Edge Davao 6 Issue 218

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

LOTS OF POTENTIAL. This boy, who has lots of potential to make it to the big stage if given a formal training, shows off his diving skills in front of his peers at Sta. Ana Wharf along Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

CTO 5 DISMISSED Duterte okays decision on employees in P14-M misappropriation case

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

IVE employees of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) were ordered dismissed for their role in the misappropriation of tax collections amounting to P14 million last year.

Davao City Administrator J. Melchor V. Quitain announced the dismissal to reporters during a press briefing yesterday.

Ordered dismissed were Jane M. Paguidopon, Brenda R. Nirza, Rosalie B. Remon, Paul Justen B. Almonte and Analiza S. Mesa, formerly assigned at the Cash Receipts Division (CRD) of the CTO. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the dismissal order last January 17 based on the recommendation of the all-lawyer City Investigation Committee composed of Osmundo P.

Villanueva Jr., chairman, Jhopee S. Avancena and Tristan Dwight P. Domingo, members.

In a 27-page investigation report, the five were found guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, falsification of public documents, serious neglect of duty, inefficiency, incompetence in the performance of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

Aside from dismissal, the city government will also impose accessory penalties such cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and disqualification from holding public office and ban from taking civil service examination.

Quitain who approved

MAPPING. DJ Torch wows the party goers with his signature dance music mixes during Abreeza Mall’s Reverie 2014, the first 3D projection FCTO 5, 10 PROJECTION mapping in Davao City, last Saturday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

NOT MUCH IS EXPECTED. Dr. Ma. Lourdes Monteverde, convenor of the Philippine Real Estate Service (PhilRES)Davao chapter, says during Kapehan sa Dabaw SM City Davao that despite the booming lateral residential, commercial, industrial and mixed used development around the city in recent years, not much is expected from the manufacturing business unless the city comes up with an economic zone. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

MORE VIOLATORS. Davao City Anti-smoking Task Force head Dr. Domilyn Villareiz reports during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the SM City Davao yesterday that the task force has already apprehended 3,690 violators of the City Ordinance 0367-12, otherwise known as the New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City, from June to December 2013 and the City Treasurer’s Office has collected P955,550 from those violators. Lean Daval Jr.

Classes suspension Council okays P4M as lifted in Davao City

aid to DavOr, ComVal D

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City government will be extending a P4-million financial assistance to some municipalities of Compostela Valley Province and Davao Oriental recently affected by continuous rain brought by low pressure area.

The city council has approved in yesterday’s special session the ordinance authorizing the city mayor

to extend P4 million to the municipalities of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental using the five percent allocation from this year’s calamity fund estimated at around P250 million.

Based on the resolution of councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, the P2 million of the approved budget will be turned over to Davao Oriental governor Corazon Malanyaon while P500,000

each will be distributed among the municipalities of Compostela, Montevista, Monkayo and New Bataan in Compostela Valley. “(This is) to alleviate the unfortunate fate suffered by the disaster victims of the aforementioned areas,” said Dayanghirang in his resolution.

Dayanghirang said that the continuous rains had resulted to a disaster which

many lives were loss and a lot of properties were damaged.

The resolution added that the Sangguniang Panglunsod received a letter from Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte last January 16 requesting for the approval of the budget which will be extended as relief for the four municipalities of Compostela Valley Province and the province of Davao Oriental.

A

another strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza in north China’s Hebei Province.

In Memorandum Order 1, signed on January 10, 2014, Alcala said the ban covers the importation of domestic and wild birds

and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen from the People’s Republic of China.

The ban was ordered after the Chinese ministry submitted a report dated December 21, 2013 to the

Office Internationale des Epizooties (OIE), the intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health worldwide, which confirmed an outbreak of HPAI virus of the subtype H5N2 in three vil-

DA bans chicken, bird imports from China GRICULTURE Secretary Proceso Alcala has banned the entry of chicken and chicken products, along with domesticated and wild birds from China’s after its own Ministry of Agriculture confirmed an outbreak of

WEATHER FORECAST

FDA, 10

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte yesterday lifted the suspension of classes after tropical depression “Agaton,” which caused floods and landslides in Mindanao, particularly in the Davao region and claimed 40 lives, became a low pressure area (LPA).

Philippine Atmosheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) lifted yesterday all public storm warning signals after tropical depression “Agaton” weakened into a low pressure area based on its 10: 00 am forecast on Monday.

FCLASSES, 10

Agaton moves away T

ROPICAL depression Agaton continues to move slowly, its center estimated at 180 kms southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or 175 km east of Davao City as of 10 p.m. Sunday.

Public Storm Warning Signal 1 remains hoisted over Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, and the

cities of Davao, Tagum, Panabo, Samal, Digos and Mati.

Agaton’s strength remains at maximum winds of 55 kph near the center and is forecast to move west southwest at 5 kph, Weather Bulletin 11 of the Philippine Atmopsheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued at 11 p.m. Sunday, said.

FAGATON, 10

HELPING HAND. A woman is being helped stepping out of a passenger boat that just arrived from the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) at Sta. Ana Wharf along Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

3

Nine more pushers fall

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

T

epc@edgedavao.net

HE continuing campaign against illegal drugs in Davao City scored again after police filed charges against a man who has gained notoriety as an alleged pusher, along with eight others arrested in separate operations.

Police filed charges against Satir Guso Sacatan, 29 , driver and resident of Purok 11, Barangay Sirawan Toril for violation of Republic Act 9165 section 11 before the Davao City prosecution office.

Police chief inspector Angel Sumagaysay, station commander of the Toril

police said that Sacatan is a notorious peddler of illegal drugs in Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur and Davao City.

Police apprehended Sacatan in coordination with Toril barangay officials last Thursday and confiscated sachets of shabu and a .38 caliber pistol with ammunition.

Meanwhile, P/Supt.

Julius Silagan, station commander of the Talomo police, said police filed charges against six persons identified as Napoleon Cadayona, 35, of Milkway St., GSIS Matina; Alain Quesada, 35, of South Cemento,

Talomo and Kristopher Corquera, 35, encoder of DSWD and resident of Olive St., Dacoville Subdivision, Dumoy; Vergilio Dalogdog, 51, of Purok 1, Gravahan, New Matina; Bonivie Tagle, 29, Gravahan, New Matina, and Manuel Laplana, 21, in series of buy-bust operations last week.

Sta Ana police also apprehended a couple identified as Jonathan Napatang and Jessa Manaytay Francisco for selling illegal drugs to police a poseur-buyer last Thursday All suspects are now in jail.

A

Speaking at the Kapehan sa Dabaw, Dr. Domilyn Villareiz, chief of the Anti-Smoking Task Force of Davao City said that 3,690 violators were issued violation citation tickets since June 2013 and fined P500 for smok-

ing in public places.

“It earned the City Treasurer’s Office P955,500 from June to December 2013,” she said.

Villareiz cited the Mobile Police Group, Talomo Police Precinct, San Pe-

3,690 violators nabbed in anti-smoking drive

TEMPORARY RELIEF. The cold pavement of a monument along Quimpo Blvd. in Davao City yesterday is good enough for a homeless man to be his temporary sleeping place. Lean Daval Jr.

N official of the Anti-Smoking Task Force reported that Davao City residents still continue to defy the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance despite its enforcement starting June 2013.

Operation of satellite terminals questioned T

FANTI, 10

Anti-smoking drive gaining momentum

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HREE government agencies in Davao City have requested the city government to re-inspect the terminal of Calinan L-300 Operators and Drivers Association (CALODA) and Delta Tours Association of Davao City Inc. and Third District Transport Cooperative (TDTC), which are located in Bankerohan.

Edgar Crisanto R. Violan, administrative officer of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 11 said that

there were reports coming to their office that inspectors from the Traffic Management and Control Board of the city had allegedly approved the applications of the terminals.

No document exists showing that they are allowed to operate, Violan had reportedly said in his letter.

According to Violan, the permits of CALODA and TDTC had already been revoked by their agency in

2012 and the application of Delta Tours was already denied in March of 2013.

On the other hand, Davao City Police Office – Traffic Group (DCPO-TG) and Traffic Management Center (TMC),vboth under the supervision of P/Supt.

Rhodelio V. Poliquit, said that they also disapproved the applications of the terminals as they did not comply with the requirements.

“Considering that this primarily concerns the safety of our commuters and general public,” Poliquit

said in the letter.

Poliquit said that based on their visual assessment and inspection, they did not pass the standards required (whether local or national compliance) for their operation.

“We were surprised to have seen a positive certification for the said applicants based on the reports, for this office has information that said applicants have not provided compliance with the minimum requirements set, ” said Poliquit.

D

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City will have to wait for manufacturing business to thrive in a city without an economic zone that suits its spatial requirements,

this was the revelation of an official of the Philippine Real Estate Service (PhilRES)- Davao chapter said yesterday.

