Edge Davao 7 Issue 35 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

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BIR to padlock 2 erring stores

By Lorie A. Cascaro

n National office approval awaited submitted to the national office last week. HE Bureau of Internal Revenue n 7 other firms under surveillance He said the regional bureau is wait(BIR) Revenue Region No. 19 will According to BIR Assistant Regional ing for the signature of either the BIR padlock anytime soon a distribu- Director Nuzar, the erring stores are commissioner or the deputy commistor of equipment in Davao City, and a recommended for closure for five days sioner on the order for closure of the esgrocery store in Digos City for alleged based on the report the regional office tablishments. deficiences in their declared sales.

PROPERTY FORUM Page 7

FBIR, 13

Sports Page 16

SUMMER JOBS. Armed with required documents for summer employment, a group of youth patiently waits for its turn to be interviewed on Wednesday afternoon. [KARLOS

More drug mules face death: VP

MANLUPIG]

By Jade C. Zaldivar

death sentences as drug mules while more await the outcome of their cases. “Meron nang mga nahatulan ng death sentence at meron ngayong dalawa na nasa trial court dinidinig ang kaso,” he said during his guesting at the “Give Us This Day” television show of Kingdom of Jesus Christ faith leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at their

n Ban on OFWs in Syria a ‘bless

ICE President Jejomar Binay said SEVERAL more Filipinos accused of smuggling illegal drugs into China have been convicted of the crime and are awaiting execution there. This was bared by Vice President Jejomar Binay dur-

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO

ing’

ing his visit to Davao City this week. Binay, the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Concerns, told reporters in Davao City Monday that several Filipinos have been given

Through the years, I’ve learned that a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t need to be expensive. I am not a big shopper and most of what I have were just accumulated through the years. However, I’ve reached that point wherein I’d have to rummage through my closet just to get a pair of jeans yet I still sometimes feel like I don’t have enough clothes to wear. “That’s because you don’t classify your clothes according to use. You have to make space for key pieces which you can mix and match, use and reuse many times,” snapped my friend. Getting reacquainted with the basics couldn’t have come at a better time. I got my copy of Liz Uy’s StyLIZed just when I began with my spring cleaning. StyLIZed, by far, is the hottest fashion book to hit the stores this year. In this book, fashion editor and stylist Liz Uy introduces to readers how to build a fashionable and

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INdulge! EDGEDavao Davao partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY • DEC. 31, 2013 • WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY JAN.1-2, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 202 • TUESDAY-THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24-26, 2013

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EDGEDAVAO

Starmobile: Serving a seamless society A phone for TRENDS

IN THE EYE OF THE STORM. For his lackadaisical handling of the Cebu Pacific mishap at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, embattled airport manager Frederick San Felix found himself at the receiving end of the public ire.

ENGAGE 8 3G

all families

immune to trends regardless of the season.” Liz doesn’t impose her own style and personality on her readers. She talks more about what goes into the process of putting together an ensemble and stresses on sensibility when it comes to choosing clothes and accessories that complement your body and character. The book inspires readers to think out of the box and explore styling possibilities from combining edgy and classic pieces to giving old clothes a second life with easy DIY tricks. It opens ideas on how a woman can better appreciate and express her style and flaunt her assets. These useful tips and fresh ideas are more than enough to help women achieve and maintain a chic wardrobe that is also practical at the same time. “No matter how basic the item is, it can truly go from day to night with just a simple tweak in how you fold it or what you wear it with. You can never go wrong with the basics. I would advise every girl to arm yourself with these pieces which you can definitely wear to many occasions at any time of the day. A little creativity goes a long way.”

highly functional wardrobe with only 10 versatile pieces. She details not only the basics every woman should have, but also the different ways of wearing them. During the book signing event held at SM Lanang Premier, Liz Uy shared how this style guide came about. “I’ve seen trends come and go during my years as fashion editor. In this style guide, I outlined 10 wardrobe staples, which are the most basic and ubiquitous pieces we probably all have in our closets. These are ones that can be worn for different occasions, styled in multiple ways, and are

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY • DEC. 31, 2013 • WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY JAN.1-2, 2014

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

Back to basics

RIGHT SIZING my wardrobe to only functional pieces has always been a challenge for me, despite the fact that I live and breathe each waking weekday in my office uniform. Like Kate Spade, I started playing dress up at the age of five and have not stopped since then.

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WOMEN

Serving a seamless society

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VOL 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY MAY 4-5 2014

BLACK DONUTS. A tire supplier watches over assorted brand new and second-hand tires along Quirino Street. With the onset of summer, more motorists are changing tires to keep their vehicles ready for the long drives this season. Lean Daval Jr.

PageA1 6 The Economy Page

Speakers hit soldiers, rebels for abuses during GPH panel gab

DLPC goes to the malls

Sports

‘Localize peace talks’ Basa-basa sad panagsa!

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Must involvement of IPs in peace process proposed

By Che Palicte

No. 34 retired

FMORE, 13

eMBeRS of the government of the Philippines government panel (GPh) are enjoining peace-loving Filipinos to contribute their ideas to help the panel’s peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) move forward.

IGNORING THE SIGN. Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and commuters pay no heed to a “No Loading and Unloading” sign along San Pedro Street yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Alexander Padilla, GPh panel chairperson, made the appeal in his opening statement during the oneday public conversation for peace building with the civil society groups and non-governmental organizations (NGO) at the Apo View hotel yesterday. Padilla later told edge

THE MOVES. Human Resources and Management Office (HRMO) chief Erwin L. Alparaque together with the other heads and chiefs of offices of the city government of Davao dances to the tune of Psy’s Gentleman in a once in a lifetime Christmas presentations during the flag raising ceremony yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

DUE TO DUTERTE E.O. ON SPEED LIMITS

Top 13in 2013 T

he YeAR 2013 will be characterized as one where Davao City flourished in business and trade, realized its potentials in real property development, blazed trails in governance, while going through trying times in the areas of law and order and disaster response.

Revenue collections and business permit applications surged to kickstart what loomed like a robust year, then came the mid-term elections that saw Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio step down to private life, paving the way for the return to City hall of her father Rodrigo

EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR and ANTONIO M. AJERO

Over the years, or make that months, mankind has seen the evolution of phones. Mobile phones have become more handy and “smart”, changing its face from click-clacking keypads to muted touchscreen, 2D to 3D features, revolutionizing conversations from word chat to actual face encounters. Every time we hear of a new phone coming out, we panic. A new phone has become a conversation piece for most cliques. Chances are, everyone in the family would want to have one, too --- including kids and teenagers. In case you haven’t heard of the good news, there is one brand of quality smartphones which you

By the EDGE DAVAO STAFF Photos by Lean Daval Jr.

FLOCALIZE PEACE TALKS, 13

ROAD MISHAPS DOWN 20% Supt. Poliquit nixes arming traffic enforcers

WE live in the generation of smartphones. Everyone is on mobile almost 24/7. Smartphones not only make communication easy, but they also make information and entertainment readily available for all.

EDGE DAVAO’S YEARENDER

alongside brother Paolo as the new vice mayor. A month after Mayor Rody’s new term, his seventh since 1988, three suspected members of a Metro Manila-based kidnap-for-ransom gang were killed in a dramatic shootout

F13 IN 2013, 2

SSUING firearms to civilian traffic enforcers will not solve any problem specially if it concerns maintenance of order in the streets. This was the statement of Supt. Rodelio Poliquit, chief of the Davao City Police Office traffic group, when asked by newsmen covering the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum yesterday what he thought of a proposal from certain quarters to arm traffic enforcers in order to protect their lives from violence-prone motorists and other people who wish to harm them. The idea was floated after Julan Gentapa, a traffic enforcer manning traffic in Toril, was killed by a crazed

FSTARMOBLIE, A4

SHOOTOUT. Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) chief Francisco Villaroman (right) checks a high-powered firearm owned by suspected members of a kidnap-for-ransom gang who were killed in a shootout with the Davao SWAT team at Allied Bank along C.M. Recto Avenue last August.

“paying-payong” tricycle driver in Toril, Davao City last December 19. The suspect, Junie Sumabong, who became despondent after he was arrested for some traffic violations, hacked the victim 17 times with a “lagarao,” a kind of bolo. however, victim Gentapa was not the enforcer who apprehended suspect Sumabong. Providing civilian traffic enforcers with guns will all the more make them targets or magnets to violent elements, Poliquit told media men. earlier, he lauded Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte for coming up with executive Order No. 39, Series of 2013, setting

FROAD, 10

OUT OF THIS WORLD. A cosplay competitor clad in a predator-inspired costume strikes a pose on Sunday night’s Games and Gadgets Expo 2013 held at the activity center of Abreeza Mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

DIAMOND D2

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 202 • TUESDAY-THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24-26, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL Tune Hotel Davao.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2014

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The vivid hues of Havaianas’ Summer 2014 collection

PROTEST. Davao-based progressive groups led by TRANSMISION-PISTON Southern Mindanao stage a protest rally in front of Sangguniang Panlungsod along San Pedro Street yesterday to show their opposition to the proposed urban sustainable transport project. Lean Daval Jr.

MORE TSI CAPACITY OKAYED

Affordable and relaxing stays at Tune Hotel Davao

2 lady councilors oppose Therma South request

well as spacious. I love the graphics used behind the

owned and managed by cousins Marga Nograles and Tisha Dominguez. Dubbed as Obrigada - which is Thank You in

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

AFTERseveral hours of debate,the Davao City Council yesterday approved onsecond reading the resolution “endorsing the request of Therma South Inc.(TSI)”to expand its generating capacity in Binugao, Toril from 300-MW to 645-MW.

The tourism industry in Davao City is growing by leaps and bounds with tourists as well as business travellers flocking to the city. With the influx of visitors coming to Durianburg comes the need for places where these guests can stay an evening or two and that is why Red Planet Hotels decided to put up Tune Hotel Davao (their 7th Tune Hotel in the Philippines) and I was lucky enough to be able to take a sneak peek at the hotel and what I has to offer during their soft launch last week.

Located along J.P. Laurel Avenue, the eight-storey, 155-room Tune Hotel Davao is hard not to miss with its red and white exteriors. Access to the hotel’s lobby is through a size entrance that takes you to the second floor (the ground floor is actually reserved for a food tenant). With its red, white and black colour motif, the lobby is striking as

A footwear brand trusted by families for over 50 years, Havaianas continues to reinvent itself by introducing new styles each year. This summer, Havaianas splashes into the season with a new flipflops collection featuring bold prints and vibrant “popsickle” shades. This collection was launched in Davao just last week in a fashion show hosted by Martish Marketing Co. (MMC), the exclusive subdistributor of Havaianas in South East Mindanao,

The request,made by Manuel M. Orig, first vice president of Therma South Inc.,received 20 votes from the councilors in favor of giving recommendation for their expansion project. Councilors Leah A. Librado–Yap and Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes voted against. Yap told reporters in an interview after the session that from the start of the discussion she strongly opposed its passage. She said that the operation of the power plant would affect the environment.

check-in counter which feature iconic images from around the Philippines as well as the iconic Philippine Eagle. It was there that I met Director of Sales and Marketing for Tune Hotels Philippines, Benjie Martinez and was immediately given a tour around the hotel to see their rooms. On first glance the

Principe-Castrodes voted “no” on the ground of ‘intergenerational responsibility’. She said that the stories of environmental rights are not only stipulated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution but even before that there were already laws protecting the environment. Based on the resolution for approval, TSI they should follow terms and conditions such as: a) Compliance of TSI to the conditions stipulated in the approval of the 300

Portuguese, the language used in Brazil – is MMC’s annual thanksgiving event for their loyal clients and media partners. The fashion event showcased women of all ages decked in the latest Havaianas styles. It was refreshing to see not only young moms and pretty bachelorettes but also little girls on the runway. Each model wore their own style interpretation of summer, which consisted mostly of knee-length dresses, sleeveless tops, shorts, light fabric and floral prints. Havaianas flip-flops have been an essential ingredient for every summer escapade at the beach or in the city. Every summer, flip-flops lovers sport their favorite Havaianas as they journey to new destinations, stroll with loved ones in shopping malls, or lounge in the summer sun. The brand lives on the summer tradition by inspiring people to indulge in happiness, go out, make a splash, and simply have fun.

ONLYThree8 more BRICKS MISSING cocaine bricks returned By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

With three cocaine bricks returned last Tuesday, anti-drugs enforcement authorities have still to recover eight bricks of cocaine. The total number of recovered bricks stands at 54.

