Edge Davao 7 Issue 255 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 255 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2015

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LENS CLEANUP. Personnel of the Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) clean up the lens of the closed circuit television (CCTV) camera at the junction of San Pedro and Bolton Streets as part of routine maintenance in time for the celebration of the 78th Araw ng Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

DOE-Mindanao: Effects of El Niño unavoidable By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

INDANAO is in danger of being plunged into darkness once again as the looming El Niño threatens to affect the supply of power coming from the Agus Hydro Power Plant Complexes in Lanao del Norte. Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office (DOE-MFO) senior science research specialist for renewable energy manage-

ment section Rolando J. Fara-on told Edge Davao yesterday that the capacity of the hydroelectric power plants might suffer from low water levels of Lake Lanao due to the expected drought. “We cannot avoid the effect of El Niño because Mindanao’s power generation mix is 51 percent from hydro,” Fara-on said. He said he is hoping the

water in the reservoir will not reach the critical level. Mindanao was hit by power crises in 2010 and 2013 due to drought. At the same time, he said the commissioning of the first 150MW of the Aboitiz-owned Therma South, Inc. (TSI) and the operation of the Mindanao’s largest coal-fired power plant of Steag State Power Inc. will help ease

the power situation. According to the DOE, Mindanao’s peak demand is at 1,300 MW. Government weather station PAGASA had earlier announced that there is a 60 to 70 percent chance that a “weak” El Niño is expected to start by next month. It will probably result in less rainfall in the next few weeks until July.

INSIDE EDGE

COCKTAILS and COCKTALES Indulge A4

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 255 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2015

ZUMBA FOR HEALTHY KIDNEYS. Chronic kidney disease patients participate in Zumba dance exercise as part of the World Kidney Day celebration held at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Librado-Yap hits release of Ampatuan son on bail By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Councilor Leah Libado-Yap yesterday hit the temporary release of Sajid Islam Ampatuan, son of former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., who was allowed by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 to post bail for 58 counts of murder related

to the 2009 Ampatuan massacre. In a statement, Librado-Yap said this scenario “poses a threat and could be the precedent of a disaster as one of the accused in the Maguindanao massacre case was able to go out of jail after posting a bail of P11.6 million pesos.”

Ampatuan reportedly posted P200,000 for each of the 58 counts of murder via Travellers Insurance and Surety Corporation. “This is blatantly unjust as thousands poor offenders all over the country, including political prisoners who are victims of trumpedup charges could not even

be allowed to post bail as the system has apparently criminalized rebellion. And here comes an Ampatuan, being granted bail, to the detriment of those seeking justice for the victims of the massacre many years ago,” Librado-Yap said. She said everyone is entitled to the right to post bail

Most cabbies now informed of P10 flagdown reduction T

HE Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) 11 had already informed majority of the taxi operators in Davao City of the P10 reduction in the flagdown rate. In an interview with DXAB Radyo Partol 1296, LTFRB 11 operations division head Edgar Violan said as of last Wednesday, his office has already informed the 90 percent of

operators and drivers for the provisional rollback on taxi fare mandated by its national office. Violan said the order was supposed to have been effective beginning last March 9 but was moved to March 16 in Region 11 because most of the drivers here had not been informed yet. “Since we are now 90 percent on our information drive, the less-P10 on

the flagdown rate should be honored,” Violin said. He said during the information drive he presented a sample 3x4 signage format which will indicate that P10 should be subtracted from the fare. The line “per LTFRB order dated March 6, 2105” should also be included. Violan said the sign should be placed near the taxi meter or anywhere that is visible to the pas-

sengers. He said the LTFRB does not have a budget to make the signs since the flagdown reduction was unexpected and was not included in the annual procurement fund. He said LTFRB personnel will go to malls and terminals to check if the drivers are following the order to put up the sign. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

and in the case of Sajid Ampatuan, he is now allowed to be on temporary liberty, but it should have been considered in terms of the crime committed “and how we are thriving on a culture of impunity.” “Clearlythe , Ampatuans are warlords who have ruled it over Maguindanao for the

longest time and we have to be careful as they will again sow terror and ride on the susceptible situation we have in Maguindanao right now. The mere act of granting him liberty is a cause for alarm. It tells us that something is very wrong with our penal and justice systems,” Librado-Yap said.

Davao City studying rural tourism program By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE Davao City government is studying the possibility of setting up a rural tourism program as suggested by Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityahu during his visit to the city early this month. City Tourism Operations Office head Lisette Marques said her office is in the process of developing the idea with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Na-

tional Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP). “We have to make sure that whatever the culture is that it would not be adversely affected,” she said. During his visit, Matityahu had suggested that rural tourism be developed to cater especially to backpackers. He said a community can create bed and breakfasts inside homes where tourists

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 255 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2015

Council committee to revisit organization of city offices By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council’s committee on appointments and reorganization is looking to revisit the organization of the offices in the city government. Councilor Rachel Zozobrado chair of the committee said the plan is due to the requests of the department heads for the creation of new positions. Zozobrado said her committee saw the need to revisit the organization because it might lead to excess of some positions. The rules on personal services state that new positions should be only 42 percent, she added. “Basin katong mga importante na dapat ma-create dili nuon ma-create because kulang na ang budget (The important positions might not be created because of insufficient bud-

get),” she said. Zozobrado said city administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain issued a memorandum directing all the department heads to evaluate their offices to find out if there is a need to create a new position and to remove old positions. Zozobrado said the department heads need to justify the need and submit a comprehensive request for reorganization and creation of new positions. She said her committee has not yet received any requests from the department heads for reorganization because it might be still on the hands of Human Resources Management Office (HRMO) head Erwin Alparaque. Alparaque is in charge of evaluating the requests before they are submitted

FCOUNCIL, 11 REPENT. A woman holds a streamer at Rizal Park yesterday urging Dabawenyos to repent for the end is near. Lean Daval Jr.

Vast Sarangani farmlands destroyed by mild El Niño

ROUND 2,400 hectares of farmlands in Sarangani Province have been devastated due to the impact of a continuing dry spell in the area triggered by the onset of a mild El Niño Phenomenon. Jonathan Duhaylungsod, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) chief, said Thursday the intense dry weather since January has caused irrigation supplies to drop and farmlands in parts of the province to dry up, damaging various crops. He said the affected crops, as reported by the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAO) of the province’s seven towns, were corn, banana, coconut, rice or palay and palm oil.

