Edge Davao 6 Issue 206

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

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Serving a seamless society

WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte leads Dabawenyos in an attempt to break the Guinness World Records for the most number of people simultaneously blowing “torotot” along Roxas Avenue in Davao City on New Year’s Eve. Davao City failed to break the 6,961-mark currently held by Japan. Lean Daval Jr.

CITY’S IRA TO HIT P2.9 B Bigger share to boost city government projects in 2014

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE INTERNAL revenue allotment (IRA) share of Davao City is expected to increase this year, City Treasurer Rodrigo Riola said.

Riola added that the city will possibly receive a P2.9-billion share for 2014 and will be part of the annual budget for this year.

He said that the IRA is part of the P5.16-billion annual budget that will help to fund the approved appropriations of the city for this year.

Based on the record of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the city got an IRA share

of P2.57 billion for 2013.

Riola said that aside from the IRA, the city tax collection for the first quarter can also fund this year’s appropriation by 60%.

“Kay ang first quarter man gud naa ang daghan na mamayad. So sa total revenue sorties 60% makolekta na siya,” Riola said.

He said that the taxes collected were from business taxes, real property, fees and charges, economic enterprises and regulatory fees from different offices.

Riola added that they are going to try their best to collect more taxes as

FIRA, 10

GREEN WOODEN HORSE. A sales attendant of a lucky charm outlet at SM City Davao shows a Chinese green wooden horse figurine which is the most sellable item in their collection due to the belief that it brings good luck throughout the year. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

One-stop-shop for business permits renewals launched

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HE CITY Business Bureau launched Thursday the Business License-OneStop Shop at a local mall to expedite the processing of business permit renewal until January 20, 2014.

Atty Lawrence Bantiding, officer-in-charge of the Davao City Business Bureau said the One-Stop-Shop aims to accommodate the 35,000 businesses registered in the city in 2013.

He said that beyond January 20, renewal of business permits will still be accepted but with the corresponding

twenty-percent surcharge.

“Setting up the onestop shop in the mall is aimed at addressing the congestion at the Business Bureau Office and to guarantee the convenience of those who will be renewing their business permits,” Bantiding said.

He said business permit holders who do not have changes in their business permit applications can process their renewal at the NCCC Mall up to January 20 in the same schedule being followed by the City

FONE, 10 BUSINESS PERMIT. Business owners submit the required documents for the renewal of their business permit at a one-stop-shop set up by the Davao City Business Bureau at Sangguniang Panlungsod along San Pedro Street yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Robbers taunt cops MISAPPROPRIATION CHARGES 4 CTO employees offer evidence P2.4-M New Year’s Eve robbery Retired PNP general among victims

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

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epc@edgedavao.net

RE ROBBERS taunting and insulting the Philippine National Police in Davao City, who appeared to be helpless in the face of the rise in crimes against property in December, 2013, and January, 2014?

It appears to be so, as robbers broke into the home of retired police Chief Superintendent Nicolas Olarte at Jewelry No. 6 Planet St., GSIS Matina. Olarte was the regional director of the PNP in Southern Mindanao, 1998-1999.

Robbers carted away a total of P2.4 million worth of belongings owned by a businesswoman, and a

retired police general on New Year’s Day. Police identified the victims as Jane Ong, a businesswoman residing at No. 6 Diamond St., Phase 4, Ecoland Subdivision.

Supt. Julius SIlagan, commander of the Talomo police station, said that around 10:45 p.m as the year was about to end, Ong reported that culprits managed to enter her unattended house, destroyed the steel cabinet inside the master’s bedroom and took their jewelry items, foreign monies in different currencies and high-end items like

FROBBERS, 10

Prosecution awaits order to comment

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE PROSECUTION panel of the administrative tribunal of Davao City is still waiting for the order to comment on the submitted evidence of four city treasurer’s office (CTO) employees who were accused of misappropriation of tax collections.

Lawyer Enrique Junior A. Bonocan, lead prosecutor of the tribunal, told Edge Davao that they are expecting an order to comment on the formal offer of evidence filed by counsel of the accused.

Only four of the eight accused employees of the CTO filed their formal of-

fer of evidence on Dec. 27 last year. Bonocan clarified that only five employees are now on trial as the other three are still under preliminary investigation and may be charged if the tribunal finds probable cause.

“Next to that is (perhaps) an order directing both parties to submit their respective memoranda,” Bonocan said.

He added that there is no assurance that the tribunal can promulgate a verdict by next week as the respondents may invoke administrative due process.

Bonocan said the CTO discovered the misappro-

priation by the five after an audit last in August of 2013.

“After the audit nung nadiskobre na, the city treasurer’s office conducted its own fact finding investigation and found na meron talagang kalokohan,” he said.

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

Bonocan said that Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte sued the five unnamed employees for serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, falsification of

CENRO appeals to residents to segregate wastes properly

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WHAT’S MY FUTURE? Students eager to know what the year 2014 has in store for them seek the help of a fortune teller along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

public documents, serious neglect of duty, inefficiency and incompetence in performance of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

The tribunal is the investigating panel of the city government created by city mayor Duterte to conduct administrative proceedings to the complaints against its employees.

It is composed of three lawyers chaired

by Osmundo Villanueva Jr., CLO head Jhopee S. Agustin of City Economic Enterprise and Tristan Dwight P. Domingo of City Administrator’s Office.

HE CHIEF of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office appealed to the public to dispose their garbage properly, following the observation that the garbage disposed by residents is no longer segregated during the holidays.

Engr. Elieza Madrazo, head of the City-ENRO said non-segregation of garbage tends to delay the disposal of garbage to the land fill.

She also observed that there are residents who do not throw their garbage on the specific area assigned by their barangays and indiscriminately throw their

wastes in other areas.

Madrazo said garbage collectors are forced to gather the garbage even if they are not segregated just to clean the collection areas.

“We need to monitor the situation and instil on the residents through education, compliance to the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Ordinance,” Madrazo said.

She said there are also monitoring the barangays which are strictly adhering to the Solid Waste Management policy.

Madrazo assured that the garbage is cleared on time given the corre-

FCENRO, 10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

3

Firecracker ban proveseffective

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

T READY TO BLOW. A young participant of the “Torotot Festival” along Roxas Avenue in Davao City on New Year’s Eve shows off his paper horn prior to the start of the first attempt to break the Guinness World Records currently held by Japan. Lean Daval Jr.

epc@edgedavao.net

HE ALMOST 76 percent decrease in apprehensions in 2013 compared to that of 2012 in connection with the implementation of the firecracker ban can be attributed to two reasons.

Davao City police director Vicente Danao Jr., said that the strict implementation of the ban by the police one, and the second reason is the acceptance by the general public of the alternative noisemaking by way of the torotot which cheaper and safer, but whose noise is more sustained compared to the more expensive firecracker which goes ‘bang’ and is heard no more.

Police apprehended in 2013 41 persons, 25 of

whom were minors, while in 2012 the total was 174 violators. In 2011, police tallied 91 apprehensions of violators while in 2010, there were 87 violators.

Danao said police could not file charges against minors but the 17 adults are already facing charges before the city prosecution office.

He clarified that the less number of apprehension for 2013 only shows that most Dabawenyos are now content welcoming the New Year by just creating noise like blowing of horns (torotot).

Davao City tallied 7,568 torotot blowers in one place during the Torotot Festival along Roxas Avenue, to beat the record of Japan with 6,961 blowers.

See 2014 as good year for banana industry City government aims

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HIS YEAR will be a good year for small non-contracted banana growers in the region, an official said during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex.

“Medyo pabor karong tuiga,unlike last year. We had problems in the China market. Nag-undang ta, daghan tag sobrang saging, pero this year we have a big demand in China, ” Rene D. Dalayon, chair of the Banana Industry Cluster.

Earlier, China refused to accept cavendish ba-

nana from the country because of sanitary issues. The Chinese market is has a strict protocol because of the detection of mealy bugs. This type of bug is a pest to banana plants by provoking the formation of disease in the plants.

He said that the price is very good for the small farmers, adding that they are exporting cavendish banana at $ 6.50 per box while the frieght on board (FOB) is $9 before 2013 ended.

He said that compared to their other

Davao City wants a film council

W

ITH THE thriving film industry here, the Sangguniang Panlungsod is mulling the creation of a film development council to support local filmmakers.

The proposed ordinance, introduced by Councilor Leonardo Avila III, is now undergoing committee hearings at the city council.

The proposal is for the city to create a film council chaired by the mayor, with members coming from the departments of trade and industry, education, traffic management and control board, transportation and communication, as well as representatives from filmmakers’ associations and the academe.

When introduced last year during Avila’s privilege speech, the measure was then endorsed to the committee on education, culture and arts chaired

by Councilor Maria Belen Acosta. The latter has since manifested wanting to co-author the measure.

Acosta, during a hearing, said that the committee would recommend that the council comprise practitioners of the film industry primarily, with the logistical aspects such as trade and industry and traffic management being a secondary aspect of the policymaking body.

“We need film practitioners in that council, and the support and logistics can come in later,” she said.

market like Japan, China offers better pricing for non-contracted banana growers in the region causing farmers to gain more revenue.

The Chinese market, according to Dalayon, requires bigger volume of quality cavendish banana, about 20 to 30 container vans per week.

Dalayon, furthermore, said that that the devastation caused by typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) on almost 300,000 hectares of banana plantations in Guangzhou, Chi-

na helped in increasing the demand from the country.

He said that only 20 percent of Chinese bananas can be harvested while the remaining 80 percent remain damaged.

Dalayon added that there about 40 percent of small banana growers are in the region while the remaining 60 percent belongs to contracted banana growers and big companies. The banan industry directly employs 400,000 to 500,000 individuals across the region.

to up 12-15% in taxes T

HE CITY Government of Davao is targeting to have an increase in 2014 collection by 12 to 15 percent.

City Treasurer Rodrigo S. Riola told media practitioners at the NCCC Mall of Davao that this is higher than the usual 7- to 8- percent annual increase in the target collection.

