Edge Davao 6 Issue 6

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

Mingaw man...

LEAN CROWD. It’s the time of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) to bring their roadshow to Davao City last Wednesday night at the Rizal Park. Like the Team PNoy slate which made their campaign sortie here last month, UNA did not create much ripple in their first swing here. Lean Daval Jr.

One lonely night

Indulge

Page A1

No local official present at UNA rally in Davao City

By Che Palicte

Denim art inspiration Sports

Page 14

T

he United nationalist Alliance (UnA) campaign rally at the Rizal Park in Davao City Wednesday night was notable for the absence of local public officials.

A nine-man senatorial lineup showed up at the rally and crowd estimate was placed by the police at about one thousand, small by the usual election campaign standards.

Present in the opposition team’s first visit in the city were JV ejercito, Richard Gordon, Migz Zubiri, Mitos Magsaysay, Tingting Cojuangco, Gringo honasan, ernesto Maceda, nancy Binay and Jack enrile.

The UnA candidates took turns promising scholarships; feeding centers; more jobs; more hospitals; honest government services; free medicines; tourism promotion; and even free water for everybody.

Tiya Pusit, the celebrity guest of the party brought two UnA Muslim supporters to the stage where they danced to the tune

FONE LONELY NIGHT, 11

Boom-Boom spells courage

ONE OF THESE MEN IS NOT LIKE THE OTHERS. Three motorists wearing safety helmets train their eyes on a motorcycle-riding cop who nonchalantly drove by sans the required helmet and apparently no registration plate, too.

Calling Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa! Lean Daval Jr.

PDEA 11 to focus on Lenten season

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

P

hiliPPine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) Region 11 will heighten its campaign against il-

legal-drugs this coming holy Week season.

PDeA Davao director emerson Rosales bared during the iSpeak

forum at the City hall yesterday that his department will double its efforts during holy Week as it expects a

FPDEA, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ADDU graduation slated March 23

A

RALLY. Placard-bearing sectoral groups gather at the Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue, Davao City to call for the continuation of the peace talks in

Kuala Lumpur between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

By end of 2013

Teneo de Davao University will hold its commencement exercises Saturday morning, March 23, 2013, at the ADDU Martinez Sports Center, Matina Campus.

Some to 1,400 students from the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Governance, School of nursing, School of engineering and Architecture, and School of education will receive their degrees.

The 2013 commencement exercises celebrate the 65th Year of the University’s mission in Southern Mindanao.

There will be ninety-seven (97) students graduating with academ-

Avoiding summertime’s heat-related diseases

Business bureau eyes D 8,000 new businesses

By Che Palicte

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

T

he Davao Business Bureau expects 8,000 new business registrations by the end of 2013.

As of today, there were 1,720 new business applications for the first quarter of 2013, of which 1,293 have been approved, according to Business Bureau chief, lawyer Dwight Domingo in the iSpeak forum at the city hall yesterday.

“Usually, there are only

4,000 to 6,000 new business registrations by the enf of every year, but if the trend continues, hopefully, we will hit 8,000 new business registrations at the end of this year,” he said.

Curiously, there were more new business applications in the first quarter of 2012 compared to this year. “last year, if a person inquired about business permits and the office was able to entertain that per-

PDEA 11 launches anti-drug TV ad tilt

T

he Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) region 11 plans to show anti-drugs advertisements in every cinemahouse nationwide before a movie starts through the first Mindanao anti-drug TV Ad competition dubbed Kontra.

PDeA Davao director emerson Rosales invited college students from all over Mindanao to join the anti-drug TV Ad competition during the iSpeak forum at the city hall yesterday.

The competition will help raise the awareness of people against illegal drugs

by reducing demand for them, according to Rosales, adding, “there will always be drug pushers if the demand is not reduced.”

“So far, we have been successful in reducing the demand, and Kontra is another avenue for reducing demand for illegal-drugs, “ he said.

“This will help raise people’s awareness against illegal drugs as proven by the past anti-illegal drugs short film competition done in 2007, which is used today in anti-drug lectures and other presentations,” he said.

FPDEA 11, 11

ic honors, led by Paolo C. Cansino, AB Political Science, cum laude, Class valedictorian, and louis Miguel C. Sta. Rita, BS Computer Science, magna cum laude, Class salutatorian. Joberlyn R. Manaois, BS Marketing, cum laude, will receive the Faith and Justice Award. Maureene Ann l. Villamor, AB Psychology, will receive the leadership Award.

Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, will be the guest of honor and will address the graduates.

The Baccalaureate Mass will be held on Friday afternoon, with Fr. Joel e. Tabora, S.J., ADDU president presiding.

son, we considered it as an application,” Domingo said. “however, since July of last year, all requirements must be complied with before we consider it as an application, which is why there are fewer applications accounted for in the first quarter of this year,” he said. he was not able to give the exact number of new business registrations for the first quarter of last year, but according to Do-

mingo’s own observation, considering the changes in the guidelines, there are more new official business registrations this year.

The bulk of the new businesses registered are stores capitalized at less than P2 million while property development and housing development are most of the new businesses registered by big players, according to Domingo.

Ue to the advent of hotter days experienced in the city, there’s no way of escaping the summer season’s heat-related diseases that it accumulate.

Dr. Maria Pacita Belisario, a dermatologist, told edge Davao yesterday that summer is the time where sun-related problems occur, and they could be acute or cumulative diseases.

“When we say acute, these are the common diseases ,like prickly heat; impetigo; boils; fungal infection like ringworm and sunburn,” the doctor said, adding that, cumulative diseases are those that manifest themselves in the form of wrinkles, pigmentation, soarness of the skin and pre-malignant and malignant skin conditions such as melanoma and skin cancer.

Belisario said Filipinos

are lucky because the type of skin that they have is not a high risk for melanoma.

“People with high risk for melanoma are the fairskinned, multiple-freckled and who had blistering diseases during childhood,” the doctor added. however, common diseases are easily treatable and can even be prevented, she said. “it’s important to emphasize prevention because the sun is not the only factor that plays a role for these diseases to become malignant,” she said.

Belisario suggests the following safety measures to be done during the hot days: avoid sun exposure; use protective clothing; use water-proof sun screens and choose a brand with a broad spectrum; and if going to the beach, apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before and after swimming.

Budget conscious Dabawenyos frequent the nightly “ukay-ukay” stalls where clothes are sold as low as P5 per piece, along San Pedro Street, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

3

4

T

RADe Union Congress Party (TUCP) Rep. Raymond Mendoza expressed dismay over the 19 centavo per kilowatt-hour increase in the universal charge approved by the energy Regulatory Commission (eRC) sought by the Power Sector Assets and liabilities Management (PSAlM).

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TUCP slams ERC on power rate hike

According to Mendoza, “The added 19 centavo increase that will form part of our monthly bills is no joke. in effect, the people will be paying for stranded contract costs for electricity that was never used.

An additional P39.06 per kilowatt-hour will be paid by a consumer who uses 200 kwh per month. This

Senatorial candidates of United Nationalist Alliance watch as television personality Tiya Pusit entertains the crowd during the party’s Davao City campaign sorties at the Rizal Park along San Pedro Street Wednesday night.

Candidates who were present during the campaign rally were Joseph Victor

is unfair. Why charge us for something never even generated by the independent Power Producers (iPPs)?”, asked Mendoza.

The TUCP accused PSAlM as acting as a collecting agent for the iPPs which have take-or-pay contracts with the national Power Corporation (nAPoCoR). “The new

PSAlM leadership under Pnoy is not observing the ‘matuwid na daan’. PSAlM knows that many of these iPPs never constructed power plants, or if they did, never constructed the contracted capacity. PSAlM is legitimizing plunder by these iPPs. if such capacity were not in place during the original period of the

Ejercito Estrada, Migz Zubiri, Jack Enrile, Nancy Binay, Richard Gordon, Tingting Cojuangco, Gringo Honasan, Ernesto Maceda and Mitos Magsaysay. Lean Daval Jr.

contract that already constitutes breach of contract on the part of the iPPs. That should exempt government from the liability of paying them,” explained Mendoza.

“The issue is not solely about power never generated and never consumed.

The larger issue is about consumers being made to pay when some iPPs never constructed power plants at all. And of those who did some, never constructed their obligated capacity.

These iPPs violated their contract with the nAPoCoR. We do not owe them a cent!” stressed Mendoza.

The 19 centavos per kWh represents the difference of the costs of these contracts with the iPPs from the proceeds of the privatization of the assets of the nAPoCoR. These are now being collected from all power consumers. “instead of acting as an agent for these iPPs, PSAlM could have also argued that even where these plants were actually set up, their capacity was far under capacity which these iPPs promised the government they would construct,” added the TUCP solon.

“So now PSAlM – with eRC blessings – hits us with a double whammy.

We are being made to reward iPPs for never constructing their promised power plant. And we are being made to reward iPPs for not fulfilling the promised power capacity they undertook to set up,” complained Mendoza.

“TUCP appeals to the President to order the holding in abeyance of the 19 centavo per kWh increase this month and instead order the setting up of a Presidential Task Force to review these stranded costs of nAPoCoR,” said Mendoza.

“TUCP fully believes that several of these iPPs were in breach of contract.

