Edge Davao 5 Issue 27 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

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Serving a seamless society

Indulge! Page A1

BIR to padlock 2 erring stores

By Lorie A. Cascaro

PROPERTY FORUM Page 7

n National office approval awaited submitted to the national office last week. HE Bureau of Internal Revenue n 7 other firms under surveillance He said the regional bureau is wait-

(BIR) Revenue Region No. 19 will padlock anytime soon a distributor of equipment in Davao City, and a grocery store in Digos City for alleged deficiences in their declared sales.

According to BIR Assistant Regional Director Nuzar, the erring stores are recommended for closure for five days based on the report the regional office

ing for the signature of either the BIR commissioner or the deputy commissioner on the order for closure of the establishments.

FBIR, 13

Sports Page 16

SUMMER JOBS. Armed with required documents for summer employment, a group of youth patiently waits for its turn to be interviewed on Wednesday afternoon. [KARLOS

More drug mules face death: VP

MANLUPIG]

By Jade C. Zaldivar

ICE President Jejomar Binay said SEVERAL more Filipinos accused of smuggling illegal drugs into China have been convicted of the crime and are awaiting execution there. This was bared by Vice President Jejomar Binay dur-

n Ban on OFWs in Syria a ‘bless

ing’

ing his visit to Davao City this week. Binay, the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Concerns, told reporters in Davao City Monday that several Filipinos have been given

death sentences as drug mules while more await the outcome of their cases. “Meron nang mga nahatulan ng death sentence at meron ngayong dalawa na nasa trial court dinidinig ang kaso,” he said during his guesting at the “Give Us This Day” television show of Kingdom of Jesus Christ faith leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at their

FMORE, 13

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Militants set caravan vs Balikatan By Lorie A. Cascaro

n time with the start of the Balikatan Exercises on April 16 , militant groups will stage a Mindanao-wide caravan to converge in Zamboanga City coming from the cities of Davao, Cotabato, and Pagadian. A simultaneous activity with caravans in Luzon and the Visayas, the Mindanao-wide caravan will be participated in by some 4,000 individuals who share a common sentiment against the presence of United States (US) troops in the country. As announced by the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) Commission, there 6,000 soldiers from the US, and an undetermined number of troops from Australia, Japan, and South Korea will also join the multi-lateral military exercise. Bai Ali Indayla, secretary general of Kawagib (which means human rights), said that indeed President Aquino was right in saying that the Philippine military is still weak, but the country does not need the help of the US. “Kailangan nating umasa sa ating sarili,” she said, adding that the bulk of the national budget went to US debt and national defense. Sheena Duazo,

spokesperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Southern Mindanao, said the Philippines has no reason to engage in war against other countries but it is the US dragging the country to support its war. “We will not allow the US to use the Philippines as its military base in preparing to attack other countries in Asia,” Indayla said. Duazo said the VFA and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) are policies that undermine national sovereignty, and permit American impunity, continuation of human rights violations in the Philippines, and pillage of the country’s natural resources. The presence of US troops in the country brought more damage than support to the lives of poor people, Indayla said. She noted that economic projects and programs of the US in the country, especially in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, are “sugar coated bullets” that appear as help for the victims of armed conflict. “Pampalubag loob sa mga komunidad na biktima mismo ng kanilang military activities para tanggapin ang presenya ng US troops,” she said.

DLPC holds first bill inquiry text message service in Mindanao

By Jade C. Zaldivar

AVAO Light and Power Company (DLPC) is encouraging subscribers to avail of the compny’s bill inquiry service through text messaging, the first in Mindanao. Text messaging being the most accessible form of communication, the electricity distribution company launched the service dubbed ‘ASKDLPC BILL.’ “To my knowledge, we’re the first electric utility in Mindanao to offer this,” DLPC corporate communications office Vice President Rossano

It figures

Luga told Edge Davao. “Our company hopes to provide added convenience for our customers through this text messaging service which saves the customer’s time and money from calling the Davao Light,” he added. To avail of the service, customers must key in ASKDLPC (space) BILL (space) the 10-digit account ID and send it to the following numbers: 3913572 – for SMART, Talk ‘n Text and Red Mobile subscribers 09229993572 – for Sun Cellular, Globe and TM subscribers Regular text messaging rates apply at P1.00

$76.54million 738,000

THE gross international reserves of the Philippines last March, up by 16 percent from the $65.98 billion registered in the same period the year before, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. But it marked decline from the record $77.01 billion posted in February.

NUMBER of overseas Filipino workers who are members of the Social Security System (SSS). The system wants to raise the number of OFW members.

2 FACES OF GOVERNANCE. Davao City government officials perform their functions in and outside the confines of their offices. In this spread, City Administrator Lyca Lopez (center, second row) with Councilors Arnulfo Cabling, Marissa S. Abella and Conrado Baluran, and City Agriculturist Office in-charge Leonardo Avila III with Davao City Water District executive Imelda Magsuci and members of their respective staffs went to Barangay Tambobong to explain the provisions and implementing rules of the Watershed Code to only for every text message sent. The response is on the account of Davao Light, Luga said. Collection office in Dujali Meanwhile, DLPC bill payments are now accepted in Green Field Marketing (GFM) in Dujali, Davao del Norte. Luga said the electricity distribution company formed a partnership with the Electronic Commerce Payment (EC Pay). EC Pay recently inked an agreement with GFM to be its newest collection partner, thus DLPC easily formed cooperation with the same.

NUMBER of landowners in Mindanao threatening to prevent National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and state-owned National Transmission Corp. (Transco) from entering their lands where transmission towers are located. Unless solved, this problem will worsen the problematic power situation in Mindanao, which is now experiencing prolonged brownouts.

DLPC’s Panabo branch manager Engr. Reynold Felix said customers from Dujali used to travel far to pay their bills. “Customers will no longer have to travel 25 kilometers from Dujali to the Davao Light Panabo office to pay their electric bills which saves them time and money,” he said. The GFM is located beside the Dujali municipal nall and Caltex gas station where full and partial payments for both green and red bills are accepted daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Luga said.

P167.4billion WORTH of services and remittances collectively contributed to the Philippine economy last year by Filipino household helps in the Philippines and abroad, compared to only P122.1 billion in gross production value contributed by the mining industry. This was reported by IBON.

farmers and other stakeholders. In another event in the same day below, City Councilors Pilar C. Braga, Emmanuel Galicia, Victorio Advincula Jr., Rene Lopez and Bernie Al-ag with Jambie del Rosario, and Mrs. Cherry-Faye Al-ag are shown with Ms Norma Z. Ribo, region head-Mindanao Stores, Consumer Sales and After Sales (seated in the center) of Globe Telecom, Inc. during the telco’s announcement of its multi-million dollar modernization program at the Marco Polo Davao. (JUNNEX CHUA JR.)

Bill seeks for creation of OFW help desk in all PHL airports

lawmaker has proposed the establishment of “Help Desks” in all airports in the country to assist the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) at the arrival and departure areas. Rep. Abigail Faye Ferriol (Party-list, Kalinga) authored House Bill 5841 to institutionalize an OFW Advocates Help Desk tasked to provide immediate assistance to OFWs in enforcing their rights and seeking redress in cases of abuse

and maltreatment. “OFWs have remained victims of abuse and corruption especially in the course of their travel with airport personnel subjecting them to harassment and extortion, exploiting the procedures and process in place. This practice has not spared even those with legitimate and complete travel documents,” Ferriol said. Under the measure, a help desk shall be placed in each terminal

FBILL, 13

P2.17billion 158.8million COLLECTIONS of the Social Security System (SSS) in contributions from overseas Filipino workers in 2011. This was 17 percent more than the P1.85 billion collected in 2010.

TOTAL number of passengers (158, 806,049) who took the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 traversing Epifanio delos Santos Avenue last year, 3.9 percent higher than the 2010 figures of 152,840,607 passengers.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

SoCot officials ‘open’ to nuke plant proposal

OUTH Cotabato officials are considering a proposal to establish a nuclear power plant in the province to help address the worsening power supply shortage in Mindanao. Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said they are open to such possibility as a longterm solution for the area’s dwindling power supply as triggered by the unstable condition of the National Power Corporation’s hydropower plants. Last week, former Tarlac Rep. Mark Cojuangco made a presentation on the matter in a meeting at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall in Koronadal City. Cojuangco has been visiting several parts of the country, especially in Mindanao, to promote tapping of nuclear power as a “cheaper alternative” to other sources like coal, hydro, power barge and solar. The meeting was attended by provincial board members and other local government officials. Pingoy said the proposal initially showed some promise in terms of effectively addressing the present power crisis but cited that it needs further studies and clarifications. “We need to hear first from both sides – the anti and pro-nuclear power plant groups – and other concerned sectors,” the governor said. in a report released by the South Cotabato Information Office, Pingoy, who previously represented the province’s

second district at the House of Representatives, admitted that he was among the 197 authors of a bill that had sought for the reopening of the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. “But this issue should be undertaken objectively and based on facts. We can only decide upon hearing from the experts,” he said. In his presentation, Cojuangco said an investment of around US$ 300 million is needed to put up a 50-megawatt modular nuclear power plant in the area. He said such facility may provide for all the power requirements of the province and augment the needs of nearby areas in Region 12. Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Kidapawan, Cotabato, Tacurong and Koronadal. But Pingoy said the local government may not be able to cope with the financial requirements of the project should they consider going for it. He said they could not also allow proposals to put up the project in Lake Sebu town being a protected area. “There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered and clarified to us and our constituents,” Pingoy said. He added that the local government will deal with the issue in another public forum being organized by proponents. [ALLEN V. ESTABILLO/MINDANEWS]

HARVEST TIME. After celebrating Easter, a farmer in a small farming community in Davao del Sur painstakingly harvests rice on Monday. The farmer said that their income from their harvested crops will just barely provide a paltry supply of their

MinDA says ‘it’s all systems go’ for Minda power summit T

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) today announced that preparations are being firmed up for scheduled largest gathering of power industry stakeholders from all across Mindanao on Friday in Davao. Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of MinDA which is organizing the summit in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE), said that based on latest confirmations around 300 to 350 delegates are expected to attend the event.

“The power summit accords us the opportunity to discuss the real Mindanao power situation and the specific short to long term measures that stakeholders wanted acted on jointly by the government and the industry players.”Antonino said. Antonino stressed that no less than President Aquino has sought that proposed measures for resolving the Mindanao power problem and putting in place of long term action plan should form part of the shared consensus of the Mind-

fice got inquiries about surfing in Davao from those who have watched the video. What the video showed is that marami pa pala mapupuntahan dito sa Davao, Boncato added. Mark Glenn Cabrera, a college student and blogger, says the video will surely entice more tourists to Davao. “It (video) captures the essence that Davao boasts of many ideal destinations for tourists to check out. “ For renowned Davao City-based travel blog-

OUSE Assistant Majority Leader and Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles yesterday said that part of the problem in Mindanao’s severe power shortage could be mismanagement of electric cooperatives (ECs) as he expressed hope that this will be among the issues that will be threshed out on Friday’s Mindanao Power Summit in Davao City which will be presided over by no less President Aquino. He proposed a stronger government oversight over the country’s

Video draws interest in Davao tourism sites

HE tourism video commissioned by the Department of Tourism Region 11 posted on social media sites has drawn interest to several tourism attractions in the region. “Many are already inquiring on how to go to these sites.” DOT 11 Regional Director Art Boncato described the reception of the video when it was first posted on social networking sites. The DOT11-commissioned South Spot, a Davao City-based production company to

make the three-minute regional version of the It’s More Fun In The Philippines video which shows breath-taking locales situated in the region, including islands, mountains, waterfalls, caves, beaches, forests, indigenous culture, peculiar wildlife, manmade attractions and other points of interests. Boncato said many have been inquiring about Aliwagwag falls in Davao Oriental which is among the many sites featured prominently in the video. He also said the of-

basic needs because of the skyrocketing prices of farm input materials and of basic commodities in the country.

