Edge Davao 7 Issue 115

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

WHAT LIES BENEATH

TALOMO BAY MARINE MUSEUM?

By Carlos Munda Jr.

Years of illegal salvaging activities, pollution from the nearby communities, siltation from agricultural run-offs, and general neglect pose a serious threat to the very existence of Davao’s historical treasures.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES STILL EXIST THE BIG NEWS Page

INSIDE EDGE 3

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2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

What lies beneath Talomo Bay marine museum?

By Carlos Munda Jr.

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he long and winding road to Davao I was born in General Santos, moved to Davao City when I was about 3 or 4, and lived in Metro Manila for most of my early adult life. Back then we used to move around... A LOT. Just in Quezon City alone, at one point or another, I spent time in West Avenue, three different locations along Katipunan, Projects 2, 6, and 8, Novaliches, and Tandang Sora. Las Pinas, Makati, Taguig, Pasig, P. Noval beside UST, Mandaluyong, and Roxas Boulevard all added to the long list of addresses that alone can probably fill a page of my CV. Then in 1990 I returned briefly to Davao to study. It was more than 15 years since I left and while I couldn’t remember what the city was like in the 1970’s, I couldn’t imagine that much had changed in the intervening decade-and-a-half. There were no malls, most of the shops were closed on Sundays, Minicas still plied the road, and only the evening news and PBA games were broadcast live from Manila.

I left after one year.

In 2002 I returned to Davao just as the city was on the cusp of its transformation from a quiet, rather sleepy community to the

mall-infested, 24/7, road rage inducing, hyper-connected megalopolis that it is now.

Looking at the changes happening to the city, it is obvious that the unprecedented growth comes at a steep price of history lost to rapid and uncontrolled development. Like a closeted teenager rushing to enjoy the privileges of adulthood, Davao seems to have eschewed the virtues of prudence and moderation for the thrill of life in the fast lane.

Coming from someone who has grown up with little or no attachment to the many places I lived in, I can only imagine how disconcerting all these changes must be for those who spent all their lives in Davao City.

The stories I’ve heard of how the city’s borders used to end just beyond where the Marco Polo hotel stands, of fishing for halwan and pantat in the old bomb holes that dotted Juna Subdivision, and attending classes at the old Ateneo high School building evoke an old-world feel that is becoming harder and harder to connect with the reality of what can be seen today.

Speaking from my own history in Davao, which is admittedly limited when taken from the perspec-

tive of long time residents, I also have fears that they will someday be lost to the growing urban sprawl. In particular, I am most anxious for the historical treasures that I have had the privilege of seeing during my year of scuba diving in and around the Davao Gulf. history sold by the kilo In Talomo Bay there are shipwrecks that lie a few hundred meters from the shore in depths that range from a hundred feet to well over three hundred.

Though the visibility in most days is cloudy at best, these sites offer some of the most rewarding technical wreck diving experiences anywhere in the country. There is the FS255, a US Coast Guard-manned transport ship that sank on the eve of the liberation of Davao, or the Sagami Maru, a Japanese freighter torpedoed in 1942 as it was unloading its cargo.

Unfortunately, years of illegal salvaging activities, pollution from the nearby communities, siltation from agricultural run-offs, and general neglect pose a serious threat to the very existence of these historical treasures.

Sadly this kind of destruction isn’t confined to one area, but can be seen everywhere in the gulf.

In too many dives to count, I have seen ship-

wreck after shipwreck chopped up and stripped of anything that can be sold for scrap. From a cargo of metal drums on a ship that sank in Malalag, to the brass propellers of a trawler in Tubalan, and the hull plates of a barge in Samal – nothing is too small or too sacred.

Perhaps one of the most tragic instances I have encountered was the wreck of a PBY-4 Catalina in Malalag Bay. The seaplane was part of a squadron that was detached to Mindanao in preparation for the war with Japan. It was caught off guard on the morning December 8, 1941 and sank in shallow waters together with the body of ensign Robert Tills, the first American serviceman in the Philippines to be killed in the war.

The plane was lost to memory and for the last 66 years it became ensign Tills’ final resting place - until 2007 when it was unceremoniously dragged to the surface by junk shop operators and sold for scrap. By the time we got to it, all that was left were a few pieces of broken, twisted metal and stories from those who were there when the plane was brought up.

But looking beyond this willingness to literally sell our history, there is a

common thread that runs through all these and it is one that cuts deep into who we are as a people. Filipinos - not just Dabawenyos - are not particularly big on history.

Whenever I go back to all the places I lived in, I am always amazed and saddened by how unrecognizable all the old familiar places are right now. The landmarks and touchstones are gone, replaced by some bright, new, shiny edifice. A monument to how far and how fast we have left the past behind.

Remembering our roots And as our cities continue to modernize and build upon the bones of the past, communities should take steps to preserve as much of its heritage as it can.

In the case of Davao and its rapidly vanishing underwater historical landmarks, perhaps it is high time that we build a maritime museum to celebrate our deep connections to the gulf that shares the city’s name. It could house artifacts and exhibits to remind us how our ancestors going back to pre-colonial times used the gulf to build the city we now call home.

It would be an excellent way to educate the younger generations of the importance not just of history

but also of environment protection, commerce, arts and culture, and a slew of other subjects that can be gleaned from the treasure trove that is the Davao Gulf.

And with the advances being made in technology today and in the future, it is easy to envision interactive displays, with maps, virtual reality tours, and multi-sensory presentations that would fully immerse the visitors in the experience.

The possibilities for the project are endless. everything from a sea aquarium to showcase the diversity of marine life that can be found in the gulf, to a tourist destination that entertains, informs, and educates visitors about how Davao came to be what it is today, or even a center for excellence in historical preservation and renewable use of our marine resources, can all be integrated into one complex.

The stories that can be told from what lies beneath the waves can never be fully revealed. So much has already been lost and many more can never be recovered. But that doesn’t mean that efforts should not be made to preserve and protect what is left.

In the end, our future will always be determined by how closely we remember our past.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

SENATOR WITH BUSINESSMEN. Youthful Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV, chairman of the Senate committees on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship, and youth, explains the Go Negosyo Act and other legislative matters

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to officers and members of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. headed by chairman John Gaisano Jr. during a dialogue inside the DCCCII boardroom last Thursday. DCCCII photo.

Travel advisories vs Bam Aquino asks businessmen Davao still in effect to share ideas with senators By arMando B. FeneQuito Jr.

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abf@edgedavao.net

he travel advisories issued by British and Australian governments on Davao City are still existing, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said.

Jose confirmed this to reporters in a chance interview after a forum at the Ateneo De Davao University.

Jose, however, said the advisories merely caution their nationals to take measures when they travel to Davao city.

“They are not prohibited from coming here,” he said.

The two countries issued the advisories last

month due to an unverified security threat which was relayed by President Benigno Aquino to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

City Tourism Office officer-in-charge Maria Felisa Marques decried the advisories, saying they will have a negative impact on the tourism industry on Davao City, which is considered the gateway to Mindanao.

She said due to the alleged “terror threat,” some of the hotels and other tourist establishments are now receiving a lot of queries from their clients who had earlier planned to visit the city.

By antonio M. aJero

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H@yahoo.com

eN. Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV Thursday asked Davao businessmen to share with the Senate their ideas and experiences with government agencies in relations to the reforms introduced by the Aquino administration.

The 35-year-old social entrepreneur, who heads the committees on trade, commerce, and entrepreneurship, and youth, met with officers of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

(DCCCII) led by chairman John Gaisano Jr. Thursday afternoon before speaking to participants of the MSMe Summit at SMX Convention in SM Lanang Premium.

The DCCCII panel included past presidents Bonifacio Tan, Daniel Lim and Robert Quinto, incumbent vice presidents and trustees of the multi-awarded business chamber.

The businessmen told Aquino that some of the so-called reforms intro-

duced by government agencies, like the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC), proved harmful to the legitimate and law-abiding businessmen because of the failure of these agencies to remove corrupt officials and unfair systems.

After listening to specific examples related by the businessmen, the young senator asked the chamber to put its members’ recommendations in writing and submit

them to his pointman, Aram Fernandez, who holds office in The Cube office space of the DCCCII. Aquino also explained the functions and services of the Go Negosyo Center to be put up in Davao and other cities and provinces in the country pursuant to the newly-approved Go Negosyo Act, also known as Republic Act 10644 which seeks to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMes) to create jobs in the country.

Despite integration

Same passport system - DFA

By Cheneen r. Capon

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crc@edgedavao.net

he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has no plan to streamline the process of getting passport despite the upcoming economic integration of 10 Asean countries by 2015.

