Edge Davao 7 Issue 161

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

KALINDUGAN FESTIVAL. Mandaya girls proudly display their native attire during the Kalindugan Festival in Caraga, Davao Oriental on Sunday.

Contributed photo by Neela Duallo

MINDANAO REAPS EAGA BENEFITS

P6B in investments to be pursued

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

M

abf@edgedavao.net

INDANAO stands to reap P6 billion in investments from

the 2nd BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines–East ASEAN Growth

Area) IMT-GT (Indonesia Malaysia Thailand – Growth Triangle) Business Leaders Conference held last week in Davao City.

Mindanao Development

Authority (MinDA) director for investment promotion and public affairs Romeo Montenegro told reporters in yesterday’s Kape-

FMINDANAO, 10

INSIDE EDGE DAVAO BETS RULE BIMPEAGA GOLFEST

SPORTS page 16

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

PROTEST. A member of transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) holds the group’s banner before the start of a city-wide caravan to protest the hefty fines for various traffic violations in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Bar owner shot dead, Davao still on red alert cop hit in love triangle D A

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

AVAO City is still on red alert days after the successful holding of the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines–East ASEAN Growth Area) IMT-GT (Indonesia Malaysia Thailand–Growth Triangle) Business Leaders Conference last week.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. told reporters in an interview after the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex that the continuous red alert status is due to the upcoming All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day this weekend and the Philippine Development Forum (PDF) on November 5 and 6.

“Actually, this will be a continuing activity up to November 6. After the Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day) is the PDF,” Danao said.

He said the same 2,000

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personnel from DCPO, Task Force Davao, and other force multipliers will be deployed in public converging areas.

UNDAS Security and Traffic Danao said police will strictly implement the liquor ban starting October 31. He said loud music and smoking inside the cemeteries will be strictly prohibited.

Regarding sharp materials that will be brought inside cemeteries, Danao said they will still study if they are really prohibited since there are some cemetery workers who bring them to clean the graves. He said sharp materials had been prohibited before.

Danao said they are also deploying foot patrols and the police auxiliaries to round the barangays of the city.

“We are also requesting

the cooperation of the public to double check, triple check windows, doors when you leave your respective houses. It is because the robbers might take advantage of the celebration,” he said.

Danao also urged the people not to wear expensive jewelry and not to bring expensive gadgets in public during those days.

“It might attract these people (thieves and robbers). We cannot control some of them. But definitely we are trying to deploy as much personnel that we can have to prevent it,” he said.

For the traffic control of that day, Traffic Management Center (TMC) head Retired Police Superintendent Rhodelio Poliquit said the plans and requirements are ready to be implemented.

He said this will be im-

plemented on Friday, during which they are going to mount the re-routing signage and barricades in the major roads going to cemeteries.

“All 360 personnel of TMC will be deployed on the roads on that day to man the traffic flow. We are not just focusing on the cemeteries but also roads in the seaports, bus and van terminals, malls and churches,” Poliquit said.

Poliquit cited the barge docking area in Kilometer 11, Sasa which he said many people might converge in going to the Island Garden City of Samal after they go to the cemeteries.

Poliquit said they might implement one-way roads in the two major cemeteries in the city such as the Davao Memorial Park in Matina and in the cemeteries in

Resources (DENR) and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) as already having problems.

“If there are trees that will be cut, they should be identified already by DENR and even by the CENRO. Trees which are already old and leaning on the creeks and even on the roads which is dangerous (will be cut),” he said.

Jimlani said they are already mapping the trees with the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO). The trees were also tagged by CENRO and DENR last October 16 in order to identify the problem of some trees.

Jimlani said some vehicles passing through the road have already been hit by falling branches of some trees.

“We are very careful

about this because it will now be asked who will be recommending to the city mayor the options if are we going to cut the trees. If yes, why?

Then we have to buy equipment,” he said.

He said some trees need to be cut to give way to heavy equipment that will be used to clean the main drainage along Dacudao Avenue from silt and debris. ABF

FDAVAO, 10

Old trees on Dacudao may be cut: Jimlani

AVAO City Task Force Drainage (TFD) head retired Colonel Yusop Jimlani said some trees in Dacudao Avenue will possibly be cut.

Jimlani, however, clarified to reporters in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao that the trees that will be cut are those that will be identified by the Department of Environment and Natural

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

videoke bar owner was shot dead allegedly by a retired soldier on Sunday night in Kilometer 12, Sasa, Davao City while a police officer who was trying to pacify the suspect was himself shot twice and is now in critical condition.

Police identified the fatality as Rolando Jumamoy, who was declared dead on arrival by physicians at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

The policeman was identified as Police Officer (PO)3

Rey Alburo, who suffered two gunshot wounds in the chest and abdomen.

Based on the spot report of Sasa Police Station, Alburo was eating dinner with his in-laws at a videoke bar owned by Jumamoy on Sunday night.

Police said retired Second Lieutenant Rex Veñegas, 56, arrived along with his son Private Mark Ryan Veñegas, 37, assigned with the 25th Infantry Battalion of 10th Infantry Division.

FBAR, 10

How not to conduct BBL public hearings

T

HE House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (AHCBBL) scheduled a three-day one-town, fourcity series of public hearings from October 22 to 24 but the first two days were perfect examples of how not to conduct a public hearing.

In Upi, Maguindanao on Wednesday, October 22, the first out of town public hearing of the AHCBBL, the heat from the afternoon sun inside the municipal gymnasium was bearable with the

presence of electric fans but the sound system was a problem. Resource persons who spoke on the floor instead of the podium onstage could be heard by the audience but the 11 committee members onstage could hardly hear them.

“Di halos marinig” (we could hardly hear them), said Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, who left the Presidential table onstage with TUCP Party List Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza to join the audience as Muntinlupa

FHOW NOT, 10

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Magnitude 5.0 quake jolts Surigao del Norte A

magnitude 5.0 earthquake shook the province of Surigao del Norte on Monday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin, the agency said the tremor occurred at 4:34 p.m. with its epicenter traced at 63 kilometers southeast of General Luna town, Surigao del Norte.

Phivolcs said that Surigao City felt the quake at Intensity 3.

CATFISH TIME. Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 chief tourism operations officer Eden Josephine L. David (left) and Barangay Tugbok captain Angelico Santander welcome guests of the 10th Pantatan Festival 2014 with different

catfish dishes during the opening ceremony yesterday in Los Amigos, Tugbok, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Sueselbeck will have hard time returning to Phl if he’s deported

hearing.

Early this month, the hearing of Danao’s case was postponed due to the request of his US-based estranged wife who could not make it due to the distance she needed to travel in order to attend the hearing.

Mrs. Danao filed four counts of grave misconduct last year before the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, California.

The case was endorsed to the National Internal Affairs of the Philippine National Police (PNP) head-

epartment of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila M. De Lima yesterday said Marck Sueselbeck, the German fiancé of slain transgender Jeffrey “Jeniffer” Laude, will have a hard time returning to the Philippines once he is deported and declared an “undesirable alien.”

De Lima explained that once a foreign national is declared as an “undesirable alien,” his name will also be placed in the blacklist order of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The DOJ chief noted that Sueselbeck should undergo deportation proceedings because if he was merely allowed to depart on Sunday, the government will no longer have the opportunity to determine whether he is indeed an “undesirable alien.”

De Lima stressed that once Sueselbeck is declared as an “undesirable alien,” he can only return

Danao files motion to dismiss wife’s rap

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE pre-hearing conference of the case against Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. did not push through yesterday morning due to the motion for reconsideration to dismiss the case filed by Danao.

Summary hearing chief of Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS 11) lawyer Nestor Fernandez said they need to resolve the motion filed by Danao first before they can proceed with the hearing.

“There is still a pending

motion for reconsideration that has to be resolved first by this office. The motion is filed by the respondent seeking to dismiss the case filed by the complainant,” Fernandez said in an interview.

“It is a hearing, it is a continuing proceeding, so it is rescheduled on Tuesday.

It is a continuation of the pre-hearing conference and we will also resolve the motion,” he added.

Danao filed the motion through his legal counsel, lawyer Emmanuel Galicia, prior to their scheduled

S the country commemorates the dead this weekend, a public cemetery here is threatened by natural calamity triggered by constant heavy downpour and series of earthquake.

George dela Cruz, a public cemetery caretaker for three decades, said slow but constant soil erosion at the Binoligan cemetery in Barangay Binoligan here has been threatening several tombs.

“Soil has been loosened by previous heavy downpour and triggered soil erosion when unacted upon my trigger landslides,” dela Cruz said, adding that he noticed the erosion started last year.

“It already created at least 10 meter deep ravine.

Every time heavy downpour occurs a creek is slowly cre-

ated,” Dela Cruz added.

He said relatives of the dead, upon knowing the incident, immediately transferred the remains of their departed love ones to other locations within the public cemetery peripheries.

Dela Cruz said about 30 tombs need to be transferred immediately because the erosion has been getting frequent.

Dela Cruz said that aside from the problem of gradual soil erosion, some shanties that serve as heat protectors for the concrete tombs have collapsed due to series of earthquakes that also hit the city in the previous months.

So far no tomb has been damaged by the quake except the makeshift heat protectors, Dela Cruz said.

Soil erosion threatens tombs in Kidapawan A

The tremor, which was tectonic in origin, had a shallow depth of 29 kilometers.

Despite the reported intensity, the agency noted that there was no casualty or damage reported from the quake.

However, the agency said that aftershocks could be expected in the affected areas.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 20 to 25 earthquakes per day – mostly imperceptible – are common. (PNA)

quarters in Camp Crame and then turned over to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11.

In her sworn statement, Danao’s wife said her husband slapped her four times inside their conjugal house in 2002.

Danao filled his counter affidavit before the RIAS 11 on September 19 in response to the case filed against him by his wife.

Mrs. Danao is set to attend the pre-hearing scheduled today at the RIAS 11 office.

WAITING GAME. A young woman picks head lice from a friend’s hair as they

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to the Philippines if he will file a motion or petition for the lifting of the blacklist order and if the same will be approved.

She pointed out that preventing the German national from leaving the country was about upholding the rule of law and upholding the integrity and pride of the Philippines as a nation.

“If the actions of Sueselbeck will not be taken seriously, who will stop other foreigners from also doing what he did in violating the country’s laws?”

De Lima said.

The German national earlier scaled up the perimeter fence inside Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City and shoved a military police in an attempt to take a glimpse of United States Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, the suspect in the killing of Laude last October 11 in Olongapo City. (PNA)

Business was still low yesterday but is expected to pick up as All Saints’ Day

FSOIL, 10 wait for people to hire them to clean tombs at the Mintal Public Cemetery. approaches. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

ZAMBOANGA CITY

DAVAO DEL NORTE

Zamboecozone eyes DN Mandaya land eyed 2nd Industrial Park T as UNESCO heritage site F OLLOWING the inscription of Mount Hamiguitan Mountain Range, the provincial government of Davao Oriental plans to also inscribe the ancestral domain of the Mandaya tribe in Caraga as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Organization’s (UNESCO) world heritage site.

