Edge Davao 5 Issue 102

Abtik kaayo ang mga moves sa mga bata.

EDGEDAVAO P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

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Serving a seamless society

Indulge

Science/ Environment

Page A1

Page 4 FANCY DRILL. Boy scouts from the Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elementary School show their wares during the fancy drill competition yesterday at Rizal Park, Davao City. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

Property

Page 7

Matina Shrine Hills’ protection sought

By Jade C. Zaldivar

Sports

Page 15

T

HE MATINA Shrine Hills are alive with the sounds of protest against the area’s unabated development into high-end housing and other commercial ventures in the city’s ongoing property boom.

Worried downhill homeowners joined by militant environmentalists, after years of raising the specter of landslides and similar doomsday scenarios, have seemingly won the sympathetic ears of some city officials.

n Dad wants area proclaimed protected nature reserve or natural park

Davao City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado yesterday formally proposed for declaration of Shrine Hills as either a protected nature reserve or natural park.

The councilor’s proposal, articulated during a privilege speech, is compatible with the wish of Davao City Mayor Sara

Duterte-Carpio to convert the area into a “nature park zone.”

The mayor has reportedly submitted the proposal in the form of an amendment to the city’s Zoning Ordinance which is due for revision.

Shrine Hills currently host high-end residential projects

before his assignment in Region 11, said one of the problems in the port is the lack of x-ray machines to check the contents of sealed container vans, adding that opening the vans is prohibited.

“That’s why we’re putting up the PICO and want to activate it next week to serve as the final stop of container vans,” he said, citing the incident of

confiscated logs worth P16 million in Manila allegedly shipped from Davao.

He said this incident did not only hit the national agency, but the entire image of Davao region in general. Thus, he added, the DENR is asking the cooperation of local government units, private sectors and non-government organizations to curb illegal logging.

FMATINA, 12

Zozobrado

DENR to put up unit to catch illegal logs

By Lorie Ann A. Cascaro

Follow Us On

T

HE new regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11 said yesterday that a port integrated clearance office (PICO) will be activated next week at the Sasa wharf in Davao City to confiscate illegal logs in container vans.

Joselin Marcus Fragada, regional director of DENR Bicol

Noting that Davao is an entry point of outgoing logs, Fragada said before DENR can take more definite actions, it will continue to identify areas where there are illegal logging activities, and as much as possible stop the activity before the actual cutting of trees.

“For the purpose of discouraging these activities, we’d like

FDENR, 12

2

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Water interruption slated July 27 -28

T

HE Davao City Water District has scheduled three sets of water service interruption to allow its crews to accomplish separate service improvement projects.

First set is from 9:00 AM of July 27 until 4:00 AM of July 28 to allow the replacement of pump in Panacan well no. 3 to increase production capacity. Customers served by Panacan Water Supply System will experience low water pressure to no water particularly in Vista Verde, Tierra Verde, Crystal Meadows, Landmark III, Davao Empress Subd., Emiville Subd., San Juan Vill. and Panacan Relocation.

Second set is on July 28 from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The Engineering and Construction Department will tap the newly installed 4-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 6-inch diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at Vales Beach in Daliao Toril. Affected areas with no water are Santa Clara Vill., Prudential Vill., St. Michael Vill., San Roque Vill., San Nicolas St., Sto. Cristo St., Bayanihan St., Lapu-Lapu St., Soyos St., Dagohoy St., Loon St., Jupiter St., Earth St., Apollo St., Bougainvilla

St., Daliao St., and Mango Avenue. All these areas are in Daliao, Toril.

Third set is from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM of July 28 at Regina Compound to De Mesa Compound in Bajada due to tapping of newly installed 2-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 2-inch diameter Polyethelyne pipeline for the mainline improvement in the said area.

DCWD acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado said that completion of these projects can accommodate additional new service connections. He also advises would-be affected customers to store enough water prior to the scheduled water service interruption as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may call the DCWD trunk line at 221-9400 and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to the latest daily water updates, or contact its call center through the 24hour hotline 221-9412 or 0927-7988966 for updates, complaints, queries and other matters pertaining to DCWD services. [SYLVIA MAY L. VOSOTROS]

Koronadal, PVB ink ATM accord

C

ONTINUING its aim to empower local government units nationwide, Philippine Veterans Bank signed a memorandum of agreement with the City of Koronadal whereby the bank will be providing the city with an automated teller machine (ATM) located at the City Hall. The deal also appointed Veterans Bank to be the depository bank for the payroll of the city’s contractual/job order employees.

Under the terms of agreement, Veterans Bank will install an offsite ATM at the Koronadal City Hall allowing employees easy ac-

Big, bad bully

cess to cash. Placing the payroll of contractual/job order employees with Veterans Bank will ease the burden off the city as each employee will be issued a VeteranTeller ATM card which they can then use to withdraw their salary from any ATM. The installation of the ATM and the placement of contractual/job order employees’ salaries with Veterans Bank are initial services that the city has availed from the bank. It expects to engage the city with more banking services in the near future.

FKORONADAL 12

GUN BAN. A streamer at the entrance of a mall on J.P. Laurel Ave. reminds the public that there will be a city-wide gun ban effective August 1 to 31,

President says signs augur well for GPH-MILF peace talks, but..

I

T merited a paragraph in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), a slight improvement from last year’s complete silence on the progress of the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the National Democratic Front . This time, the President managed to say the signs augur well for peace with the MILF, but stopped there.

“He could have done better if he had asked for

PHL protests Chinese plan to set up military garrison

T

HE Philippine government has strongly protested China’s plan to establish “military garrisons” in a new city it established to oversee its claimed territories in the West Philippine Sea. Manila also protested intrusions by Chinese ships, including a People’s Liberation Army navy ship, in two Manila-claimed reefs in the contested region.

Manila has expressed

its “grave concern and registered its strong protests” over the developments, the latest twist in recent conflicts in the vast and resource-rich waters being claimed by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

West Philippine Sea is also known by its international name South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs summoned on Tuesday morning Chinese

2012 in time for the celebration of Kadayawan Festival. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

Ambassador to Manila Ma Keqing and handed to her the diplomatic protest, expressing the Philippine government’s displeasure over Beijing’s fresh attempts to exercise control over nearly the entire sea and its continued disregard for international law.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said China plans to establish the garrison in Woody Reef, which falls

FPHL, 12

patience and support for the peace talks from all stakeholders, especially government political institutions,” Guiamel Alim, a member of the Council of Elders of the Cotabato City-based Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, told MindaNews.

Aquino lauded the reforms in the five-province Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), even praising OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman for being a “certified

ghostbuster” in the 22year old institution that the government and MILF peace panels have agreed to replace with a “new autonomous political entity.”

“Even those who previously wanted to break away are seeing the effects of reform. Over the past seven months, not even a single encounter has been recorded between the military and the MILF. We recognize this as a sign of their trust.

With regard to the peace process: talks have been very open; both sides have shown trust and faith in one another.

There may be times when the process can get a little complicated, but these are merely signs that we are steadily moving closer to our shared goal: Peace,” he said.

Last year, the President said nothing on the peace process in his 53-minute 95-paragraph

tion Center.

The race was in three categories -- 10 K, 5 K and 3K. “This is one way to feel young, look young as well as do something for the benefit of others,” said Brig.

Gen. Ariel Bernardo, commander of 10th Infantry Division in a press statement.

The fun run brought together members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the

Eastern Mindanao Command, the 10th Infantry Division, Armor, the Philippine National PolicePolice Regional Office 11, and other civilian sectors.

“Through the fun run we were able to spread the bayanihan spirit, and promote camaraderie among the ranks as well as maintain our good relations with other government agencies, particularly the police,” Bernardo added.

FPRESIDENT, 12

Military, policemen in fun run

By Jade C. Zaldivar

S

OME 2,300 members of the military and police among others, last July 22 conducted the 1st Cavalier Run organized by the Philippine Army.

Headed by the Eagle Fraternal Chapter of Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, the event held at the SM Parking Area realized proceeds for the benefit of Bantay Bata 163 and Davao City Treatment Program and Rehabilita-

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

THE BIG NEWS

3

P-Noy’s SONA

Tribal dad dismayed over silence on IPs

By Lorie Ann A. Cascaro

D

AVAO City Councilor Berino Mamboo, chair of the committee on indigenous peoples’ and Muslim affairs, said he was dismayed over President Aquino’s failure to mention a single thing about the indigenous peoples (IPs) during his state of the nation address (SONA) Monday.

He said although the President had some accomplishments, Aquino was never concerned with the IP, especially in Mindanao, adding that there is no opportunity for livelihood, particularly in their ancestral domain.

“Until now, our ancestral domain remains on paper that we are holding, but we don’t have any

development yet,” he said.

Mambo-o wants the Aquino government to set aside funds for the development and management of their ancestral domain which were awarded to them.

Citing that the awarding of ancestral domain happened during the term of former President Fidel Ramos, Mambo-o said within Aquino’s two years there is no concrete program for the IPs yet.

“In the SONA, there was even no mention that we (IPs) will get some benefits,” he told reporters.

Pushing for education and livelihood programs for the IPs in Davao City,

FTRIBAL, 12

PASSENGER BOAT. A pump boat operator struggles to maneuver his passenger boat yesterday on the Davao River whose strong current was compounded by the heavy rain of the previous night. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

4

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Artificial jellyfish created from heart muscle cells

The artificial jellyfish replica is made from silicone polymer and rat heart cells

S

CIENTISTS in the US have created a free swimming artificial jellyfish.

The team members built the replica using silicone as a base on which to grow heart muscle cells that were harvested from rats.

They used an electric current to shock the Medusoid into swimming with synchronised contractions that mimic those of real jellyfish.

The advance, by researchers at Caltech and Harvard University, is reported in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

The finding serves as a proof of concept for reverse engineering a variety of muscular organs and simple life forms.

Because jellyfish use a muscle to pump their way through the water, the way they function - on a very basic level - is similar to that of a human heart.

“I started looking at marine organisms that pump to survive,” said Kevin Kit Parker, a professor of bioengineering and applied physics at Harvard.

“Then I saw a jellyfish at the New England Aquarium, and I immediately noted both similarities and differences between how the jellyfish pumps and the human heart.

“The similarities help reveal what you need to do to design a bio-inspired pump.”

Mechanical movement The work also points to a broader definition of “synthetic life” in an emerging field of science that has un-

til now focused on replicating life’s building blocks, say the researchers.

Prof Parker said he wanted to challenge the traditional view of synthetic biology which is “focused on genetic manipulations of cells”. Instead of building just a cell, he sought to “build a beast”.

The two groups at Caltech and Harvard worked for years to understand the key factors that contribute to jellyfish propulsion, including the arrangement of their muscles, how their bodies contract and recoil, and how fluid dynamics helps or hinders their movements.

Once these functions were well understood, the researchers began to reverse engineer them.

They used silicone to fashion a jellyfish-shaped body with eight arm-like appendages.

Next, they printed a pattern made of protein onto the “body” that resembled the muscle architecture of the real animal.

They grew the heart muscle cells on top, with the protein pattern serving as a road map for the growth and organisation of the rat tissue. This allowed them to turn the cells into a coherent swimming muscle.