“The first crop that really suffered is corn since it is seasonal, followed by banana planted in areas that don’t have irrigation,” he said in an interview over TV Patrol Socksargen. A partial report released by the OPAG noted that the dry spell already damaged some 949 hectares of corn farmlands, 771 hectares of banana, 452 hectares of coconut, 152 hectares of palay and 112 hectares of palm oil. Hardest hit were farm areas in the municipalities of Alabel, Maasim and Malungon, and with nearly a thousand farmers directly affected. Duhaylungsod said they conducted a validation earlier

this week of the affected areas along with personnel of the MAOs. “Our office is currently consolidating the reports that will serve as basis for our interventions and mitigation activities,” he said in a text message to MindaNews. He said among the initial interventions that they have identified is the distribution of corn and palay seeds as well as other planting materials and inputs to the affected farmers. The official said they are targeting to purchase and deliver such assistance to the beneficiaries in April. “This will allow the affected farmers to immediately

The envelope contained some money from the MILF for Sarah’s death but Pananggulon said the financial assistance cannot bring back his daughter and the simple future he had dreamt for her. “Pero matutuwa si Sarah nito (But Sarah will be happy with this),” Pananggulon said. Talking through an interpreter, Pananggulon narrated he, his wife and two chil-

dren were sleeping in a small nipa hut when the firefight between the PNP SAF commandos and the MILF took place. He said his family was already awake for the morning Muslim prayers when gunshots were heard everywhere. “We ran outside. We just ran and hid. Ran again. I did not even realize that I was

FVAST, 11

‘Money can’t bring back Sarah’

ARMER Tot Pananggulon clasped tightly on the white envelope he and the others received from Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chair Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim last March 8. Pananggulon lost his eight-year-daughter Sarah during the clash between the MILF and PNP Special Action Force commandos in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano town last Jan. 25.

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EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

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El Niño threatens multi-billion banana industry, corn sector By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE multi-billion banana industry and corn sector of the Davao Region are in danger starting next month when the long drought season—the El Niño phenomenon--finally takes place. Southern Mindanao Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council chairman Armando Ansingco said although the effects of El Niño have been experienced by farmers and fishermen in the region since the last week of February, the long dry spell will be felt start-

ing in April. Ansingco said the disturbance in the climate started “when the rain did not came regularly.” He, however, said that there’s no recorded damage yet in the region because of the drought unlike in nearby areas like General Santos City and Saranggani Province. “About 15 to 20 hectares of banana and mango plantation along the road going to GenSan were burned down because of grass fire,” Ansingco

IGACOS-mainland bridge feasibility study approved

AVAO del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, chair of the Regional Development Council 11 revealed that the National Economic and Development Authority has approved to conduct a feasibility study with a cost of P90-Million to do a study to construct a bridge between the mainland and Island Garden City of Samal. He said there have been calls for the construction of the bridge but no feasibility study has been conducted to that effect. Del Rosario said many years passed and nothing concrete had happened. “With the approval of this feasibility study, we hope that everything will move fast for the plan to be realized,” he said. Del Rosario said that the RDC XI needs to know that the bridge project is viable, feasible, economical and timely. He said that the answers to these questions are positive. “I think it is viable and feasible at this time considering the traffic that you see along Sasa to wait for the ferry where a lot of time is wasted,” Del Rosario said. Even then, the governor

thanked for the presence of the ferry which provides access to the island for land transportation. However, he stressed that the current situation demands that a bridge must be constructed not only to speed up the movement of people but also in hastening the development of IGACOS. “I like this bridge to be a tourism bridge, just like what the Golden Gate Bridge does to San Francisco, California,” Del Rosario said. He also mulled to sit with the consultant on the bridge construction, taking into consideration other links aside from Sasa, Davao City like Panabo City, Davao del Norte. Del Rosario said that in the past, the government was able to construct a bridge connecting Samar and Leyte. He said that it is not far that a bridge can be constructed between Panabo City and IGACOS, both belonging to Davao del Norte. “We rather seek the bridge for ourselves and not Davao City to avoid conflict,” Del Rosario said. He said that the ferry op-

FIGACOS, 11

Employment rate improves

HE number of unemployed and underemployed Filipinos at the start of the year has slowed down, the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) January 2015 Labor Force Survey (LFS) reported Thursday. LFS data show that unemployment rate declined to 6.6 percent in January 2015 compared to January 2014’s rate of 7.5 percent while underemployment rate fell to 17.5 percent this year against 19.5 percent last year. The National Economic and Development Authority

(NEDA) explained that of the total 62.87 million population ages 15 years old and above, 40.09 million people are in the labor force in the first month of the year. The NEDA emphasized that over a year, employed individuals increased to 37.45 million in January 2015 from the same period in 2014 at 36.41 million or an additional of 1.04 million Filipinos acquired jobs during the period. This brought the number of unemployed individuals to drop by 334,000 to 2.6 mil-

FEMPLOYMENT, 11

told Edge Davao. He had just arrived from the Regional Management Council meeting in General Santos City when Edge Davao chanced upon him for interview. Ansingco said he also won’t buy the claim of government’s weather station Pagasa that the country will only experience weak El Niño this time. “There’s no such thing as mild or weak El Niño to the agriculture and fishery sectors of

Davao Region in the next few months,” Ansingco said. He identified areas in Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur as more likely to experience the worst effect of the drought season. “Areas like portion of Mati City and San Isidro in Davao Oriental that have high level of humidity will be the most affected in the region,” Ansingco said. However, it would take long before Davao City can experience the drought season.

“Based on our observation, the weather here is quite better compared to other areas in the region but this will still worsen in the next few weeks,” he said. The rice fields in the region are still well-irrigated and can still survive until the harvest season, according to Ansingco. He added that even the fishery sector will suffer the effects of El Nio, “The inland fish production will be the most affected,” Ansingco said, adding that the

dry season will not only affect the source of water for irrigation but also the supply for fresh water for man-made fish ponds. Because of this, Ansingco sees a decrease in fish production, which has suffered a decline the past few years because of climate change and over-fishing. Ansingco concluded the interview by reminding farmers and fishermen in the region to participate in the campaign of the council to conserve water.

ARAW NG DAVAO UPDATES. City Tourism officer Lisette Marques gives updates on the activities of the 78th Araw ng Davao celebration and the upcoming Visit Davao Fun Sale during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Also in photo is Kadayawan sa Dabaw Foundation, Inc. executive director lawyer Rollie Dumalag. Lean Daval Jr.

Private sector urged to invest on coastal highway project P

HILIPPINE Tourism Congress president Rosanna Tuason-Fores urged the private sector to invest in the establishment of a Pacific coastal highway that will boost the region’s cruise tourism. Fores, also the chief executive officer of Hijo Resources Corporation (HRC), said the loop can start from the 760-hectare property owned by Tuason family located at Barangay Madaum, Tagum City. “We want to develop a Pacific Coastal Highway that will connect the heart

of Davao Gulf which is Hijo, all the way to other destinations in Davao Oriental and Surigao,” Fores said. The coastal highway will then proceed to Davao region’s surfing center Mati City, Unesco World Heritage’s Hamiguitan Forest and all the way to the tip of Davao Oriental. Fores said this can extend all the way to Siargao and Surigao since these areas have also beautiful coasts. “This will boost the cruise tourism and will give more competitive edge to the region given that we’re

closer to BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines- East Asean Growth Area),” she said. Fores, who graced the opening of Start Min.Up exhibition at Gaisano Mall of Davao last Monday, said this area has a huge potential because more than four tourist destinations will be showcased. “The creation of the loop is a proposed strategy that will develop further the tourism industry of these areas,” she said. Development in the tourism industry, Fores said, will create inclusive

growth in the community because it generate revenue to the government; and livelihood and employment to people in the community. As president of the tourism congress, Fores is also advocating for the development of tourism industry in Zamboanga and parts of Tawi-tawi because of long stretches of beaches there. She said the government should improve tourism infrastructure to boost further the tourism industry of the region. Cheneen R. Capon

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EDGEDAVAO

Riverfront Corporate City:

