Edge Davao 6 Issue 19

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

Wag sanang pusong bato!

THE AVENGERS WANNABES. Campaign fans make for superhero masks for these boys who milled around a local campaign rally by Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod in Don Julian Village, Ma-a, Davao City Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

INdulge

Page A1

WAGE HIKE SOUGHT

TUCP: P80 more

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

Crazy Cook Sports

Page 16

Watch out for this boy

SHE’S MY BET. Acting Mayor Rody Duterte endorses Team PNoy senatorial bet Cynthia Villar during a rally by Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod party at Don Julian Village in Ma-a, Davao City Tuesday night. Close by, reelectionist councilors Melchor Quitain and Leah Librado wait for their turn to have their hands raised too. Lean Daval Jr.

T

he Associated Labor Union – Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) filed a petition yesterday before the Department of Labor and employment (DOLe) Regional Tripartite and Productivity Board (RTWB) Region 11 for a P80-across-the-board wage increase.

The petition prays for the increase of the daily minimum wage from P301 to P381.

The petition signed by ALUTUCP national president Michael Mendoza dated April 4, 2013, states that “the P80 daily increase should be given across the board and region-wide since all workers in the region, regardless of whether they receive minimum wages or higher, are subject to the same prices in the market and the same increase in prices of commodities.”

In a press conference held at ALU building along Roxas Avenue in Davao City yesterday, Mendoza

FWAGE HIKE, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

PNP Davao to help secure Davao Sur

A

S the allegedly hot contested election area in Region 11, Davao del Sur will be having the service of the Davao City’s Philippine national Police (PnP) for election security purposes.

To recall, Davao del Sur was placed under category one in terms of election watchlist where there is a high possibility of occurrence of politically-motivated violent incidents.

Comelec 11 regional director Wilfred Jay Balisado told edge Davao yesterday that Comelec will be sending PnP personnel in Davao del Sur after they are finished with the command conference on Friday.

“I think the way Police Superintendent Dela Rosa handled the peace

and order of Davao City during this election is great, they could apply it also in Davao del Sur for a peaceful election there,” Balisado explained.

The lawyer added that Davao City is generally peaceful and there is no election related violation was noted in the city since the start of the campaign period.

Balisado said that the Davao PnP has successfuly interrupted people with guns who are entering the city.

“There are minimal cases in connection to gun ban in Davao City and it’s not alarming though,” he said. he assured that the Comelec will be attending to the issues most especially on the peace and security of Davao del Sur.

WHAT YOUR SALARY CAN BUY. Myla De Chavez, a union officer of the Associated Labor Unions (ALU) and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), demonstrates what an ordinary worker can buy with the

EDGEDAVAO

current minimum wage during a press briefing after by ALU-TUCP filed a petition for an P80-wage increase in Davao region at ALU Bldg. in Roxas Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Watchdog doubts PCOS’ reliability

By Che Palicte

e

LeCTIOn watchdog ‘Kontra Daya’ has cast doubts on the reliability of the Commission on election’s (Comelec) precinct count optical scans (PCOS) machines.

In a public forum held at the MIC Retreat house in Torres Street, Davao City yesterday, Kontra Daya

convenors aired their sentiments over the questionable reliability of the PCOS machines and the apparent ill-preparedness of the Comelec.

The forum was attended by representatives from the religious, academe and non-government organizations. The group seeks to

resolve problem areas in connection to the coming May 13 elections.

The group said PCOS problems experienced during the past election have not been resolved by the Comelec whom they believe is ill-prepared for the conduct of the second automated national and local

polls in the country.

Fr. Joe Dizon, Kontra Daya lead convenor, noted some of the problems of PCOS machines are the inaccuracy of vote count and reliability of transmission of results.

“We have seen these problems during the past elections and up to now,

it’s not fully addressed,” he added.

Dizon said that the Comelec has explained that PCOS machines need to be warmed up in order to function properly but they believe that is not an excuse for failure.

Also in the same forum, Bayan secretary-general

Renato Reyes, who is also one of the group’s convenors, said “the public should choose candidates through their characteristics and not on money.”

“This election must lead us to a path where there is no corruption, violence and deceit,” he explained.

gional director Venerando Cebrano told edge Davao that the jobs fair is part of activities of the department in celebration of Labor Day. Cebrano said the threeday jobs fair will be held simultaneously in Gaisano Mall and SM City.

The list of job vacancies includes: call center

agents, information technology (IT) specialists (system developer, web developer, system programmers), engineers (civil, mechanical, industrial, electrical, chemical), factory/production workers, sales personnel, waitress/waiters, accounting workers/staff/clerks, hu-

DOLE fair to offer 10 jobs in demand A

total of 10 jobs in demand locally will be among positions open for Davao new graduates and other jobseekers looking for employment during a jobs fair to be conducted by the Department of Labor and employment (DOLe) on May 1 to 3.

DOLe 11 assistant re-

FDOLE, 11

‘I’m not epal’ -- Peñas

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

R RELIVING THE KITE. Kites in different shapes, sizes and colors can be seen hanging at the atrium of a mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City yesterday. The kite

used to be a symbol of the summer break the digital gaming virtually rendered it a lost art. Lean Daval Jr.

eeLeCTIOnIST Mayor Joseph Penas of Digos City said he does not need to have his name posted on the projects he implemented.

Peñas told edge Davao yesterday that it would be unfortunate if Digos City would fall on to the hands of “epal” politicians. “epal” is a Filipino slang for “mapapel” which means atten-

tion grabbers, a term that became popular when President Benigno Aquino initiated a shame campaign against annoying public officials who post their names on projects, greetings and other information materials.

Peñas said the election season in Digos City is “okay” and that he is doing his best in campaigning against his opponent, incum-

bent Davao del Sur governor Douglas Cagas.

“I am doing my best because I am facing an opponent who is a very powerful and wealthy candidate,” Peñas said. he cited reasons why he would win against the challenge of Cagas which include the strengthening of peace and order, developing infrastructure down to the barangay level,

FI’M NOT EPAL, 11

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 6 ISSUE 19 •THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

3

Advocates push children’s issues in polls A

DVOCATeS in Region 12 have embarked on a campaign to highlight child rights, welfare and protection as among the top issues and concerns that local voters should consider in the upcoming May 13 national and local elections.

Fanny Divino, regional program manager of international child rights group Save the Children, said Wednesday they have launched a series of consultations and awareness campaigns in various parts of the region to educate voters on concerns affecting children and promote them as major election issues.

She said the initiative is part of a nationwide campaign dubbed “Bata Muna: Bomoto Para sa Kapakanan ng Kabataan,” which is aimed at advancing children’s issues in the heart of the ongo-

ing electoral discussions.

The campaign, which was launched in Manila last month by Save the Children and other civil society groups, specifically “wants political leaders who will stand up for children’s rights, voters to demand for political accountability on children’s rights, make children’s issues visible during the campaign time and ultimately influence voters to consider children when voting.”

“We also want our voters to help bring out the voices of our children in the upcoming elections by promoting child rights, welfare and protection issues,” Divino said in a media forum.

Divino said their campaign is mainly focused on assisting local voters gauge the awareness of local candidates on issues and concerns affecting the children.

She said their goal is to make voters become “wiser” and enable them to choose the right candidates on election day.

During their voter’s education sessions, Divino said they scrutinize the advocacies and track record of local politicians.

She said they specifically check whether they are aware of child rights issues, introduced or passed policies and legislations as well as spearheaded or conducted programs and services for children.

They also determine if the candidates have properly taken care of their families and children and if they can be considered as models for their constituents on such aspect, she said.

Divino clarified that their campaigns are issue-based and they are not endorsing or cam-

paigning for a particular person or any political party.

“(But) we’re also reaching out with some political candidates and offering them our assistance if they want to include child rights, welfare and protection issues in their platforms or agendas,” she said.

In Region 12, Divino cited that there are a lot of issues and concerns related to children, specifically those aged 18 years and below, that needs special attention from the local governments and political leaders.

Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and north Cotabato as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

In a statement, cam-

Tagum LGU aims to reduce number of illegitimate kids thru mass wedding

T

he reduction of the number of illegitimate children in the City of Tagum is the primary objective of the Local Government Unit of Tagum in its continued advocacy of conducting mass civil wedding rites or “Kasalang Bayan.”

Tagum City Civil Registrar Flordeliza J. Zulueta said this is a way of strengthening the foundation of the basic unit of the society. She mentioned that out of 10 chil-

dren that are registered in the office, 5 are illegitimate because their parents are not yet married.

This, according to Zulueta, has fueled the local government under the leadership of Mayor Rey T. Uy to spearhead series of civil wedding to help lessen the number of illegitimate children in the city.

Last April 8, 2013, Mayor Uy officiated the civil wedding of about 17 couples in the coastal

MASS WEDDING. Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy talks to 17 couples in Barangay Liboganon last April 8, 2013 who tied the knot in Kasalan sa Barangay in time for the founding anniversary of Barangay Liboganon. In his mes-

Barangay of Liboganon in the south side of Tagum, in time for their barangay’s foundation day.

Zulueta stressed this was the third time that such ceremony was conducted there under the administration of Barangay Captain edwin Ballesteros.

In his message before the ceremony, Mayor Uy urged the couples to become responsible parents. he also bannered

the city’s reproductive health programs—specifically the ligation and vasectomy—which couples could avail for free if they wish to “responsibly plan” for the future of their families.

As of the present, there are more than 3,000 individuals who availed of the program, which is a breakthrough in the city even before the Reproductive health Law was enacted. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

sage before the ceremony, Mayor Uy urged the couples to become responsible parents. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

paign organizers said that among other children’s rights issues that they are presently focusing is the stricter implementation of the law against child trafficking under the recently enacted expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

It said figures from the Department of Social Welfare and Development showed that from January 2003 to September 2012, 23 percent of the trafficked victims in the Philippines are children, of which 85 percent are girls.

“Among the factors that contribute to child trafficking in the Philippines are poverty, low economic development in the communities of origin, lack of education and skills for better economic options, limited employment opportunities, inadequate aware-

ness among families, and gender inequalities,” it added.

In Mindanao, the Mindanao Action Group for Children’s Rights and Protection (MAGCRP) noted that thousands of children had been displaced because of armed conflict and recent calamities, among them the super typhoon Pablo wherein around 40 percent of the affected six million residents were children.

“Children in rural areas work in mining operations and commercial plantations while children in urban areas fall victims to trafficking, sexual abuse and prostitution. Government’s social services hardly reach children, especially those who belong to Lumads and Moro families in farflung areas,” the group said. [Allen V. estabillo / Mindanews]

DA tapped for cloud seeding operations over Lake Lanao

T

he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) today announced it has tapped the help of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the conduct of cloud seeding operations over Lake Lanao, in an effort to trigger rains and increased water inflow for Agus hyrdo electric complex.

