Edge Davao 5 Issue 198 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.5 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

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Sports

Pablo: 257 dead, 138 still missing Pagka ngilngig!

By Greg G. Deligero

he death toll in the Davao Region rose to 257 as more casualties were recorded in the municipalities of New Bataan and Monkayo, Compostela

Fatalities in New Bataan reach 70

Valley Province while the number of missing persons also reached 138,

according to official reports as of late afternoon yesterday.

The Provincial Disaster Assessment and Monitoring Center of Davao Oriental recorded a total of 114 deaths, 148 injured and 21 missing.

FPABLO, 11

Page 14

EDGE DAVAO WINNER. “It’s More Fun to Run”, the winning photo entry of Edge Davao photo journalist Lean Daval Jr. (inset) in the 36th Milo National Marathon Mindanao Leg photo contest.

Transportation mobilized for isolated towns Follow Us On

NTeRIOR and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered the mobilization of all means of transportation assets that could bring goods and services to the three isolated coastal towns of Baganga, Cateel

and Boston. In a briefing this morning, he told the media that transporting such goods and services will take a 300-kilometer travel from Mati City. he directed Davao Oriental

Gov. Corazon Malanyaon and Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat to “commandeer” the fishing vessels docking at Mati port and shoreline, that can be used to ferry goods and services even just to Baganga (town nearest to Mati),

“while waiting for the Navy boat to arrive. Part of the airlift brigade is the coastguard and the Philippine Army. “We will be using even chop-

FTRANSPORTATION, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

Davao Customs hits top revenue surplus By Anthony S. Allada

he Bureau of Customs-Davao hit its biggest revenue surplus so far in November, registering more than a hundred million pesos , even as a number of holidays fell into this particular month, specifically All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2 and Bonifacio Day on November 30. BOC-Davao district collector Martiniano Bangcoy said that their surplus collection reached P105,972,280 or a 23 percent deviation after their over-all collection was P574,274,280 as against the revenue quota of P469,302,000 only. Bangcoy said that their consistent collection surplus every month since January this year is the result of their strict implementation of anti-smuggling measures of all imported goods coming into the Davao region. “We also attained this

remarkable performance through the concerted efforts of all the officials and personnel of the Davao port as well as the contribution of the importers, brokers and stakeholders here,” he said. he said the volume of importated petroleum products, specifically those brought in by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. and Insular Oil, largely contributed to their resounding collection surplus. “These two companies paid significant taxes for their importations for the time being,” he said, adding such consistency is leading to its modernization project starting next year where the bureau is going paperless in its transactions. Bangcoy said that once they have adopted paperless transaction they would be able to curb, if not stop, the culture of corruption in the agency.

VOL.5 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Not perfect, but…

EDGEDAVAO

Framework Agreement is the ‘best alternative’

LThOuGh it is not a perfect document, the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) is “the best alternative” for the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) if there must be a lasting peace in Mindanao, MILF’s Jun Mantawil said in a forum held in Davao City Monday afternoon. Mantawil, who heads the MILF panel secretariat, said everyone must support the FAB which, according to him, is a “document of peace.” he cited that among its

challenges is the concern on power sharing, “that should be clearly defined” in one of the annexes of the peace pact. “We just hope that we will have a genuine autonomy with the FAB,” Mantawil said, noting that the Bangsamoro should have an economic autonomy. he also mentioned that they don’t want to create a minority or majority in the Bangsamoro, but one nation. Lawyer Raissa Jajurie, of the MILF peace panel’s board of consultants, also said at the forum that the

FAB has yet to be filled with more substance by the Transition Commission (TransCom), which shall be created through an executive Order. The challenges for the TransCom, she continued, are “who will compose it” and “what will its dynamics be,” wondering if it would still need negotiation like what the two panels are doing. Jajurie noted that although the basic law that will govern the Bangsamoro by 2016 will be drafted by the TransCom based on the final comprehensive

agreement, the exact composition of Congress by the time is yet to be known. She added that if the draft basic law would be submitted to Congress during the May 2013 elections, there may be a different dynamics between the executive and legislative branches of the Philippine government. [Lorie Ann A. Cascaro/MindaNews] Jajurie said her appeal is for people to “suspend a little disbelief” and put more hope in the peace process, otherwise “it will never take off.” [Lorie Ann A. Cascaro/MindaNews]

DSWD spearheads relief operations

he regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development has deployed its resources for the distribution of relief goods to areas that typhoon Pablo heavily devastated. As of early morning yesterday, the agency started the distribution of about 4,000 food packs to municipalities in Compostela Valley as the province needed about 10,000 food packs. The agency already distributed 3,290 food packs with 500 packs to the Second District of Davao City upon the request of their congresswoman, Rep. Mylene Garcia. The rest of the food packs were sent to Davao Oriental as its governor, Corazon N.

Malanyaon, asked for help for people in the east coast of the province where the typhoon made a landfall Tuesday. helping in the distribution activities of the agency was the local government of Davao City which sent three of its dump trucks so these could be loaded with the food packs that were to be distributed in Compostela Valley. Acting Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon also visited Davao Oriental to see for herself the extent of the damage that the typhoon caused. The agency has also sent several teams to calamity-affected areas to help in the rehabilitation efforts. [DSWD/Leslie Lao-Francisco]

EMPTY. Giant billboard structures strikes a different scene without their usual tarpaulin signs as advertising companies folded them before typhoon Pablo hit Davao

region to avoid incidents that might endanger lives along McArthur Highway near Gov. Generoso Bridge yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

ReSIDeNT Benigno S. Aquino III said Wednesday there are “sufficient funds” from which regions affected by typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) may get funds for the “necessary expenses and emergency infrastructure” it damaged. Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines General Assembly at the Manila

hotel, the President announced the availability of P8-billion for those affected by Pablo. he said these resources came from the government’s calamity fund and “revenues from unexpected sources” such as the recent government sale of the Food Terminal complex in Taguig City. “So Secretary (Florencio) Abad informed me last night that there is at least P8-billion ready

to take care of all of the necessary expenses here and also in the necessary emergency infrastructure—‘yung mga roads that were closed, etcetera, kung may damages. There is sufficient fund at this point in time,” the President said. he also reiterated his appeal to Filipinos to heed storm warnings and vacate the premises if need be. “Nakikiusap rin ako sa

ating mga kababayan --Kung kinakailangang lumikas, lumikas na po tayo agad. huwag nang maghintay pa ng pang-apat, o pang-limang bisita ng mga rescue units bago tayo lumikas. Buwis-buhay po ang trabaho ng ating mga rescue teams, kaya’t malaking tulong po kung manatili tayong disiplinado, may kooperasyon at mahinahon habang isinasalba nila tayo,” the President said. [PNA]

City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on the financial status of the city government. he said Riola, who was invited to Tuesdays’ session, told the council that the last time he talked with the mayor was last June. “under the law, he (referring to Riola) is supposed to make a monthly report to the

Senator Gregorio honasan, who led the Senate panel in the bicameral conference committee, said that “heightism” or discrimination based on height, has been practiced among law enforcement agencies in the country. he said that height discrimination unnecessarily limits quality

choice and promotes social injustice. ”Asians have proven their worth in war as well as in peace though they are shorter in height than their Western counterparts,” honasan said. Once enacted into law, the height requirement imposed on Section 30 of Republic Act

P8-B ready for Pablo damage P

SP asks DOF to review treasurer’s performance

he Davao City Council on Wednesday requested the Department of Finance (DOF) to review the performance of Davao City treasurer Rodrigo Riola for failure to give his monthly financial status of the city government. City Councilor Jimmy Dureza said the council’s move was indicated in

a resolution passed in its Tuesday regular session. Riola had refused to certify the availability of funds intended for bonuses of city government employees and its counterpart share for this year’s Pasko Fiesta celebration. Dureza said the council learned that Riola allegedly failed to make a monthly report to Davao

FSP, 11

Bill seeks to abolish height limit for cops

he Senate on Wednesday ratified a bicameral conference committee report on a proposed bill repealing the height requirement for applicants to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

FBILL, 11

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 198 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Fisher cries foul over Greenpeace report T

he owner of a fishing boat which photo was shown in a video footage taken by environmental group Greenpeace has protested over its use in a report on an alleged Filipino fishing vessel that was caught illegally transshipping tuna catch in the high seas. SLRFI owner Noel Lorenzo said F/B Vergene, as shown in GMA-7 news report, was not the fishing boat Sal 19 alleged to have been boarded by Greenpeace in the international waters when it was caught loading tuna catch to heng xing 1, a Cambodian-flagged reefer on November 14. GMA-7 attributed the video footage to Greenpeace which confirmed that it was the group that supplied the material. Lorenzo, a member of General Santos City-based umbrella Fish Landing Association (uFLA), claimed the report cast a bad name to his fishing company, one of the 11 Philippine catcher vessels that has already sailed and began

fishing in Pocket 1 high Seas recently opened to Filipino tuna fishers. uFLA executive director Dino Barrientos however confirmed that Greenpeace also earlier boarded F/B Vergene inside the Pocket 1 high Seas area together with Palauan enforcers. But Barrientos said F/B Vergene skipper Noel Pepugal was able to produce all the documents required by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Greenpeace did not find any violation of the guidelines set by the international fishing company, Lorenzo said. Lorenzo said he is now talking to his lawyers to take the necessary action to correct the Greenpeace report. Greenpeace Philippines said the way the images were used may have created confusion on the report of illegal transshipment in the nigh seas. “We have no hand on how the footages were used by GMA-7,” said Mark

Dia of Greenpeace Philippines. The WCPFC is currently holding its five-day regular session at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila where conservation measures are high in its agenda as volume of catches and tuna stocks worldwide continue to show a steady decline. In 2008, the WCPFC agreed to a three-month ban on tuna fishing using fish aggregating devices (FADs). The ongoing ban on FAD fishing is from July to September every year when tuna stocks begin migrating towards the Sulu and Sulawesi seas to spawn, according to initial scientific findings. In 2009, the fishing body further imposed a two-year ban on FAD fishing and purse seine operations in four pockets of high Seas in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. The Philippines is one of the 25 member countries of WCPFC that signed the measure.

Soccsksargen exhibits products in Malaysia

xhIBITORS from Soccsksargen region displayed local products in the recently conducted Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippineseast Asia Growth Area (BIMP-eAGA) and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMTGT) Consumer Fair 2012 recentrly held at Melaka International Trade Center, Malaysia. Trade exhibitors included Bios Dynamis Multi-purpose Cooperative of Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc., Matutum Tropical Fruits As-

sociation, Noecil Fresh and Frozen Marine Products, Sultan Kudarat Muscovado Farmers and Millers and V’Motril Food Products. Some of the products presented were organic rice, bottled jams and jelly, fresh pineapple and papaya, fresh water and marine products, muscovado, and dried fruits. Said exhibitors were assisted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR 12).

“It’s high time to promote the products from Region 12 and to gain bigger market opportunities for our agri-business sectors,” DA 12 regional executive director Amalia J. Datukan said. She added that the fair would pave the way for the local products to the roadmap of world market. The BIMP-eAGA and IMT-GT Consumer Fair 2012 was aimed at highlighting special and distinctive products from the sub regions’ member countries for direct purchase of buyers and market matching.