Riola said that the government aims to col-

lect a total of P5.1 billion by the end of the year. This is higher by P573 million from the 2013 collection which is P4.5 billion.

He said that the city is positive to hit the target, saying the city usually hit its target every year.

The increase in the collection target will come from business tax and real property tax.

FCITY, 10

HEALTH CARD RENEWAL. A lady has her photo taken for biometrics, required when renewing the Davao City Health Office (CHO)’s health card, at the Annex

FDAVAO, 10 of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

TAGUM CITY

Tagum greets 2014 with fireworks display

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HE CITY of Tagum joined the whole world in glittering up the night sky through a spectacular fireworks display as a gesture of welcoming the year 2014.

Thousands of Tagumeños gathered at the massive open arena in this city’s new City Hall to witness the annual tradition of setting-up a fireworks blitz that has become an annual tradition of the city.

The City Government of Tagum under the leadership of Mayor Allan Rellon organized the event, with a budget of 400,000 pesos.

In his interview with the local media, Mayor Rellon said this event signaled hope and positive vibes for the city for 2014 and sent away negativism that rides along the year 2013.

He also bared that he chose to have the annual

ZAMBOANGA CITY

fireworks display at the New City Hall as a way of reminding the people that the current administration is determined to finish the construction of the city’s distinct landmark.

The event did not only muster crowds among Tagumeños but also those from nearby cities and towns in Davao Region.

“The fireworks display really completed our new year’s eve celebration,” said Sarah Elizar from Davao City who opt to celebrate the New Year here with her nine-year old daughter Nicole.

The crowd started to troop in the venue starting at 9 PM where they were treated to various entertainment numbers featuring homegrown singing talents and musical bands. [Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum]

Mayor Allan L. Rellon and Vice Mayor Geterito T. Gementiza lead local leaders and Tagumeños in welcoming the year 2014 with a fireworks display. Photo by Edwin B. Lasquite of CIO Tagum

TAGUM CITY

New Year’s Eve bomb explosion kills 6, injures 6 others in Basilan T

Infra completion-oriented reshuffling to take effect

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EW YEAR’S Eve bomb explosion kills 6, injures 6 others in Basilan Six people were killed while six others, including two children, were wounded in a New Year’s Eve party in Basilan province.

The incident took place at around 10 p.m.

Tuesday at the compound of Manuel Cisner-

os, a militiaman, at Zone 6, Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip municipality, Capt. Jefferson Somera, information officer of the 1st Infantry Division, said.

Somera said the victims were attending a party when an improvised bomb exploded.

He said the victims had just arrived from a nearby church, where

DAVAO DEL NORTE

they attended a New Year’s Eve mass.

Somera said they are still conducting investigation as to how the improvised bomb was brought into Cisneros’ compound.

The Basilan Police Provincial Office identified five of the slain victims as Rey Limbin, Elbert Gomoba, Kitarul Kaddik, Leniebel Cisner-

os, and Lourdes Ablong.

Three of the six wounded were identified as Rining Dingcong, Janice Dingcong, and Jesa Dingcong.

The victims provided emergency medical treatment at the headquarters of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion in Sumisip and were later airlifted to the hospital.

[MindaNews]

ICE GOVERNOR Victorio “Baby” Suaybaguio Jr is acting governor of the Davao del Norte as Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has been out of the country since December 28.

The vice governor assumed the post as Gov. Del Rosario is in Macau to attend a family gath-

ering on New Year. He is expected to be back on Sunday, January 5.

In behalf of the governor, Acting Gov. Suaybaguio wished to the people of Davao del Norte and all a prosperous New Year, expresing optimism for more growth and sustained development in the province for the year 2014.

He thanked the all-powerful Almighty for the blessings received and the unhindered programs and services that the provincial government gave to the people last year.

He said that the past year showed the Filipinos’ resiliency to worst calamities like supertyphoon Yolanda and the Bohol

earthquake.

“People around the world realize that we as a people can bounce back, and stand up like a phoenix,” he added.

“For this New Year, as long as we’re united and we continue working, development comes to our dear province,” acting Gov. Suaybaguio said. [Rural Urban News/Cha Monforte]

RDR on leave, Suaybaguio is DavNor acting Gov V

AGUM CITY Mayor Allan Rellon bared that he is effecting this new year 2014 an infrastructure-oriented personnel reshuffling “to do away from too much bureaucracy” that proved to delay completion of projects and city maintenance works.

He said that he would form at least four task forces that would affect mostly the personnel from engineering department while carting out some personnel from few relevant departments.

He cited to form the purok road and improvement task force, drainage construction and maintenance task force, asphalt plant operation task force, and small improvement and imaintenance task force.

“Trusted and capable personnel would lead in the task forces, and they would have to directly report to the mayor as I would have to directly engage with the task forces to complete and finish projects that were started during the previous administration like the new City Hall,” he said.

He expressed dismay that at the rate projects have been done in last year

there seemed to be organized delay and even snobbish posture of some old personnel in the City Hall in the way they seemed to be unmoving over his directive to fasttrack project completion and maintenance works “even including submission of reports.”

“I’ll put in somebody whom I trust in each task force. Each has to render monthly accomplishment report detailing his day-today activities,” the mayor added.

Rellon vowed anew to finish the more than P700-million still-unfinished new City Hall at Barangay Apokon, where the city’s spectacular fireworks display on New Year was successfully launched, even as he waits for the final go-signal from the Commission on Audit to proceed.

He said that the city government is already incurring more than P60 million annually or over P5 million monthly in interest payments alone for the bank debts owing to new City Hall construction. [Rural Urban News/Cha Monforte]

EDGEDAVAO VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE206 206• FRIDAY-SATURDAY • FRIDAY-SATURDAY•JANUARY •JANUARY3-4, 3-4,2014 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

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Guinnes to validate ‘torotot’ record D

AVAO CITY unofficially set a new record for the Guinness Book of Records for the largest gathering of party blowers during the 1st Torotot Festival on December 31.

The event at Roxas Avenue, sponsored by Smart Communications and city government, gathered 7,568 torotot blowers against record-holder Japan’s 6,900.

But Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato Jr. of the Department of Tourism, said the results are still unofficial, as officials

from the Guinness Book of Records have yet to validate the attendance for the event.

The event, however, fell short of its expected 10,000 turnout, even as some barangays near the downtown area were enjoined to participate.

The Liga ng mga Barangay had initially required 54 of the city’s 182 barangays to join the event Smart Communications gave out prizes of up to P60,000 for the largest contingent.

The city has celebrated 13 Christmases and New

FOR THE RECORD. (Top, photo) Part of the big crowd of ‘torotot’ blowers gather on New Year’s eve for Davao City’s attempt to break the Guinnes Book of World record. (Lower left) One of the young ‘torotot’ blowers who joined the historic Torotot Festival. Lean Daval Jr.

Years with no fireworks and pyrotechnics.

The firecracker ban was first implemented Christmas of 2001 but City Ordinance 060-02 banning the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic

Buy

devices, was enacted by the City Council only on October 15, 2002 and approved by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on November 6.

The ordinance penalizes first offenders with a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of 20 to 30 days, or both; second offenders

with a fine of P3,000 or imprisonment of from one to three months or both; and third offenders, a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of from three to six months, or both.

Managers or owners of business establishments caught violating

the ordinance will also be held liable and their business permits cancelled on the third offense.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte joined thousands of residents in blowing the “torotot” in countdown to 2014. [MindaNews]

and get a chance to win fabulous Prizes!

6

EDGEDAVAO

BIGGER PICTURE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

It’ s the Year of the Horse T HE 2014 Chinese Year is the 31 number in the sixty-year cycle called Chia Wu and described in Chinese tradition like “Horse in the Clouds”. 2014 is the year of Green Wooden Horse.

The upcoming compassionate 2014 year of the Horse is going to be attentive to all our troubles and quick to react in protection of those who cannot fight for themselves. The optimistic nature of the 2014 allows us to cope with financial hardships in the belief that good fortune will soon be on the way, while kind-hearted nature of the 2014 year provides us with supportive friends, ready to help us in difficulties just as we have helped them.

Read yearly 2014 Horoscope, astrology forecast for 2014 year of the Horse for your zodiac sign and free 2014 Chinese New Year Horoscope.

HORSE PERSONALITY The horse personality is often willing to give as well as expecting a lot of liberty. These people are extremely independent and confident. The horse person is very quick-witted and is right in there with you before you have had a chance to finish what you are saying: he’s on to the

thought in your mind even before you’ve expressed it.

In general, these people are gifted. But in truth they are often more cunning than intelligent - and they surely know that. They adore being in the center of everyone’s attention, but more they like to be recognized for their skills and are easily flattered. On the other hand these people have an honesty and genuine warmth which attracts lots of people and helps them make new friends. People as a rule confide in horse person because he/she is sincerely interested in their thoughts and feelings and is able to help with both a wise words and an action, but there is a small problem about it - the horse person is so excited by new discoveries that it is difficult for them to keep a secret. This is not something that arises out of malice or revenge sometimes they just cannot help themselves.

It is easy to inspire such person by new ideas and he/she tends to act on them without delay, carried away by the excitement of the moment. But it is also important to remember that there is a danger for horse person to be too impulsive and it may cause some problems in the future. And if they do not see the result

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cial struggles and love life issues, but as for 2014, some things will change on his life. If the Horse will become financially independent, his money situation will become better and better. Horses are naturally lucky when it comes to money resources and career. All that is needed is for him to do is to rightly manage some aspects in his life.

As shown on the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2014 is the year where Horses will be prone to health issues specifically those conditions that target the lungs. They are more likely be involve on accidents too. To counteract such bad luck, Horses are suggested to donate blood.

Year of the Horse 2014As for clothing, the lucky colors to wear this year are purple, blue and

of their efforts, it is rather natural for them to turn their attention to a new project and head off once again, brimming with new ideas. The horse person is always ready to offer good advice and can be very persuasive, but his/her confident and carefree approach hides inner doubts. Those who know such person well recognize this, and offer the support and reassurance he/she needs.

