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MERCURY RISING Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio
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LIMATE is changing and will continue to do so. Currently, the impacts on many sectors are still unclear, but may become more pronounced as warming continues. So, we need to focus on understanding, adaptation, and preparation. We, Filipinos, should reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, but for the right reasons.” -- Dr. Rosa Perez, a research fellow of the Manila Observatory
*** In a 2007 article which appeared in Environment Matters, which is published by the World Bank, Maarten van Aalst wrote: “Climate change is no longer a long-term environmental issue. The first impacts are already with us, and bound to get worse. In terms of natural hazards, this includes increases in heat waves, floods, droughts, and in the intensity of tropical cyclones, as well as higher sea levels. Developing countries, and particularly the
poorest people, are most affected.” The Philippines is not exempted. Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, in his study, Addressing Climate Change through Science, pointed this out: “The Philippines is projected to be one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of future climate change. At the same time, it is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, mostly due to climate-related disasters.” Dr. Lasco, who is a member of the National Academy of Science and Technology, further wrote: “More alarming still, climate is expected to exacerbate extreme events such as heavy precipitation and tropical cyclones.” “There is no month in the Philippines which is free from typhoons,” says the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA), which issues weather advisories for tropical cyclones. “Each year, about 20 tropical cyclones enter our country.” There is no notable increase in frequency of typhoons in the Philippines but the number of cyclones with maximum sustained winds of
over 150 kilometers per hour and above increased. The following super typhoons come to mind: Sendong (international name: Washi) in 2011, Pablo (Bopha) in 2012, and Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013. “We are already witnessing an increase in the number of natural disasters, from around 200 annually in the period 1987-97 to about double that in the first seven years of the 21st century,” van Aalst wrote. “This rise is caused almost entirely by an increase in weather-related disasters.” Van Aalst believed climate change brings an additional challenge, and “it is likely already a factor in the increase in disasters. He further said: “(Climate change) aggravates the intensity and frequency of many hazards, but it also creates surprises, such as hazards occurring in succession, or in places where they had never been experienced before.” Unclear For the average citizen, the climate change phenomenon is very vague. “People have personally felt the effects of climate change, and yet most of them have little understanding of it,” observed Mary Ann Lu-
cille Sering, vice-chairperson of the Climate Change Commission. Is it climate change or global warming? “Climate change is a better choice than the term global warming because it avoids the misleading implications: that all parts of the world are warming uniformly and that the only dangerous outcome of growing greenhouse gas emissions is higher temperatures,” clarifies Dr. Rosa T. Perez, a research fellow of the Manila Observatory. “Warming is only the tipping point for a cascade of changes in the earth’s ecosystems,” she continues her explanation. “In addition, climate change better conveys the coexistence of human-made effects with natural climate variability, a more accurate, ‘stateof-the-science’ portrayal of the causes for the phenomenon.” It was Dr. James E. Hansen of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration who first raised the problem of climate change. In 1988, he told an American Senate hearing that the greenhouse effect “is changing our climate now.” The greenhouse effect is a natural warming process. According to Dr. Perez, carbon
dioxide and certain other gases are always present in the atmosphere. These gases create a warming effect that has some similarity to the warming inside a greenhouse, hence the name “greenhouse effect.” Robert James Bidinotto, writing for Reader’s Digest, explains the greenhouse effect in these words: “When sunlight warms the earth, certain gases in the lower atmosphere, acting like the glass in a greenhouse, trap some of the heat as it radiates back into space. These greenhouse gases warm our planet, making life possible. If they were more abundant, greenhouse gases might trap too much heat.” Dr. Perez says that human activities that emit additional greenhouse gases to the atmosphere increase the amount of heat that gets absorbed before escaping to space, thus enhancing the greenhouse effect and amplifying the warming of the earth. “Although the Earth’s climate has changed many times throughout its history, the rapid warming seen today cannot be explained by natural processes alone,” points out Dr. Perez, who has a PhD in Meteorology from the University of
the Philippines.
Greenhouse gases “Climate change is very simple,” noted Dr. Robert Watson, IPCC Chairman. “We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up. As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.” Examples of greenhouse gases are: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. There are also those man-made gases generated during industrial processes like sulfur hexaflouride, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons. “Continued emission of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system, increasing the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems,” contends the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). “Climate change means much more than higher global temperatures,” pointed out Heherson Alvarez, former chairman of the Senate Com-
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Photos by Lean Daval Jr.
By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO
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HAT used to be a business slogan is now a lifestyle mantra. To minimize the negative impact to the environment is truly more than just a statement; it fuels and equips the self to go beyond the mere concept of change and embrace it in its entirety. Truth be told, green living is more than just your intake – it too speaks forth of the result. Be it positive or negative. Modern and technologically-inclined as we are, we still need to be educated and re-educated on the many implications of climate change. This is what Damosa Land Incorporated, Damosa Land for brevity, is about – premium quality living, strong attention to customer service and a future of ease and comfort. “Damosa Land is a name you can trust,” Damosa Land Vice President Ricardo ‘Cary’ F. Lagdameo explains. As a premier developer in Davao City and Mindanao in general, the company aims to give the best to its clients. This means adapting the principles of green architecture or environmentally-friendly infrastructures and projects not just for maximum com-
fort, but most of all enhancing healthy living. To state, Damosa Land has always been about agriculture and the environment. Incorporating a greener surrounding in its land projects is something that planners and pillars of the company take seriously. Take Fairlane and Seawind, for instance. Despite the fact that their land development projects are located within the city, you’d feel like you are somewhere else – as you are able to enjoy the modernity of urban life and the serenity of rural life in one. How do they do it? Since then, Damosa Land has been known to embrace and apply green or sustainable architecture in their projects. Not only do they allow for wide open spaces but more so, take the initiative to plant more trees all throughout their properties. More than just for aesthetic purposes, the practice also allows for natural clean air. Damosa Land has since taken steps in creating a reservoir-type basin that catches water that can be utilized anytime it is needed for the long haul. Every step undertaken revolves around what
clients need now and in the years to come. For Damosa Land, beneficial effects of adapting the principles of green architecture is not limited to the environment alone. It’s a relationship, a partnership even, wherein the future generation is able to enjoy and reap what this generation has planted. Thus, creating awareness and eventually, paying it forward. True, the adaption and switch does not come cheap, but according to VP- DLI Cary Lagdameo, “If you think of the future and the long term effect it will have, it’s all worth it”. For Damosa Land, what they are after is for everyone to recognize growth and enjoy life to the fullest. The kind of life that you and I have always wanted. If you look closely, Seawind’s buildings are designed to maximize the flow of sea breeze with the client reaping all the beneficial effects. The roofs are structured to allow for ventilation from all angles and corridors are created shorter than what we are normally accustomed to for natural light to seep in. Thus, pushing for
Yes, it’s about the cost but it’s beyond the cost. Go for companies that you trust and can give you comfort now and for the years to come.
