Edge Davao 6 Issue 220

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

ALWAYS READY. Dabawenyos nowadays bring with them umbrellas and other protection from downpour induced by unpredictable weather condition.

Lean Daval Jr.

OBSOLETE ORDINANCES VM Pulong wants ‘non-applicable’ordinances decoded

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

T

CART PUSHER. A porter pushes a cart full of used cardboard boxes at corner E. Quirino Avenue and Magallanes Street, Davao City which he will deliver to the fruit stands at the Bankerohan Public Market’s bagsakan area yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

HE City Legal Office (CLO) sees no problem in the move of the Davao City Council to remove some ordinances which are no longer applicable.

Lawyer Enrique Junior Bonocan, CLO’s spokesperson, told Edge Davao that the move initiated by vice mayor Paolo Z. Duterte is part of their legislative power as long as it does not supercede the provisions of the Constitution and the Local Government Code.

“Every law is always subject to amendment, modification, or even repeal. If according to the wisdom of the city council there is a need to amend, change or modify – or even abrogate a particular ordinance kaya nilang gawin yan because it’s within their powers,” Bonocan said.

Bonocan added that the move is still subject to review by their office to de-

termine any legal infirmity before the city mayor approves.

“If our office (halimbawa) finds (during the review that there are) legal flaws in the proposed ordinance we will recommend to the mayor to exercise his veto power,” he said.

Vice mayor Duterte said in an interview last Monday that he has already listed down ordinances that need to be removed but subject review by the rules, laws and privileges committee.

Duterte said that it’s about time for the city council to review the code on ordinances as he sees that some of them can be delegated or be enacted into barangay ordinances.

“Pareha aning stray animals, di naman na naga-exist diri kay ang stray animals naaman lang diri mga iro naman lang unya naa

FOBSOLETE, 10

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

Olanolan’s bodyguard charged with murder

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

A

LUNCH BREAK. The Quezon Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City is fast becoming the preferred place for many students to spend their lunch break. Lean Daval Jr.

epc@edgedavao.net

DRIVER and bodyguard of former barangay captain Robert Olanolan has been charged with murder after being positively identified as the alleged killer of a man who was taking dinner last August 23, 2013.

Davao City prosecutor Joseph Mamburam penned the resolution charging Rammil Galadin, of barangay 76-A, Bucana of murdering his neighbor, Jessie De Dios.

Mamburam cited evidences submitted by the police and testimonies of Joan Mesias, girlfriend of the victim, and Leonor Renegado, the victim’s live-in partner.

Galadin recommend-

ed no bail for Galadin’s temporary liberty.

Last September 3, Mesias described to the police investigator the physical features of the assailant who was positively identified by De Dios’ livein partner as Galadin.

Prior to the incident, Mesias and De Dios were having dinner on the corner of Legaspi and San Pedro streets. At about 7:30 p.m. they saw Galadin disembark from a motorcycle and shoot the victim several times with a handgun that resulted to his death.

Galadin and the driver of the motorcycle then fled from the scene, De Dios said.

ComVal placed in Councilor eyes cheaper state of calamity FROM BULBS TO LAMPS?

cost of streetlighting

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

MEMBER of the Davao City Council proposes to change the sodium bulbs of street lights to Led Retrofit lamps.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said in a power point presentation during his privilege speech in Tuesday’s regular session that the purpose of his proposal is to reduce the cost of energy consumption of street lights.

He said that the project is

is in compliance by the city with Administrative Order 183 on the use of energy efficient lighting and lighting systems.

Dayanghirang said the city has 32,000 existing street lights which have an average consumption of 84,480 kilowatt hours a day.

He said that the city government needs to expand its street lighting services to enhance further

WEATHER FORECAST

peace and order in all the barangays, but because of the high cost of energy consumption by streetlights, this will not materialize due to the limited budget.

“The savings that can be generated can be used to finance projects aimed at reducing of energy consumption,” said Dayanghirang.

Aside from reducing electricity cost, Dayanghirang said the city needs to

reduce the production of greenhouse gasses (GHG) from existing sodium bulbs.

“The carbon footprint of this GHG contributor can be reduced by economically- and technology-driven solutions,” the presentation stated.

If the proposal is approved, 5,000 streetlights will be replaced by Led Retrofit bulbs in a period of six months.

C

OMPOSTELA Valley has been placed in a state of calamity due to the damages caused by continuous rain brought by tropical depression Agaton and low pressure area, the provincial government announced yesterday.

The province reported damages amounting to P131.9 million mostly on agriculture and infrastructure. The records from the provincial stated that the damage on agriculture has reached to P108.6 million in the 4,798 hectares of all the crops.

The damage for infrastructure likewise has reached P23.3 million on

account of damaged bridges and roads.

The province’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved the resolution to utilize its calamity funds.

Earlier state of calamity declarations by the municipalities of New Bataan, Montevista, Monkayo, and Compostela were made bases to declare the whole province.

“As said, if there’s at least two municipalities declared being under the state of calamity and if 20% of the total population is affected already, and considering agriculture and infrastructure damages as

FCOMVAL, 10

MEDICAL MISSION. Residents of nearby communities avail themselves of the free medical check up and medicines during the 2nd Carolina medical mission at the Davao City Recreation Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

3

‘The Cube’to assist young entrepreneurs

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

SIDE from the P7.5-million renovation of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) is planning to put up a facility called “The Cube” which will be fully operational on March 7, this year.

The Cube aims to assist young and starting companies in the metro by providing them space where they can do their business operation.

Raf Vlummens, SBDC

coordinator, said during the media conference of Club 888 at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday that it would be the “first co-working facility in Mindanao,” adding that it will offer a modern, spacious and technically up-to-date facility at affordable rates.

He said that it offers 22 spacious offices to cater to start-up offices and companies and will be open from 7 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. The facility, aside from being strategically accessible,

Raps filed vs robbers P

olice filed charges yesterday before the city prosecution office against one of the robbers who allegedly took items from inside the house of a 64-year-old woman in Purok 8, New Loon in barangay Mintal.

PO3 Felix Pabroa, investigator of the Tugbok police, said that Vincent Mater, 20 was positively identified by the victim, Concepcion Guden, as the one who robbed her house last November.

Police said Guden immediately informed police after she saw Mater eating lunch in a carenderia in Mintal.

CLOSURE ORDER. Passenger vans plying the Calinan-Bankerohan route continue to use the terminal at Bankerohan Public Market even after the issuance

F’THE CUBE’, 10 of a closure order from the City Business Bureau for violation of City Ordinance 158-05, series of 2005, otherwise known as the 2005 Local Revenue Code of

However, Pabroa said they will wait for the trial court to issue a warrant of arrest against the suspect before making arrest.

Police said robbers armed with bolos and a .38 caliber pistol took a mobile phone worth P4,000; a wrist watch worth P3,000; P200 worth grocery items, and P3,340 cash.

Mamerto fetched his wife nearby when three unidentified men waylaid their path and declared hold-up.

The couple said the suspects tied their hands and instructed them to proceed to the house. [EPC]

Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

DCCCII, CBI sign MOA to train businessmen

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE DAVAO City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.,(DCCCII) and CBI, a Dutch foreign affairs agency, have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to train local businessmen how to export their agri-products

Caretaker, laborer hurt

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

A

epc@edgedavao.net

HOSPITAL caretaker is in critical condition after he was shot by an unidentified person while walking along San Pedro St. last Tuesday morning.

Police identified the victim as Dig-ar Tipontipon, 25, caretaker at the Davao Doctors Hospital and a transient resident of Barangay 5-A, San

Isidro, Bankerohan.

P/Supt. Joel Consulta, station commander of the San Pedro police, said that Tipontipon was shot in the head by his assailant at about 5:35 a.m.

Police investigation showed that the assailant was described by witnesses as wearing a jacket, of medium build who shot Tipontipon with a

hand gun.

The witnesses immediately rushed him to the hospital.

Meanwhile, a 17-yearold laborer named Leonardo Vidal, alias “Dugong,” of Barangay 5-A, Brayco, Bankerohan was shot dead by an unidentified person last Monday at the Bankerohan

FCARETAKER, 10

WRONG PARKING. A Traffic Management Center (TMC) enforcer writes down the plate number of a vehicle after its owner, who was nowhere to be found, parked it in a no-parking area along C.M. Recto Avenue, Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

to the European market.

Raf Vlummens, an entrepreneurial coach and a member of DCCCII, said that small and medium enterprises have to be equipped because of the opportunities outside, adding, “the European market

is interested in agricultural products of the country, like banana chips, cacao, palm oil, pineapple, mango, and seaweed.

He said that Europeans are interested in banana chips because they can be mixed with cereals, a com-

mon breakfast meal. He noted that their country is only capable of producing fruits like apples. He said that tropical fruits like coconut have enticed them.

The first free training was attended earlier this

FDCCCII, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

COMPOSTELA VALLEY

Community assistance continue to pour in for Pantukan villages

L

IKE the classic passage, “Give them food and they will live for a day.

Teach them how to fish and they will live forever”, the mining firm King-king Copper Gold Project just did that.

Close to 100T pesos-worth of community assistancewasextendedbythe King-king Copper – Gold Project (KCGP) on Wednesday, Jan 15, 2014 to the people of Pantukan.

These include farming equipment and tools, office tables, and construction materials for village halls.