Generally, people who were born the year of the horse have many contradictions in their character. Horse type people are proud yet sweet-natured, arrogant yet oddly modest in their approach to love, envious but tolerant, conceited yet humble. They want to belong, yet they are burdened by their need for independence. They need love and crave intimacy yet

often feel cornered, pressured. But the truth is the horse person is an individual, who depends only on his/her wits and his/her labor to get what he/she wants.

HORSE LOVE AFFAIRS A person born in the year of horse is usually an emotional adventurer, and spends much of his/her time falling in and out of love. This charmer is never short of people who will succumb to his physical appeal, but since he/she likes the easy conquest, he loses interest quickly if his interest is not returned immediately. (So famous is the fickleness of this sign that the Chinese, for example believe that women born in the Year of the Horse will not make good wives.)

If your beloved was born in the year of horse, your relationships are not

grey. To add up luck, you can wear wooden pendants or beads along with your stylish get ups. Horses lucky numbers are 7,3,2.

Horse people are energetic, intelligent and are commonly physically strong. They like to stay at peaceful places. They are very good when it comes to communicating with other people around them, thus making them sociable and they are quite friendly too. Horses love crowded places as well as entertainment. Because of the Horse natural friendly characteristic, he is loved by many.

An individual who is burn under the Year of the Horse loves to be involved on charity events and is always wanting to build his own humanitarian projects. He also likes to venture on career. He does not want to stay working with

one company for a long time yet, he will serve his bosses with all his best. On making life decisions, the Horse could be stubborn yet they also have their own earthy sides.

Relationships for Year of the Horse 2014 When it comes to love, Horses easily fall, and they typically get their hearts broken. It was already mentioned in the beginning that Horses are more likely to have money issues. What makes it hard for them on financial aspect is the way they manage their money.

They typically over spend for entertainment and fun and to help others. They are not materialistic, yet, spending money to them is practically nothing but just to get whatever is there in front of them. At times they could be dependent, but when there is nothing left

likely to be boring - there will be impetuous moments but there will also be exhilarating and intimate times. Sometimes it is hard for horse person to quieten down and focus on one partner, but in case he/ she manages to overcome his/her initial hesitancy it is possible for him/her to take commitments seriously.

It is not too difficult to charm horse people by tenderness and affection.

Consequently, the horse type must learn to step carefully where matters of the heart are concerned and will no doubt be much better at relationships once he/she had a chance to mature and gain experience.

There is also a lot depends on the partner, who theoretically mustn’t object to him/her spending time grooming him/herself, making sure that hair and clothes are just right for the occasion. On the other hand, the horse type person is often disorderly creature when it comes to domestic affairs, but usually this side of his/her nature becomes insignificant because he/ she is a loving and spirited partner.

HORSE CAREER Usually people born in this year make unconventional and very active business partners.

Should they identify a goal, they channel all their energies and use their productive imagination to achieve it. But they should keep in mind that not everyone agrees with their methods. In case a horse person decides to master a new skill in order to further his/her career, it is a usual thing for him/her to persevere in learning until he/she has perfected it. Horse person will usually try to resolve any problems rather than simply avoid them.

People born in the year of the horse are comfortable taking calculated risks but can often make promises recklessly. So a good partner must show him/her the advantage of being more reserved, hedging bets and giving special care to details, contracts and business commitments. Many people born in the year of the horse have a healthy constitution and are suited to mentally or physically demanding work. The horse person certainly has a necessary potential to be an inspiring leader but he/she should learn to hold back when situations are uncontrollable, since a hasty word could land him/her in trouble.

to hold on, they can make their own strategies to solve the problems.

Year of the Horse Horses could be arrogant during those times where they are doing chores under pressure. They could multitask, but in between doing the work, they tend to get scattery, resulting to unproductiveness and pending tasks. They are also very strict when it comes to regulations. If you are working with a Horse (or has a boss who has Horse as his zodiac sign), you will notice that they will try to instruct you to do your works the way they do their own tasks. Watch out for they could be impatient at times.

Horses are trustworthy individuals who will not let you down during your down times. As a friend, they will be there to cheer

you up and they’ll even take you to great places just to ease out your sadness.

You will not regret hanging along with a Horse as a friend or as a lover. He will be there for you as long as you need him. He is very unselfish and is willing to give you all his support. He is also practically fun to be with and you can expect no dull moments when you are with him. He will take you to great places and will introduce you to every friend he know of. He will try to make you feel like you belong in his own world.

Famous people who were born under the Year of the Horse are Cindy Crawford, Halle Berry, Robin Wright Peen and Aretha Franklin. Year of the Horse falls on the years; 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954 and 1942.

What does the Year of the Horse mean?

S SEEN on Chinese zodiac calendar, 2014 is going to be the Year of the Horse. This will begin on the 31st of January 2014 and will end on the 18th of February in 2015.

Meaning of Year of the Horse 2014 According to the Chinese calendar, when it comes to fortune, 2014 would be a better year for those people who were born under The Year of the Horse. The previous years on the life of a Horse might be filled with finan-

THE ECONOMY 7

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

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

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

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 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

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

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

124,000 new BPO jobs to open in 2014 T

HE COUNTRY’S mega business process outsourcing (BPO) firms are expected to spearhead the production of roughly 124,000 new full-time jobs in 2014, Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, a key industry backer said Wednesday.

“Based on sectoral projections, we are confident that BPO firms will be able to add an average of 124,000 well-paying jobs annually from 2014 to 2016, or a total of 372,000 new posts over the next three years,” Romulo said in a press statement.

“This will help address unemployment, especially among college-educated Filipinos,” said Romulo, chairman of the House committee on higher and technical education.

A previous survey by Pulse Asia Research Inc. showed that “creating more jobs” is one of the top five urgent national concerns, along with fighting official corruption, controlling inflation, improving the pay of workers, and reducing

poverty.

According to the veteran lawmaker, they are counting on the bigger BPO players to continue to drive the formation of new jobs.

“As they draw in more business, the super BPO firms can quickly scale up their activities here and hire extra staff, while reducing cost per unit of output owing to greater operational efficiency,” he explained.

Romulo singled out BPO giants Accenture and Convergys, both of which now have more than 35,000 employees each in the Philippines.

Based on their 2012 revenues, released here for the first time, Romulo named the country’s 36 mega BPO firms, to include the in-house outsourcing units here of global corporations, as follows: Accenture Inc. (P28.104 billion in revenues); Convergys Philippines Services Corp. (P17.281 billion); JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A–Philippine Global Service Center (P10.805 billion); 24/7 Customer

Philippines Inc. (P7.711 billion); Telephilippines Inc. (P7.241 billion); TeleTech Offshore Investments B.V. (P6.978 billion); Sutherland Global Services Philippines Inc. (P6.805 billion); Stream International Global Services Philippines Inc. (P6.738 billion); Sitel Philippines Corp. (P6.364 billion); Deutsche Knowledge Services Pte. Ltd. (P5.754 billion); Sykes Asia Inc. (P5.617 billion); IBM Daksh Business Process Services Philippines Inc. (P5.516 billion); Aegis PeopleSupport Inc. (P5.445 billion); TeleTech Customer Care Management Philippines Inc. (P5.402 billion); IBM Business Services Inc. (P5.211 billion); Telus International Philippines Inc. (P4.962 billion); Shell Shared Services (Asia) B.V. (P4.821 billion); HSBC Electronic Data Processing (Philippines) Inc. (P4.700 billion); ePLDT Inc. (P4.147 billion); SPi CRM Inc. (P3.501 billion); ACS of the Philippines Inc. (P3.492 billion); VXI Glob-

al Holdings B.V. (P3.266 billion); Emerson Electric (Asia) Ltd. (P3.230 billion); StarTek International Ltd. (P3.094 billion); IBM Solutions Delivery Inc. (P3.019 billion); Sykes Marketing Services Inc. (P2.760 billion); SPi Technologies Inc. (P2.626 billion); Genpact Services LLC (P2.552 billion); Macquarie Offshore Services Pty. Ltd. (P2.522 billion); Thomson Reuters Corp.

Pte. Ltd. (P2.265 billion); AIG Shared Services Corp.

Philippines (P2.357 billion); Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd. (P2.194 billion); Lexmark Research and Development Corp.

(P1.956 billion); ANZ Global Services and Operations (Manila) Inc. (P1.869 billion); Maersk Global Service Centers (Philippines) Ltd. (P1.859 billion); and Manulife Data Services Inc. (P1.745 billion).

The 36 firms alone raked in some P192 billion in combined revenues in 2012, based on data received by Romulo.

Romulo is author of the Data Privacy Act,

which has helped to entice global corporations to either establish new in-house outsourcing units here in Manila, or to relegate their non-core, business support activities to highly specialized independent BPO firms operating here.

The law mandates all entities, including BPO firms, to protect the confidentiality of personal information collected from clients and stored in information-technology (IT) systems, in accordance with rigorous international privacy standards.

The Philippines’ highly labor-intensive, BPO and IT-enabled services industry includes contact center services; back offices; medical, legal and other data transcription; animation; software development; engineering design; and digital content.

The IT and Business Processing Association of the Philippines sees the industry directly employing some 1.3 million Filipinos by 2016. [PNA]

a wide range of online communications services that complement our call and text services.

Subscribers can definitely expect more of these unique services targeting mobile apps as we move into 2014,” said Charles A. Lim, Executive Vice President and Head of Wireless Consumer Business for Smart and Sun. Figures suggest this shift is paying off. As of the third quarter of 2013, Smart’s mobile Internet revenues had reached P3.4 billion, which is already higher than fullyear mobile Internet

revenues of P3.1 billion in 2012.

Since embracing the “digital tsunami,” Smart’s mobile Internet traffic increased significantly across the board, and is expected to rise further as new services, such as the newly-launched PowerApp, entice users to go online and more Filipinos shift from feature phones to smart devices.