FMORE, 10

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 39 • THURSDAY, MAY 09, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 65 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 14-15, 2013

ONE SUMMER FUN, ONE DAVAO! Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 chief of tourism operations Eden L. David (3rd from left), together with City Tourism Officers Lisette Marquez (2nd from right) of Davao City, Bebot Ellera (leftmost) of Digos City; Provincial Tourism Officers Noel Daquioag (4th from left)of Davao del Norte, Christine Dompor (3rd from right) of Compostela Valley Province and Miguel Trocio (rightmost) of Davao Oriental; and Davao del Sur provincial consultant Joan Doromal (2nd from left), flashes the number 1 sign as part of the promotion of “One Summer Fun, One Davao!”, the summer event of Davao region, during Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 65 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 14-15, 2013

EDGEDAVAO Karlo Serving a seamless society

In a statement, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 regional director Emerson R. Rosales who heads the Task Force Davao Cocaine and Other Illegal Drugs created by the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) said that at around 11:30 a.m. last Tuesday a certain Dondon, who is a container truck operator, surrendered the three bricks of cocaine to PDEA office. It states that Dondon wanted to turn over the missing bricks of cocaine to the authorities as he heard the call of the authorities over T.V. and radio interviews. But he reportedly hesitated because he was afraid that he might be ar-

rested and punished for possession of illegal drugs. “Nevertheless, he changes his mind and courageously called the PDEA Regional Office XI Hotline Number to surrender the remaining bricks of cocaine,” says the report. Rosales has urged the public to surrender the remaining eight bricks of cocaine by submitting it voluntarily to PDEA office or nearest police station in their area. Last March 25, two bricks of cocaine were turned over to the law enforcers of the city. One was turned over by the security officer of Sumifru while another one was

But what if we can take away most of the fat and meat and substitute them for healthier fare? Would you still smile? Fortunately you can at Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop. I had been hearing of Sea Green for the longest time and had wanted to give the place a taste but no thanks to deadly deadlines as well as laziness, I was not able to until last March when my “BPA” group finally decided to give Sea Green a visit. The interior of the cafe was light and airy with touches of shabby chic all around. I love their lifestyle shop area which sells organic soaps, honey, wheat grass and other healthy treats. Sea Green’s menu was simple yet was well thought out offering appetisers, main courses, pasta, salad, soup, sandwiches, and brunch. I have to warn meat lovers though, as you cannot find any trace of beef nor pork on Sea Green’s healthy menu. Given that we are always a hungry bunch we decided to each have our own orders. I went for

Sea Green’s Pan Grilled Fish with Cauliflower Rice, Booboo went for the Calamari Pesto Spaghettinis, while Ann went with a Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. Emil and Christian arrived almost at the same time as Otoi. Emil ordered the Creamy Pesto and Vegetable Linguini

2 killed in shootout

Just mention lunch or dinner by the beach and images of grilled seafood, and pork barbecue circle my mind. But one dinner at the tiki Beach Resort at samal Island changed all that in an instant. Instead of going for typical Philippine island cuisine, the tiki Beach Resort went halfway around the world and offers modern Mediterranean cuisine that when combined with the dramatic sunsets over Davao Gulf plus the delicious sangria being served, immediately transported me to a different world. “Dining on the beach is always magical.” tiki Beach Resort’s general manager Wolfgang Pfuner beams, “and with great food here at the resort you can be sure to have a great time.” And have a great time I did! How can you not when having a meal right beside a 200-meter naturally formed beach right? For starters I had two kinds of bruschetta followed up by the tiki Beach Resort’s tuna ceviche, similar to the native kinilaw, but served with peppery arugula by the side for a punchy taste. I loved the bright flavours of the dish that add to the experience of dining on the beach. For the main course, I chose to have the beef marsala which was tender and flavourful after which

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

a chocolate cookie a-la mode was served for dessert. I would have loved the cookie but it turned out more to be like a hard biscotti. Oh well, at least I can eat the ice cream

which was a great way to end a wonderful meal by the beach. The tiki Beach Resort can be reached at reservations@tikibeachresort. com or call (082) 284-

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS AND CULTURE

An artistic rendezvous at Taboan

try to smuggle rice into the country, our operatives will always be there to stop them.” Biazon inspected 22 container vans of rice and one forty-container van with one (1) unit used Daewoo Rezzo, one (1) unit Kia Carens and one (1) unit hyundai Sonata of seized at the Port of Davao by Customs Intelligence Group operatives under Deputy Commissioner Danilo Lim for violation of Section 2503 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP).

EDGEDAVAO FWELL BE THERE, 10

Serving a seamless society

2 pushers arrested By Che Palicte

month of surveillance paid off with the arrest of two suspected bigtime drug pushers Wednesday afternoon on Tulip Drive by agents of the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) during a buy-bust operation in front of the Delongtes Restaurant. The suspects were identified as: Krap Buisan, 20, of Brgy. Malagapas, Cotabato City and Yasser Nandang, 61, of Brgy. Tukananas, Cotabato City. PDeA 11 information officer Noli Nephi Dimaandal told edge Davao the suspects had been involved in the illegal drug trade deals in the city. The buy-bust operation was spearheaded by PDeA 11 regional director emerson Rosales together with the 305th Air Intelligence and Security Group led by

F2 PUSHERS ARRESTED, 10

Wa na ta’y pamugas ani!

HOT RICE. Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon (left) and Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Danilo Lim show Vietnamese Fragrant White rice seized by Customs operatives at Sasa Wharf in Davao City during yesterday’s presentation to media. Lean Daval Jr.

INSIDE:

2 ex-rebs receive P50-T ‘seed money’

2 Pope Francis may visit PHL in 2016 -- CBCP 3 Lebron saves Heat in Game 1

VOL. 7 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 6-7, 2014

all in one roof. In the city. Certainly, you cannot ask for more. Rebuttal King himself, Dello, came out first. Singing “Darating” with his band, you could just hear the symphony from the crowd. It was smooth and just right to make the crowd up and about. In between, he gamely tossed his merchandise that got the crowd rowdier than ever. After his set, I thought I was already deaf. The crowd went wild as Mr. Tao Lang, Loonie, took the stage. With his chillax mode, he was such a sight to see up on the stage --right where he truly belongs. He urged a fan to take the mic and sing with him. Oh how I wish I do not stutter --I would have left my post and sang with him. Seriously! By the time the first note of ‘Tao Lang’ came blasting from the speakers, I was already jumping from my seat. With Loonie was Reg

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto

y friend and fellow rap battle enthusiast, CJ Andea, asked me if I was sure. I nodded my head and gave him my 24 Karat smile. He was not a happy camper as he knew how I am with people -- a crowd full of people, at that. Nonetheless, we made our way and walked the catwalk of MTS that fateful evening of May 19. It was the TM RAPublika Battle Season 2 at the Taboan. Artists from all walks of life rallied their way to the venue and patiently waited for the event to start. Hiphop enthusiasts and some of Davao’s prime battle mc’s (Snob, Psykadelik, to name a few) were present to witness the unveiling of undiscovered talents that night. With them was Paw, who kept me in-sync within the hiphop realm all throughout the night. Jam-packed would have to be an understatement. The place was spilling with onlookers and you can feel the brewing of talents in every corner. 37 contenders spilled their heart and soul in front of premier hiphop man, Mike Swift, and Death Threat Rapper, DCoy, who were the judges of the event. With “bakit ka astig?” as the premier question, each of them wowed the crowd and, of course, the judges to make it into the next round. From 37, it was trimmed to ten then to five and finally to one who will represent Davao in the Manila face-off. At the end, it was Mackoy, with

his fluid like technique and smooth flow of thoughts that paved the way for his win. Good Luck Mackoy and Davao represent! No, the event did not end there. It was just the beginning. The concert began with hiphop artist and premier magician, Jeff Tam, and Dcoy singing on stage. Wow. Everybody was on their feet, singing along with them. By the time, Abra, Loonie and Dello disembarked from the van, the crowd was already on their feet and chanting. yes, three of the most sought after battle Mc’s and hiphop artists in the country are

Rubio, Greyhoundz front man whom I was able to share some thoughts with before their performance, gave a showstopper performance. I must say, it

was one helluva of a performance – kung wala ka pang mali, wala ka pang nagagawa! So, yeah, my deafness escalated into an infinite note as the Makatang Hibang, Abra, came out and started talking to the crowd. I was lost, literally, as I cannot see him from where I was standing. All I can hear was the crowd, going ballistic as he performed his latest single “Ilusyon” for the attendees. Though I was not able to grasp his every note, I was happy to have hummed and bopped my head along with the beat. Like the rest, I was waiting for him to sing “Gayuma”. Oh boy, was it a sight to see – and hear. The whole of Taboan sang with him and you could see him smiling all the way from where I was – which was not far from the stage. Indeed, an undeniably unwritten anthem in the hearts of those who know how to appreciate a good song! After him, Mike Swift,

Dello and Loonie took the stage and gave a stellar freestyle performance to the delight of the crowd. A superb end to an awesome night, I must say. Oh, my mor-night did not end there. Let’s just say, I was fortunate enough to get close and personal with Abra. yes, Abra! Quick Interview with ABRA L: Congratulations on your new song (Ilusyon). I saw it on youTube. A: Thank you. Salamat at napanood mo na.

The Strawberry French Toast was nicely balanced with just a kiss of powdered sugar to add some sweetness. The fresh strawberries really upped the

HUGE REWARD DANGLED 13 kilos of cocaine concealed in bricks still missing By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has dangled reward for anyone who can give him information on who secretly took the cocaine from the container yard of Sumifro, a fruit company, in Tibungco. Duterte told reporters yesterday afternoon at Grand Men Seng Hotel that he would give P100,000 for every kilo of the missing 13 kilos of cocaine concealed in bricks. “Di na siya kailangan magpahibalo’g pangalan, tawag lang ka kang CD (City Police director Vicente Danao Jr. ) o sa ako pakita lang iyang number aron naa ko’y mahibaw-an total ma check man na namo, ” Duterte said. The mayor asked the people in the area earlier to return the other missing

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Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

S a loving husband, father of three kids and outstanding congressman awardee, Karlo Nograles serves as the ideal dad of both his family and his congressional district and INdulge! was lucky enough to have a talk with the 37 year old congressman from Davao City’s first district on how he shuffles his time between his two “families”.

Sports Page 16

ality and needs of many of our constituents, and that we have been blessed with the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. My children are still very young but as early as now, I want them to know that the greatest work of life is really in service of others. My wife completely understands what I do and supports me in more ways that I can imagine. Given my family’s support, being “father” to the 1st District of Davao city becomes even more rewarding.

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL. Blue Harbour Stormwear Outerwear over Blue Harbour Polo Shirt, North Coast Slim Fit Pants, Blue Harbour Belt, Blue Harbour Shoes

FBIR, 13

Defining spaces Davao City is currently undergoing a renaissance of sorts when it comes to new buildings, business establishments, condominiums and homes. along with Davao’s current boom is the need of the owners to maximise the spaces they have.

father time between the two families? K: As a husband and father to my family, I make sure I get to spend quality time with them. I truly believe that in order to be a good public servant, I must first put order in my home. I also go out of my way to make my family understand my work. I share with them the re-

I!: Is it any different taking care of your family from the district? K: While my family and my district are two very different families, they are similar in a lot of respects. For instance, as representative of my District it is my responsibility to look after the welfare of our constituents. The same applies in my family - as father and husband I have an obligation to ensure that the needs of my wife and children are met. But being padre de pamilya helps me determine how best I can be of service to my constituents. What do I mean? As a father, I realize the basic

FKARLO NOGRALES, A4

as what I had learned in college, properly designed spaces maximise the use and flow of the area, it also makes the occupants comfortable to the room and adds value to the property. of course when I say proper design, I mean spaces that are to scale, tables and chairs to the right height, use of lighting that is right for the eyes and just plain old sensibility when it

More drug mules face death: VP

MANLUPIG]

By Neil Bravo

N three years, a Davao City structure will finally get closer to the sky.

SUNDAY LOUNGING. Pure Linen Polo, pants & shoes by Blue Harbour

EDGEDAVAO 6th ANNIvErsAry supplEmENt

RI OA N

We’re referring to the latest property development project getting to the earth-moving phase— that’s the stage where images on drawing boards and blueprints are gradually transformed into tangible structures. Aeon Towers of the FTC Group of Companies is set to become the city’s tallest skyscraper at 90.8 meters or 33 levels of mixed-use property. Before Aeon Towers, The Marco Polo Davao, at 18 storeys, holds the distinction of being the city’s tall-

By Jade C. Zaldivar

est. So, how does the Aeon Towers fare when ranged against the tallest buildings in the country? Midget. Aeon would be nowhere in the top 50. PBCom Tower in Manila is the country’s tallest at 259 meters although it has fewer floors (54) compared to No. 2 ranked Gramercy Residences with 72 floors but lower in height at 250 meters. Discovery Primea (250 meters, 68 floors), Kingsbridge (220 meters, 64 floors) and GT International (217 meters, 47 floors) occupy the rest of the top 5. What are the limitations for

builders to construct high-rise buildings in Davao? Ademar Pama, structural engineer of Aeon Towers, said that basically the challenge is dealing with the soil quality and Davao being in the critical zone of the so-called Ring of Fire. “The challenge in this part of the area (J.P. Laurel Avenue) is the first few layers of the foundation’s soil are really not quite good, it’s soft. But deeper, it’s already quite stable, that’s why we have it on piles,” Pama said in explaining how they prepared the Aeon Towers design. “The foundation is basically a board pile. The board pile would

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extend to the hard strata,” he explained. The maximum depth of the board pile, according to Pama, is about 40 meters from the basement level (from the bottom of the excavation). That means, the total depth of the foundation is 56 meters from ground level. “We really need to have that depth,” Pama stressed. With a 56-meter foundation, the Aeon Towers engineering team was able to come up with the ideal height of 90.8 meters from the ground. however, as they go up, there’s another challenge--staying

SIX

THE TOP SIX

ing’

ing his visit to Davao City this week. Binay, the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Concerns, told reporters in Davao City Monday that several Filipinos have been given

FMORE, 13

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014

P 15.00 • 40 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO

Serving a seamless society

FOOD

n Ban on OFWs in Syria a ‘bless

Photo By Chito MAlABAnAn

Serving a seamless society

Beachside Pinoy cuisine in a bucket Shrimps in Crab Fat Sauce.

Crab in spicy coconut milk. Sinuglaw

THE secret is out of the bucket so to speak as Bucket Shrimps, Davao’s newest seafood place located at the ground floor of the MetroLifestyle Corporate Center along F. Torres Street, opened its doors to the public last April 4 and I was lucky to have first bite at it together with some friends from the media.

