Edge Davao 7 Issue 246

VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

POST-VALENTINE HEROES

How coordination between police, military saved Mati City

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

HEROES. The police officers who defended the Mati City Police Station wait to be honored. Front page photo, Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon inspects the ammunition and other materials seized from New People’s Army (NPA) members who attacked the Mati City Police Station on February 15. Eden Jhan Licayan

POST-VALENTINE HEROES How coordination between police and military saved Mati City

By Karen Lou Deloso

T

HE New People’s Army (NPA) raid on the Mati Police Station on February 15 happened a day after Valentine’s and than a month after the Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash that saw the deaths of 44 members of the Special Action Forces, 18 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and at least seven civilians. Unlike the Mamasapano incident, however, the Mati clash was a veritable showcase of how the police and military can unite to accomplish a common goal.

The brazen attack was carried out on the night of February 15, but the response of both the police and the military was immediate. It was fortuitous that the Mati City Police Station at the time had been augmented by the presence of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) 11 which had been sent there to augment the security in the city for the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet on February 24 to 28.

The initial firefight lasted

for 15 minutes, but the military responded quickly to aid the besieged police officers.

The backup did not come without a cost, however: three soldiers were killed in a landmine explosion. In the end the NPA band was forced to flee, leaving one of their comrades dead. No civilian was killed or injured.

The Mati police and the military were hailed for the way they handled the crisis.

During a recognition ceremony held last week at the vicinity of Mati City Police Station, Provincial Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon gave her salute to the police and the military personnel who held their line during the gun-battle against the NPAs, keeping the rebels from taking over the police station.

She spoke of the “preparedness and the coordination” sparked by “good leadership and bravery” of the police and the military elements of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 701st Infantry Brigade based in Sitio Magay,

Barangay Don Martin Marunda, Mati City.

Regional police director Chief Superintendent Wendy G. Rosario led the awarding to 39 PNP personnel, under provincial director Senior Superintendent Jose Carumba, who successfully defended the Mati Police Station. Twenty-three police officers received the prestigious Medalya ng Kadikalaan and 16 received Medalya ng Kagalingan in honor to their bravery and act of heroism.

Meanwhile, 16 soldiers of the 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army under the command of Colonel Bienvenido Datuin Jr., received the Military Merit Medal for their valiant bravery and great courage in pushing reinforcement to the policemen during the firefight.

The Philippine Army’s Eastern Mindanao Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad and 10th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Eduardo M. Año awarded the medals.

The soldiers’ fallen com-

rades who under the heat of the battle took extra step of courage and bravery in executing their duties were also given honors.

The Sangguniang Bayan of the City of Mati and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Davao Oriental read and awarded Resolutions commending the PNP and the Philippine Army for their exceptional bravery in defending the city despite the dangers of being under heavy fire.

At the ceremony, Governor Malanyaon lauded the brave police and military awardees.

“It would have been tragic and different news had you wavered in your courage even for a fraction of a second in the face of unprovoked aggression, but you did not. Instead you were able to hold your line and repelled the attackers,” she told the awardees.

She congratulated the decorated military awardees and lauded them for the quick response and hard work that they always extend whenever there is a crisis, noting its role

at the height of super typhoon Pablo in 2012.

In her message, the governor also underscored the word “coordination,” to which she attributed the success in trampling the enemy forces. She said the partnership forged by the Philippine Army and the PNP ushered this achievement and “raised the morale of a grieving nation in the midst of the tragic event in Magunidanao that so rocked the nation.”

“These awards would not only mean life achievement of bravery, but it is a story of successfully defending the peace and progress that we have so labored and hoped for, not only in the City of Mati but also for the province and the whole nation,” she said.

“Indeed, you have demonstrated courage, preparedness, and coordination but most of all you have embodied the ultimate sacrifice—the willingness to lay down your lives for our people,” added the governor. With a report from Jeanevive Duron-Abangan/ PIA 11

VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

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4 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

Cop indicted for murder

T

BIRDMAN. A man selling various kinds of birds trapped in bamboo cages waits for buyers at a sidewalk along San Pedro Street. The birds are sold for P50 to P150 each. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte rejects PDP-Laban offer

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has rejected the offer of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to be its standard bearer for the 2016 presidential election.

Duterte said when PDP-Laban representatives told him last week that the party was considering him to be its stan-

dard bearer, he told them to look for someone else because he was not interested.

“I said I am not the one, just look for somebody else.

I am not interested, I am only interested in promoting federalism because it will be the fallback position if the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) fails,” he said.

He said the federal system

will be the alternative if Congress does not pass the BBL or if the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional.

Duterte has been going around the country the past weeks on a “listening tour” ostensibly to hear the people’s views on federalism.

Observers, however, say the tour is the mayor’s way

T

tor Milgrace C. Driz told Edge Davao that backpacks and canisters will be prohibited within the areas where the activities will be held.

Driz said the security procedures in the activities are still the same as in previous events of the city, although

she added that the DCPO is open to suggestions on how to improve them.

She said the DCPO will deploy more than 1,500 personnel as well as an augmentation force from the Regional Public Safety Battalion of Po-

FDUTERTE, 10

Backpacks still prohibited during ‘Araw’ HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will still prohibit the carrying of backpacks and canisters during the 78th Araw ng Davao celebration this month.

In an interview, DCPO spokesperson Senior Inspec-

FBACKPACKS, 10

KNOCK-OFFS. A teenager scans through a collection of knock-off sunglasses being sold openly at the sidewalk along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Davao City Prosecution Office has indicted the police officer who allegedly shot and killed a tricycle driver at a transport terminal in Mintal last week.

Prosecutor Stella Esparagoza-Camino charged Police Officer (PO)2 Jozel S. Jorolan, 33, a member of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO)’s City Public Safety Company, with murder for killing Mario I. Magno last February 23.

The resolution was dated February 25, 2015. It was forwarded to the Clerk of Court the following day and raffled to Branch 17 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) under Judge Evalyn Morales.

Judge Morales is yet to issue a commitment order to transfer Jorolan to Davao City Jail in Maa. In her resolution, Esparagoza-Camino found probable cause to indict Jorolan based on the evidence and on the statements of the witnesses.

She said it appears “that he killed Magno in a sudden manner without affording him the opportunity to defend himself.”

Jorolan did not opt to avail himself of his right for a preliminary investigation when was submitted for inquest procedure last February 24.

Court records state that the three witnesses saw Jorolan, who was in civilian attire, arriving near One Network Bank at around 7:45 p.m. and parking his motorcycle in front of the terminal.

Jorolan walked while he was speaking with someone in his cell phone. When he was about five meters away, his motorcycle fell to the ground.

Magno picked up the motorcycle and returned it to return its standing position, but Jorolan suddenly shot him with his service firearm.

Witnesses said the victim begged for his life and shouted for help but Magno reloaded his pistol magazine and shot the victim twice in the head and several times in the body.

Magno sustained fatal wounds and died on the spot.

The respondent tried unsuccessfully to evade arrest when police officers responded to the incident.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) seized from his possession was a 9 mm pistol which was identified by as his service firearm based on the serial number.

The team also recovered from the crime scene one empty magazine and one loaded magazine with seven bullets,

FCOP, 10

VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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6

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

PLAYGROUND. The Lumad-inspired sculptures made by Davao City artist Kublai Millan make for a perfect playground for children at Over View Park in Kipolok, Bukidnon. Lean Daval Jr.

DepEd-12 to military, BIFF: 4 escapees recaptured P Spare schools, kids from war

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HE Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 12 called on the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Friday to spare the children and local schools from the armed conflict.

Dr. Allan Farnazo, DepEd Region 12 director, issued the call after Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang ordered an all-out offensive against the BIFF. Farnazo said both parties should exert efforts to make sure that school children and local schools will not be affected by their operations.

The official said that women and children are the most vulnerable and suffer the most when conflicts arise

in their communities.

He said it could be seen in the latest conflict in parts of Pikit, North Cotabato between the BIFF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Around 2,500 pupils and students were earlier reported displaced by the clashes that affected 10 villages of Pikit.

“I hope both parties will put premium in their minds that women and children should always be spared from any conflict,” he said.

Farnazo said they should make sure that classes in schools will not be disrupted and used in any way for their operations.

He said the International Humanitarian Law and sever-

15-minute power outage on March 3

D

AVAO Light and Power Co. (DLPC) will conduct a 15-minute power interruption on March 3, Tuesday, from 5 a.m. to 5:15 a.m. affecting customers in the southern part of its franchise.

In a statement, communication officer Rossano Luga said the scheduled outage is necessary to facilitate the upgrading works of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on its substation facilities.

He said customers affected by this service disruption are those from Ecoland up to

the whole area of Calinan. This includes the entire areas of Matina Aplaya, Matina, Bangkal, Catalunan Grande and Ulas. Also affected are customers from Mintal Public Market going to Tugbok.

Luga said DLPC apologizes for the inconvenience of this scheduled power interruption. The company will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

al other United Nations conventions specifically prohibit the use of schools for any purpose in armed conflicts.

