Edge Davao 5 Issue 39 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

Med school brass snub SP inquiry

indulge Page A1

By Jade C. Zaldivar

O representative of the Mindanao Medical Foundation College (MMFC) showed up at the forum she organized last April 26 between the school management and the stu-

n Librado skeds second consul- up,” said a fuming Davao City Council-

tation

dents who’ve made their complaints. “Neither the president, the dean of the nursing program of MMFC, or any representative from their end showed

or Leah Librado. “Still, I am extending the invitation to the MMFC to attend the next public consultation or hearing and clarify before their students all the concerns raised,” said Librado, who did not hide

FMED, 13

Science/Environment Page 4

Agritrends Page 12

VEGETABLE DISH. A contestant with her skillful hands grates the ingredients of her recipe which she exhibited during the Low Cost Vegetable Dish Category for the Recipe Development Contest of the National Nutrition Council in Davao on Friday. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Airport watched for trafficking

HE Davao International Airport is being closely watched for violations of the law against trafficking in persons. The City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) has posted personnel at the DIA for the purpose of

monitoring the area. CSSDO social welfare officer Teresita Pioncio said monitoring activity in the DIA started last April 20 in addition to their monitoring at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT)

and the ports of Sta. Ana and Sasa earlier set up. Actually this is a resumption of an activity earlier in place which was discontinued. “We’ve had this before pero hindi na-continue. We have re-activated our

FAIRPORT, 13

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Real estate brokerage degree a big step: PAREB By Lorie A. Cascaro

ILEEN Ong-Sugano, president of the Davao City Board of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Brokers (PAREB) said Friday that the implementation of a four-year bachelor’s degree course for real estate practice, or Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management, which will begin in school year 2012-2013, is a big step. She recalled that before the enactment of Republic Act No. 9646 or the or the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines (RESA law) last

April 2009, only a 24-unit exam was needed to get a license, and then revised into 120-unit exam with the Professional Regulatory of Real Estate Service (PRC). “Nakakatakot gawing four-year course pero nalegislate na sya,” she said. However, she added, PAREB has nothing against the law as it is advocating the professional and ethical practice of real estate brokerage. The PAREB-Davao City Board hosted the 16th PAREB VisayasMindanao Joint Regional Conference last April 2728 at The Pinnacle Hotel

& Suites, Sta. Ana Ave., Davao City, with its national president Tomasito Academia. PAREB is the largest and oldest existing real estate organization with some 4,000 members, and more than 60 local boards, she said. Brokerage is a lucrative profession, said Romy Ablas, a part-time broker who earns from P50 to P100 thousand a month, adding, “kung kugihan lang ka.” Sugano tells all aspiring brokers to get a license and practice, earning money in a professional and ethical way.

attended the traffic education seminar last year. He said the IDs will make it easier for the riding public to report and file any complaints against erring PUV drivers, and to facilitate easy tracking down of these traffic violators. Personnel of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Traffic Management Center (TMC) will be apprehending erring drivers starting June. Drivers who failed to attend the seminar have to wait for another one scheduled for May before they can be given their ID. Traffic education had been conducted every Friday last year until it was suspended because, as Alabado explained, “Inistop muna namin kasi

sobrang dami na eh. Actually halos maglampas na mi sa estimated number of drivers diri.” “This is for the benefit of commuters. Dili ni para sa drivers, para ni sa mga commuters para kung naay mga traffic violations ug naay mga nagabinuang na mga taxi drivers, mga jeepney drivers pwede nyo matext, mareport kay naa gyud nakabutang ilahang pangalan,” he said. There was an incident when a driver falsified his ID, Alabado bared, adding that because of the control number, nobody can evade this policy. “We warned them nga naay control number. Kami lang ang nakabalo kung nagmatch ba ang control number ug ang name sa driver,” he said. While there is no penalty for such violation in the implementing rules and regulations of the city ordinance, he added, the driver will be sued for falsification of a public document as such is signed by the city mayor. As required, drivers should display two IDs in the vehicle, one on the windshield which is back-to-back, so that traffic enforcers and citizens can immediately identify the driver even when not inside the vehicle, and another ID on the passenger’s side. Alabado plans to request the Davao City international airport not to allow colorum (not registered as for hire vehicle) taxis to pick up passengers in the vicinity of the airport. He wants to maintain the city’s reputation as next to Baguio City for having the most honest taxi drivers.[LORIE A. CASCARO]

Driver’s ID on PUVs imposed

HE Davao City Planning and Development Office announced last Friday that drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) such as jeepneys, taxis, vans and buses in the city are mandated by law to display their identification cards (ID) insie their vehicles by June, 2012. This policy is under a city ordinance passed last year requiring all PUV drivers to possess an ID issued by the city government to them after they have attended the required PUV drivers’ seminar. Robert Alabado III, head of city planning, said his office has so far released 4,000 IDs iut of the 18,000 drivers who

REAL ESTATE. Eileen Sugano, president of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards-Davao City, which is the host of the 16th PAREB Visayas-Mindanao Regional Joint Conference, said that the local real estate market in the region is doing very good. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Robert Alabado III shows the new driver’s ID to be displayed on PUVs in Davao City.

BOC implementing automation, accreditation clearance of firms By Jade C. Zaldivar

XPORT companies can reduce their cost of doing business following the implementation of the Bureau of Customs’ Automated Export Declaration System (AEDS). Customs Commissioner Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon said in Davao City last Friday that the AEDS will lessen “human intervention” as it eliminates the need for signatures in the processing and approval of export declaration (ED). The AEDS is a component of the BOC’s electronic-to-mobile system. “This automated system is currently under pilot operation, but by midyear, this June, this will be fully implemented in all ports of the country,” Biazon said in an interview at The Marco Polo Davao after addressing members of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII). “This is part of the government’s plan to streamline its services. One of its aims is to reduce corruption in governance. Too much face-toface interaction opens the opportunity for corruption,” he added. Biazon said that in 2010, government lost an estimated P60 billion “to corrupt practices.” “We do not have the value lost in 2011,,but the estimate was P60 billion in 2010 dahil sa corruption,” he said.

BOC-Internal Administration Group (IAG) deputy commissioner Juan Lorenzo Tañada said on average, 10 to 15 personnel of the department are reported for corrupt practices. “Normal na lang ho sa amin na makatanggap ng mga reklamo or complaints of about 10 to 15 ka tao monthly. These personnel are either sanctioned or cases are filed against them,” he said. Meanwhile, Biazon said there are 70 cases of smuggling currently being handled by the BOC. “Under the RATS (Run After the Smugglers) program, 70 cases on smuggling are currently being heard,” he said. In implementing AEDS, Biazon said the BOC will also undergo cleansing of the list of accredited import and export firms. He said the list will “see a drastic reduction” as firms with records of involvement in corrupt practices and those which have cases against them will be de-listed. “Only those firms which are clean from allegations of corruption will be retained in the list,” Biazon said, adding that 25% of import/exports firms nationwide currently on the BOC list will be removed by June this year. Many of these firms were suspected to have been set up by groups as a shield for smuggling activities. Streamlining

Another automation system the BOC will be joining is the National Single Window (NSW). NSW is an online facility which allows importers and exporters to file the necessary government paperwork to various agencies to obtain clearance for their shipments. “This will make transactions easier, faster, and more convenient,” Biazon said. The BOC said the NSW too is set for implementation by mid-year. “The NSW aims to streamline the services of 40 agencies. Not only will the services become more accessible to people, the recording of transactions will be automatically noted,” Biazon said. On a larger scale, the country will also be joining the NSW of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) which is set for implementation on 2015. ASEAN member countries Brunei Darrusalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam will be part of the program. “This will be great for trading of products among countries. The transacting passports between countries will also be accommodated. So, talagang malaki ang hope natin for this upcoming cooperation with the ASEAN countries,” the BOC chief said.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

The other ‘mayors’ (2)

Nemesio ‘Nene’ Depillo First deputy mayor at large

AVAO City’s seven elected mayor since 1955 so far established a tradition of appointing deputy mayors to assist them in their political activities, as well as development projects. Deputy mayors were chiefly their alter-ego in an administrative districts. The practice, believed to have been started by the late Carmelo L. Porras, first elected mayor of the city, had been carried over by the later mayors who equally saw the need for somebody who will be their eyes and ears in the seven administrative districts then, namely, Talomo, Toril, Buhangin, Bunawan, Tugbok (Mintal), Calinan and Baguio. Later when the districts of Marilog (from Baguio) and Paquibato (from Bunawan) were created and the 10 barangays in the city proper were established to constitute another district during the martial law regime, the late Luis T. Santos, who was the mayor then, appointed a deputy mayor at large to act as “dean” of deputy mayors. (The need in-

creased when the lone barangay of Agdao was split into 11 and made another district). He was Nemesio “Nene” Romano Depillo, a native of Ayungon, Negros Oriental, who migrated to Davao and became barangay captain of Kilate in Toril. A product of Siliman University, Davao Central College and Rizal Memorial Colleges, Nene was earlier appointed first deputy mayor by Santos who came to power in 1971, defeating the very popular Bagobo mayor, lawyer Elias B. Lopez. Santos and Depillo came to know each other

when Santos was chief of police and Depillo was Kilate barangay captain in the mid sixties. Depillo was no ordinary farmer-leader. He was also a popular rural broadcaster who championed the causes of barangay folks through his Tingog sa Barangay early morning program carried by radio stations dxSS, dxRA, dxDC and dxMC, where he not only gave farming tips with his guests from the Department of Agriculture and the city agriculutirist office, he also dished out government information that ought to be known by the rural residents. The program enjoyed a high listenership rating from 1966 up to 1981. He brought the government closer to the people through the radio programs that he handled. As deputy mayor-atlarge and one of the closest lieutenants of the then mayor, Depillo was able to influence the city leadership to grant his requests for projects. He is credited with the opening and widening of the road from Toril to Barangay Kilate.