Launched with a free social bundle promotion, PowerApp offers the most affordable unlimited Internet bundles with no hidden charges

— part of the reasons why users are still apprehensive to use the Internet on their phones.

Strategic Partnerships The Philippines has long been known as the “texting capital of the world.” But that is changing as more Filipinos shift to smartphones — at a rate of as much as 146 percent as of May 2013, according to research firm GfK, making the country the fastest-growing smartphone market in the region. As a result,

more and more cell phone users are using mobile apps as well.

Early on, Smart recognized this trend and quickly brought to market the Unli25 bundle that combines unlimited calls to Smart and Talk ‘N Text subscribers, unlimited texts to Smart, Talk ‘N Text and Sun Cellular subscribers, 15 MB of mobile browsing allocation and free chatting through popular apps such as Line, WeChat, KakaoTalk and Whatsapp for an entire day. [PNA]

BEYOND CALL AND TEXT:

Smart embraces ‘digital tsunami’ W

ith Filipinos already fast taking to Facebook, WeChat, and Instagram — to mention some of the current and more popular mobile apps offered by so-called OTT’s or over-the-top players -- telecommunications companies, like the country’s leading wireless services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), have been adjusting their game by joining the bandwagon.

“This year, Smart has struck strategic partnerships with OTT players to offer our subscribers

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

EDITORIAL

J

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

Jobs and hunters

OB hunters, we are sure, are elated to know that the burgeoning business-process outsourcing (BPO) companies are expected to generate 124, 000 new jobs.

To be sure, the number appears to be more than enough to absorb the some 100,000 registered nurses who are at the moment desperately seeking employment in and out of the health sector.

A pleasant story is told that close to two dozens young registered male nurses abandoned their applications for employment in public hospitals where they have been queueing with other applicants endorsed by politicians. They opted to take the job of firemen badly needed by the Bureau of Fire Protection, after

EDGEDAVAO

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realizing that a fireman receives better pay for a job not as demanding as that of a nurse.

The registered nurses-turned-firefighters may not exactly live happily ever after, but theirs is a story about young men who chose to set aside false pride in favor of livelihood.

On the other hand, the picture in the outsourcing industry is definitely rosy.

The top 36 BPO companies in the Philippines reported P192 billion in combined revenues in 2012.

If job-seekers are not choosy, there is no job miss-match to talk about. It will become irrelevant if the job seekers are ready to take on any kind of honorable employment.

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

T

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

Post-holiday season routines

ASK OF MENDING AFTER CHRISTMAS COMES IN VARIOUS FORMS – After the long Christmas holidays the proliferation of sales, penchant for shopping, gobbling of sumptuous food and drinks and merriment have finally ended.

Now at the start of the year 2014, the Year of the Wooden Horse, survey shows that 94% of Filipinos expect there would be rays of hope, aspirations and opportunities.

And for sure there would be plenty of room for recuperation. Oh sure, you would also easily notice that many people are making long lists of, what else – New Year’s resolution, which are, of course, habitually violated. What we would always hear remained the same worn-out and old-standard declarations – totally stop smoking and drinking, resolve to stop hanging out in bars, girlie shows and gambling joints and most importantly start to become more financially sound and responsible person.

One of the noticeable things is that most resolutions seldom include a promise or a pledge to get fit, healthy and extremely happy. Most of us, at our age, of course, actually are for the “healthy lifestyle” bunch.

Well, in theory I am a kind and supportive health buff calling out things like “let’s do it and keep it up!” Sadly, though, in reality health concerns don’t mean a thing or two to many people. You see, after those continuous Christmas and New Year’s merrymakings while savoring lots of fat-loaded food, arrays of cakes and pastries and drinking too many holiday wines and spirits, a lot of people with good appetites gained extra weight and unbearable amount of fats in just so short period of time.

So, if you spent 2013 with getting involved seriously in a “happy-go-lucky” lifestyle only to be disappointed upon finding

F

out that you instantly became a “bloated stuff” after the many celebrations, what has got to be done?

Well, resolve to start going out frequently with your family, friends and health-conscious groups with the sole purpose of doing physical exercises. After all, at the beginning of every year there are a number of fitness facilities offering promotional programs and jogging areas to choose from where you can literally squeezed out your fatty and sweaty domains for an entire year.

Always remember to stick to a workable physical conditioning program. But don’t get me wrong, folks, I am among those who are for a happier and healthier lifestyle. However, if you want to remain toxic and nicotine-loaded, then major components of your overall well-being are still in need of sensible attention. That’s precisely the reason why your dieting regimen and physical fitness activities during the previous year were nothing but a progression of disappointments. Therefore I considered recommending the month of January as the post-holiday season for mending things after the wave of parties and revelries during Christmas and the New Year.

I’d rather call this the re-exercising period, which follows the partying spell. Again, a long-standing practice especially to the health enthusiasts during this period is “back-to-basics” scheme. This leads to returning to the fitness amenities, gyms and

routines of reactivating your diet program after gorging ourselves during the holiday season. And not only that, another post-holiday activity is the task of recovery, which come in many forms. There’s the recovery from your expenses and other mounting bills perhaps due to excessive and lavish spending being part of a time-honored tradition among us Filipinos in celebrating Christmas.

It is likewise a time to remember and reminisce, as in, “Oh snap, I just remembered we forgot to give some of our friends, relatives and godchildren gifts or even just a simple holiday greetings.” So after the busy preparations during the Christmas holidays – entertaining and partying, it seems it will be only a matter of few months until we have to “re-enact or re-do” the celebrations all over again.

Until then, we wish everybody all the best in the Year of the Wooden Horse and hoping that we could actually find some precious time to do one more important thing during the post-holiday period – relax and resolve to make 2014 a merrier, happier and healthier year.

Lest we forget, it may be will to remind our officials from top to bottom, elective or otherwise that everybody needs to get back to focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the nation and the masses of our people this year. They must emphasize on something more relevant other than sordid matters. They also need to make less dissuading arguments, ridiculous and eccentric behavior in an attempt to justify their ends that would lead to take the spotlight away from the real substance of governing and the business of government. Let’s keep on beatwatching, dear people!

Ban and No Ban: A Modest Proposal

OR THE last several years, I had let the old and new years come and go with shrugs – the bangs and the booms not disturbing my midnight peace. I never liked the powder smoke to stimulate my asthma or a stray bullet to kiss my head. But last Tuesday, I became curious; I monitored the ritual.

What I write here refers only to the ritual as I heard and saw in my place, a stretch of dry lands with forests and roaring rivers 74 years ago. How the new came and the old went is from my perspective – its similarity or difference from how the ritual unfolded in the other parts of the country being merely incidental. And, so is my modest proposal.

No firecracker ban exists in General Santos City. All people here, in particular my neighbors in my 74-year-old Lagao, are free to explode anything including their heads – within the limits of their willingness to empty their pockets to satisfy their hunger for the bangs, booms, bangs.

The late afternoon and the early evening were silent like in any ordinary day.

This early in past years – years and years past – scattered bangs, booms, bangs were a prelude to the fiery midnight concert punctuated by rat-a-tat-tats and thundering, shuddering booms. Was the unusual silence the signal of a song never sang before, “Silent New Year”?

Towards midnight, solitary bangs, booms, bangs began – within the hour, coming in minute intervals. At the last quarter of the last hour, I went out of my study to see the midnight. Only a faint powder smell greeted me with flashes of the bangs, booms and bangs – but not that deafening,

COMMENTARY

BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ just a thud compared to memories of past thundering new years. Together with some fireworks multi-coloring the skies, they proclaim the spirit that will forever live.

I think the rising costs of the bangs, booms, bangs have taken a toll on the traditional celebration of the New Year and the Christmas nights. More than ever, given their freedom, people are still willing to risk life and limbs but their pockets are getting shallower and shallower by the year. Time was when the cost of a firecracker did not factor into their media noche plate. Not now!

Time was when a firecracker was just that – “spit fire” and “cracked”. Merrymakers pinched crackers at the lower rim whirling them above their heads while “spitting fire” then “cracking”. No harm; just fun!

But firecrackers have grown stronger and stronger – not just “cracking” but “exploding”. And they also have become costlier and costlier, more and more dangerous to life and limbs. In reality, firecracker manufacturing has become a major explosive industry – like tobacco and liquor, an evil but necessary for the employment and taxes it generates.

The New Year I witnessed must be “tame” compared to the revelries in Metro Manila and other places in Luzon. Despite the ban on lethal types of “firecrackers” and the firing of guns, the injuries and deaths this year were reported to be more than last year. A three-month-old baby in Ilocos

Sur was killed in his crib by a “stray” bullet.

What paradox: merrymaking cum manmade calamity!

To paraphrase Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “To ban or not to ban is question.” In reality, it is not a question. In 2002, Davao City Mayor Digoy “Killjoy” Duterte imposed a total ban on everything that “cracks” or “explodes” including live ammunition from guns in the “city and farms” of the entire Davao City on Christmas, New Year and other festivities. From reports, for 12 years now the complete banishment of the “joy that kills” has been greatly appreciated – the “joy” not missed, the “kill” avoided.

Has the entire Philippines have to be Davao City? That is an extremely ambitious proposal! How many have guts – many call it “balls” – like those Mayor Digoy, even to the displeasure of human rights advocates.

Certainly, even the President lacks them.

Here’s a modest proposal. Ban all – repeat, ALL – types of “firecrackers cum explosives”; they are the danger to life and limbs. Allow only the pyrotechnics. These may not be affordable to all. But let the spirit of merrymaking be also the spirit of merry-sharing – the “full-pockets” sharing their blessings with the “empty-pockets”.

In the spirit of the seasons, let Christmas and New Year’s eves be the time for pyrotechnic festivals or “Pyro Fests”. Local governments can sponsor them with modest prizes. In cities and big population centers, big sponsors can be tapped with big prizes. This can encourage creativity among Filipinos.