THE ECONOMY 7

Pioneering CBD in Davao L

EADING property developer Sta. Lucia Land, Inc. (SLI)—known for its portfolio of premium subdivision developments, worldclass golf courses, and vertical communities in suburban Metro Manila—has brought its real estate expertise to the Southern Philippines with a masterplanned township where business, comfortable living, and leisure meet. Covering 60 hectares of prime land in the area of Ma-a in Davao City, Riverfront Corporate City is poised to become the paragon of quality living in the premier capital city of Mindanao—merging work, rest, and play seamlessly, and providing a prestigious residential address for individuals who want to take root in this renowned tourist destination. Conveniently located along the Ma-a diversion road and situated just a few kilometers from the Davao International Airport, Riverfront Corporate City enjoys unparalleled advantage in providing the most accessible and easily enjoyable leisure, entertainment, hospitality and commercial establishments, all housed in a five-hectare tourism center. Also within the vicinity are additional tourist attractions such as the Crocodile Park, Davao Butterfly House, and Tribu K’ Mindanawan Cultural Village. At the core of Riverfront Corporate City is the 40-hectare business park envisioned

to further drive the booming local economy. With the emergence of Davao as the center of trade, commerce and industry in Mindanao, investments are expected to continuously pour in, creating a demand for prime business lots. For foreigners and locals alike who envision the laidback yet bustling idyll of Davao as a permanent way of life, Riverfront Corporate City’s 10-hectare residential subdivision is the best choice for exclusive, secure and comfortably daily living. Homeseekers who uphold traditional family values will appreciate the convenience of a prestigious academic institution, St. Paul’s College, integrated within Riverfront. In order to create a wealth of bonding memories with the family, residents can also limitlessly enjoy the amenities and facilities at the exclusive Rancho Palos Verdes Sports and Country Club—the pioneering one-stop sports and recreation center in Davao, also developed by Sta. Lucia Land. The sports and country club is a complement to the pioneering Rancho Palos Verdes residential golf enclave, located nearby in the areas of Mandug and Indangan. Racho Palos Verdes is the very first development of Sta. Lucia Land in Davao, successfully establishing its reputation for quality property developments in the region. With Davao City fast evolving as another vital metropolis in the Philippines, its

Zamboanga Norte coop gets boost from DOST

ZAMBOANGA del Norte-based cooperative engaged in cassava production has received more than P400,000 in financial grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the agency’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt technological innovations to improve their operations and thus boost their productivity and competitiveness. DOST Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said Thursday the recipient of the P413,000 financial grant is the People’s Officials, Employees and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (POEMCO) of Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte. Manzano said the cooperative has about 160 hectares area planted with cassava and sells their raw products to San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI),

which then process the cassava into various products, especially animal feeds. Manzano said the financial grant to POEMCO will be used to purchase cassava processing equipment, such as cassava flour mill, hammer mill, feed mixer and electric bag closer. With the grant, Manzano said the cooperative is expected to achieve the following: production of standard quality cassava flour, food safety compliant processing facility, improvement of production operations through equipment upgrading, and productivity improvement of workers through trainings on good manufacturing practices and equipment operation and maintenance. She said the cooperative is also expected to be able to produce at least 60 bags of cassava flour monthly, supply the demand of the six target market outlets, penetrate at least 10 existing bakeries in Polanco, and generate additional em-

FZAMBOANGA, 11

real estate sector has been on an uptrend as well. With the number of property developers staking claim in this lucrative market, homeseekers, business owners, and tourists can only trust seasoned and experienced companies such as Sta. Lucia Land in providing business, commercial and residential solutions that will grow in value together with the progress of the locale. To know more about Riverfront Corporate City, call (82) 221-9442 or 9444, or visit the website of Orchard Property Marketing Corporation, the exclusive sales and marketing arm of Sta. Lucia Land at www.opmc.ph.

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 255 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2015

EDITORIAL Listening Tour to ‘Listen to us’

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s “Listening Tour” shifted momentarily to a “Listen to us” call as we brace ourselves for the fallout of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). BBL’s doom is inevitable. The national angst over the Mamasapano incident, the questionable constitutional issues and the people’s fears once the BBL is passed could all be the final nail on the coffin for the controversial law. Mayor Duterte’s question to the national government in not consulting Mindanao leaders on the BBL mirrors the same sentiments of most Mindanao leaders who are in the best position to understand the Mindanao situation and the cultural uniqueness of the different ethnicities in the island. “Why were we not consulted?” “Why don’t you talk to us, Mr. President?” These are the questions hurled by Mayor Duterte while in his Listening Tour in the Visayas. Politics aside, Mayor Duterte, like the rest of Mindanao’s leaders, deserves to be consulted on the future of Mindanao being one of those who really know Mindanao by heart. The way it stands now, the BBL is likely to be rejected in Congress and even in the High Court should constitutional issues be brought

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there. These include the questionable provisions in the proposed law like the establishment of an almost independent police and security force in the Bangsamoro territory. With the spectre of rejection looming in the horizon, Duterte thinks the national government should come up with a fallback plan in order to prevent an outbreak of violence. Problem is, the national government is acting like they know Mindanao better and apparently closing its ears on Mindanao leaders. We are not surprised at all. The President has a reputation to listen only to the men around him and men like suspended PNP chief Alan Purisima whom he knows from way back. He did say he listened to sacked SAF chief Getulio Napenas in the Mamasapano operation and paid dearly for being led on by the latter. Mayor Duterte and the leaders of Mindanao are not the kind who will lead the President on. Afterall, the high stakes of this Mindanao imbroglio fall on the shoulders of the mayors and governors of Mindanao, and the brunt of repercussions, if at all, shall cascade on the people of this island. Mindanao is an issue unique best understood by its very own people. The President has long been led on by his own warped belief. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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EDGEDAVAO

NCE Again, Senator Alan Cayetano has spoken. Fulminating as usual, he has succeeded through his privilege speech in creating more discord and confusion and raising more misconceptions about Mindanao than PNoy. His words against Mindanao have rattled many cultural sensitivities in what Tagalogs call “pahaging,” a deeper meaning underneath the words. It seems he has made a crusade out of questioning the peace process he once supported. He is obviously impatient and wishes to obtain more than his fair share of the limelight in support of his own desire for constant exposure.

Y father quit smoking five years ago. “I don’t care anymore,” he replied when told about the sin tax bill, which make cigarettes and liquors more expensive. “But that’s good news,” he added. He is now in his early 70s but he still works – as a mechanic. “I feel so tired when I stop working,” he said. In fact, when he quit smoking, he also started bicycling – as a sort of hobby. My mother is four years younger than my father and she’s still going great – although she walks slowly these days. Thank God she’s healthy – she doesn’t have diabetes, hypertension, or Alzheimer’s disease. Her form of exercise: just walking two times a day from the house going to the public market, which is about half a kilometer away. Mamie Rearden of Edgefield, South Carolina, died in January 2013. She was considered “the oldest living American citizen.” She died at the age of 114. Rearden was more than a year younger than the world’s oldest person, 115-year-old Jiroemon Kimura of Japan, according to the Gerontology Research Group, which verifies age information for Guinness World Records. “If only , when one heard / That Old Age was coming / One could

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VANTAGE POINTS

Hear Mindanao, Talk to us… The net MY TWO CENTS’ effect of his tirades is not new legislation that progressively moves us forward to peace but John Tria rather acecisouth@gmail.com cusations, mistrust, and ill will that set us back. As he plays on the fears and lack of information of the mostly Manila audience, it disturbs the paranoia and breeds a bad mistrust that only complicates the situation even further for those of us in Mindanao.