FTHE OTHER, 13

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Trees can be grown with crops Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

After corn, beans are planted here in the world can you find a farming system where trees and crops are planted together? At the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc., a non-government organization based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Here, you can find a small-scale reforestation program – about two hectares – called Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology or SALT 3. “Farmers can plant one hectare to different trees and another hectare to various crops,” explains Roy C. Alimoane, the center’s new director. “The crops provide income for the farmer and his family while waiting for the trees to grow.” SALT 3 is the center’s answer to the rapid disappearance of the country’s forest cover. Between 1990 and 2005, the Philippines lost one-third of its forest cover. Although the current deforestation rate is around 2 percent

Rattan grown under Samanea saman

per year, a 20 percent drop from the rate of the 1990s, deforestation continues unabated. As a result, the country’s croplands are fast deteriorating. Soil erosion is between 60 and 65 percent. “Land stress in the very near future,” said Harold R. Watson, when he was still the MBRLC director, “will be a very problem in that the population density is greater than even that of China.” Thanks to deforestation, we may yet accomplish through soil erosion, albeit imperceptively, the effects of what we have, so far, prevented – that one final cataclysmic nuclear explosion. “Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country and conquering it because it’s an enemy you cannot see vividly,” Watson explained. “It’s a slow, creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.” Actually, SALT 3 is the third variant of the SALT systems, which the MBRLC is noted for. For encouraging international

utilization of the onehectare SALT 1 (Sloping Agricultural Land Technology) model, Watson received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for peace and international understanding in 1985. SALT 2 (Simple AgroLivestock Technology) is the integration of goats into the SALT system. Designed for only half a hectare, 12 does are raised together in one house situated in the middle of the farm with one buck living in an adjacent shed (this is done so that when milking is done, the milk won’t have that “goaty smell”). In SALT 3, one-hectare is developed for various agricultural crops. Following the SALT 1 system, different nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs (like the local “ipil-ipil” and “kakawate” and introduced species such as Flemingia macrophylla, Desmodium rensonii, andIndigofera anil) are planted in double rows, following their natural contour. “The principle of SALT is the same as that used by the Ifugao tribes in Mountain Province,” Alimoane

explains. “All we are doing is using various nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs instead of rocks.” When the rows of vegetation are 1.5 to 2 meters tall, they are cut back to about 40 centimeters and the tops are piled in the 3-5 meter alleys where crops are growing. “The leaves of the shrubs make very good nitrogen-rich fertilizer and also add organic matter of the soil,” Alimoane points out. In the SALT scheme, you find a mix of permanent crops, cereals and vegetables. Every third strip of available land is normally devoted to permanent crops like cacao and coffee. A combination of various cereals (corn, upland rice, and sorghum) and vegetables (string beans, cucumber, squash, etc.) are planted on the remaining two strips of land. MBRLC recommends crop rotation. For instance, those strips planted with cereals earlier are planted with peanuts or winged beans in the next cropping. “Crop rotation helps to preserve the regenerative properties of the soil and avoid the problems of infertility typical of traditional agricultural practices,” Alimoane says. Multistory cropping may also be practiced (planting black pepper, corn, and lanzones together in one hedge). In waterlogged areas, gabi, kangkong and other water-loving crops are planted. “We all do these to make use of all the available spaces of the farm,” Alimoane says. “Some of the crops should be planted to feed the farmer’s family, while other crops are grown for sale, so family income is well spread out over the season,” says Alimoane. “Every week or ev-

Tall acacia trees ready for harvesting ery month, there’s always something to harvest. The system can, in fact, raise the family income threefold.” One foreign consultant who came to see agricultural component commented: “The system provides great stability (in both economic and ecological terms) and appears to conserve soil very well in the process of growing useful plants.” However, MBRLC encourages that only one hectare is planted to crops. This is where the farmer will concentrate more as years go by. However, the upper portion of the farm is planted to different trees, which are native to the area. Alimoane talked about “tree time zones” of 1-5, 6-10, 11-15 and 16-20 years, within which progressively more valuable products are harvested. Some very valuable trees could be left longer, and he dubs this “the grandchild project – plant

something for your grandchildren.” Among the tree species planted in the SALT 3 model farm are bamboo, Sesbania sesban, “ipilipil,” Acacia auriculiformis and A. mangium, Swietenia macrophylla, Pterocarpus indicus (more popularly known as narra), and Samanea saman (rattan is planted below it). Some of these are planted basically for fuelwood while others are for furniture purposes. In 1991, the MBRLC was recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization with a World Food Day Silver Medal “in recognition of the contribution to mobilizing people’s participation in tree planting and sustainable forest resources management.” “Only when the last tree has been cut, the last river poisoned, and the last fish caught will we realize we can’t eat money,” so goes a Native American proverb.

EDGEDAVAO 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

Export Bank depositors to be paid, PDIC assures

Stat Watch

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

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

By Carlo P. Mallo

EPOSITORS of the Export and Industry Bank, which has been placed on receivership by the Monetary Board, need not panic as the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation is set to immediately process all valid claims. Starting May 2, 2012, PDIC will start conducting depositor’s forum throughout the country to help explain the procedure and requirements needed for the processing of the payment of the depositors. Last Friday, PDIC took over all assets and offices of the Export and Industry Bank to marshal all resources needed for the payment of its depositors. Export & Industry Bank is a 50-unit bank with its head office located in Exportbank Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. Latest available records show that as of December 31, 2011, the Bank had 50,092 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P15.98 billion. According to the latest General Information Sheet filed by Export & Industry Bank with the Securities and Exchange Com-

n Export and Industry Bank went ‘bank holiday’ Pilipinas and to declare a bank

mission, the bank is majority owned by Ridderbrecht B.V. (11.62%), Lead Bancfund Holdings, Inc. (10.03%), Apex Bancrights Holdings, Inc. (10.03%), Extra Year Investments Ltd. (9.5%), Asiawide Refreshments (8.45%), Medco Asia Investments Corp. (7.86%), among others. Its Chairman is Jaime C. Gonzalez and its President is Juan Victor S. Tanjuatco. “All insured depositors are assured that PDIC will pay insurance on all valid deposit accounts as soon as possible. PDIC EVP in charge of Receivership and Liquidation, Cristina Q. Orbeta has been designated official spokesperson regarding the closed bank with VP for Corporate Affairs Group Maria Leonida Fres-Felix as Deputy Spokesperson,” PDIC president Valentin Araneta said. Payment for accounts with balances of P10,000 and below

comprising 62% of the bank’s total deposit accounts of 50,052 is targeted to start by the end of May. Holders of these accounts who have no outstanding loans and who have updated their addresses in the bank in the past year, need not file deposit insurance claims. Claims servicing operations for accounts of over P10,000 are expected to commence no later than end of June 2012. The Monetary Board placed the bank under receivership on April 26 due to its inability to meet its obligations as they become due, insufficient realizable assets to meet its liabilities and its inability to continue in business without involving probable losses to its depositors or creditors. Moreover, the bank wrote BSP to surrender the bank operations to the Bangko Sentral ng

holiday effective Friday, April 27, 2012. The Monetary Board invoked Section 30 of Republic Act No. 7653, otherwise known as the New Central Bank Act, on account of the bank’s insufficient realizable assets to meet its liabilities and its inability to continue in business without involving probable losses to its depositors or creditors. In a statement, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation said that it stands ready to service valid deposit claims from depositors of EIB and complete processing of claims as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas maintains that the overall Philippine banking system remains sound and stable with ample liquidity and high level of capitalization and that the closure of the Export and Industry Bank is not expected to adversely affect the Philippine banking system considering its relatively small size, with its total assets equivalent to only about 0.3% of the total assets of the banking system.

capable of generating power based on their original installed capacity. “There is an urgent need to implement a viable power strategy for Mindanao that will attract long-term investments in power, diversify the power sources and create a competitive supply market. Let us learn from the past and not provide band-aid solutions or even worst, solve the problem with expensive solutions that will hound us in the future,” said AboitizPower president & CEO Erramon Aboitiz. Aboitiz said the biggest challenge for Mindanao is its heavy dependence on hydro sources of energy. “There is a need to diversify Mindanao’s power sources and lessen its dependence on hydro power. We think what needs to be put in place is a competitive

and transparent environment where new capacity will complement the existing hydro plants of the NPC,” he said. “More investments and a competitive environment will ultimately lead to adequate, reliable and reasonable power supply needed to power Mindanao’s growth.” To cushion the effects of the current crisis, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine, Inc (TMI) is running its 200MW oil-fired power barges moored in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and Maco, Compostela Valley in Davao. It provides 192 MW to 23 electric cooperatives, distribution utilities and industrials in the region. According to Aboitiz, TMI is the cheapest, and the most efficient oil-fired power facility in Mindanao today; the average rate charged to its customers is P8.29/kWh. He

explained that 90 percent of TMI›s rates are for fuel and other consumables, which are not retained by the company. The remaining 10 percent of its revenue is used to pay for fixed costs, such as salaries, insurance, repairs and maintenance, and debt service, with any residual amount representing the company’s return on its investment. “Our long-term investments in both power generation and distribution in Mindanao are a testament to our commitment to be part of the economic development of the region. We have been in Mindanao since the 1930s and want to continue to be part of its future growth,» Aboitiz said. “AboitizPower is committed to support this growth by providing reliable, reasonable and responsible power supply.”

since Friday n Processing of payment for depositors to start Wednesday, May 2

AboitizPower invests P35-B for new capacity in Mindanao

BOITIZ Power Corporation (PSE ticker symbol: AP) is investing P35 billion to add 354 megawatts (MW) of power in Mindanao by 2015 to help address the critical power shortage in the island. The additional capacity, which is expected to fill Mindanao’s large power deficit, will come from the 300-MW clean coal facility of Therma South, Inc. and 54-MW of run-of-river hydro plants of Hedcor, Inc. Therma South and Hedcor are wholly-owned AboitizPower subsidiaries. Mindanao currently needs around 1,597 MW daily, but existing capacities in the region can only produce 1,261 MW as of April. More than half of the power plants in the island source their energy from the Agus and Pulangi hydro stations, which are no longer

as of august 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Money-making art: Bonsai By Jims Vincent T. Capuno

ELIEVE it or not, bonsai – which has always been conveniently attributed to the Japanese – is really Chinese in origin. Ask Serapion S. Metilla, the country’s foremost expert on bonsai. “It is highly likely that the Chinese were the first civilization to plant plants in pots because their paintings and scrolls, which date back before the 12th century, reveal images of plants in pots,” Metilla surmised, adding that it was the Japanese who really developed the art to perfection and gave its name: bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh, with accent at the end). Actually, the word “bonsai” comes from the Japanese words “bon,” which means “pot” and “sai,” which means “to plant.” In simpler terms, bonsai is a potted plant. When miniature landscapes are created as a setting to the “sai,” the art is termed “saikei” (“kei” means “scenery”). But if the artists’ emphasis is strictly a miniature landscape, “bonkei” is the proper term.

