Edge Davao 6 Issue 205

EDGEDAVAO

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

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

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

EDGE DAVAO’S YEARENDER

Top 13in 2013 By the EDGE DAVAO STAFF Photos by Lean Daval Jr.

T

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

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

alongside brother Paolo as the new vice mayor.

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

F13 IN 2013, 2

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

2

EDGEDAVAO

YEAR ENDER

A KISS FOR A JOB WELL DONE. Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio receives a kiss from proud husband, lawyer Mans Carpio, after delivering her State of the City Address (Soca) at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlungsod as she wrapped up her tour of duty at City Hall.

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

ANOTHER TOUR OF DUTY. Mayor Rody Duterte returned to the City Hall after serving as Vice Mayor to his daughter Sara.

Top 13...FFROM 1 with police at high noon outside a local branch of Allied Bank. The victim Sally Chua, a businesswoman they had snatched at gunpoint in Quezon City last July 5, was rescued, while trying to withdraw ransom money of P15 million from the Allied Bank on C.M. Recto Street.

At the height of the skirmishes in Zamboanga City on September 16, the city was rocked with explosions inside two cinemas at SM City Davao on Quimpo Boulevard and Gaisano Mall on J.P. Laurel Avenue.

Davao City also saw the staging of major events like the Mindanao Business Council, Philconsruct, and some concerts heralded by international music legends like Patty Austin, Dionne Warwick and Engelbert Humperdink. Rey “Boom Boom Bautista” defended his world championship in Davao City and although he lost to gritty Mexican Jose Ramirez, the city returned to the map of big-time events that

also included the opening day game of the PBA. There were breakthroughs in governance, too. The stricter liquor ban, the speed limit, and the no-vendor-on-sidewalk clearing.

Let’s take a walk through the year 2013 with the Edge Davao editors picks of the Top 13 Stories of the year.

Kidnapping Last July 11, three suspected members of a Metro Manila-based kidnap-for-ransom gang were killed in a dramatic shootout with police at high noon outside a local branch of Allied Bank.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief Ronald dela Rosa said the suspects were accompanied by their victim, Sally Chua, a businesswoman they had snatched at gunpoint in Quezon City last July 5, to withdraw ransom money amounting to P15 million from the Allied Bank branch on C.M. Recto Street.

Earlier, the local po-

lice had received a tip from the Anti Kidnapping Group (AKG) of Camp Crame about the kidnapping and proceeded to set up an entrapment operation that ultimately resulted to the shootout and Chua’s rescue.

Chua, 51, a resident of San Fransisco del Monte, Quezon City, told authorities that there were 14 members of the group and that she was able to persuade them to have the “payoff” done in Davao City.

What was actually in her mind was City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s widely known no-nonsense stance against criminals.

High-powered firearms and hand guns, mostly .45 caliber, and magazines were recovered from the compartments of the Montero Sport vehicle which was used by the suspects.

Law and order beat Who can forget the September 16, 2013 explosions inside two cin-

emas at SM City Davao on Quimpo Boulevard and Gaisano Mall on J.P. Laurel Avenue? The twin bombing incidents prompted Mayor Duterte to threaten closure of any mall that does not impose strict security measures.

Duterte said mall owners should provide an adequate security system, while berating security agencies for lapses in the two malls.

The twin-bombings occurred while the entire city was placed under heightened alert due to skirmishes between the military and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels in Zamboanga City then.

No one was injured in the SM City Davao explosion which happened at 9:03 p.m. although it did some damage to property inside the moviehouse.

Over at the Gaisano Mall, five persons reportedly suffered minor injuries in the blast that occurred at about 9:25 p.m.

HELPLESS. Personnel of Central 911 stare helplessly as fire gobbled up houses at the Muslim Village in Zone 5, Km. 11 Sasa, Davao City in August.

ANOTHER DRUG SUSPECT FALLS. Former Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Ronald Dela Rosa inspects the room of former police officer Nilo Divinagracia Jr. who was killed after a drug buy bust operation conducted by the operatives of the Investigation and Detection Management Branch of the Davao City Police Office (IDMB-DCPO) resulted in a shootout inside his rented room in Piapi Blvd., Davao City. Dela Rosa spearheaded a no nonsense anti-drug campaign he called “Tok-hang.”

Police investigators remain clueless as to the identity and motive of those behind the twin bombings, although Mayor Duterte had cleared MNLF chairman Nur Misuari of any responsibility.

Davao City police director Ronald dela Rosa said the modus operandi of the bombers in using improvised explosive devices (IED) seemed familiar. He was later cautioned by Mayor Duterte to avoid rush judgment to ensure they get the right perpetrators before pointing fingers at anybody.

Liquor ban/speed limit Mayor Duterte signed the new ordinance which sets the liquor ban from 1: 00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. prohibiting the sale or serving, drinking and consumption of liquor, alcoholic beverages, coconut wine and other nature wines that cause intoxication, within commercial establishments and public places.

It also prohibits all persons below 18 years old from ordering, drinking and consuming liquor from stores and entertainment establishments.

A total of 23 persons have been charged so far for violating the new liquor ban.

The ordinance stipulates that violators will be fined P3,000 for the first offense, P5, 000 or/ and imprisonment for three months and P5,000

and/or imprisonment for one year including the revocation of business permit, for the second and third offenses.

Also last year, Duterte also signed Executive Order 39 which sets the speed limits for all vehicles within the city.

Under EO 39 series of 2013, violators will be subjected to arrest and “their vehicle impounded without prejudice to the imposition of penalties and fines under the provision of RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and Davao City Ordinance No. 778.”

The speed limits are as follows: 30 kilometers per hour (KPH) in the downtown area, 40 KPH from Ulas to Generoso Bridge/Bolton Bridge, from Panacan Crossing to J.P. Laurel Avenue –Alcantara and from Ma-a Road to MacArthur Highway along and 60 KPH along the highways from Sirawan to Ulas Crossing, from Calinan to Ulas Crossing, from Panacan to Lasang, and from Carlos P. Garcia Highway/ Mc Arthur Highway to Panacan, all within the city’s jurisdiction.

Records from the Traffic Group showed that traffic accidents in the city during the months of October, November and part of December indicate that there was an average of 20- percent reduction in the number of traffic accidents in the city since the speed limits were enforced.

FTOP 13, 3

YEAR ENDER

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

3

CRIME SCENE. A lady guard fixes the police line outside cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall of Davao where police operatives are conducting thorough investigationafter a bomb explosion.

SECURITY LAPSES. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte came down to a plan to padlock Davao City malls with ineffectual and inefficient security setups after two Davao City malls’ cinemas were bombed.

The EO sets territorial boundaries on speed limit. Drivers must observe a maximum speed of 60 kilometer per hour (kph) from Sirawan to Ulas Crossing, from Lasang to Panacan, from Calinan to Ulas Crossing, and from C.P Gracia Highway-McArthur Highway to Panacan.

Eric Su, developer of Piclyf flew to Silicon Valley to present their products with other contenders from different parts of the world.

Barriga said that the city’s participation in these contests “highlights the smart, intelligent, and practical product by winning these contests.”He also said that it “brings more global attention to Davao-made products.”

Top 13...FFROM 2

More honors for DCCCII The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) was recognized as the most outstanding chamber of commerce in Mindanao and in the Philippines during the Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC & E) at the Manila Hotel in October.

The chamber was cited for its “outstanding performance in the improvement of business services, advocacies in economic development, investment generation, Asean RoRo system, road connection to tourism, public private partnership, partnership with government and mem-

bership development.”

DCCCII outgoing president Daniel T. Lim said these awards “are testaments to the commitment of the officers, committee chairpersons and general membership to improve the business climate of Davao City, and continuously living up to the expectations of being the most sought after chamber of commerce in the country and in Asia Pacific.”

The chamber is not a stranger to awards as it had garnered awards and recognitions many times in the past. In 2005, it became the first Philippine chamber to be awarded as the best chamber in Asia and in the Pacific.

The year after, it was a runner-up in the search for the world’s most outstanding chamber staged in Mexico.

Silicon Valley triumphs “Davao’s software and innovations sector has been very passionate in developing software application and tools in-

cluding inventions that can compete in the global arena,” said Information and Communication Technology Davao president Edilberto “Bert” Barriga Jr. A team of budding developers brought Davao City to centerstage as they won the first- ever-Manila-leg AngelHack last June 8 -9, 2013 for Pagesnapp- their flagship product.

Dubbed as the biggest hackathon in the world, the team, comprised of Rolly Rulete, Marvin Consuegra, Raymund Delfin, Jay Albano and Mio Miguel Galang from Pampanga brought honor and prestige to the city.

Last November, the team, as official representatives of the country, attended the AngelHack Demo, an event where winners from other countries converged to showcase their respective products.

In 2011, two teams of developers under the name of Ric Dayot, who leads the homegrown RAD Green Solutions, and

King’s return In city politics, the story looked like the king has returned to the palace with the new crowned prince and his princess.

Mayor Duterte successfully made a comeback to City Hall with his election last May. It is his seventh three-year term since 1988, when as OIC vice mayor he trounced OIC Mayor Zafiro L. Respicio against many odds.

This time around, Duterte was unopposed as the Commission on Election declared his opponents Rodrigo P. Buenzon, Teodoro P. Mantilla,

THIS SHRINKING SMOKING WORLD. The city government expanded its anti-smoking ordinance which bars smoking in a public highway such as this one.

Magdaleno S. Marcellones, Rolly T. Solis and Rodrigo J. Sulamin, as nuisnc candidates a few days before election day.