LOGS ARE BACK. Just like last year’s Typhoon Sendong, the logs from the mountains of Iligan City were brought down by the rains of Super Typhoon Pablo via the Mandulog River. Bayug Island resident and Sendong survivor Nido Medel, 29, hopes to cash in on this find the morning after Pablo raged

The ban took effect in 2010. In March this year, the WCPFC granted the Philippines exclusive access to Pocket 1, an area of roughly 560,000 square miles east of Indonesia and north of Palau and Papua New Guinea beginning October 1. The WCPFC however

through Iligan. Fortunately, Pablo did not unleash as much water and logs. Iligan suffered almost no casualties this time with the timely information drive and evacuation of those in threatened areas. [MindaNews/Bobby Timonera]

limited Filipino access to Pocket 1 to 36 catcher vessels. The exclusive fishing right was likewise to run up to February next year only. Also, WCPFC said only tuna catcher vessels with a load capacity of 250 tons and ice chiller storage purse seiners are to be allowed to operate in the

area. Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources director Asis Perez, in a report to the plenary session of the WCPFC last December 3, however said only 11 Philippine-flagged catcher vessels have so far began fishing in the area. [edwin espejo / MindaNews contributor]

gong Pamaskong handog ng Kapitolyo.” Information released by the Office of the Governor said December 14 (Friday) will be for senior citizens, December 15 for housemaids, December 16 for laborers, and December 17 for market vendors. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transvestites (LGBTs) will also get a night to hold their own style of Christmas party inside the capitol grounds on December 18. Gov. Pingoy said, this is a means to recog-

nize the contribution of LGBTs to the activities of the provincial government. In July this year, LGBTs were also permitted to stage a gay-pride parade as an activity of the 2012 T’nalak Festival. Youth groups will celebrate Christmas at the capitol grounds on December 19. Taking on the tradition, the final night, December 20, will be devoted to the Christmas party for children. The governor said, they are gathering at least 2,500 children to

SoCot to celebrate Christmas with kids

OuTh Cotabato’s provincial government will open its gates to residents beginning December 14 to celebrate Christmas with different sectoral groups. unlike in previous years when a special night was offered for the merriment of children, this year, according to Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., the province’s “Pamaskong handog” will last seven nights, each night dedicated to a particular social sector. This year’s Christmas thanksgiving celebration is dubbed: ‘Isang Ling-

Philhealth conducts orientation in Samal

ROADSIDE SCENE. Residents of Barangay Kinamluran in Butuan City try to remove from the road the broken branches of a tree in the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo on Tuesday. [MindaNews/ Erwin Mascarinas]

FSOCOT, 11

hILheALTh 11 conducted its third course of Philhealth MOVeS in the Island Garden City of Samal last November 28 alongside the turn-over of the Per Family Payment Rate (PFPR) to the local government amounting to P1.8 million to fund the purchase of medicines, supplies and improve local health care facilities. More than a thousand residents arrived at the Mobile Orientation, Validation and enrolment Scheme (MOVeS) to attend the orientation initiated by Belene R. Dacumos, SIO III for Philhealth’s Local health Insurance Office (LhIO) in Tagum, where she asserted membership rights and privileges, particularly for National housing Targeting

System for Poverty Reduction (NhTS-PR) beneficiaries and those under the Sponsored Program. Aside from this, nine hundred NhTS-PR members received their PVCtype Philhealth cards which they can use during hospitalization and benefits availment. Being fervent on its No Balance Billing Policy or Walang Dagdag Bayad for members under sponsored program, Philhealth officers reiterated that for 23 particular case rates and when availing outpatient packages including Maternity Care Package, New Born Care Package, TBDOTS and Malaria, among others, said members shall not be charged of any fee once admitted to government hospitals.

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Underground River wins international recognition

he Puerto Princesa underground River scored yet another international recognition as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands declared the world-famous subterranean river officially a “Wetland of International Importance” Tuesday. Claiming its spot as Ramsar Site No. 2084, the PPuR is the fifth for the Philippines. The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Mindanao, Naujan Lake National Park in Oriental

Mindoro, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu and the Tubbataha Reefs National Park of Palawan were all included in the Ramsar list in 1999. In his speech delivered by Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR) undersecretary ernesto D. Adobo Jr., who graced the event, DeNR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said that “the designation of this national park as a Ramsar site will further cement its status as an

eco-tourism destination.” The Ramsar Convention is a treaty among 163 countries aimed toward the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Wetlands are on the Ramsar list because of their ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological or hydrological importance. The PPuR was considered and eventually included in the list for being “unique in the biographic region because it connects a range of important eco-

attended the opening ceremony and highlighted the importance his country attaches to averting climate change and protecting the environment. The emir also pledged Qatar’s contribution to green technologies which can help strike an optimum equilibrium between the need for energy and emission reduction. Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of the uN Framework Convention on Climate Change, reminded the delegates that “the eyes of the world” and “the urgency of the science” are upon them, encouraging them to improve long-term global adaptation and mitigation responses and chart the course of future efforts. In the high-level segment, the delegates will continue to discuss the two thorny issues left unsolved at the lower level of talks -- the extension of the Kyoto Protocol (KP) and the implementation of developed

countries’ pledged finance support. Talks on the KP track last week divided on the details of the accord’s second commitment period, including its length and strength as well as the carry-over unused carbon permits to the extension. The negotiators also disagreed on whether to allow countries that plan to retreat from KP to continue using its market mechanism to meet their national emission cut targets. On the finance support front, the developing countries demand transparency on the rich nations’ contribution to the Fast Start program, whose target, 30 billion u.S. dollars, the donors claimed to have exceeded. Also, more specific plans need to be set out for the long-term Green Climate Fund, whose aim is to ramp up annual provisions by 2020 to 100 billion u.S. dollars but now remains an empty shell.

Doha climate conference begins high-level talks

he ongoing uN climate conference began its high-level talks in Doha on Tuesday, after the first week of meetings made little progress. heads of states or governments or ministerial delegates from over 190 countries are participating in the second phase of talks which runs until Friday. uN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, speaking at the opening ceremony, urged participants to “sustain the momentum for change so painstakingly built in Bali, Poznan, Copenhagen, Cancun and Durban.” Pointing to water stress, land degradation, melting icecaps, Ban said “we are in a race against time to stay below the agreed threshold of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels that will avoid the worst impacts of climate change.” Qatari emir Sheikh hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

systems from the mountain to the sea including a limestone karst landscape with a complex cave system, mangrove forests, lowland evergreen tropical rainforests and freshwater swamps and is home to 800 plants and 233 animal species, some of which are endemic,” a statement from the DeNR read. But the DeNR secretary warned that while Puerto Princesa City has proven that ecotourism is a “viable and participatory vehicle

for sustainable development and poverty alleviation,” there still lies the danger of having too much of a good thing. Paje warned that the number of visitors coming to the underground River, which saw an exponential growth since its inclusion in the Seven Wonders of Nature, could “threaten the integrity of the natural habitats or the survival of the wildlife species that tourists have come to enjoy.”

Paje calls to the stakeholders to work hard to ensure that necessary policies and guidelines are passed. he said these policies should “clearly define the ‘eco’ in ecotourism as more ‘ecology’ and not simply ‘economy.’” As a member of the Ramsar Convention, the member-country will be planning and overseeing a framework to conserve a declared Ramsar site to maintain its ecological character.

tion has been weak,” Paje said. “We need to come up with measures that would ensure that our developmental activities are friendlier to biodiversity and are more sustainable,” he added. Paje explained that the recently launched project would enable capable local government units (LGus) to work hand in hand with non-government organizations, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders in planning and managing economic activities within the eight identified key biogeographic areas (KBAs) covering a land area of more than 700,000 hectares. KBAs are sites considered significant for biodiversity conservation of global concern because of the species they contain. The project will be implemented by the DeNR through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau

(PAWB) in pilot provinces, namely Cagayan and Quirino in Region 2; Mindoro and Palawan in Region 4; Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Negros Occidental in Region 6; Surigao del Norte in Region 10; Davao Oriental in Region 11; and Agusan del Sur in Region 13. The total cost of the project is uS$ 17 million, of which uS$ 4.8 million will come from a grant by the united Nations Development Programme, uS$ 10.2 million in counterpart funds from the government and another uS$ 2 million from partner organizations. So far the project, which operations started in September 2011 and will last until 2016, has identified inadequate systems and policies, as well as the failure to mainstream and integrate biodiversity in local government planning which impede biodiversity conservation.

DENR partners with UN to boost LGUs’ biodiversity conservation

he Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR) has partnered with the united Nations to boost conservation and sustainability of biodiversity by aligning the economic and ecological development initiatives in five key biogeographic regions of the country. The project, called Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation: Mainstreaming in Local Agricultural Landscapes/ Biodiversity Partnerships Project, aims to synergize systems, policies and capacities that are in place at the local level, according to DeNR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje. “unabated destruction of habitat, from the forests to the seas, aggravated by their conversion as dictated by human consumption and need, indicates that implementation of local policies on biodiversity conserva-

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 198 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

THE ECONOMY

Inflation continues to slow down in November 2012 A

MPLe supply of agriculture and fish and lower prices of domestic petroleum helped slowed down the movement of prices in November 2012, according to the National economic and Development Authority (NeDA). The NeDA made this statement after the National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that headline inflation eased to 2.8 percent in November 2012. “The abundant supply of agriculture and fishery products in November 2012 resulted in greater annual reductions in the prices of various food items compared to the previous month,” said NeDA Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Rolando G. Tungpalan. The NeDA OIC said that slower increase in prices was observed in major food items such as fish (5.9% in November 2012 from 6.0% in October 2012), milk, cheese, and eggs (3.3% from 3.4%), and fruits (4.9% from 5.2%). This was also coupled with the decline in

prices of vegetables (-5.3% from -0.1%), and oils and fats (-4.9% from -4.5%). “Slower increases of prices in electricity, gas and other fuels were also observed in November 2012 (3.1% from 4.9% last year) due to the contraction in Manila electric Company’s (MeRALCO) generation charge and the lower prices of kerosene and diesel,” said Tungpalan. Citing industry sources, Tungpalan said that MeRALCO’s generation charge in November 2012 was lower by 2.7 percent (PhP0.16/kWh) against the same period in 2011 due to lower generation costs from suppliers. he also said that prices of kerosene also slowed down, falling by 2.5 percent in November 2012 from an increase of 3.5 percent in October 2012. Furthermore, diesel prices fell by 4.6 percent from 3.1 percent. “These were due to the trimmed trading price of Dubai crude in the international market, which

MONEY-MAKING. Just to earn extra money, a teenager braves the strong current of the Davao River to collect floating lumber under the Gov. Generoso Bridge in Bankerohan yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

contracted by 1.6 percent from a 4.8 percent growth in October 2012,” said Tungpalan. November 2012’s record for consumer prices brings the year-to-date headline inflation to a stable rate of 3.2 percent. “The average inflation from January to November 2012 remains within

the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s target range of 3.0 to 5.0 percent for 2012,” Tungpalan said. Core inflation likewise decelerated for the month of November 2012 to 3.4 percent against 3.6 percent recorded in the previous month or 4.5 percent in November 2011.

“The lower core inflation implies an easing of demand pressures on consumer prices. With the continued benign price increases for the period, we are expecting that inflation should be manageable for the rest of the year,” the NeDA official said. Inflation rate is the per-

cent increase in the prices of goods and services commonly purchased by households, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). On the other hand, core inflation represents a more long-term inflation trend, as it excludes certain items that have short-term and volatile price movements.