less electric consumption. “We’ve been very very busy, to say the least. Across all of our different projects, things are moving ahead all at different stages,” shares VP-DLI Cary Lagdameo. The demand for premium house and lot within the city center has dramatically increased over the years. Damosa Fairlane has almost sold out its first two phases. According to Mr. Lagdameo, “We have al-
ready turned over almost 90 houses to homeowners and will be hitting the 100th house come June of this year.” They aim to open their third phase in the middle of this year. On the other hand, of Seawind’s six buildings, three has already been sold. The fourth building is almost 80 percent sold and their entrance complex has since been inaugurated last month. Turnover for the first tower is targeted in Jan-
uary of next year. Damosa Land’s next project will be unveiled in the middle of this year. Located in Panabo City, it’s an 88- hectare property created like a CBD , short for Central Business District. A city within a city – fully equipped with residential, academic, tourism and commercial infrastructures that will greatly benefit everyone. If you are looking for a home or is on the lookout for an investment property, VP-DLI Cary Lagdameo has this to say. “It’s not just about the cost. Yes, it’s about the cost but it’s beyond the cost. Go for companies that you trust and can give you comfort now and for the years to come.” For the latest news on Damosa Land Incorporated, keep posted on their SOCIAL MEDIA accounts. Damosa Land is located at Damosa Complex, Lanang, Davao City For queries and concerns, you may call them at (Residential) 082 234 2888 and (Commercial) 082 234 0539 Facebook: www.facebook.com/damosaland.inc Website: www.damosaland.com
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Davao’s once luxuriant forests:
(credit: www.philippineeaglefoundation.org)
Losing the home of eagles, wild horses to chainsaws, wildfires
BY ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA
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ONG before ‘logging’, ‘chainsaw’, and ‘wildfire’ became terms that define the physiological condition of Mt. Apo and the swath of forests left in areas around the gulf, the mountains of Davao and the rainforests that once graced the region were simply breathtaking. If the Americans have their white mustangs that roam the continental wilderness, Davao, a century ago, was also home to wild horses. Missionaries, adventurers, and scientists, mostly foreigners, used to express awe at the natural attractions the region possessed, prompting an author to call Davao as “the world as God first found it.” Jesuit priest Fr. Francisco Colin, S.J., wrote in 1660 about Mt. Apo, for instance, as a mountain that spews “snow” (sulfur), a description repeated by Fr. Jose Fernandez Cuevas, S.J., a former Jesuit superior, who wrote 200 years later about the volcano as being “covered with sulfur which in the reflected rays of the sun looked like snow.” Wild, wild Eden Paul T. Gilbert, an American traveler, immortalized his observation of the Davao region and the gulf in “The Great White Tribe in Filipinia” (1903): “We struck a faint trail leading to the foot-hills where the barren ridges
overlooked the sparkling sea-a vast cerulean expanse without a single fleck of a white sail. The trail led through the great fields of buffalo-grass, out of which gigantic solitary trees shot up a hundred feet into the air. There were no signs of life, only the vultures in the topmost branches of the trees. “Wild horses, taking flight at our approach, stampeded for the forest. Nothing could be seen in the tall grass. Even in our saddles it was higher than our heads. The trail became more rugged as we entered the big belt of forest on the foot-hills. A wild hog bolted for the jungle with distressed grunts. “It was a world of white vines falling from the lofty branches of the trees. The animal life in some of the great trees was wonderful. The branches were divided into zones, wherein each class of bird or reptile had its habitat. Around the base were galleries of white ants. Flying lizards from the gnarled trunk skated through the air. Green reptiles crawled along the horizontal branches. “Parrakeets, a colony of saucy green and red balls, screamed and protested from the lower zones. An agile monkey swung from one of the long sweeping vines, and scolded at us from another
tree. Bats, owls, and crows inhabited the upper regions, while the buzzards perched like evil omens in the topmost boughs… “Leaning across one of the large boulders, from a dark pool where the sunlight never penetrated, we scooped up refreshing hatfuls of the ice-cold water. Here was the world as God first found it, when he said that it was good. It was impressive and mysterious. It seemed to wrap us in a mystic spell.”
Dense jungle Similarly, British ornithologist Water Goodfellow, who visited Mt. Apo in 1903 and 1905, observed the thick forests that covered the ‘sacred mountain,’ prompting him to describe the sulfur-covered peak as “picturesque” and “luxuriant”. He wrote: “The picturesque active volcano of Apo… appears to fall away in a succession of gradual forest-covered slopes to the sea; but, on nearer acquaintance, these slopes are not so gentle as they appear to be from a distance, for the luxuriant forests hide many a deep gorge where raging torrents rush down from the heights above and whose waters must be traversed for considerable distances and cross again and again with no little dangers to travelers.
“Cliffs must be scaled at dizzying heights where scarcely a foothold exists beyond that afforded by a few clinging roots. Turning some ugly corners in this manner is extremely risky work and at first sight appears [as] an impossibility… “The whole mountain is covered with dense jungle up to about 8,500 feet, beyond which comes a broken, white stony slope and crumbling cliffs intersected by many burning fissures from which proceeds an incessant noise as of colossal machinery at work underground.” Vast forests Before the advent of large-scale logging, The Philippine Agricultural Review, in its 1919 edition, chronicled in detail the timber-grade trees that made the lush forests of Davao their natural habitats. All forms of animal life, especially the fish, which were not yet the subject of commercial ventures, were in abundance. The report narrated: “The vast forests of Davao contain much the same timber trees that are found in the forests in other parts of the Philippines, such as camagon, Diospyros discolor; mancono, Xanthostemon verdugonianus; molave, Vitex spp., narra Pterocarpus indicus; tindalo, Cassia javanica and
Pahudia rhomboida; ipil, Intsia bijuga and Adenanthera intermedia; guijo, Shorea guiso; agoho, Casuarina equisetifolia, and apitong, Dipterocarpus spp. Many other species might be mentioned. “As yet there are no saw mills to utilize the forest resources of the province. Lumbang nuts are collected and marketed to a considerable extent. Almaciga and rattans are brought from the forest in small quantities. As yet nothing has been done to export tanbark from the mangrove swamps that are situated on the gulf. “The waters around Davao are rich in fish but the fishing industry is poorly developed. Sulphur deposits are reliably reported to exist on Mount Apo, but no surveys have been made to determine their extent. There are hot sulphur springs at Point Baños about midway between Malita and Sarangani Channel.”