If Chinese were the people behind bonsai, how come Japanese were the one credited for popularizing the art of bonsai? Robert Perry, writing for the ‘Science Notebook,’ contends: “For centuries, the Japanese have been practicing the unusual art forms of miniature tree and landscape culture.” In fact, bonsai figures prominently in ‘The Karate Kid’ series. “No one knows exactly how long it began, but it was known at least as early as the sixth century,” Perry continues. “Someone became intrigued by the tiny gnarled trees he found growing in rock crevices high up in the mountains of Japan. The small trees eventually were cultivated in the emperor’s yard.” Trial and error produced an art of maintaining the training the miniature growth. Trees were grown singly or in groups and even as miniature forests. “Bonsai pieces are living artworks which are heirlooms in themselves,” comments Jose Mari Lacandula, a horticultural expert who used to write

a weekly column for a national daily. As wealthy patrons, following the cue from the palace landscape, began paying large sums for the best available specimens, others started the practice. The sudden monetary value encouraged perfecting a science of treatment that could produce such miniature. Today, bonsai has become a popular horticultural hobby. Many kinds of trees are suitable for bonsai culture. The most common ones, according to Metilla, are mulberry trees, prodocarpus, “kamuning,” “mulawing-aso,” “kalyos” (known scientifically as ‘Streblus asper’), “balite” family (‘Ficus’ species), candle tree (‘Parmentiera cereifera’), “bignay” (‘Antedisma spp.’), pines and junipers, cydas, boxwood, narra, and China holly (‘Malpighia coccigera’). These fruit trees are also good for bonsai culture: rambutan, caimito, camachile, sampaloc, atis, and duhat. Among shrubs, bushes and herbs, the follow-

ing yield the best bonsai results: dwarf bamboo, “tsaang bukid” or Fukien tea, variegated gumamela, bougainvillea, sampaguita, rosal, azalea, santan, lantana, oregano, and chrysanthemum. Propagation Propagation of bonsai material may be done by seeds, cuttings, airlayering or marcotting, grafting/budding and separation of runners or suckers. Seed propagation is the most common method used. “By seeds, it will take a longer time,” Metilla says. There are four ways of propagating plants using the method of cuttings: stem cutting, heel cutting, leaf cutting, and rooting cutting. “For the propagation of materials for bonsai, the stem, heel and root cuttings are recommended,” Metilla says. “Look for cuttings which are not too old or too young, ranging in size like a coconut midrib to thumb-size, depending on the kind of plants,” instructs Metilla. “The base must be clean-cut slantwise.” The use of cuttings has its advantages. They look older than those grown from seeds and that they come out true-to-type or form. The disadvan-

tage: their rooting system might not be well-developed and that the tapering form will not be as nice as the specimen from seeds. On air-layering or marcotting, Metilla advises: “From old existing trees look for branches which are not too old or too young, having the potential lines for a cascade, slating or upright style. At the point where you want to develop roots, remove the bark carefully around the stem like a ring about an inch more or less wide and scrape the cambium layer (the shiny transparent material between the bark and the wood). “Then place moist sphagnum moss around the peeled part including some portions o the upper bark and wrap with plastic sheet. When roots develop, which take about a couple of weeks, separate the marcotted branch by cutting just below the rooted portion. Trim some of the branches and leaves and remove carefully the plastic sheet without damaging the roots. Have it planted in an ordinary pot, placed in a shady location and water regularly.” Grafting, on the other hand, is the art of inserting a shoot or stem of one

plant to another stem or branch of another species or variety but of the same family. If a bud is used, the term is called budding. Grafting involves two parts. The desired part which you wish to graft is called scion and the rooted part to be grafted on to is called stock. Look for branch about pencil size or smaller, 4-5 inches long with 3-5 nodes having live buds. A budding tape or plastic strip can be used to wrap around the joints. Meanwhile, plants that develop runners or suckers or shoots underground from the base can be separated from the mother plant when roots have developed. Bonsai can also be acquired by digging. It means gathering plant materials from meadows, crags or other areas where the plants have been growing for many years already. Its trunk is from the size of a man’s arm, probably 20-50 years old. “Choose one with multiple branches that have been dwarfed due to harsh elements such as droughts, strong winds, poor soil, or continuously cut or pruned by woodcutters, or trampled by stray animals, but somehow has survived,” Metil-

FBONSAI, 13

EDGEDAVAO

WORLD

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

Malaysian cops clash with protesters

WORLD TODAY

Farewell intercourse

GYPT’S new Islamist-dominated parliament is preparing to introduce a controversial law that would allow husbands to have sex with their deceased wives up to six hours after death. Known as the “farewell Intercourse” law, the measure is being championed as part of a raft of reforms introduced by the parliament that will also see the minimum age of marriage lowered to 14 for girls.

PROTEST. A protester takes photos with his tablet computer as protesters march down a street during a rally in Kuala Lumpur April 28, 2012.

Protesters also battled with police at a train station nearby, throwing bottles at officers who responded by firing tear gas rounds. Thousands of protesters who had been confronting police outside the city’s historic Merdeka Square were scattered after riot police fired wa-

ALAYSIAN police fired tear gas and water cannon at thousands of protesters who converged on Kuala Lumpur’s centre to demand electoral reforms, raising the risk of a backlash against the government in national elections expected within months.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13201-12

ALFREDO B. DELA CRUZ Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against ALFREDO B. DELA CRUZ, with postal addresses at 75-E Quirino Avenue ,Davao City and Lot 29, Blk.5, PH II, Sta. Barbara, LA VERNA HILLS SUBD., BO. PAMPANGA, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 9, 2010 amounts to THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY PESOS and 57/100 (300,560.57),Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale;the undersigned will sell at public auction on May 31, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-179703 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project(Lot 29, Blk.5, situated in the Barangay of Pampanga,,City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE (145) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on June 28, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, April 16, 2012.

ter cannon and then at least 10 rounds of tear gas into the crowd. The police said they had been forced to react after protesters tried to force their way through barriers and enter the square. The violence could carry political risks for Prime Minister Najib Razak if it is seen as un-

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor- ALFREDO B. DELA CRUZ PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 4/30,5/7,14)

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13202-12

SPS. MIGUELITO P. LOJARIO AND ADORACION M. LOJARIO Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS. MIGUELITO P. LOJARIO AND ADORACION M. LOJARIO, with postal addresses at Villa Fuerte St.,Calinan, Davao City and Lot 32, Blk. 8 Ph. I, Mt.Matutum St.,JULIVILLE SUBD. I, BRGY. TIGATTO, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 9, 2010 amounts to THREE HUNDRED FIVE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY NINE PESOS AND 02/100 (305,749.02),Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale;the undersigned will sell at public auction on May 31, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-173203 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project(Lot 32, Blk.8, situated in the Barrio of Tigatto, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on June 28, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, April 16, 2012. FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) REYNALDO O. GIRADO Sheriff IV

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) REYNALDO O. GIRADO Sheriff IV Noted by:

justified, possibly forcing him to delay elections that must be called by next March but which could be held as early as June. Najib’s approval rating tumbled after July last year when police were accused of a heavy handed response to the last major electoral reform rally by the Bersih (Clean) group.

Noted by:

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor –SPS.MIGUELITO P. LOJARIO AND ADORACION M. LOJARIO PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 4/30,5/7,14)

“They asked the crowd to disperse but did not give enough warning,” said Aminah Bakri, 27, with tears streaming down her face from the tear gas exposure. At least 25,000 protesters had converged on the city’s historic Merdeka (Independence) square, where they were met by barbed wire and hundreds of police with water cannon trucks standing ready. Some media sites put the number of protesters as high as 50,000, making it the biggest since “Reformasi” (Reform) demonstrations in 1998 against then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. “The people have surprised us. We all want change today,” said Ambiga Sreenevasan, cochairperson of the Bersih (Clean) movement that is leading the protest. The protest is a delicate challenge for Najib, possibly affecting the timing of elections that he is preparing to call as early as June. A violent response by police risks alienating middle-class voters and handing the advantage to the opposition in what is shaping up as the closest election in Malaysia’s history, possibly forcing Najib to delay the poll date. But Najib must be mindful of conservatives in his party who are wary that his moves to relax tough security laws and push limited election reforms could threaten their 55-year hold on power. Supporters of Bersih were barred by a court order from holding their mass “sit-down” protest in the symbolically important Merdeka Square, but they went ahead with plans to march as close as possible to the site.

Payment

AST food giant Kentucky Fried Chicken was Friday ordered to pay Aus$8 million (US$8.3 million) to an Australian girl who suffered severe brain damage and was paralysed after eating a chicken wrap. Monika Samaan was seven when she suffered salmonella encephalopathy -- a brain injury linked to food poisoning that also left her with a blood infection and septic shock -- in October 2005.

Absentia

Ukrainian judge ruled Saturday that jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko could not be tried in absentia and delayed her hearings in a new tax evasion case until May 21. “The court has ruled that it is impossible to hear the case in the absence of Tymoshenko,” Judge Kostiantyn Sadovsky told the hearing after reporting that Tymoshenko could not attend the trial due to chronic back pain.

Killed

WO bodyguards and two suicide attackers were killed in a firefight inside the governor’s compound in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province Saturday, an official said. “Two suicide attackers and two bodyguards of the governor have been killed in the attack,” Kandahar government spokesman Zalmay Ayobi told AFP.

Escaped

leading Chinese activist who escaped from house arrest last weekend is now under US “protection” and Washington and Beijing are in talks over his status, an overseas rights group said Saturday. Chen Guangcheng, who has been blind since childhood, fled last Sunday with the help of his supporters from under the noses of dozens of guards, and subsequently recorded a video alleging abuses against him and his family.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

Digging for the long haul

EDITORIAL

Demolition

ERHAPS one of the most negative words in the dictionary, both in lexical meaning and connotation, is “demolition”. The word is akin to destruction, disaster and sometimes, even massacre, to name only a few of its more than a hundred synonyms. In the lexicon of the storied poor, especially the homeless now assigned the euphemistic description “informal settlers,” demolition is the most hated, and also most feared term. No wonder the act of demolition, whether legal or illegal, sometimes erupts into violence and results in loss of lives and limbs and destruction to property as in the case of the April 23 battle royale between over a thousand squatters and 300 policemen assigned to the area, ironically to maintain order. The clash, which resulted in the shooting to death of a bystander caught in middle of the melee, is now being debated on as a hot public issue. Questions are pouring in now. Was the demolition order issued by the court

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enough authority to be executed, considering that there are all other laws and procedures that ought to be complied with first? Were the informal settlers informed thoroughly about the demolition, its extent and limitations? Which group provoked the clash, the settlers, the policemen, or agents provocateur who stood to profit somehow from the bedlam that resulted? Are the laws, jurisprudence and procedures on demolition in existence enough? These and many more questions need to be answered and the incident minutely analyzed to preclude a recurrence of such a violent scenario. As the incident is dissected in public, it is hoped that stakeholders in Davao City will pay close attention to it, if only to learn applicable lessons. For indeed, there is a surfeit of similarly volatile cases in the city, where the housing backlog record tells us that there are tens of thousands of families who still bear the unflattering monicker “informal settlers” despite the millions that the city government spends on their resettlement. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG

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AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE

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ROUBLED mining firm Sagittarius Mines Inc. cannot seem to find ways to reverse a provincial ordinance which virtually shut down its proposed US$5.9 billion copper and gold project in Tampakan, South Cotabato. There is no showing signs that the anti-open pit mining-dominated Provincial Board is going to amend, scrap or even relent to a review of the Provincial Environment Code. With SMI also hesitant to go to court to question the constitutionality of the Code, it can, for the moment, kiss goodbye its bid to commence commercial operation in 2016 after the Environmental Management Bureau of the environment department rejected its application for an environment clearance certificate, although it is now on appeal. SMI, a wholly foreign-owned company controlled by the world’s fourth largest mining company Xstrata Plc, will have to re-apply and go through another tedious process of obtaining a required clearance if its pending appeal is likewise denied or rejected. You can always argue that the hands of SMI were all over behind the recent resolution passed by host town Tampakan supporting the mining project. And only the naïve will say SMI was not involved in frustrating separate successive attempts by two fact-finding teams to reach Bong Mal where the indigenous Blaan tribe has vowed to resist the company. While those who blocked the churchbacked mission this week and the one organized by the Left the week before to commemorate Earth Day were members of the Tribal Councils that have thrown support behind SMI, one also cannot be faulted if these anti-mining activists will accuse SMI of coopting the tribal leaders in exchange of promised job and other business opportunities. Most of the tribal chieftains in the host communities that will be affected by the mining operations have been recipient of grants, favors and even contracts to supply manpower. They have been given luxury vehicles and have been constantly bombarded with all glowing promises by company community organizers. But the resistance put up by some tribal leaders has some valid points and real concerns. For one, SMI recently announced it will no longer include residents and tribal community members in the proposed relocation plan, raising the possibility that those who will not relocate will be forcibly evicted. SMI itself has announced that as many as 4,000 families will have to be relocated away from the village centers of Folu Bato (not Pula Bato), Danlag, Tablu and Bong Mal, all in Tampakan. Also probably not explained is that these residents will no longer be allowed inside the almost 4,000-hectare mining area site and who knows how many more hectares for SMI’s buffer zones. Tribal opposition has also evolved into spontaneous armed resistance with a group of armed Blaan men owning responsibility to a recent ambush that killed three drill men under contract with SMI. Of course, Wednesday’s attack by communist guerillas at a military detachment in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat is another grim reminder that SMI, while welcomed by some, are also despised and hated by others. SMI will have its hands full in addressing concerns from communities and residents that are against tis operations. It will also have to answer issues on the environment and the fragile ecology of the mining area. There is no easy way in for the company. [MindaNews/Edwin Espejo writes for the asiancorrespondent.com]

EDGEDAVAO

I T H t h e traffic situation being bad and getting worse, government is eyeing more pedestrian lanes, additional roads, and immediate ways to clear the air. On the whole, government is looking into the health well-being of the public. However, engineers, urban planners and structural experts are convinced there is a way out of the urban centers’ vehicular smog. There are, studies and research projects which found that about 70% of pollution in the big cities and other urban centers is caused by vehicular emission. The main source of air pollution is the vehicle fuel itself. Davao City also has its own share of the country’s worsening air pollution. The health statistics says it all: thousands get sick every year from inhaling noxious vehicle emission, also from toxic fumes coming from factories. The experts are pushing for stricter emission standards in the country as well in pursuing an ambitious strategy to reduce noxious emissions from vehicles especially from 4-stroke motorcycles that emit 10 times of hydrocarbon produced by cars. I strongly favor the promotion of LPG-powered (liquefied petroleum gas) vehicles. Many taxi units particularly in Davao City are overhauled

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

LPG-powered taxis, a solution to run on LPG. The readily available fuel burns more cleanly than does the gasoline and diesel fuel that currently powers taxis, or even buses and could reduce smoky airborne particulates. LPG conversion is a common and proven anti-smog measure. More than 400 LPG-powered taxi units are now being used in the city or perhaps several thousands more throughout the country and close to five million in 30 countries, according to latest studies. LPG-powered taxis have been on the road in many countries notably Japan for almost 40 years. Still, Davao City is continuously conducting trial and test on taxi units – in part to convince private cab companies that using LPG actually won’t hurt profits. The bill to convert a unit from gas to LPG could only run a minimal cost. Likewise dozens of refueling stations throughout the city would also have to be well-equipped to dispense LPG fuel. Fleets of LPG-powered and other types of eco-friendly vehicles like the electric-driven cars may someday banish the choking haze that shrouds bustling cities. To an environmentalist, the switch sounds probably like an answered prayer. LPG-powered vehicles mean almost zero emission. We always have to bear in mind that attitudes are fast changing. In coming years millions of people all over the world are expected to join the motoring public: logically prices of gasoline and diesel fuel and other refined petroleum products should rise

along with the demand. As fast-developing places like Davao disappear under a gray blanket of choking smog and greenhouse gases that deplete the ozone layer, government will be pressured to respond with stricter clean-air regulations. Taxi units and other means of transportation are angling to be perceived as part of the solution, not part of the problem. Moreover, engineers and experts are desperately seeking ways to get a technical jump and will cite the conversion process as slowly advancing. Analysts think LPG-powered cars may ultimately turn out to be an interim process – a bridge to costsaving and pollution-free solutions in the future. Nevertheless, skeptics may provoke the conversion process pointing out those government think-tanks and concerned agencies are moving at snail-pace just like the traffic. However, officials of developing nations like the Philippines presumed that they are still faced with a choice between cleaning up the air and pursuing economic development. And yet, it is possible to do both. First, government should set strict emission control standards with corresponding stiffer penalties similar to those in well-developed countries. Second, promote LPG-powered or electric-driven vehicles. We should not wait the air in our surroundings to get worse and force residents to stay indoors.

AboitizPower, TMI seek clarification news report

ear sir: ALLOW us to correct a news report that came out in your widely-read newspaper regarding the negotiations between AboitizPower and its subsidiary Therma Marine Inc (TMI) and Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco). In summary, we want to clarify: AboitizPower and TMI did not refuse to deliver power to Cotelco.

AboitizPower and TMI did not impose a P16.11 per kwh rate on Cotelco. The rate is more or less of P9.00 per kwh which is the same rate charged to all electric cooperatives under contract with TMI and more than 90 percent of this rate is fuel charge which is a pass through rate. Only 10 percent will go to TMI for capacity fee for its overhead costs, maintenance, salaries, etc. Security deposits are is a standard in all financial agreements across different industries. The prepaid agreement was not imposed on Cotelco. It was a proposal that

Monkey Business

was thoroughly discussed by the two parties in consideration of the immediate need for power by Cotelco and the need of TMI to be protected for the costs they will incur in delivering power, especially fuel costs. Please consider the following facts: On April 12, 2012 Cotelco wrote a letter to AP to ask for 8 MW supply from TMI, in anticipation of the huge deficit in the power supply in Mindanao during the rehabilitation of Pulangi IV. AP responded by expressing the availability of 8MW. But, following rules of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), our transaction must be governed by at least a provisional authority (PA) from the ERC. PAs are usually issued 30 days after publication of the draft power supply agreement. Citing their dire need for power and that they could no longer wait for PA, Cotelco wrote ERC asking that they receive delivery of power from TMI, even without a PA. On April 19, ERC told Cotelco that they can get power from TMI but not less than the prevailing NPC-TOU

rate, or P2.90 per kwh. As a standard procedure in all financial contracts, a security deposit is needed. And since the delivery of power is not governed by an ERC provisional authority, both Cotelco and TMI will go through huge risks. Without a PA, Cotelco cannot legally impose the new rates to its customers, following this is the risk that TMI will not be paid for its fuel and overhead costs. Thus, a proposal for a prepaid system was discussed. On April 24, the management committee of Cotelco decided to wait for the PA of the ERC, realizing that without the provisional authority, they cannot pass on the impact of the TMI rates to their customers. We hope this clarification will merit space in your news organization. We feel it is our obligation to correct incomplete information to the public, most especially the consumers of Cotelco. GM Godofredo Homez General Manager Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) 26 April 2012

Eugenia, my Eugenia, why are you everywhere ?

UGENIA, why can’t you grow like the rest of your species now taking over almost all the major streets of Davao City? There it is, in a small clay pot, still so thin and so fragiale, with probably just over 20 small leaves, mostly green and just a few of those eagerly awaited shiny, reddish brown, burnt sienna leaves that every other plant lover loves to see in one glorious Eugenia plant. Every time I make a trip downtown from Lanang, I can see fully-grown Eugenia ornamental plants in almost every home in Nova Tierra Village, stretching their robust crown of shiny leaves, both green and reddish brown on the tip of every branch, all the way up to the sky. Everyone can see all the new Eugenia ornamental plants in new brown, almost square pots made of concrete, lining up like the welcoming committee of the city, eager to please visitors, tourists and travelers who are still looking for the missing “life” they can’t find in other places and wondering why it is here, after all. Ah, Eugenia, why do I find you right in the middle of the main streets of Davao, from MacArthur Highway to J.P. Laurel Avenue, still newly planted like they were uprooted from one of those thick black plastic bags they used for planting and growing seedlings? And for Heaven’s sake, who and why did they choose you, out of all other bushy ornamental plants, to adorn this bustling city, right in the middle of the daily traffic chaos, instead of ornamental plants like the Japanese bush, or perhaps dwarf balete trees, or maybe Red Palms, or Song of India, or bougainvillaea, or sampaguita? It’s no use trying to figure out why the city’s beautification committee picked you, Eugenia, because I still can’t bear my utter frustration of looking at my own little Eugenia which almost died and somehow revived some months back because I often forgot to quench its thirst in the middle of this hot, sizzling summer. Why can’t you grow like the other healthy Eugenias I see in Nova Tierra, at the Abreeza Ayala Mall, at the Carmelite Convent gardens, at the intersection of JP Laurel Avenue and Sta Ana Avenue, and MacArthur Highway near Ateneo.?. Asking around, including credible agriculturists, they told me there might be something wrong with the soil and that I may have to replace it with a soil mixture laced with earthworm’s shit which is the richest organic soil one can use. But alas, for a single small pot with this pathetic-looking Eugenia plant, I’m not too sure I can go that far to revitalize my malnourished Eugenia. Oftentimes when I peep out of the window to look at my lonely, seemingly hopeless Eugenia, I always cling to this hope that one day in December it would grow into a big ornamental tree because I’ve wanted so much to use it as my Christmas tree--- a living tree, all natural and so beautiful and perfect for hanging those shiny Yuletide balls and Christmas cards, instead of those plastic trees that are so expensive and so fake, they seem to fit only homes for people with plastic feelings. In a way, yes, there’s nothing plastic about Eugenia because it’s a living ornamental plant, oozing with so much natural feelings you can actually talk to it and greet it every morning when you wake up--- and say your goodbye when you leave your home. I envy homes with several big, tall Eugenias standing guard outside the gate, looking so friendly you feel like they’re asking you to come in. You can almost feel there’s a happy family inside the house behind that tall gate and all the love inside that’s keeping them there all these many years. Sometimes I have this sneaky feeling that one reason why my own Eugenia can’t grow as fast and as healthy as other Eugenias is not so much how much love and care I have for this ornamental plant--- but perhaps how much love and care I have for the place where I live, that I wanted so much to call home…. (Comments? Email me: tradingpost_ davao@yahoo.com)

10 SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Comval’s Ilonggo town in Mawab hails Valenciana I

T’S a long row of the yellow, glutinous and sumptuous delicacy of the Ilonggos. No, not in Iloilo but in Compostela Valley. Sitio Dalisay of Mawab hails its first holding of Caroza-Valenciana festival on April 27, 2012 featuring the Arroz Valenciana and Karosa (float drawn by carabaos). Although Arroz Valenciana is of Spanish origin yet the Ilonggos are known for its delectable and unique cooking of the Valenciana made of glutinous (malagkit) rice and selection of ingredients such as pork, shrimp, chicken, chorizo, green peas, among others. SB Member Charlita Sacayan said they were inspired to feature the