FVIDEO, 13

anao stakeholders. “This is being done for and by the Mindanawons who have a direct stake on the Mindanao power issue and what needs to be done, and the President will be there to see to it that the proposed measures are thoroughly studied and doables carried through,” she added. Among those expected to take part in the one-day summit are heads and representatives of all electric cooperatives in Mindanao, distribution utilities, generation companies,

governors and city mayors, Mindanao lawmakers, business and industry sectors, non-government organizations, civil society groups and consumer advocates. Antonino said the Summit format was designed to provide opportunity for the key sectors and stakeholder representatives to present their respective issues and recommendations for way forward actions. The President is expected to respond with specific policy directives.

ECs especially amid reports that some of them have become virtual milking cows for some privileged few. According to Nograles, there is too much autonomy for the ECs to the detriment of their own members and the time has come for the government, working in tandem with Congress to craft a measure which would allow the National Electrification Administration(NEA) to exercise stronger and stricter oversight over the ECs. “While there are many parts of Mindanao

which have been suffering from these relentless brownouts, Davao City which is the biggest city in Mindanao is brownout-free. Is it because we are being serviced by a privately-run electric company and not by an electric cooperative?” Nograles said. He also raised the need to streamline existing laws governing ECs as he noted overlapping regulatory and supervisory functions as provided under the charter of the NEA and the Cooperative Development Authority. “There seems to be a

[MINDA]

Karlo seeks stronger gov’t oversight over electric co-ops

FKARLO, 13

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Davao, Samal Holy Week occupancy up By Lorie A. Cascaro

URING the Lenten season, key resorts in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) experienced a hundred percent increase in their occupancy, said tourism regional director Art Boncato Jr. yesterday in the Club 888 Forum at The Marco Polo Davao. The regional tourism office had conducted a quick survey during the Lenten season, including key hotels in Davao City, which had five to eight percent increase of occupancy. The food traffic from Davao to Samal Island, he said was unprecedented, having this year as the highest. Most sales in the retail industry were tourists from outside of Davao, showing that people from Manila and Cebu among others came to the city to shop during the season. “Travelers from outside Davao City are taking advantage of the new connections, such as Clark to Davao, which offer attractive prices. They roam the city and cross over to Samal island,” Boncato said. Even the municipality of Sta. Cruz had been busy during the Holy week, with 250 climbers of Mount Apo on one trail. Boncato mentioned the existence of two water taxis, which were launched last March 16, providing another choice for tourists’ transportation to Samal and back. Further, before Visit

Samal 2012 was launched last year, the regional tourism office and Mindanao Tourism Council, together with local government units had already anticipated the pressing issues on infrastructure, especially transportation. “It was viewed by many that crossing to Samal by ferry boat is “excruciating” because passengers have to wait for two to three hours. But we look at it in a way that this current system is a private sector endeavor and the local government is in a position to invite more investors to develop the system,” he told reporters. He said that because of the access given by the Philippine Ports Authority, moving to and fro Samal island became easy, adding that the ferry boat system to Samal is still a success story of a private investment. “But, the local government and even private sectors will have to double their efforts to look at the opportunity of earning or making business out of it because it’s working right now,” he said. The fourth ferry boat will soon be operated with a capacity for at least 30 vehicles. The Samal circumferential road, which will cost P2.4 billion, is one of the priorities of the infrastructure projects between the DOT and Department of Public Works and Highways allocating P100 million for Samal this year.

Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato

IT”S SUMMER!. To escape the summer heat, children enjoy the cooler waters at the Santa Ana wharf in Davao City on Easter Sunday. [MINDANEWS/RUBY

House to review Code of Commerce

THURSDAY MORE]

lawmaker is pushing for the creation of a special committee that will review the Code of Commerce in order to update residual provisions and drafting a revised Code of Commerce. Rep. Arthur Defensor, Jr. (3rd District, Iloilo) filed House Resolution 2126 urging the need to review and revise the residual provisions of the Code of Commerce, together with pertinent general laws and special commercial laws, to make them relevant to contemporary social con-

ditions. “With the evolution of commercial transactions and practices and the concomitant advancement in technology, there is a need to review and revise residual provisions of the said Code,” Defensor said. Defensor said the Code of Commerce took effect on December 1, 1888, by extended application of the Spanish Code of Commerce, by virtue of Royal Decree dated August 6, 1888. “It consolidated laws governing business organizations, acts of com-

merce or business interactions and consequential juridical relations,” Defensor said. Defensor said with the enactment of the Civil Code and other special commercial laws, portions of the Code of Commerce have been amended or repealed. According to Defensor, the residual provisions are found in Book One, Title I on Merchants and Commercial Transactions; Title II on Commercial Registries; Title III on Books and Bookkeeping of Commerce and Title IV on General Provisions on

Commercial Contracts. The lawmaker also added that other residual provisions are found in Book Two, the provisions on Joint Accounts in Title II, on Commercial Purchase and Sale and Barter and Transfers of Non-negotiable Credits in Title VI, on Contracts of Transportation Overland in Title VII, and on Letters of Credits in Title XII. A few provisions on negotiable instruments remain effective. “It is imperative for Congress to constitute such Special Committee,” Defensor said. (30) lvc

By Jade C. Zaldivar

on Monday. Avisado was City Administrator during former city mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s term. In the 2010 local and national elections, Aviado joined the Duterte slate as candidate for 1st District city councilor. Avisado won handily with his 118,094 votes. However, less than three months in office, Avisado announced his

resignation upon being designated Vice President Binay as deputy secretary general of HUDCC. Bunay said the reason for his trust and confidence was their stint with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. “Kasama rin kami niyan sa BSP where vice president ko siya kaya kilala ko siya,” said Binay, who is also president of the BSP.

Benefits of PNP retirees released thru ATM soon

FTER successfully shifting the release of pension benefits from check payments to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Budget and Manageme nt Secretary Florencio B. Abad announced that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will execute the same format for pension releases to Philippine National Police (PNP) retirees. “By switching from check to ATM payments, our retired uniformed personnel can gain better and easier access to the benefits due them. Not only does this expedite the process for claiming benefits among pensioners. It is also a definite step toward improving transparency in the pension release system, which used to be rife with irregularities,” Abad said.

Avisado’s HUDCC performance

ICE President Jejomar Binay praised former Davao City Councilor Wendel Avisado for his performance as deputy secretary general of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). Binay, who chairs HUDCC, said Avisado has contributed much to the achievements of the body according to its goals in providing mass housing. “Naku very good, laking swerto ko na nakilala ko si Attorney Avisado. Malaking tulong ang ginagawa niya,” Binay said in an interview in Dvao City

Quips

‘ALL she told me was, if I pursue my political plans dapat 100 percent sure ako that I will do good. I think she’s psyching herself up to be a politico’s wife.’ --actor Aga Muhlach interviewed by PDI’s Dolly Anne Carvajal.

EDGEDAVAO

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

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

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

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

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

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

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

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

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

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

5 Brewery unhampered by power crisis W THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

By Carlo P. Mallo

HILE a lot of businesses in Mindanao are fearing the worst come April 17, when the Pulangi hydro power plant is set to be shut down, the San Miguel Brewery, the beer production division of the San Miguel Corporation conglomerate, will continue to operate in its full capacity. Even as power outages take place in the province, which is supplied by the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (Dasureco), the op-

erations of the brewery continue as they have their own generator that can power the entire facility. In an interview with Edge Davao, Meggy M. Santos, communications officer of San Miguel Brewery, Inc said that the company will continue to operate on full capacity even during brownouts as all of their breweries throughout the country are equipped with power generators. “It is something that we are prepared for. We have contingency plans in place,” Santos said.

DA allocates P4 B for irrigation repairs

HE Department of Agriculture through the National Irrigation Administration (DA-NIA) will repair 11 national irrigation systems in 10 provinces, under a five-year National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (NISRIP), totaling P4 billion (B). Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the NISRIP forms part of the major thrust of the Aquino administration to bankroll and fast-track the restoration and construction of national irrigation systems to sustain the production of rice and other staples in succeeding years. “The NISRIP and other major irrigation projects will sustain our gains once we achieve rice sufficiency by end of 2013,” Secretary Alcala said. The 11 projects, mostly national river irrigation systems (RIS), will serve a total of 35,670 hectares (has), benefiting 22,563 farm-families that belong to 154 Irrigators’ Associations (IAs). NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel said of the total project cost, P3.418B (or 85%) will be funded by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while the balance of P589 million (or 15%) will be shouldered by the national government, through the DA-NIA. The 11 NISRIP projects are located in the following 10 provinces: Ilocos Norte

(in Madongan and Solsona), Pangasinan (San Fabian RIS), Pampanga (Porac-Guamin RIS), Quezon (Dumacaa RIS), Palawan (Malatgao RIS), Iloilo (Sta. Barbara RIS), Bukidnon (Muleta RIS), Davao del Sur (Mal RIS), Sultan Kudarat (Lambayong RIS) and Agusan del Sur (Simulao RIS). Administrator Nangel said when the 11 RIS are rehabilitated and improved, farmers would be able to plant and harvest twice a year. “Even with a conservative average yield of four (4) tons of palay per hectare, farmers will be able to produce an annual harvest of 285,360 tons,” Nangel said. The NISRIP has three components, namely: rehabilitation of irrigation facilities, institutional strengthening of IAs and irrigation management transfer, and agricultural support. The NISRIP was recently approved by the National Economic Development (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino. The NEDA Board also approved during its March 22, 2012 meeting three major irrigation projects, totaling P19.7B, namely: 2nd phase of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Irrigation Project, in Iloilo, worth P11.2 B; 2nd phase of the Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project, in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac, worth P7B; and the Umayam River Irrigation Project, in Agusan del Sur, worth P1.5B.

The National Power Corporation has earlier announced that they are shutting down the Agus-Pulangi hydro power plant due to the repairs that are to be undertaken. One of the biggest problems of the hydro power plant is the heavy siltation, which has caused the water level to be at its shallowest point. The same problem has been reported as early as 2008. The shut down of the power plant will add some 250 megawatts to the nearly 100 megawatts shortage be-

ing experienced throughout Mindanao. Meanwhile, being one of the biggest power consumers in Davao del Sur, San Miguel Brewery also plays a role in easing the burden on the power supply in the province. “From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. everyday, we shut down our connection from the grid so that the power that we should be using can be distributed to the households,” Macion said. In a day, demand for power usually surges during 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

131 farm machines turned over to farm groups in Soccsksargen

HE Department of Agriculture recently awarded 177 units of farm machinery and equipment totaling P21 million (M) to 131 farmers’ groups and Irrigators’ Associations (IAs) in Region 12 (SocCSKSarGen) to mechanize their production and harvest operations, and subsequently increase their farm productivity and income. The farm machinery and equipment are provided by the DA under the farm mechanization component of the Food Staple Sufficiency Program (FSSP) through an 85:15 counterparting scheme, where the DA shoulders 85 percent (%) of the machinery cost, while the farmer group beneficiary shares 15% as its equity. They were given to the beneficiaries and their respective local officials in simple ceremonies on March 30, 2012, at the DA-Research Outreach Station in Tupi, South Cotabato. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala was represented by DA Assistant Secretary and national rice program coordinator Dante S. Delima. He was joined by DA Region 12 Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan. Delima urged the farmerbeneficiaries to take care and make full use of the farm machinery and equipment to make their field preparation, planting, harvesting and other farm operations more efficient and faster, that would result to higher production and income. Of the total, 154 units of 4-wheel drive tractors (5), hand

Quips

tractors (112) and rice threshers (37) worth P18.5 M were awarded to 126 farmers’ groups in the four provinces of North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and General Santos and Cotabato cities, collectively known as SocCSKSarGen. Another set of 23 units of hand tractors (9), hermetic cocoons (7) and portable dryers (7) worth P2.43M was awarded as incentives to five outstanding IAs in the region, namely: PULMAKA, MAREMCO, LD1C, MASBACAS, and Roxas Silang. Delima said the farm machine and equipment were procured under the 2011 DA budget. Another set will be awarded to other farmer groups by August 2012. Dozens of farmers’ groups in North Cotabato got 33 hand tractors, 11 rice threshers and two 4-WD tractors, while those in Sultan Kudarat received 34 hand tractors, 10 rice threshers and two 4-WD tractors. South Cotabato farmers’ groups received 33 hand tractors, 11 threshers and a 4-WD tractor, while those in Sarangani got nine hand tractors and four threshers. General Santos City was awarded two hand tractors and a rice thresher, while Cotabato City got a hand tractor. Director Datukan said the DA region 12 will create team that will monitor to ensure the efficient use and maintenance of the farm machine by the beneficiaries.