Some taxes and employments will be lost. As the saying goes, “Lose some, gain some”.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Entrusting Myself to ‘Mama Mary’ PERSONAL ESSAY

BY PENELOPE SANZ

A

Part 1 of 2

S WE now look forward to 2014, I remain in the revelry of Christmas. At the core of this celebration is my joy over the certainty of my decision to entrust myself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who gave birth to our Lord Jesus Christ. Last November 21, 2013 during the feast of the Presentation of Mary, I entrusted myself to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the fourth time.

Two of my dear friends, Shannon McAvoy and Charie Mosqueda, also consecrated themselves to Mama Mary on that day. The sisters at the Presentation of Mary Discernment House here in Saskatoon, Canada, namely Sr. Evelyn, Sr. Lucy and Sr. Cindy, made it more special by incorporating a ritual of entrustment.

Why the Marian consecration and why I had done so not only once but four times?

Why do I call her ‘Mama Mary’ as probably many Filipino Catholics do? The childhood memories of showering the statue of Mama Mary with flowers every afternoon after our daily catechism during the month of May remain vivid. I remember being awed at how God, who created me, the sea, the sky and everything around me, has chosen Mama Mary so that His son Jesus Christ will be able to grow inside her tummy. I also wondered one hot summer afternoon if Jesus would like to have some of my mother’s homemade popsicles and could I give Him some? At five, I came to understand that Mama Mary is someone I should be thankful for because without her, Jesus Christ will not be born and be healthy enough to save us. I remember thinking that Mama Mary must have given Jesus lots of vegetables, fruits and so much love because He was able to bear such pain and be up there on the cross for us. Since then, I sang, “O Maria Reyna sa Pilipinas (Oh Mary, Queen of the Philippines) with all my heart understanding that she is our queen and, most importantly, our mother too.

But upon growing up, I realize that trying to follow Mama Mary’s way of simplicity, humility and obedience in my everyday life is quite daunting. It does not help that the world we live in constantly bombards us on how to be vain, prideful, slanderous, selfish, conceited, and willful to the flesh.

Glorifying our selves rather than God is the way of the world. Many of us tend to say that we believe in God but do not fear Him at all. Others have even come to conclude that they do not need God as there is no proof that He exists. Many also scoff at the idea of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Some of my friends in college and in my professional life were scathing in their views that her example of meekness perpetuates the idea that women are weak and thus another manifestation of patriarchy. Inwardly, I flinch when I hear them malign or belittle the Mother of God. But my intellectual influences on historical and dialectical materialism, and relativisms stalled me from defending her or my Catholic faith and left me confused. There was a time that I had grown distant from the Blessed Virgin Mary. But I keep on asking questions (or should I say it was the Holy Spirit feeding me questions to ask) which I believe was my saving grace.

One time, I summoned myself to ask her, “How come I do not know you anymore? I want to know you again. Can you help me to know and love you once more?”

So upon my fourth entrustment to Mama Mary, I have come to fully appreciate her strength and gentleness in relation to the sufferings and pains of our world.

She patiently bore the discomforts of giving birth in an alien land in the process of seeking status in line with Joseph’s ancestry. This reminds us of the many non-status immigrants and refugees or internally displaced persons who had to flee their land because of strife and poverty.

10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

ONE-STOP-SHOP. Davao City Business Bureau (CBB) officer in charge Lawrence B. Bantiding discusses during a press briefing at NCCC mall conference hall yesterday the one-stop-shop for business permit renewal sets up by the bureau at NCCC mall and at Sangguniang Panlungsod. The bureau’s one-stop-shop aims to decongest the CBB main office from business owners renewing business permit. Lean Daval Jr.

2014 IRA. City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) chief Rodrigo Riola says during a press briefing at NCCC Mall yesterday that the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of Davao City is expected to increase this year. Davao City got the IRA share of P2.57 billion for 2013 based on the record of the Department of Budget and Management and will possibly receive a P2.9-billion share for 2014. Lean Daval Jr.

Firecracker–related injuries now at 804 T

HE Department of Health (DOH) recorded a total of 804 firecracker-related injuries on Thursday, significantly lower than the number of casualties recorded in the same period last year.

Of the 804 firecracker-related injuries, 793

were due to actual firecrackers, mostly from piccolo, Assistant Health Secretary, Dr. Eric Tayag said via Twitter.

There were two casualties from firecrackers and nine from stray bullets, the health executive added.

In 2012, data from the

DOH showed that there were 894 firecracker-related injuries, 867 from actual firecrackers, two from firecracker ingestion and 25 from stray bullets.

The DOH started recording casualties since Dec. 21, the first victim being a nine-year old boy from Tondo.

The boy sustained injuries from piccolo which is the most common cause for firecracker-related injuries.

Compare to last year, there were seven injuries recorded on December 22,2012 which is higher than the recorded casualties on December 22,2013.

[PNA]

RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III has signed a P 14.6-billion supplemental budget for 2014, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said on Thursday.

PCOO Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the

P

President signed the joint resolution of both Houses of Congress last Dec. 26.

Coloma said the supplemental budget will be used in the various projects of the Aquino administration, including the rehabilitation efforts in places ravaged by super

typhoon Yolanda.

“Simula naman po noong tinatalakay ito sa Gabinete ay walang humpay iyong pagsulong nitong programang ito going to various stages of refinement, concretization, fleshing out at ngayon nga po ay meron na tayong

Presidential Assistant on Recovery and Reconstruction na isinusulong din po ang programang iyan,” Coloma said.

The President signed the 2014 national budget which amounts to P 2.265 trillion last Dec. 20.

[PNA]

mandated by the city government.

The biggest slice of the entire budget will be allo-

cated to the general fund of P4.14 billion, which includes P1.11-billion for salaries of city employ-

ees.

The city mayor’s office has P1.5 billlion covering expenses for peace and

order, Central 911, Traffic Management Center and Lingap para sa Mahirap program.

bags all estimated at P2,154,430.

Robbers also hit Olarte’s house when their helper was on leave during New Year’s Eve while the owners were shopping in mall at the time of the robbery, Silagan said.

Police said Oliva Olarte, 63, wife of Nicholas reported to the police

that at around 8:00 p.m, January 1, 2014 upon arriving at the house they saw the culprits exiting through the back door.

Silagan said the primary suspect could be a trisikad driver and they are conducting background checks on trike drivers who have easy access to GSIS residents.

Silagan said that Nich-

olas heard footsteps of someone on their roof, but it was too late to chase the culprit. The robbers gained entrance an abandoned house next door and using a wooden ladder to climb over the concrete fence to the victim’s house.

Police said the culprit(s) managed to enter the master’s bedroom

by destroying the door and carted away jewelry, including his PMA ring, four gold wedding rings, a wrist watch, all worth about P300,000.

P/Inspector Leah Maryjune Amoguis, deputy of the PRO 11, said that Nicholas was the regional director in 1998-1999.

The culprit(s) remain unidentified.

sponding garbage trucks deployed in the collection areas, food markets and in subdivisions.

She appealed to the residents to do waste segregation starting at their homes.

Madrazo said scavengers are tempted to scour

the garbage bins if the garbage is not well segregated hoping that they can still get something useful and valuable out of the litters.

“Let’s do segregation right at the point of origin like our homes to discourage scavengers

to search for valuables in the garbage bins. Hopefully the public will also comply with the Solid Waste Management Law,” she said.

In 2009, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao passed into law the Davao City Ecological

Solid Waste Management Ordinance requiring all households and establishments to do waste segregation from biodegradable to non-biodegradable, recyclable, residual and special waste.

[PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

PNoy signs P 14.6-B supplemental budget for 2014

Ira...FFROM 1

Robber...FFROM 2

Cenro...FFROM 2

One...FFROM 2 Business Bureau at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Building.

Bantiding said that the operation for the business permit renewal will be up to 10:00 pm and 12:00 midnight in the mall and at the SP Building, respectively.

City Treasurer Rodrigo Riola said more business enterprises came to Davao City in 2013 with the constructions and operation of more malls, pouring in of capital by foreign and local investors.

He attributed the beautiful business cli-

mate to the firm leadership of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte particularly in ensuring the stable peace and order condition of the city.

“Foreign and local investors are assured of the safety of their capital in the city due to the leadership of the Mayor. They are no longer afraid to invest in Davao City,” Riola said.

He said that the sprouting of more malls and condominiums indicates the brisk economy of the city.

[PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

The proposed ordinance also aims to create a cinema evaluation board of Davao City, which would evaluate and grade films submitted to the council subject to the rules under Republic Act 9167, or the Act creating the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Last month, more than 50 films from Mindanao joined the Mindanao Film

Festival (MFF) held here.

It was the longest regional film festival in the country.

MFF director Rudolph Ian Alama said during the committee hearing that the promotion of the city’s film industry would not only support the entertainment aspect of the productions but would also create jobs for every film produced and filmed in the city. [MindaNews]

The collection from various fees and charges by the city will hopefully help in attaining the target, Riola said.

He also said that the sound economic activity in the city will invite more investors to make their business in the metropolis.

He attributed it to the good leadership of City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. The peace and order in the city gives a positive effect to the influx of investments in the city.

Riola, meanwhile, said that the report on the total collection of the income gener-

ating departments of the city government will come out on the second week of January. He said that the collection of the real property tax is not yet complete.

Riola said that his office will be pushing for the amendment of the Local Government Tax Code of 1991 or Republic Act 7160. He said that that if the tax code will be amended, there will be an increase in the percentage of real property tax charged to the businessmen. The increase will be 10 percent in every five years. [CRC]

Davao... FFROM 3

City...FFROM 3

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

STUDY SAYS:

HEALTH

11

City cycling may save the planet, but not your lungs

U

RBAN cycling, while good for the environment, may pose a risk your health, a new Dublin study has found.

Cycling in congested cities could do more harm than good to your heart and lungs, due to the breathing in of dangerous

pollutants in the air, the study found. While pedestrians are exposed as well, cyclists exert themselves more and breathe more heavily, which increases their risk, The Australian reports. Problems include breathing in exhaust fumes as well as tiny particles generated by vehi-

cle brakes and tires.