Evacuations in the tens of thousands of disrupted lives still cannot satisfy the Manila Senator and those who follow him. Essentially, he and his supporters don’t care about who gets hurt as long as they are heard. Against the backdrop of the political circus spawned by the unfortunate incident comes Archbishop Ledesma, the sober and soft spoken shepherd of the Catholic flock of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese. As a religious leader, his words carry the reflective weight of those who perhaps, by reason of presence, know Mindanao better than any Manileño Senator can. The call of Mindanao is clear, a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is needed, and one that

builds a just and lasting peace for all concerned. His recent statement reflects the calmness needed to address a situation where almost 2 million need to be spent on increasing evacuations from the worsening conflict. Cayetano’s inability to be sensitive to a significant portion of the Philippine populace makes him a biased and belligerent legislator not worth the salary we pay him. Then again, perhaps the fear and paranoia Cayetano engenders reflects his own personal bias and paranoia against us who are from Mindanao. If that is the case, then it would be wise and prudent for him to stop being a senator.

bolt the THINK ON THESE! door, / Answer “Not at home” / And refuse to meet him!” This poem, written in Japan in 905, Henrylito D. Tacio shows that henrytacio@gmail.com avoiding old age has been a common goal among people the world over for centuries. Ponce de Leon’s quest for the mysterious fountain of youth led him to discover Florida. With its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and palm trees, Florida in itself is a kind of fountain of youth. Many Americans today who retire to Florida do seem to recover their youthful energy and vigor. In 1808, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote of a 14th century alchemist, Faust, who sold his soul to the devil in exchange for a youth-restoring potion. As expected, Faust came to an unpleasant end. The Bible recorded the oldest living man through these words: ‘When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became the father of Lamech. And after he became the father of Lamech, Methuselah lived 872 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Methuselah

lived 969 years, and then he died” (Genesis 5:25-27). No one lives forever, for sure. But this fact doesn’t stop doctors and scientists from searching for ways to live longer. “Aging is the progressive accumulation of changes with time associated with or responsible for the ever-increasing likelihood of disease and death which accompanies advancing age.” That statement comes from Denham Harmon, one of the leading experts in the field of anti-aging research. In recent years, people are living longer – thanks to science. This is particularly true in the Philippines. A press statement released by the Department of Science and Technology said the country is now home to around 6.8 million senior citizens. This figure is expected to reach 12 million by the year 2040. Most of those senior citizens are females. According to the Washington-D.C.-based Population Research Bureau (PRB), life expectancy of women in the country is 72 years old while those of men is 65 years old. For both sexes, the life expectancy is 69 years old. As of mid-2012, the Philippines had about 96.2 million people, PRB reports. The number is expected to increase to 117.8 million by mid2025 and further to 154.5 million by mid-2050. The country’s births per 1,000

population is 25. In comparison, the deaths per 1,000 population is only 6. As expected, the percentage of those in the age bracket of 65 years and older is 4 while those from 15 years old and below is 35. “Age is an issue of mind over matter,” wrote American humorist Mark Twain. “If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” But it does! In fact, a range of degenerative diseases accompany aging, such Alzheimer’s disease, a disorder that causes the gradual loss of brain cells. There are an estimated 200,000 senior Filipinos suffering from this kind of disease, but very few are diagnosed because many families do not consult a doctor and dismiss the ailment as forgetfulness that comes with old age. “Alzheimer’s disease is chronic and progressive, and it takes its toll economically and socially,” reminded neurologist Jacqueline Dominguez of the St. Luke’s Memory Center. She encouraged vulnerable groups – 65 years old and above – to engage in activities that stimulate mental exercise like cards, bridge, scrabble and domino. If your parents like videoke singing, don’t stop them. Doing so makes the brain works as it requires reading the lyrics and remembering the tunes while the old folks are enjoying themselves.

Senior citizens on the rise

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Lack of formal education is NO HINDRANCE TO SUCCESS “

EDUCATION never fails.” That was the theme of a recent high school graduation. To most Filipino parents, education is the only inheritance they cangive to their children.

There are good reasons for such belief. “Unlike wealth, education can never be stolen,” said a mother of four. “We are not rich but with good education, I know that my children can find a good job later on,” another one explained. Good education is one of the best ways to get out from poverty. A lot of people became rich because of the education they got from prestigious schools and universities. It also means getting connected with the right people. But in these days of economic crunch, a lot of students have no option but stop schooling altogether. In its 2011 Economic Policy Monitor titled “Education Development” released in April this year, the government think tank Philippine Institute for Development (PIDS) said: “Economic issues facing families (such as high cost of education and the need to work) are perceived to be factors hindering children from attending school.” “There’s no recourse but to stop schooling for this year,” said Mary Jane, who is supposed to be a second year high school student. “My father is sick and it’s only my mother who is working. In fact, I have to help my mother to make both ends meet. There are four of us children.” In modern society, receiving systematic college education seems a necessary way for success. Those who graduate from first-class university may always get more opportunities than others. What about the dropouts, or those who quit schooling? What does the future hold for them? Will they always end up as losers in life? As one saying puts it, there is always an exception to every rule. With perseverance, hard work, and determination, there are those who excel in life even without finishing college.

Fernando Poe Jr. (from the net)

Although his father was a famous actor, Roland Allan Poe dropped out of high school to work in the Filipino film industry as a messenger boy. Later on, he was given acting roles. He started as a stuntman and finally was given his first starring role in Anak ni Palaris at the age of 14. The movie was not a big hit. But he was determined to hit the big time in Philippine cinema. In 1957, he finally became a star in his own right when he starred in Lo Waist Gang. From there on, Fernando Poe Jr. (using the screen name to capitalize on his father’s popularity) became one of the country’s most in-demand actors and even earned the moniker, Da King. He was named last year, although posthumously, as National Artist. Joseph Ejercito was born in Tondo, an urban district of Manila. His family later

moved to the wealthy suburb of San Juan. He was kicked out during his primary studies at the Ateneo de Manila University and subsequently enrolled on an engineering course at the Mapua Institute of Technology in an effort to please his father, but dropped out. He changed his name to Joseph Estrada (as his mother objected to his chosen career and his decision to quit schooling) and became an actor, earning several acting awards. He joined politics: first as mayor, then senator, then vice-president, and finally as president of the country. He is currently the mayor of the city of Manila. There are those who quit schooling while still in high school. But it didn’t stop them from becoming rich and famous. Take the case of Quentin Tarantino, writer and film director who is best known for his movies Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2, Reservoir Dogs, From Dusk Till Dawn and many more. Although he dropped out of high school, Quentin went on to become one of the most successful movie/writers in Hollywood today. Johnny Depp is known for his TV show 21 Jump Street and many movies like Edward Scissorhands, Secret Window, Blow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and many more. At age 16, his parents divorced and shortly after Johnny dropped out of high school. The first time he was out of his country was when he came to the Philippines to appear in Oliver Stone’s Platoon. There are those who are destined for fame – like Christina Aguilera. Early in high school, her mother pulled her out of school to homeschool her because other kids were jealous of her new found fame. Christina has now moved on through life making a ton of number one songs on the charts and selling over 25 million records worldwide. Other actors who find fame after quitting high school include heartthrob Tom Cruise, comedian Jim Carrey, Oscar-nominated John Travolta, Canadian celebrity Michael J. Fox, Matrix star Keanu Reeves, Academy Award winners Jack Albertson and Nicholas Cage, comedian Chris Rock, and Italian Joe Pesci. Other famous high school dropouts are the following: scientist Albert Einstein, comedian George Carlin, singer Billy Joel, Kodak founder George Eastman, Australian songwriter and singer Peter Allen, country music singer Randy Travis, composer George Gershwin, news anchor Peter Jennings, photographer Ansel Adams, songwriter

