Edge Davao 5 Issue 99 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGE

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

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P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

DAVAOO

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Serving a seamless society

Northpoint unveils ‘tallest’ green building By Carlo P. Mallo

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EADING real estate developer Camella launches the city’s tallest green building at their Camella Northpoint development. The 15-story condominium tower is set to be the city’s tallest green building once it is completed. “Camella Northpoint is actually a green and environmentally friendly enclave as all buildings are designed to utilize natural lighting and cross ventilation,” Marlon Escalicas, general manager for Camella Davao and Tagum, said. “But with this new tower, we added more features that makes it the model green residential building.” Dubbed as Liverpool, the 15-story building will be home to 329 condominium units. The building has also been dubbed as the “building that breathes.” “It is called a building that breathes as the structure was actually designed to be cool despite being the tallest building in the site,” Escalicas said. The other buildings in the enclave are seven and 10-stories high. One of the features of the Liverpool is its sky garden. “Instead of utilizing the section of the building for units, we sacrificed it and

turned it into patches of gardens that will help maintain a cool temperature within the building. The gardens are also refreshing spots for the homeowners to hang out in,” Escalicas said. By opening sections of the building in its upper floors, it is able to “breathe,” giving the structure a cooling effect. Pine trees Aside from constructing green buildings, Camella also planted more than 2,000 pine trees in what used to be the Ker estate. The pine trees, which have been imported from New Zealand, are able to withstand tropical weather conditions. “We invested about P2 million for the pine trees, as we wanted to give a different experience to our homeowners. At Camella N o r t h point, its like living in the

suburbs but still in the heart of the business district of the city,” Escalicas said. Camella has also preserved century-old trees in the estate in the process of developing the area. “Preserving and caring for the environment has been part of the vision of the Villar family,” Escalicas said. Camella is a subsidiary of the Villar-led Vista Land, Inc., one of the country’s leading real estate conglomerates. “Last year, we had this greenviron program wherein the company conducted a massive tree-planting program in all its property developments. The envi-

ronment is always at the forefront of our advocacy,” Escalicas said. Al Fresco Even the clubhouse of Camella Northpoint utilizes green architecture by using wide awnings and windows that allow the breeze to pass through and natural light in. The clubhouse also utilized of the cooling effect of plants and water features. Located in the heart of the development, the clubhouse is a converging point for its residents where they can unwind, workout, and use the free wifi. Inspired by old plantation houses, the clubhouse has a wrap around terrace, high ceilings, and large windows. “Being green does not end with our buildings, it is a lifestyle that we try to incorporate into the lives of our homeowners,” Escalicas said.

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Largest unit is sold at P9-M Follow Us On

VEN before it was formally launched, the largest unit at the Liverpool Tower of Camella Northpoint was already sold for P9 million. “As soon as we placed it on the market, there was very strong demand for the unit. It is the biggest unit at the Camella Northpoint at 93 square meters,” Anna Mae dela

Peña, marketing head for Camella Davao, said in an interview with Edge Davao. The 93-square meter unit is located at the posh top floor of the building alongside with other ‘large cut’ units. Other units at the top floor have sizes ranging from 51 square meters to 84 square meters.

“Most of the units at this floor have three to four bedrooms. Unlike other floors, there are only 15 units on this floor, making it a premium floor for those who would want to enjoy an added air of privacy,” dela Peña said. Aside from the top floor, dela Peña said that the sixth to twelfth floors have also been receiving a

lot of interest and demand. “On these floors are the sky gardens, while the eight floor is extra special as it has an atrium of its own,” dela Peña said. The sky gardens and the atrium on the eighth floor are added features to the 15-story Liverpool tower to promote cross ventilation.

12 T

REAL ESTATE

reasons to live at Camella Northpoint

HERE are at least twelve good reasons for Camella to be proud of its landmark condo development, Camella Northpoint. Since its groundbreaking in 2009, this British colonial themed condo community is being built with advantages that have remained unmatched to date. 1 - Location. Situated at the junction of J. P. Laurel Avenue and Buhangin Road, Camella Northpoint is strategically located within the hub of north Davao’s commercial and business district, making vibrant living the norm in this new premier address. Camella Northpoint is less than ten minutes away from malls like Abreeza, Gaisano Mall, Victoria Plaza, and the upcoming SM Mall in Lanang, as well as modern corporate offices and business centers, and public utilities like banks, hospitals, supermarkets, telecommunications, wet markets, churches, seaport, airport, and schools and universities. With its close proximity to all daily essential needs, residents can go on foot, take public transport, or drive the short distance to all modern conveniences. 2 - Pine Estate. With about P4 million worth of allweather Caribbean pine trees imported from New Zealand transplanted across its grounds, Camella Northpoint will turn into a veritable pine estate when the pine trees grow to about a hundred feet tall. That means crisp, cool, pinescented ambiance all year round, making it a fresh, green oasis in the city. 3 - Subdivision charm. Wakefield Manor, the stately clubhouse that is the centerpiece of Camella Northpoint’s excellent facilities and amenities, is located at the center of the green, pine-dotted open spaces, giving it a distinct subdivision charm. 4 - Green, open spaces. Upon entering the condo property, one is greeted by a vista of green freshness, wide open spaces, and naturally undulating land enhanced by meticulous landscaping, lush trees and plant life, and a green carpet of grass. This is the natural backdrop by which a park, pocket gardens, and the playground will be shaped. 5 - Green buildings. The freshness of the outdoors is brought inside with the indoor garden, natural light streaming in through the skylights, and natural air flowing in and out of the condos built following the principles of green architecture. Residents enjoy healthy living with the condo’s green buildings, designed to minimize impact on human health and the environment, keeping its resident safe from sick building syndrome. 6 - Low-rise advantage. Built up to six to ten storeys only, the condo buildings offer low- and mid-rise advantage: no over-crowding, no competing for elevator use, and no tiring high climb at the stairs. At Camella Northpoint, population is less dense than high-rise condos and there’s no long waits and tight space at the elevators. 7 - World-class facilities and amenities. The clubhouse has a charming multi-purpose hall with wide windows, and on the ground level, a fitness gym, cabanas, grill pits, Davao’s first salinated wellness pool, and soon, a Zen-inspired meditation pond. There is also WiFi access, a shuttle service, and 24/7 state-of-the-art security system bolstered by CCTVs. 8 - Commercial area. With a commercial development in the offing, Camella Northpoint residents get to enjoy an enhanced lifestyle with fine dining restaurants, quaint shops, boutique hotel, open amphitheatre, and specialty stores, just a few steps away from their condo home. The landmark White House is preserved as the centerpiece of the commercial area, exuding old Davao charm amidst the modern development around it. 9 - Developer reputation. Camella as a brand equates to longevity, financial stability, and unblemished reputation. A subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, the largest homebuilder in the country, Camella carries the same commitment to excellence in all its developments in Davao where it has 16 years of experience in property development.

Camella’s expertise in condo development emanates from the solid track record of Vista Land, a forerunner in residential development that offers a fresh take on urban living. To date, Vista Land’s successful condo projects are Mosaic in Greenbelt, KL Mosaic in Legaspi Village, The Gallery in Salcedo, Laureano de Trevi in Pasong Tamo, Avant at the Fort, Pacific Residences in Taguig, The Currency in Ortigas, Crown Tower in Manila, Symphony, Pine Crest, Madison Place and Will Tower in Quezon City, Presidio and The Marfori in Sucat.

10 - Value for investment. With its prime location, unique features, modern facilities and amenities, Camella Northpoint’s affordable prices yield more value for the homebuyer’s money. With rental rates around Bajada, Buhangin and Lanang going for at least P13,000 a month, investing in a Northpoint unit is a wise move for those who know their condo unit is an earning asset that allows them to recover their investment fast. 11 - Professional property management. Northpoint is managed by a professional property management team responsible for keeping the condo property well maintained and secure at all times, as well as establishing harmonious relationship and healthy camaraderie among the homeowners.

12 - Excellent living proposition. Camella Northpoint gives its homeowners the best of both worlds: a stylish, modern home ensconced within the tranquility of a natural, lush setting where unit owners find peaceful living possible in its urban location. The careful screening of homebuyers has resulted to a select and diverse group of homeowners that make the condo community vibrant and interesting.

To enjoy Camella Northpoint’s 12-point advantage, get in touch with Camella at 2/F Delgar Building, J. P. Laurel Ave., Davao City, numbers 222-0963, 222-5221, 222-5223, 09178576572, vismin@camella.com.ph, and www.camella. com.ph.

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Camella Northpoint - the dream home choice of OFWs A SK any overseas Filipino worker what their goals are for working abroad, and you’re likely to hear them say education for children, a good business venture, a nice car, and a decent home. When it comes to giving OFWs their dream home, nothing comes close to Camella Northpoint, the landmark condo development of Camella Davao. Whether it’s for the family they left here, for their vacation home, or their crowning glory when they finally come home for good, Camella Northpoint is their best choice. With Camella Northpoint, OFWs get a modern, stylish home set amidst a breathtaking landscape of green grass and imported Caribbean pine trees, with deluxe facilities and amenities housed in a stately clubhouse called Wakefield Manor. When OFWs come home to Camella Northpoint, there’s no need to stay in a hotel as they get the same amenities right at their home. This British colonial themed condo community can rival the best hotels in town with its world-class facilities and amenities in Wakefield Manor. The good sized wellness pool is the gem of the clubhouse, with its salinated waters guaranteed to give swimmers an invigorating swim. The cabanas are great to lounge on while the grill pits provide convenience for a poolside barbecue. What OFW doesn’t hold a reunion when they’re home? They can host their get together at the airy multipurpose hall of Wakefield Manor, with its comfortable couches and wide windows that allow the pine-scented breeze to waft in. If keeping in shape is a priority, they can use the fitness gym or jog, run, or brisk walk at the outdoor jogging track where they can inhale the crisp scent of hundreds of imported Caribbean pine trees sprawled all over the condo property. With a limited vacation time, OFWs want to spend every single day well. With everything they need within close range of Camella Northpoint, they will be able to do just that. Located at the center of all action north of the city, Camella Northpoint is a stone’s throw away from the best and biggest malls in Davao, with boutiques, shops, and department stores chock full of retail items. Here they can tow their loved ones on a shopping spree. Only a few minutes’ away are the city’s most frequented food joints in the malls, hotels, and commer-

cial areas, and the homegrown specialty restaurants downtown. OFWs and their loved ones can dine out any day at any time without running out of nearby choices. Everything else OFWs need to do, they can do conveniently with Camella Northpoint’s central location within the city’s growth area, quite proximate to banks, markets, airport, cinemas, utility offices, airport, terminals to outlying provinces, places of worship, public parks, beaches, and other places frequented by

people. Camella Northpoint is a short ride or drive to jump off points to many of Davao’s beautiful beaches, allowing them to reach their white sand destination in less than an hour. After a fun day at the beach, they can easily get back home to the serenity of Camella Northpoint to rest their tired and sun-kissed bodies. When they are tired of all the shopping, gatherings, and excursions, OFWs can simply stay at their Camella Northpoint studio or 2-bedroom unit to enjoy the crowning glory of their hard work, their dream home. Here OFWs are assured their home maintenance is taken care of by the condo’s

property management team that offers asset management service. They can also have the condo unit leased out short- or long-term if OFWs want to make their unit an earning asset. For the busy OFW who doesn’t have time to clean up, they also offer cleaning service and doing errands such as dues and utility bills payment. With the condo’s 24/7 security system, visiting OFWs can just lock and leave. Whether they are here for a visit or finally coming home to savor the fruits of their labor, OFWs can enjoy the comfort and prestige of their Camella Northpoint condo home and everything it offers them.

“CamellaNorthpoint is not just a condominium, it’s a lifestyle. We do not just sell units, we are building a community,” Marlon Escalicas, general manager for Camella Davao

Bahalag delikado basta naay trabaho.

EDGEDAVAO P 15.00 • 28 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

Indulge

Science/ Environment

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Page 4 SIGNAGE. Two construction workers install parts of a large signage infront of SM Lanang Premier on Thursday. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

Drive vs trafficking on

False Cover

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Elders can’t bring out kids sans permit By Antonio M. Ajero

Sports

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OU’RE an elderly on your way to Manila or any out-of-town destination bringing along your grandson or granddaughter, aged 15 and not over 18, on your trip. Chances are you’ll be stopped at the departure area of the Francisco Bangoy International Airport by a social welfare officer who’ll demand a travel permit for the child.

The social welfare officers at the airport counter of the City Social Service and Development Office (CSSDO) asked them to produce the written parents’ consent to the travel of the children with machine copies of the kids’ birth certificates and barangay clearances. This requirement is now imposed in Davao City pursuant to City Ordinance 2491 of 1996

amended by City Ordinance 029206/03005-06 Series of 2006. It is an ordinance providing for “the Comprehensive Children and Family Support System in Davao City, otherwise known as the Davao City Children’s Welfare Code.” “This is required only in Davao City,” according to Dennis Caro Villalobos, a social worker manning

the CCSDO airport counter. He said the imposition was ordered implemented by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio starting last April 19 as part of the city government’s contribution to the global campaign against human trafficking. As a result, Villalobos said, the CSSDO and allied agencies have been able to rescue several minors

vocacy officer Rius Valle said. Valle contradicted military claims that Oplan Bayanihan is hurting members of the New People’s Army (NPA) because they could no longer enter villages because of the presence of soldiers who have succeeded in being accepted by communities. Valle said that the AFP was able to enter an area and do profiling among community members

through medical and dental services, as well as agricultural, such as tree planting activities. Valle said the CRC witnessed military elements staying inside school buildings, adding that the act is a violation as stipulated in the Republic Act 7610, Article 10. The law states that “public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and rural health units shall not be utilized for military purposes

such as command posts, barracks, detachments, and supply depots.” From January to May this year, he said there were three cases of military occupation in schools, particularly in Barangay Kibawe, Bukidnon; Sitio Kalasagan, Brgy. New Visayas, Lupon; and, Sitio Logdeck, Brgy. San Isidro, BanayBanay. He noted that during CRC’s visit

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‘Bayanihan’ worsens abuses vs kids? By Lorie Ann A. Cascaro

HE Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) based in Davao City said last Wednesday President Benigno Aquino III’s Oplan Bayanihan has intensified violence against children in the countryside perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). “The situation is more alarming now that the military has a reason to enter communities in rural areas through Oplan Bayanihan,” CRC ad-

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THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Two NPAs killed, soldier wounded By Jade C. Zaldivar

WO clashes between elements of the New People’s Army (NPA) and government troops last July 16 in Magpet, Cotabato resulted in the death of two rebels and the wounding of a trooper. The information was given by Lt. Col. Febie Lamerez, assistant chief of staff for Civil Military Operations (CMO) of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID). The troopers led by 1Lt. Miguel Yaos of the 57th

NEW COMMANDERS. BGen. Ariel B. Bernardo, Commanding General of 10ID, says that installing new battalion commanders aims to strengthen their organization during the AFP-PNP

press briefing on Thursday at Task Force Davao Headquarters. Also seen in photo at left is TF Davao commander Col. Marcos Norman S. Flores. [LEAN DAVAL, JR.]

