Edge Davao 5 Issue 173 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

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Carjacking story

Baktin’s family fears for lives By Anthony S. Allada

he family of fugitive Ryan Cain Yu, alias “Baktin” expressed fear for their lives following the nationwide manhunt for him over his involvement in a series of carjacking operations all over Mindanao and elsewhere.

The family owns the Ultra Star Mall in Tandag City In an interview with Davao mediamen Tuesday afternoon in Tandag City, Yu’s parents Doya and Vicky and brothers

Mark and Christopher were one in saying that they may be liquidated on orders of influential people who were victimized by

the gang. “We are afraid that because of this highly-publicized issue on his involvement in carjacking, we could be the subject of liquidation,” the 72-year-old fa-

FBAKTIN’S, 11

BEATING THE DEADLINE. About 6,000 last-minute registrants flock to the Commission on Elections office to beat the deadline for voters’ registration at Magsaysay Park yesterday. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

Samal tragedy

Sister defends bus driver Follow Us On

he sister of the bus driver who was among those killed when his bus rammed a mountainside Tuesday morning in Samal Island defended the latter for what

happened. “he should not be blamed for what had happened because it was purely an accident. he even intentionally rammed bus against the mountainside rath-

er than allow it to fall into the ravine which could killed more passengers,” elma Rubio-Algabre said. “Let’s all accept it as an accident.” The ill-fated driver was Sin-

foriano Rubio, resident of Babak district, Island Garden City of Samal. Police investigation showed

FSISTER, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

Police beefs up security T

he Davao City Police Office has beefed up security measures to ensure the safety of residents during the observance of this week’s holidays and the long weekend. Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa, director of the Davao City Police Office, said 230 members of the Regional Public Safety Battalion will be assigned to various precincts in the city to assist local police in maintaining peace and order in memorial parks, cemeteries and other points of convergence like the airport, ports and bus terminal. he said police patrols will also be deployed in subdivisions to deter the occurrence of crimes thereat. “We have added personnel from the RPSB to assist us in maintaining peace and order during the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day,” De la Rosa said. he also urged city residents not to leave their homes unattended to deter ncidents of burglary and the like. De la Rosa said they do not have sufficient number of personnel secure all areas sites of the city at the same time. “Leave someone to

man your house so that he can immediately alert the police in times of emergency,” he said. De la Rosa also reminded visitors to the cemeteries not to bring liquor, playing cards, bladed weapons, firearms and loud sound systems. he also urged them not to do cemetery visits drunk. “Violators will be dealt with accordingly,” De la Rosa warned. he said police assistance centers are set up in every cemetery in the city so that law enforcers can respond immediately to calls for help. Superintendent Alden Delvo, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 11 said the Operation Plan: Kaluluwa is being observed smoothly in all city, provincial and municipal police offices in the region. he urged residents to cooperate with the police in ensuring order in their respective communities. Mayor Sara Duterte earlier called on residents to spread the schedule of their visits to the cemeteries throughout the long weekend to avoid getting caught in the heavy traffic. [JSG/RGA/PIA 11]

EDGEDAVAO

GOODIES. Participants of SM City Davao’s trick or treat event together with their parents line up to get candies and other goodies at the SM Annex yesterday. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

Biggest public cemetery gets a P5-million rehab By ANTONIO M. AJERO

he FIRST PhASe of the P23-million rehabilitation of the Davao City Public Cemetery, also called Wireless, the oldest of the nine public cemeteries owned and operated by the city government, will be completed and ready for use sometime in January, or 75 days from today.

8 others also need improvements This was learned from Gerardo Antonio R. “Gary” Castillo, in-charge of operation of cemeteries of the Office of the City economic enterprises. The re-opening of the bids for construction of the horizontal and ver-

tical structures was set last October 28 as the five contractors who participated in the first bidding had problems, Castillo said. Muslim cemeteries Castillo said the oth-

er public cemeteries are in Toril (Lubogan), Mintal,Tugbok, Calinan, Ma-a, Panacan, Tibungco and Bunawan. Some other public cemeteries like the one in Ulas in barangay Talomo are operated by their barangay governments, he said. Aside from the cemeteries for Chris-

FBIGGEST, 11

More members to qualify Real estate broker shot dead for SSS educ loans By Anthony S. Allada

he Social Security System (SSS) has widened the field of eligible members for SSS educational loans to help more workers and beneficiaries borrow enrollment funds for college, technical and vocational courses for the upcoming second semester that will start in November. SSS Assistant Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Ma. Luz Generoso said members with a basic monthly income of P15,000 or below now qualify for the educational Assistance Loan Program or “educ-Assist.” The cap on monthly income was previously pegged at P12,000. “Members just need to submit an employer’s certification of monthly income or a copy of their latest pay slip or pay envelope as part of the requirements. We expect a fresh batch of applicants for educ-Assist loans in time for second semester enrollment,” she said. To qualify, members must have at least a total of 36 monthly premiums,

three of which should be within 12 months prior to application. Interested borrowers must also have up-to-date SSS loan payments, or a maximum of three unpaid amortizations for those with overdue loans. Generoso said the maximum loanable amount per semester or trimester is P15,000 for college degrees and P7,500 for voc-tech courses. The loan may be used for tuition and miscellaneous expenses of members, their legal spouse or children, while siblings of unmarried members can also be loan beneficiaries. “The educ-Assist program enables SSS to support the beneficiaries’ education all the way until they graduate. SSS members can avail of loans of up to P15,000 every semester or trimester, and loan repayment will only start a year after graduation,” Generoso said. The SSS offers P7-billion in educational loan funds under the educ-Assist facility, which consists of P3.5 billion from SSS and another P3.5 billion

from the national government (NG). Members’ loans are funded by SSS and NG on a 50:50 basis. “The SSS portion carries a six percent annual interest based on diminishing principal balance until fully paid, while the national government share charges no interest,” she said. “A member can designate only one beneficiary, and no substitution of loan beneficiary is allowed.” The educ-Assist facility has drawn over 7,000 availments since its launch last May 2012. So far, the SSS has disbursed a total of P85.27 million for educ-Assist loans, about P83 million of which were for the education of over 6,800 college students. Generoso said those who have already borrowed for the first semester must file an application for the subsequent release of their loan for the second semester. Members have to file their application for subsequent loan releases every semester or trimester.

FMORE, 11

44-YeAR-OLD real state broker was shot dead by still unidentified suspects early dawn Wednesday outside his house in South Villa heights, Catalunan Grande, this city. Supt. Dionisio Abude, chief of the Talomo police station, identified the victim as Ferdinand Concepcion, a resident of Block 10, Lot 23, South Villa heights, Catalunan Grande. Abude said Concepcion had just disembarked from

his Nissan Urvan Van at around 1:45 a.m. Wednesday when he was shot in the back of his head causing his instant death. The gunman was reportedly able to get inside the premises through an unlocked gate at the back of the victim’s house. After the shooting, two men wearing black jackets and maong pants, were seen leaving the area. One was described to be 5’4” in height and chubby while the other was also 5’4 but

thin. They reportedly boarded a red jeepney going to Mintal, Tugbok district when they fled the area. Responding policemen recovered the victim’s bag from the crime scene but missing were his .45 caliber pistol, wallet and Nokia cellular phone. The motive for the killing and identity of the suspects have yet to be determined. [ASA]

which has supervision over NLRC, and Senate President, noted NLRC’s performance during a budget meeting last month. In his “A Mantle of Gratitude” letter to officials and employees of the agency on October 5, Nograles, who once served as councilor representing Davao City’s second district, also commended the agency for its performance.

Based on its 2011 performance report, the agency registered its biggest achievement in the resolution of cases as both the regional branches and commission proper submitted a similar achievement of 104%, meaning more cases were resolved, including older cases, than those filed with the agency. The agency achieved a 97% rating for original

NLRC performance lauded, Nograles commends staff

he National Labor Relations Commission headed by its Dabawenyo chairman Gerardo C. Nograles has earned praise it’s performance in 2011. Senator Franklin M. Drilon said the NLRC deserves to be nominated for the Civil Service Commission award because of its outstanding record. Drilon, a former secretary of the Department of Labor and employment,

FNLRC, 11

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 173 •THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

MILF chair seeks help from all NGOs, people

ORO Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chair Al haj Murad ebrahim urged all international non-government organizations (NGO) and communities to extend assistance in support to the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). “We need all the assistance of all international NGOs and communities so we let the people feel that there is happening in the ground,” he said in a press conference in Camp Darapanan, his first after the signing of the FAB in Malacanan Palace on October 15. The Bangsamoro entity with ministerial form of government will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao by 2016 after a law creating it shall have been ratified. By mid-November, the MILF will go back to the negotiating table with the government panel to discuss the annexes on wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization. Murad also appealed to Turkey’s Ihh humanitarian Relief Foundation to continue and intensify their interventions in the Bangsamoro communities.

“The only thing we can appeal to them is to continue and intensify their involvement in the ground because we need more international players to involve in the ground as this will involve rebuilding of a nation that has been destroyed by war for decades continuously,” he said. he cited that for the Bangsamoro people what may be more important are livelihood, rehabilitation and infrastructure programs. “even during this period, when there is no agreement yet, people already started to feel that something is happening. So maybe after the signing [of the FAB], then there will be intensification of these programs,” he noted. he said they are looking forward to the support of the international communities, citing members of the International Contact Group (ICG) from Japan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and other countries. The creation of the ICG in December 2009 helped resume peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF in February 2010.

Tagum’s camera club mounts first exhibit

Tagum City Councilor De Carlo “Oyo” L. Uy gives an inspirational message to members of the Camera Club of Tagum during the opening of the club’s photo exhibit at NCCC Mall, Tagum City. The exhibit that will run until December was formally opened last October 26. [Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum]

he Camera Club of Tagum (CCT) is breaking grounds as it mounted its first photography exhibition at the 1st and 4th floors of the NCCC Mall of Tagum. The said exhibit that will run until December was formally opened last October 26, 2012 which were graced by city officials who are also photography enthusiast-- senior city councilor Oyo Uy, councilor Bong Aala, councilor Maylene Baura and city administrator Ra-

fael e. Abrenica. The Camera Club of Tagum founded by Tagum City veteran photographer Mr. Astrophil Reyes right from his photography workshops, has now grown to 23 members who are composed of 70% students and 30% professionals under the supervision of the CCT president eric Castillo. Talan-awon showcased mostly the breath-taking landscapes of Tagum City, colorful festivals and captivating

DENR says

portraitures that capture perfectly unforgettable moments in time. One of the new CCT members and a photo hobbyist Gerry Gementiza described his love of photography as an expression of how he sees the world and making those captured moments to shed off emotions and beauty that very much describe life. Most of the exhibited photos are outputs submitted during the CCT’s thematic monthly photo contest specifically conducted

to provide venue for critiquing members’ works and sharing in techniques in improving each other’s skills in photography. The Camera Club of Tagum which are now actively participating in many special events in the city are considered by councilor Oyo Uy as silently helping in promoting Tagum City through the pictures uploaded on their social networking accounts such as facebook and twitter. [Leo Timogan/CIO TAGUM]

