Edge Davao 6 Issue 195

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

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Serving a seamless society

SEASON. A lumad from the Matigsalog tribe of Paquibato District in Davao City solicits loose coins as Christmas gift from the passengers of public utility vehicles (PUV) stuck in the traffic along San Pedro Street yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

‘IMonteverde WAS MISUNDERSTOOD’ admits using ‘sarcastic’statements to convince colleagues

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

“I

crc@edgedavao.net

had to come up with those sarcastic statements to persuade ang akong mga kauban na councilors to vote for the ordinance,” councilor Tomas Monteverde said yesterday, referring to his allegation that media had been portraying the local government as evil and callous to the needs of the poor.

“I was appealing for support from the group at the time, many members of the council were worried about the ordinance,” Monteverde said, adding that some photojournalists did not understand what I meant.”

He said in an inter-

view yesterday during the second reading of the supplemental budget (SB3) that he was trying to win the votes of his fellow councilors for the approval of the ordinance pertaining to the establishment of night markets where vendors could legally operate.

“Some were afraid to vote in favor of the ordinance for fear they would end up in court.

I was the proponent, I needed to resort to it..

I had to make sarcastic remarks,” he said.

Monteverde said he only used it as a “Segway” for the night market since they cannot dictate

F’I WAS, 11

HEALTHY TOYS. Surrounded by vegetables on a stall at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City yesterday, a boy finds instant toys in onions and other vegetables being sold by his mother. Lean Daval Jr.

DCL Final 6 cast is complete INSIDE:

2 4 16

One killed, 11 injured as bus falls into canal Lawyers of GMA ought to file motion on furlough AEON TOWERS Rising up

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

Night market opens on Roxas next week

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

S

AT THE WRONG PLACE. Aware or not, these men comfortably sit where only women are supposedly allowed to maintain their privacy. Lean Daval Jr.

cause a hindrance to motorists using the other half.

Many vendors have applied for the night and weekend market, with the public raffling scheduled set this week. According to Monteverde, the allowable size of the stalls will be 1.5 meters by 2 meters and leased for P15.00 – P 20.00 per day, excluding the cost of lighting. The vendors will be made to following a prescribed design.

If the renter fails to operate for three consecutive days, the lease contract will be nullified.

The experiment will last for three months to determine its effectiveness.

Aside from Roxas Avenue, other night markets will be installed in front of the Office of the Ombudsman on Uyangguren, Aquino St., Agdao, San Pedro, and on Duterte St., in front of Gaisano South.

RADUATES belonging to Class 1963 of the Davao City High School, now renamed Davao City National High School (DCNHS), will be honored during a cocktail party at the Royal Mandaya Hotel along Palma Gil Street starting at 3 p.m. today, December 13.

The cocktail party in honor of Batch ‘63 is part of a series of activities lined up for this year’s DCNHS grand homecoming organized

by Batch ’88, December 13, 14 and 15.

This was bared by Lulyn Saniel and Larry Velasco, 1988 graduates of Davao region’s 91-year old public high school.

The valedictorians of Batch ’63 –Evangeline Barlis, a retired bank executive, and Eduardo Pinggoy, a retired principal and now municipal councilor of Tampakan, South Cotabato – are expected to attend the

One killed, 11 injured as bus falls into canal G

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

O

epc@edgedavao.net

NE woman was killed and 11 other passengers injured when a bus fell into a large canal along the road at Sitio Langub, Barangay Baganihan, Marilog district at about 4:25 a.m. yesterday.

The fatality was identified by the police as one

Melirita Poyos Inclunar, 42.

Chief Inspector Roberto Espina, station commander, said that the injured victims were brought to the nearest hospital.

Dennis Estrera, 33, driver of the bus owned

by Rural Transit Mind-

Worker shot dead by tandem riders A

23-year-old construction worker was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen yesterday morning in Crossing Uraya, Catalunan Grande.

The victim, Julius Patricio, a resident of Sitio Kalubihan, Catalunan Grande, succumbed to five gunshot wounds in his body.

Max/imiano Matuel, deputy station commander of the Uraya Catalunan Grande police sub-station, said that at around 6:30 a.m., Patricio was waiting at a sari-sari store owned

by Roquiza Recabor for his

co-workers to arrive.

After about an hour, an unidentified man arrived on a motorcycle driven by a companion and approached Patricio and shot him several times before riding away in the direction of Mintal.

Police immediately responded to the incident after receiving a call from a concerned citizen. Scene of the Crime Operatives led by Senior Inspector Nolan Genova soon arrived and recovered four empty shells from the crime scene.

Police are following up the case. [EPC]

anao, Inc. of Cagayan de Oro City, was reportedly sleepy at the time and lost control of the vehicle which fell into the canal.

The bus was bound for Davao City.

Estrera will be facing a charge of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and multiple physical

injuries before the Davao City Prosecution Office.

He is in the custody of the police.

Under the law, police are tasked to file criminal charges, while in a civil case an individuals, particularly relatives of fatalities, charges against the bus company.

crc@edgedavao.net

OME sidewalk vendors are set to occupy stalls along Roxas Avenue when an experimental night market starts operating there next week.

This, according to councilor councilor Tomas Monteverde IV, principal proponent of the scheme who spoke to the media yesterday after the ordinance was approved by the 17th council of Davao City last Tuesday afternoon.

The ordinance will address the problem of where to place sidewalk vendors and eventually, provide an alternative area for sidewalk vending in the downtown area.

“This is the start of our experiment,” he said. “It is only seven meters from the railing of the drainage canal,” he added. It occupies only one side of the wide avenue from 7:00 p,m. to 12:00 midnight and will not

DCNHS Class ’88 to honor Class ’63 in reunion today

FDCNHS, 11

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS. This mother and daughter were unconsciously caught on camera cleaning away dirt from their eye and nose while waiting at the parking area in downtown Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

12 alarm systems in barangays soon

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

MORE OPTIONS. Customers browse through a wide array of Christmas lanterns on display along Tionko Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

DUREZA BACKS BELLO INITIATIVE

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N emergency electronic alarm system will be installed in the barangay halls of 12 initial coastal barangays from Binugao, Toril to Lasang, Davao City by next year.

“Ang purpose niani actually, pag nay mahitabo labi na sa issue ng storm surge and tsunami,kini ang gamiton na alarm system for people to be aware,” City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) administration and training chief said yesterday during the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Center (DRRMC)

Yearend Evaluation and Awarding in Davao Region at the Apo View Hotel yesterday.

“Dili man gud nato kaya na libuton at singgitan tanang tao each barangay nga pamakwit na mo,” he said especially during times when there is a warning of sturm surge and tsunami. “Through this alarm system, we can be sure na mainform tanan.”

He said that the 12 units costs an estimated total of P 600.000 and will be covering 60 kilometers as its sound alarm can reach as

Lawyers of GMA ought Fake TFD member to file motion on furlough now in hot water F

ORMER Davao City Rep. Jesus G. Dureza supports the proposal of some 70 members of the House of Representatives for the Sandiganbayan to grant a weeklong furlough to detained former President Gloria Macapagal Arrroyo.

A former member of the Arroyo Cabinet handling the peace process and the press, Dureza said he witnessed how difficult life is with the former President in her detention cell.

Dureza, who is now back as publisher of the Mindanao Times and president and chairman of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), said he and wife Beth visited President GMA six months ago at her hospital room at the Veterans Hospital in Quezon City.

“She obviously had lost weight. Her neck problem was still bothering her, he said.

“But what was to us was agonizing (revolting, if I may) was the fact that although her detention

CDDRMO mulls knowledge and training center in city

T

HE City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDDRMO) is planning to establish the first Knowledge and Training Center in Davao City to make all Dabawenyos knowledgeable and equipped during times of disaster.