More relocation sites wanted

HE Davao City government is looking for more relocation sites for illegal settlers. The head of the Housing and Homesite Division (HHD), an office under the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), yesterday said its ten relocation sites ‘are nearly fully occupied.’ HHD officer in charge Roy Ryan Rigor during a media forum held at the city hall said the local government owns ten relocation sites situated in six barangays, all of which are filled up except for the site in Los Amigos. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Rigor said, has already instructed the HHD to start identifying new areas the city can buy as relocation sites. Rigor said his office is conducting a feasibility study on possible areas in

the 2nd and 3rd Districts. “One of the functions of the (HHD) is to conduct ‘landbanking’--the term we use in the process of identifying lands, making a feasibility study to see whether water is available. When we have identified enough lands, then we can present these and the city will decide which land will be used as a relocation site,” he said. For more than ten years the city has offered relocation sites to illegal settlers as well as those who had to move out of their original communities as these were identified as geologically hazardous areas, or who were victims of calamities. Rigor said the city’s relocation sites are host to more than 8,000 homes. Barangays with relocation sites, other than in Los Amigos, are in Tibungco, Panacan, Mintal, Tigato, and

Toril. Socialized housing Meanwhile, the HHD has started working on the city’s socialized housing project in Los Amigos. The project is in cooperation with the National Housing Authority (NHA) funded by the donation of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) through the initiative of Vice President Jejomar Binay. An initial amount of P5 million was turned over by Binay to the city last June, out of the total P20 million promised. “This will be donated in four stages, the first P5 million is now with the City Treasurer’s Office and the next sets of donation will be given depending on how big the project will be,” Rigor said. [JADE C. ZALDiVAR]

Elmar M. Limpiado, Davao office branch head, said one of the six professional baristas from popular coffee shops in Mindanao who won the pre-elimination round last June 28 won the Mindanao regional elimination. The champion barista, Romyr Bago of Café De,itasse, will represent Mindanao in the national contest at the World Food Expo 2012 in August at the SMX Convention Center, Manila. He won over Lyndon Recera of Something

Sweet Resto Bar & Coffee Shop (1st runner up), and Dina C. Benolirao of Cafe Demitasse (2nd runner up).

Equilibrium sponsors successful third Mindanao barista contest By Lorie A. Cascaro

qUILIBRIUM, a leading distributor of coffee machines and official distributor of Torani flavored syrup and sauces in Davao City, sponsored the third Mindanao barista contest at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City last June 30. With four branches nationwide, Equilibrium has been part of the annual barista contest initiated by the Philippine Barista and Coffee Academy (PBCA), an affiliate of the American Barista and Coffee School.

The other finalists were Alexies John Econar of Something Sweet by Anne; Mark Anthony Gumapo of Cafe Ferenzo, and Rhyme Lavita of Wine Bar & Restaurant.

The criteria for judging were categorized under technical and sensory, according to Limpiado, who said that the con-

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(IB) clashed with some 40 NPAs in Brgy. Amabel while another encounter happened in Brgy. Bagumbayan involving about 30 NPAs against soldiers commanded by 1lt Bruno Jugo of the same battalion. Both firefights occurred around 10 am of the same day when government troops were conducting community security patrol,” Lamerez said. Meanwhile, Commo-

dore Romeo Santiago Nebres, Deputy Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) said the successful operation was the result of the military’s good relationship with the community. “The residents are fed-up with the usual harassment and abuses of these lawless armed groups. As a result, concerned citizens are now giving information as to the whereabouts of the NPAs,” he said.

one is allowed to operate outside Minahan ng Bayan areas,” he said at the Ateneo de Davao University. In line with this, EO 79 also states that the government will not allow the renewal of permits of small scale mining operations outside the Minahang Bayan. During the forum, Arreza said there is no dictinction between ‘open-pit mining’ and ‘underground’ mining as both practices are hazardous when done without proper study. “Open-pit mining conducted by large-scale mining, and the underground mining done, for example in Compostella Valley by small-scale miners, are both dangerous and harmful to the environment if conducted without proper studies,” he said. “If you do not calculate the slope of the mountain, it will be susceptible to landslide or guguho yung lupa in the case of underground mining. The problem is

small-scale miners usually do not conduct studies that’s why they expose themselves to danger,” he added. Arreza earlier said those declared as Minahan ng Bayan (Peoples’ Mining Sites) are Dinagsaan, Banay-Banay in Davao Oriental; and Gupitan and Talaingod in Davao del Norte. In Compostella Valley, declared as Minahan ng Bayan are Diat, Biasan, and Boringot in Pantukan; Maco in Compostela Valley; Inupuan and Saraban in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. To improve small-scale mining operations, EO 79 states that mining activities should only comply with Republic Act 7076 or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 and Environmental Impact Statement System requirements under Presidential Decree 1598. [JADE C. ZALDiVAR]

investigation, Pantoja said the fire started at past 3 a.m. at a portion of the Barace residence in Lot 15, Block 10, Phase 1 of Gensanville subdivision in Barangay Bula here. The family’s neighbors reported that they heard a loud explosion before the fire erupted, he said. Pantoja said they immediately responded to the area after it was reported but they initially failed to enter the residential compound as its steel gate was locked. He said the movement of local firefighters was also hampered by the high concrete fence surrounding the Barace compound. “There’s no other pas-

sage to the house aside from the gate so our operation was hampered,” he said in a radio interview. Pantoja said they were able to control the fire around 5 a.m. and found the remains of the victims in separate locations inside the house. The official said they could not yet determine the exact cause and origin of the fire but local witnesses said they first noticed the fire at the house’s kitchen area. Pantoja said they were considering several angles as to the cause of the fire, including arson.

EO 79 will solve ‘headache’ on small-scale mining issue

INES and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) for Davao region says Executive Order (EO) 79, signed by President Benigno Aquino III last July 6 is the solution to its ‘headache’ on the problem of smallscale mining. The MGB, which is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), during a multi-sector forum on mining admitted that illegal small-scale miners have been ‘a pertinent problem.’ With the provisions of EO 79 that small scale mining will be confined only to Minahang Bayan or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Areas, Arreza said this will give ‘teeth’ to their actions against illegal small-scale miners. “The reality is these small-scale miners go ahead without permission of the government. Majority are not recognized by the government. With the EO, no

Family of 4, maid die in GenSan fire

OUR members of a family and their house helper were killed in a huge fire that gutted down a residential unit in a middle class housing subdivision in General Santos City before dawn Thursday. Senior Fire Officer 3 Romeo Pantoja, arson investigator of the Bureau of Fire Protection, identified the victims as Leonora Barace; her children Aldrin, 16, July, 11, and Andrew, 8; and a house helper who was only identified as a certain Judith. Leonora’s husband, who works as an engineer in Dubai, just left the city recently to resume his work abroad. Based on their initial

(ALLEN V. EstAbiLLo / MiNDANEws)

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

Davao City literacy programs lauded

By Greg G. Deligero

HE three-member board of judges picked by the National Literacy Coordinating Council (NLCC) was in a chorus in acknowledging the literacy programs of Davao City during the presentation yesterday of the city’s programs and projects at the Grand Men Seng Hotel. The city is vying for the Hall of Fame in the National Literacy Award this year under the highly urbanized city category. It won the award in 2008 and 21010. “I find it difficult to raise questions here in Davao. Everything is here. Efforts to address challenges related to literacy are already imbedded in all development programs and projects,” said Sr. Rossane B. Mallillin, chair of the board of judges that was on a three-day visit starting yesterday to validate the city’s programs and projects contained in the award documents submitted ahead to the NLCC. “Literacy here is being made as foundation of all development programs,” she added. Mayor Sara Z. DuterteCarpio said the strength of the city in promoting literacy lies in the competence and dedication of City Hall department heads who im-

plement the programs, the strong linkages with national agencies and the active support and participation of barangay captains. “Our strength is our own people,” she said. In the 2010 census, 98.5% of the 1.48 million inhabitants in Davao City were literate. City Planning and Development Coordinator Roberto P. Alabado said the city government continues to implement programs and projects to eradicate illiteracy among the remaining 1.5% of the population. “We shall never say it is okay not until we get the 100 percent literacy,” he said. These include the establishment of civil registration outlets in public elementary schools manned by trained and accredited teachers, the sustained implementation of mobile library and magbasa ta program, the education seminar among drivers, the establishment of pre-schools in Indigenous People communities and the scholarship programs from elementary to tertiary levels. Literacy programs are also imbedded in tourism, environment, barangay governance, resource generation and peace and order programs.

One-stop crisis center launched

ILING cases against perpetrators, which can be a very tedious process, can now be done at the Gabriela Silang Shelter, a one-stop women and children crisis center at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Davao City. The first of its kind in the Philippines, Gabriela Silang Shelter was inaugurated yesterday led by Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) Representative Luz Ilagan and supported by the city government led by Mayor Sara Duterte. Catering to women and children victims of violence, the one-stop crisis center is among the responses of progressive women organization Gabriela to the prevalence of violence against women (VAW), according to Ilagan. The center will house a police women’s desk, a medical doctor, a psychologist and social workers for psycho-social first aid and counseling, and a lawyer to help facilitate the filing of cases against perpetrators of VAW. Funded by the GWP’s priority development assistance fund, Gabriela Silang is

an extension of the Women and Children Protection Unit (WCPU) at SPMC with six beds for women/children who need shelter while pursuing their cases. “We need to make justice accessible to women. With the Gabriela Silang Shelter, women victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse need not commute from government office to another to seek refuge,” Ilagan said. Also attending the turnover ceremony, Councilor Leah Librado gave a message of support, saying, “It does not escape the notice of almost everyone here that the issue on women and children’s protection includes provision of temporary shelter and immediate services like medical attention, especially in emergency cases.” She said everybody should take this opportunity to maximize the use of the Gabriela Silang Shelter to help more women in distress and educate more people about women and children’s rights, adding that the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Women and Children is willing to be of assistance in every possible way. Gabriela Southern Min-

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NO STICKER. A personnel of the Traffic Management Group is seen using a motorcycle without the LTO registration sticker along Ponciano Reyes Street. LEAN DAVAL, JR.

RMN yields to workers’ demands By Lorie Ann A. Cascaro

HE Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Davao Employees Union (RDEU) won their fight against management after waging a strike and keeping both AM and FM radio stations off the air for eight days. “We have come to realize that the highest means for workers to win a just fight, especially against an oppressive management, is only to stage a strike or welga,” secretary of RDEU Gina Hitgano said. She addd that the RMN management had committed to implement their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) last Tuesday, adding that the workers and management were engaged in negotiations on economic provisions the following day. Upon the conclusion of the CBA, the union lifted the

strike at 3:00 AM yesterday, with only technicians handling the operations while all workers will resume work by July 20. RDEU president Rey Fabe said RMN management agreed to grant the workers P40 to P20 wage hike, or an increase of P1,040 monthly for this year and P1,560 monthly for next year. Other agreements include two sacks of rice per year; a signing bonus of P2,500; one meal subsidy daily; three days emergency leave and cash convertibleunused five days sick leave; 70 days maternity leave; Medicard health insurance and additional P5,000 for hospitalization. Management also agreed to implement the “last in-first out” system should there be retrenchment; close-shop or

mandating all regular rank and file workers to be automatic members of RDEUNAFLU-KMU; and, union’s educational research fund of P10,000 and 10 days union leave. Fabe said the CBA package amounts to P1.6 million that will benefit 22 RMN Davao employees. “The workers’ strike demonstrated that only through the concerted action of workers can they overcome the limitation and inutility of the Philippine Labor Code and the Aquino government. Delaying tactics and other provisions in the conduct of collective bargaining negotiations have only favored the capitalist RMN and denied the workers their right to higher wages and benefits,” he said. Hitgano mentioned that their victory is attributed

to the unity of RDEU members and support from fellow journalists and other organizations, recalling that the decision to wage a strike had 100% of the votes. Marvin Pineda, RDEU member, said their victory shows that RMN workers are not only committed to defend the rights of the oppressed sectors on air, but also in fighting for their own rights even against their own management. Hitgano said the strike is the first in the history of RMN, and the RDEU is the only union among all RMN radio stations in the country. The RDEU is urging all media workers “to organize themselves into a union, face the big broadcasting and print employers and assert media welfare and rights as workers.”

HE city prosecutor’s office in General Santos City has recommended the dismissal of the P18million libel case filed by a former official of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group in Mindanao against a local journalist. In an eight-page resolution, state prosecutors Jose Blanza Jr. and Edilberto L. Jamora thrashed the libel case lodged by Mohamad “Bong” Aquia against Edwin Espejo for lack of probable cause. It was dated June 29 but a copy of the resolution was only obtained on Thursday through the

Center for International Law (CenterLaw). Espejo writes for the Asian Correspondent and is a contributor for MindaNews, the online news portals that carried the story that was the basis of Aquia’s complaint. The same articles were used separately by world boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao to also sue Espejo for libel at the city prosecution’s office last March. Pacquiao was reportedly seeking P75 million against Espejo. Espejo said on Thursday that he still did not

receive an official copy of the Pacquiao libel complaint nor summoned by the city prosecutor’s office to answer the case. Romel R. Bagares, CenterLaw executive director, has offered to defend Espejo against the libel case by Pacquiao. CenterLaw is a human rights organization dedicated to the promotion of free expression and a charter member of the Southeast Asia Media Defense Network, an alliance of regional lawyers and media advocacy groups providing legal support to journalists facing legal persecution for

the work they do. Bagares earlier urged Pacquaio to withdraw the complaint he filed against the journalist. Pacquiao’s case stemmed from the articles of Espejo, which appeared at online news outfits Asian Correspondent and MindaNews. At the Asian Correspondent, the piece was titled “Stolen car dealer finds refuge in Pacman mansion,” while MindaNews titled it “Dealer of stolen cars last seen in Pacman mansion.” “The suit comes on the heels of a view released

GenSan prosecutors thrash libel case agains reporter T

FGENSAN, 13

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Overfishing jeopardizes global food security

LAND, Switzerland: An ever-growing dependence on fish means governments must understand that the current fisheries crisis is an issue of fundamental humanitarian importance. Strong management measures to achieve sustainable fisheries and eradicating unfair competition caused by illegal fishing or unfair exploitation contracts must be a priority on the policy agenda, WWF International reiterated today.