‘Botanical garden’ In 1926, American author-photographer Frank George Carpenter (not the governor of Mindanao), published in his travel accounts his impressions about Davao, describing the region as “almost a wilderness” and “like a botanical garden.” His narratives, which he compiled in his book,
Carpenter’s World Travels (1926), detail in living color the forests and the streets during his arrival, thus: “The jungle begins only a short distance back from the town, and a walk of a few miles in any direction brings one into a forest alive with monkeys, parrots, deer, and wild hogs. There are monkeys everywhere, some of them tailless, and some little ones no bigger than my two fists. “The parrots are of many colours, the most common being large white ones with tufted heads that fly about in flocks of twenty or more… Then there are doves with golden brown bodies and green wings, white snipe which fly along the shores, and great bird as big as a turkey… It is like a botanical garden… “The little nipa-thatched, basketwork houses are set well back from the street, some of them fenced off by sapling stakes driven into the ground. The stakes are put in green, and it is an evidence of the richness of the soil that they soon sprout branches and leaves. There are no gardens about the houses, no beds of flowers, nothing but grass and trees of various kinds.” Commonwealth era The entry of logging in certain areas of Mindanao in the second quarter of
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Saving Panigan-Tamugan Watershed for the future T
HE Panigan-Tamugan watershed, while not really well-known, has recently been in the limelight due to the attention given to its surface waters. As a sub-watershed area belonging to the main Davao River Basin, the watershed area is located in the Baguio District and adjacent to the Talomo-Lipadas Watershed, which is currently the source of Davao’s drinking water. In the late 1990s, faced with the problem of dwindling ground water in the aquifers of Talomo-Lipadas, the Davao City Water District (DCWD) sought other viable sources of drinking water in the region to allow the aquifers to recharge. As it turned out, only Panigan-Tamugan’s surface waters had the sufficient flow and volume to meet the city’s needs. In a city surrounded by eight watersheds, it is the only watershed that can easily meet the national drinking water quality requirement. But more than a source to tap water for the city’s future drinking needs, Panigan-Tamugan is also a critical environmental hotspot. In 2011, the watershed advocacy group Interface Development Interventions commissioned a resource assessment study of the PT watershed. Among others, the study revealed that the watershed’s remaining primary growth forests host a substantial diverse and endemic population of plants and animals. Several species have already been categorized as threatened under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines, marking the importance of the watershed as an area for protection and conservation. The need to protect the watershed is made even more urgent especially since it continues to face threats from hunting, deforestation and pollution from chemical-intensive agriculture in the surrounding areas. The city’s Business Bureau has listed some 8 monocrop agricultural companies operating in Davao City, producing bananas and pineapples for the export market. This does not include the small farmers who have been contracted by these companies to grow similar crops, using the same chemical-intensive methods. For IDIS and other similar groups working in the uplands, the threat of pesticide contaminating water resources and endangering the lives of upland farming communities is an urgent danger that needs to be immediately addressed. As part of its IEC campaigns, IDIS engaged upland communities to form volunteer groups to conduct community-based river water quality monitoring and conducted riverbank rainforestation activities. In another front, wildlife conservation
Davao... FROM S5 the 20th century started to alter the forest landscape. This occurred less than a decade after the first portable chainsaw was developed and patented by James Shand, a Canadian, in 1918. Fifteen years later, the machine, which really speeded up the cutting up of trees, started to find its way into logging firms in the country. An account in the 1936 ‘Annual Report of the Director of Forestry of the Philippines’, suggests that the timely signing of Proclamation No. 59 on May 9, 1936, declaring the country’s highest peak as the
Tamugan River in Sitio Sumpitan, Baguio District , right before the junction where it merges with Panigan River group Philippine Eagle Foundation continued its efforts to conserve flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the Davao City Water District (DCWD) continues to implement its community reforestation initiatives through its Adopt-A-Site program. In 2010, the City passed its Watershed Ordinance, which mandated a Watershed Management Council (WMC) to implement measures to protect and sustainably manage the city’s eight watersheds. IDIS, in its role as civil sector representative to the WMC, pushed for a more pro-active approach to sustainably manage Panigan-Tamugan and other watersheds. Such approach includes the formulation of the watershed stakeholders management plan that will ensure the sustainable management of the watershed’s resources. While still in its nascent stages, the plan will operationalize a “ridge to reef” framework of conserving the watershed. Simply put, this means linking river basin rehabilitation initiatives with similar initiatives in the coast because what happens in the uplands also affects the lowlands and the gulf. Currently, the Watershed Multipartite Monitoring Team (WMMT) regularly monitors the farms operating in the watershed to make sure that these do not contaminate the rivers and the environment. It has already prepared a survey work plan that will delineate Panigan-Tamugan’s conservation and non-tillage areas. Under the Watershed Code, these two areas define the coverage of the watershed area and therefore, and will be critically important in the WMC’s work of sustainably managing Davao’s watershed resources. It has also implemented an Environmental Tax for businesses operating in the watershed areas to encourage environmentally positive behavioural change among agricultural farms . But old habits die hard. There are still those
Mount Apo National Park prevented, in a way, its immediate exploitation. The state report, without fail, described the grandeur of the mountain’s thick vegetation: “Beautiful panorama could be viewed from these parks as well as a grand vista of the surrounding vast plains and forests of Davao and Cotabato and the placid waters of Davao Gulf. This park… has an area of about 76,900 hectares… “Mount Apo, about 2,929 meters above sea level, is… is noted for its medicinal hot springs, in-
teresting gorges and beautiful waterfalls along the Sibulan river. The mildness of the climate renders this park an ideal recreational and health resort. Deer, wild pigs and birds are found in abundance in the wilds of this park and fish are also plentiful in the rivers and creeks.”
Post-war invasion The entry of logging in Davao five years after the end of World War II forever changed the ecology of the region’s forests and mountains. Alongside with the spirited rise of swidden farming, the kaingin, which
to participating in regular barangay -level watershed monitoring visits, upland communities are pitching in to ensure the protection of the watershed. Similarly, in the lowlands, there is now a growing interest in watershed conservation by different stakeholders from both government and private sectors. This March, the WMC is set to launch its Adopt-A-Riverbank program which allows individuals and groups to adopt and sponsor the rainforestation of riverbanks in the eight rivers of Davao City. In this era of climate change, the need for watershed protection is more urgent since proper management of these critical areas are important strategies for the city to mitigate the effects of climate change. And the WMC is up to the challenge. (Misael Paranial /IDIS) Misael Paranial works as InfoCom Specialist for the watershed advocacy group Interface Development Interventions.
who stubbornly hold on to old consumerist patterns which lead to other problems like unsustainable resource use and improper waste disposal. And the lure of Davao’s watersheds continue to attract out-of-town investments, out for a quick buck without any thought for the city’s future. In the upland communities, however, the mind-set is slowly shifting. People are realizing that there are long-term benefits towards protecting the In the Bagobo dialect, Bantayo Aweg means water watchers. This volunteer watershed. From forming vol- group is composed of youth from nearby upland villages who were trained by IDIS to conduct monthly water quality monitoring activities, which include unteer groups of forest guards, conducting a sampling of the river’s macroinvertebrate population.