Ma. Lourdes Mon-

teverde, convenor of the PhilRES-Davao, told the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex that despite the booming lateral residential, commercial, industrial and

mixed used development around the city in recent years, not much is expected from the manufacturing business unless the city

FCITY, 10

filed in court because the violators returned the citation tickets issued by traffic policemen.

She reminded the public that violators should return the ticket within three to five days, pay a P500 fine and attend a smoking cessation seminar in designated health establishments of the city.

The police station with the most number of citation tickets issued was the Mobile Police Group, second was Talomo po-

FANTI-SMOKING, 10

Nograles campaigns for ‘bike-to-work’

City needs economic zone T

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Anti-Smoking Task Force of Davao City recorded a total of 3,690 citation tickets issued in seven months to violators of City Ordinance 0367-12, otherwise known as the New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City.

ASTF head Dr. Domilyn C. Villareiz said at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday that the apprehensions were from June to December of last year. No cases were

HE cheap and simple bicycle may just be the key to promote public health, reduce the growing problems of traffic, energy costs and pollution in the country, Davao City Congressman Karlo B. Nograles said during weekend’s Mini-Jobs Fair he hosted at Barangay Bucana 76-A. “With over a billion

people to take care of, China did just that. The government encouraged the use of bicycles which greatly reduced the use of oil-based energy, pollution, and helped improve public health and, of course, lessen the noisy traffic jam,” Nograles pointed out at the sidelines of the Mini-Jobs Fair.

The jobs fair attract-

FNOGRALES, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

TAGUM CITY

15-Mw peaking power plant starts operation A

15-megawatt heavy fuel oil peaking power plant based in Magdum, Tagum City is expected to boost the electricity-starved Mindanao grid with its formal inauguration last January 17, 2014.

The 610 million-peso investment of the EEI Power Corporation, one of the firms under the Yuchengco Group of Companies, is a diesel-fired power plant, which will cater the needs of Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO).

The Tagum bunker diesel-fired power plant, which will be dispatched to meet peak demand, is 100-percent owned by EEI. Mayor Allan L. Rellon said this is a wel-

DAVAO DEL NORTE

come development for the city, which is served

by DANECO to at least curtail the power shortage in the city and make it friendlier for businesses.

The mayor added that this is important to entice more businessmen to pour their investments in the city.

“We don’t claim to solve the problem in power but we are here offer a little help for the city and for our people to send their children to school and feed them,” said EEI President Roberto Jose L. Castillo, referring to their 54man team composed mainly of Tagum residents.

The plant operates on peaking hours from 8 AM to 10 PM. [Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum]

POWER SUPPLY. The 15-megawatt peaking power plant in Barangay Magdum, Tagum City will augment the needs for power supply in the city. The bunker diesel-fired power plant, owned by EEI Power Corporation listed under the Yuchengco Group of Companies, will be dispatched to meet peak demand. [Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum]

MAGUINDANAO

Dabaonons bid farewell to the ‘man of the masses’ Waves destroy 196 houses

T

he inclement weather seemed to have expressed sympathy to the people of Davao del Norte when they sent former Governor Gelacio P. Gementiza off to his final resting place.

Amid pouring rain, hundreds of family, friends, officials and supporters ac-

companied the past patriarch of the province to his grave at about 2:30 pm last Sunday at his backyard in Apokon, Tagum City.

Dubbed as the “governor of the masses”, Yayong’s term as governor from 2004 to 2007 was characterized as a period of sustained progress for Davao

del Norte.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario acknowledged Yayong for sustaining the gains of the province and for espousing rational politics that primarily focused on the benefit of the masses.

He recalled Gementiza’s humble beginnings, describing his success story

FOUNDATION WORKS. A steel man works on a water pipe for the power plant’s main cooling system. Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) has, as of the end of 2013, completed foundation works for the boiler and steam turbine generator building of its 210 -Megawatt (MW) coal -fired power plant currently undergoing construction. The boiler and steam turbine generator are the power plant’s core components that will house the circulating fluidized bed boiler where low sulfur coal will be burned to generate steam that will run the turbine generators.

as inspirational, particularly for ordinary people who are willing to serve the public.

“Yayong is a testament that politics is not only for the rich,” he said, at the necrological services, during Gementiza’s wake at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan on Friday.

As a migrant from Bohol, Gementiza started out as a fledgling sidewalk vendor and tricycle operator before rising to become vice mayor of Tagum in 1967. Since then, he became a permanent fixture in local politics.

He became mayor in 1972 and was elected Vice Governor of Davao del Norte in 1980. He returned as mayor when Tagum became a component city in 1998, receiving yet another mandate in the 2001 polls.

In 2004, del Rosario gave way to Yayong to fulfill his dream of becoming governor.

1st District Congressman Anthony del Rosario recognized Yayong for helping “shape the socio-economic, cultural and political landscape of Davao del Norte.” [by Noel Baguio]

A

T least 196 houses were damaged when big waves slammed into three coastal barangays of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RDRRMCARMM) said in a report.

Edmundo Garmino, RDRRMC- ARMM deputy director said 123 houses in Barangay Cusiongs, 70 houses in Barangay Tapean and three in Barangay Badak on Saturday evening, January 18.

There were no reports of casualties or missing persons.

Garmino, however, clarified that what happened was not a storm surge caused by Tropical Depression Agaton.

Nonetheless, the Office of Civil Defense and the RDRRMC asked residents in coastline areas of Datu Odin Sinsuat town to be vigilant and ready.

The RDRRMC and ARMM Health Emergency Action and Response Team were set to distribute relief goods today to the affected families who are now staying with relatives and schools that serve as evacuation centers.

As of 5:00am Monday, Agaton was spotted 230 km southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur or 230 km east of Davao City, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

The weather disturbance has continued to move at 5 kph with maximum winds of 55 kph near the center, Pagasa added.

Public storm warning signal has been hoisted in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley. [Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

DTI 11 banners milestones for MSME dev’t T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region has bannered some milestones on micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development it has achieved in 2013.

In its annual report, the agency has identified major accomplishments that have helped bolster the status of local MSMEs. DTI-Davao Region Officer-in-Charge Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said various initiatives implemented by DTI with its partners last year yielded good results that made the agency hit its annual targets.

In the generation of domestic sales for the assisted MSMEs, DTI-Davao Region has reaped a total of P942.78 million or 18 percent above its annual target of P800 million.

The products that generated much of the domestic transactions include fresh and processed fruits such as banana, durian, mango, pineapple, and coconut; processed fish (tuna and pangasius); processed meat and vegetables; juice and beverages; handcrafted products; beauty and health; jewelry; and wood products.

Ambi revealed that the major initiatives that contributed to the increased domestic sales are the conduct of and participation in local

and international trade fairs, and market facilitation.

Among the new products that showed promising potential in the domestic and export markets are chili powder, chili sauce, and chili paste produced by MSMEs in the Super Typhoon Pablo-affected areas of Davao Oriental.

“Though affected by Super Typhoon Pablo in 2012, these powdered chili makers have proven that we can really rise above the challenges,” Ambi said.

In the International Food Expo (IFEX) conducted in Manila last May 16-19, Davao Region had 23 participating MSMEs, generating total sales of P15.4 million.

Meanwhile, in the Manila FAME, another trade fair which is being spearheaded

by DTI’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Davao Region MSMEs generated US$30,000 in total sales.

The Tindahang Pinoy, a ‘pasalubong center that showcases Davao Region’s authentic and sustainable products, on the other hand, reaped a total sales of P1.534 million from the 26 store locators.

To aid the local MSMEs further, DTI-Davao Region has also launched and established 34 shared service fa-

UPCOMING. Newly-elected Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Antonio dela Cruz discusses the upcoming programs and projects of the organization during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. cilities (SSF) as of December last year.

The said 34 projects have a total project cost of P9.253 million, assisting 930 MSMEs and generating 1,845 jobs.

“The SSF, being an intervention that provides

the needed equipment and facilities for MSMEs who are not yet capable to buy their own, is actually geared towards helping them improve their productivity so that they can increase their sales or income, Ambi said.

However, she added

that since it is a shared facility, it must always be noted that MSMEs who need the same kind of facility granted to one association or organization can actually use it as well.

Ambi said this year, DTIDavao Region will continue

to implement programs, projects, and activities that will further improve the local MSMEs. “We will continue to look for innovative and tailor-fit interventions for them,” she said. [DTI 11/JenMendoza]

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 billion Apr 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

It figures

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

8 new Airbus planes for Cebu Pacific this year C

EBU Pacific is expecting the delivery of 8 new Airbus planes this year, as part of its ongoing refleeting program.

“For 2014, we look forward to taking delivery of 8 additional Airbus aircraft – 5 Airbus A320 and 3 Airbus A330,” said Atty. Jorenz Tañada, vice president for corporate affairs of Cebu Air Inc. The new acquisitions will augment its current fleet of 48 planes: 10 Airbus A319s, 28 Airbus A320s, 2 Airbus A330s, and 8 ATR 72-500s.