The global environment organisation’s message comes after the release of the latest State of the World’s Fisheries and Aquaculture report (SOFIA 2012) recently issued in Rome by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). SOFIA 2012 estimates that in 2009, 57 per cent of marine fisheries are fully exploited, while 30 per cent of all assessed marine stocks are over-exploited. The report shows that fisheries- related employment supports

the livelihoods of 10-12 per cent of the world’s population (660-820 million people), with 4.3 billion people depending on fish to provide about 15 per cent of their animal derived protein. “With such dependency on fish meeting a rapidly growing population, we simply cannot sustain a situation where 87 per cent of global marine fisheries are at or above full exploitation” said Alfred Schumm, Leader of WWF’s global Smart Fishing

Initiative. “Using the precautionary approach, a holistic suite of ecosystem- and science based measures must be adopted if we are to realise the clear economic, environmental and social benefits of sustainably managed fisheries” added Schumm. Importantly, SOFIA 2012 also recognizes that controlling illegal, unreported and unregulated vessels is a burden gradually falling on coastal states, port states, regional fisheries bodies, and others

ience to improve further the level of preparedness of the local government units (LGUs) in times of calamities. SDP aims to recognize and provide incentives to local government performance in institutionalizing disaster preparedness and to assess performance gaps, link gaps to policy or program intervention and monitor improvements on disaster preparedness. Mazo believes that planning and more strategies to take toward disaster prevention and mitigation are the aspects that are needed now. She cited Davao Region as high risk area for flash floods and landslides. Government for its part equally showed an improved preparedness towards disaster with its P1.6-billion budget allocation for Project Noah, a nationwide disaster mitigation system of the Department of Science and Technology that marks government’s readiness towards disaster. DOST regional director Anthony Sales said Project Noah or the National Operational Assessment of Hazards and Risks, is de-

signed to enable government to address the serious challenges brought by extreme hazard events. Under the project, DOST installed telemetric system or automatic weather stations and water level monitoring sensor devices in the country’s 18 major river basins. It has installed 12 water level monitoring sensor devices this year. DOST targets to install 600 sensors by 2013. Sales said DOST has installed Doppler radars in Baguio, Subic and Hinatuan that will cover Region 11 and another three radars will be installed this year to include Tampakan, South Cotabato. DOS under Noah also installed about 100 automated rain gauges last year. Project Noah will have seven components that will address major needs in various disaster situations. These include Hydromet sensors development, DREAM-Lidar, FloodNET, Hazards information media, Landslide hazards mapping, Doppler system development, and Storm surge inundation mapping. [PNA]

HE Philippines is a globally strong performer in terms of environmental governance. Based on the recently released 2012 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) of Yale and Columbia Universities, the country outranked the United States, Australia, Singapore and South Korea at No. 42 out of 132 countries in the list. “The Philippines moved up from number 50 two years ago and maintained its 8th position in the Asia-Pacific region. The EPI studies data to analyze the global community’s performance on certain policy issues against environmental pressures, and it is used to steer countries toward environmental sustainability. In Central Luzon, the implementation of a moratorium on logging on natural and residual forests under Executive Order 23, and the continuing implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) under Executive Order 26 complemented government’s

entities. “Nobody wants the efforts of the good players to be undermined by an ugly underbelly of illegal fishing. We urge countries to push for the ratification and implementation of essential tools to manage this, such as the Port State Measures Agreement and the Global Record of Fishing Vessels as well as we urge fisheries to implement satellite AIS and electronic observer tools on every fishing- and carriervessel” said Mr Schumm.

A key challenge in moving fisheries to a sustainable path is finding solutions that are socially, economically and politically viable. “The current fisheries crisis should be seen as an opportunity for change. As our fish stocks decrease at the same time as demand increases, it is vital we find innovative solutions that work for both people and nature” said Dr. Robin Davies, Deputy Leader of WWF’s Smart Fishing Initiative.

thrusts on environmental protection and restoration. Intensified forest protection and mopping up operations of the DENR in the region resulted in the confiscation of 212,517 board feet of assorted forest contraband worth at least P7 million last year. This brought to at least four million board feet the total volume of forest contraband already confiscated by the DENR since it embarked on a massive campaign in 1995 to save the remaining forests of the region. Of this, a total of 133,608 board feet of lumber were donated to the Department of Education (DepEd) for the improvement of school buildings and construction of learning facilities in the region. Director Maximo Dichoso of the regional DENR said more than 85,000 hectares of Central Luzon’s denuded forest lands have also been reforested through various schemes since 1994, topping the annual reforestation average of 6,000 hectares, newly installed executive. He said about three

million indigenous forest and fruit trees, mangrove propagules and bamboo cultivars were planted last year in over 5,000 hectares of protected watersheds, agroforestry, mangrove and urban areas under the NGP. “NGP aims to rehabilitate 1.5 million hectares of denuded forest lands in six years, from 20112016, and is expected to contribute substantially to carbon sequestration and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change,” said Dr. Sofio quintana of the regional forest management services. A total of 3,887 kilometers of forest lands in the region were also delineated with 8,196 concrete markers to address the issue of squatting and illegal titling in public forests, he added. The DENR has earlier forged a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Brig. Gen. Alan Luga of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, to step up the government’s campaign against illegal logging in Central Luzon. [PNA]

Climate change improves people’s PHL outranks US, South Korea disaster preparedness, awareness in environmental governance

HE severe impact of climate change to natural disasters in present times has remarkably changed the level of awareness and preparedness of both the people particularly in disasterprone areas and government from low to high levels. This was the assessment made by Liza Mazo, regional chief of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) - 11. “Before, during rainy season, people usually opted to sleep to their whim because of cold weather. But now, it’s different. People in times of monsoon get up and check the level of water in their surroundings. The level of awareness and preparedness of the people now is very high,” Mazo said at a press conference Wednesday at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Davao office in time for the National Disaster Consciousness Month observance. She cited the Seal of Disaster Preparedness project (SDP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which is a proof of local government’s resil-

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

THE ECONOMY

PHL, Indonesia bright spots for investment: ING T

HE Philippines and Indonesia are the current bright spots in Southeast Asia, given the continued improvement in their fundamentals, which in turn, were not left unnoticed by the ratings agency. Tim Condon, managing director and Head of Research, Asia of ING Bank NV Singapore, said “things are quickening” in these two countries following recent upgrades. “Things that they put a long time ago are beginning to bear fruit,” he said in a briefing Wednesday. In particular, the Philippines received eight positive ratings action since President Benigno Aquino III assumed office in June 2010. To date, both Standard

and Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch Ratings rate the country ‘BB+’ with Stable, a notch away from investment grade, as it noted the continued improvement in the country’s fiscal flexibility. And while Moody’s Investors Service gives the country a rating that is two notches away from investment grade at ‘Ba2” it upgraded the outlook to ‘positive’ from ‘stable’ on May 29, 201 due to the continued improvement in revenue collection even without the introduction of new tax measures. Relatively, Fitch raised Indonesia’s credit rating to investment grade last December and Moody’s last January. Condon said domestic expansion in the Philip-

pines and Indonesia will continue to rise but noted that China is proving to be a “big source of risk.” “A hard-landing in China will not gonna leave everybody unscathed. That’s for everyone and to the whole world,” he said. “If only China holds up it’s gonna be a fine year for Southeast Asia,” he stressed. Condon projects a 6.5 percent growth for the Philippines for 2012, higher than the government’s five to six percent target, driven by among others strong exports growth. Similarly, ING Bank NV Manila senior economist Jose Mario Cuyegkeng, during the same briefing, said the first quarter figure at 6.4 percent was “very

strong” and while declining to give any figures he said the second quarter output “is looking good.” He added growth as well as investors’ confidence will further increase once bidding for at least one of the projects under the government’s publicprivate partnership (PPP) program pushes through this year. Last June, the Dept. of Telecommunications and Communications published its invitation for interested parties to prequalify for the bidding of the P30-billion Light Rail Transit Line 1 extension contract. The project aims to extend by 12 kms the 21-km Roosevelt-Baclaran line to Cavite.

Other projects included in the program are the construction of a road that will connect the North Luzon Expressway to the South Luzon Expressway, the operation and maintenance of the LRT Line 2, the Laguindingan Airport and the Puerto Princesa Airport; construction of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Passenger Terminal building, and the School Infrastructure project. Relatively, Cuyegkeng projects the central bank to implement as much as 50 basis points cut in its policy rates if negative overseas developments continue. “Easily 25 (basis points) if nothing happens on the interest rates and the peso,” he said. But he said anything is

possible for central bank since they are in a “difficult balancing act right now.” The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ policy-making Monetary Board cut by 50 basis points central bank’s policy rates last January and March to help boost domestic growth and these rates were maintained until the Board’s meeting last April and June to To date, central bank’s overnight borrowing rate or reverse repurchase rate is at recordlow of four percent and the overnight lending or repurchase rate is at six percent. The Board will have its next rate setting meet on July 26. (PNA)

THE ECONOMY

Stat Watch

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

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

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

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

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

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

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

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

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

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

DTI pushes pangasius consumption at home P

Petron opens new investment opportunities

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region has called on stakeholders to actively participate in the promotion of pangasius fish as a regular family staple. During the Pangasius Culture Management Seminar held at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) gymnasium here recently, DTIDavao Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto, in a message read by DTI-Davao City Field Office director Teolulo T. Pasawa, has emphasized the need of an intensive marketing plan to make the general public aware that pangasius fish is already available in the local market. “By having a sound and viable marketing plan, we can reap a number of opportunities – from generating investments and jobs to cornering sales in the domestic and international markets,” Loreto said. Per records of DTI-Compostela Valley Program Office, pan-

gasius is currently sold at P185 per kilogram. DTI-CV is the anchor province for pangaius in the region. Merlyn Damaso, a food processor from Comval, said that contrary to catfish, pangasius can be part of the family’s daily menu. “Ang pangasius kay pwedeng everyday meal sa pamilya kay daghang luto ang pwedeng mahimo (Pangasius can be an everyday meal since it can be prepared or cooked in many ways),” she said adding that pangasius can be served deep fried, grilled, adobo, sweet and sour, among others. To date, Damaso also sells pangasius burger patty and lumpia. Though, she is still in search for other pangasius preparations that she can produce eventually. Damaso added that the meat of this fish stays firm even when

overcooked, a characteristic that makes it more palatable. Apart from satisfying one’s taste buds, the left-over of pangasius can also be processed into a new product. “Ang skeleton sa pangasius after nimo kaunon, pwede natong i-process into feeds like fish meal ug hog feed (The pangasius skeleton can be processed into feeds),” said pangasius grower My Lady Rose Domingo of Davao City. DTI-CV Program Manager Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque said his office is matching Damaso with possible institutional buyers particularly restaurants and hotels in Davao City. “Through this way, we can create a local demand for processed pangasius,” he said. [Dti11/ JENMENDoZA]

ETRON Corporation, the country’s leading oil company, is opening up investment opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs by offering them a chance to own and operate a Petron service station. With Petron’s expertise, track record and market leadership, enterprising Filipinos from all walks of life will have the opportunity to start a great business and grow with a company they can trust. Petron said all needed is a plot of land of the right size located along a well-travelled thoroughfare. Depending on the feasibility study, a Petron dealer may choose the appropriate station configuration to match the market potential with his investment capacity. Petron has diverse service station offerings, starting with micro-filling stations with two or three pumps for underserved remote areas, to bigger full-service stations in more urban centers.

Ayala Land boosts capital for infra, power

YALA Corporation’s (ALI) bid to venture into infrastructure and power sector projects was boosted by the sale of 15,000,000 common shares held in treasury amounting to P6.45 billion Wednesday. In a disclosure with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Wednesday, the company said the shares are priced at P430 per share, which is a six percent discount compared to Tuesday’s closing market price of P458. “The company is in a phase of active investment and is eyeing to build new businesses in power and transport infrastructure,” Ayala President and Chief Operating Officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala said. He cited that “in the same manner Ayala invested in the telecom and water sector in the past, we believe the power and infrastructure sectors are critical for the country’s growth and development.” “We hope to be able to contribute in some measure to the development of these sectors and at the same time create future sources of earnings and value for the group,” he added. Ayala is keen on joining the public-private partnership (PPP) program of the government by investing up to US$ 1 billion in power generation assets as well as toll roads, rail and airport projects in the next five years. In December last year, the company won the bidding for the construction of the Daang Hari – SLEX Connector road. Ayala is also interested in bidding for the NAIA Expressway, the Cavite-Laguna (CALA) Expressway, and the LRT Line 1 extension and operation and management. It is also eyeing to join the development of airports like the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. (PNA) 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

EDGEDAVAO

AGRITRENDS

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

Asia’s rice mountain to pressure prices as buyers lose appetite

SIA’S bulging stocks of rice, coupled with the waning appetite of top buyers, will keep a lid on prices of the grain in coming months, promising relief to food importers grappling with a one-third jump in the prices of corn and wheat since mid-June. Top rice exporters India and Thailand are sitting on hefty stockpiles of the grain ahead of new crop harvests, while leading buyers Manila and Jakarta are likely to reduce purchases amid bumper domestic crops. A limit on rice prices will ensure sufficient supplies for some of the poorest nations in Asia and Africa, all but ruling out the kind of panic buying seen in 2008, when fears of supply shortfall drove Thai rice to all-time highs of $1,000 a tonne.

