Edge Davao 6 Issue 48 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

6 hurt in 2 blasts HAPPINESS. This photograph taken by hobbyist Chito Malabanan, a Dabawenyo returning overseas engineer, entitled “Happiness” shows the unspoiled emotions of young lumad children in the highlands of Davao.

By ChePalicte

ive soldiers and one dependent were reported wounded and scores others could have suffered minor injuries when two landmines exploded one after the other yesterday between Tagum City and Compostela valley.

The first blast happened at around 6:00 am in barangay Magdum, Tagum City wounding instantaneously five members of the Philippine Army and a dependent on board a KM450 military truck on their way to Tagum City to procure supplies. Lt. vilmaMojado, commanding officer of 10th infantry Division confirmed the victims as Private First Class (PFC) Joseph Mendio, PFC Lovie Joy Semillano, PFC Rryan Torena, PFC erwin Cordero, PFC Bai Johana Durado and Gina Gubantes. Mojado said that the KM 450 military truck used by the victims came from New Bataan, Compostela valley Provinceheading to Tagum City, Davao del Norte where they are

Unya’g mobuto na?!

F6 HURTS IN 2 BLASTS, 10

GRENADE. An operative of the Davao City bomb squad inspects a fragmentation grenade which was hurled by an unidentified suspect at the frontage of the house of Mindanao Alliance Transport Organization (Mato) president Toto Cirilo in Catalaunan Grande yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

INSIDE: NPAs release 6 DASIA men Tokhang/Taphang: 1,214 since February VMO cagers debut vs BLBE

2 2 16

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Tokhang/Taphang: 1,214 since February By EJ Dominic Fernandez

DECLOGGING. Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) help out in declogging of canals as part of their community service on the second day of “Brigada Eskwela” yesterday at Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Elementary School. Lean Daval Jr.

NPAs release 6 DASIA men By Che Palicte

uSPeCTeD members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who stormed into the office of a security agency in Tagum City on Monday night released yesterday the six persons they abducted. A breaking report from a television network confirmed that the NPA released the six civilians yesterday afternoon but the suspects remained at large. Late reports last night also bared that the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-PNP personnel recovered three armored vehicles, one red Montero (LGZ 129), and one black Starex (KCP 166) at Sitio Danao, Lapulapu, Maco, Compostela valley. On Monday night, the armed suspects dressed themselves in Philippine National Police (PNP) and

Philippine Drug enforcers Agency (PDeA) uniforms when they stormed into the office of the DASiA Security Agency owned by the escandor family in Orange valley Subdivision, Barangay South, Tagum City. They abducted six people, took high powered firearms and fled with three armored vehicles. The Philippine Army, in a press statement sent to media outlets yesterday, said some 15 NPA rebels rushed inside the DASiA office, posed and identified themselves as PNP and PDeA personnel allegedly to conduct inspection. The statement signed by Captain Raul villegas, spokesperson of the 10th infantry Division, disclosed that the suspects dismounted from two passenger vans, a white D-4D pick-up and black Toyota

Akbayan condemns murder of Almacin

KBAyAN party list has condemned the murder of Governor Generoso municipal councilor-elect, Romie Almacin, pointing an accusing finger at the town’s current administration. Akbayan is asking the rown’s sauthorities to take action and shed light on the circumstances and to ensure impartiality and independence of the investigation. According to Akbayan’s press statement, “Governor Generoso has lost a committed and hardworking public servant.” Almacin, an Akbayan municipal councilor who topped the council election, was one of the most vocal leaders in the town and very passionate in

his advocacy against corruption, illegal logging, and illegal drugs, which earned him numerous death threats, according to Akbayan. “What is troubling with this senseless act of violence is that it was committed only days after the election,” said the statement. Last Monday, Governor Generoso mayor vicente Orencia, said in a Tv network interview that politics was less likely the reason for Almacin’s murder as the elections are over. “Akbayan partylist will continue to be vigilant as the investigation progresses,” according to Akbayan. EJF

Fortuner before storming the DASiA office. After disarming the security personnel, the suspects tried to destroy the vault but failed to open it, the statement said. They then decided to abduct the family of the manager of the agency Josephine Laplana including her daughter who is still a minor, a mechanic and two security guards as their hostage. The suspects used the agency’s three armored vans as their escape vehicles (with body and plate numbers: 2183-MCZ 998, 6355-KFB 855, and 6382MFH 950 off-white color with yellow sidings). Lt. Col Lyndon Paniza, 10 infantry Division Spokesperson said that the abducted civilians, especially the minor should have been spared from their criminal acts and

that the NPA did not respect the individual’s right by continuing to sabotage the development and stability of the progressing communities. On the other hand, six (6) vehicles (one Toyota Grandia, one Montero, one Starex, one Mercedez, one Hi-ace and one Toyota innova) were reported carnapped Sunday morning by unidentified fully-armed men suspected to be NPAs led by alias val at New Bulatukan crossing New israel, Makilala, Cotabato. Drivers of said vehicles are still under investigation at Makilala Police Station. “These criminal NPAs have lost their ideology and now converted into full-pledged criminals engaging into kidnapping, hijacking, arson and other economic sabotage,” Paniza said.

total of 1,214 suspected drug pushers and drug users were approached by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) through its “Oplan Tokhang (TokTok Hangyo) and Taphang (Tapok Hangyo)” since the campaigns’ inception early February this year. DCPO director, Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, said at the Kapehan sa SM, ecoland Monday said that the campaign has been very effective having given the police an enormous amount of information. According to data coming from the director himself, DCPO had visited 45 barangays in Davao City in their campaign. 306 suspected drug pushers and drug users were discovered in the 433 houses visited by the DCPO during their “Oplan Tokhang” in the 45 barangays. Meanwhile, 908 sus-

pected drug pushers and users attended the “Oplan Taphang” campaign of DCPO. According to dela Rosa, the campaign got the support of the community in the visited barangays He said, “more drug pushers and drug users were arrested through information drawn from the campaign.” Oplan Tokhang was initiated when vice mayor Rody Duterte, in his “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” Tv Program on Sunday, February 3, warned barangay 23-C chair Amilbangsa Manding to rid his area of drug peddlers—or else. Through “Oplan Tokhang,” the authorities of Davao City talk drug peddlers out of selling and using drugs, and to help people who are innocent but whose names are included in the list as suspects.

OSePH Peñas, who was reelected as mayor of Digos City in last week’s mid-term elections,, said running against incumbent Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas was the toughest fight of his entire political life. Peñas said he has been in politics for some 30 years and running against Cagas was really difficult fight, noting that the governor was a former congressman and has family members in politics, with son Marc

Douglas Cagas iv being a representative of the first district , and wife, Mercedes “Didi” Cagas, recently proclaimed congresswoman-elect. “For me, politics is over, i hope, when we meet in the future, there will be no more personal conflicts,” Peñas said. “in fact, Cagas is my ninong (Godfather), and our relationship was ruined because of politics.” “i am very open for reconciliation, because i have great respect for him,” he said.

Peñas: Cagas’ toughest foe J FCAGAS: PEÑAS, 10

NEW CHAIRS. A “Brigada Eskwela” volunteer uses a cart to deliver brand new chairs to the different classrooms at Kapt. Tomas Monteverde Sr. Elementary School yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 •WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Brgy. poll postponement get mixed views T

He proposal of Commission on elections (Comelec) to postpone the October 2013 barangay elections drew opposing views from two congressmen as one visayan solon claims that this would give the people a breathing space from partisan politics while a Mindanao congressman asserts that this would require congressional action which should be otherwise devoted to more important socio-economic and judicial reform legislations. Re-elected iloilo City Congressman Jerry Trenas said he is supporting the proposal of Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes to move the election late next year or early 2015 because apart from the fact that it will help avoid the inflationary effects of two successive polls on the economy, the postponement of the barangay polls would give room for healing from the wounds inflicted by the recently conducted May 13 midterm elections. “ elections, including barangay elections require a lot of money and preparation and having two expensive elections in a matter of five months can have inflationary effects on our economy. Postponing it next year or in 2015 will not only save us money but it

POTHOLES. Motorists and travelers brave the road potholes at the main intersection before entering Digos City which up to now is still under construction. Lean Daval Jr. would also provide our people the chance to set aside political bickering and focus on their livelihood,” Trenas, senior vice-chair of the House Committee on Local Government, said. But re-elected Davao City Congressman Karlo Alexei Nograles said that

Congress has already allocated the budget for October’s barangay elections and it would only mean additional tax payer’s money if Congress would again go through hearings and consultations just to pass a single legislation. “ We already have a

law that provides the legal framework and the funding for this October’s barangay elections. Postponing it would mean additional cost and additional allocation of another budget. This is far from saving government funds. There are more important socio-econom-

ic and judicial reform legislations that we need to act upon the soonest Besides, we didn’t postpone the 2010 barangay elections particularly for the same reasons,” Nograles said. earlier, Brillantes called for the postponement of this year’s Octo-

ber barangay elections to give the poll body time to deal with the protests that may come following the recently concluded midterm elections. The poll chief prefers the barangay and SK elections to be moved to October 2014 or to January 2015.