Clyde Gillespie, Country Manager/ Director for Environmental Permitting , with Jonathan Banez, Community Development Manager, both of St. Augustine Gold & Copper Ltd. (SAGCL) led the turnovers to various community partners of the project.

KCGP is a partnership between Nationwide Development Corporation (Nadecor) and St. Augustine Gold & Copper Ltd. (SAGCL) wherein the two companies are working together to develop the project while partnering with the community

MATI CITY

to meet the needs of Pantukan.

In Sitio Taytayan, a village in Brgy Magnaga, where residents are mostly from the Mansaka tribe, and also where the Project handed tools for farming, Gillespie, in a short program said, “We will continue to look into opportunities to help you (IPs), with us putting high regard and respect to your culture and values.

It is very important to partner with you as we strive to develop the project” “I hope this equipment would help you with your farming and bring more yield come harvest time”, Gillespie added.

Elmer Pacio, the village’s tribal councilman, expressed his being happy that KCGP did not fail to include them as one of the community project recipients.

“Dako akong pasalamat nga natagad sa kompanya ang among request. Kini pagpakita nga ang kompanya mahigugmaon sa mga lumulupyo, dili lamang dinhi kundi sa uban pang mga lugar sa Pantukan, kay akong

UNSUNG HEROES. Coast Guard rescuers bring children to higher ground in Barangay Mahogany, Butuan City Tuesday morning, January 21, 2014. [MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas] nahibal-an nga ubay-ubay napud ang inyong natabangan. Naa gyud mo kanunay”(I have my biggest gratitude to the company for they did not forget our request. This only

shows how much they value us and others, which I know they’ve also helped.

You’ve always been there (for us)”, Pacio said.

Other recipients who received assistance on

Davao Oriental joins nation in prayer O

ver five hundred employees from the provincial offices and national agencies as well as government officials have gathered Monday, January 20, as Davao Oriental takes a pause from its daily hustles to join the nation in prayer.

A time to reflect on the recent tragic natural calamities that occurred in the province for the past

NORTH COTABATO

year, people from different denominations came to offer prayers together, giving thanks and asking for protection.

The solemn interfaith community prayer, says Capitol employees, had provided a powerful avenue for strengthening people’s faith while serving as a symbolic rite in sparking the hope of the province after being bom-

barded by different natural disasters.

Joining Governor Malanyaon in prayer were the Philippine Army, Philippine Nation Police (PNP), Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of Muslim Affairs, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon and Vice Governor Joel Z. Alma-

rio meanwhile offered prayers for strengthened governance and for a boost in the development for the entire province.

Governor Malanyaon said that the convocation was meant for people to ask repentance as well as a plea for peace and protection against future calamities that may hit the province. [By Karen Lou Deloso]

LGU gets P25 M worth of medical assistance from US- based NGO

H

EALTH services in North Cotabato’s public hospitals are expected to improve after the province received P25 million worth of hospital facilities assistance from a United States based nongovernment organization, the World Medical Relief Organization based in Michigan.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza and North Cotabato provincial

health chief Dr. Eva Rabaya received the facilities at the Amas provincial capitol compound Tuesday.

“We expect the health services to improve with the new facilities,” Rabaya said, adding that the province earlier received medical equipment like x-ray machines, ultra-sound equipment, among others from WMR. North Cotabato was lucky to have won the raffle draw among other local gov-

ernment units in the country, Mendoza said.

She added that health officials will assess the needs of every district hospital in the province to ensure equal distribution of the medical assistance.

Rabaya said the different hospitals in the province will have a share of the benefits earned by the provincial government.

She said the provincial government expects that the

public hospitals in North Cotabato will be at par with private hospitals in the locality in terms of competence and as far as medical facilities are concerned.

Improvement of health services to North Cotabato’s indigent residents were among the priorities of Gov. Mendoza after learning that majority of Cotabatenios have limited access to government health services.

[PNA]

Wednesday were Purok Rexan Brgy.

Napnapan with a water system, the Moral Recovery Program (MRP) of the local government unit with 2 office tables; People’s

Effort Against Crime Expansion (PEACE), a non-civic group with 1 unit sound system; and Purok l Soysoy Tribal Council with construction materials for the IPs village halls.

STO. TOMAS, DAVAO DEL NORTE

DavNor town celebrates ‘Ati-Atihan’

H

UNDREDS of town residents in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte converged at the San Miguel Parish last Sunday morning, January 19, 2013 to celebrate the annual town’s version of Ati-Atihan where catholic lay-groups and devotees honor the feast of Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), a priest said Wednesday.

Rev. Fr. Greg Vidal, Parish Priest of San Miguel Parish Church, said the annual feast celebration here is a positive indicator that residents here have shown great devotion to the Santo Niño, urging the devotees to emulate the humility and child-like innocence of the child saint.

“Let us always show our true devotion to Santo Niño by emulating his good virtues specifically the virtue of “humility” which devil cannot imitate,” Vidal said, in his homily during a mass held Sunday morning.

Vidal stressed that “owning hundreds of statues of the Infant Jesus will not make you a true devotee.” He, however, urged the faithful and

devotees-alike to always “storm the Infant Jesus with our prayers as He can be a source of inspiration and hope during hard times.”

In this town, the Ati-atihan was celebrated with an array of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street which was participated by Davao Winchester Colleges, Aklan Ati-Atihan Foundation, Marsman Drysdale Company and other sectoral groups.

Despite some drizzles, church goers and revelers observed the feast with religious processions carrying the Santo Niño statues onto the street fiesta dancing celebrations.

Devotees attribute luck and success to the Infant Jesus, grasping in a century-old belief that possessing and displaying it in a business establishments and offices will bring protection and thwart bad luck.

[Aurel Larabaster/Lorna Sambalud]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

IMF eyes better performance of emerging markets in 2014 I

JOB POSTING. A passerby eagerly reads a job hiring advertisement posted on a wall along Magallanes Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) projects better output for emerging market and developing economies this year relative to 2013 on better-than-expected outcomes in advanced economies in the latter part of last year.

In its World Economic Outlook released January 21, 2014, the multilateral lender maintained its 5.1 percent growth forecast for emerging market (EMs) and developing economies this year but slightly revised upwards to 5.4 percent the 2015 projection from 5.3 percent in the WEO last October.

It noted that “in many emerging market and developing economies, stronger external demand from advanced economies will lift growth, although domestic weakness remain a concern.”

“In emerging market economies, an export re-

bound was the main driver behind better activity while domestic demand generally remained subdued, except in China,” said.

The 2014 growth forecast for ASEAN 5+ 3 economies, which the Philippines belongs, is up slightly to 5.1 percent compared to the forecast of five percent for 2013.

The forecast for this year is, however, lower than the 5.4 percent forecast last October given the risks posed by development in advance economies.

The growth projection for ASEAN 5+3, which groups the Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines plus China, Korea, Japan, declined by 0.3 percent for this year but the 2015 projection was maintained at 5.6 percent.

The report said there is an “increased financial market and capital flow volatility” concerns in emerg-

ing markets in line with the tapering of the Federal Reserve’s stimulus program, which started this month.

Tapering of the Fed’s stimulus program is projected to result to portfolio shifts and some capital outflows, which when accompanied by domestic weakness is forecast to result to “sharper capital outflows and exchange rate adjustments.”

The report cited the need for EMs to “manage the risks of potential capital flow reversals” given recent development in advanced economies.

These capital flow reversals are expected from EMs with domestic weaknesses and external current account deficits.

“Exchange rates should be allowed to depreciate in response to deteriorating external funding condition,” the report said.

[PNA]

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

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

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

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

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

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5 418,108 Oct 2013

2006=100

Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

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

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

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

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

PHL 2013 exports likely increase 10% from 2012 T

HE Bureau of Export Trade Promotions (BETP) said that the Philippines’ 2013 exports of goods and services likely grew by up to a little over 7% from 2012 figures.

This has been attributed to good outsourcing and tourism performance and an early recovery in merchandise shipments.

BETP director Senen Perlada said last year’s total exports likely ended with an increase of somehwere between 5.8% and 7.2% to a range of US$74.8 billion to $75.8 billion. The high end of the growth forecast tops 2012’s 6.7% hike.

Services have also strengthened export tallies, growing to $21.6 billion from $18.6 billion in 2012.

Recently released November results point to merchandise export receipts exceeding 2012’s $52.099 billion high, with the full-year merchandise report expected to yield growth of 2.2% to 4.1% for

2013. Perlada added that he was “confident merchandise exports will be at least close to 2012 levels,” given that the 11-month tally was at $49.4 billion, a 2.6% increase from the previous year.

The January to November 2013 results followed automotive and consumer electronics growth, and modest uptick in shipments of construction materials, chemicals, food, furniture, fixtures, home decor, and mineral products.

Exports are seen growing more in 2014, with the robust performance of the information technology and business process outsourcing industry likely to continue on the back of expansion into nonvoice services.

Merchanidse export growth, according to Perlada, will be pushed forward by automotive and consumer electronics, woodcrafts and furniture, processed foods and beverages, and chemicals. – Rappler. com

BY THE NUMBERS

PHL economy is expe cted to post growth

7.1 percent in 2015 and

6.5 percent in the succeeding yea

r.

SOURCE: WORLD BANK

Asia Pacific fastest growing tourism region Philippines’Q4 growth in

T

HE United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Toursim Barometer has reported that Asia and the Pacific is the fastest growing tourism region in the world, after a 6.0 percent increase in the number of international tourist arrivals in 2013.