When the researchers set the Medusoid free in a container of electrically conducting fluid, they shocked the Medusoid into swimming with synchronised contractions. The muscle cells even started to contract a bit on their own before the electrical current was applied.

“I was surprised that with relatively few components - a silicone base and cells that we arranged - we were able to reproduce some pretty complex swimming and feeding behaviours that you see in biological jellyfish,” said John Dabiri, professor of aeronautics and bioengineering at Caltech.

“I’m pleasantly surprised at how close we are getting to matching the natural biological performance, but also that we’re seeing ways in which we can probably improve on that natural performance. The process of evolution missed a lot of good solutions.”

Lead author Janna Nawroth from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena commented that the field of tissue engineering was “still a very qualitative art”.

She said researchers tried to copy a tissue or organ “based on what they think is important or what they see as the major components without necessarily understanding if those components are relevant to the desired function or without analysing first how different materials could be used”.

The team aims to carry out further work on the artificial jellyfish. They want to make adjustments that will allow it to turn and move in a particular direction.

They also plan to incorporate a simple “brain” so it can respond to its environment and replicate more advanced behaviours like moving towards a light source and seeking energy or food.

2 Philippine eagles to be freed this year T

HE Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) based here is set to free two Philippine eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi) to its natural habitat this year.

Anne Mae Sumaya, PEF curator and biologist, said the two eagles were turned over to the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) by residents in April and October last year in Barangay Tambobong, this city and Barangay Minalwang in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

“We did not capture them in the wild. They

were caught and transferred to the center for rehabilitation,” she said.

Sumaya said the eagle center will ask permission from the community and conduct information campaign in nearby communities before releasing the eagles.

“We still have to do a study if there is enough forest for the eagles,” she said.

Sumaya said the PEF is also bent on strengthening the communities in the release sites on the preservation of the natural habitat of eagles.

“I hope one day they will be the one to enforce the preservation of the forests,” she added.

To date, PEC Davao has 35 Philippine eagles under its custody, 24 of them adopted.

To adopt an eagle, the benefactor has to provide P150,000 a year to sustain the eagle, which will be named after the benefactor or company.

For multi-year adoption, the benefactor will have to provide P125,000 a year for each eagle based on the number of years contracted. [PNA]

domestic and agricultural use.

“We must effectively regulate withdrawal of groundwater,” he said.

Tuddao hopes the government can implement as soon as possible RBCO’s proposed groundwater management and development plan which also highlights the need for effective monitoring.

RBCO prepared such a plan, reporting about 50 percent of people nationwide tap groundwater for use as drinking water.

Groundwater is also

used by agriculture (32 percent), industry (15 percent) and other sectors (4 percent).

National Water Resources Board (NWRB) data since 2002 show about 60 percent of groundwater extraction in the country is without water right permits, RBCO reported.

“We have some 140 billion cubic meters of surface water - that resource is adequate to meet our needs and must be prioritized for use instead of groundwater,” Tuddao said. [PNA]

Expert advocates regulation of groundwater extraction

A

N expert is recommending the institutionalization of a nationwide system for monitoring withdrawal of the country’s already overextracted groundwater.

Dr. Vicente Tuddao Jr., River Basin Control Office (RBCO) executive director, raised urgency for such system, warning more excessive withdrawal of this natural resource will further lower the water level and lead to land subsidence and salt water intrusion which compromises availability of water for

EDGEDAVAO

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

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

5

Petro players enter franchise sector T

OP downstream petro players and allied suppliers will showcase their business concepts at the Petro Business Pavilion of Franchise Asia Philippines 2012 (FAP 2012) Expo on July 27 to 29 at the SMX Convention Center.

Presented and organized by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), this new expo feature aims to elicit interest for petro brands from prospective franchisees and gain further exposure to the more than 50,000 expected expo visitors many of whom are in the market seriously looking for investment opportunities.

Jose P. Magsaysay Jr., FAP 2012 overall chairman, said the presence of the “Petro Business Pavilion” makes this year’s International Franchise Expo unique from the previous editions of the event.

“The nice thing about Franchise Asia 2012 is that for the first time, we will have the country’s top petro businesses in one pavilion. Previous expos saw only the big petro players exhibiting individually. This time even small players will be there,” he said.

Among the Petro brands that will be highlighted at the FAP 2012 are Caltex/Chevron Philippines as platinum co-presentor of FAP 2012, Petron, Phoenix Petroleum, PTT Phils., Seaoil Phils., Total Phils., and Unioil.

Joining the Petro Pavilion from the ranks of the allied suppliers are Brenton Engineered Products, Bosch Car Services, Isuzu Phils., Monrio Industrial, Ohcotech, and Rapide.

Other countries in the ASEAN region have their own Petro shows, said Yen Roxas, Investor Trade Class Manager for Asia Pacific/Chevron International Products.

“We thought that the inclusion of a Petro Business Pavilion will add excitement for the expo visitors. Aware that petroleum/ oil companies use dealer franchise agreements and distributorship as a method to distribute their products and to reach their market, and acknowledging the role of petro stations as viable channels of distribution for products and services offered by many successful franchise brands, this year’s organizing committee decided to have a Petro and Energy Pavilion,” said Roxas.

He cited Chevron has just participated in the recent highly successful Malaysia Franchise

Show, saying it was worthwhile for the brand.

Art Cruz, Seaoil Philippines marketing director, said the company has been a regular exhibitor of PFA’s franchise expos because of the success that Seaoil had in getting new franchise partners through the annual event.

“Definitely, a good number of our franchisees got to know us through the franchise shows of PFA. We believe in PFA’s Franchise Expo and had good experiences with them, so we decided to become one of the major sponsors of Franchise Asia Philippines 2012,” he stressed.

Seaoil Philippines, which opened shop in 1978, now has over 250 gas stations nationwide, with about 70 percent of them owned by franchisees.

Peewee Ligot, senior officer of Bosch Business Development Workshop Concepts, for his part, said exhibiting at the Franchise Expo will allow Bosch Car Services to get in touch with businessmen who may also become interested in other types of business opportunities outside of franchising.

Bosch Car Services, Ligot noted, provides new innovations and technologies for existing auto shop owners, and even those that are looking at opening car shops.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Petroleum said its participation in FAP 2012 is vital in achieving its target of growing its retail network to over 500 service stations.

The company has megastations offering modern conveniences beyond fuel, which include retail shops to convenience stores, auto services and money transfers to go with credit card facility, service bay and clean and air-conditioned restrooms.

“Parallel with its growing retail network, we can expect continued expansion of the Phoenix commercial fuels business in critical growth industries from transportation to energy to transportation,” it said.

Today’s biggest franchise show not only in the Philippines but also in the ASEAN region, FAP 2012 is a 4-in-1 event that includes the International Franchise Conference (July 2526), the International Franchise Expo (July 27-29), the Educational Franchise Seminars, and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Program (July 23-24).

Franchise expo kicks off today T

HE Philippines will take center stage in the global franchising industry this week when the Franchise Asia Philippines 2012 (FAP 2012) opens its gates to about 500 exhibitors and over 50,000 attendees, including business experts, and trade buyers, making it the biggest, grandest and most anticipated franchising event in the world today.

The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) gathered the best minds in the industry to head the different committees and sub-committees and ensure that the 4-in-1 event will be another global spectacle and follow the success of the Franchise Asia 2011, which gave the Philippines, through PFA, the honor to host the convergence of the top leaders in the international franchise community and the record-breaking International Franchise Conference and International Franchise Expo.

Festivities will be at the SMX Convention Center starting with the International Franchise Conference from July 25 to 26.

Among the topics to be discussed at the two-day International Conference are the Global Franchising Trends and Developments; Shopper

Trends and Evolving Consumer Behavior; Translating your Brand Personality into your Store Look; Using Innovative Solutions to Grow and Manage Your Business; “The Customer is King” -- Using This Simple Principle to Improve Business Performance; Managing Multiple Brands: Benefits and Advantages, and Managing and Profiting from Digital and Mobile Marketing.

After that, the International Franchise Expo, the biggest franchise showcase in the world today with almost 10,000 square meters in exhibit area, covering all four halls of the SMX Convention Center.

It will showcase the best unlimited business opportunities ranging from established and successful brands -- both local and international -- to new and promising franchise concepts covering every sector at various investment levels.

About 500 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees are expected at the expo, which is also highlighted by special areas of interest, among them the Petro Business Pavilion, Incubation and Emerging Concepts Area, International Suppliers and Allied Services, Tindahang Pinoy: The Best of the Philippines, and many more. (PNA)

BSP hints at policy rates adjustment

T

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday hinted a possible adjustment on policy rates but maintains that inflation remains manageable.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., in a text message to reporters, forecasts inflation this month to stay between 2.6 to 3.5 percent, almost steady from the 2.5 to 3.4 percent forecast range for last month.

“Higher utility rates and increased international oil prices could have been offset by the peso appreciation and the decline in the domestic price of LPG,” he said, citing that the balance of risks “reflects that inflation remains generally manageable.”

The central bank chief stressed that average inflation for this year “is still expected to fall closer to the lower-end of our target range” referring to the three to five-percent target until 2014.

Monetary officials project inflation to average at 3.1 percent this year and 3.4 percent in 2013.

“Our current view is that there is some scope to adjust monetary policy settings to protect the inflation target on the downside,” he said.

“Nevertheless, the BSP will continue to monitor developments particularly movements in international commodity prices, shifts in investor appe-

FBSP, 12

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

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THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

SM General Santos to open on Aug. 10 E T

HE Sy-led SM Mall branch in this city, the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” will finally open for business on August 10.

The blessing will be on August 9 and only for top company officials, tenants and selected guests, a company source said.

Giant tarpaulins announcing the opening date has been posted in various places in the city as well as in neighboring towns of South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces.

SM General Santos, which has been under construction for about two

EDGEDAVAO

Carrier unveils smart aircon

years, is expected to further invigorate the local economy, Avelmar Manansala, city hall media affairs officer, said.

The local government unit is bullish the entry of SM Mall will attract more investors in the city, the economic hub of Region 12, he added.

“It will have a positive impact as more jobs will be generated, it will be good for Region 12,” he said.

Manansala said local fruit and vegetable producers would benefit from the operation of the SM Mall as they have been

tapped as suppliers.

The entry of SM in the city was likewise seen to attract more investors.

Recently, executives from Ayala Land, Inc. were in town for an “exploratory visit” and paid a courtesy call to Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Manansala said.

In Mindanao, Ayala Land operates the Abreeza Mall in Davao City.

The mayor told the Ayala executives that local mall players are also becoming aggressive with the entry of big Manilabased mall operators in the city, he said.

Currently, local mall operator KCC is building Veranza, an expansion of the KCC Mall of GenSan, and is reportedly set to open later this year.

The Gaisano Mall here has likewise renovated and expanded its shopping store.

In late 2009, Robinsons Place General Santos, reportedly with an investment of P2 billion, opened its doors to the public.

From the outside, the view of the SM Mall here, which sits in an eighthectare property leased from the Salazar family, is almost complete. (PNA)

LECTRICITY remains as one of the unstable utility expenses in the country.