NEWSMAKERS

DUTERTE • DEL ROSARIO • TABORA • LAO • MILAN • MARAÑON

Paw, CJ, Abra and me.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 207 • SUNDAY-MONDAY •JANUARY 5-6, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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Serving a seamless society

INDUSTRY MOVERS S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E NT

The members of PIID-Mindanao.

comes to making the space function the way it is supposed to. That is why last May 28, the Philippine Institute Interior Designers – Mindanao Chapter came up with the First Mindanao Interior Design Exhibition featuring design styles entitled “4 X 8” at the abreeza Mall and

SUMMER JOBS. Armed with required documents for summer employment, a group of youth patiently waits for its turn to be interviewed on Wednesday afternoon. [KARLOS

Going to the depths to rise to the sky

L: Was “Gayuma” your first single as a solo artist? A: Meron akong isa pa.. ‘yung Abrakadara..ginawa ko lang ‘yun para masubukan kung pano gumawa ng solo track. Then after nun.. papalitan ko nga dapa yun pero surprise na lang..Nung na-gets ko na pano maging

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

BIR to padlock 2 erring stores

PROPERTY FORUM Page 7

L: your song “Gayuma” got million views compared to your latest one. A: ‘Di ko pa napopromote ang ‘Ilusyon’.

EDGE DAVAO

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 56 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 02 - 03, 2013

ART AND CULTURE

Sporting a beachside groove with bright interiors and artwork that seems like it came from an episode of Gilligan’s Island, Bucket Shrimps has a laidback air which I immediately find light, fun and relaxing. Bucket Shrimp’s menu consists of Filipino favourites from appetisers such as Kinilaw na Malasuge, Sinuglaw, and Paco Ensalada with Melon (which I totally love) to all-time favourites such as crispy yet tender Crispy Pata, Kare-kare, Patatim, Beef Kaldereta, Bulalo Steak, Crispy Tadyang, Chicken Curry Chicken Liver and Gizzard. Of course the of the seafood restaurant has a wide array of seafood such as Squid, Tuna Belly, Tangigue, Bangus, Tilapia, Lapu-lapu and Pompano served in a myriad of preparation styles that is sure to make every seafood aficionado shout for joy. The highlight of the meal was the serving of Bucket Shrimps namesake, succulent shrimps served in a bag inside a bucket which I happily dug in. Along with shrimps, Bucket Shrimps also serves crabs, mussels, scallops

Crispy pata.

MOMENTOUS. An emotional Edge Davao editorial consultant Ramon M. Maxey who is one of the few living veterans of the second World War in Davao City is comforted by his son, Charles, during the 72nd “Araw ng Kagitingan” commemoration at the Veterans Memorial Monument. Lean Daval Jr.

FOOD COMPLEX BACKED Davao City eyed as Southern Mindanao food basket

or on Twitter @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

Bucket Shrimp’s bib.

DG DAVAO

Teens take over!

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Inside Bucket Shrimps.

Pako Salad and Melon. and clams cooked your choice of sauce: Bucket Shrimps Signature Sauce, butter garlic, sauteed in garlic, spicy with coconut milk, or with sinfully delicious aligue (crab fat) sauce. I found the shrimps as well as the crabs and mussels served were sweet, although I was looking for an acid or some vinegar to wake up the flavours. I guess this is because the sauces, such as the one

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abf@edgedavao.net

ONG envisioned to be a complex of manufacturing, trading and export centers for agricultural produce in Southern Mindanao, the proposed food terminal in Daliao, Toril will soon be materialized after the Davao City Council approved on its final reading an agreement that will pave the way for the implementation of the long-stalled project. First conceptualized in 2004, the establishment of the Davao Food Terminal is designed to enhance the agricultural productivity and employment generation program of the city government. But issues on institutional arrangements between the local government and concerned national agencies caught up the immediate implementation of the project. Last Tuesday, the Davao City council approved on its third and final reading an

Mussels in Crab Fat sauce. using crab fat and coconut milk, were really rich. But of course there is no such thing as “too rich” when you are a Filipino restaurant. I just wish the shrimps were a little bit bigger, but I guess I am just spoiled. Visit Bucket Shrimps at the ground floor of the MetroLifestyle Complex along F. Torres Street right besides MetroLifestyle Gym and Bo’s Coffee. Follow me on Instagram

ordinance for the signing of memorandum between the city government and national government agencies for the use of property intended for proposed food terminal project in Toril. The council passed “An Ordinance Authorizing the City Mayor to Sign, for and in behalf of the City Government of Davao the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the City Government of Davao and the National Devel-

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HEROES. Second World War veterans are honored in yesterday’s 72nd “Araw ng Kagitingan” commemoration at the Veterans Memorial Monument for gallantly defending the country’s freedom. Lean Daval Jr.

Hardwork pays off P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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bricks of cocaine because even if they will not return the drugs these can still be traced. He said after urging the public, the other 27 kilos were recovered by Bunawan Police Precinct. The 23 kilos were turned-over by Noel G. Tamayo driver of Sumifro after he found the cocaine at the back seat of the truck while it was parked inside the container yard at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. Around 12:05 noon of the same day, the four kilos were found by Eliseo F. Ju-

By Lorie A. Cascaro

A DAY AT THE OFFICE. M&S Man Regular Fit Long Sleeves with M&S Man Washable Tie, Limited Collection Slim Fit Slacks

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon led Customs officials in inspecting the smuggled contraband and dished off a stern warning to smugglers: “No matter how often they

WO alleged extortionists were killed in a shootout with intelligence Division officers of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) along Diversion Road, barangay Panacan yesterday.

One of the suspects was an army reservist, Private First Class Gerandy Cabardo of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who carried a licensed firearm, while the other was identified as Tanny Tan Jr., an employee of the Philippine Japan Active Carbon (PJAC) in Malagamot, Panacan. According to reports from the DCPO, a certain businessman of barangay Ilang called up the authorities regarding an extortion letter delivered by the suspects reportedly from kumander Parago of the New People’s Army (NPA) asking for P500,000. The Intelligence Division officers planned an entrapment operation, but the suspects sensed a setup after grabbing the money, which resulted to a shootout. DCPO chief, Senior Supt. Ronald dela Rosa said the suspects were identified by victims of holdups in LBC Lanang. “We will show their pictures to other victims in the city, especially business owners to identify them,” he said. ”We will conduct a background check on both the suspects.”

3931 for inquiries or reservations. Follow me on Instagram or Twitter for more foodie finds, travel picks and happenings in, around and beyond Durianburg.

P12-M smuggled rice, cars seized he Bureau of Customs yesterday presented tons of smuggled rice worth P12 million and three imported cars of undetermined value seized recently at the Port of Davao.

INSIDE: Score: 311 violators, 171 guns confiscated DTI further strengthens cacao industry ‘I’ll be much better’ - LeBron

‘We’ll be there to stop you’ T

By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

CONVERSATION. These two persons with disability (PWD) are engaged in serious conversation in the sun’s scorching heat along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Dessert was a onetwo affair as we decided to share an order of Sea Green’s Strawberry French Toast as well as their Tofu Cheesecake.

COCAINE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, together with Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Vicente Danao Jr., left (partly hidden), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 Director Emerson Rosales, leads the presentation of the 51 bucks of cocaine with a street value of P306 million that were recovered at a private port in Tibungco, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

MILESTONE. Graduating pupils of Fil-Asian Mission Academy, Inc. sing their alma mater song during the school’s graduation rites over the weekend. This year’s elementary graduates will be among the first batch of students who will use K-12 program of the Department of Education (DepEd) which aims to enhance the quality of education in the country. Lean Daval Jr.

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Dad of two family rooms I!: What is it like having two “families? K: Having both my “families” (as husband to Marga and father of three children, and as representative of the 1st District of Davao City) is a blessing I will forever be grateful for. It is what makes me complete. I!: How do you juggle your

Serving a seamless society

A different kind of island cuisine

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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F8 MORE, 10

Nograles:

Mao nay dangatan kung magbinuang...

while Christian and Otoi both ordered the Creamy Smoked Salmon Linguini. I loved the Pan Grilled Fish with Cauliflower Rice. The fish was cooked properly and was flaky to the bite. The hint of garlic butter added a punch of flavour to the fish. The Cauliflower rice which was actually made entirely of cauliflower was superb and I would highly recommend it for people who want to say goodbye to rice but still wish to have some rice with a meal. The group also enjoyed their pasta dishes although the Creamy Smoked Salmon Linguini as well as the Calamari Pesto Speghettinis were a little bit on the salty side.

flavour of what would have been an ordinary dessert. Sea Green’s Tofu Cheesecake on the otherhand was a light baked cheesecake served with an orange supreme and some candied pili nuts. The cheesecake was not too sweet and paired well with the orange as well as the nuts. I just wish I could taste the sweet soya flavour of the tofu more as well as have more orange wedges to add more acidity to the dense cheesecake but it was well worth the taste and I don’t mind having seconds. Given that the many of Durianburg’s citizens are already fasting because of lent, Sea Green would be a good choice to splurge a bit while “fasting.” Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more travel stories, fooride finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

EDGEDAVAO EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 56 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 02 - 03, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

PEOPLE

PULLER. A young boy enjoys pulling a styrofoam made into a floating platform for his playmates in the sea just off Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 7 • TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

ADMIT IT! We all love our crispy lechon skin, tender and juicy steak, as well as sinful calorie-filled decadent chocolate cakes. Each bite from these diet-busting bombs is sure to tickle your taste buds and elicit a smile.

SASA WHARF BOMBING ANNIVERSARY. Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte sprinkles holy water the exact site of a bomb explosion 11 years ago that claimed 17 lives and injured 56 others during the commemoration of the tragic incident yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

REQUEST. Aboitiz Power Corp. first vice president Manuel M. Orig listens to the city councilors’ discussion of a committee report on a Therma South, Inc. request to increase its generating capacity from 300 MW to 645 MW during yesterday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

FAFFORDABLE, A4

VOL. 7 ISSUE 14 • THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

FOOD

SUMMER is a time when we all feel free to enjoy and indulge in life’s pleasures. We deck ourselves in the comfiest of clothes and footwear as we bask in the summer heat. This season’s wardrobe staples / must-haves normally shorts, tank top, sunnies, swimwear, and flip-flops. Looking at aesthetics, nothing says summer more than bright colors and a kaleidoscope of patterns.

From left: Director of Sales and Marketing of Tune Hotels Philippines Benjie Martinez, Hotel Manager of Tune Hotel Davao Emily Nuere, Country Head of Tune Hotels Philippines Sahlee Zaldivia, Senior Vice President operations of Red Planet Hotels Dennis Wright, guest service supervisor Liza Ledama.

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EDGEDAVAO Light eats at Sea Green EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 14 • THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

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VOL.5 ISSUE 27 • APRIL 12, 2012

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spECIAl prOJECt

DG DAVAO

told through dance BIR to padlock AT tale L D W k A R 2 erring stores

Serving a seamless society

Indulge! Page A1

By Lorie A. Cascaro

PROPERTY FORUM Page 7

REELING FROM DEVASTATION 6-hour fire razes some 4,000 homes

REVISITING THE

TAX CODE

Magnet for investors

Davao, 20 other cities vie in livability contest

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DG DAVAO

Back to basics

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DG DAVAO

oday, the company has 134 employees who help serve most of the private schools and offices, even government offices also trusted them for their credibility of dealing only in high quality products.

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Sports Page 16

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

It started as a sideline of He Pao Go, a Chinese entrepreneur, but today it is a major source of office and school supplies in Davao City. This is the humble beginning of well-known supplier, GH Office and Supply Depot, now celebrating its 50th year. According to Ken C. Go, purchasing manager of the company, GH Office Depot began as a secondary source of income for his father who focused his attention on Davao Lumber Corporation as part owner. Go said that the business started in wholesale of

imported staplers and hand tools from China. Since his father was not yet a Filipino citizen, he was not allowed to engage in the retail business. At the time, the Go children were still very young, a reason their father ran the business alone. It was only when they reached college age that they began helping manage the business. Paul C. Go, president of the company, said that the business was established in their house on Monteverde Avenue, which is today the site of their building. He considered it a remote area since

R. Magsaysay Avenue was the center of trade at the time. The company president said that they did their business through telephone transaction and their father delivered the goods himself since they still did not have employees. In 1969, their father hired a driver and a helper to deliver stocks to their clients. Ken said that in the late 1970’s when his father became a Filipino citizen the company began to engage in retail business. For 10 years the company gradually grew and became the major supplier in the city.

Today, the company has 134 employees who help serve most of the private schools and offices, even government offices also trusted them for their credibility of dealing only in high quality products. Paul said they did not consider low prices alone in choosing a supplier, but also the quality. Ken said that their company is the pioneer of the shopping-type setup of retailing in which the customer can freely choose the products they want. He said that in the earlier days customers FTHE GOLDEN, 12

SUMMER JOBS. Armed with required documents for summer employment, a group of youth patiently waits for its turn to be interviewed on Wednesday afternoon. [KARLOS

More drug mules face death: VP

MANLUPIG]

By Jade C. Zaldivar

n Ban on OFWs in Syria a ‘bless

ing’

ing his visit to Davao City this week. Binay, the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Concerns, told reporters in Davao City Monday that several Filipinos have been given

FMORE, 13

P i9

Localize peace talks d ug mu

THE GOLDEN YEARS OF GH OFFICE DEPOT

EDGEDAVAO

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DG DAVAO

Starmob e A phone for a fam es

EDGEDAVAO

ROADMISHAPSDOWN20% m ffi

Top 13in 2013 T

DG DAVAO

The v v d hues of Hava anas Summer 2014 collect on

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EDGEDAVAO Light eats at Sea Green EDGEDAVAO DG DAVAO

2 ON THE COVER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

CIVIC JOURNALISM AWARDS. Winners of the 2013 Civic Journalism Awards pose together in a group shot with PPI 50th anniversary confab keynote speaker former President Fidel V. Ramos and PPI chair and president Atty. Jesus Dureza, who is also the publisher of The Mindanao Times.