“The A330s will be utilized to expand our long-haul operations.

We will continue to bring the benefits of low-cost travel to even more travelers,” added Tañada.

The budget airline is also scheduled to take

INDUCTION RITES. The Davao Inventors Association, Inc. new set of board of directors and officers take their oath of office before Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang during the group’s induction rites at Seda Abreeza Hotel last Saturday evening. Lean Daval Jr. delivery of 14 more Airbus A320s, 30 Airbus A321neos and 4 Airbus A330s between 2014 and 2021.

Cebu Pacific’s refleeting program costs

$4 billion or P180 billion.

The company recently announced its plan to acquire Tigerair Philippines for $15 million as part of a strate-

gic alliance meant to strengthen the airlines’ position in the competitive regional market.

This development, however, means that Tigerair will return the

lease of 3 Airbus A319 planes to its parent firm in Singapore. As a result, Tigerair will have to use some of Cebu Pacific’s aircraft.

[Rappler.com]

mobile broadband sites around the country to meet the skyrocketing demand for mobile data from our users,” explained Rolando Peña, Technology Group Head at Smart and PLDT. “With the proliferation of smartphones and the popularity of online services, we are seeing even more of our subscribers making the shift to data. Over the holidays alone, Smart saw a 61% year-on-year jump in the number of subscribers that accessed the Internet on their devices to send their holiday greetings,” Peña added.

He said that with this growing demand, a resilient and reliable network is required to maintain a seamless mobile broadband experience—something which

Smart’s network was able to prove during the recent holidays.

The new fiber-optic facilities, the first time for Bohol province to have such high-speed data infrastructure, will also complement the rollout of Smart’s ultra-fast mobile LTE service in Visayas and Mindanao. This will allow subscribers to experience firsthand up to 42 Mbps of broadband Internet in their area.

With a high-speed LTE connection, subscribers can experience tomorrow’s Internet through high-definition video streaming, low-latency file transfers, and seamless access to online services on their phones, tablets and laptops even while on the go.

At least 16 towns in Bohol are expected to benefit from the expanded fiber footprint, including the towns of Tagbilaran and Panglao, aside from countless others in Southern Philippines.

This recent development also presents an opportunity for Smart strengthen its infrastructure in the region, especially those affected by the recent earthquake in Bohol and by the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in Central Visayas, said Ramon Isberto, Public Affairs Head at Smart and PLDT. “As we see Bohol, Cebu, Leyte and other provinces rise from the ashes of the twin disasters that hit the region last year, Smart

is also reinforcing its mobile network in these areas to ensure continuity of service especially in critical times of natural disasters,” Isberto explained.

Smart has been aggressively pushing its high-speed mobile broadband services around the country with the continuous rollout of 4G-capable (HSPA+/ Wimax, LTE and LTE-Advanced) sites nationwide, which now number to about 10,000 sites.

Smart’s robust mobile network is backed by four times more fiber power—a total of 78,000 kilometers of fiber footprint—that allows the telco to offer the best and most reliable high-speed mobile broadband service to subscribers nationwide.

Mobile broadband Vis-Min subscribers to benefit from Smart’s new fiber links M

OBILE broadband subscribers of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) stand to benefit from the recent completion of a combined 150-kilometer submarine fiber cable project that pass through the island of Bohol.

The newly completed undersea fiber links—which run from Mactan in Cebu to Loon in Bohol and from Garcia Hernandez in Bohol to Kinoguitan in Cagayan de Oro— is the third of such kind that connects Visayas and Mindanao, which means subscribers can expect even more reliable service from Smart with a twolink resiliency backup running in the area.

“Smart is further expanding its network of reliable and high-speed

4th

Manila’s rank in the real estate investment market in the region, according to “Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia Pacific 2014,” a report jointly issued by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

89th

Current rank of the Philippines in the Heritage Foundation’s 2014 Index of Economic Freedom. This is an affirmation of the gains our country is reaping along the straight path. The country jumped 8 notches from 97th in 2013 to 89th this year.

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

7

Why successful business people choose Northpoint N

ORTHPOINT, the British colonial themed condo development in Davao, continues to be the condo home of choice of astute businesspeople, finding its location, amenities, and value proposition the best they can find in the region.

Central location. Northpoint is found at the junction of Buhangin Road and JP Laurel Avenue in Bajada, at the heart of the growth center of north Davao. This is a location attractive to businesspeople who know that location is key not only to their business ventures, but also to where they live.

They want to live right at the pulse of all the action, keeping them in tune to what’s going on in business and commerce. After all, this is where they spot business opportunities.

It also helps to live near to their business and workplaces, allowing them to get there quickly in the morning and get home fast.

That means less fuel consumption, less time and effort spent on the road, and more for family and leisure activities.

Pleasing ambiance. After putting in a hard day’s work, they want to kick off their shoes, put their feet up and relax. What better way to do that than to come home to their condo in Northpoint, plunk themselves on their comfy couch, and gaze at the green vista of lush plant life and towering trees outside their window.

Northpoint is a veritable pine estate in the heart of the city, with hundreds of imported Caribbean pine trees dotting the property. They give off a fragrant pine scent, emit fresh oxygen, provide cooling shade, and serve as a barrier to very strong winds.

All these beautiful pine trees are also a refreshing sight to behold. While one would expect to see the city’s concrete jungle outside their condo home, in Northpoint what they see is lush greenery thriving around the towers and the cityscape beyond this patch of green.

Deluxe amenities. Making staying home in Northpoint more enjoyable are its facilities and amenities designed to give the residents a well-rounded lifestyle. The centrepiece is the clubhouse, Wakefield Manor, that houses a multi-purpose hall for social gatherings and a fitness gym for the residents’ exercise needs.

The wellness pool with salinated water is complemented with cabanas and grill pits for the perfect pool party or barbecue.

Around the condo property, one will find charming pocket gardens, a nature park, promenade, jogging trail and playground. A shuttle service ferries residents around the property or to the main gates if they want to ride public transport available right outside the property.

Luxurious and healthful lifestyle. Living at Northpoint also means living a green and luxurious lifestyle. With its condo buildings built to specifications of green architecture, they have lesser impact to man and nature, making the condo units a healthier place to live. Residents will also find they have everything they need for a convenient and luxurious lifestyle with its ample facilities and amenities.

Unmatchable prestige.

Northpoint’s premier address and unique value proposition make it a condo development several notches higher than the rest. Not only are the amenities remarkable, Northpoint’s curb appeal is in itself a top selling point. The condo buildings are magnificent structures, amenities are world-class, the grounds lush and green,

and the manicured landscape meticulously wellkept.

Living here means living in a prestigious residential location, something that businesspeople equate with their status in life. After all, what would success be if they don’t live in a home that reflects their achievements in life?

Immense ROI potential. Businesspeople are savvy homebuyers, looking for the best deal for their investments. They find Northpoint not only

a safe investment, but one that gives them great potential for returns. As a landmark condo development of Vista Residences, a subsidiary of Vista Land, the country’s largest homebuilder, Northpoint is a residential property that continues to appreciate. It is also managed by a professional property management team, upping its overall value and appeal.

Northpoint offers more than what businesspeople expect from an ex-

clusive condo community that everybody wants to call home. To find out more about Northpoint, inquiries can be made at

the Camella offices at 2/F Delgar Building, JP Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City, telephone (082) 2220963 and (082) 222-5221.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

I

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

Big Brother

NDEED, in times of trouble, you always run to your big brother.

Davao City is playing the role of a big brother once more to neighbors Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. As has been the city’s practice, it does not wait for someone to cry help before it comes to the rescue of those in distress.

Yesterday, the city council convened in a special session for the purpose of passing relief assistance to four municipalities of Compostela Valley and the province of Davao Oriental. The two Davao City neighbors were hit hard by heavy flooding in the low pressure area (LPA)-driven rains in the past week once again leaving a trail of destruction and deaths to the same provinces hit by supertyphoon “Pablo” in 2012.

The council passed a P4-million kitty for

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

the two provinces. That is for the floods last week.

Yesterday, the year’s first typhoon “Agaton” is bound to land on these two provinces again like there’s a curse somewhere.

The P4-million relief may not be enough if the situation gets worse in the coming days but the gesture will surely keep the cold nights of our neighbors in those provinces warm like a wool blanket draped on their bodies.

That’s a simple gesture from Big Brother who also did not tarry in coming to the rescue of the Cebu and Bohol earthquakes and the Tacloban supertyphoon. No frills. No fuzz.

Pure gesture of compassion and care for the needy. We never know if we will be on the other side.

For now, it is better to be a Big Brother, a silent superhero.