The Bantay Bukid group is composed of volunteers from nearby communities in Tawantawan, Baguio District. They conduct regular patrols along the watershed to protect the area from violations of the Watershed Code, as well as monitoring the reforestation sites.
was attributed to migrants who conquered lands declared by the state as alienable and disposal, the integrity of centuries-old rainforests was irretrievably reduced to destruction. The systematic obliteration of virgin forests, made faster by the opening of logging roads the use of mechanized equipment, and the entry of investors interested in timber-based industries, deforested lands faster than any time in history. This eventually led to the displacement of flora and fauna from their habitats. In later decades,
as lands for residential, industrial and commercial uses were expanded, the lush forests further gave way to modernization. But the threats to whatever green patches that were left from the original forests have expanded as man continues to use its creative genius negatively. Harvest of rattan quadrupled due to strong market demand for it in the furniture industry. Endemic trees known for their durability and strengthen were no match to the industrial blades made purposely to bring them down. Even the secondary growths left for
the next generations to harvest are almost gone. In recent times, due to the changing climate patterns, heat waves have resulted in wild fires. Damaged watersheds have imploded as water tables are emptied. Slopes and cliffs that were once secured by ancient roots have easily given way to landslides when heavy downpours inundate them. Animals of all kinds, including the Philippine eagle, their surroundings destroyed by impunity, now face the prospect of extinction. Man, as always, is the sole culprit.
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Aeon Towers: Leading the green building revolution By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net
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HERE’S one big reason why Aeon Towers stands out among the highly competitive real estate market. It offers tomorrow’s lifestyle today. Owning a piece of Aeon Towers is like a step into the future and more. Alright, you own a condo unit which makes you trendy and hip.
Whatever the cost and the amenities that go with owning one, what matters is that you live the millennial lifestyle— good location, upscale community, safe environs. Correct? Eeenk. Wrong. There is more to condo living than meets the eye. Kind of more like what the eye does not see. It’s that ray of light on your windows each day when you open up to see the view from your condo unit, or simply to get a natural lighting. Does that ray of light hurt? There’s a saying, what you don’t see will not hurt you. Correct? Eeenk. Wrong again. That ray of light seething through your windows at the break of day, more likely is harmful to your health and your pocket. Think about this. Glass is becoming more popular in architectural designs because of the elegance and the natural light it provides. However, more glass allows excessive heat and harmful UV rays to enter the room often leading to fatigue, irritation, and an unproductive environment. UV rays also cause permanent damage to interiors and in excess is harmful to our bodies causing dehydration, nausea skin aging and other skin conditions. Aeon Towers not only leads the condominium market with its 33-level structure that is highest in the South but also its conscious attention to the welfare and quality of life for its occupants. With that mindset, Aeon Towers optimizes the benefits of green technology
by using UV-protected glass panels for windows and walls of this majestic skyscraper. “The welfare and quality of life of Aeon Towers’ future residents is foremost in our mind when we conceptualized the building. That is why we are very conscious about these considerations,” said Ian Cruz, president and CEO of FTC Group of companies, the developer of Aeon Towers. Aeon Towers also uses Smart Home technology for digital control of condo amenities and fixtures. The technology allows one to control the electricity use of one’s household as well as window curtains to lessen power consumption. “Everything in Aeon Towers is for the benefit of those who will live here,” said Cruz. UV-protection is a unique solution to harmful UV exposure because does not only reduce the heat and UV ray penetration but maintains a high level of visible light transmission into the room. With this eco-friendly technology, condo owners can finally open their curtains to enjoy the view outside the window with comfort and protection. BENEFITS
Comfort One can enjoy a cooler environment that prevents exhaustion, resulting to a more productive day. It also prevents heat related conditions like heat stroke especially during the summer. Unobstructed windows mean a brighter room with a better view. Protection UV-resistant glass protects the body from harmful UV which ages skin and causes skin disease. It also prevents furni-
“The welfare and quality of life of Aeon Towers’ future residents is foremost in our mind when we conceptualized the building. That is why we are very conscious about these considerations” ture and products from fading and helps keep glass free from microbes.
Savings Other than the health and welfare benefits, UV-protection glass saves you money. How? It reduces the power your air-conditioner needs to keep your room cool. It lessens the use of artificial lights during the day and decreases the cost of maintenance by eliminating the use of glass cleaners. UV-resistant glass reduces costs for air conditioning, lighting and heating among others and also blocks UV light. Moreover, this type of glass is fuel efficient and has low carbon emissivity thus less carbon footprint. Aeon Towers feature multi-level condo units, a luxury hotel, restaurants and shops, BPO center, fitness gym, rubberized jogging lane, skydeck, infinity pool, and office spaces. That’s Aeon Towers. Tomorrow’s lifestyle begins today.
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OMPLYING with regulations in adopting the principles of green architecture involves cost. A hefty one, at that. Still, adopting green architecture practices is an inevitable requirement, not only for regulatory boards and government offices, but more so, for a responsible company catering to an ever growing market. At this day and age, everyone seeks for a greener world – a world where mankind can live and survive the perils of climate change. A comfortable life then equates to a life that perfectly complements Mother Nature in general. Beautiful. Convenient. Secure. Three remarkable adjectives that describe Camella and its many land development projects. One is Camella Northpoint. Lo-
property developer has embraced a nationwide Green Campaign that was initiated to educate the public of the many advantages of adopting green architecture into properties like condominibuild (boxes) buildings. We ums, houses and lots. For Camella conforms want our owners to enjoy to building projects that has something that they don’t less carbon footprint. “Our see elsewhere. We want buyers are aware of our them to enjoy what we have campaign for green archifor them. We want to cretecture and they appreciate ate a different lush world (it),” GM Escasilas said. amidst the hustle and bustle Just recently, the comof the city. Hence, we see it pany received two prestian as added investment and gious accolades from renot just an incremental cost nowned award-giving body, in itself.” All of Camella’s proper- Philippine Property Award, ties and projects are built winning both as Best Propwith the principles and ap- erty Developer in Davao and Best Residential Property in the Philippines.To be nominated is more than enough. The recognition alone is a testimony in itself; winning (them) motivates us to be more than what we already are.” GM Escasilas enthused. (As winners, they are now contenders for the Asian Property Awards to be held on the 10th of November 2016.) “We have something to brag about,” he says smiling. Camella is…everything. plications of green architecSince they operated in ture in mind -- less impact Davao in 2009, they have on the environment, exclualready sold out their stusivity for its inhabitants, dio type properties whereprojects that are designed in their existing buyers and to reflect reduced power clients are already enjoyconsumption but increased ing the profits promised to power efficiency. are now pre-sellSurrounded by a lush them. “We th ing our 5 building. 4th buildgreeny, once you step inside, you’d be amazed of the ing will be handed over come sight of tall, lively Caribbean the end of the year,“ GM Espine trees. They are sights casilas proudly announced. Invest in the best. Expeand scents that transport rience and see it first-hand. you to another world, anGet lost in another world other country. The trees act within a world. “Our project as buffers against noise and speaks for itself,” GM Escasiair pollution. These trees las beams. Camella has the are coolants and shades best packages and plenty for an any weather leisure of options to choose from. walk. Their amenities are not just Aside from the pine amenities – they add value trees, acacia trees and other luxuriant plants, wide open to their projects. What they abound. The amenities have is not just a location are for everyone to enjoy. … but a perfect location, at Camella’s vast land area is that. For inquiries, feel free always designed to cater to to contact or visit Camella the needs of everyone – in Northpoint. Together, let’s the present and future. discuss your next option. At Camella, they believe Camella Office is located that “a green community is nd at 2 floor, Delgar building equal to a healthy environ(in front of Camella Northment.” The point), JP Laurel Avenue, t o p Davao City Beautiful. Contact numConvenient. Secure. bers: 082 295 3973 or 082 226 Three remarkable 3100 adjectives that Mobile describe Camella number: 0917 857 6572 and its many Telefax: 082 land development 222 5223 projects. Website: www. northpointdavao.com
Experience nature with Camella By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO
cated in the heart of the city on top of a picturesque hill overlooking the glittering new central business district, Camella Northpoint is unlike any other. In an ideal location like this, one would surely expect nothing but the best. At Camella, it’s not just about acquiring a property, it’s also about owning a work of art, one that creates a green community amidst the fasttrack life that Dabawenyos have. The application of green architecture in Camella infrastructures did not happen overnight. A detailed master plan is the company’s best ally before embarking into a new project. “We educate our buyers,” says Camella Communities Davao General Manager Marlon Escalicas. Although considerably costly, “we see the move as an added investment for our clients and potential investors,” he states, adding that, “we do not want t o just
Camella Communities Davao General Manager Marlon Escalicas (Photo by Lean Daval Jr.)