The study, led by Marguerite Nyhan of Trinity College, recruited 32 fit, healthy cyclers who opted for mostly traffic-free routes.

A separate 2011 UK study also found that urban cyclists may be inhaling high levels of black

soot. The University of London study found that urbanites who cycled to work had 2.3 times more black carbon in their lungs than pedestrians. Previous research has shown that black carbon is linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including reduced lung function and a

613 patients at 14 Veterans Affairs medical centers.

Participants received either a daily 2,000 IUs of vitamin E (2g), a daily 20 mg of memantine, the combination, or placebo.

The researchers found that vitamin E delays progression of functional decline by 19 percent per year, which translates into 6.

2-month benefit over placebo. Neither memantine nor the com-

bination of vitamin E and memantine showed clinical benefit in this trial.

In addition, caregiver time was reduced by about 2 hours per day in the vitamin E group.

The researchers found no significant increase in mortality with vitamin E. The annual mortality rate was 7.3 percent in the alpha tocopherol group compared with 9.4 percent for the placebo group.

higher risk of respiratory diseases and heart attacks.

What’s an avid city cyclist to do? Consider using a facemask, which experts told the BBC could be an effective way of reducing exposure, as long as the mask fits correctly. Previous studies carried out in Beijing have found that

wearing a well-fitted face mask could reduce risks of exposure to particulate pollution, the report said.

Also, opt for roads with less traffic, or travel during times of day when there is less congestion, and avoid riding behind diesel-powered buses or trucks. [Yahoo Philippines]

Vitamin E may slow functional decline in Alzheimer’s patients V

ITAMIN E may slow functional decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and decrease caregiver burden, a U.S. study said Tuesday.

Previous research has found that alpha tocopherol, a fat- soluble vitamin E and antioxidant, slowed disease progression in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from

Minneapolis VA Health Care System and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai examined the effectiveness and safety of vitamin E, the drug called memantine, and the combination for treatment of functional decline in patients with mild to moderate AD. These patients were also taking anti-dementia drugs known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

The trial included

The findings are valuable because vitamin E is easy to purchase at local drugstores and it is also inexpensive, said the researchers, while recommending it as a treatment strategy, based on the randomized controlled trial.

“This study is the first to show an added benefit for vitamin E in mild-to-moderate disease,” Professor Kenneth Davis, chief executive officer and Presi-

dent of the Mount Sinai Health System, said in a statement. “Now that we have a strong clinical trial showing that vitamin E slows functional decline and reduces the burdens on caregivers, vitamin E should be offered to patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease.”

The findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.[PNA/Xinhua]

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

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13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 15, Davao City

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES FROM MULTIPLE CHILD BIRTH TO SINGLE AND WITH RESPECT TO THE MAIDEN NAME OF PETITIONER’S MOTHER FROM LUZVIMINDA SAHOT SEBUMPA TO LUZVIMINDA SAHOT SEBUMPAN

SP.PROC.NO. 12-839-13

JAMES SEBUMPAN VIDAL Petitioner, -versus-

THE OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO Respondent x------------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER This is a verified petition for correction of entries from multiple child birth to single and with respect to the maiden of petitioner’s mother from Luzviminda Sahot Sebumpa to Luzviminda Sahot Sebumpan.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance let the petition be heard on January 29, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. at the session hall of this Court, on which date, hour and place , all interested persons are hereby cited to appear and show cause if they have any, why this petition should not be granted.

Let copy of this Order and Petition be published before the hearing date at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Davao once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks. Give the Davao City Civil registrar and the Solicitor General copies of this Order.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippines, November 14, 2013.

12/24,1/3,7

( SGD) RIDGWAY M. TANJILI Judge

Aboitiz Foundation to build more classrooms

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE ABOITIZ Foundation, Inc. of the Aboitiz Group of Company vowed to construct more classrooms this year to help address the classroom deficiency in the country.

The foundation will build additional 40 classrooms in different parts of the country in partnership with Aklat, Gabay, Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP), Foundation which chaired by presidential sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada.

Aboitiz had built more than 30 classrooms in Mindanao along with Davao Light and Power Company, Hedcor hydro power, Therma Marine power barge and Therma South.

The foundation has turned over 134 classrooms in three years, which 14,000 children benefited on this. There are 42 classrooms in Lu-

zon, 36 in Visayas, and 56 in Mindanao.

Sonny Carpio , foundation’s executive vice president said the foun-

dation spent approximately Php26 million in 2013 to complete its commitment.

Carpio reported that

in 2013, the foundation allotted Php234 million or 79% of its total budget for education projects.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

New name for Gaisano hoops F

ROM Gaisano South Cup to Gaisano Grand Cup. The decade-old schoolbased league has announced its name change as preparation shifted to high gear for the opening of its 10th season.

Undertaking a new schedule, the four-division tournament will unfold on January 18 and expected to culminate by March in celebration of the Araw ng Dabaw.

Aside from change of name and schedule for this season, according to Karla Giorgia P. Corcino, Gaisano Grand Mall Ad and Promo chief, there will be no major changes in the tournament itself.

Corcino pointed out

that the tournament is for the student-athletes, the school’s and their respective fan base which is credited to the league’s unprecendented achievement over the years.

“In providing an avenue where the young one’s compete for title and, of course, school pride in showcasing their talents and potentials, we make sure that the the spirit of joy and excitement remains that enabled the league to continually lure patronage year after year,” she said.

A total of 80 teams are entered this season with sixteen contesting in the centerpiece men’s senior (collegiate) division.

Twelve school’s will

vie for the title in the Boys Mini 12-Under category while 14 in the Boys Cadet 14-Under class.

In the Boys Junior 18-Under Division 1, seven school’s will dispute for the crown while 20 in the Division 2. Girl’s Junior will have 6.

Six schools will duke it out in the Women’s senior division.

“Everybody is excited to get the ball rolling, anticipating high action and drama, for another breakout season,” Corcino said.

A coaches meeting will be conducted on January 11, 1:30 pm, at the Gaisano Grand Citimall 5th floor Entertainment Area. All coaches are required to attend.

OS ANGELES – Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Farmar is expected to miss at least four weeks with his second left hamstring tear in the past month, the NBA club announced on Wednesday.

Farmar missed 10

games in December with a torn left hamstring and was hurt again on Tuesday in the Lakers’ 94-79 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

An ultrasound test on Wednesday morning showed the torn spot, which was in a different location to the one he

suffered December 1 that benched him for three and a half weeks, the team said in a statement.

Farmar’s loss is another major setback for a Laker backcourt that has already lost Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Xavier Henry and Steve Blake.

Farmar joins Lakers’long injury list L

LOVE BIRDS. Rory McIlroy (left) and tennis star girfriend Caroline Wozniacki have announced their engagement on Twitter.

McIlroy, Wozniacki engaged S

YDNEY (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy and his tennis-playing girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki started the New Year with a bang on Wednesday by announcing their engagement on Twitter.

“Happy New Year everyone! I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year!! My first victory of 2014 #shesaidyes!!,” golfer McIlroy, who rang in the New Year with Wozniacki in Sydney, wrote.

The two former world number ones in their re-

spective sports have been dating for more than two years and erroneous reports their relationship was over last year was proposed by some as an explanation for McIlroy’s drop in form.

Northern Irishman McIlroy, 24, had to wait until December to claim his first title of the season when he dramatically edged Adam Scott on the final hole to win the Australian Open.

Wozniacki, 23, pulled out of this week’s Brisbane International with

an injured right shoulder but is confident she will be able to play in this week’s Sydney International in preparation for the January 13-26 Australian Open.

“Happy New Year everyone! Rory and I started 2014 with a bang! ... I said YES!!!!” Wozniacki tweeted above a picture of her hand sporting an engagement ring.

[Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Frank Pingue and Nick Mulvenney]

EDGEDAVAO

COLD GEORGE. Indiana star Paul George (24) was limited to just 12 points against the Raptors.

Raptors snap Pacers run T

ORONTO’S DeMar DeRozan scored 26 points and sparked a fourth-quarter run Wednesday that lifted the Toronto Raptors to a 95-82 victory over Indiana, snapping the Pacers’ six-game winning streak.

The Pacers fell to 256, leaving them level with Oklahoma City for the best record in the NBA with San Antonio and Portland on 25-7 and defending NBA champion Miami at 24-7.

The Raptors improved to 15-15 on the season,

boosting their lead atop the Atlantic division with their fourth win in a row and eighth in 10 games.

Toronto ended the first quarter on a 13-6 run for a 26-18 edge, but the Pacers outscored the Raptors 2614 in the second quarter for a 44-40 half-time advantage.

Toronto battled back and took a 66-63 lead into the fourth quarter thanks to a John Salmons 3-pointer.

With the game knotted at 74-74, the Raptors went on a 14-3 run to seize com-

mand, DeRozan scoring eight points in the spurt for an 88-77 edge with 2:54 remaining and the Pacers never came close again.

Terrence Ross scored 18 points for the Raptors while Kyle Lowry added 13 points and 14 assists and Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas had 13 points and nine rebounds.

DeRozan also grabbed nine rebounds.

Roy Hibbert led Indiana with 16 points while Pacers scoring leader Paul George managed only 12 points.

Mayweather Pacquiao to happen, the Filipino needs to leave Bob Arum and his Top Rank Promotions.

“I know Floyd is not the issue. Floyd wants the fight. Floyd will fight Manny Pacquiao anywhere, any time,” Espinoza told the Telegraph. “Unfortunately, there is a promotional conflict which is the issue.

I’d like to say I’m optimistic but there is a lot of politics involved, a lot of history to resolve.”

Arum used to promote Mayweather but the two camps had a bitter falling out in 2006. The fighter

realized that more money could be made if he just promoted himself. Mayweather ditched Top Rank Promotions and simply hires Golden Boy Promotions on a contractual basis.