City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the complaints filed against Chinese nationals Zhong hengyuan, 43, and he Jiancheng. 42, both residents of the People’s Republic of China, last Monday. For the local environmentalist, the DeNR should take the blows for what they considered a setback to the campaign against illegal mining

along the Iponan River. City Prosecutor Fidel Macauyag said the complaints were dismissed because of the non-participation of the DeNR, the lead government agency tasked to protect the environment. Macauyag also said the complaints did not have an apprehension affidavit of the arresting officer stating the

city and provincial governments and nongovernment organizations. Land tenure mechanisms such as mapping of territorial boundaries among clans, sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism were among those presented for the seven areas cited in the plan. The Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title application for Buhita’s 36,547.21 hectare ancestral domain was approved in 2009, but the title itself is yet to be awarded

pending some requirements before the Land Regulatory Administration (LRA), Datu Aligpulos Timbangan, Buhita president, said in the program held at the Freedom Park in Malaybalay City this morning. Buhita’s ancestral domain covers 12 barangays in Malaybalay and two others in Cabanglasan town. Vice Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr., one of those invited to give a response, vowed to pro-

Dismissal of illegal mining raps vs 2 Chinese nationals not our fault

“

We were left in the dark.” This was how Department of environment and Natural Resources Director (DeNR) for Mines 12 Rex Monsanto described the bungling of the illegal mining case filed against two Chinese nationals allegedly caught mining gold in Iponan River. The Cagayan de Oro

FDENR, 11

Tribe plans investment forum for ADSDPP

he Bukidnon higaonon Tribal Association (Buhita) is planning to hold an investment forum that aims to draw development programs and projects into their ancestral domain, tribal leaders said. Buhita leaders bared the plan in a program yesterday where they explained the contents of their Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) for 2012-2016 to representatives from the

FTRIBE, 11

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Expert says abandoned mining sites dangerous to people environment A

N expert has warned that the environment and the people living near the 31 abandoned mining sites in the country are facing great dangers due to soil erosion and flooding in these areas. Appearing before the house Committee on Natural Resources, Marcial Mateo of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said that of the 31 abandoned, inactive and closed mines throughout the country, only that in Bagacay, Western Samar is being rehabilitated through a loan from the World Bank. Mateo said mine rehabilitation is not an assurance that the problem of erosion or flooding will be addressed. Rep. Francisco T. Matugas, (1st District, Surigao Del Norte), chairman of the house body, asked Mateo to submit a report on the status of funds intended for mine rehabilitation. earlier, Reps. Sharon Garin (Party-List, AAMBIS-OWA) and Raymond Palatino (Party-List, Kabataan) have filed house Resolutions 1530 and 1905 urging the house body to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

Palatino also asked the MGB to submit to the committee a list of abandoned, inactive and closed mines throughout the country. Palatino urged the MGB to assess status of the abandoned or non-operating mines in the country and their impact on the environment and on the health and safety of surrounding populations. Palatino cited the study made in 2001 by the USbased environmental consultancy firm Tetra Tech eM Inc., identifying the 21 abandoned mining sites which they said pose environmental and health risks. Tetra Tech eM Inc. identified the abandoned mining sites as Acoje Mining Company, Inc. (AMCI), Sta. Cruz, Zambales ; Barlo Mining Corporation (BMC), Mabini, Pangasinan; Batong Buhay Gold Mines Inc., Pasil, Kalinga; Benguet Corp. – Antamok Mines (BC-BAGO), Itogon, Benguet; Benguet Consolidated Mining Corp. (BCMC), Itogon, Benguet; Benguet Corporation – Dizon Copper/Gold Mines (BCD), San Marcelino, Zambales; Masinloc Chromite Mines – Benguet Corporation

(MCM-BC), Masinloc, Zambales; Benguet exploration Mine (BeM),Tuba, Benguet; Black Mountain Inc. (BMI),Tuba, Benguet; Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC) formerly Banahaw Mining and Development Corp., Rosario and Bunawan, Agusan del

Sur; CDCP-Basay Mine (CDCP-Basay), Basay, Negros; Ino and Capayang Mines (ICM), Mogpog, Marinduque; heritage Mining Corp. Alamag Processing Group, Llorente, eastern Samar; hixbar Gold Mining (hIXBAR), Rapu-Rapu Is-

In Agusan del Norte

land, Albay; Romblon Marble Mining (RMM),Romblon; Palawan Quicksilver Mines (PQM), Palawan; Philippine Iron Mines (PIM), Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte; Philippine Pyrite Corporation (PPC), Bagacay, Samar; Silica Sand Mine (SSM), Pala-

wan; Surigao Consolidated Mining Co., Inc. (SURICON), Siana and Mapawa, Surigao del Norte; United Paragon Mining Corporation (UPMC), Paracale, Camarines Norte and Vulcan Mining Corporation (VMC), Cordon, Isabela. [PNA]

he Davao City local government will conduct a survey to define clearly the expanse of watershed areas in the city, according to Christoper Asibal, forester and deputy chief of the environment and Natural Resources operations division of the City environment and Natural Resources Office (CeNRO). he told reporters that the survey is part of the implementation of the Watershed Code, a policy that protects the drinking water source of the city. The Watershed Protection, Conservation and Management Ordinance No. 0310-07of Davao City covers eight watersheds namely, Lasang, Sibulan-Sirawan, Panacan-Bunawan, Talomo-Lipadas, Davao River, Matina-Pangi, Tamugan-Panigan and Malagos. Asibal said a survey has been set on November 5 in the Tamugan-Panigan watershed area where Barangay Tambobong will be

the reference point. he said similar survey will be conducted in the Talomo-Lipadas watershed area. Asibal explained that based on previous studies, the Tamugan-Panigan watershed has the most sustainable water source for the city. he also disclosed that the current water supply of the city comes from the Talomo-Lipadas watershed. “We have to define the expanse of the watershed areas to protect the water sources of the city amid possible erosion and expansion of commercial banana plantations,” Asibal said. he said the survey will be conducted initially on river banks and buffer zones and areas classified as prone to landslides and soil erosion or highly- critical and hazardous by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. Asibal said the delineation activity will be handled by two teams and will run for 64 days with a total bud-

get at P1.6 Million with P800,000 coming from the city government and another P800,000 coming from the Davao City Water District, respectively. he said the teams will comprise of members from the city government, DCWD, City-eNRO and a non-government organization. Asibal said that during the survey, identified boundaries will be marked accordingly so that the people may know the extent of the watershed areas. “The implementing rules and regulations of the Watershed Code clearly state that if an entity is given three years to vacate if it is situated within the highly critical area. Banana firms if found to be within the watershed area must follow the modes of protecting the environment as stipulated on their respective environment compliance certificate ,” he said. [PIA 11/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

ARINe turtles are now assured of a safe haven along the coasts of Carmen, Agusan del Norte which has been declared as a critical habitat by the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR). DeNR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2012-08 has designated a 5,756-hectare (57.56 square kilometer) area spanning the five barangays of Vinapor, Gosoon, San Agustin, Cahayagan and Tagcatong as the “Carmen Critical habitat” for marine turtles. DeNR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, who signed the DAO, said that the order was in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. “Declaring a critical habitat for threatened species would help guarantee their continued existence. It would also encourage the local community to work with us in protecting and conserving critically endangered species such as the hawksbill sea turtle (eretmochelys imbricate) which has found a home in Carmen,” he said.

Carmen is a fourth class municipality known for its dive sites owing to a rich marine life, particularly in Vinapor and Tagcatong. The designated critical habitat, along with other coastal areas in the adjacent municipality of Magsaysay in Misamis Oriental, has been observed as nesting grounds of the hawksbill sea turtle. Sea turtles, although migratory, are known to nest in beaches where they have been hatched despite after having traveled thousands of miles across the ocean. Under the Administrative Order, the DeNR-Caraga regional office would establish the statistical, topographic and geographic features of the area. The office should ensure that the ecosystems within the critical habitat are preserved and kept conducive for the marine turtles and other forms of wildlife. This includes ensuring that developmental activities within and around the area would safeguard the ecological integrity of the critical habitat. The regional office is also tasked to enforce all applicable environmental

laws against “prohibited acts” defined under RA 9147, such as dumping of waste products, human settlement, mineral extraction or exploration, burning, logging and quarrying. A Critical habitat Management Plan shall be jointly prepared by the DeNR-Caraga along with the local government of Carmen and other stakeholders, and shall serve as guide in the management of the critical habitat. Marine or sea turtles are reptiles characterized by flipper-like arms used for swimming, and a flattened body shape with a protective carapace. The hawksbill sea turtle is particularly distinguishable by its curving beak. Marine turtles mostly feed on seagrass, plankton and jellyfish. Juveniles usually fall prey to predators such as seagulls and bigger fish, while adults are usually hunted by humans for their shells, which serve as ornaments or accessories, or for their meat. Some also drown when caught in nets or floating garbage. Most species are considered endangered. [PNA]

Davao City to define DENR declares critical 8 watershed areas habitat for marine turtles M T

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 173 •THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

THE ECONOMY 5

PHL among top countries in microfinance, study

he Philippines remains a global leader in microfinance, with an international report placing the country among the top five in overall microﬁnance business environment rankings. The country ranked 4th out of 55 in the economist Intelligence Unit’s “Global Microscope on the Microﬁnance Business environment 2012,” jumping two places from ranking 6th last year.

This, as it highlighted significant changes which are seen to promote the development of an enabling microfinance environment. These include central bank Circular No. 744, which redefined microfinance loans to include amounts up to P300,000 from the previous P150,000. Also noted was the house approval of a draft law which allow foreign

ownership of up to 40 percent in rural banks. The country’s score improved by 4.8 points to 63.3 index points calculated based on its performance in regulatory framework and supporting institutional framework. The Philippines was one of only three Asia countries in the top 10 of the report, which covers a year’s period to June 2012. This year’s overall

ranking was topped by Peru, Bolivia and Pakistan. Below the Philippines, meanwhile, were Kenya, el Salvador, Colombia, Cambodia, Mexico and Panama. In terms of regulatory framework, the Philippines shared the top spot with Peru, scoring 80 points. “The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP, the central bank) continues to promote an enabling envi-

ronment for microﬁnance, seeing it as one of its key poverty reduction efforts,” the report said. A number of public sector institutions meanwhile provide wholesale funds to support the sector’s growth, it added. Although improving by five points, the Philippines posted a slightly weaker performance, scoring 50 and sharing the 15th place with Brazil, Nicaragua and Uruguay.

“The industry remains relatively fragmented, as there is no one dominant institutional type, set of institutions, or network and multiple regulatory and supervision regimes owing to the diversity of the types of service providers,” the report said. The country’s weak showing in this indicator may also attributed to a low “stability” score, particularly in terms of “political stability.”

