Edge Davao 7 Issue 181

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TIGHTER SECURITY. A Task Force Davao operative meticulously inspects a bag owned by a foreigner at the entrance of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) in Ecoland yesterday.

Davao City was placed on heightened alert after a series of bomb explosions hit neighboring provinces. Lean Daval Jr.

ENGINEER INDICTED ‘Virgin hunter’charged with child abuse, trafficking

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

n engineer who allegedly hired virgin minors for sex has been indicted by the Davao City Prosecution Office (CPO) for child abuse and human trafficking.

Prosecutor Jay Karel P. Sanchez indicted Engineer Danilo Ilagan Gelua for violations of Republic Act (RA) 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act as amended

by RA 10364 particularly qualified trafficking, and one count of violation on RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. Sanchez recommended the filing of the case before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) after finding probable cause on the complaints filed against Gelua.

In her two-page resolu-

tion, Sanchez said Gelua is indictable to qualified trafficking because of his “exploitative purpose of prostitution” on 15-year-old Cherie (not her real name) and 18-year-old Wendy (not her real name) inside a motel in Ecoland, Davao City last November 5.

The resolution said Gelua had asked Che-che (not her real name), aged 15, to give him two virgins.

“As can be gleaned from the complainant, the respondent (Gelua) purposely sought and intended to have sex with a minor whose services was offered to him by poseur pimp Che-che whom he had previously directed to provide him minor for sexual purposes,” Sanchez stated in the resolution.

Gelua was also slapped

FENGINEER, 10

BREAKING GROUND. PHINMA Properties Holdings Corp. president and chief executive officer Willie J. Uy (rightmost), director for sales and marketing Arthur A. Tuason(second from left), assistant marketing manager Anton del Rosario (leftmost), Arezzo Place Davao project head Engineer Gene Arcena (third from left), joint venture partners Jose Claro Velez (third from right) and wife Gemma, (second from left), and Ma. Pilar R. Rodriguez lead the ceremonial groundbreaking and Feng Shui Blessing of Arezzo Place Davao in Doña Pilar Avenue, Sasa, Davao City on Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

FAREWELL. An image of the late former Senator Vicente T. Paterno is seen on the background of an urn containing his cremated remains which was brought to Sangguniang Panlungsod building yesterday for a farewell commemoration to one of the founders of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Davao City’s local government officials and businessmen paid tribute to Paterno before his remains were flown back to Manila yesterday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Governor Mendoza condemns bombing N ORTH Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza condemned the bomb attack in Mlang, North Cotabato Sunday night that left two football players dead and 25 others wounded.

“The provincial government condemns in the highest possible form such adventurism,” Mendoza said in a statementon Monday.

“The provincial government priority is to assist all the victims,” she said of the second deadly bombing in North Cotabato in seven days.

“Police and Army are directed to work and coordinate very closely with each

other to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” she added.

The governor also seek justice for the victims. “We demand justice for all the victims and peace loving people of Mlang,” she said.

Mlang’s blast came while many people were milling around the billiard hall located near the carnival at about 7:30 p.m.

Two men were seen fleeing from the scene shortly after the blast on board a yellow motorbike. The police are now hunting them.

Earlier, Mayor Joselito Pinol condemned the attack

FGOVERNOR, 10

Gunman in SMI exec’s slay charged for illegal firearm

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE alleged gunman in the 2011 murder of a Sagittarius Mining, Inc. (SMI) executive and two others were charged for illegal possession of firearms after their arrest last Thursday in a cockpit arena in Malalag, Davao del Sur. Leonardo P. Bacus, 38, of Trento, Agusan del Sur was submitted for inquest proceeding along with Jarlito A. Inojales, 42, and Luis B. Duterte, both of Malalag, Davao del Sur, for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive

Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. The case was filed before Davao del Sur Provincial Prosecution Office.

The three were arrested on the afternoon of November 20 in a joint operation of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office, and Special Action Force.

During the arrest, the police recovered three .45 caliber firearms with ammunition from the possession of the three suspects.

3,505 Pablo-hit families get homes

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

total of 3,505 new housing units will be turned over today to victims of typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Province, leaving around 14,000 more homes to be built two years after the calamity struck in December 2012.

“We should have started the construction of houses January (2013) right after the typhoon

but the National Housing Authority (NHA) has no mandate to build housing after emergency situations,” NHA 11 officer-in-charge Engineer Carolina R. Angel said during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

Instead, NHA started the construction in October 2013 after securing permits from the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources (DENR) and Mining and Geoscience Bureau (MGB), especially in the province of Compostela Valley where many were areas declared “no build zones.”

The national government allocated a total of P4 billion for the construction of 17,030 housing units for all typhoon Pablo victims. Task Force Pablo and NHA are target-

ing to complete project by March next year.

Compostela Valley Vice Governor Manuel Zamora had earlier said the rehabilitation process in his province was delayed by the scarcity of available land that can be used for the resettlement assistance program of NHA and the task force.