Hardwork pays off By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

“As a whole, Edge Davao is a paragon of high quality journalism; a local newspaper that combines, in seamless meld, high quality writing and community value” – Philippine Press Institute

yeAr after joining the mainstream daily platform in the newspaper business in Davao City, eDGe Davao manager Olivia Velasco thought it was a leap bigger than they thought. “It looked like it was more than a calculated risk, but we realized there was no turning back. Tony (Ajero) told me to hang on and keep the faith,” recounted Velasco during the sixth anniversary of the newest paper to join Davao’s small but highly competitive industry. “We had to stick to what we had envisioned, no matter the competition we are facing and the obstacles we had to meet head on,” said Ajero, the paper’s editor-in-chief. edge Davao entered the Davao newspaper business in 2008 as a business weekly at a time the country is beset with the Asian crisis. It was quite a risky move but Velasco and Ajero along with some of the veterans in the publication and printing business. In 2012, the edge Davao took it a notch

higher when it stepped into the very competitive arena of daily newspapering. The entry into the daily platform also came at a time when advertising is not in its rosiest era. The ride was not easy. young as it is, the organization operated with a mix of veterans and the young turks of Davao media. But this unassuming news organization compensated its short-handedness with hardwork and dedication. “It was never easy. But when you want to excel, you have to work harder, and that’s what we do and will continue doing,” said Ajero. edge Davao changed its look from its days as a weekly to a daily newspaper with a design and make-up that’s made to suit reader’s eyes. It splashed bigger photographs, had more color pages and a style that augurs well for the discriminating and fast-paced audience. “It’s a style that’s dynamic. We wanted to get ahead of the trend and yet keep our audience reminded of our beginnings

as a business paper,” Ajero said. On Thursday night, edge Davao was adjudged as the “Best edited Community Newspaper” in the 18thCivic Journalism Community Press Awards held in Manila coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI). No less than former Pres. Fidel V. ramos awarded the coveted trophy to Ajero in the awards ceremonies. According to the award’s citation, “edge Davao demonstrated the highest standards in terms of creativity, quality, utility and style of writing that uphold the highest journalist standards and tradition. It presents with more consistency a strong and concise community relevant stories.” “The style of writing is such that even as an article deals on local events it is never myopic and parochial in treatment because its perspective also transcends beyond the locality. As a whole, edge Davao is a paragon of high quality journalism; a lo-

cal newspaper that combines, in seamless meld, high quality writing and community value,” it said. For this year’s awards, the screening process was managed by the prestigious Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication while the Board of Judges is chaired by Atty. Antonio ‘Tony’ La Vina, dean of the Ateneo de Manila School of Government and chair of the Philippine Press Council. edge Davao received cash prize and special trophy besting Sun.Star Baguio in Luzon and Sun. Star Cebu in the Visayas, the other finalists which are both decades-old publications. Aside from the most coveted prize, edge Davao also received three plaques of merit for being national finalist in the Best editorial Page, Best in Business and economic reporting, and Best in Photojournalism categories. The award-giving program, launched in 1996 and conferred annually on outstanding community newspapers, was one

of the highlights of the PPI’s golden year celebration. This year’s awards ceremonies was held in partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, thePPI--also known as the association of Philippine newspapers--continues to recognize the “outstanding contributions of the community press to the reconstruction of public life where ordinary folk have a strong voice in local affairs.”

HOW WINNerS Are PICKeD The general criteria for judging includes how the competing newspapers served as catalyst for community action during the year under review (2013) and coverage of issues that are relevant to community life and aspirations. As “Best edited Community Newspaper,” a newspaper must show excellence in coverage, content, writing and editing. It must demonstrate a high level of consistency in its quality of writing and reporting that

empowers community members to think, observe or act on issues and concerns affecting their community.

HUMBLe AND UNASSUMING The latest award added to the growing collection of recognition for edge Davao in its young six-year presence. Only last month, the paper marked its anniversary by launching its motto: “rOAr” which stands for responsibility, Objectivity, Accuracy and relevance. “We will continue to work harder. The competition starts the day after you receive your award. It’s a new day and a new work ahead of us,” said Ajero. edge Davao, however, will have to move on without its editorial pillar in ramon Maxey who passed away last April 27. edge Davao’s editorial team is composed of Ajero (editor-in-chief), Neilwin Joseph Bravo (managing editor) and Gregorio Deligero (associate editor).

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

THE BIG NEWS

MRS. HANEP-BUHAY IN THE HOUSE. Sen. Cynthia Villar is flanked by some participants of the 40th MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center general assembly and the 45th Cooperative Leaders Congress at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center yesterday where she discussed “Cooperating with Business Groups”. Lean Daval Jr.

P5.4 M allotted for brgy. ‘tanods’ By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor rodrigo r. Duterte has assured that the local government will allocate more than P5.4 million a month for the salary of barangay ‘barangay tanods’ in the city’s 182 barangays. Duterte told the barangay captains last Friday afternoon at Grand Men Seng Hotel that the city will pay five ‘barangay tanods’ in every barangay in the city to serve as force augmentation to the police operatives. “We need to revitalize ang inyong mga barangay,” Duterte emphasized. Duterte said that he came up with the idea upon learning the series of robbery incidents especially in the barangays in the first district. “The police cannot really guard every square of the city. every square meter of the city just also has to come up on

how to combat it. Grabe gyud ang kawat,” stressed Duterte. He said the force augmentation will help mitigate the occurrence of robbery incidents in the city. But the mayor said that the city cannot pay many barangay tanod because of budget constraints. The selected five tanods in every barangay will be paid monthly. He said that the ‘barangay tanods’ will deployed as police auxiliary forces so that the can be armed with shotgun. In an interview, Duterte said that the budget of this appropriation will be drawn from the peace and order fund of the city. He said that each barangay captain will choose and recommend his five ‘tanods’ who will undergo training as force auxiliaries under the Davao Police Office.

N celebration of earth Month, The Watershed and environment Protection Coalition and the Davao City Water District conducted a forum on April 24, 2014 to tackle concerns on the and gather support on its promotion and implementation. The forum was graced by Councilor Leonardo Avila III and attended by various stakeholders from the local government units, academe, and the environmental sec-

tor. It discussed the Implementing rules and regulations (Irr) of the Davao City rainwater Harvesting Ordinance, which includes an advocacy campaign and requirement of rain water catchment systems in old and new buildings. SM Lanang Premier Mall Manager engr. Mary Therese Lapeña-Manalo was invited to present the mall’s rainwater Catchment Facility, with

DISCUSSED DURING EARTH MONTH

Rainwater harvesting at SM Lanang Premier I

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BIGGER PICTURE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014 Internet Photo

US experts declare progress in quest for MERS treatment U

S scientists say they have made progress toward developing treatments for Middle east respiratory Syndrome (MerS), after the death toll from the newly emerged and often fatal disease topped 100 in Saudi Arabia. There are currently no vaccines or antiviral treatments for MerS, a severe respiratory disease with a mortality rate of more than 40% that was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and which experts are still struggling to understand. But now scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston have identified natural human antibodies – proteins made by the immune system that recognize foreign viruses and bacteria – against the virus that causes MerS. In laboratory studies reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a scientific journal, researchers found that these “neutralizing” antibodies prevented a key part of the virus, known as MerS CoV, from attaching to protein receptors that allow the virus to infect human cells. Further experiments are under way that could lead to development of antibody preventives and treatments for MerS, according to the scientists. “This panel of neutralizing antibodies offers the pos-

sibility of developing human monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy, especially for health care workers,” the authors noted. MerS is considered a deadlier but less-transmissible cousin of the SArS virus that erupted in Asia in 2003 and infected 8,273 people, 9% of whom died. The World Health Organization announced last week that it had offered to send international experts to Saudi Arabia to investigate “any evolving risk” associated with the transmission pattern of the virus. The UN agency said the recent cluster of cases among health workers was a cause of concern as the virus had clearly been contracted from a human patient and not directly from an animal host. Wayne Marasco, who led the research, and his team found the MerS antibodies using a “library” of some 27 billion human antibodies they have created and maintain in a freezer at Dana-Farber. A neutralizing antibody is one that not only recognizes a specific virus but also prevents it from infecting host cells, so eventually the infection is “cleared” from the individual. Marasco added that an antibody-based treatment for MerS would be administered by injection and could provide protection for about three weeks. [AFP]

DEADLY NEW VIRUS. This undated handout picture courtesy of the British Health Protection Agency shows the Coronavirus seen under an electron microscope. AFP PHOTO / British Health Protection Agency

Curbing bad habits can prevent 37 M premature deaths – study C

QUIT. The United Nations is targeting a 25-percent reduction in premature death from non-communicable diseases from 2010 to 2025.

UrBING smoking and drinking, salt intake, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and obesity can prevent more than 37 million premature deaths by 2025, according to an analysis published on Saturday, May 1. If globally-adopted targets for reducing these risk factors are met, the risk of dying prematurely from heart or lung disease, stroke, cancer or diabetes will fall by 22% in men and 19% for women in 2025, compared with 2010, a team of researchers wrote in The Lancet medical journal. “Worldwide, this improvement is equivalent to delaying or preventing at least 16 million deaths in people aged 30-70 years and 21 million in

those aged 70 years or older over 15 years,” they said. The targets are to reduce tobacco use by 30%, alcohol consumption by 10%, salt intake by 30%, high blood pressure by 25%, and to halt the rise in the prevalence of obesity and diabetes. A more ambitious 50-percent reduction in smoking by 2025 would reduce the risk by more than 24% in men and by 20%in women, wrote the team. \ They used national population data and epidemiological models for their calculations. “Most of the benefits will be seen in low-income and middle-income countries where as many as 31 million deaths could be prevented,” said co-au-

thor Majid ezzati from Imperial College London. Not reaching the targets would result in 38.8 million premature deaths in 2025 alone – 10.5 million more than in 2010, the team said. Premature mortality is defined for the purposes of the study as the probability of dying between the ages of 30 and 70. The United Nations is targeting a 25-percent reduction in premature death from non-communicable diseases from 2010 to 2025. This group of diseases is caused in large part by unhealthy lifestyles, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets. [AFP]

VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

AGRITRENDS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

Hotter nights may lower rice harvests

IGHT temperatures are getting warmer. And scientists are worried that rice harvests may fall. There’s a “clear trend” of increasing night temperature, says Dr. roland J. Buresh of the International rice research Institute (IrrI). “Average night temperature over 23 degrees Celsius can reportedly lead to yield loss due to increased need of the rice plant to expend its energy to maintain its biological health, said Associate Scientist Grace Centeno of IrrI’s Climate Unit. The higher night temperature trends observed at IrrI’s agrometreological station in Los Baños are also true for Southeast Asia and the rest of the rice-growing world, she says. “Some rice growing areas will experience significant rise in night temperature,” she says. “The increase in night temperature is not uniform as oceans heat more slowly than the land. Growing areas inside a continent will tend to be warmer for longer periods than rice areas along the coasts. rice areas in a middle of big islands will tend to experience higher night temperature compared to rice areas in small islands.”

A 35-year climate trending at IrrI’S Long-Term Continuous Cropping experiment shows that night temperatures are increasing while the day temperatures are less consistent. “The average minimum daily night temperature during the period of rice growth in the dry season (January to April) has increased about 1 degree Celsius in the last 35 years,” says Buresh. “It has now increased to a published critical threshold of 23 degrees Celsius above which there can reportedly be a penalty of reduced yield.” During the early wet season (May to August) night temperature was already above the threshold, with a likely “yield penalty,” he says. The late wet season (September-December) trends showed that “we’ve crossed the threshold in the last 20 years,” Buresh says. Centeno participated in a study of weather data at IrrI’s rice farm from 1979 to 2003. The study found that during the dry cropping season (January to April), grain yield declined by 10 percent for a 1°C increase of night temperature above 23 degrees Celsius in the growing season. In that study, the mean night temperature increased

by 1.13°C in the 25-year period. The study provided a direct evidence of decreased rice yields from increased nighttime temperature associated with global warming. It showed that the increase in night temperature was 3.2 times greater than the increase in day temperature, which is consistent with the observa-

tion that night temperature has increased approximately three times as much as the corresponding day temperature from 1951 to 1990 over much of the earth’s surface. However, the magnitude of increase at IrrI’s farm was greater than the global trend determined over the 1950–1993 period. The larger increase in temperature observed at the IrrI farm may

reflect the stronger warming induced by greenhouse gases in the last quarter of the 20th century. Centeno indicated “the study was published in 2004, but additional data from 2004 onwards continue to support the negative effect of higher night temperature on crop yield.” A 10 percent reduction in yield is huge: a harvest of 5 tons per hectare would de-

crease by half a ton, a drop that Buresh calls “a major and significant concern in rice production.” The International Food Policy research Institute forecasts that by 2050 rice prices will increase between 32 percent and 37 percent as a result of climate change; by that time, yield losses in rice could be between 10 percent and 15 percent, it says.[SciPhil]