“It will be the first in Davao City and in the whole Philippines,” Pepito S. Capile, CDRRMO administration and training chief said.

He said that the CDDRMO intends to develop a center containing all related data regarding disasters and climate change by next year through a public-private partnership (PPP).

Aside from being a learning center, their office will also hold training for Dabawenyos in the same center for free.

“It woll also conduct

trainings for our baranggay officials and anyone among us who wants to be prepared against disasters thru first aid and others, all for free,” Capile said.

He said that various courses related to disaster and risk management and mitigation will also be offered at the center.

“Gusto nato na universal ang knowledge na atong makuha, so maoo na among intention which is a part of the Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (DRRM) plan.

Central 911 head Emmanuel Jaldon,meanwhile, chose not to disclose as to who will be their private partner in the construction of the facility while the city government will provide the land area to be used.

[CRC]

room was in a building adjoining a chapel, she was never allowed then just to step out and pray and hear mass in the chapel nearby,” Dureza said, adding “I remember telling her: ‘Ma’am this is too much. I will write about this.’ She meekly said: Never mind Jess.

And please don’t write about your visit with Beth.’

Dureza said he agreed as it may worsen things.

“Now a Christmas furlough for 10 days? Good luck! No wonder even the

lawyers of PGMA were saying they had not filed any such motion in court,” he said.

Dureza said a motion needs to be filed.

Bello initiated the move in the House to ask the Sandiganbayan to allow the former chief executive and now member of Congress to go home to her province, Pampanga, for at least 10 days during the Christmas season. The move the House was initiated by 1BAP partylist Rep. Silvestre H. Bello III who is also Dabawenyo.

F12 alarm, 11

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

A

epc@edgedavao.net

48-year-old alleged bodyguard of a businessman, who introduced himself as a member of Task Force Davao, was apprehended by the police after he failed to present valid documents at a checkpoint at Barangay Binugao, Toril on Wednesday at about 4:30 p.m.

Police said Fernando Casas, a security guard of VIDA Security Agency and resident of Punta

Dumalag, Matina Aplaya will be charged with violation of Article 177 or Usurpation of Authority of official function.

Chief Inspector Angel Sumagaysay, station commander of the Toril police, said that Casas, wearing an army uniform with patches of Task Force Davao while aboard a motorcycle tailing a vehicle owned

by Mario Tan going to Davao. Casas said that he

FFAKE TFD, 11

GRATEFUL. Mr. Sumikawa, Mr. Ogata and Mr. Oishi, JICA representative, receive plaque of appreciation from the newly-installed Sultan sa Ranao, Mayor Mastura D. Manabilang, for their untiring support to the socio-economic development of Lanao del Sur and witnessing the enthronement ceremony of the new Sultan on November 30, 2013 held at the new capitol gymnasium in Marawi City.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

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6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

10.Peso National government 11. per US $ 5/

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

Inclusive growth must be asserted in AEC 2015 T

HE inclusive growth mantra has to be further asserted in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), said Dr. Cielito Habito, former Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Chief of Party of the USAID Trade Related Assistance for Development, during the 4th Final Workshop of the ASEAN Beyond 2015, a project of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). State think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) co-organized the event held at the Carlos P. Romulo Hall, NEDA sa Makati Building.

According to Habito, ASEAN trade relations must be competitive rather than complementary. “The Philippines has a predominantly intra-industry trade with the rest of the ASEAN countries, especially with its major trading partners in the region, meaning we trade in products within the same industries.

The Philippines’ top exports to its major ASEAN trading partners are petroleum products, electronics, and chemicals,

MORE LOCAL. The Marco Polo Davao general manager Anthony Tan says that 95-percent of hotel occupants in Davao City consist of domestic visitors and only 5-percent are foreign tourists who are still hesitant to visit the city due to security concerns. Lean Daval Jr. the same products that we import in the region,” Habito noted.

Habito also commented on the budget misallocation in the agricultural sector, where 70 percent of the commodity budget goes to rice yet it is only responsible for only about 16 percent of the value adding in agriculture.

He considers the growth potentials of the services sector. “The Philippines has much more growth in the services sector because there are lots of value adding within this sector such as in design and software.”

Meanwhile, UP Professor Emeritus and first NEDA Director-General

Dr. Gerardo Sicat accentuated the negative impacts of the country’s governance and political issues on our investment performance. The changes of government have caused reversals of economic policies and the effects of these reversals were very costly, Sicat said.

Sicat explained that

the Philippines is the only country in the ASEAN that has complex constitutional provisions on economic issues. “We have restrictions on capital, landownership, public utilities, and operation of land mineral resources, which not all foreign investors could deal with,” he said.

agronomists imparted knowledge about proper harvesting conditions and methods; discussed post-harvest processes such as floating, building all-weather dryers and hulling; and shared information about the Nestlé Quality Grading and Standards, the company’s criteria in purchasing coffee beans, which includes moisture content and cup taste.

Apart from offering training programs, the Nestlé farmer caravan also informs farmers about the opening of

Nestlé satellite buying stations, where they can directly sell their coffee produce to the company at rates competitive with the global market prices.

The Nestlé buying station in Tagum City subsequently opened on October 14, while the ones in Valencia City and in General Santos City started operations on October 21.

The Farmer Caravans to support the opening of the buying stations are at the core of Nestlé’s Farmer Connect Model, a direct buying program

that encourages small farmers and small-scale intermediaries to sell their produce directly to Nestlé. The model is a key program under the NESCAFÉ Plan, Nestlé’s global initiative that supports responsible coffee farming, production and consumption.

“The Nestlé farmer caravan is specifically designed to provide end-to-end support to our coffee farmers,” said Jeremie Laurente, North Mindanao Agronomist, Nestlé Philippines. “We share information and

methodologies that can help them improve their harvests through our training programs while the announcement of the buying station openings provides them with an opportunity to immediately benefit from their produce,” added Art Baria, Assistant Vice President and Head of Agri-Services, Nestlé Philippines.

The caravan is set to visit Sultan Kudarat during the last part of the year before moving on to other buying stations in 2014.

Nestlé brings farmer caravan, opens buying stations in Mindanao areas N

ESTLÉ Philippines recently kicked off the latest leg of its farmer caravan in Mindanao, visiting several key coffee-producing areas to provide local farmers with training and assistance in the areas of coffee production and post-production.

Among the places visited by the caravan were Tagum City, Davao del Norte; Valencia City, Bukidnon; General Santos City, South Cotabato, and nearby areas.

During each visit, Nestlé

as of May 2013 Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu

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

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

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

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

Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05

Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu

14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

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EDITORIALS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

Local tourism

CCORDING to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), local tourists are still the main drivers of the tourism industry in the Philippines.

In 2012, expenditure of domestic tourists, including resident visitors within the country making either a local visit or a trip that is part of an international travel group, grew by 15.2 percent to P662.7 billion in 2012 from P575.1 billion in 2011.

Domestic tourism expenditure has grown so much that it now represents 8.5 percent of the household final consumption expenditure in the 2012 national accounts.

The NSCB report only proves that efforts of local gov-

A

ernment units and the private sector to improve the attractiveness of their localities to tourists are in the right direction and will not after all go to waste.

Success stories on domestic tourism abound in our country. Our very own Davao City and Island Garden City of Samal, Siargao Island, Dakak Resort, and Camiguin are just a few examples in Mindanao. The rockstars, of course, are Palawan, Boracay Island, Bohol and Cebu in the Visayas and countless others in Luzon.