Bryan Adams, British actress Julie Andrews, and fashion designer Miguel Adrover. Here are more high school dropout: chef Ferran Adria, actor Danny Aiello, billionaire Indian businessman Dhirubhai Ambani, publisher and editor Walter Anderson, British artist Edwin Apps, jazz musician and singer Louis Armstrong, author and philanthropist Brooke Astor, country singer Chet Atkins, singing cowboy Gene Autry, and photographer Richard Avedon. There are also those who attended college for some reasons, they quit – without finishing a degree. Playwright Edward Albee dropped out of Trinity College after three semesters. Actor and screenwriter Ben Affleck left the University of Vermont after one semester; then dropped out of Occidental College to pursue acting. Paul Thomas Anderson, director of such movies as Boogie Nights and Magnolia, attended film school at New York University but quit after two days because one professor hated Terminator 2 and another gave him a C for a writing assignment. Woody Allen – Oscar-winning screenwriter, actor, director, and producer – was thrown out of New York University after one semester for poor grades. He also dropped out of City College of New York. As he admitted, “I was thrown out of college for cheating on the metaphysics final. I looked within the soul of the boy sitting next to me.” Other Oscar winners without degrees include Clint Eastwood, James Cameron, Robert Redford, Michael Moore, Sidney Pollack, George Clooney, Hilary Swank, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Steven Spielberg (who completed a degree in 2002). Maya Angelou has received many honorary doctorates but never attended college to learn her craft. She’s in good company with many other great American writers, such as Gore Vidal, August Wilson, Mark Twain, William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Robert Frost, Joseph Brodsky and Harper Lee. Of course, everyone now knows the story of Steve Jobs, who dropped out of Reed College. Since the days of Henry Ford, many business leaders got their starts without the benefit of degrees, including Larry Ellison of Oracle, Bill Gates and Paul Allen of Microsoft, Mark Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz of Facebook, Michael Dell of Dell Computers, Brian Dunn of Best Buy, Anna Wintour of Vogue, John Mackey of Whole Foods, David Geffen, Ralph Lauren and Ted Turner. Now, you may wonder:

Johnny Depp (from Wikipedia)

Billy Joel (from Wikipedia)

Hilary Swank (from Wikipedia) why make a list of famous successful dropouts? Is it meant to discourage anyone from getting a formal education? Not of course; there are many advantages to going to school and getting degrees, particularly if one wants employment in certain fields. However, one author puts three reasons why an article such as this should be published. For one, it reminds peo-

ple that there are many ways to educate oneself besides the formal route. For another, it is a good reminder that success – however it is measured – is not always a matter of “following the rules.” Finally, it can encourage those without much formal education to pursue their goals. Now, who says you can’t be famous if you have not graduated from college?

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Davao... FROM 2 can stay. This would mean additional income to the communities. Marques, however, said the program should be sensitive to the culture of the

communities. “If the communities are the ones being influenced, then we are not being sensitive to them and the program will be a failure,” she said.

to the City Council. She said as of the moment, her committee has three separate requests from City Agriculturist Office (CHO), City Health Office (CHO), and City Tourism Operations Office

(CTOO). She said the CAO requested for an Agricultural Engineer, the CHO requested for medical technicians, and the CTOO wants to create new position which she did not specify.

plant in the next cropping or after the dry spell ends,” he said. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed earlier this week that the country is already experiencing a mild case of El Niño. It said a short dry spell may persist in some parts of the country and may prolong the usual dry season.

El Niño is a phenomenon caused by the abnormal warming of the central and eastern Pacific waters, generally manifests in a dry spell, or below normal rainfall, usually following wet conditions. PAGASA officials had identified Sarangani and other parts of Region 12 as among the most vulnerable areas in terms of the adverse impact of the El Niño. MindaNews

running naked. The gunfire was very frightening,” Pananggulon narrated. Pananggulon said that as he was running, he held on to Sarah, who had a deaf-mute disability. “I wanted Sarah to have a bright future, but that night, that dream died,” he said. Pananggulon said their family hid in the edge of the river in an effort to escape from the hail of flying bullets. He said he left his family to get some help as the fighting continued. “I do not know how it happened but I got separated from my family,” Pananggulon continued his narration. When he and his family reunited that same day, he learned Sarah was hit by a stray bullet and died. “Sarah died that day but my younger son will not accept his sister is already gone,” Pananggulon said. He was also wounded when a bullet grazed his right shoulder. Last March 8, MILF officials led by Chair Murad Ebrahim gathered the widows of the 18 fighters killed in the Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash in Camp Darapanan, Simuay, Sultan Kudarat town. Sammy Al-Mansoor , the chief of staff of the MILF armed wing , Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), said they gave P70,000 each for the 18 widows of the MILF fighters who died. Mansoor said they also gave P40,000 financial assistance to the 25 of their combatants who were wounded

in the clash. He said they did not also forget to give assistance to the families of Sarah and three other civilians who were killed in the crossfire at P40,000 each, and to the five civilians who were wounded, at P20,000 each. “They are Bangsamoro and they are part of our struggle,” Mansoor said. The total amount distributed was P2.5 million. Mansoor said the money came from contributions of supporters like those in Marawi City who collected P50,000 for “our Shasheed (martyrs)” during a pro-Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) rally last Feb. 10. Murad told the widows, the wounded and the relatives of the slain civilians and wounded that the MILF consoled itself that those who died attained an honorable death. “Death is a certainty. But as human beings, it is but natural to still grieve for the loss of loved ones. However, for those of us who struggle for a cause, we console ourselves in the thought that they attained an honorable death in defense of their communities,” Murad said. “We envy them for we are uncertain if we will be gifted with an honorable death; one that is in defense of our communities and in pursuit of the principles that we are fighting for,” he said. The Maguindanao dialect was spoken throughout the ceremony in Camp Darapanan. MindaNews

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DATU BAGO AWARDS. Datu Bago Foundation member Pilar C. Braga (left) accompanied by Marina Ruivivar (center) and Dr. Ma. Iris Melliza, promotes the forthcoming Datu Bago Awards slated on Saturday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