Task Force Pablo chief Engineer Alfonso L. Bor-

F3,505, 10

The operatives were implementing a warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10 Judge Reterina Fuentes for the murder case of Bacus over the death of SMI offsite land acquisition superintendent Cristituto Bual on September 16, 2011 near the victim’s home in Bangkal, Davao City.

Reports said the suspects are members of the Bacus gunfor-hire group.

CIDG-11 regional director Police Senior Superintendent Joel Pernito said after the in-

quest proceedings, Bacus will be brought to Davao City for the return of the warrant of arrest for the murder case.

The victim’s wife filed murder charges against Bacus before the City Prosecution Office in April 2012.

Records showed the suspects, riding in tandem on a motorcycle, shot Bual in the head while the latter was jogging with his wife at around 5:30 a.m. on September 16, 2011 in Central Park Subdivision in Bangkal, Davao City.

CSSDO to barangays: Stop caroling kids

W

ITH a month to go before Christmas, the Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) is tasking the barangay officials in the city to make sure children are not allowed to go caroling on busy streets.

In an interview yesterday, CSSDO head Malou Bermudo told reporters that barangay officials should be the ones to enforce the prohibition on children caroling on busy streets since they are their constituents.

“Naa mi instructions sa

among mga social workers og barangay captains na dili nato ni itolerate kay delika­ do ra pud kayo para sa mga bata (We have instructed the barangay captains and social workers not to tolerate caroling in the streets because this would be dangerous to children),” Bermudo said.

She said barangay officials are part of the enforcement of Presidential Decree 1563 or the Anti-Mendicancy Law of 1978.

She also said her office has already coordinated

FCSSDO, 10

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

B RAMP IT UP. These young girls undergo ramp modeling training as preparation for a school beauty pageant at Matina Town Square compound in Matina, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

City vet needs more anti-rabies vaccines

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

D

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City veterinarian Dr. Cerelyn Pinili yesterday said the city needs more anti-rabies vaccines to cover the 140,000 estimated total dog population next year.

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex, Pinili said the city government allocated a total of P1.2 million for the acquisition of vaccines and also receives vaccine augmentation from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

However, she said the vaccines received and purchased by the City

Veterinarian Office (CVO) is not enough to cover all dogs in the city. She said the CVO was able to give vaccine shots to only 112,000 dogs in the city last year.

“We have prioritized areas in the city that have positive cases of rabies,” Pinili said.

She said vaccination is now ongoing in the Calinan area after covering the Poblacion district, Tugbok, and Agdao.

Pinili said that she already requested the Department of Health (DOH) through DA for vaccine augmentation for next

HE South Cotabato Provincial Police Office has relieved the chief of police of Sto. Nino town over accusations that he mistreated a minor during an earlier enforcement of the area’s curfew regulation.

Senior Superintendent Jose Briones, South Cotabato police director, said Monday he found “probable cause” to relieve Senior Inspector Virlen Pampolina of his duties based on the results of their investigation into the incident.

He said Pampolina, who allegedly roughed up a minor inside an internet café in the area last November 15, committed various operational lapses and other related violations while supposedly conducting opera-

tions in connection with the town’s curfew ordinance for minors.

“There was cause to relieve him due to the fact that he was not in uniform and not even carrying a copy of the ordinance during the operation,” he said.

Aside from these, Briones said Pampolina should have involved personnel from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or any representative from the local government in their operation.

He said it is standing operating procedure or SOP for police personnel to ensure the presence of representatives from the lead implementing agency, in this case the municipal government,

Town police chief in SoCot sacked T

FTOWN, 10

year’s mass vaccination of dogs.

DOH has allocated a total of P69 million for the purchase of anti-rabies vaccines for nationwide consumption next year, with Region 11 getting P6 million of the total amount.

Pinili said the anti-rabies vaccine shot should be given to dogs annually.

“Dogs owners must have their dogs vaccinated every year if they are really responsible enough,” she said.

Earlier, Mary Divene Hilario, newly installed rabies program manager for

Region 11, disclosed that as of October this year, the DOH has recorded five deaths in the city due to rabies.

“The city has the highest record in the region because it has also the highest population compared with other provinces in the region,” she said.

Hilario said that most of the deaths were due to the patients going to tan­ dok centers, referring to “alternative” clinics offering rabies treatment.

In 2013, Region 11 registered 16 cases of rabies, slightly lower than the 14 recorded in 2012. CRC

TURNOVER. National Housing Authority (NHA) 11 officer in charge Engineer Carolina R. Angel (right, with Task Force Pablo head Engineer Alfonso L. Borlagdan) gives the details on the turnover today (Tuesday) of 3,505 houses for

Public warned vs hot meat

E careful of the meat you buy in Davao City’s public markets during the holiday season; they might be “hot.”

Davao City Office of the Veterinarian (CVO) chief Dr. Cerelyn Pinili said during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex that the increased demand for meat during the Christmas season – surging by as much as 50 percent – often prompts meat vendors to sell unregistered and uninspected meat products in public markets.

Pinili said the CVO has already confiscated a total of 706 kilograms of “hot meat” as of October in different public market in the city.

“We are intensifying our monitoring in the last few months,” she said, adding that meat inspectors are deployed in different public markets, supermarkets, and even smaller markets (talipapa) in the city to safeguard consum-

ers from buying meat that are not inspected.