6 TRAVEL

VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

The dead sea, a wall, and ball pits By Juan Fauxtin Marques

THE DEAD SEA

’Ve been waiting for, what, half an hour now? I was sitting on a bench close to the immigration booths while waiting for my uncle to finish going through the second and last major security check at the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. We had reached the end of our almost two-and-ahalf week long vacation in Israel. My grandparents had elected to stay for another week. My cousin was sitting next to me, reading something to pass the time. It was a brochure, I think. It was just the three of us. Our backpacks were between us. My 3DS charger had stopped working a week before, so videogames were out of the question. I was getting impatient. It can’t possibly take ThAT long to clear security, I thought to myself, but then I realized that we were in Israel. That country’s border is extra tight for a country that isn’t governed by a totalitarian dictatorship, and I don’t blame them for it, seeing as how it’s also the country that was besieged by its neighbouring countries the day after it achieved the status of ‘state.’ history lesson aside,

BALL PITS

I was getting impatient, mainly because I wanted to leave; not because I didn’t like the place (I loved it), but because I wanted to get the whole process of leaving over with; because if I couldn’t stay, I would at least want to be somewhere far, or perhaps somewhere where my mind would be distracted enough to not remember what it is that always wants me to extend my visit in a country: the thrill of experiencing knowledge; the sudden outburst of excitement coming from deep within your brain saying “hey! I’ve read about this before!” You see, I’m a trivia junkie. When I was younger, before I was introduced to the almost endless time-wasting capabilities of video games and the internet, I enjoyed reading books.I read trivia books that were aimed at children. I was particularly fond of records (e.g. world’s fastest this, world’s least famous that) and stuff about animals. There was just something about learning these things and cramming it into my head that just gave me joy. I’m not sure of how to explain it. I enjoyed absorbing these tidbits of in-

formation almost as much as I loved those kiddie ball pits, and I really, really loved those ball pits. As I was waiting for my uncle to clear security, and once again realizing that I was about to leave a country that I had genuinely enjoyed staying in, I allowed myself the pleasure of, again, remembering that when I travel, there is nothing better than taking something I’ve known from a book and experiencing it first-hand. Almost immediately, my memory of the morning spent at the Dead Sea surfaced. I’m sure you have, at the very least, heard of it being both the lowest point on the earth that’s not in the ocean, as well as it being the world’s saltiest body of water. Let me tell you this: if anyone’s ever told you that that water’s so dense that it becomes insanely easy to float, they’re not exaggerating. Literally all I had to do was lean back and lift my feet, and voila, I was floating. There was nothing much to it, really, just a sort of childish amusement, sort of like the form of amusement you experience when strolling through a bazaar and you spot a simple yet very ingeniously designed toy that enthrals you. Sim-

ply being here gave me a giddy sense of excitement, similar to the feeling you get when you first set foot on a country you’ve been dying to get to. While I was out in the water, captivated by the sheer lack of effort it took to float, I learned another thing about the Dead Sea’s saltiness: just how damn much it can sting. If you’ve ever sustained a cut while out on the beach, then you must be well acquainted with that stinging sensation that saltwater brings. Now, that was regular saltwater. Dead Sea saltwater’s sting is extremely painful. Not unbearable, but painful nonetheless. This magnified stinging sensation is not helped at all by the fact that the lakebed is covered in salt crystals, which can be, and usually are, quite sharp and tend to leave tiny cuts on your feet and/ or hands. My cousin got a tiny cut on his leg, and that was enough to make him want to stay out of the water (of course, it may also be because of his low pain threshold). Funnily enough, the water tastes more bitter than salty, and apparently it’s because of all the minerals being deposited there, or so I’ve been told. My mind snapped back

to the present. My uncle still wasn’t done passing through the second security check. his passport must’ve been tagged or something, I thought. Maybe they found something that looked suspicious in his luggage during the first security check. Could it have been the soaps my grandmother had asked him to bring? My cousin was pacing in front of the bench, possibly caught in the imaginary world of his, something that I realized I often caught myself doing. I looked at my watch. We’ve been waiting for about thirty-five minutes now. I let my mind wander into the last few weeks again. For some reason, it hit a wall. Specifically, it hit the wall that separated the area run by the government of Israel from the area run by the Palestinian government. Now, if I recall correctly, the areas run by the Palestinian government that still happened to be within Israel’s borders were called Palestinian Autonomous Areas. Now, since these areas are practically other countries, it would make sense for Israel’s government to maintain constant vigilance. The Israeli government, in partnership with the Palestinian government, manages the inflow and outflow of people and vehicles from either side through checkpoints along this border, which are usually located along roads that were probably already there from before the separation was established. Whatever part of the border that was not part of a checkpoint was occupied by—you guessed it—a huge wall. Prior to this trip (and I mean when I was a child) I stumbled across an article in a children’s almanac listing the world’s tightest borders. As far as my child-mind could gather, it was mostly because both sides didn’t like each other, and violence would sometimes erupt, so their best solution was to literally build a wall. This wall was on that article. I’m a terrible judge of dimensions,

but I’d say that the wall in question was at least a foot thick, possibly even two feet thick, and was about fifteen feet high, plus it had barbed wire that may or may not have been electrified mounted on top. It was much more intimidating than it sounds. It gives you the idea of just how much border control both governments were willing to exercise. And now, to actually have to go through the surprisingly winding road, having to stop every few meters for yet another security check, I felt extraordinarily nervous even though in my head I knew I technically had nothing to fear (because of the truce at that time), and yet, at the same time, I also felt the giddy sense of amusement and excitement I felt when I was in the Dead Sea. It was then, sitting on a bench in Ben Gurion International Airport, while vividly recalling these two distinct events, that I realized something: I always thought that what I really enjoyed about traveling to a place was being able to visit those landmarks and wonders you’ve read about or seen on television, and then I thought: Isn’t that why most people travel? (for leisurely purposes, of course). They go places because they want to go places. I thought my reason for travelling was unique, but apparently it isn’t, and it took 40 minutes of sitting on a bench and waiting— of all things—for me to come to this conclusion. So I immediately and desperately began to rack my brain, searching for something, anything that would make my reason to travel unique. What I found was interesting, to say the least: trivial facts and details I’ve accumulated from my childhood. It brought out a sense of euphoric nostalgia in me, and I craved it; I craved the sense of nostalgia that being somewhere linked to my childhood brought out, which is probably why, until now, I still really enjoy ball pits.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 173 •THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

8 VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO A hurricane’s inequality

VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

COMMENTARY By DaviD RohDe

EDITORIAL

The dead versus the living

he current observance of All Souls Day –and All Saints Day – reminds us of a case in barangay Panacan, Davao City. It was about the living versus the dead. It appears that the occupants of a low-cost housing subdivision petitioned for the removal of the public cemetery in the same barangay, obviously because it was unthinkable for a thriving subdivision to be located side by side with a cemetery which had 2,000 “occupants” (graves) and growing. The controversial issue was debated on by the public and the city’s lawmakers, hogging the headlines of local tabloids in the process, and in the end it was the consensus that the cemetery should stay because it was established ahead of the subdivision. Besides, it was argued, under the Sanitation Code, a housing subdivision should not be established within 25

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meters from an existing cemetery. however, the cemetery and the subdivision are currently co-existing side by side. The situation obtaining in the Davao City public cemetery, more popularly known as Wireless Cemetery, is vastly different. It was established in the 1920s and is only 1.1 hectare. Now undergoing a P5-million rehabilitation project, the cemetery is situated on an elevated area called Madapo hill. It has close to 8,000 graves. however, just outside it on the hillside of Madapo are more than 8,000 graves illegally “squatting” on the area. Occupied mainly by concrete tombs and niches, the area is reportedly in danger of being hit by an avalanche waiting to happen. When that time comes, there is no telling how many of the dead populating the small area will be buried yet again, this time by a landslide. They couldn’t care less, of course. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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hotel bellman said he was worried about his mother uptown. A maid said she had been calling her family in Queens. A garage attendant said he hadn’t been able to contact his only relative – a sister in New Jersey – since the storm hit. Asked where he weathered the hurricane, his answer was simple. “I slept in my car,” he said. Sandy humbled every one of the 19 million people in the New York City metropolitan area. But it humbled some more than others in an increasingly economically divided city. hours before the storm arrived on Monday night, restaurants, corner grocery stores and hotels were open in the Union Square area of Manhattan. (My wife and I moved to a hotel there after being ordered to evacuate our apartment in lower Manhattan.) Instead of heading home to their families as the winds picked up, the city’s army of cashiers, waiters and other service workers remained in place. Divides between the rich and the poor are nothing new in New York, but the storm brought them vividly to the surface. There were residents like me who could invest all of their time and energy into protecting their families. And there were New Yorkers who could not. Those with a car could flee. Those with wealth could move into a hotel. Those with steady jobs could decline to come into work. But the city’s cooks, doormen, maintenance men, taxi drivers and maids left their loved ones at home. New census data shows that the city is the most economically divided it has been in a decade, according to the New York Times. As has occurred across the country, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Twenty-one percent of the city is in poverty, and the median household income decreased by $821 annually. Per the Times: “Median income for the lowest fifth was $8,844, down $463 from 2010. For the highest, it was $223,285, up $1,919.” Manhattan, the city’s wealthiest and most gentrified borough, is an extreme example. Inequality here rivals parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Last year the wealthiest 20 percent of Manhattan residents made $391,022 a year on average, according to census data. The poorest 20 percent made $9,681. All told, Manhattan’s richest fifth made 40 times more money than its poorest fifth, up from 38 times in 2010. Only a handful of developing countries – such as Namibia and Sierra Leone – have higher inequality rates. In the Union Square area, New York’s privileged – including myself – could have dinner, order a food delivery and pick up supplies an hour or two before Sandy made landfall. The cooks, cashiers and hotel workers who stayed at work instead of rushing home made that possible. They were a diverse group. Some were young people in their twenties. Others were middle-aged Americans who had never landed white-collar jobs. Most were immigrants. On the other end of the wealth spectrum, New York’s age-old excesses emerged. Some families brought their nannies to the hotel to help care for their children through the hurricane. Others panicked when the power went off. All the while, waiters, maids and doormen continued to help them. The storm affected the affluent as well. Tourists and business people from Boston, California, Britain and Japan were stranded in our hotel. They found themselves without power, water or transportation, and completely at the mercy of strangers. But the city’s heroes were the tens of thousands of policemen, firefighters, utility workers and paramedics who labored all night for $40,000 to $90,000 a year. And the local politicians who focused on performance, not partisanship, such as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Newark Mayor Corey Booker. Twenty-four hours after the disaster, ugly political lines were already being drawn. Democrats pounced on a statement by Mitt Romney in a Republican primary debate last year that disaster response should be shifted to the states and, where possible, privatized. Michael Brown, the much criticized director of the Federal emergency Management Agency under George W. Bush, argued that the Obama administration had responded more quickly to hurricane Sandy than it did to the terrorist attack in Benghazi. “One thing he’s gonna be asked is, why did he jump on this so quickly and go back to D.C. so quickly when in … Benghazi, he went to Las Vegas?” Brown was quoted as saying to a Denver alternative newspaper. “This is like the inverse of Benghazi.” Over the next few days, Obama’s and Romney’s reactions to the storm will be parsed. The role of the federal government in covering the costs of the disaster will be praised and assailed. Politicians, as always, will jockey for advantage. The storm showed many things about New York. It exposed the city’s vulnerabilities. It also displayed its strengths. And to me, it showed New York’s growing economic divide. I’m sure that many of the people who remained at work yesterday chose to do so voluntarily. But I fear that many of them did not.