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

P

City’s urgent drastic reforms

ROCEEDED QUICKLY TO EXECUTE CLEANSING PROCESS - Now here’s the good news. Public perceptions reflect the real situation: a recent report showed that Mayor Rodrigo Duterte more than ever is dissatisfied with the working attitude of many city government employees. The idea of the mayor to have a city government free from graft and corruption has become more and more urgent.

Certainly, public sentiment favors not only a management free from corrupt practices but likewise an overhaul of other offices perceived not to be measuring up to standards of performance in dealing with the public. The mayor’s directive comes in the midst of mischief that has engulfed the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) and sparked a furor.

The frenzy began with the startling revelation that several personnel of the CTO were allegedly involved in nefarious activities. An in-depth investigation revealed that the suspects were engaged in falsification of public documents in exchange for bribe money. As the cases against them unfolded, findings ultimately bared a strong ground for their termination.

After a thorough and no-nonsense investigation and proven guilty of the offense, of course, violators deserved to be meted the harshest punishment – termination from service aside from the forfeiture of their benefits and other privileges. It is an established government practice to strictly enforce the full extent of the law. The law may be harsh but it is the law.

Such action is nothing new, but this time Mayor Duterte’s anger was probably inflamed by the sheer excesses and seem-

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VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

ingly disgraceful act of the offenders on the face of government effort to deliver satisfactory service to the masses of our people.

And the fact that committing serious acts of dishonesty, grave misconduct, neglect of duty, falsification of public documents and other infractions of the law couldn’t be concealed for so long.

The scandalous act involving some cash-obsessed employees of the CTO puts pressure on the city leadership prompting to proceed quickly in implementing drastic measures and part of which is to crack the whip ruthlessly if need be on other offices.

The mood is likewise helped by more good news about Mayor Rody’s directive instructing City Administrator Atty. Melchor Quitain to enforce a revamp at the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO).

It’s good enough the city government has to keep a periodic check on everybody for this effort signifies well for good governance. The revamp and reshuffle order of the city building permit’s office stemmed from mounting complaints from citizens most particularly businessmen about the unnecessary delays in the processing of applications and other required documents to instances of some thick-faced and absurd employees asking for grease money. Goodness gracious!

For their part, other employees should better start shaping up to avoid getting the ire of the mayor and suffered a similar fate.

Frankly enough there are lots of over-bearing personnel that have contributed to the current problems besetting the different city government offices because of their foolhardiness and indifference in dealing with the disgusted public. It may rather sound ungenerous, but not a few city government employees actually don’t deserve to stay a minute longer in their present positions. Why, simply because their normal sense of conviction easily gets warped and they continued to act dim-witted thinking perhaps the transacting public owed them something. Holy cow!

Surely, the commendable gesture of the city leadership will yield tangible results and substantial dividends and will project a good image of the city to prospective investors aside from improving tax collections due to the government coffers. As the “cleansing process” aimed at purging the different offices of its “rotten tomatoes” continued and investigators relentlessly doing their assigned task, skeptics wonder whether some thick-witted and abrasive city government employees will strictly abide to the drastic reforms initiated by Mayor Duterte.

More than that, Mayor Duterte instructed the different offices to act posthaste on request of citizens for permits and other pertinent papers within 72 hours, or else their chief of offices and department heads will have to explain the delays to the mayor’s satisfaction. Dear people, as usual let’s keep on beatwatching!

The changing face of U.S. poverty

E’VE seen a dramatic shift in the 50 years since the launch of the War on Poverty. In today’s economy, poverty increasingly falls on women.

They make up over half the workforce, and two out of three mothers are the primary or co-breadwinner for their household.

But one thing hasn’t changed since President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the War on Poverty: When we think of the poor we still think of someone else. That’s why it’s crucial to share stories — including my own.

I grew up in a suburb of Boston, the child of two immigrants who had come from India decades earlier. We lived in Bedford, Massachusetts, a quintessential middle-class town. But when I was 5, my parents got divorced and my dad left. My mother was on her own.

She had never held a job before. She faced the choice of going back to India or staying in the United States and going on welfare to support her two young children. In India, she knew, we would have been stigmatized — no one got divorced there in the 1970s. Children of a divorced woman would have limited life opportunities.

So she decided to stay in the United States. Welfare gave her that choice. We were on food stamps and received housing vouchers to help pay the rent. Thanks to a new state law, we could use those vouchers to move into an apartment in Bedford and remain in our good local public schools. After three years, my mom got a job and moved up. By the time I was 11, she was able to buy her own house in Bedford.

COMMENTARY

BY NEERA TANDEN Today, the social compact that allowed my mother to get back on her feet — a commitment to the idea that just because you’re down, it doesn’t mean you’re out — is being put to the test.

Today it is harder for Americans to move up into the middle class and achieve financial security. This is particularly true for women. All the evidence shows that women are far more economically vulnerable than men. Women are four times more likely than men to be raising a family on their own. Almost 70 percent of single mothers and their children are either living in poverty or teetering on the edge.

Though most mothers now work outside the home, few jobs today provide the paid leave time and flexibility that workers need to be both breadwinners and caregivers. Women still spend more than twice as much time on childcare responsibilities as men, which forces many women to cycle in and out of the workforce. This reduces overall pay and makes it far more difficult to move up the career ladder.

While there’s no silver bullet to address these challenges, there are steps we can take. The United States is the only developed nation that doesn’t guarantee mothers paid leave to care for a newborn child. We also lag behind other developed countries when it comes to how much we invest in child care and preschool. For a low-income family, childcare costs typically amount to 30 percent of the monthly

income. As a result, low-income mothers often must choose between paying out-ofpocket for expensive, and often substandard, private programs, or not working, which may diminish their earning power down the road.

There is much we can do to tackle these challenges, as a new report, “A Woman’s Nation Pushes Back from the Brink,”

by Maria Shriver and the Center for American Progress, lays out.

The proposed FAMILY Act, for example, would create a national family and medical leave insurance program, allowing all workers to take up to 12 weeks of leave, with partial wage replacement, after the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a seriously ill family member or to recover from their own serious illness.

We should also stop discouraging marriage through our tax policies. We know that the income of two parents can help children — yet the tax code discourages cohabiting low-income couples from getting married. Until our public policies reflect our family values, we’ll continue to see more women struggling to get by.

The challenges my mother faced — and the obstacles millions of women today encounter – are preventable. They are the results of choices that we make as a society.

Americans are now awakening to this realization that endemic economic insecurity is not inevitable. Work-life conflict is not inevitable. Inadequate and unaffordable child care is not inevitable.

Once we are truly roused, our leaders will have to sit up and take notice.

9

Swimming with the turtles: Apo Island’s newest attraction SPECIAL FEATURE

BY MARY JUDALINE F. PARTLOW

I

Part 1 of 3

T’S a close encounter of the rare kind and for one who loves to spend time in the water, swimming with the sea turtles, a unique experience in the world famous dive destination Apo Island off the coast of Negros Oriental.

“It’s a rare opportunity that one must not miss especially as it is within one’s reach”, says Danny Ocampo, a campaigner of the international environmental group Greenpeace and a diver who has been to several dive spots in and outside of the Philippines, but who considers Apo Island his “second home”.

Ocampo says that for many, it’s a chance to swim with and see these turtles up close in Apo Island, an event that can rarely be found “naturally” in other dive destinations elsewhere.

Swimming and feeding the sea turtles in Apo Island is gaining momentum as the next added attraction to diving, and many people who visit the protected landscape and seascape off the coast of Dauin, in fact, opt to go snorkeling instead to see and interact with these endangered species.

According to Ocampo, at least two marine turtle species have been reported in regular sightings, namely, the Green Sea ((Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), although a third, the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) was previously reported seen in the deeper portions off the island.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER Sea turtles in Apo Island are aplenty, and while no formal documentation as to the exact numbers is available yet, many accounts say that one snorkeler or diver can encounter as many as six to eight of these creatures at one time.

Apo Island village chief Liberty Pascobello-Rhodes says on a clear day, one only has to stand on the beach to see a turtle swimming close by.

Snorkelers don’t have to go that far from shore, perhaps just two meters away, to come across a turtle either feeding on sea grass, grazing around on some coral formation or on the ocean floor or gliding up to the surface before diving down again, she said.

Some of them are so tame that they tend to ignore the people swimming around them, and usually do not mind if one or two snorkelers dare come closer to touch their hard shells, pet them or “ride” with them by holding on to their flippers.

Rhodes, however, cautioned against people touching the turtles as these could drive them away from their habitats.

“The wonderful thing about swimming with the turtles is that you don’t have to go far from the shore or into deep water. Sometimes, the turtles are right below you when you’re standing in chestdeep water!” said Alex Pal, a diver and a journalist based in Dumaguete who went snorkeling in a recent visit to Apo Island.

“The younger turtles are still afraid of humans but the older and bigger ones certainly don’t mind.

They keep chomping on the sea grass and algae, unmindful of your presence beside them”, Pal added.

10

NEWS

CTO 5...FFROM 1 accounted for by Paguidopon, Nirza and Remon.

