Edge Davao 7 Issue 159 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

OLD SCHOOL FVR. Former President Fidel V. Ramos draws laughter before delivering his speech during the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders Conference yesterday at the SMX Convention Center by pulling out a copy of his speech which he had tucked under his socks. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

SECURITY IS TOP CONCERN Decline in Malaysia, Phl tourist arrivals blamed on security By JON JOAQUIN

OTH Malaysia and the Philippines have suffered losses in tourist arrivals due to the spate of kidnappings in the areas in recent years. Speaking to reporters at a press conference last Tuesday after the BIMP-EAGA Joint Tourism Development (JTD) Cluster Meeting at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zam-

boanga City, Datu Ik Pahon Anak Joyik, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and BIMP-EAGA JTD Cluster chair, said the number of tourists in both countries are “declining” due to the peace and order situation. “Both nations lost because of this tragedy, mostly in

INSIDE EDGE

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FVR TO ASEAN: STOP ARMS BUILDUP THE BIG NEWS page 2

WHAT’S IN IT FOR HER? This young girl, unmindful of the ongoing 2nd BIMP-EAGA IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leader’s Conference happening in Davao City this week, lines up used pairs of shoes for sale at a sidewaalk. Hers is a simple business which her impoverished family looks forward to earn from for a food on the table at day’s end. Lean Daval Jr.

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2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

GREETINGS. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte greets former President Fidel V. Ramos as Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino looks on during yesterday’s formal opening of the 2nd Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and the Indonesia,

Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Business Leaders’ Conference at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

Hospitals told to call 911 in case of Ebola D AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has asked private hospitals to immediately report to Central 911 if they accommodate a possible Ebola carrier in their premises. During the Ebola Consultative Meeting last Tuesday, the mayor said he wants the government to intervene on the virus which is now in pandemic from in some parts of the world. “You from the private hospitals, I would like to appeal to you that if you

will determine it is an Ebola case, you call use because I would rather that the government do it,” he said. Duterte said the private hospitals could be the back-up force if ever the Ebola virus enters the city. He said he will assign a special operator line in Central 911 for this special case so that this will be immediately responded to. “I will assign a special channel there for this, so

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FVR to ASEAN: Stop arms buildup By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

ORMER President Fidel V. Ramos yesterday urged the ten member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to stop the buildup of armaments and instead form a common task force in order to attain lasting peace and genuine development. Ramos made the statement at a press conference yesterday after the opening of the 2nd Brunei Darussalam, In-

donesia, Malaysia and Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Business Leaders’ Conference after he was asked about the territorial conflict between China and the Philippines. He said the ASEAN must create a component for the enforcement of the law of the sea, for safe and open navigation in the aspect of commerce, for

search and rescue, and for preparation for severe climate change. Ramos said the common enemies of every state in the world are poverty, terrorism, climate change, and pandemic diseases such as Ebola virus, malaria, and HIVAIDS. He also urged other countries such as China, Japan, and the United States to join in the fight against these common enemies of mankind.

At the same time, Ramos called on the Philippine government to stop building up its own armaments. “There is no need to buy for the Philippine government to buy second hand fighter. Who are you going to kill, the Abu Sayyaf?” he said. Ramos also said the government cannot maintain such old planes because there are limited supplies of spare parts for them.

the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier. The summit is one of the side events of the weeklong the 2nd Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Trade Fair and Leaders Conference. Presentations will cen-

ter on how ICT is enabling effective governance and competitiveness of key industry drivers such as agriculture and healthcare. The summit brings together champions of ICT from the public and private sectors to share new industry trends and development, share best practices, and promote relationship building.

The NICP is the national organization of all ICT Councils in the Philippines in over 42 cities across Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon. Since 2008, the NICP has sought to serve as a voice for ICT champions in the countryside and as a venue for the sharing of best practices in the ICT industry. ABF

Cagas supporters hold prayer vigil ICT summit draws 500 participants By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

UNDREDS of supporters of jailed former Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas gathered together yesterday at the Barangay Zone 2 Gym in Estrada 6, Digos City to conduct a prayer vigil. The vigil lasted for about three hours and was

attended by Cagas’ supporters from all around the province. Cagas had voluntarily surrendered himself last Monday morning, hours after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

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ROUND 500 participants from the information and communication technology (ICT) sector will convene in Davao City today for the 6th National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) Summit. The NCIP Summit is the annual gathering of ICT movers from all over the country and will be held at

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

Fire destroys warehouse By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

BRIEFING. An officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP) briefs police operatives on their assignments outside SM Lanang Premier early morning yesterday in preparation for the opening of the 2nd Brunei Darussalam, In-

donesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and the Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference. Lean Daval Jr.

26 million worth of properties were razed when a single-story warehouse was hit by fire on Wednesday night in Kilometer 21, Budbud, Bunawan District, Davao City. Senior Fire officer (SFO)1 Ramil Gillado said the fire started at 8:45 p.m. and was declared out at10:50 p.m. Gillado said the warehouse belonged to Hopewell Sales Corporation and was loaded with the kitchenware products of the company. The warehouse was managed by Jolanda Abarca, a resident of Crossing Mahayahay, Budbud Bunawan District. No injury or casualty

was recorded by the authorities. Gillado said they are yet to determine the cause of the incident. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) data show that a total of 221 fire incidents have occurred in the city from January to August this year. This reflected a 36.42 percent increase from the 162 fire incidents reported in the same period in 2013. The cost of damage to properties also increased by 150.97 percent as the BFP recorded P103,091,600 this year compared with only P41, 076,585 last year. There have been 116 residential fire incidents this year, higher than the 83 recorded in 2013.

ORMER President Fidel V. Ramos yesterday said a Mindanaoan should lead the country and run for President in the 2022 election. Without naming anyone, Ramos told reporters in a press conference yesterday that it is high time someone from the island region be the President. “Although I’m not from Mindanao, I try to identify myself as someone from Mindanao. Sana naman someone from Mindanao will become a president of the Philippines,” Ramos said during the press conference of the 2nd Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines-East Asean

Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier. Ramos was scheduled yesterday to meet Davao City Rodrigo Duterte who is being encouraged to run for the presidency in the 2016 election. When Ramos was asked for his comment on the call for Duterte to run, he said he has to ask the mayor first. Duterte himself has consistently said he is not interested in running for President, insisting that he wants to retire in 2016. CRC

Mindanaoan Integrated ASEAN can FVR: should be President be a ‘power economy’ F By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE integration of the ten ASEAN members by 2015 posts an opportunity for the single economy to be a future “power economy” in Asia and the world. This was according to Datuk Razali Ibrahim, Malaysian deputy minister of the prime minister department, who spoke to reporters at a press conference for the inauguration of the 2nd Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philip-

pines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Trade Forum at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier. Ibrahim said the rest of the world is looking at the ASEAN economy as a center for production. In fact, he said the region has expanded and has already created a network between the BIMP-EAGA sub region and China, India, and oth-

ASEAN integration can make or break SMEs

MALL and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will either greatly benefit from or will be adversely affected by the ASEAN economic integration in 2015 depending on how they prepare for it. Vicente T. Lao, Philippine Country director of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines- East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Business Council (BEBC), said ASEAN economic integration in 2015 will test the capacities of SMEs in terms of international relations, business, trade, and

tourism. “It will determine if we in the BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle) can compete beyond our regions, in international scale, outside of ASEAN or what we refer to as the global arena,” Lao said during the opening ceremony op the BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference yesterday at SMX Convention Center. Lao, who is also chair of the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC),