“The dynamics are totally different -- rice is not going to go the way corn, soybeans and wheat have gone,” said Darren Cooper, a senior economist at the International Grains Council in London. “It is the picture we see on the supply side which is really bearish for the market.” The council, a research body funded by buyers and producers, expects world rice trade in 2012 to fall about 4.7 percent on the year, to around 34 million tonnes, as top buyers reduce purchases because of the better yields brought by good weather. Thailand, usually the world’s biggest rice exporter, is estimated to have accumulated a record 10 million tonnes of rice, or nearly a third of annual global trade,

after a government intervention scheme made exports unviable. In a populist move designed to shore up its support, the Thai government bought rice from farmers at prices on average 40 percent higher than prevailing market rates, stuffing the country’s silos with grain that has proved difficult to sell as supplies pile up elsewhere. In India, stocks of rice stood at 30.7 million tonnes on July 1, enough to meet world demand for almost a year, despite the country having sold some 5 million tonnes since last September. That is driving down prices. Actively-traded 25 percent broken Vietnamese rice is being offered around $377.5 a tonne, down 16 percent since

the beginning of the year. Indian common rice varieties are quoted around $375 to $425 per tonne, making exports attractive. In contrast, benchmark Chicago corn and wheat have surged close to 40 percent in the last four weeks as a worsening drought in the U.S. grain belt curbs yields with each passing day. DESPERATE TO SELL Thai authorities are desperately seeking buyers for their rice before new-crop supplies start flowing in from October and the country is left with few options but to sell at a discounted prices in government-to-government deals. “They have to sell in order to make space before new supplies start,” said one trader from Bangkok. “Everyone is

waiting to see what they do.” But the Thai government sold none of the 250,535 tonnes of rice offered from its stocks in a tender last month. As Thailand sits on its expensive rice, Indian exporters will capitalise on the situation, even if the country receives sparse rainfall from the monsoon season now underway. “Indian supplies will continue even if the monsoon rains fail this year as the rice stocks are really huge,” said Vijay Setia, former president of the Rice Exporters’ Association of India. Traders in Vietnam expect rice prices to stay under pressure as domestic supplies rise and India continues exports. “Prices in Vietnam will depend on Indian rice

and only have a chance to rise if India stops exporting,” said one trader at a foreign firm in Ho Chi Minh City. Indonesia is unlikely to import rice in 2012 and is forecast to have a surplus of 5.5 million tonnes of the staple by year’s end, state procurement agency Bulog said this month. The Philippines, which was the world’s largest rice importer in 2010, aims to be self-sufficient in rice by the end of 2013. “Next year, I think we could reduce rice imports to not more than 100,000 tonnes, just enough to make sure we have ample stocks at the National Food Authority,” said Dante Delima, head of the government’s National Rice Programme. [REutERs]

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Many take plunge for exportable seaweeds Special Feature By Honor Blanco caBie

EDITORIAL

Milk for everybody

IME was when Konsumo Dabaw, the now defunct great Consumer Movement of Davao, was in the thick of a campaign against junk food. The biggest challenge then was how to remove softdrinks from the shelves -actually the chillers -- of the school canteens. No amount of appeal could persuade the canteen operators to do away with cola drinks. Softdrinks, as Konsumo advocates later found out, were the biggest contributors to the canteens’ earnings, then and now. It became some sort of war of attrition between Konsumo campaigners and the cola makers as time wore on. What followed was that the movement’s leaders were sucked into other causes and preoccupations until Konsumo became moribund and eventually died. Today, it is heartening to know

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that somebody, actually a local government unit, seems to have picked up and continue the good fight. We are referring to the milk processing plant in the municipality of New Corella in Davao del Norte under the leadership of Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario. The P11-million milk processing plant inaugurated by Gov. del Rosario can produce 1,500 liters of fresh milk a day to be supplied by 157 milking cows of 77 farmer cooperators. The best part of the US Department of Agriculture-funded project is the instruction of del Rosario to town and barangay officials to serve milk instead of cola drinks during official functions. Indeed, the project is excellent as described by many, including former senator Ernesto Maceda, who heaped praises on it in his newspaper column. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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(Conclusion)

HERE are also cold water species (Chondrus crispus and Gigartina) that grow wild along the coasts of the North Atlantic and Pacific. The Philippines, known as the world’s largest producer of Eucheuma, comprising about 80 per cent of the total world supply, must get itself into the ripple, old industry hands say. Majority of Eucheuma products, known for their quality, are exported in the processed form comprising about 65 per cent of the total Philippine seaweeds exports. According to available figures, in 1993 and 1999, the Philippines exported US$ .2 million and US$ .6 million, respectively of seaweeds of all types. Eucheuma seaweeds and its processed form have been identified one of the 14 export winners of the Philippines. Officials say Mindanao accounts for 71 per cent of the seaweeds production of the entire Philippines. Estimates in 1996 suggested some 100,000 families were engaged in seaweeds farming and about 72 per cent of these families were in Mindanao, particularly in the ARMM provinces and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Officials note that Zamboanga City alone has more than 2,000 hectares devoted to the seaweeds farming, providing livelihood to more that 3,000 families. These are processed in at least three processing plants in the city of flowers, producing semi-refined carrageenan and alkali treated chips. Processed and dried seaweeds are exported to different international markets, shipped to Cebu or Manila in the dried form for further processing into carrageenan. Industry chroniclers say in the early days, the Philippines was the leading producer of Eucheuma seaweeds, accounting for 80 per cent of the total world supply. The Eucheuma species serves as a raw material in the manufacture of carrageenan. According to official sources, the Philippines has an estimated 8,300 hectares of marine areas that have potential for Eucheuma seaweeds farming. About 96 per cent of these areas are in Mindanao. Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu have been found to have the widest seaweeds farming area with farming expansion of more that 7,000 hectares of potential sites. Sulu, TawiTawi and Western Mindanao have a decided advantage over other potential areas. In value terms, the seaweeds industry hit the billion mark in the early 1990s and continued at the same pace, registering an average growth of 4.73 per cent for 1993-1997. From P1.1989 billion in 1993, the industry grew to P1.623 billion in 1996 slightly tapering to P1.395 billion in 1997, no thanks to the erratic El Niño phenomenon that hit the production areas which precipitated the drop in production. This production loss and the loss in value of the peso owing to the Asean financial crisis were responsible for the 14 per cent decrease in the value of seaweeds.[PNA]

EDGEDAVAO

ONG OVERDUE – I wrote about the high incidence of illegal logging operations in Region XI most particularly in the province of Davao del Norte some three months ago. The illegal but highly lucrative business undertaking is cause of concern to environmental groups and residents living near forested areas. The unabated illegal logging activities in several places resulted to massive flooding and landslides affecting lives and properties. It is reflective of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office’s ineffectiveness and neglect in performing its job to say the least. And the people’s expectation happened three weeks ago. Law enforcers and environment officials in Manila intercepted about 50 container vans of illegally sawn lumber worth several millions of pesos and the operatives traced the point of origin – Region X and XI. With the discovery, the Regional Executive Directors of Region X and XI together with 16 DENR technical personnel, according to reports were ordered relieved in their posts pending a thorough investigation. Clearly, these officials did not exert maximum effort to totally stamp out illegal logging operations in their respective turfs. For some, the illegal logging practices would only thrive if some enterprising government people are in cahoots with unscrupulous traders. Despite boastfully rattling certain arrest, no illegal loggers had been convicted and put behind bars. The Palace should now concentrate fully on running after erring government officials and crack the whip if need be. The crackdown against DENR personnel directly involved in illegal logging ventures was long overdue.

Meted with severe penalties if proven guilty, the people will be more than happy to know that these “rotten eggs” should serve maximum jail terms. oooOooo ESTABLISHED UNLAWFUL PRACTICE – To this day even under a new leadership, the traditional practice where top civil servants, upon their retirement are offered cushy and highly-paying consultancy jobs either in government or probably by private companies seeking to take advantage of their connection and influence. If I got it right, under the civil-service code, retired government officials, military and police officers must wait for two years before accepting or get appointed in agencies they used to work, or in other government bureaus. But it seems the powers-that-be bypass this ruling by appointing their favorite “political pets” to government-controlled corporations and affiliated companies. What happened is that their normal sense of conviction gets warped and they continue to act and strut like kings in their newfound little kingdoms. Such practice and arrangement actually is not new in our political system. It brought into the open a deep-rooted culture of padrino system. But this time, public anger was inflamed by the sheer excesses and seeming lavish and opulent lifestyles of favored political appointees in the face of a floundering economy. Just like the great number of assistant secretaries (asec) and undersecretaries (usec) “overcrowding” government departments and line agencies, they gobbled up a big chunk of the country’s annual budget. This contributed to current problems of the government’s financial capability. Certainly, public sentiment likewise does not favor the excesses and trespasses of numerous enterprising incumbent top government officials. Many gossipy tabloids even

reported lurid examples of entertainment lavished on these bureaucrats. Private corporations and other business entities seeking “assistance” would bestow favor on them – including rounds of golf, top-end entertainment, lavish gifts or outright bribery, with young, beautiful and seductive women thrown in as compliment. At so-called specialty gastronomic restaurant, for instance, guest padrinos were not only treated to expensive and delightful meals but also titillated by beautiful women in flimsy outfit who would swagger their cleavage for a substantial tip. It can’t be denied that it is an established practice to entertain officials especially at night, often at venues involving hostesses and professional women. As a matter of un-coded rule, the enterprising bureaucrats expect the intended “beneficiary” to pick up the tab, including that, of course, for sexual services. For their part, a person or group seeking favor from hard-faced and thick-witted bureaucrats are only too willing to oblige. The money spent on wining and dining is justified by both parties as “grease oil” or padulas. It is also within legal bounds so long as there is no visible or direct transfer of cash or gifts. As scandals involving thick-faced and cash-oriented government officials unfolded, doubts remain over whether drastic reform is really on the way even if mounting complaints have already reached the highest office. Even so, harsh critics say that any investigating body is no guarantee of change especially if it were staffed by government people who also have “skeletons in their closets.” Of course, some promised actions have been stalled while the figures involved in the shenanigans observed strictly the “Code of Omertha.” How do we call these thick-faced brats? Well, the irate and aghast public notes that the so-called civil servants of this species are typically people without even a minimal sense of morality.

cOMMeNtarY By Fr. Joey Ganio evanGeliSta, to the application of the mining firm. When voting came, the NO won over the YES vote 250 to 125; the people had spoken and were clear that they did not want Legenda Mines in their barangay!Regrettably, the story did not end there. On 8 July 2012, the Barangay Chairperson of Pinalpalan called for an emergency meeting of the whole barangay, which took place at two in the afternoon. The agendum was once more the application for mining exploration of Legenda Mines. The chairperson, together with his council, tried very hard to convince those who voted NO to retract their vote and change it to a YES. The barangay officials pointed out that rejecting the application of Legenda Mines would bring nothing but difficulty to the people. They claimed that Pinalpalan would be left behind in terms of development because it would not be a recipient of the benefits that the surrounding barangays would receive if mining were to commence in their area. They were clear that they would be affected by the destruction that mining would bring but they asserted that it would be a better alternative if they at least benefitted from it. They were emphatic that if the people insisted on their rejection of Legenda Mines, their barangay would

no longer benefit from any project from the municipal government; the officials further added that the people would no longer be able to count on their help in their time of need. After having made their point crystal clear, they called those who previously voted NO to sign a document changing their vote to a YES. Many signed; only a few stood their ground. I was there during the public consultation and I had nothing but admiration for the people of Pinalpalan for having had the courage to stand their ground against Legenda Mines. I was not there for the emergency meeting and was only informed of what had taken place a few days later. The documentation of the meeting was brought to me by a member of the basic Christian community there who had hiked for hours just to see me. I am gravely concerned by the events in Pinalpalan and am bothered by so many questions: Is Legenda Mines Inc. directly behind the action taken by the barangay officials? Did NCIP, Provincial and Municipal government officials have a hand in all this? And, will the NCIP accept the results of the action taken by the barangay officials as the Free, Prior and Informed Consent of the Tagakaulo community of Pinalpalan? Dangerous questions that are in dire need of clear answers. [MindaNews/Fr. Joey Ganio Evangelista, MJ [Missionaries of Jesus] is assigned at the Indigenous Peoples Apostolate of the Diocese of Digos in Davao del Sur.]

Child-friendly television

Inflaming public anger

Legenda Mines and the Tagakaulo of Malita

EGENDA Mines, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation, has made its presence felt among the Tagakaulo community in Malita, Davao del Sur, and has made many concerned and fearful. I have been working with the Tagakaulo community here in Malita as a missionary for more than a year now. The Tagakaulo is a Lumad tribe in the provinces of Davao del Sur and Sarangani. Their name means “those who dwell at the head of the river.” Members of the Tagakaulo community residing in Barangay Pinalpalan, Malita were visited last 4 July 2012 by a group from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) of Region XI accompanied by a number of provincial and municipal government officials. They were to carry out a consultation with regard the application of Legenda Mines Inc. to conduct mining explorations in Malita; the area to be explored included Pinalpalan. Despite the mandate of the NCIP to promote and protect the rights and well being of indigenous peoples, they sounded more like shareholders of Legenda Mines during the consultation! Most, if not all, of what they presented were the advantages and benefits that could be gained if mining were to be allowed in their barangay. Even when queried by the people about the destruction mining could bring to the environment, members of the NCIP were adamant and insisted that the people had a lot to benefit from mining. They also added that the seven other barangays they had already consulted had responded positively

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

Special Feature By ModeSto antonio G. iBarra

“K

ATUWANG Ako ng Makabatang Telebisyon” (I am a part of childfriendly television). This is the slogan which serves as the theme that caught the attention of every attendee on the official launching on July 17, 2012 of the Children’s Television Act (RA 8370) Implementing Rules and Regulations – a cache that reminds everybody that he has a big role in making television shows conducive to children’s thoughts and tastes. ”Birth of every child is a sure sign that God has not given up hope for the world. In terms of how we take care of children, and when we look at Filipino children, we are certain that God has not given up hope,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro. ”We have many challenges, we have certainly many problems in the Philippines but we cannot give up hope,” Luistro continued. Citing the term, “a nation for our children” of noted nationalist Pepe Diokno, he said that Diokno described that the actual challenge for adults in the Philippines is to create a nation for our children. “We cannot say to the community of nations we are a developed country, that we are educated country, unless we have proven to ourselves that we cared for every Filipino child.” ”In the Philippines, the parents have the obligation to take care of their children.” ”The modern age also allowed us to recognize a third leg that is so critical in terms of caring for Filipino children – the media is very powerful.” He said that television is one of the most powerful component of media and it will continue to be such and hoped that this policy on children’s television would guide the right path towards achieving moral rectitude for the children. The National Council for Children’s Television which is overseeing the regulatory activities concerning television shows taking into consideration children’s welfare was created by RA 8370. On May 2003, the NCCT was transferred from the Office of the President to the DepEd through Executive Order No. 203 signed by then President Gloria Arroyo. The Children’s Television Act’s goal is to ensure that all children in the Philippines will have access to quality television programs that are creative, informative, educational and entertaining, wherever they are, and in whatever circumstances they are in. For and in behalf of the millions of Filipino children hooked on television, the NCCT board, Mag Cruz Hatol (chairman), Dr. Nina Lim Yuson, Dr. Honey Carandang, Dr. Luis Gatmaitan and Prof. Carla Pacis declared, “With pride in the advocacy for responsible children’s television and imbued with a lot of concern about the way modern television is influencing the Filipino child, your friends at the NCCT wish to present you with this helpful guide which we hope you can tack conspicuously for adults to refer to when the kids sit in front of the TV monitor.” ”Television is like a knife, one can peel fruit with it; one can also kill with it. Television is the fertilizer; one must exercise prudence in its use. We put grills on our windows and bolts on our doors to ward off bad elements. Why do we sometimes forget to guard the window that is almost constantly open through which our children let in undesirable values and traits?” NCCT stated. At the launching, respected showbiz couples, Julius Babao and Tintin Bersola, Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan, Christopher Roxas and Gladys Reyes, and Paolo Abrera and Suzi Entrata were inducted as the celebrity champion couples. The celebrity couples will mobilize public interest in clamoring for more vigilant parenting in the face of television’s perceived adverse effects. They will also grace most of NCCT’s programs, projects and events. Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairman Grace Poe-Lamanzares expressed gratitude to Sec. Luistro for the advocacy he manifested for children, for the NCCT members who devoted time and exerted efforts to pursue this noble deed of giving recognition to children in watching television with their future moral values in consideration. Child-friendly television should then be the concern of everyone, prodding producers, directors and actors/actresses to produce convenient, meaningful, nonviolent and ethical shows for our children. [PNA]

COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Red Cross Davao 4th Industrial First Aid champion. DCWD first aid team with OIC-assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles, pollution control and safety officer John F. Baynosa and human resource OIC-manager Ruth G. Jabines (standing, 6th, 5th and 3rd from L), Philippine Red Cross Davao chapter board of directors and Department of Labor and Employment regional director Joffrey M. Suyao (standing, 4th from L) during the awarding ceremony.