Governor Corazon Malanyaon said in an interview during the 16th Kalindugan Festival that the Mandaya land incor-

TAGUM CITY

porated in the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 01 in Barangay Pichon, Caraga has all the potentials to be a world heritage site.

“As I have seen in other heritage sites, this area has what it takes to be a heritage site,” Malanyaon said.

According to tribal chieftain Coper Banugan, the ancestral domain covers 14,500 hectares traversing six sitios of the barangay.

Banugan added that

the area has been populated by over 4,000 pure Mandaya people or about 1,000 families.

He said families have still been using the tribal’s traditional methods in their livelihood such as farming and fishing.

Malanyaon affirmed that the tribal people have been very dedicated in preserving their culture.

“As we can see in their presentations in the festival, the Mandaya culture and traditions

have been handed down to their children,” she said.

In its 16th year of celebrating Kalindugan Festival, the Mandaya tribe highlighted presentations on the traditional methods, standards and techniques on the tribe’s livelihood, political system, and customary laws.

Banugan said that the approval of CADT 01 last May 8 added more meaning to this year’s festival.

(PIA 11, Michael Uy)

‘Mission of Mercy’benefits thousands of Tagumenyos

HE Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Zamboecozone) will focus next year on developing the Second Industrial Park at the Zamboecozone area.

Christopher Lawrence Arnuco, Zamboecozone Chairman and Administrator, said the funding for the development of the 664-hectare Second Industrial Park is included in next year’s budget for the Ecozone.

Arnuco said the House of Representatives has already approved the Ecozone’s 2015 proposed budget of P246 million.

“It is now pending before the Senate,” he added.

The entire area of Zamboecozone consists of 16,000 hectares of loggedover forest in this city’s west coast from Barangay Talisayan up to the hinterlands of Barangays La Paz and Pamucutan.

Arnuco said that at present what is being utilized is the 64-hectare First Industrial Park.

The First Industrial Park is a nature park that boasts of two swimming pools, canteen, shower rooms and picnic huts, which can accommodate as many as 700 guests.

A staff house with a beautiful landscape in the facade is available for lease for seminars, conferences, and retreats.

It may be used as a vacation home for families and friends “who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.”

Investor’s houses, standard manufacturing building and storage building were also constructed for lease by interested locators at the First Industrial Park.

Arnuco said they will develop the Second Industrial Park to accommodate more locators citing there are 20 applicant-locators that have already submitted letters of intent and “are in the pipeline”.

He said that at present the Zamboecozone has a total of 19 locators with P13 billion committed investments.

The Zamboecozone stated on its website that the Second Industrial Park is ideal for agro-forestry, high-end residential projects, information technology ventures and a university village.

The Baguio-like climate in the area is highly viable for eco-tourism, it added.

(MindaNews)

STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR

MERCY MISSION. A total of 2,273 individuals benefited from the five-day medical mission dubbed “Mission of Mercy: A Series of Free Medical and Sur-

gical Mission” in Tagum City on October 19 to 24 in Tagum City and Sto. Tomas town in Davao del Norte. Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum

ERVING at least 2, 773 individuals, the city-led medical services caravan top-billed

by American doctors proved to be beneficial to less fortunate Tagumenyos who flocked to various sites to avail themselves of the free surgical and medical services offered during the five-day activity.

Jalmaida Jamiri, executive assistant to Mayor Allan L. Rellon, said 60 individuals were able to avail themselves of the free major surgery operations that included cleft lip and palate repairs, thyroidectomy, herniorraphy,

check-up and medicines while 341 others benefited in the dental services and tooth extraction and 342 individuals for the free haircuts.

A composite team of 28 American and Filipino doctors, nurses and medical practitioners volunteered during the weeklong activity that was held in different venues like the Tagum City Pavilion, Bishop Raegan Hospital, and in the nearby town of Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte.

The team from Memphis Mission of Mercy was led by its chairman and founder Renato Zal-

S

hydrocele repairs and hemorroidectomy—operations that are expensive in private hospitals.

Dubbed “Mission of Mercy,” the activity was conducted last October 19 to 24 by the city government of Tagum in collaboration with the Memphis Mission of Mercy, Inc., Kiwanis Club of Golden Tagum, Diocese of Tagum, Davao del Norte Provincial Government, 10th Infantry Agila Division, and the Bishop Joseph Raegan Hospital, Inc. Jamiri said aside from the major surgeries, 2,030 individuals were also given free medical

amea, CRNA, who led the group in conducting medical-surgical humanitarian missions to the Philippines on an annual and sometimes semi-annual basis having reached over 15,000 individuals in sixteen mission trips since 2001.

The city government of Tagum and Kiwanis Club provided additional manpower and provision of medicines during the activity, in line with Mayor Rellon’s health agenda as stipulated under his ten-point development agenda dubbed as EAGLE WINGS Program. Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum

Lumads accept infra projects from Hedcor H EDCOR Tudaya, Inc. recently turned over a concreted road and covered court projects to the Bagobo-Tagabawa community in Barangay Kapatagan, Davao del Sur in fulfillment of its memorandum of agreement.

Rolando Pacquiao, Hedcor vice president for Mindanao Operations, said the company has allotted P1.6 million for the road concreting and P1.4 million for the construction of covered court.

“By providing the needs of our host community like basic infrastructures, we are heading towards inclusive growth with them,” Pacquiao said.

The blessing of the facilities was presided over

by Fr. Joel Coledia. Kapatagan barangay chair Santiago Morales Jr. with the barangay council joined the turnover rites.

The covered court was completed in a span of 60 days. The project was awarded to a local contractor, the Continental

Industrial Builders and Traders Corp.

Meanwhile, the 158-meter concrete road covers steep parts of the access road that were opened during the Tudaya hydro construction.

Morales thanked Hedcor for fulfilling its promises. He said that they are grateful for the support the company is giving.

He added that the covered court would be of various uses for the people in the barangay.

Last May, the Tudaya hydro 1 and 2 plants were inaugurated. The plants are expansion of the existing 42.5MW Sibulan hydropower plants.

In total, Tudaya hydro plants produce about 13.2MW of clean and renewable energy.

Hedcor, a wholly owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, operates 21 run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet, Davao City, Davao del Sur and Ilocos Sur with a total installed capacity of 170 megawatts. (Hedcor/PR)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE ECONOMY

5

Despite dispute, China still taps business opportunities in Phl D

ESPITE an ongoing dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) between the Philippines and China, Chinese businesses are still tapping business opportunities in the country.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman Emeritus Francis Chua told reporters at the sidelines of the 40th Philippine Business Conference that business relations between the Philippines and China still continue even if the territorial dispute is still present.

Chua noted that Chinese investors still consider the Philippines, citing partnerships and joint ventures with local businesses.

“On the local side or the private sector we are not affected, they (Chinese) keep coming in and continue investing,” he said.

“They are heavy in agriculture and mining investments all over the country,” he noted.

Chua said aside from

agriculture and mining, Chinese businesses consider long term investments in the Philippines in the tourism sector such as hotel and resort projects.

However, Chua said the dispute at the diplomatic level made Chinese investors keep their investments at a low profile.

“In the long run our government relationships will be better. At present, there are some hitches,” Chua said.

He said Chinese and Philippine business relation is “business as usual” but is not maximized because of the dispute.

On the trade side, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that China is the country’s second largest trade partner next to Japan.

Bilateral trade with China in the first eight months of the year amounted to $11.78 billion with export revenue of $5.58 billion and import payments of $6.2 billion. (PNA)

HITO CAPITAL. Vicente R. Dejardo (third from left), president of Los Amigos 4Ps SEA-K Association, receives the P290,000 livelihood assistance from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) director Priscilla N. Razon (third from right) as seed capital for the association’s Hito Culture

Project. Assisting the turnover are (from left) Marie Botona of the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), DSWD assistant director for operations Rebecca A. Santamaria, Eden David of the Department of Tourism (DOT), and Los Amigos barangay captain Angelico Santander. Lean Daval Jr.

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THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Biggest WB-funded in Mindanao

Security Bank top performer in Unit Investment Trust Funds

P256-M irri project T opens in DavOriental

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

T

HE province of Davao Oriental, particularly the town of Cateel, will have an additional 2,200 hectares of rice farms in 2015 when a new irrigation system operates in full.

The system, the biggest to be funded by the World Bank in Mindanao, will be turned over today, October 28, to the provincial government headed by Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon by the Mindanao Regional Development Project (MRDP).

During a media briefing in Mati City last week, Governor Malanyaon expressed optimism that with the P256-million irrigation system located in Cateel, the province can achieve self-sufficiency in rice in 2015.

Today’s inauguration, to be attended by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and

WB team leader Carol Gerona among other VIPs, comes after the project underwent many snags mainly due to natural calamities.

The major setbacks were caused by super typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha) on December 4, 2012 and low pressure area (LPA) Agaton early this year.

Cateel, the hometown of the governor, was one of the three towns in the province flattened by typhoon Pablo, the other being Baganga and Boston.

The undue delay in the construction timetable prompted the provincial government to take over the responsibility of completing the project. What happened next was short of a miracle.

“What was to be completed for two-and-half years we had to finish in seven months,”

said Gov. Malanyaon, adding that about 700 people were employed in three shifts of 24-hour work to complete the project.

Arnel V. de Mesa, MRDP deputy director, said the project is the biggest in the list of the program, the second phase of the World Bank-funded project program. Since June, the national government has slowly scaled up the MRDP into a nationwide implementation to benefit all provinces in the country.

Malanyaon said the provincial government has crafted programs that will maximize the use of the irrigation system capable of irrigating additional 2,200 hectares of rice farms in 13 barangays in Cateel.

The governor hopes that by 2015 “our people will no longer queue (for rice ration

when there is shortage in the country).”

Davao Oriental currently produces about 63,000 tons of rice annually feeding a population of about 520,000 people, according to government statistics.

Among the areas to be converted to rice farms are coconut plantations that were destroyed by the 2012 typhoon which uprooted about six million coconut trees in the three towns.

These new production areas will complement rice farms in the municipality of Banaybanay, acknowledged as the rice granary of the Davao Region. Although Cateel and other towns of the First Congressional District of the province have small non-irrigated farms, Banaybanay and Luzon as the main rice sources of the province. AMA

HE Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) of Security Bank Corporation (SBC) is the top gainer for the first nine months of 2014.

Latest data on the Philippine Equity UITF category show SBC’s Peso Equity Fund recorded a gain of 36.49 percent from January to September of this year.

This is followed by Philippine National Bank’s Allied Unit Performance Equities Fund (28.76 percent), PNB’s High Divided Fund (26.55 percent), Bank of the Philippine Islands’ Philippine Equity Index Fund (24.05 percent), and BPI’s Equity Value Fund (23.73 percent).

