Edge Davao 5 Issue 35

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

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Serving a seamless society

City’s Traffic Code up today in Council

Indulge!

Page A1

By Jade C. Zaldivar

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT Page 4

Sports Page 15

A

LTHOUGH still in plenary discussion, City Councilor Pilar Braga is positive that the proposed Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City (Traffic Code) will solve the city’s traffic problems.

Braga yesterday said the City Council will again discuss the provisions of

creation of a traffic and transport management office that will rationalize sound traffic management. the Traffic Code in today’s session.

“It’s still a work in progress. Of

course it will be of great help to our city as the code will spell out proper traffic rules and regulations,” she said in a text message.

Chair of the committee on energy, communication and transportation, Braga said the code’s approval will be good for the city.

“Included in the code is the creation of a traffic and transport management

FCITY’S, 13

MILITIAS. Members of the Farmers Association of Davao City stage a protest during the weekend to criticize President Aquino for using the military and other paramilitary groups to protect large-scale mining operations. The group accuse these state forces of committing human rights violations. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Davao River monitoring heightened

By Lorie A. Cascaro

Follow Us On

n Included in the code is the

T

HE Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11 is heightening its water quality monitoring of the Davao River, a water qual-

ity management area (WMQA), to ensure it against deterioration.

This program, which began last year with eight to 10 stations doing samplings every week, has increased the number of stations to 40 as of last week, said Mario Bulacan, EMB 11 head executive assistant, in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at

SM City Davao.

The samplings, collected by personnel from the DENR, are taken at stations from the Marilog district down to Bucana and delivered to the laboratory within six hours.

These are tested for six parameters, which, according to him, include biologi-

FDAVAO, 13

2

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

150 human rightists gather for conference

By Jade C. Zaldivar

S

OME 150 human rights advocates composed of the religious and internally displaced persons (IDP) or bakwits from the Visayas and Mindanao got together for the two-day annual ‘National Conference on Internally Displaced Persons at the Jansenn Hall, Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City yesterday and today.

Led by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), Karapatan or the Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights, and the Ecumenical Mission for Peace and Development (EMPD), the gathering is in response to the growing number of internally displaced persons in areas where there are

armed conflicts.

At the gathering, internal refugees have shared stories of their ‘having been forced out of their areas allegedly amid threats and harassment they experienced at the hands of the military.’

Karapatan says there are currently a total of 6,556 victims of forced evacuation due to the counter-insurgency program of Oplan Bayanihan.

“Violation of the right to domicile is not the only violation experienced by internally displaced persons. When they are forced to leave their homes, they lose their livelihood because they abandon the land they till,” said Cristina Palabay, Karapatan spokesperson and End Impunity Alliance convener in a statement.

“Schools and places

of religious worship have been converted into military camps, thereby violating the right to education and right to freedom of worship,” she added.

Activist group Karapatan said last month, there were 158 families or at least 800 individuals, including children who were forced to evacuate from the areas of Sitio Zapanta and Manhumapay, in Kitcharao; as well as Stio Lusong, Brgy.

Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, all located in Agusan del Norte where the military is fighting communist insurgency.

“Majority of those affected come from the Mamanwa tribe, an indigenous people group in the CARAGA region. Some 345 individuals, meanwhile, are still in an evacuation center in Butuan City,” Palabay said.

Cebu Pacific profit down by 15% due to fuel cost

C

EBU Pacific airline disclosed that their profit dropped by 15 % in 2011 compared to that of 2010.

Vice president for commercial planning Alexander Lao of Cebu Pacific in an interview April 18 said the significant drop is attributed to the ‘constant rise of fuel cost.’

“When you look at the number of passengers we have served of course you could see it’s very high, but due to the constant rising of fuel cost, it has been very heavy,” Lao said at The Marco Polo Davao following the press conference held earlier in line with the 1st Equator Asia Air Access Forum and Airlines CEO Summit last week.

“Right now, fuel composes a huge portion of our operational cost at 50 percent mark so this is really very high,” he added.

As the main discussion during the summit was to connect direct

L

n Fuel cost is 50% of operation cost flights from Philippine cities to destinations in member countries of BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asian Growth Area), the Cebu Pacific official echoed the appeal of the country’s airlines that the government should provide incentives.

“We implement costcutting measures, but as what our colleagues from other airlines have also shared, it’ll be very difficult to provide direct flights without support from the government, be it through marketing to providing incentives,” Lao said.

Asked what incentives the country’s airlines are hoping from the government, Lao said the national government should take from the actions taken by other BIMP-EAGA countries.

“For example in Malaysia, in support of ef-

forts of airlines to form linkages their government allowed airlines to be exempted from: (1) take-off and landing charges during the first year, (2) aeronautical charges, and (3) if they grow their number of passengers to a certain level they grant growth or cash incentives,” he said.

Lao said Cebu Pacific is supportive of the government’s initiative to promote direct flights within the BIMP-EAGA region but added that ‘without government support it will remain very difficult for airlines.’

“We do not want to operate and stop after three months or so. Opening international flights for one would take 12 to 18 months before you can earn. We are very interested in forming linkages with the BIMP-EAGA but we want to remain so in the long run,” he said. [JADE

p.m., and on April 27 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.

Affected by these service interruptions are power consumers along Magsaysay Avenue going to Quezon Boulevard and those in adjacent areas downtown.

Also affected are customers in portions of Juan Luna St., Padre Gomez St., Fatima St., Calle Putol, Guerrero St., Quezon St. and Zamora St.

Luga said the service interruptions are necessary in order to facilitate the replacement of rotten poles in the said areas.

“In order to keep the power interruptions within the least possible time, loads from those lines will be transferred to substation nearby. This will result to the two 15-minute switching outages,” Luga said. [JADE

C. ZALDIVAR]

Power interruptions here set Thursday and Friday

OCAL energy distribution utility Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) has announced 15-minute power interruptions within downtown area this Thursday and Friday.

Rossano Luga, DLPC vice president for corporate communications said yesterday that the power interruptions will be on April 26 from 10:00 p.m. to 10:15

EDGEDAVAO

C. ZALDIVAR]

EMPLOYMENT. Allan Baban of the Department of Labor and Employment Technical Services Support said that a job fair will be launched on Labor Day to accommodate the new graduates. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

DOLE offers 13,000 jobs on Labor Day

By Lorie A. Cascaro

I

N celebration of Labor Day, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 will conduct a jobs fair offering some 13,000 jobs on May 1 simultaneously at the Gaisano Mall of Davao and SM City of Davao.

Allan Baban, head of the Technical Services and Support Division, DOLE 11, said that as of press time the job orders or vacancies registered were 12,424, with 4,878 for local employment and 7,545 overseas.

There 88 employers and/or agencies who registered, 46 of them local and 42 overseas.

During the fair, one-

stop shops will also be there for those who want to enroll or seek documents from the Social Security System, Philhealth, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Foreign Affairs, and National Statistics Office.

This will provide convenience for job seekers who lack company requirements from these agencies.

Also expected to be present are representatives from regional coordinating councils of the Philippine Regulatory Commission, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority among others.

Last year’s Labor Day

jobs fair at SM City Davao, in partnership with DOLE, brought together in one place some 75 companies.

In 2010 13,000 job vacancies were posted, both for local and overseas employment, with some 2,000 registered job applicants.

Meanwhile, Baban mentioned that the DOLE regional office is also addressing the informal sectors in terms of livelihood.

The department will be releasing P2 to P3 million for its integrated livelihood program targeting informal sectors which would like to earn income through selfemployment.

Meantime, DOLE is in the process of completing the necessary documents before the release of funding.

Voyager claims Climate Change can be explained astronomically

“T

HE climate is changing, but the connotation that this is because of air pollution is not true. Climate change can be explained astronomically,” said Jonell L. Damuy, vice president for operations of the Voyager Educational and Event Ser-

vices.

He said this is based on the knowledge of the company’s consultant astronomer Frederich Gabiana, a professor in the Rizal Technological University, which is the only school in the Philippines offering Bachelor of Science in Astronomy

degree.

The Earth’s movements include rotation around its axis, revolution around the sun, and inclination.

“The inclination of our planet has been overlooked in most astronomical explanations. Kaya umiinit yung isang part ng Earth kasi

FVOYAGER, 13

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

Department of peace proposed

T

O create and foster lasting peace throughout the country’s 7,107 islands, Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo has proposed the establishment of the Department of Peace.

“The decades-old armed conflicts continue to prevent us from achieving our goal of promoting the Philippines as a safe and secure place for both local and international tourists,” Arroyo said.

The Bicol lawmaker, along with Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, are not giving up in pushing the passage of House Bill 5106 which they filed last August 11, 2011 and which now remains pending with the Committee on Government Reorganization chaired by Rep. Cesar Jalosjos (3rd District, Zamboanga del Norte).

The Philippines, the authors said, is considered a tropical paradise due to its vast mountain ranges and forests and remains the home of the Philippine Tarsier, the smallest living mammal alive, the Philippine Eagle, the perfectly shaped cone of Mayon Volcano of Bicol, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the Tubbataha Reef and the latest wonder of the world, the Underground River of Palawan.

“We also have the best beaches in the world and some of the finest delicacies the world can ever

taste,” the young Arroyo stressed, adding that Filipinos have also been considered as one of the most hospitable and warmest people in the world which are most vital to tourism.

But despite all of nature’s wonders abounding in the country, tourism’s great potential continues to be stunted by the continued deep conflict with the enemies of the state namely, the Moro Islamic Front, Moro National Liberation Front, the Abu Sayyaf and the New People’s Army-NDF. “We should therefore come up with a lasting solution to our age-old problem of deep conflict and ensure the success of the country’s peace process. One logical move is to create a national agency that will focus on strengthening the building blocks for lasting peace,” Arroyo said.

Under HB 5106, among others, the proposed Department shall: (1) formulate, recommend and implement advocacies, plans, programs and guidelines that will promote and uphold peaceful non-violent and non-killing principles; (2) initiate, harmonize and coordinate all peace keeping, non-violent and non-killing initiatives of the government and its respective agencies; and (3) strengthen civilian and non-military means of peacemaking.

Dengue cases drop in Soccsksargen

D

engue cases in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region have dropped by 40 percent in the last three months as the region remained below the alert or epidemic threshold of the deadly mosquito-borne disease.

Dr. Marlyn Convocar, Department of Health (DOH) Region 12 director, said Monday their records as of April 21 showed that dengue cases in the region have reached 452, or around 300 fewer than the confirmed incidence in the same period last year.

Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

“There were no clustering of cases (in any part of the region) and the confirmed cases since January were considered under the alert threshold,” Convocar noted in a report released over the weekend by the regional epidemiology and

surveillance unit (RESU).

The DOH’s National Epidemiology Center said a clustering of dengue cases happens when three or more confirmed cases emerge within an affected barangay or community in four consecutive weeks.

But Convocar said they already monitored four confirmed dengue deaths this year compared to only three last year.

This city and nearby Sarangani province reported two deaths each from complications caused by dengue shock syndrome, which comprised just one percent of the confirmed dengue cases, she said.

About 43 percent of the cases were plain dengue fever while 56 percent developed into dengue hemorrhagic fever.

The official said North Cotabato posted the highest dengue incidence with 137, followed by General Santos City with 102, South Cotabato with 78, Cotabato City with 59, Sarangani with 43 and Sultan Kudarat with 33.

FDENGUE, 13

3

ASTRONOMY. Customers at SM City Davao take a peek on the telescopes displayed by Voyager Adventures. The company is offering its astronomical educational services for various schools in Mindanao. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Key issues on Mindanao peace process cited P

OWER and wealth sharing, territory and transitional mechanisms and duration would remain the major bones of contention in the Mindanao peace process that the government wants to end this year, an official said.

Rosalie C. Romero, assistant secretary at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said last week the government expects to finish the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) within the year.

Speaking at a peace communication summit in Cotabato City before hundreds of journalists and members of civil society organizations in behalf of Peace Process Secretary Teresita Q. Deles, Romero appeared optimistic that a final peace accord can be forged not later than 2012.

“From current movements, we have basis for confidence that a peace agreement may be signed within the year,” Romero said in a speech emailed thereafter by

the OPAPP communications group.

“The way ahead will be bumpy but the good thing is that both sides appear committed to engage at the negotiating table and not in the battlefield,” she said.

Romero cited that “neither side seems poised to walk away when the going gets rough.”

Peace talks between the government and the Moro rebels were slated to resume in Kuala Lumpur today (Monday) until Friday, with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) sitting as an observer.

This would be the 27th round of formal exploratory talks and the eighth under the Aquino administration, which resumed amity talks with the MILF in February 2011.

