Edge Davao 6 Issue 217

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

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BRACING FOR

AGATON

2 ON THE COVER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

BRACING FOR AGATON After battling floods last week, Davao Oriental prepares for the year’s first typhoon

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

FTER a week of continuous rains, the Province Davao Oriental is once again preparing for the coming of tropical depression Agaton.

Governor Corazon Malanyaon has convened the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council together with the Philippine Army yesterday for an emergency meeting in anticipation of the Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1 issued by the PAGASA. Tropical depression Agaton is expected to hit Davao Oriental on Monday.

The province’s local officials and residents especially to the low lying areas have been warned to prepare for a possible evacuation.

for possible evacuation.

All troops from Philippine Army and Philippine National Police were already patrolling in the flood prone areas.

The said isolated areas were identified as those primarily affected by the week-long low pressure area (LPA) that hit the region last week. A total of 486 houses recorded as totally damage and 303 came from the town of Cateel, 82 in Tarragona, Lupon 66, Caraga 26, Boston 5, Manay 3, and in Gov. Generoso .

An official statement from the province’s provincial information office revealed that there are areas that still hard to reach by land and the provincial government will have to bring the relief goods

They also informed the residents of the isolated villages in the province

through air carrier from the Philippine Army.

Davao Oriental is

WEATHER FORECAST

DEVASTATION. Logs and boulders pf rocks wash away houses in Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental last week. The province braces for another typhoon on Monday. among the eight provinces predicted to be affected by typhoon Agaton along Surigao del Nort, Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Province, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley Province.

Based on the situational report of National Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC) as of 11:00 a.m of Jan. 18, Agaton will be in 40 km Southwest of Surigao del Sur on Sunday Morning.

It will be in the vicinity of Cagayan de Oro by Monday morning and 65 km west of Cotabato City on the morning of Tuesday.

Tropical Depression “Agaton” was reported to have maintained its strength and continues to move slowly towards the Surigao provinces and still

nine provinces in Visayas and Mindanao are now under public storm warning signal no. 1, the state weather bureau said last Saturday.

In a interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar said that as of 4 a.m. tropical depression Agaton was located at 170 km northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or 175 km East of Surigao City (9.7°N 127.1°E) packed with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center.

It is forecast to move west at 5 kph.

Escullar said the presence of two high-pressure areas (HPAs) off the Pacific Ocean continued to prevent the Agaton from moving faster.

She noted that the tropical depression is ex-

pected to make landfall in Surigao on Saturday evening or Sunday if it continues to maintain its movement and speed.

However, Escullar said that once Agaton hits land it would weaken into an LPA. Escullar said that public storm warning signal no. 1 (winds of 30-60 kph is expected in at least 36 hours) -- Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Province, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostella Valley.

PAGASA said Agaton may bring rainfall of 5 to 15.0 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) within the 300-km diameter of the tropical depression.

Agaton will bring moderate to occasionally

heavy rains and thunderstorms over the Eastern and Central Visayas on Saturday, according to the PAGASA weather update released at 5 a.m.

It added that sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas due to northeast monsoon.

Escullar also said that the rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, will experience cloudy skies with light rains due to northeast monsoon.

Agaton is forecast to be at 70 km north of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur by Sunday morning.

It is expected to be at 65 km North of Davao City by Monday morning and by Tuesday morning expected to be at 90 km South of Cotabato City. (with a report from PNA)

RELIEF OPERATIONS. Volunteers of the Philippine National Red Cross-Davao Oriental attend to the needs of flood victims in Marayag, Lupon last week.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

IN JUST 2 WEEKS

THE BIG NEWS

3

Business renewal fees hit P179.2M

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City’s revenue from business renewal fees amounted to P179.2 million in just two weeks.

Rodrigo Riola, city treasurer’s office head, told Edge Davao that collection from business taxes reached P125.3 million while another P53.8 million was collected from regulatory fees as of Jan. 16.

Riola said that they have

targeted around P600 million in business tax collections for the whole month, adding that they received 25,976 applications while some 14,000 applicants have yet to pay their taxes.

The collection this year increased from that of last year’s P122.1 million for the same period.

Riola added that he is confident that in the first

FBUSINESS, 10

Cops arrest 2 for robbery

A

WOMAN, 40, and a 22-year-old man who have separate pending cases of robbery in an inhabited house were arrested by the police last week.

Arrested were Rosa Tabanao, 40, of Purok 1, Salakot, Talomo district, and Marlon Jamora, 22, of Sta. Cruz, Barpa, Ba-

rangay Leon Garcia, Agdao after judges handling their cases issued warrants of arrest against them.

SPO1 Edwin Lumaya, investigator of the Talomo police station, said Regional Trial Court Branch 10 presiding judge Retrina E. Fuentes

FCOPS, 10

TIMES LIKE THIS. Students run for cover along San Pedro Street in Davao City Friday night after heavy rains poured all over the city. The unpredictable weather are signs pf imminent climate change. The Department of Education (DepEd) to move the start of classes from June to September in consideration of the phenomenon. Lean Daval Jr.

FIGHTING CRIME

Danao cites role of brgy. officials

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

D

epc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City police director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao Jr. has ordered all station commanders to coordinate with barangay officials in their area to curb crime “We are trying our best, but we really have to coordinate with barangay officers and civilian as force multipliers because the police cannot do it alone,” Danao said.

Last year December the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) recorded 45 robbery incidents perpetrated

by unidentified robbers, but some of the cases were solved after police managed to apprehend suspects.

Danao said activating civilian volunteer officers to police their barangay is a great help in preventing criminals from doing illegal acts.

He also noted that the crime statistic in December and January are almost the same and hopes to lower the crime volume by the following month.

However, some baran-

FDANAO, 10

4 flights cancelled T

ropical depression “Agaton” caused the grounding of at least four domestic flights on Saturday, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said.

As of 9 a.m., the DOTC said the affected flights were Philippine Airlines Express (PALex) flight 2P-967/968 Manila-Butuan-Manila, and Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) flight 5J785/786 also having the

Manila-Butuan-Manila routes.

“Agaton” was spotted northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur early Saturday and bringing moderate to heavy rains in the eastern section of the country.

Last Friday, the airport’s Media Affairs Division said a total of 18 domestic flights were cancelled due to bad weather brought about by “Agaton.” [PNA]

4 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

Employment rate to hasten in 2014

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

MAJOR leap in labor productivity is expected to happen in the region this year, reports from the National Economic and Development Authority 11 bared.

NEDA 11 regional director Maria Lourdes D. Lim said that increasing labor productivity is one of the targets of the Updated Regional -evelopment Plan 2014-2016. An employment rate of 98.2 percent is targeted at the end of the target period.

Last year, the employment rate in the region was 91.7 percent which is lower than the 95.2 percent in October 2012. While underemployment increased in October 2013 from 4.8

percent, it soared to 8.3 percent. It also showed that underemployment significantly decreased by 9 percent in the same perioed due to a budding services sector.

She said that the industry clustering approach will help in boosting economic activity and increase the employement rate to near target levels. Industries that are job-rich are Information and Communication Technology (ICT), tourism, and construction sub sector, the key to expanding opportunities of decent and quality employment.

Venerando C. Cebrano, assistant director of the Department of Labor and Employment in region 11

is confident that employment rate in the region will be back to its pace as more investments in the service sector are pouring into the economy of Davao.

Cebrano said that they are now focusing on methods that can lessen the incidence of job mismatches, thus increasing the employment rate.

Meanwhile, the agriculture sector remains as the top employment generator in the Davao region, employing 670,000 people.

The whole-sale and retail industry follows in second with 376,650. The transportation and communication, and manufaction sector remain as the region’s key employment generator.

Organic farming vs climate change

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

HAZARDS OF THE TRADE. Construction workers bind steel bars for structural stability at a construction site in E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

CORAL CRUSH

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE rise of warm temperature can be mitigated if people could find a way to reduce their energy consumption.

One of the way to do tha as suggested by the United Nations (UN) is to practice organic agriculture.

This suggestion is supported by Maxey Atug, an organic farmer, who said that the life span of the soil in organic farming is longer than in synthetic farming.

He added that in organic farming soil used for the

EDGEDAVAO

crops may still be used for the next seedlings that will be planted, unlike in synthetic farming where the soil cannot be used again as chemicals have killed it and needs to nitrate for reuse of the soil.

FORGANIC, 10

BIGGER PICTURE

How do typhoons affect coral reefs?

S

UPER typhoonsYolanda, Ondoy, Milenyo, Pablo and Pepeng have become household names.

The damage they wrought on land is well-known – but what exactly do storms do to coral reefs?