Along with his comeback was the assumption of his son, Paolo who was also elected as vice mayor, who is also the head of the the 17th city council.

Later this year, the vice mayor’s wife, January, also joined the City Council as result of being elected barangay captain of Catalunan Grande and later as the new president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC). January was elected unopposed.

Step down-rise up After few months as elected city councilor, lawyer J. Melchor V. Quitain decided to resign from his position last September to assume as city administrator, a position which Mayor Duterte offered to him.

The mayor had actually made the announcement after the election that he was eyeing Quitain as his city administrator.

The resignation of Quitain opened an opportunity for the Muslim community to be represented in the local lawmaking body as the mayor earlier announced that the replacement of Quitain as city councilor would come from them.

Duterte will reveal the replacement ‘s identity either in February or March this coming year.

Highest budget ever The city government approved P5.16-billion as its budget for 2014, the highest ever in the city’s history. The city’s annual budget for 2013 was only P4.1-billion.

To Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, it is now the challenge for the city government to find ways to collect more taxes in

order to fund the appropriations.

To help make this happen, Dayanghirang filed resolutions before the City Council for computerization of transactions, especially in the City Assessor’s Office and City Treasurer’s Office to make sure that taxpayers are paying the correct taxes.

The biggest slice of the entire budget will be allocated to the general fund that has P4.14-billion which includes the P1.11-billion for personnel services where salaries of the city employees will be taken.

The City Mayor’s Office has a budget of P1.5 billlion covering expenses on peace and order, Central 911, Traffic Management Center and “Lingap para sa Mahirap”, an unprecedented health assistance program.

300 homeless in fire Last August 22, some 300 families lost their houses in a fire at Km. 11, Sasa, Davao City.

Inspector Rodolfo Alocelja, chief of Davao City Fire District’s Investigation and Intelligence Section, said the cause of the fire was “electrical flying connection” while the owner of the house where it started was reportedly charging his mobile phone.

City Social Service and Development Office (CSSDO)’s Juliet Vigil, secretary of department head Maria Luisa Bermudo, told Edge Davao that the 127 packs contained dry goods, especially products for personal hygiene, which she said are the basic needs of fire victims, besides food.

Tokhang and Taphang Last February 13, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spearheaded by then DCPO director Ron-

FTOP 13, 4

4

YEAR ENDER

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

AILING AIMEE. Central 911 paramedics attend to Board of Canvassers chair lawyer Aimee Ampoloquio after she felt dizzy during election canvassing at the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the height of the mid-term elections.

Top 13...FFROM 3

ald dela Rosa, who is now chief of the Intelligence unit of the Philippine National Police, implemented Oplan Tokhang (Toktok Hangyo) and Oplan Taphang (Tapok Hangyo).

Oplan Tokhang is a unique operation of the DCPO wherein police personnel visited houses of suspected drug pushers and users and persuade them to voluntarily stop their illegal activities— or else. While, Taphang is where the police conducted the most massive assemblies of suspected drug pushers and asked them to surrender.

Sr. Supt. Ronald dela Rosa said that 90 percent of inmates of city jails here are drug suspects who also contributed to the congestion of premier police stations in the city.

TOP DRAW. The colors of Araw ng Dabaw.

The drive against illegal drugs has been relentless with the arrest of hundreds of suspected drug pushers and users. He said they are now looking for ways how to decongest the detention cells in Sta. Ana police station, San Pedro police station, Talomo police station, Buhangin police station, Sasa police station, Bunawan police station and Toril police station.

He said the strategy has been very effective because they gained the support of the community.

Saga of the piglet 2013 proved to be the climax of the life story of Ryan Yu, 32-year-old alleged carnaping mastermind, also known as “Baktin,” local term for piglet.

After his alleged crim-

SPEED GUN. An enforcer from the Traffic Management Center (TMC) uses the city government of Davao’s newly-acquired speed gun to accurately measure the speed of vehicles in the light of the new speed limit law being enforced in the city.

inal activities mostly in the city were exposed, Mayor Rody Duterte put up a P5-million bounty for Baktin’s capture dead or alive.

After failing to show up in a scheduled arraignment and the judge cancelling his bail bond, Baktin showed up unbeknownst to most reporters in the Benigno Aquino Jr. Hall of Justice and explained his noshow caper to the judge as having been caused by a sickness. He is expected to be tried this year for eight counts of carnapping.

Minbizcon like no other The 2013 Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) was cited as the first agenda-based conference ever in the 21 years of existence.

DOWN IN THE FIRST. Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista of the Philippines drops to the seat of his pants in the first round after getting tagged by Jose “Negro” Ramirez of Mexico in the first ever world championship fight in Davao City in a decade.

President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III and his Cabinet secretaries were all present to listen and comment on the issues confronting the island.

John Gaisano, chief organizer and conference chairman, said that the chamber’s professional team, assisted by the experts of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) conducted and processed numerous consultations with a total 250 businessmen and industry leaders across the island to come up with 8 priority issues tackled during the MinBizCon the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier starting August 8.

The issues raised in the unprecedented business gathering are Agriculture, Power, Tourism, Transport and Logistics, Skills development, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Mining.

The President, for the first time, knew what particular issues to be addressed, unlike before

when the President only gave his speech after the delegates had come up with a list of issues on the last day of the convention.

In his 15-minue speech, the President tackled the importance of peace and security and discussed at length the power shortage faced by the island, However, he did not forget to highlight agriculture and infrastructure development initiatives for the area.

The Cabinet secretaries, on the other hand, dwelled on the details of each issue. Gaisano claimed that Minbizcon participants were impressed with the President’s and his Cabinet members’ presence.

BPO strides The good business climate in Davao City has attracted three more business process outsourcing (BPOs) companies to locate and expand their operation in the city the year just ended.

Dubbed as the one of the Philippine’s Next

Wave Cities , Davao City has a growing industry for these sector as Ibex Global Philippines, Convergys, and Teleperformance located here, generating more than 3,000 jobs for qualified Dabawenyos.

“The expansion of the large BPO companies in Davao City signifies the growing confidence of the whole industry in Davao as a location,” said Eriberto “ Bert” Barriga Jr., executive vice president of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-Davao.

He said that the “better and more stable infrastructure, abundant talent supply, safe and secure environment, efficient and effective local government unit (LGU)” are just some of the strengths of Davao City “that continues to impress both foreign and local investors.”

As to next year, Barriga said that they are receiving more queries from more BPO companies who are eyeing the city as their next location.

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

Buy

EDGEDAVAO

5

and get a chance to win fabulous Prizes!

6

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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

TO BREAK THE RECORD

54 city barangays in Torotot Festival

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

TOTAL of 54 barangays of Davao City are required to join the first Davao Torotot Festival along Roxas Avenue today for the New Year’s Eve celebration .

Edgardo Ibuyan, Jr., vice president of Liga ng mga Barangay told media practitioners during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Annex, SM City yesterday that each barangay must bring 200 participants to complete the 10,000 total targeted by Smart

Telecommunication, the organizer, in partnership with the City Government of Davao.

Ibuyan said that they are expecting to be listed in the Guinness Book of Record as the most number of participants to beat Japan, who holds the most number of horn blowers gathered in one place.

Ibuyan said that the counting of the attendees will start from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM today

F54 CITY, 10

TIME OFF. Local media practitioners take some time off to enjoy a night of games and gift-giving in the annual Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Christmas party held at the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) regional office in Bangkal, Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

Noynoy’s go-signal vital Alquiza assures 2014 completion to Cha-cha move: Bello

I

of Castillo, Quezon road projects

More important matters for country to focus on cited

F HOUSE Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. is serious about his group’s proposal to amend the Philippine Constitution, he should first get the support of President Noynoy Aquino.

This was the comment of BAP1 Party-list Rep. Silvestre H. Bello III when asked about his opinion on the move of the administration allies in the House to push for Charter changes (Cha-cha). Belmonte has made the announcement himself.

Bello said that of all

five Presidents since the ouster of strongman Ferdinand Marcos— Corazon C. Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Beingno S. Aquino III— all, except the Aquinos, wanted to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution for varying reasons.

“Without the support of the seating President, no Cha-cha move will succeed,” the lawmaker from Isabela and Davao City said, adding that “ka pag totoo ang

FNOYNOY’S, 10

Construction firms reminded on penalties in case of project delays

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

T

ajero_antonio@yahoo.com

HE MULTI-MILLION-PESO rehabilitation projects involving Quezon Boulevard and Rafael Castillo Street, two main roads cutting through downtown Davao City, will be completed within 2014.

This was the assurance made by Regional Director Mariano “Marnie” Alquiza of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 11 during a yearend media briefing last week.

Alquiza who said the contractors of the big projects, both started before he was assigned in the Davao Region, have been warned about the dire consequences of their failure to complete the projects on time.

“In fairness to both of them though, there is not much negative slippage or serious delays incurred that cannot be explained,” Alquiza said.

Some of the delays were caused by service

companies whose cables and pipes were hit by the projects, because under the law, these firms were granted DPWH permit to build their own infrastructures in roads and highways on condition that if these facilities are hit by DPWH projects, it is the companies’ duty to relocate them at their own expense, Alquiza explained.

However, the DPWH regional official said that in a series of meetings with the engineers

IN DECEMBER

and the owners of the construction companies involved, it was made clear to them that if the projects will be delayed, the department under the watch of Secretary Rogelio Singson they face the grim prospect of being blacklisted or barred from participating in future projects administered by the DPWH. Motorists and the commuting public have complained about traffic delays due to the unfinished projects.