“The random taking and non-recording of the ORs had already been their long time practice,” the report said.

The report said that Nirza misappropriated around P3.8 million while Remon could not account for around P5.8 million.

“As a result, the CTO (forthwith) conducted its own fact-finding investigation dubbed ‘Task Force Katiwalian.’ Several (other) employees of CTO had also been questioned on several occasions regarding the irregularities unearthed,” said the report.

Almonte was found to have failed to account for about P3.3 million in the receipts in random and not in strict numerical sequence. Mesa also misappropriated about P1.2 million by doing the same practice. The four were collectors of CRD under the supervision of Paguidopon.

Agaton is expected at 100 km Southeast of Davao City or at 160 km East Northeast of General Santos City by Monday evening and at 30 km Northeast of General

Santos City by Tuesday evening. By Wednesday evening, it is expected to be at 160 km West Southwest of General Santos City. [MindaNews]

In its 5:00 a.m. forecast, Pag-asa had declared Davao region, Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur under signal No. 1 with 30- 60 kph, which prompted local governments to suspend classes in all levels yesterday.

Pag-asa advised the public and the disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned to stay alert since Davao region, including Davao City, Caraga and Northern Mindanao, are still expected to experience moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms. The public is cautioned against sea travel on the seaboards of Luzon, the Visayas and Caraga region.

Pag-asa posted on its bulletin that the center of the LPA is 400 kms.

East- southeast of Davao City or 455 kms. east of General Santos City.

In the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, there were 40 fatalities (Davao Oriental tallied nine deaths; Compostela Valley, eight; one dead in Davao del Norte and seven fatalities in Dinagat Island, Agusan del Sur, five deaths; Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte reported three dead, in Misamis Occidental had two while

Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga del Norte had one each.

USEC Eduardo D. Del Rosario, executive Director of NDRRMC, said sixty-five were injured and six still missing.

There were 24 incidents reported from the affected regions with 16 landslides, six floodings and two maritime incidents.

As of press time, a total of 153,193 families or 723,517 persons were affected in 781 barangays in 102 municipalities in 15 provinces of regions 10, 11, Caraga and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

A total of 25,495 families or 119,605 persons were displaced and served inside 352 evacuation centers, NDRRMC reported.

Major rivers and dams on the other hand overflowed in Saug River, Asuncion, Davao del Norte and Libuganin River in Kapalong, Davao del Norte while irrigation dams in Aragon and Barangay Taytayan in Cateel, Davao Oriental were damaged due to flooding.

NDDRMC also reported that the initial estimated damage brought

by Agaton is a total of P328,814,336.92 on infrastructure, and agriculture.

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the recommendation said that the dismissed employees still have 15 days to appeal the verdict of the investigation panel.

The Commission on Audit (COA) earlier conducted an audit on the employees on May 27, 2013 following reports in local newspapers on alleged misappropriation of local business taxes.

However, the COA found no irregularities in that division of the office.

City Treasurer Rodrigo S. Riola ordered for a series of spot cash audits on certain liquidating officers and collectors of the office. As a result, on 25 June 2013, the CTO auditing team finally found certain irregularities.

The order said that during the conduct of the spot cash audit by the office the sealed boxes were opened and the auditing team found many receipts, and the collections covered by them, were not properly reported and

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lages in Hebei Province.

China is considered one of the nations most at risk from bird flu because it has the world’s biggest poultry population.

The H5N2 outbreak comes in the heels of a more widespread outbreak of the H7N9 strain that has already claimed 47 deaths

in China since April, 2013.

Alcala said the ban on Chinese chicken, poultry products and birds was designed to prevent the entry of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus into the country to protect the health of the public and the local poultry population.

The order also called

for the immediate suspension and processing, evaluation and issuance of veterinary quarantine clearance and International Veterinary Certificate and import permits for the importation of the banned commodities.

All quarantine inspectors and veterinarians of

the Department of Agriculture have been ordered to confiscate all shipments of poultry and products from China in a seaports and airports.

Also covered by the order are travelers who may bring in birds, ducks, chicken and other poultry products into the country. [PNA]

comes up with an economic zone.

The former president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., said that there have been numerous inquiries in the past three years, but as a licensed real estate services provider, Monteverde said she cannot refer an area for this kind of development.

Establishing this zone, according to Monteverde, provides investors such perks such as tax incentives. The city, according to her,has only the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) accredited areas for

business process outsourcing (BPO) locators, housing and commercial business.

Davao City Investment and Promotion Center officer-in-charge Ivan C. Cortez said that they are currently coordinating with the PEZA and Philippine Tourism Economic Zone Authority (PTEZA) for the realization of the city’s plan to have an economic zone.

He said that there will be a consultation between the city government and various landowners that will be affected by the full implementation of the

Davao Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Clup).

Last year the City Council approved the amendment of the Clup.

In an earlier report, the amendments included the declaration of conservation zones and the establishment of buffer zones between conflicting zones like commercial and residential zones or industrial and agricultural zones. A minimum of 10 meters of buffer zone planted with trees is mandated in this amended Clup.

Cortez said that the mandated areas for manu-

facturing development are located from Bunawan and up and Sasa and up.

On the other hand, he said that an identified agro-tourism area in Eden and Tagurano,Toril is being eyed by an electronic company for expansion of their operation. Cortez said that relocating in this cold area of the city will decrease the power consumption during operation by almost 40 percent.

Board of Investment officer Gil Dureza said earlier that the investors were from Cebu and manufacturing electronic parts.

ed 144 walk in applicants, with 81 of them interviewed and 12 hired on the spot. Another 49 were scheduled for final interview for local employment while 20 were booked for final interview for overseas employment.

Nograles is the chair of the House Committee on Labor.

In pushing for a “Bike-to-Work” program, Nograles said govern-

ment should come up with the needed mechanics, including incentives to bicycle-riders, even local bicycle manufacturers, to encourage the use of bicycles by government and private workers.

“The use of bicycles does not prejudice efforts to the search for cheaper and environment-friendly alternative energy sources now being espoused globally by most nations

through government institutions and people’s and private organizations in an attempt to fight air pollution and promote public health,” Nograles stressed. “The bicycle is one of the simple human inventions that could be effective form of transportation, especially in densely populated areas like Metro Manila where the volume of motor vehicles using carbon ener-

gy is flooding the streets, causing entangled traffic flow and a great waste of energy.”

Government should study the grant of tax incentives to bicycle-riding workers and even manufacturers to encourage its use, Nograles said, adding that authorities should also study re-routing of traffic to give the bicycle-riding public safe routes.

lice station while the San Pedro and Sta. Ana police stations placed third and fourth, in that order.

Despite their record, she said that there were tickets that have not yet been returned to their respective stations. The ASTF head will soon meet station commanders to reorient them on the implementation of the ordinance.

“I’m here this morning to remind the people of the ordinance and what they should do if a citation ticket is issued to them. Sometimes they don’t return it to the po-

lice station, and cases will be filed even if they pay the P500 fine,” she said Villareiz added that the city treasurer’s office collected P955,550 from violators in 2013.

On the other hand, in spite of the implementation of the ordinance, ASTF still recorded diseases affiliated with smokingg. In 2013, there were 44 cases of lung cancer cited in a report for Davao City. She said that cases of lung cancer decreased by more than 100. From 2005 to 2009, the cases of lung cancer

exceeded 100 per year.

The highest number was recorded in 2007 which had 154 cases.

The number of persons who were sick of chronic bronchitis and ischemic heart diseases last year reached 1,008 and 1, 623 respectively. Both showed an increase from the previous year, which was 912 and 1,514, in that order.

These diseases were due to prolonged cigarette smoking and number of sticks of cigarette consumed every day per smoker.

There were 103 per-

sons who died of lung cancer in the M/etro, 27 of chronic bronchitis and 936 of ischemic heart diseases in 2013.

According to the World Health Organization, smoking is responsible for 90 percent of lung cancers, 75 percent of chronic bronchitis and emphysema and 25 percent of ischemic heart disease.

Villareiz said that one out of two long- term users and smokers willl continue to get sick or die of tobacco-related diseases in the city if they will not stop smoking.

dro and Sta. Ana Police Precincts have the most number of citation tickets issued to violators.

She reminded violators to return the violation citation tickets to the issuing police precinct, or else a corresponding charge will be filed against them in court.

“And they have to undergo a smoking ces-

sation counseling at the district health offices,” Villareiz said.

She also reported that a total of 44 residents were afflicted with cancer-related to smoking in 2013.

Villareiz said this number resembles 60 percent reduction of more than one hundred cases of smoking-related illness noted annually in

the past.

She said that despite the intensified campaign against smoking locally, many residents still continue to smoke.

“I do not smoke for a zero statistics of lung cancer illness because people still continue to smoke,” Villareiz said.

She said that chronic bronchitis also afflicted 1,008 while heart dis-

eases also impacted on 1,623 residents in 2013.