Storms and typhoons continuously shape the composition, distribution and geographical range of the world’s reefs. Like plants, many corals take on forms best suited to their homes. Corals in areas pounded by strong waves have learned to grow dense, tough and compact colonies, while those in calmer waters maximize space to grow long, elegant but delicate branches. Solidly-built, rock-like species like brain coral can withstand much more punishment than branching or leaf-like corals.

When a super typhoon hits though, nasty currents are the least of a reef’s problems. Storm surges like the ones seen in Tacloban and Manila Bay can pull debris like logs and rocks out to sea, where

wave action rolls them around, smashing the seabed in a brutal game of coral crush.

Sand stirred up by violent waves can smother and choke off corals plus other invertebrates like sponges and giant clams.

Finally, too much rainwater can engorge rivers, causing them to discharge massive amounts of nutrient-rich mud, blanketing reefs and spurring blooms of fast-growing seaweed or algae which can outcompete corals for space and sunlight.

The result? Decades, even centuries of growth can be destroyed by a single super typhoon. Why is this a problem?

Coral Reefs Give Us Food Because there are 5000 more Filipinos today than there were yesterday.

With a 100-million strong population fuelled by a 2.36% annual growth rate, we’re going to have more mouths to feed daily. With limited land space and stronger, crop-destroying storms, Filipinos must

look to the sea for food – and coral reefs form one of the most critical hubs of oceanic productivity.

Healthy reefs annually produce 30 to 40 metric tonnes of seafood per square kilometer. However, only 1% of the country’s reefs remain in excellent condition – the result of 60 years of overfishing, pollution and climate change effects like super typhoons.

No reef is safe – even the largest, most established reefs are vulnerable.

The Apo Reef Example Situated off Occidental Mindoro, Apo Reef is the largest in Asia and the second largest on Earth. It covers 34 square kilometers and hosts almost 200 coral species. Apo Reef Natural Park became a no-take zone in 2007, curbing illegal fishing activity. Fish biomass breached 76 tonnes per square kilometer.

Even after full protection though, Apo Reef suffered extensive damage from super typhoon Caloy in 2006.

“It looked exactly like a freshly-deforested jungle,”

Though covering less than 1% of the seafloor, coral reefs harbour 25% of all known marine life. Spanning the waters of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and East Timor, the Coral Triangle hosts 75% of all known coral species. However, it is vulnerable to storms. The Philippines alone absorbs at least 20 typhoons yearly. (Weng Alarcon / TMO) recalls WWF-Philippines Mindoro Project Manager John Manul after the typhoon. “Giant table corals were uprooted. Broken coral branches were everywhere. Even the distinctive haze that envelopes burntout forests was replicated, because even after a week,

the water was milky from stirred up sand.”

As super typhoons dramatically erode the capacity of coral reefs to provide Filipinos with seafood, we need to find better ways to protect those we still have.

Steps to Save Reefs

Estimates reveal that 10% of the world’s coral reefs are heavily degraded. About 30% are critical and may die in 20 years. Through a business-as-usual scenario, as much as 60% of the planet’s reefs may die by 2050.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

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6 THE ECONOMY 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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

DC tourism office gears up for 2015

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

T

O prepare the tourism industry of Davao City for the coming Asean integration on 2015, the City Tourism Office is organizing a Halal Awareness Program that aims to address the concerns of establishments in the city that need Halal certification.

CTO officer-in-charge Lisette Marques told Edge Davao that through this program the city can promote itself as a tourist destination, especially for the Muslim market, adding that the country is part of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Marques said that the city can promote establishments, like restaurants, to Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia if it has Halal certification.

“Those markets are predominantly Muslim,” she said, but clarified that promotion is not nationality-based but country-based.

She said that they are still assessing whether to partner with a local assessor,

but said that it would be better if there is an international- accredited certifying body that would assess restaurants and other businesses in the metro.

On the other hand, Marques said that the tourism office has a budget allocation amounting to P27.8-million for 2014. A large chunk

of it or 70 percent will be spent for festivals in the city. Annually, the city celebrates the Araw ng Dabaw, Kadayawan sa Dabaw and Pasko Fiesta. She said that they will continue their partnership with the Department of Tourism and the private sector for promotion. The remaining 30 percent of the budget

will be used for various sales missions or the promotion of the city to both local and international tourists .

Meanwhile, the tourism officer is confident that arrival of tourists in the city last year exceeded their 1.2 million target because records show that about half a million tourists arrived

in the city. Domestic tourists still made up the large portion of about 90 percent while the remaining 10 percent were foreign.

In no particular order, the top four countries where foreign tourists came from were the United States of America (USA), Japan, Korea, and China.

T

Maria Lourdes D. Lim identified the Davao-Cotabato road, high standard highway network in the Tagum-GenSan corridor, Davao-Bukidnon road, Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia-Bukidnon road as priority projects for 2014.

In addition, other projects are modernization and privatization of Davao Sasa port, Asean RoRo port, and improvement of the Davao International Airport.

Other projects under the public-private partnership are the Tagum

Water District Joint Venture for bulk water supply, Tamugan Water Surface Development, Light Rail Project, Sta. Ana Wharf Development Project, Davao Food Exchange Complex, and improvisation of Davao Sasa port.

For this year, the Board of Investment registered projects are the new export producer of coco water concentrate of Franklin Baker, the Tiduya 1 hydro power plant of Hedcor Sibulan and the manufacturing of steel billet. [CRC]

ANOTHER DAY IN THE OFFICE. Fish traders transport their merchandise after an afternoon of trading at Bankerohan Public Market. Lean Daval Jr.

P3 billion for Davao’s 2014 priority projects HE Davao region received an allocation of P3 billion for the implementation of its priority projects for 2014, the National Economic and Development Authority 11 regional director said.

NEDA 11 director

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

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

7

Google Glass: Rise of the connected (yet disconnected) human being

F

ACE computers like Google Glass have their advantages. But when you start talking about the disadvantages of Glass, one of the big topics that keeps coming up is a general disconnection from your surroundings. Keep an eye out for our full Google Glass review, but in the meantime, we have some more thoughts on the subject from our time beta-testing it.

So you strap this US$1,500 tech product onto your face and enter the world of Google Glass.

You suddenly have the entire internet waiting for you, ready to be displayed on the tiny glass prism that sits above your right eye. You can summon the world’s information completely hands-free, with just a nod of the head and a few words. You’re now the world’s most connected human being.

Or are you? While you’re extremely connected

to your inbox, Twitter, and the internet at large, what are you taking your focus away from?

Is Glass a baby step in turning us into cyborgs?

You could say that being very focused on one thing means you’re choosing not to focus on a thousand other things. Someone who’s considered a genius at work might be a terrible husband or father because he isn’t focusing on the basics at home. Likewise, you could say that neglecting something really just means you’re placing your focus somewhere else. A neglectful husband is ignoring his marriage, but maybe he’s putting his focus on, say, work or his new girlfriend.

You get the picture.

So if Glass lets you focus that easily and often on Google, social media, and cyberspace in general, then is there something else that it’s taking your attention away from? To paraphrase John Lennon, are you disconnecting from the life that happens while you’re

busy making other plans?

Or does that life just live less often in your physical environment and more often in bits of data floating through the air?

We’ve been using v2 of the Glass Explorer Edition After using Glass for a few weeks, I think the answer to that is really going to depend on how you use it. Glass definitely has the potential to turn you into a disconnected zombie who ignores the world around him. But, then again, so do smartphones. The only differences with Glass are that a) you don’t have to bother taking anything out of your pocket, and b) the people around you might not have a clue that you aren’t paying attention to them.

You could argue that because Glass sits just above your line of sight, you’re actually more focused on the world around you. You aren’t constantly checking your phone for messages and, when you do read an incoming text or email, you can do it without looking

away from whatever is sitting in front of you – whether that’s the road, your office, or your date.

I don’t, however, subscribe to that line of thinking. Just because something is still in your field of vision doesn’t mean it’s any more a part of your experience than if you were staring down at a smartphone screen. When you’re actively using Glass, everything but Glass becomes background blur.

So while all of this is technically in your field of vision: Glass doesn’t completely zap us out of our surroundings. But it does continue the trend of check-out periods.

I’m here with you, now I’m with my inbox, now I’m back with you. I’m with you for a few more minutes, now I’m with a Facebook message, now I’m back with you. To some degree this is the story of smartphones, but it’s even more the story of Google Glass.

The question, then, is how much more of that intermittent dropping-out we’re willing to incorporate into our lives? And whether we’ll still tolerate that dropping-out when it can be done much more stealthily?

It seems a little farfetched to compare wearing Google Glass to trans-

WATCHING TV WHILE DRIVING

forming into a cyborg, but, as I’ve touched on before, I really think it’s a first step in that direction. There’s something about the hands-free, on-your-head nature of Glass that makes it feel like more than a tech product. It starts to feel like an extension of you.