DCWD is champ in Red Cross competition T

HE first aid team of the Davao City Water District bagged the first place in the Davao 4th Industrial First Aid competition sponsored by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Davao City chapter last July 16 at the SM Annex activity center. DCWD also won special prizes after topping both the problem solving and bleeding control and bandaging categories. Said competition is in line with the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Week themed as “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan”. Garnering a total of 527 points, DCWD beat nine other competitors including the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in second place with 508 total points and the HEDCOR Incorporated which finished third having amassed a total of 490 points. EDC got the special awards in basic life support and patient transfer relay categories, while HEDCOR Inc. topped the splinting relay.

Other competing teams were the Mindanao Corrugated Fibreboard Incorporated, Unifrutti Incorporated, Multicon Builders Incorporated, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Incorporated, Jaicor Plastic Incorporated, Longridge Construction Incorporated and Master Sports Incorporated. Non-competing teams which exhibited skills in administering first aid were the Philippine Red Cross Disaster Management Services and Davao Medical School. The DCWD first aid team was composed of Roxanne C. Sayago of the Human Resource Department (HRD) who also served as team leader, Anji Laura Grecia of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department, Anino D. Nones of the Accounting and Budget Department and Kharren Rhay I. Pala and Aris V. Cabamungan both of the Corporate Planning Department. Substitutes were Allan D. Antiga of the Finance and Property Department, Chris-

topher N. Cagalawan of the Electronic Data Processing Department, Ernest William C. Odchimar of the Pollution Control and Safety Office, Francis Lloyd A. Bangcas of the Production Department, Matt Ronald B. Tan of the Commercial Department and Nonie R. Co of HRD. Showing support during the event were OIC-assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles, pollution control and safety officer John F. Baynosa who is also the team coordinator and HRD OIC-manager Ruth G. Jabines. In the opening ceremonies, PRC Davao City Chair Antonio T. Uy wished all competing teams the best and thanked everyone for joining the contest. He expressed hope for a bigger competition next year which will hopefully include barangay rescue teams. He also noted that Davao City is currently organizing a risk management group, which is a first in the Philippines, that is why rescue teams such as

those that joined the contest are greatly encouraged. Baynosa noted that it is the first time that DCWD

joined the contest and with the help of very able mentors, very dedicated team players and the knowledge

acquired in trainings, the DCWD first aid team brought home the honor. (JoVANA t. Du-

Hedcor vice president for business development Boy Jabonillo. “Healthy forest will sequester more carbon which helps mitigate global warming. It can now retain more water to prevent flooding and erosion,” Jabonillo said. The average survival rate of trees for the first two quarters is 90 percent. It surpasses the company’s target of 87 percent and way above Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ target survival rate of 80 percent. “Getting good environmental impact from the trees we have planted in our committed land will guarantee for watershed conservation and protection,” Jabonillo said. In Sibulan, Davao del

Sur and Talomo, Davao City, the company’s watershed management plan (WMP) includes reforestation, roadside rehabilitation and riverbank stabilization. The areas protected are home to seven run-of-river hydropower plants in the region with a total capacity of 47 MW. Hedcor sets initiatives and implements actions to aid the local government in giving solutions on how to lessen the effects of global warming, to control flash floods and even to protect the community from harms of soil erosion. Hedcor strengthens its coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to help address the present environmental problems.

hAyLuNgsoD)

Hedcor to plant more trees

YDRO firm Hedcor aims for 282,500 trees to be planted in Benguet, Ilocos Sur and Davao for 2012. For the first two quarters of this year, the company has already planted 45,000 trees. To achieve this year’s goal, Hedcor will conduct more tree-planting activities from July to October, identified as the rainy season in Benguet and Ilocos Sur to ensure the seedlings’ survival. “We need to speed up our tree planting to increase carbon sinks for CO2 that contribute greenhouse gasses causing global warming. Our tree planting will contributes more for the conservation of watershed and this is what we want,” said

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late GENALIN T. MANGUDADATU, has been EXTRA – JUDICIALLY SETTLED executed by his heirs per Doc. No. 370; Page No. 74; Book No. XXXVI; Series of 2012 of the NOTARY PUBLIC FRANCISCO M. VILLANO (EdgeDavao July 13,20,27)

Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of Brgy 23-C , Davao City attend the monthly Family Development Session (FDS) with topic on Disaster Risk Management. As of June 2012, Pantawid Pamilya has a total of 168,278 registered

household beneficiaries in 6 cities and 41 municipalities in all 4 provinces of Davao Region. (DSWD/Sheryll Jane B. Sanico)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 20 - 21, 2012

SCHOOL BUILDINGS. Governor Migs Dominguez commits to allocate funds for the improvement of this makeshift school building and for the development of water system in the area during the school site visitation and evaluation in far-flung Blat Elementary School

Wednesday, July 18. The regular monthly-basis activity is part of the strategy of the provincial government and Department of Education to increase instructional supervision among schools in the whole province.

SCHOOL VISIT. Governor Migs Dominguez listens as Parents Teachers Association president Jerson Paglumotan raises issues and concerns during the regular monthly-basis school site visitation and evaluation

Wednesday, July 18, of the provincial government through QUEST program and Department of Education, a strategy increasing instructional supervision among schools in whole province.

SUBURBIA 11

12 NATION/WORLD ASEAN seeks common ground on S.China Sea spat - ministers

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

OUTHEAST Asian states are working to craft a joint ASEAN statement over the South China Sea issue on Thursday, Cambodia’s foreign minister said, in an apparent effort to repair discord that led to an unprecedented failure to issue a communique after a regional summit last week. The foreign ministers of Indonesia and chair country Cambodia said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said they hope to agree on “a number of issues” among all 10 ASEAN member states imminently after failing to do so for the only time in its 45-year history. “We, ASEAN foreign ministers, agreed in

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa (R) talks to his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong (back facing camera) during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh July 19, 2012. principle on a number ceive approval confirmaof issues over the South tion from all ASEAN forChina Sea issue,” Cam- eign ministers in order to bodian Foreign Minister announce these points.” Hor Namhong told a brief The disagreement news conference, without has exposed how deeply giving details. ASEAN member states “I hope that by tomor- have been polarised by row morning, we will re- China’s rapidly expanding

economic influence in the region. The announcement came after Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa visited Cambodia on Thursday as part of his whistle-stop Southeast Asian tour aimed at rescuing the group’s tattered image. Natalegawa said the key points of the statement had been outlined and the “basic positions” could be announced imminently if the other states were to approve. “If a consensus is confirmed in the next few hours, in the next few moments, then perhaps, the chairman would be in a position to formally announce those basic ASEAN positions,” he said, without elaborating.

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

DOH explains reforms in healthcare system under Aquino administration

HE Aquino administration has changed the country’s health care system, replacing the old dole out method adapted by the universal healthcare, a health official said on Thursday. In a press briefing in Malacanang, Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa explained the phasing out of the charity wards in government hospitals and replacing them with health insurance for poor beneficiaries.

Herbosa pointed out that before, when the poor got sick, they went to public hospitals and were admitted in charity beds. Patients in charity wards were asked to buy their own medicines, pay for x-ray and CT scans and laboratory exams, usually in badly managed government hospitals, he said. To cover the expenses, indigents usually ask for the help of local politicians, nongovernment organizations and religious organizations

New Info-Ad Mag launched By Maybelle Anne C. Yutiamco

osanna Ruel and Perry Paul Lamanilao of Cosco Business Center recently announced they would be launching an Info-ad Mag to be called CosCo Info-ad Magazine this coming august 12 at abreeza Mall. Ruel will be the editor-inchief of the magazine while Lamanilao will act as its chief marketing officer. about 4,000 copies of the magazine will come off the press on august 12, which could be increased subject to the number of advertisers. CosCo was conceptualized just last year and defined by both Ruel and Lamanilao as a revolutionary and unorthodox info-ad magazine that will be freely distributed in its maiden dissemination. The magazine will explain and showcase products and services of the advertisers. The glossy monthly magazine will also be in color will be distributed at the airport, primarily near the skygo Café and escalators to attract tourists as well as in partnered

events with the abreeza Mall, in partnered establishments and advertisers like Blugré Café both in Davao City and General santos City and in Café Laguna in Cebu and other establishments in Cagayan de oro and Bacolod. The main contents of the magazine will be the paid advertisements and featured articles about fashion, food, health, and photography. Ruel added that they are still looking for contributors and welcomes any recommendation of contributors. Ruel added that advertising rates will be comparably cheaper than other info-ad magazines. The charge for a full front-page ad will be P16,000, P10,000 for the full page inside ad, P5,000 for a half page ad. still being considered P600 for the business card size ad. CosCo has also partnered with Davao bloggers to promote the upcoming launching of the magazine. Ruel and Lamanilao also hope that this will bridge the gap between advertisers and bloggers.

Elders... FFROM 1

from being brought out of the city to Manila due to the failure of the kids and their accompanying elderlies to present documents showing that the parents consented to their travel to other parts of the country or abroad. He said the counter is manned by three city social workers in as many shifts. Travel of children usu-

One...

ally peaks during summer, when even unescorted kids take airplane rides. Last summer, he said, an average of 20 minors departed from the Davao international airport everyday. He said similar counters will be set up at the Sasa seaport and the Ecoland bus terminal.

FFROM 2

danao spokesperson Mary Ann Sapar said while the one-stop crisis center helps women and children victims of violence, it remains that the ultimate goal of every Filipino is to end VAWC. Noting that GWP hopes to replicate the project in other provinces, Ilagan said last year, at least three rape cases and 11 cases of battering and physical abuse are

reported everyday based on data compiled by the Center for Women’s Resources. The ceremony was also attended by the Bathaluman Crisis Center headed by Ms. Lyda Canson, Dr. Leopoldo Vega of SPMC, Dr. Aimee Bretaña of the SPMC WCPU, and other organizations and advocates for the promotion of women’s rights.

or try to raise their own money, Herbosa said. “What we do now is what is called the universal healthcare. Ito na ‘yung tinatawag nating Kalusugang Pangkalahatan,” Herbosa said adding that the one put in the disadvantage in the old system were the poor people. But under the Aquino administration, the Department of Social Welfare and Development was able to identify the 5.2 million households, considered as the poorest in the population through a national targeting system. The national government is sponsoring the health insurance for the less privileged under PhilHealth, Herbosa said, adding that the national government has paid for the insurance of those in the national households listed as the poorest. “Ito ang 5.2 million, ang budget that government allocated for this year is P12 billion, which is a big budget. It used to be the budget of DOH in the past. And now, it’s just the budget to enroll the poorest Filipinos,” Herbosa stressed. Now, because the poor are PhilHealth members, they are entitled to health benefits after being insured to the national health insurance. All government hospitals are supposed to accept those enrolled in the sponsored program on a “no-balance billing” system of the DOH, Herbosa said. [PNA]

4Ps program addresses struggles of country’s poor

HE government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), launched in 2008, has steadily started to address the struggles of the country’s poor, against criticisms it is merely a dole out. Among the beneficiaries is 34-year-old Mylene Altirado of Taguig City, who says the program, which aims to alleviate poverty in the Philippines, goes beyond giving out limited cash grants. “Pinaghihirapan namin ‘yan. Sinisigurado namin na makamit ang mga requirements para hindi kami matanggal sa listahan ng beneficiaries,” she said. She would like her two children, one in elementary and another in high school, to finish college -- reason why she applied in the program. According to her, the program helped her in raising her daughter and son by ensuring they are in good health and attend school every day. “Napakalaking tulong sa akin ng 4Ps lalo sa mga anak ko kasi ngayon may pambaon na sila at panggastos sa eskwela. Natututukan pa ang kanilang kalusugan,” she said. Altirado has been a 4Ps beneficiary since 2008. She claims her family life has vastly improved. They were given livelihood trainings and taught how to become entrepreneurs through the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K), a convergence program of the 4Ps. The SEA-K is aimed at enhancing their skills to

‘Bayanihan’... FFROM 1

in Kalasagan, five kids, most of whom were 15 years old, were discovered to have followed orders from AFP soldiers who stayed in a house near the venue of CRC’s activity. “During our psychosocial intervention for children in trauma, these kids deliberately bullied the other participants,” he said, adding that these suspected

kids also took photos of the volunteers and staff using high-end camera phones, allegedly owned by some military men. The fact that the military men were staying inside a private building was already a violation to human rights, according to Valle, and their violation intensified when they instructed the children to achieve their objectives.