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Stat Watch Under new guidelines

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

5.8% 1st Qtr 2012

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

6.4 % 1st Qtr 2012

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

USD 4,931 million May 2012 USD 4,770 million Apr 2012 USD -135 million Apr 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 4,580,674 million Apr 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

4.1 % May 2012 P131,403 million May 2012 P 5,075 billion Apr 2012

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

P 42.78 Jun 2012

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

5,091.2 May 2012

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

130.1 Jun 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.8 Jun 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.7 Jun 2012

16. Visitor Arrivals

349,779 Apr 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

18.8 % Jan 2012

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.2 % Jan 2012

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2012

2011

2010

42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74 46.31 46.03

EDGEDAVAO

SSS offers higher, more flexible loan terms

eMBeRS of the Social Security System (SSS) can look forward to higher salary loan amounts and more flexible terms under the agency’s revised lending guidelines that took effect on December 1, 2012. SSS President and Chief executive Officer emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the new guidelines, which were approved by SSS’ governing board called the Social Security Commission (SSC) last April 18, 2012, aim to align the SSS salary loan program with prevailing market conditions. “Amid the current low interest rates, the SSS relaxed its lending terms and conditions that result in a higher maximum loanable amount, bigger net loan proceeds, lower computation of interest payments and earlier loan renewals for members,” de Quiros noted. The SSS deferred the guidelines’ implementation to prepare its computerized loan system for the changes and to avoid disrupting the processing of members’ applications for the Loan Penalty Condonation Program, which was open for

COUNTDOWN. Ian Mendoza, Marco Polo Davao’s food and beverage manager (left), and Franz Jude Completo, front office manager, promote the

availment from April 2 to September 30, 2012. under the new salary loan guidelines, members can file for renewal if they have already paid at least 50 percent of the

hotel’s “Magnifique” 2013, a French-inspired New Year Countdown Party, during the weekly Club 888 yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

principal loan amount and at least half of the two-year loan term has lapsed. In the past, members can only renew their loan if the outstanding balance is P500 or lower. De Quiros said that while

loanable amount remains based on the average of the members’ latest 12 posted monthly salary credits (MSC), the new guidelines provide a maximum salary loan of P30,000, higher than SSS’ previous cap of P24,000.

PSALM’s universal charge questioned

ARTY list Rep. Teddy Casiño yesterday questioned the planned power rate increase of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) to raise P140 billion worth of universal charges for stranded debts and contract costs from all grid-connected power consumers early next year. “The consumers should not suffer the consequences of PSALM’s bad decisions. The original debt to be passed on to consumers was only P255 billion in 2001 as mandated by the electric Power Industry Reform Act (ePIRA). It is unfair for PSALM to pass on the additional bad debts it incurred after it took over NAPOCOR. That was never part of the deal,” said Casiño. “When ePIRA was passed, the understanding was that PSALM would privatize NPC’s assets to pay for P255 billion worth of NPC stranded debt. But because NPC and PSALM failed to do their jobs, they even borrowed more so the debt ballooned to P540 billion. So even if they already

Says refund consumers first before talking of new charges raised P474 billion from privatization, they still want to collect more from consumers through the universal charge. Why should our people suffer for their incompetence? This is unjust and cruel, considering we already have the highest power rates in Asia!” stressed Casiño. “Debt and stranded costs should not be passed on to the consumers considering that power rates in the Philippines are already among the highest in Asia. These unsettled debts and stranded costs should instead be charged to the Malampaya fund. In fact, former DOe Secretary Jose Almendras already agreed to this,” he said. “Besides, PSALM should first refund the P9.1 billion they ‘overcharged’ Meralco customers before considering any power rate hike. It should also refund members of the 90 electric cooperatives that they overcharged by at least P4.5 billion,”

said the solon. “Ni hindi pa nga nila ibinabalik ang napakalaking halagang nakolekta na nila e hihirit na naman sila ng dagdag na singil. Ibalik na nila ang P9.1 at P4.5 bilyon sa mga consumers,” Casiño added. “Ang pangit naman ng salubong sa bagong taon na ibibigay ng PSALM sa mga consumers, puro na lang pagtaas ng singil ang inaatupag nila pero di naman iniintindi ang serbisyo. Nawawalang saysay ang sinasabing paglago ng ekonomiya kung palaging ganyan,” he said. Meralco already implemented a round of rate hikes for its generation, transmission and system loss charges. It wants a P0.245 per killowat-hour (kWh) increase from various passthrough and other charges to consumers. The lawmaker also called on Malacañang and the house leadership to immediately approve

measures removing or reducing the value added tax (VAT) on electricity in order to prevent government from collecting windfall VAT revenues. Casiño is the author of hB 1630 exempting electricity from VAT as well as house Bill 6416 which aims to cut VAT rates by half in the prices of oil, power and water. Casiño’s bill aims to reduce VAT to 6 percent for electricity, water services, and oil and petroleum products, in order to provide immediate relief to consumers and the domestic economy. The 50 percent reduction of the VAT rate will bring down prices of oil products by as much three (3) pesos per liter, electricity rates by at least 38 centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh) for lifeline electricity users and at least 50 pesos in the bills of residential water users. “I am calling on Ways and Means Committee chair Rep. Isidro ungab to immediately set a hearing for this bill and others measures that would alleviate the burden of rising prices,” said Casiño.

as of august 2010

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

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

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

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

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 09:05 13:25 14:05

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

MI588 / MI588 MI566 / MI566 MI551 / MI551 5J507 / 5J598 15:55 Z2524 / Z2525 5J967 / 5J600 PR813 / PR814 5J215 / 5J216 5971 / 5J970 5J973 / 5J974 5J969 / 5J972 2P987 / 2P988 PR821 / PR822 PR821 / PR822

18:55 18:55 15:45 15:00 Mani2Mani 16:05 16:35 16:55 18:00 18:40 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:20 22:20

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

13:35 15:20 12:05 15:30 16:45 17:05 17:45 18:20 19:10 20:30 21:00 21:00 21:50 22:50

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 198 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

PHL abaca remains strong in global mart

he Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA is confident the country’s abaca industry will continue to compete internationally and maintain Philippine’s strong foothold in the global market. “Such confidence emanates from the fact that advocacy on ‘going natural, going green’ amidst the growing awareness and concern over the protection and care of the environment is becoming more intense worldwide,” Bicol FIDA regional chief Mary Anne Molina said on Tuesday Putting this advocacy to practice, among others are the Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol, which practically impose on participating countries the use of biodegradable materials to protect the ozone layer and tackle the issue of global warming and greenhouse gas emission. The imposition makes eco-friendly materials like abaca in greater need and importance to industrial products down to home furnishings and house wares, fashion and its accessories, food packaging, apparels and other items. Molina said that abaca, as a renewable resource,

could be an excellent part of the overall solution to climate change as the plant absorbed more carbon dioxide than its emission. It does not pose any harm to the environment being hundred percent biodegradable.

Abaca in composite applications The development of new end-use for abaca fiber in composite applications for the automotive industry in Germany contributed to boost the de-

mand for the fiber. Car manufacturer, Chrysler-Daimler, according to Molina has cited the very good ecological balance of abaca combined with its excellent technical properties similar to those of glass fiber, the material previously used in the underbody protection of the car. The use of abaca fiber, instead of glass fiber, brought about primary energy savings of 60 percent, thus significantly reducing carbon dioxide emission. Other car manufacturing companies, especially in the european union are expected to use natural fibers as material for their car parts in compliance with the end-of-Life-Vehicle Regulation of the european Parliament. Likewise, Molina said that with the stricter policies against dumping of synthetic fishnets and cordage materials in open sea as enforced by most european nations, users are returning to the use of natural biodegradable materials like abaca fiber. Synthetic ropes may have some technical advantages but abaca has qualities that meet the needs for special purposes specifically for oil drilling,

navies, merchant shipping and construction. In the united States, the movie-making industry is reportedly using abaca rope which, unlike synthetics, does not reflect when exposed to klieg lights. Abaca pulp, meanwhile, has been gaining more popularity owing to the expanding demand for specialty papers for tea bag, meat and sausage casings, currency papers, metallized papers, cigarette papers, filters, hi-tech capacitor papers and other

non-wovens and disposables also mean high demand for abaca pulp. Most specialty papers require high porosity and excellent tear, bursting and tensile strength which characterize abaca fiber.

The environmental protection factor As the environmental protection movement heightens, many countries are becoming more protective of their ecology, particularly the timber forest, the source of wood pulp which is the traditional material for pulp and paper production. This provides an entry point for substitutes such as abaca. Although abaca pulp is priced higher than wood pulp, its higher substitution ratio (4:1) and better qualities in the production of specialty papers make it more attractive. Quality considerations play a predominant role in the choice of fiber for the major specialty end-uses, and technical properties provided by abaca outweigh price advantages of abaca substitutes like wood pulp or sisal. Japan continues to import abaca pulp from the Philippines for the manufacture of its currency notes and Japanese bills of Y10,000, Y500 and Y1,000 denominations have 60 percent abaca components. Other applications of abaca pulp in Japan include capacitor and insulation papers, tea bag, masking tape, paper cloth, stencil paper, filter oil absorbent paper, casings and other specialty paper products.

A showcase of Filipino intrinsic artistry On the other hand, innovative and functional fibercraft from abaca have continued to evolve and introduced in both the local and international markets with the Filipino intrinsic artistry, ingenuity and world-class craftsmanship coupled with the versatility of abaca fiber. Molina said the Gifts, Toys and housewares (GTh) sector has made wider use for abaca, especially for home furnishings, house decors and accessories and fashion as well. With the current advocacy of lifestyle market promotion wherein several product lines are packaged as one to promote a specific theme, demand for abaca crafts is expected to strengthen further. For the local fibercraft and weaving industries, high grades abaca fiber and “tinagak” or knotted abaca are the most highly valued commodities as demand for such materials has been on the rise not only in the local market but also in China, now considered as the biggest competitor for the supply of semi-processed fiber. Other uses Abaca had also entered the cosmetic and wellness industries as cosmetic manufacturers also makes use of abaca enzymes in the production of natural, organic, hand-crafted skin care products like abaca soap and lotion which reportedly have anti-aging and therapeutic properties and are now exported abroad.

AGRITRENDS 7

Several other uses of abaca have been emerging as researches on product development could further open up more opportunities for abaca fiber especially as composite material for aerospace, packaging and other industrial applications. The construction industry is also making use of abaca for light structural walls, insulation materials, floor and wall coverings and roofing while apparel makers use it as raw material component for organic denims.

Marketing strategies But FIDA, Molina said, wanted to maximize next year and onward the popularity of Philippine abaca with the agency’s commitment to sustain and enhance the demand in both the domestic and international communities under its major thrusts being undertaken in trade promotion, market information exchange and institutional linkages. Trade promotion is aimed to expand the market base for the Philippine abaca industry through participation in local and international trade fairs and exhibits, multi-media promotions and fashion shows, among others. Market information exchange is aimed at keeping FIDA and other concerned government agencies and private stakeholders abreast of industry developments, issues and concerns, including trade possibilities in the global market. Institutional linkages are done through es-

tablishing direct market linkages among fiber producers, processors and end-users to ensure stable and more regular markets and better prices for producers. It also guarantees stable supplies for manufacturers and end-users and strengthening direct linkages with other relevant sectors to expand trade for Philippine abaca fiber and manufactures.