This is according to DFA spokesperson Charles C. Jose who at-

tended the Forum on the Current Challenges of Philippine Foreign Policy (PFR) at the Finster Auditorium of the Ateneo de Davao University last Friday.

Jose said that passport is essential especially to Filipinos who wanted to work abroad.

FDFA, 10

GROWTH CORRIDOR. Ebb Hinchliffe (right), executive director of American Chamber-Manila, says during a press briefing of the 2nd Joint Foreign Chambers’ Meeting at Park Inn by Radisson Davao Friday afternoon that the First Southern Mindanao Growth Corridor Forum’s main objectives are to show-

case the business potentials of Southern Mindanao and eventually attracts investors and industrialists. Also in photo is Keisuke Nakao, president of Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Lean Daval Jr.

4 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

An old and struggling artist peddles his paintings around Davao City to earn a living for his family. Lean Daval Jr.

Water interruptions D AVAO City Water District has scheduled an eight-hour water cut on August 27 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM affecting some parts of Doña Vicente Village Phase 1 particularly the streets of Telstar, Gemini, Columbia, Viking, Pioneer and Voyager; Tavera extension and a portion of Ruby Street (from Telstar to Surveyor streets).

This water cut is needed to give way to the tapping of the newly installed 100mm diameter Polyvinyl Chloride

(PVC) pipeline to the existing 100mm diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at Gemini Street in Doña Vicenta Village Phase 1.

More new service connections can be accommodated once said project is completed.

Acting general manager edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption. Wa-

FWATER, 10

Cops rescue 8 from human traffickers Z

AMBOANGA CITY – Police and the multi-agency SeaBased Anti-human Trafficking Task Force (SBATTF) rescued eight wouldbe victims of human trafficking in this city.

Zamboanga City police director Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro said the victims were rescued at around 11:30 a.m. Thursday in one of the hotels downtown.

Casimiro said the rescue came after they received information about

the arrival of newly-recruited workers en route to Malaysia.

Casimiro said three of the eight were minors while the others were aged 18 to 22. he said they were recruited in the municipality of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Casimiro said the victims were taken to the Police Station 11 headquarters and were later turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (PNA)

AmCham-Davao seeks incentives

By Cheneen r. Capon crc@edgedavao.net

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he American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines-Davao City is requesting a special incentive package for investors investing in non-PeZA (Philippine economic Zone Authority) Zone.

This is according to Philip Dizon, president of AMChAM- Davao City who said that incentives will encourage more for-

eign investors to come in, especially now that peace and order can be attained through the establishment of the Bangsamoro area.

Dizon said that a proposal to formulate special incentive package will be presented to members of Board of Investments during the 1st Southern Mindano Growth Corridor (SMGC) Investment

Forum at The Marco Polo Davao on Sept 19.

“At present, incentives like tax holiday are only limited to investors venturing in PeZA zone,” Dizon said in a press conference at the Park Radison Inn last Friday.

Investors in PeZA zones can avail of both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. Among the fiscal incentives include income

tax holiday for a certain number of years, which translate to 100 percent exemption from corporate tax ; tax and duty free importation of raw materials, capital equipment, machineries and spare parts while non-fiscal include simplified import-export procedure, extenses visa facilitation assistance to foreign na-

bayan’s decision to uphold the suspension of Senator Juan Ponce enrile with finality,” Drilon said in a statement.

Drilon said the Senate will implement as soon as they receive the official copy of the suspension order.

The Sandiganbayan

Third Division denied on Friday the petition to lift the 90-day preventive suspension filed by enrile for lack of merit. enrile is one of the three senators charged with plunder and graft for allegedly receiving kickbacks from the priority development as-

sistance fund (PDAF) he released to the bogus non-government organizations of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.

Other senators charged with plunder include Senators Jinggoy estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr. (PNA)

FAMCHAM, 10

Senate to abide by Sandiganbayan ruling on Enrile suspension: Drilon S

eNATe President Franklin Drilon said the Senate will abide with the Sandiganbayan’s decision upholding the suspension of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce enrile. ”The Senate will abide by the Sandigan-

THE ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

BFAR to enforce fishing ban strictly By arMando B. FeneQuito Jr.

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he Bureau Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA) will implement the strict enforcement of the fishing ban in Davao Gulf due to the depleting resources of fish in the gulf.

Based on a BFAR study presentation, special attention and strict enforcement will be given near the mouth and eastern portion of the gulf where high concentrations of tuna are found.

The study found during a survey that garbage and debris can be found drifting in the entire gulf.

It said the area is an ideal and potential spawning and breeding ground for tuna and tuna-like fishes.

“This study confirms that tuna spawns inside Davao Gulf where most of them can be found near the mouth of the gulf,” the study said.

It also recommended that the BFAR conduct oceanographic surveys every month for at least one year time to further determine the concentrations and distributions of tuna and other commercially important species to supplement and strengthen the implementation of closed fishing season.

It was also found that the highest distribution of fish larvae was observed in stations near Lupon, Pantukan, Tagum, and Panabo where abundant phytoplankton was also found

especially along 25 meters. high larvae distribution was consistent in these areas based on the result of survey conducted last 2002.

According to the BFARDavao National Stock Assessment Program, small pelagic fish production has declined and has not been sufficient to meet the demand for fish in the region.

It said the gulf is the feeding ground for 11 species of cetaceans, including sperm whales, killer whales, and bottle-nose dolphins, and is a nursing ground for five endangered turtle species, including the hawksbill, the leatherback, and olive Ridley.

“Davao Gulf is a key biodiversity area (KBA) in the Philippines, which is listed

as one of the 34 biodiversity hot spots in the world,” the study said.

The BFAR implemented a closed fishing season from June 27 to August 31 2014 to conserve marine resources and to secure the spawning period of pelagic fishes in the gulf.

In 2012, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 11 confirmed that there has been a decline in fish catch from 2000 to 2010.

It said the depleting fish catch can be attributed to water pollution, destroyed fishing habitat, diminishing sea grass, conversion of mangrove planting areas to recreational resorts, and poor fishing practices in the fish sites.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

EDITORIAL

Stop pandering to the Metro

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he Metro Rail Transit (MRT) seems to be having an unlucky streak, with a derailment just last week followed by several breakdowns that have affected the trains’ operations and inconveniencing hundreds of thousands of commuters in the process – not to mention endangering countless lives whose safety literally hangs in the balance right now. The fault has been pinpointed to MRT employees, although the general sentiment is that the system is being mismanaged and that ultimately it is the government that is to blame. What is clear, however, is that the problem is holistic and cannot be addressed on a piecemeal basis.

The national government has time and again said the solution is simply to raise the fare. Currently, each passenger is subsidized by the government, but if this subsidy is removed then more money can be pumped into the system and allow it to im-

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prove its service. New trains can be purchased and the tracks can be rehabilitated – all benefiting the riding public. Of course the very same people are protesting the plan to raise the fare, saying it will become an additional burden on the working class who are having a difficult time as it is.

For those of us outside Metro Manila, however, this is one increase we can wholeheartedly support. After all, where does the government get the money with which to subsidize the MRT passengers but from our taxes? This means people outside Metro Manila who have not even seen the shadow of a railroad track pay for the fare of the lucky few who get to ride the trains. An increase in MRT fare will not just improve the train system but will free up funds that can then be used for the regions. It is time for government to stop pandering to the Metro and start serving the needs of the entire country.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Photography Contributing Photographer Creative Solutions ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. AQUILES Z. ZONIO ARLENE D. PASAJE CHENEEN R. CAPON Correspondent Cartoons Reporters

the national association of newspapers

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 SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL Supervisor SpecialistFinance A. DELOSO | MarketingFLOREnCE ManagerS. ViLLARin

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

Center of political buzz

TATe OF SUSPeNDeD ANIMATION – With the May 2016 presidential elections barely two years away, the political situation in Davao del Norte has turned incredibly into a wait-andsee mode. Nobody, not even the aspiring political pretenders, leaders and wards in the province have the slightest hint of what’s going to happen in the next few days, weeks, or months.

Re-alignment, merger, or whatever – we will just keep on watching closely at the moment. One thing sure at this stage, though, is that incumbent 2nd district congressman Anton F. Lagdameo, Jr. is clearly the center of attraction. But the apparent silence of the congressman’s camp and its political plans has baffled politically-fascinated political pretenders and the electorate of the entire province.

Although there’s no confirmation yet of Lagdameo’s plan to contest the gubernatorial post to be vacated by Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, he already commands a huge following not only in the 2nd congressional district but throughout the province as well. Congressman Anton probably wields more popularity, power, and influence than any other pretender to the province’s highest post.

