Edge Davao 6 Issue 18 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

IS THAT THE WAY YOU FOUGHT? War veteran and ageless journalist Ramon Morales Maxey (left), editorial consultant and columnist of Edge Davao, seems to be amused at the sight of his fellow war veterans as he joins the line of honorees during the 71st celebration of “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) at the Veterans Memorial Circle yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

You’re my hero...

INdulge

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COMELEC GUN BAN

30 guns nabbed By EJ Dominic Fernandez

A dancer’s point Sports

Page 16

Louisville wins NCAA title

he Davao City Police Office has confiscated 30 firearms, most of them unlicensed, since the imposition of the election gun ban last January 13. DCPO city director Ronald Dela Rosa yesterday said that the 30 firearms were nabbed in line with the Commission on election (Comelec) Resolution No. 9561-A known as the Comelec gun ban. Aside from the confiscated guns, the DCPO also seized some 60 deadly weapons as of April 8. earlier, Dela Rosa bared during the Kapehan sa Davao at SM, An-

F30 GUNS NABBED, 11

PAYING RESPECT. Filipino veterans of World War 2 in Davao City pay respect to the Philippine flags displayed during the 71st “Araw ng Kagitingan” celebration in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS

Rainy in the next two days

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

By Che Palicte

AINS in the past two days in Davao City were brought by easterly waves, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The easterlies will continue up to Thursday which means it is likely to rain today and tomorrow, briefly cooling down the heat from the escalating summer temperature. Prior to the downpour in the past two days, Davao City was experiencing an aver-

age of 33 to 34 degrees temperature at certain times of the day. honey Perez, PAGASA weather observer, told edge Davao that Davao City would experience cloudiness due to the presence of easterly waves. “We can experience the same weather up to Thursday and we will once again expect a hot temperature on Friday,” she added. Perez said that the weather can still be altered. “even if we announced that the rain will stop on Thursday,

FRAINY, 11

DAY OF VALOR.Male dancers of the Bernardo Carpio High School stand beside the Philippine flags during a dance performance for the 71st “Araw ng Kagitingan” commemoration at the Veterans Memorial Circle in the

junction of Ponciano Street and Roxas Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Sustainable use of caves sought By Antonio M. Ajero

OMe 200 members of more than a dozen caving clubs and other stakeholders will continue their attempt at drafting a unified template for the sustainable development of the thousands of caves in the Philippines during the ongoing 13th National Caving Congress, April 8-12, at the municipality of New

Corella, Davao Norte. The caving congress officially opened at the Provincial Cooperative Union center in Tagum City yesterday with Rep. Anthony Rafael G. del Rosario as keynote speaker on the topic “harmonizing Management Interventions for the Sustainable Use of Our Caves and Cave Resources.”

Jason Garrido, president of the organizing Philippine Speleological Society (PSS), said the caving enthusiasts and their counterparts in various government agencies, scientific community, academe and non-government organizations are hopeful they could finally come up with a plan that could harmonize conservation anduse of the caves for tourism and other

practical purposes. Garrido said that as federating on caving clubs, PSS is a lot more interested conservation of the caves especially their biodiversity which is a must for the survival of mankind. he said caving enthusiasts and environmentalists in general are happy about the passage of Republic Act No. 9072 (National Caves and Cave Re-

Ram’s first ‘Kagitingan’

IT’S FUN TO BE A VETERAN. Ramon Morales Maxey (left), editorial consultant and columnist of Edge Davao, stands proud in his first time at the line of war honorees during the 71st celebration of “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) at the Veterans Memorial Circle along Ponciano Street and Roxas Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Maxey fought during World War 2 with the Combat Company HQ Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, 110th Division based in Surigao and Agusan. Even when he prepares his cup of coffee, “Daddy Ram” stirs his brew 60 times—to remember the M2 60-mm mortar he handled as a gunner during the war. Lean Daval Jr.

hIS war veteran who will turn 91 years old this August attended yesterday’s Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) ceremony at the Dambana ng mga Bayani (Veterans Memorial Monument) at Davao City’s Freedom Park for the first time in his life. Ramon Morales Maxey, who happens to be the editorial consultant and Ombudsman of edge Davao, said he never attended any ceremony honoring veterans since t h e Second World War ended 67 years ago. Asked why he finally decided to attend the annual ceremony, Maxey said “I realized I was not getting any younger.” Ram was only 19 when WW II broke out while he was taking up preparatory law studies at the old University of the Philippines on Padre Faura St. and was forced by circumstance to put on hold his ambition to become a lawyer. When the Fil-American forces surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army, Ram, who was in his second year in the ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) returned home to Surigao where he later joined the 114th Infantry Regiment (under American commander Col. Paul Marshall), 110th Division (commanded by Col. Wendell Fertig) Surigao-Agusan Sector. he was born in Baganga, Davao Oriental on August 12, 1922 of an American educator. It was in Surigao where Ramon saw a lot of action with his favorite 60-mm mortar, his weapon of choice, until the end of World War II. Ram was back in Manila to pursue his college studies, this time opting to take up journalism at the Far eastern University (FeU), which was much nearer to the family home than Diliman, the new UP campus. That’s how he ended up a newspaperman.

FRAM’S FIRST, 11

source Management and Protection Act and its implementing rules and regulations of 2003, but they are still lobbying for the passage of an amendment that would accord more budgetary allocations for cave resource management and protection. At present, funding for cave resource management is still lumped with the budget of the Protected Areas Wildlife Coastal Zone and

Marine Management Service of the Department of environment and Natural Resources, he said. DeNR Assistant Sec. Nelson Devanadera said funding for programs and projects for the sustainable development and conservation of caves will easily come for as long as there is abundant reason to justify the budget. Davao Regional Direc-

FSUSTAINABLE USE, 11

Eat your heart out Starbucks

A veteran’s coffee is stirred 60 times By EJ Dominic Fernandez

heRe’S an uncan- United States Forces in ny way edge Davao the Philippines (USFIP), a editorial consul- guerilla unit that held untant Ramon Maxey stirs derground activities after his cup of coffee and not most of the Filipino and even Starbucks could American soldiers surhave learned his secret. rendered to the Japanese Arguably a journal- Army. ist’s writing companion, Maxey, who will turn a cup of Maxey’s choice 91 on August, recalled brew has to be stirred 60 that Japan launched an times in order to get the attack on the Philippines right amount of sweet- ten hours after they atness and flavor. tacked Pearl harbor in But why 60? hawaii on December 8, Maxey popped a smile 1941. as he tells of this personSome 76,000 Amerial trivia. can and Filipino soldiers he swears he is still who defended Bataan attached to his weapon surrendered to the Japof choice during World anese Army and were War 2 which was the forced to endure the M2 60 mm mortar—that Death March on April 9, is where he got the 60 1942. strokes on his steaming This date is commemcoffee. orated as a national holThe veteran jour- iday called the “Araw ng nalist is a World War 2 Kagitingan” or “Day of gunner who fought for Valor” which celebrated the country’s freedom its 71st anniversary yesunder the 114th Infantry terday. Regiment, 110th Division,FEAT YOUR HEART OUT, 11

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 6 ISSUE 18 •WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013 DOT promotes major summer activities in Davao Region

ROM beach escapades to mountain adventures, the Davao region tourism industry is in a flurry events to attract summer visitors. The Department of Tourism 11 led by Regional Director Art Boncato and partners from the local government and the private sector jointly announced two major events for the summer. The third Mt. Apo Boulder-Face Challenge (April 27-28), is a gruelling 24-hour adventure race which spans 113 kilometers of biking, trekking, water-tubing and road running disciplines set in the Mt. Apo foothill town of Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur. It is dubbed as Asia’s toughest eco-adventure race of which less than 50% of the participating teams get to finish the race. The winners of the previous two stagings of the event were teams composed of soldiers and policemen. Julius Paner of the Municipal Tourism Office said that changes in the race particularly in giving more length to running and biking would give more chances of winning to civilian teams in the past races, a large part of the race were more geared towards mountain trekking. Last year about 80 kilometers were allotted on trekking, this year it has

Bunkhouse unit 72: More than a shelter

been reduced to 50 kilometers. The 2012 Boulder Face challenge saw the participation of 40 teams of which 11 were foreign teams from Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and hongkong. According to Sta Cruz Councilor Fernando Ugdoracion, the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is already an institutionalized event in Sta Cruz as part of its Pista sa Kinaiyahan (Festival for Nature) the event serves as a call to protect and conserve Mt. Apo. Meanwhile the Island Garden City of Samal is revving up for its Visit Samal 2013, a yearly promotional event for the island which according to Boncato is the face of tourism in the region. Araceli Ayuste of the Davao del Norte Provincial Tourism Office and a resort owner bared that resorts in the island were all fully-booked during the holy week. Ayuste said that 21 out of the 42 resorts in IGaCoS recorded 7,000 visitors (spent overnight on the resort) during the Lenten break. She said that if the other resorts could submit their reports, the data could show ground-breaking numbers. In 2012, the DOT 11 recorded 300,000 visitors to the island, the highest ever in the island’s history. [PIA 11/RG Alama]

UNKhOUSe Unit 72, for Imelda Tabino, is not just a shelter, it is a cure to her family’s body pains. Tabino, mother of three, said that since typhoon Pablo uprooted their house in Purok 18, Poblacion, New Bataan, Compostela Valley, sleeping has become among their biggest hurdle. Because the typhoon swept away everything the family owned, her family and those of others took shelter in a village hut as their temporary shelter. “Naglingkod lang mi sa bangko kon matulog. Nagsandig. Ang mga bata ako lang gipahigda sa bangko, gipaunlanan sa akong paa (We would sleep in a sitting position. We would lean on the bench. The kids would lie down and rest their heads upon my lap),” she recalled, referring to the first day after the typhoon. The next day, Tabino’s family joined the exodus to the municipal hall as they started looking for other members of the families who were separated from their own. “Pag abot namo sa munisipyo didto mi nagkita tanan, sa akong ugangan, tanan-tanan (It was when we arrived at the municipal hall that we got to see our relatives, our in-laws),” she said.