According to MinDA, a team of cloud seeding experts from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) of DA has been dispatched to the area today to assess the viability of weather condition and cloud formation for the cloud seeding operations.

“The cloud seeding is among the recent recommendations presented to the President as part the government’s quick measures to bridge power supply shortfall in Mindanao,” says MinDA Chair Luwalhati Antonino in a statement.

Secretary Antonino cited that one of the reasons why Agus-Pulangi hyrdo complex, which accounts for half of Mindanao’s power supply, generates lower capacity especially during summer months is reduced water intake due to low water levels.

The national Power Corporation (nPC), which operates the state-owned Agus hydro maintains an elevation of higher than 699.15 meters above sea level and an ideal forebay elevation to ensure efficient operations. A one-meter reduction to the prescribed water level will bring the power

plants to a halt.

Lake Lanao in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur is the main source of water for the cascading complex of Agus I, Agus II, Agus IV, Agus V, Agus VI and Agus VII. Altogether, the complex has an installed capacity of 727 MW or 36% of Mindanao’s total installed capacity.

According to Antonino, based on the current water dispatch protocol followed by nPC, the water inflow has been managed to be around 80-85 cubic meters per second last month considering the present water level and in order to maintain a reliable water elevation.

She however stressed that with increased rainfall triggered through cloud seeding, water elevation could be expected to improve and allow for water inflow of 100-120 cubic meters per second, a rate expected to result to increased capacity for Agus hydro from 450 to 500MW. “The 50MW additional capacity to the Mindanao grid resulting from cloud seeding can be expected to reduce brownouts by at least 2 hours,” Antonino added.

Last month, when rotating brownouts were felt most in areas of Zamboanga, General Santos, Iligan, Agusan, Surigao and some other areas, plant operating units of Agus IV and Agus VII were either on shutdown mode and on limited capacity due to low forebay elevation which caused the reduction of up to 50MW. MinDA

4

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Karlo seeks programs to help problematic students L

AMenTInG recent reports of student-suicides, a lawmaker said government must institutionalize a program that could help detect early signs of depression among students, especially those in high school and college levels.

“It is really very disturbing to note the two incidents of students taking their own lives due to varying school problems.

The educational sector should not wait for another addition to this grim statistics,:” house Assistant Minority Leader and Davao City Congressman Karlo Alexei nograles said.

With this observation. nograles proposed that there has to be a mandatory and regular psychological assessment of students, especially those belonging to graduating classes and/or those whose families belong to low-income levels.

“There has to be a psy-

chological assessment program which should elicit the cooperation of all students, teachers, parents and school officials. Perhaps, the use of a specially designed question and answer forms to be answered by all students, teachers and parents.” nograles said.

“Who knows, maybe a parent or a student would be able to provide observations and other facts relative to a student-friend which could, in fact, help prevent another suicide incident,” he added. nograles noted that most schools or colleges have in-house psychologist manning their student affairs office or medical clinics, but there is no full-blown program that actually evaluates the psychological profile of every student.

Reports have it that two students – the 22-year-old Daveson Beron, a mechanical engineering student of

A muddy street caused by an afternoon rain can’t hinder the people to attend the campaign rally of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod in Don Julian, Ma-a, Davao City Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr. Batangas State College in Batangas city and 17-year-old Don Benedict Pamintuan of nasugbo, Batangas and a

1st year student of De La Salle Dasmarinas Cavite – took their own lives reportedly in their pit of depression.

ng gobyerno ang serbisyo nila sa inyo, hindi pa environment friendly,” the progressive solon said.

“I think the best solution would be to install an effective mix of renewable energy power plants in the area. May hydro, may solar at iba pang applicable na renewable energy sources para sa Mindanao. Kung matindi ang init at kulang ang tubig, nariyan ang solar. Kung maulan at wala masyadong araw, nariyan ang hydro.

Solar power has the ability to shave the daytime peak demand for major cities like Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Cotabato, Iligan, and Zamboanga, to name a few. naayos na nga natin

ang problema sa enerhiya, nakatulong pa tayo sa kalikasan,” said Casiño.

“In fact, renewable may be the cheaper investment in the long run.

Malapit nang maging at par yung presyo nila sa traditional energy sources at in the long run, maintenance at expansion na lang ang babayaran natin para sa mga ito,” he added.

Last year, the energy Regulatory Commission approved the FIT rate of P9.68 per kWh for solar, P8.53 per kWh for wind, P6.63 per kWh for biomass, and P5.90 per kWh for hydropower projects.

Casiño is the author of house Bill 5405 or the proposed One Million

Solar Roofs Act which provides for incentives and financing facilities to encourage the use of solar energy by ordinary electricity consumers like residences, offices and small to medium business establishments.

“With government harnessing the solar resources of the country and providing for incentives for massive deployment of solar energy systems, the prospects of attaining energy independence from oil companies and significantly lowering electricity prices in the medium-term are realizable. Power crises then like in Mindanao would be a thing of the past,” ended Casiño.

requires a serious review of how our navy and Coast Guard patrol our maritime boundaries,” Legarda said.

The senator said while she recognizes the navy’s and Coast Guard’s limited capabilities, additional resources, including patrol boats and personnel, must be thrown at Tubbataha Reef in view of the recent incidents.

“We cannot afford that every now and then Tubbataha Reef is damaged by straying of foreign vessels, big or small, into the area,”

she said. earlier, Legarda had called for the full disclosure and accounting of the total damages arising from the grounding of the USS Guardian to help strengthen existing mechanisms to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

She said the owner and crew of the Chinese fishing vessel should be put to task for encroaching on Philippine waters and damaging the reef, which is a UneSCO World heritage Site.

According to Legarda, Republic Act 10067, or the Tubbataha Reefs natural Park Act, clearly states that any damage to the reef shall subject the responsible person or entity to the payment of administrative fines set by the board based on current valuation standards, as well as the cost of restoration.

She said it is alarming that this jewel in our crown on biodiversity conservation efforts can be so easily accessed and damaged this way.

Make Mindanao ‘model’ of renewable energy

A

S rotating brownouts continue to hamper the livelihood and daily activities of Filipinos in Mindanao, Makabayan senatorial bet Teddy Casiño today urged the national government to turn the area into a model of renewable energy in the Philippines by installing a mix of renewable energy sources and power plants. “hindi na uubra ang magastos at non-green solutions ng energy department. Biruin mo, sa Agusan del Sur, nasolusyonan na daw yung brown out pero tataas naman ang singil sa kuryente ng P10 per kilowatt hour. nagbayad ka na nga ng dagdag para lang ayusin

Legarda calls for vigilance in guarding PHL waters

S

en. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, today called on the Philippine Coast Guard to be more vigilant in guarding Philippine waters off Palawan after reports stated that a Chinese fishing vessel had struck another portion of Tubbataha Reef close to midnight Monday.

“The grounding of the USS Guardian of the US navy and now this Chinese fishing vessel on Tubbataha Reef which is within Philippine territorial waters

Previous to that is the case of UP Manila Behavioral Science student Kristel Tejada who killed herself after she was

forced to stop schooling due to poverty. “nakakahinayang sila,” nograles said lamented.

Sen. Escudero on Sabah:

Leave the talking to the President

F

OR Senator Francis “Chiz” escudero, the heart of the Sabah issue is that the Philippines should not drop its claim to the disputed territory because “it is ours”, but the senators should let President Benigno S. Aquino III handle the crisis on his own.

Alluding to his colleagues who like him are seeking reelection, escudero yesterday said in a campaign sortie here that making further statements could only muddle the issue.

“I once said ‘wag nang sawsawan ng mga senador ang isyu ng Sabah. Foreign policy is within the sole domain of the President while the role of the Senate is to ratify treaties,” he said.

“I would prefer that we speak with one voice through the President and not act like we’re washing our dirty linen in public while some candidates utter inanities, dip their fingers into the issue to get popular, get publicized, forgetting that the lives of Filipinos and national interest are at stake here,” he said in Filipino. escudero, however, stressed that the country should pursue the Sabah claim because “it is ours”.

“For me, Sabah is ours.

But we have to choose the

time when we can advance and fight for it. What is important is we should not let it go and turn our backs on whatever is our claim,” he said. he said he agrees with the intent of the President to resolve the issue while averting another conflict and without having to sacrifice more lives.

But he said the ongoing crisis in Sabah that included reports of human rights abuses committed by Malaysian authorities against Filipinos should serve as a “wakeup call for us”.

“This is a wakeup call for us to look into their situation, protect them and make sure that Malaysian authorities uphold their human rights.”

An estimated 800,000 Filipinos are said to be living in Sabah now, escudero said.

“The lives of Filipinos are important but we must also take into consideration the responsibility of the President over the interest of the majority,” Grace Poe-Llamanzares, escudero’s fellow candidate under the administration coalition Team Pnoy, said in apparent reference to criticisms that the President seemed to be deferring to Malaysia each time he spoke on Sabah. [Vanessa Almeda/Mindanews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

Damosa embarks on 3-yr expansion project

By Greg G. Deligero

L

eADInG property developer Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) will embark on an ambitious three-year expansion and development project that will cover Davao City and nearby provinces.

Among the projects already in the pipeline, according to DLI vice president and general manager edgardo O. Villaver,

include the two midrise condominium buildings to be constructed in Sasa in the north end of the city estimated to cost nearly P500 million and the planned expansion of Microtel Davao. he said the company is also set to develop mountain and seaside resorts and farm lot subdivisions not only in Davao

ANNIVERSARY. Edgardo Villaver, Damosa Land, Inc. vice president (left), announces the events lined up for the celebration of the 65th Anniversary of Damosa during the weekly Club 888 media forum at the Marco

City but also in Davao del norte and Davao del Sur. The 65-year old subsidiary of the Anflocor Group of Companies is also the developer and operator of the Damosa District, a mixed-use commercial and business destination in Lanang which features an I.T. park, a hotel, a major supermarket and lifestyle-oriented

Polo Davao yesterday. At right is Anflocor Group of Companies information officer Honey Wong who imparted the company’s colorful history. Lean Daval Jr.

restaurants and cafes.

Former Ford dealer Davao Motor Sales or DAMOSA was formerly a dealer of Ford vehicles and parts in 1948.

The automotive business boomed in the 70’s and became well-known with the brisk sales of the then popular Ford Fiera, which became the staple ride of the town.

In 1985, DAMOSA shifted its business to property development and leasing of real estate properties. With the shift in the business line, the management decided to change the name of the company from DAMOSA to Damosa Land, Inc., which now functions as the property development arm of the AnFLOCOR Group of Companies.