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ers. Ibrahim said the 600 million population of the ASEAN creates opportunities and development that are not exclusive to a single country but to all of its member countries. Aside from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, the other members of the ASEAN are Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, and Cambodia. Ibrahim said becoming an economic power

in Asia and the world can be only attained only if competition will be lessened among members of the ASEAN and the two sub-regions. “We shouldn’t be competing with each other but cooperating so that we can use our strengths,” he said. Among these strengths the two sub-regions can maximized are in the industries of Halal, wood-based products,

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WORLD CLASS MUSIC. Davao City-based youth choir Songspell Foundation, Inc. wows the audience with their world-class performance during the 2nd Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth

Area (BIMP-EAGA) and the Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference welcome dinner held at The Marco Polo, Davao on Wednesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

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6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

20 years on, BIMP-EAGA still struggling with connectivity By JON JOAQUIN

WENTY years after its inception, the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is still struggling with how to move people – especially tourists – from one place to another within the region. “The issue of how we can connect the regions together has been difficult,” Datu Ik Pahon Anak Joyik, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and BIMP-EAGA JTD Cluster chair, said at a press conference last Tuesday after the BIMP-EAGA Joint Tourism Development (JTD) Cluster Meeting at the

Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City. He said the problem is especially true for the Philippines. “Connectivity has been a challenge in terms of getting people to move from one place to another. Unfortunately if you are from Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia (and) you want to go to the Philippines, you only have two options: either you fly or you cruise,” Datu Ik Pahon said. Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Art Boncato agreed. “Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia are very well connected but the

Philippines remains a very distant cousin when it comes to connectivity. We want to be part of that circuit,” he said. Boncato said the government has given a set of incentives to entice airlines to fly to the Philippines. “One of them is the open skies policy signed by the President in Executive Order 29 in which any airline can fly to a secondary destination without reciprocity,” he said. President Aquino signed EO 29 on March 14, 2011 authorizing the Philippine air panels to offer third, fourth, and fifth freedom rights

network in the country. “We have been waiting for a solution like this. With mClinica, we now have new ways to access the pharmacy channel more and gather data in the process. This was non-existent before,” Lito Ardeta, Philippines Country Manager, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. mClinica creates a digital infrastructure connecting pharmaceutical companies directly to pharmacies to make healthcare better for the patient. The Philippines was selected as its pilot market in view of the high prices of medicines, a highly-fragmented status of independent pharmacies, and data scarcity. Farouk Meralli, a 28year old Harvard School of Public Health graduate, worked as an executive

in strategy and management for Roche, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer before taking the entrepreneurial route and founding mClinica. Meralli discovered first-hand the challenges pharmaceutical companies face in many emerging markets. “While emerging markets were growing rapidly, we did not have access to the same data we had in more mature markets. The issue could not be solved by simply plugging into an existing technology infrastructure – that did not exist. mClinica was born to build that infrastructure – a smart digital network, powered by mobile, that could generate data that was relevant to our needs. We are now building the grid and data is our electricity,” Meralli said.

to the country’s airports other than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) without restriction as to frequency, capacity, type of aircraft, and other arrangements that will serve the national interest as may be determined by the CAB. Boncato said the country also gives an automatic 50 percent discount on landing and takeoff tax and other fees if an airline decides to fly to the Philippines. Meanwhile, still waiting approval is the waiving of travel tax for Filipinos traveling out of Mindanao and Pala-

wan to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. “These are the things we are pushing to create an environment conducive to tourism,” Boncato said. “We really need a serious form of connectivity.” To address the need, Datu Ik Pahon said the BIMP-EAGA tourism sector is looking at boosting airlines and land transport. “If there are private airlines that want to come in, we will help them in promotions and marketing and probably provide incentives in order to sustain their investment or their effort in trying to connect the four regions,” he

said. He said the BIMP-EAGA region, with a total population of more than 60 million, has a very high potential as an ecotourism site. “If we can improve connectivity, if we can improve mobility not only of people but also of goods and services, I think the potential is there,” he said. “We are discussing these things and are asking governments for support so that this area will be a growth area. In the end we will indirectly help the economy of each of the countries in the region,” he added. Jon Joaquin

Health startup scores investment from Kickstart, IMJ IP, 500 Startups M

OBILE health technology company mClinica announced a recently-closed round of funding from Kickstart Ventures, Inc. and foreign venture capitalists 500 Startups from Silicon Valley and IMJ Investment partners from Japan. The amount of investment remains undisclosed, but founder Farouk Meralli said the capital will be used to fuel mClinica’s SEA expansion, starting with Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. The company currently has a growing network of over 1400 pharmacies nationwide on its platform and access to over 20 million customers. One in every two independent pharmacies in the Philippines is now part of mClinica, making it the largest pharmacy

CONTRACT SIGNING. From left, IMJ Investment Partners (Japan) director Koichi Saito, mClinica CEO and founder Farouk Meralli, 500 Startups founding partner Dave McClure, and Kickstart Ventures president Minette

Navarrete. Behind them are (from left) Kickstart vice president Christian Besler, 500 Startups principal Kaspar Zhou, and 500 Startups managing partner Khailee Ng.

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EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY

Zambo-based gold mining firm faces P52.6-M tax evasion case T

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a P52.6-million tax evasion case against a Zamboanga City-based gold mining company and its top official. Charged were Siennalyn Gold Mining Corporation (SGMC) and its president Fe Melchora B. Alam. In a press conference, BIR Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares said they charged the respondents for willful attempt to evade or defeat tax, deliberate failure to file Annual Income Tax Return (AITR) and Value Added Tax (VAT) Returns, and failure to register as VAT taxpayer for taxable years 2010 and 2011, all in violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997. SGMC is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the BIR office in Talisayan, Zamboanga City. It was registered for the primary purpose of exploration of mineral resources.

The case against SGMC arose from a denunciation letter informing the BIR of its alleged perpetration of tax evasion such as its failure to register with the BIR and its use of a fake Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Financial Statements. BIR found that SGMC used two other unregistered addresses located in Caloocan City and Quezon City. It was also discovered that SGMC used a fake TIN in its transactions with its clients. TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVI) issued a certification stating that it paid SGMC a total of P53.02 million in 2010 and P3.13 million in 2011. In spite of earning such a sizeable amount of income, SGMC failed to file any tax returns for taxable years 2010 and 2011. Henares said that SGMC was sued for an aggregate deficiency tax liability amounting to P52.6 million, including surcharges and interests, such as P49.9 million in 2010 and P2.7 million in 2011. (PNA)

MinDA chair bats for Phl competitiveness By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

INDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino yesterday said the Philippines can be only competitive by accelerating intra- and inter-regional trade and investment in agriculture, agro-industry, and tourism sectors. “We can achieve this through increased cross-border business linkages, improved physical and institutional connectivity, sustainable environmental management, and strong institutional linkages,” Antonino said during the opening of the 2nd Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, PhilippinesEast Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand Growth Triangle (IMTGT) Business Leaders’ Conference participated in by more than 600 delegates from the five countries.