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The biodiversity of Davao’s watersheds I
N the olden days, Bagobos living in Davao’s watersheds look to the limokun, the white-eared brown Philippine dove, for omens. In indigenous folklore, the limokun is believed to be a spirit messenger, a harbinger of doom or fortune. For Filipino ornithologists, however, the limokun occupies a more mundane status, albeit a very important one, since the dove is a Philippine endemic, which means that it can be found only here in Philippine watersheds. However, like most endemic species, the limokun’s survival is at stake since its habitat, which is found in lowland dipterocarp forests along the watershed, is fast vanishing due to various threats. In 2012, watershed advocacy group Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS) commissioned wildlife biologists from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to conduct a biodiversity assessment on two of Davao’s important watersheds, the Talomo-Lipadas (TL) and Panigan-
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Tamugan (PT) watersheds, which are the current and future sources of the city’s drinking water. “The watersheds, essentially, are a center for endemism.”, said PEF Conservation Director Jayson Ybanez who said that his team was able to document 171 vertebrate species, mostly endemic, which are living in the dipterocarp forests found in the lowland areas. 28 of these species are categorized as threatened and near threatened, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Along with the Philippine eagle, the list includes the Tarictic hornbill, the rare Mindanao montane racquet tail, the Mindanao scops forest owl, the Mindanao fruit bat, the Philippine flying lemur and the Philippine pygmy squirrel. “With such richness in biodiversity, Dabawenyos should all the more do everything they can to protect the watersheds.”, said IDIS Executive Director Ann Fuertes.
resilient and adaptable to external stresses. It also keeps the pest population in check.”, she added. But according to Fuertes, unregulated development in the watersheds are destroying the forest habitats which are essential to the survival of these threatened species. She pointed out the data compiled in the report which showed the increasing number of banana and pineapple plantations and farms which are slowly encroaching watershed conservation areas. The report recommended, among other suggestions, to fast-track the ground survey and delineation of conservation areas in the watershed. It also recommended that the city come up with “an effective monitoring system and enforcement mechanism to stop the expansion of monocrop plantations in environmentally critical areas of the watershed.” But while this may seem to be too late – since, as Ybanez pointed out, that out of the many dipterocarp forests that
“If we continue to be complacent in our efforts, such richness will soon be gone or depleted. We haven’t even begun to study the entirety of Davao’s watersheds. There could be more plants and animals which have not been taxonomically identified yet and still may hold valuable medicinal or ecological value.”, she said. She also pointed out the importance of a rich biodiversity especially in helping mitigate the effects of climate change. “It keeps the environment in natural balance, making it more
Davao used to have, only the Malagos forest survived- such interventions will do more in the long run. “If our goal for conservation is essentially to save as many representative habitats as possible, then from the perspective of reforestation, the dipterocarp forests are a priority.”, he said. (Misael Paranial/IDIS) Misael Paranial briefly worked for Media Mindanao News Service before moving to development work. He writes on watershed and organic farming issues for the watershed advocacy group IDIS.
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Use your power to break free from fossil fuels BY JUSTIN NATHEN C. FEDERIGAN
O
UR one and only earth is currently dying due to the effects of climate change. The cause of this life-threatening phenomenon is the increase of green house gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and water vapor. In the Philippines, currently we are using less renewable energy. We are mostly into non-renewable energy such as coal, gas, and oil, known as fossil fuel as sources of energy. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy, which means that coal, gas, and oil are minerals that are consumed faster than it can be naturally replenished by the environment. Dr. Jean Lindo, a Dabawenya activist, once said, “there is no such thing as clean coal.” Yes, I myself agree with Dr. Lindo. Coal is not clean and will never be clean. Coal is just one of the three fossil fuels used to be turned into energy. The other two are gas and oil. Coal, gas, and oil, also known as fossil fuels, contain a huge amount of carbon (C), and once it is in the atmosphere where oxygen (O) is present, it will turn into carbon dioxide (CO2). The more
we burn these fossil fuels and turn them into energy the more we pollute the atmosphere with increasing amount of carbon dioxide. We cut down trees and we do not replace them. The more we do these, the more carbon dioxide accumulated in our atmosphere and the temperature at the surface of mother earth. Why? It is because carbon dioxide traps the heat from the sun causing the atmosphere to be warm. This is what you call the “Green House Effect.” The increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes the extreme increase of temperature at the surface. This is “Global Warming.” Recently in Davao City, two coal-power plants were launched and each pow-
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er plant can generate 175 megawatts (175MW). These two power plants are part of the Phase II of AboitizPower’s Therma South Incorporated’s (TSI) Project. However, rotational brownouts in Davao City are still happening. Aboitiz mentioned that the reason for the rotational brown-out is that the water level in major National Power Corporation-Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (NPC-PSALM) hydro power plants is be-
low the critical level due to the extreme heat caused by El Niño. Surprisingly, El Niño is one of the effects of climate change. So what/ who really is the cause of climate change? Sad to say, it is us, humans, who cause all of these to happen. The increase of institutions emitting extreme carbon to the atmosphere, increase in cutting down trees and not replacing them, these mistakes we do increases the effects of climate change which includes, global
warming or known in our country as “El Niño”. Climate change is here to stay from now until tomorrows have you heard about the quote “The Youth is the hope of the future”? This single quote shows that the youth can still do something about it. Even if you are young, do not be afraid to do your best in saving our one and only earth. Young or old, we can still make a difference. It is never too late to start helping
one another. There is still time. There is still hope. We can still make a difference. So, I urge each and every one of you to reflect on our daily lives and see how we can change the way we live. The change in the way we live will not definitely stop climate change but it will slow down its effects. Let us use our youth power to try to stop, try to help, and do our best to make our one and only earth a better place to live in.