Police report 45 rob cases

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

T

TO BREAK THE RECORD. Davao City ABC vice president Edgar Ibuyan Jr. says during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday that the city government of Davao together with Smart Phils. are targeting 10,000 participants for the first-ever “Torotot Festival” which will be held along Roxas Avenue on New Year’s Eve. The record established by Japan is 6,000 participants. Lean Daval Jr.

epc@edgedavao.net

HE DAVAO City Police Office has tallied 45 robbery incidents perpetrated by unidentified persons for the month of December 2013.

Davao City police director Vicente Danao Jr., said crime against property is expected to increase in number based on their crime trending data. He said that most of the cases are still unresolved.

Last November the DCPO recorded only 35 cases of robbery.

Danao said robbers will attack houses that are unattended during nighttime in subdivisions.

Like what happened in Dona Vicenta village where robbers attacked five houses, victimized a retired police officer, a doctor and businessmen last December 24 and 25, taking some P1.5 million

FPOLICE, 10

THE ECONOMY

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

EDGEDAVAO

7

Stat Watch IN REGION 11 Indicator

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

Labor productivity to increase by 2016

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

L

ABOR productivity in the region is expected to increase to 6.0 percent by 2016 from a -5.1 percent growth in 2009, the updated RDP for 20142016 report says. By 2016, it says, workers’ productivity in the agricutural sector is expected to grow by 4.0 percent, industrial workers by 8.4 percent, and the service sector workers by 5.0 percent.

The number of employed persons shall reach 2.22 million, signifying an 98.2 percent employment rate by 2016.

The underemployment rate shall be reduced to 15 percent.

To increase the labor productivity of the region, the updated Regional Development Plan for 2014 to 2016 says that there’s a need to strengthen 8 identified industry clusters.

The National Industry Cluster Capacity and Enhancement Program (NICCEP) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in region 11 identified the industries as banana, mango, coconut, seaweed, mining,

P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

10.Peso National government 11. per US $ 5/

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate

2.5

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 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

CACAO TALK. Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao, Inc. (Cidami) chair and Federation of Banana Cooperatives in Davao (Fedco) president and chief executive officer Rene Dalayon gives updates on the industries of cacao and banana during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. wood manufacture, tourism, and information and communication technology as the priority industry cluster in the region.

The strengthening of these industry clusters is supportive of the region’s vision to be the Rising Global Frontier.

The updated report

REGIONAL ECONOMY

says the region “shall endeavor to upscale the development the priority industry clusters by updating and implementing the Davao Region Industry Cluster Plan.”

It also says that the increase in labor productivity through the industry cluster development

can also be attained by improving the institutional capacities for value chain development and management.

At the end, the report says that to realize this, there should be “strong policy support in the strengthening of these clusters, particularly in

providing a conducive climate for sustained investments.”

It also says that “adoption and advocacy of responsive investment incentives and promotions” should be pushed in the local government unit (LGUs) with the passage of local investment codes.

RDP bares what needs to be done for growth T

HE DAVAO region must pursue agri-industrial development through the use of appropriate technology for product diversification to attain sustainable economic growth, a report says.

This is based on the updated Regional Development Plan for 2014 to 2016 which was recently launched by the

National Economic and Development Authority at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier.

The pursuance of development in the agri-industrial sector would create products that are more value-added. The report says that agro-industrialization can only be developed by “pursuing efficiency

in the value chain of the region’s major agricultural products as well as developing the value chain.”

“Efficiency in the value chain of the region’s priority clusters should be pursued, particularly in the products that have high competitive advantage.”

RDP says that banana and coconut have

high competitive advantage while the value chain for durian mango, cacao, abaca, seaweed, bangus and palm oil should be developed. It identified pomelo, guyabano and mangosteen as crops with high potential for growth.

The development in the value chain, according to the updated RDP “shall be one

of the region’s main engines for achieving desired development outcomes, such as poverty reduction, particularly among farmers, by expanding the export market, diversifying products and generating employment from agri-business activities arising from the development of the value chains.” [CRC]

as of May 2013 Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 12:55

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:25

Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05

Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu

14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

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

EDITORIAL

Torchbearers of 2013

C

OMMUNITY journalism is never about apple-shining. It should be the opposite. Journalists are like chief gardeners who should not marvel at the beauty and fragrance of the flowers in the garden in an act akin to narcissism. On the contrary, they look for worms, wilted flowers and dried leaves to get rid of.

However, in this season of giving and yearend assessment, we think it is not wrong to appreciate the dough and ignore the hole, to paraphrase a hackneyed idiomatic expression.

Indeed, there is so much good to thank Divine Providence and Lady Luck for the nice things that happened to Dabawenyos in 2013, even as we continue to remember the misfortunes that befell us and learn from their lessons.

So, we thank the personas that made us proud as Dabawenyos, comprovincianos who gave us honor due to their achievements and strides in laudable advocacies which caught the generous attention of both local and national media during the year.

In business, Dennis A. Uy, president and CEO of Davao City-based Phoenix Petroleum, garnered the coveted Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship (Large scale) in 2013, the year he also received the prestigious Datu Bago Award of Davao City. This is the same young business executive and intrepid entrepreneur who was national finalist in the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Search and finalist in the CNBC Asia Business Leaders Award successively in 2011 and 2012.

Dabawenyos also won big in the field of information, communication and technology (ICT). The team composed of Rolly Rullete, Marcs Consuegra, Jay Albano and Raymund Delfin developed Pagesnapp that gives a user a pure native android and blackberry app from his existing Facebook page. The users can stay updated without having to go tp the company’s Facebook page. On the other hand, the quintet of Christopher John Cubos, Kevin Omilte, Randolf Ramirez, Genesis Ortiz and Jonnel Ray Buesan came up with i-Calamity, an

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

app that would reconnect families after disasters.These sensational creations made these kids win first prize in the AngelHacktons and are eligible to participate in Angel.Hackcelerators, an international startup event in San Francisco, California in spring next year.

There was likewise a surfeit of torchbearers among public servants this year. They are led by no less than Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, who seems to have an abundance of disruptive concepts in governance up his sleeves. As in the amazing world of gadgets, “disruptive” here refers to new ideas that jettison the norm out of the way to move forward. Included in this genre are the bans against smoking in public places, firecrackers and liquor drinking and sale. When Duterte returned to City Hall, he had the liquor ban amended to enforce it earlier than 2 a.m. and lately added an executive order regulating speed of motor vehicles.

Another young man who gave honor to his family and fellow Dabawenyos is Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, who recently completed three terms as governor of Sarangani Province. Migs was chosen one of The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines for Governance.

Lawmakers from Davao City also caught national attention for the roles played in policy and law-making. They are Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, who defended the P2.3-trillion national budget as the first ever Dabawenyo chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. Earlier last year as House finance committee chairman, Ungab successfully sponsored the 2012 Sin Tax Law. This law, which failed to pass Congress for close to two decades, is now giving P50 billion in additional tax revenue to the government.

The other torchbearers in governance are Reps. Silvestre H. Bello III, Luzviminda C. Ilagan and Isagani Carlos Zarate, who all happen to be party-list representatives.

To all of the foregoing torchbearers, we say may your tribe increase!

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR / CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

KRISTINE D. BORJA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Marketing Specialist Circulation

Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO

2

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

Looking back on a newsbreaking year

014 WILL BE AN EVEN MORE CHALLENGING YEAR – This publication will be EDGE DAVAO’S traditional year-end triple-dated issue. After a three-day break we will resume publication with the January 3, 2014 and regular subsequent issues. We take this opportunity to wish all our friends, readers and subscribers a safe and festive season - a joyful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2014, the Year of the Wood Horse.

Looking back, the media industry knew that 2013 would be a good year for news. After all, the numerals 2013 were recognized shorthand for the significant political comeback of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte as Davao City’s top political honcho. This is the kind of event that local journalists love: full of memoire, symbolism, personalities, interests – and one that press people had lots of time to prepare for.

We had also prepared for another event, the signing of the Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels. But we obviously couldn’t know when that realization of lasting peace in Muslim-dominated areas in Mindanao would happen. Media had other accomplishments as well: their stories on the scandal on child prostitution and child labor, human rights violations, police and military brutalities, deteriorating peace and order, abuses of insurgents, environmental disaster, power deficiency, and poor delivery of basic social services.

And there’s also unceasing media coverage of the incomparable Priority Assistance Development Fund (PDAF) or “pork barrel” fund scam embroiling some alleged thick-faced members of Congress who are in cahoots with un-

scrupulous business entrepreneurs.

Another equally highly anomalous financial scandal that couldn’t evade the preying eyes of media is the DBM-orchestrated Disbursement Acceleration Fund (DAF). More than that, many are surprised at how Edge Davao has done in such a short time focusing intently on the local business trends and national economic activities. Little wonder that when an independent research organization looked at local newspapers and financial broadsheets this year, they reported that Edge Davao’s total audiences grew more than most of its competitors.

But the year 2013 was also marked with sadness and misfortunes: the one month armed skirmishes between government troops and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Misuari-faction in Zamboanga City resulting to the death of more than a hundred people – soldiers and rebels alike including innocent civilians and children. The man-made calamity likewise created a tremendous damage to government and private properties worth several millions. In the middle of the year, well before the world media turned their attentions to this part of the country, a horrifying 7.2 magnitude earthquake of tectonic origin shattered the provinces of Bohol and Cebu flattening centuries-old churches, historical, religious and tourist

sites and modern structures to the ground. The frightful tremor left hundreds of people dead, scores severely injured and damages to properties, agricultural crops and farm animals worth billions.