Antonino also said competitiveness can be attained by showcasing trade and industrial potentials and opportunities. “This we can maximize by placing special attention to food, agri-business, fisheries, wood-based industry and tourism – sectors that are among the 11 priority areas for integration in the ASEAN Economic Community, with due emphasis on small and medium scale enterprises or SMEs,” she said. She said in the era of global competition and complementation, “it is imperative that there is a discussion and assessment of the business community if it is well equipped to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that will be presented when this international integration goes full swing.” “In doing all these, we

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THE TUBA GATHERER. Dominador Lico of Barangay Katipunan, Panabo City, gathers sap from a coconut tree which will be made into tuba. Mindanews Photo by Keith Bacongco

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VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

Banding together

N its 20 years of existence, the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) has gone through ups and downs that would have driven a lesser group to the ground. It was founded in 1994 during a time of great optimism, when Asia was just beginning to rise as a force to reckon with in the global economy and the Philippines itself was being touted as the next Tiger. Everyone knew cooperation was the key to its success, and all four countries were one in promoting the idea of cross-border linkages, be they economic, cultural, tourism, and other forms of interaction. Alas, the initial growth spurt was to be blocked by the so-called Asian Flu of 1997, and much of the early successes were either slowed down or torn down completely. In the following years the name BIMP-EAGA became a memory for many, coming up infrequently and struggling to stay relevant in the midst of the many troubles the world would find itself in. But the idea of cooperation is a strong one, and in many respects it is the only strategy that can ensure not just the survival but the growth of any given country. The seed

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planted two decades ago is still relevant, still correct, and still effective in addressing the needs especially of poorer nations that cannot hope to make it on their own. The reality is that the world has become a much smaller place, and boundaries have become more and more blurred. What happens to one country affects others, and we need to embrace this interconnection and make it work for us. Interestingly, this connection among Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines is not a new idea; it had existed centuries ago when borders were non-existent and trade and other forms of exchange happened without anyone thinking twice about them. And so now, 20 years later, we see ourselves looking back not just two decades but many centuries ago. It is a natural interaction for our peoples, and it is something we can teach other nations as well. BIMP-EAGA may have seen better days, and the future may be uncertain at this point, but cooperation will trump any problem because it will face issues from many angles and points of view. Indeed, it may be said that simply banding together is success enough. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHENEEN R. CAPON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Reporters MEGHANN STA. INES AQUILES Z. ZONIO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle Photography CHA MONFORTE JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Correspondents ARLENE D. PASAJE Contributing Photographer Cartoons MUNDA • HENRYLITO TACIO • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY Columnists: CARLOS MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. ANN “ADI”• C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • VIDA MIA VALVERDE • Economic Analysts:• ENRICO BORBON MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN EMILY “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER PEREZENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA EconomicM. Analyst:

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

Understanding Ebola virus disease

HEN Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte convened the Ebola Consultative Meeting at The Marco Polo, Davao recently, this maxim came to mind: “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.” Since I wasn’t around when the meeting took place, I read from the report of our correspondent, Armando B. Fenequito, Jr., that the mayor wanted to have a thermal scanner installed at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Ebola virus disease (EVD) – known before as Ebola hemorrhagic fever – is very frightening. As there is no known treatment yet and only experimental drugs available, it carries a high mortality rate reaching up to 90 percent. “EVD is indeed any doctor’s or scientist’s nightmare,” wrote Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, the editor-in-chief of “Health and Lifestyle,” a monthly publication for health professionals. The consultative meeting which Duterte organized was a good start. “It’s always good to take precaution,” noted Dr. Castillo. “We see on television and in the newspapers that when scientists handle the Ebola virus in the laboratory, they’re all suited up properly with all precautionary gears. They look like space walkers exploring an unfamiliar terrain.” Forewarned is forearmed, so goes another adage. One of the best weapons against this severe, often fatal, illness in human beings is proper education. Learn to know about your enemy well, said another

VANTAGE POINTS

HE relocation of Sen. Alejandro D. Almendras, Sr. to Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur was an aftermath of the political tempest that affected his clan in Danao. Prior to the Commonwealth period, brother-in-law Ramon Jr. junked Paulo, Almendras’ father, from local politics with the help of the powerful Cebuano bloc, in particular the Cuenco family. Despite this uneasy development, Almendras’ brother, Jovenal, won as congressman of Cebu’s first district in 1946. And just as the post-war realignments were shaping up, Almendras left Danao for good. Home to Almendras in Davao was the residence of Matea Almendras, an aunt who married a Ralota. It was here that he nurtured his political career by patiently linking with leaders of adjacent towns that were predominantly populated by migrant Cebuano and Boholano settlers. Matea, after being widowed, married Amancio Bendigo, Sr. and became the matriarch of three influential, political families in southern Davao—Almendras, Ralota, and Bendigo. In later years, many more members of the Almendras clan migrated to Davao, among them Cecilia A.

familiar saying. THINK ON THESE! Here are some facts gathered from various sources: Ebola first appeared in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks, in Nzara, Sudan, Henrylito D. Tacio and in Yam- henrytacio@gmail.com buku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter was in a village situated near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name. According to the United Nations health agency, there are five distinct species of the genus Ebolavirus: Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), Reston ebolavirus (RESTV), Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), and Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV). BDBV, EBOV, and SUDV have been associated with large EVD outbreaks in Africa, whereas RESTV and TAFV have not. The RESTV species, found in Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, can infect humans, but no illness or death in humans from this species has been reported to date. The Ebola virus is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. The virus then spreads in the community through human-to-human transmission. Ebola can be transmitted through close

contact with body fluids of an infected person. These include blood, sweat, vomit, feces, urine, saliva or semen, thus making transmission through casual contact in a public setting unlikely. The virus can also be transmitted via contaminated needles and soiled linen used by infected patients. Burial ceremonies in which mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person can also play a role in the transmission of the virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Men who have recovered from the disease can still transmit the virus through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery from illness. Secretary Enrique T. Ona of the health department said the most at risk to contract Ebola infection are health care workers and laboratory workers who may be exposed to secretions and specimens from infected individuals. Family members and those in close contact with those who are sick can also become infected. Fever, headache, intense weakness, joint and muscle pains, and sore throat are the first symptoms of EVD, the health department said. Those symptoms are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. In some instances, rash, red eyes, hiccups, and bleeding from body openings may be seen in some patients. But the problem is: EVD can look like other diseases. If the early symptoms are the gauge, it is very difficult to distinguish between Ebola and malaria, typhoid fever

or cholera. “Only in later stages do people with Ebola begin bleeding both internally and externally, often through the nose and ears,” the WHO claims. EVD can be fatal within a week of the first sign of symptoms, and can spread among the living like “forest fire,” to quote the words of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “People are infectious as long as their blood and secretions contain the virus,” the WHO says. “Ebola virus was isolated from semen 61 days after onset of illness in a man who was infected in a laboratory.” The incubation period (the time interval from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms) is 2 to 21 days. At present, there is no specific treatment or vaccine yet available. But good supportive care, such as fluids to replace those lost in vomiting and diarrhea, medication to bring down fevers, and antibiotics for complications can improve a patient’s chances by keeping the immune system as strong as possible to fight off the virus. In the meantime, the best way is to prevent catching the Ebola virus. The health department issued these prevention measures: (1) avoid close contact with infected patients; (2) avoid consumption of the raw meat of possible infected animals like fruit bats, monkeys or apes; (3) wear gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment when taking care of ill patients at home; and (4) wash hands after visiting sick relatives in the hospital and after taking care of ill patients at home.

sions; he had to do something to cure the defect, and the best remedy he found at the moment was to go over the fence and join the Nacionalista party (NP). The defection meant acknowledging the value of Almendras and the Visayan-speaking voting bloc. That same year, Veloso won as the lone representative of Davao region in Congress. 1951 was a watershed in local elections. Almendras, despite the opposition raised by the local NP, won as dark-horse candidate for governor with the help of the national NP stalwarts. He trounced incumbent Ricardo Miranda. Getting accepted in newly-explored areas was not a problem because like the other migrants before him, he spoke Visayan, the common dialect. Despite this development, Veloso remained the frontline man in the fight against the Liberal Party. Except for Davao City, the undivided province would be at the beck and call of the Veloso-Almendras alliance for the next six years. During this political honeymoon, Almendras slowly established his grassroots base but avoiding internal strife in the party. To make his foundation

strong, he enlisted the support of Gabino Sepulveda and Vicente Duterte, both Danao migrants, and in a clever, political maneuver, he sided with the veterans in many contentious land conflicts and also supported the squatters. He later expanded his links to municipal mayors and strengthened his regional ties. In 1955, the rift between Veloso and Almendras started to surface. The congressman backed a long-time Almendras opponent, Carmelo Porras, for mayor. Still, despite this odd arrangement, the governor supported Veloso’s cause. Beyond this seemingly smooth alliance, the coalition started to show cracks that were further aggravated by the attacks Porras made on Almendras and the threats raised by Veloso to impose sanction on municipal mayors should they continue supporting the Almendras bloc. That was the last straw in the alliance. In 1957, in a move that resulted in the estrangement of Veloso, Almendras supported Sepulveda who won. Veloso, though, managed to regain his old congressional post in 1962, but this was his last political victory.