As businesses and homes turn to energysaving appliances, particularly air conditioners, to cut this expensive utility expense, most find that such products like inverters often come with a hefty, uneconomical price tag.

Concepcion-Carrier is helping the retail and commercial sector cut down such cost by launching Carrier Optima, a smart aircon unit that provides similar energy savings as expensive inverters but at the price of a fixed speed unit.

Carrier Optima has the lowest-rated power consumption compared to latest competitor’s rated specs. At just 660 watts of power required, it has the lowest against all competitor fixed speed systems.

By requiring the lowest wattage, this would mean a savings of as much as 30 percent compared to non-inverters and up to 17 percent more than other inverters.

“Air conditioners are one of the most hardworking appliances, particularly here in the Philippines where scorching and humid temperatures push each unit to the limit. They are switched on almost the whole day and consume massive amounts of electricity,” said Raul Joseph Concepcion, CEO of ConcepcionCarrier.

Concepcion added that besides its low acquisition cost, Carrier Optima will give discerning Filipino consumers a smarter home investment with the lowest electricity cost to operate.

“Basically, what you get with each Carrier Optima is the monthly savings of an inverter at two-thirds of an inverter’s retail price,” he said.

The Carrier Optima is confident to offer the biggest savings in power consumption for the entire high wall market.

That is why ConcepcionCarrier is offering an exclusive money-back guarantee for Carrier Optima.

“We are very confident that we are giving consumers the best energy saving cooling solution that we are giving a money-back guarantee that if consumers can find other air condition-

ers which have less rated power consumption than the Carrier Optima,” said Concepcion.

Even with its more affordable price tag, Carrier Optima has a roster of intelligent cooling features, comparable to that of more expensive inverters.

As ceiling temperature is often higher than floor temperature, Carrier Optima’s Temperature Compensation automatically normalizes overall room temperature for even cooling.

The triple-filter system, which includes an active carbon filter, a bio filter and anti-mildew, help improve indoor air quality for optimum comfort and productivity.

A leakage protection system has an activated refrigerant leakage detect function, which can prevent compressor damage from leakages and overload. Other intelligent features include an auto-restart mode during power cuts, which allows Carrier Optima to automatically restart and return to its previous function and a durable hydrophilic fin that prevents rust and improves cooling efficiency.

“High electricity cost do not have to mean that you have to sacrifice your cooling needs or increasing your budget for your monthly bills,” said Concepcion. “You can opt to choose an economical cooling appliance that helps you manage the electricity you consume and save the money you worked hard for. That is our solution.”

Concepcion-Carrier, the partnership between Carrier Corporation and Concepcion Industries Inc., brings together two pioneers in the air conditioning industry: Carrier, a world leader in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems; and Concepcion Industries Inc., a company that exemplifies Filipino leadership, ingenuity, and enterprise.

Since its formation in 1998, ConcepcionCarrier quickly rose above its peers, as the company expanded from manufacturing window room air conditioners to become the Philippines’ frontrunner in virtually all categories of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment and services.

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

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Property boom transforming Philippine skylines A

S a Philippine property boom gathers pace, even Paris Hilton, Donald Trump and high-fashion house Versace are getting a piece of the action.

The good times are into their fourth year, fuelled by steady economic growth, Western firms offshoring jobs to the Philippines, the buying power of millions of Filipinos working abroad and low interest rates.

“It just so happens that today the stars are aligned... we have never seen the economy this bullish,” said Antonino Aquino, president of Ayala Land, one of the country’s biggest property developers.

Ayala Land is one of the main players in what industry figures describe as an unprecedented construction boom that is transforming the skyline of the nation’s capital, as well as many provincial cities.

In Manila, formerly sleepy pockets such as the Fort army base and the rundown Eastwood industrial zone have become chic, new business districts, catering mainly for the fast-growing outsourcing sector.

At the Fort, Ayala Land this year broke ground on its $714-million One Bonifacio High Street project, which when completed in 2017 will host the Philippine Stock Exchange, a Shangri-La hotel, and retail outlets.

The project also has a 63-storey residential tower, with 298 suites ranging from $500,000$1.9 million that sold out last month in 96 hours, according to the company.

Across the country, more than 850,000 square metres (9.1 million square feet) of office space and 14,000 residential units will enter the market this year, property consultants CBRE Philippines said in a report.

It said many of the residential units catered for a growing middle-class on the fringes of Manila and other urban centres.

The building boom has also spread to hotels, shopping malls and casinos, triggering hopes of a long-anticipated take-off of the underdeveloped tourism industry.

Three of the world’s biggest gaming industry leaders are building a $4-billion, 100-hectare (247-acre) Entertainment City complex of casinos on Manila Bay. The first of the casinos are set to open early next year.

Meanwhile, Trump, the New York mogul, has put his name to a

$150-million, 56-storey, curtain-glass-walled Trump Tower that broke ground in the financial district this year.

“High-end buyers look for key differentiated features,” said Robbie Antonio, managing director of Century Properties that is behind the Trump Tower development.

He said 70 percent of the 220 residential units, which are worth up to $1.86 million each, have been sold.

The firm is putting up a nearby tower designed by the Versace fashion house -- the first of its kind in Asia -- featuring individual wading pools as well as its iconic Medusa-head brand imprinted on lamp shades and cutlery.

Century also flew in socialite and hotel heiress Hilton to Manila last year to help design and promote a suburban Manila residential project that features a man-made beach.

Industry players say the property boom reflects the overall status of the nation’s economy as it picks up steam after decades of underperforming compared with many of its Asian neighbours.

The economy grew 6.4 percent in the first quarter, the stock market has surged 20 percent this year to hit all-time highs, and the country’s credit rating has been bumped up to just a step below investment grade.

The central bank’s

benchmark interest rates are also at historic lows -4.0 percent for the benchmark borrowing rate -- ensuring large piles of cheap cash for property development.

Aside from the macro economic picture, real estate analysts point to the outsourcing phenomenon as one of the key drivers of the property boom.

From virtually nothing a decade ago, outsourcing now employs more than 600,000 people and is worth $11 billion annually, according to the main industry association which is forecasting 15 percent growth in the years ahead.

Many of the skyscrapers are being built to cater for the outsourcing workforce, which performs a myriad of tasks from call centre duties to designing architectural plans for foreign firms.

Meanwhile, roughly nine million Filipinos who work overseas are sending large chunks of the $22 billion they earn -- equal to 10 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product -- back home, often investing in real estate.

The frenetic building pace has some quarters anxious over a potential property bubble, with the global economic woes adding to concerns.

But Rick Santos, CBRE Philippines chief executive, remains bullish, in large part because of the expected continued

growth in the outsourcing sector.

“As economies in the West tighten, global companies will see it in their interest to outsource their non-core functions to save on costs, “ Santos told an industry briefing recently.

Ayala Land’s Aquino also said local market had not seen the price bubbles that preceded crashes in other countries, where property values suddenly doubled or tripled.

“The price increases have been very close to or a little more than the inflation rate,” Aquino said.

Trump Tower developer Antonio added: “We are confident that there’s still a demand that has to be met.”

DISPLAYED. A Trump Tower advertisement is seen being displayed

HIGH-RISE. Commuters are seen driving past a highrise building construction site in Manila. As a Philippine property boom gathers pace, even Paris Hilton,

CONSTRUCTION SITE. Construction workers are seen at a high-rise building construction site in Manila.

on a roadside billboard in Manila.

Donald Trump and high-fashion house Versace are getting a piece of the action.

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VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Europe’s impossible dream ANALYSIS

BY JOHN LLOYD

T

GUEST EDITORIAL

T

SONA good, honest, but...

HE third State of the Nation (SONA) of President Aquino was generally good. It was about good things that truly happened during the year past, that’s why.

Expectedly, it was not perfect because the Aquino administration is far from perfect.

To get one studied view on what the SONA talked about, we asked former Davao Oriental congressman Gico Dayanghirang, Edge Davao’s resident economist, to analyze the SONA as against reality on the ground. Following is his analysis: Indeed, under the leadership of President Aquino, we now have a more serious and forthright government. It is clearly doing its best to deliver basic services and to ensure integrity and efficiency in the use of public funds. It does not, however, lay claim to being a perfect government.

But it is certainly not the usual hanky-panky government that Filipinos have been accustomed to, especially during the previous administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

But there’s a big hole in SONA 2012. There has been no mention of economic policy reform that would make economic gains more inclusive. The country has long been cursed by an economic policy regime that limits prosperity largely to the urban-based sectors of society. This, of course, is a consequence of the disproportionate political influence that urban-based sectors of Philippine society exert on economic policy making.

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Take for instance budgetary allocations for overhead capital which means roads, bridges, airports and seaports. While the national capital region and nearby provinces enjoy the benefit of multiple crisscrossing highways, provinces and towns in outlying regions still have to be connected by a decent two-lane highway. This bias has restricted economic traffic and contributed to extensive rural poverty.

Another case in point is the allocation of fiscal and other incentives which influence the industrial profile of the country. Incentives to industries in this country are traditionally dictated more by political influence rather than by the value added contribution of a particular industry to the economy. As a consequence, the country has been unable to maximize utilization of its human and natural resources, particularly in the countryside, for industrial and overall economic development. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently put the country on notice with regards to its irrational industrial priorities.

I understand that industrial policy reform is a politically sensitive issue and thus its omission in the SONA 2012. But P-Noy need not talk about it. He can just do it. Perhaps some lobbying from regional trade associations is in order. As the saying goes, those who are absent in the making of policy do not benefit from policy. [GICO DAYANGHIRANG] ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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HE economic logic of European integration is now directly confronting nationalistic sentiments in the hearts and souls of Europeans.

It’s becoming clear that nationalism resonates more deeply. That is the stuff of our patriotic life, fragments from our history that we use to shore up our present and point to our future. To discard them is to discard part of our mental and moral makeup.

For much of the last 60 years the Union has been Good, scattering tangible and intangible blessings upon its growing group of member states. It brought investment to the poorer countries that joined. It broke down physical and psychological barriers between states, so that their citizens now pass casually into and through countries that once required major preparation. It gave the former Communist states of Central Europe an ideal to which to aspire and templates by which aspirations could become routine. And it made interEuropean war so unthinkable that its possibility ceased to be thought about at all.

The dream of the founders was an ever-closer union transforming itself into something like a federal state. They thought it could exist in idealistic form while the practical changes were put – with much labor, compromise and argument – into place. One of these founders, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, called up the ideal in a speech in 1948: We are carrying out a great experiment, the fulfillment of the same recurrent dream that for ten centuries has revisited the peoples of Europe: creating between them an organization putting an end to war and guaranteeing an eternal peace.

Two years later, in another speech, he filled in the nuts and bolts: Europe will not be made all at once or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.

But solidarity is easier in easy times: It is in the hard moments that it is tested. Real solidarity is built up through deeply shared experience and common response in the midst of despair. It is strongest in those who feel part of one community – through place, work, or the result of misfortune or oppression. That kind of solidarity, we Europeans do not have.