International tourists in Asia and the Pacific region increased by about 14 million bringing the number of tourist arrivals up to 248 million last year.

“South-East Asia (+10 percent) was

the best performing sub-region, while growth was comparatively more moderate in South Asia (+5 percent), Oceania and North-East Asia (+4 percent each),” the UNWTO report said.

Moreover, Europe remains the top tourist destination growing by 5.0 percent last year and welcoming 29 million more tourists.

In the same period, America has additional tourist arrival of six million tourists while Africa attracted an additional of three million tourists.

Meanwhile, the

UNWTO report also showed top source market for tourism which include China, Russia, France, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

On emerging markets, significant growth in outbound tourism expenditure include Turkey, Qatar, Philippines, Kuwait, Indonesia, Ukraine, and Brazil.

Germany, Japan and Italy were still considered important source market despite decline in outbound expenditures, said UNWTO. [PNA]

2013 seen at 5.8-6.5%

T

he Philippine economy likely expanded 5.8-6.5 percent in the last quarter of 2013, with strong domestic demand and exports possibly offsetting the impact of a typhoon in November, a senior government official said on Wednesday.

“When the November data came out, exports were much more robust than we thought,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“The manufacturing output was also robust

and remittances and even consumption and investment continue to be quite robust,” he said.

The government previously estimated growth in the fourth quarter likely slowed to 4.1-5.9 percent from a year earlier due to the destruction wrought by super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).

Balisacan also said he expected full-year 2013 GDP growth would likely be close to the high end of Manila’s 6-7 percent goal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

CEB slashes fares to Japan with seat sale as low as P 99 T

HE Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific Air (PSE:CEB) promotes travel between Japan and the Philippines with a seat sale as low as PHP99, from January 22 to 24, 2014 or until seats last.

The airline recently increased seat capacity between Japan and the Philippines by 500%, with the slated launch of direct flights between Manila and Tokyo (Narita), as well as Manila and Nagoya on March 30, 2014. CEB’s Manila-Osaka-Manila service also went from thrice weekly to daily last December 20, 2013.

Throughout the seat sale period, passengers can buy PHP99 seats between Manila and Osaka, for travel from March 15 to June 30, 2014.

Seats on Manila-Nagoya flights are also up for grabs for PHP99, while passengers can book Manila-Tokyo (Narita) seats for PHP3,888. Travel period for promo seats on these new routes is from March 30 to September 30, 2014.

Passengers can also take advantage of an ongoing select domestic seat sale, for travel from March 1 to June 30, 2014, to fly from Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Bacolod, among others, to Japan via Manila.

“Cebu Pacific started operating a thrice weekly Manila-Osaka service in 2008. This year, we will fly to Japan 18 times weekly, and offer fares that are up to 60% lower than other airlines. Savings can be even lower with seat sale fares,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

After the seat sale, lowest year-round fares to Osaka start at PHP3,999, while fares to Nagoya and Tokyo (Narita) start at PHP5,499.

“Japan has a significant tourist market that we can grow. In line with the Philippines’ tourism agenda, we look forward to boosting leisure and business travel between our two countries,” she added.

CEB will launch daily services to Tokyo (Narita) on March 30, 2014, utilizing the airline’s brand-new Airbus A320 fleet. The maiden flight will depart Manila at 5:25am, arriving in Tokyo at 10:35am. The return flight departs Tokyo at 11:45am, and arrives in Manila at 3:45pm.

On the same day, CEB will launch its Manila-Nagoya-Manila service, with a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday frequency. Departing Manila at 3:20pm, the maiden flight

AWARDEES. SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier were awarded the Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace Certification by the Department of Health at the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation for Equity and Effectiveness Conference. The ceremony was held at Grand Men Seng Hotel last January 17. In the photo are (L-R) DOH Regional Director Abdulla Dumama, Jr., SM Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez and DOH Asst. Regional Director Annabelle Yumang. will arrive in Nagoya at 8:25pm. The return flight will depart Nagoya at 9:10pm, and arrive in Manila at 12:10am the next day.

For bookings and in-

quiries, guests can go to http://www.cebupacificair.com/, or call the reservation hotlines (02)7020888 or (032)230-8888.

The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s of-

ficial Twitter (@cebupacificair) and Facebook pages.

CEB’s 48-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 28 Airbus A320, 2 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. It is one of the

most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 14 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 4 Airbus A330 aircraft.

More than just ‘business as usual’for Tigerair Philippines A

U.P. SCIENTIST APPOINTED. UP President Alfredo Pascual awards University of the Philippines (Mindanao) Prof. Annabelle Novero her appointment as UP Scientist for 2013-2015 under the Scientific Productivity System (SPS) in ceremonies witnessed by Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion. Prof. Novero completed a number of research projects and was the author of “Recent Advances in Sago Palm Micropropagation” in the book “Current Advances in Plant Sciences”. The SPS aims to support development in science and technology by encouraging and rewarding scientific productivity among UP faculty members.

WEEK into the announcement of the Tigerair-Cebu Pacific strategic alliance, Tigerair Philippines has been actively preparing to roll out some initiatives that will enhance the partnership with Cebu Pacific and enlarge its offerings to existing and prospective customers.

Among the initiatives are the development of its network, enhancement of ancillary services and the upgrading of its website to make the customer experiences better.

“Having a new owner does not mean that we stop generating ideas to enhance our customers’ experience.

Leveraging our partnership with Cebu Pacific, I believe that there is much more that we can do,” said President and CEO Olive Ramos.

Tigerair Philippines will continue to operate under the Tigerair brand, while tapping on Cebu Pacific’s website as a sales and distribution platform for all its routes, and vice versa. Both airlines are now working to upgrade their websites to facilitate such cross-book-

ing of flights.

President and CEO of Cebu Pacific, Mr. Lance Gokongwei said, “Our intention is to grow Tigerair Philippines as an independent franchise. We are reviewing opportunities to increase Tigerair Philippines’ fleet. We are very excited to embark on this partnership and we look forward to working closely with Olive, who will continue with her leadership position at Tigerair Philippines.” With a stronger presence in the Philippines, Tigerair Philippines will continue to operate from Terminal 4 at NAIA and Clark International Airport. From its bases in Clark and Manila, Tigerair Philippines flies to both domestic and international destinations which include Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Prinsesa, Tacloban, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore.

Customers who wish to book their flights with Tigerair can continue to do so via the airline’s website (www.tigerair.com) or hotline (+ 632 798-4488).

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

EDITORIAL

Helping one another

T

UESDAY was a great day for the farmers of typhoon-ravaged Leyte, particularly San Isidro, a farming town known for its corn plantations.

On that day, the regional office based in Davao City of the Department of Agriculture sent off from the Sasa port four tractors to Tacloban City to help in the rehabilitation of agricultural areas in the province now struggling to rise from the ruins left by super typhoon Yolanda late last year. The send-off was supervised by DA 11 director Remelyn Recoter, who earlier made arrangements for the tractors after meeting with her counterpart DA officials in the Western Visayas region.

The farm machines, all Massey Ferguson 360 tractors, will be brought to the municipality of San Isidro which has been identified as the area that badly needs rehabilitation as a wide swath of its corn lands were wiped out by Yolanda.

The area is littered with typhoon debris that, if not cleared, makes cultivation virtually impossible. The tractors will be used to remove the debris and subsequently prepare the land for replanting. The tractors will be engaged for one month, possibly longer if such a need arises.

Two of the tractors are owned by DA 11 while the other two are being lent by Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. The gesture of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley is

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

a pleasant surprise, considering that they themselves are still reeling from the ravages of, not just one but three recent typhoons --Pablo, Zoraida and Agaton, not to mention the low-pressure area (LPA) which was no less damaging. In fact, as we write this piece, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte was delivering to Comval Gov. Arthur T. Uy and Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon checks worth P4 million – P2 millon for Davao Oriental, and P2 million for ComVal (four towns at P500,000 each), as Davao City’s latest assistance to the beleaguered provinces.

As explained by Regional Director Recoter, sending the four tractors to Western Visayas was Region 11’s way of repaying a debt of gratitude to Region 12 (Soccksargen), and Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) for their assistance to ComVal and Davao Oriental when these provinces were flattened by typhoon Pablo in 2012.

Such gestures are heartwarming and most welcome. This is one proof that disasters draw out the best in people. For a change, instead of witnessing their leaders busy themselves in recriminations, political bickerings, inane grandstanding and other counter-productive preoccupations, Filipinos want to see men and women in government help one another work for the welfare of their beleaguered constituents.

Yes, indeed.

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

I

‘I’ll take it up with the Board’

F YOU’RE someone who has a product or service to sell--- like a sales agent who proposes an investment plan to a foundation, or a publisher who sells a publication idea to a council or federation, or an advertising manager selling ad space to a real estate firm--- chances are you get a reply like, “I’ll take it up with the Board”.

When you get a response like this, it’s the same as they’re slamming the door on you. So your next move might be to keep nagging and persisting until you get the contract (parang awa mo na!)--- or simply scratch them from you list of “potential clients”.

I came across a management book by Peter Drucker many, many moons ago that says “never, never try to sell to a committee”. In other words, get the guy at the top who makes the final decision. If this guys tells you “I’ll take it up with the Board” it means he’s slamming the door on you.

Taking up a proposal with the Board of Directors is the same as taking it up with the Council or taking it up with the Federation or taking it up with the Foundation board, etc, etc. These are usually groups of people who NEVER agree with each other on many things.