Valenciana delicacy as most of the residents are composed of Ilonggos. One is 80 years-old Ernesto Enieses who recalls transferring in Dalisay back in 1957. He was a known virtuoso in Valenciana cooking and has pass it on his children. Aside from the dish, they also highlight the beast of burden, in respect to the carabao’s central part in their livelihood as the town subsists on rice farming. Mawab Mayor Evalina Jampayas along with other local officials congratulate the townsfolk for coming up with such event. It has bring together the people in one venue amidst a sumptuous meal and colourful event. (FEM/IDS COMVAL)

Sarangani News

Mawab Mayor Evalina Jampayas congratulates Sitio Dalisay for coming up with Carosa-Valenciana Festival on April 27, 2012. It has brought together the people in one venue amidst a sumptuous meal and colorful event. (R. ANTIBO/IDS COMVAL) Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

BANCO DE ORO UNIBANK, INC. (formerly BANCO DE ORO UNIBANK, INC.) Mortgagee

Sitio Dalisay of Mawab, ComVal hails its first holding of Caroza-Valenciana festival on April 27, 2012 featuring the Arroz Valenciana and Karosa (float drawn by carabaos). (R. ANTIBO/IDS COMVAL)

Surgical mission aids Malita residents

ESIDENTS of the municipality of Malita in Davao del Sur province will benefit today, April 27, from a surgical mission to be provided in the “Serbisyo Caravan” by the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Davao Region (ARENA-XI). ARENA-XI will bring the surgical mission to the said town as one of the major highlights in the “Serbisyo Caravan,” a one-stopshop delivery of programs and services by some 47 national government agencies in the region. Dr. Rosario Mosqueda, municipal health officer of Malita, said the surgical operations will include thyroidectomy as a major surgery, and hydrocelectomy as a medium operation. Mosqueda explained that thyroidectomy is an operation that involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, while hydrocelec-

tomy is a procedure to remove pockets of fluid that develop around a patient’s testicle. She said that about a hundred patients will undergo minor surgeries such as removal of cysts that developed outside the body. The surgical operations will all be carried out in Malita Municipal District Hospital. As of yesterday, 28 personnel including doctors and nurses from the Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) in Tagum City are in the recipient town to prepare for the actual operations today. ARENA-XI President and Department of Budget and Management Regional Director Achilles Gerard C. Bravo said doctors and nurses from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and Department of Health (DOH) will also help in the surgical mission.

BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee, EJF-REM CASE NO. 13,283-12

-versusTAMSI AWOURA REALTY INCORPORATED, AND SPS. FLORA T. & HENRI ARMAND JOSEPH KERVELLA, Mortgagor/s x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against Tamsi Awoura Realty Incorporated and Sps. Flora T. Henri Armand Joseph Kervella, with postal addresses at Door 7 Casa Esperanza Habana Compound, Rizal St., Davao City, Unit B Somerset Town Villas Doña Luisa Ave., Juna Subd.,Matina, Davao City and/or Lot 8-B along Doña Avenue, Juna Subd., Matina, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 29, 2012 the total amount of the outstanding obligation/indebtedness of the mortgagors in favor of the mortgagee has amounted to Philippine Pesos: FOUR HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN FIVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED NINETY NINE AND 05/100 (Php 475,199.05), inclusive of interest, penalties and other charges, plus other legal expenses incident of the foreclosure and sale the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on May 03 , 2012 at 10: A. M.; or soon thereafter , at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-446533 “ A parcel of land ( Lot 8-B, Psd-11-106048 xxx) situated in the Barangay of Matina City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN and 75/100 (147.75) SQUARE METERS, more or less.”- Registered in the name of TAMSI AWOURA REALTY INCORPORATED. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on June 7, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the herein-above described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, March 29, 2012 FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF: (Sgd) JAY C. ESPERANZA SHERIFF IV NOTED BY:

ATTY: EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court & Ex- Officio Provincial sheriff

Copy furnished: THE MORTGAGEE : BANCO DE ORO UNIVERSAL BANK. THE MORTGAGORS:TAMSI AWOURA REALTY INC. and SPS. FLORA T. &HENRI ARMAND JOSEPH KERVELLA THE PUBLISHER: EDGE DAVAO POSTING : 3 Conspicous places (Edge 4/16,23,30

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13154-12

SPS. MONINA D. SEISA AND FLORENCIO T. SEISA Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS. MONINA D. SEISA AND FLORENCIO T. SEISA, with postal addresses at Sto. Domingo Subd., Pampanga Davao City and Lot 18, Blk.14, Ph. 2 Sta Rosa Street, LAVERNA HILLS SUBD., BO. PAMPANGA , DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of Jan 25,2010 amounts to TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE PESOS (284,625.00),Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale;the undersigned will sell at public auction on May 31, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-179435 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project(Lot 18, Blk.14 situated in the Barangay of Pampanga,,City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE (135) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on June 28, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, April 16, 2012.

Noted by:

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) JAY C. ESPERANZA Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor- SPS. MONINA D. SEISA AND FLORENCIO T. SEISA PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 4/30,5/7,14)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

COMMUNITY SENSE

Summer vacation; best time to save on energy

UMMER is the best time to bond with the family especially through travel and tour. So while you are on a vacation, give your energy devices a vacation too. Here are some tips to save energy at home while the whole family is off on a vacation. Unplug your refrigerator. Fridge is one of the biggest energy users at home, thus, it is most practical to unplug it while you’re away. However, this would mean emptying and defrosting your fridge. Or you may also turn the temperature at its lowest setting to avoid food spoilage. Turn off the lights. For security measures, ask someone from the neighborhood to turn

on your outdoor lights at night and have them turned off during the day. Unless you have installed CCTVs to record something while you are away, unplug all of your other electronic devices. Remember that these devices still consume energy even when not in use. It is impractical to keep your place chilled while nobody’s home, hence, make sure to turn off and unplug your air conditioner before leaving the house. Don’t forget to also unplug all of your small appliances. Though they use only a little energy, the total energy consumed by unused appliances can add up. Practicing these simple tips would make your

summer vacation more worthwhile. You are not only enjoying a worryfree vacation while saving on energy but also helping cut down the carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere from unplugging your home appliances and devices. This means that in your own little way you are helping Mother Earth fight Global Warming. To get your Davao Light electric bill balance, just text ASKDLPC(space) BILL(space)10-digit ACCOUNT ID and send to 3913572 (Smart, Talk&Text and Red Mobile subscribers) or 09229993572 (Sun and Globe subscribers). Regular rates apply; Davao Light pays for the reply.

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 DCCCII WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS. The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) continues to widen its networks and linkages as they welcome 3 more new members- Banana Brothers, Right Eight Secutiy Agency and Roan’s

Forklift Services who took their membership oath during the 4th General Membership Meeting yesterday. (DCCCII Media/ Kathy Tupas)

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

Water Advisory

Water service interruption May 3 & 4

WO sets of temporary water service interruptions will happen on May 3 and 4 which are necessary for DCWD Engineering and Construction Department to interconnect newly laid pipelines to the Dumoy Water Supply System pipeline network. From 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM of May 3, areas with no water are portion of Kawayan Drive (from 1st Avenue to Gen. Douglas Mc. Arthur Highway), portion of 1st Avenue (from Kadayawan Drive to San Antonio Drive), San Antonio Drive, 4th and 5th Avenues, all in Matina. Tapping of the newly installed 4-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 6-inch diameter Mortar Line Coated Steel Pipe

(MLCSP) will be done at San Miguel Extension in Matina. Second water cut is on May 4, from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM to allow the tapping of the newly installed 3-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 6-inch diameter Mortar Line Coated Steel Pipe (MLCSP) at N. Torres St. in Bo, Obrero. Affected areas are Dao St., portion of Veloso St. (from Porras St. to R. Cabaguio St.), New Burgos St., portion of Porras St. (from Lacson St. to Veloso St.), and portion of N. Torres St. (from New Burgos St. to Veloso St.), all in Bo. Obrero. DCWD acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado said that additional water service con-

nections will be accommodated once the project is completed. He appeals for the understanding and cooperation of the affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may call the DCWD trunk line at 221-9400 and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to the latest daily water updates, or contact its call center through the 24-hour hotline 221-9412 or 09277988966 for updates, complaints, queries and other matters pertaining to DCWD services. (SYLVIA MAY L. VOSOTROS)

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

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

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

PRICE P4.8 M

AGRITRENDS

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Bamboo: The grass of hope

Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

“N

OTICE that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind,» the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee once said. No wonder, most Asian cultures believe that humanity emerged from a bamboo stem. In the Philippines, for instance, legend tells that the first man and the first woman each emerged from split bamboo stems on an island created after the battle of the elemental forces (sky and ocean). In Malaysia, a similar legend tells of a man who dreams of a beautiful woman while sleeping under a bamboo plant; he wakes up and breaks the bamboo stem, discovering the woman inside. Bamboo is known as the world›s tallest grass. But recently, it has received a new tag: «the grass of hope.” Although bamboo has been part of their art and culture, it was only recently that Chinese leaders took the plant seriously and is now building a massive bamboo industry. Some years back, a Dabawenyo reported that other Asian countries, the United States, and France were making a killing out of bamboo. «The tragedy here in the Philippines,» he said, «is that we have an abundance of bamboo but we don›t know much about. It is so common that we ignore its potential. Other countries have already seen not only the beauty but the potentials of bamboo.” But today, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is looking at bamboo in a different manner. “Bamboo is now recognized as the material of the millennium,» it said. “The versatility of bamboo proves to be of greater potential that the demand for the product continues to increase in terms of production and utilization. Aside from this, the international

Bamboo toy

market demands more bamboo products that could help boost the flailing economy of our country.” All over the globe, there are 91 genera and about 1,000 species of bamboo, generally known as kawayan in the Philippines. There are eight commercial species grown in the country and most of them can be found in Iloilo, Davao, Bukidnon and some parts of Luzon. Bamboo, the most diverse group of plants in the grass family, is distinguished by a woody culm, complex branching, a generally robust rhizome system and infrequent flowering. Long known as the «poor man›s timber,» it is often listed as a «minor» forest product. “Bamboo is not a weed, it›s a flowering plant. Bamboo is a magnificent plant,” commented Steve Lacy.Thomas Edison supposedly used a carbonized bamboo filament in his experiments in developing the light bulb. Alexander Graham Bell also used bamboo for his first phonograph needle. “You can eat, wear, and build with bamboo,” said Michael Block. The bamboo shoot (new bamboo culm that comes out of the ground) is food for many Asians. In the Philippines, they are made into pickles, fresh lumpia, or simply cooked with coconut and shrimps. In Thailand, bamboo salt seasoning and bamboo salt soybean paste can be bought in the public markets. The Taiwanese consume as much as 80,000 metric tons of bamboo shoots per year to make pickled bamboo shoots, one of their most popular fares. Some of the most popular species of bamboo used for food are “kawayan tinik» (Bambusa blumeana), “bayog” (Dendrocalamus merrillianus), “bolo” (Gigantochloa levis), giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper), and “kayali” (Giganto-

chloa atter) Just a health warning: shoots of some species contain toxins that need to be leached or boiled out before they can be eaten safely. “With the increasing awareness on the many health attributes and recipes one can make out of bamboo shoots, it is now gaining popularity within the broader population and in the global market,”reports Nimfa Torreta of the Department of Science and Technology. “There is also a worldwide interest on bamboo shoots because of the growing population of Asian ethnic origin around the world who have particular preference and taste for Asian food.” Bamboo shoots have a huge potential for market. Export of bamboo shoot from Thailand in 1994 was pegged at US$29.50 million. Japan has a steady market of 250 tons per month while Australia imports 6,000- 12,000 tons of canned bamboo shoots annually. In terms of exports, the bamboo›s potential remains in the areas of furniture and handicrafts, whose global market grows at an annual average of US$8-billion. “We›re not talking here of raw bamboo for export, but finished products made from bamboo. From roots to tip, you can make soap, medicines, cosmetics, furniture, bricks, clothing, paper, floor tiles, wall panels, drinks, vegetables -- even surf boards from bamboo,” said Trade Undersecretary Merly Cruz. Why is there a sudden craze for bamboo these days? «Bamboo is seen as a green product and a renewable resource in the developing world -- more and more buyers are taking a closer look at bamboo as raw material,” Cruz added. The exports of bamboo furniture in the Philippines rose from US$625,000 to US$1.2