ORONADAL CiTy -- Despite decreasing production, Region 12 or Soccsksargen region remained as the top coffee producer in the country last year, Department of Agriculture (DA) officials said. Danilo Centillas, DA12 high value crops coordinator, said coffee production in the region reached 27,869 metric tons (MT). “Sultan Kudarat remains as the coffee production center in Region 12,” he told MindaNews on Tuesday. in 2011, DA-12 records showed that coffee production in the area was at 28,502 MT. From 2011 to 2012, there was a decline in production by 633 MT. After Region 12, Region 11 or the Davao region posted the second highest coffee production in 2012 at 18,950 MT, followed by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at 10,629 MT, making Mindanao the major coffee producer

among the three major islands in the country. Centillas blamed the high cost of fertilizers and other farm inputs for the declining coffee production in the region in 2012. Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. Sultan Kudarat hosted the first regional coffee congress in November 2011 to further enhance the commodity’s production in the area. Nescafe Philippines, inc., the country’s major coffee buyer, graced the event to encourage more farmers to plant the commodity. Current farm gate trading price of coffee in Sultan Kudarat ranges from P75 to P80 per kilo, Centillas said. Nestle buys Class A coffee from traders at P92, P90 for Class B and P87 for Class C, he added. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)

Kalahi-CIDSS volunteers: Strengthen rehab program K K alahi-CiDSS volunteers have urged government to strengthen the implementation of the project so they can recover after suffering from Typhoon Pablo. Cornelia A. Gayo, 46 and Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee bookkeeper of Barangay Banlag, said the project has become an important element for the progress of the community. Gayo pointed out that Kalahi-CiDSS is necessary in extending assistance especially that most of the people in the municipality were heavily affected by Typhoon Pablo. Kalahi-CiDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and integrated Delivery of Social Services is a community-driven development (CDD) project of the Department

of Social Welfare and Development that aims to empower communities through their enhanced participation in local governance and poverty alleviation projects. Kalahi-CiDSS volunteer Leobengildo Agcol Jr, 39, of Barangay Banlag said the project is necessary in the rehabilitation efforts. “Human sa nahitabong kalamidad mga lima na ka bulan ang nilabay, hinay-hinay nami og balik sa pagpananum sama sa ube, mais ug mga lagutmon. Apan dili pa kaayo hingpit nga nakarecober (Five months after the calamity, we are slowly going back to planting purple yams, corn and other root crops. But we have not fully recovered),” Agcol added. “Mao pa’y pagsugod sa among pag-

pananom (Only recently have we started planting again),” volunteer Milagros Gogo said, pointing out that farmers have also been calling for groups to allow them to borrow capital so they can start all over again. Some of those in the barangays, she added, decided to join the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan, a program of SM Foundation, so they could be provided with seeds for their farms. “Kinahanglan pa og dugang suporta sa pagtuki sa mga yanong tao aron sila matabangan gyud sa tinud-anay nga panginahanglan (We still need additional support from the government in identifying the needs of the masses and in addressing them),” Pedro i. Bolonos, another Kalahi-CiDSS volunteer of Barangay Olaycon, said.

More assistance are needed by the residents, so stopping the Kalahi-CiDSS as government-initiated project is impractical, Balonos added. “Diri sa amoa karon, mga 50% ang nagasalig pa sa tabang sa gobyerno tungod kay wala pa kaharvest ang mga tao sa ilang mga tanom (50% of the people here in our barangay are still dependent on government aid because we have not yet harvested our crops),” Bolonos said. The municipality of Monkayo is a recipient of the Kalahi-CiDSS PAMANA project. 18 of the 20 barangays have proposed core shelter assistance for the victims of ‘Pablo’. Other prioritized projects are potable water system and a school building. DSWD/Leslie Lao-Francisco

Region 12 still top coffee producer in PH

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Mt. Everest ice cores to offer glimpse into climate change

EDGEDAVAO

eiJiNG-- Chinese scientists have succeeded in obtaining three ice cores from Mt. Qomolangma (Mt. everest), with aims to study climate change, an expedition leader said Monday. During the expedition that lasted more than one month, scientists drilled the ice

cores at a mountain pass near the east Rongbuk glacier, which covers the north collar of Mt. everest, said Kang Shichang. The longest ice core measures 142 meters, the longest one ever obtained from the mountain, said Kang, who is also a research fellow at the Qinghai-Tibetan

Plateau institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The ice cores will be used to study climate and environmental change, Kang said. Chinese scientists previously obtained ice cores at the same location in the late 1990s and early 2000s, respectively.

“The new cores will provide more detailed information regarding climate and environmental changes, providing new insight into global warming,” Kang said. The expedition also found a recent escalation in the melting of the east Rongbuk glacier, with some ice

towers on the edge of the glacier disappearing and some new ice crevasses developing further in comparison to what scientists saw in the region in the 1990s, according to Kang. “This indicates that climate and environmental changes have had an obvious impact

on Mount everest,” Kang said. Researchers will analyze stable isotopes and organic pollutants in the ice cores. Some samples will be sent abroad for further study, Kang said, adding that the research could take one to two years. (PNA/ Xinhua)

ARiS, France - Big names in medicine are set to give an upbeat assessment of the war on AiDS on Tuesday, May 21, 30 years after French researchers identified the virus that causes the disease. Scientists will pay tribute to the astonishing success of AiDS drugs and highlight steps being taken towards a cure -- a goal once deemed all but out of reach. entitled “imagine the Future,” the three-day conference builds on the 30th anniversary on Monday of the isolation of the human immunodeficiency virus (Hiv). The Nobel-winning achievement, by a team led by Luc Montagnier of France’s Pasteur institute, unmasked a killer. Then began the drive to treat the disease and

halt its spread. “The discovery of Hiv in 1983 and the proof that it was the cause of AiDS in 1984 were the first major scientific breakthroughs that provided a specific target for blood-screening tests and opened the doorway to the development of antiretroviral medications,” said Anthony Fauci, director of the uS National institute of Allergy and infectious Diseases (NiAiD). introduced in 1996, after many years of frantic drug research, antiretrovirals are saving the lives of millions of people infected with Hiv and helping to contain the virus’ spread, Fauci said in an email. By suppressing viral levels, antiretrovirals can prevent Hiv being transmitted by pregnant women to their unborn

children, and by infected people to their sexual partners. But there have also been setbacks, particularly in the quest for a vaccine. Only last month, uS authorities halted the latest clinical trial -- launched in 2009 -- after the prototype formula failed to prevent infection. Finding antibodies that are able to identify the slippery, mutating virus has proven to be almost as hard as the proverbial search for a needle in a haystack. “vaccine research continues to suffer from setbacks -- but pursue a vaccine we must if we are to truly see the end of AiDS,” said Adeeba Kamarulzaman, a professor of infectious diseases at the university of Malaya, who will co-chair a global con-

ference on AiDS science in Kuala Lumpur in June. Counter-intuitively, the main hope nowadays seems to rest on a cure. Three years ago, Francoise Barre-Sinoussi -- a 2008 Nobel co-recipient with Montagnier -mapped a strategy for attacking Hiv’s “reservoir.” This is the cellular bolthole where the virus lurks after being pounded with antiretrovirals. Once the drugs are stopped, the virus re-emerges and spreads once more through the bloodstream. “The great challenge will be to fully understand where the virus hides, how it manages to stay hidden so effectively and how to lure it out of its hiding place. We’ve learnt a lot about this in the past few years,” said Sharon Lewin, a professor at Monash university in

Melbourne, Australia. ‘Functional cure’ Lewin is part of a team cautiously experimenting with an anti-cancer drug to flush out the virus that destroys the immune system and exposes infected people to pneumonia, TB, and other opportunistic diseases. in trials on 20 patients, the cancer drug awoke the dormant virus in 90 percent of volunteers. The ultimate goal is to kill the newly-exposed virus, leaving the cell it hid in to die eventually of old age. “We do have drugs that seem to wake up the virus but these are only the first steps in ultimately clearing it out completely,” said Lewin. Two other small studies using antiretrovirals at a very early stage of infection, before viral lev-

els build up, have excited hopes of a “functional cure.” One involved a baby in Mississippi, apparently cleared of the virus after being given aggressive antiretroviral treatment within 30 hours of birth. “it is certainly a very exciting finding, but this is only a single case and additional studies are needed to determine whether the circumstances of this particular case can be replicated among other Hiv-exposed children,” said Fauci. The other is a small French study of 14 Hiv patients, known as the viSCONTi cohort, given drugs very soon -- within 10 weeks -- after infection. Treatment normally starts only once the immune system becomes compromised, sometimes years after infection.