From one house to another They also started looking for houses where they could seek refuge both from the cold of the night and hunger. “Nangita lang pod mi og balay kung asa mi makakaon kay wala pa man mi pamahaw. Alas dos nami sa hapon nakakaon (We sought for food from different houses because we have not eaten breakfast yet. It was two

the Philippines. The region is served by units under the Army’s 6th and 10th Infantry Divisions and the 1st Marine Brigade. Region 12, which is also known as the Soccsksargen Region, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. Although part of Region 12, Cotabato City is under the operational coverage of the Commission on elections (Comelec)-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, specifically of Maguindanao province. Lawyer Remlane Tambuang, Comelec Region 12 director, said the city airport will serve as the drop off point for the PCOS machines, which will immediately be delivered upon their arrival to the assigned clustered precincts for their sealing and testing.

Comelec Resolution 9385, which sets the calendar of activities for the May 13 elections, has scheduled the sealing and testing of the PCOS machines on May 6 to 10. In Region 12, the official said the Comelec central office has assigned 2,843 PCOS machines for the upcoming elections. Comelec Region 12 has established a total of 2,807 clustered precincts out of the area’s 13,999 original precincts. The total number of registered voters in the region is presently at 2,015,062. In the 2010 national and local elections, the region only had 2,769 clustered precincts and 1,987,427 total registered voters. Lawyer Jay Gerada, Sultan Kudarat election supervisor, assured that the Comelec central office has set the necessary measures to ensure that the PCOs machines will reach as scheduled to the assigned polling precincts. [Allen V. estabillo/MindaNews]

ILITARy authorities endorsed a minor under the care of the Provincial Welfare and Development Office of Davao del Norte, following her surrender after four months of joining the rebel movement. Lt. Colonel Llewellyn Binasoy, commanding officer of the 60th Infantry Battalion handed over Ana (not her real name), 17, a member of the Indigenous Peoples to the PSWD-Davao del Norte for stress debriefing and medical treatment due to her suffering in the company of rebels under front committee 34 of the New People’s Army. he said he is pleased that the minor surrendered so that she can start anew and pursue life in a better perspective. “We are happy to save her life. We will help her to gather herself and start a new life normally,” Binasoy said. In her statement, Ana claimed she could no longer bear the hunger and hardships in all their tactical operations against the authorities.

TRANSITION SHELTER. Imelda Tabino and her youngest child fold their clothes inside their transition shelter in New Bataan, Compostela Valley. in the afternoon when we had our first meal of the day)” she said. In Purok 4, they were met by a cousin of her husband, and it was only then when they had a hearty meal. That night, however, her child started suffering from colds. The next day, her brother-in-law ‘rescued’ them and brought them to the municipality of Compostela where they stayed for

two days. “Duha ka adlaw lang mi didto kay di man pod mi masulod kay bangko ra gihapon among gihigdaan. Sa gawas [sa balay] ra mi natulog kay guba man pod to ilang balay (We stayed there for two days only as there was not enough room for us. We still slept in sitting position outside their house since it was also damaged by the typhoon)” she added. [DSWD]

She said oftentimes, they were on the run while evading soldiers in the mountains. Ana claimed seeing the excesses of the rebels when they attempted to kill her uncle and held two of her relatives. She said she could hardly accept also the pre-arranged relationship between her and one of the members of the rebels. “I was forced to join them because of fear, when they threw a rifle on the ground in front of me. The rebels said I have to go with them since my father prearranged my relation with one of their members to be his wife,” Ana said.

She said her ordeal run from December 2012 up to March 25 this year, when she returned to the folds of the law through the help of her former employer who brought her to the military on April 2. Colonel Buenaventura Pascual, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade expressed his commitment to help and protect the members of the indigenous peoples who are vulnerable to deception and exploitation by the rebels. “We will maintain our reaching out activities with the indigenous communities to provide them with ample protection,” he said. [PIA 11 Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

PNP 12 to form security Minor rebel returnee endorsed to DavNor’s social welfare office teams for PCOS machines

OLICe authorities in Region 12 will form special teams that will handle the security of the precinct count optical scan or PCOS machines that will be deployed in various parts of the region for the May 13 midterm national and local elections. Chief Supt. Charles Calima Jr., Region 12 police director, said such move was part of the comprehensive security plan that they adopted for the PCOS machines and other election paraphernalia, which is scheduled for delivery in clustered polling precincts in the area a week before election day. “We’ve already finalized our security preparations for the PCOS, starting from their delivery, distribution to the assigned precincts and their retrieval later on,” he said. The police official said the distribution of the PCOS machines to the polling areas will be assisted by local units of the Armed Forces of

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‘SOME are even overqualified – graduates of criminology, four-year college courses—but cannot be accepted for being short by half an inch, one-fourth inch. This is very discriminatory and impractical.’ --Senator Gregorio Honasan, on the presidential veto of his bill lifting the height requirement on policemen, firemen and jail guards.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Casiño hopes for better voting experience for PWDs, seniors M

A K A B AyA N Senatorial bet Teddy Casiño expressed hope that persons with disability (PWDs) and senior citizens will have better voting experience with the passage of RA 10366 this February. “The law will benefit the approximately one million PWDs and five million senior citizens who for a long time are having difficulty in exercising their right to vote because of physical limitations,” said Casiño. Casiño is one of the principal authors of the house Bill that became Republic Act No. 10366, signed by President Benigno Aquino III on February 15. The law, otherwise known as “An Act Authorizing the Commission on elections to establish Precincts Assigned to Accessible Polling Places exclusively for Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens,” mandates the

special registration and provision of precincts particularly for PWDs, and sensitivity trainings to assist and ensure their right to participate in electoral processes. Although the law will become affective by July 1, 2013, the Commission on elections (COMeLeC) issued Resolution No 9485 that lay down the rules and regulations for voting of PWDs and for the establishment of accessible polling places in connection with the May 13, 2013 national and local elections. The three-term representative of Bayan Muna also wrote to major television networks this March requesting for sign language insets during news programs or at least those tackling the upcoming elections. According to him this will help the deaf community be included in the public discourse and be able to learn more about the candidates.

Akbayan slams Chinese incursion into Tubbataha

KBAyAN Party-list yesterday slammed the incursion of a Chinese fishing vessel into the Tubbataha reef, which the group said is engaged in “state-led” poaching activities at the marine protected area in Palawan. It was reported that the vessel ran aground some 1.1 nautical miles east of the Tubbataha Reef ranger station. It was reported that the fishing vessel had 12 crew members, allegedly Chinese poachers. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this brazen infringement of our territory in order to conduct marine poaching. The act is a blatant breach and disregard of our sovereignty, and outright ransack of our marine life,” Akbayan Representative Walden Bello said. Bello said the Philippine government should act swiftly on this recent incident to ensure that Chinese vessels will not trespass other parts of the country’s territorial waters. “What’s next, illegal Chinese vessels entering the Visayan, Sibuyan seas or even the Philippine Sea on our eastern coasts?

Our government must exhaust its resources to put an end to these incursions with the aim to conduct poaching activities within our waters,” according to Bello. Akbayan blamed the Chinese government’s occupation of the Spratlys and the Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea for creating a “domino effect” resulting in the recent grounding of a Chinese fishing vessel into the Tubbataha Reef. “This is more than just a simple law enforcement issue. This incident should be seen in the context of the territorial dispute between China and other Southeast Asian nations like the Philippines. Because of the Chinese government’s bullying, it’s not farfetched to think that Chinese poachers with the urging of their government have been emboldened to conduct such daring activities,” Bello said. Akbayan also called for strong regional pressure against China to complement ongoing arbitration processes being availed by the Philippine government to end the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

A member of Kabataan Party List shows off a leaflet printed with a comic strip of independent senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño in a one of the subdivisions in Sasa, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

The progressive solon also pushed for the legislation of other approved bills he authored for the PWDs including house Bill (hB) 6509 providing

for the establishment of City and Municipal Rehabilitation Centers for children and young adults with disabilities, and hB 6709 requiring the use of Filipino Sign

Language insets for local news programs. Pending approval in the house of Representatives are hB 4631, providing for interpreters for courts and public

hearings and hB 6120 providing for pension benefits for children of retired military personnel who are 21 years old but have serious disabilities.

may mga batas at international treaty na akong itinulak para sa kapakanan nilang naghahanapbunay sa ibang bansa,” Legarda said. She said the Senate has concurred in the ratification of at least 19 treaties protecting overseas Filipinos, including the ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) for

the protection of the rights of seafarers; and the Convention on Social Security between the Philippines and Spain. As chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, Legarda had defended the various treaties on the Senate floor. Legarda added that she will immediately refile her bill institutionalizing welfare programs for OFWs and their families through a new charter for the Overseas Workers Welfare Ad-

ministration (OWWA). According to Legarda, the ILO Convention 189, which came into force this year, dramatically improves the employment conditions of domestic workers in the Philippines and worldwide.The Philippine ratification of the ILO Convention 189 was formally registered last September 5, with the Philippines as the second country to ratify the Convention.

from health hazards such as high blood pressure. Many of those diagnosed often do not have access to treatment, and their conditions were not adequately controlled. “It is very unfortunate that majority of the people both living in the urban and rural areas refuse to seek health consultations and medical treatment just for one reason --- lack of money. In fact, most often than not, poor Filipinos skip going to the doctor and instead use the little money they have to buy food,” Zubiri said. Zubiri added while the Department of health

(DOh) and the World health Organization (WhO) are advocating for all people to seek medical consultations and have their blood pressure taken regularly as a way to detect health concerns, the

fatalities keep increasing every year because majority of the people especially those living in the rural areas, refuse to undergo even simple medical consultations because they cannot afford the cost.