According to Villaver, the real estate business of Damosa Land, Inc. flourished in the year 2000 as the company introduced the urban mixed-use Damosa District billeting Damosa Gateway, Damosa Market Basket, Damosa Business Center, and the PeZA-accredited Damosa IT Park placed “in synergy” with Microtel Davao “to tailor

the modern way of living in Davao City.”

“Damosa Land, Inc. went grandiose with the establishment of more developments: Sasa Onse, a mixed-use complex in Sasa; the commercial McPod Building in McArthur highway; Topaz Tower which houses BPOs and corporate offices in Damosa IT Park; and the expansion of Microtel in General Santos City,” he said.

First housing venture Villaver said the company has taken a major leap forward with the Damosa Fairlane project, the company’s first housing venture, which is being positioned as residence of choice of Davao’s discerning market.

Located adjacent to the Damosa District near the Davao International Airport, the residential enclave is conveniently accessible to Davao’s newest lifestyle and commercial centers like Abreeza and SM Lanang.

Villaver said the company “extends beyond the need for convenience as it has evolved into a company with intense

pursuits of achieving valuable innovations in real estate industry.”

The gated community features avant-garde landscape and offers single detached homes— with harmoniously-applied mid-century modern theme—to maximize natural sunlight and airflow. Its resort-type guest house features a swimming pool.

The project has three model houses: Cortina, Marquis and Lincoln with minimum lot area ranging from 120 to 144 square meters with Lincoln as the biggest.

“Taking its roots in automotive dealership, the model houses are named after Ford vehicle models that DAMOSA used to distribute in the past,” Villaver said.

With a price range of P4 million to P8 million, he said the first two phases of the housing project are nearly all sold out already. This is the reason why, he added, that they are also planning to expand the project.

“There will be another phase to be constructed,” Villaver said.

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch 1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

5.4 4th Qtr 2012

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

6.8 4th Qtr 2012

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities

USD 3,969.51 million Dec 2012 USD 5,135.46 million Nov 2012 USD -1,585 million Nov 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 5,171,689 million Dec 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

3.6 % Jan 2013 P155,308 million Nov 2012 P 5,381 billion Nov 2012

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 40.67 Feb 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,242.7 Jan 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.4 Feb 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.8 Feb 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

352,438 Nov 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-February 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

It figures

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Ungab: PHL upgrade to lower interests, trigger invest influx T

New status recognizes Aquino’s inroads in good governance

he investment grade status granted by Fitch Ratings to the Philippines is a landmark achievement of the current Aquino administrationin its continuing effort to improve the economy of the country and win the fight against poverty.

This was the assessment of Rep. Isidro T. Ungab of Davao City’s Third Congressional District, main author in the house of the Sin Tax Law and a leading sponsor of the just signed law granting reciprocal tax exemptions to international air and sea carriers whose country of origins give Filipino airlines and shipping companies the same privileges.

“The investment upgrade is clearly a recognition by an international credit rating institution of the inroads of the Philippines in fiscal management, anti-corruption programs and good governance,” said Ungab, who is a development banker by profession who later distinguished himself in the field of lawmaking as topnotch city councilor and then as a senior member of the house of Representatives holding the chairmanship of the powerful committee of ways and means and the vice chairmanship of the committee on appropriations of the house. he said the credit rating institutions like Fitch, Standard and Poor, and Moody’s carefully evaluate a sovereign country like

Davao by The nUmbers Large scale investors in Davao City poured in 2012 a total of

P157.54 billion

UNGAB the Philippines if it can meet the required standards.

As a landmark achievement of the President Aquino after being in office for only three years, Ungabsaid “the investment grade will not only boost the Philippine economy but also enable the country to gain the support and admiration of the whole world.” he said “the upgrade can also lower the financing cost of both government and the private sector as the new status guarantees cheaper cost of interest.”

A respectable position in the world’s financial community will also trigger the influx of investors to the country, he said.

Ungab’s assessment jibes with the reaction of two other Davao business leaders earlier.

Vicente T. Lao, chairman of the Mindanao Business Council, and Daniel T. Lim, president of the Davao City Chamber of Com-

total investment and generated

18,736 total number of employment.

Source: BuSineSS Bureau

merce and Industry, Inc.said that the first investment grade rating earned by the Philippines everis definitelybeneficial to the country and its people.

Lao, an engineer who counts among the prominent contractors and emerging agribusiness capitalists in Mindanao, said that the upgrade is the best economic story of its kind in the country in a long time.

On the other hand, Lim, the newly inducted president of the

Davao chamber of commerce said the “investment grade means a lot of things, no wonder it is cause for euphoria to many people who understand economics.”

“Ratings firm like Fitch, Standard and Poor, and Moody’s are world renowned firms that assess the capacity, capabilities, progress, or performance of an economy or a company,” according to Lim, who heads his own architectural company.

eRChAnDISe exports slumped anew as total receipts declined by 15.6 percent in February 2013, according to the national economic and Development Authority (neDA).

“The lower export earnings were partly due to persistent weakness in global demand, which seems to be consistent with the January 2013 imports report of neDA. We indicated that there is a possibility that electronic exports in the first quarter of 2013 will be sluggish,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

Receipts for merchandise exports totaled to US$3.7 billion in February 2013, lower than the US$4.4 billion recorded during the same month last year.

Manufactures and mineral products significantly fell by 17.5 percent year-on-year to US$3.2 billion in February 2013, which mainly pulled down total merchandise exports for the pe-

riod. “nevertheless, signs of economic rebounds are expected following the easing in contraction of industrial production in high-income economies,” said Balisacan, who is also neDA Director-General. electronics exports reached US$1.5 billion in February 2013, lower by 36.5 percent compared to the US$2.3 billion recorded in the same period a year ago.

This was affected by the decline of semiconductors, which decreased by 31.3 percent in February 2013 partly due to the still depressed volume of outward shipments, which recorded a decline of 15.6 percent also during the month.

“But improved prospects for the semiconductor industries for 2013 remain following the Semiconductor Industry Association’s (SIA) report that worldwide chip sales increased by 1.4 percent in February 2013 visà-vis the same period in 2012,” said Balisacan.

PHL exports decline anew in February M

ADVANTAGE. A man takes advantage of a large volume of people watching a political party’s campaign rally to vend fish crackers

THE Philippines will ship 50 metric tons of high value rice to Hong Kong and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates this month as part of a plan to use the staple to enter the global rice trade, according to the Department of Agriculture. BusinessMirror, April 5-6, 2013

and peanuts in Don Julian, Ma-a, Davao City Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

58

THE Philippine Airlines will carry more international passengers – 58 percent of the carrier’s seats and 88 percent of available seat kilometers (ASK) – than domestic ones this year, according to Innovata, a content management and travel planning solutions provider.

3

THREE of four women in the US have lived with a partner without being married by the age of 30, an increasing trend that suggests cohabitation is now part of family life in the US, according to a survey of 12,279 women ages 15 through 44.

2

BEIJING—In the first three months of 2013, levels of major air pollutants –nitrous dioxide and particulate matter – increased by almost 30 percent here in the Chinese capital from same period in 2012, according to a report by a Chinese news organization.

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 6 ISSUE 19 •THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

7

8 VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO Bonifacio trail, rekindles courageous spirit, patriotism

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

SPECIAl FEATURE

By Genivi Factao

(Conclusion)

B EDITORIAL

This disease called politics

F

ORMeR President Joseph ejercito estrada and his friend-turned-political foe Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim are certified veterans of election wars.

Veterans on the political front they are. not veterans of the war front.

The real veterans of the war marched last Tuesday, unsteadily somewhat (being in their 90’s) during the celebration of the 71st Araw ng Kagitingan. They are the men who either wear the scars of battle or limp due to infirmity. They are the men now battling arthritis and rheumatism, or high sugar level and keeping their blood pressure in check. Real heroes they are. estrada and Lim are veterans of a different war.

To this day, eastrada and Lim—battling arthritis and rheumatism, containing sugar level, and keeping their blood pressure in check, too—are still very much at war. This time, with each other. estrada is 75. Lim is 83.

This latest chapter of their saga, from being the best of friends and now the worst of foes, has become the much-talked-about war of this election. If the May polls were a boxing match, this would be the main event. The rest, including the Senatorial race, would be relegated to the undercard, mere appetizers.

The heated battle for Manila’s mayoralty post has brought the worst out of estrada and Lim. They have exchanged trash talk on several occasions. Their mud-slinging is an epic example of dirty politics, Philippine-style.

EDGEDAVAO

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For men of such age and status, estrada and Lim are definitely making themselves the antithesis of political role models. In fact, they are giving politics an image that’s “badder than bad.” They have been around a long time in public service. Yet, by all indications, it seems like their appetite for power is as voracious as that of a school of piranhas left unfed for days.

We ask: When will estrada, 75, and Lim, 83, retire and hand over the reins of leadership to young, innovative and energetic leaders? The way it is, the two veteran politicians are serving as bad examples of leadership instead of retiring gracefully into the sunset of their careers.

Pardon, but the more they talk, the more they stink. Stinkier than the sewers of Manila.

Garbage problems, worsening pollution, traffic anarchy, and unabated crime. name it, Manila’s got it. And now, estrada and Lim are Manilans’ choices for mayor? Which of the two is the lesser evil? Ask us no questions, we will tell you no lies.

We wonder, are the people of Manila cursed?

While we continue to push forward with election reforms in a determined bid to rid our electoral process of the mistakes of the past, we cannot be tied to the stinking, old, traditional election practices.

It’s time we moved on against the challenges that ail our political system—like conquering arthritis and rheumatism, containing sugar level and keeping blood pressure in check.

If politics were a disease, our votes would be the cure.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography

EJ DOMINIC C. FERNANDEZ • CHERRY MAE D. PALICTE Reporters

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Staff Writer

Columnists: MA. TERESA TERESA L.L.UNGSON UNGSON• •EDCER EDCERC.C. ESCUDERO ESCUDERO • AURELIO • AURELIO A. PEñA A. PEñA • ZHAUN • ZHAUN ORTEGA ORTEGA • BERNADETTE • MARY ANN “ADDIE” “ADI” C. B. QUISIDO BORBON • MARY LEANDRO ANNB.“ADI” DAVAL C. QUISIDO SR., • NIKKI • LEANDRO GOTIANSE-TAN B. DAVAL • NICASIO SR., • NIKKI ANGELO GOTIANSE-TAN AGUSTIN • •Economic NICASIO Analysts: ANGELOENRICO AGUSTIN “GICO” • EMILY G. DAYANGIRANG ZEN CHUA • CARLOS • JONALLIER MUNDAM. Economic PEREZ Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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OnIFACIO was the last to be elected and won as Director of the Interior. however, Daniel Tirona opposed his post claiming he was not a lawyer and so he was not fit for the position.