I once tried to present a proposal for a “Visitors Guidebook” to the Davao Tourism Council many, many summers ago after the council president, a good friend of mine, ask me “to present it to the Board”. Oh, yes, they were so nice about it, agreeing that they need the guidebook, but in the end, the Board members changed their mind and scrapped the idea. The door was slammed

A

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

GAME OF CHICKENS – Some members of the opposition bloc, leaders of progressive movement and other political adversaries are dangling an impeachment threat against President Benigno S. Aquino III following the approval and alleged illegal use of the Malampaya funds and the so-called Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) without the nod of Congress. Another reason for the reported impeachment push was the President’s alleged dipping of his fingers into the sensational Corona impeachment and trial.

President PNoy himself was busy attending to his usual official function at the Palace when the news about the impeachment move reached him. Looking oddly cheerful, he decked out casually in barong tagalog attire, hardly mentioning about the impeachment move when he faced the media. But the impeachment push now circulating in the rumor mill is causing concern even in government circle therefore it needs some clarification from the President’s trusted people.

Why are they doing this? Could it have anything to do with the alleged “instances of despotism” demonstrated by the President? Whatever the reason, the public ought to know. Supporters of impeachment say they have plenty of reasons to want to oust President PNoy. Their anger and dissatisfaction stemmed in part from the fact that the President is allegedly guilty of political inexperience, ineptitude and indecisiveness.

They also cited as ground for impeachment the President’s alleged mismanagement of the affairs of government, along with a recent flurry of financial scandals like the PDAF and DAP that have involved several partymates and close aides of Pres-

shut on me.

(Thank goodness, we were able to produce this guidebook without any help from anyone and without any funds from any group or tourism council).

Another instance I can’t forget was the time I was asked to make a formal presentation of a mutual fund investment I was selling for a world-renown asset management firm.

This time, it was a university foundation here led by a prominent businessman, another close friend of mine, who asked me to “present to the Board” my proposal for our company’s fund managers to manage their foundation funds, which was in millions.

I didn’t know I would be competing with two large banks who brought their own bank officers to present their own proposals to manage the funds of the Foundation.

This fund was already invested in a big, well-known company known for its beer and earning 8% annually, and its preferred earnings withdrawn every quarter for the foundation’s operational expenses.

Even with our earning projections three times their own rate, the Board ( composed of people in the business and academe, mostly friends of mine, too) decided NOT

to change their investment set-up with the bank where their funds were deposited.

It means, it was a waste of time “taking it up with the Board”. To say it bluntly, the door was also slammed shut in front of my face----again.

Just lately, I was trying to get the exporters’ federation local chapter here to take part in a trade publication to be circulated only among exporters, producers and shippers. Although the head of this group showed some interest, he still asked me to “make a proposal” so he can take it up with the Board.

I don’t know if I’m barking up the wrong tree, or the local prexy here just can’t make any small decision like this, he has to “take it up with the Board”. In short, the door was simply slammed shut in front of my face.

It’s useless in cases like this to follow up by calling or texting, because they’ll think you’re so desperate, they need to handle you like a Yolanda survivor who needs emergency help. So, we don’t make any followup calls. We just move on to make the same offer to more keenly interested clients.

So if you’re faced with a top gun who tells you he’ll “take it up with the Board”, don’t insist making your proposal. He’s dumping you. He’s slamming the door on your face. He’s telling you to get the f__k out.

Just remember Peter Drucker’s tip on selling : “Never, never try to sell to a committee.”

(Comments? Email me > tradingpost_ davao@yahoo.com)

ident PNoy – though the President himself was never implicated.

Moreover, it is claimed that the administration’s fumbling ways and PNoy’s maverick efforts to root out corruption among politicians and businessmen have gained him plenty of critics and detractors. These are the guys who call the Aquino administration, albeit sometimes tongue in cheek, a dismal failure.

Rightly or wrongly, some detractors even fault PNoy’s ho-hum performance when he was still member of the House of Representatives and the Senate as if scant preparation for running the country is valid as an argument in explaining the string of political and diplomatic faux pas that have eroded his performance and popularity ratings.

Also, it is not helping the President’s image any that there is rising criminality and unabated corruption alleging permeating all levels in government. His net approval ratings plunge several notches and sparked the first hints by the opposition and various progressive groups that they might move to impeach the President.

They are confident there is high moral ground in their push for impeachment, persuading other interested groups to join the cause.

At this stage, though, political analysts and legal experts remain doubtful if an impeachment move will prosper. Under

the law, to make it successful the legislature should garner two-thirds majority votes necessary to impeach the sitting President. But given the sheer number of allies and dominance of the ruling party both in the Senate and House of Representatives, such a move will be like a proverbial camel having difficultly in passing through the hole of a needle. President PNoy’s allies and supporters are blaming the whole mess on what they see as a cynical maneuver by his political opponents and detractors.

The impeachment actually is “nothing less than a coup d’ etat,” said some members of the majority party, “it’s a wrecking of democracy,” they added. But his reformist agenda and his direct approach to the people still carry wide and popular support.

Well some members of the opposition bloc themselves admit that the impeachment move is an uphill battle. Yes, indeed, at this juncture of the nation’s political journey, impeachment is premature, a classic long shot, if you ask me for my two-cent’s worth. “What else could the opposition do?” says a political dopester.

“Perhaps this is their final gamble forgetting impeachment is a numbers game – a political game of chickens,” he rhapsodized.

Meanwhile, Palace defenders say the opposition is only trying to score some points because of the fast-approaching presidential derby in 2016. They want to demolish the image of the Administration and its party by doing everything, including throwing the kitchen sink at the sitting President, to paraphrase a tired cliché. Whether it will click with the masses, nobody can tell with certainty.

Final gamble

9

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

BY MARY JUDALINE F. PARTLOW

I

(Conclusion)

F one goes to Tubbataha Reef or to some other dive destination, one would probably get to see a sea turtle glide by, but there’s minimal interaction compared to what one can experience with the turtles in Apo Island, Ocampo said.

“You don’t really have to seek them out when you go snorkeling or diving.

They are just right there and they feel safe and comfortable even with humans around them,” he pointed out.

LIVELIHOOD AND TOURISM Fishermen and their families in the island benefit from the sea turtles in that during off-peak fishing season, they have an alternative source of income to tide them over, says Rhodes.

The males rent out masks and snorkels to visitors at P180 a set with no time limit. The women, meanwhile, sell T-shirts and souvenir items promoting swimming with the turtles.

The island’s income is also boosted by the fact that many visitors come over not just for diving but because of the allure in getting a chance for a close encounter with the turtles.

Boats that come to the island have to pay a one-time mooring fee, not to mention that boat operators plying the Apo Island route also earn extra income.

A budge traveler gets to pay at least P50 for a round-trip ride to and from Apo Island, with a jump-off point at Malatapay in Zamboanguita town.

For one who embarks from Dumaguete, Malatapay can be accessed via public transport at a minimal cost of P20 on board a jeepney.

By private vehicle or on board a motorcycle, it would take about half an hour to reach Malatapay from Dumaguete.

DOCUMENTATION As the lure of swimming with the turtles is increasing by the day, some quarters believe there is a need for documentation to keep track of the number and the individual turtles that are in Apo Island.

Rhodes admits it is not an easy task but she hopes that eventually this can be achieved.

Tagging of turtles in Apo Island is out of the question as these would only drive them away, she said.

But, according to Ocampo, a British national, David Lewis, is doing a photo compilation of the turtles that can be found in the island to identify those that are returning every so often or the ones that are staying longer.

Photographs of turtles, especially those of the right and left sides, can provide information and assist in the identification of each individual, Ocampo explained.

Lewis is encouraging snorkelers, divers and photo enthusiasts to submit their photos of turtles taken at Apo Island to help him in his documentation.

Ocampo is optimistic that with proper documentation coupled with the right promotion, swimming with the turtles in Apo Island will soon become a big hit in the tourism industry.

A well-travelled environmental advocate and diver, Ocampo says he does not know of any other place in the Philippines where swimming with the turtles is an everyday occurrence at a very minimal cost.

“The experience is well worth it. It is simply majestic to be in touch with these creatures and it makes you want to keep on coming back for more,” he added.

[PNA]

10

NEWS

Obsolate...FFROM 1 naman tay dog pound… ang stray animals ihatag na lang nato na sa barangay level,” said Duterte.

He cited as example the ordinance on San Pedro Street which said that no structure shoul be built along this street but right now there areca lot of existing structure in the area.

“Naa puy isa regarding sa old airport na dili daw pwede patukiuran og mga buildings ang area pero na puro naman na subdivision karon.”

Duterte said that they will also review regarding the public safety inside Davao International Airport because during the time of Mayor Sara Duterte the emergency team of Central 911 was prohibited

from assisting passengers of a Cebu Pacific plane that overshot the runway last year.

“Imbitahon nato sila if mo ingon na sila na kaya na nila ang safety sa mga tao sa sulod, sila na lang di na ta magapil-apil ang atoa kana na lang naa sa gawas,” he said.

The vice mayor said that a need to remove some ordinances that many local government units have borrowed from the city’s code of ordinances.

“Parehas sa Palawan, nangayo jud silag copy. So, maulaw ta ba. Naay mga karaan na ma apply lang sa 1970’s pero dili na ma apply karon kay modern na ang atong katilingban, ” he said.

added factors as well, then same declaration for the whole province can be done also,” said the statement.