Labor Secretary Baldoz wants tuna industry to improve labor practices L

ABOR Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz called on tuna industry players here to pursue critical reforms in their labor practices and make sure that they are aligned with international standards. Baldoz issued the call as she warned that the country’s inclusion of its tuna products in the European Union’s (EU) Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) list could be jeopardized by the prevailing questionable labor practices in the tuna industry. In a consultation-dialogue with members of the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. here on Tuesday, she said it is important for local tuna companies to be compliant with the labor laws to avoid possible problems later on with the EU. She said they should specifically put an end to the prevailing contractualization schemes in the operations of companies in the industry, especially the “cabo” system that is prevalent in tuna fishing op-

erations. The Labor Code of the Philippines defines “cabo” as “a person or group of persons or a labor group which, in the guise of a labor organization, supplies workers to an employer, with or without any monetary or other consideration whether in the capacity of an agent of the employer or as an ostensible independent contractor.” Under such scheme, Baldoz said fishermen are mainly paid on a sharing scheme based on the total sales and in proportion to the catch rather than fixed wages. “This sometimes lead to uncertainties whether a fisher receive the fair share of his hard work and the worth of being away from his family for a long period,” she said. Fishermen contracted under the scheme are not usually covered by health insurance from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth as well as membership with the Pag-Ibig Fund and

the Social Security System, she said. Baldoz said such situation increases the vulnerability of the fishermen to income risks associated with old age, illness, disability, work-related injury and unemployment. “That primarily pushes them more into poverty,” she said during the consultation-dialogue called by the agency. Baldoz said the EU has been closely monitoring the labor situation in the city’s tuna fishing and its allied industries. She earlier emphasized that the industry needs to align its labor practices with global standards as the EU GSP+ involved the ratification and observance with 27 international conventions on human and labor rights, including the eight International Labor Organization’s core conventions. “The issue of labor rights, when it comes to the GSP+ privileges, is a serious matter. (The EU) can suspend or withdraw them in case of vio-

lations,” she said. She said the tuna industry should not allow the GSP+ privileges to be put to waste as it greatly benefits from it. “We should find solutions where we can help each other,” she said. EU’s GSP+ mainly grants zero duty or tariff to over 6,000 eligible exports from the Philippines to its member-states. It covers processed and canned-tuna products caught by 100-percent Philippine-registered vessels. The city, which is home to six of the country’s tuna canneries, is dubbed the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines.” The industry generates annual export receipts of around $350 million and directly employs about 20,000 workers. Industry sources said the inclusion of the country in the EU GSP+ will mean at least additional $15 million, or P660 million, in revenues for tuna exporters.

lion. Likewise, population of underemployed or those who are working but wanted more work decreased to 6.5 million in January this year from 7.1 million in the previous year. Meanwhile, 54.6 percent of the total employed population are working in the services sector mostly in wholesale and retail trade or in the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; 29.5 percent are in the agriculture sector; and 15.9 percent are in the industry sector. “From employment gains

to reductions in unemployment and underemployment, the labor market is becoming robust, and we hope that this will continue and further benefit the poor, especially as the economy grows faster at a higher trajectory,” Socioeconomic Planning secretary and NEDA director general Arsenio M. Balisacan said. “The government must continue its efforts to create a more supportive business environment, allowing the private sector to create more and better jobs,” he added. (PNA)

eration will still go on between IGACOS and Davao City with the alternative like the bridge between IGACOS and Panabo City. Compostela Valley Vice Governor Manuel Zamora, committee on infrastructure chair of the RDC 11 said the IG-

ACOS-mainland bridge might cost P17-Billion to be constructed in five years. He said that with the approval of its feasibility study worth P90-Million, the plan will be realized eventually. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

ployment opportunities in the community. She said that cassava flour is now widely used in bakeshops in Zamboanga del Norte instead of wheat flour.

Cassava is a tuberous edible plant from which cassava chips and flour, breads, a laundry starch, delicacies and even an alcoholic beverage are derived.MindaNews

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Fresh finds at the

DAVAO ART MARKET

By Kenneth Irving Ong

LAST MONDAY saw the opening of the Davao Art Market showcasing the works of local Dabawenyo visual artists at the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier. With the aim of promoting Dabawenyo arts, the Davao Art Market is a platform designed for homegrown artists to make their creations accessible to the market. Participating exhibitors include leaf artist Mishael Pueblas, Artlink composed of pen and ink artists Arnel Villagas and friends, young pen artist Tanya Gaisano-Lee, abstract painter Mik Gil Bumanlag, students and faculty members from the School of Fine Arts

and Design of the Philippine Women’s College of Davao, and Tabula Rasa composed of veteran artists, Bai Manginsay, Bong Perez, Brando Cendeño, Daryl Escallar and Dinky Munda. The Davao Art Market at SM Lanang Premier runs now until March 15.

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A love story 120 years in the making PIONEERS paving the way for progress. Ordinary folks achieving feats of brilliance. A company professing its commitment to a nation on the verge of attaining its full potential. Grand themes that flow through the veins of a legendary tale forged under the magnificent sun.

Legacy: The Sun Life Story weaves through decades of how the country’s first and longest-standing life insurer stood by Filipinos throughout a resplendent history. It tells of an enduring love spanning over a century: from the Spanish colonial days to the birth of independence, from the pains of war to the joys of rebuilding and, from the attainment of democracy to recent cataclysmic and challenging events that

bring us to a present filled with hope for a future that is brighter than ever. Written with mastery by Palanca awardwinning playwright Floy Quintos and brought to life by veteran actors Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez, this groundbreaking mu-

sical play will unfold in front of Sun Life employees, advisors, and clients. It also has play dates in key cities where the brand holds presence such as Manila, Central Luzon, Cebu, and Davao. Taking inspiration from the romance of the

past and the groove of the modern times, this original musical celebrates the journey of those who have paved the way and continue to play a part in Sun Life’s mission to provide brighter lives to its beloved Filipinos. By honoring and revisiting bygone

days, Sun Life compels the present to become more meaningful. It reaffirms its commitment and upholds the legacy that has been built for over a century, radiated by a love that can withstand the travails that time may bring. Because what is love but an enduring promise in a world of uncertainty and insecurity; an exchange of vows transcending death and human frailty; generations coming together to break a cycle of desperation and desolation. It is with true love and the sincerest of intentions of Sun Lifers from yesteryears to today that this masterpiece has been crafted. May it rouse in everyone a determination to carry on its noble mission and to continue building a brighter Philippines, one brighter life at a time.

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA’s big GRAND celebrations mean even grander stars. That’s why the Kapuso Network sees no reason not to send its premier stars to this year’s celebration of the Araw ng Dabaw.