We do have, more or less, another kind of solidarity, which we have been taught to respect. We see it in our national days: France’s July 14, Bastille Day, a commemoration of the storming by the Parisian mob of a grim prison in which enemies of the monarchical state languished and often died, marking the transformation of the absolute monarchy into an absolute republic. Italy celebrates national unity, in 1861; Germany, national reunification, in 1990; Poland, independent statehood, in 1918; the Slovaks, independence from the Czechs, in 1993. The Irish, in celebrating St. Patrick on March 17, conflate the fifth-century saint with the violent struggle for independence from the British, and have created a pageant global in its reach, the largest of its kind. The British, whose national day (if such it is) is the Queen’s birthday, will belt out Land of Hope and Glory again at the Last Night of the Proms in September: Woe to the progressive bureaucrat or politician who cavils that the song’s injunction for the British to rule the waves is jingoistic, or “inappropriate.”

On these days we celebrate independence, freedom and the creation of a nation previously suppressed, fragmented or denied separate existence. Like our anthems they tell us we owe our freedom to our nation, and our nation guards that freedom against the rest. The enemy defied in the song may have long ceased to threaten (the Star Spangled Banner’s invocation of a land of the free was a land to be freed from the British. But the rousing of valor and its identification with national and personal independence, to which most anthems speak, still stirs.

It is this complex of emotions, loyalties and prejudices that politicians have honored and furthered – and which, in Europe, are now being trashed. The cold logic of the economists, that only a central administration can offer the financial, fiscal and political power to draw the Union out of its crisis, is now commonly held. Even those like the British government, which wishes no part of it but gasp for the 17 members of the euro zone to set the zone to rights so that the UK’s biggest market can again show growth, agree. But economic logic, now stands more opposed than ever before against the real solidarity that remains: the solidarity of the national community.

European politicians must now attempt something for which they are wholly unprepared – and thus have never prepared their electorates.

They must tell peoples who wave tricolors symbolizing freedom and sing anthems glorying the national spirit that this is all very well, but it is to be brought out with an indulgent wink, signifying very little if anything at all. They must propose solidarity among nations that will approximate that which we muster for our compatriots. They must advocate seeing part of our tax go to support other countries’ citizens in their age, their sickness and their enforced idleness.

EDGEDAVAO

P

EOPLE’S HIGH E X P E C TA TIONS – Right after President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III delivered his much-applauded third State-ofthe-Nation-Address or SONA, political watchers immediately debated whether the bachelor Chief Executive could provide the push and direction for national unity and economic development. The President enumerated in his one and a half hour speech a long list of achievements during the past three years of his incumbency.

Many government officials and employees and the entire Filipino population in particular are pleased with President PNoy after the SONA, and with good reasons. To address the people about the present state of the nation with the theme “Report Kay Boss,” the President stipulates the preferential attention his administration has done for education, health care and medical services, job generation, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism. The Chief Executive likewise noted that every government project has been allotted a corresponding budget substantial enough to fund their respective managements.

Furthermore, he mentioned other important and specific programs that need better government consideration such as energy supply, crime prevention, AFP modernization program, mining, higher pension for government employees, rehabilitation of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), disaster preparedness, foreign economic and diplomatic policy, anti-money laundering law, distribution of CARP-covered lands before his term ends and most importantly

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VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

PNoy’s vision for the country the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill, which has been unceremoniously stalled.

President Aquino elaborated further that his leadership’s policy has been focused on national stability – social cohesion and peaceful and orderly atmosphere followed by economic progress and sustained development. Other major thrust are the upgrading of infrastructures, solve the power supply problem, protection of the environment and wise use of our natural resources. Under his stewardship, the country has so far weathered the economic debacle with a more stable currency and positive growth.

At the same time, President PNoy depended his “Daang Matuwid” slogan stating that running after primary law violators of the previous dispensation doesn’t necessarily mean he is seeking reprisal but rather seek justice for the aggrieved parties. Of course, there are those who don’t want to see it that way. Opposition diehards, student activists, militant and progressive groups have stick to their one-dimensional observation.

They argue that the Aquino administration is living in a “rosy daydream”, accusing that its pursuits is selective development directly ignoring the country’s labor and agrarian majority. They believed the present leadership is anti-labor, anti-farmer, anti-poor and anti-masses.

While political experts may argue about who can deliver what the country needs, they generally agree what it is: courageous leadership to revive the economy, reform the institutions and energize the people with new national goals. After the third SONA, people always have high expectations of the Aquino leadership. A reputation for forthright action and strong words, so unlike the typical Filipino politician, has made President Aquino seems a more like instrument of reforms than his predecessors.

‘President Aquino elaborated further that his leadership’s policy has been focused on national stability – social cohesion and peaceful and orderly atmosphere followed by economic progress and sustained development. Other major thrust are the upgrading of infrastructures, solve the power supply problem, protection of the environment and wise use of our natural resources.

Under his stewardship, the country has so far weathered the economic debacle with a more stable currency and positive growth.’

‘Our SONA’ and the foreign media’s ‘local counterparts’

listened, among the millions of Filipinos and non-Filipinos who thought it was worth their time to listen, to President Benigno Simeon ‘Noy’ Aquino deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monady afternoon.

For a start, he said at the end, it was not his SONA. It was the Filipino people’s SONA. “Ours.” I listened as a citizen noting how the President co-shared the address with his constituents, subtly imposing ownership as stakeholders of this nation.

Silently, I remembered though how much attention was given to the death of Dolphy at a time when the Philippines was trying to bat for a strong voice in Cambodia, at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, on the territorial dispute over the Scarborough Shoal. I also recalled those moments when a discontent if not aghast nation voiced out across the globe through all media when Manny Pacquiao acquiesced his defeat in a recent boxing bout. We almost even stopped the clock when Jessica Sanchez, an American citizen of FilipinoMexican descent, was vying for the ‘American Idol’ title—not to mention the online campaign for non-Americans to vote for her.

I cite these three instances because we Filipinos also have to admit that many

Monkey Business

COMMENTARY

BY FRENCIE CARREON among us go for the mundane, the mediocre, and the shallow things. I, too, have moments of mediocrity—shelving work for non-productive activities that would not gain me anything. And at the end of the President’s SONA, I just thought, well, if it’s any comfort, even the President’s address had a flair of mediocrity in one or two of his points.

“Forgive and forget” is a movie title.

I should be considering by now that his speechwriters are just addressing the high appreciation of Filipino audience for theatrics and entertainment, hence, the usage of the phrase in a number of paragraphs.

Without having to go serious, I just believe its usage should be followed by offers for reconciliation—because posing the query that “shall we forgive and forget…” draws the line among forgiveness, reconciliation, and positive action in moving forward.

Certainly, government is not expected to do “forgive and forget” programs.

But be it the Maguindanao multiple killings, or the death of one cop, the Aquino government while seeking justice for those aggrieved in the past, should also be

wary in putting in if not reusing old linen who remain to be pseudo-shrinks yet serving with greedy hands. Praising one man, labeling him a ghost-buster for one, is paving the way for the usual ass-licking exercise.

We in media—local or whatever— are, as a truthful cliche goes, ‘watchdogs of government’ and government thus cannot expect accolade when we still don’t see a total transformation, and we still don’t see a direct address on the issues of impunity, of our very own security, our very own lives, our very own freedom of expression. Even if we offer a rain of praises in our reports, there is no total guarantee that truth has not been compromised along the way.

The foreign media only sees Manila. We in the Philippine media see the nation. We in Mindanao media saw worse—because we experienced the worst. “I only wish that the optimism of foreign media would be shared by their local counterparts more often,” the President stated. I, as among the “local counterparts” would also wish the same. [MindaNews/ Frencie Carreon of Zamboanga City is editor of PhilSouth Angle and a candidate for PhD in Peace Journalism at The University of Sydney.]

9

All-around information companion SPECIAL FEATURE

BY KEVIN PATRICK V. MARIANO

I

N this new era of global, massive, explosive, quick yet ever-improving information gathering, social networking has become both advantageous and disadvantageous in everyday life in the 21st century.

In fact, the National Library of the Philippines has had the modernized Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) since 2010 to help students locate the books or later, e-books they need to read.

The National Library’ annual report indicated that in 1981, there were 302,969 yearly readers when there was no internet yet, compared to the 124,249 in 2009 when it was already prevalent.

The social networking sites are surely a convenient way to meet new friends, learn new discoveries and as a great source of entertainment.

It’s just up to an individual if he sees it as an advantage or a disadvantage, but social media should not change the fact that printed books or literature are also as equally essential to everyone.

A simple click at social networking like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, blogs and others has become a necessity when searching/ seeking for various information needed in one’s job, studies, research, entertainment and other needs.

This has been confirmed by psychology professor Angelita Dela Cruz of Universidad de Manila, who said that students navigate to computer networking sites to get abreast of the new information order for better performance in their studies because of the extensive availability of materials.

Dela Cruz added that students/researchers become more confident and relaxed, knowing that they could tackle and finish any topic or subject of their concern since almost everything is there—live and in living color.

“Some of them use it for relaxation and school works, but there are few who make it as a habit for not focusing on their studies.

Majority utilize it for academic and relaxation purposes,” said DelaCruz.

However, many observers say some disadvantages like the lack of use of one’s brain or power of thinking and reasoning since everything is already provided for by just clicking computers.

“People then were much originally mentally creative and intelligent when there were no computers or calculators yet around yet, especially in mathematics,” said Suzy Martinez, a math teacher in one of Manila’s leading colleges.

Dela Cruz also emphasized that “If students focus too much time on social networking sites, they will not accomplish anything in life. They go astray when amused and lose concentration instead of focusing on their goal which is far more important.”

She also warned of posting much of one’s personal information’s or exact location. “If you post too much, your privacy will be invaded. You don’t have to tell everything about your life and you are entitled to your safety.”

She also pointed responsibility to parents who do not spend enough time for their kids as being a factor in their youngsters’ indulging in purely social networking.

The young ones usually utilize their parents’ absence as play time with computer games in place of an elder or a caretaker.

For 19-year-old Mass communication student, Just Montes of Trinity University of Asia, “What I like the most is when is sharing my ideas with other people and discussing different topics and chatting with friends and family members who are afar off.”

Does Montes finds computers more of an advantage or disadvantage? “Both, but they are not as accurate as books. I also make use of it as a means of establishing connections to long lost loved ones and a good way to reconnect to my former classmates and buddies.”

“I have and continue to gain a lot of information from computers that are only available overseas because my interest lies mostly on world history.”

However, Montes also admitted that he no longer has enough time for exercise because he’s glued to his seat while browsing the net.

“Most people like me no longer exercise unlike when we were little and computer was not yet widely used. We were always playing outside, unlike now when children are sedentary either at home or at a net café shop tackling social media.”

What’s more, he gets scolded by his parents or older siblings at times for playing too much and reading Manga or Japanese comics online.

For Celerina Medinilla, who is a housewife and mother said, “It is easier to do research or look for information on friends, family members and people who matter to you most.”

“What I fear is with just one click, what you write or what you are looking for could be easily accessed by others.” [PNA]

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COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Leaders cite improvements under PNoy administration

S

One participant of the Zumba Exercise and Yoga Basic Session turn serious during the said mass exercise held July 21, 2012 at the Gaisano Mall of Tagum. Said activity benefited the Care for School Chairs Program of the City Government of Tagum.