A much more connected, Borg-like version of you.

Google Glass driver acquitted A ACQUITTED. Defendant Cecilia Abadie smiles as she arrives at a traffic court in San Diego January 16, 2014. Abadie, ticketed for driving while wearing Google Glass, a tiny computer mounted on an eyeglass frame, appeared in the Southern California traffic court.

WOMAN who was issued with a traffic ticket for driving while wearing Google Glass has been found not guilty of watching television while driving.

Software developer Cecilia Abadie was pulled over for speeding in October last year, and the officer cited her for using a visible “monitor” - a charge usually issued to people driving while watching a television.

It is the first known alleged traffic violation for wearing Google’s computer eyeglasses while driving.

The verdict following a trial in a San Diego traffic court could help shape future laws on wearable technology

as it goes mainstream.

Court commissioner John Blair said: “There is no testimony it (Google Glass) was operating or in use while Ms Abadie was driving.”

He also dismissed the speeding ticket.

After the ruling, Ms Abadie told Sky News: “Google doesn’t have a specific recommendation other than ‘be responsible’.

“The screen never comes up by itself. The screen would not light up unless I give it the command to do so. So I don’t find it distracting.”

The device features a thumbnail-size transparent display above the right eye.

The image is not visible to

anyone but the wearer, making it difficult to determine whether a device is on or not.

It lets wearers take pictures, record video, send messages or perform other tasks with touch controls or by speaking commands.

It connects to the internet using wi-fi hotspots or wirelessly through mobile phones.

The technology is not yet widely available to the public, but Ms Abadie, 44, was one of about 10,000 “explorers” who received the Google Glass earlier this year as part of a tryout.

Google has not announced a public release date for the device, but speculation centres around early 2014.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

Cracking the whip

S this paper hits the streets today, City Administrator Melchor V. Quitain shall have made a series of announcements actualizing Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s wish to have a city government that is free from graft and corruption.

Administrator Quitain is expected to announce the termination of employment of five employees of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) who have been investigated for, and proven guilty of, having committed serious acts of dishonesty, grave misconduct, falsification of public documents and serious neglect of duty, among other infractions of the law.

The workers’ ouster comes after months of investigation.

Good riddance for bad rubbish.

Another move of the city government that augurs well for good governance is the revamp of personnel in the Office of the City Building Official. The memorandum on the reshuffle in the OCBO signed by concerned officials, led by Mayor Duterte himself, will

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

also take effect this Monday.

The reshuffle order follows reports on complaints lodged by citizens, mostly businessmen, applying for building permits, about alleged unnecessary delays in the processing of their applications to instances of some employees asking for grease money.

These moves of the city administration will yield handsome dividends, not only for the image of the city in the eyes of investors, but also in the improvement of the collection of taxes due the city government.

Of course, Dabawenyos are expecting the city leadership to also crack the whip on other offices of the city.

Earlier, Mayor Rody had decreed that city government offices should act on requests of citizens for permits and other forms of public service within 72 hours, or else their chiefs of offices would have to explain the delays to the mayor’s satisfaction.

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

E

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

Waning peso hurts competitiveness

CONOMIC ENGINE SHOWS SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN – There are now cracks in the economic front and the Aquino administration could not hide the fact that the country and the masses of our people are feeling the pain in anticipated ways. At this stage, independent spoilsport economists and financial analysts probably may say that it’s about time for high-profile government economic experts and financial managers to reach for the sunglasses, because the weakening of the peso and falling-off of the stock market started to hurt the country’s economy.

Simply put, the country’s bright and resurging economic atmosphere has started to blurred. While the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate remained steadfast at 7% level, the local currency on the other hand dropped to over the P45 level during the weekend against the US dollar the lowest so far the past three years, and the stock market shrank several notches from the previous 6,000 mark. The Philippines for months weathered the regional economic storm and emerged positive with stable currency, bullish stock market and encouraging economic growth.

Prudent policies and sound economic fundamentals were supposed to keep the country in safer economic ground, continue roaring due to currency controls that protect the peso and vast domestic resources to fuel industry. But the recent fast decline of the peso and the economic doldrums are knocking louder than expected these days and beginning to tiptoe at our doorsteps.

Even if the country’s current economy still considered as one of the highest in Asia and the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) region don’t fall into recession, it is clearly beginning to experience the monetary repercussions. The general economic mood has started to wane in the last quar-

I

ter of 2013 and many independent economists predicted the economic growth to plunge further.

The unexpected reversals might seem especially irritating to President Benigno Aquino III and his platoon of over-zealous economic think-tanks and self-professed financial wizards who have long been convinced that the economy will be much stronger, at least under the present dispensation. But signs that the economy is slackening at the advent of 2014 are feeding expectations that society may soon see a resurgence of familiar problems: high unemployment rate, retrenchment and lower wages. Let’s look even closer. More and more workers will be losing their jobs. The unemployment rate in the first and second quarters of the year is expected to rise to 3.5% or even a bit higher. Moreover, exports especially merchandise, intermediate and capital goods, which were supposed to go up as the currency went down haven’t met expectations.

Consumers likewise refrain from unnecessary spending particularly on big-ticket items while sales on luxury stuffs fell drastically. Some private economists say government economic strategists and financial planners should not be confident enough that the country’s economic growth will remain vibrant and robust for the rest of 2014. No one, not even those in the best-run economies will be immune from economic meltdown. Others are more pessimistic still, predicting that at the rate

the trend is going the peso’s peg to the US dollar will austerely hurt competitiveness and domestic demand, and of course, consumer fears over massive unemployment.

Given a weaker currency, exports are little changed in US dollars while falling imports demonstrate poor domestic demand.

For three years the Philippines has traditionally stood in impressive isolation from the rest of its neighbors in the ASEAN Growth Triangle and Asia, but maybe not for long as the present economic tendency would clearly show. The potential impact of an unforeseen economic meltdown - weaker currency, sluggish stock market, export slowdown and poor capital inflow may lead to a temporary setback that could badly affect the country’s economy. Still, it might get harder to muddle through the future, since there are indications that the most reliable part of the country’s economic engine had shown signs of slowing down that would eventually affect economic growth rate.

But barring disasters such as a major recurrence of devastating typhoons and other terrifying natural and man-made calamities that hit the country the previous year, President PNoy and his economic and financial adjutants expect that the country’s economic environment will bounce back instantaneously – economic growth led by stable currency, upbeat stock market, key export industries and high productivity that would result to job generation, adding to consumer and business confidence. However, there are doubts the Aquino administration will be able to pull through the current rough path. It is not enough to reassure citizens that there is a watchful and attentive authority in charge that will protect their concerns. Government should acknowledge there are crucial problems, then offering potential solutions.

Maribelle Guloy: True grit

T’S been 20 years since last saw Maribelle Guloy, a schoolmate in the Immaculate Conception College(now UIC) with whom I shared several close friends. In high school, she was one of those who stood out as both brainy and easy on the eyes. We didn’t get the chance to be close being in different levels, but the fact that we shared close friends told me she was my kind of person.

By chance we became colleagues in the 1st East Asean Business Convention & Exhibits (EABCE) Secretariat in 1994, the BIMP-EAGA international convention in Davao where she was Chief Coordinator for Special Programs. It was here that I had the privilege of knowing her better—gracious, soft spoken, and smart as a whip.

When EABCE wrapped up and set the BIMP-EAGA sailing on its journey, we too parted ways. Fast forward20 years later and there I was standing in the parking lot of a charming, predominantly white community in Anaheim, California, waiting for her to come out of her house to meet me.

As she walked towards me, Maribelle had on that gentle smile and calm stride of a woman in her element. She looked exactly the same 20 years ago, still the same svelte figure, fine long hair, and laid-back manner. But as we chatted while she drove to the San Diego countryside for our families’ weekend getaway, I realized there was nothing laid-back about her career accomplishments at all.

After graduating as a medtech and scholar in ICC, Maribelle worked as a sales rep for Abbott Pharmaceuticals in the late 80’s. She later joined EABCE and moved on to the International Trade Fairs and Exhibits Exponents as Project Manager. Her careering healthcare started after a short stint doing office management, finding her way to clinical research

MY SCENE

BY ADI QUISIDO as an entry level clinical research coordinator.

Shortly thereafter, she moved up to a position as Lead Operations and Compliance Coordinator at a multi-specialty clinical research center in Orange County, California.

Driven by her commitment to advance knowledge and treatment of cancer through research and development, Maribelle co-founded in 1999 the Clinical Trials and Research Associates Inc. in Montebello, California, a subsidiary of Beverly Oncology, where she has been Executive Officer and Director for Research Administration the past 13 years.

She goes around the U.S. to give talks and presentations on clinical trials, and has been published in medical journals such as the Radiation Oncology Journal and the SOCRA Source Journal, a peer-reviewed publication of the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA), a global organization of Clinical Research Professionals.