Not long after the killer temblor, a devastating typhoon Yolanda considered the strongest weather turbulence ever recorded in history and a dreadful storm surge badly ravaged the eastern Visayas region particularly the provinces of Samar and Leyte and the city of Tacloban. Damages to properties, businesses, agricultural crops and infrastructures reached undetermined levels while latest death toll tally hits the 6,000 mark and more than a thousand more dead bodies remained unidentified and scores are still missing. Also, in what appeared to be a king-size headache for the Aquino administration are the gargantuan task and the enormous amount needed for recovery effort and rehabilitation program. At this stage, the entire Filipino nation continued to mourn the loss of lives and damage to properties, structures and livelihood.

Given the country’s mounting and entwining problems despite government being able to score high in the economic front, we know full well that 2014 will be an even more challenging year than 2013. So we will work and strive harder to give the vigilant and inquisitive public the most important, most insightful, most relevant and most timely information possible. Of course, our friends, readers and subscribers would expect nothing less.

Again, we wish you all a joyful Christmas and Jolly New Year, and may you have a blissful 2014, the Year of the Wood Horse – a symbol of a zealous dash to progress and prosperity.

What do you do if there’s no government to speak of or turn to?

W

HAT Citizens can do When that happens, one tack citizens can take is to invoke their sovereign power to govern themselves or to establish government no matter how temporary or transient. This is a reflex act that citizens or a community ought to develop in order to establish or maintain order, to mobilize and call on one another to undertake contingency planning, generate emergency responses, or utilize what’s available in terms of manpower or resources.

Who else to rely upon but one’s self, then one another, then immediate neighbors and what’s left of the rest of the community?

But this reflex requires a developed sense of community, the communitarian spirit needed for a group to rise in order to secure its collective welfare and security.

Sense of community is something our government and society—battered by two dozen typhoons yearly plus other disasters and cataclysms—should take pains to develop and foster in anticipation of the inevitable emergencies that annually visit us. This may be done through regular simulation or drills in the barangays— where people power and sovereignty are embodied in the convening of the Barangay Assembly which is literally a constituent assembly, the source of all government authority.

But no one takes the initiative, not even the Office of Civil Defense. So our society carries on like Sisyphus year after year as it clumsily tries to cope with disaster, failing each time, losing lives and property every time, and somehow stumbling back on its feet until the next inevita-

WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

(Conclusion) ble devastation occurs.

In fact, our communities are badly organized and ill-prepared. Though we manage to survive, we’re not geared for progress, for improving our chances of survival progressively.

We do not take pains to learn the lessons to be had from every cataclysm. We’re stuck on accepting the inevitable devastation, just coping with it by improvising.

When do we learn?

We ought to learn the lessons to be had from every cataclysm and hone our ways of coping so that there will be zero fatality at least.

Ours is supposed to be “a government by the people, of the people, and for the people.”

So if a unit of government like a barangay or city is rendered inoperative, it ought not to be an insurmountable problem—unless there are no people around. The survivors can form a new government and make it operative even for a short period, if only to secure peace and order, or discourage looting and lawlessness.

It is our failure to take self-governance or autonomy seriously that makes us unable to do so. Time and again, this issue emerges in certain parts of our archipelago. But we do not measure up; we thrive on dependency.

It is time we learn to become less dependent on outside help and be more self-reliant.

The utter destruction and disarray in Tacloban made observers remark that it had no government. They were only partly right, because the survivors, no matter how dazed and overwhelmed, were still around, still on their feet, still able to function with whatever little energy or motivation they had left.

If they had had the motivation and the training, or the habit and the urge to spring to action amidst adversity, they could still have assembled and considered ways of coping with their predicament and carry on as a community.

They would not have had to feel so helpless or so paralyzed; they could still pool whatever individual or group capabilities were at hand, be the government of the people, and organize or start the clean up.

Which of our communities today has bothered to take initiative and prepare itself for such recurring, inevitable contingencies?

Which ones today are accordingly organized and disposed to cope with emergency, able to meet the next round of devastation caused by a Sendong, a Pablo, or a Yolanda?

In other words, where can one find a government by the people, for the people, and of the people among the 42,000 barangays, and the hundreds of municipalities, cities, and provinces above them? [Manny Valdehuesa writes from Cagayan de Oro and is the president and national convenor of Gising Barangay Movement Inc. He can be reached at valdehuesa@gmail.com.]

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Pope Francis: Beyond the compelling gestures COMMENTARY

BY MARTIN E. MARTY

W

(Conclusion)

HAT is ahead? I remember in Rome back in 1964, veteran Vatican-watching reporters told those who supported the progressive bishops that they were naïve. We heard that bishops, once they returned home, far from Rome, would have to deal with nagging issues and recalcitrant factions. On these issues, they said, the bishops would not remain firmly with the progressives. A standard question to those who dreamed of positive change, was, “Have you any idea how much harder it is to ‘run’ an ‘open’ church than a ‘closed’ one?”

Many historians and theologians regard Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and the majority of the bishops since 1965 as having lost much of progressive “spirit of Vatican II.” Yet Francis now summons that spirit when calling on church officials to stress justice, show compassion, serve the poor and “evangelize,” to invite back straying Catholics and attract new believers.

This first non-European pope is thoroughly at home with the pressures and arguments that agitate throughout church, state and cultures in the Western world — in part because they have counterparts across the developing nations in the Americas, Africa and Asia.

He knows from his world-wide contacts and experiences that today it is not the ancient dogmas that most arouse suspicion and controversy.

Centuries ago, inflammatory issues were usually “churchly” in character.

Factions fought over the nature of God and wrestled over the doctrine of the Trinity, “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Or they dealt with the central figure of their faith, Jesus Christ, as “divine and human.” And they divided over the sacraments, human sin and grace. All of them important to this pope, but they have no monopoly in his prescript.

Today, a different agenda preoccupies the church in most cultures. The pope exposed a hot wire when, in that recent much-studied formal “exhortation,” Evangelii Gaudium, he attacked the tyranny of “unfettered capitalism” and the “economy of exclusion and inequality.” He has on his side the official Catholic teaching of the past two centuries — though that may count for little among dogmatists on this “social” front. Francis also showed his discontent with the way sexual, biological and gender issues, including abortion and same-sex marriage, were being focused on obsessively.

Gender-related controversies do often relate to church practices, and will likely disturb the peace after these first friendly impressions fade. The possibility of making policy changes that would allow for married priests is slight, or of ordaining women –the pope made clear — is now zero.

Will Francis misstep? Or wear out his welcome? Few signs of that as yet appear.

But the old cautions remain: Francis has to take on drastic reform within the Vatican and its operations, where positive gestures and symbols will not always help him. What some see as his honeymoon of 2013 will certainly be clouded when opponents regain their footing and organize resistance.

Whatever happens, however, we can be assured that we already have on hand the candidate for “the best-known person in the world” in 2014.

10

NEWS

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

CHO to add 2 new health programs T

HE DAVAO City health office will add two new health programs as among the priorities of the city in 2014.

Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, city health officer, said that the programs are the elimination of severeacute malnutrition in the city and a program for elders who have diabetes.

Villafuerte said the city will purchase ready to use therapeutic food which is

complete meal needed by every child with severe acute malnutrition.

This will be a fourmonth treatment for them to go on moderate malnutrition,” she said.

For the elders, Villafuerte said that they will have a food risk assessment program and provide exercising machines in the parks.

She said that the planning for a healthy city will be on February of next year. [ABF]

as personnel from the Guinness Book of Record will arrive to witness this year’s spectacular event.

On the other hand, the barangay with the largest contingent will receive P50,000 cash prize from Smart. Awards will be also given to the contin-

gent with the most creative torotots.

There will also be an inter-barangay contest with lots of prizes. The event will start at 1:00 PM of December 31 to 1:00 AM of January 1, 2014.

There will be a first Davao New Year’s Eve Countdown.

sinasabi ng Malacanang that they do not support Cha-cha, walang mangyayari sa Cha-cha.”

Bello himself opposes the move to amend the Constitution.

“There are more serious matters to attend to, like the great rehabilitation of disaster-stricken areas such as those hit by Yolanda, Pablo and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Cebu and

Bohol,” according to Bello, who has aligned himself with the Opposition in the House.

He cautioned government against liberalizing the country’s current economic policies to suit the clamor of foreign companies, as “we might find ourselves selling the nation’s patrimony and Filipinos no longer in control of our national wealth.” [AMA]

worth of belongings. The police are still investigating the cases.

Supt. Joel Consulta, station commander of the San Pedro police, said that they already identified the robbers responsible for looting in Dona Vicenta village.

Consulta said that his men saw one of the robbers roaming around in the village last Friday, but when the policemen approached him, he evaded arrest.

Last December 25, Leif Jared Sy, a businessman and resident of 121 Surveyor St., Dona Vicenta reported to police that robbers took his belongings worth P250,000 at about 9: 00 p.m. Dr. Oscar Escudero Jr., 63, of 39 Sputnik St., Dona Vicenta Village also reported that robbers carted away P1

million worth of jewelry from his house while the family was attending party.

Also victimized in the same village was Clarita Molz, 72, a retired police-woman and resident of #6 Friendship St., who, however, could not give an estimate of value of the items carted away.

Jose Rabuya, 43, businessman and resident of Telstar St. in the same village reported that robbers took some P100,000 worth of items. They discovered the theft when they returned home after attending a party.

Consulta asked for one more week to solve the robbery incidents in the village.

“Do not leave your house unattended when you attend parties,” he added.