With the political season starting to boil stealthily, there is a widespread belief that Lagdameo will make true his plan to expand his role in public service not only in the 2nd district but the entire province as well. The silence and low-profile projection of Congressman Anton is

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indicative of his authority and aptitude during his three terms in Congress. he is now serving his third and final term. It is reflective of his efficiency in government job, to say the least.

M e a n while, for the political contenders seeking the governorship, it is quite a tall order.

As a matter of fact, political strategists and close allies of 1st district representative Anthony del Rosario are now floating the idea that the latter is also keeping a moist eye on the gubernatorial post. Local political pundits say this will not be in accord to the earlier pronouncement of last term Governor RDR to give way to grandson Anton, Jr. in the event he finally decides to contest the most coveted post.

Keen observers suspect that the idea of endorsing the candidacy of second term congressman AGR is a fabrication by vested-interest groups and close aides who fear losing their political clout once a new governor takes over the reins. however, doubts now remain whether or not the latest political maneuvering has the consent of both RDR and AGR. Both the RDR and Lagdameo camps have earli-

er “agreed in principle” to adhere to the deal.

What is expected, though, if the opposite camp reneges in the agreement, is that there will be massive realignment of forces, recruitment of remarkable entrants, and mergers. Moreover, a strengthening of political fortress under the umbrella of a party chosen by former congressman, businessman-philanthropist, and now political kingmaker TonyBoy Floirendo Jr.is more likely to take place. TonyBoy is a nephew of Gov. Del Rosario.

Given the situation, there will be a new configuration of the power base of a Floirendo-led political organization and this would be of great advantage to the political career of TonyBoy’s nephew Anton and his political ambition in 2016.

Considered as the new political kingpin, TonyBoy has cemented his preeminent position as the most persuasive figure in Davao del Norte.

Local political observers predict that in or before October of this year, a surprising announcement will be made about Congressman Anton and TonyBoy’s political plans for the 2016 presidential elections. This will become more and more important especially if the latter decides to concentrate on being one of the candidates, campaign managers, and at the same time the kingmaker. With the present political temperament, it is as if Davao del Norte remains in a state of suspended animation.

The unfortunate fallout of pork

N Monday, August 25, there will be a reprise of the outpouring of indignation about pork during last year’s Million People March at the Luneta.

Corruption attending the cavalier use, misuse, and abuse of pork continues to be a serious concern in increasingly incensed civil society circles, churches, and a public unhappy about unchecked venality.

Punctuating their concern is a general call for everyone to join in commemorating, reenacting, and re-echoing last year’s public disgust.

This mass action is entirely proper and fitting in light of revelations that have already landed three high-profile senators in jail.

The three of course are 1) Juan Ponce enrile, former Senate president and leading member of the tri-party opposition alliance; 2) Sen. Ramon Revilla II, head of the party in power during the Ramos and Arroyo administrations (LAKAS-NUCD-UMDP-KAMPI); and Jinggoy estrada, scion of deposed president erap, who until recently expected to be No. 2 in Jejomar Binay’s 2016 campaign slate. ***** The expectation that dozens more from the house of Representatives will be indicted and jailed lends greater traction to this issue’s unprecedented development.

Given the shocking details so far uncovered from the Janet Lim-Napoles case alone—whose trial hasn’t even begun— this issue promises to be a blockbuster.

It’s all the more momentous now as additional issues emerge with the ill-advised proposals for charter change and term extension, not to mention the contentious debate on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the constitutionality of Malacanang’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

Public anxiety is heightened further by expectations of more revelations about how previous pork barrel allocations were dwarfed by the humongous

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa sums handed to palace favorites under the pork-like DAP. Add to that the lurking fear that the purloined billions, stashed away or banked for timely use, will more thoroughly trash the electoral system and irremediably setback our society. ***** All this affects the social atmosphere in much the same way the aftermath of a nuclear disaster affects the environment: rife with fears of fallout, decay, and contamination.

Pork has poisoned public sensibility. It has shaken our confidence. Our conventional concept of government as well-meaning and protective of the common good is seriously damaged. It is making us more cynical, leery of the leadership class, sarcastic.

In the eyes of many, no congressional district today can claim to be free of graft and corruption and infectious venality.

And because the stench of corruption seems to hover above the heads of congressmen, senators, and the cabinet, more and more people believe rightly or wrongly that no one in Congress or the bureaucracy is clean or honest, that everyone is tainted. ***** It is a very negative perception, reinforced by the conspicuous failure of those who dispensed pork favors and projects to render a proper accounting of what, where, and how the funds were spent.

To top it all, public cynicism is deepened further by the ever-present relics of cavalier spending in our surroundings— vehicles, structures, and billboards with the names of epal pork handlers that no one dares to question or tear down because they’re in power.

These out-of-season campaign para-

phernalia and billboards with epal contents ought really to be removed. They are the handiwork of incumbents with an eye for the 2016 elections.

To add injury to insult, their pork-funded projects are generally substandard: roads with no shoulder or curb, canals with no cover, streets with no drainage or pedestrian walkway, buildings and structures without maintenance. ***** The visibility of these substandard public works on the landscape is a constant reminder of rampant malfeasance—breeding distrust, if not loathing, in decent citizens.

It sours public perception of statecraft and lawmaking as something shameless, dirty, and corrupt—exacerbated by fresh revelations of mischief and the filing of cases that pile-up unresolved because the wheel of justice moves ever so slowly.

So an aura of impunity envelops officialdom—emboldening scofflaws all the more to exploit the slowness of justice and the dysfunctions of government, eroding public morality further.

The diminished respect towards government institutions and the erosion of public confidence are the most grievous fallout of pork-corrupted politics.

It is a reprehensible legacy of indulgent members of Congress. And it is not likely to be rectified anytime soon given the type of persons that cling parasitically to legislative walls on all levels—from Sangguniang Barangay to Municipal and City Councils, to Provincial Boards, and the top echelons.

[Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asian Publishers Association; director, Development Academy of Philippines; member, Phil. Permanent Mission to the U.N.; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Government’s Peace Panel, and PPI-UNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. valdehuesa@ gmail.com]

VANTAGE POINTS

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Mindanao as Jewish ‘state’ (2)

FAST BACKWARD By the archiViSt

J

. e. Jacobs, chief of the Office of Philippine Affairs in Washington mentioned eight reasons why the colonization plan of the Jews would fail. One derogatory statement cited in his memo was the inability of the Jews to adapt Mindanao as their new home. Two other reasons mentioned were the ability to finance the settlers until they could support themselves and the opposition to the idea of injecting, as a whole, a european flavor into “a strictly racially Asian area”.

Jacobs’ opposition quickly made the rounds in Washington and gained adherents. Francis B. Sayre, chair of the Interdepartmental Commission on the Philippines and successor of McNutt in 1939, unkindly labeled Quezon’s offer as an unworkable scheme. In the end, despite the humanitarian expediency involved in the plan, the skeptics in the State Department eventually supported for a revision of the Quezon’s original offer.

The Mindanao resettlement plan would later reach the Intergovernmental Committee on Political Refugees (IGC) on Jan. 26, 1939, adopting mostly Quezon’s amended recommendations. Mindanao, then and now, is home to the country’s Muslim population.

The President and the Commonwealth always believed that a program to settle large numbers of Jews in Mindanao would help further the plans to resettle Filipinos from the northern areas of Luzon and Visayas. The optimism the resettlement would stimulate the economy in the south and protect the area from Muslim dominance and Japanese infiltration.

Consequently, the plan graduated to “studying, locating and purchasing suitable plantation lands” in the South.

On Jan. 23, 1939 a meeting was convened; Charles Liebman from the Refugee economic Committee in New York, Phillip and Morris Frieder of the Jewish Refugee Committee in Manila, and Jacobs and Achilles from the Office of Philippine Affairs attended the gathering. It was agreed in the State Department commitment to send a scientific mission of experts to Mindanao to further study and develop the plan. A radiogram from the commission in Manila addressed to the US department conveyed a brief summary of the final report, saying “several hundred thousand acres” were available for “large scale european settlement” on the Bukidnon Plateau.

Told of the impending crisis in Shanghai, Quezon expounded on his promise to give lands by assuring the Mindanao exploration Commission that it could have all the land it needed, “not only for the 10,000 persons, but for 30 or 50,000 and that he would personally see to it that thousands of hectares more of private leased lands would be surrendered to us by transfer”, saying the effort is “a distinct benefit to the country as well as a haven for the refugees.”