Deeply hurt, Bonifacio demanded an apology and drew his gun to shot Tirona showing his great anger, but he was restrained by Artemio Ricarte, who was elected Captain-General.

Bonifacio said “I, as chairman of this assembly and as President of the Supreme Council of the Katipunan, as all of you do not deny, declare this assembly dissolved, and I annul all that has been approved and resolved.”

The situation was intense, because Tirona had been always critical to Bonifacio, whom they regarded as a mason. Also, Bonifacio was outnumbered because he was surrounded by Cavitenos who prefer a leader from their own province.

The Pinagbarilan in Limbon, Indang Cavite was the site where he was shot with a revolver in his shoulder by Agapito Bonzon and was stabbed in the throat by Ignacio Pawa, on April 28, 1897. his brother Ciriaco was killed while Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were captured.

The Casa hacienda de naic, is where Bonifacio stayed after the Tejeros Convention and held the naic Military agreement.

It was also the place where he and Procopio were imprisoned on April 29, 1897.

The jail was just a small room under the stairs, which showed that no special treatment was accorded to a Supremo.

The Trial house along Col. Riel St. Maragondon, was the place where he and his brother were tried on May 4, 1897, allegedly for rebellion and for not honoring the election.

The execution site in Bgy. Pinagsanhan, Maragondon, is the place where Andres and Procopio were executed by Col. Lazaro Makapagal and his troops on May 10, 1897. The Bonifacio brothers were sentenced to death by the council.

Bonifacio, a native of Tondo, Manila along with his troops went to Cavite, with thoughts of unifying the Magdalo, headed by Gen. emilio Aguinaldo and Magdiwang, headed by Mariano Álvarez, uncle of Bonifacio’s wife. however, his efforts were not worth it and worst he died in the hands of fellow Filipinos. his bones, until now were not found.

Yet, for every Filipinos’ heart and for the generation to come, Bonifacio was indeed a great hero; simple yet with extraordinary bravery and oozing with patriotism and one who truly fought oppression.

Director Louella Jurilla, Regional director, Region IV encouraged us to live in our hearts and practice idealism, heroism and have the vision for freedom and independence of our great hero Andres Bonifacio “We now enjoy living the freedom.

Let’s teach our children how to treasure freedom.We commit to our hearts his bravery, idealism, mindset and vision and be one with him along with other armed groups in the revolution in Cavite,” she said. [PnA]

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 •THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

A

A test case for the poll body

LL SOUnD AnD FURY SIGnIFYInG nOThInG – Who bears the more responsibility for the repeated violations of Section 18 of Commission on elections (Comelec) Resolution no. 9615 in the days leading up to next month’s midterm elections – the bunch of poster-sticking boys who performed the poll violation now in question, or the thickfaced and devious candidates, which may have pumped up or ordered massive and illegal postering works for their own purposes? People actually are outraged to see and sick of getting plucked off by the capers of most if not all of the candidates – senatorial and local bets alike.

Why, the people might ask, would these hard-nosed, cunning and habitual violator candidates engage on something so offensive? Because it implies that when other candidates take part in illegal posting of election materials anywhere they want and as they please without being reprimanded by the Comelec, they could also do freely the same thing.

The displeased voters now have to fully understand every candidate’s temperament and argue that they’re never ever been believers of the common good. The electorate can’t believe anything a politician says and do, especially those seeking higher office. In politics, only grim self-interest roles, converging or conflicting. Political aspirants will say and do whatever is necessary to get elected.

While political experts may argue about what the poll body can do to renounce politicians and their over-eager followers from displaying campaign propagandas and other election materials in non-designated areas, they generally agree what it is: tough Comelec leadership capable of executing stringent and drastic measures, and impose penalties

A

VANTAGE POINTS

ranging from fine, jail term and most importantly disqualification from seeking public office. The poll body’s treatment of violators of Resolution no. 9615 was a test case.

Ranking officials of the poll watchdog have made clear it would apply equal ruling and conduct of cases that will be filed against violators. By all indications, though, that was an oft-repeated statement. Of course, there’s no way to be sure if their statements have been applied through concrete action because as we see it, the monotony of their declarations seemed all sound and fury signifying nothing.

It is simple enough for a politician worth his grain of salt to clearly understand Section 18 of Comelec Resolution no. 9615, which states, “Common poster areas shall be allowed by the election Officer only in selected public places such as plazas, markets, barangay centers, and the like where posters maybe readily seen or read with the heaviest pedestrians and/or vehicular traffic in the city of municipality. Parties and candidates may put up Common Poster Areas in every barangay. One CPA is allowed in a barangay with 5,000 registered voters or less. An additional CPA will be allowed for every increment of 5,000 voters.”

But as the campaign lurches into full throttle, Comelec even warned that it cannot just allow candidates to post

their campaign materials in non-designated areas such as electric posts, public structures, public utility vehicles, government cars, transport terminals and specifically on trees. That is why the poll body allowed candidates to set up temporary structures in designated CPAs for the exclusive purpose of displaying their campaign materials. however, all the much-vaunted Comelec warnings are not particularly convincing to the irritated and disgusted public.

So far, the poll body has not done effective action when mounting violations have already been committed by sneaky and callous candidates. Some election officers even have the audacity to rattle about certain arrests while others say they could only impose the law if their office received complaints about election campaign rule violations. holy cow!

What will happen then if there are no complaints? In this case, it may be the important question of the campaign: “Do you believe the poll body would make true its warning to fully enforce the law against violators?” Should Comelec fail to impose R.A.9006 or Resolution no. 9612, the knock-on effects for the Aquino administration could be extremely serious. not only does the government poll watchdog have the inability to execute drastic and far-reaching action, but it would also serve to reinforce the notion that it is among the lameduck agencies of government. Only midway through the campaign period the poll body hastily conducts public demonstrations on how to use the alleged “unreliable” Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machine and the implementation of its much-publicized “Operation Baklas,” which I presumed is a last-ditch effort and face-saving measure.

North Korea’s known unknowns

S Donald Rumsfeld used to say, there are known unknowns.

Two of them are confronting the world today, and both stem from the Korean peninsula.

One: What will north Korean leader Kim Jong-un do now? he’s ordered missiles to be ramped up, fired a gun on TV, watched missiles shoot down dummy planes and told his military they were cleared for an attack on South Korea and the United States. he said “a sea of fire” would engulf his enemies if they dared to provoke him. earlier this week, South Korea’s Unification Minister, Ryoo Kihi-Jae, said “there are signs” that a fourth nuclear test is being prepared at the Punggye-ri test site. What is the next move?

The other quandary: What will the newly installed Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose state has protected north Korea for decades, do now?

Let’s answer the second question first. north Korea survives, in large part, because of China. China wants north Korea to survive so it’s a buffer against the South; China also doesn’t want millions of refugees if the north

ANAlYSIS

By John lloyd

(1st of two parts) Korean regime collapses. It doesn’t like what the latest Kim is doing, but it does have the best back channel into his thoughts. he’s reported as depending for advice on his aunt Kim Kyong-hui, the north’s most powerful woman, and her husband, Jang Sung-taek, chosen by Kim Jong-Il before his death in 2011 to be the closest consigliere to his son. Jang is the main contact man with the Chinese. It may be that he has reassured the new Party leadership that this is just business as usual: all strut and no strike.

President Barack Obama has pressured Xi to talk sense to the young ruler, but there’s no obvious sign of success there. Xi may know that the saber will (as before) rattle loudly but not strike.

But we don’t know.

But what will Kim Jong-un do now?

Kim has already achieved something of a coup: he’s got the world wound up.

The United States, which had mounted threatening overflights of South Korea, has cancelled further proposed exercises in the interests of decelerating tension. That’s the kind of thing that can easily be represented as a triumph for Kim’s martial spirit. he’s unsettled business in the South: Investment is threatened, contingency plans are being made for worker safety and evacuation plans for foreign nationals are being drawn up.

Yet I would make a large bet that if Xi doesn’t believe that his awkward protégé wants to commit national suicide, he’s right. I also believe, though, that there is a real threat: not of immediate attack, but of the north’s collapse.

As the defense writer Fred Kaplan noted recently in Slate, “messages are sometimes misinterpreted … history is littered with wars that neither side wanted to happen. That’s what worries many officials and analysts when they look at the Korean peninsula.” Kim Jong-un may know how to threaten, but he lacks the experience to know when to draw back. no one knows if he can, or will.

9

Thatcher versus the establishment COMMENTARY

By Walter ruSSell Mead

(1st of two parts)

S

he was, beyond a doubt, the greatest British political leader since Winston Churchill and, like him, she was cordially hated by many grandees of the party she led.

The entire British establishment, from the royal family down, often wished she would just go away. In the end, a Cabinet cabal proved too much for her and drove her into exile.

Britain hates talent, at least in its rulers. Maggie Roberts wasn’t just talented – she was the incarnation of everything the 20th century British establishment loathed.

She was female, a trained scientist, aggressively middle class, personally assertive, openly nationalist, got on well with Jews and was utterly opposed to the mix of tepid socialism and stale one-nation Toryism that constituted the middle ground of British politics during the disastrous generation following World War Two. Modern Britain’s greatest leaders are deeply disliked, often as much by their own party as their opponents. If Churchill’s fellow Tories had been able to pick a successor to neville Chamberlain in 1940, as europe crumbled around them, they would have picked the peace-minded Lord halifax over Churchill. Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair were similarly hated – even as they dominated British political life.

There are two key reasons why the British hate their strongest and most effective leaders. One is the extraordinary power a popular prime minister with a solid majority can wield. Such a prime minister is essentially an elected dictator – with political and legal powers an American president can only possess in his dreams.

Britain normally counteracts this problem by putting the blandest of nonentities in 10 Downing Street: Stanley Baldwin, Alec Douglas-home, edward heath, James Callaghan. Safer to trust power to faceless mediocrities than to larger-than-life personalities on a mission of change. The British may call in a powerful prime minister in an emergency – when Adolf hitler is building ships along the Channel. But when the emergency is past, they transfer power to a safer pair of hands.

The second reason that the Brits often turn on their most effective leaders is related. Britain is a smaller, more centralized society than the tUnited States, and its establishment is far more powerful.