She was among those whose biographies were highlighted in the 2008/2009 edition of Montclair Publishing’s “Who’s Who in Healthcare”, a registry of distinguished professionals with notable achievements where she is an honored lifetime member. She was also appointed by SOCRA as chair for Orange County, Southern California and is a member of the Advisory Board of the University of California Irvine-Department of Life Science: Clinical Trials: Medical Device and Drug Development since 2007. Last year, Maribelle joined the Association of the Society of American Executives and was also elected to the SOCRA Board

of Directors (www.SoCRA.org).

It is not surprising for her to be given such prestigious positions, having performed excellently in her career and achieving her Master of Science degree in Health Science in Clinical Research Administration at the George Washington University. Here she was handpicked by faculty to be accepted to the Alpha Eta National Honor Society for her “academic achievements, demonstrated leadership potential, and commitment to service.”

While there are Filipinos who have achieved immense success in other countries, I hardly know any of them. So I was struck when I realized someone closer to home had been blazing her own trail abroad. I believe Maribelle is one of the most accomplished ICC alumnae and Davaoeño who created a successful career in the US, and she did it quietly and without fanfare. But elite American institutions had noticed and gave her recognition for her achievements.

When I asked her strategy for success, Maribelle said it was important to have a solid understanding of the industry you work in, and to care not only about the job, but also about the people you work with and the community at large. She added that it helps to understand the culture of the country you work in, and that it was critical to have the right values and core principles in your personal and professional life.

I watched her admire the colors of fall with her daughter Alexandra Isabelle, ever the doting mom as she took pictures of her and the touristy town we visited. I realized despite having lost touch with her for the good part of the past 20 years, I felt quite at home with her mellow, refined, and unpretentious character.

I felt glad we reconnected.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

How Little We Have Progressed!

WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

W

ITH all our advances in education, science, and technology, we ought to be embarrassed about how backward our politics and politicians remain. Corrupt as ever, they make you wonder about our institutions: the church, the state, the civil society.

Why would anyone with pretensions to being a leader or statesman fool around with corruption or tolerate wrongdoing? They freeze-frame the condition of our society in an ugly portrait, as if that of Dorian Grey’s.

The sad thing about all this is, it is not even a new portrait. The 5th President of our Republic, Diosdado Macapagal, described how politics and politicians behaved in his time and you’d think he was describing the future, especially during his own daughter’s term as our 10th president.

“Upon his election,” Macapagal wrote, “the politician will recover what he spent in the campaign. Since his emoluments are not adequate for this, he uses the influence of his office to make money through some business and profession or through direct graft…[He] will raise more than double what he spent in the campaign in order to cover his past expenditure, the expense of the next campaign, and a residue for him. The more he spent in the campaign, the worse and more expensive the graft.

“The financial backers of a corrupt politician become his accomplices in graft. Their candidate having won, these corruptors collect their reward after the victory. They are able to obtain official decision and influence irrespective of merit because the politician will continue to depend on them in his future political campaigns. The more they contribute to the campaign funds of the politician, the more inordinate and illicit the concessions they obtain from the government. Under such circumstances, the government is compelled to operate not for service to the people but for favors to privileged individuals and groups.

“This conspiracy between the politician, his financiers and other corruptors has through the years become a deep-seated setup in the government. What is worse is that the situation is not improving in favor of faithful public service but is deteriorating.”

These were the words of the “Poor Boy from Lubao” at the time he was gunning for the presidency of the 1971 Constitutional Convention. (From A New Constitution for the Philippines, p. 78, Mac Publishing House, Quezon City: 1970.)

If he was alarmed by the quantum of corruption then, one wonders how his own daughter, 10th president, felt in her time.

Mind how she is perceived as having exponentially spread corruption with no less than her husband as co-conspirator.

During her father’s time, we had already been singled out for corruption, which she should have taken a cue from. In a book titled The Asian Drama (Pantheon Books, New York, 1968), Gunnar Myrrdal, noted Swedish sociologist and economist who had been a UN executive and Nobel Prize Winner, cited the Philippines, as follows: “Graft and corruption permeate all levels of public life. Perhaps in no other country in South Asia is political dishonesty so widely recognized, accepted, and talked about as part of the political game.”

Now almost half a century since he penned these words, a sense of national pride or shame or embarrassment should drive us to cleanse corruption in our immediate community (our own barangay) at the least.

Indeed, let’s do it! Let’s begin to cleanse our sysrem and rid it of the political animals that debase our nation, impoverish our economy, and fatten their dynasties at our expense!

[Manny Valdehuesa was former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific, secretary-general of the Southeast Asian Publishers Association, a director at Development Academy of the Philippines, vice chair of the Local Government Academy, and PPI-UNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. He heads Gising Barangay Movement as national convenor and president. He can be reached at valdehuesa@gmail.com]

10

NEWS

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service GERMAN R. DORADO, Petitioner Case No.2009-XI-00041

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service

x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: ACACIA ROUTE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on October 12, 2014.

In the petition filed on December 17, 2013, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: PUAN ROUTE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on September 3, 2014. In the petition filed on December 13, 2013, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 4, 2014 at 09:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Officer In-Charge, this 17h day of December 2013 at Davao City.

EDGAR CRISANTO R. VIOLOAN Acting Chief Transport Development Officer

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 5, 2014 at 09:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Officer In-Charge, this 13h day of December 2013 at Davao City.

EDGAR CRISANTO R. VIOLOAN Acting Chief Transport Development Officer

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

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

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

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

BUS DRIVER

BUS DRIVER

Qualifications:

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

Requirements: Requirements: 1. Driver’s License with Official Receipt License (2 with Official Receipt 2. 21.x Driver’s 2 I.D. picture pcs.)

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

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

Department, YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Koronadal City.

EDGEDAVAO

JORCAIDA A. HAMISANE, Petitioner Case No.2009-XI-00340-1

x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

Qualifications:

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

ADVANCE. Although Valentine’s Day is less than a month away, mall shoppers can’t help taking photographs of the heart-shaped signage at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

GSIS coverage for barangay officials, employees sought

T

HERE is a proposed law providing Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) coverage to all barangay officials and employees fully subsidized by the national government.

“The overworked and underpaid barangay officials and employees are not even receiving a regular living wage from the government,” Iloilo City Rep. Jerry

P. Trenas laments, adding it’s so unrealistic and unconscionable to deduct GSIS contributions from the meagre honoraria of these public servant.

Trenas is author of HB 3671 which mandates the inclusion of barangay officials and employees within the coverage of the GSIS and providing the needed public funds to defray premium payments.

gay civilian volunteers are not active in securing their areas due to lack of funds for their allowance, Danao explained.

He said the public should also be vigilant and not complacent if they observe strangers in their areas and advised them to immediately report to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, police have apprehended minors committing petty crimes, but because of the juvenile law youngsters still continue commiting them.

Danao received a report that a group of youngsters held up passengers of public utility jeepney last week.

The current provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (Republic Act 9344) addresses only cases of youth offenders aged 15 to 18, yet many local governments have been complaining about

petty or heinous crimes being committed by much younger people.

Section 20 of RA 9344 states that children aged 15 and below who are taken into custody by the police must immediately be released to their parents, guardians or nearest relatives.

The law says that if parents could not be found or refuse to take custody, the child may be released to a duly registered nongovernment or religious organization, a barangay (village) official or member of the barangay council for the protection of children (BCPC), a local social welfare officer, or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Danao said barangay officials have a big role in disciplining their youths by informing parents on their role.

half of the year they would be able to fund 60 percent of the P5.1 billion approved budget of the city.

He said that there are a

lot tax collectibles during the first six months, especially in the first quarter as a lot of taxpayers pay during this period.

Danao...FFROM 3

Business...FFROM 3

Cops... FFROM 3 issued a warrant of arrest against Tabanao that resulted to the arrest of the suspect last January 15, Thursday.

On the same day, Sta. Ana police operatives arrested Jamora by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Tolentino Madrazo, presiding judge

of the Municipal Trial Courts in Cities Branch 1.

Both suspects are detained in jail while waiting for trial.

Robbery in an inhabited house metes a maximum penalty of reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment if the accused are proven guilty. EPC

Atug added that organic farming can help the problem of solid waste management as the biodegradable waste such as left-over food can be used as fertilizers for the soil where plants were grown.

Aside from mitigating warm temperature, people will also earn benefits from organic foods which contain no chemicals, although more expensive because of the long period of propagation.

Atug has been practicing backyard organic farming for many years while propagating crops and vegetables in plastic containers in an urban area of Davao City.

Last Friday, the city agriculturist office (CAO) re-launched their weekend organic market at the Rizal Park joined by organizations from different parts of the city.