This Sunday, March 15, the unforgettable duo of Kapuso drama king Dennis Trillo and sought-after leading man Tom Rodriguez takes Davao City’s Gaisano Mall Atrium for a Kapuso Mall Show beginning at 4PM. TomDen fans are sure to eat their hearts out with thrilling performances from the two. March 16, Monday, welcomes the recently wed couple and GMA primetime royalty Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall starting at 3PM. Dingdong and Marian, who each top bills

up ries Ma tive to me O Son qu Da Fan Sup

An MXtraordinary event hits Hong Kong with MX3 IT was a hazy cold morning in Hongkong last March 8, but thousands of our kababayans trooped to Sin Yin Catholic Secondary School to be part of ABS CBN Concert with artists Jovit Baldovino and Marcelito Pomoy & hosted by the wacky tandem of Chickee Boom boom & the hilarious Jayhoo! The event coincides with the 25th celebration of The Lord’s flock Catholic Charismatic Ministry opening it with deep prayer of healing & evangelization. The venue roar with happiness when our kababayans raise their Mx3 envelopes containing samples of capsule, tea and coffee. It’s like winning lotto when they got Mx3 gift bags out of selected envelopes stamped with either M-X-3! The chaos exploded when forty contestants swamped the stage to play MX3 Q&A portion where six were left to take the “longest breath “ challenge of saying “ Be Mx traordinary with Mx3!” The grand winner receives grand prize bag of assorted Mx3 products. This is another success for Mx3 extending to Asia bringing good news of wellness! A warm start for all our kababayans in their cold hazy day!

Glaiza de Castro a FOR the first time in Wagas, viewers get the chance to know the love story behind Philippine heroes Gabriela and Diego Silang.

In 1872, both Gabriela and Diego were prisoners. She, trapped in an unhappy marriage; and him, a slave and a captive after surviving a shipwreck. When they met, both felt what freedom was like. Their first meeting was in a church, where it was love at first sight for Diego after seeing Gabriela, who was then wearing a black veil. It took

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iggest stars arrive for Araw ng Davao 2015 the warmth the Dabawenyos extend to them. The Network highly values the relationship it has with the city and its people that’s why it’s only appropriate that as they celebrate the Araw ng Dabaw, they be accorded the gratitude they deserve by bringing over GMA’s brightest stars to rejoice with them.” Highlights of the Network’s participation in

pcoming primetime ses Pari ‘Koy and The Rich an’s Daughter, respecely, treat Dabawenyos an afternoon of exciteent and even romance. On the same day, Asia’s ngbird Regine Velasuez-Alcasid takes SM City avao for a 5PM Kapuso ns’ Day at the Annex. pporters of “Ate”, as

this year’s Araw ng Dabaw can be seen via Let’s Fiesta! on April 19 airing in all nine GMA regional stations in Ilocos, Bicol, Dagupan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, GenSan, and Cagayan de Oro. To know more about the latest updates on the Network’s regional events, follow GMA Regional TV on Twitter and Instagram via @ GMARegionalTV.

Regine is fondly called, get to witness her sing her hits and participate in amusing games and surprises. GMA Network’s Head for Regional Strategy and Business Development (RSBD) Division and AVP for Regional TV Oliver Amoroso shares, “Davao is a favorite place when it comes to our artists primarily because of

Marian, Dingdong, Charice, and Bianca Gonzalez at Abreeza Mall for Araw ng Davao weekend DAVAOEÑOS, expect nothing less than a starstudded long weekend as Abreeza Mall brings you its Araw ng Dabaw 2015 event lineup! To kick off the festivities, Pinoy Pride, Charice Pempengco will perform in a free concert at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center on March 14, Saturday at 6pm. Exclusive meet and greet passes are in store for the first 60 shoppers who can present a receipt worth P300 from any Abreeza Mall store or P500 from Robinsons Supermarket dated March 11 to 14, 2015 at the Main Concierge at the Ground Floor. On March 15, Sunday at 3pm, TV personality and newly-mint-

ed book author Bianca Gonzalez will grace the Activity Center for the Davao leg of book signing for her national bestselling book, Paano Ba ‘To: How to Survive Growing Up. Readers and fans who present a copy of Paano Ba ‘To at the venue can get up close and have their books signed by the author herself. Culminating the Araw ng Dabaw celebration on March 16, Monday, the GMA Kapuso Mall Show will bring an afternoon of free entertainment to Davaoeño fans at the Activity Center at 4pm. The show will be headlined by no less than the newly-married ultimate showbiz couple, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes.

The three-day series of celebrity events caps off Abreeza Mall’s week-long Araw ng Dabaw celebration, which launched on March 9 with the mall-wide Araw ng Dabaw 2015 Sale. Ongoing until March 16, the sale also offers customers more shopping enjoyment this weekend with extended mall hours of up to 10pm on March 13, Friday and March 14, Saturday. For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

and Marc Abaya portray Gabriela and Diego Silang in Wagas him five long years before he finally won the heart of Gabriela. Despite the Spanish occupation, their love freely endured. Together, they fought for their fellowmen in Ilocos, ignited by their love for their country. Still, this was not the only battle that put their love to the test. This Saturday, March 14, witness the first of two parts of the Gabriela and Diego Silang love story as portrayed by Kapuso stars Glaiza de Castro and Marc Abaya in Wagas, 7PM on GMA News TV.

March 12-17, 2015

THE COBBLER / * WILD CARD Adam Sandler / * Jason Statham PG / *R16

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

CINDERELLA Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Richard Madden G

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

RUN ALL NIGHT Liam Neeson, Joel Kinnaman R16

R-16

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

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL YOU /

*CHAPPIE PG/ *R13

Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla / *Sharlto Copley, Hugh Jackman 12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 LFS / * 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

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Cocktails and COCKTALES PARK INN by Radisson Davao’s poolside was abuzz with tongue wagging and laughs as the hotel introduced their Cocktales mixology cocktails.

“Here at Park Inn by Radisson Davao, we not only give you a fine selection of drinks, we also thrill you with some trivia and flairtending action,” explains General Manager Pavan Kakar during the hotel’s social gathering with media friends and long staying guests. “’Cocktales,’ as we call it, is our series of cocktail specials at the Pool Bar, offered daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Every month, we highlight a certain drinks and share with you the secrets and

juicy details of how they were concocted. You see your drink mixed in front of you as our bartender ‘pours’ out the ‘hard’ truth of what you sip. You might even chance on getting some tips and do side-by-side mixing with our bartenders,” added Mr. Kakar Urbanites can look forward to an eclectic list of featured drinks this month of March such as the Bloody Mary, Margarita, Mojito, and Caipirinha. Also featured is the hotel’s signature cocktail, the RBG WooWoo, which is served in all Park Inn

hotels across the world. I loved the sweet and punchy Caipirinha as well as the fresh and minty finish of their Mojito. What bowled me over though was the RBG WooWoo which was light and refreshing with a sweet peach-flavoured finish. The cool air around the Pool Lounge and the gathered crowd completed the weekend evening. For reservations and inquiries, call 63 82 272 7600. Follow @parkinndavao on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to get updates on new offers and special promotions.