Bicol as abaca industry leader Bicol, Molina said would continue to be the country’s abaca production leader, a status it grabbed from eastern Visayas starting in 2009 and continued to hold until today. From among the abaca-producing provinces, Catanduanes, with its production of 18,971 metric tons (mts) representing 33.2 percent of the total national output remained as the biggest producer last year. Leyte ranked far second with a production of 7,089 mts, FIDA records show. With an 84-percent share of the world’s abaca fiber production, the Philippines is considered the international abaca capital since the Spanish era, with Albay as center of the trade. For the past 10 years, Philippine exports of abaca fiber averaged 13,434 mts per annum as the demand of the country’s major trading partners – the united Kingdom and Japan, contracted substantially, particularly in 2009 when financial crisis hit the global economy. [PNA]

8 VANTAGE pOINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Violence against women continue in Afghanistan SpECIAl FEATURE By ABdul HAleem, HAmnAwA

EDITORIAL

Is Davao still typhoon-free?

ABLO has left Davao’s area of responsibility with a wide swath of destruction, deaths and indescribable misery. The storm may be called freak because it was not expected, it did not follow the usual pattern of the some 20 typhoons that visit the Philippines yearly. Pablo struck areas that were not usually hit in the last 50 years. As of this writing, close to 300 people have been confirmed dead, more than 130 others missing and billions of pesos in property totally or partially damaged, and crops and livestock laid to waste. After Pablo, can we still say with some degree of certainty that the Davao region is typhoon-free, a fact that we have bandied about with pride for the longest time? We think we can still boast about it, especially in so far as Davao City is concerned. Note that while other parts of the Davao region –Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental -- were battered by Pablo, Davao City was miraculously spared. Actually, Davao has never been total-

EDGEDAVAO

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ly typhoon-free in the strictest sense of the word. More than 40 years ago, on October 18, 1970 to be exact, super typhoon Titang, with international codename Kate, battered the Davao region, wherein a total of 631 Dabawenyos died and 284 others missing. At the time, Titang was considered the deadliest typhoon ever to have struck the Philippines, according to Wikipedia. Are we unnecessarily splitting hair here? Does it really matter if we are typhoon-free or not? We think it really does. People would like to live, do business and frolic where it is typhoon-free. Yes, it matters, but it is not the most important thing that we should bother ourselves with at the moment. The biggest challenge to Dabawenyos now – after helping the people in typhoon-ravaged areas pick up the pieces – should be to intensify risk-preparedness for natural calamities. Such preparedness is just as important against floods, landslides and earthquakes to which the entire Davao is vulnerable. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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he blood-soaked body of 18-yearold Nasrin was surrounded by her mother and about a dozen of her relatives and neighbors in their house in Kunduz, some 250 kilometers north of Kabul. All they could do was cry because they could not expect justice from the violent death of the young woman. Nasrin had been engaged to a man some nine months ago and her death last Sunday was unexpected and shocking. her death was the latest in a series of violence against Afghan women perpetrated by criminals using age-old tradition and warped interpretation of Islamic justice. “It was 09:00 a.m. local time and we were sitting around table to have breakfast but suddenly a gunshot was heard from neighboring room. We rushed there and found Nasrin lying in a pool of blood,”one neighbor said. Atta Mohammad, Nasrin’s father, said he had no idea who killed his daughter, adding that he had no problem with her. however, Nasrin’s mother refused to say anything. Nasrin’s murder is the latest case of violence against women that has happened in the male-dominated and conservative Afghanistan. Afghan Minister for Women Affairs husan Bano Ghazanfar confirmed last week that 3,500 cases of violence against women had been registered in Afghanistan in the first six months of Afghan year which began from March 21, 2012. In Kunduz province alone, according to women rights’ activists, 12 women and girls have been killed so far this year. Just two days ago, a man beheaded a young girl in Imam Sahib District of Kunduz province after the girl’s father refused to let him marry his daughter. The police have arrested two people for their alleged involvement in the brutal murder of the innocent girl but the authorities have yet to publicly hand down a punishment that the criminals deserve. Women in Afghanistan are facing variety of discrimination and violence ranging from child marriage, forced marriage, rape, polygamy and even “baad,” a tribal custom of giving forcibly the hand of a widow or girl to a man from an opposing tribe to settle a dispute and end enmity. Afghanistan, according to women activists, is a challenging country for women to live. Discrimination against women, particularly in the countryside, is still rampant. A girl can be forced to marry a boy chosen by her parents. Cases of public execution of women, flogging of women by Taliban militants and powerful tribal leaders have been reported in parts of Afghanistan over the past year. Najiba, 22, was publicly executed by Taliban militants in Ghorband district of Parwan province a couple of months ago while Sabira was publicly lashed in Jaghori district of Ghazni province by local mullahs months ago after she eloped with her boyfriend. Although women’s rights have seen considerable improvement in Afghanistan over the past 11 years, the Afghan women still need more years and a long way to restore their status as active members in society. Meantime, Nadira Gia, director of Women Affairs Department in Kunduz province, has called on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation on Nasrin’s case and arrest and punish the perpetrators. “I am calling on the international community, civil societies and women rights’ activists to pay attention to the plight of Afghan women and help them in their campaign to bring about an end to violence against women in Afghanistan,” Gia told the press in a hospital where the body of Nasrin had been taken for autopsy. [PNA/xinhua]

EDGEDAVAO

hold commodities and many more. The recent political development recalls a time not so long ago when several government officials holding appointive or elective posts, had TV infomercials of their own. The scheme similarly props them up as experts in their respective fields whose views and ideas appearing in their deceiving TV ads will help viewers gain insight into how they will perform once they successfully make it to the winning column. Goodness gracious! The watchful voters are apparently fuming mad at this development certainly because the likelihood of the early political infomercials becoming a platform for self-promotion and aggrandizement by senatorial hopefuls who have lots of money to spare isn’t farfetched. It’s not even campaign period yet and the “premature” campaigns in the pretext of TV infomercials are running at a pace people don’t normally see until the Comelec-sanctioned campaign period starts. Many over-assuming senatorial aspirants perhaps have already spent several thousand or maybe even million on illusory TV ads. Not only are the professionals and experts who prepared the candidates’ image-enhancement modules are playing a vigorous game, but the voters are

keeping a watchful eye as well. The kind of intense self-promotion and boasting on nationwide television that has characterized recent weeks are heard and seen at this early stage of the political race. The senatorial bets and their image-builders firmly believe that winning the political game – reelection bid or otherwise are by engaging early. But does the forthcoming midterm electoral exercise need to be more advance and focused mainly on TV presentations? Noted political analysts and thoughtful observers, however, doubt the scheme would impress and convince a lot of political dealmakers with their ability to connect with voters. For sure, many things have changed. Proof that intelligent political discussions no longer had any place in public affairs programming either in TV or radio these days is the passing of political-oriented talk shows. The debates after debates, another political ritual, had not started yet or perhaps would not start at all for the reason that no interested medium at this point dare tread on the idea. There is a necessity to have an intelligent public discussions at the start of the campaign period featuring political aspirants to give voters an inside glimpse of the twist and turn in the political race. While appearing to provide viewers with a profile report in the form of infomercial, some political experts and media personalities hold a contrary opinion and in the same manner voters apparently showed displeasure in more brutal ways.

SpECIAl FEATURE

Another zipline that one shouldn’t miss trying is the xZipline also in Sabang. The experience here is different from that in ugong Rock Zipline in that the latter runs over a karst forest and a farm field. In this one, you will be gliding over the sea and the ride down takes much longer, albeit slower. The ride from the drop off point to the landing area takes more than a minute, giving you ample time to appreciate the beautiful scenery from the top. To get to the drop-off point, you will have to follow the monkey trail up which goes through to the forest up to the hill. Finally, the mangrove paddling tour will leave you in awe of the majestic and lush mangrove areas in Sitio Sabang. One of the mangrove trees that can be found there is already 300 years old. The paddle boat ride covers approximately one and a half kilometers of the navigable part of the river that goes through the mangroves. [PNA] More importantly, visitors will learn the importance of the mangroves to the ecosystem as the tour guides take time to explain it to their guests as they point to the different species of animals that inhabit the area. All these are part of the Community-based Sustainable Tourism (CBST) that the city government of Puerto Princesa promotes. The project aims to boost the tourism industry in the city while, at the same time, helping the community develops by giving a means of livelihood to its local residents. [PNA]

Community-based tourism projects add more fun in Puerto Princesa City

ueRTO Princesa City, with its long stretches of pristine beaches and breathtaking scenic views, rightfully deserves the recognition of being one of the top tourist destinations in the country. And with the inclusion of the Puerto Princesa underground River in the Seven Wonders of Nature, the number of visitors from around the globe who came to take the boat ride through to the world-famous cave rose exponentially. But for the fun- and adventure-loving individuals, this beautiful city has so much more to offer. From the town proper of Puerto Princesa to Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, where the underground River is located, tourists can make a stop-over in several tourism-based projects that will surely make their visit fun-filled and memorable. A bit of a caveat, though: the experience could test one’s endurance and resolve and ability to take in so much wonders. What makes these projects more distinctive is that they are community-based — the locals manage the projects and the income derived from these projects goes to the improvement of their community. The first stop is the Buenavista View Deck, which stands over an elevated area overlooking the ulugan Bay. The view here is astounding and visitors can take amazing pictures that they can take back home. For those who want to get something more than photos to remind them of their

By TriSTAn rAy i. BeSA visit here, there is also a souvenir shop there. For a more physical adventure, the ugong Rock in Sitio Sabang offers hiking, spelunking and-- hold your breath— ziplining. ugong Rock, a 75-foot limestone formation, is named as such because the columns inside its caves produce a humming reverberating sound when tapped. The sound is produced when the stalactite and stalagmite connected. To reach the view deck at the top, which is the dropping point of the zipline, one will have to navigate the winding passageways through the ugong Rock. At one point, you will have to scale the wall of the cave to get up. For those who can’t do it on their own, a harness is provided to help them with the spelunking. The zipline experience itself provides enough thrill on its own. Claiming to be the fastest zipline glide in the country--gliding lasts approximately 20 seconds--, the steep angle of the drop from the top looks formidable. But there is where the thrill lies. The guide’s advice: when the handlers let you go and set you down the zipline, shout to release the tension. But please, avoid using swear words.