EDGEDAVAO

The ‘ghost’ who didn’t exist

eSTeD INTeReSTS AND hIDDeN AGeNDAS – When self-obsessed “aggrieved parties” reach for a pain reliever rather than the truth, irrational and unfounded theories find favor. Such continues to be the case in the post-Marcos era where progressive and transport groups, student activists and other militant organizations continue the search for the “ghost” who really didn’t exist. If these people viewed the country’s markets and economy in perspective, they would better stop talking about international conspiracies and place the blame for the prevailing crisis where it really rests: in part to the leadership and the populace including themselves. But it appears from their biased views that perhaps motives aside – Western interests instigated the crisis in the country. Of the many media reports about the prevailing predicament caused by the country’s interlocking problems, few have shown empathy toward the working classes, they ranted. Self-possessed leaders of labor, farmer and transport organizations say the working sector has been thrown into economic turmoil through no fault of their own. They have been insisting that the different working classes have been punished because of some corrupt, incompetent and ignorant politicians and capitalists – domestic or foreign. We cannot comprehend why the progressive and militant groups are so angry with foreign nations notably the US of not doing enough to help the Philippines recover from the economic quagmire when it has, as a matter of fact, huge business interests in the country. The peace-loving Filipinos ac-

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

tually are getting tired and irritated of the senseless protest rallies and oft-repeated and worn-out statements of militant leaders and spokespersons. It’s just like a badly damage record aside from making the situation even more chaotic. Obviously these people never get satisfied and raise whatever complaints they have in mind and stage protest actions whoever is steering the wheels of power. It is adding insult to injury to protest that foreign governments with enormous business interests in alleged collaboration with whoever is the leader engineered the country’s miserable socio-political and economic situation. Anybody worth his grain of salt are fed up with these pack of lies as well as fabricated news. That is merely wishful thinking to the doubting Thomases. having been continually covered by media, the cautious public would easily notice the same familiar faces of the harsh and ferocious critics of the government. They are haughty figures who have the flair for self-promotion and aggrandizement, in love with the sound of words without giving meaning to its correspondence. Similarly, they have the audacity to raise complaints that do not deserve intelligent debates. Wouldn’t it be so much easier to have genuine dialogue with the government and its representatives instead of vilifying and pestering them, their programs and policies? The dominant question among us is: who do these people want to lead the country? We surmised one among

them perhaps who holds a grip on the different progressive organizations? These people actually had not wanted whoever is in power to succeed in the first place; it had been imposed by unfeeling leaders and some power-obsessed politicians who wanted positions in power. Most if not all of them are still as power hungry as our present crop of officials and as they were during the Marcos era. But now there are other factors as well. Among them: the many anti-government protests, which declarations clearly show to be an attempt to prove their point that the Aquino administration or any government for that matter is anti-poor, anti-working class and anti-masses. It seems these people played a dirty joke by portraying the country before the international community as chaotic and poorly governed. Sad to lament, they are giving the country a parting gift of a lifetime of enmity. If anything, the numbers of players who have vested interests and hidden agendas in the continuing effort to besmirch the country and government have only increased over the years. how could it be that these people are thinking and talking of peace, progress and prosperity? Shades of hypocrisy! On its part, government should make hard choices about restructuring and prudent decisions, assert the ability to manage the economy well and all efforts that may reflect the country’s sound economic fundamentals. Again, the question now is: will our present leaders rise above the interests of their adversaries? Will they read the writing on the wall and end anarchy on the streets, which has been in existence for 40 years? Otherwise, the peace-enamored citizens are the losers.

Enhancing the capability of PAGASA

he Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the Japan International Cooperation Agency recently signed an agreement where the latter pledged to improve the expertise of Filipino weathermen and women. Nathaniel Servanda, PAGASA administrator, welcomed JICA’s move and stressed this would mean much to address the technical deficiencies suffered by the agency. The Philippine weather agency is presently plagued by old equipment and shortage of qualified personnel, hence the need for the upgrade program offered by JICA. he added that the focus was on capacity development for the technical staff. “There will be equipment, such as water sensors and rain gauges, installed in the catchment areas of the dams in major river basins in Luzon,” Servando stressed. he said PAGASA scientists earlier went to Japan to improve their skills in flood forecasting and warning systems, includ-

SPECIAL FEATURE By LLoyD CaLiwan ing hydrological modeling, so that “when there’s rain, they have numerical simulations to determine when water will rise.” Servando said the existing early warning system would also be enhanced to minimize flood situations, particularly in downstream communities. “There is closer collaboration with stakeholders, including the communities, and local government units, who need to be alert during extreme events and monitor all the warnings from agencies like PAGASA. The National Power Corporation and National Irrigation Authority also give out information,” he said. By November, the JICA project will be completed, mostly on technical cooperation, officials said Wednesday. he declined to comment on the projects specifics but stressed that some

equipment will be acquired. Servando said the impact of dam releases on flooding varied according to the area: “For example, in the Pampanga river basin, there are two dams, Angat and Pantabangan. The flooding in the downstream community, like Bulacan, for example, if you look at the area, Pantabangan has a greater contribution (to the flooding) than Angat,” he said. Servando said the ideal system is where dams can release even before rain falls. “You control the water. You try to prevent the flood, so the release of water is not so sudden, he said. By opening the dam gates and releasing water, the objective is to prevent any overflow. “The worst case scenario is the dam will collapse. We have not experienced that. That’s what we try to avoid,” the PAGASA administrator stressed. [PNA]

Choices BATANG MINDANAW By anthea M. MoRDeno

O regrets about my decision. We had our recollection today and among the many subjects discussed, this topic made the deepest impression on me. Since the beginning of this school year, I’ve been trying to figure out what my strengths, interests and weaknesses are. I’ve been evaluating myself so I could decide what course would suit me. Making decisions, I’ve come to know, is not on the list of my strengths. I’ve asked for suggestions on what career path I should take, but the answer I always get is “choose something you have passion doing.” The problem? I don’t really know what I like doing because I don’t do much except eat, play and read. I don’t think any of these would be an ideal job. I thought I could spend the whole day figuring myself out, but things don’t always turn out the way we think they would. A few minutes after lunch break, we were called back to school for some corrections in our research paper. My group mates, Angelica and Jangail, and I finished early since the only corrections made were on the dates of the forms. I stayed in school though they already left because I waited for my other classmates to finish. Not all of them were finished yet but they told us not to wait for them anymore. At about two o’clock, we went back to the Folk Arts Theater together with my classmates who had finished their papers. We arrived when the topic “True Love Waits” was just about to end. It probably was an interesting topic, but I really did not mind not being able to hear its entire gist. For me, the title of the topic already spoke enough of its content. A few more topics and activities followed. The last thing that took place in the theater was a band jam. The songs played were praises to God. I enjoyed this part of the program because I liked the genre of the songs the band played. I wish we could have stayed longer, sang more songs and just be with the people who made many chapters of my life amazing longer. But it was already time to go. Time, I never could get enough of it. I don’t think anyone ever will. The sun was still setting when I went to bed. I closed my eyes and the worries I have of the future came rushing back to me again. I have seven more months in high school, seven more months to decide and to discover what I want to do. each second brings me closer to the inevitable moment of deciding what route to take. Life is full of ironies and confusion but the truth of his promise resounds in every beat of my heart and in every gasp of air I take. I will not walk my way by mere sight. I will journey with faith, with the belief that whoever is watching has carved a road just for me. [Anthea M. Mordeno wrote this piece while she was still a senior high school student. A DOST scholar, she is currently enrolled as a first year chemical engineering student at MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. She is a member of the College of engineering debating team and a staff writer of Silahis, MSU-IIT’s student paper.]

10 NATION/WORLD NATION BRIEfS Lowest

f the Philippines were to join a dating game along with 117 other countries, it is among those who are likely to walk home alone. This, as the Philippines slipped further down international consultancy firm FutureBrand’s “Country Brand Index” which ranks the world’s nations based on global perceptions. The country was placed 95th out of 118 in the latest report, compared to its rank of 78th out of 115 last year.

VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Offer prayers not flowers to the dead, says priest F

WORLD TODAy

Bullish

ilipino consumers continue to have one of the highest confidence levels to spend in the third quarter of the year among residents of 58 countries surveyed by media research firm Nielsen. Despite this, the latest results of the Consumer Confidence Index showed that spending remained “restrained” and that saving was the top priority for those surveyed.

Justice post

he Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is set to shortlist at least three nominees to the vacant associate justice post in the Supreme Court on November 7. JBC regular member for the academe Jose Mejia said that the eight-member council will be meeting Wednesday next week to vote for the top nominees for the post. The JBC is constitutionally mandated to screen and vet nominees for vacant posts in the judiciary and the offices of the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman.

fLOWERS. Filipinos buy flowers to offer to their departed loved ones’ graves, in preparation for the ‘Undas’ or All Soul’s Day, at the Dangwa Flower Market, in Manila. [George Calvelo/NPPA Images]

hOU shall not make “picnics” out of cemeteries. The Catholic Church reminded the faithful not to get lost in the family reunions that usually follow in visiting the graves of departed loved ones. Instead of indulging in picnics, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)’s Fr. Francis Lucas advised Filipino families to organize group prayers in remembering the dead on All Souls’ Day. “The family should pray in the Catholic or public cemeteries and tombs. In fact, it would be better if the whole family attend a general mass this Undas,” Lucas said. “This is the best way

to observe All Souls’ Day because it is only during mass that the living and the dead share in the communion of eternal life,” he explained. Lucas, executive secretary of CBCP’s episcopal Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media, said praying as a family is a Nov 1 tradition more important than buying flowers and candles. The Catholic priest recommended families to get free copies or prayer leaflets from the local parish, the recital of which is more important than having priests bless “already hallowed grounds.” “It should be the family who should pray for

their dead loved ones. They should not be passing this responsibility to priests,” Lucas said. Lucas, who served as a parish priest, noted that tombs or graves in Catholic cemeteries are already blessed during funerals and no longer need separate blessings on All Souls’ Day. “You don’t ask a priest to bless an already hallowed ground. That’s why Catholic priests no longer make rounds in Catholic cemeteries. Prayers are enough,” he said. But for families who are not sure whether the resting place of their loved ones in public cemeteries are blessed or not, Lucas advised them to

personally request blessings from parish priests. he however warns of fake priests who shamefully ask for donations or charge extra in exchange of blessings of tombs and graves especially in public cemeteries. The Catholic official said families should look for celebret, which serves as an identification card that contain information about under which diocese the priest is serving. “holy blessing cannot be sold. It’s priceless. A real priest would know it’s a grave sin to accept donation that does not come sincerely from the heart or faith of believers,” he said.

an to Canada, leaving at least 110 dead, millions without power and New York in chaos. The massive cyclone that drove hurri-

cane-force winds and deadly ocean surges against a large swathe of the US east Coast was still generating blizzards in the Appalachians, as

millions remained without power and transport was snarled. Less than a week before Americans go to the polls, President Barack Obama planned to tour flooded areas alongside New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a backer of his Republican rival Mitt Romney. Romney was meanwhile set to return to the campaign trail in Florida after canceling events Monday and Tuesday to focus on rescue and recovery work, with the race still too close to call as a storm-imposed truce gradually unraveled. The death toll from accidents related to the storm rose to 43 in North America since Sandy made landfall on Monday, with 67 killed earlier as the then-hurricane tore through the Caribbean.

Storm-battered US sifts through Sandy’s wreckage T

he US east Coast struggled to get back on its feet after superstorm Sandy carved a path of destruction from the Caribbe-

Alert

he Department of health went on Code White alert Wednesday as more Filipinos were expected to start flocking to cemeteries and provinces for Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days). In its Wednesday update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the DOh’s Code White alert will last until Nov. 3.

HURRICANE SANDy. A flooded street, caused by Hurricane Sandy, is seen on October 29, in the financial district of New York, United States. Hurricane Sandy, which threatens 50 million people in the eastern third of the U.S., is expected to bring

Elections

Interconnection

mart Communications, Inc. recently completed its P71-million interconnection project with fellow PLDT subsidiary Sun Cellular to boost the latter’s “fail-safe” resiliency infrastructure and make its broadband links more reliable. “The increased interconnection between Smart and Sun will also dramatically lessen, if not eliminate, service down times,” said PLDT-Smart Technology Group head Rolando Peña.