AIDS science at 30: ‘Cure’ now part of lexicon P

5 THE ECONOMY Stakeholders mold Mindanao as palm oil hub EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

ey stakeholders of Mindanao’s palm oil industry view the integrated effort between the private sector and the government as a crucial move in making Mindanao a more viable region for palm oil investments. The Mindanao Development Authority (Min-

DA) revealed that out of the almost 900,000 hectares of land identified to be suitable for oil palm plantation, 177,000 hectares of it are already under negotiation for palm oil development. Majority of these areas are located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Region Xiii

or the CARAGA Region. “This calls for a better and stronger participation of our private sector, and more facilitative policies and programs from the government’s end,” said MinDA Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino. under MinDA’s investment program, various business-matching

sessions were conducted with potential palm oil investors, in partnership with the Board of investments (BOi) and the Department of Trade and industry (DTi), which may translate into actual investment projects in a span of two years. “Several international players in the palm

PONTE VERDE. The scale model Sta. Lucia’s Ponte Verde Davao high-end subdivision is on display during its launching on Saturday night at SMX Convention Center of SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

oil industry are actually very interested in the vast lands that Mindanao has to offer, we just have to continue facilitating the actual implementation of these investments,” said Antonino. Recently, the univanich Carmen Palm Oil Corporation conducted its groundbreaking ceremonies for its P600 million palm oil crushing mill in Carmen, Cotabato. The processing plant is expected to cater to oil palm farms in the municipality and its nearby towns in Cotabato Province and will have the capacity to process 30 tons of crude palm oil per hour. MinDA also announced that more than P30 billion worth of business opportunities were forged during a business matching session held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in November last year. Majority of the investments are geared towards the development of Mindanao’s palm oil industry. Palm oil as agent for fight against poverty Dr. Pablito Pamplona, director and secretary of Philippine Palm Oil Development Council inc. (PPDCi), said that the development of the oil palm

industry is one of the viable mechanisms to reduce poverty rate, specifically in Mindanao. in his presentation during the recently concluded 8th National Oil Palm Congress held in Cagayan de Oro City, Pamplona said the surging demand for palm oil in the international and domestic markets driven by the discovery of its many uses and an increasing global population have provided farmers with a more secure livelihood. He added that despite the low palm oil prices since October 2012, income of palm oil farmers are still above poverty threshold level, allowing them to provide for the basic needs and health of their families. This, Pamplona said, can contribute to overcoming poverty and promoting rural prosperity. At present, the Philippines still heavily imports palm oil. in 2011, the country imported 550,000 tons of refined palm oil, mostly from its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, particularly, Malaysia, which supplied about 80 percent of the country’s requirements.

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

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

16 ONLY 16 of 18 provincial governors in Mindanao were re-elected during last May 13’s mid-term elections. Mindanao has a total of 26 provincial governors.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

NEDA concludes reg’l gab for PDP updating T

He National economic and Development Authority (NeDA) has conducted regional consultations for the updating of Philippine Development Plan (PDP), 2011-2016 and the revalidation of Results Matrix (RM), 2011-2016. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said that the consultations aim “to ensure that stakeholders at the regional level take part in the planning process.” NeDA convened representatives from local governments, private sector, civil society groups, and other local development stakeholders in all 16 regions of the country. The PDP is being updated to assess and address gaps, constraints and bottlenecks in attaining rapid, sustained and inclusive growth. “inclusive growth requires generating high-quality jobs in second-tier and satellite areas and promoting human capital development. These entail deliberate government action and a better coordination of government efforts,” said Secretary Balisacan, who is also NeDA Director General. Through the regional consultations, NeDA also hopes to achieve greater cohesion between the Philippine Development Plan and the Regional Development Plans.

“We want the regions to be able to do the assessment themselves, identify challenges faced by the region, and their proposed major regional programs and/or subnational programs in support of the national development agenda,” the NeDA head noted. “We need to think beyond outputs of individual agencies, but rather a strategic framework for the sector involving several agencies and stakeholders ,” he added. To ensure that inclusive growth is mainstreamed into the process, strategies in the updated Plan will more closely consider spatial and sectoral dimensions. Overseas Filipinos and their families will also be explicitly regarded in the Plan as they constitute one of the sources of growth and development for the country. “We don’t just seek to consolidate, we want to integrate concerns and various efforts of all stakeholders to influence outcomes toward inclusive growth,” Secretary Balisacan concluded. Meanwhile, the Results Matrix – as PDP’s accompanying document, will be revalidated. it contains the list of indicators that can be monitored to determine the progress of the Plan. Both the PDP Midterm update and the revalidated Re-

by the numbers

As of second week of May, the average farmgate price of palay which is at P16.48 went up by

0.43

percent from the last week’s price of P16.62. But it was down by

0.84

percent from the last year’s price at P16.62. Source: BAS

sults Matrix will highlight three critical elements: high and sustained economic growth; growth that generates mass employment; and growth that reduces poverty and facilitates the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Transparent and responsive

governance, guaranteed national security and peace, and ecological integrity will remain overarching platforms in implementing the strategies in the Plan. The printed copy of the PDP Midterm update is expected to be available before the end of the year.

BSP introduces changes in SDA rules anew

VEGGIE MIX. These ladies prepare assorted vegetables which they will sell in packs locally known as “halo-halo” along Washington Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

10 THE top 10 groups that lead in the partylist race with a little over 75 percent of the votes counted in the partial unofficial count of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) are Buhay, A Teacher, Bayan Muna, 1-Care, Akbayan, AKB, Gabriela, OFW Family, Abono and Senior Citizens in that order.

He central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) introduced another change in the rules of its special deposit account (SDA) facility, this time, limiting placements by banks’ trust departments and trust entities to those that come only from trust accounts effective January 1, 2014. “With respect to pooled funds, only unit investment Trust Funds shall be allowed access to the SDA facility,” the central bank Memorandum to all banks and trust departments or entities dated May 17, 2013, said. The new rule states that “trust departments/entities shall not allow the creation/ utilization of any other trust accounts whose purpose is to merely access the SDA facility.” The SDA facility was established in November 1998 as

part of the central bank’s policy toolkit. it has a fixed-term of one-week, two-weeks and one-month and a rate pegged against the central bank’s overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility. The BSP allowed the trust entities to park funds in the facility starting in 2007 for the central bank to further manage liquidity in the system following the surge of dollar inflows in the domestic economy. Monetary officials have earlier banned foreign funds from accessing the facility to address speculative flows. They have also reduced by a total of 200-220 basis points off the SDA rates since last January to discourage banks to continue to put in placements and instead use the funds for lending especially to the productive sector of the economy. (PNA)

274

THE COUNTRY’S balance of payments (BOP) reversed to a surplus of $247 million in April compared with a deficit of $79 million in the same month last year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

CONSTRUCTION pioneer Felipe F. Cruz died on Sunday at the age of 93. According to a front page story of Philippine Daily Inquirer, FF Cruz started out 60 years ago as a small surveying company.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 •WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

THE BIGGER PICTURE 7

“Brigadavol.Eskwela” 10

uMMeR break is almost over and the opening of the new school year is dawning. Now, it is time for the teachers, parents, students and the rest of the academic community to gird for school and kick off the annual “Brigada eskwela.”

“Brigada eskwela” or the National Schools Maintenance Week is a program initiated by the Department of education which started in 2003. its main objective is to bring together teachers, parents and the community to do clean up and repairs in public schools to prepare the facilities for the school opening. This year, the 10th anniversary of the program, is no different from previous years except that more parents and civic organizations volunteered to participate. Some painted chairs and classrooms while others fixed broken furniture and cleaned up the school

grounds. Those who could not be physically present, extended financial help. Others donated materials such as brooms, paints and painting materials. After a week of “Brigada eskwela”, schools will be all set for the opening of classes. The students who are the primary beneficiary of the program will be welcomed with safer and more conducive environment which will definitely help energize their innate passion to learn. your lensman visited some of the public schools in Davao City and took some shots of their version of ‘Brigada eskwela vol. 10.’