Fighting the filibuster

Unreal political TV infomercials

LLuSORY POLITICAL APPROACh – The election season is here when political aspirants suddenly appear in nationwide television even if it’s not campaign period yet promoting socio-economic undertakings in the guise of infomercials. The other sign is when these power-obsessed personalities all too suddenly assume the role of guest speaker, resource person and VIP during ribbon-cutting and other launching ceremonies in different parts of the country notably in vote-rich provinces. Trying to beat everyone to the draw are moneyed and thick-faced senatorial candidates whose fanciful infomercials had already been on the TV screen some months ago. Their strategy is meant actually to put more shine and color on their senatorial bids, which had been tarnished from allegations of their lackluster performances while previously serving either in the Senate or house Representatives. The political agenda, of course, is clear: with barely five months before the midterm elections, these senatorial hopefuls could use the scheme for showcasing their ideas and opinions, and of course, the desire to make it to Congress. Although it hardly made any dent in the minds of the cautious electorate, the political infomercials became stiff competitors in terms of deceptive schemes of equally annoying and poorly-scripted TV commercials promoting different products ranging from different food brands, infant milk, energy drinks, laundry and bath soap, beauty and house-

VANTAGE pOINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

( Conclusion ) ANAlYSIS By Ari melBer

eOPLe can debate whether that makes for good or bad policy. Many conservatives, for example, like the gridlock because they want Congress to pass fewer laws and spend less money. The only question for the courts is whether this unusual dysfunction is constitutional. The lawyers for Andiola and Common Cause say it’s not. They argue that a supermajority cannot be required for routine votes – let alone for a newly elected Senate to set its own rules. After running through a series of precedents, the suit mirrors Reid’s view that it would be unconstitutional to bar the Senate “from amending its rules by majority vote.” This makes intuitive sense. Why should new senators, arriving in Washington with a new mandate from voters, be bound by rules set by senators from decades ago? Bob edgar, a former Democratic congressman who runs Common Cause, says the federal courts have a duty to intervene when the Senate violates the Constitution. The founding fathers were “fearful of supermajority votes,” edgar told me, “and believed that democracy should be based on majority rule.” edgar cited the six specific parts of the Constitution that do require legislative supermajorities, including international treaties and overriding a presidential veto. In all other cases, he said, the Federalist Papers reflect a commitment to majority rule. “The filibuster was invented by Aaron Burr by accident, 20 years after the Constitution,” edgar said. “And up until 1970 it was used more often to protect slavery and lynching laws [than any other policies].” even given a compelling historical argument against the filibuster, however, the federal courts try to avoid refereeing political disputes in Congress. There is a whole body of law, called “the political question doctrine,” devoted to the idea that the courts should duck politics. And a partisan, post-election debate over how the Senate organizes itself could look like a classic political squabble. On the other hand, political heat is not supposed to prevent courts from defending the Constitution – even if it means challenging congressional prerogatives. here’s an unambiguous hypothetical: If the Senate refused to count a new member’s votes because she was a woman, courts would surely address such a blatant violation of equal protection under the 14th Amendment. The example may sound far-fetched for 2012, but the filibuster suit argues that the Senate is in equally unlawful territory by refusing to count the votes of the majority. Common Cause also points to big, partisan skirmishes where the Supreme Court has intervened, such as when the house of Representatives ejected New York Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1967 or when Congress tried to alter veto powers under the Constitution. In one unanimous opinion, the Court concluded that while “each house” of Congress does get to make its own rules, it “may not by its rules ignore constitutional restraints or violate fundamental rights.” What could be more fundamental, after all, than ensuring that the voters’ chosen representatives can govern democratically?

COMpETITIVE EDGE 10 NATION/WORlD

VOL.5 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

HTC introduces the HTC

EDGEDAVAO

Beat Monday blues with Sun Broadband!

one™ x+ in the Philippines F More speed, storage and battery life make the best rated Android smartphone, even better

TC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, recently unveiled the hTC One™ x+ running the hTC SenseTM 4+ experience on Android™ Jelly Bean. The hTC One™ x+ combines the iconic design, amazing camera and authentic audio experience of the hTC One series, with increased performance, longer battery life and expanded in-

ternal storage. “We are taking the award-winning hTC One™ x to a new level with the introduction of the new hTC One™ x+,” said Lennard hoornik, President, South Asia, hTC Corporation. “Our customers will have super-fast browsing, an even better camera and more immersive entertainment with Beats Audio.”

Featuring a 1.7 Ghz quad-core NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 AP37 processor, the hTC One™ x+ is 27% faster than the hTC One™ x , making the hTC One™ x+ the best rated Android phone on the market. Developed to be lightning fast, the hTC One™ x+ enables quicker web browsing, fluid gaming and graphic rendering, and speedy downloads, providing effortless usage on the go. In addition to its increased performance speeds, the hTC One™ x+ introduces extended performance with the inclusion of a 2100 mAh battery, giving you up to 37% (4.7 hours) more talk time, and longer to browse the web and enjoy your favorite music and videos . In addition to 64GB of internal storage, the most offered by any smartphone, the hTC One™ x+ also offers users 25 GB of

Dropbox storage free for two years, and supports expanded storage capabilities via uSB. Combining the amazing camera capabilities of its predecessor * with a series of intelligent features, powered by SenseTM 4+, the hTC One™ x+ has been designed to deliver the most premium mobile experience. The newly launched Self Portrait mode on the front camera helps you capture high quality photos by intuitively detecting the human face at various angles and applying subtle enhancements to skin and eyes. Sightseeing mode makes sure you’ll always be ready to capture the moment - one touch of the power button bypasses the lock screen and launches directly into the camera. Two new views in Gallery display images and videos and group them according to where and when they were taken.

eeLING gloomy on a Monday? It’s that time of the week when we have to shift our mood from our two glorious days off to our daily grind in school or office. You might hate your alarm clock for waking you up early on a Monday; or you’re not all too giddy to start the week and get back to class or work. But not with Sun Broadband which brings you another first-of-itskind product that will turn your Monday into a whole lot of different experience! With the new Sun Broadband Monday 125, prepaid subscribers can enjoy 4 days of unlimited internet hours for only P125! Not only do you get internet access at a discounted price, you get to experience consistent, fast and reliable internet hours for the rest of your weekday – from Monday to Thursday! Read daily posts on your favorite blogs and

websites. Check your e-mail everyday or get the latest updates about your friends on Facebook and Twitter. With this product, your Mondays will never be the same again. So cheer up! Spread out the joy during the week by loading Sun Broadband Monday 125. Simply text SBW 125 to 247 or load through any of the Sun xpress Load retailers nationwide. Promo runs until January 11, 2013 and is offered to prepaid subscribers only if they load on a Monday. With Sun Broadband Monday 125, you can beat the blues and jumpstart the week like it’s a Friday night! For more information, visit the nearest branch of The Sun Shop. You may also call the Sun hotline (02) 395-3333 or visit www. sunbroadband.ph. Visit Facebook page facebook. com/suncellular.ph or follow @suncelldeals on Twitter.

Security Bank: the Philippines’ Bank of the Year – The Banker Magazine

he Banker, one of the world’s most respected banking magazines published by the Financial Times of London, has bestowed on

Security Bank Corporation (SBC) one of the world’s most prominent and sought-after accolades, the “2012 Bank of the Year Award for the Philippines”.

Catch the best Christmas gadget deals in Globe stores nationwide

OOKING for that perfect Christmas gift? Just visit the Globe Store and get that perfect Yuletide gift for you or your loved ones with exclusive Globe postpaid and Tattoo offerings! From November 16 up to December 16, you may visit select Globe Stores all over the country so you can get your choice of smartphone or gadget bundled with super-value My Super Plan, unli Surf Combo, and even Tattoo Postpaid and Prepaid offerings with big discounts. Just apply for a Globe postpaid plan that fits and you can easily get a FRee smartphone like the iPhone 4S 16GB and 32GB at Plan 1799 and Plan 2499 respectively; Blackberry Curve 9220 at Plan 499, or a Samsung Galaxy Pocket at

Plan 349. Tattoo, the broadband brand of Globe, is also presenting offers that include huge discounts on your favorite tablets like the Tattoo Mediapad that you can get for only P7,800 when you enroll for a Tattoo unlimited Plan 999! Tattoo Prepaid Superstick is also available for only P2,495 with guaranteed savings of P1,000 while you can get the Tattoo Sonic Sticks for only P795. They can also avail of as much as P1,500 worth of shopping vouchers upon availment of a Tattoo Nomadic or Tattoo@home plan. You can catch the great gadget deal sale on any of the participating Globe Store branches nearest you. Just log on to facebook/globepostpaid for details.

The Bank of the Year Awards is an annual event that promotes industry-wide excellence in the global banking community by recognizing the top financial institutions in the world. Judges select only one bank from each country, making it the most sought-after award across the globe. Being named “Bank of the Year” by The Banker Magazine is a testament to the strong management, sound business model and prudent risk approach of each chosen institution. “We are honored to have been bestowed this prestigious award as it now places us among the world’s most elite financial institutions. The Bank has always focused on its core strengths that have allowed us to sustain a track record of strong financial and business performance. One most recent example was our third quarter financial results which show the bank generated a net income of P6.2B representing an increase of 55% year on year, plus our return on equity (ROe) consistently remains one of the highest, if not the highest, in the country,” said Alberto Villarosa, President and CeO of Security Bank.

Standing from L to R: Jane Cooper, Asia Editor and Global Transaction Services Editor of The Banker; Alberto Villarosa, Presi-

For the last three years, the bank has been consistently improving its financial indicators. Security Bank earned P6.7B in 2011 with a return on equity (ROe) at 25% outpacing the industry average of 12.14% . Return on Asset (ROA) was at 3.5% versus average of 1.46% among the universal and commercial banking industry in the country. This strong performance was sustained during the latest third quarter performance report of 2012 with a net

dent & CEO of Security Bank; Michael Buerk, British broadcast journalist and host of The Banker Awards.

income at P6.2B representing a 55% year on year increase while return on equity (ROe) at 25% is one of the highest in the industry which averages around 12% . The bank has been consistent over the last 3 years wherein its ROe has been within the 25% to 30% range. In bestowing the award to Security Bank, The Banker cites that, in the past year, Security Bank has emerged as a competitive player in the local banking and finance

industry, following its acquisition of consumer and savings specialist Premiere Development Bank and a loan growth of 24% as the bank focused on its corporate and small-medium enterprise customers and the loans went to the infrastructure, energy, retail, real estate and mining sectors. The bank is operating in a market that is entering a phase of infrastructure development and it is seeking to keep pace with these investments in the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 198 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Pablo...

SP...

hingosa, Pfc. hopeda, Pfc. Jegapo and Pfc. Aranez, are still missing. “Constant coordination with Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) are now being made to synchronize all efforts”, Paniza said. he said at least 2,892 households were evacuated in the municipalities of Davao Oriental to include Tarragona (495), Manay (355), Caraga (170), Baganga (960), Boston (230), Lupon (422), Banaybanay (42), San Isidro (40) and Governor Generoso (178), while 2,000 individuals were evacuated in Cateel. he said that 55 families from Asuncion, Davao del Norte were evacuated to nearest evacuation center and 2,000 persons from Kapalong were displaced due to torrential rains last night. The 47 families from the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), who evacuated earlier, have returned home as of 10:45 a.m. Wednesday. In Don Marcelino, Davao del Sur, at least 134 families were affected and were immediately brought to nearest evacuation center. “As of 2:00 p.m. today, death toll of typhoon Pablo already soared to 224, while those injured totaled 304 while missing were 79. There were 3, 388 families evacuated,” he said. “Our troops are now on clearing operations in key routes to allow vehicles to pass through while others are in assistance to local

government units in the delivery of relief goods,” Paniza said. Mati City and Compostela Valley have already been declared under a state of calamity. Casualty count rises in the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo. Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat said that though they have no deaths compared to neighboring towns, the city still suffered damage to agriculture and property. “Mati has weathered the storm, our people are okay,” Rabat said. Compostela Valley Representative Maria Carmen Zamora, meanwhile, urged constituents to remain strong amid the trials. In Davao City, Mayor Sara Duterte said the city had sent 5,623 food packs to Davao Oriental, along with assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Mayor Duterte said she ordered a temporary stop in their food for work program to be able to send help to typhoon victims in neighboring provinces. “I told them to discontinue food for work and get all the available grocery packs, submit a justification and a revised activity design to use the packs,” said the young mayor. Meanwhile, the city government is set to send financial aid using disaster funds to Davao Oriental now that a state of calamity has been declared there. [with reports from BOT, PNA and PIA]

collected only P46 million for the month of November, Dureza said. “I don’t think we have enough funds for that,” Dureza said, even as he confirmed that the city council had urged Riola to find a way to fund the employees’ bonuses and

“Pasko Fiesta”. “If it cannot be given this year, maybe by January or February,” Dureza said, adding that the employees may have to celebrate Christmas on Valentine’s Day, adding that it is the first time this hs happened. [PNA]

the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004, as amended by Republic Act No. 9592 will also be repealed. As provided in Republic Act of 1998, known as the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, the height must be at least 5’4” and 5’2” for male and female, respectively. “Applicants to the

PNP, BFP and BJMP, who were conditionally appointed by the PNP, BFP and BJMP as uniformed personnel and were required but have not submitted their corresponding waiver for the height requirement, and whose appointments have been pending with the Civil Service Commission, upon the effectivity of this Act, are deemed to have complied with such requirement,” the bicameral report said. [PNA]

FFROM 2

city mayor. Dureza said the city needs about P350 million to fund the bonuses of employees and the “Pasko Fiesta Davao”. As per information of Riola at Tuesday’s session, the city treasurer’s office (CTO) had

Bill..