Jojo Tabora, CAO’s organic program coordinator, told Edge Davao that the organic market will continue while supplies last.

Some 30 organizations planned to join the weekend organic market, but only six joined the re-launching as the rest were not able to come for lack of vehicles to transport their products, especially those from remote areas.

The city government will provide trucks to farmers in far-flung areas so that they will not have to spend more for transportation.

The organic market aims to sell products of organic farmers in the city to promote the benefits of organic food products.

Organic agriculture will serve as an alternative approach that maximizes the performance of renewable resources, ’optimizes’ nutrients and energy flows in agricultural environment.

Organic agriculture presents practices that will help farmers adapt to climate change by strengthening the agriculture sector through diversifying crops and livestock production and building farmers’ base to confront changes in climate.

Earlier, councilor Marissa Salvador-Abella, food and agriculture committee chair, said that she would propose a center for demo – farms, a training center and organic center for farmers.

Abella came up with the proposal as Mindanao will be affected by a long term drought and the people should be ready for it.

The center will be placed in Marilog and Paquibato as these areas are now deforested and the people lack agricultural practices.

Organic...FFROM 4

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

MOTORING

11

Chevrolet Trailblazer updated T

HE Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive Philippine distributor of Chevrolet vehicles has updated their Trailblazer with a slew of changes beginning with the introduction of a new variant: an automatic of its 4x2 LT model.

The 2014 Trailblazer receives minor tweaks to its engine that sees its power and torque rise for all variants. The base model, the Trailblazer 4x2 LT 6MT continues with its 2.5-liter Duramax diesel but now has 163 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque (up from 150 horsepower and 350 Nm).

Meanwhile, the 6AT models, available in both

er will also be equipped with Chevrolet’s MyLink in-car infotainment system. These improvements further highlight the Trailblazer’s ‘Go Anywhere’ concept and will raise the bar for SUV’s in the market.

“The 2014 Trailblazer perfectly fits Chevrolet’s ‘Find New Roads’ brand promise,” said Atty. Alberto Arcilla, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Philippines.

“Chevrolet always strives to look for ways to let the Filipino market enjoy an enhanced car ownership experience.

The Trailblazer is an SUV that combines looks and utility by offering more space, seven-seater comfort, better performance,

4x2 and 4x4 models receive 200 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque (up from 180 horsepower and 470 Nm). These figures are particularly interesting since it now matches the Ford Ranger’s 3.2-liter Duratorq in power and actually outperforms it in terms of torque. This makes the Trailblazer the most powerful SUV in its class.

While most features remain the same as the 2013 model, the Trailblazer 4x4 LTZ does receive the benefit of a new touchscreen multimedia system dubbed MyLink. The MyLink system features full audio-video capability as well as a full range of input options.

Prices for the 2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer are: Trailblazer 4x2 LT 2.5 6MT - P 1,378,888.00 Trailblazer 4x2 LT 2.8 6AT - P 1,488,888.00 Trailblazer 4x4 LTZ 2.8 6AT - P 1,733,888.00 Trailblazer Sets New Benchmark with New Duramax Engine, 4x2 AT, and MyLink Infotainment Chevrolet Philippines recently launched the 2014 Trailblazer SUV which comes with new and more powerful Duramax engines in addition to other improvements.

Apart from a new powertrain, the new Trailblaz-

and the ability to explore smartphone features with its MyLink infotainment system.”

Finding New Roads with 4x2 and Automatic Transmission “Trailblazer sales have been robust since it was launched in the fourth quarter of 2012. However, the demand for an automatic transmission in the 4x2 variant has been consistently high.” said Atty Arcilla. Cognizant that the 4x2 automatic variants account for 62% of the midsize SUV segment, Chevrolet Philippines announces the launch of the Trailblazer 4x2 automatic transmission variant. “Chevrolet is very happy that the Trailblazer 4x2 automatic is finally here. The wait is over.” added Atty. Arcilla.

A New Heart The new Duramax engine has been made stronger to handle the increased outputs, and certain elements have been redesigned to enhance durability and further improve overall quality. Instead of increasing capacity to enhance performance, Chevrolet powertrain engineers focused on improving efficiency and performance within the same capacities.

With the new Duramax engine, the 2.8-liter Trailblazer now has 200Ps of power at 3,600 rpm and

500 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, making the Trailblazer the most powerful in its class. Equivalent to 178 Nm-per-liter, the new engine will not only improve the Trailblazer’s acceleration and straight-line performance, but also the vehicle’s towing and payload capacity. Output for the 2.5L variant has also increased to 163Ps at 3,600 rpm. It now produces 380 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.

The new Duramax 2.8-diesel engine has 11% more power, 6% more torque, while consuming 4.3% less fuel.* The new 2.5-liter Duramax diesel engine, on the other hand, has 8.6% more power, 9% more torque, while burning 5.17% less. Both the 2.8- and 2.5-liter variants are capable of a top speed of 180 km/h.

Included in the engine’s improvements are a higher pressure Commonrail system, a water-cooling system for the Variable Geometry Turbocharger**, a new Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve and the addition of an EGR cooler, an enhanced Intake Manifold, redesigned Cylinder Head and Block, a Balance Shaft Unit. GM’s powertrain engineers also developed a new Engine Control Module hardware and software for quicker response and added accuracy to keep the engine operating in

peak form.

The Trailblazer’s 2.5-liter manual transmission variant will get a new sixspeed transmission, an upgrade from the previous model’s five-speeds. The new six-speed automatic transmission features retuned ratios to take advantage of the new Duramax’s characteristics, providing the Trailblazer with the best performance and fuel economy. The Trailblazer is the first in its segment to offer six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

LTZ with MyLink & smartphone connectivity The Trailblazer’s LTZ variant will have a MyLink infotainment system with all the appointed audio unit features and will include smartphone connectivity, pictures, videos and audio streaming. Once connected, options such as Audio, Pictures and Movies, Telephone, Smartphone Link and Settings are projected onto the Trailblazer’s touch screen.

Users can access personal playlists and make handsfree voice calls, amongst other functions.

Making the right upgrades The new Trailblazer’s suspension and braking systems have been calibrated to match the additional power and torque from the engine. The use

of four coil springs and a multi-link rear suspension system found in more up-market SUVs balances out the typical characteristics of conventional bodyon-frame SUVs and results in a comfortable ride and passenger car-like handling dynamics. The Trailblazer is the first midsize SUV in its segment to offer disc brakes on all four wheels.

Active Safety One of the primary concerns in developing the Trailblazer is the safety of all the occupants. It is because of this reason that Chevrolet included a host of active safety features in the SUV. Aside from the usual ABS and EBD tandem, the Trailblazer features Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control for traction loss, Hydraulic Brake Assist and Panic Brake Assist for emergency braking situations and Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control for negotiating steep terrain***.

Inside, the new Trailblazer continues to feature leading interior space and intuitive three-row tumble and fold-flat seating.

The full seven-seater SUV also features ‘theatre-style seating’, allowing second and third-row occupants a better all-round view.

Finally, its first-in-class cruise control function further enhances driving

comfort. The Trailblazer SUV truly encompasses what most Filipinos want and need in an SUV – power, performance, capacity, refinement, versatility, toughness, durability, efficiency and comfort – all in a single package.

With all its additional features and upgrades, the Trailblazer is expected to exceed midsize SUV standards and offer the market a unique and impressive SUV alternative. The Chevrolet Trailblazer is covered by a 3-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty and a 2-year warranty extension for the Powertrain.

Chevrolet also provides its new clients with free 3-year 24/7 Roadside assistance. By dialing 751 CHEV (2438) owners may avail of the following services: vehicle support, personal assistance and information service.

The Trailblazer is available in seven exterior colors: Summit White, Black Sapphire, Sizzle Red, Auburn Brown, Blue Mountain, Royal Gray and Switchblade Silver.

Trailblazer variants and prices are as follows: Trailblazer 2.8L 4x4 AT – 1,733,888.00 PHP Trailblazer 2.8L 4x2 AT – 1,488,888.00 PHP Trailblazer 2.5L 4x2 MT – 1,378,888.00 PHP

12 CLASSIFIEDS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 13

EDGEDAVAO WANTS YOU! Serving a seamless society

-

Account Executives (3)

Male / Female, not more than 30 years old Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field.

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

For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao

Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Inconsistent Sharapova struggles through fourth round

BLOW HOT, BLOW COLD INCONSISTENT. Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a return to Alize Cornet of France during their women’s singles match at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 18, 2014. REUTERS/ David Gray

M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - Maria Sharapova ran hot and cold before overcoming 25th-seed Alize Cornet 6-1 7-6(6) on Saturday to advance to the fourth round of the Australian Open.

The world number three, who had spent almost 3-1/2 hours on court in sweltering conditions on Thursday, found the conditions on Saturday much more agreeable.