The bullishness of the national government, through the Department of Tourism under Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., in developing Philippine tourism will continue in the years to come.

Kudos to Migs!

YOUNG Dabawenyo, Miguel Rene Alcantara Dominguez, was named recently as one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines, a prestigious award organized by the Junior Chamber International Philippines, more popularly known as Pilipinas Jaycees.

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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Migs, who turns 37 next February, is the former governor of Sarangani for three terms. He is the son of former presidential assistant for Mindanao Paul Rene G. Dominguez and Rosvida A. Dominguez, top executives of Alcantara & Sons and several other companies.

Congratulations, Migs. We are proud of you.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR / CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

KRISTINE D. BORJA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Marketing Specialist Circulation

Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

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ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

Chamber of joke and travesty

ENATE REQUIRES AN ENVIRONMENT OF PRUDENCE – On the political level, the bad news, which has stunned the nation recently, was that the true hues of some senators were finally unveiled. Of all the branches of government, the legislature, Senate in particular, is the one that requires the utmost respect for its process of ensuring to enact laws of national interests and in gorgeous foundation. The primary reason is that public confidence in the integrity and uprightness of the Senate is groundwork for stability, credibility and political order. That was then, this is now.

The Senate being a political department of government similar with the House of Representatives whose reason for existence is that, slowly and steadily, now becomes the center of political fracas and controversy. By the very nature of the functions of the Senate there must be a fair and free flow of debate among its members. Furthermore, the Upper Chamber requires an environment of judiciousness. Violation of the house rules with more damaging effect on the dignity and reputation of the Senate or any legislative body in established democracies are likely to be given appropriate action by the chamber’s leaders.

Contradictions, dissatisfaction, arguments and hurling profanities have been known to arise when one feels aggrieved. One glaring example happened last year when emotions flared up over the distribution, notably the unequal amount of Christmas “cash gifts,” as in the case of Senators Allan Peter Cayetano, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Pia Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes. The object of their ire no less is then Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who allegedly plays favoritism in giving dole outs to members of the chamber.

Apparently the senator-protagonists deliberately played up the brewing issue on the floor perhaps in an effort either to attract listeners and sympathizers or just pure grandstanding and self-aggrandizement. What public good can be served when senators fight their “per-

A

sonal dispute” in the Senate floor supposedly the bastion of respect and nobility?

Obviously, the fact that this has an adverse effect on national interests, not to mention the Filipino psyche, is of no concern to them. Many questions were raised in the light of the previous word war waged against each other by Senators Enrile and Peter Allan Cayetano where their heated discussions veered away from the crucial issues confronting the nation and people. Both exchanged barbs scoring in “harsh language” that explained away that insulting incident. The heated verbal exchange served no objective except to expose an acrimonious relationship between warring lawmakers and revealed how a dignified lawmaking body can be used by its members as a tool for advancing and protecting personal interests.

On the other hand, what can the public say about the recent verbal tussle between, again, Enrile and his “obsessive hater” Lady Miriam? Their intense verbal skirmish it seems is far from over with Santiago threatening to file charges against Enrile before the Ethics Committee for delivering an entire speech by engaging in personal prejudice rather than to reason. Santiago demands civility from her peers during floor deliberations, yet she herself utterly lacks good manners and has the penchant of displaying outrageous behavior.

Our lawmakers have the guts and the pluck to demonstrate eccentric behavior and expose the “dirty linens inside the closets” on the Senate floor because they are covered by the mantle of parliamentary immunity. Goodness gracious!

Perhaps at this stage the Senate leadership and some cooler heads should find ways to stop their senseless bickering and instead focused their effort in ratifying priority legislative measures. But that doesn’t mean muzzling the squabbling senators just as responsible and credible members of the Senate need not to be stifled. We shudder to think what the consequences might be if the press continues to play up the negative feelings of the wary public – aghast and disappointed of what had happened at the Senate. The people may have the right to know about the laws of national concern enacted by Congress but it also reserves the right to be spared from virulent verbiage that has nothing to do with them in the first place.

It would make more sense if our senators would set aside self-righteous pride and apply a variety of approaches that would better serve the public’s need for uplifting their standard way of living. It is absolutely essential to look closely into the people’s concern and now is the appropriate time as we are at the stage of a stormy and tempestuous era preparing for the start of a new but challenging year. Perhaps our lawmakers should give the public sufficient grounds to believe that they will take their role as molders of statutes seriously and with a sense of responsibility.

But from a moral standpoint, the warring senators instead chose the fretful way in patching their differences, resorting to hurling vulgarities and verbal scrimmage to perpetuate personal ends. Sad to lament, though, they made the Senate a “chamber of joke and travesty.” This certainly violates the code of conduct and ethical standards of the Senate. What kind of values will the people of the future ascribe to the sum of their job? How would the public judge the record of events in the Senate chronicles they will leave behind?

For sure the public will be inclined to be hypercritical.

homecoming.

Henares doesn’t care about Pacquiao’s accomplishments in the ring. All she cares about is squeezing Pacquiao’s earnings from the ring.

And Noynoy? Well, he, too, doesn’t care about Manny and boxing. His hobby is practice shooting.

He likes shooting down political opponents.

(There is no truth to the rumor that Noynoy would rather watch a Miss Gay beauty pageant than see a boxing bout.)

Now, about that Atienza bill for sports heroes.

Such a proposal / bill is not really unusual, unique or unprecedented. Hundreds of centuries before modern civilization, special people were granted special privileges by the state in Greece.

During the ancient Greek civilization when the Olympic Games were special attractions at pagan festivals, champions or winners of various sports competitions were honored as heroes, and were exempted from paying taxes for life. Statues were also erected in their honor in the city where they come from.

Pacquiao detractors who frown at his

limited educational attainment must accept and recognize the indisputable, irrefutable , incontestable fact that Manny Pacquiao is a world-class athlete, a certified boxing superstar considered by boxing experts and authorities today as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Pacquiao has won “Boxer of the Decade” award for 2000-2010, the same honor bestowed on Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar dela Hoya, Marvin Hagler. He has been named one of 100 world’s most influential people in 201112. He is the only boxer in the history of boxing to have won eight world titles in eight weight divisions. No other Filipino athlete past or present, has brought more honors to the country than Pacquiao. He is in a class by himself.

Pacquiao was a poor boy who dreamed big, and ended up bigger than his dreams.

He is, today, unquestionably, one of the biggest names in sports. He is a classic example of a poor boy who made not just good, but very, very, very good.

Those who downplay Pacquaio’s outstanding ring exploits and denigrade his person, must re-assess their opinion of Manny and judge him objectively.

Manny is our very own treasure. He brings honor to the Filipino race. For Pacquiao, “Para sa iyo ang laban na ‘to” is not just a motivating cathphrase, a promo gimmick; it is a mandate to do his very best and bring honor to his people.

Manny, Kim and Noynoy

ll is not lost for Manny Pacquiao, after all. His tax woes may soon be over, and a horrible nightmare would become but a mere echo of forgotten memory. Thanks to a caring soul named Lito Atienza.

Former Manila city mayor, now Buhay party-list representative and acknowledged political patron of Pacquiao, Atienza has filed a bill that would exempt sports heroes from paying taxes for prize money won in international sports competitions.

Returning home from a triumphant campaign against an unbeaten American boxer last November 24th in Macau, Pacquiao got a rude welcome instead of a hero’s welcome from a deadpan taxwoman Kim Henares (who is obviously unimpressed by Pacquiao’s ring exploits).

Henares couldn’t care less about Pacquiao’s redemption in Macau. All she wants is to collect the taxes Pacquiao allegedly owes the government. And towards this end, she would not mind a bit freezing Manny’s money as well as properties. Wow, this girl is super astig!