This breach was never uncovered as at the time of the life of the contract power demand dramatically declined because of the Asian Financial Crisis starting in June of 1997,” added Mendoza. “if the iPPs were in breach of their contract with the government then, it follows that there was no stranded cost for which government is now collecting for these iPPs,” added Mendoza.

“our nurses and healthcare providers are known for providing world-class service. leaving to work abroad is an opportunity for gainful employment and career advancement as they strive to become the best professionals they could hope to be,” Magsaysay said.

Magsaysay, who is seeking to return to

the Senate after two terms during which he built a reputation as a fearless advocate of clean government, praised Filipino overseas workers as “dedicated, hardworking and honest professionals.”

These are qualities that have made Filipinos sought after in europe and north America in the field of health care, he said.

Drilon to candidates: Emulate ‘Robredo’ Magsaysay welcomes PHL, Germany deal

“e

MUlATe Robredo, and put service to the people and country above personal interests.”

At a campaign sortie of Team Pnoy in naga, where the late interior Secretary Jesse Robredo had served faithfully as mayor for 19 years, setting aside personal gains and partisan politics, Team Pnoy campaign manager Sen. Franklin M. Drilon yesterday challenged all candidates in the May 2013 elections to follow the beloved secretary’s selfless brand of pro-poor public service. “i challenge our senatorial candidates, whether from Team Pnoy or the other parties, to embody the brand of public service that defined Sec. Jesse Robredo’s leadership. it is the ideal to which all must aspire,” Drilon said.

“Robredo was one of the finest examples of liberal Party politicians and public servants who embodied anti-elitist politics, by categorically shunning trappings of power. he instead chose to wear tsinelas, remained simple while in power, and epitomized grassroots empowerment through genuine servant

leadership,” Drilon said. “i know the President also took into consideration the qualities of Robredo in choosing the senatorial candidates of Team Pnoy,” Drilon said.

The lP-led administration coalition candidates barnstormed the two Camarines provinces, wading into enthusiastic crowds in Daet and naga, where they gathered on Friday to extol the public virtues of the man who was lost in August last year in a plane crash while en route from Cebu to naga to keep a commitment with his daughter. “i also appeal to the public to look for the characteristics of Robredo in the leaders whom they will elect to local and national posts. When we go out and vote, let us choose leaders known for their competence, humility, compassion, and uprightness of character—qualities that Robredo embodied,” Drilon said.

The country is looking for another Robredo in government to foster the reforms he initiated as mayor and later a Cabinet member, he added.

Robredo and two other persons perished on

August 18, 2012 when their plane, which took off from Cebu, crashed into the sea off the coast of Masbate.

Team Pnoy senatorial candidate and former Sen. Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay said he could see similarities in the death of Robredo and his father, the late President Ramon Magsaysay Sr. who died in a plane crash on Mount Manunggal in Cebu on March 17, 1957.

“Just like Robredo, who, after speaking at a forum in Cebu, insisted on returning home to watch his daughter in a swimming competition in naga, my father insisted on leaving Cebu that fateful Saturday night so as not to break the family practice to hear mass and have breakfast together on Sunday morning,” Magsaysay recalled.

“Robredo’s love for his family and compassion for the poor were the same qualities i could remember of my father,” Magsaysay said.

Magsaysay vowed to continue to pursue the advocacy of his father. “his slogan still holds true now. it’s the embodiment of one’s compassion for the common tao.”

C

on the employment of Filipino nurses

AllinG them “world-class professionals,” Team Pnoy senatorial candidate Ramon Magsaysay Jr. yesterday lauded the deployment this year of up to 500 nurses and healthcare providers to Germany under an agreement reached between the Philippine and German governments.

At the same time, Magsaysay urged the Department of labor to take the necessary measures in ensuring that the Filipino healthcare workers would not be “over-utilized” and their welfare safeguarded in hospitals where staffing is short.

The Filipinos, who will work in various government hospitals, will have to undergo a six-month training course including learning the German language at no cost to them before they would be allowed to leave. each worker potentially could earn up to P100,000 in monthly salary and other benefits, said labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. The Philippine and German governments signed the agreement earlier this week.

Q

UIPS

‘WHEN you put more women in Congress, you are making a stand against the bigoted view that women are mere sex objects..’

--Team Pinoy senatorial candidate Grace Poe

EDGEDAVAO VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

5

6 SUBURBIA

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Mati City to join Earth Hour anew M

ATi City is again joining the worldwide observation of earth hour on March 23, 2013. This will be the 4th time Mati City is joining this event spearheaded by the World Wildlife Fund for nature (WWF) For the past two years, WWF recognized the active participation of the City of Mati in the earth hour activities aimed at encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive actions for the environment, and celebrate their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour.

Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat urged everyone to again make this year’s earth hour celebration a success.

Among the activities lined up for the celebration are tree planting in all barangays in pine with the Forest Greening Rehabilitation program of the local government, clean-up drive in major rivers and establishments in the city by government employees and non-gov-

ernment organizations on March 22.

And on March 23, a mass will be offered at the San nicolas de Tolentino to be followed by a film showing at the Francisco G. Rabat Park and Baywalk and a ceremonial lighting of candles to be led by the city mayor.

And at exactly 8:30 p.m., all lights in the city will be turned off for one hour as participants will be treated to an hour of drum beats and samba dancing. Then this will be followed by a band live concert until the wee hours of the morning.

Mayor Rabat said the success of their earth hour participation cannot only be measured by the switching off of their lights for an hour once every year but with the unity of the people in Mati City as well as the rest of Davao oriental in ensuring that the environment is protected at all times.

“With this climate change, Mother earth has shown us she is pissed with us. high time we give back and take care of it,” Rabat said. [BoT]

Armed men launch separate attacks Soccsksargen Region

U

niDenTiFieD heavily armed men launched separate attacks in different parts of Region 12 or Soccsksargen Region on Wednesday, leaving a person wounded, officials said.

Col. Dickson hermoso, 6th infantry Division spokesman, said that armed men harassed elements of the 46th infantry Battalion and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit in Barangay Tual in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat around 10:45 a.m., triggering a 30-minute gunfight. he said days before the attack, the local government unit and the military uncovered illegal logging activities in the area that led to the confiscation of 3,000 board feet of lawaan lumber flitches.

“Apparently, the attack was in retaliation to the stopping by the authorities of illegal logging activities in the area,” hermoso said. nobody was injured on the side of the government security forces, he said, adding the armed men withdrew with their “injured comrades” towards the Daguma Mountain Range.

Reports said the armed men allegedly belong to the Bangsamoro islamic Freedom Fighter, the

armed wing of the Bangsamoro islamic Freedom Movement, a breakaway group of the Moro islamic liberation Front (MilF). hermoso said they were still checking the information, with elements of the joint government-MilF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of hostilities also checking the situation there. in T’boli, a town in South Cotabato rich in gold deposits and also hosting large multinational agricultural companies, suspected new People’s Army (nPA) rebels also attacked a police detachment noontime Wednesday.

Dominador Siloterio, T’boli information officer, said some 20 armed men attacked a community police assistance center (Compac) in Barangay Sinolon.

“They were on board a white elf truck and strafed the Compac that left a person wounded,” Siloterio, speaking from the site of the incident, said. he identified the wounded as Aurelio Dao, a Civilian Volunteer organization member.

Siloterio said that bomb explosive experts have responded to the scene after one of the two grenades allegedly lobbed at the Compac did not explode.

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

7

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT MIGRATION

Housing, commercial ventures moving to industrial areas

By Greg G. Deligero

i

n what appears to be another development phenomenon in Davao City, residential and commercial projects were noted to be migrating into the city’s industrial zones during the past ten years, reclassifying the lands previously devoted

to light and heavy industries.

The city government has classified a huge portion of the city’s second district as industrial zones under the zoning ordinance enacted in 1996 and approved by the housing and land

Use Regulatory Board in 2001. however, only 795.83 hectares have been utilized for industrial uses, according to councilor Arnulfo Ricardo B. Cabling, chairman of the city council committee on housing, rural and urban develop-

POPULAR. A boy adds garnishing to his “kwek-kwek” to improve the flavor of the ever popular and arguably the king of street foods, in City Hall drive, Davao City last night.

ment. instead, at least 225 hectares of industrial areas were converted into commercial and residential uses during the past ten years.

“The industries attract people looking for work who also want to live near to their work places (thus) increasing the need for housing units. With the increased demand for houses, residential subdivisions come in and commercial establishments naturally follow,” Cabling explained.

Cabling’s committee is now reviewing the draft Comprehensive Development Plan and Amended Zoning ordinance 20122021.

“We cannot reverse the trend. What we can do is to review and adjust our development direction and land use classification,” he added.

The second district is now the hub of Davao City’s newest lifestyle and commercial centers like Abreeza, SM lanang and Damosa District, a mixeduse commercial and business facility in lanang developed by Damosa land which features an

DavaO by the numbers There are

692 bake shops in the entire Davao City, generating

4,542 total employment. i.T. park, a Microtel hotel, a major supermarket and lifestyle-oriented restaurants and cafes.

Damosa land has likewise recently launched the Damosa Fairlane, a boutique residential enclave along Mamay Road just adjacent to the Damosa District.

Forthcoming projects in the second include the multi-million-peso housing project of Camella homes Davao and the planned mixed-used development of Alflocor Group of Companies which will feature a business park, a nature zone,

a recreational zone, a residential zone and other uses.