Pinili said most “hot meats” are not sold inside public markets but in tali­ papa outside Bankerohan and Panacan Public Market.

“If you notice that the meat is slimy and has a foul odor, don’t buy it. It could be double dead meat,” she said.

She said the CVO last year confiscated a total of 3,129 kilos of illegally slaughtered meat from the city’s public markets.

According to the Republic Act 10536 or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, violators are fined P200,000 for the first offense, P350, 000 for the second offense, and P500, 000 for the third offense plus imprisonment for 6 to 12 years.

At the same time, Pinili said the selling of hot meat in Davao City is not as rampant as in Metro Manila.

CRC

De Lima brings good news, bad news on massacre case

J

USTICE Secretary Leila de Lima attended last Sunday the commemoration of the massacre that took place here five years ago, announcing “good news” as well as “bad news” on the case in a 20-minute prepared speech.

The bloodbath claimed 58 lives, including those of 32 media workers who went with the convoy of then Buluan, Maguindanao vice mayor and now Governor Esmael Mangudadatu to cover the filing of his certificate of candidacy in Shariff Aguak town.

“I have been here four times, and every time I come here, I have mixed emotions.

So much sadness, so much anger,” de Lima said in mixed English and Filipino.

“But don’t worry, I am here to deliver a message of hope. I will never give up sa laban na ‘to (in this fight),” she added drawing applause from the audience.

The secretary’s update started with the “bad news” that 41 police officers were granted bail by the Quezon

FDE LIMA, 10

Pablo victims in Compostela Valley Province and Davao Oriental. Angel and Borlagdan were guests of the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

Mankilam muse wins Mutya ng Tagum title

L NEW HOMES. DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman and Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon view some of the new homes that were turned over to 2,779 families in Davao Oriental. Eden Jhan Licayan

DSWD, DavOr gov’t distribute shelters to typhoon victims A

total of 2,779 families in typhoon-ravaged towns in Davao Oriental’s eastern coast received a new batch of housing units implemented under the Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) through the partnership of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Provincial Government.

DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman personally handed over last Friday, November 21, the certificate of occupancy to residents who lost their homes from super typhoon Pablo almost two years ago in the towns of Boston, Cateel, and Baganga.

Soliman said she was “in awe” of Davao Oriental’s remarkable recovery, which is

T

now being benchmarked by the national government in terms of rehabilitation and recovery from disasters. Its Building Back Better Agenda is now being adopted in the rehabilitation of other provinces stricken by disasters.

Soliman also lauded the leadership of Governo Corazon N. Malanyaon who steered the development of the province not only in terms of housing but also in other economic endeavors, particularly in agriculture and tourism.

For her part, Malanyaon said she was overwhelmed by DSWD’s support to the province. “If there’s one agency that we should really thank for their support, then that would be the DSWD.

I personally have been a witness to its massive support to the province since day one until now in our rehabilitation phase.”

She also lauded the efforts of the department for standing ready especially when it comes to providing long-term shelter to the typhoon survivors who cannot build houses on their own given their lack of financial resources.

Malanyaon also underscored how convergence and partnership between the DSWD and the provincial government successfully accomplished many undertakings for development, especially in the implementation of the massive housing project.

To date, a total of 10,173 housing units have already been turned over to beneficiaries in the three towns. On the other hand, 5,095 shelters are about to be completed and will soon be turned over to respective beneficiaries.

Although originally designed as a core shelter, the provincial government made sure the houses will still have a ceiling and exterior painting just like any other typical housing project. Resettlement sites are also being equipped with electrification, drainage, and water system.

The MSAP is one of the many programs of the national government intended to help typhoon survivors in these towns recover as quickly as possible. KLD

OUD cheers and jubilation marked the coronation of Barangay Mankilam’s Korina Dayan Sawan as the newest Mutya ng Tagum City, signaling the start of her year-long reign as the city’s ambassador of goodwill.

A jampacked RDR gymnasium witnesses the crowning last November 20, 2014, exactly a year ago after the first Mutya ng Tagum was crowned.

Aside from winning the night’s top plum, 20 year-old Korina hauled minor and major awards – including Miss Eloquent – besting nine other candidates in the competition marked by pomp and splendor, beauty and intelligence.

“It was really unexpected because I was not the smartest, prettiest, and sexiest among the 10 candidates,” Korina posted on her Facebook account, which had 3, 230 followers as of this writing.

Korina will spend her one-year reign as Tagum’s ambassador of goodwill specifically on the local govern-

ment’s agenda of wellness, sports, and health that are stipulated under the EAGLE WINGS Program, which is the central theme of this year’s pageant.

“I have been waiting for this moment and I can’t believe that I made it. I will not promise anything but I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities as a Mutya,” she added.

First runner up was Janine Nicole Orcena of San Miguel while Krizia Kazandra Prado of Magugpo North took home the second runner up prize.

Other winners were Mankilam’s Bai Rhea Daffodil Dilangalen (third runner up), Magugpo South’s Christine Lou Macuro (fourth runner up), and Magugpo West’s Marie Kristine Diaz (fifth runner up).