Villareiz clarified that not all heart illnesses were attributed to smoking while 90 percent of lung cancer cases were related to smoking.

She also reported that 103 died due to lung cancer in 2013, lower by 10 mortality cases in the past years. [PIA 11/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

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11

CLASH OF CLANS:

Enter your barbaric world

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

I

N this modern and techno-freak world, you normally see people, young or old, who are stuck crazy with their smartphones not because their busy texting or surfing the net but playing one of the sickest mobile games available.

Aside from the sophisticated and delightful game called Candy Crush, a new online game called Clash of Clans reached the top of the most grossing and addicting games available yet in Android and itunes.

The fast-rising Clash of Clans happens to be created by “Supercell” the current king of mobile gaming who has 8.5 million daily players.

Clash of Clans has been available internationally on the itunes store since August 2, 2012 and in Google Play store since October 8, 2013.

It is a strategy game

where players can construct, expand and beautify one’s village, unlock successively more powerful warriors and defenses, raid and pillage resources from other villages, create or join Clans that suit your attitude and knowledge with regards to this kind of online game.

It is more like the Battle Realms you play in the year 2000 but more updated with its fascinating features and three dimensional like barbarian characters. But one thing that makes this game better is that you can chat and communicate with other

players who can be one of your helpful allies.

This mobile game does not only spare you from boredom because it also brings you a sense of belonging to a community and the fierce competition that can make your clan a part of your own world.

Clash of Clans has reached almost 10 to 50 million installs this year receiving 738,823 fivestar ratings from their most valuable players.

Because of this, Supercell is already at a runrate of more than 800 million dollars for 2013, having earned 19 million dollars for the first quar-

ter alone which means if the gamemakers play it right, it could reach a billion or more by year’s end.

Some of the costumer reviews highlighted they’ve been playing this game s i n c e forever because of its fast updates and amazing aesthetics featured in the game.

languages; Easy and secure payment methods – Credit Card, Cash-On-Delivery and Bank Transfer; and Exclusive discount codes and notifications about special deals “Driven by the explosive development of low-cost smartphones and tablets we are witnessing technology leapfrogging in the region.

Lazada’s mobile traffic has more than tripled in the last 12 months and already delivers a significant share of our revenues”, says Maximilian Bittner, CEO of the Lazada Group.

“We believe that mCommerce is the future of online shopping. We have acknowl-

edged the customers’ needs and the great convenience mobile offers – that is why we are now launching our

Stephan Demirdjian, the game product manager of Supercell said that Clash of Clans is insanely addictive not only of its

aesthetic fea-

t u re s but also the game’s soul

which is the emotions portrayed of each barbarian character.

With over fifty million players of Clash of Clans this year, it would not be a shocking thing for this g a m e to beat or crush the candy world if they keep on updating its features and bring joy to their barbaric and adventurous players.

SE Asia’s biggest online shopping mall further invests in m-Commerce L

AZADA launches mobile shopping app for iPhone and iPad Lazada, Southeast Asia’s biggest online shopping mall, today announced the expansion of its mobile repertoire with the launch of an app for iPhone and iPad across the region. This launch follows Lazada’s recent investment round of approximately US$ 250 million from investors including retail giant Tesco.

The success of Lazada’s app for Android has prompted the creation of this new app for both iPhone and iPad. Fully optimized for iOS 7, the app allows on-the-go shoppers to seamlessly nav-

igate Southeast Asia’s broadest brand and product assortment across several categories including consumer electronics, gadgets, apparel, shoes and accessories.

Customer experience and convenience have always been the highest priority at Lazada and this app launch further adds on to this by offering: Fast and smooth navigation of Lazada’s assortment; Full screen and zooming modus to view products in detail; Multiple filters to facilitate sorting of products by size, color, brand and price; Flexible configuration offering usage in more than four

new app for iPhone and iPad.” The new Lazada app

for iPhone and iPad is available free of charge from 16th of January onwards.

Within the first 72 hours of the launch, users downloading the app will get an exclusive discount of Php400 on any purchase with a minimum spend of Php900. For Smart and Sun subscribers, they get Php500 off for a minimum purchase of Php1000.

To know more about mCommerce, download the app at http:// ad-x.co.uk/API/click/ rocketlaz456789jo/web252cea43ae968f or https:// itunes.apple.com/us/app/ lazada/id785385147.

About Lazada Lazada (www.lazada. com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment. Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 13

EDGEDAVAO WANTS YOU! Serving a seamless society

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

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

SHOCKED-RAPOVA VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

Sharapova joins Serena in the upset train UPSET. Dominika Cibulkova (right) of Slovakia celebrates defeating Maria Sharapova (left) of Russia in their women’s third round encounter at the Australian Open. Below, Victoria Azarenka shows her fine form in another win moving into the quarterfinals.

AzarenkaadvancestoQ-Finals M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - Maria Sharapova joined Serena Williams in making an early exit from the Australian Open on Monday but defending champion Victoria Azarenka swept into the quarter-finals with an 18th straight victory at Melbourne Park.

A day after Ana Ivanovic’s stunning upset of Williams blew open the top half of the draw, third seed Sharapova was also scratched from the title race with a 3-6 6-4 6-1 loss to Slovakian Domini-

ka Cibulkova.

Hindered by a hip niggle, the 2008 champion admitted that the year’s first grand slam had probably come a little early after she missed the U.S. Open and back end of last season with a shoulder injury.

“I certainly would have loved to play a little bit more before playing a grand slam, but this is the chance that I was given,” the Russian said.

“It’s tough. I will be genuine about it. It’s never easy (but) it’s moments like this that ultimately

Teener makes final eight M

ELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Eugenie Bouchard of Canada ended local hope Casey Dellacqua’s Australian Open campaign with a 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-0 win Sunday in the fourth round.

The 19-year-old Bouchard won 11 of the last 12 games to set up a quarterfinal against 2008 French Open champion

Ana Ivanovic, who beat five-time champion and top-seeded Serena Williams in three sets earlier Sunday.

Bouchard, seeded 30th, is playing the Australian Open for the first time after making her inaugural appearances in majors last year, with the third round at Wimbledon her best previous result.

shape you and make you who you are, and that’s how you bounce back.”

Men’s top seed Rafa Nadal knows plenty about coming back from injury and he was in action later on Monday against Japan’s Kei Nishikori.

The Spaniard’s fellow members of the “Big Four”, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, will also be out to seal their places in the quarter-finals. The final member of the quartet, Novak Djokovic, secured his last eight-berth on Sunday.

T

HIRD seed Maria Sharapova was dumped out of the Australian Open on Monday with a 3-6 6-4 6-1 fourth round loss to Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova on Rod Laver Arena.

The 2008 champion had to take a medical timeout between the second and third sets for treatment on an undisclosed injury.

She was grimacing when bending over and grabbing her lower back during the final set.

Sharapova’s demise comes a day after Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic beat world number one and title favourite Serena Williams, also in the fourth round.

“I watched that match, it was a great match for Ana, but this was a little bit of a different story,” Cibulkova said in a courtside interview.

“The most important thing was that I went on the court and I was 100 percent sure I could win this match. I wasn’t doubt-

TEEN SENSATION. Eugenie Bouchard is silently into the final eight of the Australian Open.

ing myself.”

Sharapova took the first set 6-3 as both players struggled with their serve, but Cibulkova won the second after racing to a 5-0 lead, which the Russian pegged back, before the diminutive Slovak finally held serve to send the match to a decider.

Sharapova then took the medical time-out but was unable to halt Cibulkova’s momentum as the Slovak raced through to win the set and reach her first Australian Open quarter-final.

She will meet either eighth-seed Jelena Jankovic or 11th-seeded Romanian Simona Halep for a place in the last four.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

TRAVEL

A Latin celebration at Seda Abreeza

BARELY A YEAR since it opened, Seda Hotel is now one of Davao City’s landmark hotels offering deluxe accommodations in 186 rooms, a spectacular in-city location that is convenient for business and leisure travellers alike. To celebrate this, Seda Abreeza held a thanksgiving party entitled Fiesta Latina last Junuary 17.

FA LATIN, A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Shop and win P25,000 at SM Lanang Premier’s ‘The Great 3-Day Sale’ ON JANUARY 31, February 1 and 2, fantastic deals and cash prizes are up for grabs as SM Lanang Premier brings you the biggest and grandest sale to kick off this Chinese New Year.

Indulge in a shopping spree at The Great 3-Day Sale and enjoy up to 70 percent off on selected items. You could also get a chance to win P25,000 worth of shopping certificates in the daily raffle during the promo period.

Every P1,000 single or accumulated purchases from The SM Store, SM Supermarket or from any participating mall establishment entitle a shopper to one raffle coupon. A customer likewise gets one raffle coupon with every single purchase of four SM Cinema tickets.