Marlon B. escalicas, Camella Davao general manager, earlier told edge Davao that the 27-hectare project of Villar-owned company located in Buhangin will also build commercial establishments to cater to the needs of the residents.

“The people will no longer see the need to come to the downtown area as their needs will be provided with the availability of commercial establishments in their own community,” he said.

for those employed in the national Capital Region; P2,000 a month in chartered cities and first class municipalities; and, P1,500 in municipalities.

“Their salaries are not enough because they still have to send money home.

A lot of them have to be away from their own children,” lindo told Mindanews. in a separate interview, KMU regional secretary general Romualdo Basilio said the minimum wages imposed by the law are not enough to support the basic needs of kasambahays and their families.

“Most Filipinos, especially women, are involved in informal jobs such as being domestic workers

because the government that does not push for national industrialization, which provides adequate employment and salary,” he said.

But KMU welcomed the law as this is expected to give additional protections for domestic workers, especially against abuse, Basilio said.

“The KMU will continue to push for the legislated P125 wage hike across the board nationwide,” he added.

Wage increase is being imposed by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board under the Department of labor and employment (Dole). [lorie Ann A. Cascaro / Mindanews]

Minimum wages in Kasambahay Law are insufficient, militant groups say

G

ABRielA and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) - Southern Mindanao welcomed the Kasambahay law or Republic Act 10361, an act instituting policies for the protection and welfare of domestic workers, but said the minimum salaries stated in the law are insufficient.

Dr. Jean lindo, Gabriela regional chairperson, said in an interview Wednesday that the P2,500 salary is not enough for a kasambahay (domestic worker), noting that most of them are bread winners.

Article iV, Section 24 of the law states that minimum wage of domestic workers shall not be less than P2,500 a month

It Figures

$300 million The World Bank has approved a $300-million loan for the Philippines to support the government’s reforms aimed at “accelerating inclusive growth” or growth that creates more jobs and reduce poverty.BusinessMirror, March 21, 2013

P250.8 billion Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said the government’s infrastructure and capital spending reached P250.8 billion last year, or below the P298.2 billion programmed for the period. Manila Bulletin, March 21, 2013

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Social media life: What privacy?

(Conclusion) COMMENTARY

By Anne TAylor Fleming

T

EDITORIAL

Political fatigue

h

AVe the people grown tired of political promises?

The two most recent campaign sorties of the administration Team Pnoy Senatorial team and the United nationalist Alliance (UnA) here noticeably attracted small crowds, so unlike the big rallies that marked past political seasons.

The decline in crowd attendance at this year’s political rallies could be due to a number of factors, from lack of interest to an overload of inane, lackluster election propaganda. Add to that the fact that this is only a mid-term election not a presidential one.

The advent of new forms of campaigning, like the social media and the expanded advertising and publicity exposure has caused a saturation of different political messages. in a way, the barrage of messages at this early stage of the campaign has caused a so-called message fatigue among the electorate. it’s so different now, really. You

EDGEDAVAO

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc.

OLIVIA D. VELASCO General Manager

RICHARD C. EBONA Advertising Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

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

open the internet and you will find loads of pages containing election propaganda. You switch on your the television set and you are assailed by a deluge of political ads competing with commercial come-ons for your attention. And yes, brace yourselves because even opening a personal email and mobile message inbox could be highly politicized, too.

So, what’s surprising about sparse crowds--many among them just plain curious folks—attending political rallies to listen to the old refrain of recycled promises? it’s obvious that people have heard enough. it’s not these campaign sorties that will count in the end. it’s not only the messages emanating from the election campaign that have evolved in this digital age.

The electorate has also become ’digital.’ The digits--the more, the better--could still turn out to be the swing factor. lest we forget, this is politics--Philippine style.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ • CHE D. PALICTE Reporters

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Staff Writer

Columnists: MA. TERESA TERESA L.L.UNGSON UNGSON• •EDCER EDCERC.C. ESCUDERO ESCUDERO • AURELIO • AURELIO A. PEñA A. PEñA • ZHAUN • ZHAUN ORTEGA ORTEGA • BERNADETTE • MARY ANN “ADDIE” “ADI” C. B. QUISIDO BORBON • MARY LEANDRO ANNB.“ADI” DAVAL C. QUISIDO SR., • NIKKI • LEANDRO GOTIANSE-TAN B. DAVAL • NICASIO SR., • NIKKI ANGELO GOTIANSE-TAN AGUSTIN • •Economic NICASIO Analysts: ANGELOENRICO AGUSTIN “GICO” • EMILY G. DAYANGIRANG ZEN CHUA • CARLOS • JONALLIER MUNDAM. Economic PEREZ Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

heRe is a growing tendency not to be authentic, to indulge in what i call the halfshare. You are playing with being open, but are just learning how to play to the audience. i know; i do it. Sometimes i feel as if i have a cyber-doppelganger. Perhaps we all do: performing public selves that compete against our real, private selves, the ones who feel deeply and think deeply and create things of real value. obviously there is a loneliness driving a lot of this need. We live in a speedy, multitasking world where there is scant time to meet up with true friends so we just friend on the internet. The quasi-intimate friending/unfriending dance is, if you think about it, a substitute for real connection. i have not succumbed to this — not out of virtue, just out of laziness and something more. Meanies and bullies lurk. So do old school friends one doesn’t want to deal with again.

But i do get the longing, the sense of isolation that drives people to reach out, the manic need to keep those thumbs racing over the cell phone keyboard, to try to hook something real, someone. hi, hi, hi, hey, hey, hey — it’s me, it’s me, where are you, i am eating, burping, laughing, wish you were here, wish you were here. Be my friend.

Don’t be my friend.

The other thing, of course, is that online you are your own reality show star, the instagram Kardashian. Clearly the reality TV show craze is part of the same need. We will do anything now in public. This is far from a new trend, though the technology has sped up our collective exhibitionism. i remember when the first women i knew were having a husband or friend videotape the birth of their babies, and not just the newborn nuzzled on his or her mama’s tummy. i am talking about the slippery, bloody, coming-out-of-thecanal videos. look, i know these images are beautiful to the participants (who, i am wagering, rarely look at them again). But there is just something about the whole enterprise that makes me squeamish and makes me sad. is this not one of the more meaningful moments on earth and should it not therefore be held close? is nothing sacred? That is the deeper question. Because if there is not, then we have lost something more profound than our inhibitions. i don’t think the clock turns back here — despite the ruling against Google. even if companies do their part in trying to respect our privacy, we have already, with great willingness, given oh so much of it away.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

A

Focus of the New Papacy

T his inauguration last Tuesday, March 19, Pope Francis bared the focus of his papacy in his homily before 150,000 to 200,000 in St. Peter’s Square from Rome and around the world.

Seated close to the Pope were 250 Cardinals, representatives of 132 nations and leaders of other Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Jainist religions. As the Vatican does not give out invitations to occasions like inauguration, these dignitaries came to significantly honor Pope Francis.

Considered most significant was the presence of Patriarch Bartholomew i, head of the orthodox Christians of Constantinople. He was the first Orthodox Christian Patriarch to attend a papal inauguration since the break of Christendom into the Roman Catholic and orthodox Churches in 1054. his presence and that of the representatives of other religions, augurs well for interfaith relations under Pope Francis.

In his homily, he defined his power as service; he addressed directly the Cardinals and those in position of power exhorting them to do what are expected of them as religious, political, social and economic leaders. in so doing, he brought the papacy to bear on the crises within the Catholic Church and on problems confronting nations worldwide.

Pope Francis explained that that “certain power” endowed the Pope to be “authentic power is service” to others – vowing he would serve “the poorest, the weakest, the least important”. inspired by St. Joseph’s (March19 is St. Joseph’s Day) role as “protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church”, he said service means to be a

W

MIND DA NEWS

By PATricio P. diAz protector – and referring to St. Francis of Assisi -- of “all creation, the beauty of the created world … respecting each of God’s creature and … the environment”.

To the leaders of the 132 nations present, he entreated, “Please, i would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: let us be ‘protectors’ of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment. let us not allow omens of destruction and death to accompany the advance of this world!”

Calling for a “poor Church for the poor”, he warned the Cardinals against worldly glories saying that without deep spiritual renewal the Roman Catholic Church would crumble “like a sand castle”. he struck a sensitive but vital chord. he was stating the expectation for the Cardinals to take the lead with him in reforming the Church in crisis – the intrigue-filled Roman Curia, the scandal besetting the Vatican, the fallout from the sex abuse by priests and cover-ups by bishops, and loss of faith of million Catholics and their conversion to other faiths. he exhorted, “Today, too, amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others.”

As church leaders, obviously lay lead-

ers, urged him to reform the intrigue-filled Roman Curia, he indicated in his homily: – he will press for a friendlier faith that is closest to ordinary people and for social justice even if the moderate conservative is unlikely to change major tenets of Catholic doctrine.

– he will pursue a more inclusive “collegial” style of leadership together with the cardinals – addressing them as “Brothers” – and bishops. This could mean more autonomy in the administration of archdioceses and dioceses.

– he gave deeper and wider meaning to that “inclusivity” in his welcome of “women religious, and all lay faithful” as well as of “the representatives of the other churches and ecclesiastical communities” and of “the Jewish and other religious communities”.