“Schools should not be used as meeting places, operations base and command centers,” the official said.

Farnazo said both parties should instead regard schools in the entire region as “zones of peace.”

DepEd-12 declared all schools in the region in late 2013 as peace zones in a bid to protect pupils and students in from conflicts and various forms of violence.

The declaration was aimed to establish all local private and public schools as neutral grounds in case armed conflicts would occur

in any locality within the region.

Such declaration was mainly an offshoot of a memorandum earlier issued by the DepEd central office that enjoined schools “in areas with armed conflict and/or peace and order problems” to post banners identifying them as peace zones.

The banners are printed with the message: “This school is a zone of peace, huwag po kaming idamay sa mga kaguluhan (please spare us from conflicts).”

DepEd records showed that the region has a total of 1,707 pre-schools, 1,692 public elementary and 402 secondary or high schools.

(MindaNews)

OLICE and jail operatives separately recaptured on Thursday the four inmates who bolted the Malapatan District Jail in Sarangani Province in a violent jailbreak Wednesday night.

Chief Insp. Felixberto Gabayeron, Malapatan police chief, said Friday the suspects were recovered in the outskirts of Barangays Poblacion and Tuyan in Malapatan through the help of village officials and residents.

He said escapee Gerald Lipasana was initially spotted by residents early Thursday while fleeing at the upland portion of Barangay Tuyan.

Lipasana, who is facing car theft charges, later

surrendered to responding barangay officials, he said.

Gabayeron said the suspect was turned over at around 10:30 a.m. by barangay council members of Tuyan to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-run district jail.

At around 1 p.m., he said Barangay Tuyan’s “tanods” or watchmen and a police tracker team captured escapee Romnick Poster, who is a suspect in a murder case, at another portion of the village.

Several hours later, joint police and BJMP tracker teams re-arrested the two other escapees — Ronald Uppos and Roberto Caratayco — near the

“The search is open for person in any nationality, living or deceased born in Davao City or have been a resident of this city for at least 10 years,” Torres said.

“Nationality used to be one of the criteria, but we removed this because there are many migrants and foreigners who have contributed to the development of the city,” she added.

Aside from Blatchley, this year’s awardees are Fe Bada Arobo, Amelia B. Bonifacio, Lyda Canson, Dr. Mae Conception J. Dolendo, Randy H. Hala-

san, John Ryan Largo, and Dr. Virginina S. Montenegro.

The awarding will take place on March 14 at the Lantawan Hall of The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

F4 ESCAPES, 10

D’Bone Collector gets Datu Bago award

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

F

OR the first time, an American national will be among the recipients of the Datu Bago Award, Davao City’s highest award.

The Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc. has included Darrell Dean Blatchey, director of the D’Bone Collector Museum, among the eight awardees for 2015.

Blatchley is cited for his work as a bone collector through museum located in Bucana, Davao City, the only one of its kind in the entire country.

His museum was labeled the “Smithsonian of the Philippines” where collections of bones of animals are preserved as a way to appreciate Mother Earth and its creatures.

The museum has become a tourist and educational hub of Davao City.

According to the Datu Bago Awardees Organization executive director Ma. Julieta Torres, any nationality can be nominated and become a recipient of the award as long as he or she has been living in Davao City for at least 10 years.

The awardees are recognized for their outstanding, exemplary and selfless contribution to the growth and development of Davao City through its greatest resources, its people, and for their invaluable contribution to the preservation of the Dabawenyo culture heritage.

7 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

Construction of retirement village set

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

C

crc@edgedavao.net

ONSTRUCTION of Phase 1 of the Healing Garden of Asia retirement village in Catigan, Toril is set to commence this April.

Carlos Vargas, chief executive of World Class Retirement Complex Inc. (WCRCI), an internationally recognized developer, they are just waiting for the ECC (Environment Compliance Certificate to be issued by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)) on the project.

Vargas said the developer of the five-hectare retirement village in the upland of Catigan, Toril District, has to change the whole plan after discovering that there is a spring passing four of its 12 buildings which will have 36 units each.

“We target to start the first phase by April of this year because we have an agreement with the Japanese Tourism Bureau (JTB) that the first building should be ready for occupancy by December of this year,” Vargas told reporters in a

Lim, Monteverde in Dubai conference

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WO members of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) will attend the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai this month to promote the 3rd Davao Investment Convention (ICON).

Architect Daniel Lim, former president of DCCCII and chairman of this year’s ICON, said he will be joined in the Dubai trip by another former president, Dr. Malou Monteverde.

Members of Davao City Investment Promotions Center, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and Board of Investment (BOI) will also join as Mindanao delegates in this year’s AIM. Lim said the meeting in Dubai will be from March 28 to April 1 where Philippines will have a booth where priority investment areas in the country will be promoted.

Davao City will be among the areas in the Philippines

that will be promoted as investment hub.

“We might find foreign investors there (AIM) who can enter to a joint-venture agreement with our local investors,” Lim said at the sidelines of the general membership meeting of the DCCCII at the Grand Regal Hotel last Friday.

Among the sectors that will be promoted in the fourday investment meeting in Dubai are power, real estate and agribusiness, among others.

Lim said AIM will be also a venue where he can promote ICON. “By promoting ICON, we hope to invite foreign investors to participate our event that will be on July,” he said, adding that he is expecting about 500 participants and 150 exhibitors in this year’s Icon.

He said the committee is still finalizing details of this year’s Icon. Cheneen R. Capon

4 firms form consortium for Lakeshore project bid

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OUR of the biggest companies in the Philippines have formed a consortium to bid for the P123.8-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway and Dike Project (LLEDP).

Holding firm Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV), real estate giants Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), Megaworld Corporation (MEG) and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) agreed to form Trident Infrastructure and Development Corporation (TIDC), and acting together, have formed a consortium in order to pre-qualify for the LLEDP and evaluate the feasibility of the project with the view of submitting a competitive bid proposal for what is considered to be the biggest public private partnership (PPP) project of the Aquino administration.

The project includes the construction of a 47-kilometer expressway and a 45-kilometer flood control dike, and the

reclamation of around 700 hectares of land in the western part of Laguna Lake.

Dubbed as “Team Trident,” the consortium’s four members will each have an effective equal share of 25 percent. It combines the infrastructure expertise of the Aboitiz and Ayala groups as well as the reclamation and land development experience of Aboitiz, Ayala Land, Megaworld and SM. The consortium also benefits from the combined financial muscle and the national and international network of experts that the four companies have, which will be able to benefit millions of Filipinos and thousands of businesses along the western shore of Laguna de Bay. Trident brings together the expertise, experience, financial strength, and network that is needed to successfully execute a project the size and scale of LLEDP.

recent interview.

He said the first phase include the construction of road networks and first retirement hotel building with 36 units complemented with a club house.

“Partnered Japanese and local investors will pour in P1 billion for the completion of the development project,” Vargas said.

He said he committed to JTB, who visited Davao City last Monday for inspection, that the whole project should

be completed after two years.

The contractor will be Fuji Construction, a Japanese firm.

Once finished, the whole retirement village will have a total of 432 units with amenities like heated swimming pool, golf ball field, fitness and wellness center and a medical facility.

People from the community of Toril and health and medical professionals from Filipino-Japanese Volunteers Association will be hired in the village.

“We are looking forward to providing job opportunities to villagers,” Vargas said, adding that the retirement village will be catering local, Japanese and Filipino-Canadian retirees.

“There is a growing shortage of retirement homes in Japan that’s why retirement home owners and developers are looking for secondary locations,” he said.

Vargas said that he is eyeing to construct retirement villages in different parts of the country including: Bagiuo, Pal-

awan, Tagaytay, Boracay, Butuan and Cebu.

“We’re already in negotiation with the land owners and developers from these areas,” he said.

Members of JTB and retirement home owners and developers from Japan visited Davao City recently for ocular inspection “They were here to check whether the city is suitable as a location of retirement villages and so far, it (Davao City) is okay,” Vargas said.

RESISTANT. Gilton Almocera, research farmer cooperator and owner of Almocera Farm in Bagongon, Compostela, Compostela Valley, shows his GCTCV banana plant during the Joint First Field Day of GCTCV 219 in his farm. (Photo by ChePalicte DA-11)

New banana resistant to Panama disease

W

ITH the use of GCTCV 219 (Giant Cavendish tissue-culture variant), banana growers in the Davao Region have a better alternative to resist fusarium wilt or Panama disease.

The GCTCV is said to be sweeter than those of Grande naine and has significantly higher starch levels (which convert into sugars during ripening), more titratable solids and fewer acids.

During the Joint First Field Day of GCTCV 219 held in Almocera farm in Bagongon, Compostela Valley on Tues-

day, banana farm owners and growers from Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley tackled issues regarding the new variety.

They also aired their willingness to plant more of the variety since its fruit is accepted in the international and in the local market.