54 city...FFROM 6

GETTING READY. Workers are seen setting up the stage for the New Year’s Eve’s “Torotot Festival” along Roxas Avenue in Davao City which is expected to break the Guinness World Records for the most number of people simultaneously blowing “torotot”, a record currently held by Japan. Lean Daval Jr.

8 accused CTO employees asked to prove innocence

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

T

HE ADMINISTRATIVE tribunal of Davao City has asked eight city treasurer’s office employees who allegedly misappropriated tax collections to submit documents proving their innocence.

Lawyer Enrique Junior A. Bonocan, lead prosecutor of the administrative tribunal, told Edge Davao that during the hearing of the tribunal on Dec.18 the defense was asked to submit a formal offer of evidence within 10 days but

the respondents asked for more time.

“After that, the committee will rule on their formal offer and then (maybe) we will be directed to submit our respective memoranda,”Bonocan said.

He added that they already did the series of hearings and the tribunal was just awaiting the memoranda of both parties before the verdict is promulgated.

Bonocan said that the eight should be dismissed

from service as the evidence show that they really committed the crime.

On the other hand, The Office of the Ombudsman may be filing criminal cases against the eight employees.

“Criminal scases against them may already have been taken cognizance of by the office of the Ombudsman who called us and relayed to us their interest in the criminal aspect,” Bonocan said.

Bonocan said that the Ombudsman already

sent a request to the city government to forward the records of the case to their office.

But, Bonocan added that their concentration is on the administrative aspect of the case in which the employment of the eight is at stake.

The city legal office (CLO) found in its initial investigation that the eight employees had committed grave misconduct and dishonesty in connection with P8-million in unremitted taxes.

aside from being supported with production materials.

“We can’t just give farmers seedlings and solve our agricultural problems,” she said, adding the support should include trainings and technical skills development, including how to market their products.

Abella hopes the City Agriculturist’s Office would create a system where all products, including export output, be traced from source.

“This is for us to see

the root of problems when they occur at any stage of the export process,” she said.

Abella said this system would allow farmers to trace which of their products have problems in terms of quality, and allow marketers to develop specific solutions whenever quality issues occur.

The councilor said the committee will be eyeing areas in Paquibato and Marilog as target areas where products from cacao and rubber, among other

crops, could be planted.

Citing cacao as an example, she said the export market has always been there, but there is not enough output from farmers in the city.

“There are hectares and hectares in these areas that need planting, and we can use that to help farmers,” she said.

She noted that the proposal also aims to address environmental issues, as there are areas in Marilog and Paquibato that need reforestation. [MindaNews]

Upland Management Board mulled for Davao City

T

HE DAVAO City Council’s Committee on Agriculture will present to the City Planning and Development Office next month a proposal for the creation of an Upland Management Board that aims to help the city produce more in terms of agriculture as well as protect it from environmental damage.

Agriculture Committee chair Marissa Salvador Abella said local producers in the city need increased exposure to technical skills

Noynoy’s...FFROM 6

Police...FFROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

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

BIGGER PICTURE

11

Korean firm in Davao specializes in furniture

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

Photos by Lean Daval Jr.

W

ITH THE growing economy of Davao City, the demand for making a more stylish home is becoming a trend.

A home which is capable of utilizing all available space, but in an affordable way.

This is how OTR visualizes every home.

OTR (On the rock) is a Korean based company which manufactures Korean furniture. The furniture are made of particle board and UV High Gloss Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) which are imported from Incheon, South Korea.

OTR is the first and only manufacturer of Korean furniture in Mindanao. It makes customized furnitures for kitchen, wardrobe and system shelf, TV organizer, and office.

It started in December 12 last year,the Incheon based company in South Korea expanded its first manufacturing plant out of Korea in Davao City. They chose Davao because the rate of construction is faster than any other city Compared to furniture produced in the city, the Korean furniture is not painted with acrylic paint but

with the use of the ultraviolet rays. It is scratch free and has a longer life because of its resistance to moisture.

All materials are imported from its plant in South Korea and assembled here in Davao City. This is to ensure that only high quality materials are used

ELVIN DAYANGHIRANG

in manufacturing Korean furniture.

Elvin Dayanghirang, marketing manager of OTR, said Dabawenyos were reluctant to the product at first but welcomed it after knowing its durability. He said that it has been tested abroad.

The traditional way of acquiring furniture can be cost-efficient but the durability can be at stake.

It is not the quality of the furniture that can justify the price but also their services. Dayanghirang said that they offer their customers the chance to design

their own furniture based on the available space. This is to ensure that the customers get their furniture based on their personality and designs.

OTR has in-house Korean engineersto ensure the quality of its products and services. These engineers

are incharge of the cutting, designing and assembling of the materials from Korea It has a plant on R.Castillo St., Sasa. Their showroom is also located in the vicinity. He said that they’re still manufacturing for Davao-based companies and residents but will sure-

ly expand their market, especially after they celebrate their first year anniversary.

Dayanghirang said that they are targeting the Mindanao market and eventually nationwide as more homes and offices will demand for more functional, stylish yet affordable funiture.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

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

Advertise EDGE with

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

DAVAO

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

HEALTH

Tel No. (083) 553-2211 / (083) 877-0019 / (083) 878-0308

Best for kids ages 1 to 12 years old High in CGF, Taurine, L-Lysine Contains Fortified with DHA Available at all Drugstore near you

Multivitamins for Teens & young adults ages 13 to22 years old Available at all Drugstore near you

Take 2mg Ener-plus Capsule one hour before your intimate encounter • Improve Blood Circulation • Provide Extra Strength & Sexual Stamina • Increase Libido & Sexdrive

Available at all Drugstore near you

Realty FOR SALE:

NOW HIRING

ONE (1) - HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC

Qualifications: 1. With at least 5 years experience.

2. Highly skilled in repair of bulldozer, backhoe, compactor of different models like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, etc.

3. Honest and Hardworking.

Interested applicant may send their application, Bio-data and Resume to:

PRIMELAND PROPERTIES, INC.

3RD Floor PPI Bldg., Ponciano Reyes St., (Crooked Road), Davao City.

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.

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

BUS DRIVER

BUS DRIVER

Qualifications: Qualifications:

1.

2.

3.

Male, 28 – 40 years old 1. least Male, high 28 – school 40 years old At graduate 2. At least high school graduate With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks) 3. With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks)

Requirements: Requirements: 1. Driver’s License with Official Receipt 1.x Driver’s License (2 with Official Receipt 2. 2 2 I.D. picture pcs.)

2. 2 x 2 I.D. (2 pcs.) or clearance from 3. Certificate of picture Employment 3. Certificate of Employment or clearance from

May previous apply in employment person at Human Resource Department, YBLI in Office, General Santos Resource Drive, May apply person at Human Koronadal City. YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Department, Koronadal City.

RATES FOR BOX ADS

BLACK AND WHITE SIZE Full Page Half Page 1/4 Page 1/8 Page 1/16 Page per col. cm.

RATES FOR LINE ADS

Classified Page 10,000.00 5,000.00 2,500.00 1,250.00 650.00 55.00

P150.00 per column inch; P55.00 first three lines; P10.00 on succeeding lines

FULL COLOR ADS + 35% color surcharge

3 + 2 bonus

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO

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

ASAP in Dubai:

Biggest Filipino event ever in the Middle East for Yolanada victims T

HE FILIPINO Channel (TFC) welcomes 2014 with a bang as it brings its longest-running and top-rating musical show, “ASAP Live in Dubai”

to the entertainment capital of the Middle East on January 24, Friday at the Dubai Festival City.

TFC, the top-of-mind network of Filipinos out-

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROSENDA PEREZ-ONG has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT with the partition and waiver of rights executed by her heirs per Doc. No.16; Page No. 4; Book No. 112; Series of 2012 of the NOTARY PUBLIC CYNTHIA ADAO PRAT 12/18,25,1/1

side the homeland, promises to deliver yet another history-making event with no less than the most widely followed musical show in the Philippines that features the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Following the long history of record-breaking TFC events such as “Rakrakanfest”, “FilExpo” and “Kapamilya Fiesta,” “ASAP Live in Dubai” is set to gather a record crowd in Dubai where the grandest entertainment shows have been staged, including those of Hollywood stars.

“ASAP 2014 in Dubai” is set to be a main highlight of the upcoming Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), best known as one of the major shopping and entertainment extravaganzas in the world. The DSF, where the most recognized brands and astronomical prizes are drawn over the 32-day festival period, has been part of the itinerary of denizens and visitors including, Hol-

lywood celebrities.

This exciting event is set to be as stellar with its lineup of more than 40 of the most respected recording artists, the most awarded performers and the most exciting showbiz personalities from the Philippines.

Leading the line-up are Total Performer Gary Valenciano, Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dynamic Diva Vina Morales and Concert King Martin Nievera.

Sharing their world-class performances are Charice Pempengco, dubbed “the most talented girl in the world,” by media mogul Oprah Winfrey, “The Voice of the Philippines” ‘Kamp Kawayan’ judge and rock star Bamboo, and Hall of Famer for the World Championship of the Performing Arts Champion Jed Madela, Providing equally world-class performances are singing champions and awarded recording artists “Star for a Million’s” Erik Santos, “Pilipinas Got Tal-

ent’s” Jovit Baldovino and Marcelito Pomoy, and “Star Power’s” Angeline Quinto.

Adding more excitement to the already stellar line-up are Kapamilya heartthrobs Piolo Pascual,Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil, and John Lloyd Cruz and multi-awarded celebrities Toni Gonzaga, Nikki Gil, Luis Manzano and Robi Domingo. Injecting more thrills are young superstars Kim Chiu, Julia Montes,and Erich Gonzales.