FFROM 3

“The coffee market in the city is increasing,” he said, noting that most hotel functions are already serving brewed coffee instead of instant coffee, which was a common practice in the past. Equilibrium is also distributing other high quality products, not only coffee but also noncoffee based beverages and gourmet food preparations. He bared the company’s market share in the city has increased by 80% over the past two years.

by the UN Human Rights Committee finding that criminal libel in the Philippines violates its obligations to protect free expression under Article 19 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which it is a signatory,” Bagares said in an earlier statement. “It would do well for Pacquiao in his job as a legislator to support calls for the decriminalization of libel in the country by recalling the suit he filed against Espejo,” he added. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has also urged Pacquiao to with-

Equilibrium...

FFROM 2

testants served espresso, cappuccino and signature drinks. The sensory judges were Ron Labtang of The Marco Polo Davao; Rey Sumania of Jamaican F&B Training Center; Adelo Marquez, F&B manager of Waterfront Insular Hotel; and Gladys Marcial Aquino, owner of Tata Benito’s Coffee. Limpiado said the barista contest helps promote Mindanao as having skilled baristas, and that specialty coffee drinking is a growing trend, especially in Davao City.

Aquino

handle micro-enterprise by providing them a start-up capital for their livelihood project. It will also help them become self-sufficient when they graduate from the 4Ps program after five years. Under SEA-K, she got an P8,000 loan which she used to buy a water tank, a refrigerator and items for her small store. Now, Altirado runs her own sari-sari store business. Aside from that, she also sells tap water in their barangay. Whenever she has free time, she is also making rugs and embotido that she sells for extra income. “Bago pa lang ako natutong gumawa ng basahan. Natutunan ko ‘yan mula din sa mga kasama kong beneficiaries at pinagsisikapan namin gumawa niyan,” she said. She said her business is doing well, she no longer has to worry about where to get money from. “Yung nakukuha namin na P2,200 kada dalawang buwan mula sa 4Ps ay para sa mga anak ko na ‘yon. Ngayon nakakapag-ipon na ako dahil na din sa SEA-K savings namin,” she said. “Kahit na maliit lang ang sahod ng mister ko sa construction, kapag gipit ako may nadudukot ako,” she added.

Gensan...

Altirado is set to graduate from the program next year. “Kung anuman ang natutunan namin bilang beneficiaries ng 4Ps ay yun ang kayamanan namin na kailangan naming palaguin,” she said. From “survival level,” Altirado now belongs to the “subsistence level” bracket or beneficiaries who have the means to take care of themselves but still in need of assistance. Through patience, hard work and government support, her dream of a comfortable life for her family is now realized, she said. The 4Ps -- also known as the Conditional Cash Transfer Program -- seeks to provide “conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education, particularly of children aged 0-14. In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III opted to continue the program despite criticisms raised by some members of the Philippine Congress. Currently, around three million households are enrolled in the program, which had a P21.9 billion budget in 2011. The government hopes to help nearly five million families living below the poverty line by 2014.[PNA]

draw his complaint, saying he is in a good position to set an example for other politicians to emulate. “It would be a shame if Pacquiao should risk his well-deserved reputation by succumbing to the same urge that has seen abusive official after abusive official resorting to our draconian criminal libel law – or even worse measures – to stifle reasonable criticism and critical coverage,” NUJP said. Espejo heads the NUJP chapter for South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City. (boNg s. sARMiENto / MiNDANEws)

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

So Kim Cheng Awards on Sunday

By Neil Bravo

(L-r) Triathlete Mary Pauline Fornea, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr., PSC Executive Director, , and Dennis Uy, Phoenix Petroleum CEO will head the guests in the S Kim Cheng Sports Awards 2012 on Sunday at the Grad Regal Hotel.

OUTH Olympian and SEA Games standout Jose Joaquin Gonzalez, judoka Jenilou Mosqueda, triathlete Mary Pauline Fornea and newly-minted FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus are this year’s co-winners of the So Kim Cheng Foundation Athlete of the Year awards. The prestigious annual awards for the city’s top sports performers will be held on Sunday in glitzy ceremonies at the Grand Regal Hotel.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has been invited as guest of honor of this year’s awards ceremonies organized by the So Kim Cheng Sports Foundation through the Davao City Sports Council. Also expected to attend the trophy presentation rites is Philippine Sports Commission executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr. Phoenix Petroleum Philippines’ CEO Dennis Uy will be feted for the contribution of the Davao-based oil firm to

sports development through their involvement in basketball, long distance running, and football. Regino “Boy” Cua, regional SBP director, is likewise receiving a special award for his contribution to basketball development. DCSC President Beethoven Sur will lead the presentation of awards. Receiving citations for their achievements in their respective sports are Care Jason Monterola and Adelfa Sagne (arnis), Michael Con-

stantino and Charito Bajuyo (athletics), Earl Ryan del Socorro (baseball), Loraine Gestopa (basketball), Marvin Miciano and Ella Grace Moulic (chess), Rachel Calida (duckpin bowling), Darius Joseph Ramos Diamante and Janna Raizel Teruel Barcemo (football), Joey Andrade and Ruth Dugaduga (judo), Arthur Lao and Carmela Marie Estarija (karatedo), Juan Paolo Cansino and Jenni Celine Dizon (tennis), Melvin Dagatan (sepak takraw),

Edmer del Socorro (softball) and Jacqueline Caragao (table tennis). Also receiving special citations areVicente Floirendo (drag racing), Rene Anne Castillo and Hakeem Cariga (tennis), Sydney Sy Tancontian (judo), Chino Sy Tancontian (Jiu Jitsu), Ale Brashary Cale (mixed martial arts) and Maiquel Jawn Selga and Felipe Angelo Cordero (wakeboard). This year’s outstanding coaches are Vincent Ryan

Sarabia (baseball) and Grendel Ilogon (sepak takraw). Completing the citations are the team awards to the University of Mindanao (UM) baseball team, 2012 NSBC collegiate champion Jose Maria College, 2012 NSBC secondary winner Assumption College of, Daciba Homer men’s team, Davao Football Association, UM sepak takraw and volleyball teams and the Davao Tchoukball men’s and women’s teams.

RMH beefing up for Ateneo faces Kadayawan caging Holy Child

Games Schedule for July 21, 2012 SATURDAY 8:00am SMAD vs PISD (Mini) 9:30am HCSD vs ADDU (Mini) 11:00am Agro Industrial vs PISD (Cadet) 12:30pm UIC vs DRANHS (Cadet)

By Neil Bravo

XPECT a beefed up Royal Mandaya Hotel squad when the Hoteliers see action in the forthcoming Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament. This early, the RMH management led by team owner Glen Escandor as already made preparations for the four-team tournament although the team has yet to finalize any negotiations for its its composition. Team spokesman Jekjek Melendres hinted it will be one solid squad absorbed by RMH or an assembly of select players from the professional and commercial ranks. “There is an offer to team up with the Smart Gilas team but that depends if the tournament officials will allow us to field the entire Gilas squad,” Melendres told EDGE Davao in an interview. Melendres did not clarify whether it will be the Cadet squad of the Gilas team or the regular national squad. “The only hitch is if they will allow us to do that,” said

Games Schedule for July 22, 2012 SUNDAY 9:30am ACD vs SMAD (Mini) 11:00am HCSD vs SPCT (Cadet) 12:30pm EMAR vs HCDC (Cadet)

RMH CUP. Ateneo de Davao and Hol Cross of Davao College engage in a fierce battle under the board during their recent match in the ongoinh Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup at the Genesis 88 Gymnasium. The league resumes this weekend. Melendres referring to tournament organizers. The Gilas regular squad is bannered by PBA stars led by Gary David and naturalized citizen Marcus Douthit and mentored by Chot Reyes. The Cadet team meantime has amateur stars and a bevy of Fil-foreigners which recently won the

SEABA championship and coached by Jong Uichico. Melendres said the first option is to bring back its key player in the last Araw ng Dabaw tournament in former Purefoods forward Cris Calaguio and surround the deadly duo with former Montana Pawnshop reinforcement Hardy Larong

and American import Devon Sullivan along with a number of PBA players. In their last tournament, the RMH squad paraded a line-up composed of the University of the East Warriors coached by Jerry Codinera. Calaguio reinforced that squad along with Sullivan and Don Camaso.

ARLY favourite Ateneo de Davao University see action on Saturday in the Mini Division against perennial rival Holy Child School of Davao as four games usher in the resumption of the Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup at the Genesis 88 Gym. The Ateneo-Holy Child 9:30 a.m. setto will be played after the curtainraiser featuring Stella Maris Academy against Precious International School of Davao at 8:00 a.m. The other matches will feature the Cadet division with Agro Industrial Foundation College facing PISD at 11:00 a.m. and University of the Immaculate Conception taking on Daniel R. Agui-

naldo National High School at 12:30 p.m. The tournament, organized by The Royal Mandaya Hotel and sanctioned by the SBP Davao City Chapter, will also banner a 3-game bill on Sunday. Assumption College of Davao will battle Stella Maris in a Mini division match at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Cadet match between Holy Child and St. Peter’s College-Toril at 11:00 a.m. and another Cadet match at 12:30 p.m. between Emar and Holy Cross of Davao College. Ateneo, Ford Academy, and Assumption College of Davao (2-0) have advanced to the round of 8 in the Cadet division. (NJB)

EDGEDavao

REAL ESTATE

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20-21, 2012

Special Project

unveils newest,

tallest green gem C

AMELLA introduces the latest addition to its line of green towers in Camella Northpoint, as they unveil its tower called Liverpool, its newest green gem of a building.

In a grand affair at the new Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine lounge, formerly called the White Mansion, which served its signature offerings especially for Camella, homebuyers are the first to see the elegant Liverpool Tower 4 in its scale model and perspective, and at the same time get a taste of what Ninyo has to offer with its fusion cuisine set within a fine dining ambiance. “Homebuyers will get a taste of the elegant lifestyle they will enjoy as residents of Camella Northpoint as they partake of the delicious dinner menu made especially for them by Ninyo,” said Camella Davao GM Marlon Escalicas.

Escalicas added they will reveal the green features of Liverpool in an event filled with light jazz music and cocktails, and the delectable dishes that will give homebuyers a one-of-a-kind buying experience. One of the key features of Liverpool is the Sky Garden, a wide open space within the building that will allow not only natural light but also natural breeze to enter the structure to expel any warm air, cooling down the hallways and condo units. The Sky Garden will also have natural plants that give o f f

fresh oxygen and will augment the indoor gardens to provide a refreshing, green ambiance throughout the building. “We sacrificed space worth around P70 million to allot it to the Sky Garden, because we put a premium on creating a green ambiance in Liverpool for the benefit of our homeowners,” added Escalicas. Camella Northpoint is a landmark condo development that offers its residents class, comfort, and a pleasurable living experience they will not find in any other condo project in the city. It is the newest premier address in Davao, nestled within the heart of north Davao’s growth area, making it near to where all the action is. Yet the condo property is en-

sconced within a veritable pine estate, tastefully tucked within sloping hills filled with stately old trees at the junction of Buhangin Road and Bajada in JP Laurel Avenue. Presently growing all over is P4 million’s worth of all-weather Caribbean pine trees imported from New Zealand. These aromatic pine trees make Northpoint a healthful and refreshing place to live, letting its homeowners live a green lifestyle with its verdant surroundings. With Northpoint’s buildings also designed to principles of green architecture, its homeowners can definitely breathe green and live green. Liverpool is not only unique for its green characteristics; it also offers bigger suite units

“We sacrificed space worth around P70 million to allot it to the Sky Garden, because we put a premium on creating a green ambiance in Liverpool for the benefit of our homeowners”

on the top floor at 55, 84, and 93 square meters. This Saturday, Camella makes buying a Northpoint unit a more pleasurable experience with discounts as high as P100,000. It will also give easyon-the-pocket down payment terms for three years at zero interest, or a very affordable monthly due of P12,000 only. All these special offers will be available on that night only. As the greenest building so far of Camella Northpoint, Liverpool is considered the gem among all the towers in this British colonial-themed condo development. As such, it symbolizes not only green

living, but elegant living as well, as its homeowners get to enjoy an elevated lifestyle of comfort, privilege, and convenience. Northpoint gives its residents many privileges: the stature of living in a posh condo with worldclass amenities, the convenience of urban living with its premier location, and the benefits of green, healthful living within nature’s bounty. “What else can you ask for? I invite you to come and visit Northpoint, and get a taste of this elegant living you can only find in Camella Northpoint,” said Escalicas. Inquiries can be made at their offices at 2/F Delgar Building, JP Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City, (082) 222-0963 and (082) 222-5221.

B2 Special Project

Greetings from

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20-21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20-21, 2012

Special Project B3

B4 Special Project

EDGEDAVAO

Greetings from

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20-21, 2012

INdulge! Who should be the next AI judge?

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 -21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

Show business is called show business for a reason. we often forget that the entertainment industry is still an industry; one that has assets, liabilities, products, commodities, and income generating strategies. In an ideal world, entertainment would thrive for the sole purpose of entertaining and advertising would simply be there to help shows, artists, and concerts survive in the world. As we all know, this world isn’t ideal; and there are a lot of superfluous things that run the entertainment industry. Case in point: American Idol.