MerICAN farmers plant the most number of genetically engineered or Ge crops worldwide. With 70.1 million hectares planted to Ge crops, the United States continue to lead the world, with an average ~90 percent adoption across all crops, according to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). That’s a lot of American confidence on a farming technology, considering that 2,000 US farmers planted Ge corn on just 50,000 hectares when the the first commercially available Ge crop was released in 1996. Ge corn was tolerant of drought conditions – that is, it adapted well to dry conditions. Today, farmers have planted Ge crops on a cumulative hectarage of 1.6 billion hectares worldwide. In the United States, one reason for the extensive adop-

tion of Ge crops is the impact of the technology on decreasing the use of pesticides (insecticide and herbicide), according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a report on Ge crops. It said this is reflected by studies based on field tests and farm surveys showing a reduction in pesticide use. The report cites a 2010 U.S. National research Council study which concurred that Ge crops lead to reduced pesticide use and/or the use of pesticides with lower toxicity compared to those used on conventional crops. Generally, the adoption of Ge crops is associated with lower levels of insecticide use. The amount of insecticide per planted area applied to corn and cotton crops have decreased steadily over the last 10 years – except for cotton in 1999-2001, when application levels were distorted during the US boll weevil eradication

program. Trends in insecticide use suggest that insect infestation levels on corn and cotton farms were lower in 2010 than in earlier years and are consistent with the fact that european corn borer populations have steadily declined over the last decade, the USDA report said. It said several researchers have shown that area-wide suppression of certain insects such as the european corn borer and the pink bollworm are associated with Bt corn and Bt cotton use, respectively. The corn and cotton crops were genetically engineered to contain the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria that is toxic to the corn borer and the cotton bollworm. “This suggests that Bt seeds have benefited not only adopters but non-adopters as well,” the report said. [SciPhil]

Cutting-edge genomics now GE crops reduce insecticide use open to scientists, students A A

NeW bioinformatics facility is now open to scientists and stu-

dents. The Core Facility for Bioinformatics opened at the Philippine Genome Center, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. It will be at the cutting-edge of local genomics research, a discipline in genetics studies that sequence, assemble and analyze the function and structure of genomes or the complete set of DNA within a single cell of an organism. In mid-April, the facility activated the website, providing Filipino scientists and students with online access to the BlueGene/P supercomputer, one of the world’s

fastest computers. The massive computing tool is the first in Southeast Asia and the fourth installed in Asia – after Japan, China and India. “The BlueGene/P supercomputer is now running and the data bases installed and ready for use,” said Dr. Arturo O. Lluisma, Director of the Core Facility for Bioinformatics. ““It is available online for the genomics community.” State-of-the-art computing resources and services will enable researchers, both in government and outside, as well as students, to process, manage, curate, share and archive massive amounts of genomic data. This allows the transformation of complex data into

information that is useful to biomedical scientists, biotechnologists, biologists and scientists. The facility is expected to develop local expertise in bioinformatics and computational biology. Its research programs will include new and improved computational techniques and tools as well as collaborative research projects aimed at finding solutions to complex problems that require highly intensive computations. It will be part of the Philippine Genome Center’s current focus on five research programs: agriculture; biodiversity; forensics and ethnicity; ethics, legal, social issues in genomics; and health. [SciPhil]

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

No time, water to waste as PHL expects el niño S

eNATOr Loren Legarda yesterday said that there is no time to waste in getting ready for the el Niño phenomenon that is expected to hit the country in June, adding that this means Filipinos should start conserving water. According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the el Niño may trigger drought and stronger storms. “As the DOST has warned of an impending el Niño, we expect that government agencies have already set out programs to address the effects of this phenomenon. Foremost of our concerns is food security because prolonged drought would drastically cut down the production of local crops like rice, corn, sugar cane, vegetables and other agricultural products. It can also cause a decrease in fisheries yield,” said Legarda. “Meanwhile, communities should also start water conservation programs. Households should avoid

excessive water use and practice reusing water,” she added. The Senator also urged local government units (LGUs) to put up rainwater harvesting facilities in all barangays as part of water conservation program. Such system would help address the country’s water shortage problem, particularly during the dry season, while making use of the excess water from rainfall. “We are already experiencing hot temperatures, but rain showers occur every now and then. Manila was flooded yesterday due to heavy rain. A rainwater catchment system could have avoided or decreased the volume of flood,” she explained. Legarda said that the creation of rainwater catchment basins is mandated by republic Act 6716, a law enacted in 1989 that requires the construction of water wells, rainwater collectors, development of springs and rehabilitation of existing water wells in all

barangays in the country. “These catchment systems can be built using low-cost local materials. But while the system is not yet in place, the people can use drums to store rainwater especially in areas being frequented by rains. We just have to make sure that water is stored properly so it would not become a

breeding place for mosquitoes,” she said. Legarda also cited the proposal of environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr. to create rainwater catchment ponds. Vacant land in low-lying areas can be excavated and turned into a pond or lake so that excess water from heavy rains or storms have a place to go.

The proposal also includes growing fish to prevent the pond from becoming a breeding ground of mosquitoes and planting vegetables like kangkong and fruit-bearing trees like banana in the area surrounding the pond. “We have to implement programs such as these water catchment basins

that bring multiple benefits of water conservation, flood prevention and food production. Moreover, as we expect stronger storms due to el Niño, we have to strengthen disaster prevention programs and ensure that our early warning systems are in place and effective,” Legarda concluded.

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

EDITORIAL

Tuason now a state witness

OCIALITe ruby Tuason has been granted immunity from prosecution for her participation in the P10-billion pork barrel scam by the Office of the Ombudsman after it has been convinced of Tuason’s personal knowledge of the involvement of Senators Juan Ponce enrile and Jinggoy estrada in the anomaly. Tuason returned to the government P40 million in commissions she got from the deals with alleged scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles. The socialite is now under the protection of the government as a state witness in the case. What now? News accounts say that Tuason is however not completely free from prosecution as she is likewise allegedly involved in the P900-million Malampaya fund plunder, also engineered by Napoles. Many observers opine that this turn of event will tighten the noose around the necks of Senator enrile and estrada. estrada said that this is another opportunity for Tuason, who was the social secretary of his father, former President now Manila Mayor erap estrada, and a family friend, to concoct more lies about the scam. enrile, as usual, has

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remained silent, after denying complicity in one of the biggest financial anomalies of the country’s history. A number of Filipinos who have sadly become cynical of the country’s justice system still doubt if the big fishes in this and other big-time anomalies would go to jail eventually. For the hopeful, especially those who have been impressed by the performance of the Noynoy Aquino administration in this aspect of governance, Tuason’s turning a state witness will enable the taxpayers to get justice in this and similar other cases being prosecuted by the Aquino government. Still, one cannot help but worry about the future. What if the administration elected in 2016 to succeed Aquino will not be as aggressive in pursuing the cases? What should the Filipino people do to preserve the gains of the Aquino administration in the drive against rampant corruption in the government? Somebody ought to come up with a creative way to preclude the rise to power of another “trapo” (traditional politician) government. Do you have any suggestion, dear reader?

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

The High of Catnip

ATNIP is a plant from the mint family that has a pungent smell attractive to cats. It stimulates cats and elicits a psychosexual response from them. In other words, catnip makes the cats go a little bit crazy. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary also defines catnip as something very attractive. I love cats and it has been my experience that not all cats react crazily to catnip. Others just show a hint of reaction. Others roll around the floor. Others go quietly into a corner and savor the high alone. Aside from the fact that naming this column Catnip is my nod to love of cats, it is also meant to elicit reflection, reaction, and hopefully, positive action. As something supposedly very attractive, Catnip draws readers that appreciate the good textured life. The unexamined life is not worth living. This truth declared by Socrates over two thousand years ago is especially made more pressing in this day of the hi-speed and the hi-tech. It is especially made more pressing when we just want to go on and on and on, and compromise integrity, and think it is perfectly okay. The real wolf of Wall Street, New york stockbroker Jordan Belfort, spoke of how easy it is to cross the line just a little bit. It is not really that bad. Before you know it, it becomes very easy for you to stray far from line. The un-

examined life neglects or diminishes the true, good, and beautiful that is supposed to make us more fully human. It has become too easy to give the excuse, “taolangpo,” when giving in to a juicy temptation; as if being “tao” means it is okay to succumb to ungodly lures. In fact being “tao” means rising above the baser animal instincts that make you want to consume and have more no matter what. The unexamined life is also lived by those who think they can get by without thinking. If you find yourself referred to in this column and you could only lamely whine that we do not know each other, then betcha by golly wow, you better not be in a position of responsibility. In a meeting with the CHeD Technical Working Group responsible for upgrading college basic education, it was discussed that we need the kind of ethics and logic that will not produce another revilla and estrada who mouth weakly constructed self-righteous arguments on top of maneuver-

ing funds of the people. It is hoped that people who will have gone through our educational system will be citizens and leaders who live good and textured lives. The unexamined life is not worth living. So if Catnip exposes certain truths, examine why you are reacting. Was the truth presented actually a lie after all? Do you want to go through the technical rigmarole of producing hard evidence even if you already know the truth in your heart of hearts? Do you want to protect your image which in reality is a façade of the rot inside? Do you resonate or relate with what was written? Do you agree or disagree with the points made? More simply, do you think at all? It is interesting to note that I get calls from entities mentioned in this column. Is this a case of “bato-batosalangit”? My pursuits take me around and give me rich fodder for writing and reflection. I can talk about the elusive dark matter in the universe, discuss business strategies, earn my own money, play judo, drive a pick-up truck, rub elbows with ambassadors, and still make my husband happy. Point being: Do not think a woman of my character can be coerced into what you think must happen. If Catnip disturbs you, then it has done half its job. The other half happens when something good happens because of it.

extremely low at the two government-owned major hydro power plants – the Agus and Pulangi generating units. With the unstable condition of power source, several areas in Mindanao have already been experiencing 4 to 8-hour rotating power interruptions since last year. But at the height of scarce power situation there’s no change in government’s basic position. President Benigno Aquino III, his close aides and think-tanks reiterated government’s perspective claiming that power consumers, Mindanaoans in particular should brace for the worst. To avoid power outages, the say, consumers and end-users must shoulder additional cost to avail of continuous but more expensive power stock following the logic that insufficient supply means higher prices. However, government reasons are varied. Based on the data of the energy department Mindanao has a dependable load capacity of only 1,600 megawatts of electricity, but current demand with acceptable reserve power should be more than 1,700 MW. If that wasn’t enough, power consumers likewise have to pay additional cost in a so-called generation and distribution charges approved by the energy regulatory Commission (erC). This caught the ire of various consumers’ groups and sectors in society who say the rate increase that will be reflected on the monthly bills is additional burden. Hapless consumers in effect, will be paying for contracted cost for electricity that was allegedly purchased by power distributors from the electricity spot marker at higher prices. The dominant question is: “Why pass on the additional costs to the consumers

without the distributors sharing part of the added financial liability?” resentment and anger likewise had been building against the government and the independent power producers (IPPs). Consumers’ advocates expressed dismay and even accuse the government for its apparent role as mere collecting agent for the IPPs, which have a takefor-pay contract with the National Power Corporation (NPC). The energy department knows full well that many IPPs never constructed power plants or if they did never constructed the contracted capacity and the end result – power stock deficiency. Persistent critics and political adversaries say the Aquino administration is complacent, even ineffective in handling the worsening power provision. They even could not hide their frustration over the government’s snail-paced action to solve the impending energy crisis. With the hot summer months only just started according to the not-so-sure PAGASA, power supply in Mindanao is already flagging. In the different commercial and industrial zones rotating power interruptions dissuades new investments. Government supposedly has to move up a niche to solve the deteriorating power supply by doing a lot more higher technologies in massive energy production. Top government executives and energy officials apparently have to approve alternative power supply networks because the bulk of electricity supposedly should come from the IPPs and the other reason is that government completely lacks primary power-producing stations. But despite the prevailing deplorable energy situation, the Aquino administration assured Mindanao consumers it has already started a strategy to ensure there is enough power in the days ahead. Just imagine a short-term government contingency measure designed to avoid power interruptions during the hot summer months rather than a long-lasting solution to ultimately solve the country’s pathetic power supply situation?

Pathetic power supply situation

HOrT-TerM GOVerNMeNT CONTINGeNCy MeASUre – The Mindanao consuming public could not hide their frustration over the current debilitating 4 to 6-hour brownouts. Worse, some provinces even experienced 10 to 12-hour power interruptions. Aghast and disgusted consumers are fuming and seem never have disguised their antipathy for the government, power producers and distributors. The disastrous power deficiency situation threatened the island. Indeed, industry woes are expected to worsen as government’s focus switches to less relevant drawbacks. Other alternative power sources have been proposed but was announced that plans had been scrapped because public financing was not available. Is that so, gentlemen? As their wont, government always had the reason to say that budget constraint hampered the implementation of crucial projects such as power generating stations only to find out that several billions of public funds are squandered by cash-starved and greedy ranking officials. Putting up alternative power supply network like geothermal and coal plants require substantial investment therefore government supposedly had to provide backup funds for power shortage mitigation plans. However, the government ironically is not capable of registering its bite when dealing with the prevailing power deficiency problem. There are plenty of reasons consumers and end-users are fuming at how top-profile energy officials and highly-paid government consultants handled the worsening energy situation. Unfortunately, we have a Department of energy (Doe) and its support agencies which seem do not exist. The abating power supply situation threatened the island of Mindanao because it is solely dependent on hydroelectric power. early this year ranking energy executives already confirmed the deficiency in power supply in Mindanao and could even worsen during the hot summer months when the water level is

VANTAGE POINTS

Racist remarks and other distractions SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS

By H. MarcoS c. Mordeno

ONTrAry to expectations, most of the top-seeded teams in the NBA are struggling to survive in the playoffs. Only the Miami Heat, the No. 2 seed in the eastern Conference, has managed to breeze through the first round, shutting out the Michael Jordan-owned Charlotte Bobcats. The long rest should give Dwyane Wade enough time to recover fully from an injury before facing the winner between the Toronto raptors and Brooklyn Nets, which will play game 7 on Monday after the Nets survived game 6 today. Fans are wishing for a Miami Heat-Indiana Pacers showdown in the eastern Conference finals. However, the Pacers, the No. 1 seed in the conference, are finding it hard to clip the wings of the Atlanta Hawks. In fact, the Hawks zoomed ahead with a 3-2 lead in their best of seven series. Fortunately for the Pacers, they outlasted the Hawks in game 6 with a 16-4 run in the fourth quarter to force a deciding game 7 on Sunday. The winner will face the Washington Wizards, which beat the Chicago Bulls, playing without injured star Derrick rose, 4-1. In the Western Conference, the Kevin Durant-led No. 2 seed Oklahoma City Thunder also trailed behind Memphis Grizzlies, 2-3, after losing by a hair breadth, 99-100, in game 5. They came back with fury in game 6, 104-84, to arrange a game 7 back in their home court on Sunday. Whoever wins will play the survivor in the matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, which are also tied at 3-3 with the series to be concluded at the Staples Center. Meanwhile, league top seed San Antonio Spurs failed to wrap up their series in game 6 today with the underrated Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks, who lost to the Spurs in all their four meetings in the regular season, were given a lease on life with a cliffhanger over the other Texas team, 113-111. Now, the No. 1 team and last year’s finalist faces the pressure of having to avoid being swept away by the No. 8 seed in the eastern Conference. The survivor of the Mavericks-Spurs matchup will play the Portland Trailblazers, which frustrated the Houston rockets’ hopes for a game 7 with a 99-98 squeaker today. This is the second straight year that the rockets failed to advance to the conference semi-final round. The way the first round matches have unfolded suggests that the playoffs are an entirely different game compared to the regular season. Since the teams tend to up the level of their play a notch higher there are instances that previous statistics may become irrelevant, or at least not as significant than expected. Moreover, there were on-court and off-court distractions, which I believe may have cost a team or two a victory. First, you had that remarks by Clippers owner Donald Sterling which smack of racism. In a voice recording made public and which he admitted to be true, Sterling had asked his girlfriend to stop associating with black people or bringing them to Clippers games. even his own players did not let the thing pass, and in their game 4 with the Warriors they staged a protest by wearing their shirts inside-out to hide the team name and wearing black wristbands and socks during the game. They lost the game for a 2-2 tie. Meanwhile, in game 5 between Oklahoma and Memphis, Durant was about to release his second free throw in the dying seconds of the overtime period when one of the referees whistled for him to stop. The referee then went to the table officials and pointed out that something (not the time) was wrong with the electronic scoring board. Durant missed the free throw. Who knows he could have made it if not for the disruption? I share the view of the game’s commentators, who are former NBA stars themselves, that the distraction may have cost Oklahoma the game. They should know. They were there long enough to know what losing focus means. By the way, does losing focus also mean citing an existing treaty to justify that a new agreement is not a treaty but merely supplementary to it? What if the supposed supplementary agreement runs counter to the 1987 Constitution? This should prove more interesting than the NBA playoffs. [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com]

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

Ranking NPA leader arrested in SouthCot T PORTRAIT. A street illustrator creates a profile portrait painting of a child in his makeshift shop along Ilustre Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

rOOPerS of the eastern Mindanao Command together with the local police have successfully arrested Felix Armodia, a New People’s Army (NPA) Front Secretary operating in Davao Del Sur, South Cotabato and North Cotabato, during operations in Barangay San roque, Tampakan, South Cotabato Friday afternoon. This took place around 12:45 p.m., eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Capt. Alberto Caber said. He added that the arrested rebel is responsible for the series of attacks on plantations and construction firms in the region which refused to give in to their extortion demands. Armodia’s arrest was made after a concerned civil-

ian tipped authorities about the latter’s location. The NPA leader is wanted for murder, robbery with violence, and illegal detention among others. He is now locked up at Digos City police headquarters to await for the trial of his cases. Meanwhile, eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. ricardo rainier G. Cruz III, lauded the residents and the security forces involved in the arrest of Armodia. “There shall be no let-up of pursuit operations against those responsible in the series of attacks to civilians and civilian properties in eastern Mindanao. The public is now aware that their role in peace and security in the region is vital to the success of the security operations,” he added. [PNA]

Proposal to increase gov’t employee pay not feasible Gov’t prepared to address F

Or now, the government is prioritizing the awarding of pension and retirement benefits of military and police officers over proposals to increase the base pay of all government employees. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that President Benigno S. Aquino III himself has said

that increased salary for government employees may not be feasible at the moment. “The President said that we should acknowledge the present reality,” Coloma said in an interview on state-run dzrB radyo ng Bayan “One of those is where we will acquire the funds to address the pension and retirement benefits of our

soldiers and police,” he added. The PCOO chief then called on government employees to understand the whole situation since the government was merely trying to address all concerns at the proper time. Coloma also mentioned that there was a provision in the Constitution that prohibits lawmakers from passing a bill that will ben-

efit themselves. He raised the issue in reaction to Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV move to push for the passage of a bill that will hike the monthly salaries of members of Congress from the current P90,000 to over P350,000. In Trillanes’ bill, he also sought to increase the base pay of all civil servants including the president of the Philippines. [PNA]

which is reading. Arroyo, who authored the bill together with his mother, rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District, Pampanga), said the same thing could be achieved through the creation of mobile libraries. “The mobile library is a service or an activity of many types of libraries. It is settled to facilitate users who find it inconvenient to go to the library because of the distance, time, expense, lack of knowledge on library, and the lack of reading habit,” Arroyo said. The measure appropriates PHP100 million from the combined earnings of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for the creation of mobile libraries. The bill provides that budgetary support must be continued for seven years or longer upon reasonable determination of

the usefulness, relevance and effectiveness of mobile libraries as tools for education and empowerment of citizens. Under the bill, the National Library of the Philippines shall be the main government agency to implement the provisions of this Act ad shall consult relevant and concerned private and public offices, non-government organizations, members of the academe and local government leaders on matters that will best promote and implement the establishment of mobile libraries and its effective utilization. The Department of Finance is mandated under the bill to issue the relevant guidelines that will provide fiscal and tax incentives to private companies, organizations and foreign donors that will adopt, donate or establish mobile libraries in the country.

Mobile libraries can be used to sponsor and conduct book weeks, book fairs, book clubs, recognition rites for frequent borrowers, displaying new books and featured selections/collections, exposition of library’s instruction programs, among others. Likewise, mobile libraries can also engage in sponsoring livelihood programs, walking tours of historic and cultural heritage areas, socio-economic workshops and trainings and others, as provided under this Act. “The library is one institution that serves as the gateway to the past, the present and the future. In the library, one can find the resources to examine and confront our most difficult problems. Libraries provide individuals the weapons to hurdle obstacles and the remarkable power to change,” Arroyo said.[PNA]

‘Deployment of mobile libraries will encourage citizens to read again’ P

eOPLe who love to read but could not afford to buy books may soon have access to reading materials. Two lawmakers have filed a bill, which seeks to create mobile libraries to bring these facilities closer to the users and encourage citizens to once again read books and other useful and informative materials. House Bill 2644, otherwise known as the “Mobile Libraries Act of 2013,” is in compliance with the policy of the State to protect and promote the right of citizens to quality education and to take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. rep. Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo (2nd District, Camarines Sur) said the objective of the bill is to give meaning and accord full significance to the constitutional provision by promoting one of the most significant aspects of education,

effects of El Nino- - Coloma

ALACANANG said the government has contingency measures to address el Nino phenomenon that may hit the country this year, a Palace official said on Saturday. In an interview over dzrB radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the national government has a contingency plan in place to address the changing climate which is the current reality. For instance, he said that one of the pillars of the Philippine Development Plan is climate change adaptation and mitigation and this includes government’s response on el Nino and La Nina, he said. The Aquino government acknowledges that climate change is now a global reality and nations must prepare for it, the Palace official said. “Kaya po noon pang enero, noong nag-meeting ang

Gabinete, nagpahayag ang Pangulo na kinakailangang paghandaan ang ano mang senaryo na dadating sa atin kung ito man ay el Niño o La Niña,” he said. “Pansinin natin na galing tayo sa panahon ng kalamidad, na karamihan ay mga malalakas na bagyo at malawakang pagbaha, at maging storm surge ang ating naranasan.” Now that the weather bureau sees the possibility of el Nino hitting the country, Coloma said the government is doing everything to mitigate its effect especially in the agriculture sector. Such mitigation measure is incorporated in different programs of concerned agencies and the national budget as well has an allocation for addressing the impacts of climate change, which is in line with priorities of the Philippine Development Plan, he said. [PNA]

a tank volume of 900 cubic meters, at the event. Currently, SM Lanang Premier is the first and only shopping mall in Davao City equipped with such a facility. As one of SM Lanang Premier’s environmentally sustainable features, the rain Catchment System has been utilized as a flood control and a disaster risk reduction toolsince the mall opened in 2012. It can store 546 cubic meters of water and help mitigate flooding in surrounding areas during heavy rains. The said rain Catchment System of SM Lanang Premierprevents the overloading of water in the nearby creek by storing rainwater and releasing it only until

such time when the rain has stopped and the water at the creek had subsided. Once it is emptied, it is now ready to accommodate the next volume of rainfall. In cases where the rain is heavy and the storage becomes full, the facility has an overflow gate that gradually releases excess water to the creek. SM Lanang Premier is an eco-friendly mall and is looking into also using the harvested rain water for landscape irrigation. Other mall features such as grass pavers and skylights and practices such as water recycling and proper waste segregation at source contribute towards its environmentally sustainable efforts.

Rainwater... FFROM 3

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BIGGER PICTURE

Mindanao design takes center stage at the PHILBEX Davao S

INCe the beginning, a very distinct culture and tradition has long thrived in the South of the Philippines. Definitive and vibrant, Mindanao’s robust cultural identity is both beautiful and powerful. More than ever, there is no better time than now to realign Mindanao’s edge in cultural and economic development with that of the entire nation – all aiming towards global acclaim. In its constant pursuit for development, Worldbex Services International (WSI), the country’s leading events and exhibitions organizer, taps into the burgeoning potential of one of Mindanao’s most promising sectors. Patterned after WSI’s highly-anticipated WOrLDBeX and PHILBeX Cebu, the region is bound for a convergence of economic opportunities with the upcoming Philippine Building and Construction exposition or PHILBeX Davao on May 15 to 18 at the SMX Convention Center Davao. Free of admission and free seminars, this 4-day home, building and design event welcomes construction professionals and budding design enthusiasts as doors open from 10AM to 7PM. Internationally renowned for hosting some of the biggest and most comprehensive trade exhibitions in Southeast Asia, WSI possesses an extensive network made up of the best local and multinational companies in each industry. With that said, PHILBeX Davao will likewise emerge as a first-class exhibition meant to showcase the latest industry construction and interior design related products, services, and equipments, from local and global companies. Apart from expanding the business horizons of Davao’s industry players, PHILBeX Davao also seeks to empower the flourishing interior design

PHILBEX Davao will focus on home building & design this summer with more than 100 companies showcasing the latest products and trends from May 15 to 18 at the SMX Davao and architecture industry of the region. For the past few years, Davao has shown an impressive and fast blossoming community of promising designers and architects that have carved their own brand of Mindanaoan style. In line with the thrust to promote the unique aesthetic DNA of Mindanao, at the core of PHILBeX Davao is its theme of “Connecting the World Through resilient Construction.” From here on, the fourday trade show along with its participating exhibitors and partners will also unite to advocate products, services, and trends, that will all serve the purpose of addressing the looming threats of environ-

mental disaster. With this, guests can expect to find showcased products and services with the foremost aim of being sustainable, durable, eco-friendly, and resilient as a way of preventing the disruption of life through preparedness. reflective, meditative, and deliberate, PHILBeX Davao is poised to generate interest in designs with purpose and function - attracting not only industry players but possible future exhibitors as well as style and design aesthetes. As it is green and resilient design is fast becoming a necessity as it is trendy in the international design scene. Mindanao, of all regions,

Worldbex Services International will organize the biggest construction and design expo with more than 200 booths for the crown jewel of Mindanao

bears a bountiful reserve of luxurious and elegant organic materials including abaca, rattan, coconut husks, and more exotic finds. These traditional elements when combined with the pool of Minadanaoan design talents result in uniquely elegant and resilient designs that are undeniably worldclass. 100 exhibitors are slated to participate over the course of four days and over 1,000 visitors are expected to flock to the event. Projected visitors will surely include industry professionals who are seeking to expand their network, designers and architects who are searching for inspiration, as well as exporters and im-

porters scouting for the latest products and equipments in the market, among many others. Among the highlights of the trade show would be the Developers’ gallery where guests can observe and discuss with top property developers. Ideal for design enthusiasts are the Architects’ gallery and the Interior Design gallery where capsule presentations will be mounted for stylephiles to feast on. Tapping no less than the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers to join WSI at the helm of promoting Mindanao’s design industry, PHILBeX Davao is seen to be the biggest style and design event to ever

be mounted in the region. The event will offer free seminars with topics such as rainwater Harvest and Seismic retrofitting of Buildings & Bridges to educate attendees with the latest innovations in the realms of construction and design. On its way to revolutionizing the building and construction industry one region at a time, WSI is confident that PHILBeX Davao will change the dynamics of the industry and it is only the beginning. Take in the sights and spirit of the new Mindanao at the first-ever PHILBeX Davao on May 15 to 18 at the SMX Convention Center, Davao City. For more information, go to www. worldbex.com.