Legarda: Welfare of OFWs a top priority

ROMOTING the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and seafarers will continue to top Sen. Loren Legarda’s Senate legislative agenda even as the Senator reminded them that they are adequately protected under various laws and treaties passed by Congress. “Patuloy kong ipaglalaban ang karapatan ng ating mga OFWs sa loob at labas ng Senado. Sa katunayan

Migz hits lack of health services

NA senatorial candidate Migz Zubiri today assailed the government for slow delivery of promised health services to millions of Filipinos in the provinces and urban poor communities. Zubiri issued the statement amidst reports that growing number of Filipinos are now suffering from health hazard types such as hypertension and diabetes. The Department of health (DOh) revealed that 25 percent of Filipino adults, or about 14 million of current adult population, are suffering

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‘THE losses amounted to P40 billion to P50 billion. This means somebody has been sleeping on the job to benefit from oil smuggling or because somebody in the administration is earning from it.’

--UNA senatorial candidate Mitos Magsaysay. PDI, APrIl 5, 2013

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

Fruits top earning agri products By Greg G. Deligero

AVAO City is, indeed, a city of fruits. Records from the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO) showed that fruits continue to be the city’s best draw among major agricultural crops in terms of volume of production and value. Other major agricultural crops in Davao City are rice, corn, fruits, indus-

trial crops, root crops and vegetables. A comparative analysis based on the data obtained from CAO showed that for the past five years, fruits yielded the highest volume of production at an average of 353, 902 metric tons annually. Industrial crops are a far second with 145,933 metric tons average annu-

al production, corn with 10,997 metric tons and rice with 7,615 metric tons per year. In terms of production value, fruits posted an average of P4.18 billion annually. It is followed by industrial crops with P3.48 billion, corn with P121. 76 million and rice with P95.58 million. however, durian--the

acknowledged “King of Fruits” of Davao--is not the city’s top earner. That distinction belongs to Cavendish banana. Among the five major fruits being produced in Davao City, Cavendish banana topped both in production volume and value. From 2007 to 2012, Davao City produced an average of 264,018 met-

SWEETEST. A customer avails of the free taste-test before purchasing duco, arguably the sweetest variety of lanzones, at the Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ric tons of Cavendish banana per year with P2.48 billion production value. Banana is the leading fruit grown in the Philippines and a consistent top dollar earner. The Cavendish variety of Davao City is considered one of the best in the world and is mostly planted in Marilog, Calinan, Paquibato, Tugbok and Toril. Durian, which has become the iconic symbol of Davao, recorded a fiveyear volume of production average of 48,461 metric tons per year with P1.05 billion production value. Durian plantations occupy vast areas in Calinan, Baguio and Torial. Another major fruit being produced in Davao City is mango, the country’s national fruit and considered the apple of the tropics. Davao mangoes are classified as export quality, local and premium grade. Two varieties are commonly grown: the sweeter manggang piko, and the fleshier ‘manggang kalabaw’ (Carabao mango) - the ripe ones having yellow skin and flesh, which is said to be at their sweetest. The city produced an average of 22,423 metric

tons of mango per year with a production value put at P493.09 million. The key production areas of mango are found in Tugbok, Toril, Calinan, Buhangin and Bunawan. Davao City is also one of the top producers of pineapples in the country. Locally-grown pineapples are bright orange in color and not the usual pale yellow. They are small but sweet, and are exported in countries such as Japan, hong Kong, South Korea, Middle east, and New Zealand. The average annual production of pineapple in the city reached 16,871 metric tons with P116.59 million production value. The main production area of pineapple is Baguio district. The other major fruit being produced in Davao City is pomelo, which belongs to the citrus family, and is one of the largest and juiciest fruits in the world. Davao is a major exporter of Pomelo in the world. In five year’s time, the city produced an average 2,127 metric tons of pomelo annually with P38.95 million production value. Pomelo is mostly grown in Calinan, Baguio and Toril.

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

5.4 4th Qtr 2012

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

6.8 4th Qtr 2012

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

USD 3,969.51 million Dec 2012 USD 5,135.46 million Nov 2012 USD -1,585 million Nov 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 5,171,689 million Dec 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

3.6 % Jan 2013 P155,308 million Nov 2012 P 5,381 billion Nov 2012

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

P 40.67 Feb 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,242.7 Jan 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.4 Feb 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.8 Feb 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

352,438 Nov 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

Cloud-seeding mulled to raise water levels at NPC dams T

he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is studying the possibility of conducting cloud-seeding operations in parts of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte to help restore the dwindling water levels of the dams running the National Power Corporation’s (NPC) hydroelectric plants in these provinces. Secretary Luwalhalti Antonino, MinDA chairperson, said Monday they are looking at inducing rains through cloud-seeding as an alternative solution to the declining water inflow at the hydroelectric complexes in the past several weeks as a result of the onset of the summer season. She said the move is mainly aimed at increasing the capacity of the hydroelectric plants to help ease the worsening daily rotating brownouts in parts of Mindanao. The official said it would also ensure the availability of enough power supplies for the upcoming May 13 midterm national and local elections. “(MinDA) is now looking into this. If it turns out positive, we will immediately recommend it to the President,” she said. Cloud seeding is the process of manually spreading either dry ice or salt into the upper part of the clouds to help

stimulate the precipitation process and form rain. The operations are conducted by personnel from the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management through aircrafts commissioned by the agency. Antonino assured that the national government is giving special attention on the ongoing power shortage, which has triggered prolonged brownouts in parts of Mindanao. MinDA heads the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee, a special body that spearheads and coordinates the efforts of the national, regional and local governments, and power industry stakeholders to improve the power situation in Mindanao. In General Santos City and parts of the neighboring provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato, distribution utility South Cotabato II electric Cooperative has been implementing daily rotating brownouts of seven hours each for the area’s two feeder groups or a total of 14 hours. In the months preceding the May 2010 national and local elections, the area was hit by daily rotating brownouts stretching nine to 12 hours as a mild dry spell then that affected parts of Mindanao caused a significant drop in the levels of

Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

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

It figures

Davao by the numbers The Gaisano Mall of Davao of the DSG Sons Group, Inc. posted

P1.93 billion gross sales in 2012 and paid

P9.42 million tax payment to the city government. Source: BuSIneSS BureAu

water resources running the NPC’s Agus and Pulangi hydroelectric plants. The two hydroelectric complexes have a combined rated capacity of around 900MW but were eventually reduced then to about half as a result of the dry spell. In an advisory, NPC said last month that it has launched maintenance works in preparation for the elections. The Department of en-

CLEANING THE DIRT AWAY. An air conditioner cleaner uses a power spray to wash away dirt which may cause the machine to function irregularly. Air conditioner clean-

THE Philippines will ship 50 metric tons of high value rice to Hong Kong and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates this month as part of a plan to use the staple to enter the global rice trade, according to the Department of Agriculture. BusinessMirror, April 5-6, 2013

ing is a popular business during summer season where temperature is warmer than usual. Lean Daval Jr.

THE Philippine Airlines will carry more international passengers – 58 percent of the carrier’s seats and 88 percent of available seat kilometers (ASK) – than domestic ones this year, according to Innovata, a content management and travel planning solutions provider.

ergy (Doe) earlier assured that Mindanao grid will have enough power reserves during the May elections. In December, the Doe had created a power task force through Department Circular 2012-1211 issued by energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla last December after it was deputized by the Commission on elections (Comelec) for the upcoming polls. [Allen V. estabillo/MindaNews]

PHL set for greater global, regional integration--NEDA

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-February 2013) Month

EDGEDAVAO

he Philippines is set to further strengthen relations and liberalize trade with neighboring countries to allow local producers to take advantage of preferential tariffs and provide better access to markets of partner economies, according to the National economic and Development Authority (NeDA). “We are closely looking at how we can do well in global and regional integration with partner economies, especially at opening new markets and strengthening existing ones for our local producers,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said. Citing the latest Socioeconomic Report (SeR): 2010-2012 recently released by NeDA, Balisacan noted that the country’s continued trade liberalization with member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN) already resulted in the removal of tariffs on 98.7 percent of the lines under the ASeAN Trade in Goods Agree-

3 of 4

THREE of four women in the US have lived with a partner without being married by the age of 30, an increasing trend that suggests cohabitation is now part of family life in the US, according to a survey of 12,279 women ages 15 through 44.

ment in 2010. The Cabinet official added that the case is similar with trade in services. “The Philippines has completed the eighth package of commitments under the ASeAN Framework Agreement on Services. The agreement’s text on the movement of persons across ASeAN borders was signed at the ASeAN Summit in November 2012,” noted Balisacan. he added that the ASeAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA), which envisions to transform the region into an investment hub that would be able to compete with other emerging economies, already entered into force in March 2012. “Free trade agreements (FTAs) between ASeAN and giant economies like South Korea, Japan and India, expanded market opportunities for local companies due to lower tariffs, better trade facilitation, among others,” said Balisacan, who is also NeDA Director-General.

BEIJING—In the first three months of 2013, levels of major air pollutants –nitrous dioxide and particulate matter – increased by almost 30 percent here in the Chinese capital from same period in 2012, according to a report by a Chinese news organization.

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 6 ISSUE 18 •WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

PHOTO ESSAY

Remembering the forgotten heroes Text and photos by Lean Daval Jr.