Bamboo million in the mid-80s until the mid-90s. Both bamboo furniture and handicrafts racked up US$438 million from 1991 to 2000.Total exports of bamboo furniture in 2000 were recorded at only US$3.2 million. There›s more to bamboo than just furniture and food. Its role in the construction field is equally substantial. Hundreds of millions of people live in houses made from bamboo. In Bangladesh, where 73% of the population lives in bamboo houses, bamboo provides pillars, walls, window frames, rafters, room separators, ceilings and roofs. In Costa Rica, building with bamboo withstood earthquake which buildings with other materials were unable to. Throughout rural Asia it is used for building bridges, from the sophisticated technology of suspension bridges to the simpler pontoon bridges. Bamboo scaffoldings employed on the high rise structures of Tokyo and Hong Kong. Building with bamboo in Costa Rica withstood earthquake which buildings with other materials were unable to. Bamboo is also used for musical instruments of all three types: percussion or hammer instru-

ments, wind instruments, and stringed instruments. The Bamboo Organ of Las Piñas has pipes made of bamboo culms. In Java, Indonesia, 20 different musical instruments have been fashioned of bamboo. Capitalizing on this current trend and without much effort and capital needed, bamboo production could be a very promising livelihood opportunity for Filipinos. Some experts claim there is a lot of future in bamboo. Unfortunately, it is not as appreciated as yet in the country. As trees are fast disappearing in various parts of the world and with the concern of environment growing, timber is getting scarce day by day. This is due to long period of time taken by even softwood to attain maturity. So a substitute or, if that is not possible, an alternative has to be found. Bamboo is the answer for this. Bamboos can be extensively grown in a wide range of habitats, from lowland to mountain forests in both dry and humid tropics, even on wastelands, swamps and dry or regularly flooded river banks. The bamboo business is labor-intensive, especially during the

first two years of operation. Studies have shown that labor alone accounts for roughly 90 percent of the total production cost. But the beauty of bamboo growing becomes more obvious after the first two critical growing years. Bamboo matures in four to five years and growers and farmers can enjoy multiple harvests in the subsequent years. «If the bamboos survive,» says a bamboo grower, «you are assured of money for the next 30 to 50 years.” Another good thing: the price of bamboo does not suffer from severe fluctuations unlike the prices of pork and chicken. In fact, they are priced depending on the diameter, volume, and distance traveled. “It is a pity that we have neglected this important crop for so long,” laments Roy C. Alimoane, director of the Davaobased Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. “God can be realized through all paths,» Ramakrishna once pointed out. «All religions are true. The important thing is to reach the roof. You can reach it by stone stairs or by wooden stairs or by bamboo steps or by a rope. You can also climb up by a bamboo pole.”

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

Med...

Airport...

FFROM 1

her disappointment over the snubbing of the inquiry by MMFC officials. Several graduates have claimed that the MMFC required them an assessment exam when they were done with their graduation. The results of the assessment exam, the graduates said, are made a basis by the MMFC for releasing their papers and requirements for them to apply for work. Representatives from the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) expected the [MMFC] to clarify the issues on the conduct of assessment exams, including the selective process done by the school to field nursing graduates who will take the Nursing Licensure Exam (NLE), the councilor said in a statement. “We cannot tolerate such violations of students’ rights despite their (school’s) repeated assurance that they will release the credentials which still remains to be seen,” she added. MMFC allegedly maintains a policy where

no graduate will be allowed to file applications for the NLE before the Philippine Regulatory Commission. Chair of the Council committee on education, science and technology, art and culture Librado said the MMFC has ‘no clear policy on the assessment exam which is not even a part of our course syllabus.’ “What is stipulated in their students’ handbook is just a mock board/revalida for us to comprehensively cover all aspects of the nursing course,” Librado said, echoing the complaints of MMFC graduates. “What is worse is that they just informed the students through text if they passed or failed the said assessment exam. Once having failed the assessment exam, the graduates are advised not to take the NLE and are made to undergo the next scheduled assessment exam,” she added. The CHED representative to forum said the assessment exam is an “institutional initiative and thus, the commission leaves the discre-

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

BALIKATAN HOUSING FINANCE, INC., Mortgagee/Assignee,

EJF-REM CASE NO. 13246-12

SPS. MANUEL S. JANSON AND ERNIE M. JANSON Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by Balikatan Housing Finance, Inc., with postal address at the 24th Floor, BPI Buendia Center, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, against SPS. MANUEL S. JANSON AND ERNIE M. JANSON, with postal addresses at Waling-waling St.,Buhangin, Davao City and Lot 1, Blk. 2, Ph. I, Davao Empress, Bo. Panacan DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, the mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 25, 2010 amounts to THREE HUNDRED SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWELVE PESOS and 50/100 (306,312.50), Philippine Currency, exclusive of interest, penalties and charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 25% of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale, the undersigned will sell at public auction on May 31, 2012 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate/s of Title No/s. T-233603 “ A parcel of land of land of the consolidation-subdivision project(Lot 1, Blk.2, situated in the Barrio of Panacan, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao.xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS. xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on June 28, 2012 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, April 16, 2012. FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) HIPOLITO A. BELANGDAL Sheriff IV Noted by: (SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff Copy furnished: The Mortgagee- Balikatan Housing Finance,Inc. The Mortgagor –SPS. MANUEL S. JANSON AND ERNIE M. JANSON PUBLISHER – EDGE DAVAO POSTING – 3 conspicuous places ( Edge- 4/30,5/7,14)

tion to the school as to its conduct.” “However, CHED admitted that their office has already been plagued for years by the same complaint,” Librado said. Both the PRC and CHED admit that the MMFC “has a problem with its management and some school policies because every year, without fail, its graduates fail to meet the deadline for application to the NLE because of their failure to submit some important documents such as their transcript of records,” she said. Librado in assisting the graduates of MMFC invited school president Amie Theresa AlteradoBautista to the public consultation. “However, the office was informed on the same day that legal counsel Atty. Dexter Lopoz would represent the school. After two hours of waiting, nobody from the MMFC showed up at the inquiry,” Librado said.

monitoring sa DIA dahil we have learned that the airport is among the areas na dinadaanan ng mga menor de edad from Mindanao na nagiging biktima ng trafficking papuntang Luzon or palabas ng bansa,” Pioncio said in an interview April 26. The CSSDO officer said persons trafficked from Cotabato, Bukidnon, and other points in Mindanao are first told to travel by bus to the city and are given flights to Clark, Pampanga and eventually to other points in Manila. “Minors from rural areas and cities are promised work as household workers but pagdating nila sa Caloocan o saan man sa Manila, ipapasok pala sila sa mga nightclub,” said Pioncio, who is the CSSDO in charge for trafficking and monitoring of minors

The other...

FFROM 3

He was also responsible for the construction of an open multi-purpose open court, barangay hall and school buildings in Kilate and a number of farflung barangays. He was likewise initiated a “clean and green” cleanliness and beautification drive in Toril. As part of his duty, he would hold regular meetings with the 25 barangay captains of Toril district

through a “pulong-pulong sa barangay” to check on the peace and order conditions in the barangays. He would make the rounds of the 80 barangays then to see to it that the city’s programs and services in each barangay are properly implemented and report to the mayor twice a week on the progress of his job. His visits included riding on horseback and hiking several kilometers

Bonsai...

travelling alone. “In order to prevent this we have assigned four personnel at the airport,”she added. The CSSDO personnel are also backed by two more social workers from the Quick Response Team for Children’s Concerns (QRTCC), an interagency team composed of local and national government agencies, in order to accomplish monitoring at all times daily. In their count, nine minors have been rescued so far this year with six of them prevented from going aboard buses, ships and at the airport, and still another three “off-loaded” or detected and rescued during their travel. “The number of minors rescued continues as last year we had 28 minors rescued and that’s already for the

whole year,” Pioncio said. Pursuant to the Children’s Welfare Code of Davao City, minors below 15 years old who are traveling alone or with a person other than his/ her parents or guardian are required to secure a permit to travel, she added. The CSSDO officer said for minors to be allowed to travel alone there are requirements. Pioncio said they must carry with them (1) their birth certificate; (2) barangay clearance issued by the village chief; (3) written parental consent as attested by the barangay captain (if without parents, the written consent of the grandparents or the eldest sibling); (4) identification card of the minor, and (5) identification card of the accompanying adult. [JADE C. ZALDIVAR]

to reach certain hinterland barangays. Nene Depillo’s dedicate to work did not remain unrecognized. He was proclaimed most outstanding barangay captain, and outstanding public servant whose award he received in Malacanan Palace. He was also cited as outstanding alumnus of the Davao Central College where he finished high school. Nene and his better half, Paulina (nee Bandayanon), were also declared most outstanding by the Lions International, one of the

many civic clubs he was a member of. Depillo was an effective public speaker, a reason he was often asked by former mayor Santos to represent him in speaking engagements. Nene died on March 12, 1996 at the age of 61, leaving behind wife Paulina and seven grown-up children. (We encourage readers to send the posthumous stories of other deputy mayors who had served Davao City.-Editor)

them fragile. While the plant is growing, the branches must be trimmed once every two weeks or a month, depending on the progress of their growth. “Study carefully the general form,” Metilla suggests. “Have the branches well-spaced through proper trimming, resulting in a tapering effect with a pronounced apex.” Bonsai are classified according to size. The large ones measure twenty-five-and-a-half to thirty-six-and-a-half inches. Midway are the regulars, eight-and-a-half to twenty-five inches. The miniature or midget types called “mame” (pronounced Mah-may) measure two to no more than eight inches high. The price of bonsai ranges from P1,000 to P50,000 – depending upon the planting material and form. The older

the bonsai is, the higher the price is. Although the art of bonsai is of recent introduction in the Philippines, history records show that it was already practiced in the country in the late 15th century. According to a book, ‘Relacion de las Islas Filipinas,’ written by a Spaniard in 1590, “The Chinese in Manila were fond of planting red ‘balete’ trees in the holes and crevices of coral stones and laced these in basins with a little water. When the plants have established their roots, these were placed on their altars.” Metilla agrees. “I think the Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to grow bonsai,” he says. “Bonsai was introduced here by the Chinese centuries ago, only we did not develop it until the 1960s.”