The commission in its Oct. 2, 1939 report to James G. McDonald, chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Political Refugees, recommended “that negotiations be undertaken at once” to purchase lands in Mindanao for the “establishment of a refugee colonization project.”

But the suggestion was squelched by J. e.

Jacobs, chief of the Office of Philippine Affairs in Washington and Francis B. Sayre, chair of the Interdepartmental Commission on the Philippines. But Under-Secretary of State Welles, one of FDR’s most trusted advisors, enabled the project to proceed and negotiations for the purchase of the Day and Worcester Ranches on Mindanao began in October 1939. While waiting for the land title, some serious obstacles arose in the National Assembly where Quezon’s annual national quota of 1,000 Jews was opposed.

Last August 7, 2014, President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the premier screening of the documentary “Rescue in the Philippines: Refuge from the holocaust” at the Rizal hall of the Malacañan Palace showing how the Philippines became asylum of approximately 1,300 Jews who escaped Nazi tyranny during World War II.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

DFA... FFROM 3

At present there are millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in more than 170 countries.

The DFA spokesperson said that there is one in every 10 Filipinos that is an OFW. At present, it would take 7 to 14 processing days in DFA’s central office in Manila before an applicant can get a passport. This takes longer in regional offices. In Davao City, it would take 10 to 20 processing days before an applicant can acquire a passport.

“Mas matagal pag sa mga regional offices kasi we need to consider the time being used when passports are

Water... FFROM 4

transported from the central office to regional offices,” Jose said in an interview with reporters.

During his presentation at the forum, Jose said that in 2013, DFA was able to issue 2.7 million passports nationwide.

Jose said that even there’s no plan to streamline the process of getting passport, DFA is already establishing mall-based offices to serve more of their clients.

In Davao City, DFA extended its services when it started its operation on the fourth floor of SM City ecoland last year. CRC

ter supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call

Center through the 24hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae R. Garcia)

tionals; special visa multiple entry privileges. eBB hinchcliffe, executive director of American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines- Manila chaper, said that less than 50 American companies are already operating here in Mindanao.

“We will allow BOI formulate what they can offer,” Dizon said, adding that about 150 participants composed of investors from Cebu, Manila and Canada will be attending the one-day forum for the business matching. he said that the Gil Dureza, regional director of BOI, is positive that it can formulate special package for investors in the SMGC area stretching from Davao City to General Santos City.

On the other hand,

John Tria, event organizer of the forum, said that the forum will be attended companies with interests in diverse fields including finance, infrastructure and property development, power and utilities, agriculture and business process outsourcing.

“All system go for SMGC,” Tria said, adding that they are planning to conduct the investment forum annually.

The forum was organized by AMChAM, european Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Japanese Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and european Chamber of Commerce.

The investment forum is also organized in preparation of the 2015 Asean economic Integration. CRC

stint and immediately issued a memo preventing them to play or be slapped with suspension.

Without Ferriols in the middle, the hoteliers had to settle with import Mike harry and gangling giant Mark Andaya. They had an undersized frontline with Marvin hayes, Mark Yee, JR Gerilla and

Dealers haul fish buckets onto a cart before delivering them to retailers at the fish section of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Solon wants break for individual taxpayers A

taxes are the lifeblood of the government and should be collected without necessary hindrance, the government should in turn help improve the lives of the people paying these taxes.

“Without taxes, the government would be paralyzed for lack of motive power to activate and operate it. The government for its part is expected to respond in the form of tangible and intangible benefits intended to improve the lives of the people and enhance their moral and material values,” Leonardia said.

he said according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the poverty incidence in the country was 28.8 percent in 2006, 28.6 percent in 2009, and 27.9 percent in the first semester of 2012.

“Looking closely at this data, the poverty incidence from 2006 to 2012 has barely improved. The government should enact a law to reduce the burden of the people and alleviate their economic condition,” said Leonardia, a vice chairman of the house Committee on Transportation. (PNA)

We will... FFROM 16

he coconut industry of this town is still on the road to recovery after super typhoon Yolanda damaged the major source of living, an official of the Philippine Coconut Agency (PCA) said.

The PCA has already started the recovery phase for coconut rehabilitation.

So far, its replanting program has already replaced more than 20,000 trees. hermogenes Martinada, the town’s coconut development officer, said they are targeting to finish the replanting program in

the next six months.

The official hopes to get an immediate financial support from the national government to fast track the recovery of coconut industry.

“The economy in this town will recover since the coconut industry is the major source of living for 95 percent of residents here,” Martinada said.

In terms of debris clearing, 15 percent of farms have been cleared and they are still conducting the activity in other areas.

Billy Rocol, in sharing

his experience, said that it was hard for him and his family to move forward since coconut planting is their only means of livelihood. he added that it affected their status in life. he decided to look for another job for the sake of his family. Now, he drives a motorcycle, but the number of passenger decreased since many people have no money.

Out of 900,000 coconut trees in Dagami, around 750,000 were totally damaged. (PNA)

and Ian Sangalang.

Ferriols begged off at the last minute after he hooked up with new PBA team NLeX Road Warriors. The hoteliers were also set to parade current PBA players led by former MVP Willie Miller, Ryan Araña, John Wilson and Vic Manuel but the PBA got wind of their

hafer Mondragon.

It was only after two games that the coaching staff realized harry does not play with his back against the basket and is more effective off the dribble from the high post. “We had to recreate our plays. I am not a sucker for Flex plays but I have no choice but to do

it because that’s the only way to play harry,” said Leuterio. he also admitted their backcourt is not as solid with only former GlobalPort quarterback Celino Cruz as pure point guard.

Will he be back?

“If management calls me back to coach, I will be back. Glenn (es-

candor) and Bong (Go) knows what we had to do to win our last three games,” said Leuterio, a disciple of Chicago Bulls coach Tim Thibodou’s push defense.

Leuterio is backed up on the bench by assistants Miggy Solitaria, Mark Bonifacio and Cadel Mosqueda.

AmCham...FFROM 4

neophyte lawmaker is seeking to increase the personal exemption for individual taxpayers to P100,000 from the present P50,000 so that the government can reduce the burden of the people and alleviate their economic condition.

Rep. evelio R. Leonardia (Lone District, Bacolod City) made the proposal through house Bill 4705, which seeks to amend Section 35 (A) of Republic Act 8424, as amended by RA 9504, otherwise known as the “National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.”

Leonardia said while

Leyte town coco industry slowly recovers from typhoon damage T

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications land transportation FranChisinG and reGulatorY Board Regional Office No. XI Davao City

petition for increase of unit to operate a th FreiGht truCK service neo transport Corp.

Petitioner Case no.2002-Xi-01306

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x notiCe oF hearinG

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of Th Freight Truck Service on the route. WIThIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACe TO ANY POINT IN MINDANAO ACCeSSIBLe TO MOTOR VehICLe TRAFFIC AND VICe VeRSA with the use of ONe (1) unit, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting up to July 11, 2017. In the petition filed on August 8, 2014, 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 SePTeMBeR 8, 2014 at 9:30 a.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 8th day of August 2014 at Davao City. teresita dela peÑa-YÑiGueZ

Chief Transportation Development Officer

11 HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

GLAUCOMA: OUT OF SIGHT By arMando a. MorteJo

(Author’s Note: The Philippines observes August as Sight-Saving Month. About one million Filipinos are blind in one or both eyes.)

G

eORGe thought it wasn’t really a big problem when he woke up one Sunday morning with his right eye feeling sore, heavy, and itchy. It’ll get better once I wash my face, he thought while examining his reddish eye in the bathroom mirror. “I took it lightly because the pain and itchiness were still tolerable,” George recalled.

Since he was already scheduled for a party with his family and friends that day, he still went along. everyone was enjoying, but it was a different story for George: his vision suddenly became blurred in his right eye, and everything he looked as was foggy.

The following day, George immediately went to a hospital and consulted a doctor, who advised him to be hospitalized for further examination. The doctor’s diagnosis: glaucoma.

“I was totally shocked.

I never thought it would happen to me,” the 63-year-old journalist said.

More shocking is the fact that glaucoma is so widespread in the country. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness across Asia, topping the list in hong Kong and coming a close second to cataracts in the Philippines.

In Singapore, glaucoma

accounts for 20 percent of blindness.

Glaucoma is expected to become more prevalent, with the number of aging population in the region increasing. “Glaucoma affects three percent of all adults above 40 years old,” says Dr. Gerard Chuah, a senior eye surgeon at the Mt. elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore.

Unfortunately, half the people with glaucoma don’t know they have it because the condition usually destroys eyesight without warning and often without symptoms.