Mayweather wants Pacquiao to do the same. The undefeated American has often said that he’ll never allow Arum to earn off his name. Still bitter about how much money Arum earned from him, Mayweather would rather pass up on the biggest purse of his career if it means not allowing Arum to take a piece of the pie.

Floyd to Manny: Ditch Arum or no fight

F

LOYD Mayweather’s camp is putting the pressure on Manny Pacquiao. After the fighter made jabs on social media, it is now Stephen Espinoza’s turn to tell Pacquiao what he needs to do to get a shot at Mayweather.

Espinoza, Showtime Sports’ Executive Vice President, was recently named as the Yahoo Sports Boxing Person of the Year, an honor that considers everyone in the boxing industry. In an interview with Gareth Davies of The Telegraph, the powerful executive opined that for

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

A fresh start WOMEN

Photos by Wacky Masbad

HELLO, 2014!

Still on a first day high?

By now, you’re probably swearing off lechon or sweets for about a month or so. Feeling the urge to be one with the world and get back in shape?

“Try juicing for a change,” suggests Melody An Saja Ybanez, better known as Chiqk.

This 22-year old architect in the making (she is currently on her 5th year) also happens to be the creative genius behind the best selling brand of organic juices labelled as the Greene Dare. And not only is she a student and young entrepreneur, Chiqk, more importantly, is a proud mom to a 6-month old baby boy.

“Juicing helped me lose baby weight from my pregnancy,” claims the svelte young mom.

What is the Greene Dare?

Greene Dare gives the term “fast food” a healthy twist with its line of bottled fresh, organic, coldpressed veggie and fruit juices. This multi-hyphenate drink label gives you your much needed dosage of daily essentials all in a liquid solution which is produced as ordered.

“Everything in each bottle is purely pressed vegetable and fruit juice. We don’t even add water into the mix. This is the reason why the juice fills up your tummy easily and you feel full even right after one bottle. In a way, you can substitute one meal with Greene Dare,” explains Chiqk.

Dared to go green I must say, I’m impressed with how this young student-mom created a product and brand as successful as the Greene Dare.

Chiqk shares her story.

“At first, the idea didn’t come to me as a moneymaking potential. I was on a quest to lose the extra pounds I gained during pregnancy. I was inspired to try the fitness approach followed by local celebrities I see on Instagram.

After seeing and experiencing the positive results juicing had on by body, I decided to continue on with juicing just to infuse a healthy mix into my regular diet.”

“Then I had a light bulb moment. I realized Davaoeños nowadays are more conscious of their shape and what they eat, especially when it comes

to maintaining their desired weight and body figure. These healthy concoctions I make everyday can definitely help everyone achieve their fitness goals, even for those who are busy at work. As a young mom, I needed extra income to help sustain my child and education. I braved all odds and

invested my time, energy and money in making this to a full blown business.

And so this venture soon became a hit among people of all ages. My clientele now includes young professionals, doctors, dentists, entrepreneurs, managers, and even students.”

“These juices are all made with love. I am

very hands on with this business. I do everything myself --- from research development, production, marketing, and delivery.”

“Production and delivery are scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I only produce what is ordered. I don’t stock up on juices and ingredients. I always produce the juices hours before the delivery time. I wake up at 6am to prepare the fruits and vegetables.

Each has to be properly weighed, sliced, and measured according to the flavor. Right now, there are about 5 flavors under my brand: Citrus Morning (apples, cucumber, orange, lemon, spinach), Sweet Romaine (romaine lettuce, apples), Beet it (beets, apples, spinach),

Mean greene (apples, cucumber, spinach, celery, lemon, ginger), and Greene load (apples, cucumber, spinach, celery, lemon, ginger, carrots).

Before the actual press time, it takes me almost 2 to 3 hours to sterilize the bottles, and wash and slice the fruits and veggies. At an average, I make about 100 bottles every MWF. I start delivering the bottles to customers a little after lunch time. The other 2 days in my work week are dedicated to buying fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Looking forward, Chiqk is optimistic about growing her business and introducing a healthier lifestyle to the community. “It’s hard to juggle my roles (mother, student, and entrepreneur) and

keep a balanced lifestyle.

I’m a hands-on mom, too.

Good thing I have my fiancé to help me. This kind of business is as tedious as can be, but I am determined to make it big soon --- and maybe have my own store where anyone can just hang out and enjoy healthy drinks with friends.”

For more details, please follow @thegreenedare on Instagram or visit www. facebook.com/thegreenedare. You may order via SMS or viber at 0943 443 1658.

For deliveries, Chiqk delivers door to door but with charges for delivery services depending on the location.

You may also pick up the juices at Rophe’s Chicken, Tionko corner V. Mapa St, Davao City.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Famous Belgian Waffles opens at SM Davao Annex THE newest craze in the country, Famous Belgian Waffle, is now serving its waffle goodness at the Ground Floor of SM City Davao Annex building.

Using only premium quality ingredients, Famous Belgian Waffles offers freshly baked Belgian waffle sandwiches with different premium fillings to choose from. Each bite will surely make you crave for more.

An innovative grab and go product that comes with several filings as chocolate, peanut butter, hazelnut, blueberry cream cheese, ham and cheddar, banana chocolate and a lot more, the sandwiches are also made very affordable which starts at P30. The shop also serves hot drinks to match its delectable waffles. With a choice of Malaysian coffee and Malaysian hot chocolate, one will sure have an experience worth coming back to.

Find your favorite Belgian Waffle sandwich or create your own! Visit the Famous Belgian Waffles at the SM City Davao Annex.

Cebu Pacific takes delivery of 48th Airbus aircraft, transports medical equipment for Yolanda affected regions MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB), took delivery of its 28th Airbus A320 aircraft yesterday,December22.Thebrandnew‘Sharklets’-equipped Airbus A320 aircraft carried 4.1 tonnes of medical equipment for typhoon Yo l a n d a affected regions.

The delivery flight arrived in Manila with one doc tor, two nurses and one coordinator on board. This humanitarian mission flight was organized by Cebu Pacific Air and the Airbus Foundation in association with German charity, Humedica, with medical supplies being flown from Hamburg, Germany.

With this delivery, CEB now operates a fleet of 48 aircraft comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 28 Airbus A320, 2 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 14 more Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 4 Airbus A330 aircraft.

Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.

Abreeza together with all Ayala Malls celebrates the new year with the Welcome 2014 Sale. Get great savings and buys as we celebrate another year together at the Ayala Malls!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

EVENTS

New horizons in 2014 with Asus New laptop and transformer lines launched

LAPTOPS for general computing used to be high-end PC products that offer mobility but at a high price point. However, when ASUS introduced their Eee PC, the computing world was turned on its head with the promise of performance, affordability and a new niche in the netbook market for individuals who merely needed a PC to do normal, day-to-day chores.

Fast forward to 2013 and ASUS is at it again with the launch of its new family of portable computers at the Plantation Bay at Mactan, Cebu.

New to ASUS’ lineup is the new Transformer Book T100. The ASUS Transformer Book T100 is a 10.1-inch ultraportable laptop with an Intel Atom ‘Bay Trail’ Z3740 quad-core processor and a detachable 1366 x 768 IPS display that can be used as a standalone Windows 8.1 tablet. With a slim design and durable finish, Transformer Book is one of the lightest laptops and 10inch tablets around.

Fusing the portability and ease-of-use of a tablet and the functionality and power of a laptop, the ASUS redefines the market again by providing a versatile touch screen device that is affordable yet powerful enough for everyone’s word processing, social media as well as work-related needs.

The ASUS team also took the opportunity to award their top sellers and distributors from Visayansas well as Mindanao.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter for more foodie and travel finds as well as happenings in, around and beyond Duri-

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

EVENT

Philippine Hip Hop Dance Championship Regionals at SM Davao, January 4 & 5

This 2014, the Philippine Hip Hop Dance Championship comes to life for the first time and its coming to SM City Davao on January 4 and 5!

On Saturday, True Urban Grooves holds workshops at the Annex. The Regional Semi-finals for the Philippine Hip Hop Dance Championship will also be happening on the same day. The Regional Championship will be held on Sunday, 4PM with Jhong Hilario as one of the judges.

The World Hip Hop Dance Championship is the world’s most celebrated dance event. Over two thousand of the world’s best dancers come together in Las Vegas for the Annual World Hip Hop Dance Championship, held in August of every

year, in an event true to the real values of hip hop culture. Crews and Mega Crews from 35-40 nations compete to capture the world title and international bragging rights while hip hop icons, artists and celebrities will be there too for all the fun and excitement.

The Philippine Hip Hop

Dance Championship will be held in five different major regions in the Philippines.

Apart from Davao, there will also be regional finals held in North Luzon, South Luzon, Cebu and NCR. Each regional final will determine who makes it to the National Semi-Finals and the National Championship.

Watch the best crews from all over the region battle it out for the chance to represent the Philippines in the 2014 World Hip Hop Dance Championship. Catch the Philippine Hip Hop Dance Championship at SM City Davao on January 4 and 6.

For inquiries, call 297.6998.

Like SM City Davao on Facebook of follow @smcitydavao on Twitter for event and promo updates.

Nash-Alexa love team topbills ‘Wansapanataym special’ KAPAMILYA tween love team Nash Aguas and Alexa Ilacad will open year 2014 with a magical tale about love and family as they topbill the newest month-long special of “Wansapanataym” titled ‘Enchanted House.’

MFrom their Kapamilya teen comedy series “Luv U,” Nash and Alexa will further capture the hearts of weekend viewers this Saturday as they portray the roles of Philip (Nash) and Alice (Alexa), two friends who are the kids of old flames. Because of their parents’ bitter past, conflict starts to arise between the two families, especially when they all found out about the curse that Philip’s mother put on Alice’s parents.

Will the two friends be able to heal the wounds of their parents’ past and finally

teach them to forgive and forget?