Last month, during the 26th exploratory talks also held in Malaysia, the third party mediator, the peace panels of the government and the MILF approved the request of the OIC’s Office of

the Secretary General to sit as observer.

The 57-member panIslamic body brokered the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that led to the signing of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA).

The MILF is a breakaway faction of the MNLF that today is the largest Islamic armed group in the Philippines.

With days before the 27th round of exploratory talks, Romero stressed the government realized that the search for a lasting peace in Mindanao cannot just focus on the negotiations between government and the MILF. She said the peace process with the MILF faces what is perhaps a unique challenge – the reality that current negotiations involve the same core territory (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and the same people that are already the subject of

a peace agreement with another group, the MNLF; and the reality that the FPA with the MNLF has already put in place an ARMM Regional Government, which practically everyone today agrees badly needs to be reformed.

The issue of peace in Mindanao was part of the 16-point agenda, articulated as no. 14, in President Benigno C. Aquino’s “Social Contract with the Filipino People” when he filed his candidacy in the 2010 polls.

It has become a national policy of the Aquino administration, through Chapter 9 of the Philippine Development Plan for 2010-2016 with the title “Peace and Security.”

The Aquino government’s peace agenda and development framework bears two major objectives: Track 1, which is the “negotiated political settlement of armed conflicts;” and the “Complementary Track, which seeks to address the causes of armed conflict and other issues that affect the peace process.” [BONG

to establish any camp in the province. These have to stop immediately,” the governor said.

Citing a report to the PPOC by the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, he said the rebels separately converged in the two areas earlier this year and started building encampments.

Pingoy said around 200 MILF rebels spotted recently by government forces have been moving towards Barangay Tudok, which is located near the mountainous boundaries of T’boli town in South Cotabato and Maasim in Sarangani province.

Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo, 27IB command-

er, said their monitoring showed that around 40 MILF rebels supposedly under its 107th Base Command initially gathered in Barangay Tudok to establish a camp in the area.

He said the rebels were allegedly led by a certain MILF commander Hams Ottoh Mastura alias Taruc.

“They named the camp as Khalid al Wahid and initially conducted trainings and assemblies there,” Bravo said.

In Banga town, the official said an initial 11 MILF rebels reportedly occupied a portion of Sitio Lampakpak in Barangay Lampari allegedly to set up another satellite camp.

Pingoy said they were opposing the establishment of the MILF camps in the province as it might only create tension and derail the local government’s socio-economic initiatives.

“It’s also a violation of the ceasefire agreement and this was supported by members of the International Monitoring Team who attended the PPOC meeting.

So I hope they will abide by it,” the governor said.

Pingoy said they will formally submit copies of the resolution this week to the government peace panel through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. [ALLEN V. ESTA-

S. SARMIENTO / MINDANEWS]

SouthCot execs to MILF: ‘Stop putting up camps’

C

ALLING it a violation of the ceasefire agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), South Cotabato officials have called for the immediate stoppage of the ongoing establishment by alleged MILF units of two new satellite camps in the province.

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said Monday the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has passed a resolution urging the MILF to withdraw its forces that have been allegedly setting up a base in Barangays Tudok in T’boli and Sitio Lampakpak, Barangay Lampari in Banga town.

“We can’t allow them

BILLO / MINDANEWS]

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Seahorses galloping into oblivion

By Jims Vincent T. Capuno

M

ANY working mothers will attest to this: When a woman does the laundry and cooking, she gets clean clothes and food on the table. When a man does the housework, he gets a standing ovation. A good mother is natural, a good father divine.

And so it is that the male seahorse has long viewed with awe, as a kind of submarine saint. Not only does he look like a Gothic hallucination, with his horse’s head, anteater’s snout and spiraling dragon’s tail; he also behaves fantasy.

As scientists discovered many decades ago, the male seahorse is the one that becomes pregnant, carries the young in his belly and gives birth. It was Dr. Amanda Vincent of Oxford University’s department of zoology in Canada which discovered the unique mating and reproduction process of the seahorse.

According to Dr. Vincent, the reproductive cycle starts when the female seahorse deposits 100 or more eggs into the pouch of the male’s abdomen. The male releases sperm into the pouch, fertilizing the eggs. The embryos develop within the male’s pouch, nourished by their individual yolk sacs. Incubation may last two to six weeks, depending on the seahorse species. After the embryos have developed, the male gives birth to tiny seahorses about one centimeter long.

Seahorses are generally monogamous, though several species are highly gregarious.

In monogamous pairs, the male and female will greet one another with courtship displays in the morning and sometimes in the evening to reinforce their pair bond.

They spend the rest of the day separate from each other hunting for food.

Seahorses are small saltwater fish belonging to the Syngnathidae family, which also includes pipefish and sea dragons. The seahorse’s scientific genus name, Hippocampusis a Greek word, which means “bent horse.”

Seahorses range in length from about 2 inches to 14 inches. Known for their small compressed body covered with 50 rectangular body plates, they also vary in colors - white, yellow, red, brown, black, gray, spotted or banded.

The tail is prehensile, and the tubular mouth sucks in small shellfish, shrimp, larvae and small crustaceans as food.

The head and foreparts, usually carried upright, resemble those of a horse. They swim vertically and beat their fins up to 70 times a second.

Seahorse figures prominently in some cultures around the world. In Mexico, for instance, there is a legend which stated that the seahorse is a person who, to escape his pursuers, fled into the sea, placing his sandals in his waist belt at his back. In Hawaiian culture, the seahorse has long been a sign of eternal friendship. The National Society for Epilepsy has a seahorse for its mascot (because a part of the brain that is vulnerable to damage from epileptic seizures resembles

a seahorse in shape). Tatsunoko Production, the Japanese anime company, has a seahorse in its logo.

Seahorses have been associated with mythology. The Chinese believe that seahorses have magical or medicinal effects. They are used for the treatment of respiratory disorders, throat infections, arteriosclerosis, kidney disease, goiter, lymph disorders, skin diseases, lethargy, infertility and sexual impotence. It was also reported to be a potent aphrodisiac that has been used by the Chinese and other Orientals, centuries before the controversial Viagra.

In Australia and the surrounding countries, seahorses are used for tourist merchandise, such as key chains and souvenirs.

There has also been strong demand for live seahorses. Unlike in traditional Chinese medicine, where large, smooth-skinned seahorses are preferred, the live trade is mostly in smaller seahorses, which fit more easily in home aquariums. And since home aquarium enthusiasts are usually not picky about whether the seahorses are smooth- or spiny-skinned, there is a market for nearly all seahorses, large or small, smooth or spiny.

“While many aquarium hobbyists will keep seahorses as pets, seahorses collected from the wild tend to fare poorly in a home aquarium,” cautions an expert. “They will eat only live foods such as brine shrimp and are prone to stress in an aquarium, which lowers the efficiency of their immune systems and makes them susceptible to disease.”

But despite this, the exploitation of seahorses for international trade is very serious. Aside from China and Australia, countries that are involved in buying and selling seahorses include Belize, Brazil, Ecuador, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Vietnam.

The largest known importers are China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In 1992 alone, China consumed roughly 20 tons of seahorses. Among the largest exporter is the Philippines, where about 70 percent of seahorses disappeared as a result of massive fishing in the past 10 years.

Trade is not the only problem seahorses are facing. They are also battling the gradual loss of their habitat. The seahorses are found in most coastal areas which have sea grass beds, mangroves, or coral reefs.

Most of these habitats are destroyed through the pollution of coastal waters, felling of mangrove forests, dredging and draining of sea grass beds and destruction of reefs by cyanide and dynamite fishing.

According to some studies, the loss of the seahorses from their natural habitat could disrupt the delicately balanced ecosystem. The main meal for the seahorses is shrimp, which they after

gather as the swing by their tails from blades of seagrasses. Despite their ability to change their color to match their surroundings, seahorses are often meals for penguins and crabs. Their bony exterior, however, discourages most fish. The other natural enemy of the seahorse is the weather. Often a storm may cast seahorses adrift and they die of exhaustion.

Dr. Vincent, who is considered the foremost authority on international seahorse trafficking, reported the seahorse population worldwide has likely plummeted 50 percent since the beginning of the 1990s.

“The threats are great to seahorses around the world,” deplored Dr. Vincent, who believedthe international seahorse trade is worth US$40 million. “We need to put the brakes on how, before there’s a catastrophic collapse.”

No one knows how many seahorses exist in the wild, but more than 120 species names have been proposed for seahorses over the past 200 years, although many have turned out to be synonyms for the same species.

While nobody knows how many seahorses swim the world’s waters, they have been overfished, forcing the World Conservation Union to list 32 seahorse species as “threatened.” An estimated 20 million seahorses are taken from the wild each year, according to Project Seahorse.

Among the more populated areas for seahorses are southern Australia and Tasmania, China, and the Philippines. “Being archipelagic, the Philippines has one of the most diverse reef fish fauna in the world,” says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, the former executive director of Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development. “As such, it provides a rich supply for the marine ornamental or aquarium fish trade including the seahorse which is among the most popular ornamental fishes.”

In the Philippines, scientists have found at least eight species of seahorses. In 2004, the ban on taking seahorses was imposed in the country.

Seahorses in aquarium

Seahorses

EDGEDAVAO

Stat Watch

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

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

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

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

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

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

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

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

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

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

5

Hedcor: We are producing reliable and efficient power A

FTER generating over 600 GWh last year from its run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Davao, Hedcor attests its high reliability when it comes to power generation.

“We are producing power efficiently and reliably for more than 30 years now,” Hedcor Vice President Boy Jabonillo said.

“Reliability for us means we deliver to our customers as promised. Making our plants reliable to produce power is a year-round responsibility,” Jabonillo added.

He pointed out three reasons why Hedcor hydropower

system is reliable. First, Hedcor makes sure its plants are readily available to generate power.

Hedcor maintains its plant through constant monitoring of equipment and its annual preventive maintenance schedule for optimum performance throughout the year. In fact, the plants are averaging 98 percent reliable.

Second, Hedcor continues to build more run-of-river hydropower plants to address the growing demands of power in the regions.

In Mindanao, there are five plants that Hedcor is currently developing, which will

bring 55 MW of additional capacity to Davao City, Davao del Sur and Bukidnon in 2014.

“We have a unique operational ability in which we can provide energy regularly to power our customers because water is accessible in our area,” Jabonillo said.

Lastly, Hedcor intensifies its watershed management activities including reforestation, river clean up and riverbank stabilization as the company’s operations is highly dependent on available water.

“A healthy watershed ensures us water will always be available,” he said.

Hedcor, the AboitizPower

wholly-owned subsidiary, is the largest developer of runof-river hydropower systems with 19 generating plants in the country.

The five projects are under application with the Department of Energy as Renewable Energy (RE) Projects under the Renewable Energy Act. Once RE Contracts are issued, two of the five plants can start constructing while the three can progress to detailed design. Without the RE Contract, Hedcor cannot get the other permits to progress the project to construction.

(HEDCOR/CLC/PIA)

DCWD to curb water losses Region 10 posts 14% increase

D

ISTRICT Metered Areas (DMA) in DECA Homes and Emily Homes in Cabantian will be established to better monitor leaks and reduce nonrevenue water (NRW) in said places. These additions were inspired by the observed 12% decrease in NRW in the 14 areas with DMA’s established in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

The most significant decrease has been recorded in Green Meadows, Mintal where the first DMA was established in January of 2009. In three years time, water loss was reduced by 32% from 41% in 2009 and further down to 9% in 2011. More remarkable decreases in NRW for 2010 and 2011 were observed in SPDA Subdivision and Wellspring Village 2 & 3 by 19% and in IWHA Road going to Greenland Subd. by 14% .

Other areas with existing DMA’s include: Sitio Felomina in Catalunan Grande; Mintal Relocation; Libby Road going to Carmelo Porras and Catotal subdivisions; Rosalina Village 3 in Dumoy; Lubogan going to Dacoville Subd.; Dacudao, Malagos and Riverside in Calinan; and Royal Valley and Central Park subdivisions in Bangkal. All these areas also showed decrease in NRW after establishment of DMA. DMA is an active means of managing water loss in a particular water system by dividing one water supply system into a series of smaller sub-

systems for which NRW is calculated individually. NRW is the water produced but is lost due to leaks, theft, or authorized usage for which no payment is made such as firefighting, flushing of mainline pipes and communal faucets.

“As DCWD’s service connections grow annually, preventing water loss is also becoming more of a challenge.

However, by sectioning our big water supply systems into more manageable parts, and given the results of the already established DMA’s in the city, there is a big chance to bring down the NRW to 20% which is the standard set by the Local Water Utilities Administration for all water districts in the country,” explained acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado.