Global Pinoy members may also present their Global Pinoy cards, along with a minimum P500 worth of single or accumulated purchases from mall establishments, to get three raffle coupons.

The raffle draws at the Atrium will take place at 9:50 pm on January 31, 11:50 pm on February 1 and 9:50 pm on February 2 and will be witnessed by a DTI Representative. Deadline for the submission of raffle stubs will be 20 minutes before the mall closes on the said dates.

Shoppers can also enjoy lots of entertainment during The Great 3-Day Sale. Join the Chinese New Year festivities on January 31 at the Atrium and party the night away at ‘Elements: The Sonic Escalation Experience’ on February 1, at 8 pm at The Fountain Court. On the last of the sale, February 2, watch Callalily perform its string of pop rock hits at 6 pm at The Fountain Court.

Shop ‘till you drop at The Great 3-Day Sale at SM Lanang Premier. Mall hours are extended from 10 am to 10 pm on January 31, until 12 midnight on February 1 and up to 10 pm on February 2.

For inquiries, contact 285-0943. Visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for sale alerts, promos and event updates.

Submission for Cinema One originals 2014 entries, extended to February 14 CINEMA ONE is still accepting entries for the film festival that showcases the most original of visions and most unique of voices, as it recently announced an extension in the deadline for submission until February 14, 2014 Friday.

All submissions should be complete full scripts for a narrative feature length film.

The film script should tackle a commercially viable Filipino story with universal themes. The filmmaker submitting these script entries should be ready to discuss the sellable and marketable points of the proposed film project.

From all submissions, ten finalists will be selected and will be given a production budget of P2 million each, the highest budget given by any institution or festival in the country.

This year’s Cinema One Originals Festival will mark the festival’s first decade, marking years of taking the work of independent filmmakers to higher heights.

Some films that have made a breakthrough in the world of Philippine Cinema by reaching screens all around the world were part of the past years’ Cinema One Originals lineups, such as “Mariposa” which was shown at the Far East Film Festival in Italy, and “Mater Dolorosa”, “Bukas Na Lang Sapagkat Gabi Na”, “Alamat ni China Doll” and “Big Boy” which made their international premieres at the International Film Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Other films that took off from past Cinema One Originals festivals also received an array of awards, including “Sa North Diversion Road”, “Ang Huling Balyan Ng Buhi”, “Six Degrees of Separation From Lilia Cuntapay”, “Di Ingon ‘Nato (Not Like Us)”, “Rome & Juliet”, “Confessional”, “Imburnal”, “Altar”, ‘Wanted: Border”, “Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria”, “Baybayin”, “Mamay Umeng”, and “Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim”.

For updates, visit and like Cinema One on Facebook (www. facebook.com/Cinema1Channel).

Chomp & Chill: GenSan’s New Year Media Fellowship Night

Photos by Erwin Bantilan THE MEDIA is indeed a crucial part of our daily lives. It is how we seek information, communicate and connect with others. In this day and age it is in our link to the outside world. It’s reasonable to conclude the government feels the same way about the media.

The unpredictable changes in the weather that’s been taunting Gensan lately could not even prevent the invited media practitioners last Friday from attending the 4th Chomp and Chill, hosted

by Gensans Local Government Units (LGU) last Friday, January 17, 2014 at Jam’s Resto Bar. What started four years ago, from 35 members has now expanded into about a hundred. Media practitioners from print, TV, radio and the newest addition to the bunch, the SOX bloggers representing the social media sphere, in which I’m also affiliated with,are all brought together for a fun night of food, drinks, camaraderie and entertainment. Live bands performed, and pumped up the mood of the night, where some attendees just can’t help but tear up the

dance floor. In between songs, a raffle was drawn, giving away awesome prizes, from gift certificates, cash prizes and gadgets, which definitely got everyone excited to hear their numbers. No one went home empty handed.

Speeches were given by from Hon. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, and Coun-

cillor Liklik Tan, while Councillors Hon. Dominador Lagare III, Hon.Eduardo Leyson, even gave a performance of a song or two to the media practitioners.

It was pointed out that unity in the media industry and government is a key element in the growth of the city, since both are in public service. All in

all, it has been a fun night to be remembered. Thank you and congratulations to the organizers, more awesomeness for all of us this year.

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Jericho and JC:

‘The Legal Wife’ is not just about adultery INTERNATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED actor Jericho Rosales and new Kapamilya leading man JC de Vera cannot wait until January 27 when primetime TV viewers will finally discover the ‘real beauty’ of their upcoming drama series in ABS-CBN, “The Legal Wife.”

“I’m really amazed with how emotionally attached viewers are with the show, just by seeing our trailers.

But our story is more than what the title implies. It’s not just about exposing infidelity,” said Jericho about the big buzz created by the slapping scene of their show’s lead actresses Angel Locsin and Maja Salvador.

“We want viewers to understand the real problems faced by married men, their wives, their families, and their relationships with others,” Jericho explained.

Like Jericho, JC takes pride in his first-ever Ka-

pamilya teleserye and believes that the respective life battles of Monica (Angel), Nicole (Maja), Max (JC), and Adrian (Jericho) will keep viewers engaged with the show.

“The Legal Wife’ will let viewers see life from various angles. And since it tackles true-to-life situations, every viewer can connect with the characters and their families. Their lines are so real that once you hear it, it

will make you think when was the last time you said it,” shared JC. The Rory Quintos and Dado Lumibao-directed TV masterpiece also features some of the country’s best drama actors including Joem Bascon, Ahron Villena, Rio Locsin, Mark Gil, and Christopher de Leon.

Don’t miss the pilot episode of “The Legal Wife” on January 27 (Monday) in ABSCBN Primetime Bida.

John Lloyd, Toni consider church marriage plans after joining Home Sweetie Home JOHN LLOYD CRUZ and Toni Gonzaga are currently thinking about taking things steps further when it comes to steady relationships, as the two stars of the newest hit sitcom “Home Sweetie Home” admitted in a recent interview.

Following two successful weeks of making it to the number one spot in Sunday television ratings, they have become humbly grateful and hopeful for things to come.

Toni, when asked what’s up next after the experiences she has had so far while taping “Home Sweetie Home” said that the love story of her character Julie and John Lloyd’s character Romeo are set to take on whole new heights.

“I think they will head eventually to a marriage in Church,” Toni said. “That’s why they’re saving up.”

“Home Sweetie Home,” however, doesn’t end at the topic of marriage. John Lloyd and Toni also expressed what they hope the show will become—a time for families to spend time together.

“We’re hoping the show

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

becomes a Sunday viewing habit for Filipino families,” John Lloyd Said. Toni added, “After all, Sunday is family day.”

Meanwhile, another romantic secret on another of the Kapamilya Network’s Sunday shows is about to be revealed.

On the teen series “LUV U,” Camille (Miles Ocmapo) and JB (Marco Gumabao)

have yet to tell the other students about the real status of what’s going on between them. With how connected everyone is to each other these days, can they go on without other people finding out?

Catch “Home Sweetie Home,” airing Sundays after the kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit”, and “LUV U” after “ASAP 19”.

Chris Pine Kevin Costner PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

A latin... FFROM A1 Although the rain threatened to put a damper on the festivities, guests still came to share in the landmark event.

Present for the event were industry partners, executives from AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts, as well as Seda’s valued guests. “We are celebrating this event as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for the support we have gathered” says Seda Abreeza general manager Kennedy V. Kapulong.

Kennedy also took the opportunity to announce the opening of Seda Abreeza’s Club Floor and Club Lounge on the property’s 11th floor.

“The Club Floor and Club Lounge will add another level of ‘smooth as silk’ comfort as well as exclusivity. The Club Lounge offers snacks and drinks throughout the day for guests staying at the Club Floor.” says Kennedy.

The evening wound down to the sound of clinking wine glasses, Brazilian carnival music and laughter, a sure sign everybody had fun.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter @ kennethkingong for more travel and foodie finds as well as happenings in, around and beyond Durianburg.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 218 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

SPORTS 15

So draws Karjakin, mired at fourth R

OUND 7 Standings: Aronian 5.5, Giri, Karjakin 4.5, Caruana, Dominguez, So 4.0, Harikrishna, Van Wely, Rapport, Nakamura 3.0, Gelfand 2.0, Naiditsch 1.5 Round 8 Tue 21st Jan 12:30GMT: Giri-Aronian, Karjakin-Gelfand, Dominguez-So, Van Wely-Naiditsch, Harikrishna-Nakamura, Caruana-Rapport.

Grandmaster Wesley So (ELO 2719) fought GM Sergey Karjakin of Russia (2756) to a 51-move draw of a super-sharp Queens Indian Defense to share fourth place along with two others in the seventh round of the super-tough Category A 76th Tata Steel Tournament Masters in Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam on Sunday.

A day after suffering his first lost at the hands of top seed GM Levon Aronian of Armenia (Elo 2803), So playing the white pieces, gained a quality advantage after Karjakin’s careless 24th move Bxg2.