Together with Nash and Alexa in ‘Enchanted House’ are Ara Mina, Dominic Ochoa, Nikki Valdez, Candy Pangilinan, Jaime Fabregas, Celine Lim, Brace Arquiza, Marikit Morales, and Aldred Gatchalian. It is written by Reggie Amigo and directed

by Erick Salud.

Don’t miss the first episode of Nash and Alexa’s enchanting fairy tale in the newest month-long special of the 2013 Anak TV Seal Awardee “Wansapanataym” this Saturday, 6:45pm, after “Bet On Your Baby” in ABSCBN. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

Action star turns gay in “MMK?” KAPAMILYA action star Arjo Atayde will take on a role of a gay parent in the upcoming heavy drama episode of ABS-CBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” He will give life to the character of Jess, who became a mother to six kids abandoned by their parents. How can a gay man give to his ‘children’ the love and care he was not able to have from his own mother?

Together with Arjo in “MMK” this Saturday (January 4) are Ella Cruz, Ismael Clavero, Felix Roco, Assunta de Rossi, Via Veloso, Eliza Pineda, Kyle

Banzon, Mike Lloren, Dindo Arroyo, and Jiriane Montilla.

The episode is directed by Raz de la Torre, written by

Benson Logronio and Arah Jell Badayos, and researched

by Akeem del Rosario.

“MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos, production manager Roda Dela Cerna, and executive producer Lindsay Anne Dizon.

Don’t miss the touching New Year drama offering of “MMK” this Saturday, after “Wansapanataym” on ABSCBN. For more updates, log on to MMK.abs-cbn.com, follow @MMKOfficial on Twitter, and “like” Facebook. com/MMKOfficial.

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

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

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

HEALTH

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

An easy guide to detox juicing

By Meg Sta. Ines Photos by Wacky Masbad THERE are two common ways of detoxifying the body, one is through juice fasting and juicing to replace one or two meals and the Greene Dare daily guarantees success in reaching your goal with only six to eight servings of fruits and vegetables a day. With the program, you get to enjoy a wide variety of fruits and veggies in a bottle, giving you a comprehensive and balanced blend of essential nutrients.

How to prepare for a detox program?

You should warm up your body to eating less before you take the deep plunge.

Prep time usually takes 3 days before you start the detox program. You should avoid anything with coffee, red meat, alcohol, sugar, dairy, and wheat.

Fasting with juice normally takes 2 to 3 days, depending on what you want to achieve. Some people fast once a week to give their system a break from toxins and processed food.

Pregnant or nursing women, people with medical conditions, and those under medications should consult their healthcare providers first before going on any detox program.

What to do during the program?

• Upon rising, drink lukewarm water with lemon • Drink plenty of water

• Drink herbal tea • Avoid stimulants • Eat organic vegetables, herbs, fruits that are low on sugar Greene Dare drinking tips • When you drink your juice, drink it slowly. Don’t finish everything in one gulp.

• Keep your juice at room temperature, if possible, as it makes the nutrients easier to absorb.

• Each drink should be consumed approximately 1 or 2 hours apart. The last drink should be taken at least 3 hours before bedtime.

• Should you experience hunger pangs, munch on a small snack or fruit. If this is your first time to try fasting, you can eat vegetable salad for lunch or dinner everyday.

How to end the program The day after the program, eat mainly vegetables (either raw or slightly steamed), fruits or nuts. The portions should be cut into minimal and your intake should not be done abruptly. Follow the diet suggested for prep time --- no sugar, coffee, wheat, dairy, and gluten-rich or processed food.

Three days or more after fasting, you can slowly go back to eating meat, fish, or poultry --- all in moderation.

Avoid over-eating.

I hope this guide helps you get started on juicing for the new year.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 206 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY •JANUARY 3-4, 2014

SPORTS 15

TO THE NEXT ROUND. Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (top) and Roger Federer (top, right) of Switzerland advanced in Brisbane International.

ROGER ON RADAR B Azarenka moves into second round A

DOMINANT Victoria Azarenka sent a warning to her opponents after demolishing Australia’s Casey Dellacqua in the second round of the Brisbane International on Wednesday.

Second-seeded Azarenka had far too much firepower for Dellacqua, winning 6-3, 6-1 to book a quarter-final berth against unseeded Swiss Stefanie Voegele.

A day after top seed Serena Williams was pushed hard by Andrea Petkovic,

Azarenka was never in any trouble against Dellacqua.

The Belarusian smashed 18 winners and made only 11 unforced errors, making 75 percent of her first serves in a solid start to the year.

The world number two, who won her maiden WTA title in Brisbane in 2009, beat Williams in an exhibition in Thailand late last year and showed enough to suggest she would be a danger to the American both in Brisbane and at the Australian Open, where she

is defending champion.

“First match, I think, you can’t look for perfection in the first match because you will always be a little bit rusty and still feel a little bit of hesitation,” Azarenka said.

“If you look overall, I think it was a good match.

“I took my chances on the important moments.

I did a few mistakes, but that’s very normal.

“But overall I think the game was pretty good.

From here you can only start to build up your form.”

RISBANE (Reuters) - A refreshed Roger Federer’s clinical demolition of Jarkko Nieminen in his first match of 2014 suggested he could be a factor in the first major of the year.

His debut appearance at the Brisbane International was rapturously greeted by tournament organizers and fans alike, but following his first year without a grand slam final appearance since 2002 it was not certain what stage of decline the Swiss ace was in.

A 6-4 6-2 victory over his tough Finnish opponent hinted that he was ready to put on a competitive showing at Melbourne Park, now relieved of the back problems that dogged his 2013 campaign and contributed to his second and fourthround exits at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

“I’m actually very clear in my mind,” Federer told reporters. “Now it’s just down to forehands and backhands and tactics and movement. That’s kind of what you want it to be, because unfortunately it hasn’t always been that way last year with my issues.”

The scoreline flattered Federer in some ways. Both men eked out four break

points over the two sets and Nieminen fought on level terms at the baseline, hitting eye-catching forehand winners throughout.

Federer’s mastery of the pivotal points of the match showed the steel behind the game’s most graceful player remained firmly in place and his preference for playing new tournaments is far from a retirement tour.

For the crucial break of the first set he came from 0-40 down in the fifth game and then saved a break point on his own serve to build a two-game cushion.

IMPERIOUS BEST In the second stanza he immediately grabbed the initiative, breaking in the first game and with his serve at near its imperious best he never looked like letting the advantage slip.

“I expect myself to play a bit better in the next match, even though today was already very good for a first match in so many weeks,” Federer said.

“You don’t want to overrate, it but you also don’t want to underrate it.

“The worst thing that can happen is if you lose early and then you have to go back on the prac-

tice courts, and you think you’re actually playing okay and then the matches roll around and you don’t end up.”

The 17-times grand slam champion next meets Australian Marinko Matosevic, who beat Sam Querrey 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 in an entertaining match.

Bulgarian fifth seed Gregor Dimitrov was beaten in straight sets 7-5 7-5 by Croatia’s Marin Cilic and number two seed Japan’s Kei Nishikori had no problem easing past Australia’s Matthew Ebden 6-2 6-4.

Women’s number two seed Victoria Azarenka easily defeated home favorite Casey Dellacqua 6-3 6-1 and will play Stefanie Voegele next after the Swiss player was handed a last-eight berth following the withdrawal of 2013 Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki due to a gastric illness.

German fifth seed Angelique Kerber progressed past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova after the Russian pulled out with a left injury when 6-2 4-3 down.

Kerber will now face fourth seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia.

Khan now wants Manny D

FORMER PACMAN SPARMATE. If there was a silent agreement Amir Khan won’t fight Manny Pacquiao over at the Top Rank camp, it could change now and both fighters, good friends in real life, could be the next headliner of Top Rank’s card.

Federer returns in style at Brisbane International

URING the opening of a boxing gym in Dubai, Amir Khan the former British Olympian and world boxing champion said that he has already signed the contract for a fight against the undefeated WBC welterweight and unified WBC and WBA super welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather.

In an interview with Yahoo Maktoob, Khan commented on Mayweather’s recent jabs on Twitter and added that the ball is on the American’s court.

“He’s just promoting the fight,” dismissed Khan.

“At the end of the day, I’m the the one who’s signed the contract. I’ve already signed my part of the contract.”

Khan has been long rumored as the next opponent for Mayweather but the names of Marcos Maidana and Manny Pacquiao have joined the discussion after their big wins over Adrien Broner and Brandon Rios. Mayweather is expected to announce his May opponent in January.

“Floyd hasn’t signed the contract. If he wants the fight then come on

and get it. I’ll fight Floyd anytime. I’ve said it so many times, styles make fights,” explained Khan.

“If he wants to fight a slow-handed, slow-footed guy like Maidana then he’s more than welcome.”

Khan defeated Maidana in 2010 for the WBA light welterweight title.

“Floyd has never fought the best guys in the era. He hasn’t faced the guys who are in their prime. If he wants to face someone I’ve beaten to look good then so be it.

The ball is in his court.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE206 206• FRIDAY-SATURDAY • FRIDAY-SATURDAY•JANUARY •JANUARY3-4, 3-4,2014 2014

Maria survives

SHARP AS EVER. Maria Sharapova needed two hours to beat 2012 Brisbane champion Kaia Kanepi 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

B

RISBANE, Australia (AP) -- Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will renew their long and not-so-friendly rivalry after setting up a semifinal matchup at the Brisbane International, a key tuneup event for the Australian Open.

Top-ranked Williams, the defending champion, didn’t lose a point on her serve in the first set en route to a 6-3, 6-3 win over ninth-seeded Diminika Cibulkova of Slovakia in just over an hour.

Third-seeded Sharapova, meanwhile, needed two hours to beat 2012 Brisbane champion Kaia Kanepi 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, dropping three service games in the first set and another to open the second before finding her range and staging her comeback.

Williams has won her last 13 matches against Sharapova, most recently in last year’s French Open final. Sharapova hasn’t beaten Williams since 2004.