Pacquiao conquered a foe in a foreign land, but got clobbered and humiliated in his homeland.

Not unexpectedly, Noynoy joined the fray and let Henares do her thing – hound Pacquiao from Quezon City to Gensan City.

It cannot be gainsaid that while Pacquiao was preparing a strategy against Rios, Henares was preparing a perfectly timed assault to embarrass Pacquiao’s triumphant

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Midnight text message from a boxing fan

S

O M E T I M E around midnight two days ago, my cellphone beeped, alerting me to some text messages.

I was already slipping into dreamland, so my sleep was interrupted with that text message which came from someone with a cell number, but no name. I was fuming.

His first text message was : “Between Bob Arum and Commissioner Henares, I trust Bob more. Look how Henares explain why Manny Pacquiao must pay the taxes owed to this country. She smiles like a dog. Ngising aso!. Its easy to see when someone is lying, di ba?”

Since I had no idea who was texting me, I texted back : “Sino to? Kinsa ma ni?”

A text reply came instantly: “Doesn’t matter. Galit ako kay Henares. You’re writing a column, di ba? In all Manny’s fight in the US, he had no choice with his money because Bob makes sure US taxes are deducted from Manny’s fight earnings. He’s not a tax evader! Dios por santo! Wala siyang magawa sa US, kasi automatic ang bayad nya. Billions of pesos binabayad nya! All the BIR has to do is to ask for the certified copies of all Manny’s tax filings, ba’t hindi nila ginawa yon?”

“Kinsa ba ni??? Sino to??” I texted back.

It took about five minutes before his text reply showed on my cheap cell phone screen. The text read: “ Malaking harassment ito. Hina-harass siya by some people sa Malacanang.

Snake pit pa rin hanggang ngayon! Dini-deny nila wala raw politika ditto ?

Naka ngising aso nga si Henares, kasi alam niya! She knows it and she’s hiding it”.

“Totoong sinabi ni Bob about the beaucratic red tape sa US internal revenue at dito sa BIR. What he doesn’t know ginigipit si Manny because he abandoned Pnoy’s political party and moved to Binay’s party. Because of what he’s going through, he’ll move over to the minority opposition group in Congress.”

With my eyes drooping heavily, I texted back, holding back my anger: “If you don’t identify yourself, I will put off this cell.”

It was nearly one in the morning when his text reply came: “Walang utang na loob, gobyerno’ng ito kay Manny! He had been putting the Philippines in the boxing world map.

Nasikat ang Pinas dahil lang kay Manny! Now they’re running after him as a tax evader. Yet, the BIR didn’t ran after the most notorious tax evaders of this country!”

“Bakit si Manny pa?? Dahil ba tindero lang sya ng pan de sal noon sa Gensan? Bakit ba in this country, yon mga tao pa simisikap, yon pa hinahabol ng BIR? Bakit? hindi nila kaya habulin si Lucio Tan? Si Enrile? Si Revilla? Si Estrada? Dahil takot sila sa mga taong ito?”

“Bakit sa Manny pa? Porke’t boxer lang at tindero lang ng pan de sal ? Ha? Ha? Galit ako! Galit na galit ako!”

In an instant, I texted back: “Tama na. I want you to stop. Now. Sorry, I’m closing this cell.”

I waited for about a minute before closing. His last text was: “Call me Ishmael.”

(Comments? Email me at> tradingpost_davao@yahoo.com)

10

EDGEDAVAO

MOTORING

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Isuzu D-Max launched in Mindanao T

HE Atrium of Limketkai Mall buzzed with excitement when the all-new Isuzu D-Max was unveiled by Mr. Nobuo Izumina, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) President and Mr. Frank Rolida, Isuzu Cagayan de Oro President.

The D-Max’s Cagayan de Oro debut was the ideal since the city and the surrounding areas account for 50 percent of IPC’s sales in Mindanao.

The launch was also meant to address the region’s demand for a vehicle that can serve various business functions and agriculture-related requirements, as well as cater to the weekend recreational needs such as mountain trekking or trips to the farm.

“We formally launch our latest product here in Cagayan De Oro as you have always been one of our most important markets; in fact in our latest sales report, more than half of our sales here in Mindanao are from Cagayan de Oro City,” Izumina said in his speech.

The Isuzu D-Max is envisioned to “Challenge the

Terrain” and is built around three design philosophies: perfect proportions, aggressive form, and innovative structure. The all-new D-Max is longer, wider, taller, sleeker, and tougher than ever before. Upfront, it has projector-type headlamps, front fog lamps, large sideview mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, and LED combination lamps.

The athletic form aside, the D-Max takes passenger comfort and convenience to a new level, especially in the range-topping LS or Life Style variants. Ingress and egress is made easier now thanks to enlarged door openings and pillar-mounted grab handles for the front occupants. Inside, the D-Max offers a much more spacious cabin. The seats are covered in unique mahogany shade leather.

The driver is treated to the added convenience of a four-way power adjustable seat. At the back, all three occupants get adjustable headrests along with a center arm rest. Meanwhile, there’s also the convenience of 15 storage compartments

and 10 cup holders.

Designed with maximum visibility and ergonomics in mind, the D-Max’s elegant and sculpted dashboard features a new electroluminescent

instrument cluster that integrates a multi-information display. Isuzu is also known particularly for its in-car entertainment system, and the all-new D-Max doesn’t disappoint. The integrated 2-DIN audio system features a multitude of connectivity options including MP3 and USB as well as Bluetooth hands-free. The D-Max also has a six-speaker system that includes first-in-class ceiling-mounted “exciter” speakers for a commendable aural experience.

Meanwhile, the LT

(Light Truck) and single-cab variants of the D-Max are generously equipped with power windows, central door locks, a 1-DIN audio system, and durable vinyl seats as standard features.

Isuzu’s design philosophy with the D-Max’s drivetrain wasn’t to achieve best-in-class power or torque; rather it strives to provide efficient performance. Under the hood of the D-Max lies Isuzu’s tried-and-tested 4JJ1-TC 3.0-liter CRDi engine that produces 146 PS at 3,800

rpm and 294 Nm of torque at 1,400 to 3,400 rpm. On the base LT 4x2 and single-cab variants, the new 4JK1-TC 2.5-liter CRDi producing 109 PS at 3,400 rpm and 280 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,200 rpm provides the thrust. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission as standard. For the first time, the LS 4x2 and 4x4 variants can be mated to a new 5-speed automatic with a sequential shift function for improved fuel efficiency and driving comfort.

ster 1200 included.

As well as Troy, the instructors include Manuel Poggiali, Andrew Pitt and Niccolo Canepa and are overseen by DRE Technical Director and Chief Instructor, Dario Marchetti, and Alessandro Valia – the official Factory Test Rider.

There’s also a raft of

technical support on offer. And if you need anymore excuses, riding at Mugello has to be on anyone’s bucket list. Enrolment starts on the 16th December at Ducati.com, so there’s still time to prep your loved ones for an Xmas gift idea.

Check Ducati.com for more info

2014 Ducati Riding Experience: New courses up for ‘Red Riders’ T

HE Ducati Riding Experience (DRE, no relation to Dr) is set to continue in 2014, with a range of carefully structured courses starting with basic skills for novices, right up to the Troy Bayliss Academy on offer, and so is most of the Ducati fleet – the new 899 Panigale and Mon-

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

11

Pres. Aquino appoints new Customs head P RES. Benigno Aquino III has appointed John Philip Sevilla as head of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Malacanang announced on Thursday.