Fitness for education R

ESIDENTS here who are eager to do a fun exercise session staged the second installment of Zumba Exercise and Yoga Basics last July 21, 2012 at the Gaisano Mall of Tagum.

Proceeds of the activity are donated to the City Government of Tagum’s Care for School Chairs Program.

The said program makes

use of confiscated logs and fabricates it into school chairs which are distributed to public schools in Davao Region, including some schools in Luzon and in Visayas.

At least 200 people trooped to the Atrium of the newly-opened mall in Tagum and spent an hour in dancing which generated “free-flowing” sweat.

Leading the mass exercise are licensed instructors from Holiday Gym and Spa of Davao City.

Zumba is a Colombian dance fitness program and involves dance and aerobic elements. Zumba’s choreography incorporates hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts, and some Bollywood and belly dance moves.

Internet sources state that the exercises include music with fast and slow rhythms, as well as resistance training.The music comes from the following dance styles: cumbia, salsa, merengue, mambo, flamenco, chachacha, reggaeton, soca, samba, belly dancing, bhangra, hip hop music, axé music and tango.[LOUIE LAPAT OF CIO TAGUM]

Seen from above, participants of the Zumba Exercise and Yoga Basic Session do their best to perspire in a mass exercise held at the Gaisano Mall of Tagum last July 21, 2012. Said activity benefited the City Government of Tagum’s Care for School Chairs Program.

A licensed instructor from Holiday Gym and Spa in Davao City takes the stage for the Zumba Exercise and Yoga Basic Session held July 21, 2012 at the Gaisano Mall of Tagum. The event was participated by about 200 participants. Proceeds of the activity will be given to the City Government of Tagum in support of the Care for School Chairs Program.

Kapalong town all set for 64th anniversary

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T’S all-systems-go for the 64th founding anniversary of Kapalong Municipality in the province of Davao del Norte.

Municipal Mayor Edgardo Timbol and concurrent chairman of the Araw ng Kapalong celebration Steering Committee, said they had started preparations for a more exciting and colorful weeklong celebration to ensure that the people will really enjoy

commemorating the birth of the municipality.

The celebration which will run for over a week of festivities will start on July 24 and will culminate on the day of the anniversary on August 1.

The festivities has adopted the theme, “Maayong Panggamhanan ug Nagkahiusang Katawhan; Tinubdan sa Padayon nga Kalambuan.” (Good Governance and United Citizenry:

Foundation of Continued Growth) Mayor Timbol said the theme is fitting not only for the municipality itself but for all local governments who wanted their respective municipalities achieve its common vision of becoming self sufficient and progressive.

“The development of a place would only be possible if the people therein are unified and inspired with

good governance”, Mayor Timbol said.

The Mayor is urging all the people in Kapalong to witness and even engage in the weeklong activities prepared by the local government free for everyone.

Kapalong became a Municipality in August 1, 1948 by virtue of Executive Order 151 signed by then President Elpidio Quirino, the town was carved from the Municipal district of Tagum.

ECTORAL leaders in Davao del Norte and in nearby provinces, cited several improvements of the three-year administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. The campaign versus graft and corruption stands well-noted by the eight sectoral leaders who aired their views about the mid-term performance of President Aquino III. Shirley Belen Aala, acting provincial governor , provincial board member, said the President has done well in going after government officials involved in graft and corruption.

Cooperative and civil society leader Norma Pereyras said the President did well in putting into effect changes in governance as he relentlessly pursued his campaign against graft and corruption.

She also noted efforts of the national government to closely attend to the needs of the poor.

Tagum City tourism and women council chairperson Alma Uy expressed the same observation, saying the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program is indeed helping the poor on their immediate needs.

Uy noted too that parallel to efforts on poverty alleviation is the transparency in government auditing which, she said is being implemented faster, citing the work of the Commission on Audit (COA) which now can release reports at earliest possible time.

Meanwhile, Uy was glad about the focus the Aquino administration is giving on tourism, drummed up through the theme, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” This had locals explore their towns and cities, thereby propelling tourism businesses.

As a businesswoman, Uy also noted well the extent of providing access to financial assistance even to small and micro businesses, saying the banks are opening windows through which businesses can easily borrow capital.

Pantukan (Compostela Valley) Chamber of

Commerce and Industry President Irene Ang said the business sector is willing to pay taxes as long as their money goes to development projects of the government, not to graft and corruption.

Ang said the President’s campaign against graft and corruption serves as the bedrock on which the Philippine economy has favorably grown this year.

On the other hand, banana growers might have been a little dismayed over the loss of their China market at the height of the Scarborough Shoal issue, but Central Tadeco Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CTARBMPCO) chairperson Celso Cubio said he and his colleagues in the small banana industry were consoled through efforts of President Aquino to find another market.

Cubio also noted well the peaceful and diplomatic means the Aquino administration exerted to address the quarantine restrictions that China had imposed on the Philippine export banana, without impinging on the national patrimony issue of the Scarborough Shoal.

The President’s tough diplomatic approach in facing China’s persistent claim over the Scarborough Shoal that lies within the Philippine Economic Zone, appeals to the patriotic spirit of the youth, young Tagum City barangay council Cyril Muring said.

Also the president of Palm City Toastmasters Club of Tagum City, Muring said the diplomatic stand of the President on Scarborough Shoal kindled the “love of country among the youth.”

Muring also lauded the President’s campaign against graft and corruption, K to 12 education initiative and reforms in governance.

For Muslim-Christian Solidarity for Peace Chairman Manolito Tidoy of Panabo City, the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona is a strong evidence of the President’s “honesty” in his campaign against graft and corruption.

W

stall rentals and allowing the vendors to pay without penalty the monthly stall rental incurred from January until August.

This proposal was made during the public hearing with stall owners and vendors held at the

Panabo City to remove penalties on unpaid rent

ITH the full implementation of the new rates and stall rentals and the noticeable slow economic activity in the market, the Panabo City Council is now proposing the removal of the penalty and surcharges for unpaid

FPANABO, 12

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Black Pepper Chicken

CebPac launches Hot Meals on all international flights

T

HE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) launches Hot Meals on all its international flights starting September 1, 2012 to add more travel options for its passengers. To promote its new hot meals offering, CEB offers a select international seat sale from July 23 to 26, 2012 or until seats last, for September to November 2012 travel.

CEB Hot Meals may be pre-ordered through www. cebupacificair.com, reservation hotlines and ticketing offices, until 4 hours before the flight.

Passengers may choose between Black Pepper Chicken (diced chicken in a rich black pepper sauce with rice), Chicken Rendang (chicken dish cooked in coconut milk and spices with rice) and Japanese Style Curry (curried thick stew of chicken, potatoes and carrots with rice). Pre-ordered meals come with a free juice drink. All three halal-certified variants are available for P350 each.

“CEB Hot Meals are a new addition to the range of products and services we offer guests on our international flights.

With passenger convenience in mind, CEB products include inflight Duty Free and Fun Shop, web check-in, travel insurance, car rental services, prepaid baggage allowance and seat selector,”

said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

Iyog added that CEB also recently announced it will be the first Southeast Asian low-cost carrier to offer On Air wifi, when it launches long-haul international flights in 2013.

“Passengers planning international travel from September 2012 can also book any of CEB’s trademark seat sales to 10 international destinations. CEB will continue rolling out travel innovations and offering its trademark lowest seat sales for the benefit of its guests,” she said.

For travel from September 1 to November 30, 2012, passengers can buy P1,088 all-in seats from Clark to Bangkok, and from Manila to Kota Kinabalu.

P1,488 all-in seats are also available from Manila to Brunei, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur and Siem Reap. Meanwhile, P2,888 all-in seats are up for grabs from Manila to Bangkok or Jakarta, as well as from Manila, Cebu or Clark to Singapore.

CEB’s two new interna-

Chicken Rendang

Japanese Curry

tional routes, Iloilo to Hong Kong and Iloilo to Singapore, are on sale for P1,488.

Travel period for these routes is November 8, 2012 to January 31, 2013.

All-in international fares are inclusive of fuel surcharge, administration fee and 7 kilos hand carry baggage allowance, but exclusive of country-specific taxes and check-in baggage allowance.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www. cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 20 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 38 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is the largest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 22 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013.

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to keep the port very secure,” he said, adding that they are keeping in touch with shipping lines and the Bureau of Customs.

With PICO, he said, container vans with hot logs will be easily isolated and there will be an “honest to goodness” inspection of everything that is going out from Davao through the linkages with private sectors, LGUs, NGOs and other concerned sectors.

Referring to the 15 sacked DENR 11 employees who are under investigation for their alleged involvement in illegal logging, Fragada said, “It’s really difficult to de-

Tribal...

President...

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dents of Barangay Maa are aware that their community is susceptible to landslides as they were direct witnesses to soil erosions, the latest of which was only last July 11.

She proposed the convertion of the Shrine Hills into a natural park that all Dabawenyos can enjoy, not just a few rich guys who can afford to buy expensive lots and fence them off to the exclusion of the ordinary families who may want to hold picnic and several activities in the park.

“Everywhere you go in Ma-a you will see cracks on the soil or little sinkholes. The ground moves ever so slightly. We cannot allow more construction or deforestation in Ma-a,” Javellana charged.

The Council approved the inclusion of Zozobrado’s resolution for hearing by her in her committee to be held on the proposal to make the Shrine Hills a protected area.

cinity of its other reef called Zamora on July 18.

Kagitingan Reef and Zamora reef are part of the KIG, Hernandez said, adding these form an integral part of the Philippine territory.

“The use of armed government vessels to escort fishing vessels that conduct non-fishing activities is a violation of Philippine territory and a violation of obligation of states under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the peaceful uses of the seas,” Hernandez said.

Manila called on Beijing “to fully and sincerely abide by the spirit and letter” of the ASEAN-China Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea or DOC, a non-binding code of conduct that discourages aggressive actions and construction of new structures in the contested waters that could spark armed conflicts.

China virtually claims the entire West Philippine Sea, on which are scattered clusters of islands, cays, shoals and reefs and teems with rich fishing areas.

It is coveted for its rich oil and gas deposits and is regarded as among the world’s most strategic and

busiest waterways.

“We hope that China as a responsible country will exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability in the region,” Hernandez said. [PNA]

FFROM 10

within the country’s territorial waters.

According to China, the garrison would serve as a base for “national defense mobilization” and “military operations” of its newly-established city it calls Sansha.

Sansha, which is not recognized by Manila, seeks to cover a wide expanse of the West Philippine Sea and had included Manila-claimed territories like the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) and Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, where the two Asian nations recently figured in a tense standoff, under its jurisdiction.

Sansha would administer and control over 200 islets, sandbanks and reefs in the West Philippine Sea, including the cluster of islands and atolls further south that’s called the Spratlys.

“For this reason, the PHL does not recognize Sansha city and extent of its jurisdiction and considers recent measures taken by China as unacceptable,” he said.