Entered

our Chinese government ships were sailing in the territorial waters of disputed Tokyo-controlled islands on Tuesday, the coastguard said, the day after Japan’s premier promised to beef up security. The maritime surveillance ships entered the 12-nautical-mile zone of territorial waters around one of the east China Sea islands at around 0200 GMT, the coastguard said.

days of rain, high winds and possibly heavy snow. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the closure of all New York City bus, subway and commuter rail service as of Sunday evening. [Andrew Burton/Getty Images]

residential elections seen as crucial to Afghanistan’s stability after the withdrawal of NATO troops at the end of 2014 will be held on April 5 that year, a poll official said Tuesday. President hamid Karzai, who is serving his second term in the war-torn nation, is constitutionally barred from running in the election and has been under pressure from opposition groups to announce the date.

Growing

pium cultivation in Southeast Asia has doubled over the last six years as growing demand for heroin in China and the rest of Asia lures more farmers to grow poppies, the UN said Wednesday. Opiate users in east Asia and the Pacific now account for about a quarter of the world total, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime said in a report.

Absenteeism

mokers miss an average of two or three more days of work each year than non-smokers, with this absenteeism costing the UK alone 1.4 billion pounds - or $2.25 million - last year, according to a UK study. The report, which appeared in the journal Addiction, analysed 29 separate studies conducted between 1960 and 2011 in europe, Australia and New Zealand, the United States and Japan, with a total of over 71,000 public and private sector workers.

Blockbuster

alt Disney Co agreed to buy filmmaker George Lucas’s Lucasfilm Ltd and its “Star Wars” franchise for $4.05 billion in cash and stock, a blockbuster deal that includes the surprise promise of a new film in the series in 2015. Disney Chief executive Bob Iger told analysts on Tuesday that the plan is to release a new movie in the series every two to three years thereafter. The last “Star Wars” picture was “Revenge of the Sith” in 2005, and Lucas has in the past denied any plans for more.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 173 •THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

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BAKTIN’S...

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ther of Yu said. he said as far as they are concerned they operate a legitimate business in Tandag and they have nothing to do with Baktin’s involvement in illegal activities. The Yu family owns the Ultra Star Mall located in Bagong Lungsod, which sells groceries, ready to wear items, etc. Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel said that for the good of his family, Yu should give himself up. “If he is really guilty,

SISTER...

then he should face the consequences of his acts,” Pimentel said, adding that even if he remains free, the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with him. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration in Davao is still tracing Yu’s whereabouts following reports that the wanted gang leader may have already left the country. Florentino Diputado, BI alien control officer, said they have stepped up

monitoring in countries where Yu could possibly be in hiding. Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier said Yu is most likely in such countries as Thailand, Taiwan or Malaysia by now. Duterte has offered P5-million bounty for anyone who could bring Yu’s head to him. [ASA]

treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (formerly the Davao Medical Center) in Davao City. The other injured passengers were Mary hazel Monion of Davao City; Milagros Cahanap of Malvar Street, Davao City; Marjun Rin Senoc of Barangay Sion, Igacos; and Alfredo Baja, a resident of Barangay Bunawan, Davao City, Jason Nepomoceno, 18, of Kaputian district; Zaldy Diototos, 25; and Jenelyn Manayaga of Matanos, Ka-

putian. The Bangayan Group of Companies, which operates Island City express, has assured Igacos City Mayor Anianao Antalan that it would extend financial assistance to the families of the victims. Supt. Roland Agohob, chief of the Igacos police, said the 19 injured were immediately brought to SPMC, where they are now undergoing treatment. [ASA]

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that Rubio could have decided to smash the bus against the mountainside after its brakes malfunctioned, causing it to fall on its side. The Island City express bus was on its way to Kaputian District from Davao City when the accident happened at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday upon reaching a curve at Sitio 20 in Barangay Poblacion. Rubio and four passengers were killed on the spot while three others died while undergoing

BIGGEST...

Congested graveyards “Actually, based on our inventory in 2010, almost all the cemeteries were congested at the time. The exception being the six-hectare Toril cemetery, where there are still three vacant blocks, and Ma-a, although the vacant lots have experienced flooding,” Castillo bared, adding that the congested ones were ordered closed

NLRC...

by the city government, meaning new burials are no longer allowed. As a result of the inventory, the Office of the City economic enterprises (OCee) recommended the rehabilitation of all public cemeteries. “For the Wireless cemetery alone, the OCee recommended a three-phase rehab which costing about P23 million,” he said. however, the city council approved only an initial P5 million for the first phase. Castillo said the first phase involves exhumation of bones in old graves in the area 20 meters from the front going to the left. After the bones are exhumed they will be placed in 1,952 ossuaries and 254 compartmental-

ized niches and tombs, he said. “We have exhumed the bones of 995 buried persons in the presence of their relatives and placed them in temporary storage,” Castillo said. The bones exhumed are placed in black bags and marked in the presence of their relatives who must sign a lease contract for the bones of their loved ones to be interred in an ossuary whose annual rent has been pegged at P200. Families whose dead are interred in mausoleums they have constructed inside a public cemetery no longer own the structures, Castillo said, but the city government owns them.

the Supreme Court as the high Court only reversed 80 of 1,098 of the cases it ruled; and 91% in the Court of Appeals as only 14 of the 1,364 cases that it ruled were reversed. Only 13% of the ruling of the branches were elevated to the commission proper during the period. In terms of monetary awards at the regional ar-

bitration branches, judgment of cases involved P4.5 billion benefiting 34,455 workers, with P1.7 billion awarded to 18,945 while P2.8 billion was awarded to 15,510 workers based on decision. In the case of commission proper, P2.91 billion was awarded to 14,015 workers.

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cases for regional arbitration branches based on a 33,000-target by accomplishing 32,045. It also achieved 88% in appealed cases commission proper for completing 11,817 cases out of the 13,500 target. In terms of quality, the agency achieved a high of 93% affirmation on its decisions appealed before

DENR...

ed. “It is government’s investment in people to ensure productive employment of current and future workers.” Application forms are downloadable from the SSS website at www.

sss.gov.ph. Members can make inquiries at the SSS call center at 920-6446 to 55, send an email to member_relations@sss.gov. ph or join the “Philippine Social Security System” Facebook page.

timony will become mere hearsay in court since we were never present in the apprehension. We did not personally witness it,” Monsanto said he also pointed out that Sitio Araw-Araw where the Chinese nationals were arrested is not part of Pagalungan, Cagayan de Oro City contrary to what was alleged in the complaint. he said Araw-Araw is part of Barangay Bagocboc in Iponan town, Misamis Oriental. Illegal mining is reporZedly rampant in Iponan River, one of Cagayan de Oro’s major waterways, but local environmentalists have often complained that the city government was doing

nothing to stop it. Both the DeNR and Sulog have blamed each other for the legal debacle. Thinking the DeNR was reluctant to file criminal complaints against the Chinese nationals, two officers of Sulog, Roldan Maglungsod and Ralph Abragan, filed the complaints themselves. Maglungsod and Abragan alleged that the Chinese nationals violated Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, Republic Act 7076 or the Philippine Small Scale Mining Law, and executive Order 074-2012 signed by Mayor Vicente emano stopping all mining operations along Iponan River.

slopes. Carl Binayao, community affairs officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Bukidnon, reminded the tribe that the plan will still have to be assessed based on NCIP guidelines. Aside from agricultural activities, Buhita plans to go into community-based eco-cultural tourism with the Kinilatan Falls in Freedom, Cabanglasan town and the Kibalabag Dam as among the possible sites for trekking, picnics and resorts. “Included in the design for the development of these sites is the promotion of the culture of the higaonon

and the respect for the environment,” according to the summary of the plan. Thirty-four percent of Buhita’s ancestral domain or 12,513 hectares is still primary forest while 7,677 hectares are considered secondary forest. higaonon, one of Bukidnon’s seven tribes, occupies the northern part of Bukidnon. Its members mainly inhabit the communities along the Pulangi and Tagoloan river basins. Impasugong, a town north of Malaybalay, is said to be 75-percent higaonon. [Walter I. Balane/MindaNews]

FfROM 3

circumstances under which the Chinese nationals were arrested and no inventory of evidence to support the allegations. Monsanto said the DeNR who headed the task force to inspect the barges in Iponan River went to another village, while the team composed of the police, Army and Sulog-One Sendong is enough, an environment coalition, went to Barangay Pagalungan where they caught the Chinese nationals on a barge. Monsanto said the DeNR never intended to file a case against the foreigners because their personnel were not present during the raid and subsequent arrest. “Our complaint and tes-

TRIBE... FfROM 3

FfROM 2

tian residents, there are also cemeteries for Muslims. These are in Tibungco, Ma-a, Sirawan and Tigatto, some of which are operated by the barangay governments, Castillo said. Including private memorial parks, there are about 30 cemeteries in Davao City, he said.

“Upon graduation of these educ-Assist beneficiaries, the country will benefit from a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce, which is the main rationale for this loan facility,” she not-

vide the infrastructure needs of the barangays covered by Buhita. Zubiri said that since it would need funding for its ADSDPP, Buhita should consider oil palm plantations in its ancestral domain. he cited that Malaysian firms are willing to provide capital to local partners. Many of the tribal leaders welcomed the idea but Datu Timbangan, president of Buhita, said it will have to be discussed first among the 35-member council of elders. The group’s ADSDPP did not include oil palm plantations as an option. But it mentioned the planting of rubber on

Edge Davao hiring editor, 3 reporters eDGe DAVAO is in need of an editor and three staffwriters/reporters for its expansion program. The reporters will be assigned to the business, science/ environment and political beats. On the other hand, the editor will supervise the reporters and do gate-keeping tasks. Applicant must be a graduate of a four- year college course. For reporters, experience is not needed although preferable. The editor should have at least one-year experience in editing. Interested parties may send their application letter to Mr. Antonio M. Ajero, edge Davao editor, thru email address ajero_antonio@yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call Mr. Ajero thru mobile phone 09052422686 or landline 221-3601.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

Realty

EDGEDAVAO

Health and Wellness

FOR SALE:

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along national highway, facing east, beside nCCC Panacan, Davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/industrial lot at P800/ sq m along the National Highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/industrial lot along the national highway in Bincungan, tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina town Center, along the national highway, Dumoy, toril. 9) Ready-for-Occupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3T&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, Toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, obrero, Davao City. 11) FoR ASSUME (RUSH): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. Note: Items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. If interested, please call Jay (PRC REB Lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

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EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

APARTMENT FOR SALE Tel No. (083)- 553-2211

3 Door Apartment, lot 320 sq. m. Located at Bo. obrero near victoria Plaza 10 M, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0932-532-7304

PROPERTY FOR SALE IDEAL FOR INDUSTRIAL / MANUFACTURING PLANT, 3 hectares, Santa Cruz along the National Highway, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0927-706-2510

PRIME PROPERTY FOR SALE ROBINSONS HIGH LANDS, 173 sq. meters, 1.5 M, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0926-305-1555 0942-966-2444

LOT FOR SALE 180 sq. meter, Farland Subd., Dumoy, Toril, P 350,000 only Contact: 0927-706-2510

We offer Pasta, Pizza and all Filipino foods and international cuisine

South Osmeña, General Santos City Cell No. 09999923588 Tel. No. (083) 552-3297

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATeD INC. that CeRTIFICATe OF FULL PAYMeNT No(s) under LOYOLA PLAN issued to the following planholders, to wit; Ph NAMe CFP NO. CONTRACT NO. 1. LUCeNTe, LLeWeLLYN S. 1330 MRO501052513 2. LUCeNTe, LLeWeLLYN S. 919 MRO501052521 3. MAURO, VIRGILIO P. 35967 928177-5

were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

10/18, 25, 11/1

Deadline for submission of materials is 12:00 NN. Deadline for Friday and Saturday issues is 5:00 PM. Deadline for Sunday and Monday issues is Saturday 12:00 NN. For more information, please call our Advertising Office 221-3601; 301-6235 and ask for Jane or Chay.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 173 •THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