He also said that aside from targeting NRW reduction activities, the establishment of DMA could also isolate water quality problems; improve and safeguard water quality; and better manage overall system pressure to allow 24/7 water supply throughout the network.

“DMA is among the many strategies to manage NRW imparted by Ranhill Utilities Berhad of Malaysia with whom we had a twinning agreement. Hopefully, with these new systems, we will be able to bring down the 27% NRW in 2011 to 20% in 2012,” Engr. Regalado added.

in FOB value of exports

A

total value of US$1.064 billion in freight-onboard (FOB) was noted for the total regional exports (TRE) of region 10, last year, higher by 14.85 percent compared to US$926.91 million in FOB in 2010.

FOB is the transport cost of the export commodities was paid for by the country of destination, Director Linda O. Boniao of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), region 10 said.

Boniao said on a per province performance, Misamis Oriental had the biggest contribution of US$541.40 million or 50.86 percent of the TRE, followed by Lanao del Norte with US$303.25 million or 28.49 percent.

Bukidnon came next with US$114.94 or 10.80 percent, Misamis Occidental with US$104.68 million or 9.83 percent and Camiguin with US$0.24 million or 0.02 percent.

In terms of growth of exports, however, only three (3) of region 10’s five (5) provinces posted positive growths: Misamis Oriental, 9.86 percent, Lanao del Norte, 23.93 percent and Bukidnon, 97.46 percent.

But the exports of Misamis Occidental posted negative or declined by 20.07 percent, and Camiguin by 4.0 percent.

Meanwhile, in terms of exports by sector, coconut-based products with a US$683.48 million in FOB value remained on top of the list of exports of the region, contributing a 64.21 percent share to the TRE, in 2011.

The rest of the exports by sector and their contri-

butions to the TRE were as follows: Processed foods, US$110.91 million or 10.42 percent, and sugar and sugar-cane products, US$75.10 million or 1,077.12 percent.

Other resource-based, US$ 59.27 million or 5.57 percent, industrial manufacturing, US$44.82 million or 4.21 percent, wood-based products, US$30.29 million or 2.85 percent, and fresh fruits, US$22.9 million or 2.15 percent.

Rubber products, US$16.33 million or 1.53 percent, iron and steel, US$13.87 million or 1.30 percent, special transactions, US$2.66 million or 0.25 percent, and aquamarine products, US$2.3 million or 0.22 percent.

Mineral-based products, US$1.44 million or 0.14 percent, gifts, toys and house wares, US$0.95 million or 0.09 percent and consumer manufactures, US$0.19 million or 0.02 percent.

Processed products, from US$86.25 million to US$110.91 million or 28.59 percent, rubber products, from US$13.2 million to US$16.33 million or 23.71 percent, and coconut-based products, from US$630.26 million to US$683.48 million or 8.44 percent.

However, negative performances were noted on the following export commodities: Mineral-based products, from US$4.49 million to US$1.44 million or down by 67.93 percent, consumer manufactures, from US$0.5 million to US$0.19 million or down by 62 percent and iron and steel, from US$25.94 million to 13.87 million or down by 46.53 percent.

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

6

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

Bangus brings in high returns

By Jims Vincent T. Capuno

S

LEEK and silvery, beloved because of its mild, sweet flesh, and its melt-in the-mouth belly fat, bangus or milk fish is a favorite Filipino fish. Not only that, it is considered a national icon as it is part of the country’s national heritage. Today, bangus is making waves in other countries as well. “We export bangus to countries where there are a lot of Filipinos and overseas foreign workers like the Middle East and the United States,” reports Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former executive director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD).

The Philippines is one of the top bangus producers in the world, along with Indonesia and Taiwan. “Until recently, the country has contributed around 55 percent share of the world bangus production,” the PCAMRD claims.

“Bangus has always been the most important species cultured in the Philippines in terms of area and production,” admits Dr. Guerrero, who also popularized tilapia production and consumption in the country.

Bangus (scientific name: Chanos chanos) is most closely related to carps and catfishes. It occurs in the Indian Ocean and across the Pacific Ocean, tending to school around coasts and islands with reefs. A warm water species, it prefers water temperatures between 20-33 degrees Centigrade.

Bangus is one of the most studied fish in the world.

Scientists have found that they spawn

BANGUS

only in fully saline water.

Females spawn up to 7 million eggs, which hatch in about 24 hours. Spawning and fertilization take place at night. The frequency of spawning per year is still unknown.

Eggs and larvae are pelagic up to two to three weeks. In nature, the larvae seek out clear coastal and estuarine waters warmer than 23°C with 10-32 parts per thousand salinity and abundant phytoplankton. Incubating eggs and newly hatched larvae are transported to the shore by currents where they are gathered by people in brackish waters such as shallow sandy areas, mouths of rivers, and lagoons.

Older larvae migrate onshore and settle in coastal wetlands (mangroves, estuaries) during the juvenile stage, or occasionally enter freshwater lakes. Under natural conditions, larvae and fry migrate to tidal pools and settle in them for one month until they become juveniles, then migrate into lagoons, lakes and shallow waters until they reach adolescence before returning to the sea for further grown and sexual maturation.

In the Philippines, bangus is one of the most-often cultured fish. The top bangus producing provinces are Bulacan, Pangasinan, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. The most recent report released by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) show that the combined production of these five provinces alone accounts for more than 50 percent of the country’s total production.

For a very long time,

the Philippine aquaculture industry was virtually synonymous with bangus culture.

The introduction of marine cages has greatly expanded the range of culture systems under which bangus is now being produced: brackishwater ponds, fishpens in freshwater lakes, fishpens in shallow bays, lake-based cages whether fixed or floating, and sea-based cages. Perhaps no other aquaculture species has wider range of environment and culture systems under which it is being produced.

“The Philippines is still the biggest producer of bangus in the world from brackishwater fishponds and in sea cages,” says Dr. Guerrero. There is also a market for bangus outside the country. The Philippines exports bangus in different forms as smoked, dried, marinated, frozen and canned products. In 2005, the United States was the biggest market for Philippine bangus as it bought more than 43 percent of the total volume of bangus exports. The other destinations of bangus exports were United Kingdom, Guam, Australia, Canada, Korea, and Japan.

Historically, bangus fry abound in the country.

In recent years, however, the number collected has been dwindling due to the destruction of natural habitats brought about by the extensive conversion of mangrove areas to fishponds, destructive fishing methods (like dynamite fishing) and environmental degradation (deforestation and siltation), among others.

Consequently, with the decrease in seed supply, the cost of fry and finger-

lings has increased significantly over the years. As a result, the Philippines has to import fry from Indonesia and Taiwan since both have lower prices compared to those sold in the country, according to Dr. Guerrero.

Normally, bangus fry appears in different places and various seasonal peaks. Areas like Southern Leyte, Western Samar, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Occidental, Antique, and Iloilo have two peak seasons: March to July and October to November. Provinces like Cotabato and Zamboanga del Sur have fry available year-round.

Livelihood Options for Coastal Communities, published by the Silang-based International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, says peak gathering days occur during high tides after two or three days following a new moon or a full moon.

The gonadosomatic index (GSI) or peak-spawning season of bangus starts in March to June and drops in August to September.

During the breeding season, the rising GSI value coincides with rising seawater temperature.

Spawning regularly occurs among five- to seven-yearold sabalo in the wild. Fertility is about 300,000 to one million eggs per kilogram weight of sabalo.

Several bangus fry collection methods are practiced in the Philippines.

This includes fry barriers or fences, seine nets and “bulldozer” nets.

The collected bangus fry are placed in well-ventilated containers, preferably wooden vats or big earthen jars filled with clean brackishwater. The containers are kept on cool areas. Overexposure to sunlight is avoided or the fry die. Also, the fry must be brought to the concessionaires’ buying stations without delay.

The lack of fry is just one of the many problems that beset bangus production in the country. Dr. Guerrero cites two more: low productivity in ponds and high cost of feeds for culture in cages. In dealing with these three problems, the former PCAMRD head suggests: “These can be solved by putting up more hatcheries, stepping up extension services to farmers, and development of low-cost feeds.”

EDGEDAVAO

DTI 12 SME caravan reaches Sultan Kudarat

O

NCE again, Sultan Kudarat province’s Department of Trade and Industry will gather micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in Soccsksargen Region to help boost local enterprises.

This time though, preferred participants to the SME Caravan 2012 at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Gymnasium in Isulan town on April 25 to 26 are those who have existing enterprises and are looking for means to improve their businesses.

Sultan Kudarat Trade & Industry Provincial Director Nelly Dillera said the SME Caravan 2012 aims to provide the local entrepreneurs with first hand information on entrepreneurship – from improvement of product to capacitating entrepreneurs.

“This year’s SME Caravan in Region 12 would help the growing number of entrepreneurs learn how to manage their businesses, access funds, maintain high level of product quality for food and enhance their awareness on sensing the right and legitimate local and international market opportunities,” Dillera said.

“There shall also be a topic on Tourism Product Identification and Development to aid the tourism officers and even landowners in identifying potential area for tourism development.”

Among the resource persons invited for the breakout sessions include Roberto Castañeda and Euclid Cezar.

Castañeda, who will share his knowledge on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and surviving pitfalls of small businesses, is the founder of the Don Roberto’s Winery, producer of the world’s first mango wine. Besides, its green mango and sweet mango wines, his company also produces brewed coffee wine.

Cezar, a professor of

San Beda College – Manila, is a well-known business coach and host of “Super Entrepinoy” program. He is the owner of Ink More which sells ready-to-use ink cartridges.

“We want to benchmark what these entrepreneurs have done to be able to inspire our ‘kababayans’ to aspire to attain what these entrepreneurs have achieved,” Dillera said in an interview with a local radio station.

Other resource persons include Engr. Menandro Ortego, OIC Testing and Inspection Division of the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), who will discuss food safety assurance system; and Dennis Monong, assistant vice president for Mindanao operations of People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC) who will teach MSMEs how to find best financing for their businesses.

Side events such as trade fair of Region 12’s best products, market matching, product evaluation, design exhibit, online business name registration, and plant visit and assessment for the acquisition of Food and Drug License to Operate.

Dillera said preferred participants are entrepreneurs involved in the region’s priority industries like processors of coffee, muscovado, banana, coconut, bangus/fishery, crafts, bamboo, pangasius, rubber, palm oil, mango, ICTBPO. Dillera reported that number of new businesses in Sultan Kudarat has increased 84 percent, from 959 newly registered businesses in 2010 to 1,770 in 2011. Last year, 121 new entrepreneurs were created, which is 74 percent higher than the 107 new entrepreneurs in 2010.

This is a two-day activity for free but reservations must be made for pre-screening. Contact the nearest DTI office for details and reservations.

Zero-duty on capital imports extended for five years

E

NTERPRISES may now enjoy the extended zero percent duty on any importation of capital equipment, spare parts and accessories by Board of Investment (BOI) - registered new and expanding enterprises located within the economic zones and freeports for five more years.

This is after President Aquino signed Executive Order No. 70 last March 29 following the expiry of the fiveyear effectivity of EO 528 that imposed zero duty on such equipment back in 2006.

Importation of capital equipment was reported to be one of the major cost burdens of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their start-up operations.

In EO 70, the zero percent duty is granted provided importations of machinery, equipment, spare parts and accessories shall not be used to manufacture domestically in sufficient quantity, of comparable quality and at reasonable prices. The policy also requires that such importations should be reasonably needed and will be used exclusively by the enterprise in its registered activity, unless prior approval of the BOI is secured.

The order further read that “allowing the zero percent duty importation will make the country more competitive in attracting investments in the face of an increasingly competitive Asian market for foreign direct investments.”

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

7

Camella Tagum welcomes summer amidst development W

HILE Camella Tagum’s development continues its steadfast pace, it is already making plans to welcome summer with fun activities for homebuyers and homeowners.

With almost a quarter of its land development completed, this Italian-Mediterranean themed subdivision will open its gates to host games that allow families to bond, such as Frisbee and kite-flying on its vast grounds.

“Summer is here and we want our homeowners and homebuyers to experience summer fun in their future Camella home,” said Shielamae Lara, Camella Tagum Marketing Head.

Lara added that their homeowners will not have to wait too long for their new homes, as house construction will soon start in June.

“Had it not been for the rains, we would have started building earlier.

But at least 14 homes are set to rise in June, to reach 90 homes within the year,” Lara said.

Parallel to building the houses is the construction of the perimeter fence that starts this quarter. Also in the pipeline is a well-ap-

pointed clubhouse where homeowners can hold special occasions and events, featuring a good sized swimming pool that can be enjoyed anytime of the year.

For the little ones, a children’s playground will give them the space and facility for playtime, while those into sports can play ball at the multi-purpose courts.