Manila also protested Beijing’s deployment of 29 fishing vessels, a cargo vessel and two maritime ships near a Philippine reef called Kagitingan and the presence of a Chinese warship with number 934 within the vi-

ARF Gym, New Pandan last July 4, 2012. Councilor Alan G. Piedad authored an ordinance, which was co-authored by Councilors Demetrio D. Dolon, Jannet Tanong-Maboloc, Ruperto B. Cagape and Emeterio Blase to address the said problem.

Piedad said the ordinance will help vendors fulfill their obligation to pay their rental arrears and dues with the city

government. ”There is an alarming increased of unpaid stall rentals and ballooning penalties and surcharges incurred by the stallholders,” Piedad added.

He added the removal of the penalties and surcharges of the unpaid monthly rentals of market stalls and spaces from the month of January to August 2012 would mitigate the suffering felt by

the stallholders.

Some stallholders have collectively aired their concerns to the city council members that despite economic hardship, they will fulfill their obligation and responsibility by paying their dues for the development and improvement of the market “We are also committed to help disseminate information”, the group said.

to the economy, he said he will remind the sector himself of their moral responsibility to the environment.

“We can’t destroy the wood industry, but we show to the people that it is legal and vibrant… The government is really serious in its battle against illegal loggers. We will try our best to implement in that direction,” he said.

Fragada was introduced by Councilor Marissa Abella, chair of the committee on environment and natural resources during her privilege speech during the Sangguniang Panlungsod session yesterday.

tral domain in the Paquibato district, and about 70,000 to 80,000 hectares in the Marilog district.

Meanwhile, Dulphing B. Ogan, secretary general of Kalumaran Southern Mindanao, said the IPs were disappointed

by Aquino’s failure to in-

clude them in his SONA. “The SONA was only good for the rich and those in the middle class, but not for the IPs. Aquino boasted about the government’s large share from the mining industry, which is the Calvary of the lumads,” he said.

Leonen to say “we reject your rejection.”

The panels met informally in November and formally in December, after months of shuttling by the Malaysian facilitator, Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, to break the impasse.

This year’s 83 minute, 141-paragraph SONA devoted two long paragraphs on the ARMM reforms and a short one on the progress of the GPH-MILF talks.

In its Joint Statement on July 18, the panels expressed “confidence in wrapping up discussions on mechanisms towards the realization of a new political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as contained in the April 2012 GPH-MILF

Decision Points on Principles.”

The panels will meet again in Kuala Lumpur next month.

Gus Miclat, executive director of the Initiatives for International Dialogue, the secretariat to the Mindanao Peaceweavers, the network of peace networks in Mindanao which urged both panels to suspend the ARMM’s regional polls in May 2013 to pave the way for a transition commission, said “Last year there was no mention of the peace process but a breakthrough meeting with Murad happened after. This year, there was a line or two about the talks, so perhaps a bigger breakthrough is in the offing?”

[Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews]

FFROM 2

SONA but surprised the nation ten days later – at noon on August 5 -- with an announcement that the President met with MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Tokyo, Japan, the night before.

The two leaders agreed to fast-track the peace negotiations so an agreement could be forged within the first half of the Aquino administration and implementation of the agreement could be done until the end of the President’s term on June 30, 2016.

The negotiations ended in an impasse barely three weeks later in Kuala Lumpur when the government panel handed over its “three for one” peace formula, which the MILF panel rejected, prompting

BSP...

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tite that affect capital flows and any changes in growth prospects across the globe as these would impact on our own domestic price and growth dynamics,” he added.

Central bank’s policymaking Monetary Board (MB) will have its next rate setting meet on July 26 and it is widely expect-

ed to maintain rates until the first quarter of 2013 given the manageable inflation environment.

To date, the BSP’s overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) rate is at record-low of four percent and the overnight lending or repurchase rate (RP) rate is at six percent.

which the city can do without, Zozobrado said in a privilege speech. On top of the hills are the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus established by the Luis-Catalina Santos family four decades ago, the headquarters and studios of three radio-tv stations, a number of watering holes and a growing community.

“Is the development of Shrine Hills into a premier location for high-end residences a necessary ingredient in the molding of our city as the emerging economic tiger of our country? Can we prosper in terms of infrastructure without touching Shrine Hills? I believe we can,” Zozobrado asked.

Zozobrado, chair of the Council’s committee on housing, cited the 2011 flashfloods that hit the city when the Pangi River overflowed, adding that contributory to this

were deforestation and “wanton alteration of the river’s natural course.”

The councilor however stopped short of making a connection of the floods to the development of Matina Hills.

The councilor’s position was corroborated by the Barangay Maa Federation of Homeowners Association, particularly by its president Norma Javellana, who spoke before the Council.

Javellana said modern society calls for urban living in harmony with the environment.

“Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, these are among the world’s highly urbanized cities and yet they are those who have also allotted areas in their cities as”‘Green Space”.

Beijing and Singapore allot as much as 18 to 20 square meters (sq m) of Green Space per individual according to their population,” she said.

Javellana said resi-

termine who were really involved. We have to give them the benefit of the doubt as well. It’s more of showing the public as well that this kind of activities should not be tolerated.”

Meantime, safety measures will be in place, particularly in Compostela Valley (ComVal) and Davao Oriental, as these are crucial areas, especially that ComVal is an entry point from Region 13.

However, he added, “I’d like to isolate the problem for Region 11 to make it easier for me.”

Citing that the wood industry in Davao is vital

FFROM 3

Mambo-o added that the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) should have enough budget to implement projects, not just in the planning stage.

He said there are some 30,000 IPs in the city, with 87,000 hectares of ances-

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Koronadal City Mayor Peter B. Miguel and City Treasurer Marloun C. Gumbao led the signing on behalf of the city while Veterans Bank was represented by EVP and Branch Banking Group Head Jesus Vicente O. Garcia together with VP and Branch Central Services Head Alfredo B. Santiago, AVP and Mindanao Area Head Marie Jean J. Carranceja, and Veterans Bank Koronadal Branch Head Tranquilino C. Morante Veterans Bank has been expanding its services to both government and private clients nationwide, offering an innovative array of products and services. As an authorized government depository, the bank has been helping local government units by providing them with access to banking services to spur local growth and development.

Veterans Bank is a private commercial bank owned

by World War II veterans and their descendants. It has 60 branches nationwide and also caters to private and corporate retail markets. As part of its mandate, Veterans Bank allocates 20% of its annual net income for the benefit of World War II veterans and their heirs through medical and livelihood programs.

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SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

13

Sorry, no sports in SONA

By Neil Bravo

F

SO KIM CHENG SPORTS AWARDS. The major awards winners of the recent 18th So Kim Cheng Sports Awards (l-r) Jose Joaquin Gonzales (Male Athete of the Year, Manila-based), Austin Jacob Literatus (Male Athlete of the Year, Davao-based), Mary Pauline Fornea (Female Athlete of the

Year, Davao-based, Jennilou Mosqueda (represented, Female Athlete of the Year, Manila-based), and Golden Wheel Driver of the Year Vince Floirendo. (SCOOP DAVAO PHOTO)

Lopez, Rivera rule RPV Monthly Medal M ARC Lopez and Alex Rivera were the toast of July at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club after respectively emerging overall gross and net Monthly Medal winners.

Lopez fired a gross 75, 3-over par in the rolling par-72 layout, to take the Overall Gross title while Rivera carded a net 61to bag the Overall net plum.

Vincent Gumapac, who also had a gross 75 to tie Lopez, settled for the Class

A gross title losing the overall title only via countback.

Monchit Mackay was runnerup with a 77 while Leo Yap topped the Class A net with a 68 besting Bobby Wee’s 75.

In Class B, Lee Jae Un fired a gross 4-over par 76 to beat Archie Moralizon who was one shot back at 77 for the Gross title. Lee Byung Cheol and Kim Min Suk both had identical 64s but Lee won the countback for the Class B net title.

Louie Jacinto submit-

ted a gross 84 to beat PJ San Pedro who had a 86 for the Class C gross title. Dong Woo Ha took the net title with a net 66 besting the 68 of Dong Wan Ha. In Class D, Bong Guerzon won the gross title with a 96 while Rene Ronquillo settled for runner-up honors with a 101. In Class D net, Alex Suan had a 72 to beat Jan Risager with a 75.

The July Monthly Medal saw a record 17 junior golfers taking part. [NEIL BRAVO]

HE Philippine national men’s football team will be playing in two friendly matches in its United States training camp in August.

The Azkals are set to face the United Soccer League squad Chicago Inferno at the Wheaton’s Joe Bean Stadium in Illinois on Aug. 11 and the US Virgin Islands national team on Aug.18 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“These events fall in line

with our commitment to bringing entertaining and affordable amateur soccer to the area,” said P/E Capital Investments managing director Eliseo Jojo Prisno, who organized the exhibition matches. “We look forward to the atmosphere that will be generated when Inferno fans, fans of these two countries and members of the local soccer community come together in celebration of the Global

Game.”

Tickets for the Azkals matches are pegged at $25 and can be purchased at the Chicago inferno website www.infernosc.com.

Aside from the Azkals, fans will also have the chance to see in action 19-year-old half-Filipino Josh Boone, who will be suiting up for the Inferno during the friendlies.

Boone is trying out for a spot in the national team.

Phl Azkals get more Int’l Friendly matches T

OR those expecting a miracle, sorry not today. Not in this SONA. Sports leaders who were waiting for the inclusion of sports in the state of the nation address of President Aquino ended up with nothing to talk about as the issue of sports remain out of the lengthy report.

“Hindi talaga mahilig.

Wala sa priority nitong administration na ito ang sports,” remarked one sports official in Davao City who asked not to be identified.

For yet another SONA, sports-related matters like policies, accomplishments and legislations were not mentioned in the President’s report.

Like in the last reports of President Aquino, the one-and-a-half hour SONA last Monday did not take up sports.

Sports and even some business leaders believe that sports put the Philippines in a positive light globally with the accomplishments of boxing champions like Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire, the Philippine Dragonboat team, the Philippine Azkals and even Fil-Am coach Eric Spoelstra.

“It is surprising that where the Filipinos have drawn inspiration in sports, there was no mention of them in what they said was

an inspiring speech,” said one local coach.

It also came at a time when 11 Filipino athletes will be competing in the 2012 Olympics in London, arguably the biggest event in the world.

The President prominently mentioned education and anti-drugs in his SONA. These two agenda are very much linked to sports.

Earlier, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list Rep. Mark Samba said the country’s sports leaders and athletes, including those aspiring to be world-class sportsmen, want President Aquino to break what appeared to be a standard in SONA of not discussing sports relatedmatters.

Samba has filed a bill which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9064 or the “National Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001.” The amendments cover granting cash and non-monetary benefits and incentives to national athletes, including differently-abled players, and their coaches and trainers.

Another sports legislation in the making is the reforms to the Philippine Sports Commission and its conversion into a Department of Sports authored by Senator Atonio Trillanes.

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Former coach rooting for Azkals

F

ORMER Philippine national men’s football team coach Simon McMenemy will be rooting for the Azkals in the upcoming 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup. “I’ll be supporting them,” McMenemy wrote on Twitter in reply to a query about how the Azkals campaign.