As we read over and over our media sources – Agence France-Presse as published by the Philippine Daily inquirer, The new York Times, The Washington Post and BBC news – liberally adopting their “notes” and “quotes”, we join the faithful in St. Peter’s Square who expressed their optimism for a “changed” Church under a new Papacy – a departure from that of Pope Benedict XVi characterized by “high church preferences, palpable conservatism and shy, almost, exclusive style”. however, at the heart of this optimism must be Pope Francis’ warning to the Cardinals against “worldly glories” and his exhortation for the need of “spiritual renewal”. That call is to all and for all Catholics as they – not the Pope, Cardinals and Bishops alone – are the Church. [Mindanews]

What sort of people are we really?

e are all barangay folks. We live in our respective barangays, in one of the 42,027 barangay units that make up the Philippine Republic. To keep a proper perspective on societal happenings, i try to view them from the lowest angle: the worm’s-eye view, so to speak. it helps make me aware of the existential – and sometimes gory – details of personhood, neighborhood, and nationhood in the sitios and zones of the community. So many others already take the bird’s-eye view or the macro perspective. now as i scan the grassroots community, i can’t help seeing the returning or visiting oFWs, fascinated by changes in their behavior and style of living. i won’t go into the palpable changes in their behavior now but they certainly live up to the vaunted reputation of Filipinos worldwide.

We’re well known for caring and hospitality, and, certainly, for daring and intelligence. if we weren’t all of these and more, we would not be able to adapt to climate, culture, or exotic challenge in most parts of Planet earth. That we are found practically everywhere on the globe, amply attests to how smart and hardy we are. Astig!

There is however what psychologists and educators call a cognitive dissonance in their behavior that I find strange. They seem oK-All Right everywhere – but not

THE WORM’S EYE VIEW

By mAnny VAldehueSA oK, not All Right back home. They have world-class credentials outside but they’re basically just barrio folks at home. They wouldn’t tolerate any assault against their rights abroad, but they meekly tolerate being exploited at home, cowed by trapo bullies, and fooled by opportunists. They can hold their own anywhere anytime, but they’re blithely manipulated, taken for granted, and utterly marginalized in their home turf. i’m talking here of politics and the paradox of rampant corruption and abuse that goes on and on and on by virtue of unprincipled decisions in politics. Abroad (and i’ve lived abroad for over a decade), oFWs would sneer and laugh and feel superior if the locals elect candidates that are ridiculous, pretentious, or known to be corrupt. But the moment the oFW is back home, he does the same – electing clowns, movie characters, coup plotters, philanderers, pretenders, abusers. Their families also do the same. They don’t sneer or laugh or condemn improper values or standards manifested by their local officials, especially if they’re friend or family.

What gives? Why is it that in the arena of politics, all the virtues that we are known for abroad just fly out the win-

dow?

Are we a caring, hospitable people?

We don’t elect candidates who know and show the way to proper caring for people, community, or country. We elect candidates who turn public service into self-service, others who scandalize society with their public immorality, and still others who plunder and steal from the public treasury. That’s not caring; that’s being cruel and unfair to our society, inhospitable to reforms. it is all very depressing.

Are we daring and intelligent? Yet we don’t dare choose leaders of probity and integrity. We allow ourselves to be dazzled by gimmickry and the allure of box-office popularity. Is it intelligent to be swayed by celebrity and name-recall?

Doing so betrays an underlying lack of discrimination or style; it’s uncivilized. it brands us as clearly just a Third World society. And that’s a pity because we have so much going for us. it’s time we do away with the old stereotype of the barrio folk as naïve, docile and unreliable. it’s time to sound out the call: GiSinG nA MGA TAGA BARAnGAY! The nation awaits your awakening!

[Mindanews/Manny writes from Cagayan de oro and is the president and national convenor of Gising Barangay Movement inc. You can reach him at valdehuesa@gmail.com.]

VANTAGE POINTS

9

A free press without total freedom (Conclusion)

ANAlYSIS

By John lloyd

B

eCAUSe it’s us, journalism reflects the mess of people’s minds, curiosities, fears, envies, lusts and angers. What feeds those appetites – tabloid sex scandals, ranting polemics against political enemies, the tearing down of establishment figures – has long been popular. The large change is that people can now try their hands at creating such journalism for themselves.

There is nothing that can, or should, be done about that. Regulating such primal urges is what free societies, no longer under the tyranny of religious or secular dictatorships, have set their faces against.

Journalism of the kind practiced by the company publishing this – which aspires to tell the truth, hold various powers to some kind of account, reveal inner workings of states and corporations – and which does need training, ethics and experience, exists in part because it’s (still) a business, in part because such a business assists citizens to a fuller citizenship, by informing them of what is significant in their societies and in the world.

The challenges facing journalists at the beginning of the third millennium are to expand the freedoms still denied to them in authoritarian societies (and blessedly many are the brave men and women who strive to do so); to sift the truth from ever-growing piles of obfuscating detail and downright misinformation; and to construct readable and watchable narratives that inform by telling that age-old thing: a story – in these cases, one which accords with the facts.

The Brits, in conformance with their best traditions, have lately discovered great wrongs through journalism and legal process, and seek to put them right.

They will not, as the more inflamed tabloids allege, usher in Stalinist darkness.

But in an excess of puritanical zeal they are creating a mechanism that will nevertheless proclaim that a country that has done much to give press freedom an underpinning philosophy will now dabble in futile, nanny-ish regulation. Journalism has always hovered between soaring ideals and base sniggering.

Freedom demands it should continue to do so.

Q

UIPS

‘WE’RE looking at other projects but you know right now they’re just studies. Although we have started our communication with the communities and they seem to be quite excited about it.’

--Hedcor President Rene Ronquillo BusinessMirror, March 15-16, 2013

10 COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

DSWD execs distribute goods, intensifies consultation-dialogues with Pablo Victims A

SSiSTeD by barangay officials, DSWD continue to engage the affected families during distribution of relief goods in Barangay Baylo, Monkayo, Compostela Valley. in an effort to clear misunderstandings and accurately inform the victims of typhoon ‘Pablo’ on issues affecting them, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 11 is currently conducting dialogue-consultations in affected barangays in Compostela Valley.

Raquel e. nuñez, Pol-

icy and Plans Division Chief at DSWD Region 11 reiterated that only DSWD can delist beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program contrary to what some quarters are saying that politicians or local officials can delist them if they do not vote for a particular candidate.

Speaking in the vernacular, nuñez stressed, “para pud maklaro sa inyo, kay nakadungog mi sa istorya nga ingon sila katong mga nikuyog [sa rally] didto sa DSWD tanggalon. Kung kamo nga tinuod nga naga at-

tend og regular session sa inyong FDS, dili biya sayon ang pagtanggal sa inyo (To clarify things, because we have heard of rumors that those Panatawid Pamilya beneficiaries who joined the protest against DSWD will be delisted. if you attend the Family Development Sessions (FDS) regularly, you will not be delisted).”

Further, she clarified that Pantawid beneficiaries who participated in the protest rallies staged by the Barug Katawhan on January 15 in Montevista, and February 25-28

at the DSWD Regional office in Davao City will not be delisted from the program. “Again, we are stressing that only DSWD can delist beneficiaries, and as long as you are complying with the conditionalities, you will remain a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.”

Pantawid beneficiaries can only be delisted if: pregnant mothers fail to avail of pre- and post-natal care; if they do not undergo regular health check-ups; if they fail to attend classes at least 85% of the time;

or if parents fail to attend the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS).

“Walay maski kinsa nga mga pulitiko o kandidato ang magpatanggal sa inyo (no politician or political candidate can delist you),” nuñez added.

For her part, Ms. Jenny Rose Porras of Barug Katawhan, who was present during the relief distribution and consultation-dialogues affirmed the partnership with DSWD. “naa ning Barug Katawhan ug ang DSWD, partnership ni sila (Ba-

rug Katawhan is working in partnership with DSWD), Porras said.

“Ang Barug, DSWD ug Balsa naghi-usa sa distribution sa disaster relief goods (Barug Katawhan, DSWD and Balsa Mindanao are together in the distribution of relief goods for the disaster victims),” nuñez added. in view of the election ban on the release of public funds during the campaign and election period starting March 29, the distribution of relief goods will be conducted by private groups. [DSWD]

across 135 countries to raise awareness on the need for climate change action.

Aside from the significant celebration of earth hour, Phoenix has other programs for the environment, such as pawikan conservation, Philippine eagle adoption, regular tree planting activities and coastal clean-ups. Phoenix Petroleum is committed in protecting our environment and helping in making a greener future for the next generation.

oRe than 12,000 college and vocational-technical (voc-tech) students across the country have so far benefitted from the Social Security System’s (SSS) educational loan facility that released a total of P148.64 million in 2012.

SSS Assistant Vice President for lending and Asset Management Ma. luz C. Generoso said the SSS expects more members to borrow this year under the SSS educational Assistance loan (educ-Assist) Program, which has nearly P7 billion in funds still waiting to be tapped.

“The billions of pesos alloted for the program reflect the government’s firm commitment to bring education within reach of

present and future workers. To a wider extent, the educ-Assist program helps boost national economic growth through increased worker productivity,” she noted.