By Lean Daval Jr.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

Is it time for Cha-cha?

ALK about the need to amend certain provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution has become louder once again in the wake of the holding of the May 13 midterm elections in the country. This time, discussion on Charter change (Chacha) is being taken from the back burner with focus on the economic provisions, particularly those that restrict foreign ownership of public utilities to just 40 percent and the ban on aliens from owning land in the Philippines. Cha-cha proponents want these “protectionist” provisions amended if not altogether removed from the basic law of the land. it may be recalled that all past Presidents after the late President Cory Aquino –President Ramos, President estrada and President Macapagal-Arrroyo—attempted to amend the Constitution but failed. These attempts did not sit well with the people who suspected that the agenda behind it

EDGEDAVAO

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was to extend the six-year term of the sitting President. incumbent President Noynoy Aquino, son of Cory, under whose watch the 1987 Constitution was approved, is not known to be very hot about Cha-cha. His body language says so. The pronouncements of his minions in the Cabinet say as much. it will take a lot of arguing – shouting louder and pounding the table harder – by the proponents, among them the business community, to persuade the President to give the marching order to his allies in Congress to start the process of Charter amendment. Absent that – and considering the popularity of the President— public discussion on constitutional changes is an exercise in futility. They don’t feel like dancing to the tune of chacha music.

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

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AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 •WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

VANTAGE POINTS

Fight for Senate leadership ‘The Senate presidency in the incoming Congress would be a toss-up between Drilon and Cayetano. Enrile would be “out” as Senate President.’ Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago

‘Any Congress always elects a new set of officers. Anong “out” ang pinagsasabi niya ?’ Sen. Tito Sotto

Time to heal the wounds

ROGReSS HAS BeeN MATCHeD By CORReSPONDiNG RiSe iN ANXieTy – More than a week after the midterm elections, there still remain a general sense of unease with a motley group of self-proclaimed poll watchdog questioning the credibility and impartiality of the recently concluded electoral exercise. Not quite incidentally, the self-professed advocates of clean, honest and orderly elections are trying to copy the very impractical complaints raised by the different opposition groups and other embittered election losers. This fits into a pattern of distrust many people now feel due to the mischievous prodding of some political quarters toward our electoral processes. Besides bearing simmering resentment about how the elections had been conducted, political adversaries, detractors, severe critics and over-bearing poll watchdog group blame solely the Commission on elections (Comelec) for the alleged recurring irregularities such as malfunctioning of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, disenfranchisement and massive vote buying that continue to plague the country’s electoral system. Well, we need voices and people who would air grievances and, critical of the procedures not on personal view, but rather criticism based on theory and logic. After the midterm elections, we retraced our footsteps, often asking the very same people we met on the streets, the trade and commerce zones and the corridors of power, to gauge the extent of change – if there’s any. But first everybody should get back to work, time to heal the wounds and set aside self-righteous pride. For now, whether critics

would accept it or not, the economy still is gaining ground. We learned that the country has indeed move forward socio-economically and politically, but that this progress has been matched by a corresponding rise is anxiety. The changeover in July, as the new elective officials from members of Congress down to the municipal levels will assume office and the administration and opposition groups trying to find ways to co-exist peacefully and, of course, politically will determine whether the country can become, at one extreme, a model for real democracy or, at the other an unstable haven for warring political organizations. Meanwhile on the surface, public spending especially on big-ticket items had steadily increased fueling commerce and trade that are creating jobs and giving the Filipino people a feeling of prosperity. Moreover, the currency remains stable, the stock market in mini bull run and investment and credit ratings continued to improve slowly but steadily. unfortunately, a never-ending smear campaign aimed at besmirching the reputation and credibility of the Aquino administration threaten to swamp all those gains. A series of orchestrated smear drive targeting the present dispensation’s policies and directives had fuel fears that the country’s socio-economic and politi-

cal foundations would be gravely affected. Many political analysts and thoughtful observers blame political opponents, disparagers and harsh critics of the administration for creating an atmosphere of instability and for continuing to paint the country black without even offering an alternative solution. However, “it’s just a matter of time before faultfinders realize that the country is moving towards the right direction under the Aquino administration”, assert some top government executives. This may come off as a piece of reminder, but still critics, as their wont, are really hard to please. Say what the detractors and adversaries will, but the clearest signs of progress are all over the country – property, infrastructure and agricultural development. The private sector is booming as well with potential big local and foreign investors “riding the wave” of economic boom. The Aquino government is working hard to keep up with the brickbats and criticism emanating from all directions and at the same time maintain the country’s political maturity and the rapid-growth economy. But it is bitter experience that some of the country’s top leaders notably those who belong to opposite fence have not always been true to their commitment to the people. To say it bluntly, they have miserably failed to be the paragon of virtues and good breeding. We have seen good leaders many times over defeated by a system that refuses to change and we’ve also seen political leaders going to the extreme just to perpetuate themselves in power especially those who are keeping a moist eye on different coveted positions in the upcoming 2016 presidential elections. Too early, dear people!

Did people vote to decide or merely to comply? WORM’S EYEVIEW By Manny ValdehueSa

(Conclusion)

HiS is the insidious art of patronage politics, favors in exchange for votes, handouts to ensnare the needy, misguided charity (with a mercenary purpose). The noble mission of politics and statecraft is transmogrified into a marketplace for the miserable and the wretched in which the currency is political accommodation. No better example of the insidious effect of this brand of politics can be found than in the city of Cagayan de Oro under vicente y. emano, its just-vanquished mayor. years ago, with the view to solidifying his voter-base, he adopted a policy of total accommodation to landless in-migrants (translation: voters), buying up tracts of land, which he distributed to “informal settlers” at the mere payment of one peso at first, then fifty centavos later on. Labeled “Piso-Piso Program,” then “Singkwenta-Singkwenta” later, it was sort of a Robin Hood scheme: Collect taxes from productive sectors (locals), spend the money on giveaways to the homeless settlers (tax-exempt being part of the informal economy, and keep their votes captive. This was paralleled by a so-called “No vote, ibot!” policy of retribution (“if you don’t vote for me, out you go!”). The scheme proved so potent as a strategy for political domination and longevity that its mastermind and the selfstyled party he founded was able to keep a hammerlock on the city’s administration for 15 years until just recently. But it was no less potent, and lethal, for its having produced a city whose—let’s call a spade a spade—squatter population today outnumber its bona-fide residents. unless effectively challenged, patronage Politics turns elections into a mere formality. it predetermines election outcomes long before the election period and away from the polling precinct. Waged by trapos all year round, it is an unending campaign, election period or not, saving them the pretense of formulating party platforms or programs, or having to debate rival parties or candidates. The purpose of patronage or Pork, its handmaiden, is to control votes through political favors, big and small. each act of patronage, each release from the pork barrel, is calculated to rig the results of any election—so that by the time actual elections roll in, the cards are stacked against any opponent. it is the traditional way to snare and control votes, the principal tool of trapos to keep themselves and their dynasties in power. Thus, with Pork as the Horn of Plenty backing them up, and patronage fueling their campaign machinery, it should surprise no one if the recent elections merely multiplied the number of trapos and dynasties in power, while also exponentially multiplying the likelihood of corruption, dishonesty, venality, and malaise afflicting our society as never before. in casting a vote, did the people really make a decision or merely complied with their part of the bargain in the Pork Barrel/Patronage transaction? (Mindaviews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Manny valdehuesa is the president and national convenor of Gising Barangay Movement inc. He can be reached at valdehuesa@gmail.com )

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ICT Davao condemns raid on Cebu City call center By EJ Dominic Fernandez

CT Davao, inc. has condemned the search done by the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) on Techno-Phil, inc. at the Cebu Business Park in Cebu City early Friday which resulted in the destruction of about P4.5 million worth of computers. According to a press release from iCT Davao, inc., as the umbrella organization of the information and communications technology industry in the Davao region, it is deeply concerned by the means used in the search enforced by the ACG. iCT Davao, inc. compared the raid to what the Philippine National Police in Davao City did to Cyber City Teleservices on August 5, 2011 in the city, which also damaged 600 expensive and sensitive

computer units. The damage done by ACG on the 300 computer units of Techno-Phil, inc. which is at P15,000 per unit, amounted to a total estimated value of 4.5 million pesos, according to the press release. ACG raided Techno-Phil, inc. on allegations that it has been swindling Americans into buying bogus gift cards. iCT Davao said the authorities are not concerned with the damage it can inflict on outsourcing companies should the charges be false. “We emphasize again that electronic data are stored in memory cards and hard-drives, and they are located in the central processing units (CPus) of these computers, whether from deskstops or servers,”