Veloso-Almendras rivalry

FAST BACKWARD BY THE ARCHIVIST dela Paz, sister of Alejandro Sr.; and Pedro Jr. and Ricardo, the sons of Sofronia Almendras. Davao, after Liberation, was under the control of Ismael Veloso, a war-time figure, and the Liberal Party. The clout was made clearer in November 1948 when the party “asserted their domination by winning elections for governor, provincial board, Davao City council, and the mayoralties of most municipalities.” Behind the triumphs, Veloso found his mass base susceptible to partisan incur-

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

Security... FFROM 1 tourism. Hopefully both our national and federal governments will be able to address this,” he said. Several kidnappings have occurred in Malaysia and the Philippines this year perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf. Last week, the bandit group released two German hostages after holding them for more than six months in Jolo, Sulu. Datu Ik Pahon said it is the role of the tourism sector to tell tourists that the situation is not as bad as it appears. “People are more receptive to perception and reception. That’s why I told myself and the visitors, let’s go have a look, let’s have a feel of it,” he said. He said the delegates to the JTD Cluster Meeting, including those from Brunei headed by Noraini

Haji Tersad and Indonesia headed by Azwir Malaon, went around Zamboanga City on Monday to get a first-hand look at the situation. “When we were here yesterday we were out to do shopping. We went to the grocery. Everywhere people were moving around freely. Seeing is believing,” he said. Datu Ik Pahon said besides, the issue of security is always present “everywhere we go.” “So we as tourists we should also take precautions. Don’t take things for granted,” he said. He also said high level discussions are currently being held between the two countries to address the security concerns. “There are no ongoing discussions on how to resolve and how to cooperate to make things

normal and to make sure tourism will be more vibrant contribute to the GDP (gross domestic product) of both nations,” he said. For his part, Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Art Boncato said the department believes the issue can be confronted by “pursuing a culture of tourism and implementing it and engaging the communities.” “When we invite tourists, that creates an environment where people are very friendly and hospitable. When we the community imbibes the true essence of tourism, we protect the tourists. When people earn, they become happier and they tend to really share and contribute to the growth of a destination,” he said. Jon Joaquin

that we can have the cooperation of everybody,” he said. Duterte also asked city administrator J. Meclhor V. Quitain to check the timeline of every task force if they are really prepared to fight the virus. He also told Department of Health (DOH) 11 regional director Abdullah Dumama that the city will extend financial support for their needs on Ebola. Duterte had put Davao a step ahead of the war by arming the city with a thermal scanner to be installed at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport. He said he will ask the City Treasurer’s Office to release the funds immediately due to its urgency.

“I am in a hurry. There is not enough time left if we undergo a bidding process. Our tentative target is that by November 15 we should be ready,”jhe said. The mayor will lend one of the ambulances from Central 911 for the emergency transport vehicle of a positive Ebola patient. He said the city will provide the driver while the Department of Health (DOH) will provide the trainings. Duterte said he will support measures geared towards the prevention of the dreaded virus. He said if the case becomes worse, he will find a ship where the patients will be isolated. “If we get about 30 to 40 infections, that be-

comes a national security problem,” he said. In the presentation, Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City have been identified as core referral hospitals since both have total six isolation rooms, ambulances, and trained hospital staff. However, DOH 11 said there is a need for an additional P5 million for enhancement and additional isolation rooms Dumama also stressed the need for the procurement of an initial 500 sets Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Information Education Communication (IEC) materials production, stand-by support medicines, and Emergency Quick release funds. ABF

Cagas was the alleged mastermind of the June 19, 2010 killing of journalist Nestor Bedolido in Digos City. Cagas was pointed to as the mastermind by self-confessed gunman Voltaire Mirafuentes. Mirafuentes also implicated Matanao Mayor Vicente Fernandez and five others. The initial plan for yesterday’s prayer vigil was for Cagas’ supporters to conduct it at the Digos City Jail where the former governor is being detained, but they were dissuaded by the authorities. In a phone interview, Digos City Police director Superintendent Querubin Manalang said they asked

Cagas’ supporters to conduct their activity far from the jail to avoid negative impressions and for their own safety. “At first they asked to hold the prayer vigil outside the Digos City Jail but we told them not to do it there because they would give the wrong impression. There are also a number of high-profile detainees at the jail,” Manalang said. He said the supporters wrote a letter to his office to ask for police assistance in order to conduct the event peacefully. Manalang said the activity was allowed by Digos City Mayor Joseph Peñas since it was not a protest rally.

“The mayor allowed it as long as no trouble breaks out. They have a right to hold a vigil since there is nothing illegal about that. We did everything we could to make it peaceful. They just prayed. So far nothing has happened that would alarm us,” he said. The case against Cagas was initially dismissed by the City Prosecutor’s Office due to lack of probable cause, but this was reversed by Justice Secretary Leila Delima after the family petitioned for a review at the DOJ. Cagas has maintained his innocence and said the charges against him are politically motivated.

Hospitals... FFROM 2

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Integrated...FFROM 4 agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, for her part, said the cooperation “will make us stronger to act as one and be able to market our goods as one. This cooperation is an

advantage to us.” Vicente T. Lao, Philippine country director of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council, said even with the cooperation, the Philippines should still be competitive so that it can perform its role as member of the sub-region and of ASE-

AN. Lao said there is still a need for lowering the cost electricity in the country so that the cost of production will be lowered. He said the government should also acquire cold storages for ports that can be used by local exporters.

said one of the better approaches in facing this challenge is “to actually look into our own regional alliances and bank on these sub-regional blocs to help member-countries mitigate each other’s handicaps and maximize on strengths.” He said the two sub-regions of BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT have provided SMEs the platform and the test bed to prepare SMEs for the larger integration into the ASEAN economic community or AEC in 2015. “We can rely on our business alliances which we can trace back to centuries of trading that established our long history of integration and complementation even during the olden days,” he said. Lao said the idea of cross-border interchange of products, services, and capital to achieve economic integration is not a new concept for SMEs, particularly among ASEAN nations, because many started cross-border trading even during ancient times. “This process of international integration must be viewed by the business sector as more of a complementation activity rather than competition,” he added. He said the creation

of ASEAN and the two sub-regions have provided better facilities that will increase and strengthen connectivity and the power to achieve economic reforms to bring down trade and investment barriers or by establishing open skies agreements that foster greater tourism, jobs, and business earnings. “As part of the business sector, we can actively participate in encouraging our governments to create policies that improve trade facilitation to reduce business costs,” he added. Lao also said counterparts in the SMEs should be urged to become prepared for the ASEAN economic integration through strengthening and professionalizing the financial and overall business processes, and to participate in business conferences that encourage cross-border relations and aid in optimizing the opportunities under the AEC. “One thing that we must embrace is the right attitude of encouraging business teams or clusters that can unite to secure larger market opportunities within the AEC. We can team up with our governments in ensuring complimentary support such as increased access to