SBC was also the top performer in the Peso Balanced UITF category over the first three quarters of 2014. At 22 percent, SBC’s Peso Asset Variety Fund had a 4.87 percent advantage over its next ranked fund. Banco de Oro’s Peso Balanced Fund ranked second with a gain of 17.13 percent. Philippine National Bank’s Prestige Balanced Fund (13.81 percent) was at third, followed by China

Banking Corp’s Balanced Fund (12.48 percent), and BPI’s Balanced Fund (12.46 percent) SBC Financial Market Segment Head Raffy Algarra said the exceptional performance of UITF is a reflection of the competence of the Bank in the market. “The numbers reflect how we aim to deliver income-generating assets for our investors. We can diversify investments in multiple funds and build assets in the long run.” he said.

UITF is an open-ended pooled trust fund denominated in peso or any acceptable currency. It is operated and administered by a trust entity. Each UITF is governed by a Declaration of Trust which contains mechanics for administering the funds.

The Bank currently offers seven options that target various risk appetites of individuals. Investors can even subscribe through SBC’s internet banking platform where they can track their Net Asset Value Per Unit (NAVPU) on a daily basis.

The private sector is being encouraged to play a role in combating corruption in the country and to ensure full compliance with the United Nations (UN) Convention against Corruption.

This call was made by Melchor Arthur Carandang, overall Deputy Ombudsman of the Investment Ombudsman (IO) team which was created to address trade or investment-related concerns.

Carandang said the Philippines has initially focused on addressing corruption in the public sector.

“It now needs to work double time to set up administrative and legal mechanisms in order to likewise address private sector corruption and ensure full compliance with the requirements of the Convention,” he said during a recent corporate governance forum.

Carandang stressed that the UN Convention against Corruption acceded to by 172 countries, including the Philippines,

covered both the public and private sectors corruption.

“The role of the private sector in improving or ensuring the compliance by the Philippines with the provisions of the Convention is actually four-fold.

It is the role of the private sector to prevent, advocate, adhere and cooperate,” he said.

Meanwhile, Carandang said the IO team acts on grievances and complaints filed in any form or manner against officers or employees of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC).

He said the team has an established grievance machinery and special panel of investigators and prosecutors that will fast track investment-related concerns.

“Our internal guidelines mandate grievance matters to be resolved within three to 10 working days depending on the complexity of the issue,” he added. (PNA)

Private sector asked to help in fight against corruption

TRANSPORT STRIKE. A striking transport driver and a supporter distribute leaflets along the highway in Barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City asking

fellow drivers and commuters to join the nationwide transport strike on October 27. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

SMEs urged to further prepare for AEC 2015 W

ITH the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, small and medium enterprises are encouraged to grab every opportunity to improve their competitiveness.

Speaking at one of the side events of the recently held 2nd BIMP EAGA – IMT GT Trade Conference, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI 11) officer-in-charge Ma. Belenda Ambi said with the challenges of the ASEAN Integration, SMEs are “better equipped and ready to seize the opportunities”.

By end of 2015, 99 per-

cent of products traded in the region will already enjoy a tariff rate of between 0 and 5 percent, although the integration started in 2010. With AEC 2015, only sensitive products, like rice and corn, shall retain some semblance of tariff protection.

Ambi said DTI will continuously implement interventions for the continued enhancement of competitiveness of the private sector, conduct intensive advocacy among stakeholders through DBFTA information sessions, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Fenina M.

Bonoan, Consumer and Industrial Division assistant chief of DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau, said that AEC 2015 must be seen as a milestone and a great opportunity for local companies and entrepreneurs to grow bigger and to trade within the ASEAN region.

“ASEAN integration is already within us. It is actually a stage process where ASEAN countries make coordination to harmonize economic policies,” she said.

With the lowered trade barriers such as tariffs, more Philippine SMEs will have the chance to engage into in-

tra and inter-regional trade.

“We’re looking at 640,000 consumers within the ASEAN region,” she said, adding that there are indeed huge opportunities to seize, amidst the fears of getting flooded with foreign products.

“There would be fears especially the feeling that we’re going to be flooded, there’s going to be a tsunami of products. And that’s what other countries feel, too. The message here is we must all be prepared for it,” she said.

Bonoan said the local industries “can’t afford to be complacent”. (PNA)

COMMUNITY SENSE 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Quintessential subdivision Malaysians looking at Bangsamoro investment living in Davao at South Grove M D

ESPITE the growing trend toward urbanization, there still remains a large portion of homeseekers that value traditional family living—one that is comprised of expansive surroundings, intimacy with nature, interaction with neighbors, and comfort and security from the busy outside world.

Especially in city centers in developing provinces and regions in the country, a suburban way of life is still very much prized and aspired for.

In Davao City, one such community is quickly becoming the address of choice for young families wanting to take root in this vibrant hub of trade, commerce, and industry in Mindanao.

South Grove is a sprawling 17-hectare gated village that provides, first and foremost, an enviable location right within the heart of the provincial capital. Located along the major thoroughfare of Quimpo Boulevard, very near the landmark Ecoland area in the city, residents enjoy access to all the vital establishments required for daily living.

Highly regarded schools such as the Ateneo de Davao

University, the University of Mindanao, and Philippine Women’s College are just a few minutes away, ensuring that children get the best education and learning. In terms of shopping and recreation, malls and shopping centers such as the NCCC Mall and SM City Davao are also nearby.

An exclusive haven Most importantly, South Grove provides upwardly mobile professionals, executives and entrepreneurs in Davao with an enclave that nurtures all their aspirations for the good life.

The landscaped entrance

gate sets the tone for the rarefied atmosphere of the community, with its distinctive design by architect Henry Gorospe. The clubhouse is another attraction, with its classic Mediterranean design that embodies the upscale atmosphere of the community.

A perimeter wall and a network of wide concrete roads with paved sidewalks and concrete curbs and gutters delineate the residential property parcels, and ensure safety and efficiency of movement throughout the village.

An expertly engineered underground storm drainage system assures a flood-free environment.

C o m p l e t i n g the South Grove experience is a wide range of amenities and facilities that encourage residents to enjoy life to the fullest. The multipurpose clubhouse, with its centerpiece swimming pool, is the perfect venue in bringing together neighbors and guests for special occasions or community events.

The Davao Golf and Country Club is also located just a corner away, providing additional opportunities for leisure activities with the whole family. This exclusive club enhances as well the private and exclusive lifestyle that South Grove offers.

Dabawenyo installed as president of New York’s St. John’s University

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R. Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, a Dabawenyo and an alumnus of the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), is the new President of the St. John’s University in New York, aCatholic and Vincentian university founded in 1870.

The university’s website,http://www.stjohns. edu, announced that Gempesaw was installed as the university’s “17th and first lay president” on October 24.

The website describes its president as “an accomplished scholar, teacher, and administrator who comes to St. John’s with almost three decades of academic and administrative experience.”

Before assuming the post of president of St. John’s University, Gempesaw served as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

He also served as Dean of the University of Delaware (UD) Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, Vice-Provost for Academic and International Programs, Interim Dean of UD’s College of Arts and Sciences, and Chair of the Department of

Food and Resource Economics.

He joined UD as an assistant professor in 1985, was awarded tenure and promoted to associate professor in 1989, and promoted to full professor in 1993.

In his message to the St. John’s University community, also posted in the university’s website, Gempesaw said he will “bear in mind the Catholic and Vincentian core values that have long guided this University.”

“I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months and to the opportunity of working together to enhance our academic and research programs, broaden our community and global partnerships, and promote the Vincentian tradition of service to those most in need,” Gempesaw said.

“I ask for your prayers and support as we work together with a renewed commitment to sustain St. John’s outstanding reputation as one of the nation’s premier Catholic universities,” he added.

A news item in the university website in September said Gempesaw was among 10 persons named by

Dr. Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw Crain’s New York Business to its list of “People to Watch in Higher Education.” The list includes presidents and other senior administrators who are “successfully leading their New York based institutions during a time of unprecedented change in the higher education landscape.”

Gempesaw obtained his B.A. in Economics from the Ateneo de Davao University, his MS in Agricultural Economics from West Virginia

University, and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Pennsylvania State University.

He is married to Clavel Albay who earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware.

Ms Albay, also a Dabawenyo, was Mutya ng Dabaw 1975.

The couple has two sons, Daniel and David. Daniel completed a double degree with honors (magna cum laude) in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Physics from the University of Delaware and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech.

David completed a double major with honors (summa cum laude) in Accounting and Finance and a double minor in Economics and Jazz Studies from the University of Delaware. He is a certified public accountant and completed his M.A. in Economics from Miami University.

St. John’s University has campuses in New York’s Queens, Staten Island, Long Island and Manhattan, in Rome and in Paris.(MindaNews)

ALAYSIAN companies are looking to invest in oil palm and rubber plantations in the envisioned Bangsamoro region as part of Kuala Lumpur’s continuing support to the peace process, officials said Friday.

Malaysia brokered the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The parties signed last March the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), their final peace deal after 17 years of negotiations.

The Bangsamoro region will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as envisioned by the CAB. Har Man Ahmad, senior manager for ASEAN unit and former Embassy of Manila Trade Office (MATRADE Manila) commissioner, said the potential Malaysian investments in the Bangsamoro would help alleviate the plight of its people.

“Peace is a very important factor [in putting up an investment],” he said in a press conference.

Ahmad said that Malaysian investors are eyeing a joint venture scheme with their Filipino counterparts in the possible development of more oil palm and rubber plantations in the Bangsamoro and other parts of Mindanao.

According to the oil palm industry profile pre-

pared by the Mindanao Development Authority in October 2011, the country has about 55,000 hectares of land planted with oil palm, 80 per cent or 44,000 hectares of them in Mindanao.

For rubber, the island reportedly has 137,000 hectares as of 2011.

A joint Filipino-Malaysian venture in the palm oil industry has existed in Mindanao through the Agumil Philippines Inc. At least 51 Malaysian companies are currently here for the 2nd BIMP EAGA-IMT GT trade fair in a bid to forge partnerships with Mindanao investors and those from the other participating countries.

“We [also] want to explore business opportunities through direct supply, distribution or partnerships,” Ahmad said.

BIMP EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area, an initiative launched in 1994 to accelerate the growth of less developed areas of the participating countries.

IMT GT stands for Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand Growth Triangle, which was formed a year ahead of BIMP EAGA. Mindanao and Palawan are the focus areas of the Philippines under the BIMP EAGA initiative. (Bong S Sarmiento/MindaNews)

AVAO City Water District (DCWD) conducted various trainings in its continuous effort to create linkages in the grassroots level.

DCWD hosted Organic Container Gardening (OCG) Trainings to 20 women last September 20 in Barangay Malagos.

Previous to this, the same training was also conducted on July 19 in Barangay Sirib and July 12 in Barangay Tagakpan for 40 women members of the community, and on September 13 in Barangay Hizon for 30 fisherfolk.

In the trainings, the participants were taught how to properly practice organic backyard gardening to give them alternative means of income.

The trainings also taught them how to minimize solid wastes and kitchen wastes and in turn prevent water pollution in the community supporting the city’s ridge to reef protection objective.