A delivery man pushes a cart full of used clothing or locally known as “ukay-ukay” along San Pedro Street in Davao City last night. Lean Daval Jr.

according to the press release. it also stated that the authorities could have simply asked the assistance of computer technicians to remove the necessary parts

without damaging the units. The press release states, “We do not condone crime, much less cybercrime, and together we must show that we understand the value of iCT and

the industry it has successfully spawned in the country, how it works, and how to control cybercrime without causing wasteful, useless and unnecessary collateral damage to valuable assets.”

tasked to do procurement at the city. Half past an hour after, another explosion happened in Tagmanok, Mawab, Compostela valley Province wounding an unidentified number of bystanders who sustained minor injuries. Mojado said that right after the explosion, the victims were immediately brought to Tagum Doctors Hospital. “Four of them sustained minor injuries, only Pfc Semillano and Pfc Mendio were admitted but they are in a stable condition right now,”

she added. Meanwhile, Mojado said that the explosion inTagmanok, Mawab, Compostela valley Province targeted the reinforcing troops of 1001st Brigade on board of KM450 vehicle. “These troops were tasked to further conduct road clearing patrols in the Tagum-Mawab highway. She added that there were civilians injured and properties like taxi and motorcycle were damaged. “The two riders of the motorcycle were slightly injured,”

she added. “These criminal acts were done by no less than New People’s Army, and it’s sad that they’veconducted such barbaric activities where there are civilian commuters on the areas,” Mojado confirmed. She recalled that the use of landmines is a blatant violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and international Humanitarian Law and is already banned internationally since landmines cause unmitigated damages to life and property.

Peñas believes he is the best alternative for the people of Digos, which is why he got the support of the people over the incumbent governor. “Let us put it in a way that all of these events are written in the Bible” he said referring to how people compared his fight against Cagas to the Biblical David and Goliath battle. Just like in the Bible, David became a great

king after defeating Goliath. Peñas said, he would still be the same mayor that the people knew him to be as being someone who is close to the people. “Like before, the people of Digos can still approach me anytime to profess their sentiments and needs and ask for help from me,” the mayor said. The first project that Mayor Penas would push is his scholarship pro-

gram, which he initiated when he became mayor three years ago, since classes will open in June. Another project that he will push is developing barangay roads that had not been given much attention to. “As of now, we need to work harder, i need to help the people, even those who did not support me, so that soon they will see the light that public service is for everyone,” he said. EJF

Digos receives new 6 hurts in 2 blasts.. FFROM 1 firetruck from DILG

igos City Fire Department received last Friday one of the Rosenbauer TLF 4000 firetrucks that arrived in Davao City last Saturday. A turnover ceremony last Friday saw Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) 11 regional director Senior Superintendent elmer Sembrado giving the keys for the firetruck to newly proclaimed Digos City mayor, Joseph Penas and Digos City fire marshal, Senior inspector Michael Dexter Navarro. Digos City had only one fire incident in March of this year, while there were a total of 29 fire incidents last 2012. Sembrado said, “in a city where there is progress, there should always be firefighters.”

Digos is one of the recipients of the 38 highly urbanized firetrucks which is part of the modernization project of the Department of interior and Local Government’s (DiLG’s) late secretary Jesse Robredo. Three of the new firetrucks arrived last Saturday in the Davao region with Tagum City and Davao City as the other two recipients. Semrado said, BFP 11 is still expecting two more firetrucks for Panabo City and Mati. Penas said he witnessed a demonstration in Manila where a firetruck reached the top of an eight-storey building, having a capacity of 4000 litters snd far more superior than the usual firetrucks in the Philippines. EJF

Peñas: Cagas .. FFROM 2

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. Xi Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service. EDILBERTO A. AMORES, Petitioner Case No.2003-XI-01926

x--------------------x NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: TUGBOK ROUTE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on October 23, 2013. in the petition filed on May 2, 2013, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JUNE 3, 2013 at 10:10a.m. at this office at the above address. At least, TeN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WiTNeSS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 3rd day of May 2013 at Davao City. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 •WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

NATION/WORLD 11

PCG rescues vessel in distress off Palawan Z

AMBOANGA CiTy – The Philippine Coast Guard rescued on Saturday a wooden-hulled ferry loaded with 78 people, including 20 children, in distress off Palawan, a PCG official said. Rescued by the PCG’s BRP-Nueva vizcaya-i was M/L April Joy, which plies the Zamboanga City-Palawan route. Commander Allan Corpuz, BRP-Nueva vizcaya skipper, said Monday over a local television station they rescued M/L April Joy in the vicinity of Mangsee island, Balabac, Palawan. Paterson Jainuddin, the owner of M/L April Joy,

disclosed they departed on Wednesday in Balabac en route to this city when the vessel’s engine conked out beyond repair. Corpuz said M/L April Joy, which is skippered by ibno Hassan, had lost radio contact and was drifting at sea for three days already at the time it was rescued. The rescued ferry was towed by the BRP-Nueva vizcaya and arrived late Sunday at a private wharf in this city. Meanwhile, Corpuz said they were taking custody of M/L April Joy after learning that it was transporting passengers and cargoes without the required permits. (MindaNews)

PHILIPPINES BOUND. The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) is undergoing refurbishment and refitting at a cost of $15.15 million before its journey back to the Philippines. Photo by Elmer Cato/Philippine Embassy Washington

PNoy: Address job mismatch

ReSiDeNT Benigno S. Aquino iii had already tapped the Department of Labor and employment (DOLe), Commission on Higher education (CHeD), and Technical education and Skills Development Authority (TeSDA) to continue working to address the prevailing job mismatch, a Palace official said on Monday. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail valte said in a press briefing in Malacanang that the Chief executive asked the

concerned agencies to exert all the necessary efforts to attain the administration’s goal of providing employment for Filipinos after graduation. valte said President Aquino stressed the need for the concerned government agencies to craft measures to help address the country’s employment concerns. “The President has repeatedly talked about this. it needs to be addressed by a convergence between the Labor department, the CHeD and the TeSDA,”

valte said. valte said the Chief executive directed the DOLe to work along with its partner agencies in implementing various job creation facilitation programs to address the prevailing job mistmatch. “Ang gusto po natin ay nabibigyan ng proper advice ang ating mga estudyante kung ano ang mga kurso na kapag naka-graduate sila ay bukas pa ang merkado para sa mga ganoong empleyo,” valte said. “So, nakita po natin ‘yan nang nagkaroon

ng oversupply in some sectors with the number of jobs that are available after they had graduated, and that is precisely why the President ordered these three agencies to come together and make sure that the proper advice is given our students who are beginning their university education,” she said. The administration is trying to attract both domestic and international investors to create more job opportunities for Filipinos. (PNA)

been undergoing refurbishment and refitting at a cost of $15.15 million since it was acquired by the Philippines in May 2012. Navy Capt. elson Aguilar, Defense and Naval Attaché of the embassy, said the warship would stay out at sea for 3 days to test its propulsion and other systems before returning to port on Thursday, May 23. “We want to make sure everything is in place before the Alcaraz finally sets sail for the Philippines before the middle of next month,” Captain Aguilar said.

Meanwhile, the vessel’s 14 officers and 74 crewmembers, led by Capt. ernesto Baldovino, have also been undergoing training since the turnover last year. The 378-footlong Alcaraz was commissioned in 1968 and served with the uS Coast Guard as the uS Coast Guard Cutter (uSCGC) Dallas until it was decommissioned and turned over to the Philippines in May. The vessel was named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Philippine Navy officer who commanded a patrol boat that shot down 3 Japanese air-

craft during World War ii. This is the second Hamilton-class cutter that was acquired by the Philippine navy. The first, the BRPGregorio del Pilar (PF15), was turned over to the Philippine Navy in May 2011. in 2012, the Del Pilar was involved in the Scarborough Shoal standoff. Aguilar said both the Alcaraz and the del Pilar are capable of conducting patrols for long periods of time and withstanding heavy weather and rough sea conditions. – Rappler. com

Sea trials for PH’s new warship

ANiLA, Philippines The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the Philippine Navy’s newest warship, began its sea trials on Monday, May 20, as part of preparations for its journey to the Philippines, the Philippine embassy in Washington said. in a statement, the embassy said the BRP Ramon Alcaraz headed out to sea at 8:30 a.m. Monday local time from the Federal Law enforcement Training Center in North Charleston, South Carolina. The warship has