Meantime, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Dute-

rter personally gave the P500,000 cash assistance to the local leaders of the New Bataan, Montevista, Monkayo, and Compostela which were affected with the continuous rain. [ABF]

Comval...FFROM 2

Caretaker...FFROM 3 public market.

Police said that at about 10:00 p.m. while the victim was carrying vegetables a certain alias “Tagalog” armed with pistol shot him in the buttocks.

Vidal was immediately rushed to the

Southern Philippines Medical Center where he was declared out of danger by the attending physician.

As of presstime, police are still clueless about the assailants in the two shooting incidents.

‘The cube’...FFROM 3 offers WI-FI connection up to 100MB to ensure that lessees can provide quality services to their clients.

The Cube, according to Vlummens, provides a community where young Dabawenyo entrepreneurs can find opportunities by meeting new people and venture to new businesses.

Located on the second floor of the DCCCII building, it is open even to non-mem-

bers of the chamber. This is to ensure that it will be able to provide not just space, but a community that fosters growth for students, young work-at-home professionals and SMEs. People who will be availing of the co-working space will be paying P250 per day while the virtual office is P3,500 per month.

This is inclusive of WI-FI usage.

DCCCII... FFROM 3 year by 15 entrepreneurs while the second is set in February. On the final and third trainings, Vlummens said that the attendees will go to Amsterdam, Netherlands to do benchmarking and see opportunities there. The participants will meet prospective buyers there in May of this year.

On the other hand, 15 business entrepreneurs will participate the Salon Internationale de l’alimentation, (SIAL) or Globa Food Marketplace this October.

It is a public fair which specializes in the food processing industry in Paris, France.

Participants will bring with them their products to showcase in the European market. He said that they will have a one-on-one meeting with buyers from Brussels, Belgium.

Aside from training, local businessmen should also have assistance in financing, packaging and marketing to be globally competitive.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

SORTING OUT. Ian Laminero sorts out watermelons in a fruit stand at Bankerohan Public Market yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

PAGASA releases maiden dry day forecast in 2014 G

OVERNMENT’S weather agency issued on Wednesday its first dry day forecast for the country.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Anthony Lucero said the forecast is this agency’s newest product that will be updated monthly to help keep the agricultural sector and other stakeholders concerned abreast about expected rainfall conditions

nationwide. ”The agricultural sector can integrate the forecast in its decision-making process for farmers’ benefit and better rice production,” he said Wednesday during a climate forum in Metro Manila, citing one use of the new product.

He noted dry day is a day having less than one millimeter of rainfall.

For this year’s MarchApril-May period, PAGASA reported expecting a higher number of dry days con-

sistent with areas with below-normal rainfall forecast particularly for Luzon.

The number of dry days is expected to gradually increase in the Visayas and Mindanao during the AprilMay-June period, PAGASA continued.

Lucero reiterated PAGASA will continue developing products that will help further meet the public’s need for the latest available information on weather and climate.

He noted PAGASA aims

securing more equipment that will help this agency achieve such goal.

Among PAGASA’s products at present are its 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 24-hour weather forecasts, 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. gale warnings, 11:00 a.m. weather advisory as well as weather bulletins at 5:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

PAGASA also provides special weather forecasts and weekly weather outlook reports. [PNA]

to progressively eliminate queues and simplify processes,” Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima said. ”Online application is the logical next step after the switch,” De Lima added.

The NBI system is now run by the DOJ, a first in the agency’s history and substantially upgrades the old systems.

Newly-appointed NBI Director Virgilio L. Mendez

said, “This is just our third full week of operation under our watch but we expect significant progress in the coming weeks with the delivery of additional equipment and increase in personnel.”

Mendez added that the Renewal Module will be implemented next.

The NBI Clearance System is a component of the flagship National Justice In-

formation System (NJIS) to link and share information among justice sector institutions.

After the online registration, applicants may proceed directly to any of the 55 sites nationwide for payment and biometric enrollment for the release of the clearance.

A list of these areas is available at http://www. nbi.gov.ph. [PNA]

Online application for NBI clearance available starting January 24 –- DOJ T

HE Department of Justice said on Wednesday that beginning on Jan. 24, 2014, applicants for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance can apply and fill out the complete form online at www.doj.gov. ph/nbi or www.nbi.gov.ph. ”With the implementation of the new NBI system, we shall continue to roll-out and implement solutions

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21121382 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 10329386-4 issued to MARLYN G. VELORIA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

1/15/23/30

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21077268 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 10064480-5 issued to REY P. GAVINA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

1/15/23/30

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

11

Your adorable potato friend named ‘Pou’

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

R

EMEMBER your Tamagochi pet?

There’s a new computer game to get addicted the way the Tamagochi bug hit us in the past. It’s called Pou. If you’re that kind of person who likes to check your mobile phone most of the time, then maybe this game is already a part of your daily routine.

Introducing Pou your triangular potato-like alien pet developed and published by Paul Salameh (ZAKEH in Google Play store).

Pou is a game for those who like to feed, clean, exercise, play and put to sleep a virtual pet-friend.

This popular Android and Itunes store game has been hitting the communities lately reach-

your Tamagotchi pet.

Pou can also interact with other Pous by visiting them while the game is connected in the internet. This is where the fun comes in. You get to meet with other players and compare and share with them your pet’s colorful costume and fun skills.

The game is available in English, French, Spanish, Catalan, Portugese, Italian, German, Dutch, Danish, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Czech, Slovak, Chinese and Arabic which means Pou’s life would be meaningful like yours as you communicate with the other Pous who desire to know more about you and your pet.

Well, for those who don’t play Pou, it’s not

ing 100 million to 500 million users and 1,795,238 five-star ratings.

Aside from keeping Pou healthy and alive, there are also mini games available for you to earn coins and purchase cute or funny costumes, food and medicine that can help you keep your pet happy.

This game may look cute because of its colorful atmosphere but it takes a lot of time. Your duty as Pou’s parent and friend does not end by feeding him a lot, sending him to the lab , teaching him to plant in your garden or spend leisure time with him at the playroom.

You pass through levels and see Pou grow up healthy and skillful just like how you do it with

too late to finally meet and customize your Pou and mingle with other players present in your neighborhood.

It’s time for you to express and share your unique and creative ideas with your cute, lovable and playful pet, Pou.

ASUS launches Transformer Pad A

SUS yesterday announced the availability of two new devices, thehigh-performance ASUS Transformer Pad and the unique Ultraportable Transformer Book Trio with a keyboard dock that can also be used as a self-contained Windows 8 desktop PC. ASUS Transformer Pad TF701T The new ASUS Transformer Pad is perfect for on-the-go entertainment, thanks to a durable metallic design that’s just 8.9mm thick and weighs 585g. A high-quality speaker with ASUS SonicMaster audio technology gives loud, clear sound for music, movies and games, while the 17-hour battery life when docked means the new ASUS Transformer Pad lasts for two full working days between charges.

The tablet for vivid 2560 x 1600 entertainment The new ASUS Transformer Pad features a 10.1-inch high-performance IGZO-TFT display with reduced energy consumption and a very wide color gamut. The 2560 x

1600 WQXGA resolution gives an extraordinarily sharp image, while IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology ensures accurate color reproduction, wide 178-degree viewing angles and excellent daylight visibility.

The new ASUS Transformer Pad also features a front 1.2-megapixel camera for crystal-clear video chat and a rear 5-megapixel camera that captures full-resolution photos while shooting simultaneous 1080p Full

full-size keyboard with a large multi-touch touchpad makes the new ASUS Transformer Pad perfect for productivity apps and the Microsoft Office-compatible Polaris Office suite is supplied pre-installed.

ASUS Transformer Book Trio ‘Three-inone’ A new breed of ultraportable device with a two-part dockable design that can be used by one person as a laptop, or by two people as a separate tablet and desktop PC.

HD video.

The new ASUS Transformer Pad is more than just a high-performance tablet — it’s also an extremely capable Android laptop, thanks to its Mobile Dock. The dock’s

With the ability to switch between Windows 8 and Android at the press of a button, Transformer Book Trio offers unmatched three-in-one flexibility for users who want the best of all mobile worlds.

Dual processors and dual operating systems ASUS Transformer Book Trio features a sleek and durable metallic design, and is powered by a 4th generation Intel® Core™ processor for seamless multi-tasking performance and outstanding energy efficiency in Windows 8 laptop mode.

When it’s time for entertainment to take over from productivity, the 11.6-inch display detaches from the ‘PC Station’ keyboard dock for use as a multi-touch Android tablet with its own Intel Atom™ dual-core processor and up to 64GB

of solid-state storage.

With the display docked, Transformer Book Trio can switch instantly between Windows 8 and Android 4.2 by pressing the dedicated ‘Trio’ key on the keyboard, with data shared between the two operating system’s via the tablet’s storage.

Unlike other dockable ultraportables, Transformer Book Trio’s PC Station isn’t dead weight when the tablet display is detached. With an external display connected via Mini DisplayPort or Micro-HDMI, the PC Station can then be used as a self-contained desktop PC

with Windows 8, which means Transformer Book Trio can be used by two people, in two different places, at the same time.