Homeowners can walk and take in the natural ambiance of the subdivision’s sculpted lawns, tree-line avenues, and pocket parks, or huff it along the jogging paths for exercise.

A grand entrance gate will welcome residents into the community that will be kept secure 24/7 by security guards. For those who wish to just hop on from their houses and hop off to their destination within the city, a shuttle service will be available for the convenience of the residents.

Like with all Camella communities, Camella Tagum shall enjoy the privilege of being managed by a professional property management group, ensuring the subdivision will be properly managed and maintained to allow homeowners to fully live the good life, and keep their property value on the rise.

Camella Tagum welcomes all inquiries at Unit 12 Gaisano Grand Arcade, Lapu-Lapu Extension, Apokon Road in Tagum City, with contact numbers 09175639617 and 09237399671.

OME 50 masons in the province have constructed a two-classroom building at Magsaysay National High SchoolAnnex in Brgy. Magsaysay, Nabunturan as part of their 10-day production training.

The training, facilitated by the provincial government and partner-sponsoring agencies, was done April 10-19 this year.

The school construction is a project under the Kalinga sa Kabataan, Bayanihan sa Paaralan, a program initiated by Governor Arturo T. Uy in support to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Included in the train-

ing was a three-day performance assessment before the trainees received their respective National Certificates (level II & III) from Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA) during the graduation.

Half of the participants took the assessment NC II and the other half for the NC III. The training was jointly sponsored by the Association of Construction & Informal Workers (ACIW), TESDA, PGO, HOLCIM Philippines, municipal and barangay LGUs, and the DepEd. The trainees were each provided with ten sacks of

cement, working equipment and tools, safety shoes, and hard hots courtesy of HOLCIM. With his advocacy and commitment to produce more skilled Comvalenyos, Gov. Uy is fully supporting the conduct of different skills training programs in partnership with other agencies.

Bob Mirasol, the Provincial Community Training & Employment coordinator, said these masons who started from NC I level of eligibility and underwent series of skills training are currently employed at the provincial government and the local government units.

• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.

• Actively manage indoor temperatures by opening and closing windows and window coverings (e.g., open windows to take advantage of cool evening breezes, close blinds or curtains against direct sunlight in the summer to reduce heat gain, open blinds or curtains to capture heat gain from sunlight during the winter, close blinds or curtains in the winter to

reduce heat loss).

• Ensure heating registers and vents are not blocked by furniture or window coverings.

• Use cold water in your clothes washing machines and run only full loads.

• Use a clothesline.

• Use the “air dry” cycle on your dishwasher and run only full loads.

• Clean refrigerator coils and seals and defrost

freezer units. Set the refrigerator temperature to 35°F and the freezer temperature to 0°F. • Reduce the use of heat-producing appliances (e.g., ovens, ranges, clothes dryers) on hot days.

• Unplug or get rid of spare refrigerators and freezers, particularly if they are not ENERGY STAR appliances.

• Use the stairs instead of an elevator.

Masons put their skills to test

S

10 ways you can cut down your energy cost

SSS cuts down on loan interest rates T

HE Social Security System (SSS) has cut down its interest rates and raised the maximum amount of its housing loans to help members gain wider access to decent shelter at affordable terms, a top official said.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said members can now borrow up to P2 million, which is double the amount offered in the past, while annual interest rates were reduced by as much as five percent.

“The revised guidelines aim to align SSS housing loan programs to current industry practices. Our longer payment terms and fixed interest rates also make SSS loans competi-

tive to lending facilities offered by other institutions such as banks,” he said.

The new interest rates for individual members are pegged at eight percent per annum for loan grants of up to P400,000; nine percent for up to P1 million; ten percent for up to P1.5 million; and 11 percent for up to P2 million. Interest rates are fixed for a period of 15 years.

Employees, self-employed individuals and overseas Filipino workers with at least 36 contributions, including 24 months of continuous payment of premiums, and have no retirement or total disability claims can borrow. They and their spouse must

have no delinquent SSS loans.

“We also increased the P300,000 limit on House Repair and Improvement loans to P1 million. Among those who will benefit are members whose homes were damaged by natural calamities and families who want to expand or renovate their house,» de Quiros said.

SSS lowered its 14 percent interest rate to 11 percent for entrepreneurs and developers of subdivisions, condominiums and other residential properties. To be eligible, employers must have current contribution and loan payments and a record of profitability for the last three years.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

The business of being physically fit

C

EDITORIAL

O

Scarborough standoff: Scare tactics by China

UR national government must stand dispute, is that not a sign of weakness of fast in its standoff with China on its claim? Why would China settle for such the issue of who owns Scarborough a joint enterprise if it truly believes it owns Shoal. the Shoal and can prove it before the InterThe Shoal is much, much nearer to the national Tribunal on the Law of the Sea? Philippines -- 220 kilometers from ZamFurthermore, the fact that China has bales – than it is to the nearest coast of Chi- sent armed ships to the area is an act of hana, Hainan (840 kilometers). rassment by a big military power boasting If China insists it owns Scarborough of an army of two million men currently Shoal, why does the Chinese government under arms along with a fast-growing narefuse to submit the problem for arbitration val might, a sure sign that China’s claim before the United Nations-backed Interna- to Scarborough Shoal has no leg to stand tional Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (Itlos) on, but its military posturing might do the to which it is a signatory? trick—scare tiny Philippines (population Instead, China prefers to thresh out the is- 94 million) into surrendering its claim on sue one-on-one with the Philippines to the the Shoal to China (population over a bilexclusion of other claimants to portions of lion). the Spratlys. In a face-to-face confrontation, It has been said that the Spratlys could neither side is expected to give in. Not the eventually be the flashpoint of World War Philippines, which has a historical and legal III unless the United Nations nip the probground to back up its claim to the Shoal. lem in the bud by stepping into the dispute If it is true that China had suggested that sooner than later. But for now, the Philipthe two countries instead embark on a joint pines must not show any sign of weakness, exploration and exploitation of the area in but stand fast in the standoff with China.

EDGEDAVAO

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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A N D I D SHOTS – If people make no effort to understand the policies and decisions of the government, do not have an intelligent position, and do not make their positions known, they obviously surrender all the power to those who really appreciate it.

You can be sure that official decisions and policies being made will be rarely damaging to those who make them or to the people they represent. I firmly believe this can be considered an appropriate statement of what our mission as members of the Fourth Estate is all about. oooOooo EXPRESSIVE BUSINESS ATTITUDE – Over the years, health concerns meant a thing to many people. However, a lot of people nowadays still indulge in fat-loaded food, excessive drinking and smoking. The result? They become bloated-stuff – gain extra weight and unbearable amount of fat.

Sometimes things get even serious.

People with “unhealthy lifestyle” start to see health patterns that they don’t want to see when they’re still alive – stage of obesity.

The object of the prevailing situation, to the extent that it has one critical problem, is to start a serious diet and fitness routine.

A lot of innovative entrepreneurs many years back discovered a new way to entice the “unhealthy lifestyle” crowd. At the time, the idea was not readily apparent to many people, particularly those with health and weight problems. Despite the odds, they opened fitness gyms and physical conditioning facilities to cater to the growing number of people with unhealthy lifestyles.

And why shouldn’t they? Fitness centers and physical training amenities might be exactly what they need: a virtual outfit where they can squeeze out their sweaty and fatty domain though proper physical conditioning. As a result, the fitness and physical training business proliferated fast, far and wide.

Expectedly, it earned big income for the health-minded capitalists. Their investment and efforts have paid off. Today, the profitable business reigns as one of the best ways to prevent obesity and other illnesses, such as heart problems, diabetes and hypertension. Not a few have done so successfully in venturing into this kind of business endeavor. And because of the trend, Davao City has become a host to hundreds of fitness and physical conditioning clubs.

For many people, Dabawenyos in particular, learning to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle hasn’t been easy. But they’re trying hard – spending more time riding their bicycles, playing basketball or volleyball, engaging in extreme sports, but most importantly doing weightlifting, the treadmill, skipping rope, push-ups, bending and other forms of physical exercise being offered by their nearest fitness center. So far, it’s quite effective and working according to some of my friends who like me are kind of supportive health buffs.

Nevertheless, medical experts warn that if some people can’t keep their weight under control, they’d likely end up doing the regimens of re-activating strict diet and losing weight control program. Remember that activities inside a fitness club don’t instantly register as a“ healthy regimen” – in fact, at first blush it sounds suspiciously similar to “forced labor.”

The fitness and physical conditioning business lies in exactly what should have made it a successful enterprise. To a greater extent than the original purpose, fitness clubs actually have built-in group activities to encourage health-conscious people to get together and socialize. A health buff’s activities won’t be complete if it’s not working, sweating out and hanging out with fellow health enthusiasts.

The physical conditioning trend has become an expressive attitude of entrepreneurs which they can use in setting up a successful business like coffeeshop, electronic accessories outlet or a sport pub. Logically, if people, health enthusiasts in particular, like your business, you’ll make more money and more friends.

As fitness clubs and physical training facilities get bigger and more modern, topof-the-line and sophisticated equipment readily available, it will be interesting to see the “unhealthy lifestyle” crowd double if not triple in number, and entrepreneurs should likewise come up with something new – pour in huge capital outlay and let the fitness and physical training business grow by knowing exactly what the clients want.

EDGEDAVAO

M

anny Pacquiao watchers are puzzled over the early departure of conditioning coach Alex Ariza from the champion’s Baguio camp.

There is no cause for alarm, however, as the coach and student will again hook up in the US when Pacquiao wraps up his Baguio leg of training and flies to the US in the first or second week of May. Baguio has become the second training home for the eight-division world boxing champion. It is where he builds up his stamina by running the high altitude and through thin air. Besides, there is nothing in what Ariza has been doing that cannot be done by Pacquiao’s Filipino trainers.

In addition, I personally saw how the Bible-quoting champion looked very trim and already fit after just a week of hitting the gym in General Santos City (more on this chance encounter later). Pacquiao probably weighed no more than 154 pounds two days before he left for Manila en route to his Baguio camp.

Ariza of course has always been very vocal about Pacquiao’s penchant at throwing a monkey’s wrench on the conditioning regimen he has been preparing for the boxing champion by allowing so many distractions.

I

love Cebu. I love its parochial charm, its religious fervor, and its cultural gradeur.

The first time I laid eyes on Cebu, I was particularly attracted and greatly amused, by the quaint, short, narrow thoroughfares. But I found its main avenue – Jones St. – imperial, which may be likened to the grand street of Paris minus the Arc de Triomphe.

Of course, I was moved by the centuries-old Cross of Magellan Shrine, Cebu’s major religious attraction and historical pride.

Then there is Colon St., Cebu’s eternal landmark. It is t Cebu what Escolta is to Manila, or Kennon Road is to Baguio.

Cebu may no longer be the parochial city of yesteryears, but it still retains its baroque character emphasized by the spectacular Sinulog festival which to Cebuanos is the greatest show on earth.

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

No big fuss The recent presidential snub, no matter how Pacquiao downplayed it, will be more than just an annoying episode. But Manny being Manny could also be fired up by it. Pacquiao has mastered the art of reining over the organized chaos around him, some even caused by him. He thrives under pressure and cherishes the underdog image. No, Pacquiao is not the underdog against American Timothy Bradley. He is heavily favored to defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight title – perhaps by an early knockout.

He is up against the tenant at the Presidential Palace as a budding politician. And it is still a long way before 2016, when Pacquiao could try his political fortunes in a nationally-elected position. But next year’s mid-term election could be another curtain raiser for his second day job because, like it nor not, Manny still spends more of his working time in boxing rather than in Philippine Congress where he is a member of the House of Representatives.

Now back at that Waterfront Insular Hotel episode in Davao City where Pacquiao and I stood side by side inside the rest room. It was purely an unexpected incident.

As many have already known it, Pacquiao said he filed a libel complaint against me for that story about his friend who was placed under surveillance for the latter’s alleged involvement in carjacking activities.

His libel complaint was reported all over the paper and available mass media.

Up to this writing, however, I have not received a copy of his complaint although a member of the city prosecution team confirmed that it indeed had been filed. Why it was not served to me, I honestly do not know.

So when we two almost literally ‘bumped into each other’ one would expect high drama. Instead, we greeted each other as if nothing ever happened. More than anything else, Pacquiao did not expect to see me 147 kilometers away from our homes. His initial reaction upon seeing me was at first a brief disbelief.

By my own reckoning, it was not after almost three seconds when he slowly grinned and greeted me, “O, naa man diay ang akong amigo dire.” (To the non-Visayan, pardon me but I will not provide you a translation) After saying he is leaving for Baguio the following Monday in reply to my question, he went out of the rest room just the way we were before the libel complaint. We were never really close. We are not enemies either.