N a quiet day when everyone used another non-working holiday to rest at the comforts of home, a group of World War 2 veterans gathered at the Veterans Memorial Circle—almost unnoticed, in the manner they have been for the decades after their bravery. This was another “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor), and like past celebrations of this 9th of April holiday, they have come decreasing by the number. Garbed in their veterans vests and Pershing caps with inscriptions of the military units where they belong. This happens only once in every year. Only a handful of local officials came, and a few kibitzers in the closed section of the road along Roxas Avenue, and their relatives who came to accompany them. Numbering about a dozen, our war veterans are now in their

90s (they were only 20 years old when they went to war). They are but a shadow of the brave, bold young men who fought the Japanese Imperial Army during the war of 1945. Behind the celebrations and activities

like this lies a stark reality-- these heroes are slowly forgotten. They’re now old, weak and somehow helpless. One day in a year isn’t enough to pay respect for this country’s forefathers. We salute you for your gallantry.

Next year, some of them will not be coming back. But as the saying goes, “old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”

8 VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO Bonifacio trail, rekindles courageous spirit, patriotism

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

SPECIAl FEATURE By Genivi Factao

(1st of two parts)

R EDITORIAL

Photojournalists deserve respect

hOTOJOURNALISTS are a common prey to abusive conduct and violence. Some of the reasons known in the media industry is that people still look down on camera-toting photographers as just that. They call them by several names from maniniyot to spiku to kodaker. Last February at the height of the protest launched by a group who banded themselves as victims of typhoon Pablo, a lensman from the Inquirer and a former edge Davao contributing photographer, Karlos Manlupig, was allegedly mauled by police for selecting his subjects. The police reportedly complained that he was taking photos only of the protesters. For that, he was hit by truncheons and shoved away by anti-riot shields. The Philippine Center for Photojournalism has thus far denounced the incident and asked the Philippine National Police for an explanation. Manlupig’s fate at the hands of the police is only a reflection of how photojournalists are treated. They are the ones who speak only through their photographs. In fact, to be very accurate about it, the photographs tell the story. Photojournalists only capture and record them. Lean Daval Jr., this paper’s photojournalist, became the latest victim of abuse and disrespect for the working lens men of this industry. Daval was taking shots at a Comelec offi-

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cial from Manila during a demonstration of election machines at a mall on Monday when he was given a mouthful by the election officer—a director at that handling information and education. With the microphone on and in front of the people milled at the mall, this Comelec official showed no respect for the poor photojournalist whose noble intention is to capture in photograph the manner on how voters should operate a PCOS machine. he had the same intention as the Comelec official. he also wanted to educate readers through his photographs, if not to tell the people that a good Comelec official is doing her job to educate voters. Shouldn’t she be grateful for that? Instead, she practically shooed away Daval and in an arrogant manner, told the latter that the presentation is not intended for him. April Saul of American Photo once commented: “Some photojournalists talk about being a fly on the wall when shooting. I really don’t accept that. you have to give of yourself for your subjects to give something back.” In this case, for working to complement the Comelec demonstration, a photojournalist was rewarded with an insult. It is one thing to teach people how to use a machine, and another to know how to respect people and not act like a machine.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

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LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography

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eVISITING the historical places that mirrored the life of Supremo Andres Bonifacio until his death in Cavite reignites the flame of embracing our freedom and love for country. The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National historical Commission of the Philippines (NhCP)’s Biyaheng Bonifacio: Biyaheng Bayani ng Bayan have opened the gates for us to get to know Bonifacio, especially now on the 150th years of his birth anniversary on November 30. The program encourages tourists to visit sites in Metro Manila, Cavite and Rizal Province such as Tutuban, Manila, el Cano St., Tondo, Manila, Binondo Church, Manila, Bahay Toro, Quezon City, Krus na Ligas, Quezon City, Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan City, hagdang Bato, Mandaluyong, Pasig Catholic Church and Valentin Cruz Marker, Pasig City, Imus Plaza, Imus, Cavite, Tribunal, Noveleta, Cavite, Tejeros Convention Site, Rosario, Cavite, Pinagbarilan, Limbon, Indang, Cavite, Casa hacienda de Naic, Naic, Cavite, Trial house, Maragondon, Cavite, execution Site, Maragondon. Much has been written about the revolutionary activities he led to free us from the Spanish colony. Unfortunately, he was deeply hurt by the suffering he experienced from the hands of fellow Filipinos, who underrated his capacity as a leader yet regarded him as a major threat. Ludovico Badoy, executive director of the National historical Commission of the Philippines said it is with profound reverence and esteem that we remember our great Filipino patriot, Andres Bonifacio on the commemoration of sesquicentennial of his birth come November 30, this year. “We are encourage to take up the marathon of our heroes, serving as beacons of hope and bonded together to remain steadfast in our efforts and commitment to improve our nation. In this Byaheng Bonifacio, I hope we can inculcate in the minds, the many sacrifices they made for us to be able to get freedom that we are now all enjoying,” he said. Bonifacio’s thirst for freedom, made more evident by his works, like the poem Pag-ibig sa Tinubúang Lupà (“Love for the homeland) that he wrote under the pseudonym Agapito Bagumbayan, which are among the masterpieces in the Philippine history. he collaborated with emilio Jacinto and Pío Valenzuela on the newspaper Kalayaan (Freedom). Despite having only one printed issue in March 1896, the publication helped increase its membership from less than 300 members in January 1896, to about 30,000 to 40,000 by August. The Katipunan movement spread throughout Luzon, to Panay in the Visayas and reaching as far as Mindanao. Bonifacio could be the first victim of election sabotage. Based on the accounts gathered by DOT, knowing that not all provinces were represented and with prior knowledge that there will be cheating, Bonifacio led the election and asked to respect the election result. Gen. emilio Aguinaldo, who was at that time in a battle won the Presidency. having the second-highest number of votes, it was recommended that Bonifacio be awarded the Vice Presidency but, no one supported the motion.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 •WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

Consumers’ additional burden

OTATING POWeR INTeRRUPTIONS DISSUADe NeW INVeSTMeNTS – Many thought the situation odd, since the country – even in perplexing times still draws more trade and investments that stimulate the economy resulting in the acceleration of the stock market and strengthening of the peso, yet the government ironically is not capable of registering its bite when dealing with the prevailing power deficiency problem. Power consumers and end-users are fuming at how top-profile energy officials and highly-paid government consultants handled the worsening energy situation. The abating power supply situation threatened the country notably the island of Mindanao, which is solely dependent on hydroelectric power. As early as February ranking energy executives already confirmed the deficiency in power supply in Mindanao and could even worsen during the hot summer months when the water level is extremely low at the government-owned two major hydro power plants – the Agus and Pulangi generating units. With the unstable condition of power source, several areas in Mindanao have already been experiencing 3 to 8-hour rotating power interruptions since 2012. But at the height of scarce power situation there’s no change in government’s basic position. President Benigno Aquino III, his close aides and think-tanks reiterated government’s perspective claiming that power consumers, Mindanaoans in particular should brace for the worst. To avoid power outages, the say, consumers and end-users must shoulder additional cost to avail of continuous but more expensive power stock following the logic that insufficient supply means higher pric-

VANTAGE POINTS

es. however, government reasons are varied. Based on the data of the energy department Mindanao has a dependable load capacity of only 1,600 megawatts of electricity, but current demand with acceptable reserve power should be more than 1,700 MW. If that wasn’t enough, power consumers likewise have to pay a 19 centavo per kilowatt-hour increase in a so-called universal charge approved by the energy Regulatory Commission (eRC) sought by the Power Sector Asset and Liabilities Management (PSALM). This caught the ire of Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Rep. Raymond Mendoza who says the 19 centavo increase that will be reflected on the monthly bills is additional burden. hapless consumers in effect, will be paying for stranded contracted cost for electricity that was never used. The dominant question is: “Why charge consumers for something never even generated by the Independent Power Producers (IPPs)?” Resentment and anger had been building against PSALM and the IPPs. The TUCP expressed dismay and accused PSALM for its apparent role as mere collecting agent for the IPPs, which have a take-for-pay contract with the National Power Corporation (NPC). PSALM know full well that many IPPs never construct-

ed power plants, according to TUCP or if they did never constructed the contracted capacity and the end result – power stock deficiency. Critics and political adversaries say the PNoy administration is complacent, even ineffective in handling the worsening power provision. They even could not hide their frustration over the government’s snail-paced action to solve the impending energy crisis. With the hot summer months not yet over, power supply notably in Mindanao is flagging. In the different commercial and industrial zones rotating power interruptions dissuades new investments. Indeed, the consensus is that trade and industry woes are expected to worsen as government’s focus switch more to the midterm elections scheduled for May. Government supposedly has to move up a niche to solve the deteriorating power supply by doing a lot more higher technologies in massive energy production. Top government executives and energy officials apparently have to approve alternative power supply networks because the bulk of electricity supposedly should come from the IPPs and the other reason is that government completely lacks primary power-producing stations. One thing sure, though, is that despite the prevailing deplorable energy situation, government assured Mindanao consumers it has already started a strategy to ensure there is enough power in the days before and after the actual polls. Just imagine folks, a short-term government contingency measure designed to avoid power interruptions during the elections rather than a long-lasting solution to ultimately solve the country’s pathetic power supply situation. Goodness gracious!

success, not only of I.Q., but of the right ATTITUDe towards one’s e n d e a v o r, whatever that may be. Only a handful of war veterans were on hand to savor the moment of honor bestowed on them. Some came dressed in Pilipino barong, others in the familiar white shirt and blue Pershing caps that displayed various medals earned in the war. The most obvious common denominator among them being their age. hardly any of them looked like being less than 90 years old. At age 90 years, 7 months and 9 days I think I was the youngest among them. They were in various stages of health. Judging from their physical attributes and demeanor I wondered how many more “Araw ng Kagitingan” they would be able to attend. hopefully, many more. That goes for me, too, come to think of it. I tried to find someone from among them who may have served in my own regiment—114th Infantry. 110th Di-

vision, Surigao-Agusan sector. What a reunion it would have been if there was. After well-nigh 68 years, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack. It would have been nice to reminisce about the war, the days we survived on coconuts and camote alone because our procurement officer, Lt. Antonio Sering and his men, had not returned from the islands with food. About the night our company had to ford the raging Ba-oy river in Gigaquit on our way to the next town, Claver, to help unload guns, ammunition and canned food from an American cargo submarine under a starry sky. Or the night the Japanese attempted to surprise regimental headquarters in the hills of Tumurok, only to be driven back in confusion by Lt. Amador Montero and his platoon of defenders armed with brand new Thompson submachine guns, Garands, grenades. I met Montero a couple of years back for breakfast at the Mercorner resto across the street from Davao Doctors hospital. he heads a Filipino war veterans group in Washington, D.C. thousands of miles from his former command post in Tumurok. Oh my, how times have changed, indeed, for my comrades, and me. I joined the resistance with the rank of private and ended the war as a Pfc (private, first class) with army serial number (ASN) 230154. Big deal.