financing, improved infrastructure through public-private-partnerships, and stabilizing power supply and costs,” he added. Lao said with its 600-million populations, the ASEAN can create huge opportunities for its member-countries particularly in agribusiness, tourism, connectivity, and services sector. However, Lao said there is no doubt that the efforts to strengthen sub-regional cooperation will create skepticism on the lifespan particularly in the initiatives to create a regional economy. “BIMP-EAGA is one great example of a sub-regional grouping that has withstood the test of time. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the sub-regional economic cooperation has remained committed to its vision of a borderless economy despite the odds that it has faced during its journey towards sub-regional integration,” he said. He said among the best-kept secrets of BIMP-EAGA’s resilience are the people behind it who have painstakingly formalized the creation of this sub-regional grouping, led by former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos. CRC

underscore the critical role of the private sector and its collaboration with the public sector in concerted efforts to promote trade, investment, and tourism within our respective sub-regions,” she added. Antonino said the convergence of the BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT has taken on new meaning –that sub-regional groupings play a key role in achieving the goals of the ASEAN as it comes together as one economic community. “The BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT have become

platforms for sub-regional integration that will directly contribute to the realization of the ASEAN integration. In fact, many have already identified us as the test beds of the coming ASEAN Economic Community,” she said. The convergence of the countries in the sub-region has not only brought our countries closer economically and culturally. “It has, in fact significantly contributed to the ASEAN goal of enhancing its competitiveness and attraction as a single investment area and pro-

duction network. Today, we continue to nurture that synergy as we gather for this landmark event in each of our country’s history,” she said. This year, the IMT GT turns 21 while the BIMP-EAGA commemorates its 20th year. “As many of you know, the BIMP-EAGA initiative was launched here in Davao City, and we could not be any happier to celebrate our 20th anniversary with you, here in the same city where this economic initiative took its firsts steps,” Antonino said.

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BIGGER PICTURE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

IN DENGUE, WATER IS THE KEY By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ENGUE f e v e r has been with the Philippines since the 1950s but

If people will know the truth, the chances of surviving from the disease will greatly increase. In fact, there may come a time when dengue deaths worldwide can become zero.”

until now it has not been able to eradicate the viral disease. The dengue virus does not spread directly from person to person. It’s transmitted mostly by the female “Aedes” mosquito. When it gorges the blood of an infected human, the virus enters the insect’s salivary gland, where it incubates for eight to ten days. After that, the mosquito can pass the virus on to the next person it bites. Symptoms of dengue vary according to the age and health of the patient. “Dengue should be suspected when a high fever is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, swollen glands or rash,” informs the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). Generally, symptoms last for 2-7 days, after an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.

But the deadly form of the infection, called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), is another story. DHF’s deadly complication is due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory d i s t re s s , severe bleeding, or organ impairment. “Warning signs (of DHF) occur 3-7 days after the first symptoms in conjunction with a decrease in temperature and include: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, fatigue, restlessness, blood in vomit,” the WHO informs. “The next 24-48 hours of the critical state can be lethal: proper medical care is needed to avoid complications and risk of death.” Dr. Lulu Bravo, a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, said that in DHF, cells release chemicals that trigger leakage of plasma from blood vessels. “Fluids accumulate in body cavities, causing profound shock. Death often results from bleeding in the brain, intestines or other organs,” she said. Up to 5% of DHF cases are fatal; without proper treatment, the rate rises to 15%. Most who die are children under the age of 15, but adults are at real risk, too. An 18-year-old construction worker was brought in to a hospital after suffering from recurring fevers for seven days. When blood tests confirmed that the teenager had DHF, the doctor administered blood and plasma transfusions. On his third day in hospital, the teenager’s condition deteriorated sharply -- he began gasping for breath, bleeding heavily from his nose and vomiting blood. The doctor performed an emergency transfusion, but within three hours, the teenager was dead.

But is there a possibility of someone not dying of dengue anymore? Dr. Richard Mata, a pediatrician based in Panabo City in Davao del Norte, thinks so. Known for his anti-dengue advocacy, he made his own website to educate thousands of people around the world on the truth about dengue fever. “Majority of the people doesn’t really know how dengue attacks our body,” he said. “If people will know the truth, the chances of surviving from the disease will greatly increase. In fact, there may come a time when dengue deaths worldwide can become zero.” No, it’s not controversial durian fruit, which most people from Davao believe. Nor it is “tawa-tawa” (known in the science world as “Euphorbia hirta”). It’s not even the exotic “balut,” which most foreigners frown upon seeing a dead duck embryo ready to be eaten. “It’s about hydration,” pointed out Dr. Mata during the recent council’s session on health at the Panabo City Hall where he was invited to speak on his advocacy. He was referring to the process of providing an adequate amount of water to body tissues of a patient. During his lecture, Dr. Mata showed a video of what will really transpires when the dengue virus enters the human body. The attendees were silent while watching the video. It was when the plasma leakage was flashed before the screen that the doctor started to talk again. “In dengue, our blood vessels will appear to have some holes through it and so the fluid, which we call as plasma, leaks out and causes dehydration among patients,” Dr. Mata explained. But it’s not only water, which plasma contains, that comes out but platelet as well. “This is the reason why the platelet decreases because it comes out of the holes of the blood vessels,” he said. Dr. Mata said that just like an ordinary wound, the blood vessel holes heal within six days. “That’s why in dengue, the platelet is observed to have decrease until the sixth day of fever and from there, the platelet starts to increase again as the holes begin to close,” he said. What really kills a person with dengue is not due to low platelet counts but dehydration. It occurs when a person loses more

fluid and his body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. “Dehydration is the killer,” he declared, “low platelet is only secondary.” Dr. Mata pointed out that even if the platelet continuous to decrease each day for as long as the patient is fully hydrated with dextrose and oral fluids, the patient is safe. “The best indication the patient is fully hydrated is that he keeps on urinating with an interval of one to three hours,” he said. “If the patient does not urinate for than 5 hours, he can be in a brink of either hypotension (low blood pressure) or kidney failure.” As a proof that it’s not low blood platelet that kills a person with dengue, Dr. Mata showed another video of a two-year old girl with a disease called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a disease in which antibodies form and destroy the body’s platelets. It is not caused by dengue virus. The video presentation showed the patient has a platelet count of only 10; the normal is 150 and above. “Although the ITP patient had only 10, you can notice that she is smiling and playing around,” he told the audience. “Do you think this patient is dying? Certainly not!” According to Dr. Mata, even though the platelet is low, the patient is not dehydrated because there is no plasma leakage in ITP. As such, she can still play around. In comparison, he said that in dengue the platelet is low but there is also dehydration due to the plasma leakage. “That’s why a person with dengue looks weaker,” he pointed out. “So, if you can correctly replace water being lost in the case of dengue, the patient can reach to a level where even if the platelet is low the patient can still be awake and alert.” Is this possible? To answer this question, Dr. Mata showed a slide of platelet result of one of his patients with only one. “Because the patient is fully hydrated as evidence of always urinating,” he said, “he was still awake and comfortable even though the platelet count was only 1. After the sixth day of fever, the platelet count started to increase and so the boy survived even without platelet transfusion.” Dr. Mata also shattered the myth that durian, “balut,” “tawa-tawa,” and magic balls can increase the platelet count. “People just

don’t know that the platelet is bound to increase back starting from the day 6 of fever as long as the patient keeps on urinating as a result of well hydration,” he said. “Because they don’t know when the platelet will start to increase again, they assume that it was those foods or herbs given to the patient that cured it,” Dr. Mata added. “The danger of this belief is that people may focus on them and not on hydration. Even worse, they may not go to the hospital for dextrose hydration. Not doing so may cause the death of the patient.” “Dengue is the world’s most important viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes,” Dr. Duane Gubler, health administrator of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was quoted as saying. “The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on someone who has the virus.” Unlike Ebola virus, the dengue virus does not spread directly from person to person. It’s transmitted mostly by the female “Aedes” mosquito which bites in the daytime, breeds in various types of water containers found abundantly around human dwellings and is distributed throughout all tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Although there are some reports that a vaccine is on the way for dengue, there is still no specific treatment for the disease. “For severe dengue, medical care by physicians and nurses experienced with the effects and progression of the disease can save lives -- decreasing mortality rates from more than 20% to less than 1%,” the WHO says. “Maintenance of the patient’s body fluid volume is critical to severe dengue care.” Medical science says dengue is caused by four distinct virus serotypes (varieties recognized as distinct by the immune system). “Not all dengue are created equal,” Dr. Mata stressed. “Some have small leaks others have big leaks. That’s why some patients dehydrate faster than the other. When it comes to dengue, you better assume that you have the biggest leak.” As such, he highly recommends aggressive fluid replacement. “Dextrose plus oral fluids is the key,” Dr. Mata declared. “If the patient is already admitted, he needs to continue taking oral fluids like Oresol and water to push him to urinate at one- to 3-hour interval.”