‘WITH the new service, passengers can look forward to experiencing fullservice, hassle-free trip to Bali for their vacation.’

--PAL president Jaime J. Bautista in announcing PAL flights to Bali starting April 28.

as of august 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

ICT group seeks more T innovative businesses T

HE ICT Davao, an umbrella arm of Information Technology stakeholders in Davao City seeks the growth of more innovative industries in the city. According to Sam Matunog, president of the Davao Software Industry Association said that they are encouraging more businessmen to become angel investors or venture capitalists so as to build a culture of innovations in the city. An angel investor is a business capitalist who provides a capital start-up for persons with innovative ideas, while a venture capitalist invests in a product or a start-up company with strong market poten-

Land Bank relocates to Sarangani Capitol

tials. They have also launched ON3 Pitching Competition to promote innovation in business. It is organized by the ICT Davao together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-11), Department of Trade and Industry-Davao City Field Office (DTI DCFO), city government of Davao and the Silicon Valley-based Plug and Play Tech Center. The event is a business plan competition where individuals or groups pitch their products or ideas which are either classified as green solutions, biotechnology or ICT (Information Communication Technology). The ON3 Pitching

Competition will be held this coming April 13 to 15 at Martha’s Place in Brokenshire College, Davao City. During the first day, pitchers are made to undergo a conference with pitching coaches. The second day is the contest proper where the pitchers will present their products or ideas to a panel of judges led by Deny Roja, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist. Shortlisted pitchers will then compete in the nationwide contest during the Science and Technology Week this July in Manila. Top three pitchers will then go for an immersion program in Silicon Valley, California. Last year two of the

ALACANANG welcomed the Grant Thornton International Business Report in the first quarter of the year that found the Philippines as a country having the fourth biggest community of optimistic business leaders in the world. “I think the business leaders and the business community get it — what the Philippine government is doing; what we have committed to do. We are going to level the playing field. We are going to also enhance the facilitation of registration that means cutting the bureaucratic red tape and we have done so and we will continue to improve our services,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday. “It’s something that we intend to achieve to make sure that there is clearly a level playing field for the business

community.” Grant Thornton, one of the world’s leading accounting and consulting firms, said the Philippines has the fourth “most optimistic” community of business leaders in the world as the government carried out measures that ease the cost of doing business in the country. The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) for the first quarter of 2012 ranked the Philippines high in its optimism league table, behind Peru, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates. Lacierda said it’s a good thing that the report indicated that what’s happening between the executive and the judiciary has no impact on the business community. “That’s good because the initial concern of the political commentators was that it’s going to affect the business climate — far from being affected by the impeachment. The business community has

seen what the Philippine government is doing especially the economic cluster on the investments that are open for businesses that are open for investments,” he said. “The President maintained and has always said that the Philippines is open for business and we are committed to do so. So it’s a good sign, at least the business community is not affected. Many countries and many business people from within and without have expressed interest in investing in the country and that’s a good sign.” Local audit, tax and advisory experts said the Philippines has done a good job of staying resilient despite the global economic volatility. They said global mood has also started to pick up, particularly among bigger economies, and that the Philippines is on track to maintaining this upbeat outlook in the future.

HE Philippine and South Korean governments have agreed to raise flight entitlements between the two countries, according to Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). Carmelo Arcilla, CAB executive director, said the two countries agreed

to amend their air service agreement by increasing entitlements to 2,500 seats per week to all points in the country from the current 19,000 per week. The air talks were held in South Korea last April 2 to 3 this year. The Philippine Air Services Ne-

gotiating Panel is composed of officials from the CAB, Departments of Transportation and Communications, Foreign Affairs and Tourism, as well as from the Clark International Airport Corp and representatives from local airline companies. The new air

Palace welcomes Grant Thorton economic rating for Philippines

EDGEDAVAO

O further strengthen its network and better serve its client base in the province of Sarangani, the Land Bank of the Philippines recently relocated its Alabel branch to a more spacious facility at the Provincial Capitol Complex of Sarangani, a statement said. Land Bank first established its presence in Alabel in 1996 with its first branch at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium. Among the major clients of the branch are the local government of Alabel, the provincial government of Sarangani, and the neighboring municipalities of Malapatan, Glan, and some barangays of Malungon, along with rural bank and micro and SME clients. Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, Alabel Mayor Corazon Grafilo and Land Bank president Pico led the inauguration ceremony which was followed by the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the installation of automated teller machines (ATMs) in

the six other municipalities of Sarangani, namely Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Malapatan, Malungon, and Maitum. “Land Bank’s strategic network expansion is consistent with our thrust to provide banking services to the unbanked and underserved areas in continuous pursuit of countryside development,” Pico said. “This forms part of our financial inclusion program which we are aggressively pursuing as we hope to bring banking services closer to underserved and unbanked areas. This will likewise benefit the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps beneficiaries since they will no longer need to travel out of their towns to withdraw their cash grants,” she added. The MOU was signed by Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett, Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino, Rural Bank of Kiamba President Teresa Falgui, and Land Bank first vice president for Mindanao Branches Joselito Gutierrez.

he Philippines and South Africa are working to sustain growth in bilateral trade, which has been growing steadily at 15 percent annually over the last five years. PCCI President Atty. Miguel B. Varela recently met with South African Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency Agnes Nyamande Pitso to discuss initiatives to strengthen PhilippineSouth African economic and trade relations. Varela pointed out that though total trade between the Philippines and South Africa increased by almost 15 percent over the last five years, there is still much more room for expansion. Varela informed the Ambassador that the PCCI will work closely with the South Africa Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria to increase total trade between the two

countries. Varela further noted that PCCI will also send a trade mission to South Africa to study the vast potentials of linking the Philippine market with South Africa. He also emphasized that these efforts are part of the PCCI’s overall plan to expand trade and economic relations with emerging markets like South Africa. He added that the PCCI will also proactively engage government, embassies, consulate and investment boards to facilitate greater trade and economic relations between the Philippines and its trading partner. Varela assured Ambassador Pitso that the investment climate in the Philippines is conducive for foreign investments. He noted that President Benigno Aquino III’s policies of transparency’s promotion of a level playing

field provide for a competitive and predictable business environment. For her part, Pitso noted that aside from abundant natural resources, South Africa has well developed communication, financial, energy, legal and transport sector. She added that South Africa is interested to source from the Philippines citrus fruits and cattle for its dairy program. Pitso was accompanied by Mr. Hanyani Shikwambana of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, South African Embassy in Beijing, China. Aside from Atty. Varela, the other PCCI officers who joined the meeting were: PCCI Vice Chairman Amb. Donald G. Dee, PCCI International & Trade Affairs Chairman Amb. Benedicto Yujuico and PCCI Vice President for Agriculture William Co. (PNA)

talks are part of the government’s open skies policy. The liberalization of the Philippines’ air policy is part of the Aquino administration plan to achieve the six million tourism target by 2016. The government aims to generate $ 4.6 billion in tour-

ism revenues by 2016, contributing 6.35 percent of gross domestic product.

Over the six-year period, the industry is envisioned to create three million jobs.

three shortlisted pitchers came from Davao City. Piclyf, a photo-blogging application and RAD solutions, a green technology alternative to hospital waste incinerators. Matunog hopes that the ON3 will lure more start-up companies out in the open. He said that there were 11 pitchers in 2011 and he hopes they would double in number by this year’s ON3. Matunog a local venture capitalist himself said they could come up with success stories from startup companies during the event so as to encourage and inspire more local businessman to look into investing in innovative businesses in the city.

South Africa, PHL cite strong econ ties

PHL, Korea to increase air seats T Quips

‘WHAT we’re seeing here really is a surge in confidence in the business community and this is due to a large degree to the impeachment trial.’

--Makati Business Club chair Ramon del Rosario Jr. (PDI 3/14/12)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

PROPERTY FORUM

Condominium Living 101 Why should you live in one? Text by Carlo P. Mallo

Let’s start with getting in and out of the condominium. Getting a cab was always a breeze, even if its raining cats and dogs as the guards can always hail one for you. And if you have your own car, parking it has never been more secure as the entire complex is peppered with closed-circuit-cameras that monitor all the movements in the complex. While the rest of the city is worrying over the security of being in the streets, condominium dwellers need not feel

with storm drainage systems that can answer to the heavy rainfall brought about by climate change, which gives you something as priceless as peace of mind when the heavens decide to pour its heart out. Given that most condominiums are located in strategic locations, like Magallanes Residences, which is tucked in the quiet corner of Magallanes and C.M. Recto Streets, condominiums are becoming the choice of more and more Dabawenyos. It does not only allow its residents to save on time, they are also able to cut down on gasoline and transportation costs, especially that there is no efficient mass transportation mode in the city. Like a real community, a condominium complex is also a place teeming with social and entrepreneurial activities, which adds to the convenience that it offers its unit-owners. Convenience

the same. Most condominiums, like Magallanes Residences, have stringent security protocol that immediately filters out the outsiders from the residents. Not that you can leave your unit door open, but you are assured that there are no unwanted visitors who’ll drop by in the middle of your slumber, or come Christmas time, pesky carolers who can’t even carry a tune. Then there’s the problem of incessant flooding in Davao City. Unless you are living on top of a hill, the sight of dark gray clouds hovering overhead will always get your heart racing. A condominium complex is usually designed

stores, salons, restaurants, coffee shops, and drug stores are just some of the businesses that you can see in a condominium complex, add to that the amenities like a swimming pool and a fitness center. And all these an elevator ride away and a few minutes walk. Could anything be more convenient than that? But if there is one thing I really liked most about living in a condominium, it is that it has taught me a great deal about independence and looking after your own self. Should have I opted to live in an apartment or in my own house, I don’t think I would have survived the upkeep of the house alone. One of the

HAVING lived in a house with a sprawling lawn for the first 24 years of my life, it was a huge surprise to be suddenly living in a 40 square meter condominium unit. Not that the unit was small or cramped, but rather, the adjustment was on the lifestyle of being a condominium tenant.

While the rest of the city is worrying over the security of being in the streets, condominium dwellers need not feel the same.

perks of living in a condominium is that the small details, which are usually overseen, are taken cared of. When I decided to move into a condominium, it was like having a helping hand while I was grasping the harsh realities of independent living Who would have thought that the pest control should be called in every month? Or that the presence of a plumber a few floors away from your unit is such a big deal? Or the fact that plants have to be regularly trimmed? And what about the daily upkeep of the house or the apartment? These are just some of the things that I honestly haven’t thought of when I decided to move out of the family house. Just imagine having to fight it out in this career-driven world and at the same time you have to worry whether your plants have been watered or if you have locked the main gate or if your house is at the risk of being submerged in flood waters during a heavy downpour? It’s just unimaginable. Condominiums nowadays are no longer just a status symbol, if it ever became one. It is also not just about convenience, but the perfect training ground for those who aspire for a hassle-free independent lifestyle. And in this instance, choosing to live in a condominium might just be the best option for you.