Musings by a war vet

attended my first ever “Araw ng Kagitingan” program yesterday morning which was held fittingly at Davao City’s Freedom Park. I’m glad I did. All along I had always thought that such programs were merely an excuse to gather together in one place Filipino war veterans for them to hear the same old speeches about their sacrifices in the service of their country during the war years. I was wrong. Pleasantly wrong. The program was initiated by the city government, complete with a dance troupe even, in coordination with the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), World War II heritage Organization, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Disabled American Veterans and Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, Davao historical Society Inc., Order of the Knights of Rizal, Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Department of education, Philippine National Police, Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Also in attendance were officers and staffs of the Malaysian and Indonesian Consulates. The guest speaker of the affair was Maj. Gen. Ariel B. Bernardo, Division Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, Philippine Army. his speech dwelled on the importance for

Paying homage to NVA

feel lucky to have had remarkable bosses in my 28-year career of working in NGO, corporate, LGU, and g o ve r n m e n t agency. The one who clearly stood out was my former boss and mentor in San Miguel, Niceforo V. Alegado, retired plant director and AVP of SMC. Sadly, Sir Nice or NVA had passed a couple of weeks ago, so I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane. I realized my fond memories were mostly learning experiences from someone whose wisdom and knowledge came from a professional career that spanned almost 40 years. What I will never forget about NVA is that he was an empowering boss. he made me realize I had to grab the power vested in the position I held. After seven years in NGO where we practiced collective work and decision-making, I didn’t realize I had become tentative about solely embracing authority that came with the position. With that sense of empowerment I felt more confident charting my own course at work. NVA bolstered that by giving me opportunities to hone my leadership, skills and knowledge through formal and on-the-job training. he was a strict but forgiving boss, expecting us to give our best and taking us to task when we fell short of expectation. he always gave us a chance to redeem ourselves, though, but only after we take stock of the lessons learned. On top of that he was rational, diplomatic, and at times enigmatic. Although he knew my job in PR was a 24/7 kind of thing, he was still apologetic when he called on a Sunday asking me to go to then Gov. Llanos’ birthday in Digos. Of course I went in his stead; it was part of my job. Another time I was called past midnight to help a QA staff deal with an irate consumer. Later that morning NVA told me he appreciated my assistance but he wasn’t pleased about my going to a risky area at such an ungodly hour. Sometimes on his way to the brewery gate to smoke, he would drop by to see if I wanted to join him (I’ve quit smoking since). I’d jump at the chance because those smoky few minutes gave me another opportunity to pick his rich, fertile mind. During a trip to northern Mindanao, I couldn’t answer a persistent call because it was a former boss who still sent me some editing work—two years after I had left. I didn’t want NVA to hear the conversation and think I was moonlighting. But I fessed up when he asked why I wasn’t picking up the call, and he gave more nuggets of wisdom when he said, “Do not burn bridges; value the trust Margie gives you.” Other vivid memories of him were not work-related. Not ten minutes after I figured in a car accident he called as I was still gathering my senses. The first thing he asked was, “Are you all right?” his steady voice sobered me enough to lift myself out of that stupor that one feels after being in a mishap, and I was able to calmly call my husband Carlo. To this day I don’t really know how he learned of the accident so soon, but I heard someone who knew my car had passed by Diversion Road and called him. They say a great leader is one who turns his subjects into good leaders as well. That was NVA. he believed in me and what I was capable of, and sent me out there to become the best I could be. So that when organizational changes were to move me to a direction I did not care for, I felt I had a full arsenal of skills and experience that made me confident about leaving the company. Although he had arranged to move me to a different division, I asked him to sign my early retirement papers. he asked if I was sure about that and I smiled and told him to go ahead and sign because there is life after SMC. What I failed to tell him was that he had trained and mentored me well enough to blaze new trails—ones that I would now have the liberty to choose. So I raise my (beer) glass to you, Sir Nice, for who you were and for helping us become who we are today. Thank you for making a real difference in our lives.

10 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Shade tree selection guide By Sofronio M. Jucutan

ACACIA

(Conclusion) [Editor’s Note: The author Sofronio “BJ” M. Jucutan, is currently taking up Master of Science in Environmental Resource Management at the University of Southeastern Mindanao. He can be contacted at EDGE Davao, or at email address jmsglobal@ yahoo.comor mobile line 0917-704-5660. This is the continuation form yesterday’s issue with the same title.]

S a guide in selecting the appropriate shade tree for varied purposes and applications, the following is a chart or checklist for some species commonly used for shading in the Philippines: Of the four tree species presented, acacia provides the best shade and widest diameter of coverage. Caution: more frequent cleanup of dried leaves, and the lateral roots coming out to ground surface disturb house floorings and pavements. Warning: lateral branches breaks and Common Name

Soil Type

elevation (Above Sea Level) Soil Moisture

height x Canopy diameter (meter)

Sun

ACACIA

ational parks, it is not ideal for house yards, roadsides, and car parks. Mahogany is a beauNARRA

tiful and stately tree with its straight vertical trunk and thick canopy that provides excellent shade. CauMAHOGANY

Philippine Mahogany

Acasia

Narra

Loam, Sandy Loam

0-1,000 m

0-1,000+ m

Dry, Damp, Wet

Dry, Damp

20m x 15m

20 m x 20 m

30 m x 10 m

80-90%

90-100%

80-90%

80-95%

Vitexparviflora, Juss.

Botanical Name

MOLAVE

Mulawin, Tugas, Sagat, Tugas-Lanhan

Other Names

Shade Blocked)

fall down when laden with rainwater and blown by relatively strong winds. hence it is only good for recre-

Sandy, Rocky, Loam, hard Soil 0-1,000 m

Samaneasaman Pterocarpusindi (Jacq.) Merr. cus

Shoreanegrosenses

Damp and well-drained

2-3 grams, seed and 40-50 grams, tape1-2 grams, seed 400-450 grams, with hard casFruit Weight, pulp is soft, and round- shaped (3mm thick x casing is round ing, pointed (150-160 mm long, as Shape, and Dimension shaped ( a bit bigger 25mm width x 200 mm shaped, thin, winged big as large avocado fruit) than mongo bean). long) ( more or less 30mm dia., but pod is half a mongo bean)

Usual Care Maintenance

Frequency Clean-Up

Features

At maturity, prune as needed, or none.

At maturity, prune as needed.

Deep-rooted, lateral roots do not come out to the ground surface. A versatile native tree, it has hard pale pinkish-yellow wood, grows well in all types of soil. Branches are diagonal upward creating a beautiful rounded canopy. Does not shed-off leaves very often, it survives long dry season.

Shallow-rooted, lateral roots come out to ground surface. A native tree, when mature wood is semi-hard, grows in almost all types of soil’ Branches tend to grow horizontal, creating a dome-like canopy.

Deep-rooted but some lateral roots come out to ground surface. A native tree, it has reddish-orange hardwood priced by furniture-makers, grows in almost all types of soil but cannot tolerate drought, shed leaves regularly.

At maturity, prune as needed.

Sweep fallen dried Sweep fallen dried Sweep fallen dried Sweep fallen fried leaves once leaves once every two leaves & fruits every leaves& fruits every evry two weeks, but daily when weeks. other day. week, but daily when shedding leaves. shedding leaves.

Deep-rooted but lateral roots come out the ground surface. A beautiful native tree, it has brownish-orange wood that is good for furniture, grows in almost all types of soil. Shed off leaves occasionally. Canopy shape is loosely rounded.

tion: its lateral roots coming out to ground surface disturb house floorings and pavements. Warning: its heavy fruits fall down and pose danger to person and property. extremely dangerous when it directly hits a person’s head or when it drops at the windshield of a speeding car. hence it is not recommended for house yards, roadsides, and parks. Narra is a beautiful tree with its vertical trunk and excellent canopy. Shading is not as efficient as Acacia but it serves the purpose of protection from direct and full sunlight. Caution: its lateral roots coming out to ground surface disturb house floorings and pavements, heavy and frequent clean-up when it’s shedding off leaves, and after shedding some branches do not regenerate, dry up that later, break-off and fall down. Warning: none. hence, while it is not ideal for house yards, it is recommended for car parks and recreational parks. It is recommended for roadsides, provided it is planted far from the concrete pavement.