Temperatures dropped from 43 Celsius (109 Fahrenheit) during the week to 22C (72F) and the Russian quickly found her rhythm on Rod Laver Arena, dictating play to take the first set in 32 minutes.

Cornet appeared to be limping and favouring her left ankle between points in the second set but errors began to creep into 2008 champion Sharapova’s game.

Cornet broke her serve three times and saved a match point in the ninth game before Sharapova scraped to an 8-6 victory in the tie-break to seal the match.

NEW RECORD World number one Serena Williams set a new record of 61 Australian Open wins Friday as she scorched into the fourth round -- and warned she plans to get even better.

The American top seed used her powerful serve to good effect as she raced past experienced Slovak Daniela Hantuchova on another hot Melbourne day, 6-3, 6-3 in 80 minutes.

Williams, bidding for a sixth Australian Open crown, now faces either former world number one Ana Ivanovic or 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur for a place in the quarter-finals.

“It was a tough match.

Daniela is a great opponent so I’m really happy to come out with the win,” said Williams.

“It was hot but you have to play, you have to be ready and prepare yourself mentally. I’m excited to get through.”

Hantuchova, ranked 33, was never going to be an easy opponent and she had her chances with six break points. But Williams fired down aces at crucial times, with eight in the first set alone.

The victory set a new landmark for the American veteran, who is gunning to match the achievement of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova in winning her 18th Grand Slam.

Beating Hantuchova was her 61st win at the Australian Open, surpassing the previous record set

by Margaret Court.

Asked which had been her favourite matches, she replied: “All the finals I was able to win.”

Williams, who made her Australian Open debut in 1998, also drew alongside Open-era record-holder Lindsay Davenport in playing 69 singles matches at Melbourne Park.

With a career-best 11 titles last year, the 32-year-old appears to be getting better with age and she has no plans to slow down.

“I feel like in life 32 is young, you know. In sports it’s old. But for whatever reason, I feel like I just never was really able to reach

my full potential, and I feel like recently I just have been able to do a little better,” she said.

“I just keep trying to improve on everything.”

The morning match got under away with the temperature already touching 36 Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit), with Williams and Hantuchova both holding serve as they acclimatised on Rod Laver Arena.

The Slovak had two break points on Williams’ next serve but the American delivered a net volley then blasted two aces to ensure she held.

As she got into her stride, Williams’ ball-striking and placement was improving and she scored the break she wanted in the sixth game to take charge.

H a n t u c h ova

had a break

Djokovic on the radar for title no. 4 M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic’s bid for a fourth successive title at Melbourne Park shifted up a gear with an impressive 6-3 6-3 7-5 win over Uzbek Denis Istomin on Friday, booking the Serb

a place in the Australian Open fourth round.

The second seed was a model of controlled aggression under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, punishing Istomin’s lack of court speed before picking him off with 31 crisp

winners.

With new coach Boris Becker watching from the player’s box, Djokovic was ruffled when broken for the first time serving for the match at 5-4 and threw a few icy stares at a rowdy pocket of fans.

But he roared in triumph after breaking back immediately and closed it out on the second match point when Istomin pushed a shot wide. Djokovic will play Italian 15th seed Fabio Fognini for a place in the quarter-finals.

point in the seventh but again Williams’ powerful serve came to the rescue as she held for 5-2.

T h e Slo-

v a k held serve with a sizzling backhand down the line and she kept applying the pressure to again have two break points as Williams was serving for the set.

But the world’s top player saved both, hitting another two aces before forcing a backhand error from Hantuchova to take the set in 38 minutes.

She was in control and Hantuchova was flagging, with a series of unforced errors handing Williams an early break in the second to go 1-0 in front.

MARCHING THROUGH. Ana Ivanovic of Serbia (below) bundled out Australian hope Sam Stosur and top seed Novak Djokovic (top) is well on his way to a fourth title.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

The Palace offers Sinulog deals AS Cebu celebrates the mother of all festivals -- Sinulog, the country’s only five-star water park resort, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa, launches the “Imperial Mardi Gras” Sale. Get big discounts on rooms and many others if you book from January 20 until January 31, 2014.

Buy your room vouchers for as low as Php 5,900 nett inclusive of buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids below 12 years old with free use of the Waterpark. Stay dates are valid until April 14, 2014, thus perfect deal for those planning to have an early summer getaway.

Imperial Palace has 556 spacious accommodations. Choose from the room categories – Deluxe and Suites.

And don’t miss the lunch buffet promo at Php 1,600 nett good for two persons and dinner buffet at Php 2,400 nett also for two persons. Only the best dining experience at the Familia Buffet Restaurant.

The favorite Waterpark also has an exciting offer.

Bring the beat together and spend time with your loved ones in the Waterpark. Pay only Php 2,200 nett per adult and Php 1,100 nett for kids aged 12 and below inclusive of lunch buffet.

Feel the Sinulog revelry at Imperial Palace where fun is just a splash away.

For more information on the Imperial Mardi Gras sale, call (032) 4945000. For room inquiries, call the Reservations team at (032) 494-5555 or send email to rsvn@ip-cebu. com. Alternatively, visit www.imperialpalace.com. ph or thepalacecebu on Facebook.

Be Festive. Be Amazed

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

CEB expands check-in options for ATR flights THE Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) recently expanded its self check-in services to include all flights within the Philippines, as part of its commitment to enhance passengers’ airport experience.

Passengers on ATR or turbo-prop aircraft flights can now check-in using the airline’s self check-in kiosks, strategically located in 20 Philippine airports. In Manila, self check-in kiosks are located between the D and E aisles at the Terminal 3 pre-departure area.

Flights using ATR or turbo-prop aircraft include those bound for Caticlan (Boracay), Naga, Busuanga (Coron), Siargao and Camiguin, among others.

The self check-in service was previously made available only for passengers on Airbus or jet aircraft flights within and from the Philippines.

“We are pleased to satisfy the needs of even more travelers, especially since ATR turbo-prop aircraft is often used for inter-island flights. Foreign and local leisure tourists can take advantage of this check-in option, free of charge, so they can breeze through the check-in process and start their vacation sooner,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

Meant to cut down guests’ queuing time during check-in, CEB’s self check-in service empowers passengers to manage their travel time and experience, including choosing their seat assignments. This service is available from four hours to one hour before the flight.

Once checked in, domestic passengers with no check-in bags may already proceed to the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before the flight, while those with check-in bags should proceed to the bag drop counter at least 45 minutes before the flight.

Those traveling on ATR or turbo-prop aircraft flights are required to proceed to the body weighing counter first, before receiving their boarding pass or dropping their bags, to comply with weight and balance limitations in select airports.

On the other hand, international passengers from the Philippines, with or without check-in bags, should proceed to the bag drop counter for verification of travel documents at least 45 minutes before the flight.

“16% of CEB passengers used self check-in kiosks in December, speeding up the check-in process for guests during peak travel period. We look forward to rolling out more enhancements in the system for more travel options, and to serve even more guests,” Iyog added.

This service is not available for unaccompanied minors, expectant mothers, guests with infants or requiring special assistance, and groups of 10 or more under one booking record.

CEB was the first Philippine carrier to offer self check-in last December 22, 2011 in Manila. It also pioneered web check-in in the Philippines. For more information on CEB’s travel services, visit www.cebupacificair.com.

EXCITING ACCESSORIES SALE AT KULTURA! Start the year in style with exciting discounts and specials on accessories, jewelry and pearls at Kultura Filipino!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

A tale of love, obsession and betrayal in GMA Network’s ‘The Borrowed Wife’ “MAY sapat bang dahilan para ang iyong asawa ay iyong ipahiram?” This is the attention-grabbing premise of The Borrowed Wife; the first GMA drama offering for 2014 about love and obsession, and how a betrayal can change one’s life.

This highly-dramatic and intriguing soap opera is topbilled by Camille Prats and Rafael Rosell with TJ Trinidad and Pauleen Luna.

The Borrowed Wife revolves around the intertwined lives of Maricar (Camille), Rico (Rafael), Earl (TJ) and Tessa (Pauleen) and how one secret sets their destinies in a shared trajectory towards love and redemption.

In the series, Maricar is a kind-hearted and simple woman who works at the spa and wellness business owned by her best friend, Tessa. She always follows what Tessa says thus, becoming a second fiddle to her bossy best friend.

However, Maricar inadvertently out values Tessa when Rico courts and eventually marries her, because Tessa covets Rico for herself.

Maricar chose to be a full time wife to Rico and mother to their child, Joana. But everything changed when Tessa came back with a vengeance.

Tessa seduced Rico and Maricar eventually found out about the betrayal of her husband and her former best friend. It was already too late when Rico realized what he did to his wife because Maricar suddenly disappeared, a void which Tessa took advantage of to endear herself to Rico.