“It’s a slow, gradual disease that often goes undetected,” says Dr. Manolette Roque, a consultant ophthalmologist at the Asian hospital and Medical Center.

Unlike other eye diseases such as cataracts or retinal detachments in which some amount of vision can be restored after successful surgery, blindness due to glaucoma is “irreversible,” warns Dr. Chuah.

“Glaucoma occurs when an imbalance in production and drainage of fluid in the eye (called aqueous humor) increases eye pressure to unhealthy levels,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

In his book, A Patient’s Guide to Glaucoma and Glaucoma Treatment, Dr. Chuah offers this brief explanation: “In the normal eye ball, aqueous humor is constantly produced and it circulates throughout the anterior chamber of the eye, providing

nutrients and removing waste products from the interior structures of the eyes.

“In order to maintain a constant eye pressure, the aqueous humor produced must be drained out at about the same rate as it is produced. The drainage of the aqueous humor occurs at the drainage angle of the anterior chamber (also called the filtration angle),” Dr. Chuah further explains.

The production of aqueous humor is normally constant. however, if there is a decrease in the drainage of the fluid in the eye, there will be a buildup of eye pressure.

The result: glaucoma.

“The eyeball, like any structure within the body, exists in a relatively constant environment,” Dr. Chuah says. “The pressure within the eye ball is very important as it determines the amount of blood flow within the eye ball.”

There are two types of glaucoma: acute and chronic. If you feel sudden eye pain, it may be a signal that you have an acute form of glaucoma that can lead to blindness.

Acute glaucoma can occur when the drainage canal from the eyeball is suddenly closed off and the fluid pressure builds rapidly, says Dr. Kevin Greenidge, a member of the glaucoma service at the New York eye and ear Infirmary.

Along with intense pain, you may have blurred vision and see rainbow halos around lights. Some people also

experience nausea and vomiting. This condition may be relieved promptly, but you must get to a hospital as soon as possible.

“Acute glaucoma is an ocular emergency. If not treated immediately, acute glaucoma results in complete and permanent blindness within two to five days,” says Dr. Tony ho, an eye surgeon with the Clearvision eye Clinic in Singapore.

But here’s the good news: acute glaucoma is rare. About 90 percent of those with the problem suffer from chronic glaucoma, touted to be the “sneak thief of sight.”

Chronic glaucoma happens when the drainage canals in the eyes are blocked gradually and slowly.

Symptoms include teary, aching eyes, blurred vision, occasional headaches, and progressive loss of sight.

Since chronic glaucoma attacks slowly, most people do not realize they have the problem until the disease has affected both eyes or they have an eye exam. That’s what happened to 45-year-old Jonathan. his optometrist found high eye pressure and immediately referred him to an ophthalmologist.

At the eye clinic, the ophthalmologist dilated Jonathan’s eyes and examined the optic nerve with a hand-held ophthalmoscope. he discovered the patient had moderately advanced glaucoma.

Jonathan was surprised by the diagnosis but realized he had been bumping into things more

often. “It’s as if I’m looking at the world through a long, narrow tunnel,” he recalled.

Most types of glaucoma cannot be cured but can be controlled. “Glaucoma is a lifelong disease that requires constant follow-up by an eye surgeon,” Dr. Chuah points out.

Although advancing age is the biggest risk factor, glaucoma can strike anyone. “Family history of glaucoma, especially first degree relatives, is one of the major risk factors for developing glaucoma later in life,” says Dr. Liza Sharmini Ahmad Tajudin, a lecturer of the ophthalmology department at the Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang.

“It is recommended that people above the age of 40 years old – particularly those with strong family history of glaucoma –have an eye examination once every 3 to 5 years,” Dr. Chuah suggests.

Smoking, extended use of steroids, extreme nearsightedness (myopia), and previous eye surgery also increase the risk of glaucoma. Diseases that affect blood flow to the optic nerve like diabetes, high blood pressure, and migraine are also risk factors for glaucoma. Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that affects breathing and reduces oxygen thereby distressing the optic nerve, is another risk factor.

The treatment for glaucoma depends on the type of glaucoma diag-

nosed, but generally eye surgeons will first lower the raised eye pressures with eye drops and/or medication.

“It is important that eye drops are applied correctly,” Dr. Chuah says. “Many times, the eye surgeon thinks that treatment with eye drops has failed, when actually the patient has not been compliant with the eye drops or the patient has failed to apply the eye drops properly.”

When the eye pressure is very high or the rise in eye pressure is very acute, oral tablets or intravenous injection of medication is necessary.

Oftentimes, medications have side effects like increased urination, headache, and nausea.

In cases where eye drops and drugs do not stop deterioration in the field of vision, surgical treatments become the treatment option of choice. Trabeculectomy, the most commonly performed surgery for glaucoma, was developed in the 1950’s and the actual surgical technique has not changed much since that time. “however, there are ongoing modifications of surgical techniques to ensure greater safety and lower failure rates of surgery,” says Dr. Chuah.

Surgical treatments are often performed with a local anesthetic and may require only a short hospital stay. “The main purpose of surgery is to lower the eye pressure to acceptable levels, thereby preventing further optic nerve damage and arresting visual loss caused by the glaucoma,” explains Dr. Chuah.

Among the more promising treatments for glaucoma are gene therapies designed to relieve fluid pressure that leads to optic nerve damage in the eye or to protect the nerve from such damage.

Another potential therapy involves newly discovered natural molecules that act to regenerate nerve cell growth in the optic nerve, thereby promoting vision recovery.

Many new glaucoma drugs – with higher potency and lesser side effects – have been introduced recently.

In the laser front, newer laser that causes less destruction to the target tissue has already been launched. “The results have been promising,” reports Dr. Steve Seah, senior consultant and head of the glaucoma service at the Singapore National eye Center.

Still, early detection and treatment of glaucoma before it causes major vision loss is the best way to control the disease, points out Dr. Roque.

12 CLASSIFIED

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Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Glorious food and joyful merrymaking Durianburg’s foodies were once again treated to a spread of some of Davao’s best gourmet treats at the Davao gourmet Collective (DgC) at the Fountain Court grounds of sM Lanang Premier last august 15th through to the 17th.

This iteration of the Davao gourmet Collective marks one year of the collective which was first organized by sM Lanang Premier during the 2013 Kadayawan Festival. Drawing from the success of last year’s event, DgC aims to help promote food tourism in Davao City and attract thousands of food connoisseurs not only from the local scene but from across the Philippines and overseas to join the city’s festivities.

The event had a community vibe and given Davao City’s fast-growing foodie community that was eager to try new gastronomic creations, the Davao gourmet Food Collective was abuzz with friends and families coming together to share a meal or two or, in my case, three, while enjoying the merriment of Kadayawan.

The food festival had a wide choice of purveyors serving street eats and treats from the world over. Hog’s breath Café had different chips and dips, Cellar de boca served their famous steak empanadas, while backyard burgers fired up the grill with delicious artisan burgers.

Those who are not too conscious with their cholesterol level went gaga over the crispy bagnet and ilokano Empanadas of Cucina ilocana. also present is Kushiya Japanese Food with their irresistibly delicious Yakitori and El gato’s finger-licking Maple Whiskey glazed babyback ribs, Mexican grilled Corn and Chunky new England Clam Chowder in a

FGLORIOUS, A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

UP AND ABOUT

SM Advantage Card and AIG tie-up

WiTH the recent tie up between the American insurance group (Aig) and the SM Advantage, shoppers can now enjoy shopping thru rewards points and getting insured thru Aig. The tie-up was recently formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement signed by the American insurance group (Aig) President and CEO Mark Lwin and Aig SAVP for Accident and Health Tess Caraan with SM Advantage President Baldwin golangco and SM Advantage SAVP for Loyalty Program Cristina Schneck at the Philam Tower in Makati City. With this, one can now get insured at the American insurance group using their SM Advantage Card, and SM Prestige Card points.

Shoppers may opt- in to avail the Aig insurance plan. SM Advan-

SM Advantage recently formalized their tie up with the American Insurance Group (AIG) in a Memorandum of Agreement signed by SM Advantage President Baldwin Golangco and AIG President & CEO Mark Lwin with SM Advantage SAVP for Loyalty Program Cristina Schneck and AIG SAVP for Accident and Health Tess Caraan. The partnership allows SM Advantage and Prestige Card members to be insured with AIG using their points.

tage Cardholders who have accumulated 70 rewards points are automatically enrolled to the Aig Personal Accident insurance Program for one year. Twenty rewards points will be enrolled to avail the Personal Accident insurance Program for one year. The Accident

insurance Package includes Accidental death and Disability Benefit and Accidental burial expense reimbursement.