The City Government of Tagum partnered with Buenas Supermart in staging the second search for the city’s official muse, which is one of the activities in celebration of the Parochial Fiesta of Christ the King. Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum

Aside from winning the night’s top plum, 20 year-old Korina hauled minor and major awards – including Miss Eloquent – besting nine other candidates in the competition. Leo Timogan/ CIO Tagum

Tagum, Malaybalay ink sisterhood pact

HE city governments of Tagum and Malaybalay, Bukidnon signed a sisterhood agreement that is expected to foster sharing of good governance practices and to establish a strong partnership in all areas of development between the two Mindanao cities.

Mayors Allan L. Rellon of Tagum and Mayor Ignacio W. Zubiri of Malaybalay signed the sisterhood agreement last November 21 at Big 8 Corporate Hotel, with city officials and department heads from both cities standing as witnesses.

Aside from the two local chief executives, Vice Mayors Geterito T. Gementiza of Tagum and Roland F. Deticio of Malaybalay also affixed their signatures in the agreement.

Under the agreement, both cities commit themselves to develop cooperative projects

and programs that are specifically directed but not limited to economy, commerce, investment, business, culture and the arts, industry and other areas of cooperation that both parties may agree upon.

The respective City Councils of both cities passed resolutions signifying intention to establish mutual cooperation that provided legal basis for the sisterhood agreement, along with the Local Government Code, which authorizes groupings of LGUs to share good practices in local governance.

Tagum and Malaybalay’s partnership will be carried out through promotion and collaboration; exchange of information, documents and materials; development of research, projects and studies, human resources training and cultural, sports, academic, arts and social exchange. Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum

SISTERHOOD. Mayor Allan L. Rellon and Malaybalay City Mayor Ignacio Zubiri shake hands after signing the documents formalizing the sisterhood ties between the Cities of Tagum and Malaybalay last November 21, 2014

at Big 8 Corporate Hotel. Said agreement will establish a strong partnership in all areas of development between the two Mindanao cities. Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

Global warming to have big effect on poorest nations: WB G

LOBAL warming over the next 20 years is predicted to affect the world’s poorest nations most, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said Sunday referring to the bank’s report on “new climate normal.”

“Today’s report confirms what scientists have been saying – past emissions have set an unavoidable course to warming over the next two decades, which will affect the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people the most,” Jim Yong Kim said.

He noted that abnormally high temperatures, intense rainfalls, and severe droughts hinder efforts to reduce poverty and put the lives of millions of people in danger.

“We’re already seeing record-breaking temperatures occurring more frequently, rainfall increasing in intensity in some places, and drought-prone regions like the Mediterranean becoming drier. These chang-

es make it more difficult to reduce poverty and put in jeopardy the livelihoods of millions,” Kim said.

Increasingly frequent freak weather events could be as damaging as declining crop yields, sea-level rise and dwindling water resources, according to the study, called “Turn Down the Heat: Confronting the New Climate Normal.”

Some changes are unavoidable, because the Earth’s atmosphere is warming by at least 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by the mid-century, researchers said. But many of the worst-projected climate harm can be averted by holding warming below 2°C. The UN will hold another climate change conference in Lima, Peru, from December 1 to 12 – a crucial stepping-stone ahead of crunch talks in Paris at the end of 2015, when nations are due to agree on a new treaty against damaging the environment. (PNA/Sputnik)

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. A vendor sells Christmas lanterns for P20 each on the streets in Davao City on Saturday, November 22, 2014. MindaNews photo by Keith Bacongco

6

THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

Gov’t urged to support social enterprises in Phl A lawmaker together with an international group on Monday urged the national government to support social enterprises as they see this sector as effective tool to reduce the number of poor in the country.

COOP NATCCO party-list Rep. Cresente Paez and Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia President Dr. Marie Lisa Dacanay in a news conference said social enterprises with the poor as primary stakeholders have emerged as innovative responses to social problems of the country.

Paez, author of the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (SE) Bill under House Bill 1331, said that social enterprises, which comprise about 30,000 organizations in the form of cooperatives, corporations, single proprietorship, and NGO-assisted enterprises, have demonstrated their contribution in addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change.

“Poverty and inequality compel us to rethink – through House Bill 1331 – old ways of managing our resources and think of sustainable and inclusive ways of eradicating poverty, addressing inequality and creating more resilient communities,” he said.

In the same news conference, Dacanay said that social enterprises in the country help government address poverty, local and sectoral issues such as lack of health services, education facilities, employment and disability.

“Apart from identifying a social issue as a business agenda, SEs are also different because it also identifies who does business – the poor as owners,

suppliers and/or workers of the SE – an important characteristic in the taxonomy of SEs which sets them apart from traditional business organizations and the reason why it is an agency for wealth distribution and resiliency,” she said.

Dacanay, citing the National Statistical Coordination Board, said that in 2012 the income of top 20 percent families is eight times bigger than the total income of bottom 20 percent families, which is much higher than in 2006 and 2009.