In times past, the establishment was embodied in the Anglican clergy, some respected public intellectuals, the gentry in the country and the leading bankers, magnates and merchants in the cities. The faces and backgrounds have changed since the days of William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli (fewer vicars and hereditary peers, more trade unionists and senior civil servants), and this more diverse Britain is harder to lead, but the British establishment continues to play an important checking and balancing role in politics. While there aren’t many legal barriers to contain a prime minister with a majority in the house of Commons, the disapproval of the establishment can have a chilling and limiting effect on a prime minister’s options. Strong-minded prime ministers inevitably run up against the cautious, consensus-seeking establishment and, over time, it forces even the strongest personalities aside as British politics regresses to the mean.

To Americans, this system seems odd. But the British set it up in 1688 and haven’t had a dictatorship or coup since. Few countries have anything like this record of freedom and stability.

10 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Sea turtles no longer come to Punta Dumalag

By Lorie Ann Cascaro

T

he summer heat on Saturday afternoon made the beach at Punta Dumalag, the coastal part of Barangay Matina Aplaya, Davao City, so enticing for some boys and girls to dive and frolic in the water.

It was the same shore that, in 2003, was discovered to be a nesting site of endangered A hawksbill sea turtle (eretmochelys imbricata) or communly known as pawikan.

Marine turtles are known to return to and nest in the same place where they were hatched after about 30 years, when they reach maturity.

In the same year, the city government declared the area as a nesting ground for the turtles, and created the Task Force Pawikan Davao for the protection and conservation of the marine reptiles.

The creation of the sanctuary made Punta Dumalag a destination of thousands of visitors, pulling the city’s tourism sector a notch higher. But some changes have happened in this

place, in particular the disappearance of what used to be its chief attraction – the pawikan.

Village chief Jimmy Poliquit said that as far as he can remember the turtles have been gone in Punta Dumalag since 2010.

Another nesting site was established in Daliao, a coastal village in Toril district, where turtles were later discovered too.

But the sanctuary in Punta Dumalag remains protected through a local environment program even if the turtles no longer come, Poliquit added.

“It’s different now.

People rarely come here even on the weekends,” said Divina estrera-Teves, whose parents own the Cloud eagle Beach Resort, popularly called “Seagullid” (near the Seagull Beach Resort) since the 80’s. her parents have leased the land from the government since the early 90s, she said, adding that she and her family have resided there as early as the 1960’s.

She recalled that all

40 cottages used to be occupied by beach goers, most of them lowand middle-income earners, and students who wanted to see the pawikan.

The resort has only 20 cottages now, but they are hardly filled, especially during the last Lenten season, she told Mindanews while tending her small house inside the resort compound.

She confessed that she even yielded to customers who would bargain for an overnight stay in a cottage for P100 instead of P150.

“Business is so slow nowadays. We usually borrow money just to pay for our lease and business permit,” she said.

For her part, aside from the absence of the turtles in the sanctuary, the threat of tsunami since typhoon Ondoy in 2009 caused the decrease of the number of visitors in the area. She added the fear of tsunami grew after typhoon Pablo hit Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley last December.

Population growth,

pollution Poliquit also noted that fish catch has decreased in the area, and he attributed this mainly to pollution and a growing population.

Punta Dumalag has around 1,000 households 30 percent of which rely on fishing for livelihood.

Bambam Gaspar, 50, said that at present he could barely catch five kilograms of fish a day when he could catch 10 to 20 kilograms before. “hinay na ang panagat karon (Fishing is less productive now),” he said while making a “bobo”, an indigenous fish trap made of plastic screen and bamboo slats to support the bottom part. he said that since last year fishing has barely put food on the table for his wife and three kids, adding he does carpentry sometimes to support their daily needs.

Born in Punta Dumalag in 1963, Gaspar admitted that he was into dynamite fishing from 1981 to the 1990s.

The Department of Science and Technology

has conducted several studies and water sampling in the area since it was declared as a mariculture park.

Since the results showed a high concentration of coliform and other pathogens such as escherichia coli (e. coli) from animal and human wastes, the city government ordered 34 fish cage operators in Punta Dumalag to fold up last year.

Poliquit said a few operators have heeded the city government’s order, while some have continued to operate despite the expiration of their permits. he said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has to strictly implement the order and dismantle the fish cages.

Still a summer spot estrera-Teves may be unhappy with how the Cloud eagle Beach Resort has fared after the turtles vanished and other problems came to Punta Dumalag.

But neighboring Davao Seagull Beach Resort maintains its business and remains a summer spot for both

domestic and foreign tourists, operations manager Bobet Laurel said. he said the reports on the presence of e. coli have not affected their sales.

“The beach is still safe for swimming,” he told Mindanews, adding the city government would inform them if the water quality became alarming. he said they have an average of 500 customers a month, particularly between March and April this year. he said all their rooms were occupied from Maundy Thursday to Palm Sunday. he noted that this was better that their sales performance for the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the people of Punta Dumalag have remained optimistic of development despite the environmental problems that have affected their livelihood.

“We still hope to solve the pollution in the sea through the cooperation of all constituents in the village and agencies in the local government,” Poliquit said. [Mindanews]

EDGEDAVAO

11

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

Wage hike...

FFROM 1

said the labor union filed for a P75-acrossthe-board wages increase in 2010 and was “only granted a measly P5 in January 2012 and P10 in May 2012.”

“We appealed the unjust decision but our plea landed on deaf ears,” he said.

ALU-TUCP national vice-president eva Arcos reported a breakdown of the P80 pesos increase that they asked which showed that from an inflation projection based on the consumer price index, P13.09 is needed from the 4.35 percent increase in prices from november 2011 to March 2013, P19.57 from projected 6.5 percent rise in prices, and P48 pesos as share of the growth in Gross Domestic Regional Product (GRDP) of region 11.

She said that the P48 is based on a P2 per year share of the growth in GRDP as equity supplement for the past 24 years starting 1989 which was when RTWB was created.

She said that according to government statistics, the GRDP

DOLE...

of region 11 had a 9.8 percent increase with P408,449,530 in 2011 from 372,074,382 in 2010, and a 10.6 percent increase in 2010 from P336,529,792 in 2009.

She also said that the Davao region is the 5th highest contributor to the country’s GDP at present. her report states that according to the government, the purchasing power of the latest P301 daily minimum wage is only 216.24, but the real take home pay of workers after deduction from Philhealth, Pag-Ibig and the Social Security System (SSS) is only P266.66 a day, which only has a purchasing power of 191.57.

Mayla de Chavez, an officer of one of the local union under the ALU-TUCP, presented basic commodities on three different baskets that each amounts to a corresponding price to demonstrate what the recent minimum wage P301, the real take home pay P266.66, and the purchasing power P191.57 can buy.

Through the demon-

stration, she presented that P191.57 can’t even buy eggs, cellphone load, salt and vetsin to name a few.

“This does not include water bills, power bills, and transportation fees,” she said.

TUCP representative, lawyer Raymond Mendoza said during the press con that the increase will not shun away investors in the region.

“The business sector themselves admit that it is power rates that drives away investors which make up about 45 percent of the actual cost of doing business in the country, not labor,” he said.

“The businessmen are greatly affected, how much more the ordinary worker,” he said. he asked, “why is it so easy for Davao Light and electric Co. to increase electricity rates while it is so hard for workers to increase their wages?” he said that petitioning an increase in the minimum wage is an annual action to honor the workers as Labor Day on May 1 is fast approaching.

BIHMI...

cancies are positions for domestic and overseas employment. he said that most of the job openings are skilled. “employers prefer who hire skilled workers, and are not particular whether or not the applicant is a graduate of a four-year or just a twoyear course,” Cebrano

said.

Cebrano said the following openings are also available for overseas employment: domestic helpers, production workers, nurses, waiters/bartenders, wiremen electrical, cooks, plumbers, pipefitters, production supervisor/foremen, welders, and machine fitters.

gram of Brokenshire Memorial hospital (BMh) Breastfeeding Committee; garbage disposal program of Davao City environment and natural Resources Office (CenRO); and human immunodeficiency virus (hIV) testing programs by hIV/AIDS Core Team (hACT).

Dela Cruz bared that DCWD’s advocacy was the first that BIhMI supported. “We have supported the Adopt a Site project for eight years now

and we gave P30, 000 every month for the preservation of those sites,” he explained.

The BIhMI displayed the advocacy tarpaulins of the various groups outside the BMh hospital to show their full support to the eight groups.

“That would be displayed for a year in order to raise the awareness to the public through developmental issues such as health, violence, water problems and lifestyle,” he added.

FFROM 13

health advocacies that we supported,” Dela Cruz explained.

Among the chosen health advocacies of BIhMI are the following: Adopt a Site project of Davao City Water District (DCWD); deafness testing of Quota club of Davao; One Billion Rising of Gabriela; Anti-smoking campaign of the city government; Be honest advocacy of Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals; breastfeeding pro-

by the Associated Labor unions (ALU) and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) after filing a petition for an P80 wage increase in Davao region, at ALU Bldg., in Roxas Avenue, Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Former dad to push for FOI Ordinance

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

FFROM 2

man resource personnel/ staff, teachers, and medical technologists/aide. he said that DOLe identified these jobs in demand through surveys conducted every quarter by national Statistics Office (nSO) and Bureau of Labor and employment Statistics (BLeS).

Cebrano said the va-

WAGE HIKE PETITION. Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Workers College executive director Eva B. Arcos (front) explains the computation of P80-petition for wage increase and the reasons why it needs to be granted as TUCP Partylist Rep. Raymond C. Mendoza looks on during a press briefing initiated

D

AVAO City will be the first to experience Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill as a comebacking councilor looks to push a local ordinance for the said bill.

Former councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta said during the Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that since Davao is a “trailblazing” city, she can push for a local FOI ordinance.

She said, “the city has proven to be the first to implement certain laws such as the anti-smoking and the firecracker ban ordinances, this means we can

push to be the first city to have a local FOI ordinance.”

“We can adopt the bill and consult with the stakeholders including the local government units, private sectors and the media to craft our own ordinance with clear and concise guidelines on what are considered public or private information,” she said.

She said that this will boost the development of the city, because in a democratic system where transparency is vital, trust among different sectors is crucial in bringing in more investors.

She demonstrated that a local FOI ordinance calls for each government department to have a website where “with a couple of clicks people can easily access information that does not need clearance.” examples of the information in the website are the number of employees in the departments, employees that are promoted, records on annual budget, income, expenditures, and programs, among others.

“If this is implemented in Davao City, other cities, municipalities or the national government may emulate it,” Acosta said.

and transparency.

The award has a corresponding cash prize of P28 million which was appropriated for road improvement of the public market and other projects.