Speakers were Ariel Arcena, Junel Borong and Arthur Cagumbay of the office of councilor Marissa Salvador Abellla.

The barangay councils of recipient communities also extended their support in order to help make the trainings possible.

There will be another OCG

training slated on October 25 for 20 women at Barangay Tibungco.

DCWD also spearheaded the conduct of the Gender and Development Training for Women and Environment in the Barangay (WEB) members last August 16 at Lispher Inn. In attendance were 40 WEB members who are all leaders and implementers of GAD and environment programs in their respective communities.

Discussed with the participants were the current gender and environment situation and the roles of women at home, in the community, and the environment by invited speakers Integrated Gender and Development Division OIC Lorna Mandin and Ateneo de Davao University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council executive secretary Atty. Arnold Abejaron, respectively.

Both discussions were effective in attaining the training’s objective to equip the participants with the needed knowledge on laws, issuances and other legislations that affect women and the environment as well as the roles of women and men in the household and society. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod)

Women and fisherfolk attend various trainings with DCWD D

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

EDITORIAL

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Dacudao trees: What now?

N THE days approaching the highly successful staging of the BIMP EAGA (Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asean Growth Area) and IMT-GT (Indonesia Malaysia Thailand-Growth Triangle) trade fair and business leaders meeting in Davao City, two incidents were hogging the headlines involving the name “Dacudao.” The first was about the controversy over an alleged plan to uproot the trees along Dacudao Avenue, while the second was about the arrest of one Santiago Jose Ebro Dacudao III for alleged cultivation of marijuana inside the family residential compound.

Armed with a search warrant, officers coming from the Sta. Ana (Davao City) police station and operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) uprooted half a dozen hills of cannavis sativa inside the compound and confiscated three undocumented handguns allegedly belonging to the respondent. The authorities had filed appropriate charges against Dacudao III. However, the controversy over the fate of trees planted along the more than a kilometer-long canal of Dacudao Avenue rages to this day. In the beginning, the central figure, if not the villain in the tempest was retired colonel Yusof Jimlani, demolition czar of the city who was reported, albeit mistakenly, as the architect of the plan to kill the trees. Mr. Jimlani has since demolished the no-

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tion that he was the mastermind of the “Fell the Dacudao Trees Conspiracy“ by calling a series of consultations that was designed to reach a consensus of what to do with the trees. Why, he even recited before newsmen attending Kapehan sa Dabaw yesterday “Trees,” the immortal poem by Alfred Joyce Kilmer, to prove how much he loves trees!

After three consultative meetings, there appears to be an emerging consensus among those involved in the multi-agency discussions pointing to a win-win solution.

The group found that there is need for the city to acquire an equipment more powerful that the two vactors that the city has been using to rid the canals of silts. There is an equipment of this kind made in China, but there is need to check its specs to be sure that indeed it is the contraption needed by the city. Another finding of the group is that in certain portions of the Dacudao waterway, both machine and man cannot clean the canals because of the trees that block their way.

Is the group now decided that some trees, specially the old ones, should go? No, the group still needs to meet, discuss again and finally come up with a report listing its recommendations. The report will be submitted to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, who is expected to render a solomonic decision soon after.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHENEEN R. CAPON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Reporters MEGHANN STA. INES AQUILES Z. ZONIO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle Photography CHA MONFORTE JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Correspondents ARLENE D. PASAJE Contributing Photographer Cartoons MUNDA • HENRYLITO TACIO • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY Columnists: CARLOS MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. ANN “ADI”• C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • VIDA MIA VALVERDE • Economic Analysts:• ENRICO BORBON MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN EMILY “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER PEREZENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA EconomicM. Analyst:

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GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYNRICHARD S. PANES C. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager of Sales SpecialistFinance General Manager DirectorAdvertising FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

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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

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EDGEDAVAO

L

AST week, while reading the latest copy of the Asian edition of Reader’s Digest, I was interrupted by the sound of my mobile phone. I received a forwarded message from my sister. It said: “Don’t count your friends on a sunny day the sky is blue and laughter is abundant. Instead, wait for a storm when the clouds are dark and smiles are scarce. When someone stands beside you and lifts your spirit to the sky, then you’ll know who deserves to be called a friend.”

Reading the message reminded me of the song of Dionne Warwick: “Keep smiling, keep shining. Knowing you can always count on me for sure. In good times and bad times, I’ll be on your side forever more.”

Well, that’s what friends are for!

Perhaps one of the best classic songs ever written on friendship was the one sung

by James Taylor. “When you’re down and troubled, and you need a helping hand, and nothing who, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest night.” Sure, you’ve got a friend.

No man is an island, so goes a popular saying. As the Bible puts it: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe unto him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

A couple of years ago, an English publication offered a prize for the best definition of a friend, and among the thousands of answers received were the following: (1) “one who multiplies joys, divides grief,” (2)

I

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

The Friends Connection “one who un- THINK ON THESE! derstands our silence,” (3) “a volume of sympathy bound in cloth,” and (4) “a watch which beats true for all time and never runs down.”

But here is Henrylito D. Tacio the definition henrytacio@gmail.com that won the coveted prize: “A friend - the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”

George Lord Byron considers friendship as “Love without his wings!” For as Charles Peguy points out, “Love is rarer than genius itself. And friendship is rarer than love.”

Saint Basil the Great puts it in another perspective: “A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.”

“What is a friend?” asked philosopher Aristotle. The 1828 Noah Webster dictionary defines a friend as “one who is attached to another by affection; one who entertains for other sentiments of esteem, respect and affection, which lead him to desire his company and to seek to promote his happiness and prosperity.”

In other words, a friend “a person with whom I may be sincere” (Ralph Waldo Emerson), “my nearest relation” (Thomas Fuller), “worth ten thousand relatives” (Eurip-

ides), “a present you give yourself” (Robert Louis Stevenson), and “the sunshine of life” (John Hay).

Those who have friends are twice blessed, indeed. Zig Ziglar, in his book, ‘Something to Smile About,’ wrote: “I agree with the statement that if, at the end of life, we can count at least two people who are true friends willing to do anything for us at the drop of a hat, who stand ready when we are hurting or need help, we are indeed fortunate. We can talk with friends about every facet of life – our joys, trials, triumphs, tragedies, hopes, wants, and needs.”

Two men were traveling together when a ferocious bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches.

The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground. When the bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could.

The bear soon left him, for it is said the animal won’t touch a dead body. When he was quite gone, the other man descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the bear had whispered in his ear. “He gave me this advice,” his companion replied. “Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger.”

“Three men are my friends,” a wise man said. “He that loves me, he that hates me, and he that is indifferent to me. Who loves me teaches me tenderness. Who hates me teaches me caution. Who is indifferent to me teaches me self-reliance.”

Sobrecarey-Quimpo case

N the December 10, 1940 local elections, Romualdo C. Quimpo, the “father of Davao City,“ won over Pacifico M. Sobrecarey as provincial governor, but his victory was placed under protest.

Sobrecarey, the incumbent governor, filed a petition for quo warranto before the CFI of Davao alleging the winner was not eligible to run because he was not a resident of the province where he filed his certificate of candidacy.

Quimpo, in filing a motion to dismiss the case, argued that there was no cause of action because he was a qualified elector of the city where he had resided long before it was organized. This position was supported by the CFI, saying the defendant was a resident and qualified elector of the city, which is within the province of Davao, the capital. Not in accord with the judgment, Sobrecarey appealed his case, submitting before the SC the argument that when the city was organized under Act No. 51 of the Commonwealth, it became a distinct territory and ceased to become an integral part of the province.

Citing Article 40 of the Revised Administrative Code, the SC explained that under the law the Province of Davao comprised the territory located on the southeastern tip of Mindanao Island, the islands belonging to it, including Sarangani. The high court, in deciding case G.R. No. L-48208, said the city of Davao, as a territory, remained within the territory of the province, and that while the city is outside the jurisdiction of Davao

FAST BACKWARD

BY THE ARCHIVIST Province, there was no valid reason to conclude the city, as a territory, was separate from the entire province.

The dissenting opinion, written by Justice Manuel Moran, on the other hand, strongly ar-gued that “this legal provision should be interpreted to include not only officials but also to individuals, not to separate the people from whom government derives its authority” in order to avoid misinterpretation and “many legal anomalies from implementing the law.” While he doubted the majority decision, the dissenting writer was “in favor of the effectiveness of the popular will expressed at the last election in favor of the defendant.”

Meanwhile, the first election for city mayor held in November 1955, was not spared from protest. Gaudioso M. Tiong-

co, the loser in the election, filed an election protest against eventual winner Carmelo L. Porras who was proclaimed as mayor-elect by the Board of Canvassers on Nov. 21. In the records, Porras got 15,462 votes while Tiongco had 13,398.

Tiongco, though, was aggrieved with the canvass results. He filed a protest against the winner before the CFI of Davao, docketed as Case No. 79, claiming “that fraud, irregularities, terrorism and other illegal acts were committed in approximately 200 precincts.” In response, Porras denied the allegation and filed a counter-claim for damages and attorney’s fees, aside from a counter-protest contending the commission of irregularities and anomalies in the appreciation of ballots in 41 city precincts.

Tiongco filed a P10,000 bond to cover expenses and costs related to his protest, while Porras filed a P2,000 bond for similar reason but to answer for expenditures related to his counter-protest. Eight teams of commissioners were appointed to facilitate the protest, each comprising three individuals—one representing Tiongco, the other for Porras, and the third for the court. But the recount was delayed for two years due to numerous motions for postponements filed by Tiongco. Finally, on Apr. 15, 1958, the court issued an order to dismiss both the protest and the counter-protest with costs shouldered by the protesting party. Consequent to this, the court granted Porras to file a separate civil suit for damages against Tiongco.

VANTAGE POINTS

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Waiting game for PNoy – for Mar, too

W

I T H t h e beating that Vice President Jejomar Binay has gone through courtesy of the ongoing Senate probe into his alleged ill-gotten wealth, it would not be a surprise if President Benigno S. Aquino III ousted him as national housing czar.

But Aquino allowed Binay to remain in his post – at least, until this writing – and that should create questions what the President is contemplating at this stage of the investigation, which is primarily a prequel to the 2016 elections.

Go figure. Binay is not even a member of the ruling Liberal Party, or at least of a party that belongs to the majority coalition. He leads the United Nationalist Alliance, and barring obstacles other than the exposé of his and his family members’ purported wrongdoings as public officials, he will be the opposition standard bearer in 2016.

Only one thing could have made Aquino hesitate to remove the vice president from the Cabinet – deference to Binay’s loyalty to Aquino’s late president-mother, Corazon C. Aquino.

Go figure this too. With less than two years left before the next presidential elections, the administration does not have a visible candidate yet. Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas is the Liberal Party’s presumptive bet. Yet until now Aquino remains noncommittal to endorsing him, apparently because the surveys don’t match the enthusiasm of the secretary’s cheering squad.