Quoting NSC, she said that at least 25 percent of Filipinos living below the poverty line have remained almost unchanged in the past years, saying the poverty incidence was highest in rural areas.

“Social entrepreneurship is all about innovative and sustainable solutions to social problems. And in the context of poverty and inequality, social enterprises with the poor as primary stakeholders or SEPPS have emerged as innovative responses to these problems,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, in filing the measure, Paez said that his Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship Bill seeks to provide a nurturing environment for the development and growth of strong, pro-active and innovative social enterprises as major vehicles for poverty reduction.

The bill also enacts a planning and implementation of a National Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship Program led by a Council on Social Enterprises headed by Department of Trade and Industry. (PNA)

NDUSTRY partners and friends of CitiHardware gathered recently at the “CitiHardware Steps Up with Werner” that took place at CitiHardware Matina last November 14.

Werner is an American brand which manufactures and distributes ladders. It became the United States’ leading provider of climbing equipments over the years, conforming to the standards and policies of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Werner Regional Manager for South East Asia Kelvin Tay and Werner Asia Sales Manager Tim Tang conducted a product presentation to educate guests of Werner’s range of prod-

ucts and latest innovation.

With Werner, ladders are more than just climbing equipment but have different types and heights to suit various needs.

The activity opened opportunities for industry partners and other professions to discover and test Werner products for their use. Guests not only gained information but also experienced Werner by participating in the activities.

It was made more fun with food, music and winning prizes. Citihardware said it was its pleasure to host such an event with Werner and to be partners with them in bringing quality products to its customers.

To see more Werner products, visit any CitiHardware store near you.

Local hardware firm promotes US ladder I

GRATITUDE. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) honorary life chair Sebastian L. Angliongto (left) hands over the flags of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and the East ASEAN Business Council to Victor Paterno, son of

the late former Senator Vicente T. Paterno, during yesterday’s farewell service of the Davao City officials and business leaders for the former senator. Paterno, one of the founders of the BIMP-EAGA, died last November 21 at the age of 88. Lean Daval Jr.

Former lawmaker for nuclear plant

F

ORMER Congressman Mark Cojuangco said the discussion on whether or not the country should opt for nuclear power should not be shelved and instead be left open so that the public can form a decision.

Speaking during the program “Deretsahan” on Channel 17 of Cable Television USATV hosted by Dangerous Drugs Board Secretary Antonio Villar Jr. on Sunday, Cojuangco said nuclear power would be an option to bring down the

D

cost of electricity in the country.

But he said this option could not just be imposed by the government on the people without consulting them.

The program is co-hosted by lawyer Gonzalo Duque, president of Lyceum Northwestern University and Villar’s fellow columnist in the Pangasinan weekly newspaper, The Sunday Punch.

Cojuangco identified three options to boost power in the country: the

construction of additional coal-fired power plants; construction of additional gas-fired power plants; and the revival of the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

He expressed belief that nuclear power is the best of all these options as it could reduce the cost of electricity being used by the homes and industries by half, which would result in big savings to the people.

With cheaper electricity, he said, the country

could move faster in the economic and industrial fields.

Cojuangco, provincial chairman of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), said in case the people reject nuclear power, they should opt for a better alternative to keep the country going.

Cojuangco earlier made himself available to run for governor of Pangasinan, the second most populous province in the Philippines next only to Cebu, in 2016.

(PNA)

of October 2014, up 22.6 percent versus the same month last year, driven by the continued growth in the volume and value of imports.

Cash collections, which net out importations that are booked as Tax Expenditure Funds, or non-cash collections recorded on paper for government transac-

tions, grew 28.5 percent in October.

A surge in consumer demand and clearing-out of shipments at the ports propelled a 31.8 percent increase in import volume.

On the other hand, improvements in the Bureau’s processes and continued reforms drove a 34.4 percent growth in the valuation of

goods and a 30.17 percent hike in duties and taxes collected.

From January to October 2014, total revenues reached P299.95 billion, up 18.6 percent year-on-year.

The ports of Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Subic and Aparri exceeded their collection target for the period.

BOC revenue growth streak continues

ESPITE challenges brought about by congestion at the country’s largest ports, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) managed to improve revenue collections, setting a new record for the highest-ever single-month collection In a statement, the BOC said it posted revenues of P34.16 billion for the month

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

What’s in a kiss?

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

EBSTER’S dictionary defines it as “an application of the lips to a person or things in token of affection, or reverence.” Robert Ripley (of Be­ lieve It or Not distinction) calls it “an anatomical juxtaposition of two orbicu­ laris oris muscles in a state of contraction.”

Charles Darwin theorizes it as the outgrowth of the act of lower animals who grappled their prey with their teeth. The physiologists identify it as a contraction of the mouth due to an enlargement of the heart. The behaviorists tag it as a pleasant reminder that two heads are better than one.

During earlier times, man did not see it to express emotions through lip movement. Kissing, as it has been called, is the fruitful result of man’s ancient quest for salt.

Researchers point out that early cave-dwellers were the first to discover the presence of salt on sweat-covered faces, so they took to licking the salty faces of their mates and loved ones.