Sharing their unique singing prowess are Rockoustic Princess Yeng Constantino, “X Factor” champion KZ Tandingan and Soul Princess Zia Quizon. Joining the song numbers are ASAP Sessionistas Aiza Seguerra, Juris Fernandez, Princess Velasco, Richard Poon and Sitti. Injecting their dance moves are ASAP 2014 segments Supahdance’s Rayver Cruz, John Pratts, Iya Villania, and John Pratts and Mash’s Maja Salvador

and Shaina Magdayao.Teleseryestars Richard Yap, Jericho Rosales and Jessy Mendiola complete the starry, starry event.

Tickets are available at AED 365 for Platinum, AED 245 for Gold, AED 165 for Grandstand and AED 85 for General Admission. A percentage of ticket purchases made until December 31, 2013 will go the Sagip Kapamilya fund for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Loved ones of TFC subscribers in the Philippines also get the chance to partake in the fun and be reunited with their OFW relative or friend in the Middle East. This is through the special offer, “ASAP Sama-Saya in Dubai.” The winner-subscriber in the Middle East and his chosen loved one or friend will get round-trip tickets to Dubai, front row seats for two plus four days and three nights’ hotel stay and tour in the country.

14 SPORTS IN COMA. Michael Schumacher fell to a coma after an accident on ski.

EDGEDAVAO

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

THE YEAR IN SPORTS:

Pacquiao, Donaire rise again T

‘Schumi’is F1’s greatest

HE PAST two years has seen Philippine boxing suffer a spate of painful defeats that cost the country three world titles, with perhaps none more devastating than the crushing sixthround knockout of Manny Pacquiao by Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

It was Pacquiao’s second successive setback, the first being a twelve round split decision loss to Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley on June 9, 2012, which raised a universal howl of protest in a fight that a vast majority of the

media and fight fans believe Pacquiao deserved to win.

A pall of gloom descended on the Philippine boxing landscape when WBO/WBA flyweight champion Brian Viloria lost his titles by a 12-round split decision to Mexico’s tough Juan Francisco Estrada on April 6, 2013 at the Cotai Arena of the plush Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau and just one week later top five pound-for-pound fighter and WBO, IBF and WBC Diamond Belt super bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire was stunned by former Cuban two-time

Top 13 sports...FFROM 15

Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux at the historic Radio City Music Hall in New York losing a fairly one-sided decision despite dropping Rigondeaux with a vaunted left hook in the 10th round.

After undefeated flyweight Milan Melindo lost in his bid to avenge the loss of Viloria, Yahoo Philippines was in the Ventian Hotel suite of Pacquiao who was in Macau to formally announce his return to the ring against former lightweight champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios on November 24 at the same venue that has served to highlight the business acumen of Arum

amidst the growing interest in professional boxing in China.

It was then that Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee told ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo and myself how confident she was that “the Philippines will rise again” and mentioned Donaire, Viloria and of course Manny.

Her words signaled a seeming new-found confidence if not hope, with Donaire taking the first step towards fulfilling the wishes of a nation longing to regain the world titles as well as the glory it had lost in quick succession.

[Ronnie Nathanielsz/Yahoo Sports]

By ALAN BALDWIN

L

ONDON (Reuters) - Michael Schumacher enjoyed more wins, more titles and more success than any driver in the history of Formula One but where he ranks in the pantheon of greats will be debated for decades to come.

To his fervent fans the seven times world champion will always be simply the best - a giant whose fame transcends the sport and whose name is familiar even to those with scant passion for motor racing.

‘Schumi’, ‘Schuey’, ‘The Red Baron’, ‘Der Weltmeister’ (world champion): The German won an unprecedented 91 races and set record after record including five titles in a row with glamour team Ferrari between 2000 and 2004.

In 2002, Schumacher finished every race on the podium and statistically, stands in a class of his own.

The prayers and tide of goodwill messages as the 44-year-old lies in critical condition in hospital in Grenoble after a skiing accident in the French Alps testify to his status and esteem in the sport and beyond.

It seems almost churlish at such a time to point out an alternative view, that his greatness was flawed by favoritism over team mates and a questionable sense of fair play with too many controversies.

The late triple champion Ayrton Senna remains revered, despite the Brazilian’s own suspect behavior on the track, and was mourned like no other driver after his death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

Argentina’s five times champion Juan Manuel Fangio and Briton Jim Clark were hugely popular, admired by team mates and rivals alike, while Ferrari fans adored Canada’s Gilles Villeneuve.

Although Schumacher’s popularity in his native Germany was always unquestionable, bringing out the fans in droves even in his unsuccessful comeback years with Mercedes, it was far from universal.

“I think he is the greatest racing driver of this century,” his former Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said when the German announced his definitive retirement last year, an accolade that neatly sidestepped the sport’s first 50 years.

Even that assessment may be questioned sooner than anyone expected, with compatriot Sebastian Vettel this year chalking up his fourth successive title to become Formula One’s youngest ever quadruple champion.

With Ferrari in 2004, Schumacher had chalked up a record 13 wins including seven in a row.

Vettel, still only 26, matched that total this year and also racked up nine successive victories.

TWO PARTS In truth, Schumacher’s career stands as a drama in two acts with a three-year intermission.

The Schumacher Mark II drove a gleaming silver Mercedes but was still a scuffed shadow of the shiny Mark I model, who dominated racetracks around the world in the colors of Benetton and then Ferrari.

CLIMBING UP. Elmer Salvador, a former caddie at the Apo Golf and Country Club, shone in the Asian Tour, reaching third in the Macau Open in a tie with former world no.1 Ernie Els.

UP AND DOWN. Ale Cali (down on the canvas) became the first homegrown PXC champion.

younger brother of the country’s top rider Bornok Mangosong.

9. CALI IS FIRST PINOY PXC CHAMPION Driven by his desire to release his brother out of jail, Davao City’s mixed martial artist Ale Cali overcame Jesse Taitano’s ground submission skills to capture the Pacific X-Treme Combat (PXC) flyweight belt in PXC 29 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

Cali scored a spectac-

Combat (PXC) 41 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Smolka was impressive in his first shot at the PXC title, taking down the champion at will and punishing him with brutal ground strikes until the referee was forced to step in and end it in the second round.

10. JMC WINS FIRST DAVAO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE The Jose Maria College Kings reigned over Davao City’s collegiate hoopdom winning the inaugural 2013 Phoenix Davao Champions League, the first rung on the stepladder climb to the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

12. LASCUNA WINS PHL GOLF TOUR ORDER OF MERIT TITLE Davao City’s Tony Lascuña retained the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit crown despite missing the circuit’s final leg at Wack Wack at the close of the rich 15-leg circuit.

Lascuña scored two victories and four runner-up finishes in 10 events to become the year’s top golfer. Lascuna clinched his second straight OOM crown with total winnings of P1.6 Million from his victories at ICTSI Calatagan and ICTSI Manila Southwoods and runner-up finishes at ICT-

ular technical knockout under the two-minute mark of third round when he solidly hit Taitano at his temple to become the first homegrown champion of the PXC. However, on November 10, Hawaiian challenger Louis ‘Da Last Samurai’ Smolka proved he was the top dog of the 125-lb. division after finishing flyweight champion Cali, in front of his home crowd in the main event of Pacific X-treme

RETURN OF THE PBA. The PBA opened in Davao City last November 17 with Rain or Shine battling Alaska Milk at the USEP Gym that was packed by fans. Lean Daval Jr.

SI Orchard, Palos Verdes, Mt. Malarayat and Tagaytay Midlands.

Fellow Dabawenyos Elmer Salvador and Jay Bayron finished third and fourth. Salvador, a former OOM champion, wound up third with P1,152,776 while Bayron, also a former OOM winner, came in fourth with P1,117,370.

Another veteran Dabawenyo Cassius Casas, who used to dominate the local circuit in the late 90s and early 2000s, rallied toward the end of the season and won the ICTSI Canlubang stop to finish sixth with P895,718.

Lascuna also teamed up with Angelo Que in representing the Philippines in the World Cup of Golf in Australia.

13. APO WINS PAL LADIES INTERCLUB TITLE The Apo Golf and Country Club Ladies Golf Team won the 2013 PAL Ladies Interclub Golf Sportswriters Division title at the Rancho Palos Verdes on October 23-26.

The Apo ladies bested the home team of RPV in the annual national club championship for women. The team is composed of Olivia Lee, Irene Shihmura, Gemma Bokawachi, Melanie Kuwahara, Imee Garcia, Lilibeth Crisologo, Stella Barnes and Mereanne Siason.

INdulge!

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

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

EDGEDAVAO TRENDS

Starmobile: A phone for all families

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

Over the years, or make that months, mankind has seen the evolution of phones. Mobile phones have become more handy and “smart”, changing its face from click-clacking keypads to muted touchscreen, 2D to 3D features, revolutionizing conversations from word chat to actual face encounters.

Every time we hear of a new phone coming out, we panic. A new phone has become a conversation piece for most cliques.

Chances are, everyone in the family would want to have one, too --- including kids and teenagers.

In case you haven’t heard of the good news, there is one brand of quality smartphones which you

FSTARMOBLIE, A4

DIAMOND D2

ENGAGE 8 3G

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

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

UP AND ABOUT

Green Coffee brews at SM City Davao HOME grown coffee shop brand Green Coffee is now serving its best blends to its patrons down South at SM City Davao.

From humble beginnings in Davao in May of 2011, Green Coffee also opened its doors to brewing aficionados in Tomas Morato, Quezon City on the same The newest Green Coffee at the Ground year. It has Floor of SM City Davao Main Building. then quickly became the favorite night coffee place among the celebrities in the area.