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5 Mindanawon cadets make it to Top 10 of PMA Class 2015 F

IVE Mindanawon cadets made it to the Top 10 of the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) 2015 batch with two Zamboangueños placing second and eighth and a female cadet from Sarangani as the lone woman topnotcher, placing fifth. Cadet First Class Genesis Salvador Dizon of Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City placed second and will re-

ceive the Vice Presidential Saber from Vice President Jejomar C. Binay Sr. Dizon is joining the Army. Dizon’s townmate Steven Gabica Tali of Barangay Lower Calarian placed eighth. He will join the Navy. “Zamboanga City is very proud to have two of its sons included in the Top 10 of the Sinag-Lahi PMA Class,” said Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Sala-

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zar. She expressed hope that their accomplishments will serve as inspiration to other young Zamboangueños to always aim for the best in everything they do. Cadet First Class Caroline Jhoy Ramirez Nacional of Maitum, Sarangani placed fifth and will be joining the Army. Other top Mindanawon cadets are Brian Salise Villanueva of Lagao, General Santos City (9th) and Regeric Rex Rivas Fuentes of Mlang, North Cotabato (10th). Both are joining the Army. Salazar noted that the life stories of the two Zamboangueño PMA cadets are very inspiring. Dizon, class salutatorian, was motivated to join the military by his father

who served the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for many years. Dizon was on his second year taking up nursing at the University of the Philippines (UP) when he passed the PMA entrance examination. He finished elementary at the Zion Evangelical School and high school at the Regional Science High School (RSHS) in this city. Tali is the proud son of a humble fish vendor, who single-handedly sent his four children to school after his wife left him several years ago. Tali was on his second year at the Western Mindanao State University taking up criminology when he passed the PMA entrance test. He went to the John Spirig School for his

elementary and later at the Zamboanga National High School (ZNHS)-West. Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez, PMA Superintendent, said this year’s graduating class is composed of 155 males and 16 females with 82 males and 7 females joining the Philippine Army, 39 males and 6 females joining the Philippine Navy and 31 males and 3 females joining the Philippine Air Force. “The distinction of this class from the other classes before are most of these cadets were scholars and top students in their primary and secondary education prior to becoming cadets in the Academy,” Lopez stressed. The class valedictorian of the 171-member Sinag-Lahi (Sundalong

Isinilang na may Angking Galing at Lakas na Handang Ipaglaban ang Bayan) Class 2015 is Cadet First Class Arwi Chiday Martinez, 21, of Baguio City. Martinez is also joining the Army. Martinez, will receive the Presidential Saber from President Aquino during the graduation rites on Sunday, March 15, at the PMA’s Borromeo grounds. The rest of the cadets in the Top 10 are John Paul Atanacio Bacsain of Pili, Camarines Sur (3rd); Paolo Dominic Mantaring Regis of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro (4th); John Denver Salinto Bambico of Naguilian, La Union (6th); Jan Klyde Blair Tendero Danganan of Irisan, Baguio City (7th). MindaNews

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 255 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2015

EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 255 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2015

ANY WHICH WAY I CAN Manny assures: I’m 100% that I’ll win F

ILIPINO champion Manny Pacquiao oozes confidence as he and his American rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. held press conference to launch countdown to the May 2 superfight expected to rake in close to $500 million. It’s being billed as the “biggest fight in history” - and the world’s two best pound-for-pound boxers officially came face-to-face for the first time to declare “the wait is over”, writes Chris Bucktin in Los Angeles. Putting the movie world’s recent Oscars to shame, unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao provided fight fans with a taste of the razzmatazz they can expect when they step into the ring in seven weeks’ time. After taking more than an hour each to walk the red carpet, the two welterweights met on the stage of the Nokia Theatre in downtown LA in their only conference before the week of the fight. Pacquiao said: “I’m 100 per cent confident I will win. The world has waited a long time to see us fight and finally the time has come.

HE countdown to the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather superfight is on. That’s exactly seven weeks. Yes buddies, seven weeks to heaven. This fight needs no hype. It can even do away with a promotional tour. Even a presscon. Just the same, they did one on Wednesday and I can only guess the main photos of practically all major dailies in the Philippines and in America today. The media interest on this fight was reflected in the 600 media people who attended Wednesday’s Los Angeles press conference between the two boxers—biggest crowd ever in a sporting presscon. If you dream to watch the

“Training is going incredibly. I have an amazing team around me. The best there is. There will be fireworks for sure but only one winner. “I don’t care which way the victory comes, but it will be mine.” The pair will meet in the long-awaited bout, which is all but certain to break boxing’s revenue records, on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Experts have conservatively predicted the fight’s worth to be around £165million. However, with lucrative pay-per-view rights, some promoters believe it could net more than £330million - almost half a billion dollars. Already, a reported $18 million battle has broken out between Sky Sports, BT Sport and specialist fight channel BoxNation for the UK rights - on which Mayweather will have the final say. Mayweather, who places his current WBC and WBA welterweight belts on the line against Pacquiao’s WBO version of the title, will take home the lion’s share of the purse. The Pac-Man’s camp agreed

How much does a megafight ticket cost?

fight live, you have to start fattening that bank account now and save extra unless you have plenty to spare. How much does a ticket to the fight? Oh, brace yourselves for this. Tickets to the superfight is estimated to cost between $1,500 and $7,500, organizers said, but no assurance how many will go on sale to the public. Meaning, grabbing a ticket is like racing with a herd of raging bulls. From what I heard, the cheapest could be $4,000. That’s around P180,000. This early, Manny had made it clear. No free tickets. Sorry, but buy your own this time. Given that cost, looks like

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo seats at the May 2 bout in Las Vegas are going to be one of the hottest tickets of the sporting decade. For the record, the MGM Grand capacity is limited to only 16,800 people. So where does the first

wave of tickets go? Oh definitely not to the ordinary buyers. Many tickets are expected to be distributed to high-rollers of the gambling capital and the A-list celebrities wanting to be seen at a fight billed hyperbolically as the biggest ever in boxing history. Even bigger than the Ali-Frazier or the Tyson-Holyfield fights. This means too that the number of tickets going to the general sale is going to be relatively few. Now, with the cost of the seats and the rarity of tickets available for general admission, I can anticipate how much would the pay-per-view cost in local television carriers would be.

I am pretty sure that’s not gonna come cheap. Even the Live Viewing would be more expensive this time—whether there’s food to go or none. I don’t know if we will have free public viewing too if the cost will be too high. That’s the expected downside. But we hope there is something we can share about and that’s free public viewing for the millions of Pinoy fight fans. In the US, cable networks are expected to charge around $100 per household for access to the bout. That’s around P4,500 for a pay per view. We usually shell out P400 to P1,000. This time, it should fetch more. Ken Hershman of HBO

to a 60/40 split to ensure the bout finally took place - a move which could see the American take home a staggering £130m for his night’s work. Already, as the world’s highest paid sportsman, Mayweather is said to be worth in excess of £232m - and often displays his wealth on social media. The 38-year-old has begun training at his Las Vegas gym under the watchful eye of his father, Floyd Mayweather Snr. For Pacquiao, 36, sparring will not commence for perhaps another 10 days, although he has begun his endurance training after moving to Los Angeles. Trainer Freddie Roach is currently attending to Chinese fighter Zou Shiming in Macau, leaving the Pac-Man to train under Buboy Fernandez and Justin Fortune. Roach however attended Wednesday’s conference, and said: “When I heard the fight was on, I was the happiest guy in the world. “We have had two training days and I am happy with where everything is. Sports gave the fight a very apt description calling it as the “single largest boxing event of all time.” That, I couldn’t question. Veteran fight promoter Bob Arum couldn’t have said it any better than this. “I would say that Joe Frazier is turning over in his grave, and Muhammad Ali is looking on in disbelief.” I am starting to drool over this one. A seat at MGM Grand in a dream coverage of a lifetime. This dream chair of mine costs no ticket at least. Notes: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” at 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8 am to 10 am. You may write the author at bravoneil@rocketmail.com.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 255 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2015