SouthCot Rep. favors postponing barangay polls

eNeRAL SANTOS CiTy -- Saying the country is still reeling from “fatigue” brought by the May 13 elections, South Cotabato (2nd District) Rep. Daisy Avance-Fuentes expressed support on Tuesday to moves by the Commission on elections (Comelec) to postpone the scheduled barangay elections in October. Fuentes said deferring the barangay elections for several months or to a full year will give the Comelec more time to prepare and eventually help ease the tension brought about by last week’s national midterm and local polls. “Almost everyone are still affected by election fatigue and that could trigger some problems if we push through with the (barangay elections) this October,” she said. Fuentes, who was elected governor of South Cotabato in the May 13 polls, said she is not well aware of the current sentiments of her other colleagues at the House of Representatives regarding the matter but cited that several congressmen had previously pushed for such move. A total of 14 proposed bills seeking the holding of the 2013 barangay elections to earlier and later dates were filed in the 15th Congress but they remained pending before the House com-

mittee on suffrage and electoral reforms. On Monday, Comelec chair Sixto Brillantes said he wants the October barangay elections postponed to 2014 or early 2015 so they could already start with their preparations for the 2016 national and local elections. He said such situation would allow the Comelec to make early recommendations with the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee in connection with the conduct of the 2016 polls. Fuentes said that while the postponement of the barangay polls needs congressional action, specifically the revision of Republic Act (RA) 9340, any decision on the matter would still depend upon the preference of the Aquino administration. RA 9340 mandates the conduct of synchronized elections for Barangay and the Sangguniang Kabataan every three years, specifically on the last Monday of October. “if Malacanang will back it (postponement) up and make it an urgent matter, i think Congress will support it,” Fuentes said. Should a postponement is eventually decided, she said it would be ideal to hold the elections not later than October 2014 so the Comelec can concentrate on preparing for the 2016 polls by 2015. (Allen v. estabillo/MindaNews)

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14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

‘New Pacquiao’ Mathysse wants to fight real Pacquiao L

NEW PACQUIAO. Luvas Matthysse wants to fight the real Pacquiao.

ucas Matthysse was hailed as the “new Manny Pacquiao” after his demolition of Lamont Peterson on Saturday night, but the Argentinian insists he would rather fight Pacquaio than be compared to him. Matthysse, nicknamed “the Machine”, tore through Peterson inside three rounds at Boardwalk Hall, dropping him on multiple occasions as his lethal left hook landed with alarming accuracy for future rivals. Afterward, Golden Boy promotions CeO Richard Schaefer grabbed hold of the microphone and declared: “you’re looking at the new Manny Pacquiao, his name is Lucas The Machine Matthysse.” Matthysse, though, would rather prove himself by wiping out Pacquiao as he did Peterson, saying: “i feel very happy that people are comparing me to Manny Pacquiao. But what i really want to do is fight him.” it is difficult to argue that Matthysse, right now, is one of the hottest properties in boxing. A record of 32 knockouts in 34 vic-

tories salutes the power he possesses, and Amir Khan has declared he would happily delay his move to welterweight to fight him. Next for Matthysse is expected to be one of Khan’s conquerors, Danny Garcia, who was ringside on Saturday. Garcia is the current Ring Magazine, WBC and WBA (Super) light-welterweight champion, but Matthysse is ominously confident. “i’m hopeful that the fight happens in September,” he said. “But i see that he’s a slow fighter and he’s wide open and i know i’ll win that fight as well.” Matthysse still has plenty to prove, after all it was only three years ago that he lost to Zab Judah, but Schaefer is keen to make the Garcia fight happen - with September 7 likely to be the date. “you can’t underestimate Danny Garcia,” Schaefer said. “That’s the fight that i want to do and i’m going to work very hard to make sure it happens and that’s the kind of event that we want to put on and i know Lucas is ready.”

BO international light welterweight champion Jason Pagara is ready for whatever his touted opponent, Mexico’s devastating puncher Aaron Herrera brings, when they clash at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu in the ALA Promotions-ABS-CBN “Pinoy Pride XX” fight card on Saturday. The fights will be telecast at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday over Channel 2. ALA Promotions patron Tony Aldeguer told the Manila Standard that Pagara “has been sparring very well and is prepared for a tough fight” against Herrera who sports an impressive record that includes 17 knockouts in 25 wins with only one defeat. Aldeguer told us that Pagara has been sparring with aggressive southpaw Jimrex Jaca (37-6-3, 21KO’s) who is also expected to have a tough time in what promises to be an action-packed bout against Mexican Jose emilio Perea (27-2, 14 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Oriental light welterweight title. Jaca is coming off a 7th round TKO of Thailand’s Rachamongkol Sor Pleonchit last March 2 while Perea dropped Francis Javier Reza three times in the 5th round to win by an

impressive TKO. The Mexican warriors are scheduled to arrive in Cebu on Tuesday in time for the pre-fight press conference on Wednesday. Pagara has also been sparring with talented prospects from the Philippine amateur national pool. The 24 year old Pagara who has a record of 30-2 with 19 knockouts has beaten some tough opponents but a review of Herrera’s last fight in which he scored a first round knockout of Jorge Pimentel on November 3, 2012 following an earlier 1st round TKO of Zaid Zavaleta on April 21, 2012 showed the Mexican will be hard to beat although Pagara and his training staff headed by edito “Ala” villamor isn’t fazed. in two big wins prior to this, Herrera beat the veteran Jose yanez by T.K.O. in the second round in November 2010 and on March 23, 2011 Aarón knocked out Lizandro de Los Santos to win the WBC Mundo Hispano Lightweight Championship. Pagara himself scored a smashing 1st round knockout of previously undefeated Miguel Antoine who had a record of 17-0-1 with 9 knockouts in his last fight at the Mall of Asia.

Pagara ready for Herrera W

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Smart casual

SpeeD is the new black. Well, this goes mostly for the mothers of today who juggle time between parenting and career. Fashion is a living art for women and our wardrobe choices enable us to channel our individuality and style. Regardless of your style inspiration and intuitions, the world is our runway. Keeping up with round the clock mommy duties and the countless of tasks to do at the office, moms try to minimize the time spent in scanning the closet after every waking moment. Despite the penchant for the slimming benefits of little black dresses, I, for one, also try on different colors so as not to be branded as an everyday widow. As much as I want to dare myself to wear loud colors or to try on layers of accessories over layers of cloth, I don’t have liberty in trying on so many outfits before I head out of the house to face the demands of the day. This dilemma is something I know moms can relate to. There are a few who would use it as an excuse to stick to their monotonous wardrobe choices. However, I’d like to think that there are also ways to changing one’s look without having to put on extra effort, money, and time. A watch or bag alone can give an instant face lift to your outfit. The quick-fix guide to dressing smart is primarily what was asked of me during the Mother’s Day high tea fashion show at SM Lanang premier. I was invited to speak and to style their segment on fashion. I was hesitant at first, since I was unsure of how other women would appreciate my sense of style. I mentioned to them that I am no professional stylist, and all I can share is basically what I think would look present-

able on women. The idea of being on stage ignited my daughter’s enthusiasm. She insisted that I accept the invitation for this year’s event, and argued that we rarely get to do something like this every year. After much consideration and series of guilt-tripping from my daughter, I said yes to the invitation. I was asked to pick out accessories and clothes from Mags Boutique, one of the event sponsors, and dress up the mommies they invited to model for the show. I consider location, occasion, and function as few of my deciding factors whenever I pull out items from the closet. For this task, I picked out items

which would complement the look and figure of mommies Rhea, Queen, and Marie. The setup of our segment was inspired by the Rachel Ray show, wherein guest stylists are asked to describe the outfit worn by each model. I was a nervous wreck that afternoon, praying nonstop that everything will run smoothly. After all, it was my first time to work on such project, and I considered myself more of a shopaholic than a true-blue stylist. The libretto “sinetch itey” kept playing in my head, and I feared seeing raised eye brows, questioning my selections for the models. I have to thank the host, Joey Sy-Domingo, for calming my nerves early on, and she managed to remember my request to go easy on the questions. To sum up the event, here are photos of the pieces I put together for the models. As I mentioned to Joey during the show, my choices do not necessarily dictate trends and formula women should strictly fol-

low. I strongly believe that style is very personal and I have the highest respect for each one’s preferences in fashion. Women are naturally born with a gifted state of mind which enables us to dissect the formula to looking good in our own personal best. --For Rhea, I aimed for a hip and modern version of the city girl look, so I put together this yellow blazer with a sleeveless khaki blouse, floral printed pants, and a couple of turquoise accessories. The tone is very