The technology of putting a root-guard could be resorted if planting near the concrete road cannot be avoided. Molave is a beautiful hardy tree, it gives shade as good as the Narra tree, and it is so versatile that it can survive with little or no human care, oftentimes it withstands the harsh environment mostly brought about by vandals and animals alike (classic examples are the Molave trees growing in front of Agdao Public Market, along Quezon Boulevard at forest park, Magsaysay Park, and Dacudao Avenue). Caution: when planted near power lines, needs regular pruning. Warning: none. hence, it is a recommended shade tree that is ideal for house yards, roadsides, car parks, and recreational parks. Other shade trees such are Talisay, Neemtree,Balete, Mansanitas, Banaba, Pine tree,Ilang-Ilang, and others are also being researched to come out with a more comprehensive selection guide. And with such, any information to substantiate the topic of shade trees is highly appreciated.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

30 guns nabbed... FFROM 1

nex, ecoland on Monday that there were more gun ban violators and confiscated firearms during the earlier part of the election gun ban period which started January 13. he said cases of gun ban violations declined in the later part of the gun ban period “because gun carriers now know how to hide their guns and avoid check-

Rainy...

points.” According to the latest records of the DCPO, there are 81 violators arrested for violating the election gun ban. Dela Rosa clarified that Resolution No. 9561-A does not only prohibit firearms but deadly weapons as well. The Comelec rules provide that “no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or

other deadly weapons outside his residence or place of business and in public places.” Deadly weapons include bladed instruments, hand grenades, or other explosives. Dela Rosa also added that as of March 25, 35 cases have been filed against violators of the Comelec gun ban while other cases are still under investigation.

moves from east to west across the tropics causing areas of cloudiness and thunderstorms. Perez bared that easterly wave has a small amplitude, and produces mild rain showers. Powerful thunderstorms and the force of high-altitude winds amplify

the wave when atmospheric conditions are favourable. Several severe thunderstorms begin to form, and eventually a tropical storm may develop. She also said that on Saturday, Davao City will most likely experience another downpour and thunderstorms.

rived at during the breakout sessions. The participants will also be given guided tours of caves in New Corella. DeNR Regional Technical Director emmanuel Isip based in Davao City bared that some 178 caves of various classifications have been identified and tagged by the DeNR so far. Considering that there thousands of the caves all over the Phil-

ippines, this still work in progress, Isip said. Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo de Rosario hosted a fellowship and dinner for the caving congress participants during the governor’s night last Friday. Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy officially welcomed the participants in a short message read by information officer Cromwell Bonghanoy.

important quality that the Filipino youth should have these days. One might have a high IQ (intelligence quotient), but he is still bound to fail if he does not have the right attitude towards the task at hand. Ram, who up to this day, does not wear reading glasses to write his column and edit materials

for publication, was the youngest of all the more than a dozen veterans present during yesterday’s yearly ritual. “There were 93, 95 and even 96 year-olds,” Ram enthused. No wonder a number of them had difficulty walking, according to edge Davao photojournalist Lean Daval, who covered the event.

perial Army, until the Americans brought high caliber weapons aboard a huge submarine which docked at Claver, Surigao del Norte. “That was when we started to outgun the Japanese Army,” he said. he said the Japanese Imperial Army did not stand a chance against them, because their weapons were far more

superior compared to the rifles of the Japanese soldiers. While the Filipino guerillas were shooting an M1 carbine which held 15 to 30 rounds, the Japanese soldiers still need to cock their gun for each shot they took with their 5 round rifle. The Japanese occupation ended during their formal surrender on Sep-

FFROM 2

pwede paring umulan if the easterly waves continue to pull rain clouds ,” she explained. easterly waves also known as African easterly waves in the Atlantic region, are a type of atmospheric trough, an elongated area of relatively low air pressure, oriented north to south, which

Sustainable use... FFROM 2

tor Arturo Boncato Jr. of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said that caves as destination will be an opportunity for the DOT but conservation and sustainable development will always be given priority. The congress participants are given time to break up into workshops to tackle various issues regarding caves and regroup in plenary sessions to approve proposals ar-

Ram’s first... FFROM 2

“I have no regrets for having been given the rare opportunity to serve my country,” Ram said. yesterday morning’s ceremony at the foot of the “Dambana” had Maj. Gen. Ariel B. Bernardo, chief of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry “Agila” Division, as guest speaker. Bernardo said proper attitude is the most

Eat your heart out... FFROM 2

Maxey said, he saw how Japanese soldiers tortured and mutilated Filipino women and children and told his comrades, “If we have weapons, these things would never happen.” They used to have World War 1 weapons such as the M1917 enfield and the M1903 Springfield to fight against the Japanese Im-

VALOR DAY IS FOR PWDs TOO. A differently-abled person watches the program dedicated for the Filipino

war veterans during Tuesday’s “Araw ng Kagitingan”. Lean Daval Jr.

ASEAN countries to observe smoking ban in Davao City M eMBeR countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN) will visit the city in the second week of July to observe the implementation of its anti-smoking ordinance, Dr. Domilyn Villareiz, co-chairperson of the Anti-Smoking Task Force, said Monday. She said the other ASeAN countries have anti-smoking policies but are not strictly enforced, adding that Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos also visited Davao City in June last year for the same purpose. “We have to make sure that Davao will become a model of anti-smoking campaign,” she added.

Literatus...

The city government will mark the 11th anniversary of its anti-smoking campaign on May 31 at the Rizal Park, she said. On the same day the city will launch its New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance, replacing the ordinance passed in 2002. Villareiz said the new ordinance will not be in conflict with Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. She pointed out that it can respond to emerging tobacco products, including the sisha or water pipes and electronic cigarettes. She cited that selling of cigarettes in accommodation, entertainment

and public establishments will be prohibited by the new ordinance. In addition, the ban on smoking will now include indoor areas, and managers of establishments will be issued citation tickets if found lenient in implementing the ordinance, Villareiz said. The Anti-Smoking Task Force eyed the new ordinance as “income generating” as “it is easier to enforce” with the issuance of citation tickets, she said. She said a violator who admits to his or her violation shall pay P500 for his or her first offense and attend a seminar. [Lorie Ann Cascaro/MindaNews]

earlier turned back Chrsitine Ann Medenilla in the second round. In the Boys 20 and Under class, John Ray Batucan halved the point with Marc Christian Nazario in the fifth round after suffering a stinging loss to National Master Alcon John Datu in the fourth round. Batucan now has 3 points after five rounds. his brother Neptali

II was not as lucky, however, as he dropped to a third straight loss to Cagayan de Oro’s Lennon hart Salgados. he only has 0.5 points so far. The stint of Davao’s entries were all shouldered by sponsors and parents after receiving late invitations from the organizing National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

FFROM 16

Almodal III before being forced to a draw by Baltazar. In the Girls 16 and Under division, Davao’s ella Grace Moulic notched her third win in a row to stay unbeaten through three rounds. Moulic took the full point over ynna Sophia Canape in the third round. The holy Cross of Davao College standout

tember 2, 1945 In 2010, 65 years after the war, Maxey recieved a lump sum pension from the US Army of $9,000. he also got P720,000 from the Philippine Government as a veteran. “I love the military life, because of the value of discipline” he said while stirring his coffee 60 times with marksman accuracy.

uips

‘.. for state institutions, including UP, I don’t think a student has to drop out just because of finances. You may have to because of performance, etc. but certainly not for financial reasons.’ --Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chair Patricia Licuanan, on the suicide of KristelTejada.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

Realty

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14 COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

New Villa-Abrille scholars to pursue study at Holy Cross T

NEW SCHOLARS FROM BUCANA. Ella B. Apuya, class valedictorian (2nd from right), and Darwin B. Jimenez, class salutatorian (2nd from left), both scholars of Don Cesareo Villa-Abrille Foundation at Holy Cross of Davao College beginning school year 2013-2014, receive their scholarship awards from

Foundation Pres. & Chair Leoncio Villa-Abrille. Witnessing (from left) are Benita Jimenez, school principal Emerita Mapula, YMCA 1st VP Jose Custodio and Estrella Apuya. [Artemio Padilla]

he newest scholarship grant recipients, ella B. Apuya, class valedictorian, and Darwin B. Jimenez, class salutatorian, both 12 years old, are top pupils among 229 graduates from the Cesareo Villa-Abrille elementary School, Davao Central District, Davao City. Lawyer Leoncio Villa-Abrille, chair and president of Don Cesareo Villa-Abrille Foundation, awarded the high school scholarships during the school recognition day on March 20. he was assisted by school principal emerita Mapula, and assistant principal erlinda Semacon in the awards presentation. The scholarship covers matriculation, tuition and other allied fees plus textbooks and school uniforms annually. As valedictorian, Apuya will study free in high school at the holy Cross of Davao College at the Bajada Campus in this city. Jimenez, as salutatorian, will enjoy 50% of all the benefits that the valedictorian will get. however, because of the K-12 law, both scholars will enjoy the scholarship grant for six years, instead of only four years.