Sevilla will replace Rozzano Rufino Biazon who resigned from post after he was charged with malversation in connection to the misuse of pork barrel while he was still a lawmaker.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the appointment was made last December 9.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said Sevilla’s financial expertise and track record in public service made him more than capable of con-

tinuing the reform agenda at the BOC. Sevilla was Finance undersecretary for the Corporate Affairs Group and Privatization.

Prior to his stint in the government, Sevilla worked as an executive director at investment bank Goldman Sachs. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of Synergeia foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of public education in the Philippines.

Sevilla earned a degree in Economics and Government from Cornell University and also holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University. [PNA]

media what to write or what photos to show the public. “It’s good because some say that the government is implementing the law, but what majority see appears to be callous

treatment of the poor (vendors).”

“If we cannot control media, we should not have proceeded with the ordinance. Thank God, however, we passed it.”

reunion. Delia Mercado Ladao, until lately vice president for Mindanao of the Land Bank of the Philippines, will likewise join her fellow class ’63 honorees in the reunion.

Ladao, one of the only two past lady presidents of the multi-awarded Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., has been campaigning for participation in the homecoming together with other classmates, who have been meeting weekly to prepare for their number in the program.

Ladao said that a number of alumni belonging to Class ’63 are expected to come home from various foreign countries where they have been residents for years to attend the reunion.

Velasco said that the valedictorian of the hosting Batch ’88 composed of around 1,200 graduates is Bruno Antonio Siaotong, a teacher in math, physics and music in Saskatchewan, Canada, where he is currently finishing a doctorate.

On Dec. 14, at 8 a.m., a thanksgiving mass for Batch ’88 will be celebrated at the Assumption Church on F. Torres St., Davao City. The mass will be followed by a grand motorcade along the city’s major thoroughfares. The motorcade starts at the DCNHS campus and ends in the same venue.

The reunion proper will be on Dec. 15 in the DCNHS multi-purpose gym. Registration starts as early as 2 p.m., while the program begins at 4 p.m. Ticket for the homecoming is P350 to cover expenses involved in the reunion’s various activities.

The program expected to end at 4 p.m. will be capped by a raffle draw of door prizes, including LED television sets and smartphones.

Then hosting batch is publishing a souvenir program as memento of the 2013 grand reunion and as part of the fund-raising scheme. Proceeds of the souvenir program will partly underwrite the cost of a covered walkway leading to the school’s Social Studies building.

serves as a back up security of Tan. Police said that based on the military intelligence report, Casas

was monitored roaming around Kidapawan City.

He was flagged down by the police and Task Force Davao at a checkpoint.

‘I was... FFROM 1

DCNHS... FFROM 2

Fake...FFROM 4

HUMAN CART. Due to poverty and the absence of decent jobs, this man transforms himself into a human cart carrying a 50-kilo sack of squash at Bankerohan Public Market’s bagsakan area yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Police seeing breakthrough in probe of 3 media killings T

“At this early stage of investigation, there are no peculiar indications of a link that can connect the three incidents,” according to PNP Chief, Director General Alan L Purisima.

The Chief PNP nonetheless expressed confidence that SITGs formed by the concerned Police Regional Offices will be able to achieve significant breakthrough in the investigation of these cases.

He assured national media organizations of fo-

cused attention by dedicated SITGs composed of seasoned crime investigators backed by forensic examiners, legal team, intelligence support, and local police.

Purisima said Task Force USIG is paying particular attention to the recent shooting of broadcaster Michael Diaz Milo, 34 of Prime Radio FM in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur last December 6; the shooting of broadcaster Jash Dignos, 48 in Valencia City, BUkidnon last

Nov 29; and the shooting of broadcaster Rogelio Butalid, 44 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte last December 11.

In the case of Dignos, Northern Mindanao police has filed a case for Murder against an identified suspect and several John Does. The suspect was identified thru a computerized facial composite provided by NBI based on descriptions provided by a key witness. [PNA]

HE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has intensified its intelligence operation against groups responsible for distributing in the country a new variety of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or popularly known as ecstasy, a party drug.

In a statement Thursday, PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac Jr. said that

the new form of ecstasy is blended with methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, that comes in capsulated form and varying colors.

“The disclosure of the souped-up ecstasy was the result of the chemical analysis conducted by the PDEA Laboratory Service on the pieces of drug evidence consisting of 38 green capsules that were seized during a buy-bust operation in Quezon City last week,” Cacdac

said.

The shabu-laced ecstasy, often called “fly-high”, or “party” is said to be gaining headway and in demand among club and party-goers. The chemicals used in the preparation of the new ecstasy are directly imported from one of the countries in Southeast Asia and delivered to the Philippines through bulk shipment on a weekly basis.

“These capsules may differ in color correspond-

ing to its content. The ecstasy-shabu combined substance is colored dark green, while those colored light green and brown contain ephedrine, a controlled substance and a critical component in the manufacture of shabu,” Cacdac said.

He said the agency is presently intensifying its intelligence gathering to arrest unscrupulous elements responsible for this new trend in illegal drug trafficking. [PNA]

far as 5 kilometers during the day but varies at night.

“As to specifics dili pa nato maingon asang baranggay itaod kay itest sa, kung asa muabot ang alarm didto next itaod,” Capile said, adding that the alarm

system will have three different kinds of alarm.

The first alarm sound will be for warning for the occurrence of tsunami and sturm surge, second will be for the preparation for evation, third is for monitoring

evacuation.

He said that the alarm system is not yet connected to the Public Safety Command Center, but will be centralized in the future.

The operation of the system will be reliant to their per-

sonnel deployed in each barangay or to the baranggay officials.

The information and education drive in the barangays near coastal areas will start early next year.

[CRC]

HREE Special Investigation Task Groups (SITG) looking into three separate incidents of violence involving media personnel in Bukidnon, Surigao and Davao recently, do not see any common pattern among the cases.

The Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) thru Task Force USIG is keeping tab of all ongoing investigation into cases of violence committed against working journalists.

PDEA uncovers new variety of Ecstasy

T

12 alarm...FFROM 4

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, VOL. 6 ISSUE13-14, 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013 DECEMBER 2013

Grand Alumni 2nd Gensan Int’l Blues DCNHS Homecoming Dec. 15 Festival set Dec. 13-15 T

T

HE GenSan International Blues Society in cooperation with SM City General Santos is staging the much-awaited second annual GenSan International Blues Festival on Dec. 13 to 15 at the Fountain Court of SM City in General Santos City.

“This event promises to bring you three funfilled, informative and exciting days of music and enjoyment to add to your Christmas holiday festivities while learning about a genre of music called the American Blues,” said co-founder Allan Cabardo of Brooklyn, New York.

Cabardo, who was born and raised in Gen. Santos City, started the Blues festival together with fellow Gensan native James Jubelag, who is now based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Along the pioneering members Pio Valdez, (Tropical Depression, Sticky Stones, etc.), Richard Nuneza (France), Tom Alzona (New Zealand), Gumer Liston and Glen Valdez (Cebu), they started as a humble open

Blues jam at a bar called No. One Bar, owned by musician friend, guitarist extraordinaire Gifford Sumaylo in General Santos last year.

A group of musician friends flew in from around the world to help them out and to get together for a festival style jam session and to share what they had learned about a style of music little known in Mindanao the American Blues.

“Due to the incredibly positive feedback from the audience and the overall success of the festival, we got the ball rolling to make this an annual event”, said Jubelag.

This year promises to be bigger and better than last year. There will be local greats, some foreign friends and musicians coming in from different countries bringing with them their personal style of the Blues that they learned in their respective countries and be on the look-out for some surprise guests.