Penas has for his runningmate vice mayor Reynaldo hermosisma and city council bets Serafin Senajon, Milagros Llanos, eddie Cadilig, Michael Latasa, Myra Dahlia navidad,

Charlene hermosisma, Melody Malnegro, engr.

Millenium Garcia, Rey Ayo, and Bebang Brandares Pauliño.

Cagas meantime has Dr. Manual Gonzales as his running mate with council bets Joseph Cagas, Johari Bana, Conception Cadungog, Rosito Taruc, Dr. Frank Tongcos, Mark Fernandez, Christopher Parenas, Mae Cervantes, and Constancio Rabaya.

I’m not epal...

FFROM 2

provide livelihood programs, development of tourism, promote sports programs for the youth and eradicate drug-addiction in the city.

Penas said that under his administration, the city was given the Seal of Good housekeeping Award by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the criteria of good governance

12 ClASSIFIEDS ADS There’s a better way to get attention.

Advertise with EDGEDAVAO ClASSIFIEDS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

Realty

EDGEDAVAO

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1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along National Highway, facing east, beside NCCC Panacan, Davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/ industrial lot at P800/sq m along the National Highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along Indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/ industrial lot along the National Highway in Bincungan, Tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina Town Center, along the National Highway, Dumoy, Toril. 9) Ready-for-Occupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3T&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, Toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, Obrero, Davao City. 11) FOR ASSUME (RUSH): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. Note: Items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. If interested, please call Jay (PRC REB Lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

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notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLAnS COnSOLIDATeD InC. that CeRTIFICATe OF FULL PAYMenT no.(s) 21007303 under LOYOLA PLAn Contract no.(s)144267-1/000400078002 issued to ReCAMADAS, MA. RUenA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

EDGEDavao

Serving a seamless society

Sales Representatives (2) - Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field.

- Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission

COMMUNITY SENSE 13

BIHMI supports 8 health advocacies

By Che Palicte

O

n the occasion of World health Day 2013, Brokenshire Integrated health Ministries Incorporated (BIhMI) commits itself in building healthy lives and communities by supporting eight health

advocacies.

Chief executive Officer of BIhMI Ruben dela Cruz, told media practitioners last Monday during the launching of health advocacy board that BIhMI supported health advocacies from the govern-

ment, non government organizations, individuals and group advocates. “every year, BIhMI has a P20 million allocation for charity programs. We can share this budget to the

FBIHMI, 11

For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

BROKENSHIRE INTEGRATED MINISTRIES. Officials of Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. and their guests during the unveiling of the Brokenshire Integrat-

ed Health Ministries, Inc. advocacy board at the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital ground in Madapo Hills, Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Knicks clinch Atlantic title n

JOCKEYING FOR POSITION. Pau Gasol (left) of the Los Angeles Lakers battles Robin Lopez (right) of the New Orleans Hornets for the rebound. The Lak-

ers defeated the Hornets to overtake Utah for the 8th spot in the mad chase for the last playoffs berth in the Western Conference.

eW YORK – The new York Knicks clinched their first Atlantic Division title since 1994 on Tuesday as they routed the Washington Wizards 120-99 with another scorching scoring display from Carmelo Anthony.

The red-hot Anthony finished with 36 points, eight rebounds and six assists, as the Knicks won their 13th straight game.

“It says a lot about our team,” said Anthony, who became the first Knicks player to post five straight games with 35 or more points since Bernard King in 1985. “We reached one of our goals. We are now going to try and prepare for the post-season.”

The nBA’s scoring leader heading into the contest, Anthony shot 13of-21 from the floor and three-of-four from threepoint range Tuesday at Madison Square Garden arena.

Iman Shumpert added 18 points on seven-of-10 shooting from the field, while J.R. Smith and Chris Copeland each came off the bench to score 17 points for the Knicks, who equalled a franchise record with 20 three-pointers.

John Wall led the Wizards with 33 points. Cartier Martin came off the bench to score 16 points for Washington who lost their third game in the last four and 10th straight at Madison Square Garden.

It marks the Knicks first Atlantic Division crown in 19 years when they eventually lost in the nBA finals to the houston Rockets.

The Knicks started quickly Tuesday, nailing nine-of-12 from beyond the arc in the first quarter. new York led by 13 points heading into the second quarter as Anthony, Shumpert, Copeland and Raymond Felton all had two three pointers.

Steve novak stepped up in the second quarter by making three triples as the Knicks 12 first-half three-pointers matched their most of any half this season.

Anthony scored 21 of his 36 points in a third quarter in which the Knicks outscored Washington 37-28.

The Knicks went on an 11-4 run to open the third as the Knicks extended their lead and ended any hopes of a Wizards comeback.

PHL, Argentina ink sports pact

P

hILIPPIne sports officials met with their counterparts in Argentina to discuss ways to move forward the Memorandum of Understanding on Sports Cooperation, which includes a provision on football training, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a news release.

The visit to Argentina is part of a technical mission on sports cooperation that also included Spain and Brazil.

Outside this meeting, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo Garcia also met Professor Jorge Franco, an Uruguayan sports trainer, to discuss possible football assistance projects from Uruguay.

The meeting with Argentina’s sports officials “is about touching base and opening doors with our partners in Argentina, a world leader in sports, especially in the field of football,” said Garcia, noting how Argentina uses “sports as an instrument for the social inclusion of the different sectors of our citizenry in support of nation building.”

Last March 25, Garcia,

together with Philippine Ambassador to Argentina Rey Carandang and other Philippine officials, met with Argentina’s Secretary of Sports Claudio Alberto Morresi in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to discuss the implementation of the MOU signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Argentine Foreign Minister hector Timerman in Manila last September 2012, Cooperation would be in projects that involve sharing of expertise and best practices in utilizing sports as an instrument of social inclusion, an idea that is real in Argentina, which has its Secretariat of Sports under the Ministry of Social Development, Morresi said. he said his government also supports 5,900 sports clubs in communities around Argentina to support this policy.

As part of the MOU’s exchange of best practices and technical materials, Morresi gave Garcia copies of Argentina’s national strategic sports plan, as well as copies of relevant Argentine legislation and policies related to sports development. (AKTV)

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Private dining with Davao’s Crazy Cook There is something about having dinner at a friend’s place that elevates the experience of eating to a whole new level. Such dinners could either be a potluck, buy-from-a-store affairs, or be a venue where friends can share their family cooking secrets, but leave it to Crazy Cook’s Carmina and raffy “Don Durian” to always bump it up a notch or two (or three even) when it comes to hosting dinners.

Already one of Davao’s top caterers, Carmina and raffy never fail to make each dinner at their house a truly gustavian affair, turning the most simple of spreads into a foodie’s delight with each dish and course of the meal properly planned down to the smallest details, and last

Saturday’s dinner was no exception.

Appetisers for the evening include rustic homemade bread, guacamole and chips, rilette of goose (which at first Joel and I though was pork thanks to its meaty and fatty texture), mozzarella and tomato, and my favourite truffled

cheese.

A beautiful summer salad that had almonds, blue cheese and fresh strawberries followed the appetisers. I love the way the salad teased the palate with its slight tartness balanced by the sweet acidity of the strawberries and richness of the blue cheese.

We also had a sampling some beautiful Argentinean wines by Legarde thanks to newlyweds, Carlo and Julia, which paired well with the cheeses and the salad.

For the first main course, Carmina prepared a beautiful sous vide-poached salmon that was moist and flaky. Cooking in a sous vide sealed the delicate flavour of the lemon and dill onto the salmon making it extra flavourful.

The second main was a roast bone marrow which I unfortunately passed since I was saving my fat intake quota for the truffle cheese. (or what was left of it).

We would have had a pasta course but I guess everyone was so stuffed from all the earlier eating that we all decided to move to dessert consisting of a sinfully decadent strawberry pavlova and a light and unique

thyme, lemon and balsamic vinegar cake, both by Joel of Osvaldos.

To tell you that I was excited with the thyme, lemon and balsamic vinegar cake was an understatement as it had actually been conceptualised by Joel, JP and me while we were on our romp in Manila. I can’t remember what the inspiration was but what I can say is that the finished cake was simply divine!

To pair with the desserts is my new favourite premium rum, Don Papa. Sweet and well rounded with a beautiful vanilla smell, it is hard to believe that this rum is proudly made in the Philippines. Good when mixed in a cocktail, Don Papa rum shines when taken on its own such that you can smell and taste the subtle flavours it possesses, lending itself as a topic for great food conversations.

And it is with food conversations that the dinner came to a close, a celebration of good food and great friends. Until the next dinner at home.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

UP AND ABOUT

I-lash opens doors at SM City Davao

lONG eyelashes are considered a sign of femininity in many cultures. Now, you can get those eyelash lengths you’ve always wanted as the country’s top eyelash extension salon opens at SM City Davao.

Using high grade medical glue that is safe to the eyes, i-lash provides an exciting, state-of-the-art technology in eyelash extension carefully done by welltrained meticulous staff. i-lash gives clients the widest range of eyelash options from color, thickness and length. Anyone can surely find the lashes thy have been longing for!

Visit i-lash extension Salon at the level 2 of SM City Davao.

Summer food madness at Krua Thai this April

BeAT the heat of Summer this April at Krua Thai restaurant! Tag along your at least five of your best and favorite buddies at work or at play, spend a minimum of Php1,500 and enjoy for yourself a complimentary Thai meal at Krua Thai! Promo starts on April 15, 2013.

Kura Thai is located at the Metrolifestyle Complex along F. Torres St., for. e. Jacinto ext., Davao City. Call 2286180 or 2956995 for more details.

Mochi Crème now open at SM City General Santos HAVe a taste of a Japanese confection, Mochi Crème. Mochi ice cream is a small, round dessert ball consisting of a soft, pounded sticky rice cake on the outside and an ice cream filling on the inside. Be delighted with the different flavors of Mochi Crème, now available at ground floor level, SM City General Santos.

Globe Telecom gets exclusivity on BlackBerry Z10 LTE Subscribers to enjoy faster BlackBerry browser, more seamless access to BlackBerry World GLObe Telecom scooped exclusivity on the blackberry Z10 LTe, making it the only Philippine telco to carry the LTe version of the newest blackberry smartphone.

The blackberry Z10 LTe is available from Globe under its suite of fully-customizable and unlimited surfing plans that allows subscribers to surf using the Globe LTe network and experience blazing mobile internet speeds of up to 42 Mbps without having to upgrade plans or pay extra fees.

Subscribers can get the blackberry Z10 LTe for as low as P1999 monthly at Globe Unli Surf Plan 1799 with P200 monthly cashout over a 24-month contract. With Globe Unli Surf Plan 1799, subscribers get unlimited and worry-free mobile surfing, P800 monthly consumable amount for calls and texts, and three (3) call and text freebies. The device is also available at Globe Unli Surf Plan 1799 without a monthly cashout over a 30-month contract.