Being a continuing subject, I always maintained a safe distance from him.

Sorry for those who expected the unexpected from our brief exchange of cordial and civil greetings, if you will call them as such. Like you, me and Manny obviously wanted to exchange ideas under different circumstances. Bitin, ano? [MindaNews]

Ceboom, Ceboom!

But more than being the cradle of Christianity in the country, and a cultural jewel, Cebu is an economic revelation, nay, a miracle engineered by its homegrown captains of industry and powered by visionary political leaders who think of Cebu beyond today.

Today, Cebu is a wonderland, a magical city of endless marvel and engaging charm – highly urbanized, thoroughly modern, sophisticated and very metropolitan.

All the signs of authentic progress are evident everywhere – towering condominiums, majestic edifices, luxuries residential communities that offer grand resort, leisure-style amenities, five star hotels, plush restaurants, high-end malls, world –class BPO companies, busy international airport,

great infrastructure, and every conceivable high-tech living facilities.

You want the good and the high life, la dulce vita? Cebu has it all – haute dining, world-class entertainment, comfortable living, unlimited recreation, shopping galore, the works.

Cebuanos are unequivocally proud of their city.

They sing praises to its glorious past; they marvel at its dynamic present; and they exude unrestraint optimism at its robust future.

They feel so great that they even coined a new world to dramatize such pride – Ceboom, which connotes a booming economy and improved standard of living.

So, all together now…one, two, three… Ceboom, Ceboom, tralalalalalalalalalala Ceboom!

‘Cebuanos are unequivocally proud of their city. They sing praises to its glorious past; they marvel at its dynamic present; and they exude unrestraint optimism at its robust future.’

9

The lost chamber

N

OBODY can say with finality if the Filipino voters in the pre-Martial Law years were any better than the voters today.

However, since elections in this country then and now have had taken place under similar social conditions, there may be discernible patterns in how they would behave.

For example, a tenant would find it convenient to vote for a candidate who happens to be his landlord even if he thinks that the opponent is more qualified. These are constants imposed by economic and power relations, realities that make so-called voter education campaigns virtually useless among people enslaved by this situation.

But in the past the voters were at least discerning in choosing members to the Senate. Ask your grandparents, and they would say they have missed the likes of Senators Lorenzo Tanada, Jose Diokno, Claro M. Recto, Benigno Aquino Jr. and Jovito Salonga. Not only were they eloquent, they served as effective counterforce to the machinations of whoever sat in the Palace.

Those were the times that the chief executive would shudder at the mere thought of being put under the prying eyes and unrestrained yet brilliant criticisms of senators cum orators. The Senate did live up its name as a guardian of national interest, and was served by people who knew the nature of their task and possessed the intelligence, skills and integrity to do it.

Recto would have become a great president. But the Catholic church launched a smear campaign against him, reportedly going to the extent of distributing condoms that bore his name. Of course, the closest to Malacanang was Aquino Jr. but Martial Law cut short his march to the Palace.

During the first senatorial election after the 1986 Edsa uprising that toppled Marcos a few political luminaries managed to win. Names like Salonga as well as newcomer Wigberto Tanada, son of Lorenzo Tanada who was as erudite and independent-minded as his father as a lawmaker, gave some glimmer of hope to a Senate that was about to fall into ignominy.

Salonga and Tanada are assured of a place in history for leading the Senate into rejecting the renewal of the Military Bases Agreement. The defeat of the MBA proved to be the Senate’s finest moment, although that episode has been eclipsed by the Visiting Forces Agreement that allows US troops to return to the country in the guise of training and humanitarian intervention.

The Senate has since relapsed into decadence as an institution with the entry of members who presume that the chamber is an extension of the silver screen or the hard court.

We did have a popular cager who simply warmed the political equivalent of a bench. We reelected actors who badly need a script whenever – and if ever – they take the floor.

Mediocrity borne by misplaced ambitions continues to plague the Senate like an ancient curse. And somebody thinks he can exorcise the malevolent spirits inside it with Biblical verses quoted at random. [MindaNews/H. Marcos C. Mordeno writes mainly on the environment, human rights and politics. He can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com]

10 SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

Maco, New Corella schools get new chairs as RTU boosts ‘Care for School Chairs Program’

M

OST schools in the country today are on an official hiatus: school children and teachers go on summer break, leaving the halls and corridors of schools silent and empty.

But for the team of Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy, this is just a perfect time to boost his “Care for School Chairs” Program thereby giving far-flung schools in Davao Region “new tools of hope” long before classes officially open in June.

As large volumes of confiscated logs arrive in Tagum City’s Motorpool in Tipaz, Baran-

gay East every now and then, the local chief executive is also busy going to schools to distribute new school chairs fabricated by the Local Government of Tagum thru the initiatives of Mayor Uy. On April 17, 2012, his team went to the Municipality of New Corella where chairs are indeed badly needed.

Dark classrooms now come alive in El Salvador Elementary School and Patrocenio Elementary School with their 60 pieces of yellow armchairs, respectively. Sta. Fe Elementary School received 90 armchairs while 50 pieces of the

same were also given to its annex high school.

In Municipality of Maco, Province of Compostela Valley, two schools benefited in the distribution of chairs last April 18, 2012.

They are, Concepcion Elementary School received 130 armchairs and 50 kiddie chairs, 25 of which will be given to the Barangay Day Center. Dumlan Elementary School also received 130 pieces of armchairs, 30 kiddie chairs for the school’s kindergarten class and 10 for the barangay day care center.

Requests from school’s authorities

Kids also take part in carrying kiddie chairs in Concepcion Elementary School in Maco, Compostela Valley last April 18, 2012.

Local officials in Maco, Compostela Valley help in facilitating the distribution of 180 school furniture to Concepcion Elementary in Maco, Compostela Valley last April 18, 2012.

Workers arrange the 50 pieces of armchairs which will be given to Sta. Fe High School in New Corella, Davao del Norte. . These chairs are fabricated by the Tagum through the Care for School Chairs Program.

come at a little expense, with Mayor Uy only a text away. It usually takes two to three weeks for the chairs fabricated from confiscated logs to be delivered personally by the local chief executive.

To date, a total of 36,512 school furniture (armchairs, desks, kiddie chairs, teacher tables, computer and working table), were already distributed by LGU Tagum to different schools as part of Tagum’s ‘Social Responsibility’ to its neighboring Cities and Municipalities in Davao Region since August 2011. [LOUIE LAPAT OF CIO TAGUM]

EDGEDAVAO

ELEMENTARY STUDENTS CARRYING CHAIRS - Students of El Salvador Elementary in New Corella, Davao del Norte are seen here carrying new chairs (which they received 60 pieces of yellow armchairs) given by the Local Government of Tagum (thru the initiatives of Mayor Rey T. Uy) for free last April 17, 2012. These chairs are fabricated by the Tagum through the Care for School Chairs Program.

Local folks helped in carrying new school chairs fabricated by the local government of Tagum. A total of 60 pieces of yellow armchairs were given by the Local Government of Tagum (thru the initiatives of Mayor Rey T.

Uy) for free last April 17, 2012 to El Salvador Elementary School in New Corella, Davao del Norte. These chairs are fabricated by the Tagum through the Care for School Chairs Program.

Local officials in Patrocenio Elementary School in New Corella, Davao del Norte pose with City of Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy upon the distribution of 60 armchairs to their

school last April 17, 2012 courtesy of the Local Government of Tagum’s “Care for School Chairs Program,” which is a brainchild project of Mayor Uy.

A total of 90 pieces of armchairs were given for free last April 17, 2012 to Sta. Fe Elementary School in New

Corella, Davao del Norte. These chairs are fabricated by the Tagum through the Care for School Chairs Program.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

Davao Port ticks off 35 P

hilippine Ports Authority Port Management Office (PPA PMO) - Davao marked its coral anniversary on April 1, 2012, celebrating more than three decades of sustained public service.

“We are very blessed to have reached this far in terms of years of experience in our role as port administrator, regulator and an enabler of maritime businesses related to trade, transport and tourism,” PPA PMO-Davao and Concurrent Port Manager Atty.

Christian V. Santillan expressed.

Series of activities kicked off in a bloodletting ceremony which was facilitated by the Philippine National Red Cross (PRC) – Davao City Chapter on March 31, three days before the actual date. Such was participated in by employees, dock workers and other willing donors.

PMO-Davao has been an active supporter of the PNRC as part of its corporate social responsibility projects and advocacies for maintaining healthy lifestyle in the port communities for three decades now.

March 31 likewise coincided with the berthing of MV Danae, a luxury cruise liner which sailed from Marseille, France for a four-month tour around the world.

Said cruise ship brought 371 passengers (both crew and visitors) which all hailed from countries in the European Union. About 90 percent of the guests on board have been accom-

panied by local tourism operators aboard buses and coaches for sightseeing and shopping around Davao City.

PPA PMO-Davao selected officers and staff took the limited window to go onboard and greet the foreign visitors and explore the vessel’s seven-story deck features.

The visit is the first of its kind in Davao City.

Since April 1 fell on a Sunday, official celebration was moved to the day after, April 2 (Monday), giving way for employees and guests to join in various sports events and programs prepared for by the office and enjoy the day-long observance on a semi-holiday mode.

On April 2, events slated in the morning were Flag Raising and Pinoy Games played between teams divided by color followed by the Awarding of Winners and a simple Lunch Treat for the employees and invited guest-judges.

To cap the milestone year, a 70s retro-inspired party was held on the evening of April 2 which featured the following: Rigodon de Honor (dancing in pairs), Citations for Top 10 Performers, Loyalty and Special Awards for PMO-Davao Pioneers and Retirees, the Retro Look Award which was won by Administrative Services Chief Ms. Natividad P. Amorillo who came in a psychedelic muumuu paired with trademark gypsy headband and the Ceremonial Toast by the youngest employee, Michael A. Esquivel.

The program committee also prepared and

COMMUNITY SENSE

th

played a special Music Television (MTV) presentation of the song “Salamat”, an Original Pilipino Music (OPM) by The Dawn Band laden with wacky video footages with banners/greetings for the 35th anniversary of the PMO workers as well as that of the Terminal Management Office – Mati staff.

This year’s anniversary theme, “Maunlad na Pantalan, Maunlad na Bayan, Noon, Ngayon, Magpakailanman Tungo sa Ikabubuti ng Sambayanan” (Progressive Ports, Progressive Community, Then, Now and Beyond Towards the Betterment of the Country) is aptly mounted as PPA shifted its corporate vision which was earlier pegged on the year 2010 and bent on meeting international standards in port facilities and services.

PPA’s new vision now reads, “By 2030, customers doing business in our ports shall experience full and sustained productivity, efficiency, comfort, connectivity, safety and security.”

In his closing speech, Santillan conveyed grateful recognition to the God Almighty along with the PPA pioneers who are also his contemporaries when PPA started in 1975 and the current manpower complement of 70 warm bodies for being vital contributors in carving a corporate history imbued with courage, vision and professionalism, especially in making the Port of Davao a leading international hub.

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

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

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

Minimum of 150 sq.m.

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:

Davao Port Hosts (L) Bloodletting, Gives Special Performance Awards (C) and Honors Pioneers (R) on 35th Year -30-

11

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

12

NATION/WORLD

NATION BRIEFS

A

Infidelity

House of Representatives committee has approved a bill that would impose stiff penalties on married citizens engaging in sexual intercourse with an individual other than his or her legal spouse.

The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality has endorsed for plenary action on House Bill 5734 which also eliminates gender bias in laws penalizing the crimes of adultery and concubinage.

New species

F

OUR new species of freshwater crab, bright purple in colour, have been discovered in the biologically diverse but ecologically-threatened Philippines, the man who found them said Saturday.

The tiny crustaceans burrow under boulders and roots in streams, feeding on dead plants, fruits, carrion and small animals in the water at night, said Hendrik Freitag of Germany’s Senckenberg Museum of Zoology.

Charges

I

NVESTIGATORS of the Office of the Ombudsman have recommended the filing of criminal charges against Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco Jr. and several former and incumbent officials of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office (FIO) made the recommendation. The charges stemmed from alleged financial irregularities involving Syjuco when he was TESDA director general during the Arroyo administration.

Cyber attacks

W

HILE it maintained the government will continue to pursue the diplomatic track on the matter, Malacañang called Sunday for an end to cyber-attacks on Philippine and Chinese websites stemming from the ongoing standoff in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said cyber-attacks that seek to heighten tension will not help resolve the issue. “It will not (bode) well for anyone from both sides to increase tension on the issue,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.