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Ely Buendia & Wolfgang LIVE IN DAVAO OCT. 31 Imagine these: Toyang, to back with rock group Ang Huling El Bimbo, Wolfgang. Now, if you think Overdrive, Pare Ko. it’s just going to be These days, you can only hum yourself with Eraserheads songs of old, or listen to those good old tunes. But why hum or just plain listen when you can rock yourself back as you listen live to the man who made the Eraserheads the country’s best band in history? Yes, Dabawenyos can relive the music of the Eraserheads—the Philippines’ version of the Beatles—when rock icon Ely Buendia and his gang of sessionistas hit Davao City on October 31 for a one-night concert back

another rock concert where things can go rabid as rabid can be, think again. Set at the SMX Convention Center inside SM Lanang premier, the Ely Buendia & Wolfgang is intended to make your night of rock music a totally different experience. But to keep the rock concert atmosphere, there will be no seats in the house as the concert is a standingroom-only affair. Tickets sell at P2,000 for VIP with free-flowing San Miguel Beer from 6 to 9 pm or until stock lasts, and at P1,000 for

G o l d sec tion. Drinks will be on sale at the lobby. T h e concert is the first installment of a run of music events to be produced under the “Nostalgia #Dekada90” series. Tickets are now on sale at SM Lanang Premiere Atrium, SM City Davao and Grosswoods Enterprises. For bookings and reservations, call/text 09329317793, 09277318371 or 285

GUESS WHO ARE THE EARLY BIRDS WITH TICKETS? Former Mayor Inday Sara Duterte (top) and radio jock Rod Rodriguez (below).

1184. Early ticket buyers may also be one of the few lucky ones to the meet and greet with Ely Buendia and Wolfgang by simply taking a selfie with the concert tickets and

posting it on Facebook page Ely Buendia & Wolfgang Live in Davao. The event is supported by SMX Convention Center, Park Inn by

Radisson, with media partners Edge Davao, Mindanao Daily Mirror, Mindanao Times, 95.5 Hit Radio, Magic 89.1 and Sunstar.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

The carnival is back CARTE BLANCHE: Electric Music Carnival, Davao’s very own electronic music dance festival, is all set to shake the grounds at the Crocodile Park Concert Park on November 15, 2014. Manic Nightnings Productions, headed by its Manic Mom, Kat Dalisay, is expecting at least 20,000 ravers from all walks of life from all of Mindanao to be in attendance this year. And just like last year’s first installment, this is a festival to give life to each person’s freedom to express himself or herself. Mommy Kat, as she is lovingly called by both her team and everyone who attends Manic Nightnings’ events, says that this year’s Carte Blanche is envisioned to be bigger and better than last year. Two large fields at the Crocodile Park will be occupied for the entire production. One will be The Carnival; carnival rides and fun booths will be open to keep the fun level high for everyone. The other field will be The Rave Field where all the dancing will happen. This year’s lineup of DJs will be as big, if not bigger, as last year’s. The musical styles will be as varied as the carnival colors. House music from Clyde Harris, Reo Mendoza and Erwin Edralin. Tech and techno beats from Callum David and Martin Pulgar. Trap, dubstep and a mix of everything else from Mark Nicosia, Mia Ayessa and Regina Reinoso collectively known as Those Damn Nerds. And all the anthems and big room festival sounds from DJ Surf & Jack Bates, Marc Marasigan, Travis Monsod, Deuce Manila, Ron Poe and Ace Ramos. Davao’s very own DJs will complete the lineup - Tien Batu, Pae Dobles, Jin Chan, Niel Recinto, Uno Tupas, Jack Ripper, Kevin Rage, Brylle Aguirre, Wacky Masbad and DJ Torch. The hype will be kept going by three of the best MCs in the industry - MC Boo, MC Ronthug and MC Pao. Carte Blanche’s gates will open at 2PM. The music will also start at the same time. Tickets are now available at the following locations: Nike Athletic Club branches (Abreeza Ayala Mall, GMall Davao and SM City Davao Annex) and Sneaker Club (Abreeza Ayala Mall). Regular Carte Blance tickets are priced at P2,000 (Full Madness), P800 (SVIP), P400 (VIP), P150 (GA). Sunset Carte Blanche tickets are priced at P500 (SVIP), P250 (VIP), P100 (GA). For more information, you may visit the event page at: http:// bit.ly/CarteBlanche2014 or follow Manic Nightnings Production at https://www.facebook. co m /M AN I CN I GH TNINGSPRODS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

HOME Chef’s Classic Cook’s Knife has a wide range tasks such as chopping, slicing, and mincing.

The cutting edge

good knife is any cook’s most important tool. And rock star chefs will tell you using the right knife has a great impact on one’s culinary skill. In an article in Details Magazine, April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig, said that she liked using the Misono Western style Japanese knife because “because it has a strong, thin blade, and it’s easy to maintain”; while Marc Forgoine loves Korin’s Deba knife because “it’s perfect to fillet a fish and can be used on my cuts of meat.”

Masflex Kitchen Pro Fillet Knife has a flexible, streamlined narrow blade that can debone, probe, deskin and separate tissue for fillets, roulades and escalope. This is also great for slicing processed meats and raw fish.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

‘MMK’ marks the first team-up of Jane Oineza and Marlo Mortel

INTERNATIONAL Emmy-nominated actress Jane Oineza and Kapamilya heartthrob Marlo Mortel will team up for the first time in the upcoming drama episode of ABSCBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” this Saturday. They will play the characters of cancer patients Rovil and Paolo. When Paolo (Marlo) is diagnosed with leukemia, he becomes cynical and loses his will to live, thinking that sooner or later, he will still die. Paolo is at his lowest point when he meets Rovil (Jane), whose leukemia is much worse than his. But, unlike Paolo,

Rovil is still optimistic that she will overcome her illness. She teaches Paolo

to value every moment they are alive by living life to the fullest and mak-

ing unforgettable happy memories. How can a terminal disease give Rovil and Paolo their little infinity? Is love enough to bravely face death? Joining Jane and Marlo in their first “MMK” project together are Andrea Del Rosario, Justin Cuyugan, Mariel Pamintuan, Cheska Billiones, Deydey Amansec, Patrick Sugui, Bryan Homecillo, Jenny Miller, Suzette Ranillo, and Tess Antonio. It is directed by Raz De la Torre and written by Benson Logronio and Arah Jell Badayos. “MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos and creative manager Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.

Capturing the hearts of Filipino viewers all over the world for the past 23 years, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” has legions of fans from different generations who cried, laughed, fell in love, and got inspired through the real-life narratives of the show’s letter-senders. Don’t miss the longestrunning drama anthol-

ogy in Asia, “MMK” every Saturday, 8PM, after “Wansapanataym” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to MMK. abs-cbn.com, follow @ MMKOfficial on Twitter, and “like” Facebook.com/ MMKOfficial. Tweet your thoughts about this Saturday’s episode by using the hashtag #MMKLittleInfinity.