Gilton Almocera, research farmer cooperator said that he will be harvesting the first batch of his GCTCV 219 variety in May. Almocera said that he lost millions with the infestation of Fusarium Wilt in his four hect-

are banana plantation.

“Our revenues decreased and our expenses for the eradication increased,” he explained.

“I thank the DA for extending their hands to us, you give the banana farmers and growers hope to rise again,” Almocera said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Susan Razo, chief of Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) encouraged the banana growers in Davao Region to submit the necessary documents in order to acquire the tissue-cul-

tured seedlings.

“After the completion of the necessary documents, the beneficiaries will undergo training on how to grow the GCTCV 219 variety,” Razo said.

“After the training the farmer cooperators will also impart their knowledge to those who can avail the seedlings,” she added.

This year, DA 11 has allotted a total of P102 million to combat fusarium wilt.

Melani Provido, DA 11 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) coor-

country’s equity and fixed income markets, where GSIS has placed some funds. ”2014 is a record-year for GSIS even without the boost that we got from the fair value accounting of our financial assets,” he said.

To date, 48 percent of GSIS’ investable funds are placed in fixed income securities, 26 percent in members’ loans, 17 percent in equities and four percent in real estate while the balance of five percent is in cash.

Relatively, Vergara said their revenues last year totalled to PhP 231.5 billion, nearly twice the PhP 135 billion they got in the previous year.

The state pension fund’s assets currently amount to PhP 910 billion, 15.6 percent higher than PhP 788 billion in end-2013.

Vergara declined to give a profit-guidance for 2015, citing the challenges such as the uptick in their disbursement of payments of claims

and benefits to their members vis-à-vis the implementation of rationalization plan of the government.

Last year, GSIS paid a total of PhP 84.2 billion in claims and benefits to members and pensioners. ”The goal for this year is to sustain this momentum so that we can continue to provide responsive service and benefits to our 1.8 million members and stakeholders,” Vergara added.

(PNA)

FNEW, 10

GSIS posts 215.8% jump in ’14 net income

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HE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) reported on Friday a 215.8 percent hike in its net income in 2014 to PhP 140 billion from year-ago’s PhP 44.3 billion.

In a briefing, GSIS President and General Manager Robert Vergara attributed the huge rise in their net income to the continued improvement in the agency’s collection efficiency as well as the performance of the

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

EDITORIAL A law against gaming addiction

G

AMERS beware.

A bill has been filed at the House of Representatives seeking to prohibit all computer shop owners from admitting minors into their establishments within school hours.

House Bill No. 4740, to be known as the “Internet Cafe Regulation Act,” will limit children’s access to computers and other gadgets to prevent addiction and untoward incidents on popular games, such as DOTA and Counter-Strike.

These internet games or high-stakes matches abet gambling among gamers, who are usually minors. This gambling activity tends to result in violence. Likewise, due to too much computer exposure, the risk of addiction to game and other unwanted sites among children increases.

Proponents of the bill say there is “a need to recognize that computers bring entertainment through games, and children have the tendency to be easily addicted to these games as they have impressionable minds that games could be easily influenced.”

While the bill may be commendable, it offers nothing new. There had been local regulations on regulated internet use involving minors and yet it is among the most easily abused laws. internet cafés abound around school campuses around the country and their number one customers are minor students.

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For good measure, internet cafés thrive because they answer to the needs of the students for research or to print documents needed in class.

On the negative side, minors succumb to addiction to internet gaming and spend time inside internet cafés instead of going to school.

A person is considered to demonstrate IAD or internet addiction disorder when he has a compulsive need to spend a great deal of time on the internet, to the point where other areas of life (such as relationships, work, or health) suffer. The person becomes dependent on using the internet and needs to spend more and more time online to achieve the same “high.”

If the bill could be made to expand its coverage not only to minors under the precept of equal protection clause, it deserves a second look. internet addiction is not just a problem among minors but also among adults alike. In several government offices, employees trawl upon Facebook and other social media sites even during office hours. In a government laced with too much red tape, internet addiction among government employees is the last thing our patience can take.

Include too, heavier penalties for government officials guilty of playing internet games or doodling on social media during office hours and using government property.

That should make the proposed internet regulation law more relevant.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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

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EDGEDAVAO

“

IT would be a great achievement to break the Guinness record, but the primary focus is to reforest a large portion of the region to restore the integrity of the environment and enhance our efforts against the negative impacts of climate change.”

That was what Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said after the TreeVolution, which served as an opportunity for the people of Mindanao to take part in a larger effort to reforest the region.

Actually, TreeVolution was part of the National Greening Program (NGP), the flagship reforestation of the administration of Benigno Aquino III. It seeks to cover 1.5 million hectares with trees by 2016.

NGP is also “a national effort that aims to address food security, poverty reduction, environmental stability, biodiversity conservation and a mechanism for climate change mitigation strategy to enhance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide.”

What was thought of as not good enough to dislodge the India’s record of 1,945,535 trees planted in one hour is now official. Yes, “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow” has been confirmed by the Guinness World Records (GWR) as planting the most number of trees simultaneously in multiple locations.

Last September 26, 2014, a total of 122,168 people planted 2,294,629 trees in 29 locations in the country’s second largest island. “This record-breaking event saw the planting of rubber, cacao, coffee, timber and mahogany trees, as well as a range of fruit trees and other species indigenous to the Philippines,” GWR said in a statement.

The DENR, in its website, posted this information: “One significant observation made during the activity was that each participant was able to plant an average of 20 seedlings, which

F

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VANTAGE POINTS

9

Record-breaking tree planting were pre-poTHINK ON THESE! sitioned, in 30 minutes.

The assumption that 17 planters can plant an average of 340 seedlings per hectare was also achieved; hence, the conclusion that 17 planters can plant an average Henrylito D. Tacio of 680 seedlings henrytacio@gmail.com in one hectare for an hour.”

At the height of the TreeVolution campaign, Joselin Marcus E. Fragada emphasized that breaking the world record “would just be an added incentive” as the real goal of the project was “to create environmental awareness, and to show the world that Mindanao is capable of increasing its forest cover and mitigate the effects of climate change.”

“With or without Guinness, Mindanao will still plant trees within designated areas as we are currently implementing the NGP in the region,” pointed out Fragada, who is the regional honcho of DENR. Once upon a time, the Philippines was totally covered by forest. Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, a noted environmentalist and wildlife photographer, wrote in an article that forest covered 70 percent of the Philippines in the 1900s. By mid-1960s, only 13.5 million remained, of which barely 6.3 million hectares were considered primary forest.

During the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, forests were decimated at an astonishing rate of 300,000 hectares per year.

“As the timber boom gained momentum, the government was unable to supervise conces-

sions effectively or enforce logging regulations,” wrote Robert Repetto, author of The Forest for the Trees? Government Policies and the Misuse of Forest Resources. “Links between timber companies and politicians further eroded government control.

“Annual outputs averaging 10 million cubic meters were maintained until 1974, when depletion, world recession, and competition from other log-exporting countries forced a reduction,” Repetto added. “Declines continued over the next decade, and by 1984 the harvest returned to the pre-boom level of 3.8 million cubic meters.”

Towards the end of Marcos administration, there was only 7.2 million hectares that remained of the country’s forest cover, of which bare 2.7 million hectares were reported virgin forests.

Mindanao, the country’s second largest island, is not spared from denudation. In 2011, during the third board meeting of the Mindanao Development Authority, members raised the alarm on the vast disappearance of the island’s forest cover.

“There is only six percent of forestry left in Mindanao,” said Luwalhati Antonino, the chairperson of the said board meeting. “We from Mindanao must do something (now before it’s too late).”

Where have all our forests gone? “the Philippines is among the countries that are losing their forest cover fast, ranking fourth in the world’s top 10 most threatened forest hotspots,” deplored Pamintuan. “If the deforestation rate of 157,400 hectares per year continues, the country’s remaining forest cover will be wiped out in less than 40 years. The area lost to deforestation every year is twice the land area of Metro Manila.”

There are several solutions as there are several causes of the problem. “It is wrong to just portray the problem of forests as a problem with logging of natural forests as it’s a problem of com-

petition for land use,” said the Bogor-based Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).

“It’s a much bigger problem than good or bad logging. The real long-term problems are outside the forestry sector.”

CIFOR shares these thoughts: “Increasing population puts pressure on agricultural production which increases the demand for land and leads to forest depletion. Relaxing trade barriers also has an effect.

“Areas opened up by commercial logging are often then exploited by shifting agriculture (kaingin to Filipinos) leading to more devastation and mismanagement or over-exploitation of resources.”

Indeed, there are no fast rules in curbing deforestation. “The illness of our forest is complicated -- and cannot be cured -- with a one-stop prescription of a single medicine,” reminded then Senator Heherson T. Alvarez in a 1992 forestry workshop in Isabela. “A comprehensive, scientific and ethical strategy and coordinated efforts are needed to care for and manage the forests through sustainable development.”

Data from the DENR’s Forest Management Bureau show that combined reforestation efforts by the government and the private sector are not enough to arrest the rapid deforestation.