Maricar met Earl in a secluded beach resort where an accident ensued.

When she woke up after the accident, she was disoriented, confused and could not remember anything. Earl made her believe she is Sofia, his girlfriend. Little did she know, Earl, a plastic surgeon changed her face and her personality. She becomes subservient to Earl. Until

one day, Earl introduced her to Rico and Tessa.

This unravels a series of events that constantly intertwined Maricar/Sofia’s life with that of Rico (her own husband).

Will Maricar regain her memory? What will Earl do if he finds out that the woman he claimed as his own, is actually Rico’s wife? What will Tessa do if she finds out that Maricar is still alive and Sophia and Maricar are one and the same person? Will Rico still be able to take back his wife who he thought was dead?

Completing the cast are Yayo Aguila as Elda, Rico’s doting mother who came home from the States when her son’s life drastically changed when Maricar dispappeared; Sherilyn Reyes as Mimi, Maricar’s older sister who vowed

to take care of her sister no matter what; Kevin Santos as Jorrel, Rico’s playboy best friend who is the latter’s confidante; Diego Castro as Carlo, Earl’s doctor best friend; Lou Sison as Jenny, Tessa’s lawyer and best friend; Jojit Lorenzo as Biboy, Earl’s loyal driver; Rhed Bustamante as Joanna, Rico and Maricar’s adorable daughter; Zarah Mae Deligero as Denden, Mimi’s inquisitive daughter; and Ms. Caridad Sanchez as Manang Celing, the woman whose life mission is to take care of Earl.

The creative team is composed of Creative Director Jun Lana; Afternoon Prime Head Roy Iglesias; Creative Consultant Des Garbes Severino; Headwriter Denoy Navarro – Punio; Writers Ken de Leon, Cristine Novicio

and Angeli Delgado; and Brainstormers Nehemiarey Dallego, Reynaldo Leoncito and Liberty Trinidad. Original concept by Rey Leoncito.

The Borrowed Wife, created by the GMA Drama Group, is supervised by the SVP for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Redgie Acuña Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Program Manager Hazel F. Abonita and Executive Producer Michele Borja.

Directed by Gil Tejada, Jr., find out how the story of The Borrowed Wife will answer your own question, “May sapat bang dahilan para ang iyong asawa ay iyong ipahiram?”, beginning January 20 after Villa Quintana and Magkano Ba Ang Pag-ibig on GMA Afternoon Prime.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

Sarah and Bamboo to wow viewers with a power reunion POPSTAR royalty Sarah Geronimo and OPM rock icon Bamboo will fire up “ASAP 19” this Sunday (January 19) as they treat TV viewers with a world-class musical number.

Sarah will also have a hair-raising musical reunion with her friends Charice, Klarisse De Guzman, and Angeline Quinto.

Parokya Ni Edga rocks the stage to celebrate 20 years in the music industry.

Celebration continues in “ASAP 19” with the backto-back treats from birthday girl Alex Gonzaga with Enchong Dee, Arjo Atayde, and Joseph Marco; and birthday boy Khalil Ramos with Jane Oineza, Sue Ramirez, Ingrid Dela Paz, and Michelle Vito.

Meanwhile, get ready for the sizzling dance face-off of Maja Salvador and Shaina Magdayao in their segment ‘MASH;’ the show-stopping production number of Iya Villania; and the breathtaking Supahdance showcase of Iza Calzado, Erich Gonzales, and Cristine Reyes.

Also, watch out for the ultimate concert experience

prepared by ASAP Sessionistas together with former Freestyle vocalists Top Suzara and Jinky Vidal;and Erik Santos, Aiza Seguerra, Richard Poon;and the must-see musical performances of Martin Nievera, ZsaZsa Padilla, Piolo Pascual, Nikki Gil, KZ Tandingan, Paolo Valenciano, Princess, Morisette Amon; and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano.

Celebrate the beauty of music with the country’s longest-running, awardwinning variety show, “ASAP 19,” this Sunday, 12:15nn, on ABS-CBN.

For viewers who want to purchase ASAP official merchandise, simply visit the ABS-CBN Store located at the ground floor of ELJ building in Quezon City, or visit ABSCBNstore.shopinas. com and MyRegalo.com.

Visit ASAP.abs-cbn.com to hang-out live with stars at ASAP Chill-Out. Also join the fun at “ASAP 19’s” official social networking accounts at Facebook.com/asapofficial and Twitter.com/ ASAPOFFICIAL, and know the latest happenings in “ASAP 19” by tweeting the hashtag #ASAPAwesome.

Iza Calzado inspires as host of ‘The biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles’ Award-winning actress Iza Calzado is pulling out all the stops to prepare for one of her most challenging projects to date — hosting the newest season of the country’s biggest reality show “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition,” which premieres February 3 on ABS-CBN. “It’s my first time hosting a major TV show. I’m happy because I learned a lot from it. As much as I can, I will make sure that I will do it right and I will give my very best for this project,” Iza said.

To prepare, Iza underwent a workshop to enhance her hosting skills.

“Of course, I need to work hard as a host so I can help the whole team showcase the contestants’ struggles, as well as their experiences and weight-loss journey inside the camp,” said Iza. Aside from hosting, Iza will also impart her weightloss success story and experiences. Iza has been open about her struggle with her weight when she was a teenager. She went through

daunting challenges in her life, but bravely faced all of them and persevered to lose the extra pounds. This is why many regard Iza as credible to host “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles.”

Through her experiences, she has proven that people who are dealing with the same problem can get on the road to better health.

Watch how Iza braved all these challenges in an episode of “MMK” to be aired on February 1.

The reality show’s much-

awaited premiere on February 3, meanwhile, will feature the transformation of 14 pairs of overweight Filipinos who will face difficult challenges and compete in their journey to a better health and better life.

Like in the previous edition, the contestants will live in a camp where they will undergo rigorous training conducted by challenge masters Matteo Guidicelli and Robi Domingo, along with coaches Jim and Toni Saret.

Each pair is expected to do everything it takes to stay in the competition and encourage each other to lose weight —a twist that will also test their relationship as relatives, work colleagues, or friends and will show that in having a partner, the journey to a better life will be lighter.

For updates on the program, follow @BLPinoyEdition on Twitter and @biggestloserdoubles on Instagram or like www.facebook.com/abscbn.biggestloserpinoyedition.

47 RONIN 2D Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada PG 13

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

BRIDE FOR RENT 2D Kim Chiu, Xian Lim PG 13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

GRUDGE MATCH 2D / *BRIDE FOR RENT 2D

R-16

PG 13 / *PG 13

Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone / * Kim Chiu, Xian Lim 12:00 | 2:15 LFS /*4:30 | 6:45 | 9:00 LFS

JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT 2D Chris Pine Kevin Costner PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

ASUS announces availability of MeMO Pad 8 and MeMO Pad 10 tablets ASUS today announced the availability of two new affordable Android tablets, the MeMO Pad 8 and MeMO Pad 10, with an 8-inch and 10-inch screen, respectively.

Both tablets feature a 1280 x 800 resolution, a quadcore processor and microSD card storage.

Designed for easy one-handed use, ASUS MeMO Pad™ 8 measures just 127mm from side to side and weighs only 350g, yet packs an 8-inch display that gives 30% more screen space than a 7-inch tablet.

ASUS MeMO Pad™ 10 is equally portable, at just 522g.

Vibrant IPS displays and ASUS SonicMaster-enhanced sound ASUS MeMO Pad 8 (ME180A) and MeMO Pad 10 (ME102A) both feature an LEDbacklit display with a 1280 x 800 resolution and IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology for a bright and vibrant image, with wide viewing angles and great daylight visibility.

High-quality dual speakers with ASUS SonicMaster audio technology give great sound quality, too.

MeMO Pad 8 also features a rear 5-megapixel camera that captures great quality photos, while MeMO Pad 10 features a 2-megapixel rear camera. Both models also capture 720p HD video and have a 1.2-megapixel front camera for video chat.

Powered by 1.6GHz quad-core processors for a perfect balance of multi-tasking performance and energy efficiency, MeMO Pad 8 has up to nine hours battery life with HD video playback and MeMO Pad 10 up to 9.5 hours. MeMO Pad 8 has 8GB of onboard storage, while MeMO Pad 10 has 8GB or 16GB. Both models also feature a microSDXC card slot.

Stylish and practical TriCover protection ASUS MeMO Pad 8 and MeMO Pad 10 also have an optional protective TriCover case made from durable synthetic materials that protects both the tablet back and screen. Available in three colors, TriCover has a folding cover that props up the screen at a comfortable angle for on-screen typing and watching video.