sunny, youthful, and happy, and I think the color yellow fosters good vibes for both the wearer and onlooker. Queen’s mod look is partly inspired by Aurdrey Hepburn’s look in the movie Funny Face. I consider black leggings / jeggings as a wardrobe staple in this modern time. Not only do they add a touch of elegance to any top or blouse, they are also very easy and comfortable to wear. I paired Queen’s jeggings with a houndstoothprinted top for that classy yet edgy look. I also added a pop of color with the orange-black handbag, just to break the black and white motif. I imagine this ensemble would look even more elegant if worn with a pair of oversized black sunnies. I find the nautical blue and white perfect for summer. Instead of infusing something in red, I added a touch of khaki, brown, and mustard to Marie’s sleeveless chiffon jumpsuit. The material is light and breezy, and the mix of blue and khaki resonate well with our sunny scenery. The second set of clothes was basically what women can wear from afternoon ‘til evening. Rhea’s strapless chiffon

jumpsuit with floral prints is perfect for any garden or cocktail event. The chiffon material is light and breathable, and the strapless top adds a sexy appeal to the outfit. I accessorized the look with pieces in shades of green and khaki as these mesh well with the color scheme of Rhea’s jumpsuit. The pink dress worn by Queen was actually pulled out from my own closet. I bought it at Mags Boutique last year, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces. I call it the “scarf dress” as the print is similar to that of an Hermes scarf. The cut is simple, but the fabric and print give the dress an air of affluence and elegance. I usually wear this dress with a long neckpiece plus bangles in pink, beige, and khaki, all of which I also lent to Queen during the show. The finale dress worn by Marie is perfect for her and enhances her oriental beauty. At first glance, you’d think it’s a modern take of the long cheongsam dress. The large blue and red floral prints make a good contrast against the stark white base. The getup would have looked more sophisticated if she had her hair up, either in a bun or a French twist.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Despicable Me 2 brings family fun to SM Lanang Premier

KiDs and the whole family were treated to a funfilled afternoon on May 13, Monday, at the Despicable Me 2 Meet and Greet at sM Lanang Premier. The activity was held as part of the sM Cartoon Fest, the biggest nationwide cartoon festival for the kids and the young at heart. Despicable Me 2’s delightful characters, Dave and Tim – also known as the Minions – attracted hundreds of kids and their parents to 3 Meet and Greet sessions at the Atrium. Aside from having their photos taken with the incredible duo, children also availed of free drawing activities provided during the event. The Despicable 2 Meet and Greet was just one of the several Meet and Greet activities organized for the summerlong toon festival being held until May 31 in all sM malls. Visit sM Lanang Premier this May to catch two more sM Cartoon Fest Meet and Greet activities at The Atrium: Hello Kitty (May 23) and Justice League featuring Batman, Aquaman and Green Arrow (May 25) at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. For more information, call 285-0943 local 135-138. sM Cartoon Fest is also being held at sM City Davao and sM City General santos till May 31. it is supported by Bates/Nickelodeon, Richprime, Pacific Licensing, Honeybarn, solar, Click Licensing and Astroplus/Magnavision.

ABREEZA WHIRLWIND SALE ON MAY 27 to JUNE 2. Enjoy stylish finds and fabulous treats at Abreeza Mall this Mar 27 to June 2 it holds its Whirlwind Sale. Get up to 70% discounts on select items mall wide.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Star style picks at Abreeza No doubt, Marc Nelson is the epitome of cool. He may be in the limelight – and under the spotlight – most of the time, but this fashion model/ TV host/product endorser/sportsman/ community volunteer remains unassuming and calm as we spoke to him during his recent visit in Davao City as host for the Style origin Fashion Show last May 11 at the Abreeza Mall.

Since the object of his nth visit to the city was to host a fashion event for Abreeza Mall, we asked this gorgeous, well-mannered gentleman about his own fashion and style. “My fashion sense is very simple. I’m a t-shirt-andjeans (or shorts) kind of guy. If I’m going out, then it’s jeans and polo. Very casual,” he says with ease as we accompanied him for a quick shopping around Abreeza Mall. Marc revealed that most of the time, especially during summer, he just dons a pair of his favorite board shorts and slippers. “I always joke that people don’t recognize me when I wear clothes,” he exclaims in jest. But of course, who doesn’t recognize Marc Nelson, dashing in tux as he hosts international beauty pageants and stylishly handsome in designer clothes when he attends prestigious events, right? “But certainly you won’t catch me wearing skimpy swimming trunks. I may be Australian but I am a board shorts kind of guy. even if I’m in europe and everyone else wears swimming trunks and bikinis, I’d be good in my board shorts,” he says. Marc, who looks and behaves like just any other ordinary Juan, actually doesn’t have a drop of pinoy blood in him. This Australian national is part Burmese, part Chinese, raised in Scotland, lived in Sydney, Tasmania, east Africa, Kenya, Hong Kong and Canada. But this wandering soul has found home in the philippines. And he wears his heart – and fashion – on his sleeves, too. “While it is nice to see many international brands coming in, there are still so many fantastic brands here in the philippines. If I can find a local brand that has something that I like, I’ll

For formal wear, Marc disclosed that he patronizes a lot of local shops that make excellent suits.

confessed he wears Bench even way before when he was its endorser and even after. “A lot of my basics are from them. It’s a good fit, good quality, reasonably priced and you can find pretty much you need there,” he says. For formal wear, Marc disclosed that he patronizes a lot of local shops that make excellent suits. He admitted that it’s quite easy to get things custom- made here in the country, especially that his body type (“I’m wide on the shoulder take that over the imported and slim on the waist’)is brands,” he proudly admits. not the norm for the comone example is Bench, mon Filipino male. equating fashion to where Marc gets most of his daily garments (and one’s attraction to an artwhere we conducted this work, even or philosophy, interview – Bench, Abree- Marc believes that fashion za Mall ground level). He is something very personal.

“My advice is to find something that you’re comfortable with. Something that shows the rest of the world the sort of person you are. For men, always have one good suit, at least one or two good pair of jeans, one good pair of formal shoes (he actually got a pair at Aldo in Abreeza Mall, which he wore during the show). The rest of it is just mix-and-match,” he opines. Marc may have a wandering, adventuresome spirit but he also loves making things, including his fashion style, easy and simple. “I go for something that’s classic, unfussy, and hopefully something that doesn’t go out of style too much. You might want to do that, too,” he hints with a beam, inner stillness and infectious buoyancy. Now, that’s one timeless statement from one refined and stylish guy.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAiNMENT

Team Manila brings Sandwich to SM City Davao, May 25!

FiLiPiNO pop culture lifestyle store brings to sM City Davao one of the country’s top rock bands sandwich on May 25, saturday. Formed in 1998, the band sandwich composed of Raymund Marasigan, Myrene Academia, Diego Castillo,

Mong Alcaraz and Mike Dizon, recently launched their new album “Fat salt & Flame”. Catch the band perform live at 4PM, sM City Davao Annex. sandwich x Team Manila shirts will be launched on saturday. Grab your shirts and get a chance to have it

signed by the band members themselves. Team Manila is located at the Ground Floor of sM City Davao Annex. For inquiries, please call 297.6998. Like sM City Davao on Facebook or follow @ smcitydavao on Twitter for event and promo updates.

The X Factor adds Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio as judges THE X Factor officially has two new judges. A day after we reported that Paulina Rubio and Kelly Rowland were close to finalizing deals to join the Fox series’ third season alongside Demi Lovato and simon Cowell...they did! “it’s taken more than a decade, but i’m delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (i think!),” Cowell said in a statement. “Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel. it just feels like the time to do something different.” “i am very excited to be reuniting with simon Cowell

and The X Factor family,” said Rowland, who previously pulled judging duty on The X Factor in Britain. “it feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the states!” Added Rubio, a former coach on Telemundo’s La Voz...Mexico: “i love The X

Factor! i can’t wait to find the next big music star here in America. i’m so thrilled to be part of the show as a judge. simon, be careful what you wish for, let’s see if you are ready to handle me, empieza la fiesta, amigo!” We can feel the party starting already!

Black Eyed Peas’ apl.de.ap gushes over Fergie’s pregnancy: “It’s mama time” As Fergie prepares for the birth of her first child, the Black Eyed Peas singer can certainly count on her band members for support. Drummer apl.de.ap recently gushed about the mom-to-be while being honored at the Time for Hope Gala in Beverly Hills.

“it’s mama time, it’s Ferg time right now,” the musician told E! News. “it’s about the baby and her and Josh and the family now.” The group

known for their huge hits including “Where is the Love,” “Pump it” and “i Gotta Feeling” are currently taking a “vacation” as Fergie and her husband, Josh Duhamel, prepare to give birth early in the fall. “ W e don’t want to put any stress,” apl. de.ap said. “i love you Ferg. i love you.”