The reality television show that boasts of an audience of the millions is great business; or it used to be. The concept used to be simple. The show would only have to pay production costs, fees for the staff, host (Ryan Seacrest), and judges that have recently resembled a real-life version of musical chairs. All the other talented hopefuls would gladly sing for free and income would be generated through text votes and advertising. It used to be simple until demands came with egos that have ballooned with judges learning that their newfound fame could catapult their careers into something bigger than it used to be. we’ve seen many judges on American Idol: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Kara Dioguardi, Ellen Degenres, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler, and Jennifer Lopez. however, the recent exit of the current judges have sent netizens all a-flurry and tweeters all a-chirping as the search for the next American Idol judges have become a matter of world wide debate. here is the deal: Steven Tyler left the show claiming that he would want to focus on his music career and plans to launch and album with his band Aerosmith really soon. Jenifer Lopez on the other hand is busy caring for her toddler twins, embarking on a ninety-city tour with fellow Latino Enrique Iglesias, and also claims to focus on making movies and

What does this tell us? It tells us that even A-list celebrities could get something really good from American Idol: a ticket to society’s pop consciousness. more music. what does this tell us? It tells us that even A-list celebrities could get something really good from American Idol: a ticket to society’s pop consciousness. Before their stint on American Idol, both Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler seemed to be out of the loop. That is not to say that their star power has waned; it just says that they have not been very present, at least, in the eyes of the common man. once a celebrity goes on something as controversial and revered as American Idol, it is inevitable to be catapulted into the forefront of the news, social networking forums, and ultimately, daily conversation. This now gives the celebrity another shot at fame ‘in the now’; something that may have slipped from their hands once the Katy Perrys, Rihannas, and Lady Gagas came marching in. Although many would want to think their Idols Steven and Jennifer went aboard the pop cruise that is

American Idol because they were genuinely interested in discovering new talent who would ultimately become a threat to their career comebacks, that might not be a case. It is sound business advice to tell somebody who has been waiting to stage a comeback to get involved in something like American Idol. And something tells me that their respective stints on the show were for that sole purpose: to set the stage for a grander comeback (I know some die-hard fans would disagree with the term because they have never been “away from the limelight” and that is why they are called die-hards). I highly doubt that they took on the show to actually make a career out of it. Form the get-go these popular entertainers, and really good business people, knew that once they regained a certain level of popularity, it would be time to exit the show. Thus, it should come as no surprise that they have both decided a premature exit from AI.

here is another thing that the new AI situation tells us: the easy concept has now become more complicated. why? Because the ratings are going down, and the expenses seem to be going up. You see, Jennifer Lopez alone is rumoured to have been paid $15 million for her two-season stint on the show. This is, of course, outside any demands or requests, (if you have faith in the goodness of A-listers) she would require for the weekly shows. And she isn’t even the diva on the show. Both Ryan Seacrest and Steven Tyler are said to have a much more extensive wardrobe and quite a long list of demands from the show’s producers. The sad thing is that the income may not be increasing (because the ratings are decreasing) yet the show seems to be picking judges of a higher price tag. obviously, AI producers expected these huge stars to bring their following with them, but obviously, it has not been enough to improve the show’s ratings.

But that does not matter now. what matters now are the judges who are going to fill those shoes. These days, all we can do is guess, but there are several front liners in the race to American Idol judge-hood. Probably the most popular suggestion the rumor mill has to offer is Diva du jour, Mariah Carey. with whitney houston gone, Mimi is questionably the best vocalist there is today. And since American Idol is a singing contest, some insight from the best vocalist around would be much appreciated. According to wikipedia (which we all know is not exactly the most reliable source of information but is still the reference of choice for most netizens) Mariah is also the solo artist with the most number one songs in history; more than Michael Jackson, more than whitney, more than Madonna; second only to the Beatles who have 20 number one records (in contrast to Mariah’s 18). She is also one of the most successful song writers in history, having penned 17 of her 18 number one songs. She also has popular clothings, footwear, accessory, and perfume lines and is a composer, writer, producer, and musical arranger. what she is not, however, is “pop”. She used to be the queen of pop, with everyone interested about everything she did, wore, sang, and demanded for in her legendary divaness. These days, however, she seems to be happy just to spend some time with her newborn twins and half-her-age husband, Nick Cannon. That is probably why people seem to think that she has all the qualities, and needs, to be the next American Idol judge. But my curiosity does not lie in the diva’s credibility as a judge, it lies more of the show’s ability to work with a diva as big as Carey. I could not imagine how many demands they would have to meet every single week they go on the air just to please Queen Bee MC. To put it more bluntly, Nick Cannon has stated that he “couldn’t understand how they can afford” Mimi. She is, after all, the highest-paid female recording artist in history. Neither Mariah nor the show have confirmed or deny rumors about the diva being the next AI judge. one other contender for the spot is said to be Adam Lambert who came in second place in the show’s eighth season. Although Lambert is a good enough vocalist and has the attitude to boot, I do not

think that it would be a really good decision to hire a previous contestant (who did not even win) to judge the show; especially since it has not been a very long time since he was on it as a hopeful. Although Adam has expressed interest in the job, Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer for American Idol, denies any truth to that rumor. Katy Perry is also somebody that is said to have been eyed by American Idol to sit in the judge’s chair. That would be a really good decision as she appeals to young tween and teenage girls who make up a large portion of AI’s audience and would make for some really good competition against X-Factor America’s Demi Lovato and Britney Spears. Unfortunately, Perry has declined the position saying that it would be “too much of a commitment”. More importantly, she doesn’t need the exposure it could give because she is popular just the same. If anything, a stint on American Idol might decrease her popularity because that would mean that she’d have to take a break from her tours and music-making. honestly, I don’t think she’s a good enough vocalist to be telling people how to sing right. So the question remains: who will be the next American Idol judge? More importantly, would they want to stay on the show for a long time or would they exit once they have a new project to launch? will the new judge’s star power or charisma be enough to improve the ratings or will American Idol have to undergo an overhaul? I’m pretty sure nobody from the show really wants to get my opinion about the matter, but I’m going to give it anyway. what they can do is not only hire judges that cater to the same target market as the show does (female tweens and teenagers) like Miley Cyrus, but get contestants that already have a following. For example, they could pit some of the more popular runners up from the past eleven seasons against each other to find the American Idol All Star. Not only will it show off really great talent but would teach these past contestants why they didn’t make it in the industry while somebody who is (possibly) younger, like Miley, did. Some of my other suggestions for the judging post would be Kanye west, because he has absolutely no tact, and Usher. Now that would make for some really interesting TV.

EDGEDA

A2 INdulge! ARTS AND CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

PUNO: Pangatlong Galaw

Ugat, Dahon, Puno. Thus is the natural flow of the growth and flourishing of trees. Thus is the flow of Agnes Locsin’s alay Sa Puno series, a tribute to trees, a dirge for their disappearance, and a plea for reforestation. This July, Puno: Pangatlong galaw, a one-hour concert a deux will be directed by Locsin in a collaborative choreography with the inimitable dancers, Gaye Galiluyo and Georgette Sanchez. Following Ugat: Unang galaw, and DaHON: Ikalawang galaw, PUNO: Pangatlong galaw explores the literal, physical and symbolical virtues of the texture of and strength garnered from the trunks that bear the weight of life. The first and second solo concerts focused on the common trees around the Philippines. PUNO will focus on the hard and red wood trees found mostly in the vanishing forests of the Philippines. This concert will show the strength of nearly if not already extinct trees like the Apitong, Yakal, Kamagong, Bagtikan, trees, along with the lesser known as hard trees like the Mangkono, Caimito, Lechiyas and Bayabas trees. In a collection of solo and duo dances, PUNo will expound on the parallelisms in a fight from extinction and the fight for survival of men, women, and trees. To give life to this grand vision are dance virtuosos, Gaye Galiluyo and Georgette Sanchez. Both international artists are alumnae of Ballet Philippines where they first crossed paths and trained with Agnes Locsin. Both also garnered awards from competitions. Galiluyo was the First Prize winner for performance and interpretation of whICh CLUB? at the 9th International Solo Tanz Theater in 2005 in Germany and a bronze medalist in the Masdanza International Dance Competition in Spain while in

Agnes Locsin with Unita Gay Galiluyo and Georgette Sanchez

Gaye and Georgette rehearsing Molave

Gaye Galiluyo rehearsing Caimito

2000, Sanchez won the silver medal in the 9th Paris International Dance Competition, for her performances in Agnes Locsin’s September and Alden Lugnasin’s aku. In 1999, Galiluyo moved to Switzerland to dance with Tanztheater Basel. A year later, she then went on to Germany to join the Geissen Dance Company as well as the Irina Pauls Tanztheater. She is currently an independent artist based in Freiburg, Germany but comes home for her mentor’s choreographic forays. And so does Sanchez. Sanchez, though currently based in Bacolod, is also a presence in the European dance scene. She danced with ABC Dance Company in Austria and for Tanz Darmstadt in Germany

and will join the Tanz oper in Munich, Germany this August. They were both seen in the Philippines in Locsin’s Sayaw, Sabel (2010) and previously in Sayaw LikhaNg KIUKOK (2005). Puno: Pangatlong galaw will premiere on July 27, 2012 at the Locsin Dance workshop Studio Theater in Davao City and will run for three successive nights. The alay sa Puno Series is a tribute to Carmen D. Locsin, the founder of the Locsin Dance workshop. For more information and reservations for PUNo: Pangatlong Galaw , please call 2274753; text 09169095099; email us at locsindanceworkshop@ yahoo.com; or check out Locsin Dance workshop on Facebook.

DAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 -21, 2012

INdulge! A3

FOOD

Filipiñana favorites at the Café Marco

FILIPINo food has come a long long way from being just home cooking done at the dirty kitchen and Marco Polo Davao’s Cafe Marco aims to highlight that by holding it’s first every Filipino Food Festival titled Salo-salo sa Café Marco.

The promo brings together many much-loved Filipino dishes and highlights the many Filipino food cultures and cuisines that range from Ilocano, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Cebunano, plus some Dabawenyo favorites to round things out. For starters, I had Nilasing na Hipon served table side along with Tuna and Salmon Kinilaw (Philippine style fish ceviché). I loved the tuna version with its meaty and vinegary taste that left my tastebuds wanting for more. Soup followed the appetizers and nothing can be more Pinoy than a comfy bowl of Bulalo (beef and bone marrow soup). I loved the rich and fatty goodness of the bulalo served that evening many thanks to the cardiac arrest inducing, but all so delicious to the taste, bone marrow in the soup. And what would a Filipino feast be without rice? Lots of it! on the menu was Paella, and rice stuffed Chicken Relleno. Add to the rice a serving of crispy Lechon and one can officially throw their diet to the wind. I know I did. And don’t get me started with

dessert! Pinoy desserts have always been winners, and the desserts offered for the Salo-salo were inspired by Filipino favorites but with a twist. Served for tasting was Cafe Marco’s Jackfruit, Pandan Mousse, and their Pomelo Créme Bruleé. Another big winner for dessert was Cafe Marco’s durian sponge cake. I admit that I am one Dabawenyo you would pass having durian, but Cafe Marco Durian cake was light and carried a mere whiff of durian, enough to tease but not to offend. I had a fattening evening at the Salo-salo and would not mind going back for more. The special limited offer is available daily for dinner from July 11 to 31, 2012 for only Php 990 net per person so you better make your reservations now. To start your journey to the heart of Philippine gastronomy, call 221-0888 local 7222 for inquiries and reservations. Follow me on twitter @ kennethkingong for more foodie finds, travel tips , and happenings around Durianburg.

Ramadhan 2012 at Zabadani Café

ThE month of Ramadhan is somewhere close few days from now and all Muslims in the planet are welcoming this blessed month with great anticipation. Muslims fast for the entire mooncycle roughly about 29 days. The fasting starts just before the dawn prayer and to be broken after the sun has sat. No water or solid food are taken in during the day. This, practically, to restrain oneself from engaging in idle talks and lame walks. And Zabadani Café joins Ramadhan with a new line up of halal Middle-eastern food and beverages and a free call to all globelines using our Blackberry 9360 service phone. Enter seafood Mushakkal. A party of over half a dozen may enjoy this

mountain of grilled-and-fried seafood favorites like the high-class squid, prawns, spanish mackerel and royal blue marlin swordfish on top an aromatic basmati rice cooked in three different manners: kabsa, biryani and shish. Plus extra rice, pita breads and a pitcher of iced tea or soda. Poultry and livestock variation is also available – beef, chicken and chevon/lamb. And the good old kabsa, biryani

and shish can now be enjoyed with these additional new meats: Squid, prawns and chevon. Also, Malfouf (flavoured rice and spiced meat and yoghurt wrapped in blanched cabbage) is coming back! And the fancied Ayran (yoghurt drink) now has new flavours: Blackberry, Cranberry and Cherry. Enjoy these all-new halal middle eastern foods at Zabadani Café with branches at Door 3 Bustamante Building Ponciano Reyes Street and at The Peak Gaisano Mall of Davao, JP Laurel Avenue Davao City. You can reach Zabadani Café at the following numbers: 301-6065; 302-5886 and 0917-309-6008 or you may visit the website at www.zabadanicafé.weebly.com

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 -21, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

Rotten Tomatoes blocks comments on Dark Knight Rises ThE Dark Knight Rises has already made history.

For the first time since its inception, review-aggregating site Rotten Tomatoes has blocked users from making comments on reviews of the final chapter of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy after the responses to the few negative reviews it has received got way out of hand. At publication time, the film had an 87 percent approval rating. But apparently that just isn’t good enough for some people. Two reviews in particular got fans’ collective goat: hollywood and Fine’s “grandiose not grand” appraisal, and the Associated Press’assertion that The Dark Knight Rises was an “epic letdown.” You’d think Bane was

in charge of the anarchic response. “It’s probably safe to say that The Dark Knight Rises is the most anticipated film of the year. More than The hobbit. More than The Avengers,” Rotten Tomatoes editor-inchief Matt Atchity wrote in an open letter after he reportedly spent hours removing degrading and threatening comments. “And,” he wrote, “my staff and I knew full well that when the first negative review came in, the reviewer would get pasted in the comments. That dubious honor goes to Marshall Fine. he’s a critic we’ve included on our site—he’s got a respectable background in criticism, and we think he should be included on our site.” They removed the link to Fine’s review because

hollywood and Fine was crashing under the weight of the angry traffic, but his review still factored

Justin Bieber is already a man BRITNEY Spears once sang that she was not a girl, but not yet a woman. Justin Bieber has skipped this middle ground entirely.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, the 18-yearold pop star says he’s all grown up. “I feel like I carry myself in a more manly way,” he explains. “I don’t carry myself as a boy.” Of course, that’s not to say the Biebs is too mature for a temper tantrum. Midway through a golf game, he and his entourage were confronted by paparazzi. Per Rolling Stone, J.B. “responds by taking out his nineiron and hitting a golf ball at them. he later tells an employee at the club that ‘we’ll probably never play here again.’” Fair enough. And if Justin’s younger fans are turned off by his relationship with girlfriend Selena Gomez, tough luck. Manager Scooter Braun says for some girls the Biebs’ romance “kills the dream—but

there’s also gonna be girls that see him with a girlfriend, hear about the romantic things he does and want him even more.” Good thing he’s man enough not to let all the attention get to his head.

in to the film’s Tomatometer rating, Atchison explained. “As expected, we saw a

mountain of comments come in about his review, and we’re policing them to make sure they’re in

line with our TOS,” his letter continued. “Broadly speaking, threats and hate speech will get your commenting privileges revoked. But Marshall has the right to not like the movie, and people have the right to express their disagreement with him (although if you haven’t seen the movie, your arguments may be on shaky ground). And we have the right to pull your comment down and ban you if we think you’re acting inappropriately.” Atchity told the New York Times that Rotten Tomatoes would likely restore commenter privileges on the film’s reviews by Thursday or Friday, but that he’s strongly considering changing the site’s commenting system to a sign-in format, so as to stop folks from abusing the forum anonymously.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

Linsanity From Broadway to

Texas

OUSTON (AP) -- The New York Knicks decided that Linsanity would have only a one-season run on Broadway.