Love blooms as Jose Rizal and Leonor Rivera meet in Ilustrado this Friday GET to know more about what transpired in the life of national hero Jose Rizal in the first bayaniserye Ilustrado this Friday on GMA7.

Jose Rizal (Alden Richards), who was sent to study in the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, returns to Calamba for a vacation. He also gets reunited with his mother Teodora Alonzo also known as Donya Lola (Eula Valdez), who is finally freed after she was accused of poisoning her sister-in law Teodora Formoso. During his vacation, Pepe encounters a crocodile in the river, a fore-

shadow of greater challenges waiting for Rizal as a student, son, and indio. His life will also be in danger when he fails to acknowledge a guardia civil! Rizal’s vacation, on the other hand, gets more colorful when he meets for the first time a young beautiful woman named Leonor Rivera (Kylie Padilla), considered by historians as Pepe’s true love. Witness how love reigns in the life of Jose Rizal this Friday in Ilustrado, the first bayaniserye on Philippine prime, right after Hiram Na Alaala, on GMA7.

Solenn Heussaff as a river goddess on ‘Elemento’ THIS FRIDAY, GMA 7’s child-friendly Halloween series Elemento tells the tale of Pandora, the beautiful but mysterious Wawa River goddess, aptly portrayed by Kapuso actress Solenn Heussaff. The Wawa River was once an unspoilt body of water-- but years of exploitation by tourists and the riverside community result in toxic chemicals, garbage and sewage polluting Wawa’s waters. Alongside the pollution comes a spate of

drownings … dozens every year, with firstborn males often falling victim. Pandora, the river goddess from the town’s folklore, is blamed for these deaths. In search of the truth, a young river tour guide and environmentalist played by Carlos Agassi investigates … and experiences the shock of his life. Featuring exciting underwater footage and an unexpected love story, Elemento’s Pandora episode airs this Friday at 5:45 PM only on GMA7.

THE JUDGE Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall PG13

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

THE BEST OF ME James Marsden, Michelle Monaghan PG 13

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

FURY Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman R 16

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

R-16 THE TRIAL/ *DRACULA UNTOLD John Lloyd Cruz, Jessy Mendiola/ *Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper R 13 / * R13

12:30 | 3:00 LFS / * 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

TRAVEL

A night at Fort Pilar I

T had been a while since I last visited Zamboanga. I was recently given a chance to revisit Asia’s Latin City to attend the recently concluded BIMP-EAGA Joint Tourism Development Meeting.

The fellowship night of the meetings happened at the Zamboanga’s historic Fort Pilar which was bathed in colourful lights and a stage bedecked with vintas, and chandeliers, a tribute to Zamboanga City’s colourful and storied history. The Ateneo de Zamboanga Concert Band provided music that matched the vibe of Fort Pilar’s courtyard while dance performances by the Jambangan Cultural Dance Troupe gave participants a quick look at the many facets of the people of Zamboanga. I remember visiting Fort Pilar over ten years ago when its museum was still starting out. Originally called Real Fuerza de San José, the 17th century structure made of coral stone and held together with mortar made of sand and egg white, was built in 1635 upon the request of the Jesuit missionaries who were occupying

the are which was once known as Jambangan which eventually became renamed as Zamboanga. The life and history of Fort Pilar was indeed a colourful one as it endured an attack by the Dutch in 1646, abandoned by the Spanish troops who had to leave for Manila in 1662 to help fight the Chinese pirate Koxinga, and was reconstructed by the Jesuit missionaries in 1669 after pirates and raiders destroyed it during the absence of the Spanish troops. By 1718 to 1719, the fort was rebuilt and was renamed Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza in honour of the Spanish saint, Our Lady of the Pillar, whose relief can still be seen on the eastern wall of the fort. The fort was later oc-

The Griffin shipwreck exhibit. cupied by the American forces during the American colonial period and the later by the Japanese forces during World War II. Fort Pilar was eventually recognised as a National Cultural Treasure on August 1, 1973 and underwent massive restoration work by 1980 by the National Museum of the Philippines, which reconstructed three of the four structures inside the fort. After six years of rehabilitation work, the museum branch opened its doors

to the public with a special exhibit on Philippine Contemporary Art. Today, Fort Pilar is a branch of the National Museum and houses exhibits on Zamboanga’s historical role in trade and commerce in Mindanao as well as its rich historical fibre that runs deep into the city’s Spanish roots. Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter @kennethkingong@gmail.com for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

Fort Pilar’s main gate.

Various textiles from Zamboanga sit side by side with those of Indonesia and Malaysia.

A traditional dance performance by the Jambangan Cultural Dance Representatives to the BIMP-EAGA Tourism Development meeting Troupe. take a posterity photo together with officials of host city, Zamboanga. Chinese pottery on display inside the Museum.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 â&#x20AC;˘ FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

ZION

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Send application letter & resume to: HR Supervisor ZION Accuprint Publishing, Inc. Door 14 Alcrej Building, Quirino Ave., 8000 Davao City, Philippines E-mail: marketing@edgedavao.net zion_publishing@yahoo.com Telefax: (082) 2213601 Website: www.edgedavao.net

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Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (right) drives against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker during the fourth quarter of their NBA Preseason game at Honda Center in Anaheim, California on Tuesday, October 21. The Suns won, 114-108. Reuters/Richard Mackson/USA TODAY Sports

GM’S PICK

Harden, not Kobe, is NBA’s best SG

OBE Bryant is the third-best shooting guard in the league, according to a poll of general managers. The NBA.com annual GM survey, released on Wednesday, lists James Harden of the Houston Rockets as the top guard, with 63% of the vote. Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is second with 18.5%, followed by Bryant in a tie with Stephen Curry (also with the Warriors) at 7.4% each. Curry technically starts at point guard for Golden State, but then Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant came in as the fifth-best shooting guard (3.7%). Bryant tied Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star LeBron James as the second choice to take a shot with the game on the line. Both received 7.7% of the vote, be-

hind top-choice Durant’s overwhelming 76.9%. Clippers guard Chris Paul was credited with the best basketball IQ (28.6%), and while Lakers veteran Steve Nash came in fourth (10.7%), Bryant was one of many runners-up who received votes. Nash tied with Kirk Hinrich of the Chicago Bulls for third with 8% of the vote as best potential head coach. Paul also topped that category with 24%. Former Lakers guard Steve Blake, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, came in second (12%). The 40-year-old Nash was also voted the fifthbest passer (3.6%) -- Paul again dominated the category (64.3%). Nash also received votes for best leader, which was won by Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (35.7%). Bryant also came in as the NBA’s second-tough-

est player (11.1%), behind Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies (25.9%) -- a category he won last season. Bryant was also named the fourth-best player getting his own shot (7.1%), behind Durant (42.9%). The general managers don’t expect Julius Randle to be in the running for rookie of the year, but he did receive votes for rookie who will be the best player in five years. Jabari Parker (Milwaukee Bucks) finished first as both rookie of the year favorite (75%) and best player in five years (35.7%). Randle also received votes for biggest steal in the draft, which went to Rodney Hood of the Utah Jazz (17.9%). As a team, the Lakers were shut out of all categories, including favorite to win the Pacific Division, Western Conference and NBA Finals.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

Ferrer beats Seppi

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

ALENCIA, Spain — Top-seeded David Ferrer powered his way past Andreas Seppi 6-3, 7-5 to reach the second round of the Valencia Open on Wednesday. The Spaniard’s consistent first-serve accuracy and powerful forehand returns proved too strong for his Italian opponent. Ferrer will play countryman Fernando Verdasco next. Earlier, Pablo Andujar caused the first major upset of the tournament by defeating second-seeded Tomas Berdych. Andujar, whose hometown is Valencia, downed the Czech player 6-3, 6-2 in 72 minutes, three days after Berdych had won the Stockholm Open, his 10th ATP title. “It was a very special match for me, here in Valencia, with my friends and family cheering me on,” Andujar said. “I tried to be as solid as I could, then when I had a chance I tried to hit the ball as hard as I could because I know Tomas is more powerful than me. Had I returned tame balls, he would have destroyed me.” (AP)