Blame Roxas’ sloppy PR work. Blame his general blandness. Or better yet, blame his loss to Binay in 2010 as the culprit for his poor showing in surveys even after his rival’s rating also went down. Roxas’ standing as a pretender to Malacañang has improved, but it’s not as significant as his camp might have wished it to be as a result of the Senate investigation involving the Binay family.

It’s interesting to see how Binay would fare in a future survey now that he is being named as the owner of a 350-hectare estate in Batangas. Add to that the result of a survey showing that 80 percent of the respondents wanted him to face the Senate and answer the allegations. Obviously feeling the heat now, the vice president has declared he would do so if the hearings were conducted by the blue ribbon committee itself, not the sub-committee presided by Senator Koko Pimentel. Also, he sought an audience with Aquino to implore him to ask the Senate to go slow on him. At least, that’s what Aquino told the media.

How the investigation into the 350-hectare property unfolds in the coming days – and whether Binay will face his accusers or not at the Senate – could be crucial to his presidential ambition. If Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and company can obtain conclusive evidence that it really belongs to Binay, such development might erode his chances further. If not, his rating will possibly remain unchanged, bad news for Cayetano, Roxas and other presidential hopefuls.

Until then, Aquino will have to wait before declaring his plans for 2016.

Roxas too will have to rein in his eagerness – just like what he’s doing now amid the trouble bugging Binay – and concentrate on cementing his base at the local level. Lucky guy, this Roxas. Congress is set to give his office P21 billion for this under the 2015 national budget. The amount makes the average presidential campaign kitty a pittance. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com.)

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NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

Mindanao...FFROM 1

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han sa Dabaw at SM City Annex that the P6 billion investment comes from 11 projects that were hatched during the business-to-business matching sessions during the conference.

“These investment projects are not yet agreements. We would like to emphasize that. These are the investments niche, meaning to say, the private sector and companies want to pursue these projects in Mindanao,” Montenegro said.

He said investors had a chance to talk with local partners in Mindanao to put up businesses in some areas, mostly in the agri-business industry.

“This is an indication that Mindanao is really competitive in this sector,” he said.

“We will be closely monitoring and following up these developments, these 11 projects,” he added.

Montenegro said Mindanao is the exporter of top exportable agricultural products such as bananas, pineapple, cacao, and coffee.

“That is why many of the investment discussions were focused under these areas,” he said.

Montenegro said the 11 projects are the following: 1) coffee plantations in Sultan Kudarat where they can generate substantial possible investment value; 2) establishment of IT Park in General Santos

City; 3) corn processing plant in Banga, South Cotabato; 4) coconut processing plant in Davao del Sur; 5) construction of oil depot and warehouses in the port of Parang, Maguindanao; 6) oil palm projects in the General Santos City economic zone; 7) oil palm projects in North Cotabato; 8) oil palm projects in Davao City; 9) oil palm plantations and processing in Davao del Norte; 10) an oil palm nursery in Malaybalay, Bukidnon; 11) coconut plantation in Lanao del Sur. “These are just initially indicated projects that went into a discussion during the business matching session. But there several projects that will continue to do with due diligence. They will visit specific locations,” Montenegro said.

“They just registered in the business matching session. However, when they saw that there are opportunities to expand or base here in Mindanao, they will continue to do that in the next few weeks,” he added.

Montenegro said the b u s i n e s s - to - b u s i n e s s matching is the important indicator of success of last week’s event. He said it recorded 1,528 registered participants from the five countries that participated.

He said of the total participants, 1,184 are domestic delegates from Mindanao and Manila. Nearly 500 hundred delegates came from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

They also recorded participants from Canada, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United States of America, and the United Kingdom.

“With the event last week, it is already a demonstration of Mindanao’s ability to receive and host international level or category of convention and conference,” Montenegro said.

He said they were expecting only around 800 participants.

Montenegro said aside from business matching, they were able to generate around P2.9 billion from the booked sales of the exhibitors.

“There were agreements already and arrangements to make reservations, to place orders for certain products and commodities,” he said.

Montenegro said the trade fair was not actually a purchasing event but aimed to seek potential buyers of their products for a long-term.

“We did not expect during the trade fair exhibit that there products will be sold although sample products were given.

What we go after is the long-term,” he said.

Montenegro said that they also recorded around 255 exhibitors from the countries of the sub-regions of BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT.

Informed of the incident, Mayor Joseph Evangelista immediately sent the engineering department to look the situation and conduct preventive measures to save the tombs.

The Binoligan cemetery hosts about 2,000 dead since its operation in 2008.

Residents around another public cemetery in the city, meanwhile, complained that the memorial park has been used by drug addicts as pot session area at night.

“We suspect they are doing illegal activities inside the cemetery, that is why we

are calling the police to take a look on this matter,” a resident said of the cemetery located along Bautista Street.

This early, many Catholics have started cleaning and painting tombs of their loved ones in Kidapawan and elsewhere in the region.

(PNA)

Rep. Rodolfo Biazon earlier did.

Eleven members of the AHCBBL, ten of them Mindanawons, attended the public hearing.

The Cotabato City hearing on Thursday, October 23, was more problematic. The initial announcement, based on the Committee’s calendar, was that it would be from 8 a.m. to 5 p. m. Wednesday at the Notre Dame University gymnasium.

As it turned out, the NDU gym was not available so the venue was moved to the gymnasium of the Cotabato City State Polytechic College. But no public announcement was appar-

ently made because there were less than 20 persons inside the CCSPC gym by 8 a.m. including the Committee Secretariat and MindaNews which learned about the change of venue en route to NDU gym.

Sweat-drenched Committee members arrived at 8:35 a.m. to find an audience of about 60 and plastic chairs good for at least 300 (bleachers not included; around 50 students were seated there). The hearing finally started at 9:22 a.m. when other participants arrived.

But the chairs were moved closer to the stage.

One remarked it was a good thing it wasn’t raining as the old G.I. sheet

roofing had holes. But for a gym much bigger than Upi’s but with fewer electric fans, the heat was unbearable.

Several participants were seen moving closer to the industrial fans to dry their sweat-drenched clothes.

The sound system was worse. Resource persons who spoke at the podium onstage using wireless microphone could not be understood until a note was passed to one of the congressmen that the audience could not understand what the speaker was saying. The speeches became clear only when a wired microphone was used instead.

Soil... FFROM 3

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

WEAVER. A Mandaya woman displays her weaving skills at the recently concluded My City, My SM, My Crafts: A celebration of traditional arts and modern Philippine

Davao...

design at the atrium of SM Lanang Premier over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

FFROM 2

Wireless area in Fr. Selga.

Philippine Development Forum After the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, the PDF will take place on the following days.

Danao said the tight security in the city will still be implemented with the same strictness during the BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Conference.

“The venues are the

same and the areas of engagement are also the same,” Danao said.

Danao said as of the moment they are still waiting for the Department of Finance (DOF) on what security measures they are going to implement for the VIPs. As of press time, he said the meeting of the organizers is still ongoing.

“The Davao City Police Office will be ready to any

measures,” Danao said.

Since the PDF will be discussing the Bangsamoro development, members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are expected to arrive in the city.

Danao said the MILF members are not allowed to bring their firearms inside the city.

Around 400 participants will be joining the two-day event.

Police said the two had a heated altercation with Jumamoy, ending with the older Veñegas shooting him.

Police said Alburo responded and tried to disarm the father, but during the scuffle the gun went off and he was hit in the abdomen.

Alburo was still able to disarm and shoot the older Veñegas.

The younger Veñegas, however, pulled out a gun and shot the police officer in the chest.

Alburo was immediately rushed to San Pedro Hospi-

tal while the older Veñegas and Jumamoy were brought to SPMC. Mark Ryan Veñegas was arrested by the authorities.

The older Veñegas is now facing a murder case while the younger one is facing frustrated murder case.

10th ID commander Major General Eduardo Año confirmed that the younger Veñegas is a member of the 25th IB and is under the custody of Sasa Police Station.

Año also gave assurance

that his unit will cooperate with the investigation of the police and will let them take full custody of the younger Veñegas.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) does not tolerate such thing and will make sure that proper punishment will be given to the respondent,” Año said.

“We will let the police handle the investigation because it is now within the scope of legal matters and rest assured that the AFP will not meddle with the investigation,” he added.

But while the audience could now hear the speakers clearly, the Committee members at the Presidential table onstage could not, prompting Biazon to go down and join the audience again.

The resource persons were asked to use the microphones on the floor.

Committee members onstage could now hear them clearly but the audience could not.

Aside from problems on venue and the sound system, the quality of the hearings was another problem. Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews No guidelines; English as main language

Committee chair Rep. Rufus Rodriguez’ only guideline was to give each speaker five minutes. There was no strict timekeeping, however, so some spoke beyond the time limit.

No guideline was also issued on what language to use. When the hearing started at 2:15 p.m at the Upi School Gym on October 22, a teacher approached the secretariat to request that Committee members speak in Filipino rather than English, so that majority of the people could understand.

The proceedings were aired live by the town’s radio station, DXUP, so even those who could not make it to the gym could

listen to the radio instead.

Unfortunately, while many spoke in Filipino, English was still the dominant language used by both Committee members and resource persons. Position papers submitted to the Secretariat were also mainly in English .

Bar... FFROM 2

Also, most of the speakers delivered position papers like there was no draft law yet. Only Timuay Santos Unsad of the Timuay Justice and Governance presented specific articles and sections where they had concerns, and offered their “proposed alternative provisions.”

Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews

11 CULTURE & ARTS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Portrait of an American novelist Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service

RONALD MICHAEL G. TALOSIG, Case No.2009-XI-00106 Petitioner x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY-MIDSAYAP (COTABATO) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate has expired last August 6, 2014. In the petition filed on October 15,2014, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on NOVEMBER 10,2014 at 10:10 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 15th day of October 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

I

F you are an American who graduated from West Point, spent six years as an Army officer in Europe and Asia, and stayed in the Philippines for several years, what is the best thing you can do?

Write a novel.

That was what exactly Thomas “Tom” Anthony did.

For three years, he lived in Mindanao where he had close contact with military and political leaders of the highest stature. His personal observation of the struggle that continues to this day became the basis for this novel, Rebels of Mindanao.

The synopsis of the story, according to the press release, goes this way: “Haunted by the failure of his last mission and the lost lives of his team, Thomas Thornton had hoped to escape his former life as an undercover operative, seeking the calm beauty of tropical Mindanao. When two West Point friends, now high ranking officials in the government and military, ask him to run one last clandestine operation, he finds himself in the fray once again. Thornton recruits a hunter-killer team of Manobo tribesmen – and the tough but beautiful Elaiza – to thwart the insurgency. The mission: eliminate the Turk carrying millions in cash into Mindanao to finance an Islamic revolution. The deal: make the Turk and the cash disappear, no questions asked.”

The novel was not only a bestseller; it also earned for him the Book of the Year Award from New York’s Forward magazine. But what most people didn’t know that it was rejected several times – just like most neophyte novelists experienced.