The pension fund earmarked a total of P3.5 billion for the SSS educ-Assist program, which was launched during the labor Day celebration last year.

The national government chipped in P3.5 billion more as counterpart funding, for a total educ-Assist allotment of P7 billion.

Generoso said educ-Assist loan disbursements last year for 11,790 college enrollees totaled P145.84 million, while another P2.8 million was released for 398 students taking up voc-tech pro-

grams.

Recent adjustments in educ-Assist guidelines have widened the field of eligible borrowers, although the loan program remains intended for those earning low or minimum wages. initially, only active SSS members with a monthly income of P10,000 or below may borrow. “now, members earning up to P15,000 per month may qualify for SSS educ-Assist loans, as long as they have up-todate payments to other SSS loans and at least 36 monthly contributions, three of which must be posted within the 12-month period prior to application date,” Generoso said.

million in SSS educational Phoenix Petroleum P148 loans granted to 12,000 students supports Earth Hour M

l

eADinG independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines inc. will join the world in celebrating earth hour 2013 on March 23, 2013, Saturday, as part of its advocacy in creating a more sustainable planet.

Phoenix Petroleum, along with government, other private agencies, and households all over the world will turnoff their non-essential lights and appliances at 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. leading the event

in Davao City is SM lanang Premier in support of the Worldwide Fund for nature (WWF). This year’s theme, “i Will if You Will” aims to encourage individuals, organizations, and corporations to protect our environment and help in mitigating climate change.

The earth hour is an annual global event that started in 2007 in Australia. it is held on the last Saturday of every March, and participated by millions of people

Women of typhoon displaced families trained on rug-making

A

BoUT 40 women coming from typhoon-displaced families living in bunkhouses in new Bataan engage in a productive activity through the help of the Compostela Valley Provincial Council of Women (CVPCW). in a recent interview, Rural improvement Club (RiC) new Bataan Federation President Fe Circulado said the council of women of the province had tapped the RiC to bring together the women taught to weave assorted-color rags into rugs.

CVPCW has initially provided them with five sacks of rags worth P600 each, and weaving frames to work on their colorful rugs that they are selling at P150 each, bringing them substantial income especially when they can produce an average of three rugs a day. “lipay kaayo mi maghuna-huna nga may kita mi. (We are happy at the thought of having an in-

come.),” Circulado said.

“Wala pa ko mahuman naa nay gusto mopalit sa akong gihimo. (i have yet to finish my weaving, someone wants to buy my rug.),” she said.

Personally, Circulado has two standing orders but the entire RiC group has 28 other orders of rugs. other than engaging women in economic activity, the rug-making takes women away from news mongering. “Busy na sila himo ug rugs. (They keep themselves busy making rugs.),” Circulado said. noting the income-generating benefits of rugs-making, some women in new Bataan poblacion are now expressing interest to get involved in it, Circulado said.

As of March 6, 2013, new Bataan has an estimated 46,679 population, among which, 12,444 are household heads with a 34,235 total number of dependents. [PiA 11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

APPRECIATION. The King-king Copper-Gold Project (KCGP) recently participated and received a certificate of appreciation for its invaluable support to Safety Networking Action Program and Commendable Humanitarian Efforts during the Typhoon Pablo Project Helping Hand: Medical Mission and Search & Rescue Operation in Compostela Valley. The certificate was presented to KGCP representatives during The Philippine Mining Luncheon at Manila Polo Club on February 22nd, 2013. Seen in the photo are Mr. Louie Sarmiento – President of PMSEA PusongMinero, Edwin Balmadres – KCGP Safety Manager, Ariel Roda of Angel Brigade, Atty. Leo Dominguez – Director of PMSEA PusongMinero, Amb. Delia DomingoAlbert – Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy Mining, Tom

Henderson – SAGCL/KCGP Chief Operating Officer, Clyde Gillespie – SAGCL/ KCGP Director for Environmental Permitting and Country Manager, Jonathan Bañez – KCGP CREDU Manager, GiaVeloso – Geoprojects Inc. Technical Director, Pete Cancino – KCGP Operations Manager, Edgar Tabanda – KCGP Business Development Manager and Mae Puyat-Kirkconnell – KCGP Public Relations Coordinator. KGCP’s contributions to the event further demonstrate the project’s commitment to assisting the residents of Compostela Valley and the Philippine mining industry. KCGP is conducting extensive environmental research, community consultations, exploratory drillings and other related studies within the area as part of the efforts to develop the project by U.S. based St. Augustine Gold & Copper Ltd.

EDGEDAVAO

11

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

The three major shadow economies in Mindanao

By Che Palicte

Supporters of United Nationalist Alliance, the administration party’s fierce rival, flock to the party’s campaign rally at the Rizal Park along San Pedro Street, Davao City Wednesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

One lonely night...

FFROM 1

“Dayang-dayang” to the delight of the crowd when the UnA bets joined the dancing.

UnA candidate JV ejercito estrada thanked Vice-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for endorsing his candidacy to the Dabawen-

of

PDEA...

yos.

“Dabawenyos helped the estradas a lot during the candidacy of my father and my brother, you helped us all the way-maraming salamat po,” estrada told the crowd.

The senatorial bets

threw t-shirts and candies to the crowd before and after their speeches, all the while soliciting their support on election Day. erwin Maceda, the son of senatorial candidate ernesto Maceda, was the rally’s emcee.

FFROM 1

surge of tourists in the city which could lead to illegal drugs-related cases.

“PDeA will not have a holiday break while going after drug dealers, just as drug dealers have no holidays during the holy Week,” he said. “every vacation season, such as Christmas, Araw ng Dabaw, Kadayawan and others, we see an increase in drug related cases because to drug dealers it is an opportunity to double their business through tourists,” he said.

Rosales assured that PDeA would continue their anti-illegal drug activities to keep the holy Week safe and peaceful. he pointed to was the latest drug bust

PDEA 11...

last Tuesday where a firefighter was arrested in possession of illegal drugs valued at P1,080,000 and considered as the biggest haul this year.

Rosales referred to the arrest of an illegal-drugs supplier in one of the barangays along Quezon Boulevard and another one in Sasa. one of the reasons behind the success of the anti-drug campaign of late is the TukTuk hangyo (Tukhang) program of the authorities in Davao City.

Rosales says the drug trade is very lucrative and that as long as there are users there will always be drug dealers, prompting the PDeA to advocate cutting down the demand

for illegal-drugs.

“So far, we are successful in lowering the demand for illegal-drugs and it is evident as our strong advocacy against illegal drugs in Davao City is being recognized at the national level and even in South east Asia,” he said. “i can’t give orders to the police, but i would recommend that activities and programs against illegal drugs in the city be applied in the rest of the country,” he said.

“The national PDeA and the Philippine national Police (PnP) are actually studying the peace and order system of Davao City so that they can apply it in their respective areas, too,” he said.

each competing group must be composed of a maximum of five members, professional assistance is allowed, the length of the advertisement can be from 30 seconds to a minute. entries must be submitted to kontradroga@outlook.com with a scanned copy of a completed entry form,

and the deadline for submission is on April 5, 2013.

Judges are from the national PDeA and popular TV personalities who Rosales has not yet named while the awards will be on April 18. interested students can gain more information at kontradroga@ outlook.com.

T

heRe are three major shadow economies in Mindanao, according to the book “out of the Shadows: Violent Conflict and the Real economy of Mindanao” which had its launching at the Grand Men Seng hotel last Tuesday.

Francisco lara Jr., Philippines country manager of international Alert and one of the authors of the book, said that guns, drugs and kidnapping are the three economies that pose huge physical risks for local people and directly challenge the authority of the state and runs the risk of undermining peace-building efforts in Mindanao.

“This study does not suggest that the people are unaware of

the present situation of the economy, this tries to make a connection between the shadow economy in Mindanao and incidents of violent conflicts and poverty,” he said. ed Quitoriano, director of Risk Asia Consulting, said that everybody should know why the gun is the usual suspect in economic violence in Mindanao.

“With the book we can be able to look at the findings in terms of how do we move forward beyond the traditional call of controlling guns in order to reduce crime in connection with economy and state building,” Quitoriano said.

Meanwhile, Rufa Cagoco-Guiam said that drug trade persists and flourishes in Mindanao and has

been a major problem that connects to the economy. “our research focuses mainlyon two provinces, Maguindanao and lanao del Sur, where the drug rates are high even if the provinces are low in lifestyle and high in poverty rate,” Guiam explained.

She said that they would try to tell the public through the book about lanao del Sur as a “narco Politic province” where seven local chiefs engage in the illegal drug trade operating neatly, and mimicking a large corporation named “lucky 7 Club” where each local chief executive handles illicit trade in illegal drugs. “These problems should be seriously addressed,” she added.

ports said.

Rinsulat, 62, has already retired from service.

The killing, based on the statements issued in 2006 by witnesses Reynaldo Camus and Roland Gabais, was masterminded by a certain Robert ong who, just like the slain ong, is a Filipino-Chinese businessman who owns a chain of hardware stores in Kidapawan City and in other areas in north Cotabato.

The other two policemen accused in the killing were identified as SPo1 Rene Mamburam and Po3 edwin Pacana, both from the Kidapawan PnP. They were arrested in 2007.