At the dawn of civilization, the desire of salt-licking cave folk gave way to sensation far more pleasurable than the taste of salt itself. The modern world, however, gave various interpretations on how to exacerbate a sensation depending on the mood and attitude of the sodium-seekers. This explains, therefore, why there are today many forms of kissing.

The early Christians made kissing a sign of fellowship. They greeted “all the brethren with an holy kiss.” Even more ceremonial is the “kiss of peace” given to the newly baptized and in celebration of the Eucharist. After a time, by ecclesiastical regulations, men were allowed to kiss only men, women only women.

More effusive was kissing as a court ceremony. The ceremonial kiss, especially developed by the Persian kings, reached Greece after the Macedonian conquest, and Rome toward the end of the Republic, being afterwards adapted to imperial and papal habits.

The Oriental hand-kiss spread to the Greco-Roman world, was revived at the courts of Christendom during the Renaissance. The Greco-Roman custom of kissing the feet of temple statues was adopted by the primitive Church. From the same source sprang the practice of kissing the Book after oath-taking in courts of law.

Professor Vaughn M. Bryant, chairman of the anthropology department at

Texas A&M University where he teaches the origin of kissing as part of an introductory anthropology course, traced the history of kissing back to the Indian subcontinent. “But it wasn’t kissing as we know it now,” he pointed out.

Prof. Bryant said that about 4,000 years ago, the Eastern Indians used to kiss by pressing their noses together. “Well, okay, it’s not too hard to figure out what happened next. Evidently they were pressing their noses together and somebody slipped and touched lips,” he added.

The custom obviously spread to the Sumerian peninsula, because mention is made in ancient cuneiform writing of kissing - and brewing beer, incidentally. In 500 A.D., Karma Sutra wrote about kissing and the various places when a man should kiss women to arouse them.

According to Prof. Bryant, it was the Romans who really got wrapped up in the osculatory habit. They took the kissing art to all the countries they conquered or traded with - the first kissing missionaries.

In Roman literature, there are three types of kissing listed. The first is called osculum, which is just a friendship kiss and is not meant to arouse passion. It’s just like the peck hosts give their guests as they arrive or depart.

The second is called ba­ sium, which is a more passionate kiss, such as would be exchanged by lovers. (The Spanish word for kiss, “beso,” comes from this Roman word, and so does the old English word “buss.”

The third word for kiss the Romans used is savium, considered to be an erotic kiss since the tongue is nearly always brought into play. These days, it’s called the soul kiss or “French kiss.”

Kissing eventually spread throughout the world. However, each country has different traditions and customs regarding kissing. Japanese and Chinese, for instance, seldom use the Westerners’ mouth-to-mouth kiss. Polynesians and Eskimos rub noses when feeling romantic. When a Samoan expresses his affection to his sweetheart, he sniffs; a Mongolian puts his nose lightly on his lover’s cheek or forehead and breathes slowly and gently.

Balinese lovers bring their faces close enough to catch each other’s perfume and to “feel the warmth of the skin, making contact as they move their heads slightly.” The Abyssinians literally

Romeo and Juliet kissing by Frank_Dicksee (from Wikipedia)

Romantic kiss (from the net) worship the ground their lovers walk on. To express their affection, they do so by kneeling and kissing the ground their loved ones walks on.

It may seem incredible, but a Turk, when expressing his love to his sweetheart, avoids physical contact. He manifests his affection by kissing his own hand, then placing it on his forehead.

It is a custom among French men to kiss each other’s cheeks in greeting or when bestowing military honors. A European gentleman bows and kisses the hand of a woman to whom he is introduced.

The practice of kissing the bride immediately after the wedding ceremony originated in England. The English believe that this kiss will bring “good luck to the couple.” The pleasant custom of kissing under a mistletoe also started from England. In the Western world, a girl who stands under a mistletoe cannot refuse a kiss from any man who claims the privilege. According to this custom, a kiss on this occasion brings good luck for the coming year.

The custom of kissing the hand or foot of a political or religious leader to show respect and reverence dates back from ancient times.

In the Philippines, there are several superstitions regarding kissing. It is believed that kissing a sleeping baby will make him stubborn when he grows up, or he will get seriously ill. Letting two babies of different ages kiss each other will hamper the learning ability to talk of the

older baby; he will wait for the younger one to start.

According to other beliefs, kissing the baby’s hand will cause the baby to have bad breath. A kiss on the baby’s nape will make him a spoiled brat. Kissing the baby’s foot will hamper his walking. Some believe that a person who kisses a baby on the lips will encourage him to “talk back” to elders. Fortunately, some of these superstitions are beginning to die.

Kissing has always been a part of history. In fact, it a kiss from God that infused the “spirit of life” into man, according to the account of Genesis 2:7. God is said to have formed Adam from slime and dust and then breathed a rational soul into him. This concept of divine insufflation,

Man kissing a ground (from Wikipedia)

which surfaces frequently in religious teachings, is often viewed through the kiss metaphor.

Another memorable kiss recorded in the Bible was the betrayal kiss of Judas. As told in the New Testament, Jewish leaders under the high priest Caiaphas had paid Judas Iscariot 30 pieces of silver to identify Jesus Christ. With a kiss, Judas singled him out. Jesus was arrested, charged with blasphemy, and condemned to death.