“I wrote it while living in Mindanao from 2003 to 2005,” he recalled. “(When I submitted my first novel), publishers rejected it.” It was not because the novel was not engrossing; the reason: “They had never heard of Mindanao,” he said.

Fortunately, Mark Victor Hansen, author of the Chicken Soup series and a personal acquaintance in California, introduced Tom to Eric Kampman of Beaufort Books in New York. Kampman liked the novel after reading it so he decided to publish it.

Although Beaufort Books has the copyright being the publisher of the novel, Tom says he has the right to print it in the Philippines. He will do it in conjunction with the movie.

“I think Rebels of Mindanao is a better movie than book,” he points out, adding that he already has the screenplay. “We plan to make the movie next year – in Mindanao!”

Another novel Tom has written is Sabine, and it is set in Davao City where he is currently living. “I am a writer and I write. I write what I see and feel,” he replies when asked what inspired him to write the novel.

While driving back and forth from Dumoy, a part of Toril district, to downtown every day, Tom wrote down what he saw. One of those that caught his attention was the MacArthur Highway in Matina.

“General (Douglas) MacArthur was a personal boyhood hero and inspired me to go to West Point,” he admits. “I found it ironic that I now live along a highway named after him. I began to wonder how he would feel if he drove along this highway, today, and I started to write a report called ‘MacArthur Highway.’”

It was not a novel, but just a location. So Tom created fictional characters: Sabine (from which the title of the novel was taken), a lost waif who wanders in from the boondocks; Leopatro, a cockfighter who cuts off Sabine’s ears when she refuses to do what he asks; Manuelo, Leopatro’s gay assistant; Richard, an American schoolteacher who runs into Sabine while driving along MacArthur Highway, his first day in town; Adriana, an honorable whore who rescues Sabine; Juanito an ex-cop who rapes Adriana; Hans, the owner of the Dutch Bar; Philip, a married missionary who is uncertain of his sexuality; and the Kristo, the ruler of the cockfight gallera who believes he was cheated by Leopatro.

On why he has chosen Davao City as the setting of Sabine, which was made into a movie recently, he answers: “I think it is interesting to see a place you know through the eyes of a foreigner, it makes one see it differently.”

Well, Tom sees things differently. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from West Point, a Master in Business Administration from the University of Akron, and a doctoral work at the University of Vienna in Austria. He studied screenwriting at the University of California.

Currently, he has written three more movie screenplays: Warsaw Triple Cross, Mindanao, and The Twelfth Angel. Another in the making is Field Rep, sort of “Death of a Salesman” updated.

Yes, he loves to write scripts. When asked if he was a scriptwriter from the past, he replies: “I think it is important to be original and egotisti-

Rebels of Mindanao will soon be a Hollywood movie cal, so only myself, but I wish chapters: from telling the story I had the skill to take Chris- in the first person to that of the topher Koch’s story of The narrator, and then snap back Year of Living Dangerously, again to the other. “I hope it the script of Indochine, crush helps the reader see perspecthem together, set the scene tive; but it might be seen as today in Mindanao and have confusing,” he says.

Quentin Tarantino’s courage.”

According to him, he Tom, indeed, has gone has five favorite books of all a long, long way. He started time – and they were written writing when he was about by his most favorite authors, six years old – and he never too. These are Chesapeake by stopped since then. “I wrote James Michener, The World to convince other people of According to Garp by John Irmy ideas and to achieve some- ving, The Executioner’s Song thing,” he says. “I wrote to my by Normal Mailer, The Uncongressman to appoint me to bearable Lightness of Being by West Point and later to Fires- Milan Kundera, and Fountaintone to get a job, to customers head by Ann Rand. to sell something… I just write.”

Tom gets up early and But now that he is older, writes every day from about 5 Tom believes he already has AM until breakfast. He takes a something to say. “I think a break, then, writes some more writer has to have experienced and so by lunch, he has the rest pain, joy, desolation, elation, of the day free. “Inspired or and other emotions over time not, I pick up a pencil and force before he can write anything it to move around the page,” interesting,” he says. he informs. “When it evolves “Be careful! You could be into a sentence or two I start to a character in my next story!” peck around on my computer.”

Tom jokes when I asked him Unlike other writers, Tom where he gets his ideas when doesn’t experience the sowriting. “I make notes wherev- called ‘writer’s block.’ “I make er I am. I also read novels and myself write every day,” he watch movies. There are only says. “I do not worry about so many stories to be told, but whether it is good or not. Then infinite ways of telling them.” when I cannot think of anyAlthough he loves to read, thing to write, I edit!” he says not one but many auIf you ask why Tom now thors influence his method lives in Davao City, it’s because of writing. “However, I have he is married to a Filipina, Maitried to define my own style,” lyn, who hails from Agusan. he explains. He cites the case “In the 90’s, I was working of Sabine, where he changes for an American corporation the so-called point of view in licensing new technology to

major electronics manufacturers in Asia,” he recalls. “She was working in Singapore and I met her there. We corresponded through snail mail: hard copy and hand written.

Those were the days before the internet.”

Mailyn had been in Singapore for three years and when they picked a wedding date, Tom encouraged her they would tie the nuptial knot in the Philippines in order for her to spend some time with her family before they would move to California. “We were married in Manila but after, we spend most of the time in Davao,” he says.

“The best thing that ever happened to me,” he replies when asked what it is to have a Filipina as lifetime partner.

“We have been married 16 years but we joke that we have spent more time together than most couples married for 48 years – because we spend 24 hours a day together. We are partners in everything, and that takes all day, every day.”

Tom says he has friends in Manila and all over the world.

“We visit and travel but return here (in Davao City),” he says.

“My American friends seem a little bit envious and wish they could trade places with me.”

But one this is sure: he will keep on writing. His advice to follow his footsteps: “Pick up a pencil, start pushing it across a piece of paper, and do not stop.”

12 CLASSIFIED

There’s a better way to get attention.

EDGEDAVAO

Call: 224-0733 • Tionko St., Davao City

Advertisewith EDGEDAVAO CLASSIFIEDS

Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Blue skies and pink sand

Zamboanga’s magical Greater Sta. Cruz Island

T

HE PHILIPPINES is a magical place where the sun kisses thousands of islands hosting an even larger number of coves, inlets and beaches that are just waiting to be explored ad discovered.

Even just on Mindanao and its surrounding islands, there is a multitude of idyllic spots where one can just get away from the hum of urban living.

A local at the Sama Bangingi Village shows how he mends his pokot bahala, a net used for catching lobsters.

Greater Sta. Cruz Island’s powder-fine, pink-hued sand.

Merely four kilometres from mainland Zamboanga City is Greater Sta. Cruz Island which together with the nearby Little Sta. Cruz Island form the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands Protected Landscape & Seascape, a protected area with a total area of 1,887 hectares.

On arrival to the island, I knew I was about to experience something magical because from afar, it is undeniable that the beach of Greater Sta. Cruz island has a pinkish hue. The water around the island was crystal clear and the transitioning hues of trees to the sand to the water was a breathtaking sight which truly deserves a “WOW” on my memory. On closer inspection, I saw that the powdery fine sand was filled with bits and pieces of red and pink particles, which I later found out from our guide, were from the red reed pipe organ coral that can be found around the area.

Accommodations on the island were simple yet were adequate for a day trip thanks to low envi-

Clockwise from top left: Grilled squid, crablets, Panganan, and Locot-locot. ronment impact cottages and dining halls that were constructed by the City Government of Zamboanga. For dining, one can bring their own food or buy crabs and squid from the locals who will also cook and serve it to you.

Trinkets, pearls, and souvenirs can be purchased at a small bazaar

composed of stalls set-up by the local Sama Bangingi Tribe who are the only group of individuals allowed to live on the island and who are participants in a Department of Tourism’s communitybased cultural village development program.

To get to Greater Sta. Cruz Island, one can reg-

A small chunk of the reed pipe organ coral.

DoT assistant secretary Arturo Boncato together with regional directors Ma. June Bugante of Region IX and Leticia Tan of CARAGA.

ister with the Zamboanga City Tourism Office at Paseo del Mar where there are boats you can charter going to and coming back from the island.

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

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

STYLE

AirAsia Zest re-connects Cebu to Mindanao AIRASIA ZEST, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six straight years by Skytrax World Airline Awards from 2009 to 2014, recently launched its newest destinations from Mactan Cebu International Airport to Cagayan De Oro and Davao, two key cities in Mindanao.

In conjunction with the reintroduction of these routes, AirAsia Zest is offering promotional seats with all-in-fares from as low as Php 353.92, one-way. Booking period is now until November 2, 2014, for the travel period from December 12, 2014 to October 24, 2015. Booking is available online at www.airasia.com.

Booking is also available on AirAsia’s mobile apps through iPhone, Android devices, Blackberry10 and Windows Platform. Search AirAsia on the respective stores to download and start booking, or visit AirAsia’s mobile site at mobile.airasia.com.

AirAsia Zest CEO Joy Cañeba said, “AirAsia is committed in connecting communities in the Philippines, in the region and beyond and with our newest routes between Cebu and Mindanao, we would like to provide much-needed connections and tap into under-served markets, grow it, as there is definitely great tourism and business potentials between these awesome cities. Let’s paint these cities red and make traveling more affordable, fun, convenient, reliable and on time.”

Aside from Cebu – Davao and Cebu – CDO, AirAsia Zest also services flights from Cebu to Manila, Incheon/ Seoul, South Korea and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, operated by highly trained and well-experienced flight and cabin crew using Airbus A320s.

“This is just the beginning of our new plans for Cebu as we are set to expand our presence here with new international direct flights and offer fly-thru products to connect all Filipinos to the rest of AirAsia Group’s massive network covering over 88 destinations stretching across China, India and Australia,” Cañeba added.

TGI FRIDAYS INTRODUCES ALL-NEW TASTE OF AMERICA DISHES. Take a bite of delicious Chicago Braised Pork Belly, succulent Southwest Shrimp Caesar Salad, Kansas Mashed Potato Cakes and Miami Cubano Chicken Stack. To make your dining extra special, wash it down with any of TGI Fridays’ new Mojito flavours, Chili Pineapple and Apple Cucumber.

Freeway features Federico Alcuaz FREEWAY is honored to pay tribute to a very versatile artist who has earned him recognition here and abroad. He was conferred the title of National Artist in 4 disciplines, for Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media in 2009.

Freeway’s 10 piece fashion collection tribute is composed shift dresses, comfortable casual tops, shirts and slinky pieces beautifully adorned with Alcuaz’s masterpieces such as “Man with Still Life” and “Duet in Brown and White” to name a few! Perfect for the holiday season, the collection did not fail to serve you with rich colored print dresses and tops that can be worn from day to night affairs, complete with tote bags for your functional trips! The collection uses comfortable material such as satinized twills and poplins for the casual work wear to stretch georgettes and knits for the weekend getup.

Each item will have a National Artist gift packaging and a bio-tag so that one can learn more about the life and works of Alcuaz. A perfect gift for anyone this Holiday season.

Yes, you can finally sport a work of Alcuaz adding up to his vast exposure in 20 museums and major cultural institutions in the world today!