The festival will also showcase the up-and-

coming local, talented youth. Everyone will be coming together with the common goal of exposing, educating, and sharing their love of this great genre of music. As well, there will be a Christmas musical selection with a Blues twist. The organizers will be holding clinics where members of the audience are invited to ask questions, meet the musicians, or share their experiences. There will even be an open jam where anyone who wants to join.

“This is quite possibly the first festival of its kind in the country,” Jubelag added.

On December 13 and 14, the Blues Festival kick off at 5 p.m. while on Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

“If you got the blues, come and tell your story and sing or play about it on stage!” Jubelag said.

You will be enlightened and given a history of the Blues, information on the different styles and have any questions answered that you may have.

This festival promises to be an original. It won’t be your regular cut-and-paste style of music. There will be a lot of original music by the artists as well as lots of old-time favorites. It proposes to put Mindanao and in particular General Santos City on the World Blues map as a top Blues festival destination in this part of the globe, much like Memphis, Tennessee, Chicago, Toronto, New York; places you would think of when thinking Blues Festivals.

“We are trying our best to bring you the great heavies from the USA like, Howard Gazer(Michigan), Otis Rush (Chicago), Rob Bowrosen (New York), all friends of ours that were unable to make it this year due to the short notice, prior commitments and funding issues”, said Cabardo.

To learn more about the 2nd Annual GenSan International Bues Festival, visit our Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/groups/ gensanblues/

HE Davao City National High School Grand Alumni Homecoming will be hosted by Batch ’88 and honoree Batch ’63 on December 15 at the DCNHS Multi-purpose gym.

“Our theme for this event is “That’s Entertainment” “, which was inspired from the TV show of German Moreno during the mid 80’s,” said alumni president Larry Velasco at the SCOOP session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday.

Registration starts at 2 p.m. and the program begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.

Tickets are sold at P350 which served as a raffle ticket for the door prizes.

Major raffle prizes are Samsung 42” Plasma TV, Panasonic Lumix Cameras, LG smartphones and many more.

The event is sponsored by EMCOR, STI,

SM Davao, Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Jakkar Mktg.

Prior to that, the DCNHS is having a Testimonial Dinner to Honor Batch ‘63 on Dec.13 at 6 p.m. at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

It will be followed by a Thanksgiving Mass for Batch ’88 at the Assumption Church, Torres St. on Dec. 14 at 8 a.m. which will followed by a Grand Motorcade starting from DCNHS Campus traversing the major streets of Davao City then back to the campus.

“We will also be producing a Souvenir Program for the homecoming event which was one of our fund-raising projects,” Velasco said.

Part of the proceeds of this souvenir program will be used to finance the proposed project at DCNHS, which is a walkway with canopy along the Social Studies building.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Ciudades Outdoor Clinic set Dec. 14-15

C

IUDADES Outdoor Clinic, a two-day boot camp and trail running event, will be held on Dec. 14-15 at the Ciudades in Tigatto featuring former Born to Be Wild host Kiko Rustia, blind runner Aga Casidsid and Hollywood actor and fitness consultant Ned Hourani as resource speakers.

“We are holding this clinic exclusively for our media friends and selected VIP’s,” said Lapanday Properties Phils. marketing officer Maria Luisa “Chai” Abaya of Lapanday at the SCOOP session of

The Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday.

The first day will have a trail running clinic and stretching at 6 a.m. followed by the question and answer portion. The clinic, which is handled by Irok Adventures, is also a participated workshop in Basic Mountaineering, Boot Camp, Tent pitching, Training and Survival 101.

“We have also invited mountain bikers to ride this Sunday at Ciudades,” Abaya said.

Ciudades is situated in a vast 200-hectare stretch of land along Tigatto

Road, Buhangin where the developer plans to put in place the First-Mindanao Business and Industrial Park (FMBIP), which is poised to become the town’s premiere businesses and industrial hub.

Located within the 20-hectare unique mixed-use park are areas intended for the Business-Industrial-Residential Estate (Bire), designed for its multi-use features that combine together commercial, production, manufacturing, office, residential and warehousing purposes in one.

that “The Fight The World Wants To See” is now in the mind of Mayweather.

King said: “It’s almost impossible to read Floyd Mayweather.”

That’s because “Money” is a fast-talking, business savvy boxer who knows exactly what he needs to say to keep the media and fans

mesmerized, according to King.

Here’s the story.

Said King, “That’s why he’s the highest paid boxer ever, and will likely retire as the highest paid athlete in sports history when it’s all said and done.

So what does that have to do with anything?”

Floyd thinking Manny now F

LOYD Mayweather is reportedly thinking of Manny Pacquiao now.

If that’s the case, then the fight the boxing world wanted to see could happen afterall. And maybe too soon.

A commentary made

by Yahoo! Sports contributor David King revealed

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EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

EDGEDAVAO STYLE

Midnight in Paris 80/20’s Holiday collection

80/20’S fashion for the holidays is refined, elegant and effortless as it carries the theme, “Midnight in Paris”. Asymmetric silhouettes and drapery exude a casual but elegant look. While earth tones such as brown, beige, and light grey accompanied by subtle pops of navy, purple, and burgundy, dominate the collection.

French romanticism takes center stage through the use of iconic Parisian imageries such as hot air balloons and stained glass windows. The color palette of the collection makes use of monotones as well as deep jewel hues.

For the men’s line, shirts possess exaggerated pockets as well as checkers or scenic prints. As for the Leather Jacket line for both men and women, sheepskin leather is used to create slim-cut varieties with metal buttons and studs. The jackets are available in vivid colors such as royal blue, fuchsia, peacock green, and red.

80/20 is exclusively available at Bauhaus located at the second level of the Abreeza Mall besides Columbia.

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UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Ning Dureza-Uy and her green agenda

Aéropostale opens first VisMin store in SM Lanang Premier THE city’s premier shopping and lifestyle hub welcomes a new store that is set to thrill its loyal shoppers this holiday season. Starting December 11, 2013, SM Lanang Premier has become the new home of the global fashion brand Aéropostale.

An American specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, Aéropostale offers high quality, trendy clothing at a price range that is easy on the pocket. Its branch at SM Lanang Premier is the megabrand’s first store in Visayas and Mindanao and its fifth nationwide.

Named after a 1920s airmail company, the mall-based brand chiefly targets the younger market but its wide collection of wardrobe staples – from denims and shirts to accessories and dresses – can cater to all ages.

As an exclusive offer to all its early-bird shoppers, Aéropostale is giving away slap-on mp3s with a minimum purchase of Php12,000. Promo lasts until December 22, 2013 only.

In the Philippines, Aéropostale is exclusively distributed

by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI).

Shop now at Aéropostale at the Upper Ground Level of SM Lanang Premier. For promo updates, check out Aéropostale PH on Facebook. You could also visit SM Lanang Premier on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

AMFIE 2013 features Text2Teach Innovative learning system Text2Teach was featured as one of the exemplary ICT innovations for education in the recent Asia-Pacific Ministerial Forum on ICT in Education (AMFIE) 2013 organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“Less than 10 projects, representing the best practices in the region, were selected to participate in the AMFIE Gallery Walk, withText2Teach included among the selected projects. We are proud of Text2Teach and also of Globe for being the only telecommunications organization present in the forum and recognized for its involvement in the Text2Teach project,” said Fernando Esguerra, OIC, Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

During the AMFIE 2013 held in Wuzhou Guest House in Shenzhen, China and attended by a total of 27 UN member states, key players from the region were invited to showcase successfully implemented ICT in Education innovations through a Gallery Walk, a discussion platform where booths and presentation boards are setup at the Forum.