Photographs by Rudolph Alama and Mikko Cayamanda Make-up by Buddy Congson Hair by Hairs and Nails Salon Outfits by Ellese with styling by Kenneth Ong Models: Michael Gim Atienza and Annalou Bangcot Shot on location at Magallanes Residences

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

The wrong equation

EDITORIALS

Tsunami watch

massive earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Sumatra island on Wednesday, triggering an Indian Ocean-wide tsunami alert and evacuation orders to clear people away from the coast.The epicenter of this tremor yesterday was not very far from the magnitude-9.1 quake which triggered a tsunami causing some 220,000 deaths and massive destruction in 11 countries in 2004. The quake’s magnitude was 8.6, according a revised reading from the US Geological Survey, and struck 431 kilometres (268 miles) off the Indonesian city of Banda Aceh where terrified residents ran out of buildings and into the streets. The city was near the epicentre of a big quake in 2004 that triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean which killed 220,000 people, including 170,000 in Aceh province which lies on the northern tip of Sumatra. The latest tremor was felt as far afield as Thailand, where skyscrapers in the capital Bangkok swayed. India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand all issued evacuation orders. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said there was “so far no tsunami

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threat” after the quake but that the country remained on alert. After a few hours last night, an aftershock of magniture 8.2 shook an area near the first quake. Let’s pray that no tsunami would be triggered by yesterday’s quake, since its movement, according to Filipino experts, was horizontal, not vertical like the devastating 2004 quake. However, this is no time to rely on our own experts’ assurances. Instead we should be prepared for the worse and know what to do if, God forbid, there will be a tsunami which won’t spare us like the last time. Let’s not ignore the tsunami watch just because we were spared the last time or the more recent March 2011 quake and tsunami in Japan. These major natural phenomena should all the more convince us to treat with urgency and pay undivided attention to efforts of disaster-preparedness by government and the private sector. Let’s not forget that being an archipelagic area surrounded by bodies of seawater we are as vulnerable to tsunamis as our neighbors. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

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LMOST four years ago now, just before I left my post in the government, power shortage in Mindanao had been predicted to happen within the next three years. The government then knew all about it and massive efforts were done to respond to such looming crisis. I recall that the government had prepared a master plan for energy which was supposedly intended to increase the country’s capacity to generate more power and to manage the demand so that when the time comes we would be able to provide for the energy requirements of our industries. Little attention was accorded to the warning. Though the business sector has shown fear and anxious anticipation, they could only do so much. The generation of more power was and still remains the ultimate and desirable response. Yet, investment in this area was not actively encouraged, although occasionally promoted. Policies and incentives to encourage private investments in power generation are unclear, miniscule, and - to some extent - irrelevant to the call of the time. In recent past, power barges have been deployed in critical areas in Mindanao to augment the supply of power. However, such remedy does not prove to be long lasting and sustainable as their operation is so costly. Operating them as permanent generators does not make any sense. Last year, efforts were also exerted to increase Mindanao’s generation capacity through some proposals to open base load plants running on coal or diesel. Aside from theirnegative impact to the environment, these proposals were also viewed as more expensive. In fact, they really are. Now that the power crisis is here pushing Mindanao to a tunnel of darkness, Malacanang and its allies in Congress are now contemplating of granting the President an emergency power. As of now, we do not know what that emergency power is for and how it would be exercised. What we know are the many yet interconnected implications of the power crisis, and these should be addressed strategically rather than politically. The worst implication pertains to the disruption in the production process which could lead to higher production cost; hence, higher prices of manufactured goods. Higher prices tend to adversely affect the purchasing power of the peso; hence, demand for higher wages could be anticipated but would be difficult to grant because the level of overall productivity is low due to the disrupted production process. Interrupted operation due to power shortage could also push businesses to close, retrench labor or transfer operation to other places where power supply is adequate and sufficient to sustain production and business operation. The overall effect is a sluggish local economy of affected areas as there would be less economic activities, higher unemployment and low wages. With these possible scenarios, all the goals and objectives set to make the country more competitive and for the local communities to grow and prosper would all go to naught. If we are serious in creating a climate conducive to do business in and attract more investments to come to the Philippines, it is imperative for the government to address the power crisis. Granting the President an undefined emergency power is not the practical and most effective solution. Emergency powers granted to former Presidents did not prove to be beneficial to the masses. For example, a review of the emergency power vested to former President Fidel Ramos to deal with a similar crisis would reveal the grey areas that devious operators used and abuse to make easy money for themselves alone at the expense of ordinary consumers. As the members of Congress continue to push for the granting of emergency power to the President, perhaps they could discuss the elements of such power and ensure that it would benefit the ordinary Filipinos. We can also hope for the Congress to deliberate on the matter more quickly and swiftly; otherwise, it might be better for them to use the time to discuss the solution to the power crisis than the granting of the emergency power.I continue to believe that power crisis equals emergency power is a wrong equation. Of course, the ability to use such emergency power – if ever granted - is yet another matter!

EDGEDAVAO

A LVA R STREET where I grew up during my childhood years used to be just a short narrow dirt road connecting the old Tomas Claudio street (now Quirino Avenue) to that place near the public cemetery called Wireless (now Father Selga street). This was probably around 1955, a year after our entire family migrated to Davao from Zamboanga City where I was born. Mother had a brother there who invited her to join him and his family in Davao to start a new life after she sold her small property away to someone who bore her a child many years after my father left us for Manila and never returned home. Perhaps it might have been out of shame that forced her to leave Zamboanga and all her relatives and friends there. Some of the faint memories of my mother who finally rested in peace after almost ninety years, was the weekend dancing nights called “balle” at the old Lantaka Hotel where all the Spanish mestizos and mestizas of the old Zamboanga would meet for dinner and dance the night away. This was probably the place where my mestiza mother met her new dashing lover looking like Clark Gable and swept her off her feet. For my mother at least, it was very sad leaving behind all these happy memories to start a new life in a strange city called Davao that wasn’t as vibrant and lively as Zamboanga was in the good old days. But she knew from the start she could stand on her own, taking care of us--- me, my elder brother Orly and my two sisters Nenita and Marilyn. She had a small flourishing dress shop called “Filomena” after her name,

ALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/10 April) – How suicidal or fatalistic can we become? This trait is rather endemic in us as a people. Pause for a second and take a look at how we take for granted the rules that are meant to ensure our safety, on the street, in buildings and in many other places where accidents are likely to happen. No wonder that the evening news on television and the tabloids never run out of items that reinforce the viewers’ and readers’ conditioned belief that journalism is mainly about the gory side of life. On the part of public officials – although this is nothing new – fatalism has gone to the extent of playing with the people’s lives either through commission or omission. A glaring example would be the apparent negligence of Cagayan de Oro City officials that caused hundreds of deaths when floods brought by storm Sendong in December last year hit several households along Cagayan River. Government response to the dubious power crisis in Mindanao provides yet another proof of suicidal instinct among

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

The old house at Malvar street

which was the favorite of nurses as it was located at the intersection of Jovellar street near the Zamboanga General Hospital. This was the same shop that she re-opened along Claudio street right in front of Palma Gil Elementary School in Davao where I finished my fourth, fifth and sixth grade together with a childhood buddy, Perfecto Yasay Jr--- who many years later became the Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) who brought down the former President Joseph Estrada during a Senate impeachment hearing. Jun Yasay usually would walked all the way from his house at the corner of General Luna street to join our group of boyhood friends at Malvar street at a small grassy clearing behind a big house occupied by Indians we called “Bombay” at the exact spot where now stands the multi-storied Davao Doctors Hospital. If we weren’t flying kites on a windy day, we would spend the whole day trying to fly a model plane looking almost like a small Piper Cub, its wings and fuselage made out of cardboard with a long string tied to one of its wings. I had this deep passion for making model aircrafts at that young age which left Jun Yasay always wondering when the plane would actually take off. “We’ve been doing this many times, when will that thing ever fly?” he would tell me, almost exasperated. “It’s already flying! Can’t you see? It’s flying!” I said, gasping for air, as I twirled the cardboard plane high and fast around our heads at that small clearing beside Malvar street. When my mother saw that I was spending more time playing at Malvar street than at Claudio where we lived inside a dress shop, she decided one day to rent an old, dilapidated two-

story house at Malvar near that small grassy clearing--- renting out the extra rooms later to working women for extra income. That old house at Malvar street was particularly appealing to me because it was surrounded by big fruit trees--- mango trees, sampaloc trees, balimbing trees, star apple trees, guyabano trees, etc. Right in front of this old house today is another old house where we boys follow a short trail to that grassy clearing. That old house was later torn down to give way to the construction of a church --- the present St Jude’s Church at Malvar street. I don’t know if Jun Yasay still remember this spot, but during those early years, our next door neighbor’s house used to be a kind of trading post for carabaos, bought and sold by farmers from the provinces. With all those carabaos coming and going there, I sometimes volunteered to bring two to three carabaos to Davao River just below the old Bankerohan bridge, with me riding in one of the black water buffalos, to wash and bath them clean before offering them to buyers. I can’t remember if Jun Yasay ever volunteered to wash some of the carabaos. But what I can remember was the time he invited me over to their house at nearby Luna street because he was “baking” a cake using a “ solar oven” which was actually just a big branch of a tree that was exposed to the hot summer sun. Whether or not, that cake was ever baked using his new solar invention, I don’t know, because on the day his cake was out there under the sun, it suddenly rained, soaking all the flour mix, melting everything away in big slurps down the trunk of that tree, as I ran away----- back to our old house at Malvar street…. (Comments: Email: tradingpost_ davao@yahoo.com)

SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS

themselves have never concealed such intent from public knowledge. Recall how the city council of Davao swiftly overturned Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s veto of an ordinance that endorsed de facto a coal-fired power plant project. The council tried to redeem itself by passing an ordinance that bans mining. It doesn’t want to pollute the city’s lands and rivers. But never mind polluting the air? And while we’re at it, officials in South Cotabato are entertaining the idea of allowing the construction of a nuclear plant. Yes, South Cotabato, the first province in the country that bans open-pit mining. Like Davao City, the province doesn’t want to pollute its lands and rivers but – finish the sentence. If Japan, a country which is light years ahead in terms of technology, has failed to prevent the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, what makes Gov. Arthur Pingoy et al think that we can do better? Sadly, suicide defies all logic and reason. [MindaNews/H. Marcos C. Mordeno writes mainly on the environment, human rights and politics. He can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com]

DOWS: Fatalism at its worse BY MARCOS C. MORDENO our leaders. Exploiting the widespread anxiety over predictions that the island will soon experience a more severe power shortage if no solutions are immediately put in place, the government now appears to be keen on fast-tracking the processing of applications for coal-fired power plants. Since it came the week before the Mindanao Energy Summit, no one may blame environment groups and other sectors opposed to coal-fired power plants that private capital has cooked up the supposed power deficit to justify the adoption of dirty fuel as a long-term solution. Consider too the eagerness of government to accommodate applications for coal mining, and one may say that it is indeed setting the stage for the entry of more coal-fired power plants. The fears expressed by Greenpeace and other groups are not just the fruits of paranoia since the concerned officials

Crisis in Mindanao: Emergency Powers (2)