Motion pictures have contributed a lot of unforgettable kisses. The first kiss ever to be recorded on film occurred in Thomas Edison’s film The Kiss between actor John C. Rice and actress May Irwin in April, 1896. Adapted from a short scene in the Broadway comedy The Widow Jones, The Kiss was filmed by Raff and Gammon for nickelodeon. Its running time was less than 30 seconds.

Several years later, in 1941, the longest kiss in film history happened. Jane Wyman and Regis Toomey executed it in the movie You’re in the Army Now. The Lewis Seiler comedy about two vacuum cleaner salesmen features a scene in which Toomey and Wyman hold a single kiss for 3 minutes and 5 seconds (or 4 percent of the film’s running time).

Years earlier, in 1926, the Warner Brothers made a film with 191 kisses. During the course of the picture (2 hours and 47 minutes) John Barrymore as the amorous adventurer in Don Juan bestows a total of 191 kisses on a number of beautiful senoritas - an average of one every 53 seconds.

What actually happens when you kiss? According to a kiss specialist, “a kiss thrill increases your pulse-beat five pumps a minutes; your blood pressure rises; you breathe

faster; your circulation speeds up; some of your white blood cells disintegrate; your pituitary and adrenal glands start pumping hormones into your system at an increased rate.” Wow! All that in just a kiss!

(American doctors say that every time you kiss, you shorten your lifespan by three minutes. This is due to the strain kissing puts on your heart.)

Unknown to many, there is a kissing disease called mononucleosis. The disease was first described accurately in 1920 by doctors at John Hopkins University. They reported a strange illness in six students which was distinguished by fever (102 Fahrenheit); swollen glands all over the body but especially under the jaw and at the back of the neck; tonsils coated with a thick, whitish substance; skin covered with a fine, red rash; and changes in the white blood cells. The normal white cells were overshadowed by large cells with a single nucleus, hence the name, mononucleosis.

In the 1950s, the disease received wide publicity when Dr. Robert Hoagland, then chief physician at West Point Military Academy, reported quite accurately that the strange disease called mononucleosis was spread primarily by prolonged, passionate kissing.

(Kissing, however, is not the only way the disease can be transmitted. A few cases have originated by the communal use of drinking utensils.)

Fortunately, mononucleosis isn’t fatal. But, then, it is a bothersome illness to catch. It takes two to three weeks off a young person’s precious time - and it does make one feel really down. The disease often produces a mental depression of its own, independent of the virus.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

E

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

Consistency

ARLIER this month, the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) urged Dabawenyos not to give money to street mendicants so as to discourage them from begging in the streets. According to the office’s assistant head, mendicants continue to beg even though their lives are in danger because they know there are people who will give them money. They have, over the years, learned that begging is a lucrative activity; imagine earning cash just by staying on the streets, without having to do a minute of productive work.

Never mind that their presence causes traffic jams as motorists take care not to run over them. For this reason, residents of the city are being asked to resist the urge to be charitable – because this is one instance when a good intention can lead to negative or even disastrous results.

It needs to be pointed out, however, that the city government seems to be inconsistent on this matter. For while it discourages the people from giving alms, it also encourages those from far-flung areas to come in droves to the city’s center to go “caroling” – which in this context is merely a euphemism

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

for begging. The situation of these people is equally precarious: they mostly roam the busy streets and are thus subject to the same dangers that street mendicants face. And yet when it comes to them, the city’s response is not to protect them from street life but to enable them by feeding them and giving them shelter at night.

There is no doubt that the people of Davao City are generous to a fault, and that those who find themselves unfortunate enough to be living in the streets can at least expect that good souls will give them something to tide them over. But it is also true that staying in the streets places them and other people in danger, and that the only reasonable response is to find shelter for them either in government facilities or private ones – away from the streets. This policy, however, must be extended even to the so-called carolers during the holidays. It sounds uncharitable to say it, but for their sake the government must stop providing for them during the holidays so that they will be discouraged from risking their lives in the city’s streets. The city must be consistent in how it handles this matter.

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:

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

RICHARD C. EBONA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation Marketing Supervisor

Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO

O

BVIOUSLY, the launching of BIMP-EAGA and the naming of Davao as “the gateway to Southeast Asia” made quite a splash in terms of interest in the region.

With international accolades from global publications, ratings houses, economic observers, and tourists coming in recognizing the city as the most livable in the country, in large part due to its impressive peace and order condition, huge investments, notably in the first decade of the new millennium, started surfacing on the economic radar.

Homegrown New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) was among the pioneering investors to test the waters; it built its first supermall at Matina, south of the central business district (CBD). Although the Cebu-based Gaisano firms had been operating in the city since the 1970’s, their contributions to the economic landscape of Davao would diversify to real estate and hotel.

Another Cebu outfit, Felcris, would open the first chain of convenience stores, followed by HB1 (Health and Body in 1), an NCCC subsidiary. SM (Shoemart) and Robinson’s,

Y

ES, the title was taken from the 1946 Hollywood movie. The Frank Capra-directed film is a dark, bittersweet post-war tale of a savings-and-loan manager who struggles against a greedy banker and his own self-doubting nature in a small town.