FFROM 2

No. 6975 or the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 as amended by Republic Act 8551 or the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 will be immediately repealed. The height requirement for applicants to the PNP, BFP and BJMP under Sections 15 and 16 of Republic Act No. 8551 and Section 4 (h) of Republic Act No. 9263 or

Transportaion... FFROM 1

FFROM 1

The casualties are from the towns of Baganga, Cateel, Boston, Caraga, Manay and Tarragona. There were 95 injured in Cateel, 51 in Baganga, 2 in Caraga while 13 remain missing in Baganga, seven in Cateel and one in Caraga. The monitoring center reported that 95 percent of the houses in Poblacion Baganga, Cateel and Boston were totally wrecked, along with classrooms, churches and even the district hospital in Cateel. In Compostela Valley, the military has reported that a total of 143 persons were reported dead while 156 were injured. The municipality of New Bataan has the most number of deaths with 70 followed by Monkayo with 42 deaths. Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said the fatalities included three members of the 66th Infantry Battalion namely as SSg. Olivares, SSg. Cabillion and SSg. Catague. he said the number of evacuated families totaled 257 including 107 households from Pantukan and 150 from the municipality of Mabini, while in New Bataan, at least 2,196 persons were evacuated. Paniza said 41 civilians in the province are missing; 104 civilians were injured while 17 army troopers were injured who were immediately brought to Tagum Regional hospital. he said eight members of the 66th IB namely, Sgt. Panague, Pfc. Armodia, Pfc. Batua, Sgt. Conejos, Pfc.

pers just to deliver these goods,” he said. Roxas noted that truckloads of relief goods have not been able to move because land travel has been cut. Based on the situation report, a portion of the Manurigao Bridge connecting Caraga town to Baganga collapsed and that

SoCot...

Taytayan Bridge in Cateel connecting poblacion of Cateel to Baganga also collapsed. Roxas said about 150,000 are living in the three isolated towns, and that some of the 5,737 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are residents of these areas. The Department of so-

cial welfare and Development has released a total 3,000 family food packs, 140 sacks of used clothing, tents and generator sets. It is also extending P10 million for other goods and assistance the province may need to help the typhoon victims.[JMDA/ PIA 11]

in the region in DILG’s Pamana ng Lahi, top 5 among the countries’ 80 provinces in the LGPMS and being awarded the Seal of Good housekeeping, to name a few. “We are opening the gates of the provincial capitol to residents of South Cotabato as an expression of gratitude,” Pingoy said, “because we could not have achieved our goals this year if not

for their support.” The seven-day event would also infuse volunteerism as this would also be days of community outreach where the spirit of volunteerism and social consciousness of the provincial government employees are highly encouraged as they are enjoined to extend help to deprived members of the society. [PIA 12]

FFROM 3

join the party. Several sponsors, including LandBank of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans Bank, KCC Mall of Marbel, Ace Supermarket and many other private partners have already committed to install booths that would offer gifts, food and other freebies to the kids. Rudy Jimenea, executive assistant of the governor, said specific activities on each night are still being finalized but he assured participants would definitely enjoy the party intended for them. Gov. Pingoy said the merriment would be a thanksgiving for the success and recognitions that South Cotabato has achieved this year, including being declared top performing province

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATeD INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No(s). 14305 under LOYOLA PLAN Contact No(s) 7429491 issued to CARLOS D. CLERIGO was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 11/29, 12/6, 13

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.

12 ClASSIFIEDS ADS There’s a better way to get attention.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 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, inhouse 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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PROPERTY FOR SALE IDEAL FOR INDUSTRIAL / MANUFACTURING PLANT, 3 hectares, Santa Cruz along the National Highway, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0927-706-2510

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

PRIME PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

APARTMENT FOR SALE 3 Door Apartment, lot 320 sq. m. located at Bo. Obrero near Victoria Plaza 10 m, direct Buyers only Contact: 0932-532-7304

NOVENA TO ST. CLAIRE Ask St. Claire for 3 favors: 1 business, 2 impossible, Say 8 hail Marys for 9 days with lighted candles. Pray whether you believe it or not. Publish on the 9th day. May the Sacred heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified today and everday. Reuest will be granted no matter how impossible it seems. St. Claire, St. Jude, St. Therese, Infant of Prague, St. Ann, St. Joseph, PRAY FOR uS. Amen

EDGEDavao Gensan partners

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ClASSIFIEDS ADS 13

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 198 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012 RePuBLIC OF The PhILIPPINeS ReGIONAL TRIAL COuRT 11Th JuDICIAL ReGION OFFICe OF The CLeRK OF COuRT-SheRIFF DAVAO CITY

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

PhILIPPINe SAVINGS BANK, Mortgagee

eLeNA F. hAMDAIN married to ADRIAN T. hAMDAIN Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NeLSON B. LOPeZ married to VICTORIA B. LOPeZ Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

SPS. APOLLO 11 B. RIVAS & VILMA P. RIVAS 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 NeLSON B. LOPeZ with postal address at LOT 06 Block 8 , Don Lorenzo homes, upper Piedad, Toril, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 14, 2011 amounted to Php 442,302.95 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 January 24, 2013 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- 372951 “ A parcel of land (Lot 6, Blk. 8 xxx) situated in the Barangay Marapangi, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of ONe huNDReD SeVeNTeeN (117) SQuARe MeTeRS, more or less”

upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above _mentioned mortgagee against Sps. Apollo 11 B. Rivas & Vilma P. Rivas with postal address at No. 403, Ruby St., San Juan Subd., Panacan, Sasa , Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 16, 2012,the outstanding obligation of the mortgagor with the mortgagee amounts to ( Php 3,642,817.19 ) Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest accruing after this date, penalties , attorney’s fees other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff will sell at public auction on January 3, 2013 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- 146-2012010396 “ A parcel of land (Lot 38, Pcs-11003764 , being a portion of Lots 1-47, Blk. 35, Road Lots 2 & 2A; all of Pcs 11-002234), situated in the Barrio of Ma-a , City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of eIGhT huNDReD SIxTeeN (816) SQuARe MeTeRS, more or less”

-versus-

eJF-ReM CASe NO. 13, 777-12

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 eLeNA F. hAMDAIN with postal address at LOT 29 Block 10 , Wellspring highlands 2, Cataluna Pequeño Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of May 30, 2011 amounted to Php 506,573.47 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 January 24, 2013 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- 416288 “ A parcel of land (Lot 29, Blk. 10 xxx) situated in the Barangay Catalunan Pequeño, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of ONe huNDReD (100) 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 February 21, 2013 without further notice.

This NOTICe will be posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in the City of Davao and in the place where the property is located and where the auction sale will take place for the information of the general public and the parties.

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, NOVeMBeR 15, 2012

FOR The ex-OFFICIO SheRIFF:

(SGD.) CONRADO P. MACuTAY, JR. Sheriff IV

Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. eDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge12/6,13,20)

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, 737-12

-versus-

eJF-ReM CASe NO. 13, 778-12

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 February 21, 2013 without further notice.

This NOTICe will be posted in three(3) conspicuous public places in the City of Davao and in the place where the property is located and where the auction sale will take place for the information of the general public and the parties.

FOR The ex-OFFICIO SheRIFF:

(SGD.) CONRADO P. MACuTAY, JR. Sheriff IV

Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. eDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge12/6,13,20)

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, 736-12

euGeNIO V. BAYLOSIS married to Carmen O. Baylosis 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 euGeNIO V. BAYLOSIS married to Carmen O. Baylosis with postal address at LOT 05 B05 Sto. Niño hillside Subd. Km.o4 JP Laurel Ave. , Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of September 7, 2012 amounting to ( Php 30,945.79) 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 January 10, 2013 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- 354959 “ A parcel of land (Lot 5, Blk. 5 xxx) situated in Barrio of Bajada, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of NINeTY SeVeN (97) SQuARe MeTeRS, more or less”

GINA G. APATAN married to Rey G. Apatan 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 GINA G. APATAN married to Rey G. Apatan with postal address at Lot 5 Blk. 7 elenita Garden Villas, Catalunan Grande, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of September 14, 2012 amounts to ( Php 596,412.32) 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 January 10, 2013 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- 428657 “ A parcel of land xxx (Lot 5, Blk. 7,xxx) , situated in Barangay Catalunan Grande, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of ONe huNDReD FIFTY (150) SQuARe MeTeRS, more or less”

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on February 07, 2013 without further notice.

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

FOR The ex-OFFICIO SheRIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) ReYNALDO O. GIRADO Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. eDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge 11/22,29,12/6)

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

FOR The ex-OFFICIO SheRIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) ROBeRT M. MeDIALDeA Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. eDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge 11/29, 12/06,13)

-versus-

eJF-ReM CASe NO. 13, 812-12

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 February 7, 2013 without further notice.

Prospective buyer/s may investigate for themselves the titles herein above- described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, NOVeMBeR 21, 2012

FOR The ex-OFFICIO SheRIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) JOSePh T. CASTRO, JR. Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. eDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge12/6,13,20)

Republic of the Philippines ReGIONAL TRIAL COuRT 11th Judicial Region Branch 11, Davao City

IN Re: PeTITION FOR CORReCTION OF eRRONeOuS eNTRIeS IN The CeRTIFICATe OF LIVe BIRTh OF RIA ALPhA GeRONA ALCuIZAR SP. PROC. NO. 12,242-2012

1. Change her last name from Gerona to ALCuIZAR; 2. Change her middle name from Morelos to GeRONA; 3. Change her father’s name from Roger B. Gerona to ROGeR BRuNIDOR ALCuIZAR 4. Change her mother’s name from emelda S. Morelos to eMeLDA MOReLOS GeRONA; 5. Change the Date and Place of Marriage of her Parents from March 13, 1993, Sigaboy, Davao Oriental to NOT MARRIeD. 6. Change the name of he Informant from Roger B. Gerona to uNKNOWN. Petitioner, -versuseMeLDA M. GeRONA, Roger B. Alcuizar and LOCAL CIVIL ReGISTRAR Davao City, Respondents x------------------------------------------------------------------------x ORDER

By this verified petition and for the reason therin stated, the above-named petitioner, assisted by counsel,seeks for an Order of this Court directing the Office of the City Civil Registrar of Davao City to cause the correction in the certificate of Live Birth of petitioner RIA ALPhA GeRONA ALCuIZAR particularly the following entries to wit: 1. Change her last name from Gerona to ALCuIZAR; 2. Change her middle name from Morelos to GeRONA; 3. Change her father’s name from Roger B. Gerona to ROGeR BRuNIDOR ALCuIZAR; 4. Change her mother’s name from emelda S. Morelos to eMeLDA MOReLOS GeRONA; 5. Change the Date and Place of Marriage of her Parents from March 13, 1993,Sigaboy, Davao Oriental to NOT MARRIeD; 6. Change the name of the Informant from Roger B. Gerona to uNKNOWN.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting at the hall of Justice, Candelaria St., ecoland, Matina, Davao City on February 4, 2013 at 2:00 in the afternoon, at which place, date and time any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) successive weeks I a newspaper published in the city of Davao and of general circulation in the said city and the provinces of Davao as determined by raffle in accordance with law. Furnish each with a copy of the petition and of this Order the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and City Legal Office of Davao City for the City of Davao. SO ORDeReD. Given this 19th of November 2012, in Davao City, Philippines.