Rinsulat said he surrendered to CiDG to clear his name. although it took him seven years before he came to a decision. The process he went through, he said, was “painful.” he said it was difficult for him to surrender to a crime he did not commit.

The warrant for the arrest of Rinsulat and six other murder suspects were issued on December 11, 2006 by Judge Rogelio naresma of the Regional Trial Court branch 23.

Based on the court order, there is no bail bond recommended for all of the accused. [Malu Cadelina Manar / Mindanews]

Ex-NorCot cop accused of killing Tsinoy yields, says he’s innocent

A

FTeR seven years in hiding, a policeman accused of killing in 2006 a Filipino-Chinese trader surrendered himself to the Criminal investigation and Detection Group (CiDG) in north Cotabato Wednesday afternoon, but insisted he is innocent.

SPo2 ignacio Rinsulat of the Kidapawan City Police, along with two others, were accused of killing Roger ong, owner of Master Marketing, one of the largest construction supply stores in north Cotabato. Two of the accused-turned-witnesses named Rinsulat and two other policemen as behind the killing, re-

FFROM 2

First prize for the chosen winner of Kontra is P25,000, second price is P15,000 and third price is P5,000.

According to contest rules and mechanics, “there may be an unlimited number of entries per school, but each must carry the name of the school duly recognized as an academic institution.”

A pupil who just graduated from kindergarten together with her companions ride “payong-payong” on their way home after her school’s commencement exercise in Bucana, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

12ClASSIFIEDS ADS There’s a better way to get attention.

Advertise with EDGEDAVAO ClASSIFIEDS

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

RATES FOR LINE ADS

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

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

FULL COLOR ADS + 35% color surcharge

3 + 2 bonus

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

Realty

EDGEDAVAO

Health and Wellness

FOR SALE:

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along National Highway, facing east, beside NCCC Panacan, Davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/ industrial lot at P800/sq m along the National Highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along Indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/ industrial lot along the National Highway in Bincungan, Tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina Town Center, along the National Highway, Dumoy, Toril. 9) Ready-for-Occupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3T&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, Toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, Obrero, Davao City. 11) FOR ASSUME (RUSH): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. Note: Items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. If interested, please call Jay (PRC REB Lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

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

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

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

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

Available at all drugstore near you

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 64915 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 606335-8 issued to MELCHOR B. JULIAN was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

3/7,14,21

We offer Pasta, Pizza and all Filipino foods and international cuisine

South Osmeña, General Santos City Cell No. 09999923588 Tel. No. (083) 552-3297

NOTICE OF LOSS notice is hereby given by loYolA PlAnS ConSoliDATeD inC. that CeRTiFiCATe oF FUll PAYMenT no.(s) 1006497 under loYolA PlAn Contract no.(s)192315 issued to imelda F. Butardo was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

3/22,29,4/05

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 13

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

17 teams in DC Baseball Cup

By Neil Bravo

D

AVAo’S annual baseball season returns this weekend with the staging of the 8th Davao City Baseball Cup at the University of Matina baseball field.

A total of 17 teams will take part in the two-tiered tournament sponsored by the Tokyo Kichijoji lions Club in cooperation with the Philippine nikkei Jin Kai international School, and Datu Ucida Development Foundation.

Crossing Bayabas national high School will defend its high School title while Baguio Central elementary School will be returning to defend its elementary title. nine public elementary schools are entered

in elementary division while 8 will compete in the high School division.

Aside from defending champion Baguio CeS, also competing in the elementary division are Antonio Pichon elemenary School, Bayabas eS, Catalunan Grande eS, Don Francisco S. Dizon eS, Magsasay eS, Mulig eS, Talomo Central eS, and PnJK. in the high School side, the teams challenging Crossing Bayabas are Baguio national School of Arts and Trade, Baguio hS of Agri, Bustamante hS, Pablo lorenzo, holy Cross of Calinan, Mintal hS, and PnJK iS. The tournament, sanctioned by the Davao City Baseball Association (DCBA), is the only chil-

dren’s baseball program in Davao City.

“We are glad to exist with the generosity of the private sector most especially our Japanese donors. We have no support coming from the government, but we will continue to do this program which has benefited children especially from public schools all over Davao City,” said ines Mallari, the tournament organizer from PnJK. The tournament will formally open tomorrow at 8 am with officials of the Tokyo Kichijojji lions Club in attendance. Also gracing the opening is the visiting Matsudo Angels children’s baseball team who will be playing the champion team in an exhibition on Sunday.

DSA FORUM AT CALLE 5. Davao City Baseball Asssociation Joaquin “Boy” Sarabia (right) with Ines Mallari of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School (middle),

and Mario Palazuela of Arnis during the weekly DSA Forum at Calle 5.

AnD Softball tourney set T

en squads are contesting the ongoing Araw ng Dabaw Softball Tournament at the UM Matina sports complex.

Davao Softball president Joaquin “Boy” Sarabia announced the staging of the tournament during the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Calle 5 Resto-Bar. “We have gathered the strongest softball squads in the region

to play in this tournament,” Sarabia said.

The men’s division has six teams led by University of Mindanao, Tadeco, DCWD, Tagum City, Digos City and Panabo City. The women’s division is contested by host University of Mindanao, Tagum City, Toril and Crossing Bayabas national high School.

The tournament is sponsored by the City Government of Davao through Mayor Sara Duterte. (nJB)

oP Arnisadors in the region will be pitting their skills in this old Filipino martial art in the Araw ng Dabaw Arnis Tournament at Barangay Angliongto Covered Court.

Mario Palazuelo, tournament organizer, said top junior arnis bets from Davao City and nearby Panabo City and Tagum City will banner the strong field which will also serve as the city’s eliminations for this year’s Batang Pinoy Games.

Up for grabs are titles in the elementary

and high school categories for boys and girls divisions.

The Secondary Division boys categories are 43-47 kg, 47-51 kg, 51-55 kg, and 5560 kg while the girls categories are 37-40 kg, 40-44 kg, 44-48 kg, and 48-52 kg.

The elementary Division (boys and girls) meantime will have age categories 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 years old. “it’s going to be a tough tournament, dito marami tayong madi-discover na mga talents sa arnis,” said Palazuelo. (nJB)

Arnis tilt on March 24 T

14 SPORTS

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

R

EDGEDAVAO

eY “Boom Boom” Bautista’s has a wrist like no other. no, his is not of steel stuff ala Terminator. But it sure feels like one. his 25 opponents who fell from his booming fists can tell.

That devastating wrist, however, has been retooled and will be tested on April 20 against a tough Mexican hombre from Mexicali in boxing-crazy Mexico named Jose “negro” Ramirez.

Boom-Boom’s wrist underwent replacement surgery recently. The doctors took a bone from his hip and replaced the fractured bone on his left wrist. “it’s like brand new,” said Michael Aldeguer, Ceo of AlA Promotions which promotes Bautista’s fights.

Aldeguer says Boom Boom’s career has been derailed all because he is the most injury-prone boxer in his stable. “okay na karon akong kamot, mahibaw-an ra ni ron sa laban namo ni Ramirez (it’s okay now, we will know in the fight against Ramirez),” said the 25 yeaar old Bautista who hails from Candijay, Bohol. Bautista brings to the fight an impressive ring record of 34 wins, 2 losses with 25 kayoes.

Bautista will be fighting in Davao City for the first time and immediately smiled in excitement like a young kid travelling for the first time. “Diri nagpuyo sa una akong amahan pero wala na siya kahinumdom asa (My father lived here before although he cannot remember where),” Bautista narrated during the fight’s launching last Wednesday at the Royal Mandaya hotel’s Kanato hall.

Bautista hopes Davao fans will come to support him against Ramirez, a 25-year old knockout artist who brings to the fight a pro record of 24 wins and 3 losses with 15 knockouts, five of them coming in the first round.

“This Mexican can fight, he is dangerous,” said Aldeguer who will be lining up Bautista for a bigger fight if he hurdles Ramirez. of Boom-Boom, Aldeguer has this to say: “i admire his courage. he is a very disciplined fighter and i hope his time will come soon.”

BOOM-BOOM spells courage

By Neil Bravo Photo by Lean Daval Jr.

LAST FIGHT last october 20, Bautista won against Daniel Ruiz for the vacant WBo international featherweight title via split decision. The fight took place at the Mall of Asia Arena and was headlined by Bautista’s AlA team mate AJ Banal who unfortunately lost in that card.

Fight reports said that Bautista suffered three cuts due to head butts before the fight was stopped at 0:56 of the seventh round.

The report said that just like in their first fight, Bautista was cut by a clash of heads in the third at the corner of his right eyebrow. Bautista continued to charge forward which resulted in heated exchanges. in the fifth, Ruiz’ survival skills showed as he landed a low blow and effectively clinched. Another headbutt opened a cut on Bautista’s scalp. Referee Danrex Tapdasan had a hard time controlling the extra-curricular activities.

Bautista was surging and landed the cleaner and harder blows in the 5th and 6th rounds. Ruiz was fading but another clash of heads opened a cut on Bautista’s right eyebrow. The ring physician, Dr. Jose Unabia, recommended the fight stoppage. The scores read – Judge Bruce McTavish 69-65, Judge Muhamad Rois 68-65 and Judge Rey Danseco 68-65 all for Bautista.