FFROM 6

la instructs. “Those with partly decayed trunks and natural crevices as if termite-eaten would make good old-looking materials.” If you have already found plant material you really like, have it balled. “Trim some of the roots and branches, retaining only the desired ones, and have the plant established first in a pot or can in shady location,” Metilla says. “Cut unwanted branches growing at the base, up to about ¼ to 1/3 of the whole plant,” he adds. “Retain branches in such a way that one grows at the right side, another at the left on a higher level, a third at the back, the next upper one again at the right, and so on upward, with the branches well-spaced and well-balanced, and no crossing, no overlapping. Trim them in such a way

that the lower branches will be longer than the next upper branches, becoming shorter upwards, with the branches at the apex being the shortest. In other words, it is markedly tapered.” As to the potting materials, Metilla suggests a mixture of one part garden soil, one part river sand, and one part compost. “Use a shallow appropriate container with sufficient drainage holes,” he says. “Maintenance is the most difficult aspect in bonsai culture,” says Lacandula. After all, the care of bonsai requires daily grooming attention. It needs a sufficient amount of sunlight, air and water and a proper temperature. Bonsai plants reportedly are subject to many of the same pests and diseases as other plants. Their small size also makes

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VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS & CULTURE

Bone museum for Dabawenyos

Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

Darrel Blatchley

DARRELL D. Blatchley was born in the United States but spent his childhood in Thailand. When he was 15, the family moved to the Philippines, where his parents work helping poverty-stricken and displaced children in Davao City.

Spending more than half of his life in the country and being married to a beautiful Filipina (Mary Gay, with whom he has two sons), he now considers the Philippines as his second home – next to the United States. For this reason, he opted to open the D’Bone Collector Museum, Inc. in Bucana, a walking distance away from the city hall of Davao City. “I grew up in Davao and my kids are born here. So it wasn’t hard for me to decide to put the museum in this premier city of the south,” he says. Blatchley calls himself the bone collector. He has been featured in several national television programs like Balitang K, Jessica Soho Reports, and Born to be Wild. He started collecting different kinds of bones when he was still a young kid. “My museum has bones from all over the world,” says Blatchley, who has to travel in various parts of the world to collect the bones and skeletons. His collections come from the United States, in some parts of Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. “I have bones and skeletons of animals not only from tropical rainforests but also those coming from the oceans,” he says. “I have almost everything – from armadillos to zebras.” Those who get the chance of visiting the museum – which can compete one of those found at the Smithsonian Museum

Fascinating bone creatures

Bone collector at work

in Washington, D.C. – will be mesmerized to see a 41-foot or 12.4-meter long sperm whale (which has the largest species of toothed whale). Bones and skeletons of snakes, tarsier, marine turtles, various fish species, different sizes of the mouths of sharks, and birds abound. “Some of the bones we display, such as the Grizzly bear, are hard to come by. Some bones are almost impossible to find,” Blatchley informs. The bones and skeletons were collected by Blatchley himself. Some, however, were donated by individuals and some organizations. Collecting animal bones is a tedious task. “If the animal is buried, it would take me several hours to dig it up, making sure I have all the bones. After that, I have to clean all the bones and assemble them piece by piece. For a larger animal, it may take up to months to prepare it before it can be displayed in the museum.” Based on his experience, the hardest to clean and assemble are the bones of marine animals. “They contain a lot of oil in their

Jaws

bones,” he says. “As such, it takes more time to prepare them. If the cleaning is not done properly, there is a tendency the bones might deteriorate while being on display.” The museum is open to the public from Mondays to Fridays only – from 8 am to 5 pm. It charges a minimal entrance fee (P40 for children and P50 for adults) “to help cover our costs of recovering and displaying the bones,” Blatchley says. “We try to keep it as low as possible because we would like people from all walks of life to be able to learn about these animals. Too often, only the privileged ones get to see things like this.” In the near future, Blatchley plans to conduct workshops “to raise awareness of those endangered animals found in the Philippines.” He also wants to know what can be done to further enhance what is currently being done to protect them. “We would love to see programs set up to help breed animals such as the tamaraw to avoid seeing them go extinct in our lifetime,” he points out. Blatchley further explains: “The bones we are displaying at our museum are acquired legally. In fact, some bones were collected even before laws were put in place. We do not promote killing animals for the sakes of getting the bones. There are laws in the Philippines that protect the animals and we support those laws. “Dead animals, whose bones can be used to further enhance the education of the Filipinos, must be used instead of being wasted away,” he adds. “If we had not recovered the bones we are now displaying, they would be gone forever.” Blatchley calls the Philippines as “an amazing place filled with beautiful people and wildlife.” Through the museum, he says, “we can teach the people to ap-

preciate and enjoy what they have, and to give them something they have never seen before.” To some, a bone museum may be seen as weird or strange. “But without what we are doing, there are so many

strange and amazing animals that will disappear from this planet. We are performing the ultimate recycling. Taking the death of an animal and making it as a learning tool.” The D’Bone Collector Museum, Inc. would sort of be his

legacy to his children and to the Filipino people. “So many people want to leave this world with something to be remembered by,” he says, adding that the museum “would be something I would be proud of” as a legacy.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

Dining and tests of patience… By Ariel Balofinos

THE food industry has grown immensely in the last decade. And so while our choices of food and what restaurants or fast food chains have widened and diversified, so did our sources of stress.

There have been countless articles written on food and restaurants and perhaps a number written on pet peeves. But here are a few anecdotes from my own and that of my friends’ experiences about small yet irritating incidents in a restaurant or fast food outlet. I am pretty sure that you may have your own (and probably worse) versions of these stories. • In a small town in the Northern part of Mindanao (I won’t name where ) is a famous fast food chain that has repeatedly been the subject of my ire every time I visit the place. I stay there for a couple of days, and with the very limited food choices around, I would end up with no choice but to go back there for a couple of times. However, one time, taking of my order went like this: Me: Do you have spaghetti? Food Attendant: Wala sir… Me: chicken nuggets? FA: wala pud sir Me: o, sige, cheeseburger na lang. FA: wala pud sir. Tanang klase sa burger, sir, wala. Fried chicken lang ang naa sir. Me: okay, kana na lang… and one large pineapple juice… FA: walay pineapple juice sir… softdrinks lang… (I think I had apoplexy at that time so I can’t recall what happened after!) Let me clarify, this incident happened JUST A LITTLE AFTER LUNCH and NOT during closing time (otherwise, it would have been pretty understandable). And it’s not just about the unavailability of many food items that really ticked me off. It’s the fact that the supply of their main attraction, i.e. burgers, has gone dry on a mid-day! • A story from a friend-- Scene: you arrive earlier… you make your order… a couple arrives several minutes later… they make their order… you wait a little longer… order arrives and you recognize that to be the favorite dish you ordered… unfortunately, waiter heads to the couple’s table…and then you walk out

• In a restaurant somewhere in South Central Mindanao: we arrive at the restaurant and see three people in a nearby long table with several empty chairs (apparently, they are still waiting for other members who were arriving in trickles)… we hear them making last minute orders… about the same time, we were also making a short list of food orders for a much smaller group of three…we wait… wait a little longer… and wait some more, until we realized that we’ve waited for more than an hour already…we admonish the waiter… waiter explains, not quite apologetically, unfortunately, that it took some time for them to prepare our order since they had to “prioritize” the bigger group order (which at that time, still wasn’t complete) (ding! wrong answer!)… he assures us that our orders are coming… unfortunately, I had my own brand of bitch fit on 2nd gear already… so the moment I saw the first dish that we ordered coming out, I led the group to walk out… • In a well-known fast food chain in Cagayan de Oro City, my officemates were queuing for their orders. It was the peak of lunch hour and most restaurants and fast food chains were packed, so there was no option but to suffer the crowded food counters. There were four people in between them and the counter. Right in front of them was a pair who turned out to be ordering for a group of six. About 10 minutes have passed until the pair ahead of them finally got to the counter. But instead of giving their order, it was only then that the pair started making their selections from the menu board. It was also only then that they also started to deliberate as to whether they were going for the spicy or regular variety or whether they would get the chocolate or

caramel sundae. They saw this going on for a few more minutes. Just when they thought that they were about to wrap up and pick up their order, a family member rushes towards them asking to order additional fries, extra rice, and a meal that had a free toy! (they also had to discuss what kind of toy the child wanted!) • My brother went ballistic one time when he was still relishing the last few bits of food on his dish (it was a buffet so he could have gone for a second serving). His glass of ice tea (paid separately, not part of the buffet) was still half-empty when the waiter took his glass away and used cutlery and plates. The manager of the restaurant had to be called after this… (Another similar experience was that of another officemate who still had a piece of food on her fork, which she just held up for a few moments since she was chatting with a friend, when the waiter took her plate away.) So how do we mitigate (if not totally avoid) these tests of patience especially at a time when you are supposed to enjoy your meal? One, I think, is establishing a good familiarity of the set up you are getting into, especially if this entirely different from what you’re used to. You can do this either by going through the experience directly (and therefore keep an open mind) or asking a few friends who may have already tried the place. A friend of mine, when asking about a restaurant, doesn’t only ask about the food; she also asks about the service including time it takes for them to prepare and serve the food. Fast food chains, of course, have a pretty standard set up so it is therefore easy to pick up and pick on the things deviate from the usual ways. We should realize that they are out to a wide range of customers so expect the unexpected when

it comes to dealing with not only the service crew but also your fellow customers. Also check the practices that may have been considered acceptable. For example, in a very formal dining set up, plates are really taken out even if you’re not finished since the next course is already out. It will not hurt if you try to learn about a few standard dining etiquettes and practices (think Emily Post or Martha Stewart) under different set-

tings so you will know what to expect. The issue can also about the attitude and work ethic of the food servers, attendants, cooks or chefs… In many cases (and I don’t mean to be discriminatory) the more affordable low-end restaurants or fast food outlets are where most of these incidents occur. I know there are really bad food service crew members (who I think should not be part of the industry because they transmit negative vibes on our food! Ha ha ha) but then we should also know that there are those who are just receiving instructions. I try to pull the brakes when I can clearly see that the attendant was just conveying the message. So as they say, do not shoot the messenger. Speaking about an open mind, it also really helps to develop an open mind when dining, that is, to just take it all in. I know…it’s easier said than done especially when you’re already famished. I would also want to get my penny’s worth when dining… So don’t get me

wrong, we have every right to demand what we are entitled to as paying customers… But in my case, as long as it is within my tolerable limits, then I just try my best to just see these incidents as things that I will use as a conversation piece or perhaps something I can write about (such as this one). The best of course, is to take all of these as sources of a hearty laugh… Over time, I think I have somehow learned that enjoying a good meal, especially with family and friends, takes precedence over wasting energy on picking up a fight. And oh, when I came back the last time to that fast food chain which had almost nothing to offer, here’s how I ordered (with matching highly audible voice, poise, conviction, and confidence): “Miss, unsay dili available sa inyong menu, para dili na nako sya orderon?” The food attendant just smiled and went on to say, “available man tanan sir…” Have a hearty meal everyone!