Shop at

DAVAO LILA DEPT. STORE SHOPPING PARADISE OF THE BUDGET-WISE AT ITS NEW LOCATION NEAR MANILA BULLETIN CAYETANO BANGOY ST. (FORMERLY PONCIANO REYES ST.) CORNER RIZAL STREET, DAVAO CITY CONTACT: TEL. #: 225-5258; 227-3959 CEL.#: 0932-2246429; 0915-4102303

LOTS FOR SALE ROYAL PINES SUBDIVISION MATINA DAVAO CITY SEMI VIEW LOTS BLOCK 3, LOT 5 – 404 SQUARE METERS BLOCK 3, LOT 7 – 349 SQUARE METERS VILLA JOSEFINA RESORT VILLAGE, DUMOY – PHASE 1 BLOCK 6, LOT 13- 240 SQUARE METERS BLOCK 17, LOT 6- 240 SQUARE METERS BLOCK 19, LOT 4- 240 SQUARE METERS (082) 225-5258, 0915-511-1985,

KRISTINE

RePUBLIC OF The PhILIPPINeS ReGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11Th JUDICIAL ReGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND, (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund, Mortgagee -versus-

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13, 621-12

CRISMARIE N. PAGKALIWAGAN married to Samuel P. Pagkaliwagan Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-ibig Fund against Crismarie N. Pagkaliwagan married to Samuel P. Pagkaliwagan with postal address at Lot 5 Blk. 53 Rosalina Village 3,Dumoy Toril, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 15, 2011 amounts to ( Php 309,881.10 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TeN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on December 13, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of hall of Justice, ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGeR’S CheCK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 244571 “ A parcel of land xxx (Lot 5, Blk.53 of the consolidation- subdivision plan Pcs-112402-001850,xxx), situated in the City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on January 17, 2012 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, October18, 2012

FOR The eX-OFFICIO SheRIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) ROBERTO C. ESGUERRA Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge 10/25,11/1, 8)

RePUBLIC OF The PhILIPPINeS ReGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11Th JUDICIAL ReGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND, (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund, Mortgagee -versus-

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13, 620-12

RePUBLIC OF The PhILIPPINeS ReGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11Th JUDICIAL ReGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND, (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund, Mortgagee -versus-

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13, 657-12

LOEY C. MUTOC Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

NESTOR P. SONGCAYAUON, married to ROSALINDA D. SONGCAYAUON Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-ibig Fund against Loey C. Mutoc with postal address at Lot 004 Blk. 037 Mamay , Vincent heights Subd. Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of July 20, 2012 amounts to ( Php 440,855.92 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TeN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on December 13, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of hall of Justice, ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGeR’S CheCK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 267443 “ A parcel of land xxx (Lot 4, Blk. 37xxx) , situated in Barangay of Mamay, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of NINETY SIX (96) SQUARE METERS, more or less”

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-ibig Fund against NESTOR P. SONGCAYAUON, married to ROSALINDA D. SONGCAYAUON, with postal address at Lot 1, Blk. 19 el Rio Vista Village.Bo. Bacaca, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 11, 2011 amounted to ( Php 685,597.77 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TeN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on December 13, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of hall of Justice, ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGeR’S CheCK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 243464 “ A parcel of land of the cons. & subd. project (Lot 1, Blk. 19 , of the cons. & subd. Plan Pcs-112402-001797, xxx) situated in Barangay Bacaca; City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of TWO HUNDRED TEN (210) SQUARE METERS, more or less”

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on January 17, 2012 without further notice.

FOR The eX-OFFICIO SheRIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) DEXTER P.SALCEDO Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge 10/25,11/1, 8)

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on January 17, 2012 without further notice.

FOR The eX-OFFICIO SheRIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) TERESITA M. CEBALLOS Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge 10/25,11/1, 8)

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Mavs stun Lakers in opener

OS ANGeLeS -Dwight howard missed a two-handed dunk on his first shot, and the night never got much better for the Los Angeles Lakers. When howard and Steve Nash took their places alongside Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol under the hollywood spotlight, the Lakers opened a season of enormous expectations with an equally big dud of a performance. Darren Collison scored 17 points, Brandan Wright added 14, and the Dallas Mavericks spoiled the Lakers debuts of howard and Steve Nash with a 99-91 victory over Los Angeles on Tuesday night. In his first regular-season game in a gold jersey, howard had 19 points and 10 rebounds while missing 11 of his 14 free throws before fouling out with 2:02 to play. That’s hardly the debut he anticipated after arriving in a trade with Orlando last August, but not much has gone according to plan in the first month for the Lakers’ starters, who barely played together in their

winless preseason due to injuries. ‘’It’s not an excuse, but it will all come with time,’’ howard said. ‘’We haven’t had an opportunity to really play together as much as we want, but we’re going to get it. ... We’re going to chip away, and we’re going to get better.’’ The Lakers’ superstar newcomers both had debuts to forget. Nash managed just seven points and four assists while trying to balance the Lakers’ new motion offense with his own strengths on the pick-and-roll - all while getting roundly outplayed by Mavs newcomer Collison. ‘’It’s growing pains, and it’s a struggle,’’ Nash said. ‘’We’re out of sync, and we’re going to probably have some more moments in games like that.’’ O.J. Mayo had 12 points as the Mavericks pulled off a stunner in their opener, comfortably beating the Lakers without any help from injured Dirk Nowitzki. Dallas and Los Angeles both made big moves in the offseason, yet the Mavericks appeared to be much more together than their high-profile rivals.

‘’It’s a great win,’’ Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. ‘’If you execute in this league and have talent, you have a chance to win, and we did that. The Lakers are going to be fine. They’ve got a lot of new guys and a new system, but we were opportunistic tonight and got the job done.’’ Bryant scored 22 points while playing on an injured right foot for the Lakers, whose loaded lineup followed up its 0-8 preseason with a largely passionless second-half effort in front of a sellout crowd expecting to see a super team capable of contending for the franchise’s 17th championship - a fact acknowledged by Bryant when he addressed the fans before the game. ‘’As you know, we have a lot of expectations this season,’’ Bryant said. ‘’We’re trying to live up to the expectations. We’re trying to bring another championship back to where it belongs, back to Los Angeles.’’ Instead, the Lakers showed how much work they will have to do to challenge Miami and the NBA’s best.

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the hoop to score against the Dallas Mavericks during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday.

Sharapova: Winning Heat melt Celtics, 120-107 Wimbledon priority for 2013 M

OSCOW - Russian Maria Sharapova will focus on trying to win Wimbledon next year rather than attempting to regain the world number one ranking. “Wimbledon will be my priority next season,” Sharapova, who finished the year as world number two behind Belarussian Victoria Azarenka, told Reuters on Tuesday after signing a sponsorship deal with electronics manufacturer Samsung in

Moscow. “This year it was different because of the Olympics but if you ask me about my main goal for 2013, it definitely will be Wimbledon.” Sharapova made her breakthrough to the tennis elite by winning the 2004 Wimbledon title as a 17-year-old newcomer. This year she won the French Open to complete a career grand slam and claimed the Olympic silver medal in London. The 25-year-old also

said she was hoping to finally end her winless streak against Serena Williams in 2013 after losing to the American in all three of their matches this year, including two finals, in the Olympics and at the WTA Championships on Sunday. “She plays a very physical tennis and when she is in top form it’s very difficult to beat her but I will try to take my revenge next year,” said the Florida-based Russian.

Maria Sharapova of Russia returns a shot to Serena Williams of the U. S. during the final tennis match of the WTA Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday.

IAMI -- LeBron James got cramps, Ray Allen was snubbed and Dwyane Wade was steaming. None of that spoiled the Miami heat mood on ring night. Wade scored 29 points, James finished 26 points and 10 rebounds while missing much of the second half because of cramps in both legs, and the reigning NBA champion heat beat the Boston Celtics 120-107 on Tuesday night in the season opener for both teams. There were actual fireworks before the game to close the ceremony where the heat got their championship rings and raised their title banner. There also were plenty of figurative fireworks late, first with Boston almost digging out of a 19-point hole and, after the outcome was decided, Rajon Rondo flagrantly fouling Wade by wrapping his arms around his neck on a drive. In the end, though, the first Celtics-Heat matchup of this season was like the final one of last season - with Miami winning. ‘’It was good to cap this night off with a win,’’ heat coach erik Spoelstra said. ‘’It was an emotional time for all of us in our organization.’’

even for the newcomers, like Allen. he scored 19 points - needing only seven field goal attempts - in his first game with Miami since leaving Boston over the summer. Chris Bosh had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Miami. Allen got chants from the heat crowd, which is nothing new. except this time, they were positive. ‘’Never thought I’d hear that here,’’ Allen said. Paul Pierce scored 23 points, Rondo finished with 20 points and 13 assists, and Leandro Barbosa scored 16 for Boston. The Celtics, who lost to the heat in last season’s eastern Conference finals, were not on the court for the ring ceremony. They almost wrecked the festive mood with a late comeback. An 11-2 run late in the fourth quarter got Boston within 111-107 on Courtney Lee’s layup with 2:09 left. That was the last Celtics’ hurrah Bosh scored the game’s next seven points, sealing it for Miami. ‘’I thought they were the aggressor the whole game,’’ Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. ‘’They got on the floor where they wanted to get on the floor. They took us out

of stuff that they wanted to.’’ Rashard Lewis scored 10 points for Miami, which held on even while James, last season’s MVP of both the regular season and NBA Finals, was in the locker room for the second time because of the cramps, first in his right leg and then his left. ‘’It’s not an all-thetime thing,’’ James said. ‘’I’m not too worried about it.’’ The heat got their championship rings from owner Micky Arison before the game, then watched the banner get hoisted to the rafters. More emotion came late, when Wade drove past Rondo - and the Celtics guard grabbed Wade around the neck. Wade appeared as though he was ready to throw the ball at Rondo in retaliation, and stopped himself. ‘’I thought he hooked me,’’ Rondo said. Wade had a different opinion. ‘’It was a punk play by him,’’ Wade said. ‘’The league will take care of it. he clotheslined me, with two hands.’’ So Rondo raised eyebrows by putting hands on Wade. Kevin Garnett made news by not offering his hand to Allen.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Hazelnut and Fruit Compote Beignets

Talk about New Orleans and images of Fat Tuesdays, the lazy Mississipi River, the louisiana bayou, and honest to goodness american southern comfort food spring into mind and thanks to the newly opened Murray’s New Orleans BourbonStreet Ribs, Steaks & Oysters, I was given a taste of some southern hospitality. The tasting menu was crafted specially for the evening by executive chad Peter ayson and showcased the latest authentic flavors he learned from his recent visit to New Orleans infused with quality local Davao ingredients.