Full HD multi-touch display and SonicMaster audio technology ASUS Transformer Book Trio’s 11.6-inch display features a crisp Full HD resolution with IPS technology for vibrant and accurate color with wide 178-degree viewing angles. 10-point capacitive multi-touch gives instant fingertip control with both Windows 8 and Android, while the backlit keyboard and multi-touch touchpad ensures comfortable productivity use.

With stereo speakers and ASUS SonicMaster audio technology in both the PC Station and tablet, Transformer Book Trio also delivers rich and detailed sound with video, music and games.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING The ASUS TF701T is available at P 27,995 and the ASUS Transformer Book Trio is available at Php 49,995 for the i5 configuration and at P 54,995 for the i7 configuration.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 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 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Durant has 46 in Thunder win O

KLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Portland Trail Blazers braced themselves for a late onslaught from Kevin Durant. They still failed to stop him.

The 6-foot-9 forward scored 11 of his 46 points in the final 3:23 to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Trail Blazers 10597 on Tuesday night. ‘’When the basket is an ocean, you can’t really do much about it,’’ Portland guard Wesley Matthews said. ‘’He’s been on a roll.’’

Durant has scored at least 30 points for eight consecutive games, the longest such streak of his career. He made 17 of 25 field goals, including 6 of 7 3-pointers. ‘’He did what he’s been doing the last two weeks,’’ Portland guard Damian Lillard said. ‘’You look up, he’s hitting 50 and 45 and 50 again and 40 and up.

We knew coming in that he’s been shooting the ball well.’’

Reggie Jackson added 15 points for Oklahoma City (32-10), which took a one-game lead over Portland in the Northwest Division. Oklahoma City improved to 9-5 since point guard Russell Westbrook was taken out of the lineup after having surgery on his

right knee.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 29 points and 16 rebounds, but he went 1-for-8 from the field in the fourth quarter. Durant said Aldridge’s late struggles might have been a combination good defense

by Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka and the Trail Blazers being worn out from their loss to Houston the night before. ‘’Perk and Serge did a great job early on contesting LaMarcus’ jump shot, but he’s a great player and he was knocking them down,’’ Durant said. ‘’In the fourth quarter, of course, after playing last night, he’s a little tired. We forced him all the way out close to the 3-point line and made him shoot some tough ones and we were able to rebound and hit shots on the other end.’’

Matthews added 21 points for Portland (3111), which lost its last two games of a four-game road trip. ‘’Pissed,’’ Matthews said. ‘’We’re not happy.

Last year we were happy coming off a road trip at .500. We’re not that team any more. We didn’t come out with the right energy and the right mentality against Houston and they were ready for us. We came

out with the right mentality early in this game and KD had a hell of a fourth quarter, so it’s bitter.’’

Oklahoma City held Lillard to 14 points, well below his average of 21.4 points per game.

Portland led 93-90 when Durant was called for an offensive foul. Durant was unhappy after the call, and after Perkins was called for a foul, Durant, still frustrated, hit the scorer’s table and was issued a technical foul.

Portland made two of the three free throws to go up by five. A fired-up Durant responded with a layup, then a 3-pointer to tie the score with 2:52 remaining. ‘’It was really a stupid, stupid reaction by me,’’ Durant said. ‘’I could have hurt my team really badly.

I was just more frustrated with myself, turning the ball over. I can’t hurt my team like that. This time, it went in our direction. Next time, I’ve got to be smarter.’’

Durant seemed to reach another gear after the technical, though. He hit a 3 with 48 seconds left to give the Thunder a 10295 lead, then another with 26.8 seconds remaining to ice the game.

Portland led 48-40 late in the second quarter

before Durant sparked a rally with a 3-pointer. The Thunder took the lead with 8.3 seconds left in the first half on a jumper by Thabo Sefolosha, but Lillard responded with a layup with 0.2 seconds left to give the Trail Blazers a 52-51 lead at the break. Portland shot 57 percent in the first half.

Durant scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting in the first half, but his teammates shot 13 for 38.

Durant’s jumper early in the second half finally gave the Thunder the lead, but the Trail Blazers handled the surge. A 3-pointer by Nicolas Batum and a bucket from Aldridge gave Portland a 67-62 lead and caused Oklahoma City to call a timeout.

The Trail Blazers extended their lead to 7566, but again, the Thunder closed out a quarter strong. Oklahoma City held Portland scoreless for the last 2:35 of the period. Durant hit a 3-pointer to close the quarter and give the Thunder a 77-75 lead.

Portland made just one field goal in the final 3:45. ‘’Total team effort,’’ Durant said. ‘’We didn’t get discouraged after they hit tough shots and we missed shots, and we got

KEVIN DURANT. 46 points against the Blazers.

a good win.’’

The Thunder play at San Antonio on Wednesday night with the top record in the Western Conference on the line. ‘’We know how tough it is to win there,’’ Du-

rant said. ‘’We know how tough that team is. You’ve just got to come prepared and with a lot of energy. I think our group is ready to come out there and play our game, and we’ll see what happens.’’

‘’It’s difficult doing what we do,’’ Bosh said. ‘’But that’s why we’re the champs, to do the difficult thing again and get the job done. Tonight was a good start. We just have to build off of it.’’

Chris Andersen scored 13 points and made all five of his shots for Miami, which had given up at least 100 points in four of its last six games. The Heat are 25-1 when allowing less than 100 points; 5-11 otherwise.

Brandon Bass scored 15 points, Kris Humphries had 14 points and 13 re-

bounds, and Jeff Green had 12 points for the Celtics, who enjoyed a 46-33 edge in rebounds but shot only 39 percent.

And when it was over, Celtics coach Brad Stevens had a simple assessment of the final 3 minutes. ‘’LeBron James happened,’’ Stevens said.

James made seven free throws in the final 2:33, the only other points down the stretch coming on a jumper by Ray Allen that put the Heat up for good. James did the rest, while the Celtics missed their final four shots.

fend his belt,” said trainer Raides “Nonoy” Neri in an interview.

Tapales, 21, won the vacant title via a unanimous decision over Fredirex Rodriguez last August 1, 2013 at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Cebu City.

Tapales knocked down Rodriguez once on the sixth round of that fight.

Before that, Tapales (23 wins, 9 KOs, 2 losses) stopped Ruben Manakane in the fourth round by a techni-

cal knockout at Sangyo Hall, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.

Raygoza is toting an impressive ring record of 16 wins with 9 KOs and 5 losses.

Pitted in the main supporting event is the four-rounder bout between undefeated Jonel Dapidran (2 wins, 0 loss or draw) of MP Boxing Stable against Joefil Camocamo (3 wins, 2 losses, 0 draw) of Palafox Stable-Iligan City in the 136-pound division.

Heat survive Celtics M

IAMI (AP) -- Their big early lead was gone, the Miami Heat were trailing with 3 minutes remaining and the two-time defending champions seemed very much in trouble.

They didn’t let Boston score again.

That’s how to snap a defensive slump.

LeBron James scored 11 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Chris Bosh added 16 and the Heat beat the Celtics 93-86 on Tuesday night - finishing the game on a 9-0 run after trailing 86-84 with 3:08 left.

Tapales to defend WBO Asia-Pac title against Mexican challenger DYNAMITE DANNY. Danny Seigle of Talk N’ Text (left) takes a jumper against Mark Barocca and Jose Devance of San Mig Coffee in their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals Game 1 won by the Mixers.

Nuki Sabio

R

EIGNING World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales of Davao City will make his first title defense against Mexican challenger Noe Martinez Raygoza on Feb. 8 at the Almendras gym here.

The 12-round title bout is presented by the MP Promotions USA, LLC in cooperation with Joven Sports Promotion.

“Tapales is ready to de-

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Latching on to Lachi’s

IT HAD been a while since the BPAs had a lunch or dinner out many thanks to a holiday, season that was filled with great food and many calorific treats.

So any call to action for the new year has to be top notch to be able to bring these foodies out from hiding.

The opportunity arrived last week when we decided to have lunch at Lachi’s located along Ruby Street at the Marfori subdivision.

Already a favourite dining spot for Durianburg’s urbanites, Lachi’s homecooked dishes as well as desserts are sure to make one break their new year’s diet resolution.

On the top of the list is Latchi’s famous laing. Savory and rich, Lachi’s Spicy Laing is a sure hit served on piping hot rice. Going for the homerun, I went for the Spicy Laing Spaghetti served with sinful Lechon Kawali which added a salty flavour and a crispy texture

Lachi’s melt-in-the-mouth Callos is one of the best I have tasted so far.

Pickled cucumber sides.

If you want to break your new year diet resolution, make Lachi’s Spicy Laing Spaghetti with Lechon Kawali be the diet breaker because it is worth it. to the dish.

Deciding to share the love and the calories, group also ordered Lachi’s famous Callos. Sticky with a melt-in-your-mouth goodness, the Callos is a homey treat which also deserves heaping cups of rice.

I love that Lachi’s serves picked cucumbers along with their meals, the sweet, tart and crisp slivers of cucumber add a much wanted crunch and palate cleanser.

For those who want to cut down on their meat intake, Latchi’s also offers Breaded Soft Tofu with Teriyaki Sauce as well as Deep Fried Bangus also served with a pickled cu-

FLATCHING, A4

Spicy Laing and Deep Fried Bangus.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Sinulog festival sizzles with AirAsia Zest’s red hot promo fares, colourful float and more!