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Giving back to the Watersheds: Davao’s Environmental Tax
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AXATION can be a problematic word, especially during an election season, but among watershed advocates in Davao City, taxes, or more specifically Green Taxes are just being par for the course when one lives in a city whose mantra is “Life is Here”. 2016 could be the year of the watershed environmental tax, as the city amps up its collection from the agri-businesses operating in the Talomo-Lipadas and Panigan-Tamugan watersheds. Last year, when the envi tax was first implemented, only a handful of businesses complied, under protest. In fact, a case was filed in the courts to contest the tax implementation. Complainants argued that the local government does not have the right to impose an environmental tax since they are already paying property taxes and business permits. They contend that this is a case of double taxation, which is prohibited under the law. But according to the watershed advocacy group Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), the environmental tax imposed by the city’s Watershed Code is within the authority and power conferred to it by the Constitution and the Local Government Code. “A business permit is different from a tax.”, IDIS Policy Advocacy Specialist Mark Penalver pointed out. “It refers to the government’s power to regulate businesses within its territorial jurisdiction while taxation is the government’s power to tax and collect revenues to fund its operations.” “It is also different from property taxes because while both are imposed by the same government, it is not being imposed for the same purpose. The former is for property utilization while the envi tax will only be selectively imposed on major agricultural activities which have a negative impact on the environment due to their continuous use of toxic inputs , like pesticides.”, he said. The WMC plans to utilize the envi tax on watershed projects initiated by the barangay watershed monitoring councils. IDIS, as the civil society sector representative to the WMC, said that the envi tax should also be used to mitigate or rehabilitate the damage caused by pesticide contamination. Other possible uses of envi tax will include funding riverbank reforestation projects, watershed delineation activities, incentives for community forest volunteers and field monitoring by local multipartite watershed teams. Davao is not alone though. In Palawan, Bohol and Camiguin, similar measures are being imposed. Domestic and foreign eco-tourists pay an environmental availment fee which goes to a fund that is used to maintain and support the city’s community-based tourism facilities. Closer to home, the Island Garden City of Samal has an environmental users fee levied on local and foreign tourists which goes towards protecting and maintaining the island’s beaches and other tourist attractions. Elsewhere in the developed world, similar green tax measures are becoming the norm. In the United States, the common kind of state envi tax is a tax on polluting industries, which goes to a clean-up fund. Other innovative tax mechanisms include the “contaminated property tax” which is levied on the ‘contamination value’ of the property – the difference in value before and after contamination. The presence of the tax case, notwithstanding, the city’s Watershed Management Council stands by firmly in the soundness of the watershed envi tax. While there is no definite timeline, WMC expects the court to rule on its behalf within the year. So until then, nothing is off the table. (Misael Paranial/IDIS)
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mittee on Environment. “It could result in a wide range of catastrophic consequences: rising sea levels threatening archipelagic states, low-lying coastal areas and fertile deltas; increased frequency of hurricanes, droughts and other extreme climate events; disturbance of ecosystems; greater aridity; and greater pressure on freshwater resources.” The Philippines has already felt the impacts of climate change when it was hit by Yolanda in 2013. But it was
just the beginning. As the Philippines has more than 7,000 islands, more people will be affected with sea level rise. Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change noted this when she issued this statement: “Several studies have already noted the high vulnerability of coastal communities in the Philippines to sea level rise. This is the challenge that we must address because this will affect millions of Filipinos living in coastal areas. The gov-
Rotchie Ravelo (third from right) together with APRAA awardees and DA Secretary Proceso Alcala (far right)
Davao Oriental adjudged anew as Agri-Pinoy Rice Achiever Awardee
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OR its sustainable increase in rice production, the Province of Davao Oriental has been adjudged anew as one of the top five provinces in the country named as Agri-Pinoy Rice Achiever Awardee (APRAA) by the Department of Agriculture. The awarding ceremonies was held in Manila on April 20, 2016 where Davao Oriental received recognition along with other provinces with outstanding performance in rice production for the year 2015. Department Head of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRI) Rotchie Ravelo, who received the award in behalf of Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, said this is yet another feat for the
province after successfully winning the same recognition last year. “Despite being hit by two major calamities -the Super typhoon Pablo in 2012 and Low Pressure Area ‘Agaton’ in 2014 -- Davao Oriental’s rice production has steadily increased,” he said. Based on the Provincial Rice Production Performance Data, Davao Oriental’s average yield rose from 4.47 MT per hectare in 2014 to 4.58 MT per hectare in 2015, which exceeds the national average of only 4.08 MT per hectare. This increase has also boosted Davao Oriental’s rice sufficiency level to 84 percent this year from 67 percent in the previous year. In addition, the completed Cateel Irrigation
Project is expected to boost the province’s rice production as it is set to irrigate additional 2,200 hectares of rice fields. Ravelo said that this significant improvement is attributed to the Provincial Government’s flagship program on agriculture, particularly the Pagkain at Kita and Agri-Business Development Program and Food Intensification Program which has largely helped in addressing the province’s food security. “Gov. Malanyaon, who strongly pushes for programs on food sufficiency, has intensified the province’s rice programs which has not only ensured sustainable rice production but also helped in generating productive employment for the poor,” said Ravelo.
To date, Davao Oriental is rated as the biggest producer of hybrid rice seeds in the Philippines and one of the top producers of good quality rice in different varieties which includes the widely promoted “Banaybanay Rice” commonly known as 7-Tonner. Ravelo said that the Provincial Government through its Provincial Agriculture Office assures to continue its goal to achieve a hundred percent food sufficiency level through the continuous implementation of intensified programs on agriculture. Meanwhile, other provinces that received the APRAA award include Davao del Norte, Occidental Mindoro, Nueva Viscaya and Ilocos Norte. By KLD
ernment should start relocating these communities to higher, safer places as we continue to strengthen climate change mitigation programs to help avert further rise of sea level.”
wrote Dr. Luis Eduardo Mejia Mejia in the World Bank annual report on environment. Work performed by renowned universities, research groups and institutions revealed a four- to eightfold increase in malaria transmission in Pacific coastal areas during the El Niño phenomena of 1994-95 and 1998. “This increase in transmission during El Niño makes it possible to estimate the possible effects of this disease under a climate change scenario,” Dr. Mejia Me-
jia said. Climate change is for real. People of this world should do something now before it’s too late. “You can blow up a balloon so far, and then it bursts; you can stretch a rubber-band so far, and then it snaps; you can bend a stick so far, and then it breaks. How much longer can the human population go on damaging the world’s natural systems before they break down altogether?” asked Prince Philip, who has been associated with environ-
mental causes for many years. The words of Christopher Flavin, of the Worldwatch Institute, come in handy. In his book, Slowing Global Warming, he wrote: “Global warming is an environmental threat unlike any the world has faced. While human activities during the past century have damaged a long list of natural systems, most of these problems are local or regional in scope and can be reversed in years or decades if sufficient effort is exerted.”