After the TreeVolution, Antonino was quoted as saying: “I do hope that all of us will continue to have the passion, the will and the courage to rehabilitate and preserve our environment because a healthy environment is the best gift that we can give to our children. As parents or grandparents, education is not the only best thing we can give to our kids but a healthy environment as well.”

Even at the end of the world, so goes a saying, we need to plant trees. “A person without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless,” American President Theodore Roosevelt reminded us.

and thrives on his patronage.

On the other hand, there are leaders who think they have so grown in stature and importance that the small scale of power and privilege they enjoy in their towns, cities, or provinces no longer fit them, and thus aspire to larger jurisdictions that are, in effect, empires disguised as “federal states.” They should be eschewed, ostracized even, for they will not dignify People Power or sovereignty in a democratic society.

Leaders known to be autocratic and presumptuous in behavior—as if superior in outlook, breeding, or ability—should be eschewed and put in their proper place: in the servants’ quarter of the House of Democracy where sovereign citizens are the masters.

Although we cannot begrudge their ambition, but we must subject it to scrutiny and apply the proper standards of public service in vetting them. ***** Ambition, Cassius said of Julius Caesar’s dream of empire, must be made of sterner stuff. Let us be stern and exacting in humoring the ambitions of our leaders. Let them not presume on public approval for what they desire.

As for federalism, let us insist that they first lay the foundation for it—by establishing a regime of true local autonomy in their jurisdictions. They must make of every community or barangay a bastion of People Power by activating its mechanisms for involving the people in its direct democracy with its unique form of parliamentary governance.

This regime for local autonomy is already provided for by R.A. 7160 (The Local Government Code of 1991). But its operation has been flawed by general ignorance and the outdated attitudes and practices of the dominant trapos.

Most if not all trapos seem unaware of the changes wrought by the Code, or simply ignore them, causing our political system to be dysfunctional. ***** Sometimes the dysfunctions spring from the failure of the Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILG)—and other institutions and agencies—to explain the Code’s provisions and their larger implications.

As Reuben Canoy, long-time commentator and respected pundit of Cagayan de Oro, keeps saying: “Ang lungsod nga nasayud maoy makahatag kusog sa atong demokrasya; ang lungsod nga mapasagaron maoy makapukan sa atong kagawasan.” An informed citizenry makes democracy strong; a neglectful one undermines our liberty and freedom.

It doesn’t seem to strike anyone—in government or in the private sector—that we do have an ill-informed citizenry; that no one and no agency bothers to orientate constituents about their role and function in government.

There are seminars and workshops galore for government officials, as if they alone are responsible for governance at any level. But none are conducted for the people or the constituency—who alone can impose the standards of good governance and hold officials to task for wrongdoing.

Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, development academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Govt’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. An author of books on governance, he is chairman/convenor ofGising Barangay Movement Inc. valdehuesa@gmail.com)

Make autonomy operative first before going federal

EDERALISM should not be viewed as a panacea for our problems in politics and government. Shifting to a federal system can also be a ploy of entrenched traditional politicians (trapos) to expand and prolong their de facto “franchise” on politics indefinitely.

Under present circumstances, any change is not likely to reform the system for the better. Traditional politicians (trapos) and their dynasties are in power in 90% of our localities, not to mention the national government. We are a trapo-dominated society.

To let the trapos tamper with the system is a sure way to strengthen their stranglehold on it. It will make them and their dynasties virtually impossible to remove or replace.

And we must be wary of leaders with autocratic or strong-arm styles of governing. They will weaken our democracy further, perpetuate mendicancy and dependency in our sheep-like electorate, and make a travesty of equal opportunity. The only thing that will be strengthened will be their hammerlock on politics and the economy. ***** What our society needs are empowering leaders and statesmen—people who are motivated to awaken and strengthen People Power in every community, who are not greedy or monopolistic, and who lead edifying lives, lives that enhance nobility of purpose and idealism.

Thus we must be discriminating about whom to follow and what ideas and ideals to support, making sure we don’t fall for demagogues and snake-oil peddlers. Too many good intentions are laid waste by excessive ambition, political greed, and corruption.

Today many people who advocate for federal-

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA ism don’t really know what they’re talking about.

They’re attracted to its seeming novelty, but in fact they have only a vague notion of it.

They don’t even know that autonomy is the basic foundation for a federal system—where people actually have a say in the affairs of government, with manifest assertiveness, and where government officials know their role as “public servants” and behave accordingly. ***** We must first work to exemplify local autonomy to ensure that the empowerment of the people comes first before the enthronement of ambitious leaders in federal positions.

Mindanaons must be wary about indulging the desires of over-ambitious leaders posing as our champions and advocates. They may be out to satisfy their bloated egos only, by acquiring larger territories and expanded political domains to rule and dominate.

The acquisition of power and privilege is but a political game for such leaders; hardly anything to do with public service or nation-building.

Democracy and the public service are not served by the ambitions of such people, nor are the citizenry’s welfare and morale. ***** It cannot be helped, however, that there are constituencies that actually crave the leadership of imperious or bullying leaders. It is a false sense of security, more like the secure feeling of a weakling who takes shelter under a strongman’s umbrella

10 NEWS

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SPONGE TRADE. A trader loads a batch of kitchen sponges made from overrun foam onto a vehicle which will deliver them to public markets around Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Basilan bishop on blast: ‘Don’t drag religion’

C

ATHOLIC Bishop Martin Jumoad, head of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan, has urged people “not to drag religion” into the bomb explosion that hit Lamitan City Friday evening.

Jumoad’s call came after an improvised explosive device exploded at around 9:10 p.m. Friday in front of the Saint Peter’s Church along Quezon Boulevard in Barangay Maganda, Lamitan City in Basilan province.

Senior Insp. Gean Gallardo, Lamitan City police chief, said the explosion did not harm anyone and also did not damage any property.

Gallardo said that an investigation is being conducted to determine the motive as well as to identify the suspects behind the incident.

Jumoad was saddened and surprised over the incident, which he described as “the work of evil people.”

“Let us not drag religion to let it appear that there is tension between Muslims and Catholics.

This is the work of evil people and let us not be carried by our emotions.

Instead, [let us] continue to work together for peace and harmony,” Jumoad said.

He urged the people to respect each other “because the only way to peace is through peaceful ways.”

The bishop also asked

the people to pray more so that this season of Lent, “the Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Meanwhile, Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay has urged the Lamiteños to stay calm but vigilant and to immediately report to the authorities presence of people acting suspiciously and unattended baggage in their community.

Furigay also ordered the police and military to strengthen the security of Lamitan City.

boundary of Malapatan and Glan towns, he said.

Uppos is facing theft charges while Caratayco is being tried for attempted rape.

“They’re now back at the Malapatan district jail, undergoing investigation,” Gabayeron said.

The jailbreak ensued after two trustee-inmates identified as Ronald Uppos and Roberto Caratayco disarmed and took the lockup keys from duty jail guard Jail Officer 1 Sofreme Autor at around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The suspects then

hastily opened one of the jail’s cells, freeing six other inmates.

One of the inmates identified as Mod Lakim tried to disarm another jail guard but was shot during the struggle by responding policemen.

Lakim later died due to gunshot wounds on his head and chest.

Three other inmates identified as Jerry Villota, Jerald Caballes and Mitchel Macaso were wounded during the incident.

Citing accounts by Lipasana, Gabayeron said

the inmates had planned the jailbreak for about two months.

He said the escapee pointed to Lakim as the brains behind the incident.

Senior Supt. Daniel Dequito, BJMP Region 12 director, credited the recovery of the suspects to the joint efforts of the police and BJMP tracker teams.

He said the swift recapture of the suspects also showed that their tracking strategies are effective and in place.

“We were able to get

all the escapees within 24 hours,” Dequito said in a radio interview.

The official said they will continue with the administrative proceedings and investigation on the incident, focusing on the determination of lapses committed by their personnel.

“Our jail guards definitely committed some lapses, that’s why the jailbreak happened. Rest assured that anyone who will be found liable would be sanctioned accordingly,” he added.

(MindaNews)

4 escapes... FFROM 6

Cop... FFROM 4

23 empty shells, and a deformed slug.

Earlier, Police Regional Office 11 – Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (PRO 11-RIDMD) head Senior Superintendent Joseph B. Sepulchre said that with

the murder case filed against Jorolan, the police officer will automatically be charged with an administrative case.

The maximum penalty for grave misconduct, Sepulchre said, is dismissal. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

of testing the waters to see if he could run for President in 2016.

Duterte has consistently denied planning to run, but last week he told a group of students in Dagupan City that he could run for President “if

only to save the country from being fractured.”

Yesterday, however, the mayor said he made that comment in jest, adding that the reporters in the area did not know him that well and took his joke seriously.

lice Regional Office 11.

Driz said the security plan is divided into three layers: checkpoint, area security, and security inside the activity place.