Using the blackberry

Z10 LTe, Globe subscribers get to experience a much improved and faster blackberry browser, as well as more seamless access with the new blackberry World.

“With the exclusivity, Globe subscribers can enjoy unlimited and worryfree mobile surfing on their blackberry Z10 using the Globe LTe network and experience the new features of the blackberry Z10 at a much faster p a c e ,” said Martha Sazon, head of Globe Postpaid.

“With our strong partnership with blackberry, subscribers can definitely rely on Globe for the best blackberry Z10 experience with our innovative offers and deals that no other network can provide.”

As of March 2013, the Globe LTe network has quickly expanded to cover more areas nationwide.

Aside from Makati, Globe LTe coverage is now

available in select areas in Manila, Pasig, Quezon City, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Cebu City, Davao City, and boracay in Malay, Aklan.

To ensure greater and more stable coverage, the Globe LTe rollout focuses on large, contiguous areas, instead of sporadic distribution in t h e form o f pocket activations or hotspots.

LTe is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and other data devices such as tablets and USb modems.

It is a next-generation mobile network technology that responds to the growing demand for mobile Internet bandwidth by providing download speeds of as much as 100 Mbps.

“We are excited to launch the new blackberry Z10 smartphone with

Globe in the Philippines.

We believe customers will be delighted with the faster and smarter experience from the powerful blackberry Z10 running on the Globe LTe network to keep them moving,” said Cameron Vernest, Country Director for the Philippines at blackberry.

The new blackberry Z10 is the first blackberry smartphone to launch with the re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented blackberry 10 platform, giving customers a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience. The blackberry Z10 smartphone is the fastest and most advanced blackberry smartphone yet, and offers customers a smarter experience that continuously adapts to their needs.

With blackberry 10, every feature, every gesture, and every detail is designed to keep customers moving with new advancements that customers will love.

Interested subscribers can order the blackberry Z10 from Globe at www. globe.com.ph/bbz10.

Summer deals at the Waterfront Insular Hotel SPriNKle fun under the sun as you turn this summer heat to a cool and exhilarating experience at the Waterfront insular Hotel with our hot summer treats.

Cool off with our special Coffee Punch, a special creamy dessert flavoured with vanilla ice cream, espresso and vanilla extract all topped with whipping cream and sprinkled with cocoa powder. enjoy summer’s tastes at the Vinta Bar with our Tuna Ceviche. A delicious cold dish of diced fatty tuna, brightened up by lime and red pepper on top of crisp, freshly-baked croutons.

Taste the world while relaxing at the cool comfort of home with our

international Buffet at the Café Uno as we serve different authentic cuisines for only Php650+. Dine in a group of five and one person dines for free.

Go on a summer staycation with our Dew Drops of Summer room promo.

Just book a standard or deluxe premium room promo from April 1 until May 31 and get our all-timefavorite Halo-halo at the Pizzaiolo restaurant for free aside from daily buffet breakfast at Café Uno, free WiFi access and free use of swimming pool.

To know more about these exciting summer promos and happenings call the Waterfront insular Hotel at 300-8881 or 233-2881-83.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

eNTerTAiNMeNT

Brad Pitt to present at MTV Movie Awards

BrAD PiTT is coming to the MTV Movie Awards.

e! News can exclusively reveal that the World War Z star will be on hand Sunday to present the award for Movie of the Year.

Vying for the gold popcorn are The Avengers, The Dark Knight rises, Django Unchained, Silver linings Playbook and Ted. Pitt is no stranger to the MTV Movie Awards. He’s been nominated eight times and has won three. in 2006, he and Angelina Jolie shared the award for Best Fight for their work in Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Hosted by rebel Wilson, this year’s ceremony kicks off live from los Angeles on Sunday on MTV

1:30 4:00 6:30 9:00

G.I JOE 2: RETALIATION 2D (PG-13)

12:30 3:10 5:50 8:30

IT TAKES A MAN AND A WOMAN 2D

(GP)

at 9 p.m.

Previously announced presenters include Zac efron, Melissa McCarthy, Chris rock, Chris Pine,

Zoe Saldana and Zachary Quinto. Selena Gomez will perform her new single, “Come & Get it,” during the show.

of 36!

No word on whether the Kaiser will pick up the camera a second time to capture Kruger for the new campaign, but the chances seem pretty good. He did, after all, recently shoot Tilda Swin-

ton for Chanel’s latest campaign.

Whatever the case, we’ll have to wait until later this year when Chanel reveals the new ads to find out.

Are you excited to see Diane’s new Chanel ads?

SixTeeN years after she posed for her first Chanel ad, Diane Kruger has been announced as the new face of the French fashion house’s skin care line.

Justin Timberlake plays golf with Kiefer Sutherland lOOK who’s on par windbreaker to protect things in common— with Justin Timber- himself from the sunny rhythm and harmony,” lake! but crisp SoCal weather, he told the New York The “Suit & Tie” artist—and 6 handicap— was spotted bringing 18 holes’ worth of sexy back to the golf course over the weekend with Kiefer Sutherland.

The pair teed off together in Toluca lake, Calif., on Saturday.

Sutherland wore a Nike

1 2 : 6 + 2 : , 1 *

1:15 3:50 6:25 9:00

1:00 3:40 6:20 9:00

Diane Kruger named new face of Chanel Skin Care The model-turnedactress made her debut in a Chanel ad back in 1996, when she starred in the company’s Allure fragrance campaign, and she teamed up with them again in 2007 for the Paris Biarritz handbag ads, which Karl lagerfeld personally shot.

We can’t say we blame the company for tapping the German beauty yet again, since we’re guessing most women would line up to buy skin care products that hold the promise of making their skin look as flawless as Kruger’s does at the age

APRIL 10, 2013

while Timberlake braved the negligble chill in shirt sleeves.

The 32-year-old singer—though he didn’t go pro by 30, as he used to say he would—does like to get a round in whenever he can. “entertaining and golf have two important

Times’ On Par blog in 2011. “if you can dance well, when you get on the golf course, you’re going to have a nice harmonious, rhythmic golf swing.”

And, of course, sometimes he likes to burst into song.

“Though i don’t know any golf songs,” he joked.

OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN 2D

(R13)

IT TAKES A MAN AND A WOMAN 2D (GP)

11:40 2:00 4:20 6:40 9:00

1:15 3:50 6:25 9:00

NARUTO 2D (PG-13)

OBLIVION 2D

(PG13)

1:00 3:40 6:20 9:00

OBLIVION 2D

(PG-13)

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

FOOD

Beyond borders

eVer felt dyahe to eat something out of the ordinary? honestly, before, I was not one to go out of my comfort palate zone and stick to what I am used to. New flavors, for me, meant another cup of coffee to soothe my naninibagong mouth. however, as I accepted change in my system, especially in my palate, I learned to open my senses to the world and beyond.

I learned to love the many new flavors in my mouth and with the changing times, I discovered the beauty of exploring – palate exploring.

Avocado are but only shakes or fruit cobblers to us. With a bit of cream and sugar, it becomes the mundane sweet dessert that we know of. however, with the buffet of ingredients available to us, we can transform it into something spectacular. Yes, I call this ‘spectacular’ as it is something beyond the borders.

The taste of this pasta dish is refreshing as it is new. It boasts of cream and cheese and of course – of avocado! Imagine a light savory dish that could be eaten indoors as well as outdoors. More so, something that you could brag to your friends – a real flavor transformation to the core.

Another one on the menu includes a pasta dish that is surely to enlighten the adventurous in you.

Actually, I was aiming for carbonara but I ended up making a creamy tomato dish instead. Yes, all in one for the gutom in me.

So, what are you waiting for? Give these dishes a try and be captivated with every bite.

Creamy Avocado Pasta with Mushroom, Carrots and Cheese Fruit and Pasta? Yes, it is possible. You can also use mango and peaches to make this dish more sum-

mer-friendly. enjoy!

Ingredients: 200 grams cooked pasta, according to package direction ¼ cup mashed avocado ½ cup all purpose cream, chilled ½ cup cream of mushroom 3 tablespoon sour cream ½ cup button mushroom, chopped 1 chicken bouillon cube 3 tablespoon carrots, cubed 5 tablespoon quick melt cheese, grated White onion, chopped Garlic Powder Kosher Salt Freshly ground black Pepper Cheddar Cheese, grated for topping Melba Toast, optional Method: In a pan, heat oil over low heat. Sauté white onion until translucent. Add garlic powder and mix until well incorporated.

Add mushroom and continue sautéing until cooked. Stir. Melt bouillon cube while stirring.

In a bowl, mix sour cream, all purpose cream and cream of mushroom.

Mix thoroughly until well

incorporated.

Pour cream in pan and continue stirring. Simmer until bubbles start to appear on the sides. by this time, add the mashed avocado and let incorporate.

Add quick melt cheese and let melt for a cheesy and creamy mixture. Simmer for a full two minutes.

Add cubed carrots and turn off the heat. Season to taste.

Add cooked pasta and mix well. Sprinkle with more cheese and freshly ground black pepper and serve with melba toast or plain as it is.

Creamy Tomato Penne Cream and tomato in one dish? Not surprising, yes, but wait until you taste this. You not only get a creamy pasta but an Italian and egg-y one too.

Ingredients: 200 grams Penne pasta, cooked according to package 1 medium sized shallot, chopped 3 pieces garlic, minced 1 piece chicken bouillon cube ½ cup all purpose cream 2 pieces egg yolks ½ cup milk ½ cup grated cheddar cheese Salt Pepper Cheese, of your choice for

topping Method: In a pan, heat oil over low heat. Sauté shallots until translucent. Next, add garlic until slightly browned.

Add all purpose cream and simmer for a full two minutes. Add chicken bouillon and dissolve completely. Add black pepper and season accordingly.

Stir.

Add tomatoes and continue stirring. Next, add Italian base tomato sauce and stir. Simmer for a minute.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix egg yolks, milk and cheese. Combine to reduce lumps.

Add cooked penne pasta. Toss profusely until coated. Turn off the heat.

Pour egg mixture and cook. Add a bit of pasta water to add to the moisture.

Make sure the pasta has stabilized to avoid cooking the yolks and having scrambled eggs.

Serve while hot. Top with more cheese and enjoy!

Do you want to be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit?

Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured. If you are interested, then email me at leebai@chefroyale.com or visit www. chefroyale.com for more recipes. Happy Cooking!

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

Medvil FC wins Mintal bootfest MASTERS PREVIEW

By Athena Jillian Bravo

D

AVAO’S winningest club Medvil FC added another title to its name after taking the Medvil Cup on Tuesday at the Deca homes football field in Mintal.