Health threat Climate change is also a threat to human health. “Although there still is uncertainty about the magnitude of the global impact of climate change on human health, there is no question that negative local effects may be significant,”
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Tadeco: Growing with people, caring for the environment By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net
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HE dynamism of an industry leader which has existed for more than half a century reflects how it adapts to the autobahn speeds of modernization and responds to the demands of the market while keeping a conscientious awareness to the welfare of the environment.
Such is the mindset of Tagum Agricultural Development Company (Tadeco), a household name when it comes to banana production. Tadeco is a fine example of how industry leaders adapt to changes in environment. The market clamor for a shift in agricultural practices has changed how Tadeco in Davao del Norte processes export-quality bananas. Since last year, Tadeco developed systems that lessen its operation cost through sustainable construction. This innovation benefits 10,000 workers in the production line alone and reduces the need for resource-heavy inputs in the 6,639.85-hectare property. Bent on installing
environment-friendly systems and facilities, Tadeco created a water recycling facility in its 17 packing houses to reduce the usage of water for washing Cavendish bananas. “Washing bananas in the past could utilize up to 150 liters (L) per box,” said Reagan D. Navarro, Tadeco manager for quality management system, statistics, and chemistry laboratory department. Now, the company has a minimum consumption of 10 to 15 liters per box of banana. Inside each packing house, the water which used to flow like rivers is now compounded inside rectangular concrete tubs connected with tubes leading to the water recycling facility. And in the larger context of Tadeco’s operation, water usage is among its primary input savings. The company saves water by using drip irrigation to water its crop. This avoids the wastage of a precious resource especially during these times of drought. Unlike other banana plantations, Tadeco and its farmers have maintained profitable yield despite
climate change. These efforts ensure sustainability and continuity of the strong ties between Tadeco and farmers, who are mostly agrarian reform beneficiaries. Living in a community called Barangay AOF, named after the late Antonio O. Floirendo Sr., the workers of the plantation live in symbiosis with the agricultural company. With more than 6,000 people living in the community built for the farmers, the barangay has its own hospital, sports facility, schools, and grocery stores. More than just a business, Tadeco and its banana operation are directed to stay longer for generations to come. More green initiatives Anchored on its policy of minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high quality products, Tadeco invested millions on research and development for advancement of its agricultural practices. Last year, Tadeco started to use plastic bags for thrips control for fruit protection. Navarro said 12 insec-
ticides were eliminated since the banana company started using plastic bags. “It is more effective,” Navarro said. Surprisingly, even the bags along with other plastics and twine use by the company do not go to waste. After each bunch is harvested, the plastics are collected and disposed directly to the recycling facility housed in the Davao Packing Corporation (DAPACOR), a sister company of Tadeco which is also located within the more than 6,000-hectare property just 25 kilometers away from the center
of Panabo City. These initiatives have contributed and led Tadeco to be awarded with the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification-2012 by the Department of Agriculture in Octoberand the Global GAP certification-2013 for its effort to conserve the environment. Communities surrounding the plantation are not only benefitting from the employment whichTadeco provided for 45 years in banana production operation but also from its rejected bananas. Wasted bananas rejected during the packing are put into trucks that
are delivered to the communities for free. Providing an additional livelihood to poor families, the rejected bananas are turned into profitable banana chips. For years, this initiative has helped parents to send their children to college and give them better quality of life. Already on its 65th year of operation, Tadeco has employed the children of farmers just like how the late Floirendo envisioned the company to grow with its people. Years after the passing of the Floirendo patriarch, this philosophy still holds true.
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WHERE TO GO THIS SUMMER IN DAVAO Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio SUMMER IS ALREADY HERE. It’s time to hit those places that can make your body cooler this time of the year. In Luzon, most people go to the summer capital of the country -- Baguio. But in recent years, Filipinos have discovered that there are other places that they can go to during summer. In Mindanao, some people might be packing their things and go to these places in Davao Region: Maragusan, Compostela Valley: “Maragusan is a cold place just like Baguio and Tagaytay.” “There are so many beautiful and exotic spots to visit. There are too many I can’t state them all.” “It is a cold region surrounded by high mountains.” “In the morning, it’s really cold that even cooking oil would solidify. It’s like an ice candy in the freezer.” These are just some of the remarks you often hear from people who had been to Maragusan, a first class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley. After all, it is considered as “the summer capital of Davao Region.” The best place to stay is at the Haven’s Peak Highland Resort, which has been featured in The Lonely Planet. It is nestled on Tarago Hills facing the town with 208 beautifully landscaped steps leading to its tidy but beautiful lobby. This mountain resort provides sight of the picture-perfect and picturesque view of green foggy mountains appearing like a painting and like backdrop of a stage. Dahican Beach in Mati City, Davao Oriental: It is
located some 15 minutes from the heart of the city. A recent American visitor, who had also been to Boracay, hailed the beach in these words: “I have not seen such a wonderful beach, not even in Boracay. The Dahican Beach is South Sea dream come true.” Swimming is not the only thing you can do while you are in Dahican Beach. If you like water adventure like skimboarding, this is the best place in Davao region. In fact, several skimboarding competitions have been held in the place; it is being touted as the Skimboarding Capital of Mindanao. George Plaza, whose story I featured in Reader’s Digest, is the man behind the popularity of skimboarding in Dahican. He founded the Amihan Boys to help those out-of-school youths to do something worthwhile instead of being a problem in the barangay where they are living. These boys can be tapped as trainers for those who want to learn skimboarding. Not far from the beach are two beautiful islands: Waniban and Pujada. If white sand is your thing, then these two islands offer the very best. The only hitch: you have to hire a
boat in going to these places. Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte: Once a breeding ground for Daniel Aguinaldo’s white lipped oyster, whose survival depended on the cleanest underwater environment, it is now an idyllic private resort. One of the famous landmarks of the resort is the three-tiered Parola wharf (named after the local term for lighthouse), which was once a lookout post for strangers who were not welcome on the island, back in the days when it was still a pearl farm. A few hundreds off the beach resort is the Mali-
pano Island which is the site of seven exclusive villas. All waterfront bungalows were designed by world-renowned Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, inspired by the stilt houses of the Sulu Sea using strictly native materials such as bamboo, coconut and yakal. For scuba divers, the Pearl Farm is a more than a paradise: excellent diving can be had right in front of the resort. This natural haven offers spectacular diving amongst the huge shoals of fish and the giant taklobo clams, without the need for tedious boat rides. Just 60 meters away from the resort are two sunken Japanese World War II
ships that await discovery. Buenavista Island in Samal Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte: The fourhectare island is a perfect place to go this summer. It has a beautiful view, especially the one that is facing the Pacific Ocean. It’s no wonder why the owners named it as The Island Buenavista (the latter comes from two Spanish words, buena for “good” and vista for “view”). Here, it gives a new dimension to the words “privacy” and “exclusivity.” You and your group can have the island all by yourself with no other people but you (and of course the staff who will serve you and attend your needs).