RIVERMAN’S VISTA

BY DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

HIS is the second installment of the fourpart series of articles on emergency powers excerpted from the paper: Extraordinary Measures: Constitutional Powers in Times of Crisis. Not long after Corazon C. Aquino was installed as President by the first People Power revolution, her presidency was severely tested by several attempts to overthrow her government. The most serious of these attempts was the bloody December 1, 1989 coup attempt by hundreds of renegade soldiers that left several dead, hundreds wounded, government buildings bombed, and the fledgling economy damaged almost irreparably. On December 7, 1989, President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 503 declaring a state of emergency, and invoked Article XII, Section 17 of the Constitution which empowers the government to take over any privately owned public utility or business affected with a public interest. The reason given for the proclamation was the senseless loss of lives, destruction of properties, and serious social and economic damage brought about by the aborted coup. Congress later followed suit and enacted Republic Act No. 6846, in pursuant to Article VI, Section 23 (2) of the Constitution which gave the President broad emergency powers for six months to address the crisis and enable economic reconstruction. The powers enumerated are as follows: 1. Protect people from hoarding, profiteering, injurious speculations, price manipulation, product deception, cartels, etc. of food, clothing, medicines, office and school supplies, fuel, fertilizers, etc. whether imported or manufactured locally 2. Purchase any articles or commodities mentioned for storage, sale or distribution 3. Fix maximum ceiling prices of articles or commodities mentioned 4. Regulate fees charged by establishments in connection with production, milling, storage and distribution of articles or commodities mentioned 5. Seize and confiscate hoarded foodstuffs and commodities, provided goods wrongfully seized shall be subject to payment of just compensation 6. Call upon and designate recognized NGOs and peoples organizations, and LGUs to assist government 7. Temporarily take over or direct the operation of any privately owned public utility or business affected with public interest that violates the declared national policy 8. Liberalize importation and grant incentives for manufacture, assembly, reconditioning or importation of vehicles or vessels for public transport 9. Ensure availability of credit to productive sectors, including lowering effective lending rates of interest and reserve requirements of lending institutions 10. Stagger work hours and adopt flexible work schedules for government workers and when necessary workers in the private sector 11. Conserve and regulate distribution and use of power, fuel, energy 12. Issue orders for recovery and accounting of all firearms, explosives and military equipage 13. Undertake such other measures as may be reasonable and necessary With such a broad grant, President Aquino issued more than twenty National Emergency Memorandum Orders (NEMOs) which dealt with maintaining price controls, confiscating loose firearms, taking over private airstrips, managing the budget deficit, temporary take-over of certain cement plants to cover the acute cement shortage situation and bus companies, witness protection programs and one NEMO even increased postage costs. Only two of these NEMOs dealt directly with the rebellion. Her proposal to extend these powers, however, beyond the June 8, 1990 expiration period was met with stiff opposition from Congress. Ranking leaders lamented how the emergency powers were not fully used, while some sectors in the media noted the president’s reluctance to maximize the powers given to her with no attempt at innovation to cut through the red tape. They also questioned the basis for the extension, to which then-Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos replied that the continuing emergency stems from the continuing coup plotting by some elements of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), the group responsible for the December 1 coup attempt. [Tomorrow: The Ramos Experience] [MidnaNews/Dean Tony La Viña is a human rights and environmental lawyer from Cagayan de Oro City. He was a member of the Government of the Philippines Peace Panel that negotiated with the MILF from January to June 2010. He is currently the Dean of the Ateneo School of Government. Dean Tony can be reached at Tonylavs@gmail.com. Follow him on Facebook: tlavina@yahoo.com and on Twitter: tonylavs]

10 SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Raising level of public service:

Comval sends own GK team to Iligan W

HEN Nong Leonito, an employee of the Provincial Engineering’s Office first finds his name among the list to be brought to Kinuban, Maco to help build houses for the landslide stricken victims of Masara, he went as a matter of routine work. He did not count on having the experience change his life. Now, joining the more than 260-man team dubbed as Uswag-Gawad Kalinga, Nong Leonito is more than willing to help build houses this time for the victims of Typhoon Sendong. “Lisud gud, kapoy, pero malooy man sad ta sa mga nabiktima sa Sendong,” (It’s difficult and tiring but we take pity on the victims of Typhoon Sendong), he said. Indeed, the typhoon, which struck last December, is one of the worst calamities to hit the southern coastal region leaving thousands dead and missing. One of them is 48 years old Tirso Balat whose house in barangay Santiago was swept away by the onrushing floodwaters. But worse than that, his wife was later found dead and his 3 children all went missing. “Gigunitan pa nako ug maayo ang akong anak nga usa pa ka bulan apan wala gyud koy nahimu sa

kakusog ug naanod mi hangtud nabuhian gyud nako siya,” (I held on to my 1-month old child but we were swept away and I could not do anything) Balat recalled teary-eyed. Now living temporarily at the Tent city in Barangay Sta. Elena along with other homeless families, they will soon be one of the recipients to the Gawad Kalinga Village from which various volunteer groups from all over the country will take part in the building of the houses starting April 9. Consistent on its quest to help not only on its own turf, Comval Gov. Arturo Uy has again led the Uswag-GK team composed of provincial and municipal government employees to join the National Gawad Kalinga Build. They went full force on batches starting March 21, 23 and 30 with PLGU alone sending 126 workers to Iligan City. Mostly coming from the engineering offices, they have shared the same enthusiasm, toiling despite the scorching heat of the sun—their skins now turned reddish brown. From sun up to sundown and even under pelting rain, they continue to build the 24 boxtype houses which the team committed to build.

These include LGUs Maco, Mabini, Mawab, Compostela, Laak, Nabunturan, Monkayo and private companies Therma Marines/ Aboitiz Power and Apex Mines of Maco. LGU Pantukan also give their commitment through P30,000 financial support. Meanwhile, the support staff such as the secretariat and cook all help in their own ways managing and catering to their needs such as on medicines and providing for adequate and sumptuous meal—a comfort for the hungry working men. Yet the greatest consolation came when no less than the GK champion Gov. Uy with the LCEs: Nabunturan Mayor Romeo Clarin, New Bataan’s Lorenzo Balbin, Mabini’s Amir Munoz, Compostela’s Jessie Bolo, Maco’s AC Voltaire Rimando and Vice-mayor Avelino Cabag of Monkayo all came on April 2 to personally oversee and lend their support to the builders. Accompanying them is Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz, who was very grateful, said he could not say thank you enough to the all out support and contribution of Comval for the plight of the homeless victims of Sendong. (FE MAESTRE/IDS COVMAL)

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Matina, Davao City Matina(Diversion) Davao City Bunawan, Davao City Indangan, Davao City Bincungan, Tagum City

Anflocor signs with 2 banks term loan for international container terminal

LOCATION

COMPETITIVE EDGE

AREA (sq.m.) PRICE/sq.m. 17,940

P2,500

3,831

P1,500

41,408

P800

7,056

P1,200

27,411

P1,000

NFLO Management and Investment Corporation and San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage Services, Inc. have finalized the Php 2.1 billion loan facility for the Davao International Container Terminal project. The two firms sealed the syndicated facility with Bank of the Philippine Islands and Security Bank in a signing ceremony held last April 2, 2012 at Marco Polo Hotel Davao. “We are very glad that Bank of the Philippine Islands and Security Bank believe in this project and welcomed to facilitate the financial requirements of the Davao International Container Terminal,” said Oscar V. Grapa, Chief Fi-

nancial Officer of ANFLOCOR. The deal was arranged by BPI Capital Corporation and SB Capital Investment Corporation. “BPI sees the immense value of the project to Davao’s economy in being able to create jobs, translate to substantial logistics savings, and to promote the global competitiveness of Davao’s banana export industry,” stated Aurelio R. Montinola III, President of BPI. SB Corporation President Alberto S. Villarosa also noted the positive impact of the project to the economic growth in the Davao region. “We thank the management of ANFLOCOR

Group for entrusting the financial part of the project to both BPI and Security Bank,” Villarosa added. The eight-hectare container terminal aims to support Mindanao’s expanding international banana exports by providing progressive container port services. It will feature modern ship to shore cranes, expansive plug-in facilities and an average draft of 15.5 meters which can accommodate large international vessels. Davao International Container Terminal is also foreseen to support the position of the Philippines as the third largest exporter of Cavendish bananas in the world, which local industry is concentrated in Mindanao.

LOCATION

AREA (sq.m.) PRICE/sq.m.

Villa Josefina Resort Village, Dumoy Toril, Davao City

Minimum of 240 sq.m.

P5,985

St. Joseph Homes, Sirawan, Toril,Davao City

3,831

P3,600

LOCATION Lot Area Flr. Area Blk. 4, Lot 10 Villa Josefina Resort Village 240 sq.m. 177.31 sq.m Dumoy, Toril, Davao City

For Inquiries: Please Call : PRYCE CORPORATION c/o SONNY MOLE Contact No. : 0922-‐879-‐0036 / (082) 224-‐2686 Email ADD : sonitomole1223@yahoo.com

PRICE P4.8 M

Gracing the signing ceremony for the loan facility for Davao International Container Terminal are (seated l-r) Ricardo R. Floirendo, Senior Vice President of ANFLOCOR, Alberto S. Villarosa, President of SB Corporation, Antonio “Tony Boy” Floirendo, Jr., Vice Chairman of ANFLOCOR, Aurelio R. Montinola III, President of BPI, Vincent R. Floirendo, Vice President of ANFLOCOR, Cecilia L. Tan, President of BPI Capital Corporation, (standing l-r) Luis

Martin E. Villalon, Director of SB Capital Investment Corporation, Federico C. Galang III, Executive Director of SB Capital Investment Corporation, Victor Q. Garcia, Vice President of BPI, Loretta G. Mangilit, First Vice President of SB Corporation, Oscar V. Grapa, Chief Financial Officer of ANFLOCOR, and Barbara C. Untalan, First Vice President of BPI Capital Corporation.

CEB entices Greater China tourists to visit top Philippine tourist spots

HE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) aims to boost tourism between Greater China, Taiwan and the Philippines with a seat sale from April 10 to 12, 2012 or until seats last. “CEB remains steadfast in its commitment to boost tourism to the Philippines through our trademark low fares and seat sales. Tourists from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau can take advantage of this seat sale and discover the Philippines’ best diving, eco-adventure, beach and historical destinations,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. For travel from June 1 to August 31, 2012, passengers can buy P888 seats from Macau to Clark, and from Hong Kong to Clark, Cebu or Kalibo (Boracay) or vice versa. CEB’s newest international route, the Hong Kong – Kalibo service gives foreign tourists direct access to Kalibo, gateway to the world-renowned Boracay island.

They may also buy P1,088 seats from Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei or Xiamen to Manila, as well as P2,488 seats from Beijing or Shanghai to Manila or vice versa. Passengers may connect and book seat sale fares to select domestic destinations. For travel from June 1 to August 31, 2012, passengers can buy P488 seats from Manila to Bacolod, Busuanga (Coron), Caticlan (Boracay), Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Naga, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban and Tagbilaran (Bohol). They may also buy P488 seats from Cebu to Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa or Siargao. P688 seats are also available from Manila to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, and General Santos. Meanwhile, those who have travel plans from May 1 to 31, 2012 can buy P288 seats from Cebu to Bacolod, Butuan, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Ozamiz, Pagadian or Tacloban; from Cagayan de Oro

to Iloilo; and, from Zamboanga to Davao or TawiTawi. Iyog added that guests can also book hotel deals through its partnership with agoda.com, leading Asia-based online hotel reservations company that specializes in the lowest discount hotel prices. Its network includes more than 160,000 hotels worldwide. For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888. The latest seat sales and promos can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages. CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 20 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 38 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 22 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders.

NATION/WORLD

NATION BRIEFS

Best

OW here’s another reason why it really is more fun in the Philippines. Well, Palawan’s Tubbataha reef has just been named the world’s eight best dive site by CNN’s travel news website CNNGo.com. “Super-size your dive experience at Tubbataha where everything comes in giant form. The main advantage to diving at Tubbataha is that the water is exceptionally clean, so the marine life lives much longer, making it grow to silly proportions,” the website said.

Population

IFTEEN million people have been added to the country’s population over the last 10 years, with the National Statistics Office (NSO) recording more than 92 million people as of May 1, 2010. The NSO said that based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, the Philippines population, which is 92,337,852, is higher by 15.83 million compared to the 2000 population of 76.51 million. In 1990, the total population was 60.70 million.

Evacuation

ITIES and towns across Luzon – including Metro Manila – are on standby for possible evacuation in case a rocket launch being readied by North Korea goes awry and rains debris on the Philippines. “All local government units in Luzon were asked to come up with plans in the event that the debris falls in their area of jurisdiction. These include identifying food assistance, evacuation and medical contingency,” said Allan Tabell, a director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and liaison to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Advice

ECIDING on what course to take up in college this June? Consider entrepreneurship. This is the advice of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) is encouraging incoming college freshmen to pursue entrepreneurial courses, which will enable them to build viable careers through businesses.