“We will have covert and overt operations which means that there will be intel

operatives to be deployed in the areas of activities to monitor lawlessness,” she said.

Driz said the alert status in the city during the celebration is still on red alert since many people are expected to come to the city to celebrate.

Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

dinator, said in the recent interview that the budget was due to the demand for appropriate interventions on such disease control and management, regulatory measures, and information dissemination.

“Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala prioritized the program to eradicate if not minimize the spread of the disease,” Provido said.

Fusarium wilt is a destruc-

tive fungal disease of banana plants can be described as a “classic” vascular wilt disease and it invades the vascular tissue (xylem) through the roots, causing discoloration and wilting.

It attacks banana plants of all ages and spreads mainly through the soil wherein it causes wilting and yellowing of the leaves. (ChePalicte DA11)

Duterte... FFROM 4

Backpacks... FFROM 4

New... FFROM 7

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Digos City

Gov. Bautista to spearhead new municipal hall groundbreaking

G

OVERNOR Claude Bautista will lead local officials here in the groundbreaking ceremony to signal the construction of the stateof-the-art new municipal hall in Magsaysay town on March 6, 2015.

Engineer Arthur D. Davin, mayor of Magsaysay, said the new building will replace the old and dilapidated structure which was built sometime in the 1960s when this town was officially created as a municipality from just a barangay of Bansalan.

Davin said the provincial government’s role in the construction of the municipal hall

MALAYBALAY SUNRISE. Sunrise in Malaybalay City almost always looks magical especially when summer approaches as this photo taken on February 26, 2015 shows. MindaNews photo by Alexandria M. Mordeno

Panabo City

Zamboanga City

Panabo reviews policies R to update programs P

ANABO City Mayor James G. Gamao led the 2015 Programs, Works and Financial Implementation Plan review held over the weekend in Davao City with the aim of addressing and verifying issues, concerns and policies of the city.

The three-day program also tackled how funds and

General Santos City

programs were implemented in the previous years.

The key areas were focused on anti-corruption, poverty reduction, rapid and sustainable economic growth, social improvement, good governance; budget expenditures where among others, have already been clarified.

The outcome of the event

will be part of the report on the upcoming State of the City Address (SOTCA) of Mayor Gamao this coming March 23.

It will allow the chief executive to give a bird’s eye view on his thrust and guide his move towards good governance especially in 2016.

The first two days, every department presented their

accomplishment reports while works and financial plan 2016 were presented during the last day, exit conference.

City officials both executive and legislative were present during the event, including officials from the city Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). (PNA)

Kalilangan 2015 highlights Gensan icons A

FTER four years of dazzling themes of amazing success, Kalilangan is now going back to the roots where it all began - culture.

Kalilangan 2015, during its opening day on Monday (February 23) was a throwback of time linking memories and culture that helped shaped what General Santos City is now.

With the theme “Kalilangan: Ano Ang K Mo?”, every resident of the city is encouraged to dig deep and search for who or what they represent today.

Some have said kapayapaan (peace) owing to the peaceful co-existence of different tribes and cultures in the city, while others said kasaganaan (affluence) because of the teeming bounties of nature both in land and in sea; and some even said kagandahan (beauty) a testament to the

city’s natural beauty.

But for City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, K for him—as a fellow General or Gensan resident — is definitely kampeon (champion).

For Mayor Rivera, Kalilangan is all about how Gensan overcame adversities and travails before getting to where it is right now.

“Everything good must start from somewhere; it should be refined first and go under the heat of the crucible,” the mayor said.

Of course, the wealth of Gensan is not solely tuna. For Mayor Rivera it is people and the culture present in it.

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, before serving the province of Sarangani, grew up in Gensan, specifically in barangay Labangal.

Other stars in the showbiz today were born here in Gen-

san such as Gerald Anderson and Melisa Cantiveros. XB Gensan is a renowned dance group that learned how to dance grew up here in the city.

New sports champs are also flourishing now in Gensan such as Jean Pierre Sabido, a Taekwondo player who bagged six gold medals in the 9th World Tae Kwon Do Poomsae Championship last 2014.

“Although we are far from perfect, we have already proven that General Santos City has a culture that can shape champions,” Mayor Rivera said.

“Basta galing Gensan, panalo,” the mayor added.

Before Gensan took the moniker “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”, the city was formerly an idle land settled by migrants from Luzon and Visayas headed by General

Paulino Santos through the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA).

The celebration of Kalilangan is meant for that historic event that led to the inception

building has been very significant since it is setting aside P10,000,000 as counterpart.

He said the local government unit was able to avail of a loan amounting to P35,000,000 from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to proceed with the project.

Aside from Bautista, also invited in the affair are Racquel dela Cerna, the branch manager of LBP-Bansalan, Vice Governor Aileen Almendras-Uy, board members, barangay captains, Department of Education district supervisors, representatives of cooperatives, and civil society organizations. (PNA)

Blackouts in Zambo City stretch to 4 hours daily

OTATIONAL blackouts in the city have increased from two to four hours daily.

Engr. George Ledesma, Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) general manager, attributed the longer blackouts to the preventive maintenance shutdown of another coal-fired power plant of the Steag State Power Inc (SPI) in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

Ledesma said maintenance work on Steag 1 started last Monday and will be completed on the second week of March. The power plant has a capacity of 105 megawatts (MW).

Ledesma said Steag 1 was the second plant in Mindanao to be placed under preventive maintenance shutdown.

He said Steag 2, which also has the capacity of 105 MW, was also placed under preventive maintenance last February 19 and is set to be completed

by March 2.

He said the maintenance shutdown of the Steag 1 and 2 has reduced power supply to the Mindanao grid by 210 MW, causing four-hour outages in the city.

Ledesma said the blackouts are being implemented by feeder. Zamcelco has a total of 24 feeders servicing more than 100,000 member-consumers.

He explained that every hour of blackout is equivalent to a power shortage of 4 MW, which means a total shortage of 16 MW for Zamcelco.

He said Zamcelco has a peak load demand of 78 MW. (MindaNews)

of the city.

With the new partner organizers, the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, the city government is again to relive these tales.

During the opening rites of Kalilangan, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno came to experience what kind of festival Kalilangan is. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera inducts the officers of the Sons and Daughters of General Santos Pioneers--with William Benigno Aquino as its president--on Tuesday, February 24 at KCC Veranza Mall. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES

Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

EDMUND P. RENDON

General Santos City

Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

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EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

PARADISE REGAINED ONCE upon a time, the Philippines was totally covered by forest. In the 1900s, forest covered 70% of the country. By mid-1960s, only 13.5 million remained, of which barely 6.3 million hectares were considered primary forest.

Mindanao, the country’s second largest island, is not spared from denudation. In 2011, during the third board meeting of the Mindanao Development Authority, members raised the alarm on the vast disappearance of

is now sitting was once a desolate area. “This was remnant of logging concessionaires in the 1970s and was covered only by a blanket of wild grass,” our tour guide said. the island’s forest cover.

The late Jesus V. Ayala Mount Talomo in Toril, saw the potential of the Davao City was not ex- place in 1971. He inempted from destruction. structed his people to In fact, one barangay make terraces carved out named Eden was totally of the mountain slope. devoid of its forest cover. As this developed, he told The place where Eden them to plant thousands Nature Park and Resort of pine trees all over in order to rejuvenate the area.

Native bamboos, which grow sporadically, were left to flourish.

Growing pine trees created canopies, but not so densely that other trees and plants were also able to grow. As years went by, a secondary forest was developed. Today, there are over 100,000 pine trees spread across about 80 hectares, making the resort 95-percent manmade.

Today, Eden Nature Park and Resort -- which is located at 2,650 feet above sea level -- offers breath taking views of Davao City and the Davao gulf. “It is truly a testament to how man’s ingenuity and concern for the

Paradise A4

Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

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UP AND ABOUT

Music-based child dev’t program opens in SM Lanang Premier A leading early childhood development program from the USA is set to open in SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

Musikgarten, under its local brand name, Musikgarten Manila, is set to open its first branch in Mindanao and the sixth in the country on Saturday, February 28.

Located at the 2nd Level of the metro’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination, Musikgarten Manila is a music school that has a unique, non-traditional approach to learning music for all ages. It aims to make music an anchor in child development and the bonding of the family.

Musikgarten is the preferred early childhood development program in over 20 countries. A comprehensive program that spans the first six years of a child’s musical and brain development, it was designed by experts and specialists on neuroscience, child psychology, and music therapy, early childhood educators and pediatricians.

Michelle Nikki Junia, a music scholar and cum laude graduate of the UST Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, was the one who brought Musikgarten to the Philippines. She trained in the USA on music-based child education. Junia is also the only Filipino trained by Seth Riggs, the world-renowned vocal coach to iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, and Josh Groban.

According to Junia, director and owner of Musikgarten Manila, the Lanang branch will offer regular group classes for infants to 5 years old, music-based learning programs for groups and individuals, a musical playhouse, and a band rehearsal studio with recording facilities.