Disapproved

T

HE founder of the Maoist party in the Philippines disapproves of what he calls China’s imperialist and capitalist designs in the West Philippine Sea including the Panatag Shoal, where Chinese poachers triggered a standoff between Philippine and Chinese authorities.

Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said China’s historical claims over what it calls the South China Sea amount to an absurdity, “as this would be like Italy claiming ... all areas previously occupied by the Roman Empire.”

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

US commander reaffirms Philippines defense treaty B

WORLD TODAY

A

senior US commander in the Pacific reaffirmed the United States’ mutual defense treaty with the Philippines Sunday amid increased tensions between the archipelago and China.

In the strongest comments yet from an American official on the South China Sea dispute, Commander of the US Marines in the Pacific Lieutenant General Duane Thiessen said the Philippines and US were bound by a military agreement.

“The United States and the Philippines have a mutual defense treaty which guarantees that we get involved in each other’s defense and that is self explanatory,” he told reporters in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan.

Thiessen was responding to a question about whether the US would provide assistance if Chinese armed forces attacked Philippine units over conflicting claims to the Scarborough Shoal which have flared up in recent weeks.

The US commander did not elaborate on what kind of assistance would be provided.

He also stressed that US-Philippine military exercises that began last week were not directed at China and not linked to territorial tensions.

“There is no direct

REAFFIRMED. US Marine Lieutenant General Duane Theissen (L), commanding general marine forces pacific speaks during a press conference at a military base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan island. The senior US linkage. There is no tie between Scarborough Shoal and US movement in the Pacific,” he said.

His remarks came after Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario issued a statement calling on other countries to take a stand on China’s alleged aggressiveness in the region.

“Since the freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the (South China Sea) are of great import to many nations, all should consider what China is endeavouring to do in the Scarborough Shoal,” del Rosario said.

commander in the Pacific reaffirmed the United States’ mutual defence treaty with the Philippines Sunday amid increased tensions between the archipelago and China.

“All, not just the Philippines will be ultimately negatively affected if we do not take a stand,” he said in an SMS message sent to reporters.

Chinese and Philippine ships began a standoff in Scarborough Shoal on April 8, giving increased attention to the annual joint military exercise this year.

A Philippine coast guard ship and two Chinese vessels are still facing off over the two countries’ conflicting claims to the shoal, about 230 kilometres (140 miles) from the main Philippine island of Luzon.

One day, many cameras:

A Chinese military paper recently warned that the latest US-Philippine exercise increased the threat of an armed confrontation in the region.

China claims all of the South China Sea, even up to the coasts of other countries including the Philippines, directly conflicting with the claims of many of its neighbors.

While the Philippines concedes it cannot stand up to China’s military might, officials have also cited its 1951 mutual defense treaty which calls on the United States to come to the country’s aid in case of external attack.

M

of life on earth, they said.

A staggering 19,000 filmmakers generated input from around the world, even from countries with limited access such as North Korea and Libya.

Among the project’s supporting partners were the United Nationsand dozens of nonprofit organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and the Ford Foundation.

International Earth Day, now in its 42nd year, was celebrated by environmentalists Sunday seeking to raise awareness about climate change and pollution, and highlight ways to save energy.

V

ery country taken on the same day -- was to be screened for the first time Sunday around the world, including at the UN.

Cancer

ENEZUELAN President Hugo Chavez has been keeping an atypically low profile as he undergoes cancer treatment in Cuba, prompting his ministers to speak out to quell rumors his health had worsened.

Since arriving in Havana last week for a final round of radiation therapy, the 57-year-old Chavez -- usually onmipresent in state media -- has only communicated via Twitter and written statements, with no TV appearances.

Contender

EW men could be more different than Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, the Socialist who on Sunday beat the French leader in the first round of their presidential battle.

Bespectacled and mild-mannered, Hollande vowed to be a consensusbuilder, a “normal president” in contrast to the hyperactive and aggressive Sarkozy, who he will now face in a May 6 run-off for the top job in France.

P

EARTH DAY. Indonesian environmental activists parade during a protest to mark Earth Day in Malang. “One Day on Earth” -- touted as the first film with footage from ev-

Dispute

YANMAR’S parliament convened without Aung San Suu Kyi and newly-elected members of her party on Monday, according to an AFP photographer, amid a dispute over the swearingin oath.

Suu Kyi has vowed not to swear to protect a constitution created by the former junta, in the first sign of tension with the government since a landmark by-election this month saw the democracy icon win a parliamentary seat.

Film shot worldwide debuts F “O

NE Day on Earth” -- touted as the first film with footage from every country taken on the same day -- was to be screened for the first time Sunday around the world, including at the UN. Organizers say the documentary, to be shown at the United Nations General Assembly and in more than 160 countries, addresses issues such as cultural diversity, environmental waste, extreme poverty and the status of women.

The 105-minute film includes content from both novice andprofessional filmmakers, according to producers of The One Day on Earth Project.

The movie, generated from more than 3,000 hours of footage shot on October 10, 2010 (10/10/10), set out to create a sort of “time capsule”

Probe

AHRAIN said Monday it is probing a deported British TV crew’s allegations their driver was assaulted as the journalists covered protests surrounding the kingdom’s Formula One race at the weekend.

In a message posted on micro-blogging website Twitter, the interior ministry said: “investigation launched into allegations by deportedUK journalists about attack on driver”.

Defended

RIME Minister Julia Gillard Monday defended her appointment ofPeter Slipper as Australia’s speaker as court documents alleged he used his position to pursue sexual relations with male employees.

The married Slipper, 62, stood aside from his role on Sunday after claims he harassed former aide James Ashby, 33, with explicit text messages, unwanted advances and inappropriate comments between January and March this year.

EDGEDAVAO

City’s...

Davao...

FFROM 1

office that will rationalize sound traffic management,” she said, adding that the fines and fees generated from traffic violations will add to the income of the city.”

The Traffic Code’s preliminary draft points out the road safety issues and concerns currently faced by the city.

Examples are the concerns on drivers who lack education on traffic laws; vehicles which have outlived their road worthiness and lack of safety gadgets; the traffic environment involving erring pedestrian; illegal vendors; illegal parking; lack of knowledge of the enforcer regarding traffic laws, and others.

The highlights of the proposed Traffic Code are: - It supplements and expands RepubRepublic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

NELSON RYAN C. ALVAREZ, Petitioner Case No.2002-XI-00072 x- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: MANAMBULAN (Toril) ROUTE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on April 2, 2012. In the petition filed on February 23, 2012, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 2, 2012 at 09:20 a. m. at this office at the above address.

At least, FIVE (5) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 23rd day of February 2012 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer /hoc Copy furnished: Petitioner, Nelson Ryan C. Alvarez, Macleod, Toril, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino, Rm 202, New Borgaily Bldg., San Pedro St., Davao City NOTE: Affidavit of Publication and newspaper where notice was published must be submitted three (3) days before the scheduled hearing.

13

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

FFROM 1 lic Act 4136 otherwise known as the ‘Land Transportation and Traffic Code’ by adding provisions regarding: traffic signals; general driving rules; designation of public-pay parking zones; operation of motorized tricycles for-hire; operation of non-motorized vehicles; and introducing the ‘No contact apprehension’.

- It integrates water transport system by registration of motorized fishing vessels 3-tonnage and below; registration of non-motorized vessels; and provisions on motorized vessels used for commerce, including pleasure boats.

- Enumeration of pedestrian rights and obligations.

- It provides for the creation of a rationalized and unified City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO).

- It allows for city-paid traffic enforcers, other than the Police, to be hired by the City Government of Davao, and for the issuance of city traffic citation tickets apart from the LTO-issued TOP (Temporary Operator’s Permit).

- It provides for the creation of Traffic Management Trust Fund which will be sourced from registration fees, penalties, etc. for use in traffic improvement projects.

- It institutionalizes traffic impact assessment as requirement for selected establishments.

- It adheres to highway safety design standards of the DPWH on road signs and pavement markings on all in the county.

- It provides for miscellaneous provisions to address special concerns to address special concerns of the city such as ‘bora-bora’ and ‘uso-uso’.

- It institutionalizes adjudication process in settling complaints in order to minimize court proceedings.

- It enshrines the policy that the urban road space is scarce resource whose usage must be allocation judiciously through sound traffic management, and that maximizing passenger throughput on the roads is the objective rather than moving motor vehicles per se.

Dengue...

FFROM 3

The RESU report showed that Cotabato City’s dengue incidence increased by 7 percent or 55 to 59 cases when compared with last year’s records.

This city and Sarangani posted a drop of 12 and 26 percent, respectively, but the confirmed dengue deaths in both areas increased by a case each.

Dr. Edgardo Sandig, City Integrated Health Services Office (CIHSO) chief, earlier said the city has remained on alert against possible dengue outbreaks due to the erratic weather condition in the area.

The CIHSO has been closely watching Barangays City Heights, Labangal,

Apopong and San Isidro here due to the rising cases of the deadly viral disease.

The four villages, which host several housing subdivisions and crowded residential communities, have registered significant cases of dengue in the last several years based on the CIHSO’s records. Sandig said their intensified campaign against dengue within the city’s 26 barangays is currently ongoing as set by the DOH’s 4-S strategy.

The 4-S strategy stands for search and destroy, self-protection measures, seek early consultation and say no to indiscriminate fogging. [ALLEN V. ESTABILLO / MINDANEWS]

Football...

FFROM 16

time they create the Tagum FA and I think that deserves support as far as the PFF is concerned,” Dofitas told Edge Davao in an exclusive interview.

Mayor Uy said he believes that the city needs to

develop good facilities for football, especially a stadium. “I think that before we can really develop the sport, we need to develop our venues,” Uy said during the press conference

cal oxygen demand (BCO), dissolved oxygen, temperature, color, acidity, total suspended solids.

Also at the Kapehan, Rufino Bandialan, head of the EMB 11 environmental impact assessment division, said the bureau also sends samplings to the Department of Health (DOH).

“As of now, okay pa gihapon ang sapa kay diha gihapon naga kuha ang mangingisda og pagkaon,

apan kailangan preventive action ta, unahan nato,” Bulacan said.

This program is supported by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, DOH, local government units, Barangays, and other government agencies.

The EMB also monitors industries, like piggeries, along the Davao River in line with its campaign to preserve its water.

Last year, the Davao River was proposed as a WQMA by the EMB-DENR 11 under Republic Act (RA) No. 9275 or the Clean Water Act of 2004, one way to protect the water of water from pollution.

RA 9275 mandates the DENR through the EMB to designate areas as WQMA using appropriate physiographic units such as watershed, river basins or water resources regions.

Voyager is the first to have a digital mobile planetarium, which is currently installed at Annex building of SM City Davao in celebration of Global Astronomy month.

The company with a total of four digital telescopes for educational viewing of the universe will conduct a viewing of Venus transit, when planet Venus passes in between the sun and the Earth in either first or second week of June.

Since its establishment last year, the Voyager has served 50 to 80 schools in Mindanao, and is working on establishing astronomical societies among colleges in Mindanao.

Dedicated to educating the people on astronomy, the Voyager will also venture on marine reef theater dome, called Marine Enchanted that will be presented digitally like the Planetarium, and this will be in June.

“Most people think that the universe is out there in the space away from the Earth,” Damuy said, “But, we all need to know that each one of us is a universe.”

The company is venturing a nationwide campaign to bring awareness among Filipinos on astronomy, and will soon conquer Cebu and Manila this year. [LORIE A. CAS-

Voyager...

FFROM 2

nagrevolve ang Earth at the same time nag-iincline din siya,” Damuy said.

Therefore, he said, it is the sun’s position that causes the increase in heat on Earth.

Noting that the ozone layer is affected by green house effect, he added that this is but only part of atmospheric reactions to the position of the sun relative to the Earth.

Voyager believes that the rising temperature on Earth will be altered in the next five to 10,000 years as this is the frequency of the Earth’s inclination.

The first home-grown Mindanao-based company interested in astronomy, the

CARO]

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SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Who is Marvin Somodio?

W

AZKAL PRIDE. Phoenix-Air Force’s Ian Araneta (left photo) and Army’s Roel Gener (right photo) show their wares for their respective UFL teams. The two Azkals mainstays were in Tagum City on Sunday to grace the opening of the Suzuki U23 National Cup.

Filipino trainer replaces Ariza at Pacquiao camp A

LEX Ariza out. In Marvin Somodio.

The exit of Manny Pacquiao’s long-time conditioning coach has opened a window of opportunity for a Filipino to emerge as a world-class calibre boxing trainer.

Ariza left for the US on Saturday to be with Mexican middleweight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., some-

thing that did not augur well with Roach and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.

Roach said it was wrong for Ariza to leave in the middle of Pacquiao’s training camp.