Muffeletta Salad

We stared the evening with a delicious sweet and savory Country Corn Bread followed by a delicious Bourbon Chicken liver Pate with caramelized onions and candied apples. I loved the finish with a piece of Malagos

feta that added a salty, tangy flourish. What would a dinner at New Orleans be without oysters right? Chef ayson served Grilled Burnt Butter Oysters with Malagos herbed feta cheese which was a delight in the mouth as its right buttery goodness danced on my tongue. a bright ang tangy Samal Island Ceviche followed to round-up the appetizers. Showing his creativity, Chef ayson deconstructed a Muffaletta Sandwich (a New Orleans favorite) into a tasty salad with an olive vinaigrette. Now what could be more comforting than a nice bowl of Gumbo? Gumbo is a thick chunky stew that originates from louisiana that is flavored with meat, shellfish, vegetables and the Cajun “holy trinity” of celery, bell peppers, and onions and the Seafood Gumbo served that night was so good, I wished there was a whole pot of it for me alone. The star dish of the evening though was the Blackened Ribeye Steak with blue cheese ettouffee.

Blackened Ribeye Steak

The medium rare steak was cooked perfectly with a deliciously crisp crust that had Cajun spices that elevate the flavor the ribeye. Too bad it was just a tasting menu, I would have loved to have a full-sized steak all to myself. and as if we were not stuffed already, the evening finished with a huge heaping of Old Style Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya that was sure to finish what was left of our respective diets.

Grilled Burnt Butter Oyster

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Seafood Gumbo

Bourbon Chicken Liver Pate

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP aND aBOUT

VOL.5 ISSUE 173• THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

eNTeRTaiNiNG

FLIGHT 001 has landed in Davao

LaDies and gentlemen, the Captain has just turned off the fasten seat belt sign...Flight 001 (pronounced flight one), the world’s premiere travel store, is excited to announce its touchdown in the Philippines! FLiGHT 001 saw its beginnings in 1998 when John sencion and Brad John found themselves on a flight from New York to Paris. “We started talking about our preparation and routines before a long flight,” shares sencion. “Brad liked to visit a pharmacy to get all his personal care products, while i liked going to a bookstore to get a map or a phrase book or going to a luggage store to buy a stowaway bag. Then we asked ourselves, wouldn’t it be great if all this were under one roof? Nine months later we opened our first store in the West Village in New York city.” For over 10 years now FLiGHT 001 has been scouring the globe for products as functional and unique as the travelers that frequent the stores. When not curating the best travel products in the world, FLiGHT 001 has and continues to develop travel products for the world such as the following: Flight 001 spacepak system maximizes case space while achieving maximum compression so travelers can always carry on and avoid the baggage claim. Using this system allows garments to undergo double compression and organization with 1 side for clean laundry and 1 side for dirty laundry. This product was voted as Travel + Leisure Magazine’s Product of the Year! stay organized no matter where you’re going with Flight 001’s GO CLeaN pack bags collection! Keep your dirty laundry, shoes, wet swimsuits, delicate undergarments, and clean clothes separated, organized, and fresh with these versatile mix-and-match bags. Under the in-flight series, Flight 001 has the exclusive Digi Pak that comes with padded, lightweight mesh case for storing tech accessories as well as the seat Pak, a lightweight durable multi-zip pouch for stashing your in-flight essentials. Visit their concept store at sM Lanang Premier and Bonifacio High street. The brand’s stores are designed to recreate the look and feel of the fuselage of a 747 jet with a retro modern feel, evoking the glamorous jet-set era of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Flight 001 products are currently available at the following stores in Philippines: The Travel Club in eDsa shangri-la, eastwood, sM Mall of asia, Newport, sM Megamall, Trinoma, ayala alabang, Greenbelt 3, Glorietta, Chinatown, southmall, ayala Cebu, shangri-la Mactan, and abreeza Davao; R.O.X. at the Bonifacio High street and Cebu; Robinsons ermita and Palawan; Rustans Makati and shangri-la; and at the sportsmart Naia Terminal.

HallOWeeN may be over but it does not mean scary fun should be too. That is why INdulge asked some Dabawenyos what their favorite all time horror movie was and what made it so memorable. Shanz Jalnaiz Outsourcer’s Manager The eye. I am a big fan of horror movies. In fact, horror movies comprise about 90% of all the movies i watch. The eye is an eerie film that will surely make your heart pump hard. Imagine yourself being given the eyes of a dead girl who used to see premonitions of people who will die in the future. Allenated Gatan Sales Engineer/acct executive Paranormal 1 & 2. Sh*t.. Frightening. Grr kinda real. :) lol Henrylito Tacio Writer The Shining, starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. It was terrifying when Jack’s character, a writer, only type, “all work and no play makes John a dull boy...” John Paul Punsalan Caterer The exorcist, hands down! No cheesy story line, no irritating musical score, just impeccable acting and you feel like you’re part of the film..... It makes you feel vulnerable. That’s scary!

Joseph Rick Landero Paragili Student Sinister :) Cause its the first horror suspense movie that made me scream and cuss. lOl! Leebai Sinsuat Ambolodto Food Columnist The exorcism of emily

Rose -- intellectually stimulating and emotionally disturbing movie in one:) good movie! Pal Raine Businesswoman Carrie. I can still remember this movie a girl unleashes her telekinetic powers after she pushed too far from her peers. as in the flying of things stunned me. and for almost a month I can’t sleep looking at my dolls that looks like Carrie. Hahahahahaha.. Ghostbumps indeed. Phillip Pabelic General Manager: Suncity Suites Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara (lorna and Dawn remake)---- Unpredictable!

Dina Pacheco Mendoza Mother of Four The Shining. Jack Nicholson is über convincing in his role as a possessed father who tries to kill his family in a remote and isolated hotel during winter.

her superiors and initiated this experiment to provide proof to her paranormal studies.

Shealthiel Jech Oczon Collection Specialist / Loss Mitigation all time fave horror flick: Tale of Two Sisters. It’s a psychological horror flick, no cheap white lady appearances. It’s one of those flicks that would really make u think what, why, and how? Jef Tupas News desk editor, TV5 Davao, The Others. It was successful in suspending the audience’s reality. it fooled us into believing something else. the twist was the real killer. dark and painful to watch Nicole kidman go through her own darkness and pain. Jeffrey Gupit Agot. Foreman Rose Red by Stephen king. I’m not really sure if its a mini-series or a movie. It runs almost four hours. Just love the idea of this group of psychics, especially the girl with telekinesis and telepathy-like power, inside a haunted manor arranged by a professor. She was fired by

Jinggoy Salvador Lifestyle Columnist The Ring. Just because! Ed Levi Montelukast Medical Student Insidious! This film successfully got the style of asian horror film making it really scary compared to rather previous Hollywood horror films. GM Hernandez III Independent Consultant For horror flicks i stick to the 80’ slasher movies like Nightmare on elm Street, I couldn’t sleep after watching it. amityville, I was too scared to walk around my own house. Omen, made me think the devil exists in dogs and the cause of all accidents. exorcist, cause exorcism is real! :-P

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INdulge! A3

eNTeRTaiNMeNT

Star Wars 7 movie coming in 2015 as Disney buys Lucasfilm for $4 billion UH, star Wars geeks, enthusiasts? Brace yourselves for a double whammy.

One: Disney has purchased Lucasfilm for a whopping $4.05 billion (yes, with a “b”). Which brings us to two: stars Wars episode Vii is not only happening, but it has a release date for sometime in 2015. No, this is not a drill. Keep breathing, guys.

“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see star Wars passed from one generation tot he next,” George Lucas said in a statement.”it’s now time for me to pass star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. i’ve always believed that star Wars could live beyond me, and i thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime.

“i’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment and

Disney not stopping at Star Wars 7:

Three films and more coming! GeORGe LUCas’ original vision is going to become a reality.

after initially offering up the promise of a seventh star Wars film in 2015, Disney—which bought Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion this week— revealed today that episode 7, 8 and 9 are in the works. The Mouse House is planning on releasing the ensuing sequels every two to three years, Disney chief exec Robert iger said in a conference call with reporters. Back when Lucas was announcing plans for star

Wars: episode 1—The Phantom Menace back in the 1990s (those high expectations we harbored were so long ago), he indicated that he envisioned both three prequels and three sequels to kick off and cap off his seminal trilogy. and now, Disney is looking to make it happen. The mega-brand is also interested in developing new star Wars properties for its theme parks (what, improve on star Tours?!) and Disney XD network. “We love the fact that this will take its place in our live-action strategy as

a known and loved brand,” iger said. “We really like star Wars potential on TV, and Disney XD would be a great home for that.” But while Lucas characterized the Disney buyout as a changing of the guard, veteran producer and current Lucasfilm cochair Kathleen Kennedy isn’t moving to a galaxy far, far away—she’ll remain as president under Walt Disney studios chairman alan Horn and executive-produce the coming star Wars films. and, of course, Lucas created the whole universe, so...his name won’t be forgotten.

consumer products.” as for the finer points, Disney’s Kennedy will serve as executive producer of the new installment of the franchise (which turned 35 this year), while Lucas will serve as creative consul-

tant, albeit with no hand in day-to-day operations. “Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas,” Disney chairman and CeO Bob iger said. While the first new in-

stallment of the star Wars franchise is set for 2015, the company said in its press release that even more films could come from the handover, with the saga expected to continue “well into the future.”

A4 INdulge! FOOD eNTeRTaiNMeNT

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Iloilo’s Dulgie’s Me and my travel buddies and best gal friends Freah Ramos, Jj Ongkingco and Rhodalee apaap are always on a food hunt whenever we visit a new place. May it be local or abroad, we always have to try the food before anything else. and this trip was not an exception. Though we just stayed in Iloilo for hours, we made the most out of it by tasting every bit of food we can. and we did. and one

indeed, Dulgie’s is one gastronomical haven that made our four-hour stay in iloilo unforgettable. of which was Dulgie’s – a picturesque dessert shop that makes you feel like a kid again. a wide array of pastries line their counter but what struck us most is there variety of cupcakes. Picture perfect would be an understatement. That is why we cannot help but order every bit of them. Just because I am a certified banana lover, their Banana Caramel Cupcake caught my eye as soon as we stepped inside their quaint pasty shop. I have been craving for something that would satisfy my palate without that “umay” flavor stuck in my mouth. and I was ultimately rewarded. I love the interplay of banana and caramel in my mouth and not to mention my happy tummy. Rhoda adores anything “red velvet” and so their Red Velvet Cupcake caught her eyes like magnets on a board. It was fun to look at and even tastier to the taste buds. It is moist and creamy that

Me at Dulgie’s

Red Velvet Cupcake

Enjoying my cakes.

makes you crave for more. Indeed, one cupcake is not enough. Their Cappucino Caramel latte Cupcake is not your typical sweet cupcake. It is just right. The cappuccino flavor perks you up while the caramel neutralizes your taste buds. The moment you taste it, you would be bought to heaven and back. The Dulce de leche Cupcake is Freah and Jj’s favorite as its flavors explodes in your palate with every bite. The cupcake itself is flavorful and has that melt in your mouth goodness that other cupcakes do not have. The best part of it? It’s center has that

Dulce de Leche cupcake

Carrot Chocolate cupcake.

dulce de leche goodness that oozes as you dive your fork into it. They also have a variety of other cupcakes such as Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes, Dark Chocolate Cupcakes and Carrot Chocolate Cupcakes. More so, Dulgie’s is more than cupcakes as it serves other pastries, sumptuous cakes, sandwiches and pasta dishes that suits every growling tummy. Indeed, Dulgie’s is one gastronomical haven that made our four-hour stay in Iloilo unforgettable. Thank you to my super kulit and super pogi friend Michael Siao and his secretary ate Maricar the warm wel-

come So, the next time you are in Iloilo and in a food adventure, do not forget to visit The Sweet Table: Sweet elegant dessert buffet by Dulgie’s at la Salette Building, Valeria Street (beside SM Delgado), Iloilo City Contact number (033)3383701 or (0917)6248908 or email them at dulgiessweets@ gmail.com. Do you want to be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit? Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured. If you are interested, then email me at iamtheroyalchef@gmail.com. Happy Cooking!