BROMANCE Zanjoe Marudo, Christine Reyes PG-13

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

EPIC- 3D Amanda Seyfried , Colin Farrell GP

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

STAR TREK *FAST AND FURIOUS 6 Chris Pine , | *Vin Diesel PG-13

12:00 | 2:30 | * 05:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 FAST AND FURIOUS 6 Vin Diesel , Michelle Rodriguez PG-13

01:45 | 4:30 | 7:15 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

TRAVEL

By Neil Bravo

HAT’S a triathlete-racecar driver-actor between two Isuzu D-MAX pick up trucks? Answer: Matteo sandwich. That’s how it is when Matteo Guidicelli blew into town to grace the Isuzu DMAX nationwide mall tour at the Atrium of SM Lanang premier on Saturday (May 18). organized by Isuzu Motors philippines in cooperation with Davao dealer Southern Motors Corporation, Guidicelli’s Davao visit caused some shrieks with

the weekend mall crowd. Fans craned over to catch a glimpse of the athletic celebrity who will be representing the country, and of course Isuzu D-MAX in an international triathlon in the coming weeks. Matteo did not only show his fast side, but also his soft, romantic side when

he belted two songs that left the girls (and the women too) gasping oohs and aahhs. He gave in to some 20 minutes of autograph signing and photo ops almost tirelessly while making himself endeared to the crowd more by speaking Cebuano. The two Isuzu DMAX meantime were a serious attraction to the more serious onlookers who chose to look at the beautiful beasts—one is white with black and red viper decals and the other a black brute of truck fitted with a 18-inch black rims and Mickey Thompson wheels. So, if Matteo is a sandwich in between, how would you be between these two machines? The answer is, confused which one is for you.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 •WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE. Miami Heat forward Lebron James should not take the Pacers lightly.

WHY THE HEAT SHOULD

FEAR THE PACERS

AMe 1 of the 2013 NBA Playoffs eastern Conference Finals kicks off May 22 at the American Airlines Arena, where the Miami Heat host the indiana Pacers. LeBron James’ team lost the regular season series to the Pacers (1-2). it’s no secret the two rivals have little affection for the other. Will LBJ “choke” asLance Stephenson suggested last season? Perhaps, the answer is not as easy as you’d expect. Normally, i’d pound my fist on the table in between buffalo chicken bites and yell, “it won’t even be close!” But the Pacers are a different squad one year later. in their first meeting of the 2012-2013 regular season, the Pacers beat the Heat on the boards (55-36) and picked apart Miami’s offense in a 8777 victory at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Paul George put on a show and posted a double-double. He dropped 29 points and grabbed 11 boards. Despite a gamehigh 30 points from Dwyane Wade, the Heat just couldn’t get it done. And get this: indiana won decisively even without Danny Granger, who was out on a knee injury. i’ll be the first to admit that it was tough to stomach that loss. And then three weeks later, the carnage continued as the Pacers won against the Heat 102-89

at home. That victory marked the third straight regular season victory for indiana against Miami. Finally, the Heat got their wits about them and won the third meeting (105-91), this time at home. it marked their 18thconsecutive victory for the season after beating the Pacers. Chris Bosh and Mario Chalmers combined for 50 points in that showdown. Meanwhile, LeBron James slumped to a season-low with only 13 points. indiana Pacers’ Lance Stephenson: Weapon of choice is “attitude” with a big “A” in his sophomore year in the NBA, the 6-5 shooting guard from the university of Cincinnati is doing more showing and less telling this season. Who can forget the infamous choking gesture aka “The Knick-Killer” (Reggie Miller) Lance Stephenson made to LeBron James in Game 3 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs? Although the Pacers spanked the Heat that night, Chicago went on to eliminate indiana in six games. Admittedly, a few things have changed since that series last year. For one, Stephenson has proved himself worthy of starting this season instead of being a placated bench-warmer who played minimal minutes. Stephenson is nimble on his feet, can take the

ball coast to coast while weaving through traffic and can score off the dribble with finesse. in Game 6 against the New york Knicks, he showed off his aggression and physicality that helped break down Mike Woodson’s defensive strategy. if indiana has any chance of thwarting the Heat’s trip back to the NBA Finals, Stephenson has to bring his A-game and remain on the attack. Perhaps it’s just me, but he appears to have left the theatrics behind. Not only that, there are signs he has matured fast and furiously in the offseason. Lance’s focus on winning was evident when he stepped up in Game 6 Saturday to give the Pacers another chance to even the score with the Heat. However, it’s going to take more than putting his big-boy trousers on when he steps foot in South Beach. Any abysmal play from the rest of his teammates will cue the playing of the “Hit the Road Jack” song. LeBron James knows that Dwyane Wade, hobbled or not, is crucial against the indiana Pacers Chances are erik Spoelstra will attempt to take advantage of Lance’s lack of playoff experience by siccing Dwyane Wade or udonis Haslem on the Pacers’ pit bull.

Grit versus precision W

iTH the Memphis Grizzlies’ twin towers reduced to a one-man show, the San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 105-83 win in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday. Despite an uncharacteristically quiet offensive performance from Tim Duncan (six points, 3-of-9 from the field), the Spurs set the tempo and sprinted out to a 17-point edge after the first quarter. Memphis eventually whittled that lead to as few as six points late in the third quarter, but San Antonio closed the period on an 11-2 run and never looked back. The methodical inside-out attack of the Grizzlies could not find contributions from both sides of that equation, but the missing half was hardly the one Lionel Hollins expected to be without. Reserve wing Quincy Pondexter (17 points, 5-of-9 from three) provided the perimeter scoring, but All-Star forward Zach Randolph struggled

mightily to the tune of a season-low two points (1of-8 from the field). San Antonio looked like the team that closed out the upstart Golden State Warriors with three double-digit wins over the last four games of its second-round series, holding decisive advantages on both ends of the floor. Still, the significance of a single victory won’t be taken out of context by either club. San Antonio had a 2-0 lead on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 Western Confe r-

LOOKING FOR A VENGEANCE. Grizzlies center Marc Gasol looks to level in Game 2 against the Spurs.

ence Finals, only to watch the series waste away behind four straight OKC victories. Memphis lost Game 1 of both of its previous series (and Game 2 to the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round) before closing each matchup with four consecutive wins.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 48 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

PHOENIX 36 HOOPS

EDGEDAVAO Sports

VMO CAGERS OPEN CAMPAIGN VS BLBE STANDINGS

ORO eAST

DCPO

JyC

BLBe vMO

GOLDSTAR

PuRPLe BeAN

LTO

ulti-titleD vice Mayor’s Office (vMO) will open its campaign against BLBe in the Phoenix Petroleum 36 and Above basketball tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center tonight. vMO, who will be bannered by its top gun Bong Go, is highly favored over

BLBe which lost to JyC Hardware in their first outing. Gametime is set at 6:00 p.m. followed by the main game between Oro east and Land Transportation Office at 7:30 p.m. Oro east is fresh from a win over DCPO in their first game in the tournament sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines.

1 0 x x x x

0 1 x x x x

Tomorrow, Oro east will face BLBe at 6:00 p.m. followed by JyC vs. DCPO at 7:30 p.m. On May 24, BLBe meets DCPO at 6:00 p.m. while Goldstar debuts against JyC at 7:30 p.m. LTO will clash with DCPO on May 25 at 4:30 p.m. followed by Oro east vs. Purple Bean at 6:00 p.m.

MARY JANE PEPITO, SSC-R (below)—The entrance of this ernesto Rondon High School phenom in 2007 quickly earned her the nickname “elastic Girl”. But more than her exploits as San Sebastian’s top floor patroller, MJ also brought to the league a touch of glamour as her movie-star looks made her one of the crowd darlings of the league. And when the droves did come to catch a glimpse of this Quezon City lass, they were treated to a vast array of heroic digs, near impossible saves and a style of defense all her own. MJ dominated the 2007 and 2008 season, winning the Best Digger plum as a rookie before taking down three consecutive Best Receiver awards right after. After personal choices cut short her career, she made one last comeback in 2012 and showed that she could still get the job done for the Lady Stags in helping them attain a third place finish in the first conference.

TOP LIBERO

DABAWENyA IN THE BIG LEAGUE MAe TAJiMA, a product of Ateneo de Davao university, subs for Thai import Jaroensri Bualee for Ateneo de Manila in the Shakey’s v-League. The Lady eagles are now in the Finals and Tajima is slowly progressing into a reliable player.