THE OVERCAST SKIES and intermittent rains did not dampen Cebu’s Sinulog celebration this year. With over 3.5 million people in attendance, Sinulog was burning red hot as dancers and colourful floats paraded for 10 hours - and the crowd was gettingthickerwith every beat of a drum.

The Sinulog beat was nonstop. In Mactan Cebu International Airport, dancers welcomed AirAsia Zest guests traveling to and from Cebu with free fans and caps while some of the airline’s cabin crew joined the parade on board the red hot AirAsia Zest float.

AirAsia Zest, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for five consecutive years, has recently expanded its hub operations in Cebu with the addition of domestic flights to Davao, Puerto Princesa(Palawan) and Cagayan de Oro and to international destinations of Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu from Mactan Cebu International Airport as part of its commitment to boost tourism in Visayas and Mindanao.

AirAsia Zest continuously strives to promote air travel and tourism in the country by keeping fares low while ensuring the best, quality service for their guests.

AirAsia Zest serves domestic destinations of Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Cebu, Davao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines with international points in Asia including China and South Korea from its main hub in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Manila.

Promo seats from as low as P635, one way for domestic destination and P668, one way for international cities are up for grabs now via www.airasia.com. Guests who will avail of this promo would be able to travel now until seats last.

Those who missed the fun in Sinulog, it’s never too late!

Find out more about AirAsia’s exciting destinations and promo fare announcements via Facebook (facebook/airasiaphilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/airasiaph).

Welcome the Chinese New Year at SM Lanang Premier WITH A LITTLE more than a week left before the Lunar New Year, the metro’s premier shopping and lifestyle hub gives you 5 ways to mark the holiday and bring in fortune by leaps and bounds.

From January 20 to 31, visit SM Lanang Premier’s Little China Bazaar at the Atrium, where you can find all products that celebrate the rich culture of the Chinese, from lucky decors, gems, charms and must-have items this Year of the Wooden Horse.

For a glimpse of Chinese culture and artistic traditions, watch out for ‘Maximize,’ a Wushu performance of a group called More than Medals on January 26, from 5pm-6:30 pm at The Fountain Court.

On January 31, be captivated with exciting festivities at the Atrium – the Lion and Dragon Dance at 10 am and the Chinese Cultural Performance of Dynamic Youth Davao at 4 pm.

Want to know what’s auspicious this Year of the Wooden Horse? Consult with Feng Shui Master Expert Master Richard Yu on January 30, from 10 am to 8 pm and January 31, from 10 am to 2pm, at the Atrium. Discover his forecasts and predictions and what you can do to improve your Feng Shui and usher in good fortune this New Year.

Don’t miss the Chinese New Year festivities at SM Lanang Premier. For more details, contact 285-0943 or visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

FOOD

Reese: The perfect gastronomical hub WE ALL expect to see the normal notwithstanding the façade. We want to see something different but is always focused on the usual. Yes that is how we are – always searching; never opening our eyes.

Coming home has always been my refuge away from the hustle and bustle of metro living. I see home as my sanctuary – not to mention, my world. It is where I am most comfortable and at ease. I can leave the house and just be in my slackest outfit and not mind seen by friends the entire townspeople.

Hidden but not entirely so, is one place flocked and frequented by locals because of its most appealing ambience and delicious food. Outside, it looks normal – step inside, and you’ll be mesmerized of its stellar offering to your hungry and growling appetite. Reese in Cotabato City is one of the most delicious café/restaurants you could ever visit.

Having been in the place more than once, I fondly call it, ‘hidden kitchen’. Although they have been in operations for quite some time, I have only now been introduced – by my Dad and Mama – for I am the laziest person when home.

Indeed, the place is packed. Even hours before lunch, you can see people coming in and filling the place. It was so much fun seeing familiar faces under one roof. More so, ordering all that there is in the menu and anticipating its arrival. From that point on, I know I will have a grand time – well, my hungry tummy, that is.

From their extensive menu, I already have some favorites! Do not blame

The Imbao Soup was certainly delicious.

Luscious Grilled Chicken. A big bowl of Arrozcaldo.

Mix well and drizzle over salad – and you are welcome (I know you’ll thank me for it!).

Chicken. Since I am a sucker for anything chicken but is picky when it comes to how it is cooked, I found refuge in their many chicken dishes. For one, their buffalo wings are just so tender and juicy.

Fresh summer salad with Passion fruit dressing.

Also, the sauce is subtle me for drooling or getting tizers compliment each enough for you to reach hungry, okay? other’s appearance and for a glass of water. AnArrozcaldo. Since my most of all, taste. I sim- other chicken dish is their Daddy loves anything ply love the marriage of Inasal, which reminds me ‘porridge’, arrozcaldo is flavors and the savory of of Bacolod with every bite! one of his uber-favorite. each item on the platter. Oh, the memories.

For the faint of heart, a With or without a dip, this The next time you are precaution, their serving is one highly recommend- in Cotabato, visit Reese is overwhelming. Despite ed item from their menu. and get your appetites on such, the taste and the Crunchy salad with fire! Drop by at N. Herflavor is not in any way Passion fruit dressing. The rera Bldg., Pob. 5, Quezon taken for granted. This is crunchiness of the vegeta- Ave., Cotabato City or call a big bowl of nothing but bles, the freshness of the them at (064) 421-1085 delicious goodness. The fruits and the tanginess or email at reese.resto@ egg was a most definite of the passion fruit dress- gmail.com . welcome treat to complete ing makes this a salad for Be a part of Davao’s this meal! all seasons. Hesitant of Thursday habit! Send me Pica-Pica Platter. This is the passion fruit dressing, your recipes, questions, by far something that fam- I was definitely dumb- suggestions and comments ily and friends will surely founded as I salivated over and be featured. Email me enjoy! Again, the portions its delicious and compli- at leebay457@yahoo.com are overwhelming and the menting power with the (subject: Royal Chef) or tag taste are just so amazing. veggies and fruits. Try me on instagram (herroyNot overpowering each this: Passion fruit extract, alheiress) for your delicious other, the different appe- olive oil, salt and pepper. pics!

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Jake, determined to pursue Jessy even after ‘Mercedes’ ABS-CBN’s local adaptation of hit Mexicanovela “Maria Mercedes” may be ending this Friday (Jan 24), but for leading man Jake Cuenca, the battle to win Jessy Mendiola’s heart is far from being over. Jake said he would even go the next level now that he can woo the young actress more privately and off cam.

“I’ll miss Jessy the most.

But I think it will be better now that the show is over.

At least there is no more pressure. I’ll still be the same with Jessy even now that the show is over. The only difference is that we will have more privacy than before,” said Jake.

Jessy, who is currently being tagged as the “it girl” of showbiz, recently revealed in “Buzz ng Bayan” last Sunday that she rarely sees or communicates with actor Sam Milby. Does this development encourage Jake even more to pursue the sought-after actress?

“I really don’t mind Jessy’s other suitors. Like what I’ve said, I’m moving at my own pace regardless if Sam is courting her or not or if Jessy and I will be together or not. I just want it to hap-

pen at the right time when Jessy and I are both ready,” he said.

“Maria Mercedes” recently held its last taping day where the production team shot the intense finale scenes avid viewers should watch out for this week.

Find out what Misty (Nikki Gil) is capable of doing just to destroy the lives of (Jessy Mendiola) and Luis (Jake Cuenca). How will she save herself from going to jail after Malvina (Vivian Velez) surrendered the last piece of evidence to authorities

that will prove she is guilty of killing Mercedes’ brother Guillermo (Marx Topacio)?

Whose life will be sacrificed in the name of revenge?

Don’t miss the intense finale of “Maria Mercedes” this Friday after “Got to Believe” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For updates, follow @MariaMercedesPH on Twitter and like www. facebook.com/MariaMercedesOfficial on Facebook. Tweet your thoughts about the show using the hashtag #MariaMercedesAngPagtatapos.

Five-time Grammy nominee David Benoit to raise Filipinos’ spirits INTERNATIONAL jazz fusion and smooth jazz pianist, composer, and producer David Benoit, a five-time Grammy Award nominee, will be heading to the Philippines with yet another noble cause—joining the line-up of the star-studded benefit concert “Heal Our Land,” which is set to be mounted at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 31, 2014.

Benoit, having made a name for himself time and time again, gained popularity through both his moving solo performances and notable collaborations. Over the years, he has arranged, conducted, and performed musical numbers for many popular artists, including the likes of Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Faith Hill, Brian McKnight, and the Walt Disney Company.

Apart from his numerous accomplishments in his career as a musician, he is also the music director for the Asia America Symphony and the Asia America Youth Orchestra.

“Heal Our Land” will also definitely not be the first of Benoit’s participation in causes that go far beyond plain performances, as he

has been active in a number of benefit concerts around Asia, including Korea and the Philippines.

Also joining “Heal Our Land” are singers David Pack and Kevyn Lettau, with keyboardist Brian Simpson, American saxophonist and singer Jessy J, percussionist Richie “Gajate” Garcia, and guitarist-singers Ray Parker, Jr. and Jonathan Butler, whose song has inspired this concert’s title.

Saxophonist Michael Paulo, pianist-singer-songwriter Spencer Day, pianist Gregg Karukas Freddie Schreuders, Eric Valentine, and Nate Phillips of the LA All-Star Band will also be part of the concert’s lineup.

Some of today’s local talents will also be joining the Jazzfest, including Sitti,

Side A, South Border, Free Style, Mulatto, Zoo, True Faith, Chad Borja, and recent “voice of the Philippines” contender Thor Dulay. The concert will be directed by the Philippines’ own Bert de Leon.