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Sex-change women allowed WORLD TODAY to enter Miss Universe tilt U Bomb threat

S fighter planes escorted a Korean Air jet carrying 146 passengers and crew to a Canadian military base due to a bomb threat against the flight, officials and the airline said Wednesday. Korean Air flight 72 from Vancouver bound for Seoul was diverted to the Comox base on Vancouver Island on Tuesday after an anonymous caller said a bomb had been planted on the plane, the South Korean flag carrier said.

ONALD Trump’s Miss Universe contest on Tuesday threw open its doors to transgender models, allowing men who have had a sex change the chance to be crowned the world’s most beautiful woman. The transgender contestants will be able to strut their stuff in the international beauty championships starting in 2013, while pioneering sexchange model Jenna Talackova will be allowed to take part this year, said gay and transgender rights organization GLAAD. “The Miss Universe Organization today follows institutions that have taken a stand against discrimination of transgender women including the Olympics,” said Herndon Graddick, a spokesman for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. “At a time when transgender people are still routinely denied equal opportunities in housing, employment and medical care, today’s decision is in line with the growing levels of public support for transgender people across the country.”

TRANSGENDER. Jenna Talackova (C), a would be Miss Universe contestant, attends a news conference with her attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles, California. Canada’s Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, said on GLAAD’s website: “We have a long history of supporting equality for all women, and this was something we took very seriously.” The reversal of longstanding policy followed a campaign by Talackova, a statuesque, blonde transgender model from Canada, who says she underwent

Miss Universe pageant said Tuesday it would allow a transgendered model to compete in its pageant as long as Canada recognizes her gender as a woman.

surgery to become a woman because she was born in “the wrong body.” The Miss Universe organization, owned by flamboyant and controversial real estate magnate Trump, cited a rule that contestants, who appear before judges in a variety of gowns and skimpy clothing, must be “naturally born” women. Backed by GLAAD and celebrity feminist lawyer

Gloria Allred, Talackova took on the system, arguing, as Allred said, that “she did not ask Mr Trump to prove that he is a naturally born man. Or to see the photos of his birth to view his anatomy to prove that he was male.” Talackova, 23, underwent her sex change operation when she was 19 and is identified on her Canadian passport as a woman.

Unite

R E S I D E N T- e l e c t Vladimir Putin called on all political forces to unite on Wednesday to help Russia develop peacefully after elections that caused tension and triggered “political battles” that divided the country. In his last annual address to parliament as prime minister, Putin hailed the achievements of his four years in government, saying it had brought stability, increased living standards, reduced inflation and staunched a demographic crisis.

Landmark

M China’s ambassador summoned over South China Sea standoff T

HE Philippines summoned China’s ambassador in Manila on Wednesday for talks over a disputed area in the South China Sea after two large Chinese surveillance ships blocked a Philippine Navy vessel from arresting Chinese fishermen in the area. The Philippines and China are contesting sovereignty over a small group of rock formations known as Scarborough shoal in the South China Sea, about 124 nautical miles off the main

island of Luzon, near a former U.S. navy base in Subic Bay. A mosaic of conflicting claims over islands and other formations in the South China Sea have set China against the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. Some of those disputes have drawn the United States to press China over the sovereignty claims in the resource-rich maritime area. Tension has risen in the past two years over worries China is becoming more as-

sertive in its claims to the seas, believed to be rich in oil and gas and straddling shipping lanes between East Asia and Europe and the Middle East. The stakes have risen further in the past year since the United States refocused military attention on Asia, strengthening ties with the Philippines and Australia. On Tuesday, Chinese state media said a Chinese cruise ship called the “Scent of Princess Coconut” had completed a trial voyage to

Air links

HE Philippines and South Korea have agreed to increase the flights between the two countries given rising demand, an official said yesterday. Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) executive director Carmelo Arcilla said in a telephone interview yesterday that the Philippines signed an agreement with South Korea following air talks held last week.

EDGEDAVAO

STANDOFF. Philippine navy personnel, seen here on board of its flagship naval vessel, the Gregorio Del Pilar, the newly acquired and refurbished Hamilton-class cutter, docked in Manila, in 2011. The Philippines said the

Gregorio Del Pilar was involved in a standoff on Wednesday with two Chinese surveillance ships that had blocked the arrest of Chinese fishermen in the South China Sea.

the Paracel Islands, a cluster of close to 40 islets, outcrops and reefs that both Vietnam and China claim. The proposal to open the Paracels, known as the Xisha islands in Chinese, to tourism and the stand-off over the Scarborough shoal off the Philippines are likely to add to long-standing friction. On Sunday, a Philippines Navy surveillance plane spotted eight Chinese fishing boats in Scarborough shoal. The Philippines’ largest warship, a U.S. Hamiltonclass cutter, rushed to the area to check on the Chinese presence, the first serious friction this year. In March 2011, Chinese navy ships threatened to ram a Philippine research vessel, prompting Manila to scramble planes and ships to the dispute Reed Bank area. That incident prompted Manila to seek closer ties with the United States. The U.S. and Philippine navies will stage war games around the Reed Bank later this month. On Wednesday, Philippines foreign ministry spokesman Raul Hernandez said Manila was seeking a diplomatic solution after Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario called in China’s ambassador Ma Keqing for discussions.

YANMAR opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday held talks with President Thein Sein for the first time since her landmark election to political office earlier this month. The two met at the president’s official residence in the capital Naypyidaw and were expected to have lunch with Thein Sein’s family, according to her aides.

Named

ECLUSIVE North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party named young leader Kim Jong-un as “first secretary,” which appears to be a newly created post, at a rare conference held on Wednesday, the official KCNA news agency said. The party met while the country fuelled a longrange rocket in defiance of international sanctions and warnings, ready for blast-off as early as Thursday.

Fighting

IERCE fighting raged Wednesday as warplanes bombed contested regions on the border between Sudan and South Sudan, the second day of violence in the latest round of bloody clashes. South Sudanese troops held positions in the disputed Heglig oil field, seized on Tuesday from Khartoum’s troops, said Mac Paul, deputy director of South Sudan’s military intelligence.

EDGEDAVAO

BIR... FFROM 1

Through surveillance by the bureau, the two establishments were discovered having more than 30% difference between their average actual daily sales and their declared sales. Once the order is issued by the national office, the concerned establishments would be given 48 hours for settle their income tax deficiences. Balatero said that based on experience, owners of establishments usually comply with the order to pay for their correct income tax. Another seven business establishments are under surveillance by the regional BIR office on suspicion of similar violations. They will also become subjects for temporary closure if the findings show discrepancies between their latest declared annual sales compared to that of the previous year, and they fail to comply with their income tax liabilities within 48 hours.

Karlo...

More...

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Buhangin compound. Binay did not elaborate further on details and instead stressed that the national government is doing its best to appeal for the convicts to be given lower sentences. “Hindi po totoong walang ginagawa ang gobyerno para sa mga kababayan nating nahuli for drug trafficking. Ginagastosan po natin ang kanilang mga kaso. Tayo po ang nagbabayad para sa kanilang lawyers and we appeal for them to be given a lighter sentence,” he said. “Sa dami po ng mga nahuling drug mules, pinipili na lang po muna natin yung nasa grave offenses,” he added. Binay recalled the execution of three Filipinos March of 2011, saying it was a ‘sad moment’ in history. “First time in history na ganun ganun na may tatlong Pilipino ang nabigyan ng death penalty. Talagang napakalungkot ng pangyayaring iyon,” he said. Following the death of the three drug convicts, another was executed in December. The Vice President said drug smuggling is related to poverty and human trafficking. “Dahil sa kahirapan

FFROM 3

conflict on which agency should supervise these electric cooperative and is in fact the subject of several civil cases in many of our courts,” he said. Nograles issued this concern as the Department of Energy (DOE) assessed that some ECs and distribution utilities have not been contracting enough power supply for their actual needs which then causes problems in the grid. The DOE recently instructed the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to turn the curtailment process from voluntary to mandatory. NGCP was then given the power to disconnect distribution firms and ECs of electricity if they withdraw power beyond what is contracted. Nograles said that while he support calls to bestow President Aquino with emergency powers to address the power crisis in Mindanao, the DOE and its frontline agencies that have supervisory and regulatory powers over the ECs should first conduct an audit on the ECs are being managed. “We need political

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

will like no other. The President needs all the cooperation of the people and the leading players in the power industry. Let us be united and put our acts together,” Nograles added. The summit should have been held on March 31 in Davao City, but due to the needed preparations, it was moved this Friday. Unfortunately, the spiraling prices of oil in the international market continue to aggravate the situation and, thus, the looming crisis could not be isolated in Mindanao. “The entire nation, even the entire global economy, is experiency financial squeeze that dictate government and the people, and business to tighten their belts,” he pointed out. As the people await government intervention, Nograles urged Congress to hasten the needed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and eliminate the loopholes that jeopardize the very intents of the law – giving affordable and available power needed by industries and the Filipino family.

ang mahirap ay gusting lumabas ng bansa para makahanap ng trabaho. At dahil kulang ang pera nila sa illegal na pamamaraan sila pumapasok ng ibang bansa. Kung mahirap ka minsan gugustohin mong gawin kahit ano para kumita ka,” he said. OFW ban in Syria Binay said the decree banning Pinoy domestic helpers from entering Syria will strengthen the country’s fight against human trafficking and illegal recruitment. Also being chairman to both Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Presidential Task ForceAgainst Illegal Recruitment (PTFAIR), Binay said the Syrian ban on OFWs is a ‘blessing.’ “Dahil sa dami ng mga illegally recruited domestic helpers sa Syria, they got in with fake passports and after tago nang tago na lang sila, di na alam paani sila hahanapin ng agency. We have 17 to 20 thousand domestic helpers in Syria pero marami pang iba na hindi identified ng agency because illegal ang entrance nila, hindi sila dumaan sa proseso,” Binay said. The Syrian government issued a decree banning Filipino domestic workers from entering Syria starting last April 1. Those who’ll be accepted. according to the Syrian government, would be domestic workers from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

2 killed, 18 injured in bus bombing

ARMEN, North Cotabato (MindaNews)Two passengers of the Rural Transit Bus , including a 10-year old girl, were killed while 18 others were injured when a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) went off while the bus was moving along the Carmen-Kabacan highway at around 10:40 a.m., Sr. Supt. Cornelio Salinas, North Cotabato police chief, said. Salinas said a still unidentified passenger left the baggage with an IED inside at the compartment area of the Rural Transit Bus with body number 2922 and plate number KVS 740. The passenger, he said, may have boarded the bus between Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat provicnd and Carmen in North Cotabato. The slain passengers were seated in an area

against a Rural Transit Bus this year, police records showed. On February 7 this year, an IED went off while the bus was in transit along Kabacan-Carmen highway, injuring one passenger. Salinas hinted extortion as the motive behind the blast. “We saw here a pattern. The suspects would board the bus fromTacurong City-Carmen highway and the blast would happen from Kabacan-Carmen highway,” said Salinas. The bus company, according to police, had been receiving extortion threats from several armed lawless groups, including the notorious Al Khobar, an extortion ring which they alleged has links with a terror group operating in Southwestern Mindanao. (MALU

8.7 earthquake struck off the west coast of Indonesia at 2:38 p.m. (3:38 p.m. Manila) EngineerNoli Tabigue of Phivolcs-Kidapawan said the quake was tectonic in origin. The epicenter of the earthquake was 33 kilometers north and 19 kilometers west of Kidapawan City.

Tabigue said the quake was also felt in Magpet, Matalam, Makilala, and other hinterland areas in the province. The quake was recorded at intensity 3 in Magpet and Makilala and intensity 2 in Matalam. No one was hurt and no damage to property was reported. (MALU CADELI-

CADELINA-MANAR/MINDANEWS)

Quake rocks North Cot; no one hurt

Bill...

IDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/11 April) -- An intensity 3 earthquake rocked parts of Kidapawan City and nearby towns in North Cotabato, at around 2:14 p.m., today, reports from PhivolcsKidapawanbsub-station said. The quake came an hour before a magnitude

of the country’s airports that offers international flights. The help desk shall be open for 24 hours daily including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and shall be staffed by the selected personnel of the concerned government agencies and sectoral groups. “These personnel must be equipped with the knowledge on the rights of OFWs contained in international conventions, treaties and domestic laws. They should also be up-to-date with the existing rules, procedures and policies involving travel and immigration,” Ferriol said. The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. The OFW advocates help desk shall be a joint undertaking of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), De-

partment of Labor and employment (DOLE), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The bill also mandates these government agencies to formulate the necessary rules and regulations for effective implementation of the proposed act in consultation with the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment and the House of Representatives Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs. “It is imperative that OFWs have access to immediate assistance and redress in the course of their travel,” Ferriol said. “Providing them with an efficient service during their travel is one of the ways we could repay our modern day heroes for their sacrifices.”

FFROM 1

where the IED was planted, he said. Salinas identified the slain passengeras Gladzin Himpiso, 10, and Rona Mae Causing, 18, both residents of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. Injured were Guirea Danggo, 21; Marvin Nacicnal,23; Basilisa Anipot, 45; Sonny Balanay, 39; Leo Limsiano, 44; Alvin Diaz, 19;Lovina Ayco, 46; Lea Faviona, 52; Analyn Suyco, 35; Demia Causing, 62; HaraJanine Cosco, 11; Allan Himpiso, Sr., 33; Allan Himpiso, Jr., 6; Judy Ann Sumaylon, 9; Smela Luneza, 18; Rosa dela Garbo, 41; Alberto Isidro, 36; and Jenny Bergonia, 34. The injured passengers were rushed to the Kabacan Medical Specialist Center in Kabacan town and the North Cotabato Provincial Hospital at Amas Complex in Kidapawan City. The Wednesday blast was the second attack

NA-MANAR/MIDNANEWS)

Video...

FFROM 3

ger Olan Emboscado, the video is a great way of promoting the many must-see, must-experience places of the whole region. “It showcases what the region really is - a great place of great interests from Highlands to Islands. From verdant mountains to pristine white sand beaches, from exotic waterfalls to beautiful underwater world - things we enjoy so much in our region,” Emboscado said, adding that the video further inspired him to travel to other locales featured in the video. The blogger who writes travel stories in his popular blog the Travel Teller praised the DOT for utilizing the internet to spread the

video. “People are now into Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other social media networks while photo sharing and dissemination of information could be done effectively. “Also, most of the tourists these days are inspired to visit one destination because they have read and seen in it on social media networks,” Emboscado added. For his part, Boncato said that aside from attracting tourists the video also makes the stakeholders aware of these beautiful places and jumpstart the initiative in making these places more accessible to visitors. [PIA 11/RG Alama]

14 SPORTS

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EDGEDAVAO

Interest in sports tourism

ET’S talk about sports tourism.

MANONG BRIGADE. Barako Bull’s veteran guard Willie Miller (right) was at the forefront of Barako Bull’s attack in their Game 1 win over defending champion Talk N Text in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. Miller is among the vaunted Manong Brigade of Barako Bull.

Barako Bull takes Game 1 B

ARAKO Bull is not just happy to be in the semifinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. On Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, the veteran-laden squad outplayed the defending champion Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 8477, and take a headstart in their best-of-five semifinals series. Danny Seigle led the veterans’ onslaught, scoring nine of his 19 points in the fourth period, while Dorian Pena was able to hold his own against Talk ‘N Text import Donnell Harvey. Barako Bull also held Talk ‘N Text to its lowest scoring output this season. Barako Bull coach Ju-

nel Baculi said his team didn’t do anything special on defense, saying the long layoff might have affected the Tropang Texters’ production. “They last played March 28, so I guess the rustiness of not playing for 10 to 12 days affected their game,” said Baculi. The Tropang Texters shot only 20% from the three-point area (6-of-30) and was held below to 33.3% shooting from the field. Talk ‘N Text captain Jimmy Alapag went scoreless in 21 minutes, missing all his attempts including five from beyond the three-point line. Only two players – Jayson Castro and Larry Fonacier – fin-

ished in double figures for the Tropang Texters, with 27 and 14 points, respectively. The Tropang Texters also lost their premier frontliner Kelly Williams, who sustained a cut near his cheekbone area after colliding with Ronald Tubid with less than a minute left in the second period. Williams was rushed to the hospital and did not return to the game. “Our veterans really refused to die down,” said Baculi. “They really wanted to play more games this conference.” The Energy also outhustled the Tropang Texters, grabbing 22 more rebounds, 67-45, with import Gabe Freeman

and Pena leading the way, combining for 28. Wynne Arboleda also played a key role hitting big shots off the bench. His back-to-back threepointers gave the Energy their biggest lead of the game, 73-62, with still 8:13 left in the match. The scores: Barako Bull (84) – Freeman 21, Seigle 19, Pena 11, Miller 10, Arboleda 9, Tubid 7, Pennisi 4, Allado 3, Najorda 0. Talk N Text (77) – Castro 27, Fonacier 14, Harvey 9, Dillinger 9, Carey 8, De Ocampo 4, Reyes 3, Williams 3, Gamalinda 0, Aguilar 0, Lao 0, Alapag 0. Quarterscores: 2423; 42-43; 58-58; 84-77.

15-assist effort. Brandon to hit you. They did and Bass added 12 points and we withstood it. I thought 10 rebounds, while Avery that was important for Bradley scored 11 for the our team.’’ Celtics, who shot a seaLeBron James fins o n - h i gh s h e d ‘LeBron James finished iwith 61 per36 cent and points, s u r v ive d with 36 points, seven re- seven retwo posbounds s e s s i o n s bounds and seven assists ‘and sevwhere Mien assists ami could have tied the for Miami, which got 20 score in the final quarter. from Dwyane Wade and ‘’We talk about it in 18 from Mario Chalmers. fighting terms,’’ Celtics Chris Bosh finished with coach Doc Rivers said. 13 on 5-for-13 shooting ‘’We told them today be- for Miami, which has gone fore the game, you’re in a 5-5 in its last 10 games. boxing match, you expect The Celtics beat Mito get hit. They’re going ami 91-72 in Boston on

April 1, a game the Heat called ‘’unacceptable’’ after establishing seasonlows in scoring and shooting. This one won’t sit much better with the reigning Eastern Conference champions, who ousted the Celtics in five games from last year’s playoffs and could see them in the second round of the upcoming postseason. No team had shot better than 55 percent against the Heat this season, and Boston’s 115 points were two shy of matching a season-high against Miami.

Two events. First, the Summerfest in Davao City. Second, the Davraa in New Bataan. There will be no stones unturned when the forthcoming Davao Summerfest 2012 takes over as the mother of all summer events in Davao City. Yesterday, the Festival Management Committee met for the first time to get a walk through of the events of the Summerfest. There was perfect attendance as noted by City Tourism Officer Jayson Magnaye who presided over the meeting. While the finer details of the events related to the Summerfest are still being ironed out, we can only look forward with excitement as we gear up for this year’s festival of arts, culture and sports. Elsewhere in New Bataan, Compostela Valley, the region’s best athletes compete in the Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) meet, the qualifying competitions for the annual Palarong Pambansa. I have never been in New Bataan and that makes this year’s hosts intriguing. It used to be that the Davraa is being staged at the provincial capital or at cities in the region. This time, a bold

move by the Department of Education brought the event to New Bataan. This is not the first time for Compostela Valley to host the Davraa. The previous hostings were made in Pantukan and Nabunturan. The emergence of New Bataan as a regional sporting host only speaks of the serious efforts of local government units to make an impression in the tourism platform through sports. New Bataan used to be a very quiet town. Sleepy even. I have been to Nabunturan several times in the past either for sports coverage or for campus journalism seminars. I still find it sleepy there. I maybe wrong now. Maybe no longer sleepy in Nabunturan. Maybe no longer quiet in New Bataan. Curiously, these towns are making the bold move towards sports tourism. The only way it can equalize with the big cities.

Celtics shoot past Heat, 115-107

IAMI (AP) A week ago, the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat with defense. This time, they did it with offense. Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Kevin Garnett added 24 points and nine rebounds, and the Celtics made their first eight shots of the fourth quarter to hold off the Heat 115-107 on Tuesday night. Rajon Rondo posted double-digit assists for the 18th straight game, extending the NBA’s longest such streak in 20 years with an 18-point,

UFL. Players from Stallion Gilligans and Philippine Army dispute ball possession in one of the exciting action in the ongoing United Football League.

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENTS

Dabawenyos parade around SM City Davao to kick-off this year’s Earth Hour celebration.

Binibining Pilipinas- International 2007 Nadia Shamey and WWF Ambassador Marc Nelson at SM City Davao’s Earth Hour event.

Fasting for Earth

A candle of hope for the environment.

HEY say a little fasting does one’s body and soul some good. And last March 31 saw a fasting of sorts when SM City Davao together with the Wordwide Fund for Nature (WWF) joined the rest of the world celebrated Earth Hour.

What started as an idea in Sydney, Australia, to turn off all non-essential lights for one hour (an electricity fast if you will) spread into a global movement to highlight the importance of conservation

and protecting Mother Nature with the Philippines as one of the most participative countries in the world. Over 1,000 Dabawenyo participated in the Earth Hour Parade as an expression of their support to the celebration. Among them

WWF’s Gregg Yan joins a group of boy scouts in the celebration.

Rochelle and Cassy Venuti singing the song “Paraiso”

were the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Philippine Red Cross, Daniel R Aguinaldo National High School, Ateneo de Davao High School and Grade School, Philippine National Police, Davao City Police Office, 911, Mindanao Development Authority, Davao Light and Power Company, and SM City Davao mall tenants. The occasion was graced by WWF VP for Programs Joel Palma, DCIPC’s Jason Magnaye (representing Mayor Sara Duterte), DOT XI Regional Director Art Boncato, City Councillors Edgar Ibuyan

and Al Ryan Alejandre, Davao Light and Power Co. Chief Operations Officer Art Milan, Davao Green Alliance Convener Baby Montemayor, Du-aw Dabaw’s Lisette Marquez and former city councillor Susabel Reta. The Earth Hour event was hosted by no less than WWF ambassador Marc Nelson and Binibining Pilipinas-International 2007 Nadia Shamey, while the audience was entertained by Sining Tala Dance Ensemble, Sta Ana National High School Dance Troupe, Erico Nograles High School Dance Troupe, Equivoc8,

Leading the ‘switch off’ at Earth Hour celebration in SM City Davao are SM Supermalls AVP Operations for Mindanao Debby Go and Davao Light and Power Company Chief Operating Officer Art Milan. Joining them are WWF VP for Programs Joel Palma, Davao Green Alliance Convener Baby Montemayor, Davao City Investment and Promotion Center Officer Jason Magnaye, Department of Tourism XI Regional Director Art Boncato, and City Councilor Edgar Ibuyan.

and the talented Rochelle Venuti with her charming daughter Cassy with their touching rendition of Rayan Cayabyab’s song “Paraiso”. Right on cue at 8:30 PM, as the lights were switched off, the rain poured hard but as in typical Dabawenyo fashion, the celebration went on with even more fervor with singers and uber exciting fire dancers taking center stage. And as

soon as it started, an hour of darkness passed, the rain stopped, and the lights were turned back on as everyone savored the moment when the world was together as one in making that green commitment to save the environment to make the world a better place. Follow me on twitter @ kennethkingong for more urban find, food trips, and random ramblings.

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Miss Universe Pageant allows transgender women to join NOW here’s a true flash of beauty.