In technical terms, “green coffee” is used Green Coffee also serves delectable pastries to mean the and desserts like these Carrot Walnut Cakes. coffee beans prior to roasting. But in Davao, it has taken on a different meaning. Green Coffee has become synonymous to concoctions of coffee and non-coffee drinks that remind one of home.

Spend great conversations over a cup of coffee, tea, smoothies or Green Coffee’s house blends. Pull up a seat and find your nook at the newest coffee place in SM City Davao. Green Coffee is located at the Ground Floor of the SM Davao’s Main Building.

All the Holiday Gifts for the Tech Lover at SM Cyberzone THIS holiday season, reward yourself, your family and friends with the hippest gadgets and accessories from the recently opened stores at SM Cyberzone, SM Lanang Premier.

Located at the 3rd Level of the metro’s premier shopping hub, SM Cyberzone has new shops that offer a broad range of tech products – from up-todate mobile phones to fun Fans of the Korean tech brand can visit the a c c e s s o r i e s Samsung Digital store at Cyberzone, SM and add-ons Lanang Premier, for a look into its range of that fit your smart cameras. fast and active lifestyle.

Still looking for a nice holiday gift? Choose from the hottest cellular phone models at iGadget, Torque, LG CQE offers an exciting selection of Mobile, Cherry cellphones and colorful accessories.

Mobile, Wiltelcom, and Star Mobile. For state-of-the-art camera units, visit Samsung Digital. You could also check out Joyo Marketing for the latest computer systems, tablets and other gadgets. Then personalize and spruce up your devices with accessories from BS Mobile, CQE and Digibabe.

Grab must-have gadgets at Cyberzone, 3rd Level of SM Lanang Premier and make your loved ones and friends happy this season of gift-giving. Check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news and promo updates.

FOOD

Leftover stopover part 1:

Flavored Oils THE two most celebrated days in the history of humankind has now taken its toll. Another 365 days and we will again forego the calories and embrace our appetites like never before – or so we say each and every year.

Indeed, the celebrations were one after the other. With parties, chill out sessions and soirees from friends, family and acquaintances, it was most certainly a whirlwind of happy times and tummy times!

Now, as the New Year comes into play, we can verily see the many leftovers in our fridge, pantry and dining tables getting the ‘waiting in vain’ treatment from our imaginative and innovative mind.

To start the year right, your #royalchef will help you unload all your leftovers – from fruits to oils to chips and what have yous – and give them their most awaited reincarnation minus the extra spending. Yes, just like you, I try to find ways in making the most of what I have and turning them into something more than a delectable treat!

Today, we will learn how to marry flavors. The simple interplay will not only help you take some ingredients off your leftovers but will have your dishes turn into a masterpiece in no time. The secret lies on your acceptance of new flavors through your senses. Yes, your senses plays the most vital and important ingredient in our quest.

Flavored oils are not new. In truth, they have been around since time immemorial. The immortalization of flavors

Chili and Bell Pepper Flavored Oil, Fresh Herbs and Oil and Lime and Lemon Oil. through oils brings forth its truest and juiciest “katas” in its most natural way. No preservatives or even additives –just plain flavors that will form a melody of sort.

Lime and Lemon Oil This is common and easiest to make. Grab a clean sterilized jug or jar, place sliced lemons and limes and pour oil. Here, you can use any variety of oil but I prefer if you use Olive Oil. Olive oil is already rich in flavor thus allowing the additional flavors to be intensified without having to break off its taste.

The combination of lemon and lime is unlike

any other. The sourness and acidity highlights the meat (especially chicken and beef) and even acts as tenderizing agent in marinades. Add a generous amount of orange zest and sea salt and you’ll love the aroma and taste of this one!

Chili and Bell Peppers Most definitely not for the faint of heart. Grab a clean sterilized jug or jar, place chopped bird’s eye chilies and slivered red, yellow and green bell peppers and a generous amount of olive oil or canola oil. Others opt to use sunflower oil and even vegetable oil.

The decision is yours.

This is best as a bar-

beque marinade and for spaghetti, tuna and oil dish. More so, ideal for oil based sauce and dups.

Adjust chili level accordingly.

Fresh Herbs Aside from citrus fruits, fresh herbs are the next best thing to aromatic oils. Used like a regular unflavored oil, the many sharp and significant flavors of fresh herbs takes the oil in whole lotta new level. Bear in mind to use FRESH HERBS and not bottled dried ones. The difference in flavor is what makes the difference.

Garlic, Pepper and Salt This is something I cannot live without. Chop some garlic gloves, some freshly ground black pepper, sea salt and oil and you will be at ease even with the most complicated recipe you have ever encountered. I use this in all of my recipes and the best part is that, I can use the garlic cloves too!

A bountiful 2014 to my family, friends, foes and in betweens. Let 2013 be a motivation and 2014 as an inspiration to surpass the past! #uprising Be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit! Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured. Email me at leebay457@yahoo.com (subject: Royal Chef) or tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics!

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

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

EVENT

SKY Zone thrills mallgoers with the best of home entertainment DAVAO got more than just a whiff of the superb highdefinition service and wide array of cable TV channels offered by SKYcable, and the blazing fast internet speeds of SKYbroadband, as SKY Zone touched down in “Durian City” from November 29-December 5.

Davaoeños trooped to SM Lanang Premier Mall, which played host to the latest leg of SKY Zone’s nationwide mall blitz to experience first-hand Dual Def, SKYcable’s latest product that clusters both standard definition channels and high-definition channels in one awesome plan. Subscribers take their pick from among four Dual Def plans: Dual Def 499, Dual Def 999 or the meatier Dual Def Titanium HD 30 and Dual Def Titanium HD 40. Plus, with the recent addition of new SD and HD channels to its lineup such as PBO, Warner TV, RTL-CBS Entertainment, Travel Channel, Lifetime, H2, and Fox Action Movies, SKYcable subscribers are definitely spoiled for choice!

SKY Zone also gave Davaoeño mall-goers a chance to try out SKYbroadband’s fastest residential internet connection. The blistering speeds of SKYbroadband were demonstrated using Wi-Fi, including the 10Mbps consumable plan which switches to unlimited mode at 1.5Mbps after the customer’s 15GB allowance runs out. Those who tried the service onthe-spot watched high-definition videos on YouTube, uploaded photos on their

Guests enjoy SKYbroadband high-speed internet at SKYZone.

SKY and HBO joined forces to showcase SKYcable’s widest choice of HD channels and SKYbroadband’s blazing internet speeds. social media accounts and skyped all they want —all at the same time!

Channel partner, HBO, was on hand to boost the fun factor with their own gimmicks exclusively for SM Lanang SKY Zone guests.

The visitors’ mettle was tested in a variety of fun contests. From displaying their brain power in the memory card game, to giftwrapping at the fastest time possible using only one hand each player, winners went home happily with collectible premium items, courtesy of HBO. HBO promised subscribers a cool yuletide with their new offerings this month, which include the animated comedy “Arthur Christmas” as well as “The Dark Knight Rises” starring Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom

Hardy and Gary Oldman.

Meanwhile, Sony’s stateof-the-art LED TV sets made the Davaoeños’ brush with the high-definition service of SKYcable even more amazing as they got to see for themselves how breathtakingly clear and lifelike everything was in high definition.

Whether it’s thrilling bonding activities that you and your family want at SKY Zone, or superbly clear and top-notch cable TV viewing experience with the widest array of channels, or broadband that won’t leave you hanging, SKY is sure to have it!

To know more about SKYcable and SKYbroadband, log on to www.mysky.com. ph, email skyserves@mysky. com.ph or call the customer service hotline at 305-5456.

MY LITTLE BOSSINGS 2D Vic Sotto, Kris Aquino, Ryzza Mae Dizon, James “Bimby” Yap GP

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

KIMMY DORAL: ANG KIYEMENG PREQUEL 2D Eugene Domingo, Sam Milby PG 13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

GIRL BOY BAKLA TOMBOY 2D Vice Ganda PG 13

11:35 | 1:40 | 3:45 | 5:50 | 7:55 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 PAGPAG 2D Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla PG 13

Games and fun photo booth capped off the SKY Zone experience with HBO’s exciting prizes.

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

A4 INdulge!

TRAVEL

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

EDGEDAVAO

Starmoblie...FFROM A1 DIAMOND S1

can buy at a more affordable price.

Starmobile, local maker of quality Android phones and tablets, was established

by Star Telecom Alliance Resources (STAR, Inc.), a group of telecommunications industry experts based locally and internationally. By combining excellent product development, sales & marketing, and customer service competencies over the past decades, they respond to the needs of Filipinos by providing quality dual SIM mobile phones and solutions with localized software and content.

All new Android marvels Starmobile’s strong and competitive product line expands to include 12 more Android devices: 3 smartphones, 5 phablets to beef up the current Starmobile Diamond series and 4 tablets to complement its bestselling Engage line.

Hot on the heels of the bestselling Starmobile Knight comes its co-flagship selfie smartphone— the Starmobile Muse, a 5” Android Jelly Bean phone with 18-megapixel back and 8-megapixel front BSI camera combo. First ever in the Philippines to sport a wide-angle front-facing camera equipped with LED flash, the Starmobile Muse is perfect for capturing group selfies—a nod to Starmobile’s growing camera imaging reputation. The Muse runs on a 1.5GHz Turbo Quad Core processor and is topped with a gorgeous full HD screen for only P12,990, available in white and black.