Ariza said he had an understanding with Pacquiao over his decision to be with Chavez Jr. and that they’ll see each other

again at the Wild Card in Los Angeles.

Arum said Ariza acted unprofessionally and his move to be with Chavez “is unfair to Pacquiao and (British fighter) Amir Khan,” who are both here working with Roach.

In place of Ariza during last Saturday’s session was local trainer Somodio, who Roach would

like to bring to the US to help him train fighters at the Wild Card.

Members of Team Pacquiao were actually glad that Ariza had to leave.

Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao’s long-time friend and training assistant, said the local crew can get the job done in helping Pacquiao attain peak form.

LIVING WITHOUT ARIZA. Manny Pacquiao will have one man missing in his entourage in his Timothy Bradley fight after conditioning coach Alex Ariza left camp. However, Ariza’s place was ably filled by Filipino home-grown trainer Marvin Somodio (right).

Phil rescues Loyola, AF-Phoenix bow to Kaya

P

HIL Younghusband scored the marginal goal to lead the Loyola Meralco Sparks past Green Archers United, while Kaya FC continued its fine form with a victory over defending champion Philippine Air Force Phoenix in United Football League action Saturday at University of Makati.

Younghusband, the league’s leading scorer, booted in a goal at the 81st minute to give the Sparks the 3-2 result over the Archers.

The Younghusband

goal quashed a spirited rally by United, which came back from an early 2-0 deficit to tie the match.

Byeong Yeol Jeong opened the scoring for the Sparks after hooking up with James Younghusband at the 23rd minute. Loyola looked to put the game away early in the second half, with Mark Hartmann scoring after dazzling defenders with his dribbling skills at the 47th minute.

But the Green Archers’ reply was fast and furious, courtesy of the speedy Tating Pasilan, who broke

through for his team’s first goal at the 49th minute.

He once again broke down the Loyola defense to tie the game at the 65th minute, setting up Phil’s heroics.

In the first match, Kaya won its second straight game after the departure of former coach Juan Cutillas, defeating Air Force, 3-1, in a heated match.

Azkals Chieffy Caligdong opened the scoring for Air Force, scoring at the 10th minute. But Kaya grabbed the upper hand before the break as Eric

Dagroh and Lexton Moy got on board at the 21st and 33rd minute, respectively.

Things got heated late in stoppage time, with Dagroh getting into a scuffle with Air Force defender Herbert Bayona.

Dagroh was sent off after receiving his second yellow card, while Bayona was docked with a yellow.

But despite being a man down, Kaya had the last laugh, as Nicolas Balzico scored at the 94th minute to set the final score.

HEN a window closes, expect a door to open. I believe that. Like this story of a Baguio kid who is now all of a sudden thrust with the gargantuan task of molding Manny Pacquiao to tip top condition for his fight against Timothy Bradley.

Let us get to know who Marvin Somodio is.

Here is his story.

Marvin Somodio was in the corner of the ill-fated Karlo Maquinto when the fighter fell.

For a trainer, it was a very difficult moment. To see your boxer fall and lapse into coma in the hospital after fighting just a few minutes earlier, is an agonizing moment that will last beyond the moment your prized pug breathes his last.

Marvin was there with Maquinto every single day in the hospital.

Somodio did not want to hold the mitts from then on.

To put the tragedy to rest, Somodio and his fellow trainer Jeff Linay from the Shape-Up Boxing Gym in Baguio City had to go through counseling sessions to help them put the sad fate behind them.

It was like the world fell on Somodio. The second time in his boxing career that he felt boxing was simply too cruel.

When he was an aspiring professional, his trainer made him hate boxing. The diminutive Somodio was made to run for four hours, do 12 rounds on the mitts, 12 rounds on the jumping rope, speedbag and punching bag. When he complained that his knuckles were swelling, he was made to do push ups with his bare knuckles to keep the swelling down.

Having had enough of the cruelty, he left boxing only to come back later to correct the mistakes of his trainer.

He offered his services for free at the Shape-Up Gym. It was not easy though.

His first stint as a trainer saw him handling a fighter who went up the ring and ignored his instructions.

He was frustrated so much he decided he would box

professionally. He was lining himself up for a fight with a new coach handling him when the opportunity knocked.

Manny Pacquiao announced his training camp in Baguio and chose Shape Up Gym for his workout.

This means, he gets to watch the best trainer in the world—Freddie Roach.

Roach took Somodio like he treated Pacquiao.

The American trainer showed him the regimen of the champions, schooled him like an understudy, and embraced him like a son.

Soon after, Somodio and Roach developed a bond.

Roach now trusts Somodio to wrap the hands of his second most prized pupil—former British world champion Amir Khan.

With Alex Ariza gone, things are shaping up for the Filipino trainer. Roach plans to bring Somodio to the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. Roach says Somodio learns really fast and follows instructions very well.

Somodio’s appointment as Pacquiao’s new strength and conditioning trainer has in fact lifted the spirits of the Pacquiao training team, including Buboy Fernandez.

All of a sudden, the diminutive trainer from Baguio has two of the world’s best fighters under his training regimen—Pacquiao and Khan, who is deep in preparations for his rematch against Lamont Peterson. Khan has been working out with Somodio even before Roach arrived in Baguio.

Now, Somodio is having the time of his life holding the mitts again.

This time, the boy who would have hated boxing is now boxing’s beloved son.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Sunrise over Angkor Wat

God statues on the side of Angkor Thom’s Naga Bridge.

Time travelling

Siem Reap

IF there ever is a place in the world where one can turn back time and have a glimpse and even experience the past, that place would undoubtedly be Siem Reap, Cambodia.

With its quaint streets and charming hotels, Siem Reap is where you will find Angkor Archaeological Park , one of the most important archeological sites in the world and recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Stretching over some 400 sqkm, including forested areas, the park contains the magnificent remains of the different

capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.

I can honestly say that it was a surreal feeling to actually be able to see with my own eyes and touch with my

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort.

A tuktuk enters the Bayon Temple.

A woman delivers her harvest of lemongrass.

French colonial architecture at Siem Reap’s French Quarter.

hands, the structures that stood the test of time and the weathering of nature.

To actually be standing on Angkor Wat and stepping on stones where kings, priests, warriors, and elephants once walked and to actually see what life was like on the many carved walls on the Bayon Temple was a truly breathtaking experience.

After going back thousands of years, one can return to French colonial times while exploring the many streets and parks in downtown Siem Reap. From simple private abodes to elegant resorts and hotels, the architecture of Siem Reap never fails to amaze and delight. I also loved the way the city has a rustic and laid-back feel to it, with bikes, scooters,

Exploring Pre Rup Temple.

and tuktuks plying the roads and avenues.

I just wish I had more time to explore this charming gem of a city, but alas work beckons. It is a good thing though that Cebu Pacific flies direct from Manila to Siem Reap three times a week, which means it is now definitely easier to travel back in time.

Follow me on twitter @ kennethkingong to catch me on my future adventures, food trips and everything under the sun.

Apanas past and present.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

Blow by Blow I STYLE

entered Fully Booked figuring out how to kick off my summer reading.

Although reading is anything but a seasonal hobby for me, I sometimes experience long lulls brought on by choosing the wrong book for my current state of mind.

However, when I chance upon a great book, it is just the right catalyst I need to bring along another chain of unbroken reading that is just the way I like it. Just as I was about to dive into the Fiction section like I usually do, Blow

by Blow: The Story of Isabella Blow caught my eye.

It was hard not to pick up the relatively slim book with its pristine white cover and the image of Isabella Blow’s deep-set eyes peeking beneath her feathered hat at dead center. It seemed that I would finally get to know a little more about one of British fashion’s fabled personalities, as told through the perspective of her husband Detmar Blow and Tom Sykes. Hers is a name you often hear whispered in the same thread of notoriety and genius as her discoveries, the most famous being Alexander McQueen. It is also a reference often made when eccentric but mind-blowing style is being discussed.

The promise of intrigue laced with delicious fact set against the explosive world of art and fashion in the ‘70s and ‘80s was too important to ignore, and Issie – as Isabella was purportedly known to close family and friends – whose life conspired to connect with that era’s most notable icons and became one herself seemed like the perfect person to follow.

Isabella Blow was born into one of England’s aristocratic families, the Delves Broughtons. The death of her younger brother Johnny when she was just five years old would forever damage her relationship with her parents and give way to a lifetime of insecurities but one that also saw her continue to go after her dreams. The people she was drawn to were of the artistic and eccentric sort that were likeminded in brilliance but also in volatility. Theirs was an existence of radical anecdotes, from Issie’s penchant for flashing her bosoms at parties to her dear friend Andy Warhol’s voyeurism.

The world started to literally open up to Issie and realize her for the individual she was when she moved to New York.

She fit right in that “seething cauldron of creativity” as Detmar Blow writes, and as she made her way from coat check girl at an Ian Schrager Club to the coveted job as Anna Wintour’s assistant at US Vogue, it was exactly the place she needed to be to shape her fashion career. Issie started bringing to the fore the type of avant-garde dressing and designers she favored right at the Vogue offices. While her colleagues were garbed to the conservative tastes of the status quo, she was all feathers and flamboyance. Her eye for the different would earn her the right to style for the revered magazine and the freedom to commission and use new artists and designers in her fashion shoots.

Her unique taste and eye for spotting up and coming talent would be a recurring story in her life but one that also brought her much pain and heartache. She had numerous triumphs that were her gifts to the world, such as models Stella Tenant and Sophie Dahl, milliner Philip Treacy whose first highprofile stint would be creating Issie’s ala Joan of Arc headpiece for her wed-

ding and the deceased wonderboy of British fashion, Alexander McQueen.

However, as her recommendation and fostering would win her discoveries their fame and fortune, she would be often left out of the loop with the credit but none of the financial success that supposedly came with it.

The latter part of her life would be marked with many such disappointments and only added to the inner demons that constantly plagued her. The couple was also not blessed with children, which added to her dream for a stable family life that was long held but never realized. As Issie always felt things deeply and in a very consuming way, her happiness was very fragile to the constant worry of her husband and close friends. It was fortunate that she found a truly faithful partner in Detmar Blow and he was her staunchest champion and guardian. However much he loved her though, his was the voice of honesty that she needed and this patient and gentle straightforward perspective is the same one he uses in his writing.

As one navigates through Isabella Blow’s life as I did in just two days, you realize that you are in the presence of someone extraordinary. She met a tragic end, finally managing to commit suicide last May 2007 by drinking poison after six unsuccessful attempts in just two years. Although her manic depression marred her, the imprint she left the world is one that will last ten lifetimes. As was always her way, Isabella left the world exactly as she tread through it – in truly unforgettable fashion.

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

C’est la vie, Pippa!

The royal-in law gets wild and frisky in the city of lights.

PHILIPPA Charlotte Middleton, you’ve got some serious explaining to do.

Starting with just how exactly she managed to inherit all of the family’s fun-loving, party-hopping genes leaving big (serious) sis Kate Middleton with the burden of propriety.

Clearly securing her legacy as the Harry to Kate’s Wills, Pippa Middleton made quite the media splash this week when she took Paris by storm, attending a spectacularly, well, spectacle-filled costume party, riding shotgun during the now infamous (fake) weapon brandishing, had her honor defended by nobility, and, if the tabloids are to be believed, got hot ‘n’ heavy with a French socialite.

Ooh la la! We may not know how she managed to do it all, but we do know what she managed to do—herewith, the five things you really need to know about Pippa’s decadent stay in gay Paris: 1. Fight for Your Right to Party: Believe it or not, the point of Pippa’s trip to France wasn’t to cause an international incident, but simply to attend the 30th birthday party of French fashion entrepreneur the Viscount (or Vicomte, if you’d rather) Arthur de Soultrait. Leave it to the girl in charge of a magazine titled Party Pieces to know how to do it up right. And she did just that with the fashionisto—whose Vicomte A. clothing label is, incidentally, providing the ties for this year’s French Olympic team—attending the costume party at the Theatre St. Germain decked out in her best 1800s finery alongside the most fiery of French society (some of whom saw fit to wear dog collars and burlesque outfits to the bash) and, of course, some hired dwarves. Uh, vive le celebration?

2. What a Schmuck: Paris is for lovers. Even alleged ones. According to the always reliable British tabloids (ahem), Pippa made herself quite a comely friend while attending the party, and was reportedly spotted getting very cozy in a corner of the nightclub with Antoine de Tavern-

ost. According to some anonymous but adamant observers, the duo was spotted getting kissy not long after meeting for the first time that night, and indeed were caught holding hands while exiting the soiree later that night morning. From there, they went to the nearby Le Schmuck restaurant, which is co-owned by Tavernost—himself the son of the chairman of one of France’s biggest TV networks—and even later, the duo turned up together at Regine, another of the city’s nightclubs.