The move was in line with AMFIE’s objective to raise awareness and initiate focused reflection on key issues and concerns on ICT for education as well as future activities on the application of ICT to achieve education for all.

Photos by Mima Tan

I

have never been preachy about diets, fitness or exercise. Always having been only moderately involved in being fit, I didn’t really realize what a feat it truly was until I gave birth to my second child and the pounds did not come off as easily as it once did. I am sure that I am not alone in saying that the alarm this caused me made me think long and hard about how I wanted to continue with my eating and exercise habits. I have since turned to yoga, lesser carbohydrates and juicing to encouraging results.

Sometimes the best things are born out of these moments of crises and the same was true for Ning Dureza-Uy when she started My Green Agenda, the juicing venture that she started just last October. When her mother’s doctor recommended sometime in July of this year that she try juicing to help treat her kidney problems, Ning decided to take charge of the situation and dove right into the task. Her own health problems – such as the migraines that have been plaguing her childhood and frequent bouts of insomnia – spurred her further. Soon, she was concocting healthy cocktails with her juicer and getting more adventurous and experimental with new tastes given the diverse produce available. Their health drastically improved and the accompanying weight loss that Ning experienced was a welcome offshoot as well.

These days, juicing has

taken a life of its own with celebrities touting their juice bottles like they were liquid gold. It is a quick fix for so many reasons, the least and most destructive being a tool for rapid weight loss. Ning tries to gently quash clients’ misconceptions on whether her cleansing programs that range from one to three days can immediately lead to shedding pounds. “Juicing for me is a way of life,” she states matter-of-factly.

Her approach to juicing and how she imparts it is very thoughtful and instructive.

When you order a Cleansing Kit from her, you find a scroll with reminders and guidelines tucked among the cool juice bottles. There is a clear belief that the body must be slowly and properly introduced to the idea of a

cleanse and is further made successful when properly conditioned. You find organic herbs wrapped in cheesecloth meant for boiling, the fragrances already putting you in the mood to detoxify and replenish your body with long-neglected yet essential vitamins and minerals. Best of all are the juices themselves. They are inventive mixes of fruits and organic vegetables carefully chosen from Davao and Bukidnon and are coldpressed and unpasteurized with no artificial sugars or preservatives.

“Experimenting with blends is what I am fond of,” Ning shares. She clear-

ly dotes on her signature cocktails, proudly declaring that most of them are her own original blends fostered through the help of the Internet and various health books to obtain specific health benefits and the desired flavor. The first six juice cocktails that she came up with and perfected are contained in her 1-day Cleanse Kit namely Granny’s Green, Fruit Punch, Pineapple Chiller. Carrot Time, Green Minded and Grapefully Yours. These are the ideal flavors to start with as they are an initiation of sorts for the taste buds of first-time juicers. The suc-

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

Juicy stories

By Nikki Gotianse-Tan MAKING juicing part of your daily routine is one of the easiest ways to jumpstart a healthier way of life for you and your family. Take it from these two Davaoeñas who swear by this health trend: Mimi V. Tupas, wife and mother of three children / owner of Soul Lifestyle When did you get into juicing?

I got my family a juicer a few years back when i simply wanted to infuse freshly squeezed

fruits into our meals in place of the canned and processed ones. But it was only till early of this year when my best friend Rica Dakudao-Buenaflor introduced me to the movie Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead that I took juicing to another level. I now do juicing everyday with one of my wisest and happiest gadget purchases of the year --the Hurom masticating juicer!

What recipes or ingredients do you particularly like?

I love a mix of citrus and greens. I always place an apple in almost all of my juices, especially for the kids. But I usually keep it at a mix of 75% vegetables and 25% fruits. When I do spinach (a favorite!) and other green juices, I also found out that its more fun to drink it if I add in some coconut water. I love coconut water in everything and chia seeds too.

What advice would you give those who are hesitant to try juicing?

Juicing is an absolutely perfect way to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle! It’s also been fun involving the kids. Here are some tips: - Browse the Net for

inspiring stories and recipes on juicing - Always fill your refrigerator with fresh produce & be willing to do the grocery shopping every 2-3 days - Invest in a masticating juicer. It does won-

ders in juicing greens.

You might not get the same results with other juicers and you might end up getting frustrated - Invest in good quality resealable bags & use them to portion your ingredients for easier juicing. It cuts you half the prep time and gives you more time to enjoy your juice!

- Serve them in cute mason jars and pretty paper straws. They make juicing more fun!

Charlyn Jane B. Curameng, wife and mother of two children When did you get into juicing?

I got into it for about

three years now. I’ve always loved the fact that I am able to mix fruits with vegetables and get a great taste without losing the vitamins, minerals and fibers.

What recipes or ingredients do you particularly like?

I love making spinach, strawberry, orange, banana, carrots and apple smoothies for my kids.

Basically, I love incorporating anything the Berry family. But my ultimate favorite medley is a grapefruit, spinach, kale, ginger, celery, strawberry and pomegranate juice/ smoothie. These are all rich in antioxidants. I also mix nuts and chia seeds into whatever I make.

Living here in the US, getting my hands on any fruits that are in season is a plus.

What are your health goals with regards to juicing? What physical changes have you noticed in yourself since you started?

My ultimate health goal for me and my family is to be healthy as always and improve our immune system. Juicing allows your body to absorb all the enzymes, vitamins and minerals more easily. It is something that we all benefit from but enjoy at the same time. Personally, I’ve lost weight, gained so much energy and the juices keep me hydrated. I also save time and money because I make them in batches so we can have something for to-go as well. And also, my youngest daughter’s skin has improved. She used to have skin eczema but now it’s gone.

FROZEN 2D Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel

GP

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG 3D Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman PG 13

12:00 | 3:00 | 6:00 | 9:00 LFS

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE 2D/ *ENDER'S GAME 2D Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson / * Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford

R-16

PG 13 / *PG 13

12:10 | 2:50 LFS / *5:30 | 7:45 | 10:00 LFS

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG 2D Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman PG 13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Ning dureza...FFROM A2 ceeding juices are what Ning calls more intense mixes meant for more optimum results and are discovered by those who wish to continue on to their second- and thirdday juice cleanses. To date, she has over twenty different cocktails available through the Cleansing Kits (her 1-day Cleansing Kit is available at a special introductory price of Php 1,300) or through her Mixed Cocktails package (Php 495) where clients can choose a minimum of three juices of their liking.

Ning is one of the first few to turn their unique health-for-a-hobby into a full-on business here in Davao and it is her strict adherence to freshness and quality that makes her the one to watch. She strictly adheres to her 3-day lead-time for serving orders, refusing to churn out juices just

for the sake of making a sale. Since she takes a maximum of three bottles of juice daily for what she calls her ‘maintenance,’ and does a strict 1-day

Cleanse at least once a week, she operates on the open-minded premise that there is always something new to try. Just recently, she posted pictures

of potted arugula and lettuce on her Facebook account and her followers know it is only a matter of time when their flavors will add something new to the mix.

Clearly taking her passions to greener pastures, Ning practices a kind of alchemy that invigorates and rejuvenates. With only the best things to share, her green agenda is the kind that you hope will continue to spread and work to change people’s lifestyles. She can definitely do it one juice bottle at a time.

For more information on My Green Agenda, contact Ning Dureza-Uy by sending an e-mail to gogreenagenda@ gmail.com or through mobile no. 0919-8004158. Add My Green Agenda on Instagram (Username: greenagenda) and Twitter (Username: green_agenda) or check their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/gogreenagenda).

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 195• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2013

SPORTS 15

Despite loss, Asi shows up Junmar I

N Asi Taulava’s book, there’s no doubt about June Mar Fajardo’s status as the top big man in the PBA. “He’s the alpha dog right now,” said Taulava, as the two behemoths went toe-to-toe in Wednesday’s duel between the Air 21 Express and the Petron Blaze Boosters.