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VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

Drew Barrymore to tie the knot on June 2

DREW Barrymore’s engagement won’t be a very long one, after all.

E! News has confirmed that the actress and her fiancé, Will Kopelman, have set a wedding date and plan to tie the knot in the not-so-distant future: June 2, to be exact. Which means it’s going to be a bumptastic ceremony! But where are they swapping vows? And what else do we know about their big day? A source confirms to E! News that the loved-up and presumptively expecting duo will be swapping vows

at Barrymore’ s Montecito estate. “She wants it to be very personal and intimate,” the source said of the 37-year-old bride-to-be. “She wants to do it right and be surrounded by family and friends.” And in keeping in line with the traditional values of Kopelman’s close-knit family, his family rabbi is expected to conduct the service. As for the timing of the wedding, the source said the duo intentionally plan to walk down the aisle before Will and Drew—who has yet to confirm her pregnancy but has been sporting an ever-growing midsec-

tion lately—welcome their first child. “She wants to get married before her bump gets too big, but it’s important to her to marry before she gives birth,” the source said. “Drew and Will have spent a lot of time talking to his family about ways to make the ceremony special.” As for their happily-ever-after after the ceremony? That’s already special. “Will is such an incredible man for her. They adore [each other] and are always together. He’s a good guy and he’s going to be a great father.” Aw! Happy planning, you two.

Is Katie Holmes pregnant?

IS Suri Cruise ready for a little sibling?

The adorable 6-year-old is, of course, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ youngest and sole biological child together, although the Mission Impossible star also has two children—Isabella, 20, and Connor, 17—from his marriage to Nicole Kidman. But according to the new issue of Star magazine, Holmes, 33, is pregnant with her second child. So should Suri start picking out maternity clothes for her mom? No. The actress’ rep tells E! News that Holmes is not pregnant. And while the Dawson’s Creek alum isn’t expecting baby number two right now, she hasn’t ruled out having more children in the future. She told Marie Claire in 2010 that she would possibly be open to having another baby “in a couple of years.” Why the wait? “Right now I want to make sure I’m really there for [Suri],” she explained. Sounds like just the thing a good mom would say.

A4 INdulge! EVENTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

Simply brilliant!

Marks & Spencer opens store in Abreeza

MARKS & Spencer opened its brand new store last April 25 in Abreeza Mall, Bajada, Davao City and did it with a bang.

Michael Tantoco Huang (on behalf of Anton Tantoco Huang) joined general manager Steven Sarmenta to officially open the store. Davao’s chic set was there to raid the racks and aisles, but not before enjoying a delicious cocktail reception, followed by a fashion show featuring M&S’ Spring/Summer 2012 Collection, and an afterparty live music. The spanking new 1,000-square meter store is the 19th Marks & Spencer store in the country – all of which are run under an existing franchise agreement with Rustan Marketing Specialists, Inc. With an extensive range of fashions and accessories across womenswear; including the popular Autograph, M&S Woman and Indigo Collection menswear, lingerie, and beauty, the store offers a myriad of lifestyle choices for everyone.

Mike Huang, Steve Sarmenta & MJ Tantoco

Abreeza’s Gel Ferrer, Clavel Tongco & Florence Fernandez

Foodies like me will also rejoice as the Marks & Spencer store also carries delectable food and wine products that used to be so difficult to

find and bring home to Davao. Follow me on twitter @ kennethkingong to know the latest finds, trends, and random thoughts.

Joy Garcia, Otoy Mercado & Jin Gallenero

Bobby Castillo, Dada Lozano & James Salvador

Amylou Aarts

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Event host Bianca Valero

Sofie & Ivo Bolipata

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SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 39 • APRIL 29 - 30, 2012

MT APO CHALLENGE. Members of a foreign team participating in the Mt. Apo Boulder Challenge show their war faces a day before they face the terrains of the highest peak of the country. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Two world title fights Fast and furious on Pacquiao undercard

NBEATEN Mike Jones and Guillermo Rigondeaux will fight for world titles on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s June 9 bout against undefeated Tim Bradley, promoters announced on Thursday. Filipino icon Pacquiao, 54-3 with two drawn and 38 knockouts, will defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against unbeaten Bradley, 28-0 with 12 knockouts, in the main event at Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones, 26-0 with 19 knockouts, will face US compatriot Randall Bailey, 41-7 with 36 knockouts, for the vacant International Boxing Federation welterweight crown. Cuban southpaw Rigondeaux, 9-0 with seven knockouts, defends the World Boxing

Association super-bantamweight title against American Teon Kennedy, 17-1 with two drawn and seven knockouts. It will be the first world title fight for Jones, who at 29 is eight years younger than Bailey, who is 3-0 since losing to Colombia’s Juan Urango in 2009 in an IBF lightwelterweight world title bout. Bailey also lost a world title fight to Miguel Cotto in 2004. Rigondeaux, who at 31 gives up six years to Kennedy, is a two-time Olympic champion and seven-time Cuban national champion who only made his pro debut in 2009. He won the crown by stopping Puerto Rican Rico Ramos in the sixth round last January. Kennedy will be in his first world title bout.

Unbeaten Mike Jones, pictured in 2011, and Guillermo Rigondeaux will fight for world titles on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s June 9 bout against undefeated Tim Bradley, promoters announced on Thursday.

Merrell takes early lead in Mt. Apo BoulderFaceChallengebikestage

By Neil Bravo

T’S going to be fast and furious.

Taking a dig from the popular movie, experts say the 2nd Mt. Apo International Boulder Face Challenge winners could be crossing the finish in 10 hours. No less than Mt. Everest conqueror Erwin “Pastor” Emata, who is backing up Team Merrell, made this bold prediction moments before the race. “It will be fast and it could be over after 10 hours,” Emata, the second Filipino to summit the world’s highest peak, said. Hilario Ladra, logistics man of Team Apo Ville, likewise agrees with Emata. “Mabilis lang ito (This is going to be fast),” Ladra said as he rode a bike down to CP17 to await the Apo Ville members at mid-afternoon. And as if proving their backers right, Team Merrell and Apo Ville took the early lead after the bike stage checking in first and second, respectively, in the ascent to Check Point 2 in

Barangay Sibulan, some 22 kilometers from the starting gate. Merrell’s Thumbie Remegio and Christopher Eyao pedalled through the narrow rock-strewn uphill a few meters ahead of rival Apo Ville’s Marcil Catanggul and Romeo Aptan Mascardo, Jr. which came in second a little less than an hour from the early morning start at the Sta. Cruz town plaza amid a light downpour. Sta. Cruz mayor Joel Rey Lopez and Department of Tourism regional director Art Boncato beat the gongs to signal the start of this year’s race. The field was down to 42 in the actual start from the 50 that actually registered. The earlier start meant the teams will have better times as they are expected to reach the crucial ascent to the 10,000-foot summit of Mt. Apo before mid afternoon when the temperature is expected to rise around 34 to 36 degrees Celsius. The morning showers provided a cool sendoff to the 84 men who will at-

tempt to conquer this event in 24 hours and four disciplines—biking, trekking, tubing, and running. Conquer Nomads of Manila also positioned itself within striking distance after checking in third in the bike stage. Chiru Raidlight came in fourth while top international bet Champion System Adventure was fifth—a position their team support crew led by Dax Ang beieves is “a good position to be at” this early. Hongkong-based American Ryan Scott Blair and teammate Piers NcDonald Touzel are attemting to be the first foreign team to win the race. “My partner Piers is strong in the bike stage being a natural cyclist while I am a little good in everything, so that helps,” Blair told the Edge shortly after the press conference in Davao City the day before.. Rounding up the top ten arrivals at CP2 were Team Bernadette sixth, Team Malaybalay 7th, Philmofo 8th, Southern Peak 9th and Team DOTA 10th. “We’re early, so I also think some might be on

their way back before the 6:00 p.m. cutoff,” said Councilor Andy Ugdoracion. After the bike stage, the participants will tackle the second discipline—trekking—with 57 kilometers going up the peak of the country’s highest mountain. They will come down to CP17 located near the Ayala property and take on the third discipline— water tubing which has a distance of two kilometers. The rapids were a bit slow and calm yesterday morning but is expected to get rough by afternoon. The final stage, which Emata believes is where champions are made of, is running and it covers 12 kilometers. The winner of this event put up by the local government of Sta. Cruz in partnership with the Department of Tourism will take home a top kitty of P150,000. The event also served as the kick-off activity of the Davao Summerfest 2012 organized by Duaw Davao Festival Foundation and the city government of Davao.

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Racing for a worthy cause

AIA Zhang Tingjun and his teammates are running a different race in the 2nd Mt. Apo International Boulder Face Challenge. Ting, as she is called, heads the Singaporebased Chain Reaction Project (TCRP) contingent composed of 6 teams and they come from different countries in the world—Singapore, Hongkong, Manila, Malaysia, Indonesia, United States, and Philippines. Ting says they are not serious racers. “We’re here to have fun.” But other than having fun, Ting and the TCRP teams have a mission. They are taking part to promote their advocacy against human trafficking. Ting says there are around 400,000 Filipino women trafficked every year. This, she says, is the message they wanted

across, other than trying to raise funds for the program. I had an interview with Ting for the Mindanao Travel Channel’s coverage of the event and she says that they chose to come here because they felt there is a need to generate public awareness of the problem of human trafficking. I agree with Ting. In Mindanao alone, hundreds of women fall victims to human trafficking, some are innocent minors passed off as adults. Remember Sara Balabagan? It is not difficult to realize this problem. Just go to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) early morning and you will see several young women queuing up for a passport through an agent. Every now and then we hear of Filipino women end up finding themselves in trouble-

-battered, jailed, raped or even killed while working overseas. Many of them undocumented. Some of them with false documents. A cousin of mine sent me a message on Facebook to seek help for a friend who is in trouble. Another friend asked help for a fellow nurse who was jailed after a patient was administered wrong medication. Not her fault though, according to her. I can only advise them to do the necessary—inform the embassy and seek legal help from there. Frankly, I never imagined the Mt. Apo climb event would become an advocacy vehicle against human trafficking or for any good cause for that matter. The Chain Reaction Project for sure will generate a chain of positive reaction from both private organizations and government to act on this

very alarming problem. I have never climbed Mt. Apo in my lifetime. But if this were the cause, I would dare take the challenge. Ting and his TCRP teammates are already winners in their own right. Save the serious competition to the serious athletes. But save the serious cause for those who are serious about solving this problem. I will wait for Ting and the TCRP at the finish line on Sunday. Whether they cross it running or cross it beyond the cut off time.