While SM Prestige Cardholders who have accumulated 100 rewards points is automatically enrolled to the Aig Personal Ac-

cident and Travel insurance Program for one year. Forty rewards points will be enrolled to avail the Personal Accident insurance Program and Travel insurance program for one year. This includes and upgraded Personal Accident insurance up tp P150,000, Travel

inconvenience benefit for a maximum of 15 days and Medical Expense reimbursement. Members must be between 18 and 70 years old.

There are also lot of insurance program that members can choose from such as income Protector Plan, Hospital Advantage Plan and Prime Care Advantage Plan. Simply shop and earn points at the SM Store and other SM retail stores include SM Supermarket, ACE Hardware, Watsons, Toy Kingdom, Sports Central, Our Home, Uniqlo, Forever 21, SM Appliance Center, Kultura Filipino, Suiteblanco, Stefanel, and L’indochine.

For more info, visit www.smadvantage.com.ph or simply download the My SMAC mobile app on your smartphone available in App Store and google Play.

Top dance crews advance to the regional rounds of Smart Jump In Dance-Off 2 sMart JuMP in DanCE-OFF 2, the biggest interschool dance competition of the country, is set to intensify the battle on the dance floor as it welcomes a total of 72 dance crews to the regional rounds, where they are all set to clash for a muchcoveted slot to the finals.

The regional qualifiers consist of the top 20 dance groups from elementary and top 26 dance groups each for high school and college levels from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, which stood out from among hundreds of online video auditions for their artistic merit , technical merit, and musicality.

Remarkable talent and creativity “We are overwhelmed by the deluge of entries this year, which showcase the remarkable level of talent and creativity of the youth,” said Joel Lumanlan, smart Prepaid head. “as the competition heats up, we hope to further stir up the passion of the youth for street dancing and expose them to their talented counterparts from all over the country,” he added. top dancers Lema Diaz of Philippine allstars, Jon supan of the Maneuvers, and Paolo alcera of smart streetdance Crew sat on the panel of judges, not-

Get the new Huawei Ascend P7 first from Globe Telecom

Smart Jump In Dance-Off 2 panel of judges Paolo Alcera of Smart Streetdance Crew, Lema Diaz of Philippine AllStars and Jon Supan of the Maneuvers note the impressive level of talent in the country’s biggest interschool dance competition this year. ing this year’s impressive are set to battle it out besmart subscribers may fore the public in different text KEYWOrD<space entries. “smart Jump in Dance- venues across the country: >POLL<space>assigned Off 2 is truly much bigger sM iloilo on aug. 24; sM letter code of dance crew and better this year not rosales and sM Cagayan then send to 9977. For the only for the sheer number de Oro on aug. 30; sM complete list of the keyof audition videos we had Davao – annex, sM Cebu words and codes, simply to sift through, but also and sM Dasmarinas on go to www.smart.com.ph/ because of the great pas- sept 6; and sM north danceoff2 or follow the ofsion of the students that Edsa and sM Mall of asia ficial smart Jump in Facewas quite evident in their on sept. 7. book page on www.faceroutines,” said Diaz. smart Prepaid and book.com/smartJumpin.

“They are all very tal- Postpaid users may also From among all the ented and competitive, root for their favorite qualifiers, the top four and i think in the next lev- team via text votes, which teams in the elementary el of competition, it shall form 10 percent of the to- level and the top eight all go down to which team tal score for the regional teams each in high school wants it (title) more. We rounds, along with the and college levels shall adwish them all good luck,” criteria on visual artistic vance to the smart Jump expression (30 percent), in Dance-Off 2 finals at said supan. technical execution (30 the smart-araneta ColiPublic performances percent) and musicality seum on October 5, 2014 and overall effectiveness for a shot to win over P4 and text voting million worth of prizes.

The regional qualifiers (30 percent).

PrOViNg its strong partnership with the world’s leading handset manufacturers, globe Telecom announces the availability of the new Huawei Ascend P7 in its suite of fully-customizable postpaid plans, making the postpaid leader the first telco in the country to offer the latest Huawei handset to the Philippine market.

At Plan 1299, postpaid customers can get the Huawei Ascend P7 for free, complete with 3gB of mobile surfing, 35 minutes of calls to all networks, and 700 texts to all networks monthly.

As part of the postpaid plan package, customers are also entitled to free gadget Care coverage for one month, free access to Spotify Premium for six months, plus 2-year warranty, limited edition monopod and 4800mAh powerbank for the complete device experience.

“Once again, globe proves that it is the preferred telco partner of global device manufacturers as we get first dibs to carry the new Huawei Ascend P7 in the Philippines. With a globe postpaid plan, customers can maximize the amazing features of Huawei Ascend P7 backed by a modern globe network that enables them to enjoy fast mobile surfing and superior quality of calls and texts,” said raul Macatangay, Vice President for Postpaid Business and Devices at globe.

“We are happy to enter into another partnership with globe Telecom to launch the Huawei Ascend P7 in the country. As a long-term partner, Huawei is delighted to provide globe customers with the 4g LTE-enabled Huawei Ascend P7 that once again challenges existing industry standards by redefining smartphone design, camera experience, and connectivity, to provide people with an unprecedented mobile experience,” added Charles Wu, country consumer device head of Huawei Philippines.

The Ascend P7 redefines smartphone excellence, with an edge provided by high-end features, ultra-fast connectivity, and a beautifully crafted design that puts it in a class of its own. Once you use it, you’ll discover the many ways in which the Ascend P7 redefines the smartphone experience, both inside and out.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTErTAiNMENT

Kapuso stars descend for Kadayawan 2014 celebrations Kapuso Network. They have consistently showed support of gMA’s local and national programs in the viewer-rich area of the south. As a way of giving back and expressing solidarity with them especially on the occa-

By Kenneth Irving Ong

SOUTHErN MiNDANAO’S biggest festival became brighter as gMA regional TV brings in some of the network’s biggest and brightest stars to celebrate the Kadayawan Festival.

The festivities started on August 15 with Taste Buddies’ Solenn Heussaff who graced a meet and greet at the Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier. A mall show featuring kapuso actors rocco Nacino and rafael rosell at the Activity Center of the NCCC Mall of Davao followed later that evening.

On August 16, the stars of gMA’s top rating afternoon prime time series Dading joined the city’s revelry. Led by gabby Eigenmann, glaiza de Castro and Chynna Ortaleza, the gMA stars filled the Atrium of the gaisano Mall of Toril.

On the same night, gabby, glaiza and Chynna also visited the Atrium of the gaisano Mall of Davao to join the cast of My Destiny for another exciting Kapuso Fiesta mall show which doubles

as a promo tour. Joining them were Tom rodriguez, rhian ramos, and ruru Madrid.

The cast of Dading and My Destiny eventually made their way downtown to bond with their Dabawenyo fans at the Kapuso Meet and greet and Kapuso Street Party at the corner of San Pedro and Bolton streets.

The next day, August 17, Thea Tolentino, Andre Paras, and JC Tiuseco of

The Half Sisters together with Dennis Trillo from the upcoming original medical drama series Sa Puso ni Dok bannered a Kapuso Mall Show at 4PM at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall.

Capping off the Kadayawan celebrations, a Kapuso Fiesta featuring gMA Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and his Ang Dalawang Mrs. real co-actors Lovi Poe, rodjun Cruz, and Marc

Abaya was held at the Annex of SM City Davao as a grand culmination of the three-day stellar fete devoted to the Kapusong Dabawenyos.

“This year, gMA Network takes pride to be part of the Kadayawan festival, an important celebration in Mindanao. gMA’s contingent is led by no less than the Primetime King Dingdong Dantes. That’s how much Dabawenyos mean to the

the character Prock on Hulu animated original The Awesomes, the superhero series he executive produces and co-created with Mike Shoemaker.

Widely recognized as the longest serving anchor on iconic Saturday Night Live segment “Weekend Update,” the Northwestern University alum also served as head writer for SNL for 9 of his 13 seasons with the series.

Meyers won a Primetime

Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for SNL host Justin Timberlake’s musical monologue in 2011 and has 10 additional Emmy nominations for television writing to his credit. Earlier today, Meyers was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2014.

Critics forecasting what a Meyers-helmed Emmys show might be like may look to his turns hosting the 2010 and 2011 ESPY Awards on ESPN — and perhaps his appearance at the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner — all of which garnered solid reviews.

The 66th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on NBC, Monday, August 25th at 8:00am Manila time, from the Nokia Theatre L.A. live in Los Angeles.

sion of Kadayawan, we’ve brought our biggest stars here to offer non-stop entertainment,” shares Oliver Amoroso, gMA Network, inc.’s Head for integrated Marketing Services (iMS) Division / AVP for regional TV.