The Express ended up losing, but the 40-yearold Taulava showed that he still had a thing or two to show his 24-year-old counterpart.

“All the big guys are afraid of him right now, so I went at him,” said Taulava.

He showed extra aggressiveness, scoring 16 points despite struggling on 7-of-21 (33 percent) shooting from the field, while holding Fajardo to just 13 points on a 4-of10 (40 percent) field goal clip.

Taulava also won the battle of the boards, 1816, against Fajardo, the league’s leading rebounder coming into the game.

“I think Asi has a lot of gas in him, and he showed June Mar a few tricks tonight,” said Abanilla. “It’s gonna be good for June Mar.” Fajardo admitted that Taulava’s mix of power and guile gave him a bit of trouble.

“Medyo nahirapan din ako kanina kasi malaki at saka beterano,” said Fajardo.

Taulava, for his part, relished the chance to bang bodies with Fajardo.

“It was awesome.

Good competition. We’re both trying to help our teams,” said Taulava.

“It was nice, to kinda have a nice, good time wrestling match. Not used to seeing somebody that big throughout my whole career.”

Amateur boxer clinically dead

D

OCTORS have declared clinically dead a 16-year-old boxer who suffered internal hemorrhage in the brain after competing in a Department of Education boxing tournament in Zambales.

According to his attending physician, Jonas Joshua is comatose Garcia and is only being kept alive by a machine while his family is waiting for the arrival of his mother from Japan.

“Brain dead na siya, irreversible na ito. Most cases 48 hours lang,” said Dr. Joselito Glorioso of the Zambales Provincial Hospital.

Garcia, a fourth year high school student, was rushed on Monday to the hospital after finishing the second round of his boxing match in the Central Luzon Athletic Meet organized by DepEd. The department has suspended all boxing matches following the incident.

Glorioso said Garcia’s case is similar to the case of Filipino boxer Z “The Dream” Gorres, who won his match in Las Vegas in 2009 before being rushed to the hospital after suffering subdural hematoma.

VINTAGE ASI. 40-year old Asi Taulava of Air 21 Express taught 24-year old Junmar Fajardo of Petron a neat basketball lesson. Nuki Sabio

CMO sinks Coast Guard 104-79

C

HRISTOPHER “Bong” Go dished out a sensational performance, hitting baskets nearly at all angles, to tow City Mayor’s Office capped its elimination round campaign with a 104 – 79 drubbing of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao in the Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte - 11th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Go, who is still in the

WHAT’S UP DOC?

recovery stage of his groin injury, racked up 51 points, including commendable 15 triples, as the CMO clinched a final four berth either as No. 3 or No. 4 seed, depending on today’s results of the league’s elimination finale.

Rodel Bantilan added 18 baskets for the City Hallbased dribblers who enters the next round with 9-2 win-loss record.

The win was CMO’s second after losing to Davao City Police Office, 75 – 79, on Tuesday that virtually foiled

the dribblers from City Hall to finish in the top two.

CMO came out strong early, taking a 32 – 18 lead after the first canto and never looked back to cap its preliminary round stint with a resounding fashion.

Robert Alpay scored 14 for the visibly out of the mix CGDSM squad which finished the preliminaries with 2 – 9 record.

Following up it’s big win against CMO, DCPO edged Regional Public Safety Battalion, 74 – 68, to solidify its

entry in the Final Four.

Dan Mendez, Anthony Padua and Robinson Palomares led the charge for DCPO pouring in 17, 15, and 11 points in that order.

DCPO moved up to 8-2 and likely to take its last assignment versus win-less Philippine Air Force (0-9) in today’s final play date of the elimination. The win will place DCPO at third and bring down CMO at fourth.

Rommel Cameros paced RPSB with 18. [RJB]

Former Celtics coach returns to Boston B

DOC RIVERS. Still loved by Boston fans.

OSTON (AP) -- Doc Rivers made his way down the hallway that goes past the locker rooms at the TD Garden, stopping every few feet to shake hands or give a hug to another old friend.

He had just gotten to the concourse where a gaggle of about 40 reporters was waiting for him when a fan yelled out, ‘’Love you, Doc!’’ The coach who led the Celtics to the 2008 NBA championship returned to Boston on Wednesday night for the first time since taking over the Los Angeles Clippers, and the fans welcomed him back without any bitterness over his departure. Rivers received a spontaneous cheer when

he walked out onto the court during warmups, a bigger one when he was introduced before the opening tip and another after a video between the first two periods. ‘’Coming to this build from the other side is surreal,’’ Rivers told reporters before the game, listing a few of the people he was happy to see again. ‘’For nine years, they were my family. ... It’s going to be emotional in that building.’’

Rivers took over a team that was on its way to the bottom, losing a franchise-record 18 games in a row in his third season while trying to position itself for the lottery. But that summer, despite drawing

the No. 5 pick in the draft, general manager Danny Ainge acquired Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, teaming them with Paul Pierce in a New Big Three that won the NBA title in their first year together.

The Celtics returned to the NBA Finals two years later, but then Allen left for Miami and with Pierce and Garnett getting older Ainge decided it was time to start over. Rivers was traded to the Clippers for a 2015 first-round draft choice, and the two remaining stars were sent to the Brooklyn Nets for a package of players and picks. ‘’It would have been real hard to go through the whole re-build thing

again,’’ Rivers said. ‘’I was thinking at the time it was time to go. It was just time.’’

If there were any hard feelings, they weren’t visible at Wednesday night’s game.

Rivers waved to acknowledge the cheering fans during warmups, and walked over toward the Celtics bench to greet a few familiar faces at the scoring table. Between the first and second periods, a video was shown on the scoreboard that showed clips of him facing Ainge as players, posing with Red Auerbach and getting drenched with orange Gatorade after winning the 2008 championship.

16

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

AEON TOWERS

Rising up

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

M

INDANAO’S tallest skyscraper is well on its way from ground zero going up.

The FTC Group of Companies has announced the progress of the ongoing construction of the 33-level Aeon Towers at J.P. Laurel Ave. in Davao City.

Aeon Towers, the most ambitious real estate property development project ever outside Metro Manila, is the next iconic symbol of Davao City towering over its skyline in the manner so characteristic of the majestic Mt. Apo and overlooking the wide expanse of the Davao Gulf’s pristine blue waters.

As of the final weeks of the year, the project has almost completed the diaphragm wall and bored piles with 10 panels of diaphragm wall and 10 bored piles casted. A total of 20 percent of the steel requirement for this part of the construction has been delivered on site equivalent to 340,000 kilograms.

Campbell and Associates, the construction partner of FTC Group of Companies has reported that the project is 1.56

percent complete as of October 2013 and should be nearing completion of the Phase 1 of Package 1 of the project by the end of this year.

Construction of the guide wall for the diaphragm wall on the perimeter is more than 50 percent complete and on progress. Removal of underground structure has also neared finish with 90 percent while the concreting activity is in full swing.

AFCFC has poured a total of 1,834.50 cubic meter of ready mix concrete or equivalent to 13 percent of total volume requirements.

Fabrication of steel reinforcement for the diaphragm wall and bored pile is working two shifts, relocation of cables along J.P. Laurel Ave. is ongoing while the relocation of all electrical posts affected by the construction has been completed.

Also, relocation of all cables for communications utilities has been accomplished.

Operation, meantime, onsite has been activated on a 24-hour shift.

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE195• 195•FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY,DECEMBER DECEMBER13-14, 13-14,2013 2013