, squealed, and hooted for this band we honestly never thought we’d ever get to see live. Death Cab for Cutie played a 24-song set that covered their vast discography, delighting both new fans and old ones. All the major albums were represented: they played “Company Calls” from We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes, “We Laugh Indoors” and “A Movie Script Ending” from The Photo Album, “A Lack of Color” and “The Sound of Settling” from Transatlanticism, “What Sarah Said” and “Soul Meets Body” from Plans, “I Will Possess Your Heart” and “Cath…” from Narrow Stairs, and “You Are a Tourist” and “Home Is a Fire” from Codes and Keys. Throughout the show, the crowd sang along to the classic tracks they knew by heart and listened appreciatively to the newer ones that had yet to grow on them, all the while amazed at the band’s near-perfect performance. We entered the venue knowing we were going to hear our favorites, yet nothing prepared us for how well they actually sounded live. But in the end, the greatest gift Death Cab for Cutie left us with was the vulnerability their songs made us feel. When Gibbard sat down at the piano for the show’s finale, and, with a quivering voice, sang the first lines of “Transatlanticism”, I let a few tears snake down my cheeks. Here was an epic ode of loss and longing, and that night, as I heard every forlorn note of it echo through my head and felt every painful word of it claw at my heart, I understood it completely.