Seth Myers to host Emmy Awards

LATE NigHT talk star Seth Meyers is set to host the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards telecast, live coastto-coast on NBC on August 25.

“Seth’s expertise and ease in front of a live audience during his time at ‘SNL,’ as well as his comedic brilliance both as a writer and in front of the camera, makes him the perfect choice to host the Emmys,” said Paul Telegdy, President, Late Night and Alternative Programming, NBC Entertainment. “Plus, with Don’s vast experience at putting these type of big productions together, we’ll be in great hands.”

“Seth is such a talented performer and writer, and we know he will bring something unique to hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards,” said Bruce rosenblum, Chairman and CEO

of the Television Academy.

“We are also excited to welcome Don back this year and very much look forward to their collaboration as we celebrate television’s biggest night during one of the most transformative years in Television Academy history.”

Primetime Emmy winner Meyers took over hosting duties on NBC’s Late Night in February following Jimmy Fallon’s jump to the Tonight Show. He also voices

TALK BACK AND YOU'RE DEAD James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Joseph Marco PG 13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

PLANES 2 Dane Cook, Julie Bowen GP

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

THE EXPENDABLES 3 / *TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES R-16

PG 13 / * PG 13

Sylvester Stallone / * Megan Fox, Johnny Knoxville 12:10 | 2:45 LFS / * 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

RUROUNI KENSHIN 2 Takeru Satoh R 13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

EVENT

Glorious... FFROM A1

Call: 224-0733 • Tionko St., Davao City

bread bowl. also flying off El gato’s shelves were their bacon Jam. Carmina del rosario’s bangkok Wok was also another crowd favourite with its many thai street eats such as bangkok Wok’s crispy fried tung thong, angus beef, bacon and shrimp sate, and the popular and sinful Crispy Pork Knuckle

Curry. adding a bit of Latin flavour was Yvonne garcia’s La bodeguita and annie garcia and Claudia renon’s Qibus. the massive Paella from La bodeguita never fails to draw a crowd while the lines of eager diners never seem to end at Qibus with their newto-Davao flavours. i especially loved their Pa-

tron, Quibus’ version of a soft meaty taco with a refreshing finish that left me reaching over to grab another one. sweet tooths had a field day thanks Jonathan ramirez’s Jr Pastry with their Mini Cupcake shooters as well as other baked treats and Crocodile ice Cream with their trademark crocodile egg-

based confections. Personally i loved the crisp on the outside and soft on the inside Funnel Cakes which taste like a more sinful version of a doughnut, only better.

Follow me on Instagram or on twitter @ kennethkingong for more travel tips, foodie finds and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 13

Mulatto A rules 7th Dabaw Summit

D

eFeNDING champion Mulatto A of Davao City defeated

South Side Guerillas, 10-8 in the finals to bag its fourth straight Pool A title

URGENT HIRING sales engineer

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Male, not more than 30 years old • With pleasing personality • Licensed Electrical Engineer or BSEE Graduate • Computer Literate with above Interpersonal/ communications skills • Can drive and with driver’s license but not necessary • Willing to travel outside Davao City • Honest, Result Oriented and can work under pressure with minimum supervision • Preferably excellent in oral and written communication • With Excellent Health

in the 7th Dabaw Summit Frisbee tournament held Aug. 16-17 at the e Park in Tagum City.

Mulatto A composed of playing team owner Daisy Jane Cimafranca, Drian Verdepreado, Jeffrey Yee, Vincent Balucanag, Bryle Quimintan, Pedmars Alfeche, Carlos Montejo, Ben Weling, Joan Coleen Lim, Mai Dublin, hygeia Sevilla, Lien Verdeprado, Sara Werling, Reanne Abitona and team

captain Joie Monterola entered the finals by beating the Davao Disc Squad, 10-8.

Mulatto A started its title-retention campaign by also crushing DDS, 11-5 in the elimination round.

Mulatto A then routed Animers, 10-4; Panabo 11-1; Nabunturan, 11-0; GhG, 11-2; TUP, 11-0; and UMM, 9-4.

Mulatto B led by Nelson Cañedo settled for

second runner-up followed by DDS. Mulatto B was also played by Kaiser Basil, Ading Villafranca, Jayar Dancel, Nico Moreno, Dave Cura, In-In Ampong, Khyrrah Tuvilla, Sheng Obra, Rizalyn Robles, Gladys Oliverio, Chai Barug and Jean Lim. Nabunturan went home with the Most Spirited Team award.

Mulatto A’s Mai Dublin was adjudged as the

Female Most Valuable Player while SSG’s Kawee Tolentino took the Male MVP plum. The Finals MVP were SSG’s Piolox Devera (male) and Mulatto A’s Sara Werling (female).

The Mythical 7 was composed of Nabunturan’s Amor, UMM’s Glaiza and Master, Mulatto B’s Khyrrah Tuvilla, DDS’ Boom-Boom, Mulatto A’s Bryle Quimintan and SSG’s Carlo.

Please apply in person with your application letter, resume, transcript of record, certificates and 2 x 2 ID picture at:

CEBU TRISTAR CORPORATION

Door # 3, Go Chi Ping Bldg. 161MC Arthur Highway Matina, Davao City Tel. Nos. (082) 2976727 & 2976951 Fax No. (082) 2971155 You may e-mail your RESUME with your credentials at brenn.tristar@yahoo.com Distributor/Dealer of: “PHILEC/SHIHLIN” Power & Distribution Transformers, “LSIS” Breakers, Starters & Controls, “SHCNEIDER” Medium & Low Voltage Products, Switchgears, MPD, Panelboard, ATS/MTS, VFD/Speed Controllers, Soft Starters, “ERICO” Lightning & Surge Protections, “TRITECH/HOLLEY” KWHR Meters, Electric Motors, Lighting Fixtures, Conduit Pipes & Fittings and other electrical products.

CHAMPION AGAIN. The Mulatto A won its fourth title in the 7th Dabaw Summit held last Aug. 16-17 at the E-Park in Tagum City. (1st row ) Drian Verdeprado, Jeffrey Yee, Vincent Balucanag, Joie Monterola, Bryle Quimintan,

Pedmars Alfeche, Carlos Montejo, Ben Werling ( 2nd row) Joan Coleen Lim, Mai Dublin, Hygeia Sevilla, Lien Verdeprado, Daisy Jane Cimafranca, Sara Werling, Reanne Abitona. SCOOP PHOTO

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

Rose leads USA past Puerto Rico 112-86

D

eRRICK Rose earned a spot on the final 12-man US roster of NBA stars for the Basketball World Cup after helping the Americans rip Puerto Rico 112-86 Friday.

Rose sat out an exhibition victory two nights earlier over the Dominican Republic and there was concern about him after his having missed most of the past two NBA seasons due to knee surgeries.

But Rose had a strong effort with six points and four assists in 13 minutes at Madison Square Garden and was among those named to the final US lineup by coach Mike Krzyzewski and US national team managing director Jerry Colangelo.

Damian Lillard, Kyle Korver, Gordon hayward and Chandler Parsons were trimmed from the lineup early Saturday to slice the American roster to the 12-man limit needed by next Friday, the eve of the start of the global showdown in Spain.

“The first thing is we are very pleased with the overall effort of every player who was a part of the process,” said Krzyzewski. “To select 12 was difficult because our pool is so good.

“I’m excited about the 12 players selected and feel we have excellent versatility and the makings of a really good defensive team.”

Chicago standout Rose will be joined by Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Sacramento’s Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins, Cleveland guard Kyrie Irving, houston guard James harden, Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, Detroit’s Andre Drummond, Denver’s Kenneth Faried and Brooklyn’s Mason Plumlee.

LEADER. Derrick Rose will be the main man for Team USA.

SLICING THE MIDDLE. Bong Go changes his shot in midair during Game 2 of the City Hall Executive Oldies-ABC series. The Execs took a commanding 2-0 series lead. Lean Daval Jr.

US picks 12-man roster T

he U.S. has picked the 12 players it believes can defend its world basketball title.

The Americans kept Derrick Rose and cut AllStar Damian Lillard and three others early Saturday morning, getting their roster down to the limit for the FIBA World Cup of Basketball.

Though team officials had previously said they might carry extra players when

they left for Spain on Saturday, and final rosters aren’t due until next Friday, the Americans decided there was no need to wait.

Kyle Korver, Gordon hayward and Chandler Parsons also were cut, shortly after the Americans beat Puerto Rico 112-86 in their final home exhibition game.