Lin is headed back to Houston after the Knicks decided on Tuesday that they wouldn’t match the Rockets’ three-year, $25 million offer for the restricted free agent. The 23-year-old point guard, who went undrafted out of Harvard, became an international phenomenon and the biggest story in sports during one dazzling month in the Big Apple. But the Knicks decided keeping the show in town was too costly. ‘’Extremely excited and honored to be a Houston Rocket again!!’’ Lin posted on his Twitter account. ‘’Much love and thankfulness to the Knicks and New York for your support the past year... easily the best year of my life.’’ Lin will return to Houston, where he spent two weeks in training camp in December, before the Rockets waived him. General manager Daryl Morey later regretted the move and alluded to the mistake as he celebrated the reacquisition of Lin on Twitter late Tuesday: ‘’Welcome to Houston (at)JLin7. We plan to hang on this time. You will love (hash)RedNation.’’ The Knicks said they would match any offer to retain Lin, but the Rockets made it tough for New York to keep him by backloading their offer sheet with a $15 million salary in the third season of the deal. If the Knicks agreed to match, they would have faced a hefty luxury tax in the 2014-15 season because of other big

contracts on their books - between $30-40 million. One sports consultant said the adjustment to the offer sheet was a stroke of genius by Morey. ‘’The Rockets deserve a lot of credit for the way they’ve gone about this,’’ said Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based SportsCorp. ‘’It was extremely intelligent - with an assassin’s touch.’’ Houston initially released Lin because it already had Goran Dragic and Kyle Lowry on the roster. The Knicks picked him up, and coach

‘’Extremely excited and honored to be a Houston Rocket again!!’’

Mike D’Antoni put him in the lineup out of desperation, with the Knicks floundering at 8-15. Lin scored a career-high 25 points in a 99-92 win over the New Jersey Nets, and ‘’Linsanity’’ was born in the bright lights of New York. The stock price for Madison Square Garden Inc. surged as Lin proved to be more than a one-game wonder. He made the Sports Illustrated cover in consecutive weeks, only the 12th athlete to hold that distinction since 1990. On Tuesday, Lin had more than 829,000 followers on Twitter. The more opponents saw Lin, though, the more they seemed to figure him out as the season wore on. He went 1 for 11 with eight turnovers in a humbling, nationally televised loss in Miami, and the Knicks dropped their

first six games in March. D’Antoni resigned in mid-March and Lin hurt his left knee less than two weeks later. The Knicks revealed on April 1 that Lin needed surgery to repair a meniscus tear and would miss six weeks. T h e Knicks made the playoffs behind surging Carmelo Anthony, but bowed out to Miami in the first round. The Rockets, meanwhile, missed the postseason for the third straight year and have spent the offseason completely rebuilding their roster. Houston has been trying to put together a package of assets and draft picks to offer Orlando in exchange for disgruntled All-Star center Dwight Howard. In the process, the Rockets lost the unrestricted free agent Dragic to Phoenix, then traded Lowry to Toronto for a first-round pick with lottery protection. With no true point guard left, the Rockets turned back to Lin. The Knicks showed their hand when they brought back Raymond Felton in a sign-and-trade deal with Portland - after signing Jason Kidd as a free agent.

The economic impact

NICK fans are howling at the end of Linsanity, but for investors, it could be a reason to cheer. Whether Jeremy Lin stays or leaves the New York Knicks (we all know by now, Lin has moved to Houston), the financial impact on Madison Square Garden will be marginal, analysts say. And that means the stock price’s recent downdraft could represent a buying opportunity once investors turn their focus to the rest of MSG’s properties. Shares of MSG have struggled in recent days as the deadline for the Knicks to match Jeremy Lin’s contract offer from the Houston Rockets approaches. The stock is down 0.7% on Tuesday, and has slid about 8% since free agency be-

gan earlier this month. The S&P 500, meanwhile, is flat for the month. “There’s much more to the MSG story than any one player on the Knicks,” David Joyce, an analyst at Miller Tabak & Co. in New York, said in an interview with MarketBeat. He has a $40 price target on MSG, which assumes another 12% upside from current levels. In Joyce’s “hypothetical framework,” he figures regular season ticket revenue for all of MSG’s professional teams — which include the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty — accounted for $245 million during fiscal 2012. That breaks down to nearly 20% of MSG’s total revenue. Assuming the Knicks account for half of that $245 million figure, then

the basketball franchise made up 10% of the company’s total revenue, Joyce estimates. More number crunching from Joyce suggests Lin alone may contribute 10% to the Knicks bottom line. That would amount to only 1% of MSG’s total revenue, or about $12 million. Lin was also a boon to merchandising, food and beverage sales, but those segments represent a tiny portion of MSG’s overall revenue, he adds. Considering Houston has offered Lin a threeyear, $25 million contract, which is heavily backloaded with a final-year tally of $14.8 million, Lin’s financial upside for MSG is debatable. These estimates don’t even take into account the back-breaking tax implications that could

be triggered in the third year of Lin’s deal if the Knicks were to go over the salary cap. New York has until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday to match Houston’s offer. Multiple reports suggest the Knicks will let him walk, a decision that threatens to alienate the fanbase, but likely won’t materially impact the company’s bottom line. Two of MSG’s main revenue streams — ticket sales and deals with cable companies — are “completely unaffected by Jeremy Lin,” says Laura Martin, an analyst at Needham & Co. Cable company deals are locked in five years at a time, and season ticket sales are sold well in advance, regardless of the team’s roster, she says. In any event, the Gar-

den sells out 98% of its games anyway – and can continue to do so as long as the Knicks continue to improve, with or without Lin on the roster. Even Lin’s potential boost to merchandise sales, she adds, are “inconsequential,” and could be offset by Lin’s replacement, or newcomer Jason Kidd. Where Lin does matter is with television ratings, which impacts MSG’s advertising revenues. Martin says there’s no way to know exactly how much extra viewership Lin brought the Knicks, but the key factor at this stage is how the Knicks perform – with or without their star point guard. “Letting Jeremy Lin go is the right economic decision for MSG’s stock,” Martin says. “He’s so expensive that the revenue that they

would lose would be half of the cost of keeping him.” The recent sell-off in MSG shares, Martin argues, is “an emotional reaction and doesn’t reflect the economic realities.” Ms. Martin has a “buy” recommendation on the shares, calling for MSG to hit $44 a share this year. Shares jumped 36% from early February when Lin made his Knicks debut through the beginning of July when free agency began. Since then, the stock is down more than 8% and recently traded at $35.72. No matter what Lin decides, analysts expect the stock to become less volatile throughout the summer. Still Martin said, “it will be really sad to see him go. He’s a rock star, and New York loves rock stars.”

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Phoenix Run listup begins R

EGISTRATION is now open for the Kadayawan Phoenix ‘I Recycle’ Run on August 12, 2012 at SM City Davao, a run to save Davao’s watershed. Runners can register at Phoenix Petroleum stations in Acacia St. and Damosa, Davao City Water District office in Bajada, and at the Duaw Davao office in Wheels N More Compound, JP Laurel Avenue. Categories for the run are 3K, 5K, 10K, and 500-meter dash for kids 12 and under. Entry fees are P99 for the 500-meter, P149 for 3K, P249 for 5K, and P299 for the 10K category. Discounts are available for group registrations. Register in groups of 10 and get 1 free registration. A student group discount of P199 for 5K and P129 for 3K can also be availed by groups of students with 10 members. They should present their valid school IDs upon registration.

The event dubbed as “I Recycle” Run is for the benefit of the Talomo-Lipadas watershed, one of the two watersheds that serve as the main source of water supply in Davao City. For every runner, one tree shall be planted to help protect and conserve the watershed. The run is also a tribute to Ninoy Aquino and his ideals of freedom and love of country. The Kadayawan Phoenix ‘I Recycle’ Run is presented by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Pioneer Insurance, and organized by Runman Racing. It is held in partnership with the Davao City Water District, with SM City Davao as venue partner and TV5 as the official media partner. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/ phoenixdavaorun or dial the Kadayawan Phoenix Run hotlines: 0917-7199640, 0907-544-4650, and 0933-308-8816.

EDGEDAVAO

REAL ESTATE

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

Greetings from

and

JARC MANPOWER AND ALLIED SERVICES for Manpower and Allied Services Needs Tel. Nos. 300-5760/284-4181

REAL ESTATE

VOL.5 ISSUE 99 • JULY 20 - 21, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Northpoint is worth the investment B

USINESS people who have achieved a certain level of success would naturally want to enjoy the spoils of their hard work. What best way to do that than to reward themselves with a new home. Not just any home, but one that has a premier address to go with it: Camella Northpoint. As a savvy homebuyer, businessmen will only choose a home they know

will give them back their investments, and more. They look for the extra advantage--that edge an investment has over other prospects. They find Camella Northpoint lives up to so much more than the basics they look for. Whether they make it their new home, or put it up for rent, Northpoint gives them a unique and unmatchable value

proposition. As a landmark development of Camella in Davao, this British colonial themed condo community is suitable not only to one but to many types of homeowners. Its features, facilities and amenities all meet the qualities that discriminating homebuyers look for. Located at the junction of Buhangin Road and JP Laurel Avenue in Bajada, Ca-

mella Northpoint is located at the center of growth in north Davao. Its residents are right at the pulse of all the action of this bustling and growing city called home by over a million residents from all over the country. As Davao’s newest premier address, Camella Northpoint is right smack in the middle of the growth hub, with modern offices

and corporate headquarters, business establishments, commercial centers, retail and shopping areas located within its immediate vicinity. Accessible within a five kilometre radius are modern offices, schools and universities, hospitals, places of worship, banks, markets, airport, cinemas, terminals to outlying provinces, jetties to white-sand resorts, and other relevant public utilities. Not only that, new developments continue to rise within close proximity, such as a large mall, boutique hotels, restaurants, specialty stores and shops, IT parks, and commercial buildings. Simply put, Camella Northpoint is the ultimate address that businesspeople look for. They are a stone’s throw away from their business location, and a short ride or drive away to all modern essentials they need. Should businessmen decide to take a unit for renting out, they will find that the P20,000 monthly rent of a Camella Northpoint studio unit is quite competitive in this part of the city. Tenants will be thrilled to rent at Northpoint, giving them a luxurious home environment and a convenient location close to everything they need. But that’s not all they’re getting. Camella Northpoint’s world-class facili-

ties and amenities alone are enough to satisfy anyone’s discriminating taste. Its crown jewel of a clubhouse, Wakefield Manor, features a stately and spacious multi-function hall with wide windows that open to a vista of green that is Northpoint’s open spaces. Wakefield Manor has a fitness gym, cabanas, grill pits, and a good-sized wellness pool with salinated water, serving all the leisure and recreational needs of its residents. The open spaces are green with a thick carpet of grass, olden trees preserved by Camella, and lush plant life that are meticulously landscaped. Growing tall and robust are Caribbean pine trees imported from New Zealand and transplanted all over the condo property, lending a cool and refreshing ambiance that will not be found anywhere else in the city. Enhancing its surroundings are charming pocket gardens, a playground for the kids, a trail and a natural creek that meander around the property, and the majestic sight of the condo’s green buildings, blending seamlessly with its natural environs. Clearly, Northpoint surpasses any businessman’s checklist, as it offers more than what they expect from an exclusive condo community that everybody wants to call home.

After a hard day’s work, these energetic and modish city dwellers will want to have a night out to party work stresses away, or simply enjoy the evening with an intimate group of friends. They don’t have to travel far with the close proximity of bars, watering holes, and other night haunts in the city. Better yet, they can just drive the short distance to

home, and invite their friends over to Camella Northpoint’s charming clubhouse, Wakefield Manor, with its stately multi-purpose hall, salinated wellness pool, cabanas and grill pits. Unwinding within Northpoint’s green, open spaces and the fragrant Caribbean pine trees is a refreshingly unique experience they will not find anywhere else in the city.

Urban lifestlye at Camella Northpoint U

RBANITES. They are educated, fashionconscious, socially engaged, tech-savvy, and in tune to popular culture. They aim to live a life rich with meaning, succeeding not only in career but also in their health, family, and other personal pursuits. Urbanites live a contemporary lifestyle steep with urban experiences. They are described as “city-proud, media-literate, brand-centric, trend-sensitive, culturally-aware, and time-poor” (www.urbandictionary. com). As such, urbanites expect - not just seek - to live in a pleasant “urban village” that suits their liking in the most hip, convenient, and dynamic part of the city. And the only urban residential address that fits the bill is the British colonial-themed Camella Northpoint, the landmark condo development of Camella along JP Laurel Avenue and Buhangin Road. Urbanites are driven by a successful, challenging career, possessing a demanding corporate job that requires them to be accessible

and available at all times; hence proximity to the workplace is important. With its central location within the city’s urban growth area, Camella Northpoint makes it easy for its resident urbanites to drive the short distance to their workplace. They can whip up a quick breakfast at their expedient condo kitchen before going off to work, or grab a sandwich and coffee at the many coffee shops and 24-hour takeouts around Northpoint’s vicinity. The condo community’s strategic urban location allows them to make a quick dash home anytime they choose to. After knocking off from work, urbanites can drive a few minutes to one of the many eating joints within close range of Northpoint. There’s the restaurant row at Abreeza Ayala Mall, Victoria Plaza, or Gaisano Mall – not to mention another soonto-open mall - all a stone’s throw away and offering a wide array of cuisines such as Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, American, Italian, and other specialties such as seafood, steak, and pasta.

To the north are Damosa Gateway and Robinson’s Cybergate with their own line of restaurants from Thai to Spanish dishes, to pizza and pancakes. Over to the south is a row of homegrown restaurants along Torres Avenue, Mabini, and Rizal, where an eclectic mix of bistros, coffee shops, tea house, and other dining places abound. Urbanites can also

jaunt off to hotel restaurants or smaller food joints around downtown area. These fashion conscious yuppies will also find it very convenient to get the latest apparel and accessories to fit their style, as living in Camella Northpoint makes them quite near to commercial and retail centers where shopping is the name of the game.