Advanced mobile users upgrading to larger screens also have more phablet choices with the new additions to the Starmobile Diamond Series. The 5” Diamond D1 promises no downtime with a 3000mAh battery reliable up to 16 days standby time.

Lightweight and light on the pocket, the Starmobile Diamond D1 keeps slim with a 10.3mm body at an affordable P7,990.

Starmobile also goes big on style with the beautifully contoured Diamond S1 with curved edge 5” glass display. Its scratchresistant Asahi Glass tapers nicely into the matte black rear cover, giving you tried-and-tested toughness in an exquisite form for only P8,990 with colored red and yellow casing options.

Starmobile goes into next generation design with a redefined look for

MUSE

the Engage Series. Crafted with a solid and beautiful aluminum body, the latest Engage tablets impress with sleek and speed.

Leading the tablet pack is the Quad Core Engage 8 3G with high speed HSPA+ connectivity that delivers a full on tablet experience for only P9,990.

The quad core WiFi-only option is also available for only P6,990.

Innovative Inside Out The stellar feat continues with the unveiling of

Starmobile Sync—a free, easy-to-use, proprietary Starmobile application which comes pre-installed in all newly released smartphones and 8-inch tablets.

Starmobile Sync works to enable feature phone and non-Starmobile smartphone users to seamlessly transfers their contacts, calendar entries, text messages, and more in a few easy steps. “Through Bluetooth connectivity, the Starmobile Sync allows quick transfer and migration to Starmobile from

other brands or devices— really fastracking the rush or the migration to Starmobile. We’re confident that with the Starmobile Sync, we will be able to achieve our one million mark this year,” adds Michael.

It is in this relentless drive to innovate and create value through mobility that Starmobile looks to build off its success. “We are very proud of what our local team of product engineers has been able to achieve with these devices,” shares Michael. “Truly, the future is bright and golden for Starmobile.”

For the latest news from Starmobile, check out www. starmobile.com.ph, or follow Happy Man by Starmobile on Facebook and @ happymanPH on Twitter & Instagram.

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

SPORTS 15

TOP 13 SPORTS STORIES OF 2013 Corteza conquered the world and Davao City saw the return of big-time boxing and basketball

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

WORLD POOL CHAMP. Lee Van Corteza first conquered the US 9-Ball, then annexed the China 9-Ball Open and capped the year with the World Cup of Pool in partnership with Dennis Orcollo. Lower photo, flying to the finish is nothing rare for Atong Mangosong. But one flawed flight in practice last March wrote eternal finish to the life of the promising Davao rider.

1. CORTEZA-ORCOLLO WINS WORLD 9-BALL TITLE Davao City’s pool pride Lee Van Corteza teamed up with another Mindanaoan Dennis Orcollo to dominate the World Cup of Pool in London winning the title over Neils Feijen and Nick van den Berg of The Netherlands, 10-8.

They were the second Filipino pair to win the contest after the legendary Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante (2006, 2009).

1. CORTEZA WINS CHINA OPEN Davao’s finest shooter Lee Vann Corteza won the lucrative China Open 9 Ball and the hefty purse that comes with it after vanquishing Chinese Taipei veteran Fu Che Wei 11-6 in the final in Shanghai.

The 34-year old has cemented his place as one of the best players in the world not to win a WPA World Title. This triumph is one of over dozen tournament wins for Corteza from around the world.

Corteza pounced on some Fu errors to take a 4-1 lead in the alter-

nate-break format. (Yahoo Sports) 2. PBA STAGES OPENING DAY IN DAVAO The Philippine Basketball Association staged its first ever tri-island simultaneous season opening bill in Manila, Cebu and Davao. The Davao City opening day match featured Rain Or Shine and Alaska Milk which packed the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gym to the rafters.

3. BOOM BOOM BAUTISTA LOSES TITLE IN RETURN OF BIG-TIME BOXING Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista lost his WBO International junior welterweight title and perhaps the confidence of ALA Promotions with a points loss to upcoming Mexican Jose “Negro” Ramirez at the USEP Gym as big-time boxing also made its return to Davao City since Manny Pacquiao fought at the RMS Gym in 2003.

4. DAVAO CITY ATHLETES TOP BATANG PINOY MINDANAO The huge Davao City contingent parlayed its experience and numbers

LAST FIGHT. Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista (right) fought probably his last fight in Davao losing to Mexican Jose “Negro” Ramirez. Lean Daval Jr.

to rule the 2013 Batang Pinoy Mindanao qualifiers in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The delegation composed of around 300 advanced to the National Finals of the 15-under athletic conclave which was postponed by the Philippine Sports Commission until next year due to the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit the Visayas.

5. GAME-FIXING IN KADAYAWAN BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Two Davao City ballclubs decided to pull out of the tournament forcing organizers to cancel the finals of the 2013 Mayor Rody and VM Pulong Duterte Kadayawan Basketball tournament due to alleged “game-fixing.”

Goldstar and Montana Pawnshop were to fight for the championship but before they could play, the organizers called the at-

tention of the two teams for intentionally playing to control the result of their non-bearing match on the final day of eliminations leaving CMO-The Royal Mandaya Hotel which had the services of the PBA’s top draft picks Ian Sangalang and Greg Slaughter.

6. SALVADOR TIES ERNIE ELS FOR THIRD IN MACAU OPEN Davao City’s “lake boy” Elmer Salvador came up with a sizzling final-round 66 to tie four-time major winner champion Ernie

Els for third place in the Venetian Macau Open on October 20 at the Macau Golf and Country Club.

Salvador had three birdies on the outward nine and three going back, including the par-5 No. 18 for a five-under round, his only blemish coming on the par-4 No. 8.

Salvador was delighted to tie Els for third place for his best finish of the year worth US$45,200 (around P2 million), which secured his Tour card for 2014. (www.spin.ph) 7. LADY SPIKERS

CHAMPIONS. The victorious Davao City delegation to the 2013 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg marches during the parade inside the sprawling Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Center. Lean Daval Jr.

CONQUER DAVAO As a testament to its new-found following, women’s volleyball proved it can give basketball and boxing a run for the top crowd drawer of 2013 when the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball champion Ateneo de Manila University came to Davao City to play the Manila AllStars that’s loaded with prominent players including Fille Cainglet, Jen Reyes and Dindi Santiago.

The volleyball exhibition match filled the USEP Gym to the rafters.

8. YOUNG MOTOCROSS RIDER CRASHES TO DEATH Young motocross rider Renato “Atong” Mangosong, 18, died due to internal hemorrage at the Davao Doctor’s Hospital after a bad fall during practice on the last day of the Araw ng Dabaw Motocross Challenge on March 17, 2013 at the Crocodile Park Complex in Ma-a.

Mangosong of South Oil team tried to make the triple jump but failed to land safely as his brand new Kawasaki KXF 250 hit the third hump. He is the

FTOP 13 SPORTS, 14

16

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

VOL. 6 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY • DECEMBER 31, 2013 JANUARY 1-2, 20142014 VOL. 6 ISSUE 205 • TUESDAY • DEC.WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY 31, 2013 • WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY JAN.1-2,

Teens live a full life in Northpoint

T

EENAGERS place a lot of importance on their pursuits, from school, to hobbies, sports, recreation, friends, family, and many more. In short, they want to be able to do what they want and live life to the fullest.

It is important then for parents to ensure their adolescent children get what they need, and provide the best home environment that will allow them to blossom and reach their full potential as individuals.

Nothing comes close to providing this ideal home environment than Northpoint, a British colonial themed condo community at the junction of Buhangin Road and JP Laurel Avenue in Bajada, Davao CIty. As a landmark condo development of Vista Residences, Northpoint provides a safe, decent, and suitable home for teenagers to live full and live well at the same time. Here they are able to pursue their interests while enjoying the condo’s charming ambiance

and deluxe facilities and amenities.

Within the comfort of their condo home, teens can host sleepovers with their close friends, or hang out at the indoor gardens to swap stories and share laughter.

With the airy and well-lighted atrium decked with live plants, it’s a comfortable place to entertain.

Wakefield Manor, the clubhouse, serves as the condo community’s social center where teenagers can nurture friendships with their fellow teen neighbors and friends. It has a multi-purpose hall where they can lounge, read a book, or chat, and even hold birthday parties, reunions, and other social gatherings.

The clubhouse houses a wellness pool with salinated water where they can have a pool party or just splash around and take laps. Wakefield Manor also has free WiFi connection for surfing, logging on in social networks, chatting online with friends, and do research for homework.

For something more active, teeners can have several rounds at the soccer table at the multi-purpose hall, or make full use of the equipment at the fitness gym. The jogging trail gives them the option to take a leisurely or brisk walk or a stimulating jog.

Northpoint has a fresh and green environment that teenagers will love. They can find a quiet spot in the pocket gardens or under the cool shade of a tree and do their own thing like reading a book, writing on their journal, or even something creative like writing a story, drawing or painting.

With hundreds of

imported Caribbean pine trees growing all over the grounds and giving off a cool and refreshing pine scent, they will surely enjoy strolling around Northpoint and frolicking with their siblings, neighbors or friends.

All those fresh air will

be healthful for these energetic teens. And while they roam on their own or with their friends around the condo community’s verdant surroundings, parents know they are safe with Northpoint’s 24/7 security.

With plenty of excit-

ing things to do at Northpoint, teenagers don’t have to leave home to entertain themselves. And when they stay home, their parents are happier knowing they are in a safe, convenient, and comfortable home.

Investing or renting in

this premier address then is the best option parents can take to provide the best home for their children.

They can do so by visiting Camella Davao at Delgar Bldg., JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, or calling 295-3973.