Despite quality down (Karjakin has five pawns and two knights against

So’s five pawns, two rooks and black bishop), Karjakin continued pressuring the f2 pawn of So allowing the latter to gave up his quality advantage after exchanging pieces and turning the game into a drawish position.

Both players agreed to a draw in the 51st move with Karjakin having four pawns and a rook against So’s four pawns and a rook.

According to official website Tata Steel, Karjakin realised he had done a “silly thing” in his tough game against So. So is expected to go all out in a match-clinching win as he plays the black pieces on Monday’s eight round against GM Leinier Dominguez of Cuba (2754).

So, Dominguez and GM Fabiano Caruana of Italy (2782) are all tied at 4th to 6th places with 4.0 points each.

Karjakin, meantime shared with GM Anish Giri of the Netherlands (2737) at 2nd to 3rd places with 4.5 points apiece, a clear point behind solo

leader Aronian who totes 5.5 points.

In other results, Aronian split the point with GM Boris Gelfand of Israel (2777) after 41 moves of Queens Gambit Declined, Dominguez drew with GM Arkadij Naiditsch of Germany (2737) after 91 moves of King’s Indian Defense and Caruana halved the point with Giri after 43 moves of Vienna Game.

GM Loek Van Wely of the Netherlands (2678) toppled GM Hikaru Nakamura of the USA (2786) after 52 moves of Sicilian Classical while GM Richard Rapport (2691) of Hungrary shocked GM Hikaru Nakamura of the USA (2786) after 68 moves of Caro Kann Defense.

The games of the tough 12-man event (Elo average 2743) are also being monitored by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/ president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and Fide Asian Zone 3.3 president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr.

FLOATER. Alfonso Labao of the defending mini division champ Ateneo de Davao University drives to the basket against Precious International School of Davao players during The Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup basketball tournament at the Davao Recreation Center Sunday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Hong Kong FA fined for racist behavior vs. Azkals Manny dares Floyd:

NOT FOR THE MONEY. Manny Pacquiao (left) has a new dare to Floyd Mayweather--fight for charity, not money.

T

HE Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) has been slapped a $33,150 fine by FIFA because of alleged racist behavior by some fans aimed at the Filipinos during the game between Hong Kong and the Philippine Azkals last June 4.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee met to consider the incidents on November 6, 2013. On the night in question it is alleged that a minority of Hong Kong supporters were guilty of racial discrimination and throwing missiles.

The HKFA, through Chief Executive Officer Mark Sutcliffe, expressed their disappointment with the sanction.

“We are disappointed with this initial decision and we reserve the right to lodge a formal appeal once we have been given more information on the grounds for this decision.

I wasn’t at the match but I reviewed all of the evidence and prepared a detailed report on the incidents for FIFA,” Sutcliffe said.

“In my opinion, the incidents were very minor in nature and there was

significant provocation by a number of the Philippine players,” he added.

“Having said that we do not condone any acts of violence or racial discrimination and as I stated publically before, we will implement stadium bans on any individuals convicted of an offence of this nature.”

The Azkals won 1-0 in that friendly thanks to a goal by James Younghusband. After the match, Filipinos who witnessed the game live complained about the treatment they got from some of Hong Kong’s fans.

my-DSL Philippine Cup as they acquired gunner Nino Canaleta from Air21.

In exchange, the Express will get Sean Anthony, rookie Eliud Poli-

grates, and Talk ‘N Text’s first round pick in 2016.

The PBA, through their official Twitter account, announced that the trade has been approved.

TNT gets Canaleta via trade W

ITH the team struggling with all the injuries in their lineup, the Talk ‘N Text pulled a big move prior to the trade deadline in the 2014 PLDT

Fight me for charity T

O prove he doesn’t want a fight against Floyd Mayweather for the money, Manny Pacquiao has offered a fight with proceeds going to charity. In an interview with Aquiles Zonio of inquirer.net (also a correspondent of Edge Davao— editor), Pacquiao opened up about the verbal jabs being thrown his way.

“I’m not desperate to fight him just for the sake of money or material things.

I’m not the one seeking this fight; rather it’s the boxing fans all over the world,” Pacquiao said in the interview.

“I am ready to submit myself to any kind of stringent drug testing. Above all, I challenge him to include in our fight contract that both of us will not receive anything out of this fight,”

Pacquiao challenged. “We will donate all the proceeds from the fight—guaranteed prize, should there be any, gate receipts, pay-per-view and endorsements—to charities around the world.”

Pacquiao added that he is not desperate for a fight as what Mayweather is suggesting. He said he is comfortable about how his career holds up in boxing history. “There’s no reason why I should be desperate to fight him. But since boxing fans worldwide are seeking and demanding a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, I don’t want to disappoint them,” he added.

“As to my tax problem, my lawyers are fixing it already,” Pacquiao told Zonio. “I’m paying my taxes religiously. It is just a matter of reconciling our

records with the tax agencies both here and abroad.

Should there be any discrepancy, rest assured, I will settle it. I’m a lawmaker and I’m a law-abiding citizen.”

Reacting to Mayweather’s announcement that he will be retiring from boxing in September next year, Pacquiao shot back at Mayweather. “The public clamor for a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout is getting stronger. The only way he can avoid facing me in the ring is to retire from boxing,” Pacquiao said.

“Floyd, if you’re a real man, fight me,” Pacquiao closed. “Let’s do it for the love of boxing and for the fans. Let’s do it not for the sake of money. Let’s make the boxing fans happy.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE218 218••TUESDAY, TUESDAY,JANUARY JANUARY21, 21,2014 2014

AAK-Davao bets bag 3 golds B

ANNERED by six promising karatekas, the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao captured three gold medals along with four silvers and two bronzes in the 2nd Adidas International Karate Championships held over the weekend at the Makati Coliseum in Makati City.

Veteran internationalists Gabriel Quinones and Carmela Marie Estarija and newcomer Josh Andrew Worsley captured the gold medals in their respective Kumite (sparring) events.

Josh Andrew Worsley won the gold in the boys 6-7 kumite by beating a karateka from JKA-Lipa, Singapore and ASKA-Cavite, John Paul Ponce won the silver medals in kata and kumite in the 8-9 category after bowing to Naoki Alforte (Fil-Jap) on both events from AAK-DLZHS. Jamaica Quiben settled for bronze in the 10-11 girls kumite after beating a karateka from JKI (Shito) Julian Ambrose Ramirez won the silver medal in the boys 12-13 years old kumite after bowing to karateka from JKA-Lipa.

He bested karatekas from AAK-LGHS, JKA-Lipa and JKI before reaching the fi-

nals.

In the second day of competition Gabriel Quinones won a gold in kumite and a bronze in kata for the cadets -57kgs division, he won the gold against Indonesia’s Rifky with a 7-0 score. Carmela Marie Estarija added the third gold of the team in kumite and fourth silver medal in kata.

She bested a karateka from JKI (Shito) in the girls open kumite. She won the silver losing to Japan trained Ana Tan from AAK-Megamall.

Estarija, an awardee in the 2012 So Kim Cheng Sports Awards, added a silver in the girls 16 kata competition.

Jam Ramirez captured a silver in the boys 12-13 kata while newcomer John Paul Ponce pocketed two silvers in the boys 8-9 kata and kumite. Both Ramirez and Ponce are students of of Precious International School of Davao.

Quinones, a 2013 SKC awardee, added a bronze in kata while Jamaica Quiben, another newcomer from Thompson Christian School, earned a bronze in the girls 1213 kumite event.

Estarija is the same prodigy who bagged a

gold meda in kumite and got a silver in kata in the 2010 Asia Pacific Gojukai held in Singapore. She also earned two silvers in kata and kumite in the 2009 Gojukai Championships in Singapore.

Quinones is a consistent gold medalist in the SM Super Karate Kids and took a gold in the 2012 La Salle InterSchool.

“We’re very happy with the performance of our team despite having only six players who are mostly newcomers,” said Tan, a former mainstay of the PH national karatedo team.

Tan said that the twoday Adidas Camp training held earlier Jan. 14-15 also helped improved the confidence and techniques of his players. Former PH national coach Shin Tsukii of Japan conducted the training camp.

A total of 12 teams from Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines participated the event hosted

by AAK Philippines under its president Manuel “Pocholo” Veguillas. Chief referee was Singapore’s Richard Ng of the World Karatedo Federation.

[WKF]

AAK DAVAO WARRIORS. Top photo shows Jam Ramirez and John Paul Ponce of AAK Davao. Below, former Philippine national coach-trainer Shin Tsukii of Japan (back row, extreme left) shown with the AAK Davao Warriors karatedo team under Coach Rommel Tan (beside Tsukii). Others in photo are (from left) Carmela Marie Estarija, Josh Worsley, John Paul Ponce, Jamaica Quiben, Gabriel Quinones and Jam Ramirez.