If your dream this summer is swimming in a white sand beach with crystal clear waters and far from the madding crowd, then The Buenavista Island is a dream comes true. As you loiter around the island, you can take refuge under the shade of coconut trees (they don’t bear nuts so you are safe wherever you go) and feel the sunkissed cottony sands. The nonchalant breeze from the sea cools your warm body. Eden Nature Park and Resort in Toril, Davao City: At 2,650 feet above sea level, it offers breath taking views of Davao City and the Davao gulf. Growing pine trees created canopies, but not so densely that other trees and plants were also able to grow. A huge area was also planted to mangosteen and dragon fruits. As years go by, a secondary forest was developed. Today, there are over 100,000 pine trees spread across about 80 hectares, making the resort 95-percent man-made. The once-barren piece of land now provides a relaxing alternative to the bustling city life of Davao with its cool weather and unpolluted air. If you happen to visit the place past five in the afternoon, you better bring your own jacket as it becomes cooler. It’s like Baguio during the old days. And there are so many things you can do fishing and horseback riding. Those who want some actions and extreme adventures, they can try zipline, skycycle (bicycling up in the sky), and skywing (yes, swinging on top and going down)
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ENTERTAINMENT
Single/Single returns for Season 2 on Cinema One S I N G L E / SINGLE,” CINEMA ONE’S FIRST BREAK THROUGH SERIES STARRING K APAMILYA STARS SHAINA M AG DAYAO AND MATTEO GUIDICELLI returns for a second season on May 15 at 10PM on Cinema One.
At the media launch held on April 21 at Restaurant 9501 in ABS-CBN, the cast shared that season 2 promises leveled-up entertainment and relevance that will appeal to the millennial generation, without losing the comedy and kilig vibes that fans loved in season 1. “Single/Single,” Cinema One and The Philippine Star’s first project, is the cable channel’s first TV series that focuses on issues ranging from quarterlife crises to relationship dilemmas in a digital world. The series combines engaging
winner Lilit Reyes, and produced by Bianca Balbuena, who recently joined the prestigious Berlinale Talents panel. The new season will air every Sunday at 10PM with replays on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9PM. Cinema One, the country’s number one cable channel is
comedy with relevant messaging targeted to the urban singles coping with the demanding lifestyle of a more complicated world. Season 2 will continue to combine the power of cable and print media to talk to Filipino millennials about how to cope as a single individual in an entertaining format. After each episode on Cinema One, an
in-depth discussion about “how to adult” will be provided in the Philippine Star’s Business Lifestyle section by wealth management expert and inspirational speaker, Francis Kong. For this season, online media will play a vital role in sparking conversation among millennials and engaging them as episodes will eventually be made available via PhilstarTV.com.
on Skycable channel 56, Destiny Cable Analog 37 and Digital 57. For updates, like Cinema1channel on Facebook (facebook. com/Cinema1channel). For updates on Single/ Single, visit Facebook. co m /Si n g l eSi n g l e C1 on Facebook and @ SingleSingleC1 on Twitter and Instagram.
Returning to the series are veteran actress Cherie Gil who plays Matteo’s single mom, award-winning Cinema One Originals actress Anna Luna as Shaina’s career-driven buddy, and theater actor Brian Sy as Shaina’s gay friend. “Single/Single” is directed by international award-winning independent cinema director Pepe Diokno, written by Palanca
Sky unloads fun family entertainment for a great summer together
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WITH SUMMER ALREADY IN FULL SWING, families are by now looking for ways to spend this much needed break. Good thing they can always check out SKY, the cable network that has become synonymous to fun and entertainment.
From its wide array of premium channels, SKY is pouring out multi-genre offerings that are on every member of the family’s bucket list for summer. Summer need not be the time for idle minds as viewers also get to uncover new knowledge in National Geographic Channel; The Story of God with Morgan Freeman (April 28, 9pm); and in the new season of Mythbusters (Wednesday, 10pm) on Discovery. Viewers who need to quench their thirst for sports only have to tune in to NBA Premium TV HD for the live games of the NBA Playoffs; to ABS CBN Sports+Action HD for the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Finals (starting April 23); to FOX Sports for the much awaited Formula 1 on May 1 in Russia; and to ASN for the live games of the NHL Playoffs. And as every member of the family have been waiting for them, SKYcable unleashes a wave of specials and movies from HBO
April 20 – 26, 2016
BASTILLE DAY/ * HIGH STRUNG Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Kelly Reilly/ *Nicholas Galitzine, Jane Seymour
with Game of Thrones finally coming back on Monday (April 25, 9am). Meanwhile, the surprise Marvel hit Ant-Man (May 28, 9PM) and the highly-acclaimed Pixar feature Inside Out (May 1, 8PM) will both premiere on Fox Movies Premium. Extending the fun beyond home entertainment, SKY is also rewarding subscribers with
outdoor experiences that both challenge and excite. SKY has also launched SKYdirect, its new direct-to-home product, which is sure to bring to more homes across the country SKYcable’s premium channels. If you aren’t a SKY subscriber yet, just log on to www.mysky. com.ph for information on how you can enjoy hot summer entertainment only SKY can give.
R13/*PG
12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 LFS / *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS
THE JUNGLE BOOK Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray PG
12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill PG
1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS
THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt PG
12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
EDGEDAVAO
A4 INdulge!
VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016
UP AND ABOUT
Thea
Tribu K’mindanawan
An evening of
music fusion The Davao Region is a melting pot of cultures with influences coming from the Lumad, Muslims, as well as the Christian settlers coming together forming a unique amalgamation of the arts and last April 16 saw the celebration of this unique blend of tribal and modern with the first AirAsia Ethnika Music Fusion held at the pavilion area of the Matina Town Square. The concert which was one of the official events for this year’s Visit Davao Fun Sale gave visitors a glimpse of the region’s fast developing music scene with performers coming from different genres of music performing together in one festival of cultural diversity. Performers included Tribu K’mindanawan, Kuntaw Mindanao and folk singers Maan Chua
Maan Chua
and Popong Landero. Younger indie acts who were part of the music
festival included Jad Montenegro, Kevin Becira, Thea, and Anne Mendoza. There was also a beatbox by Telentadong Pinoy finalist Neil Llanes. The AirAsia Ethnika Music Fusion concert is spearhead by the Department of Tourism XI, Tourism Promotions Board, City Government of Davao, BPI, Bonamine, Tempra, and MOVE Davao.
Department of Tourism regional director Robby Alabado (second from right) together with the working committee of theVisit Davao Fun Sale.