Medvil FC needed an extra time to beat a hard-fighting Mintal Inter Rage, 2-1, and take home its latest collection to its growing trophy case.

John Philip delos Santos connected in the 104th minute of extra time to

give Medvil the win after a scrambling start.

After a nil-nil scoreline at the half, Mintal drew first blood in the 59th minute when Milano Rivera slotted home a marker inside the box for a 1-0 lead. Medvil struck back in the 74th to equalize through Ger Sayson.

The two teams battled to a 1-all scoreline after regulation ended before Rivera’s heroics saved the day for the Medvil booters.

Medvil FC is com-

posed of John Philip L. de los Santos, Lyndon Rey A. Carmeloles, Limuel A. Carmeloles, Jomar B. Paulo, Shem A. Palang-at, harad Khien Ulysses D. Gamban, Alexis Dayundon, Franz Kenji L. Vilela, ester Megumi L. Vilela, John edmar Perfiñan, Vince John Olzen Banta, Ger Sayson, hajime L. Balgu, , nikleo Konst, Christian L. Galves, Raphael L. Vilela, Asedilla Roseller, Joshua A. Albosero, and John Mark Sombilon.

In the battle for third place, Calinan Blue eagles defeated Impeesa 4-2 behind the braces of Bryle Larobis (10th and 79th) and Anthony Dimzon (25th and 55th).

Impeesa scored through Charlie Garcia in the 2nd minute and Gloreyver Plasabas in the 48th.

This tournament is held in cooperation with Barangay Mintal, Congressman Isidro T. Ungab, Atty. Rachel Zozobrado, UP Mindanao, and Medvil Farms. (nJB)

hen the Jr. nBA Philippines 2013 presented by Alaska holds its main event -- the national Training Camp – at SM Mall of Asia on April 28, basketball fans will be treated to a basketball extravaganza starring the acknowledged next generation of outstanding Pinoy basketball players.

The most promising young stars of the UAAP, nCAA and provincial school leagues will pit their talents against each other in an exhibition game featuring Jr. nBA All Stars alumni from 2007 to 2012 who are now suited up for the various collegiate leagues nationwide.

Jr. nBA All Stars alumni bannered by UST Growl-

ing Tiger Aljon Mariano, UP Fighting Maroon henry Asilum, UST junior players John Roald Mayor, Patrick Ramirez, Thristan Laman and Patrick nigel Go, Ue Junior Warriors Itchie Altamirano and Paul Dagunan, nU Bull Pup hubert Cani, De La Salle Zobel Jr. Archer Aljun Jay Melecio, La Salle Greenhills Greenie Kobe

Paras, Ateneo Blue eaglet Mio Puno, San Sebastian Staglets Carlo escalambre and RK Ilagan, Jose Rizal Junior Bomber Aldrin Fegidero and Ateneo de Cebu Blue Magis Miguel Competente will see action in the noontime game which will highlight the last day of this year’s national Training Camp.

ALT LAKe CITY (AP) -- The roller coaster continued for the Utah Jazz. One minute they’re in, the next they’re out.

But even after Tuesday’s 90-80 loss to Oklahoma City, players weren’t about to concede the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference to the Los Angeles Lakers. ‘’We still got a chance,’’ point guard Mo Williams said. ‘’I’m not sitting here saying it’s over.

We got three games left.

We’ve got to go get them.’’

Utah (41-38) entered with a half-game lead and the tiebreaker over the Lakers, but is now in ninth again with the loss to the Thunder and the Lakers’ win over new Orleans.

The Thunder, meanwhile, continued their push to claim the top overall seed in the Western Conference, with Russell Westbrookscoring 25 points and Kevin Durant adding 21 to fuel Tuesday’s victory.

At 57-21, Oklahoma City has as many wins as the San Antonio Spurs (57-20).

Going into Salt Lake City, the Thunder insisted they were more concerned with bouncing back from a tough home loss Sunday to the new York Knicks.

‘’That is one of the strengths of our team; we always seem to figure out a way to get better after a loss,’’ Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. he credited Westbrook with setting the tone. ‘’he doesn’t get enough credit for his aggressive play,’’ Brooks said. ‘’he helps us win games, a lot of games and the way he plays, he attacks, he puts so much pressure on the defense, he opens up shots for Thabo (Sefolosha), opens up shots for Serge (Ibaka), and KD did a great job of spreading out his game tonight. he could have easily taken more shots tonight if he wanted to, but he was making the right plays.’’

Durant added 12 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block for the Thunder.

Al Jefferson’s threepoint play pulled Utah within 84-78 with 55 seconds left and Paul Millsap’s dunk made it a four-point game, but Durant hit two free throws and Westbrook stole the inbound pass to seal it for the Thunder.

Ibaka helped Oklahoma City build a big lead with 10 points, four rebounds and three blocks in the third quarter. In four games this season he had 20 blocks against the Jazz.

OS AnGeLeS (AP) -- Kobe Bryant looked around, drew in a breath and gathered himself. Time for one of the game’s best closers to get to work with the score tied to start the fourth quarter. he fueled a desperate rally with 23 of his 30 points in the last 12 minutes, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the new Orleans hornets104-96 on Tuesday night to keep their playoff hopes alive. ‘’Aw ... I got to go in again and I really didn’t w a n t to,’’ Bryant said he was thinki n g . ‘’It’s about conserving e n ergy. The more I can kind o f lag in the weeds the better.’’

B u t that depends on his teammates. ‘ ’ I f you’re making shots, I can sit back,’’ Bryant said. ‘’If you’re playing (bad), I can’t.’’ no Laker but Bryant made a shot in the

first seven minutes of the fourth. he had just four points at halftime. ‘’It is really just about me making shots. It is not really the defense,’’ said Bryant, who had ice on his left shoulder and both knees after the game. ‘’They keyed in on my penetration, but I know I could range over the defense and get t h e shot.

S o , with

Jr. NBA All Stars match April 28

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Jazz loss good Kobe for Lakers L S

WOMEN’S CHAMP. Maribel Lee receives her trophy and special prize after winning the Ladies Overall Gross title of the 2013 SFOSA Golf Tournament with a gross score of 21. Contributed photo by Tom Inigo

to the rescue games like this, when the jumper is falling, you have fourth quarters like I had.’’

Pau Gasol had 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Dwight howard added 19 points to help the Lakers move a half-game ahead of Utah for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot. The Jazz lost to Oklahoma City 9080 earlier in the evening, but they hold the tiebreaker over the Lakers. ‘’We were pretty ef-

fect i v e wear-

down their bigs, especially late in the game,’’ howard said. ‘’We just needed this game. It was intense. We got four games left. We control our own destiny.’’

Bryant urged Gasol to position himself down low where he’s most effective and stay put. ‘’I haven’t gotten to the post as much as I did tonight all year long,’’ he said. ‘’My teammates looked for me.’’ eric Gordon scored 22 points, making 10 of 11 free throws, before fouling out in the final seconds to lead five hornets in double figures. Anthony Davis added 18 points and 14 rebounds, Ryan Anderson had 14 points, and Greivis Vasquez had 11 points and 11 assists.

i n g

NOT GOING DOWN. Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant refuses to go down in the battle for the last playoffs slot.

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EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

US MASTERS PREVIEW

TIGER WOODS He means it when he says he’ll win it A

UGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- Around every corner at Augusta national is another reminder that Tiger Woods isn’t getting any younger. he played a practice round with a teenager from China who wasn’t even born when Woods won his first Masters. he was introduced at his news conference Tuesday as playing the Masters for the 19th time, which caused Woods to bow his head and cover his eyes.

Among dozens of photographs on the walls of the club is one of defending champion Phil Mickelson helping Woods - with a much fuller head of hair - into the green jacket after Woods won the Masters in a playoff.

That was from 2005.

And that was the last time Woods won the Masters.

Woods says at least he’s contending, so he’s not about to panic.

BOY WONDER. 14 year old Guan Tianlang of China will be playing against the men of the PGA Tour in the 2013 US Masters at Augusta. (Top, inset) Tiger Woods is still the man to beat in the Masters.

GUAN TIANLANG What’s a 14-year old doing in Augusta?

T

IGeR Woods is amazed at 14-yearold Chinese golf prodigy Guan Tianlang and how well he executes his shot-making at Augusta national this week ahead of Thursday’s start of the 77th Masters.

“For a 14-year-old to be able to come out here and handle himself the way he has done is just unbelievable,” Woods said.

“When I was 14, I was trying to play more tournaments and I was running track and cross country, trying to

he conceded that it feels a lot longer than eight years ago, though he is not the least bit discouraged that the Masters is the major he has gone the longest without winning.

Since that Sunday evening, Woods has won the British Open twice, the PGA Championship twice and another U.S. Open.

Could he have imagined in 2005 that seven Masters would come and go without him winning? ‘’I wouldn’t have been happy with that,’’ Woods said. ‘’I put myself in the mix every year but last year, and that’s the misleading part. It’s not like I’ve been out there with no chance of winning this championship. I’ve been there, and unfortunately just haven’t got it done. ‘’Obviously, I’m not real happy with the fact that I haven’t won more,’’ he said. ‘’But the whole idea is to give myself opportu-

nities. And as of right now, I’m tied for second on the all-time win list here. So that’s not too bad, either.’’

Woods has changed his practice routine at this major. For years known as a dew sweeper for playing his practice rounds at the crack of dawn, Woods hasn’t shown up at the course until after lunch this week. he played Monday afternoon with 14-year-old Guan Tianlang and Dustin Johnson. After his news conference, he headed to the practice range before going out for nine holes with Fred Couples.

Asked about the change, he was coy, telling a reporter with whom he’s familiar, ‘’Just wanted to mess with you.’’ he smiled, never giving an explanation, so that much hasn’t changed about Woods.

The biggest difference is his health and his game, which are connected.

get homework done. I couldn’t imagine not just playing in a tour event, but the Masters.”

Guan is set to become the youngest player in Masters history when he tees off Thursday afternoon alongside twotime Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, with whom he shared a Monday morning practice round, and Italy’s Matteo Manassero.

Manassero had been the youngest Masters starter at age 16 from his 2010 appearance, but he will be erased from the spot by Guan, who qual-

ified for the Masters by winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship last november.

“If I had any advice for him, just enjoy it you’re playing in the Masters at 14,” said twotime major champion Rory McIlroy. “he could potentially play 60 Masters. It’s incredible, just a great accomplishment.”

McIlroy met Guan in the Masters locker room today, a day after Guan and Woods played the back nine together in an Augusta national practice round.