Globe Telecom awards Php1M to ImaginART winner

FILM and television make-up artist Leo Velasco was recently adjudged the winner of Globe Telecom’s first ImaginART competition. Velasco bagged up to P 1 million in prize money and exhibition grant. Velasco’s artwork is currently on display at the Globe Art Gallery, located at the basement of The Globe Tower, the telecommunication company’s new corporate headquarters in Bonifacio Global City. Photo shows Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu giving Velasco the check for his prize money. Displayed at the foreground are some of Velasco’s winning pieces.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014 ONE ONE ONE. Lakers guard Kendall Marshall (left) guards returning Celtics guard Rajon Rondo.

The Lakets won 107-104.

RORY MCILROY. In the thick of things in Abu Dhabi.

Lakers rip Celtics 107-104 A

McIlroy moves into contention

B

OSTON (AP) -- These are not the Boston Celtics that Rajon Rondo left behind almost a year ago, a roster of AllStars just a couple of seasons removed from their second trip to the NBA Finals in three years.

His pinpoint passes went for naught. The defense that helped the franchise win it all in 2008 was missing. Needing a big play in the final seconds, the best option Rondo could come up with was himself.

Rondo returned from a knee injury and missed a 3-pointer that could have sent the game into overtime, sending the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-104 victory on Friday night.

‘’I thought he made a lot of plays down the stretch,’’ Celtics coach Brad Stevens said after seeing his All-Star point guard in a game for the first time. ‘’Just came up a little bit short. But I was glad he had the ball.’’

Pau Gasol had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Los Angeles, and Kendall Marshall added 19 points and 14 assists, including a 3-pointer with 69 seconds left to give the Lakers their first lead of the second half.

Ryan Kelly scored 20 points and Wesley Johnson added 11 points and 11 rebounds. ‘’It was an incredible experience for me,’’ said Kelly, who added a pair of free throws with 9.4 seconds remaining as the Lakers

snapped a six-game losing streak. ‘’We were sliding there a little bit. We needed it and we made the plays that made the difference.’’

Kelly Olynyk scored a career-high 25 points for Boston. Rondo, who was limited to 20 minutes in his first game since tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament on Jan. 25, 2013, had eight points, four assists and two rebounds.

The Celtics missed their last seven shots while giving up 11 points in a row - including three straight 3-pointers. ‘’We missed some shots in the fourth quarter, but we’ve got to do it defensively,’’ said Rondo, who was announced as the

Mickelson was impressed with McIlroy’s form.

“His game looks really sharp and his driving was impeccable,” Mickelson said of McIlroy.

Tied for the lead were Scotland’s Craig Lee (67) and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello (68) at 9 under, a stroke ahead of England’s Danny Willett (63), who eagled the par-5 8th hole at National Course beside seven birdies.

McIlroy was sharing fourth with Argentina’s Ricardo Gonzalez (66) and Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn (70).

He was holding the end-of-2013 form that saw him come from behind and defeat Masters champion Adam Scott in the Australian Open in Sydney last month.

Why is Ricky Rubio not having fun?

D

RICKY RUBIO. Not having fun anymore?

team captain before the game. ‘’I found out when you found out,’’ he said. ‘’It really didn’t hit me at first.

After I came back to the huddle, a couple of guys told me congrats on being named captain. It’s definitely an honor.’’

The Celtics led by as many as 13 points in the second quarter and still held a 97-94 advantage when Rondo, who played about five minutes each quarter, checked back in with 4:53 left. Olynyk soon made a jumper from the top of the key and then Rondo hit Avery Bradley for a 3-pointer on the wing to extend the lead to eight points.

BU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- - Rory McIlroy birdied his last two holes to post a 5-under 67 and lie two shots off the lead two rounds into the Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday.

At 7 under overall in the European Tour event, McIlroy was rapt to be in contention for a second win in three tournaments. Playing partner Phil Mickelson was also happy, though in relief to make the cut by two shots at 1 under with a 70 after a first-round 73.

“I’m really glad I made the cut and I now have a chance over these next two days, because I kind of keyed in on something with my swing starting to feel much better,” Mickelson said. “I really need these two days to get my game in shape.”

ESPITE Kevin Love’s historic numbers, Nikola Pekovic’s continued beastliness and the recent return to the lineup of role-playing reserves Ronny Turiaf and Chase Budinger, the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to chase good with bad, following up strong performances (blowout wins over the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Bobcats) with dispiriting ones (the late collapse against the Phoenix Suns, the steamrolling at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs).

The peripheral stats make them look like a postseason contender, but the late-game woes and locker-room sniping make them look like a team in turmoil, and the water only grew choppier after a sleepwalking loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday that dropped Minnesota to 1820, four games back of the Dallas Mavericks for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio didn’t play a second in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s loss. A few things about that: • This isn’t the first time that’s happened. He’s actually been held out of 10 fourth quar-

ters in 38 appearances this year; • It makes some sense, considering Rubio had missed four of six shots, committed five turnovers and allowed Sacramento point guard Isaiah Thomas to go off for 17 points and seven assists through three quarters against the Kings — and especially considering Rubio’s shooting just 18.2 percent from the field and 20 percent from 3-point land in fourth quarters this season, with the Wolves getting outscored by nearly 10 points per 100 possessions with Rubio on the floor in the fourth this year, according to NBA.com’s stat tool; • He wasn’t alone, as Wolves head coach Rick Adelman also sat down starting shooting guard Kevin Martin, despite having scored 14 points, in search of a spark and/or a bit of defense; it actually kind of worked, as Alexey Shved and J.J. Barea combined for 16 points, four assists and no turnovers to help spur a Minnesota comeback that fell just short.

“I was trying to find a group that was going to compete and play,” Adelman said after the game, according to

Kent Youngblood of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “And something positive was happening, at least. The energy was better.”

He’s turned in a few strong performances this season, but whether you’re talking about the energy or the jumper, something sure has seemed off with Rubio for most of this season. As the Wolves prepared to take on the Atlantic Division-leading Toronto Raptors on Friday, the 23-year-old triggerman opened up about his struggles to Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press: ‘’I’m going to be honest. I’m not feeling comfortable out there,” Rubio told The Associated Press after a light practice on Thursday. “I’m not being myself and the team is noticing.

I just have to be back where I was, be myself. I’m working on that. It’s something that’s missing. It’s tough for me, too.” [...]

“It’s basketball. I love it,” Rubio said. “But I’m just not having as much fun as it used to be. I know it has to be professional. But I just want to have fun. It’s hard to find it right now.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 217 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 19-20, 2014

TRMH CUP

BATTLE ROYALE Rivalries open race for ticket to the finals

HEY BRO, NO KISSING. James Yap of San Mig Coffee (dark) gets a very intimate guarding from Aaron Aban of Talk N Text (light) in their PBA Philippine Cup duel won by the Mixers. Nuki Sabio.

S

CHOOL rivalries will be revived anew when the Final Four of the 3rd The Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup basketball tournament goes full swing beginning today at the Davao City Recreation Center.

Defending Cadet division champion Ford Academy of Arts takes on Assumption College of Davao in the first game at 8:30 p.m. followed by the Holy Child School of Davao against Philippine Women’s College matchup at 10 a.m. in the Mini division.

Defending Mini division titlist Ateneo faces Precious International School of Davao in the third game at 11:30 a.m. Completing the six-game bill are Ford against Holy Child (Cadet) at 1:30 p.m. followed by Ateneo against Holy Child (Mini) at 3 p.m. and the main game at 4:30 p.m. between PWC against Precious (Mini).

While Ford Academy enjoys top billing in the Cadet division, the defending champs have not been that formidable this season, losing to Ateneo in the eliminations. Assumption College of Davao and Holy Child are also two teams capable of going all the way this year.

“It’s too tough to call.

Masyadong balance ang Cadet division. Maraming possibilities,” said TRMH basketball operations officer Je Melendres.

Ateneo coach Miggy Solitaria believes the

semifinals will be a test of consistency for the four teams. “Whichever team plays with consistency in the Final Four will have the edge. This is the time to learn the past mistakes in the eliminations and make adjustments. If you cannot, then you’re in trouble,” Solitaria said.

Ateneo will continue to miss the services of burly forward Francis Gabriel Escandor who was sidelined with an injury during the final stage of the eliminations. According to his father Glenn Y. Escandor, his son is still not fully recuperated to get back into action. “Hindi pa,” Escandor told Edge Davao via text message yesterday.

Over at the Assumption College side, the Agdao-based cagers will be boosted by the vastly-improved Maloney Tarranza, picked as one of the top 10 Jr. NBA All-Star in the country, who recently had the chance to personally meet Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers at the Staples Center.

Cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs to the winners while individual awards will also be given away to outstanding cagers.

The TRMH Cup is supported by the Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region XI under Director Regino “Boy” Cua and the city government of Davao. [NJB]