Transgender women have notched a key victory in a bid for equality, as the Miss Universe Organization announced today that they will be allowed to compete in its pageants. The move follows a bitter controversy that erupted after transgender Miss Universe Canada hopeful Jenna Talackova was disqualified from competing in her country’s pageant for not being a naturalborn female. In a joint statement, GLAAD and the Miss Universe Organization, which is owned by Donald Trump, said that they are “pleased to announce that after more than two weeks of discussions, the Miss Universe Organization is close to finalizing an official policy change that will allow women who are transgender to participate in its beauty competitions.” GLAAD has aggressively engaged in a dialogue with the organization following the uproar over Talackova’s disqualification, and spokesperson Herndon Graddick explained, “For more than two weeks, the Miss Universe Organization and Mr. Trump made it clear to GLAAD that they were open to

Sneek peek:

making a policy change to include women who are transgender...We appreciate that he and his team responded swiftly and appropriately.” The Miss Universe Organization claims that its decision to open the pageant to transgender contestants is in line with its push to support “equality for all women.” “We want to give credit where credit is due,” Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, said in the statement. “And the decision to include transgen-

der women in our beauty competitions is a result of our ongoing discussions with GLAAD and not Jenna’s legal representation, which if anything delayed the process. We have a long history of supporting equality for all women, and this was something we took very seriously.” Per the announcement, the policy change will kick in this fall just in time for the 2013 pageant season, when most of the regional competitions start being staged around the world. (E! Online)

Maroon 5’s OVEREXPOSED cover READY to peek behind the curtain and get a look at what’s been pulling Adam Levine’s strings over the past year?

Overexposed, Maroon 5’s fourth studio album, will be out June 26, featuring 10 spanking-new tracks recorded by the band in Los Angeles. And we’ve got your first look at what the cover of the much-anticipated release looks like, right here: Is your mind boggled? Yes, the cover is lacking in the Adam Levine abs department, but we’re trying to think of this as a positive—Overexposed is about not taking it all too seriously, right?! The psychedelic Beatlesdipped-in-Cream cover (with some Mike JudgeMatt Groening spawn thrown in, too) is a wheredo-you-look-first wink at the pop-music world, which is so crowded with egos and images these days that it becomes almost impossible to just focus on the music. Maroon 5, whose front-

and we weren’t shy about really going for it.” “Overexposed is definitely one of our most diverse and poppiest albums yet,” Levine added. “We had a great time recording it. I can’t wait for our fans to hear the record, as well as hitting the road to play it live for everyone later this year.”

man moonlights as a judge on The Voice, is definitely of that world—but they want you to know that they know what it’s all about. But most importantly, they want to make hits that you can’t get out of your head, and the Overexposed tunes “One More Night” and “Beautiful Goodbye” are certainly going to help their cause. The band will also be joined by Wiz Khalifa on Monday’s episode of The Voice to perform their new

song “Payphone,” which will then become available on iTunes that night. “At this point in our career I think it was a good thing to completely mix up our process and it yielded good results, as well as a more collaborative spirit within the band,” said guitarist James Valentine. “We wanted to make something that sounded contemporary with the elements of a lot of early eras of pop music. This is our most ‘pop’ record ever

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FOOD

Guinumis

Summer desserts from around the world Creme de Papaya

WHEN stuck at home in the middle of summ e r, there is little to do to beat the heat. One way to do that however, is to consume countless amounts of cold dessert and snack. We know, we know. Ice Cream, Mais Con Hielo, and Halohalo can get a wee bit tired. Thus, we have compiled some recipes from around the world to help you beat the heat that you may serve during a summer party.

1. Guinumis is probably one of the easiest cold desserts to prepare at home. Which makes it surprising that this Filipino classic has hidden behind the shadow of the Mais Con Hielo and Halo-halo for far too long. This summer, bring it to the forefront and make it at home. Here’s how: a. In tall glasses, put some unflavoured gulaman (purchase instant gulaman packs at your local supermarket and make it according to instructions), cooked tapioca balls/sago (you can buy these at the supermarket or market. Go for the smallest kind), and then top the glass with crushed ice. b. Sweeten some coconut milk (which is sold in cans at the supermarket) with sugar depending on your taste and use pour over the crushed ice. c. Sprinkle the top with some Pinipig. 2. Amrakhand is a traditional Indian dessert that may be enjoyed alone or with some flat bread. It is easy-to-make, and when chilled to a certain temperature, can become quite refreshing. Here is how to make this tangy treat: a. In a mixer, combine two cups of plain yogurt, one and a half cups of mango pulp (if you can not find canned mango pulp, simply liquefy some mango meat in a food processor or blender), ten teaspoons of powdered or granulated sugar, and half a teaspoon of cardamom (or cinnamon if you do not fancy the taste of cardamom).

Soursop Ice Jelly

b. Use a paddle attachment to whip the mixture very well then chill for at least two hours. c. Serve in individual bowls topped with sliced almonds. 3. Iced Jelly is a Singaporean staple in hawker markets. This easy dessert makes use of fresh fruit to add flavour, some plain jelly for texture, and crushed ice for added coolness. One of the more intriguing versions of Iced Jelly makes use of one of the most underutilised fruits in the country: the Soursop. Grab your Guyabano and make this refreshing dessert in a jiffy. Here’s how: a. Heat some guyabano meat with sugar (to taste) in a saucepan and let cool. b. Prepare some unflavored gulaman as per the instructions on the box. c. Slice the gulaman in cubes and place in bowls. d. Top the gulaman with some crushed ice and the prepared guyabano. e. Serve with a piece of Calamansi 4. Crème de Papaya is a popular Brazilian dessert that is starting to take the world by storm. It has three simple ingredients and is a cinch to prepare, making it one viable option for that quick summer party. To make the Crème de Papaya: a. Peel and deseed one chilled ripe papaya and cut into bit-sized protions b. Blend the papaya pieces with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and pour in a bowl. c. Top with a table spoon of Crème de Cassis ( a black currant liqueur) or honey. 5. Centik Manis is an old-school Indonesian dessert that is simple and very reminiscent of Filipino flavours.

Centik Manis

Served cold, this flan of coconut and tapioca is a filling cold treat perfect for a warm summer day a. Purchase several different colored tapioca balls (sago) in your local market or grocery. Combine the different colors and measure out half a cup of balls. b. In a pot, combine four cups of coconut milk, half a cup of white sugar, one screwpine (pandan) leaf, two teaspoons of vanilla extract, one fourth teaspoon salt, and one fourth cup of corn starch. c. Cook the ingredients in medium heat while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. d. Once thick, add in the coloured tapioca balls. e. Wrap the mixture in banana leaves or pieces of plastic or ladle into molds. f. Chill for at least four hours and serve. Listen to Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) on 105.9 Mix FM every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or follow the columnist at twitter.com/zhaun

Amrakhand

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FOOD

Festive at Piyesta By Kenneth Irving Ong

THE nightlife around Ecoland just became more festive with the opening of Piyesta KTV and Restobar at SM City Davao’s Annex. General Santos City’s favorite KTV and restobar is now in Davao. Fusing the fun dining concept with a Filipino twist, Piyesta KTV offers four KTV rooms whose names are also inspired from Philippine festivals such as Kadayawan, Masskara, Sinulog, and Tuna Festival. Each room can seat from eight up to fifteen individuals and is equipped with LCD TVs and KTV units full of the latest songs for an unforgettable karaoke experience. If singing is not your thing, then try Piyesta’s many Pinoy food offerings. Try their sizzling sisig, stuffed squid, fried tuna panga, and their ever so popular Kura-stick, wonton-wrapped, stuffed, and fried chili peppers. If you can’t decide on what to have, then try their Piyesta Meals that feature a combo of some of Piyesta’s best sellers on a plate, plus a round of iced tea that is good for up to four people to share. Piyesta KTV and Restobar is open from 9am to 12 midnight on weekdays and 9am to 2am on Friday and Saturday. For reservations call 282-3830

Piyesta Meal

Stuffed grilled squid

Piyesta KTV’s Buddy Congson introduces Piyesta’s Piyesta Meal.

Piyesta’s famous Kura-sticks.

Belting it out at the Sinulog room.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

BEST DRESSED. Bubba Watson’s Barbie look (top), Hunter Mahan’s Day 2 Under Armour get-up, and Ryo Ishikawa’s black-green Yonex ensemble.

ATCHING the recent US Masters, you can’t help but notice the parade of brands these golfers are wearing on the golf course. Making the links a virtual runway. We picked our bets for best dressed golfers at Augusta National who are all most likely only willing to rip off those brands for a US Masters green jacket. Look, if Tiger Woods was not in contention all throughout the tournament, he is not in contention either in our list. 1. BUBBA WATSON. Watson wore what we may call the Barbielook of the Masters. He

wore white and pink. Very Barbie-ish but Bubba is perhaps among the rare breed of men who looks good on pink and boy, that’s a Richard Millie watch, same brand etched on his shirt. 2. HUNTER MAHAN. He has just climbed up to no. 1 spot. Thus, Under Armour has now assumed top spot in golf as far as its endorser is concerned. He wore combinations that are very eye candy for a bold brand like UA – best of them all was the sky blue and flourescent lime green pair on Day 4. 3. IAN POULTER. Ever the epitome of fashion sense in the greens,

he stood out with his blue-maroon plaid pants and blue-black-orange accent giving Puma another chic edge. 4. RORY MCILROY. Baggy blue plaid pants this time and the rest is all white. Good enough to give his Jumeriah shirt brand a kick. 5. MATT KUCHAR. This time, Matt revolutionized the golf look. He came in like he is ready to board a yacht. Khakis and white shirt with green cap, and yes, the looker of them all, brown leather kicks that look more like boat shoes. 6. RICKIE FOWLER. It is never foul to wear neons on the greens if

it’s Rickie Fowler wearing it from shoes to shirt to cap. Save the pants for white, and Puma has another winner here. 7. RYO ISHIKAWA. Another guy who looks pretty in pink. He brandished a full open pink shirt and matched it with pin striped pants for good measure, but the killer of them all is his tattered Yonex cap. 8. HENRIK STENSON. I have not seen this guy often in contention but he made a good impression when he was in the hunt in the Masters wearing a black-yellow constitution and it’s not even a Nike Livestrong outfit.

ber of horses and riders for Cebu (at 8 horses per club). They had all come to snatch not only the artistically-designed brass buckles the host is known for but the biggest money prizes ever as well. Once more Team Davao was in the thick of the fight in one of the most exciting sports in the country today – horse sport – featuring Show Jumping, Barrel Racing, Obstacle Racing and Oval Racing. As the dust settled after two days of wrangling,

Team Davao had a winner or two in the different races under the expert and auxiliary divisions, its categories of choice for the Cebu competition, in addition to novice and intermediate. Tan, second generation rider, was the biggest individual winner of the competition, thundering to the finish line on his Quarter horse, Apollo, at the shortest time in the most difficult race, the Obstacle Race. He finished third in the traditional Western game, the

Barrel Race. Another Davao rider, from Digos City, Bienvenido “Nonoy” Aznar, followed Tan in the Obstacle Race, taking second place. Both ran in the expert division. A similar one-two punch by Davao happened in the Auxiliary Division, Barrel Race, where grooms Noel Gonzales (from the Ricky Tan Stable) and Ronaldo Gonzaga (from the GW Misa Stable) finished off the competition by galloping to the first and second place, respectively.

Davao’s Tan wins in Cebu horse race

AVAO’S Koby Troy Tan led the Davao Horse Club contingent in besting their rivals from Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Tagbilaran, Malaybalay and Impasugong, Bukidnon in the recent Philippine Horsemen’s Federation’s 2012 Competition Circuit in Talisay, Cebu. Wholly sponsored by the Office of the Governor of Cebu, the 2012 season opener, dubbed the 5th Governor’s Cup, A Horse Show & Competition, drew a record num-

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 27 â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 12, 2012

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

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From top left to right: Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy, (below): Matt Kuchar, Rickie Fowler, Ryo Ishikawa and Henrik Stenson.

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