Valedictorian Apuya, the only daughter of Celestino and estrella Apuya, was a consistent first honor since Grade I. Apuya excelled in all her subjects especially in Mathematics. In Grade 6 she was president of the Supreme Pupils Government. Jimenez, son of Demetrio and Benita Jimenez, was a consistent winner in all competition he joined in school including the Tagis Talino competition where he won first place. he dreamed on becoming a successful informational technologist one day. The Villa-Abrille Foundation was formed in 2002 by Villa-Abrille with his siblings, notably to help in building a future for the youth especially the poor children. It is the foundation’s way of inspiring the schoolchildren to value education and aspire for excellence in school. Today, the scholarship program of the foundation has also extended to Davao Central high School, University of Southeastern Philippines, in addition to holy Cross of Davao College and UP Mindanao. [Llora Mae V.A. Obsines]

UCPB promotes early saving habits through ‘Kiddie Max’

NSTILLING in children the importance of saving money for rainy days not only trains them to be frugal and wise early on in life, but also prepares them for a life of financial freedom and security in the future. helping them open a savings account is an easy way to get started. One of the most convenient and kid-friendly savings accounts in the market today is UCPB’s Kiddie Max Savings Account. With this product, UCPB goes back to basic and offers a completely hassle-free and no-frills savings account for children below 18 years of age. UCPB Kiddie Max is an interest-earning account with a technological edge that allows parents of the accountholders to link their child’s account via UCPB Connect and/or UCPB Telebanking in order to make quick fund transfers from their own UCPB accounts and perform other account management functionalities. “Rather than offer

frills the kids would find difficult to appreciate, we opted to add that technological twist, so that the parents can conveniently guide their children with this product and have their kids learn how to manage their own funds at the same time. It is a way they can get involved in the most constructive manner,” explained Manuel Macam, UCPB Region head, Metro Manila. Opening a Kiddie Max Account comes easy with a minimum fee of P500. Accountholders and their parents or designated guardians will be able to manage their funds and monitor their transactions with their own passbook or an ATM card. “We believe that this product can help the youth learn how to value money -- a basic principle of future financial stability which has been overtaken by the advent of multi-media consumer marketing and the “I Must have It” mentality of our youth today,” says Mr. Macam.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

A dancer’s point WOMEN

One of the strong forces behind the highly acclaimed Lu Chin Bon Performing Arts Center (well, besides Mr. Lu himself) is a young lady who have groomed herself well as a dance teacher. Karen Diane Lu-Alcaraz, better known as Yam-Yam, is the only daughter of the talent center’s forefather and his wife, Cely Lu.

Her creative environment played a significant role in leading the way to the beat of her heart --her calling.

While much of the success of this dance school is rightfully credited to its director and main choreographer, Bing Locsin, it is without a doubt that YamYam has also earned her place in their own world of dance, music, and dramatic art. Yam hails from a family of artists. She grew up to the music of classical

ballet, new wave, poprock, and rhythmic R&B. Her creative environment played a significant role in leading the way to the beat of her heart --- her calling. Her enthusiasm for the performing arts came second to her connection to dance. Childhood for her was similar to the rest among her generation, yet modern additions to

leisure and lifestyle never swayed Yam from keeping her toes pointed to the path she wanted to take. Together with her brothers, she danced her way to life through different genres and gave all that she had to her life-long passion for movement. Years after college, she found herself taking the barre, filling in her first position as teacher in her father’s dance school. Since then, she has authored memorable and highly energetic dance

FA DANCER’S POINT, A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Where to stay in Davao this summer?

IT is difficult to decide where to be at this time of the year in Davao City. With the summer heat bearing down there is a good chance that you and your loved ones would love to stay away from the heat and just relax and cool down.

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao has a total of six food and beverage outlets that take pride of not just delectable meals but of notable hospitality through outstanding service. Whether one looks back and reminisce s w e e t memories of the past or simply chill and savor calm and comforting feeling of today, Waterfront is the place to be. Pizzaiolo serves Italian cuisines, mostly pasta and pizza. Pizzaiolo claims to have undeniably the best pizza in town. One may bask in the serene surroundings and classical music enjoying tasteful treats to brighten up your afternoons with a special someone. Café Uno, on the other hand, is perfect for family bonding. This restaurant offers International Buffet that features global authentic cuisines of delectable choices. Meanwhile, Pool Aquarius and serves the best street barbeque and boasts of a 10-ft deep swimming pool and kiddie pool that is the perfect way to escape the heat. Complete your relaxing summer at the Waterfront Insular Hotel. For reservations or inquiries kindly contact 082-300-8881 or 082-233-2881-83.

Payday Sale on at the SM Store Davao

ENjOy 4-days of shopping only at SM Store Davao’s Pay Day Sale on April 12 to 15. Get Up to 50% off on great buys storewide from shoes, bags, wears, accessories, toys, home essentials, beauty products and other fashionable finds. Don’t miss the Pay Day Sale happening only at SM Store Davao in Ecoland!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

HEALTH

Hair loss after menopause: What causes it?

MenOPAuSe is a time of change, some good and some not so good. One of the more distressing problems a woman can experience is hair loss after menopause. As a physician, I’ve seen the impact this can have on a woman’s sense of well-being. After all, a man who’s losing his hair still looks masculine, while it’s less socially acceptable for women to have hair loss. needless to say, it can have a big impact on a woman’s self-esteem. That’s why most women with this problem are desperately in search of answers. Hair Loss After Menopause Is Not Uncommon About a third of women experience hair loss to some degree after they go through the change of life. The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness. This frequent cause of hair loss typically has a genetic as well as environmental component. Women can also have androgenetic alopecia. In women, we call this female-pattern baldness, and it’s often related to the hormonal fluctuations that take place around the time of menopause, particularly an increase in androgens. Women who have this type of hair loss usually have family members who also experienced hair loss. When men have androgenetic alopecia, they typically see their hairline recede and experience hair loss at the back of their scalp. With women, it’s usually more subtle and diffuse—all over the scalp rather than in a single spot—although I’ve seen women with a strong family history of baldness develop a receding hairline similar to what men experience. Frequently, the first sign women notice is a widening of their part or more hairs than usual in their brush. It’s not uncommon to lose 100 to 150 hairs a day. More than this should raise a red flag. Other Causes of Female Hair Loss When you see a woman who’s losing her hair, you have to ask why. It isn’t always female-pattern baldness, especially if there’s no family history of hair loss. Other medical conditions that are more common

around the time of menopause can cause hair loss as well. One of the most common ones I’ve seen in practice is hypothyroidism, or an under-active thyroid. Women with an under-active thyroid usually experience gradual hair loss and thinning. They may notice more hair in their brush or when they style it, and their hair may come off in their hands when shampooing. They can have other symptoms as well—less energy, gradual weight gain, dry and flaky skin, cold sensitivity, constipation, or memory problems. These signs can be quite subtle and many women simply assume they’re a normal part of menopause. Hair loss can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, especially low iron levels or deficiency of a B-vitamin called biotin. I’ve seen women go on crash diets and experience hair loss, and it’s also common in people with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Other medical conditions that cause thinning hair are autoimmune disorders and syphilis. Stress can do it, too. Stress can take many forms—a recent surgery or illness can trigger hair loss. That’s why it’s important that your doctor runs blood tests to check for other causes of hair loss. Some medications can also be the cause, especially cancer chemotherapy drugs. Treatment Hair thinning due to an under-active thyroid or nutritional deficiencies can be corrected with thyroid supplementation and appropriate dietary changes. If your doctor tells you it’s androgenetic alopecia,

your best option is a topical medication called minoxidil, which you apply directly to your scalp. Minoxidil doesn’t work for everyone, but it slows or stops hair loss in about 25 percent of women with androgenetic alopecia. If it works, you’ll have to keep applying the medication to maintain the results. Another treatment some endocrinologists use is a medication called spironolactone. It works by blocking the effects of androgen on the hair follicles. This helps to reduce hair loss in some women. Balancing hormones with hormone replacement therapy may also help this problem, but that’s something women should discuss with their doctor at length due to the potential side effects. If these treatments don’t work, what are your options? Some women wear a hair piece or wig, and there’s the more expensive option of getting a hair transplant. This involves removing portions of skin that contain hair from the back of your scalp and implanting it where hair has been lost. Yes, it’s expen-

sive, but the results look very natural. Are There Non-Drug Treatments That Work? Some people will tell you biotin and zinc supplements work for hair loss. Most research suggests neither are effective unless you’re deficient. Of the two, biotin has the most potential for treating hair loss and may be worth a six-week trial to see if it helps. I’ve seen patients with hair loss experience some improvement after supplementing with biotin. It’s important to avoid wearing your hair in a tight ponytail or braid, since this places further stress on the scalp and can worsen hair loss. The Bottom Line? Hair loss is a frustrating problem. If you’re experiencing hair thinning, see your doctor to rule out a medical problem or nutritional deficiency. You may have an easily treatable condition like hypothyroidism or iron deficiency—or you may be experiencing hair thinning due to stress. Don’t assume that hair thinning is a normal part of menopause.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Chris Brown and Rihanna call it quits, says source WE can finally close the cluttered chapter of our Rihanna and Chris Brown scrapbooks, because it’s officially over...for now.

A source exclusive to E! News has confirmed the couple’s split after a tireless frenzy of are-theyor-aren’t-they tailchasing. Per the insider, RiRi will always love Chris but has moved on and is reshifting her focus to her career and business ventures. Currently running the final legs of her international Diamonds tour while spending solo time with her “mini tour family” and conceptualizing new creative ideas for future shows, the superstar is also working toward launching a new perfume and continuing with her ongoing fashion cam-

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12:30 3:10 5:50 8:30

IT TAKES A MAN AND A WOMAN 2D

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paigns. There is reportedly no other man in the Barbadian beauty’s life. As photos surface of Breezy’s night out with a mysterious blonde in NyC, RiRi appears to be flying solo in the West Coast: Rihanna was spotted courtside at the L.A. Lakers vs. L.A. Clippers game

on Sunday sporting a bold and quirky outfit, consisting of an oversize jersey tee, graphic sweatpants and sky-high white heels. And to further push the fashion boundaries, her look was accessorized with a thick collar chain and vampish lipstick. Good to know single Ri is still a risk-taker.

middle of the street. yeah, weird, but he tries to explain. “I was just a kid walking to school when I saw this guy get hit and this motorcycle guy was there just lying in the middle of the street. I went up to him and he had blood coming from behind his head,” Gosling said. “My first thought was: I’ve got to get a motorcycle. There’s something messed-up with my brain,” he continued. “I then got a paper route and saved up and got a [motor]bike when I was about 12 years old. I sat with it out in the yard for about a year just

pretending I was riding it.” But Gosling explains that his character in the film is rewarding for more reasons than just fulfilling his alter ego, “I loved making this movie. Initially, I just thought I got to rob banks on a bike, but actually it goes much, much deeper than that.” The actor said, “It gives you a chance to go back and re-explore some early experiences when you were being formed as a person. you can investigate them in a different way.” The Place Beyond the Pines opens in theaters this Friday.