Bautista won the iBF international featherweight title but a section of the crowd voiced their displeasure.

The sportswriters at ringside also had an animated discussion about the outcome.

INdulge!

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS & CULTURE

A video artwork by Adrian Calumpang.

SO what is it in a pair of jeans that inspires art?

Give it to G-Star RAW to take denim and elevate it to a level where it becomes a work of art. With the company’s modern concepts like 3D denim, G-Star Raw’s designers are constantly pushing the boundaries of denim design, and creating products to fit un-

usual objects. This philosophy lead to the creation of the Art of RAW exhibit the opened last March 14 at the G-Star RAW store located at the upper ground floor of Bonifacio High Street Central.

The store was converted into a makeshift club with

improv singers adding an urban vibe that kept the crowd bouncing on their toes and singing to the beat.

The exhibit featured three prominent Filipino artists combining their thoughts to create their

FDENIM ART, A4

The G-Star RAW rhino stoffed toy.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Baby Company’s travel gear sale on ‘til April 30 GETTING ready for a summer getaway? Travel in style with your babies and enjoy big savings of up to 50% off on selected travel gears from April 1-30. And for a minimum P3,000 single-receipt purchase of any carrier, wheeled item and furniture, get a free Zoo Backpack. Available in four fun zoo characters - Zebra, Giraffe, Cat, Elephant, these backpacks are insulated with wipe-clean interior to keep food and drinks hot or cold and has adjustable pack straps. Go grab these special offers in all Baby Company outlets nationwide. Don’t forget your Mom Card when you shop to earn points.

Per DTI Permit # 1814 Series of 2013. Connect with us on facebook www.facebook.com//babycompanyph and thru our website www.babycompany,com.ph

7

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

STYLE

Days of Parisian Friday 6PM Date Night.

Nude peep-toe Parisian pumps will keep you cool and confident on that special date.

Saturday 7PM Gala Dinner.

These red high-heeled pumps will make you stand out in any gala performance.

Tuesday 6 PM Happy Hour.

Unwind with a pair of leopard printed pumps by Parisian.

MDCL holds fashion for a cause on March 23 THE MDCL Company will hold a fashion concert on March 23, 2013, 6:00pm with free Buffet at D’Leonor Hotel, JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City. We will also feature Ms. Mercy Lim’s fashion designs from casual to evening gowns.

Among the talents that will showcase their talents are: ABS-CBN’s Jake Cuenca, Glam Models under Jon Nunez, Bb. Pilipinas 1st Runner up & Ms. Earth Nadia Shami, Mutya ng Dabaw beauties and Stand-up Comedians.

Part of the Proceeds of this show will be donated to the less fortunate children of 2nd district under the auspices of CSSDO in Davao and Philippine Red Cross.

Ticket Prices: are at P1,000 for VIP tickets and P600 for Special seats For ticket reservations, you can contact us at +63 919 429 4764 or (082) 226-3074.

THE power of a pair of shoes can never be underestimated. The legendary beauty Marilyn Monroe has said, “Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world.”

Designer Christian Louboutin agrees. “Shoes transform your body language and attitude,” he says. “They lift you physically and emotionally.”

And as the modern woman goes through her multifaceted life, choosing the right pair of shoes can help her stand out in the stylish crowd. The good news is that Parisian, SM’s iconic shoe brand, has a wide range of shoes for the fashionable woman’s workweek that are so ontrend and affordable. There are pumps for boardroom meetings, leopard prints for happy hour, pastel pink platforms for lunch with the ladies, red high heeled pumps for a gala dinner,

Thursday 6PM Girls Night Out. Gray peep-toe stilettos wedges for casual weekend with a neon accent for partying in style during a wear, and so much more.

Here’s a peek into a styl- Girls’ night-out. ish woman’s weekly shoe wardrobe by Parisian. After all, one can never be too rich or have too many pairs of shoes. And as they say, Cinderella is proof that a pair of shoes can change your life.

Parisian Shoes are available at all SM Stores.

Saturday 9AM Casual Saturday: These neutral wedges add edge to your weekend style.

Monday 9 AM: Boardroom Meeting. Classic nude pumps rank high in the style agenda.

MDCL Fashion Channel president, Mercedita D. Lim (center) together with the models for the fashion for a cause event. The event will also feature ABS-CBN’s Jake Cuenca as a guest model.

Sunday 9AM Sunday Stroll. Walk with confidence in the mall or to Sunday brunch with these pastel cork heeled platforms by Parisian.

Wednesday 12NN Lunch Date. Pastel pink platforms for the ladies who lunch.

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

NBC replacing Jay Leno with Jimmy Fallon is “the most likely scenario,” says source SOUNDS like the rumors that NBC is replacing Jay Leno with Jimmy Fallon are going from rumors to true-mors. Get it?

You’re welcome for that.

The New York Times reported today that NBC has made a commitment to Jimmy Fallon as successor to Jay Leno on The Tonight Show. And what’s more, Fallon would bring the show back to New York, where it started in 1954.

“This is certainly the most likely scenario, moving the show to NY with Fallon,” a network source tells us. “The execs

at NBC believe he’s the best choice. But nothing is set in stone yet. Nothing is official.”

The reports of Fallon replacing Leno began earlier this month, when rumors of Leno’s retirement began circulating.

And of course, Howard Stern has thrown his hat into the ring.

NBC has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Leno is contracted with The Tonight Show through 2014.

Jennifer Lawrence conquers the snow while filming new movie JENNIFER Lawrence has had a change of scenery.

The actress departed from the sunny beaches of Hawaii, where she was doing reshoots for Catching Fire (Ah! The excitement!), and traveled over to the snowy banks of Boston.

J.Law was photographed covered up in a coat, scarf and hat while shooting for her latest film, an untitled project helmed by her Silver Linings Playbook director David O. Russell.

Russell must have liked working with his Silver Linings Playbook actors because the project, set to be released on Christmas Day this year, also stars Bradley

Cooper (who was also spotted strolling around Boston recently with his

rumored girlfriend).

It also looks like another funny Hollywood star may join Lawrence in The Hunger Games.

Bridesmaids’ Rebel Wilson dished to BuzzFeed— after noting that Jennifer was her choice for sexiest female alive—that she’s had talks about possibly joining the cast.

“Um, seriously, I have had a meeting about being in The Hunger Games.

Yes,” she said. “It was one of the people in the capitol. That’s all I’ll say...Yeah, because there aren’t a lot of roles open, because they’ve all already been cast, but that would be awesome. I’d love to be in The Hunger Games.”

How awesome would that be?!

Katie Holmes had lunch with mystery man in New York City AND who might this be?

Actress and recent Allure cover girl Katie Holmes was snapped outside of The Diner restaurant in New York City, where she had lunch with this mystery man.

But don’t get excited just yet.

As much as we’d love to say that this is a potential new love interest for Holmes, the lack of PDA (in any form) makes it seem as though it’s just

a business meeting.

Holmes was also recently spotted enjoying a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Gardens in NYC, where she watched the basketball game with her new

agent, Adam Schweitzer.

The actress was sitting courtside next to New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz and Katharine McPhee.

But alas, it’s all business, no pleasure (yet).

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

ARTS & CULTURE

VOL.65 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

Denim art...

FFROM A1

Paul Sy and G-Star RAW ambassador, Mike Concepcion of Manila Pop Up. One of the art pieces by Steve Tirona.

Adrian is an avid pursuer vision of the Art of RAW of all things film. He is a through different medi- director with many difums. The collection pre- ferent multimedia skills. sented is an ode to how G- Growing up between the Star RAW’s detailed denim Philippines and multiple process can be applied to countries abroad, he has formed a specific sensibilother mediums in art.

Artists featured for the ity and style that can only Art of RAW were photog- be achieved by him, givrapher Steve Tirona, visual ing him an international artist Kiko Escora, and following and recognition. He is one of the most multimedia artist and film sought out commercial didirector Adrian Calump- rectors in the country and ang.

Steve is a photographer who has worked all The collection around Southeast Asia and in the Americas whose presented is past works include Rage an ode to how Against the Machine’s Battle of Los Angeles album, G-Star RAW’s photographs for the movie Adaptation, and a series of detailed denim famous portraits of Imelda process can be Marcos for an art show in New York. His unique per- applied to other spective and style of photography have gained him mediums in art. renown and the respect he is also known for more from the industry.

Kiko is a visual art- experimental film and ist, calling Manila as his video projects.

The exhibit opening playground, using differwas truly a unique and Improv singing gave the evening an urban vibe. ent media and combining surreal experience, and them with his proliferate given that G-Star RAW is interests. He has done a available locally at Bauwide spectrum of art in- haus (located at the 2nd stallations using applica- floor of the Abreeza Mall) tions from metal to can- here is to hoping that Gvas and techniques from Star RAW will take the painting to sculpting. He exhibit on the road for a has curated shows from visit.

Follow me on Twitter Southeast Asia to as far as and Instagram @kennethItaly and is one of the leadkingong for more happening visual storytellers in ings in, around and bethe country. yond Durianburg.

Last but not the least, The band played in the middle of the store.

Manila’s perty people clearly had a great time.

Even the DJ went improv, mixing new beats on the fly.