Kaman gets stitched in freak injury

F Chris Kaman thought pursuing a 1,000-pound marlin was going to be the most dangerous thing he did before the start of the 2014-15 regular season, he was wrong. That honor belongs to “boxing out Timofey Mozgov.” The play above, which took place during the Portland Trail Blazers’ 9375 preseason win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, didn’t exactly feature the most ferocious collision you’re ever going to see on a basketball court. But it did result in Kaman bleeding from the head, thanks to the Nuggets’ massive Russian center accidentally taking a bite out of his cruller, according to Joe Freeman of the Oregonian: While playing defense, Kaman backed into Mozgov in an effort to box him out as a Denver player attempted a shot from the perimeter. But as Kaman pushed Mozgov, the 7-foot1 center toppled on Kaman’s back and chomped down on his head with his teeth.

CHINK IN THE ARMOUR Weaknesses revealed as Giants head to Game 3 Game 2 in Kansas City -- Royals 7, Giants 2:Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar makes a jump throw but cannot get Giants right fielder Hunter Pence in the sixth inning.

ANSAS CITY, Mo. – For just about the entire postseason, things have gone according to plan for the San Francisco Giants. When they’ve needed a big hit, someone has stepped forward to provide it. When an opponent has mounted a rally, their pitchers have been able to douse the flames. That is, until the sixth-inning meltdown Wednesday night in Kansas City. The Giants had given up more than two runs in an inning only once this entire postseason … then the Royals scored five times in the bottom of the sixth on their way to a 7-2 victory in Game 2. Now it’s the Giants who face the unfamiliar task of trying to bounce back as they head home for Games 3, 4 and 5 at AT&T Park, beginning on Friday. “We know it’s going to be a tough series,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “That’s the way it’s going to be there. With their pitching and our pitching, the way both teams play, we are going to have a fight every game.” By itself, the result in Game 2 shouldn’t cause anyone in the Giants dugout to panic. “It’s a battle. It’s a joy to be a part of a series like this,” said outfielder Hunter Pence. “It’s a lot of fun to see both teams stepping up and having big at-bats.” But the loss did raise some questions about potential weak spots that may have been masked earlier this month. For instance, the bull-

pen. In their first 10 postseason games, Giants relievers allowed just seven earned runs in 37 1/3 innings – for a playoff-best 1.69 ERA. Opposing hitters managed just a .164 average against them. But Jean Machi couldn’t get the one batter he needed to and rookie Hunter Strickland allowed a double and a home run to the only two batters he faced. “Those are the matchups we were trying to get. It just didn’t work out,” Bochy admitted. “It’s a tough inning for us. We had a hard time getting an out there.” Former ace Tim Lincecum came in the game later, but left in the middle of an at-bat in the ninth inning when his back stiffened up. To that point, he had retired all five batters he faced. Lincecum, who was such a valuable weapon pitching multiple innings out of the bullpen in the Giants’ run to a World Series title in 2012, was looking as if he could be one again. Now his availability for the rest of the series is in question. The loss also revealed the defensive limitations of first baseman-turned-outfielder Travis Ishikawa. On the key sixth-inning single by Royals designated hitter Billy Butler, Ishikawa was tentative in charging the ball and didn’t get off a very strong throw as Lorenzo Cain was heading home with the goahead run. “He’s done a pretty good job out there,” Bochy said. “He gives us a bat and you

Game 2 in Kansas City -- Royals 7, Giants 2: Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum throws a pitch in the seventh inning. deal with that (defensive) part of it and hopefully it doesn’t come up very often. “They’re probably going to test him because he’s not a guy who’s played left field all his life.” In Game 1, a tremendous outing from Giants starter Madison Bumgarner dominated everything else. In Game 2, some of the

flaws on a team that went 88-74 in the regular season and finished second in the National League West were revealed. Now as the Giants head back home, it’s their turn to regroup. “It’s exciting to play in San Francisco. I love playing baseball period, wherever it’s at,” Pence said.

“It was a great atmosphere here in Kansas City. They were rowdy and that’s what you live for as a baseball player and it’s going to be the same at AT&T. We have some tremendous fans that have a lot of fun. We have a beautiful ballpark. I think it’s going to be a great experience for everyone.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

IT’S SWING TIME

BIMP-EAGA & IMTGT golfest today T

HE stage is set for the 2nd BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area) & IMT-GT (Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand-Growth Triangle) Friendship Golf Tournament at the posh Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club in Mandug. A tough field composed of over 150 golfers coming from the five participating countries of the ongoing BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leader’s Conference will see action in the 18-hole golfest organized by JCI Davao. Former President Fidel V. Ramos will make the ceremonial tee-off at 6 a.m. together with Mindanao Development Authority chair Jesus Dureza, First District Congressman Karlo Nograles and Indonesian Ambassador Johny Lumintang. “Aside from the BIMP-EAGA countries, there are also other foreign players like Koreans and Americans, who are already residents here are also expected to play,” said tournament chairman Reinz Jordan Yamyamin. The golf event is part of the 2nd BIMP-EAGA & IMTGT Trade Fair and Business Leader’s Conference set Oct. 23-26 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

The tournament is presented by Mindanao Development Authority, JCI Davao, Kar Asia and Mitsubishi Motors. The major sponsors are Emcor, Motortrade, Golf View Driving Range, Phoenix Petroleum, Penguin, Gov. Arturo Uy, Inquirer Golf, Mobil, Apo View Hotel, Marco Polo Hotel and Rancho Palos Verdes, while the hole sponsors are Apo Water, Aboitiz Power, Oasan, Pagcor, Manolette, Electrical Connector, First Oriental, Kisan Lu Lands, Remerco, Friends of RPVGC, Cong. Karlo Nograles, NEH and LVL Construction. The categories under the Stableford scoring system are Class A (0-9 handicap), Class B (10-15), Class C (16-21) and Class D (2227). Shotgun starts are at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the over-all gross and net champions, over-all gross and net first runner-up, Class A, B, C and D gross and net champions, gross and net first runner-up; Ladies over-all gross and net champions; and JCI Special Award for BIMP-EAGA delegates. The hole-in-one prizes at stake in all par 3s are one brand new Mitsubishi Mirage G4 car, a Skygo Wizard motorcycle, a 32 inches Samsung Led TV and two units Kawasaki CT100 motorcycles.

FAST FRIDAYS: Minda Freedom Ride 2014, Ely Buendia gig

HE Fast Fridays weekly media forum returns tomorrow with an exciting mix of topics on the menu. The weekly media forum hosted by the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premiere will have the 2nd Mindanao Freedom Ride 2014 and the much-anticipated Ely Buendia and Wolfgang Live in Davao concert. Jimmy Gomez, manager of Ducati Davao, will brief the media on the second edition of the annual Mindanao

FR2014 to be staged on November 5-8 from Davao to Butuan City and back. The event will also have a gift giving to an identified beneficiary-community. Another batch of guests are Ada Angala, Leah Abella and Emy Borja for the Ely Buendia and Wolfgang concert set October 31 at the SMX Convention Center. Finally, there is the Fuji Film Synergy Davao organizers who will be presenting the new line of Fuji cameras in Davao City.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 159 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24-25, 2014

SCRAMBLE FOR THE LEATHER. Alaska’s Cyrus Baguio loses handle of the ball as Purefoods’ PJ Simon steps in for a steal. Nuki Sabio