Freeway located in the ground floor of Abreeza Mall.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Forevermore’ to touch viewers’ hearts and minds

ABS-CBN and Star Creatives’ newest romantic drama series “Forevermore,” starring this generation’s Prince Charming, Enrique Gil, and the leading lady to watch out for, Liza Soberano, will premiered last October 27 on the Primetime Bida block.

Directed by Master Love Storyteller Cathy Garcia-Molina and Ted Boborol, “Forevermore” is set to shake up the

hearts and minds of primetime viewers with its unique tale about first love that blossomed between two different people -- the rebellious and irresponsible unico hijo of a hotel magnate, Xander (Enrique), and the feisty and hardworking Strawberry Jam Queen of La Trinidad, Benguet, Agnes (Liza).

Xander and Agnes’ extraordinary relationship starts after an intoxicated Xander crash lands his parachute into a straw-

berry truck. To teach him a lesson, his parents made him pay for the damages he caused by making him work at the strawberry farm under the guidance of Agnes and other strawberry farmers.

“Forevermore” is produced by Star Creatives, the same group that brought viewers the hit romantic drama series “Princess and I” and “Got To Believe.”

Completing the cast of “Forevermore” are Sophia Andres, Yves Flores, Kit

Thompson, Zoren Legazpi, Lilet, Marissa Delgado, Joey Marquez, and Almira Muhlach.

Feel the thrill of falling in love for the first time in “Forevermore” weeknights starting Monday on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

For more updates about “Forevermore,” follow the show’s official social media accounts at Facebook. com/ForevermoreTV, Twitter.com/StarCreativesTV and Instagram.com/ StarCreativesTV.

Kapamilya Stars throw back-to-back Masskara Festival treats for Bacolodnons ABS-CBN Regional joined the happiest festival in the Philippines as Kapamilya stars throw back-toback Masskara Festival treats for over 10,000 Bacolodnons recently.

Six thousand fans flocked to the Robinson’s Place Bacolod on October 17 to witness the star-studded “Salamat Kapamilya” graced by “Pure Love” stars namely, Alex Gonzaga, Yen Santos, Joseph Marco, Arjo Atayde, Matt Evans, Yam Concepcion and Anna Luna. The whole cast delighted the fans as they performed their special production numbers.

The fun continued on October 18 at Gaisano City Grand Mall Bacolod as ABS-CBN’s “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon” stars

Maricar Reyes and Paulo Avelino’s sizzling performance drew a thousand smiles from the crowd.

Adding color and rhythm to the celebration was the remarkable and entertaining performance of

Enchong Dee, who sang songs from his self-titled album under Star Records.

“Salamat Kapamilya” and “Kapamilya Karavan” events were organized by the ABS-CBN Regional.

ABS-CBN Regional en-

deavors to highlight the best of the regions by promoting local culture, upholding responsible journalism, and inspiring Filipinos all over the country with its network of 33 TV stations and 2 affiliates.

Solenn Heussaff’s ghost stories in ‘Tunay Na Buhay’ AWARD-WINNING biodocumentary show Tunay na Buhay unveils more ghost stories as it features Solenn Heussaff in True Celebrity Ghost Stories this Tuesday on GMA7.

Kapuso Network launched early October its newest horror fantasy series “Elemento.”

And one of its episodes, which aired last Friday, featured actress Solenn Heusaff as the river goddess Pandora. She is also part of the first bayaniserye on primetime—Ilustrado—where she will play the role of Nellie Boustead, a European woman who Rizal almost

marries. Aside from these TV projects, Solenn is also included in the remake of the movie “Tiyanak” which opens in theaters this month.

But apparently, what many people don’t know about Solenn is that even in real life, she has these strange experiences. According to her, she can sense spirits and creatures that are not of this world.

This Tuesday, Solenn reveals some of her frightening experiences in the continuation of True Celebrity Ghost Stories, the month-long Halloween special of Tunay na Buhay, 4:35PM on GMA7.

THE JUDGE Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall PG13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE BEST OF ME James Marsden, Michelle Monaghan PG 13

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

FURY Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman R 16

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

R-16 THE TRIAL/ *DRACULA UNTOLD John Lloyd Cruz, Jessy Mendiola/ *Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper R 13 / * R13

12:30 | 3:00 LFS / * 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

EVENT

A festival of Davao’s identity through crafts

By Kenneth Irving Ong

S

M Lanang Premier launched its ‘My City, My SM, My Crafts,’ exhibit at the mall’s Atrium last October 23. The exhibit is a celebration of traditional arts and modern Philippine design in the cities where SM malls have taken root.

The latest iteration of the nation-wide series features world-class Dabawenyo companies and artisans such as Dati Coco Crafts, Great Gifts & Souvenirs International Corp., Jun Artajo, Le’ Mar Arts and Crafts, Shiela Damalerio, and Tadeco Home with a special highlight on the traditional arts and crafts of the Mandaya tribe of Caraga, Davao Oriental.

The event is a joint project of SM, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bureau of Domestic Trade and the Philippine Star, with the support from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with additional support from Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

The My City, My SM, My Crafts exhibit at SM Lanang Premier will run until October 29, 2014.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

ZION

CLASSIFIED 13

EDGEDAVAO

EDGE

ACCUPRINT PUBLISHING, INC.

Serving a seamless society

DAVAO

WANTS YOU!

Is in need of:

MACHINE OPERATOR (Printing Press)

Qualifications:

- At least high school graduate, not more than 30 years old - Physically and mentally fit - Can handle minor repairs of the machine - Has the ability to be cool under pressure of deadlines and complex projects - Experience of at least one year

Send application letter & resume to: HR Supervisor ZION Accuprint Publishing, Inc. Door 14 Alcrej Building, Quirino Ave., 8000 Davao City, Philippines E-mail: marketing@edgedavao.net zion_publishing@yahoo.com Telefax: (082) 2213601 Website: www.edgedavao.net

ANNOUNCEMENT To serve you better Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. have added a new telephone line: (082) 224-1413

-

Graphic Designer

Male / Female, not more than 30 years old Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive A team player Must a have an extensive knowledge (Adobe Photoshop, Adober Illustrator, Adobe Indesign and Corel Draw)

Responsibilities: - Design and layout magazine pages, ads, brochures, flyers and marketing collateral for multiple clients - Design logos and brand identification For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao

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

14

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

NBA PREVIEW: EASTERN CONFERENCE

A

First of a series

TLANTIC DIVISION BOSTON CELTICS Founded: 1946 NBA titles: 17 (2008, 1986, 1984, 1981, 1976, 1974, 1969, 1968, 1966, 1965, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1957) Head coach: Brad Stevens 2013-14 record: 2557 (Proud Celtics finish 12th in conference after a run of six seasons in playoffs) Sorry Celtics fans, no playoff for Boston -- again.

That’s hard to accept for a franchise with 17 titles, but the talent is not there.

Aging point guard Rajon Rondo is again sidelined, this time with a broken left hand. That likely leaves an early starting five of Avery Bradley and rookie Marcus Smart at the guards with Jeff Green, Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk up front. Sullinger and Olynyk have promise, but there is not a 20-point scorer in the bunch.

-BROOKLYN NETS Founded: 1967 NBA titles: None Head coach: Lionel Hollins 2013-14 record: 4438 (Returned to playoffs but after taking Toronto in seven games, fall to Miami in five in second round) It all revolves around whether center Brook Lopez can stay healthy.

The former All-Star has had only one injury-free season in the past three and the Nets need him at his best to advance in the playoffs.

Brooklyn basically stuck with the same group that made the postseason a year ago, bringing in Lionel Hollins to coach them after Jason Kidd went Milwau-

kee. Better defense and improved early play are musts and another big year from leading scorer Joe Johnson is needed.

Point guard Deron Williams, who underwent ankle surgery, is beginning to show his age (30) and age is definitely a deterrent for 38-year-old year power forward Kevin Garnett.

-NEW YORK KNICKS Founded: 1946 NBA titles: 2 (1973, 1970) Head coach: Derek Fisher 2013-14 record: 3745 (Missed playoffs by a game) Defense, or the lack of it, will be key after the Knicks traded their best defender, Tyson Chandler. The offense, with former scoring champion Carmelo Anthony, has always been there. Stopping other teams has not.

New coach Derek Fisher, with Phil Jackson now the team president, has brought the triangle offense back to the NBA and has solid point guard Jose Calderon. Another member of that trade, Samuel Dalembert, is not an especially strong center putting more pressure on Andrea Bargnani up front.

-PHILADELPHIA 76ERS Founded: 1946 NBA titles: 3 (1983, 1967, 1955) Head coach: Brett Brown 2013-14 record: 1963 (The record speaks for itself. The 76ers were terrible) Not a lot of positives for the worst team in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers even traded away leading scorer Thaddeus Young as they look to the future.

THE ROOKIE. Stanley Pringle of Globalport (light) makes his move against Carlo Lastimosa of Barako Bull (dark) during the PBA Philippine Cup match

between Globalport and Barako Bull on Sunday. Nuki Sabio

Preseason: Lakers bow to Kings T

HE Sacramento Kings came from 13 points down late to beat the Los Angeles Lakers by a nose, 93-92, on Friday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the famous strip in Las Vegas.

After Jeremy Lin nailed a triple with 4:29 left in the fourth quarter, the Lakers appeared to be in complete control. But the Kings refused to give up and mounted a rally that led to Ray McCallum’s tip-in with a scant 0.1 ticks remaining in the contest.

Sacramento closed the preseason with a 2-5 record.

The Lakers wrapped up exhibition play at 3-5.

DeMarcus Cousins led the Kings with 21 points and

10 rebounds while Ramon Sessions had 13 and eight assists. Derrick Williams finished with 13 points while Reggie Evans pulled down 16 boards.

Jeremy Lin was the top man for the Lakers with 19 and seven assists. Ed Davis added 15 points and 13 rebounds and Julius Randle put up 12 and nine boards.

Fil-Am rookie Jordan Clarkson contributed 11 for the Lakers, who made 37 of 80 shots, including seven of 15 from three-point land.

Kobe Bryant and Carlos Boozer did not suit up for Los Angeles.

Elsewhere in Chicago, James Harden exploded for

25 points and the Houston Rockets got the best of the reigning NBA champions San Antonio Spurs, 96-87, at the Toyota Center in downtown Houston.

All-Star center Dwight Howard did not play due to a forearm laceration but Houston still had more than enough firepower to secure the home win Friday night.

Isaiah Canaan came off the bench with 18 points and seven rebounds and Terrence Jones provided a lift with 11 markers and 13 boards. Trevor Ariza, who replaced Chandler Parsons in the small forward slot, finished with 11 points and nine assists.

Marco Belinelli carried much of the Spurs offense with a team-high 19. Danny Green contributed 14 and Tim Duncan registered 11 and 10 boards.

But the Spurs played poorly overall. It’s something that didn’t sit will with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

“We look very poor. We looked like we’re not very interested. Sure, we look for our guys to kick it up a notch. We obviously don’t want them to kick it down a notch,” Popovich told reporters after the game.