(SGD) VIRGINIA hOFILeÑA-euROPA Judge

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Manny: Fighting the doubts

AS VeGAS — The murmurs, the whispers and the shrugs from his mystified fans continue unabated: What’s up with Manny Pacquiao these days? With diminished ring performances in recent fights, is the little fellow who used to be considered the preeminent pound-forpound boxer in the world suddenly backsliding toward eventual irrelevancy? Self-doubt shares a stool in the corner with the 33-year-old Filipino fighter. For three grueling decades he’s fought professionally after emerging from the slums of Manila to become an international superstar. “he asked me and I told him he’s not (nearing the end),’’ trainer Freddie Roach told uSA TODAY Sports. “The thing is, you have to prove you’re not.’’ Roach has devised an elementary blueprint for victory Saturday night when Pacquiao fights Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in a rare-for-the-modernera fourth confrontation. The hall of Fame trainer wants the welterweight, who narrowly has claimed two disputed decisions and a draw against Marquez, to engage the sneaky counterpuncher and let his fists fly like the old days. Pacquiao’s last five fights have gone the distance; his last stoppage

was Miguel Cotto (TKO 12) in 2009. Leading to Saturday’s bout (hBO pay-per-view, 9 p.m. eT), Roach said he told Pacquiao: “Let’s face it: If you don’t go out there and knock this guy out, you’re not going to win (another decision).’’ Among the theories for Pacquiao’s perceived slippage: Weight and see: exceptional fighters who move up several divisions often hold their own. eventually, wear and tear on the body and naturally larger opponents take a toll. They are competitive but no longer as dominant. Pacquiao, a former eight-division champion, has packed on as much as 48 pounds since he turned pro as a 106-pound light-flyweight in 1995. In recent bouts, Pacquiao claims he has suffered cramping in his legs. Roach told uSA TODAY he believes the problem is located in his fighter’s head, calling it a “mental issue.’’ Nevertheless, in recent fights Pacquiao has fought complacently and flat-footed, failing to vary his rhythm and pace from round to round. “Your legs will go in boxing,’’ Roach said. “My legs were gone at 26.’’ No trepidation: As he was ascending the weight ladder, and preparing to take on elite foes, Pacquiao

engaged in ultra-demanding conditioning programs that emphasized plyometrics (speed and repetition) and isometrics (static stretching).

will also take place before the general assembly. In the brief forum, meanwhile, 2012 Jagsport Invitational Tournament twin gold medalist Chino Tancontian is expected to discuss his recent feats in Singapore. Sports Development Division of the City May-

or’s Office (SDD-CMO) officer-in-charge Pocholo elegino and 36th National Milo Marathon finals-bound Anthony Nerza have also been invited to grace the regular sports forum sponsored by husband-and-wife tandem of Jimmy and Bai Lim of Dexter’s Pizza.

Manny Pacquiao, all ripped (above) and doing the mitts with trainer Freddie Roach (below), wraps up training camp for his fight against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez (lower photo) who had a grand entrance at the MGM Grand.

DSA holds GA at Dexter’s Pizza

he 18-year-old Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) will hold its general assembly today after the 9:30 a.m. weekly forum at Dexter’s Pizza Stadium along McArthur highway in Matina. DSA president Charles Raymond Maxey said induction of new members

Looking for vindication J

MARQUEZ

uAN Manuel Marquez is a living legend. No one this side of sanity will dispute that the Mexico City technician is a pound-for-pound boxer who will be immortalized into boxing’s pantheon of greats the second he is eligible. Marquez is arguably the greatest counterpuncher of his era and ranks amongst one of the best counterpunchers of all-time. his genius led him to the dungeons of boxing as rather than face him in his physical prime and weight, his fellow boxing greats and other so-called champions simply avoided him. Top Rank signed Marquez more as a way to keep him away from the promoter’s cash cows; rel-

egating Marquez to near obscurity while boxers less capable, less talented and less deserving flourished in popularity and earned riches. For hardened boxing aficionados, this was a felonious act as Marquez – a true maestro – wasted away in the gutters of the sport because he was less marketable and considered high risk, low reward. Knowing that his talent was wasting away, Marquez made an adjustment to his game which made him more fan friendly. Previously almost impossible to hit, Marquez became more aggressive and more willing to exchange blows with his opponents. This adjustment worked, as the aging great began to garner attention

and bigger fights became a possibility. It all changed for Marquez when Filipino icon Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao targeted the Mexican badass. Thirty-six rounds later, the debate still remains as to which of them is superior to the orher. As accomplished as Marquez is, having captured world titles in multiple weight classes and defeated some of the premier fighters of his era, “Pac-Man” remains the ultimate possible exploit, a chase the Mexico City star has refuses to give up, like Wile e. Coyote pursuing the Roadrunner. Marquez repeatedly airs his belief that he has been denied his career summit by way of scor-

ing larceny due to the Filipino’s immense popularity and financial clout. Self-serving or not, there are many boxing experts and unbiased followers of the sport that agree with him. Now aged 39, Marquez has but one final opportunity to bask in the warmth of his own personal “Indian Summer,” as in December he faces “Pac-Man” for the fourth time. It is no secret that Marquez has spent the past eight years involved in fights more grueling than that of Pacquiao and that the clock is closer to his final hour as a fighter. Still, there is even less of a doubt that Marquez will attempt to sign his painting of a career and quiet his biggest critic: himself.

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FOOD

have never truly explored the depths of the Metro thus I always get fascinated by the many secretly hidden food havens that I have not yet tried. I admit, I have settled for the tiled floors of the malls but I am not limiting my gastronomical adventure there. I like to explore and taste cuisines that are explosive to the palate thus, I always tag along with my friends and hunt for the best food finds there is. Tonight was like no other. After leaving the confides of our workplace, we ended up hungry and opted to try one of Davao’s best kept secrets. From the outside, you would think that it is just your typical restaurant but as soon as the doors are opened, you would be transported into a magical world. The place is as comfortable as you can ever want it to be. Though small for a diner, it boasts of an interior that makes you feel all homey and cozy at the same time. Owned and managed by a family who loves to eat and explore the world, Kalye Ann-Rie’s is a certified food haven. Its menu ranges from comfort food to extravagantly prepared dishes that are served with love. More so, they are budget friendly and at times, servings could serve up to 2 individuals (depending on your consumption). We started with their complimentary Soup. It was tasty until the last drop. The simplicity of the flavors and the interplay of ingredients made it satisfyingly delicious that I almost asked my friend for his share. Next came their Chef Ann Salad Supreme. The moment Mark took it out of their kitchen and into our table, the plate was boasting with colors, ingredients and flavors. Yes, the smell alone was invigorating (my friend said). They gobbled on the plate

Buffalo Wings

Mouthwatering Baby Back ribs

‘til the last crumbs. Have you ever tasted an incredibly tasty and succulent Native Chicken Adobo? Well, here at Kalye Ann- Rie’s theirs is but one of the best I have ever

and with every bite. It was enough to see the plate spic and span to conclude that the boys had a great time munching on their baby back ribs. On my end, I opted to gobble on their hot and spicy Buffalo Wings. And I dare say it is not for the

Prawn Aglio

tasted. It is tasty to the core thus enabling the palate to savor the adobo goodness through and through. A definite recommendable dish! My friends feasted on their Mouthwatering Baby Back Ribs. Indeed, it was mouthwatering to the site more so in the taste. Though I have not tried it, the boys said it was really juicy and luscious with every bite. The tender meat makes you crave for more

Ms. Ann and Mark

weak of hearts. Indeed, it was spicy. Though I can withstand spicy dishes, this one was different. You can taste the spice with every bite but without the “umayness”. Worth breaking a sweat with every bite. The Prawn Aglio was appetizing and healthy all in one. The flavors were succulent to the taste and easy on the eyes. I love the tame colors and the explosion of the flavors in my mouth. I may not be a pasta lover but this one is climbing the charts. I‘ll

definitely have another of this. The Chicken Cordon Bleu was beyond perfection. It was oozing with flavors and goodness with every bite. The moment you “disassemble” the whole lot, you would be feasted on a wide array of

colors and cheesy goodness that would surely make you hungry. A well-deserved end of meal bites, their Cheezy Hawaiian Pizza was all worth the wait. The whimsical flavors made it a definite gastronomical adventure. Talking and

exchanging pleasantries with Ms. Ann and Mark all throughout the meal made our Kalye Ann- Rie’s a night to remember. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my JSOW and TJC family for the birthday surprise last Nov26. To my instant kuya’s (Ivan Ray Bagtas, Jefferson Solano, Lendle Pasaol and Jacob Unson) for making me feel like a princess that day. To Freah, JJ, Wilson and Rhoda for making it extra special. To Nate, Siao and Christian, thank you 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 leebai@chefroyale.com or visit www.chefroyale.com for more recipes. Happy Cooking!

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UP AND ABOUT

SM Lanang Premier elevates yuletide entertainment with the Von Trapps

The King (played by Michael Ebro Dakudao) and the Siamese children

The city’s premier shopping and lifestyle hub brings yuletide entertainment to global level with the special mall show featuring The Von Trapps on Dec 7, 5pm at SM Lanang Premier Atrium.

Meet Sofia, Melanie, Amanda, and Justin von Trapp. They are the great-grandchildren of Captain von Trapp, father of the famous singing family whose story captivated the world in the musical The Sound of Music. The siblings have continued the tradition of the family’s exceptional musical gift and love of singing, sharing songs and heart-warming family stories of life before and after coming to America. The foursome has included the Philippines to be part of their world tour for the entire month. Their remaining trips for 2012 are all set for various parts of the US. Songs like The Sound of Music (same title as the movie and musical), My Favorite Things, DoRe-Mi, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, edelweiss and Maria are some of the songs that even today’s generation has become familiar with one way or another. Filipinos in particular easily relate to the story behind the Von Trapp family for the mere fact that they are tightly knit and love to sing together. The Sound of Music tells the story of how Maria, tasked to look after the Von Trapp children, became a permanent part of the family’s life. Their lives have been interwoven by their love for music – a love that Maria introduced and picked up by Captain Georg Von Trapp, the orphans’ doting father. The Captain fell in love with Maria, and eventually got married to start a whole new adventure with the entire family as they moved out of Austria on to the US. For over four decades now, the touching story of the singing Von Trapp family has been captivating the hearts of millions of people around the world. Different versions have been told in movies and theater musicals, but the music remains the same. Since then, members of the family have gone their separate ways to build their own families. Music, however, continue to run through their veins and keep them together despite distances. That family treasure of musicality was revived for public performance when four great grandchildren decided to travel together and share their family’s music to the rest of the world. Catch this rare musical event in Davao City only at SM Lanang Premier on Dec 7, 5pm at the Atrium . For inquiries you may call the Marketing department at 285-0951.