“Since taking over the USA Basketball men’s national team program in

2005, this was without doubt the most difficult selection process we’ve gone through,” USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said in a statement. “I can’t stress enough the outstanding effort and commitment that has been given by each finalist.

“I also want to make it clear that this is not just about talent — each player is incredibly talented and each player offered us

unique skills. In the end it was about assembling the best team, selecting guys who we felt would be able to best play the kind of style we envision this team playing.”

The rest of the roster is: Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, James harden, Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins, Klay Thompson, Andre Drummond, Rudy Gay, DeMar DeRozan, Kenneth Faried and Mason Plumlee.

superstar playmaker.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, eSPN and USA Today reported Friday that details of a threeteam trade have been agreed upon, but the deal cannot be completed

til Saturday due to NBA rules regarding the contract of June’s top overall NBA Draft pick, Andrew Wiggins.

The Cavaliers would send Wiggins, 2013 top choice Anthony Bennett and a future first-round draft pick to Minnesota in exchange for Love, who will provide the inside size and strength to combine with four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James and guard Kyrie

Irving.

Irving signed a longterm deal with the Cavaliers just before James agreed to leave Miami and return to his homeland club last month.

James won two NBA titles and led the heat to the finals two other times in four seasons with guard Dwayne Wade and forward Chris Bosh as the core “Big Three” around which the Miami roster was built.

New ‘Big Three’emerging in Cleveland N

BA star center Kevin Love was expected to be traded Saturday to the Cleveland Cavaliers, joining US Olympic teammate LeBron James in a new “Big Three” for the

un-

VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Batang Gilas downs Qatar Spiker’s Island B 2014 set Sept. 7 ATANG Gilas came back from 15 points down in the fourth quarter to steal an 8279 win over Qatar in the second group stage of the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship in Doha.

The home team looked like it was on its way to getting its second victo-

ry of the tournament but the brave young Filipinos refused to let the game escape their grasp.

Facing a 68-53 deficit with 7:43 left in the game, Batang Gilas rode on the shooting of Dave Wilson Yu who exploded for 16 points in the match after averaging only 2.5 in their

first two games.

Still down by three points 79-76 with only 32 seconds left in the game, Radge Tongco followed up his own miss to cut the deficit to a single point.

After forcing a turnover from Qatar, Paul Desiderio scored the go-ahead basket for the Philippines

CHALLENGING THE DEFENSE. Darwin Cordero of The Royal Mandaya Hotel goes up against MP Hotel import Victor Wade during the battle for third place of the 2014 Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament.

Lean Daval Jr.

off a Tongco assist.

Steals from Kobe Paras and Desiderio and free throws from Paras and Tongco sealed the win for Batang Gilas to the delight of the Filipinos who watched the brave Filipino boys. The Filipino crowd outnumbered the locals so badly that FIBA writers desribed the scene as Manila-esque.

Yu led the Philippines with 16 points while Tongco, Desiderio, and Paras added 13 points each. The three also had crucial steals and offensive rebounds in the game’s closing seconds.

Qatar was led by Abdulrahman Mohamed Saad who scored an astounding 35 points while adding 12 rebounds, three assists, and five steals. Saad was nearly unstoppable from the floor, making 14 of 24 field goals including 5 of 10 from beyond the arc.

The Philippines led by a single point after the first half 40-39. However their defense broke down in the third quarter as Qatar outscored them 25-13 to build an 11-point lead heading into the final quarter.

Qatar tried to pull away early in the final period but Yu kept the Philippines in the game with his torrid shooting from outside. The rest of the team followed Yu’s lead as they all chipped in to get the important victory.

By athena Jillian BraVo

S

PIKe your way to the beach as the Paragon Productions brings you Ateneo’s 8th Inter-division Beach Volley Competition this September 7, 2014 at Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark.

Spiker’s Island 2014 is a beach volleyball competition among the students and the faculty of Ateneo de Davao University. It is also an annual event of the fourth year Mass Communication students and this time handled by the Paragon Productions, the creator of elation: A Shindig for a cause.

This event aims to raise funds for Galon elementary School and Samahan ng may Iba’t ibang Kakayahan sa Dabaw Gawad Kalinga Village. Paragon plans to prepare a day of arts and sports activities for 250 students from the school and give ample medicines to the persons with disabilities living in SAKADAB village.

The beach volley competition will also feature side events for non-competitors. For every ticket worth P350, it is inclusive of boat fare back and forth, entrance fee, lunch

meal, foam party and one free pass for Starr after party. The winners of the games will also get a chance to win freebies from Redrock Dezigns and Prints, RDL and Starr.

The day–long activity is a fun pirate getaway for everyone as organizers have prepared exciting treats from beach volleyball to themed foam party and food. It is open for everyone who will join the foam party that will be hosted by the Party Animal and Starr resident DJs DJ Big, Nezza Figuro, Adonis M and James Ponce.

Party pirate-inspired beach wear on that day as they support their division representatives in the beach volley fest and race towards the treasure of victory.

This event is backed up by Redrock Dezigns and Prints, Ateneo Athletics, Corn to Go, APM, Bioessence, Piglasapat, Starr Dinepartyshine and RDL. Paragon Productions is the official production team of the fourth year Mass Communication students batch 20142015 in Ateneo de Davao University.

Ryu leads Canadian Women’s Open golf

S

o Yeon Ryu used a second straight bogey-free round to pull away at the Canadian Women’s Open.

Ryu shot a 6-under 66 Friday at the London hunt and Country Club to get to 15 under, the best two-round start in the tournament’s history. She was five strokes ahead of fellow South Korean Na

PLDT GOLF. Apo Golf and Country Club vice president Mimi Siason (left) hits one of the ceremonial balls during the opening of the PLDT Golf Tournament. (Right) Edwin Cayamanda, AGCC chairman for sports and games, Mario Luis

Yeon Choi, playing partner Anna Nordqvist and Danielle Kang.

“A lot of birdies is still a good sign, but no bogeys is more (of) a great sign because it means I play really consistent and when I was in trouble I handled it pretty well,” she said.

“That’s my goal. I aim for the bogey-free round all four days.”

If Ryu keeps it up over the weekend, she’ll have a good chance at winning her first tournament since the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic in 2012. With eight top-10 finishes this year, including a tie for fifth at the U.S. Women’s Open, she hasn’t been far off.

Despite her victory drought, Ryu tries not to complain or worry.

Jacinto, AGCC president, Caloy Coscolluela, NGAP president and Mimi Siason, AGCC vie president after hitting their ceremonial swings. Boy Lim

16

EDGEDAVAO Sports

WE WILL BE BACK VOL. 7 ISSUE 115 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 24-25, 2014

After failing to win four-peat, TRMH-CMO vows comeback By neilWin Joseph l. BraVo

e MARKED MAN. Glenn Escandor is guarded closely by ABC’s Maquiling during Game 2 of the City Hall Executive Oldies-ABC series. The Execs won this one behind the clutch baskets of Escandor. Lean Daval Jr.

njb@edgedavao.net

ACh game is a championship game.

Coach Ronel Leuterio of The Royal Mandaya hotel-CMO nailed it when he summed up the importance of every game in a short tournament like the 2014 Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament.

“I think we paid dearly for losing our first game.

There was no time to adjust. We ran out of games to win but we will be back.

This team has a legacy of championships,” the Chicago-based mentor said after his team settled for third place in the fourteam tournament.

TRMh-CMO was gunning for its fourth straight title until it ran smack into a pesky and determined Montaña Pawnshop in

the opener, losing by ten points 73-63, in a contest that saw them play lackadaisically.

“We played so bad and we were groping. It’s understandable because it’s our first game and we are not too familiar with ourselves. The coaching staff is not familiar with the players and the players not familiar with each other and the coaches,” said Leuterio who offered no excuses for the botched campaign.

“I take full responsibility. The blame falls on me,” said Leuterio who immediately went home to the US two days after the tournament.

After dropping its first game against Montaña, TRMh-CMO stopped a Manny Pacquiao-led MP

hotel 81-64, then dealt eventual champion Goldstar hardware its only loss in the tournament with a 72-71 win. The effort fell short, however, as the hoteliers needed to win by a margin of at least 8 points.

TRMh-CMO battled MP hotel for third place and the 2012 champions responded with a 82-54 thrashing.

The hoteliers showed vast improvement and intensity in their last three outings—the kind that coach Leuterio said makes champions. “hardwork beats talent,” he said referring to a team that’s relatively lighter in credentials compared to previous TRMhCMO squads that had John Ferriols, Greg Slaughter

FWE WILL, 10