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 173 •THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012 Comeback kings Arsenal in remarkable 7-5 cup win

ONDON - Arsenal battled back from 4-0 down to beat top-flight rivals Reading 7-5 on Tuesday, powering their way into the League Cup quarter-finals after one of the most extraordinary matches in the competition’s 52-year history. Manager Arsene Wenger said last week that the League Cup was at the bottom of his priority list and it looked it as his second-string Arsenal team conceded four goals in the opening 37 minutes at the Madejski Stadium. Reading, third from bottom in the Premier League, ran riot early on thanks to Jason Roberts, a Laurent Koscielny own goal, Mikele Leigertwood and Noel hunt. Theo Walcott gave twice former League Cup winners Arsenal hope with a goal before halftime and impressive substitute Olivier Giroud made it 4-2 on 64 minutes with a classy header. The Londoners were a different side in the second half with France striker Giroud making a big impact. Defender Koscielny made up for his earlier error with another headed goal in the 89th minute before the Arsenal fans went wild with delight when Carl Jenkinson was

credited with the equaliser after he smashed the ball in after Walcott had appeared to score. The visitors thought their comeback was complete in extra-time when the much-maligned Marouane Chamakh, making his first start since January, drilled the ball home to make it 5-4. Pavel Pogrebnyak hauled Reading level with a header from six metres and then, just as the goalkeepers were preparing for a penalty shootout, Andrei Arshavin’s shot was cleared off the line and feel kindly for Walcott to grab his second goal. Chamakh added Arsenal’s seventh just before the whistle with a smart lob over keeper Adam Federici. ARSeNAL SPIRIT “You cannot play for Arsenal and give up, no matter what the score is,” Wenger told Sky Sports television. “The players understood at halftime that they couldn’t come out in the second half with the same performance. Give them credit, they responded very well.” Reading manager Brian McDermott, a former Arsenal player, said conceding the first goal before halftime was the turning point.

Reading’s Hal Robson-Kanu, right, and Arsenal’s Gervinho challenge for the ball during the English League Cup soccer match between Reading and Arsenal at Madejski Stadium in Reading, England, Tuesday.

Manny impresses Roach on 1st day of LA training

more powerful, faster Manny Pacquiao reported at the Wild Card Gym Tuesday, creating a good impression on those who witnessed him do the mitts and other gym activities in the very first day of his Los Angeles camp in preparation for his coming fight a month and eight days from now. Trying to bounce back from a controversial majority decision loss to American Timothy Bradley last June, the Filipino boxing treasure will be up against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez who is his dancing partner atop the square arena for the fourth time on December 8 in Las Vegas. And if what chief trainer Freddie Roach and his assistants saw was for real, then Marquez, the Mexican legend who has been disputing the 2-1 win-draw that Pacquiao fashioned out in their first three dates, stands to face trouble in Chapter IV of their

storied rivalry. “Good day to start a camp,” Roach said in a telephone interview two hours after his prized pupil left the Wild Card Gym along Vine Street in hollywood in LA. “If Manny can maintain this same dedication and enthusiasm the rest of the way, then I can say we will have another successful camp here and accomplish what we’re aiming for,” the 52-year-old hall of Famer told this writer. “We still have a long way to go, it’s only the start of a final six weeks of preparations, but I think, as reports from Manila said, Manny’s really prepared to punish himself in training here,” Roach said. Pacquiao, actually, was to do the mitts with Roach for eight rounds, but asked for two more additional rounds to complete the session. “Bitin pa eh, matagal ko nang hindi nasusuntok si Freddie,” Pacquiao said

in jest. “I’m really thirsty to do my things inside the ring. I’ve been inactive for the last four or five months. At saka sabi ko naman sa iyo (this writer), hatak na hatak na ako sa ensayo sa Pilipinas pa lang.” Pacquiao’s physical status will further be be tested as sparring sessions begin Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) with old sparring mates Ray Beltran and Russian Ruslan Provodnikov. A third sparring mate, welterweight prospect Frank Gomez, is scheduled to fight this coming Friday and would not be available till next week. Before doing his things inside the gym, Pacquiao started the day with a 30-minute roadwork at the hilly Griffith Park. Besides Roach, only his assistants Buboy and Roger “haplas” Fernandez, who supervised Pacquiao’s initial three-week training in General Santos City; Marvin Somodio, No-

noy Neri and conditioning coach Alex Ariza and the regular Wild Card staffers were the only ones inside the hollywood sweat shop as a closed door session was strictly enforced. Ariza, according to Somodio, whom Roach hired as a regular staffer following the Pacquiao-Bradley fight, is back to take care of the conditioning needs of the eight-division world champion. The Colombian conditioning guru had a temporary falling out with the team when he abandoned the camp in Baguio City at the height of the Filipino ring icon’s preparations for the Bradley fight. “Kondisyong-kondisyon talaga si Manny. At hindi nawala ang lakas ay bilis,” Somodio, a former amateur standout recruited by Roach from the Shape Up Boxing Stable at Cooyeesan hotel in Baguio noticed. “Ganadong-ganadong mag-ensayo first day pa lang.” (PNA)

Woods, McIlroy criticized for Champions no-show

heNZheN, China The sponsors of this week’s WGC-Champions event have criticized world number one Rory McIlroy and 14-times major winner Tiger Woods for turning down the chance to play in the tournament. The pair played in a lucrative head-to-head exhibition match on Monday at Jinsha Lake in China. McIlroy is now in Bulgaria watching his tennis-playing girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki competing while second-ranked Woods moved on to Singapore to fulfil corporate engagements.

“On the one hand we have by far and away the strongest field in Asia this year, 13 of the top 20 are here. But of course we are disappointed the top two are not here,” hSBC’s worldwide head of sponsorship Giles Morgan told reporters. “We are looking at a true world golf championship. As a sponsor we can provide the prize money and all of the wonderful facilities for spectators, customers, the media etc. But the one thing you need of course is the players.” Morgan emphasized how important it was for the sport’s main attrac-

tions to turn up to the big events outside the United States and europe given the financial recession. “We believe very strongly in supporting golf around the world at all levels because we believe the sport has great potential to grow,” he explained. “But in order to showcase itself particularly in emerging markets for golf such as China we feel as many of the top players should be here.” Morgan said that with so many sporting sponsors suffering during the recession, golfers should be wary of upsetting them.

World number one Rory McIlroy (left) and Tiger Woods

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VOL.5 ISSUE 173 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

10th Sara - Rody AfPPNP cagefest set Nov. 6 I

T’S all systems go for the 2012 Mayor Sara and Vice Mayor Rody Duterte - 10th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament that will kick off at 1 p.m. on November 6 at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center. A total of 12 teams led by back-to-back defending champion Vice Mayors Office and last year’s runner-up Police Regional Office - XI will vie for top glory and honors in the two month-long tournament organized to promote camaraderie among the members of

Precious IS stays alive

ReCIOUS International School of Davao beat holy Cross of Davao College, 74 – 71, in overtime to keep its final four hopes alive in the Junior Division 2 of the GS Cup 2012 over the weekend at the Gaisano Grand Citimall Skygym. John David Mitchell made four crucial baskets in the extra period to help PISD take the driver seat in Group D with three wins in as many games. Michael Ian escandor scored 16 points and Justine Panelo and Almendro Cañete added 14 baskets apiece for PISD. The regulation ended at 65-all and the GSIS Matina-based dribblers went on to seal the victory behind Mitchell who finished the game with 13 points. BJ Flores paced hCDC under head coach Chito Ramos with 21 points. In the other Junior Division 2 match, Talomo National high School (TNhS) turned back Davao Wisdom Academy (DWA) with a 54-47 victory to cop its first win in Group A. With their backs against the wall, the TNhS cagers came out strong in the final half to finally enter the win column after three games in the tournament presented by the Gaisano Grand Citimall Ilustre Ad and Promo Management and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) under Mindanao Region B director Regino “Boy” Cua. In Junior Division 1, Assumption College of Davao (ACD) continued its winning ways with a 77 – 64 rout of Jose Maria College. The Ice Gravador-mentored ACD kept its unbeaten slate in four games to remain at the top of the standings.

the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP). Other teams entered are Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Regional Public Safety Battalion, Philippine Coast Guard, Task Force Davao, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Philippine Navy, National Support Unit - 4th Special Action Battalion and eastern Mindanao Command - 10th Infantry Agila Division. Ma. Trisha Goldie Del-

vo, the tournament overall in-charge and tournament director, said the teams will play single round eliminations and the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals en route to the championship match. “Apart from the semi-final round, there is also a consolation round to determine the 5th to 8th placers because there’s a corresponding prizes allotted to that,” she said. Games will be played on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays until December. Cash prizes and trophies are

up for grabs in the tournament sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) regional office. Last year’s third placer Regional Public Safety Battalion - XI and Bureau of Fire Protection, the 2010 finalist, leads the pack of formidable contenders this year along with the DCPO and the eastMinCom-10th ID. VMO won the title last year via finals two game sweep behind its top gun Christopher “Bong” Go, the executive assistant of Vice Mayor Rody Duterte.

he Philippine national team is not giving up on its bid to tap World Series-winning pitcher Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants for the World Baseball Classic qualifiers in New Taipei City next month. Philippine Amateur Baseball Association secretary general Thomas Navasero said they expect to know within the week whether Lincecum will be playing for the Philippines in the qualifiers set November 15 to 18 in Taiwan. “All I’ve been hearing (from Major League Baseball) is good news,” said Navasero during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. “It will be a personal decision on his part… It will also be up to the (Giants) owners.” Although he is not keeping his hopes up, Navasero said the 2010 World Series MVP will be included in the 50-man pool if the Philippines qualifies for the main tournament slated next year. Another major leaguer with Filipino lineage, New

York Yankees relief pitcher Clay Rapada, has already declined the invitation of the Philippine team coursed through Major League Baseball. As part of its thrust to promote the game globally, Major League Baseball will be spending for the expenses of all players which include the stipends, airfare, board and lodging, and insurance. With or without the Cy Young award winner, however, Navasero believes that the 28-man team will definitely be a strong contender in the double-elimination tournament that also includes Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and New Zealand. The son of Paba president hector Navasero declined to announce the complete lineup until final confirmations have been made, but rattled off the names of former San Francisco Giants organization pitcher Gino espineli, Fil-Japanese pitcher Ryuya Ogawa of the Chunichi Dragons of the Nippon Baseball League, and Leighton Michael Pangilinan of the Chicago White Sox minor league

system as most likely team members. “We have some strong players from the minor and major leagues. I can’t tell you right now because they have been listening because they are worried that we might get major league players,” he said. “I think we are going to win. We have the strongest team formed in the history of the Philippines. We have players who can throw curveballs and dropballs. We have skilled players we are bringing in.” Navasero said that half of the team will be composed of players based abroad, majority of them from the minor leagues with a sprinkling of major leaguers who are second stringers in their respective teams. The other half of the squad will be made up of local-bred players who were part of the national team that won a gold medal in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia. The team will be managed by Jim Ramos, a Filipino-American coach. National head coach Wilfredo hidalgo will be part of the six-man coaching staff.

Phl pursues Lincecum T