Ring in the holidays with

Something Wonderful YOUTHFUL, dedicated talent. Timeless, classic show tunes. Seasoned musicians and performers. This heady and potent mix all comes together on December 7 & 8 in a unique, theatrical concert entitled Something Wonderful, Something Musical. Presented by Musikademy, Davao’s premier music school, the concert features song excerpts from three classic Rodgers and Hammerstein hits: The Sound of Music, The King and I, and South Pacific. Featured performers include Bo Cerrudo, who is the recipient of the 2012 Aliw Award for Best Male Performer; Hongkongbased concert pianist Mi-

The King’s wives, as portrayed by Musikademy’s M6 Teens

chael Lopez, himself a Dabawenyo; well-known thespian, architect and lifestyle columnist Michael Ebro Dakudao; and Musikademy’s very own scholars, the M6 Teens. Something Wonderful, Something Musical is live entertainment that people of all ages and persuasions can enjoy. Even the most jaded, cyber-savvy netizen will Wind himself

LSS-ing and LOL-ing during the concert. The three musicals whose songs will be featured have all been performed anew on the international stage, both on Broadway and the West End, to popular and critical acclaim. Testament, indeed, to the universality of their message and the timeless character of Wine music. The venue for this singular event is SM Lanang Premier’s spanking new Centerstage, just across from the iMAX facility. Matinee and gala shows are scheduled for both dates, at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM respectively. Ticket prices for the matinee shows are P150 and P250. The December 7 gala tickets are

The Nurses, portrayed by Musikademy’s teen girls

The Von Trapp children

The Seabees, from South Pacific

P250 and P350, while those of the December 8 gala are P350 and P500. Guest performer Bo Cerrudo appears only at the December 8 gala show. Ticket inquiries may be directed to 2974542 for landline, or 09222884823/0918-6969794 for mobile. Something Wonderful, Something Musical is directed by Cecile Hidalgo. Script and technical direction are by March de Ramos. Choreography is by Bimbo Edison Morales, and music direction is by Bong Aviola. Musikademy offers short private courses in voice, guitar and piano, as well as group lessons in voice and guitar. Musikademy also caters to toddlers through its Musikgarten program, in cooperation with Musikgarten Manila. A special feature of the summer session is the school’s Music Theater Program for vocally advanced kids and teens. For ticket inquiries and enrollment information, Musikademy may be contacted by email at info@musikademy.com, by phone at 297-4542, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ musikademy.

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eNTeRTAiNMeNT

Pregnant Kate “Better,” remains hospitalized after royal baby news PRiNCe William may have proven himself to be more of a white knight this morning. Not long after the Duke of Cambridge paid a second visit to his pregnant and hospitalized Kate Middleton comes word direct from the palace itself that things are already looking up for the duchess. “The Duchess of Cambridge is continuing to feel better,”a rep for St. James’s Palace said in a statement. “She and the duke are immensely grateful for the good wishes they have received.” But while the 30-yearold mother-to-be— currently on her second day under doctors’ care after suffering from acute morning sickness—isn’t quite back to her old self just yet. “She will remain in hospital at present and will continue to be treated for

hyperemesis gravidarum.” Upon her admittance to the private King edward Vii hospital in central London yesterday, the palace confirmed that she

was expected to remain in the facility for several days and has since canceled her planned royal engagements through the end of the week.

be able to tell stories and be a part of stories that mattered and i have done things for fun, but...” She could do without. “i will do some films and i am so fortunate to have the job, it’s a really lucky profession to be a part of and i enjoy it,” Jolie says. “But if it went away tomorrow i would be very happy to be home

with the children. i wake up in the morning as a mum and i turn on the news like everybody else and i see what’s happening and i want to be part of the world in a positive way.” Next up for the stillpretty-busy actress, however, is the dark Sleeping Beauty revamp Maleficent.

Angelina Jolie pulls a Brad Pitt, says she plans to give up acting ANGeLiNA Jolie apparently isn’t angling to be the next helen Mirren or Meryl Streep. Similar to fiancé Brad Pitt, who said he could foresee taking that pretty face of his behind the camera to direct once he hits 50, Jolie told Britain’s Channel 4 News that she sees herself calling it a career in the not-too-distant future. “i think i’m going to have to give up the acting as the kids hit the teenage years, anyway, too much to manage at home,” says the Salt star in an interview in which she also acknowledges that her human-rights work for the United Nations has been more rewarding than acting on the whole. Of course, the Oscar winner at least sounds aware that being a hollywood superstar has allowed her to write her own ticket when it comes to being a philanthropist and humanitarian. “i have enjoyed being an actress,” Jolie insists. “i am so grateful to the job and i have had great experiences and i have even

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STLYe eNTeRTAiNMeNT Fowl-printed NY Square top layered over a ditsyprinted Folio longsleeves shirt, paired with Blanc et Noir printed skirt.

THE fashion world is yours for the taking with the SM Ladies Fashion’s Global Nomad collection.

Scarf-printed Philosophy blouse worn over a paisley-printed Folio button-down, paired with Studio fringed skirt.

Philosophy dress with mosaic-printed bodice and Weekender zipped vest layered over an NY Square striped dress.

Enter a world of exotic prints, masterful layering, and creative mismatching inspired by the most breathtaking destinations in the world. The Global Nomad collection explores Silk Road style, incredible Indian fabrics, classic Greek silhouettes, and Roman empire elegance- all with a Bohemian vibe. Heritage Indian paisley prints are artfully splashed all over dresses, buttondowns and sleeveless tops, adding a worldly feel to any outfit. Grecian mosaic prints highlight draped shift dresses. Novelty ditsy prints are also seen scattered all over sleeveless blouses and button-downs. Awash in an exotic palette of saffron, burgundy and turquoise, and grounded on classic black and neutral brown, the Global Nomad collection is available at the SM Ladies Fashion of the SM Store.

Mosaic-printed NY Square shift dress worn with sheer Coco Cabaña printed leggings.

Ribbon-printed Classic top layered over a paisley-printed Folio NY Square printed dress layered over a long-sleeved shirt, paired with Philosophy pants. Weekender tribal-printed top.

Scarf-patterned Philosophy statement pants and sheer top.

Paisley-printed waist-paneled dress from Philosophy.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 198 •THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Firemen ousts Agilas B

uReAu of fire Protection trounced 10th Infantry Agila Division, 98 - 73, to lock a grip of third spot at the end of the elimination round of the Mayor Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Rody Duterte 10th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament elimination round at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym on Monday. With their backs against the wall, the Firemen played well on all fronts as they overcame a must-win situation to remain at third spot and boot out the Army in the final four contention. The Firemen, who were on a verge missing the final four for the first time in three years following a 98 - 78 setback at the hands of Philippine Navy, drew a gallant stand from Kristian Coquilla and Robert Namuag. Coquilla and Namuag collected 14 points apiece for the Firemen (8-3) who never trailed in the entire match.

Heat bows to league-worst Wizards 105-101

Jordan Crawford of the Washington Wizards drives against Ray Allen of the Miami Heat.

Lakers lose again The Houston Rockets’ Jeremy Lin drives against Lakers center Dwight Howard.

OuSTON — Interim houston coach Kelvin Sampson is always reminding his reserves that there will be some nights when the team’s stars will struggle and the Rockets will need them to pick up the slack. Tuesday was one of those nights. Toney Douglas had a season-high 22 points and Greg Smith added a career-best 21 to help the Rockets overcome a tough outing by James harden and rally for a 107-105

win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Douglas believes the development of houston’s bench players will be important as the season progresses. houston’s reserves had a season-high 59 points on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time), compared to just 20 by the Lakers’ bench. “That’s going to be key, and that’s only going to make us more dangerous,” he said. The Lakers had a 13-point lead with less

They are currently at third behind Vice Mayor’s Office (11-0) and Davao City Police Office (9-1). The Armymen could not simply get their run and gun type of play going to formally bid goodbye to their quest for entering the semi-final round with 6-5 win-loss record. Blazo paced the 10th ID with 16 baskets. The race for the last final four ticket remains too tough to call as Regional Public Safety Batallion and Philippine Navy are still battling it out. RPSB and the Navy will clash today at 1pm. Both had 6-3 record. In the other match, PNP-National Support unit drubbed Philippine Caost Guard, 81 - 70, to nail its third victory. emerson Rosales scattered 22 points on top of several rebounds and assists as the playing official from Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) played a near perfect game.

than 10 minutes to go. But houston used two big runs, including a 9-2 spurt capped by a 3-pointer from Douglas to take its first lead of the game — 100-99 — with about 2 1/2 minutes left. Dwight howard made three free throws after that, but a bucket by Smith and four free throws by houston put the Rockets back on top 106-102. Kobe Bryant hit a 3-pointer with 13.3 seconds left to cut the lead to one. Bryant fouled Douglas

and he made one of two free throws with 8.8 seconds left. The Lakers had a last chance, but Bryant missed a 3-point attempt before Metta World Peace missed a layup to give houston the win. harden finished with 15 points and a career-high 10 rebounds, but entered the fourth quarter with just eight points after shooting 2 of 18 through the first three quarters. Jeremy Lin also struggled offensively, going 2 of 8 for four points.

AShINGTON – The Washington Wizards posted just their second win of the NBA season Tuesday, overcoming a triple-double by Miami’s LeBron James to stun the reigning champion heat 105-101. Jordan Crawford scored 22 points and Kevin Seraphin scored 16 points with 10 rebounds as the Wizards notched their third straight victory over the heat — a streak dating back to late last season. A.J. Price added 14 points and Martell Webster scored 13 off the bench for the Wizards, who went into the contest with a league-worst 1-13 record. They started the season with 12 straight defeats before posting a two-point win over Portland last week. James led all scorers with 26 points and also contributed 13 rebounds and 11 assists. however, he missed two threepoint attempts late in the fourth quarter. The heat never led after the first quarter and saw their six-game winning streak end. Dwyane Wade finished with 24 points in defeat for Miami, with Chris Bosh putting up 20

points and 12 rebounds. The heat, trailing by as many as 12 points in the third period, began to whittle the deficit, and Bosh’s layup with 6:48 left to play knotted the score at 88-88. The Wizards, however, held on. Webster’s three-pointer made it 9389 with six minutes remaining. After James’s threepoint attempt failed, Crawford made one of two from the free throw line to give Washington a 102-99 lead with 10.3 seconds left. Crawford made two more free throws to give Washington a three-point lead, 104-101. James was off-target again with a three-pointer in the waning seconds that would have forced overtime. “It feels good to pull out a win, to know that all the hard work is finally coming through,” Crawford said. “We did a great job of switching some things up and had Miami guessing a little bit.” Wizards coach Randy Wittman was delighted that his players were able to come through against a high-profile opponent, that had the backing of many in the crowd. “I’m so happy for those guys,” Wittman said.

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Cleared to play VOL.5 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Guirado, Cagara get green light

Angel Guirado, finally cleared by his Indian club, will be in national duty in the semifinals against Singapore.

he Philippine men’s football team will have an intact lineup in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup semifinals against Singapore as Dennis Cagara and Angel Guirado have been cleared to play. Azkals team manager Dan Palami confirmed the news late Tuesday night. Cagara and Guirado, who are both expected to arrive within the next two days from their professional clubs in Germany and India, respectively, were vital cogs in the Azkals’ 2-0 shutout of Myanmar in their last group stage game last Friday in Bangkok that enabled the Filipino

booters to book a return trip to the semifinals. Guirado, a Filipino-Spanish striker, came off the bench and scored the game-clinching goal in the Myanmar game, while the Filipino-Danish Cagara formed part of the Azkals’ formidable back four along with Rob Gier, Juani Guirado, and Carli de Murga, that stymied the Burmese attack. Filipino-Danish defensive midfielder Jerry Lucena, who went back to Denmark after playing in the first two groupstage games against host Thailand and Vietnam, is expected to be available for the second leg of the semifinals in Singapore on December 12.