Is it a store or is it a club? R-Star RAW’s BHS store became a party venue for a night.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

Miami streak almost ended in Cleveland C

HOT STREAK. Lebron James carried the Heat past his former team in Cleveland for their 23rd win.

leVelAnD (AP) -- Miami’s winning streak was in danger of disappearing - in Cleveland, of all places.

But leBron James wouldn’t give up. ‘’That guy right there doesn’t want to lose in this building,’’ teammate Dwayne Wade said, nodding toward James, who left many angry Cavaliers fans behind when he bolted for Miami as a free agent three years ago. ‘’not tonight.’’

James scored 25 points as the heat overcame a 27-point deficit in the third quarter and won their 24th straight game, 98-95 over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night to extend the second-longest winning streak in nBA history.

The heat are within nine games of matching the record of 33 consecutive wins held by the 1971-72 los Angeles lakers. once believed to be

untouchable, the mark is now within reach.

James and his teammates have insisted the record isn’t one of their goals, and for more than 30 minutes the defending champions seemed disinterested and on the verge of losing for the first time since Feb. 1. Miami trailed 67-40 with 7:44 left in the third quarter.

But behind the irrepressible James, who added 12 rebounds and 10 assists in 42 minutes, the heat inched closer to history and matched the nBA’s biggest comeback this season, according to STATS. ‘’This was one of the most bizarre, unique days of my life with everything that happened,’’ said James, referring to a homecoming in which a fan ran onto the floor and the opening tip was delayed 35 minutes by a leaky scoreboard. ‘’it also was one of the best comebacks i’ve ever been a part of.’’

he Jr. nBA, presented

by Alaska and in partnership with Phoenix Petroleum, will return to Davao for the upcoming Junior nBA Regional Selection Camp on April 1and 2, 2013. The event will be held at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) basketball gym in Bo. obrero, Davao City.

Participants from Phase i – the Schools’ Clinic, as well as promising local players – will be invited to the twoday camp to determine the region’s representatives to the national Training

Camp in Manila. Up to 10 participants from the Davao Regional Selection Camp will be chosen for Manila at the end of April.

The Regional Selection Camp will consist of Skill Stations and Clinics on Day 1. The top 40 players from Day 1 will be invited to attend a mini-camp on Day 2, consisting of more advanced basketball drills, scrimmages and teambuilding exercises. it is free and open to young players aged 10 to 14 years old.

From these Day 2 participants, a total of 40 representatives from the

four regions including Greater Manila will be chosen to advance to the Jr. nBA national Training Camp in Manila which takes place from April 26 to 28.

The high point of the Jr. nBA program is the national Training Camp on April where the 10 best players of this year’s Jr. nBA will be chosen from 50 of the best performers from the various regional selection camps and hailed as the Jr. nBA Philippines All Stars of 2013. A Coach of the Year will also be announced at the national Training Camp.

15 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4 blocked shots in the semifinals and finals of the WAC tournament last week, leading his team to a second straight title and earning the Aggies an opening-round nCAA tournament matchup with fourth-seeded Saint louis on Thursday. “he’s not just big -he’s good and big,” Saint louis coach Jim Crews said. “That’s a real compliment to him because we saw some tape earlier in the year and how he has progressed has been really enjoyable to watch from a coaching standpoint. That’s pretty neat.”

When Bhullar was gasping for air after a few possessions during offseason pick-up games and lagging well behind his teammates during early-summer conditioning, it seemed unlikely he would make more than sporadic impact as

a freshman. instead he shed 30 to 40 pounds during the summer and fall by cutting candy and junk food from his diet and ramping up his conditioning work before and after practices.

Getting into better shape has enabled him to play more minutes without tiring so quickly, a vital development for the Aggies after starting center Tshilidzi nephawe went down with a season-ending injury in December.

Whereas Bhullar averaged only 13.6 minutes per game in november, he played 28 or more in new Mexico State’s final 13 games of the season, helping the Aggies win 11 of those with his ability as a low-post scorer, rebounder and rim protector. he’s a very cerebral player, he’s an excellent passer and he has very good hands,” new Mexico State coach Marvin Men-

zies said. “he’s still a freshman and he’s still learning and he’s going to make mistakes like most players, but his maturity for his age is very advanced.”

Bhullar’s size and potential and his indian heritage give him a chance to be a basketball trailblazer.

Though Bhullar grew up in Toronto, both his 6-foot-4 father and 5-foot-10 mother were born in india. As a result, Bhullar and 7-foot-3 younger brother Tanveer, a promising high school prospect, both have the chance to be the first prominent basketball players of indian descent. new Mexico State opted not to make Bhullar available for an interview on Wednesday citing a policy of not having freshmen talk to the media, but his teammates and coaches say he has embraced the chance to make history.

Jr. NBA Davao camp on April 1-2

Habagat Earth Hour Night Ride on March 23 T

T

he first habagat earth hour night Ride will be held simultaneously in Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de oro and Davao City on March 23 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“Registration is free with exciting raffles prizes to be given away for the participants,” said Davao organizer Verlind Basira of habagat Davao during the weekly SCooP at The Royal Mandaya hotel.

The bike ride will start and end at the habagat Shop in Matina Town Square here. The bikers will proceed to Quirino, turn left at Gaisano Mall in Bajada, turn right to Dakudao Avenue, turn right to Sta. Ana Avenue, Quirino and back to MTS. “All kinds of bikes and even skaters or roller blades can join us,” Basira told members of the weekly public service sports

forum sponsored by The Royal Mandaya hotel, Stadium’s Dexter’s Pizza, Mulatto outdoor Apparel and Genesis 888.

Participants, however, are required to have a helmet and blinkers for safety since it will be totally dark in the city during the ride.

“This will commemorate with the worldwide earth hour event that has become a global phenomenon,” he said. (PnA)

Move over Yao, meet Sim S

GIANT. 7-5 giant Sim Bhullar in action.

An JoSe, Calif. — The first time Daniel Mullings went to dinner with Sim Bhullar on a road trip, the new Mexico State guard realized he was eating with a tourist attraction Complete strangers approached the 7-foot-5, 340-pound Bhullar and asked to take a picture with the freshman because they had never seen anyone of his size before. “it’s pretty much everywhere we go,”Mullings said. “even students on campus too. They just can’t get past how big he is.” everyone from little kids in airport terminals, to waitresses at restaurants, to students in his sociology class flock to Bhullar to take pictures with him, but he has proven he’s more than just a novelty act in his first season at new Mexico State. Bhullar averaged

16

VOL.6 ISSUE 6 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 22-23, 2013

Atong’s

EDGEDAVAO Sports

Last Flight captured in photo F

eRDie Pangolibay, a member of the Davao Peace Photographers, took the last shot of young motocross rider Atong Mangosong of Davao City steering his green Kawasaki motorbike in mid-air.

Pangolibay’s photos were posted on Facebook two days after his death due to injuries sustained after his bad fall last Sunday while doing practice laps in the Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Cyclomax Motocross Series at the Davao Crocodile Park. lito delos Reyes, president of Scoop Davao which maintains the FB page where the photos

were posted (see photos in this page) said they had been looking for a shot of the accident. “Mabuti na lang pinost itong mga photos sa FB at least we have seen his last flight,” Delos Reyes said.

The photo showed Mangosong flying his bike high up in the air right at the finish line. ironically, he finished his career exactly in that spot. The other photos saw race organizers and some riders carrying him to a waiting pick up.

Mangosong, only 18 and one of Davao’s most promising riders, succumbed to internal hemorrhage at the Davao Doc-

tors’ hospital where he was rushed by race organizers.

Mangosong’s remains were flown to his father’s hometown in Pangasinan.

The Mangosong family resides in el Rio Vista Village in Davao City.

Phoenix Petroleum marketing supervisor neb Bulaclac yesterday told edge Davao that no less than Phoenix Ceo Dennis Uy had ordered to extend assistance to the family.

“We were saddened by the accident and Sir Dennis condoles with the family,” Bulaclac said.

The motocross series is sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum. (nJB)

REACHING THE FINISH. This is the last photograph of motocross rider Atong Mangosong before he fell to the ground and suffered severe injuries that led to his death. Right, the fallen rider was helped to a waiting vehicle. (photos by Ferdie Pangolibay courtesy of SCOOP Davao)

Massa: 10 times better now A

FTeR outqualifying team-mate Fernando Alonso for the third event running in Australia, and only losing out to him on strategy in the race, Massa is delighted with his return to form.

When asked about how he felt compared to 12 months ago, Massa said: “10 times better.

“The way i started the season last year is impossible to compare to the way i’ve started the season now. i feel much better in the car. “i feel much more like i’m driving the car in an automatic direction. i feel much more comfortable and much more relaxed. “i think the situation is much better. it’s much more positive.”

Although Ferrari is under no illusions that

Red Bull has started the season with the fastest car, Massa thinks there are indications that his outfit has done a great job too. “i’m not comparing with the cars at the front, Red Bull for example, i’m comparing with the cars behind like Force india and Williams,” he explained.

“We were starting some races behind Force india and Williams last year, and the difference between us and these teams in qualifying [last weekend] was quite good.

“This shows that we made a big step forward compared to last year.

“Red Bull has made a good step as well, but it shows our job to prepare this car was really good, better and in the right direction.”

FELIPE MASSA of Ferrari during the Melbourne Grand Prix.