Ryan Gosling says he’s been dreaming of robbing banks his whole life

RyAN GOSLING is so dangerous (at least in his imagination, anyway).

During an interview with The Telegraph, the Hollywood hunk revealed that one of the fantasies he’s had since he was a child was—wait for it—to rob a bank, and with his latest bad boy role in The Place Beyond the Pines he was able to (kinda) live that out. “I’ve been thinking about a bank robbery my whole life and I finally got to do it,” Gosling said, but it didn’t exactly go down the way he always pictured it in his head. “I’m there with the gun and I look down and people are just smiling,” he says of the first robbery they filmed. Director Derek Cianfrance had arranged to shoot the scene in one take by using the bank’s actual employees and customers. “They were just enjoying the show and I think I spotted someone filming me on their camera phone as I robbed the place.” Gosling also shared that his latest role gave him the opportunity to ride a motorcycle, something he’s been into since he was a kid—after seeing a rider crash and laying in the

APRIL 10, 2013

OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN 2D

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IT TAKES A MAN AND A WOMAN 2D (GP)

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EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! WOMEN

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

A dancer’s point... FFROM A1

pieces for their school productions and summer workshops. I remember watching Yam-Yam as she played the role of teacher to bubbly and animated little students, my own highspirited tot being one of them. Patient, ever cheerful, and yet meticulous in getting the right execution from her pupils, Yam-Yam struck me as a woman with an enormous passion for growing her craft through those who are willing to learn. She encourages and creates the right attitude and learning discipline among her students, which is one of the qualities that make a dancer effective for this kind of profession. She also makes an effort to

communicate and establish eye contact and good rapport with each one in her class. She even gives special attention to every

student. She takes time to check on their moves and correct them individually, helping them to gradually build their own technique.

The school’s well-loved teacher recently stepped into her bridal shoes and gracefully sashayed her way to the altar. now, as expectant mom, Yam takes a step back from her practice, and, instead, extends her arm to support the school’s preparations for summer class. The encouraging way she talks to parents in offering a venue for children to develop confidence makes Yam a fervent supporter for growing local talents within the community. She is now inviting parents to enroll their children in the school’s summer workshop, which will run until May 19. The dance courses will be intertwined to make one musical montage which both kids and parents are sure to enjoy. While Yam-Yam’s performance will be greatly missed in the summer presentation, she is sure to make a momentous come back in the dance scene after the birth of her son in July. --LCB Performing Arts Center is located at #48 Villamor St., Obrero, Davao City. For more information on dance courses and student packages, please call 222 5205 or 305 3619.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

MASTERS PREVIEW

Tiger is roaring again ON TARGET. Tiger Woods,back at golf’s no. 1 spot, is the favorite to win the Masters.

China’s golf wonder gets to play with Tiger P

CHINESE PHENOM. China;s 14 year old golf wonder Guan Tianlang played a practice round with Tiger Woods.

OT every 14-yearold at Augusta gets to play a practice round with Tiger Woods, but then Guan Tianlang is not every 14-year-old. Woods was practicing at the US Masters driving range when up walked Guan, greeting the superstar player who had inspired him to start golfing. Guan asked Woods to autograph his cap and in addition to doing that, Woods invited Guan along for an afternoon backnine Augusta National practice round with Dustin Johnson, a session in which Woods taught Guan some Masters secrets. “he hits it good,’’ Woods said. “I showed him a few of the pins, helped him a little bit. The kid is 14. he’s good. We had a good time.’’ After playing fabled Amen Corner -- his favorite holes on the course -- with the 14-time major champion he dreams of emulating, Guan spent another half hour on the putting green with Woods. “every time I play with him, I feel a lot better and give myself some confidence,’’ Guan said. “It’s very good.’’ They skipped balls together across the surface of the water at the par-3 16th hole and finished as the shadows began to fall across the course.

A rebuilt knee and a new romance have put the world No1 in the right place to rule Augusta and claim his first major since 2008

eRhAPS those most credibly placed to offer analysis on the scale of Tiger Woods’s most recent achievements come from the profession of medicine rather than golf. When pressed on the reasons for his return to the summit of world golf, Woods will point to his physical condition almost immediately. And with good reason; four separate bouts of surgery, including a full reconstruction, on his left knee threatened to put a premature end to his career. That knee problem dogged Woods to various extents from his college days. It was later compounded by issues with his left achilles. Only last summer, for the first time since the mid-2000s, did Woods

recover to the extent that he felt strong enough to return to the driving range after completing competitive rounds. Woods also now looks a picture of wider contentment. his extra-marital infidelities, as revealed amid cataclysmic fallout in 2009, accelerated a drop from the heights he had reached. Four years on, the notoriously private Woods is relaxed enough in his relationship with the skier Lindsey Vonn to announce it via a photoshoot last month. “he is so happy,” says Woods’s close friend, Steve Stricker. “he is joking around, having a good time and he feels good about things. he must have a lot of things in order.” The link between personal and professional har-

Sixteen-year old Billy Tapucar (3rd from left) receives his trophy and brand new refrigerator for being the Class A gross champion in the 2013 SFOSA Open Golf tournament last Sunday at the Davao City Golf Club. With him

mony in the specific case of Woods is illustrated by his three wins in 2013 that have seen him overtake Rory McIlroy at the top of the world rankings. Nonetheless, the Masters is an example of a tournament where Woods will face a clutch of younger players who have not experienced the fear he could induce in opponents more than a decade ago. McIlroy aside, it is debatable whether the likes of Keegan Bradley, who has already won a major, will be intimidated by Woods solely on the basis of reputation. “The media always make a big thing [of Woods],” says the Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts. “But there are so many other players who can play these courses and tournaments.”

are (from left) SFOSA president Boy Ramos, Fiscal Antonio V.A. Tan, Boy Braganza, tournament chairman Frank Buno and Jojo Grandeza. (photo by TOMMY IÑIGO)

EDGEDAVAO Sports

reDemPtIon

VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013

Louisville wins NCAA title THE VICTORS AND THE VANQUISHED. Michigan guard Trey Burke (3) walks off the court as confetti falls on Louisville players, including Russ Smith (2), Luke Hancock (11), Stephan Van Treese (44) and Zach Price (25), after the

NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball championship game, Monday (Tuesday PHL Time), April 8, 2013, in Atlanta. Louisville won 82-76.

TLANTA — Two seconds still remained in Monday night’s national title game when the party began. As a sea of delirious red-clad Louisville fans pumped their fists, exchanged high-fives and raised their arms in victory, the Cardinals players and coaches did the same on the floor in celebration of a victory they had dreamed of since this time last year.

ing the school’s third national championship and its first since 1986. “We came up short last year, but that drove us this season,” Wayne Blackshear said. “All the hard work we went through this summer, the losing streak this season, it’s all worth it because of this moment. This feeling right here, winning a national championship, it’s indescribable.” If just getting to the Fi-

Three hundred seventy-three days after its unexpected Final Four run came crashing to a halt against a superior Kentucky team last March, Louisville experienced the same joy its rival had at the Cardinals’ expense. Behind 22 points from Luke hancock, 18 from Peyton Siva and 15 from Chane Behanan, Louisville edged Michigan 82-76 in a scintillating national title game, deliver-

nal Four for the first time in seven years made last season a clear-cut success for Louisville, the Cardinals faced greater pressure this March to finish the job. Not only did they return five of their top seven players from last season, they also entered the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 overall seed after catching fire in the second half of league play and rolling to the Big east tournament title.

Literatus trails FM Bersamina By Neil Bravo

NO JET LAG. Glen Escandor had 22 points against DASIA GHQ to lead his Genesis 88 team to another big win on Sunday in the Escandor Group of Companies Basketball Tournament. Lean Daval Jr.

TANDINGS BOyS 16 & UNDeR (After 5 Rounds) 5—Bersamina, 4.5 – Literatus, Mejia, 3.5 – Baltazar, 2.5 – Jorgio, Manaloto, 2—Innocillo, Real, 1.5 – Tomines, 1 – Almodal, Diolola, Merabe, 0.5 – Cabras Davao pride FIDe Master Austin Jacob Literatus beat Alberto Diolola in the fifth round to stay within striking distance of retaining his title in the 2013 National Age Group Chess Championships yesterday at the Taguig City University Auditorium. The 16-year old Literatus, whose stint in the tournament is bankrolled by Kingking Gold and Copper Mines Inc., went back to the winning track after being stalled in the fourth

round with a draw against Melwyn Kenneth Baltazar. he now has 4.5 points out of a possible 5 and is tied at second with National Master Giovanni Mejia. FIDe Master Paulo Bersamina kept his winning run perfect through five rounds to stay on top of the leaderboard with 5 points. Bersamina, with an eLO rating of 2276, claimed his fifth prey in Nelson Busa. Bersamina’s other victims were heirry Manaloto, Robert Ace Cabras, highryll Tan and Diolola in the first four rounds. Literatus, who has a 2130 eLO rating, opened his stint with wins over Jan Vincent Merabe, hans Christian Balingit and Antonio

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