3. Getting Gun-Shy: The trip may not have started with a bang, but it certainly threatened to end with one. The following day, just hours after attending the much-photographed bash, Pippa enjoyed a day out with Arthur de Soultrait, his dashing brother Marcy de Soultrait and a French lawyer by the name of Romain Robillard. While cruising around the city in Robillard’s convertible Audi, the Gallic crew apparently got tired of the pursuant paparazzi and, in a now infamous attempt to scare the shutterbugs off, the driver whipped out an uncannily realisticlooking pistol, pointed it directly at the cameras and, well, the rest is tabloid history.

4. To Oui or Not to Oui: That, actually, isn’t the

question. The question is what on Earth were they thinking? If nothing else, Pippa’s inability to contain her smiling visage is a lesson in improper etiquette, to say nothing of her radio silence on the matter, even as critics called for her to be questioned, fined and even arrested for sitting idly by as her cohort—a lawyer who, ironically enough, serves as an advisor to Heckler & Koch, one of the world’s leading small-arms manufacturers—pulled the weapon.

That it ultimately turned out to be a toy gun seems to be neither here nor there and while the viscount has since come out apologizing for his friend’s behavior and doing his best to distance the royal sister from blame in the incident, some damage was already done by his brother Marcy the night before, when he spoke to the Daily Mail and said that Pippa “thought it was funny” and believed the gun-brandishing to be “all a joke.”

5. We Are Not Amused: London calling isn’t just a rallying cry—it’s a harbinger of a particularly brutal tongue-lashing.

While Buckingham Palace is staying as silent as the Middleton family and refusing to comment on the royal scandal—Pippa, after all, is not technically a member of the clan— the gossip columns have

once again nobly stepped up to fill in any gaps in the scandalous narrative. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, of all places, both Kate and the queen were “horrified” over the gun stunt—with Kate supposedly delivering an earful to Pippa over

the ringer—but the royal in-law reportedly got some solace from none other than Prince Harry.

Harry reportedly phoned Pippa straight away and offered some advice on how to deflect the wave of bad press: being photographed at charity

events in the immediate future was apparently his biggest piece of advice.

Seeing as how we don’t think paparazzi are going to stray from the Pippa beat for quite some time now, it shouldn’t be long before we learn whether she’s taken him up on it.

A4 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

Top French luggage brand comes to Davao

FRENCH manufacturer Delsey will soon bring to Davao its expertise in top-of-theline luggage, with its first ever free standing store which will open at the Ground floor of SM City Davao’s Annex on April 26.

Since 1946, Delsey has been setting the industry standard, not just with fashionable creations true to the brandís French heritage, but also with the durability and innovation of their products.

Delsey has introduced the Zip Securi Tech system which is a one-of-a-kind invention featuring a tamper-free zipper. No other luggage brand carries the same kind of technology. Delsey luggage products all have an unmatchable and superb anti-theft system ñ and despite a thiefís best efforts, these bags will go unopened and safe during transport and travel.

Coinciding with the opening of the first Delsey store in the Philippines is the first peek of the Delsey 2012 luggage collections, which will be first made available in limited quantities exclusively at the Delsey boutique. Two collections which will be introduced are the U-lite and Helium lines, which will be known as the lightest luggage on earth ñ with the carry-on bag weighing just 2.3 kilograms. Just like other Delsey items, the U-lite and Helium collections also feature the Zip Securi Tech system. Pre-orders for these limited-quantity collections will be made available to interested shoppers.

Delsey was first made available in Metro Manila in 2009, with products available in The Travel Club, Duty Free Philippines, SM, Robinsons, Landmark and other leading department stores. Soon, Delsey will have its very own home in SM Davao.

About Delsey Delsey, Started in 1946,

French brand, Delsey, consistently strives to innovate to make sure we get to travel more efficiently and effortlessly each time. If you thought that you had to compromise your tastes in order to find durable luggage, think again. Delsey luggage and its latest specialty collections are a sure fit for any lifestyle.In todayís day and age,

people are always on the go. Whether it is for work or vacation, many of us are packing our bags with the essentials and jetting off to the next location. Often times, we stress over how to pack, what to leave behind, and fearfully, what we might lose along the way, instead of the actual joy of going on vacation.Thanks to Delsey, there is absolutely no reason to compromise our need for comfort and security anymore with its luggage and latest Zip Securi Tech technology. Securi Tech is a patented and unique new double zipper designed to prevent luggage being forced open or breaking when heavy loaded making your journey trouble-free.

Delsey Premium French Luggage is available at all The Travel Club stores, SM, Rustans, Robinsons, Landmark and other department stores nationwide.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

15

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia reacts during the recent International Tennis Federation Fed Cup semi-final match against Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova in Moscow. Kuznetsova won 2-1 but Serbia later clinched the tie with Jelena Jankovic winning against Kuznetsova in the reverse singles.

RUGBY BOYS. Members of the Philippine Men’s Rugby team, the Volcanoes, celebrate after winning the 5-Nations Rugby recently at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The Volcanoes have reached the top 5 in Asia with their recent win.

Viva Volcanoes!

T

HE Philippine national men’s rugby union team raced to a big first half lead before turning back a furious rally by Sri Lanka to pull out an exciting 28-18 victory in the Asian Five Nations Division I tournament over the weekend at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

With the win, the Volcanoes won the tournament and gained promotion to the Top 5 division of Asian Five Nations.

The Filipinos had an explosive start, taking a 23-3 lead by the break.

But Sri Lanka came roaring back in the second half, scoring 15 points to close the gap to a single try.

Sri Lanka looked poised to equalize, but the Volcanoes pounced with a counter-attack capped by a try conversion by Justin Coveney at the 77th minute to put the game away.

British-Filipino center Oliver Saunders, the hero of the Volcanoes’ first tournament win against Singapore, was again named man of the match.

“I can’t describe the feeling, I’m at a loss for words,” he said.

Volcanoes coach Expo Mejia was all praises for his squad after their victory.

“I’ve never coached a team like this,” he said.

“They’re very proud of their Filipino heritage, and they did this for the people.”

“We’re hoping the Filipino people can get behind the sport.”

The win not only gave the Philippines a ticket to the elite division of the sport in Asia, but it kept their hopes alive for a spot in the Rugby World Cup set in 2015.

Mission accomplished M Real Madrid defeats Barcelona in ‘El Clasico’ showdown, nears La Liga title

Boy with Pinoy roots shuts down Ronaldo V

IENNA, Austria - German Bundesliga squad Bayern Munich, who has Filipino-Austrian David Alaba as a defensive gem, kept their impeccable record of having never lost at home to Spanish giants Real Madrid after a dramatic 2-1 win in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.

“It’s great that he can perform like this as such a young player,” Heynckes told reporters. “He has developed greatly as a player this season and he can achieve more. He is very ambitious, he is very self critical and he lives for football, this is a great bonus.” Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes

praised the teen defender Alaba.

Alaba was unfazed defending against Angel di Maria in the first half and Cristiano Ronaldo in the second after the two Real players switched sides.

Herbert Prohaska, a football legend in Austria, said Alaba was impressive.

“Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid struggled to stamp his authority on the game more generally - not least thanks to a teenage Austrian player, David Alaba,” one sports commentator said.

“Proud na proud ako kay David Alaba - he did a lot of assists sa mga laro nila during the past months. At sa Champions League nila

Alaba against Real Madrid, makita mo talaga ang maganda nilang samahan ni Ribery,” Rudi Custodio, a Pinoy sport fan told ABS-CBN News.

ADRID — Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed his 54th goal of the season as Real Madrid moved closer to a 32nd La Liga title with a 2-1 win at Barcelona for whom Lionel Messi was reduced to a bit-part role.

“It was an important goal but the win for the team is more important, we have four matches left and with the seven-point gap (over Barcelona) we are in a comfortable position,” said Ronaldo.

The Portuguese star later tweeted: “Mission accomplished”.

Ronaldo finished a Mesut Ozil pass from a tight angle on 73 minutes after rounding Victor Valdes in the Barca goal.

Sami Khedira had put Madrid ahead before substitute Alexis Sanchez levelled for Barca to give the Nou Camp faithful — who had seen their champions crush their bitter rivals 5-1 in the same fixture last year — a degree of hope.

The goal also means Ronaldo moves one ahead of Messi on 42 league goals in the battle to be ‘pichichi’, La Liga’s top goal-scorer.

On the night, Ronaldo was far more dangerous than Messi, with six attempts at goal to Messi’s one, a statistic which illustrated the Argentine’s miserable evening.

“I am very happy,” added Ronaldo. “I have scored now in the last three games here at Camp Nou, but the most important thing is the team and I congratulate my colleagues on their performance.”

Madrid’s two goals almost meant it was 109 for the season making them the highestscoring team in a single season in Spanish football history,

beating the record of 107 previously held by the Madrid side of the 1989-90 season.

“We are very happy to win in the Nou Camp and beat the goals record. Now we have to look to the Bayern game (on Wednesday in Champions League) in front of our own fans and we’re very keen to get a good result,” added Ronaldo.

Madrid trail 2-1 to the Germans in their semi-final ahead of the second leg.

Ronaldo’s winner gave Madrid their first league win over Barcelona in four years and, barring a major stumble, ensured the title will return to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time since 2008.

It will also end Barcelona’s three-year grip on the title.

For coach Jose Mourinho, it was his first win at Camp Nou with Madrid and only his second triumph in 11 attempts against the Catalans.

Afterwards he continued his policy of not speaking to the press about league games but his assistant Aitor Karanka insisted there was still work to do.

“This match was not decisive in the league title race,” said Karanka.

“There are still games and points to play for. Mourinho and the players are all happy, but we are also thinking now of the Champions League.

“Ronaldo has given us lots of fantastic moments. For me, he is the best player in the world.”

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola hailed Real Madrid as the new champions.

“I congratulate Real Madrid for their victory and also for their league title which I have no doubt they have

clinched tonight,” said Guardiola.

“We played a good match, but it wasn’t good enough. We played the kind of game that we needed to play but we just couldn’t do it.”

Guardiola also defended his decision to start the game with Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas on the bench.

“I selected the team which I thought had the best chance to defeat Madrid and, anyway, the losers are always wrong,” he said. “Now we have to look to the future.”

That was a reference to Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final against Chelsea when the Spanish giants will attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first game at Stamford Bridge last week.

“Tonight, the players are sad, they are tired, but in their careers they have all faced similar situations and overcome them.”

Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso refused to believe that the title race was over.

“It’s a very important result, but it hasn’t decided anything,” said Alonso.

“It is a big step towards the title. We need to finish it off. We controlled the match tonight and the result was fantastic.

“The key moment was Ronaldo’s goal, it was the quick response to their equaliser.”

Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets admitted the game was almost up for his team.

“We are not in our best form at the moment, but we stayed true to our style of play,” he said.

“We will keep battling but it’ll be difficult.”

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SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 35 • APRIL 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

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

Koronadal

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

SUZUKI CUP. Suzuki Philippines president Satoshi Uchida (5th from left) leads the press conference opening the Suzuki U23 National Cup eliminations in Tagum City’s Energy Park. With him are (l-r) Giovanni Gulanes (representing Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario)of the Province of Davao del Norte, DNFA

president Rene Cosmod, Compstela Valley Governor Arturo Uy, Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy, Suzuki Philippines General Manager Shuzo Hoshikura, Azkals mainstay Ian Araneta and Roel Gener. (NJB)

Football boom

Davao Norte, Comval, Tagum eye better venues

T

General Santos

HAVEN BODY WORKS SPA & SALON Door 5 Kaykay Baloons Bldg., Laurel North Cor. Bayabas St. General Santos City Tel # (083) 301- 1991

Tel No. (083)- 553-2211

HELPING YOU MAKE INFORMED BUSINESS DECISIONS.

HIS early, the North side of the Davao Region composed of the Compostela Vally and Davao del Norte provinces and Tagum City are thinking forward to the football boom and are making their moves to capitalize on the sport’s virus-like outbreak.

Compostela Valley

Governor Arturo Uy, his Mayor-brother Rey Uy of Tagum City and Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario brandished confidence of the North’s emergence as football corridor as they prepare to upgrade existing facilities while launching its own grassroots development

program.

Partnering with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and Suzuki Philippines, the three areas launched over the weekend the PFF’s grassroots development for full implementation by the Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte football associations (FAs).

Tagum City will also be a likely new FA soon after PFF National Competition chairman Cyril Dofitas challenged Tagum City local government and football officials to create its own FA. If that happens, Tagum City will be the 18th FA in Mindanao.

“I told them it’s high

FFOOTBALL , 13