The Rockets finished the preseason with an excellent 5-2 won-lost record while the Spurs settled at 2-5.

9 reasons to watch Magsayo: Future boxing star 2014-15 NBA season: A 1 . Defending champions San Antonio open their title defense hosting their Southwest Division rivals Dallas on Tuesday, one of three games on the opening-night slate 2. The season has a total of 1,230-game regular-season games: 3. November 12: Houston v Minnesota in Mexico City 4. Christmas Day: LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers visit Miami, where James won two titles in four finals appearances in four years with the Heat

5. January 15: New York Knicks v Milwaukee Bucks at London 6. February 6 and March 31: NBA finals rematches between Spurs and Heat 7. February 15, All-Star Game mid-season exhibition at Madison Square Garden 8. Regular season ends April 15, playoffs begin three days later 9. Milestone watch: With 31,700 career points, Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant needs 593 to overtake NBA legend Michael Jordan (32,292) for third place on the all-time scoring list.

new generation fighter and soon to be the Philippines’ next boxing gem keeps soaring high towards the top under ALA Promotions.

19 year old true-blue Boholano, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo is rapidly making a name in the world of boxing in his quest to be lined up with some of the great names in the industry in the near future.

Magsayo is one of the most promising prospects from the ALA Gym with great fighting skills that boxing fans should watch out for in the highly anticipated 28th series of Pinoy Pride.

FUTURE CHAMP. Mark Magsayo connects a homer to Hyuk-tak Joo.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

SPORTS 15

Serena wins A CUT ABOVE in Singapore Beermen are just too good right now T

HE lead-up to Sunday’s championship match at the WTA Finals suggested Serena Williams would face a major challenge to beat Simona Halep, but then, the No. 1-ranked player has made a career out of performing at her best when it matters most.

She did it again in Singapore, dispatching Halep 6-3, 6-0 just four days after a group-stage game between the pair in which the Romanian player dropped only two games and handed Williams her heaviest defeat for 16 years.

Coming into the tournament after having to withdraw from the China Open and Wuhan Open with illness and a knee injury, and just a day after a grueling three-set classic against Caroline Wozniacki, there was plenty of reasons to believe the 33-year-old could be vulnerable.

The doubts, though, were quickly swept aside as Williams overpowered her opponent in an imperious performance.

She won 11 of the last 12 games in the match to join Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf as the only players to have won five titles in the season-ending championships.

“I just started training, because I had such a bad knee in Beijing I didn’t know if I’d be able to play here, and now I have won the Billie-Jean King trophy — I am so excited,” Williams said.

Williams changed her approach from the groupstage contest, attacking Halep’s second serve with fierce ground strokes, and regularly rushing the net to cut the points short and prevent her opponent from playing her preferred style.

“I had to play more Serena-style tennis and just do what I do best,” Williams said.

“I was expecting a much better player than I was in the earlier round. Being ready for that really was able to help me out.”

Halep’s run in this tournament capped a remarkable rise, having gone from No. 64 in the rankings to No.4 in the course of 17 months, with a French Open final appearance along the way.

However, her relative lack of experience of big occasions compared to the 18time Grand Slam champion proved telling.

“I was nervous before the match that I had to play this big final,” Halep said. “I couldn’t manage very well the situation.

Murray takes Valencia title

A

NDY Murray again saved five match points against Tommy Robredo in a final when he fought back to win 3-6 7-6 (7) 7-6 (8) at the Valencia Open on Sunday and secure valuable points for his World Tour finals bid.

The grueling battle at the cathedral-like Agora arena, at three hours and 20 minutes the longest final of the year on the ATP World Tour, was a repeat of last month’s Shenzhen Open showpiece, when Murray fought off five match points against the Spaniard on the way to a 5-7 7-6 (9) 6-1 success.

A wildcard at the Valencia indoor hardcourt event, which he won in 2009, third seed Murray produced an erratic display against unseeded Robredo but had just enough in the tank to claim a 31st career singles title.

After thumping a backhand winner to seal victory, the Scot, who squandered a match point earlier in the third set, collapsed to the floor and barely had enough strength to get to the net to greet his equally exhausted opponent.

The win earned Murray, playing his 20th match in five weeks having also won in Vienna this month, a further 200 points and lifted him to fifth in the race to secure a spot at the season-ending eight-man Tour finals in London.

Along with Kei Nishikori, David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych, Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov, he will be looking to secure one of the four remaining berths at this week’s Paris Masters.

“I played well at the right moments,” Murray told reporters.

“I know it was an incredible match,” added the 27-year-old. “The tennis at the end and in the second set was high level.”

After an intense first set with Robredo in the ascendancy, Murray upped his game in the second before failing to convert three break points on the Robredo serve that would have given him a 5-2 lead.

The Scot then played a woeful game to hand a break back and home favorite Robredo had two match points in the tiebreak that would have given him a 13th career title.

FOUR AGAINST ONE. June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen shoots over four defenders from the Purefoods Star Hotshots in Sunday’s PBA Philip-

pine Cup match won by the Beermen. Nuki Sabio

UNE Mar Fajardo took full advantage of Purefoods’ limited rotation as he helped the San Miguel Beermen grab an 87-80 victory, Sunday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Fajardo was named the Best Player of the game with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and six blocks, going 10 of 18 from the field in 38 minutes on the floor. The Beermen used a huge second quarter run to break the game wide open but the stubborn Hotshots refused to give up without a fight.

Facing as lead as high as 19 points in the third quarter, Purefoods made a run in the final period buoyed by their press. A Mark Barroca steal led to a three-point play from PJ Simon to cut San Miguel Beer’s lead down to four points at 8076, with 3:02 left in the game.

This was the closest Pure-

the second quarter while limiting the Hotshots to only 11 points.

Santos stretched the Beermen’s lead to 19 points at 5637, three minutes into the third quarter but the efforts of Barroca and Justin Melton kept the Hotshots in the game.

With his good friend Pingis not in the game to help defend him, Fajardo had an easy time dealing with Purefoods frontcourt. He was also a beast on defense with six blocks and an even bigger number of altered shots.

Tubid and Santos were the next top scorers for Beermen but Sol Mercado’s solid point guard play was also crucial for the win.

Purefoods had a golden shot at inching closer as they were down by only five with less than two minutes left in the game. That point saw a mad scramble for the ball from

J

foods got as Fajardo, Arwind Santos, and Chris Lutz closed the door on their comeback attempt.

Purefoods once again played sans Marc Pingris who is still resting after his stint with Gilas Pilipinas. They were without Ian Sangalang who suffered an ACL tear in their opening game. It didn’t stop there as Purefoods also played without James Yap. After scoring 16 points against Alaska, Yap sat out with a sore calf.

Ronald Tubid played well off the bench as he scored 16 points for the Beermen while Santos added 14 markers.

Yousif Taha and PJ Simon led the Hotshots with 14 points each. Mark Barroca scored 13 points while adding seven assists, four rebounds, and four steals.

After trailing by a point after the first quarter, the Beermen exploded for 26 points in

both ends. Simon looked like he had a open lane to the basket but Santos erased the shot attempt with a monster block.

The wild action ended with Fajardo scoring down low to give the Beermen am 84-77 lead with 1:38 left to seal the win.

San Miguel Beer head coach Leo Austria: It’s a good win for us. Our team is on the right track. We’re planning to improve and improve. Our win today will boost our morale in the next few games.

The scores: SAN MIGUEL BEER 87 Fajardo 22, Tubid 16, Santos 14, Mercado 12, Lutz 9, Kramer 5, Ross 4, Pascual 3, Lassiter 2, Maierhofer 0.

PUREFOODS 80 - Taha 14, Simon 14, Barroca 13, Devance 11, Melton 9, Maliksi 9, Reavis 8, Mallari 2, Allado 0.

Quarter scores: 21-22, 4733, 66-57, 87-80.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 161 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

FAMILIARITY FACTOR Davao bets rule 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IGT-GT Friendship Golf tourney

D

AVAO’S Ronald “Inot” Galicia and John Michael Abella used their course familiarity to the hilt in ruling the 2nd BIMP-EAGA & IMT-GT Friendship Golf tournament held October 24 at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

Galicia gunned down four birdies at holes no. 1, 5, 14 and 17 to finish with 36 points and capture the over-all gross title. He won by the skin of his teeth though by merely a point over perennial winner Joel Yamyamin who came in with a 35 and settled for over-all gross runner-up.

Abella, a 27 handicapper, took the over-all net crown with 51 points and a 5-point victory against runner-up Ian Tan (46).

More than 150 golfers coming from more than five countries saw action including former President Fidel V. Ramos, who led the ceremonial tee-off together with former Presidential Assistant to Mindanao Jesus Dureza, Indonessian Ambassador Johny Lumintang, former RPVGC general manager Joe Marie Marfori and First District Congressman Karlo Nograles.

Businesswoman Alice Sui Kim came all the way from Brunei Darussalam to pocket the Ladies’ net title with 10 points. Gross champion was Liezel Kim with 9 points.

Bobby Wee shot 34 points and won by a countback over runner-up EJ Casintahan to cop the Class A gross title. Ludwig Van Ledesma was razor-sharp once more as he carded 42 points to bag the Class A net crown and a two-point win

over runner-up Jaime “Boy” Tan (40).

Program host Modesto “Ting” Castillo (31) and Japanese Shin Bokawashi (45) shared the top honors by bagging the Class B gross and net titles, respectively.

The runners-up were Randy Arevalo (30) and Marlon Tabanao (43).

In Class C, Neil Alegarbes (29) took the gross followed

by Jake Ortega (26) while Joe Lafuente (45) got the net title with 45 followed by Addy Briones (43).

Nograles took a break from congress and shot 43 points at the all-weather course to win the Class D net title. He beat veteran Lito Bario by three points.

Gross champion was Dr. Ed Guevarra (19), who edged out Elindo Lo (18).

Tournament director Reinz Jordan Yamyamin thanked all the participants and guests for making the event as huge success.

Yamyamin awarded the prizes together with City Councilor Bernard Al-ag, president of the organizing JCI Davao, president-elect Lovel Zambrano and Brian Diosma, who represented Mindanao Development Authority chair Lualhati Antonino.

“Throught this golf event, we sealed the 2nd BIMP-EAGA & IMT-GT Business Conference held at the SM Lanang Premier,” said Diosma.

The golf event was part of the 2nd BIMP-EAGA & IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leader’s Conference set Oct. 23-26 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

WINNING PUTT. Ludwig Van Ledesma watches his putt roll to the cup during the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IGT-GT Friendship Golf Tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes. Ledesma won the Class A net title. Boy Lim

STEADY. Boy Tan chips from the fringe en route to a runner-up finish in Class A net. Boy Lim

FINE FORM. Joel Yamyamin, who won overall gross runner-up, swings off the tee. Boy Lim

YOUNG WARRIOR. EJ Casintahan, who recently won the FTB Open title, added the Class A gross title to his collection. Boy Lim