“Heal Our Land” is produced by All That Jazz Promotions, Inc., with the support of ABS-CBN, Lifestyle Network, and other partners.

All the participating artists in “Heal Our Land” chose to generously wave their fees for this concert, directing proceeds to the relief efforts of ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya and Gawad Kalinga projects.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets. For more information, please contact 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets .net.

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY 2D Ben Stiller GP

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

POLICE STORY 2D Jackie Chan R 13

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

R-16 I, FRANKENSTEIN 2D Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

For those trying to stick to their diets, try the Breaded Soft Tofu with Teriyaki Sauce.

Chicken Pork Adobo.

Latching...FFROM A1 cumber side dish.

Of course what is Latchi’s if one does not have a taste of their delicious desserts?

I was already salivating at the chance of tasting Latchi’s famous San Rival as well as Dark Chocolate cake. But lo and behold, there appeared a whole Creme Brûlée Cake flying from the counter.

Always willing to give anything a taste, we dug in and the cake was heavenly to say the least.

The top was carefully sugared and torched to create a nice crispy layer

that cracked when we cut into it. Underneath the burnt sugar was a layer of sweet custard followed by a layer of sponge cake followed by a layer of creme anglaise and another layer of sponge cake. The the cake was subtlety sweet with a delicate finish that leaves you wanting to dig in some more, perfect with a cup of black coffee to end a wonderful meal.

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

Lachi’s beautiful Creme Brulee Cake.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 220 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

SPORTS 15

GOODBYE CHAMPS. Two-time women’s champion Victoria Azarenka (left) and three-time men’s champion Novak Djokovic (right) won’t be holding the champion’s trophies this time.

SOME GOODWawrinka THINGS NEVER LAST ends Djokovic’s three-year reign Radwanska ends Azarenka’s 18-match run M

M

ELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Victoria Azarenka’s run as Australian Open champion ended in a yelling, screaming quarterfinal defeat to Agnieszka Radwanska on Wednesday, continuing the flow of stars tumbling out of the season’s first major.

Fifth-seeded Radwanska stopped Azarenka’s 18-match winning run at Melbourne Park and her own streak of three consecutive quarterfinal defeats at the Australian Open, winning 6-1, 5-7, 6-0 with a stunning display of versatility and court craft that shocked and confused the two-time champion.

The result means both defending champions were out in the quarterfinals — Novak Djokovic lost in five sets to Stan Wawrinka on Tuesday night.

Azarenka’s defeat followed the fourth-round exits of top-ranked Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova and leaves 2011 French Open champion Li Na as the only major winner remaining in the women’s draw.

Radwanska next plays

No. 20 Dominika Cibulkova, who won the last eight games in a one-hour, 6-3, 6-0 quarterfinal rout of No. 11-seeded Simona Halep.

Li, a two-time finalist in Australia, will play 19-year-old Canadian Eugenie Bouchard in the other semifinal.

Radwanska played drop shots and slices from the baseline, forcing Azarenka to come forward and then lobbing or passing her. She hit touch volleys with calm precision, and instinctively anticipated Azarenka’s shots.

She didn’t fall into big-swinging rallies against the second-seeded Azarenka, either, continually mixing it up and saving the power for when she needed it.

“She was aggressive.

She was making everything. She was guessing right,” Azarenka said. “I was just playing a little bit too predictably.

“In the second set I managed to fight back.

Third set, the first game was important. I let it go, like easily let it go. From there just couldn’t get back to it.”

RADWANSKA. Next plays Dominika Cibulkova in the semis.

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - A brilliant Stanislas Wawrinka ended Novak Djokovic’s three-year reign at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, closing out a five-set classic at a heaving Rod Laver Arena to sensationally dump the Serb from the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Heartbroken by Djokovic in two five-set epics in Melbourne and the U.S. Open last year, the eighth-seeded Swiss played out of his skin to upset his grand slam nemesis 2-6 6-4 6-2 3-6 9-7 in an exhilarating four hours.

Wawrinka stayed cool in a deciding set of unrelenting tension, sealing it when the former world number one pushed a shot wide on match point.

His triumph blew the tournament wide open, setting up a semi-final with Czech Tomas Berdych while snapping the Serb’s 28-match winning streak.

“He’s an amazing champion, he never gives up. I’m really, really, really happy,” Wawrinka said in a courtside interview.

“I was really focused

point after point. I had to stay aggressive, not to give up. I was tired, I was cramping a bit, I was nervous too.

But now I’m going to have an ice bath for a very long time.

“Last year was really tough, this year it’s a new year.”

Wawrinka’s bid to claim a maiden Melbourne Park semi-final appearance started nervously as he notched a trio of unforced errors to gift the Serb the opening break in the sixth game.

Djokovic knuckled down to hold serve and prised two set points off his opponent’s serve.

The Swiss saved one but was powerless to save the second as a jet-heeled Djokovic rushed in to retrieve a kind net-cord and whipped a drop-shot cross-court.

THRILLING RALLIES Wawrinka regrouped during a break, found his first serve and went toe-totoe against Djokovic, edging the Serb in a series of thrilling rallies.

The Swiss blasted an imperious backhand down

the line at the end of a 26shot point to break Djokovic in the seventh game of the second set.

After prevailing in another epic 29-shot rally in his following service game, Wawrinka threw an icy glare at the Serb.

The Swiss thumped a first serve targeted at Djokovic’s body to raise two set points and sliced a second serve into the Serb’s midriff on the second to level the match.

Thriving in the electric atmosphere, Wawrinka rolled on, breaking a rattled Djokovic in the third game of the third set.

The pressure told on the Serb, and after conceding another break point at 3-1, Djokovic roared in frustration, shooting a beleaguered look at his new coach Boris Becker.

The German frowned as his charge blasted a forehand long to concede a second break, allowing

for a nasty-looking blister on the palm of his left hand that he said caused him to serve slower than usual, advanced to a semifinal match against the winner of the marquee quarterfinal between Andy Murray and Roger Federer later Wednesday.

Azarenka won't have a semifinal date. No. 5-ranked Agnieszka Radwanska stopped Azarenka's 18-match winning

run at Melbourne Park with a 6-1, 5-7, 6-0 win earlier in the day.

That means both defending champions went out in the quarterfinals - Novak Djokovic lost to Stan Wawrinka on Tuesday, ending his bid for a fourth consecutive men's title. Azarenka had been aiming for three in a row and other women's title contenders Serena Williams and Maria Sharapo-

va didn't even make it as far as the quarterfinals.

Nadal won on his fourth match point on Dimitrov's serve in 3 hours, 37 minutes, a long time after his celebration following a second-set tiebreaker that more resembled a victory dance.

He stayed in a squat position after his winning cross-court shot and then pumped his chest out three times.

STANILAS WAWRINKA. First ever semis appearance.

Nadal avoids upset train M

ELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Rafael Nadal avoided the top player exodus that claimed two-time defending women's champion Victoria Azarenka in the preceding match on center court with a 3-6, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (7), 6-2 win over Grigor Dimitrov in the Australian Open quarterfinals Wednesday.

Nadal, who received treatment several times

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE220 220••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,JANUARY JANUARY23, 23,2014 2014

DavNor hosts 2014 DAVRAA Feb. 9-12

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

B

njb@edgedavao.net

OASTING of the only world-class sports facility in the region, Davao del Norte was unanimously handed the hosting of the 2014 Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) meet on February 9-12.

Davao del Norte provincial information officer Romulo Tagalo told Edge Davao in an interview yesterday that the Department of Education regional office has agreed to award the hosting to Davao del Norte which was accepted by provincial governor Rodolfo Del Rosario.

“The hosting was confirmed last Monday but it was taken up in a meeting last week,” said Tagalo.

The 12-hectare Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, which also hosted the Davraa last year and the Mindanao qualifying competitions of the 2013 Batang Pinoy, will be the main venue of the annual sports conclave among schoolbased elementary and secondary athletes in the Davao Region.

Taking part in the Davraa are perennial champion Davao City,

Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Digos City, Island Garden City of Samal, Panabo City, Mati City, and co-hosts Tagum City and Davao del Norte.

The Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex boasts of world-class rubberized track oval, Olympic-sized pool with warm-up pool, 1,000-seat bleacher and clubhouse, football field, baseball field, and air-conditioned basketball gymnasium. The complex can hold events at night with its perimeter professional lighting system.

T

Association (DSA) Forum set at 11 a.m. at Calle Cinco Restobar along J.P. Laurel Avenue.

Gold medalists Josh Andrew Worsley, Gabriel Quiñones and Carmela Marie Estarija will share their experiences in the two-day international karatefest.

They will be joined by Davao Football Association’s Rachelle delos Reyes and Ciudades marketing and sales manager Maria Luisa “Chai” Abaya as panelists in the forum hosted by Calle Cinco owner Jonathan Traya and 177 Advertising owner Amik Mending.

Karate Cup champs guests at Calle Cinco’s DSA Forum HREE members of the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao who reigned as champions in the just-concluded 2nd Adidas International Cup at the Makati Coliseum will be the main guests in today’s Davao Sportswriters

ELEGANT SHOT. Alfonso Labao of the Ateneo de Davao University goes up for an unmolested layup in this bit of action against Precious International School of Davao during The Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup basketball tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center. Lean Daval Jr.