For more information, call 0998-539-1958 or check out musicgartenmla on FB, Twitter and Instagram. You may also visit Musikgarten Manila at the 2nd Level beside SM Bowling Center at SM Lanang Premier.

RGMA’s Tang Gawing Makulay Ang Buhay Promo winner receives one million grand prize

RADIO GMA’s Tang Gawing Makulay Ang Buhay Promo winner Janice Oandasan from Tuguegarao recently received her one million peso grand prize from RGMA President Mike Enriquez and Tang Assistant Brand Manager Lawrence Lorico.

Oandasan, a 29-year old mother of two who works in a hospital as a food server, said she will put her winnings in the bank to fund her children’s education and start a small business for her family.

Tang Gawing Makulay Ang Buhay, a Luzon-wide promo involving 7 RGMA stations, also gave away P3000 each to 300 lucky participants throughout the promo’s eightweek duration.

“It was my first time to join send-in promos and until now I still can’t believe that I won,” Oandasan said.

Learning about the promo on Radio GMA’s Barangay 89.3 FM Tuguegarao, Oandasan recalls keeping the Tang sachets from her youngest daughter’s first birthday and christening November last year, and using them as her proof of purchase. “I dropped my entries in the grocery near [the place of] my work. Then everyday I would tune in to Barangay 89.3 to check if I won.”

After more than eight weeks of waiting patiently, Oandasan received a phone call that brought her good news.

“With this prize, we won’t [have to] worry about our kids’ education. I would like to thank Tang and Radio GMA for making our future makulay,” she shared.

Waterfront welcomes the

YEAR OF THE GREEN WOODEN SHEEP ACCORDING to traditional Chinese belief, the lion signifies courage, stability and superiority. It is a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune. The lion’s dance is performed to chase away ghosts and evil spirits and brings happiness, longevity, and good luck. Firecrackers, loud gongs and cymbals are used to assist in chasing away these evil spirits. And that they did as Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao ushered in the Year of the Green Wooden Sheep last February 19, 2015. Guests and loyal patrons all flocked to the lobby to witness the traditional Lion Dance performed by the students of Davao Central High School. Coins and candies were also showered upon the revelers by the Hotel’s towering OIC for Hotel Operations, Mr. Bryan Lasala, as an added gesture to share fortuity. Every one present also helped themselves to the ampaos that were hanging in the Prosperity Tree, as it is believed that these would also bring a person good luck for the year.

As soon as the festivities mellowed down, a sumptuous lunch was then served at Café Uno, specially prepared by our new Executive Chef, Victor B. Barangan, and his talented kitchen team. Gastronomic helpings of Peking Duck, Shark Fin Soup, Mandrin Sweet & Sour Pork Chow Mein, Yang Chow Fried Rice and other succulent Chinese cuisine were served to hungry guests. It was

indeed a celebration to remember, and Waterfront wishes every one of its guests, clients and friends Kung Hei Fat Choi!

For updates on our promos and culinary offerings, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/waterfront.davao. You may also call us at (082) 233 2881 or 300 8881 or visit our website at www.waterfronthotels.com.ph.

Team from Park Inn by Radisson Davao goes out for coastal cleanup AS PART of Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s commitment to Responsible Business, the hotel’s team gathered for a community outreach and cleaned the shoreline area of a small neighborhood located in Boulevard, Davao City. All in all, they were able to collect 17 sacks of garbage and a few recyclables.

The Responsible Business program builds on the principles and aspects of sustainable development which benefits the people,

community and the environment. As part of the program, the hotel team

takes initiative on economic, social, ethical and environmental issues

and takes action by also spreading awareness within the society.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Clavio, David reap honors in UE’s Gawad Bagani 2015 HOME to various awardwinning programs and personalities, GMA Network welcomes more achievements this year as GMA News pillar Arnold Clavio and seasoned reporter and host Kara David were recently honored in the Gawad Bagani 2015 held at the University of the East (UE) Caloocan last February 20.

A joint project of the CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela) Studies Forum and UE Caloocan’s Department of Communication of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Gawad Bagani sa Komunikasyon: Gawad para sa Makabagong Mandirigma sa Larangan ng Radyo at Telebisyon was launched in 2013 aiming to highlight media influence among the public. It seeks to recognize media practitioners who “champion social and community services” in the field of television and radio.

Clavio and David

topped the survey conducted among select barangays in the CAMANAVA area and among the students and faculty of UE Caloocan CAS, which earned for them the award for the radio and television categories, respectively.

Together with Ali Sotto, Clavio hosts the daily radio program Dobol A sa Dobol B apart from his TV programs Saksi, Alisto, Unang Hirit (GMA) and Tonight with Arnold Clavio (GMA News TV).

D av i d , for her part, is one of the hosts of I-Witness; headlines Powerhouse (both on GMA); and co-presents News to Go (GMA News TV) on top of

her reportorial duties for GMA News.

Recognized during the first Gawad Bagani awards in 2014 were GMA News pillars Jessica Soho (television) and Mike Enriquez (radio).

In addition, several commendations were also accorded the Network in the 13th Gawad Tanglaw (Gawad Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw) last February 19 at the Un i ve rsity of Perpetual Help in Las Piñas.

Local television’s longest running documentary program I -W itn ess , hosted by Howie Sev-

erino, Jay Taruc, Sandra Aguinaldo, and David, was hailed as the Best Documentary Program while GMA News’ special coverage on the twin canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII entitled “Saint John Paul II, We Love You” was given the Development Communication Award for Comprehensive Coverage.

Pepito Manaloto, bannered by Kapuso comedian Michael V., was cited as Best Comedy/Gag Show while I-Bilib, hosted

by Chris Tiu, won as Best Education Program.

Keempee de Leon, meanwhile, was lauded for his role in Eat Bulaga’s Lenten Special earning for him the Best Performance by an Actor (Single Performance) award.

Gawad Tanglaw, made up of scholars from different academes, aims to acknowledge those who promote the image of the Filipino values and culture in film, television, radio, print, and theater.

ABS-CBN Film Archives brings back to life the classic 80s film “T-Bird at Ako,” topbilled by Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos, as its digitally restored and re-mastered version hits cinemas this March.

The red carpet premiere was held yesterday at the University of the Philippines Film Institute Cine Adarna where Nora herself graced the event and personally showed her support for ABS-CBN’s film restoration project. Both solid Noranians and Vilmanians also flocked to the venue.

One of the most talked about and controversial movies in the 80s, “T-Bird at Ako” is the 6th film that is 30 years or older restored by ABS-CBN, joining other timeless titles such as “Himala,” “Oro Plata Mata,” and “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon.”

When asked about ABS-CBN’s selection process of ‘classic’ titles to restore, Film Archives head Leo Katigbak explained, “The definition of classic

really evolves over time.

It’s not just the old critically acclaimed awardwinning movies per se but films that have taken on an iconic status due to director, stars, representation of an era and the like. Here in the Philippines, our classics tend to be more modern.”

He added, “The restoration campaign focuses on directors primarily. In the case of the 33-year old ‘T-Bird at Ako,’ it’s vintage Danny Zialcita with his snappy dialogue and witty repartee. It’s also the last time that Nora and Vilma co-starred in

a movie and with such a daring theme for its time.”

“T-Bird at Ako” tells the story of a sexy dancer (Santos) accused of homicide. She is defended by a female lawyer (Aunor) who tries to keep their relationship professional as the latter struggles with confusion as to her sexual preference.

“T-Bird at Ako” is among the 75 films restored by ABS-CBN Film Archives, in collaboration with Central Digital Labs, since it started its restoration project in 2011. Some of these re-

stored films were already screened internationally via film fests, screened locally via red carpet premieres, aired on free-toair and cable television, viewed via pay-per-view and video-on-demand, distributed on DVD, and downloadable even on iTunes.

Watch out for the high definition version of “T-Bird at Ako” in select cinemas this March.

For more information on ABS-CBN’s Film Restoration, like its Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/filmrestorationabscbn.

MYX WELCOMES THREE NEW VJS. The number one music channel in the Philippines embraces change this year as it welcomes to its family three fresh and talented faces that will make the Myx viewing experience more exciting for music fans and the youth.

Diego Loyzaga, Erica Abello, and Stephanie “Tippy” Dos Santos were formally introduced as Myx VJs at the Myx Music Awards 2015 nomination night. The new Myx VJs see their Myx VJ stint as a way of proving their talent in hosting this year. VJ Diego sees the opportunity as a challenge on how to strike a balance between being a VJ and starring in the top-rating teleserye, “Forevermore,” med student turned host VJ Erica is all about braving her stage fright despite having no experience in hosting, and VJ Tippy is determined to make every taping for Myx memorable and fun for Myx viewers.

ABS-CBN restores NoraVilma starrer ‘T-bird At Ako’

March 2-3, 2015

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson R16

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL YOU Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla PG

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

FOCUS Will Smith, Margot Robbie R13

R-16

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

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY / * PREDESTINATION Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan / * Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook R18 / * R16

12:40 | 3:15 LFS / * 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

TRAVEL

Paradise A1

environment can create a paradise on earth, making Eden a must-visit ecological tourist destination in the Philippines,” said the park’s brochure.