McMenemy, who steered the Azkals to the semifinals in the 2010 edition of the Suzuki Cup, added that the team would be pressured to win their games in the group stages slated on Nov. 24 to Dec. 1 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Azkals are drawn in Group A alongside traditional powerhouse Thailand, 2008 titlists Vietnam and the champion of the tournament qualifiers, which he said could probably be Myanmar.

“But games against Vietnam and probably Myanmar will be pressured, must do better than 2010.”

Then 32, the English McMenemy became the youngest coach handling a national football team after taking over the Azkals on a probationary status in August 2010.

However, a month after the Suzuki Cup run, he was replaced by the squad’s current coach, German Hans Michael Weiss.

After his stint with the Azkals, McMenemy then handled various football clubs in Vietnam and Indonesia before being named last May as the head coach of Soccer School Indonesia-Arsenal, the official football school of English Premier League club Arsenal in Indonesia.

Spoelstra coming with NBA trophy

F

ILIPINO-American Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will be coming back to the Philippines next week, and he has some hardware along with him.

Spoelstra, who piloted the Heat to NBA title this past season, will bring along the league’s Larry O’Brien trophy for the tour.

It will be the third visit to the Philippines for Spoelstra, the first coach of Asian descent to win an NBA championship.

In his previous visits to the country, the coach conducted basketball clinics and reconnected with his Filipino relatives.

Last year, he also made a courtesy call on President Noynoy Aquino.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Photo published in Metro Magazine

From Print to Ramp - Modelling for Lulu Tan Gan (left image) and doing the ramp for celebrated designers in the Philippines

Photos courtesy of Ms. Karina Cabiling

AT first glance, you’d think she’s Nicole Scherzinger of the popular singing group, Pussycat Dolls. To some, she looks like Kim Kardashian.

Karina Cabiling may be the lookalike of so many celebrities from different parts of the globe.

Nevertheless, this 23 year old Davaoeña has made a name for herself on her own merits, and not for her semblance to someone famous. She has graced pages of premier glossies, and has sashayed on the runway in creations by stellar designers such as Michael Cinco, and staple brands of international leverage. She is one of the few Davaoeñas who has captured the interest of meticulous talent scouts in Manila, and, to date, she continues to bloom alongside a promising career as a professional ramp and print model.

Karina is beauty, with brains to boot. She juggles go see’s, rehearsals, photo shoots, and runway projects with her lectures and books in school. While some people would skip college degree to pursue their dreams, Karina is not one to let education slip out of her life. At this time, she is just steps away from claiming her diploma on Tourism Management.

“Modelling has opened a lot of doors for me to earn, meet people, and appreciate the wonders of fashion.

I love my job. In a way, it helps put me to school. I don’t see it as an easy way out of school just to earn money. I think I’ll do better with my career by accomplishing a fulfilled persona, well equipped with knowl-

edge and valued experience.”

The family oriented upbringing and her level headedness are probably the catalysts to her surmounting success at such an early age.

Born and raised in Davao, no one in her family had any clue she’d end up in modelling. Little Karina was a shy one, though she did enjoy singing and gave it her best try. “Soon, I realized singing didn’t like me as much as I found it fulfilling. So, I resorted to doing private concerts in the shower every morning,” she quips.

She took the trajectory from coy to confident when she was introduced to a talent scout back in high school. Modelling was something she never did before, but a few stints here and there boosted her confidence and helped develop her flair to parade in front of a crowd. Her statuesque figure, standing tall at 5’9, accentuated by her mesmerizing eyes and cheshire cat smile, stood out from the crowd. The

cameras seemed to agree, too. She became the favourite subject of top portrait photographers, and under the tutelage of Jon Nuñez, manager of Glam Model House, she made her breakthrough with print ads for a few notable brands.

Clever and observant minds once pointed out that she could be the perfect candidate to represent Davao in the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant.

Notwithstanding her appreciation for such complement, she decided to take the bold move to Manila in her late teens to advance her modelling career. Her brave heart summed up her all courage to face the dog eat dog world and diligently showed up in all go see’s.

She blended in the industry with much ease, putting her self-taught skills to good use. Opportunities came from left and right, and soon she became a regular for top billed fashion events, such as The Philippine Fashion Week. The rest is history.

Photo by Ayie Hernandez

Karina’s photos in Cosmopolitan Magazine

After all, she is only in her early twenties. What she has achieved now is equivalent to a milestone for those in her generation.

Karina discloses, “Anyone aspiring to be someone should first, and foremost, embrace herself. You should realize that you

won’t get what you want unless you’ll give it a try.”

For a person looking for thin-spiration, Karina shares how she has maintained her figure and glow throughout the years.

“Healthy diet, workout, and happy thoughts. Sun block is essential in protecting

your skin, but the real key to a natural and healthy glow is, simply, a positive outlook.”

--Check out Meg’s blog at http://meg-has-scene-it. blogspot.com/ and read more stories on inspirational women in Davao City.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

Power veggies HEALTH ENTERTAINMENT

ANTIOxIDANTS are compounds found in food that help to prevent damage from free radicals. Free radicals are damaged molecules that are believed to contribute to aging and degenerative diseases. Important antioxidants that have been identified include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, lutein, lycopene, anthocyanins, coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid and flavonoids.

Antioxidants play various roles in maintaining health and defending the body from illnesses. The main role of antioxidants is to protect your body from free radicals, which can damage cells and may play a role in heart disease and other illnesses.

Free radicals can form in your body from such factors as aging, radiation and environmental stressors. Antioxidants occur in many food items, such as whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and fish.

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant and a carotenoid, a substance that is responsible for the yellow and orange color of fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene turns into vitamin A in your body and has many important functions in your health. Studies have shown beta-carotene to have a role in treating sun sensitivity, reducing asthma symptoms caused by exercise, preventing eye disorders and improving physical performance, among other things. You can find betacarotene in most orange fruits and vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes and squash.

Similar to beta-carotene, lycopene is a carotenoid with powerful health-producing effects. Lycopene gives the rich red color to many fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and watermelons.

MayoClinic. com reports that studies have shown the intake of lycopene-containing foods or high lycopene serum levels can factor into reduced incidence of cancer, cardiovascular disease and macular degeneration. You can find lycopene in tomatoes, blood oranges, papaya, watermelon, guava, apricots and pink grapefruit, among other foods.

Vitamin C performs as an antioxidant to maintain your health and prevent free radical damage. This essential vitamin plays significant roles in how your body functions. Vitamin C assists in your growth and development, helps protect cells and tissues, promotes iron absorption, helps heal wounds and supports bone health. You can find vitamin C in many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, leafy greens, tomatoes and green peppers, along with cereals, fish, beef

and poultry.

Vitamin E is another antioxidant vitamin that your body requires. It helps prevent free radical damage and protect cellular health. Vitamin E also promotes wound healing, cellular health and blood flow and helps your body use vitamin K. It has been noted that at lower levels, vitamin E may also help protect the heart.

You can find vitamin E in many food items, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, corn, vegetable oils and wheat germ.

Various other antioxidants exist that maintain and improve your health, including flavanols, lutein and selenium. Selenium, for example, is an antioxidant that your body requires in small amounts.

This essential mineral is a component of antioxidant enzymes that prevent free radical damage. Selenium also assists in immune function and regulating your thyroid. You can find

Spices and Herbs Culinar y spices and herbs contain many healthful antioxidants, even when used in small amounts.

Choose from spices like cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, curry powder, mustard seed, ginger, pepper, chili powder, paprika and cardamom. Herbs include oregano, sage, thyme, marjoram, tarragon, peppermint, oregano, parsley, savory, basil and dill weed. Garlic and onion are also rich in antioxidants.

Legumes Legumes, especially small red beans, kidney beans and pinto beans, contain protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates as well as very high amounts of antioxidants. A half-cup serving of red beans has more antioxidants than anything else you might choose to eat.

varyi n g amounts of selenium in meats, seafood, nuts, rice and wheat.

Here are good sources of antioxidants in our fruits and vegetables: Red, Blue and Purple Fruits and Vegetables Red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables are rich in anthocyanins, and are also powerful cancer fighters. The deeper and richer the color, the higher the content of anthocyanins. Red, blue and purple berries, beets, eggplant, red cabbage, red and purple grapes, red grapefruit and blood oranges all contain anthocyanins. Red fruits and vegetables also contain nutrients such as

lycopene, ellagic acid, quercetin and hesperidin, all antioxidants.

Orange and Yellow Fruits and Vegetables Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium and vitamin C. Choose from apricots and peaches, nectarines, cantaloupe, carrots, passion fruit, lemons and oranges, papaya and mango, pineapple, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tangerines, and squash.

Green Vegetables Green vegetables contain lutein, vitamin C, calcium and beta-carotene.

Include leafy greens, cabbage and its relatives such as Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli and green beans, green onion, leeks, peas, zucchini and cucumbers in your diet.

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

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INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Michael Jackson’s estate at stake in mom’s disappearance

MIcHAEL Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, appears to be doing just fine by the looks of the happy photo X17Online obtained of her and her family relaxing in Arizona playing the card game Uno. But as E! News reports, all of the behind-the-scenes drama concerning her late son’s estate, leading up to Katherine’s so-called “disappearance,” paints a lessrosy picture—a portrait of infighting going on not just among family members, but also between the Jacksons and the estate’s co-executors, John Branca and John Mcclain.

Here’s what’s at stake.

Per information filed by the executors of Jackson’s estate during initial probate hearings in 2009 and obtained by E! News, Jackson’s last will was dated July 7, 2002, and the sole beneficiary of that will was the Michael Jackson Trust and Jackson’s three children, Paris, Prince Michael and Prince Michael II aka Blanket.

Among other key findings: • Katherine was appointed guardian of the minor children, but since she had no income other than Social Security, Branca and Mcclain, as the estate’s administrators, authorized that she receive $26,804 a month (with Social Security deducted from that amount).

• Additionally, the estate agreed to continue to pay all expenses pertaining to the residence she’s lived in for the past 30 years including the mortgage,

property taxes, maintenance, insurance, utilities, landscaping, etc.

• The children were authorized to receive $60,000 a month total, but that amount was to be paid directly to Katherine.

No other family members beside Jackson’s children and Katherine were authorized to receive an allowance from the estate.

• Katherine and the kids were the sole designated beneficiary of the King of Pop’s life insurance policy.

• At the time of his death, Jackson’s estate was estimated to be worth more than $500 million.

Last week, Katherine’s

nephew Trent reported the 82-year-old matriarch as missing late Saturday night, saying she hadn’t been heard from in over a week. Adding to the worries, Paris tweeted that she hadn’t spoken to her grandmother either.

Apparently, neither of them talked to Katherine’s son Jermaine Jackson, who tweeted that his mother was “fine” and “resting up” in Arizona on doctor’s orders.

Before today’s pic surfaced showing the elder Jackson apparently safe and sound in Arizona, Zia Modabber, an attorney for Branca, told E! News that

his client was “concerned” about all the news surrounding her purported disappearance and was “paying close attention to what is going on.”

Meanwhile, adding to speculation that some family members wouldn’t mind rewriting M.J.’s will in their favor, the surviving members of the Jackson 5 have hit the road again with what they’re (ironically) calling the Unity Tour and performing hits from their classic catalog.