Home is where the heart is, as PHILBEX Davao puts the spotlight on design and interiors from 10AM to 7PM

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Bravo-Pang WEDDIng

Written Stars! in the

(28 March 2014)

By Bai Fauziah Fatima SinSuat amBolodto Videographer:

Daniel Mendiola of Dan Mendiola Wedding Films and Team(Carlo Naval, Benjo Borja, Joel Unida) Photographers: Rupert Nicolas and Jose Albert Nicolas COUPLE: Neilwin Bravo and Jean Paula Pang BRIDE’SPARENTS: Jesus and Edna Pang GROOM’SPARENTS: Leopoldo (+) and Josefina Bravo THEVENUE: The Redemptorist Church with Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla (Church) and The Royal Mandaya Hotel (Reception) THEDETAILS: In a way, they have always known what they wanted; saw how their wedding would turn out. Driven with their love for one another, they kept a solid hand preparing for the big day – from minute to supreme details, the couple made sure that all that they want is what they and their guests will experience come the big day. Wedding Coordinator Juvy Roilo did not stop until she unleashed the very wedding this power couple wanted. She was with them every step of the way; overseeing

that all is in accordance to how the couple would want to be first seen by Davao society figures. Dianne Silva of Wrap It! made the couple’s souvenirs as memorable as the wedding itself – making sure that guests and those in attendance will have Neilwin and Paula’s love to bring home with them. Florist Mannie Dumbrigue was instrumental in bringing the details come to life. With his magical hands and imagination, he was influential in turning both the church and the ballroom into a modern

day “starry, starry nightinspired” fairytale like no other. Despite the magnificence of the façade, the couple did not stop there. A wedding like this deserves nothing but the best of everything – a wedding cake that will make the Eiffel Tower bow down in awe. In lieu of this, Marjory Pang of Icing on the Cake complimented the extravagant venue and details with a wedding cake and dessert buffet station that screams of undying love in all corners. Guests and those in atten-

dance feasted onthe many

gastronomical creations on

display. The wedding cake

itself was a masterpiece that needs no explanation; it was a monumental piece that truly attracted the attention of everyone in the room. Fuji of Kata Couture made sure that the groom looked endearing and spectacular next to his stunning bride. Also by Kata Couture were the dresses and tux worn by the entire entourage. With Diding Lopez making them camera ready, it was no doubt that all of them looked fresh and ready to celebrate awedding for all seasons. Special thanks to the Hummer Limousine from the Royal Mandaya Hotel for the bridal car and Mini Cooper for bringing the groom to the venue on time. Nightingale Dea Formilleza was there to lend

FWRITTEN, A4

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UP AND ABOUT

Globe Art Gallery features Cordillera artworks Globe Telecom currently showcases “Biag”, an exhibition of artworks made by Cordillera artists at the Globe Art Gallery, located at the telecommunication company’s headquarters in Bonifacio Global City. The exhibition, which will run until June 15, highlights the works of five artists from the Tam-Awan Village, a venue for art and cultural activities in Baguio City that aims to increasing awareness and appreciation of the Cordillera culture and at the same time preserving the region’s heritage. “Biag”, meaning life, features five artists namely Mark Tandoyog, Alfonso Dato, Alfred Dato, Art Lozano and Herwin Buccat. Tandoyog uses life itself as a source of inspiration. His personal travels have had great impact on his artistic development. He considers stories from his mother and father on culture and Igorot roots as inspiration for his art pieces. All the diverse strings around Tandoyog’s life converge in his art. The mix that is his life and the lives of those around him determines mixed media as his most comfortable expression. Alfonso Dato has a preference for social realism but does not keep him from producing images and landscapes of Baguio City. Dato views everything from a fresh vintage, by giving his subjects a new spin, he invites viewers to give familiar and ordinary scenes a second look and see the beauty that often eludes them. His works reflects nuance of how he processes events in his immediate environment,

and society, in general. Alfred Dato takes advantage of being an artist to interact with fellow artists, taking every chance to be with people with the same interests and passion to exchange ideas, insights and thoughts. The natural beauty of his surroundings, people and places become his inspiration to create art. Arthur Lozano is a painter from Ilocos who infuses the graceful art of dancing into his canvas. Lozano is described to be a “quiet environmentalist” who develops his talent to convey a message. He believes his works can be an instrument to propel the message of saving earth’s pristine beauty. He dreams that his paintings will inspire people to act and take full responsibility in preserving Mother Nature. Herwin Buccat, an agricultural engineer from Pangasinan, hopes to enhance awareness on environmental degradation thru his artworks and inspire action towards ecological conservation and protection.

SM Lanang Premier’s promotes green lifestyle and practices on Earth Day FROM April 22 to 25, 2014, SM Lanang Premier organized an ‘Eco Fair’ to celebrate Earth Day, the biggest environmental event in the world participated in by over a billion people across 150 countries.

The Earth Day – Eco Fair was kicked off on April 22 at the mall’s Lower Ground Level and was graced by Eduardo Ragaza, Regional Technical Director (RTD) of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XI’s Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) and Ruben Gonzaga, Host of ABS-CBN’s Agri Tayo Dito. The Earth Day theme for this year is “Earth Day Everyday, Everywhere, for Everyone.” Addressing the guests, SM Lanang Premier Mall Manager Engr. Mary Therese LapeñaManalo highlighted the mall’s regular efforts to be eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Among these include: SM Lanang Premier’s green architecture features such as skylights, which minimize energy consumption; grass pavers, which

reduce rain water surface runoff; the use of recycled water in the flushing of toilets and urinals, watering and landscaping; the practice of solid waste segregation at source; and the monthly Trash to Cash Recycling Market, which encourages people to get involved in recycling. The 4-day Eco Fair aimed to boost environmental awareness and stimulate the public to adopt green lifestyle

changes and patronize eco-friendly products featured at the event such as those made by Tadeco, Maria Vinecraft, Inc., and Kultura. It included a look into modern agricultural practices by ABS-CBN’s Agri Tayo Dito and an information drive on DENR Region XI’s ongoing National Greening Program, which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees across the country from 2011 to 2016.

The Earth Day celebration at SM Lanang Premier is an initiative of SM Cares, the mall-based division of SM Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Earth Day Network Philippines, DENR Region XI and ABS-CBN Davao. For more information, check out www.earthdayphilippines.org. You may also visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates.

EDGEDAVAO

ENTErTAINMENT

Asia’s Songbird celebrates Binatbatan Festival of the Arts VIGAN is in a festive mood as it is the only Philippine city to be short listed in the New 7 Wonders Cities of the World. Vying against 28 cities around the world, Vigan kicks off its campaign to bid on the title last May 1. Helping in the promotion of the said campaign is GMA regional TV, the city government of Vigan’s strategic partner. Alongside the kick off is the celebration of the annual Binatbatan festival of the Arts where regine Velasquez-Alcasid is bound to amaze her supporters yet again as she takes on another Kapuso fans’ Day as part of GMA Network’s participation in the said fete. Marking her third Kapuso fans’ Day coming from Davao (Araw ng Dabaw) and recently in Dagupan (Bangus festival), the Asia’s Songbird now gears up to meet and greet her Ilocano fans as well as to delight them with a musical performance they will have a hard time forgetting. The

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said event begins at 6PM today, May 1, and takes place at the Vigan Convention Center. “GMA supports Vigan’s bid to bring pride to the country by becoming one of the world’s wonderful cities. With its cultural and historical wealth, Vigan is one that the Philippines can truly be proud of. We support every endeavour that would bring out the best that the filipino nation can offer, and this is one of them,” said Oliver Amoroso, AVP and Head of the Integrated Marketing Services Division, GMA regional TV. Casting of votes for the New 7 Wonders Cities of the World is open until the end of December through the website www.new7wonders.com/en/cities. Highlights of the Networks’ participation in the Binatbatan festival can be seen in Let’s fiesta TV Special airing on May 25, via GMA’s regional stations in Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Bacolod, and CDO.

Celebrity style

FENDI has teamed up with a bevvy of superstars—including Gwyneth Paltrow and Adele—to design their own Fendi bag based on the brand’s Peekaboo style, which was launched in 2008. Each of the bags will be auctioned off to benefit Kids Company, a charity providing support to thousands of inner-city kids in London and Bristol. The online auction kicks off today at 6pm GMT, to coincide with the Friday opening of Fendi’s new London store on Bond Street. Gwyneth’s Fendi bag is a sophisticated white crocodile design with a sleek black handle. Adele’s Peekaboo bag has a cool multicolored studded design that features a pair of long eyelashes on the inside of the bag. Along with Gwyneth and Adele, supermodels Cara Delevingne and Georgia May Jagger designed bags, as well as artist Tracey Emin, architect Zaha Hadid and more. All the celeb-designed Fendi bags were on display during the party for the brand’s new boutique opening in London.

Kathryn and Xian gear up for their next movies AfTEr the blockbuster success of their respective movies last year, Xian Lim and Kathryn Bernardo are ready to hit the cinemas once again after renewing their contracts with ABSCBN’s film production arm Star Cinema recently. Xian signed a two-picture contract that includes the comeback of the KimXi (Kim Chiu-Xian Lim) loveteam on the big screen this year. Xian and Kim will join the Comedy Concert Queen AiAi delas Alas in one of these movies. He also revealed that he is set to do a family drama

series with “Maria Mercedes” star Jessy Mendiola, Ian Veneracion, and Carmina Villaroel under Star

Creatives and that they will start taping in the last week of May. Teen queen Kathryn,

on the other hand, inked a multi-picture contract, under which one of her linedup projects include her upcoming movie with Daniel Padilla “She’s Dating the Gangster.” following the phenomenal success of “Got to Believe,” Kathryn also confirmed that she will soon return to doing a teleserye after “She’s Dating the Gangster.” Meanwhile, the King of Talk Boy Abunda remains a solid Kapamilya after he renewed another two-year contract with ABS-CBN last Wednesday (April 30).

Its mission impossible for Hero TV’s May heroes Hero TV brings two of the wackiest programs of the year this May as the number one anime channel in the Philippines airs the adventures of vampire boss Staz of “Blood Lad” and samurai friends Gin, Kagura, and Shinpachi of “Gintama: Enchousen.” On Labor Day Thursday (May 1), Staz, a vampire boss of the Demon World encountered fuyumi, a girl who accidentally entered Staz’s world in “Blood Lad.” When fuyumi died and turned into a ghost, Staz made it his mission to help fuyumi return back to life. Will Staz succeed in his quest? find out weekdays beginning May 1 at 8 PM

with replays at 2 AM, 8 AM, and 2 PM. While vampire boss Staz saves fuyumi, the samurais of “Gintama,” Gin, Kagura, and Shinpachi, save themselves from poverty in the show’s latest season, “Gintama: Enchousen.” The heroes work odd jobs to pay for rent, often clashing with new villains, as well as

enemies from the past. See them get through each day of hilarious mishaps weekdays beginning May 14 at 8:30 PM with replays at 2:30 AM, 8:30 AM, and 2:30 PM. Welcoming the end of summer with “Blood Lad” and “Gintama: Enchousen” are “Gundam Age,” “Aquarion Evol,” “Claymore,” “Death Note,” “Digimon frontier,”

“Dragon force,” “fate/Zero,” “Hakouki,” “Jigoku Shoujo,” “Kyouran Kazoku Nikki,” “Major Season 3,” and “Yugioh 5D’s Season 2.” Also, coming up on Hero Theatrixx this month every Saturday and Sunday is “Detective Conan Drama Special 1-4.” Catch all your favorite anime shows on Hero TV (SkyCable Channel 44 and Destiny Digital Cable Channel 44), the number one anime channel in the Philippines. for more schedules and updates, visit and like Hero TV on facebook (www.facebook.com/myheronation) and follow the channel’s official twitter account (@myHErOnation).

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 2D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

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

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 3D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

12:30 | 3:30 | 7:00 (reserved) | 10:00 LFS

DA POSSESSED 2D Vhong Navarro, Solenn Heussaff PG 13

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

R-16 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 2D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 (reserved) | 10:00 LFS

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Written...FFROM A1 her powerful vocal chords to the couple and everyone who celebrated this momentous event with Neilwin and Paula. Truly, Dea made some hearts melt as she told of a love story – the musical way. THEBRIDALGOWN: When thinking of your wedding gown, gone are the days when gowns are all in white and cut the same way. Nowadays, you have the freedom to wear the dress you have always envisioned to wear on your big day. With Paula, she opted for something that not only highlighted her feminine figure but her glowing and radiant self as well. Aztec

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Barba of Patahian made Paula’s gown according to how Paula saw herself walking down the aisle on her wedding day. Simple yet elegant, Paula radiated at all length with her inspiring modern yet with a classic twist wedding gown that spoke of sophistication and luxury in an instant. Complimenting the gown was the bride’s glowing aura made possible with the skillful hands of makeup art-

ist extraordinaire Otoi Mercado. With just the right contour and shade, Paula looked ever so lovely like the bright sun boasting of its magnificence. THE SPONSORS. Standing by the couple are their principal sponsors—a virtual list of who’s who in the industry where the couple evolves. The Ninongs are led by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (represented by his son Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte), Mati City Mayor Carlo Luis Rabat, Edmundo Pang, Francisco “Bobby” Leonor Sr. (represented by son Cho), Dr. Guillermo “Willy” Torres Jr., Regino “Boy” Cua, Wally Cotter, and David Newman. The Ninangs are led by Senator PiaCayetano (represented in her absence by Victoria Cotter), former Davao Oriental Congresswoman and Governor Ma. Elena Palma Gil, Edge Davao general manager Olivia Velasco, Maria Rosario Pang, VioletaEscandor, Carmen Enrique, Elvira Pang and Nelly Onez. T H E H I G H P O I N T: Playful yet intimate; serious yet fun. Indeed, their love story is written in the stars. Like many couples, their love too has been tested and tainted with challenges that could only strengthen their mutual respect for one another.As the day came to an end, we could all only send the couple our well wishes and hopes of infinite love that will bring them closer than ever. To Neilwin and Paula, cheers for more years! ACK NOW L E DG MENTS. Lending their amazing venue for the couple’s pre-nuptial pictorials and video shoot are Camella’s The Northpoint, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, and Riverfront Corporate City. Providing the motorbikes for the shoot are Ducati Davao and Vespa Davao through JondiLacson, and Mr. Joe Marfori for the golf cart. Wrap It! Created the specially-crafted mementos. – Leebai S. Ambolodto

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given that Agent’s Official Receipt bearing Nos. 219129 to 219150 of the St. Peter Life Plan have been reported lost. The public is hereby warned not to accept these lost Receipts .