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.

Here are some of the things you can do while visiting or even staying at the resort:

Enjoy catching fish at the Fishing Village. What you caught can be cooked for you to savor or you may opt to bring them home.

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8

Look around at the park’s Vegetable Gardens and Greenhouses.

Here, vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes are organically grown.

Several varieties of lettuce are also grown using the state-of-the-art hydroponic technology.

Refresh yourself at the swimming pool. It is located at the highest point of the resort. Be sure to do it when the sun is still high as it gets colder when the sun starts to set.

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Get lost in the garden that is full of flowers in various forms and colors.

You can take a selfie or groupie. Or you can ask someone to take your souvenir photo. Not far from it is the amphitheater, a reminiscent of the ancient Roman civilization.

4

Understand how indigenous people’s group live and work at the Tinubdan (which comes from the local term which means “spring”). Occu-

pying over 5,000 square meters, it is an outdoor museum/cultural park. It has been dubbed as “a cultural excursion into the heartland of indigenous wisdom.”

5

going to the wishing well where you can see gumamela flowers in various colors. Also, have your picture taken on top of a carabao statue.

6

Spot some deer in See the panoramic their habitat at the view of Davao City Deer Park. Count at Lola’s Garden. how many have Be sure not to miss you seen but please don’t

ask if Rudolph, the rednose reindeer, is around!

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Gather fun facts about butterflies and other insects at the Butterfly Garden. Yes, there are always something new about these familiar fluttering insects.

it’s free!

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. Pedal your way through the sky through skycycle. Yes, it’s like bicycling on top the trees. It’s one of the newest attraction and a hit among young people.

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Smell some of the Do the herbs grown at the horseback Organic Vegetable r i d i n g . and Herbs garden.

That is, if These are harvested and you know how! But if served fresh at the resort’s not, there is always a restaurant. guide who will help you.

Touch the water of the Matinlo Pond.

It is said that the boulders of the pond have been spewed by the raging Mount Talomo during its eruption more than a century ago. Matinlo, by the way, is a Palaweno word for “beautiful.”

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Follow the mou nta i n trail, that is, if you enjoy hiking. Carved along towering trees, creeks and boulders, it is an experience of a real adventure and a test of endurance and determination to finish the entire course. “Be in touch with the sights and sounds of nature as you walk along the 4-kilometer trail,” the brochure said.

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Fly like Superman through its 200-meter long zip line (with a minimal fee). If you are afraid of heights, you may opt to ride the kiddie zip line near the restaurant – and

Eat to your hea r t ’s c o n t e n t .

The resort serves daily mouthwatering lunch buffet and meals. Its hearty salad bar offers freshly handpicked vegetables.

Its dressings and vinaigrettes are concocted using its very own fruits, herbs, and spices.

By the way, there are rooms, cottages, mountain villas and suites available for rent just in case you want to stay for the night or spend the entire day there. Check with the Activity Center, the information nerve, for the accommodation and overnight rates.

How to get there? From Davao City, you must travel south towards the Toril District.

At the corner of Mercury drug in the main highway, make a right and just follow the signs towards barangay Eden.

From there, it is a 12-kilometer uphill climb (enjoy the scenery, though).

Travel time is about 45 minutes.

EDGEDAVAO

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND Or Pag-ibig Fund,

-versus-

Mortgagee

EJF-REM CASE NO. 15,104-15

ALLAIN LICINIUS O. ALONSO, Mortgagor/s.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned morgagee against Allain Licinius O. Alonso with postal address at LOT 4 , Block 4, Samantha Homes, Matina, Aplaya Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of ( Php 247,126.49 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges as of October 17, 2014, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TEN (10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on April 17, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the real property with all its found thereon particularly described below to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 146-2011013173 “A parcel of land xxx (Lot 4, Blk. 4, xxx) situated in Barangay Matina, City of Davao Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (112) SQUARE METERS, more or less”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on May 15, 2015 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the condition of the unit property/ies and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, February 24, 2015

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG Sheriff IV

Noted by: (SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (3/2,9,16)

CLASSIFIED 13

There’s a better way to get attention.

Advertise

with

EDGEDAVAO CLASSIFIEDS

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 246 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 1 - 2, 2015

BPI GLOBE BANKO’S E-TRANSFER PLATFORM

TabangKO leads finalists in GSMA Global Mobile Awards W

ITH innovative banking solutions earning citations from industry stalwarts, BPI Globe BanKO’s mobile-based program for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan recently emerged as a finalist in the 20th GSMA Global Mobile Awards.

Its emergency e-transfers platform TabangKO, in collaboration with global humanitarian agency Mercy Corp, was selected out of a record number of 800 submissions from telecommunications companies around the world, vying in the category of “Best Use of Mobile in Emergency or Humanitarian Situations.”

“We are honored to be a finalist in the prestigious GSMA Global Mobile Awards.

TabangKO as a mobile platform has achieved its noble objective to serve our countrymen who have been in dire financial need in the aftermath of ‘Haiyan.’ It is an affirmation that our efforts with Mercy Corp have generated awareness among industry leaders such as the GSMA. Indeed, telecommunication and mobile technologies can be harnessed for a higher purpose,” said BPI Globe BanKO President and CEO John Ru-

bio.

In relation, GSMA Chief Marketing Officer Michael O’Hara in an earlier statement noted that, “with a new record of over 800 entries, the Global Mobile Awards are, as always, hugely competitive and reflect the dynamic pace of growth and evolution in digital communications.”

After the onslaught of Typhoon Haiyan in November 2014, TabangKo as a mobile platform provided the infrastructure to directly and efficiently send out much-needed financial assistance to about 25,000 families adversely affected in the Visayas region.

Through electronic cash transfers, both institutions were able to provide financial aid directly, effectively and securely instead of handing out paper vouchers or money in the form of cash.

This way, beneficiaries can take out as much as they need from their registered accounts by going to any BPI Globe BanKO partner outlet nationwide. With BPI Globe BanKO targeting clients who live on less than P100 a day, Mercy Corps was able to reach those most vulnerable to the storm’s devastating effects through TabangKO. Winners of the 20th

GSMA Global Mobile Awards will be formally announced during the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 3, 2015, where BPI Globe BanKO’s “TabangKO” mobile platform will compete with four other submissions from around the world, including Iraq’s telco company Asiacell, Switzerland’s outdoor safety app Uepaa!, USA’s Trice Imaging and Samsung, and a multinational conglomeration of network entities.

Entries will be judged by more than 300 independent experts, analysts, journalists and academics, among others.

SPORTS 15

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Davao City athletes rule Davraa

BY CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

T

HE Davao City Durians came through with another scintillating performance as the curtains finally fell on the 2015 Davao Regional Athletic Association Meet (Davraa) Meet Sunday in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The Durians captured 108 gold medals, 83 silvers and 79 bronzes in emerging the overall champion and ruling anew the region’s biggest sporting competition for elementary and secondary athletes.

Panabo City finished second overall with 53 gold medals, 57 silvers and 49 bronze medals. Tagum City ended up third after its 38-55-46 medal haul in the five-day competition.

Davao City stamped its class both in the elementary and secondary levels, drawing golden performances from its swimmers and dominating the ballgames in the meet held in the southern part of Mindanao that is known for its beautiful resorts,

The Durians finished with a 55-30-32 medal haul in the elementary division and had 53-53-47 in secondary.

After getting a gold medal from Romeo Libuit in shot put right on opening day that jumpstarted their triumphant campaign, the Durians were unforgiving as the Meet progressed.

They sustained their fiery form up to the last day of competition, with the boys’ elementary and secondary football teams delivering the coup d’ grace with victories in two gold medal matches.

The Durians edged Tagum City, 1-0, for the elementary gold and made it a double kill with a 2-0 victory over Davao Oriental in the secondary finals.

Raphael Cesar Balan was the goal scored for Davao City in elementary while John Rhey Lagura and Anton Lopez had a goal each in the secondary triumph.

GOLDEN BOYS. Members of the triumphant Davao City elementary boys football team pose for posterity after taking the field to start their quest in the 2015 DAVRAA Meet in Mati City.

Earlier, Davao City turned the swimming pool into a virtual gold mine after grabbing 1 golds, 11 silvers and five bronze medals.

Rey Jacob Alino, Edward Alfaro III and Zoe Marie Hilario spearheaded the assault with their golden swims.

Alino ruled the elementa-

Blazers come from behind to beat Thunder

A

FTER the Portland Trail Blazers overcame Russell Westbrook’s third straight triple-double, Damian Lillard sensed his team was recapturing its form of earlier this season.

Oklahoma City can only hope it didn’t lose Westbrook along with the game.

Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge each scored 29 points and Portland rallied to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-112, Friday night. Aldridge added 16 rebounds. ‘’I think it was one Arron Afflalo #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrates during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on of those games where February 27, 2015 at the Moda Center in Portland, Ore- we turned back into gon. (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

O

NE of my favourite movie scenes comes from the 1986 movie “Top Gun” where Tom Cruise (Maverick) and Val Kilmer (Goose) ‘serenaded’ Kelly McGillis’ character with the 1964 hit

by The Righteous Brothers “You’ve lost that loving feeling.”

I was trying to look for words to describe former world no. 1 Tiger Woods’ funk until my memory brought me back to that old school melody.

I ask myself, has Tiger Woods lost ‘that loving feeling?’

It has been seven years since Tiger’s last major championships in Torrey Pines for the 2008 US Open and eight months since he last reigned as the world no. 1. In short, Tiger is in a slump and is desperate to get out of that funk.

ourselves and late in the game we found a way to get stops. We made plays, made shots and we stayed the course over kind of a rough game,’’ Lillard said.

Westbrook, who fell and was hit in the face by the knee of onrushing teammate Andre Roberson in the final seconds, had 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. He became the first player to string together three triple-doubles since LeBron Jamesin 2009.

Westbrook, who had a noticeable imprint on his right cheek, did not speak to reporters following the game while

he was evaluated. There was no immediate word on his condition.

The Blazers overcame a 15-point, third-quarter deficit and tied it on a tip shot by Aldridge with 4:33 to go.

Rookie Mitch McGary came off the bench for a season-high 20 points - 12 in the third quarter alone - for the Thunder.

Portland took the lead with 3:56 left on Arron Afflalo’s 3-pointer. Aldridge and Westbrook traded baskets down the stretch before Aldridge made a free throw to put Portland up 111-110 with 44 seconds to go.

ry boys 50-meter back stroke event while Alfaro bagged the gold in the boys’ elementary 50-meter breast stroke.

Hilario, a multi-gold med-

CMO tops Everball for 14th straight win

T

HE City Mayors Office defeated Everball Columbia Computer Center, 98 – 95, on Thursday night in their 2015 Basketball Friendly Series at the Davao City Recreation Center.

The win was the 14 straight victory for the City Hall dribblers, who found a new weapon in JR De Guzman.

De Guzman, a reliable big man, erupted for game-high 30 points for CMO. The CMO win also kept the Everball Coumbia winless in the series.

Christopher “Bong”

Go provided huge scoring support for CMO with 25 points, while Glenn Escandor and Warren Cloribel had 13 apiece.

Earl Angsinco paced Everball Columbia with 25 points. (Rico Biliran) The scores: CMO (98) De Guzman 30, G0 25, Escandor 13, Cloribel 13, Labor 6, Reyes 4, Poliquit 2, Apostol 2, Aberilla 2, Peloton 1 EVERBALL (95) Angsinco 25, Maligro 20, Balisala 17, Suarez 9, Dela Cerna 8, Kwan Tiu 8, Cabrera 6, Avinante 2, Mending 0.

he lost a tooth while attending his girlfriend Lindsay Vonn’s medal ceremonies.

I am no golf expert nor swing analyst but I suspect it could be more than just the swing. From my own experience, I know golf is a cruel, demanding sport. It’s not just the body but the mind that matters. Each shot is conceived on the mind. It’s your brains that tell your muscles to move this way or that way.

Baseball great Hank Aaron took seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball.

It took him one afternoon on the golf course.

My golfing lawyer-friend Vincent Paul Montejo should know that by now. Golf is like lawyering. Practice makes perfect. You will soon learn that golf and lawyering are actually best friends. Learn not from

me but from your partner, Atty.

Ed Batacan. He will inspire you to play golf, but never expect him to teach you his secrets.

Don’t watch me play either, Atty. Paul, but take this: On every fairway, in every stretch of rough, in every clubhouse, in every golf bag, at every swing at the ball, in every set of plans for a new course, in every application for club membership, there lurks a potential lawsuit.

That said, the fairways is an extension of your office. And if your office is the golf course, there’s no bad day at all.

Now back to Tiger. Has he lost that loving feeling?

Only his balls can tell if Tiger no longer closes his eyes when he putts.

Postscripts: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” on 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8-10 a.m.

Losing that loving feeling

In three tournaments thus far after a knee surgery, Tiger has not finished twice and was cut in his first tournament this year with a ballooning 82 on the first 18 holes. For those of us who saw Tiger from his Stanford days to his 18 PGA title conquests, the images in our minds are of Tiger pumping his fist and roaring to victory on a Sunday with his red shirt on.

There was a time when people see an invincible Tiger once he is on the golf course.

On a fourth day when Tiger wears his signature red, the enemy can only see a second place trophy not the championship. It seemed like the trophy is waiting at the clubhouse with Tiger’s name already engraved on it.

Aahh…those were the days.

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo The past seven years have been a struggle. Alright, Tiger was still no. 1 by May 2014 but that was more of winning Tour titles and consistently placing in the top 10 each time.

Slowly, people no longer see a daunting shadow from Tiger.

Slowly, he became vulnerable.

He turned from kryptonite to human. In time, Tiger became a mere golfing mortal who had lost his mojo.

Greg Norman, the feisty

Australian legend nicknamed the Shark, doubts if Tiger can get back on track. He pictured it as like standing over the back of the 12th green at Augusta National, and chipping it down there, Rae’s Creek right in front of you, or the back of the 15th of Augusta National.

All those gremlins are going to be sitting on Tiger’s head, says the Shark.

Let’s break it down quickly. Tiger have had swing changes. Of late, his chipping was aweful. Golf analysts say it is his swing change that’s really the culprit. Some say Tiger will, in time, recover his old deadly form.

But there were also other events in Tiger’s career that somehow led to the downslide. His marital woes and his reported adventures with women. Early this year,

al winner in the Batang Pinoy national finals in Bacolod City last December, won the girls elementary 100-meter backstroke.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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BACK ON TOP

T

CHAMPS ANEW. Manila Southwoods players carry team captain Ramon “Thirdy” Escano for a victory ride after winning the Championship division of the 68th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament at Cebu Country Club yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Southwoods wins by 2; Apo falters to finish 5th

ONLITS Asistio, just over three years removed from surviving an attempt on his life, fired a two-under-par 70 worth 38 points and powered Southwoods to its first Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Men’s Championship in more than a decade.

Asistio barely missed a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th but still put an exclamation point to a swashbuckling effort as anchor as Southwoods pooled a closing 128 at tree-lined Cebu Country Club here to dethrone Orchard by two points with a 493 total in one of the event’s most exciting finishes ever.

Orchard fought doggedly hard in its quest for a repeat but fell agonizingly short as Raymund Sangil’s 34, and the 33s of Kristoffer Arevalo and JP De Claro made up the bulk of its final round 127 for 491 with Cebu CC finishing another seven points behind in third.

Wack Wack, which formed a team originally for the lower Founders Division, got 35 points from the veteran Tommy Manotoc and was fourth with a 480 after 123 with the young Del Monte squad checking in another two points behind at 478 after 121.

The Apo Golf and Coun-

try Club, meanwhile, failed to ride on its momentum in the third round, scoring a dismal 106 points in the final day and finishing fifth overall in the Founders Division of the 68th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub men’s event.

Occupying second place in the team standings at the start of the day, Apo saw its chances vanish in thin air with Patrick Ryan Co and Albernito de Castro producing the best score at 28 points apiece.

Counting the 27 of Benjamin Leparto and the 23 of Jose Saaverda Jr., Apo scored only 106 points for a fourround total of 439 points,

good for fifth place.

It was the worst output

by Apo in four rounds. The team from Davao City had 108 in the first, 97 in the second and 128 in the third where it started its move to stay within striking distance.

Al;abang was the runaway winner after amassing 465 points, Alta Viista and Valley finished second and third with their 449 and 441 points, respectively. Negros emerged fourth finisher with its 440.

“Tonlits just gave himself a good send off,” playing captain Thirdy Escano said in the din of the celebration behind the 18th green as the Carmo-

na, Cavite-based crew won for the first time since 2001.

National pool member Justin Quiban finished bogey-bogey but still salvaged a level 36 as he and Asistio both eagled the par-5 16th which erased a four-point deficit to Orchard going into the last five holes.

Ryu Ken Yasuma and Escano fired 27s and were the last scores that counted for Southwoods, which discarded the 26 of Teody Pascual, who blew up in his final nine holes after hitting an umbrella girl with his tee shot on No. 10.

Wack Wack drew 33 points from Ernesto Marcelo

and 31 from Gabriel Manotoc with John Gobing contributing 24.

Stanford fired 102 and nipped by four for second spot. Iloilo shot 100 points for 386 overall.

One Mega, People Asia, Hotel H20, Travelife, Boeing International Corp., Business Mirror and GE Aviation are sponsoring the PAL Interclub Seniors and Regular Men’s events. Other backers include Manila Bulletin, Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), Whealth Inc., Aerospace, Uniglobe Travelware Co. Inc., Tanduay Distillers and Intercontinental Manila.