However, according to the Los Angeles Times, 11 stops out of the 27-date trek have been cancelled and ticket sales have been sluggish to say the least, suggesting the brothers may have a hard time keeping the act alive without Michael.

Rumors of internecine family warfare also got a boost after Us Weekly reported last week that Janet Jackson was “furious” that Paris landed a role in the upcoming film Lundon’s Bridge and the Three Keys because it’s not what her dad would’ve wanted.

A source told the magazine the “Rhythm Nation” diva felt the casting “goes against Michael’s wishes to keep his kids out of the limelight until age 18.”

Also last week, siblings Janet, Jermaine, Rebbie, Tito and Randy fired off an angry letter to Branca and Mcclain, accusing them of fraud when it comes to their brother’s will. However, a statement sent to E! News from estate spokesman Jim Bates dismisses such a claim.

Mariah Carey is new AI judge!

JENNIfER Lopez is definitely out. Steven Tyler is definitely out.

And Mariah carey is…so in! fox President Kevin Reilly just announced to reporters at the TV critics Association press tour that Mariah closed a deal (“only hours ago”) to become a judge on the next season of American Idol.

Mariah herself spoke to reporters via speakerphone, saying: “I am so excited to be joining Idol.

I wish I could have been there myself to tell you. It all kind of just happened real quickly. I can’t wait to get started in a couple months…I will see you in January!”

Reilly did not underplay Mariah’s casting, telling reporters: “It’s the biggest recording artist than any of these shows have ever had. It’s an artist many of these contestants have tried to emulate. [The deal] only concluded only hours ago. Not being the only game in town, we need to keep things fresh.”

Reilly declined to comment on whether longtime staple Randy Jackson would return, but pointed out, “Randy has been working with Mariah for a long, long time and is in fact her co-manager. Randy was very instrumental in this deal.”

As for Jennifer’s status, Reilly put all the rumors to rest by saying there is no chance of her returning for the following season. “I think I can say that’s 100 percent that Jennifer won’t be coming back to the show.” Reilly called it a “mutual agreement” with Steven and Jennifer.

Excited for Mariah’s casting? Who else are you hoping to see at the judges’ table this January?

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

fOOD ENTERTAINMENT

SM Foodcourt’s

Flavours of July

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M foodcourt offers a great variety of treats for everyone to enjoy. for the month of July, SM foodcourt features dishes for those craving for the warmth of home-cooked meals conveniently served fast.

More than lechon, Loring’s Lechon also specializes in filipino cuisine like its July offering Paksiw na Kitang. This rather flavorful dish is made from fresh rabbit fish cooked in a delightful broth of vinegar, herbs, ginger and vegetables. craving for seafood?

Mr. crab N Prawn serves curacha & Prawn in Alabar Sauce with Rellenong

Bangus - a sinfully delicious dish of spanner crab & prawn cooked in creamy alavar sauce and served with stuffed milk fish mixed with shrimps.

If you have a palate for Ilonggo flavor, try out Island Grill Express’s Pork Pata w/ cadios – a very popular Ilonggo cuisine of pork hocks soup prepared in a tasty mix of cubed young jackfruit and pigeon peas (kadyos) that gives the dish a distinct taste.

Hungry for chinese cuisine? Wok Man Asian cook offers contemporary dishes which are chinese in inspiration but universal in taste.

Grab a load of their Rolled

creamy Dory – Dory fish made extra special with a unique blend of mushroom, creamy white sauce and cheese.

Bulalo, beef knuckles spiced up in an appetizing broth with vegetables, fresh corn and Baguio beans, is one of the most loved filipino dishes. Perfect for rainy days, get your bowl of goodness at Kamay Kainan! fancy anything sizzling?

Visit Sizzling chef and take your pick from a variety of searing delicious offerings.

This month, try out their Sizzling Mushroom Steak, delectable tender pork lomo topped with mush-

rooms, served with mixed vegetable and homemade mushroom gravy.

Smokin’ Toppings serves your favorite filipino toppings, searing tastefully hot. You can never go wrong with their Tuna Sisig – a well-loved na-

tive filipino tuna dish made more palatable with ‘tuna caviar’ and native spices.

Experience a paradise of native Davao at fiesta Dabaw.

Sink your teeth in their famed Paksiw Na Buntot – an all-time favorite among tourists; it is

prepared from meaty tuna tail cooked in vinegar, herbs, ginger and vegetables.

Do not let July pass without trying out these gastronomic delights! Visit SM foodcourt at the 2nd floor, main mall of SM city Davao.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

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Zara Dampney of Great Britain trains for the 2012 London Olympics beach volleyball event.

Beach volleyball minus the bikinis?

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HEY call soccer the “beautiful game,” but an argument could be made that beach volleyball is the most beautiful game. Wives might object to their husbands sitting in front of the TV and watching tall bikini-clad women jumping and diving in the sand if it weren’t for the fact that volleyball is a legitimate Olympic sport.

But there’s a storm on the horizon (or, simply put, English

weather), and it could cause volleyball players to bundle up in the equivalent of long underwear instead of bathing suits. The forecast calls for highs in the 60s early next week, with up to a 30 percent chance of rain. When you factor in night matches, that’s not exactly bikini weather. Some beach volleyball players are ready to take precaution.

“We need it to keep our muscles warm,” said Australian Tam-

sin Hinchley.

Nevertheless, beach volleyball is expected to draw crowds -some half a million are predicted to come out for about 100 matches -- despite a relatively brief stint at the Olympics. It was introduced at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

It’s not like it’s “Baywatchwith-a-ball,” but if the weather doesn’t cooperate, NBC may want to trot out some reruns of Sydney circa 2000 to avoid a ratings hit.

manager Joe Girardi said Suzuki will mostly play left field. ‘’We’re very excited with the caliber of player we are getting.

We feel that he brings the speed element. He’s a tremendous hitter.

That speed element is what we lost when Gardy had surgery,’’ Girardi said. ‘’So this is a big day for us.’’

Suzuki was given No. 31 because the number he wore his entire career with the Mariners, No. 51, has not been worn since fourtime World Series champion Bernie Williams last played. ‘’No. 51 is a special number to me, but when I think about what 51 means to the Yankees, it’s hard for me to ask for that number.’’

Mitchell made his major league debut this season and pitched four games for the Yankees. Farquhar made his big league debut last year with Toronto and was claimed last month on waivers by the Yankees from Oakland.

The 38-year-old Suzuki had spent his whole big league career with Seattle. The 10-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner is batting .261 with four home runs, 28 RBIs and 15 stolen bases this year.

Suzuki is a career .322 hitter, a former AL MVP and holds the record for most hits in a season. He had batted over .300 in every season until dipping last year.

The only thing missing on Suzuki’s resume is an appearance in the World Series, and he may get a chance with the Yankees. Suzuki was the AL MVP and rookie of the year in 2001 after a stellar career in Japan, and the Mariners reached the AL championship series that season before losing to the Yankees.

Seattle has not been back to the playoffs since then.

Yankees acquire Ichiro

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EATTLE (AP) -- Ichiro Suzuki is headed to a new team and, after all these years, maybe a shot at playing in the World Series.

The New York Yankees acquired the star outfielder from the Seattle Mariners in a trade Monday for two young pitchers. ‘’I am going from a team with the most losses to a team with the most wins,’’ he said. ‘’It’s hard to contain my excitement for that reason.’’

The Yankees also got cash in the deal that sent 25-year-old righties D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar to the last-place Mariners. The trade was announced a few hours before the Yankees played at Seattle.

Moving from one clubhouse to another, Suzuki started in right field in place of the injured Nick Swisher and batted eighth for New York on Monday night. It was the first time Suzuki started a game batting anywhere other than the top three spots in the lineup.

Fans at Safeco Field gave Suzuki a 45 second standing ovation when he came to bat with one out in the third inning. He doffed his helmet and bowed twice to the crowd before hitting a single and stealing second base.

The Yankees made the trade a few days after learning that speedy outfielder Brett Gardner would likely miss the rest of the season because of an elbow problem, and

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Atty. Iroy’s SONA

day before President Aquino delivered his state of the nation address that was ballyhooed to be “inspiring and truthful,” Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr. gave his own version of the SONA or what I refer to as “state of the nation’s athletes.”

The executive director of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was one of the honoured guests of the 18th So Kim Cheng Sports Awards at the Grand Regal Hotel last Sunday. Iroy’s homecoming was filled with significance and thanksgiving. His speech was the real “inspiring and truthful” speech. Delivered in less than 10 minutes in a mix of English, Tagalog and Cebuano, Iroy’s own SONA would make the President’s one and a half hour SONA more like a litany of self-praise and fairytale.

I caught President Aquino’s SONA only through the evening news recaps. I did not bother listen during the live telecast. I knew what to expect from this. And yes, there is no mention of sports development programs in the SONA at a time when 11 Filipinos are going to battle in the Olympics. To be in the Olympics is a source of pride for the Filipino athlete, but you know it when you’re just sending athletes for the heck of it.

So let me go back to the SONA of Atty. Iroy.

Iroy’s message to the athletes was straight and real. Be proud that you are an athlete, but do not allow people to call you dumb because you are just an athlete.

An athletic scholar in the University of Mindanao, Atty. Iroy took the scholarship as his golden opportunity to a better life. He was an epitome of the saying that sports is the great equalizer. He thanked Dr. Guillermo “Willie” Torres, Jr., President of UM who was also one of the special guests.

He also thanked a former Law School professor, Fiscal Emmanuel Galicia, Sr. He realled the hard days of being an athlete. Of being asked by one of his teachers why he was attending his class when he is an athlete. “I really wanted to finish school. Playing is just a means to the good life.”

He was a good follower, an aide to the late Vic Sai who inherited from the late So Kim Cheng the leadership in local sports. He carried bags of sports leaders, met them at the airport and acted as their escort. He ran results for the sports media. He officiated football matches. He worked as a job order staff in Davao’s sports office. He went up to the Philippine Sports Commission working his ass out for his bosses.

But if you think he would fall for the glitter and power of the high and mighty position in Philippine sports, he turned his back to matters beyond his principles.

He went away silently when he thought he did not like what he saw. He once told me, “I will always be in sports whether I’ll be a lawyer or in the NBI.” He wanted to join the NBA then as a new lawyer. He worked in Malacanang until a call from Chairman Ricardo Garcia got him back to the PSC. He worked as Senior Executive Assistant under Chairman Garcia and now, he took over the post as Executive Director of the country’s sports governing agency.

A devoted family man, Atty.

Iroy wished every athlete in Davao to use the opportunity they have in sports as their stepping stone to a better life.

I did not catch him after the program as he had to leave early for his flight and I had to stay in the podium to do my emceeing chores. One thing I like about this man is he is really down-to-earth.

Not unlike some sports leaders we have. This guy is for real.

His words depict life. Truthful. Inspiring.

To Atty. Iroy, thank you for the real SONA.

AAK Davao President Rommel Tan with protégés Ella Estarija, Chino Lao who both received citations for their sport of karatedo, Atty. Guillero Iroy, Jr, PSC Executive Director, and So Peng Kee, SKCSF chairman.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 102 • JULY 25, 2012

EDGEDAVAO