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21005514 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 82105-1 issued to ALVIAR, GRACE M. was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 4/28,5/5,12

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 49805 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 6025957-6 issued to IMELDA G. CAÑETE was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 4/28,5/5/12

Smart Bro delivers the stylish tablet experience with Acer Iconia A1 y OU don’t always have to pay a premium just to stand out. With the elegant Acer Iconia A1 from Smart Bro, upgrading to a more stylish tablet experience has just become more affordable than ever. Now available under Smart Bro’s Gadget Plus Plan 699, the Acer Iconia A1’s unique design will surely turn heads thanks to its premium silver-gray metal back cover and smooth white finish. Measuring less than 1-centimeter thin and featuring a 7.9-inch IPS display, the Acer Iconia A1 is light and compact enough to hold with one hand—a perfect gadget accessory that will surely complement any style. “The Acer Iconia A1 is the perfect combination of simplicity, style, and functionality. And with Smart Bro’s largest broadband network around the country, users can take the Iconia A1 with them and experience high-speed broadband service wherever they go,” said Michele Curran, Data and International Services Marketing Head at Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). Smart Broadband, Inc. (Smart Bro) is a subsidiary of Smart. With the Acer Iconia

A1 under Plan 699, users can experience tomorrow’s Internet through a reliable high-speed broadband connectivity provided by the Smart Bro Pocket WiFi included in the package, with 50 hours of Internet surfing every month. With Smart Bro’s, subscribers can easily enjoy Web browsing, play their favorite games, play thousands of songs or watch online videos on their handy and portable Iconia A1 tablet. This is perfectly complemented by the Iconia A1’s Intel-powered CPU, which provides zippy performance for most online activities, as well as its 16GB of onboard storage that offers ample space for all your photos, songs, and movies. The 4:3 aspect ratio of its IPS Display also gives a great view of the screen from every angle which enhances users’ viewing experience. And with its battery with 4000 mAh capacity, you’ll be sure to enjoy all the Internet has to offer for up to 7.5 hours on a single charge. Anti-Bill Shock “With the Acer Iconia A1 under Smart Bro’s Gadget Plus Plans, we have elimi-

nated the common fear of unintended data charges through our unique Anti-Bill Shock mechanism, which ensures that subscribers do not spend beyond what their budget allows,” Curran added. Under Plan 699, the Internet subscription is automatically converted to unlimited surfing once the charges reach P1,299. And with broadband surfing rates now reduced to P2.50 per 15 minutes for Smart Bro Postpaid users, subscribers can enjoy more Internet-surfing time without racking up a huge bill. The Acer Iconia A1 is part of the quickly expanding Smart Bro Gadget Plus

Plans lineup, which enable users to own the latest premium gadgets without the need for a credit card. Under Plan 699, the Acer Iconia A1 is available with a P500 one-time fee with a 24-month subscription. So what are you waiting for? experience Tomorrow’s Internet with the Acer Iconia A1 under Smart Bro’s Gadget Plus Plan 699. Interested individuals simply need to proceed to selected Smart Stores nationwide or order from the Smart Online Store (smart.com.ph/store). They may also visit smart.com.ph/bro, contact 6727277 on their landline phones, or dial *888 for existing Smart subscribers.

14 EDGEDAVAO AEON TOWERS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

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Significant accomplishments reported By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

HE much-anticipated Aeon Towers project, Davao City’s would-be “King of the Sky,” continues to move according to schedule.

Latest construction update from the project engineering team reported key accomplishments as of March 2014. The key development is the concreting of the Diaphragm Wall, which has reached ninety percent (90%) with forty four (44) out of forty nine (49) panels cast in the second (2nd) week. Also significantly accomplished is the concreting of one hundred sixty three (163) Bored Piles is 100% complete in the third (3rd) week. AFCSC likewise reported that they have poured a total of 12,540 cu. M. of ready mix concrete equivalent to 95% of the total volume requirement for Bored Pile and Diaphragm Wall works. Significantly, one hundred percent (100%) of the total steel requirement for Bored Pile and Diaphragm Wall was delivered on site. Meantime, developers of the project said the operation on site is 24 hours. They are also in continued close coordination with the city government, DPWH, Davao Light and other private companies. Continued design coordination meeting of all Manila consultants are also being held. The other notable developments of the project are: •Partial set of For Construction Drawing (FCD) for Structural, Architectural, MePFS was issued and full set of FCD is expected to be released by May 2014. •Temporary drainage was installed this month for the completion of the remaining Diaphragm Wall panels by April 2014. •Preparation for construction of capping beams commenced 27th of March and its targeted completion date is by end of May 2014. •Purchase of major construction equipment is in progress. •Contract by Davao City Solidmix Concrete Corporation as an official concrete supplier was formally signed. •Bored Pile and Diaphragm Wall works total accomplishment is 85%.

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SPORTS 15 SPORTS

2nd DAUG Unity Cup winners bared By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

Ore than 100 dog owners took part in the 2nd DAUG Unity Cup in the Dog expo Canine Series over the weekend at the jampacked SM City Davao Annex event area. The first event that the Davao Dog Agility Unified Group organized was the Dog show where more than a hundred dogs of different breeds competed the top prize in the following categories-- Best of Breed, Best Baby Puppy, Best of the group, Best Bitch, Best Opposite Sex and other special awards. The highlight of their event was the Dog Agility

Test. First in line in the competition were the jumpers which are 16 inches and below small breeds. Lucky as we know it, the winners of the competition are all from Davao City. Second runner up was Jazz, a jack russel terrier owned by Boyet Banagua, first runner up was Phoenix, still a jack russel terrier owned by Arvin Serra and the Champion was Bruno, a Minipin owned by Kobe Viray. For the 16 inches above large breed category, the second runner up was Ana, a beautiful Border Collie owned by Van reyno of Davao, first runner up was Osama a cross bellab

Gay gets 1 year ban for doping

ALeIGH, North Carolina - Former world double sprint champion Tyson Gay has been suspended for one year after testing positive in 2013 for a banned anabolic steroid, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said on Friday. Gay has also returned the silver medal he won with the U.S. 4x100 meters relay team at the 2012 London Olympics but will be eligible to return to competition as early as next month after admitting his offence and co-operating with investigators. “We are thankful he decided to come in and be truthful in his cooperation with us,” USADA chief executive Travis Tygart told reuters. “With the loss of results since 2012, including an Olympic medal, he has suffered serious consequences, but by cooperating he has tried to help the sport move forward for the good of clean athletes.” As part of the suspension he accepted, Gay, the

joint second fastest man in history, was disqualified from all competitive results since July 15, 2012, the date he first used a product that contained a prohibited steroid. The start of his ban was backdated to June 23, 2013, the day his doping sample was collected at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships and when he voluntarily stopped competing after being notified of his positive test. His first race back is planned for July, reuters has learned. The American 100 meters record holder had tearfully admitted last July he had failed an out-of-competition doping test, saying “I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down.” “I don’t have a sabotage story. I don’t have lies,” Gay, who had previously spoken out against doping, said in a 2013 interview, adding he had never knowingly taken a performance-enhancing drug. “I made a mistake.” American runner Tyson Gay

of Boyet Banagua and the Champion was Maki, still a Border Collie owned by Laura from Polomolok, South Cotabato. In the Standard agility competition, Cadjudged champion was Boy, a jack russel terrier owned by Geolar Tan, first runner up was Jazz, a jack russel terrier of Banagua, and the second runner up was Loysa, a parson russel terrier also owned by Tan of Zamboanga,. For the Large breed category, the Champion was Masa, a cross bellab owned by Banagua, first runner up was Ana owned by reyno, and second runner up was Osama owned by Banagua.

In the Snookers competition, the champion was the guest all the way from Cebu City Amiga, an aspin owned by judge ryan Ong Cabahug, first runner up was Loysa still owned by Tan and the second runner up was Boy owned by Geolar Tan. For the Large breed category, all of the winners are Davao’s pride. Champion was Balsy, a belgian owned by Carla Montero, first runner up was Osama owned by Banagua and the second runner up was Masa owned by Banagua. In the second wave of the standard agility competition, second runner up in the small breed category

was Ira, an Aspin owned by the K9 ASG Davao, first runner up was Potchie, a parson russel terrier of Geolar Tan and the champion was Carter, still a parson russel terrier owned by K9 ASG Davao. In the large breed category, second runner up was Derby, a bordef collie owned by Geolar Tan, first runner up was raikou, still a border collie owned by Vann reyno, and the champion was Ana, another border collie owned by Junie Dawn reyno of Davao City. There are over 42 of them from Davao, Zamboanga, Polomolok, Gen San, Tagum and Cebu who

joined in the competition and these are the lucky winners who made it to the top 3. The 2nd DAUG Unity Cup was made possible by SM City Davao and of course by the officiating judges, Jojo Isorena and ryan Ong Cabahug. The event was also sponsored by Bosch Dogfood and Mini Air Dog Cafe who gave dog food and dog cakes for the winners. DAUG planned to have series of events this year fod your furry friends and one of them would be the 3rd DAUG Unity Cup that will happen on May 3 at SM Lanang Premier.

Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard shoots his winning shot against the Houston Rockets . (AP Photo/Greg Wahl-Stephens)

Lillard’s 3 clinches series win for Portland

OrTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Damian Lillard couldn’t believe when he got a clear look at the rim. With the final buzzer about to sound, he took his shot. ‘’I got my feet squared up and it felt real good leaving my hands,’’ Portland’s point guard said. ‘’Once I saw it on line, I said, ‘That’s got a chance.’’’ Lillard’s shot fell and the Trail Blazers stunned the Houston rockets 99-98 to take their playoff series in six games and advance to the Western Conference semifinals for the first time in 14 years. In the frenzied postgame celebration, Lillard took the public address microphone and shouted ‘’rip City!’’ The hometown crowd roared.

Portland, making its first playoff appearance since 2011, had been eliminated in the first round in its last six trips, and hadn’t advanced to the second round since 2000. ‘’It’s a great feeling,’’ said fellow guard Wesley Matthews. ‘’I’m excited for Portland, of course excited for us. The grind of the season: you’re a competitor, you want to win, you want to play, you want to advance, you want to be a champion. ... It’s unbelievable.’’ Dwight Howard made four consecutive free throws to tie the game at 91 before making a bank shot that put Houston ahead with 3:04 to go. robin Lopez scored on a tip shot to give the Blazers a 94-93 lead with 2:15 left, setting up a wild finish. Howard’s layup and

foul shot put the rockets back up 96-94 before Nicolas Batum’s fadeaway jumper tied it again with 39.9 seconds left. Chandler Parsons scored on a reverse layup with 0.9 seconds left to give Houston the lead. Lillard prevented the series from going back to Houston with his 3-pointer as time ran out. He finished with 25 points. The Trail Blazers said Lillard is the first player to make a buzzer-beating shot to win a playoff series since John Stockton’s 3 that led Utah over Houston in 1997’s Western Conference finals, according to the elias Sports Bureau. ‘’He made a hell of a shot,’’ rockets coach Kevin McHale said of Lillard. Portland will face the winner of the series be-

tween San Antonio and Dallas. The Mavericks forced a deciding Game 7 with a 113-111 victory over the Spurs on Friday night. There are five firstround playoff series that have gone to seven games. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Blazers with 30 points and 13 rebounds. He averaged 29.8 points during the series. After losing the opening two games in Houston, then claiming one of a pair in Portland, the rockets staved off elimination with a 108-98 victory on Wednesday night to narrow Portland’s advantage in the series to 3-2. Howard had 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Jeremy Lin redeemed himself from a poor performance in Game 4 with 21 points off the bench.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 35 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 4-5, 2014

‘Pacquiao-Mayweather won’t happen with Arum around’

WO weeks after the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley rematch, the MGM Grand played host to undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., who went up against Marcos Maidana. It is inevitable that every time Mayweather fights, Pacquiao’s name always appears. “A great fighter who had a terrific win against Bradley. I was very happy for Manny, I respect Manny as a terrific, fighter terrific human being a person and the Filipino people are very proud to have a Manny Pacquiao. They know they love boxing, the Filipino,” said Golden Boy Promotions CeO richard Schaeffer. Schaeffer said he also awaits for a future superfight between Pacquiao and Mayweather, but the latter has clearly stated that he will not work with Top rank CeO Bob Arum,

who is Pacquiao’s longtime promoter. “We all know you heard it from Mayweather that he has no interest in working with Bob Arum from Top rank so if that fight is gonna happen, it’s gonna happen. Without involvement of Top rank, then definitely I can see that fight happening,” said Schaefer. When asked if he is in negotiations for a possible Pacquiao versus Saul “Canelo” Alvarez match in the future, Schaeffer said that it was only Oscar dela Hoya who was talking to Arum. “I don’t know. you have to ask Oscar about that. I really don’t know, I really don’t wanna talk about that,” he said. Plans for the Pacquiao against Mayweather dream fight have yet to materialize, as both camps remain at odds. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been waiting for

Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao

that fight to happen but it never happened. I’m tired of watching those guys

fight. I want Mayweather and Pacquiao. Nothing else,” said boxing fan Wil-

lie Sta. Ana. While the fighting congressman enjoys being a

new dad in Gensan, it is still uncertain who he will fight next.