Earnest do-gooder George Bailey (played superbly by James Stewart) recognizes his life as wonderful and truly rich, even in its humdrum and bleak nature, only after suffering many hardships, mishaps, and fateful trials (including compromised dreams of youth to leave the town and seek fame and fortune, other sacrifices, dismay, losses and the threat of financial ruin, and suicide). He is given encouragement by a whimsical, endearing, trainee-angel named Clarence (in the person of Henry Travers).

The story turns Charles Dickensian (similar to A Christmas Carol, although told from Bob Cratchit’s point-of-view rather than from Scrooge’s) when the hysterical, despairing, and melancholy family man is shown what the small town (Bedford Falls, now renamed Pottersville after the town’s evil tycoon) would be like without him. It’s a frightening, nightmarish,noirish view of the world (at Christmas-time) that brings him back from self-destruction. He returns to the idyllic, small-town world that he left, with renewed faith and confidence in life itself. Hence, the film’s title.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Davao after BIMP-EAGA

with no investments in the city prior to the BIMP-EAGA era, enlisted their intent to build more malls.

In hotel business, Marco Polo, partially owned by the sultan of Brunei Darussalam, would become the first five-star accommodation in the city; its 18-story building would also, for decades, be the tallest in Mindanao. Later, modern billeting edifices such as Royal Mandaya, Seda, Ritz at the Garden Oasis, El Bajada, Pinnacle, Tune, and Grand Men Seng, to name a few, would forever change the landscape of Davao City.

But these were only part of the

surge of big investments that would flood the region. On May 12, 2011, Ayala Corporation and Davao-based Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (Anflocor) inaugurated Abreeza Ayala Mall, a P5-billion three-story ultra-modern shopping mall sprawled on a four-hectare area within a 10-hectare commercial complex along Bajada district. In the complex, the Gokongwei-owned Robinsons Mall, costing P800 million to construct, sits on a separate four-story commercial structure.

That same year, SM Investments Corp. announced the construction of a new 204-room hotel in Lanang, a new business district south of the city. The project, Park Inn by Radisson hotel, a first in the Asia-Pacific region, was handled by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, a subsidiary firm; it was built within the mixed-use complex developed by SM Prime Holdings, Inc., just beside the four-level SM Premier, the second SM mall in Davao, and the SMX convention center, the second of its kind in the country. The mall was opened on Sept. 27, 2012.

Even Sta. Lucia Realty, one of the

premier and prestigious developers in the country, was not one to be left behind. In a short period, the Manila-based entity had been building middle-class and high-end subdivisions, among them the Davao Riverfront, South Pacific Golf and Leisure, Las Palmas Verdes, Valle Verde, South Grove Davao, and Ponte Verde.

The rush to join the investment mania that had attracted Southern Mindanao in recent years has further escalated. On May 30, 2013, the 34-story Aeon Towers, a P3.1 billion mixed-use facility owned by FTC Group of Companies, broke grounds at Bajada, just beside the Ayala investment. The following month, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) granted accreditation to Matina IT (Information Technology) Park, a project costing P100 million with three component buildings mainly for use in business process outsourcing (BPO) or call center operations.

It becomes the sixth PEZA-recognized outfit in the city after Lanang Business Park, Felcris IT Park, Pink Walters IT Building, Ambiente Teleservices, and HAI Global Services.

Through THINK ON THESE! the years, I have collected some sayings, adages, and quotations that point out that life is indeed wonderful, if not beautiful. Consider Henrylito D. Tacio the following henrytacio@gmail.com collection I have (sorry the sources are now lost somewhere): Each day is a little life. We don’t know who we are until we see what we can do.

Until you make peace with who you are, you’ll never be content with what you have. Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.

I don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains. Believe you can and you’re halfway there. Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it. To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t waste en­ ergy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next chal­ lenge. It’s OK. If you’re not failing, you’re not growing. Happiness is a direction, not a

place. Life is meant to be lived.

It does not require many words to speak the truth. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. When making your choice in life, do not neglect to live. Success must be continually practiced or it will take wings and fly away.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive.

Believe the best of everybody. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. The same fence that shuts others out shuts you in.

Our life is what our thoughts make it.

Many of our disappointments and much of our unhappiness arise from our forming false notions of things and persons. Most of the shadows of this life are caused by stand­ ing on one’s own sunshine. Alter your life by altering your attitudes.

There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself. No man walks with dignity whose step is rushed.

Write on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.

In the middle of difficulty lies opportuni­ ty. Never take away hope from any human being. The mere sense of living is joy enough.

In life, you can never do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late. Life is painting a picture, not cre­ ating a sum.

Life isn’t a matter of milestones but of moments. If man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Try not to be a man of success, but rather try to be a man of value.

Every day is a good day.

Thinking is more interesting than know­ ing, but less interesting than looking. When one door closes, another opens, but we of­ ten look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. Every exit is an entry somewhere else.

No man is a failure who is enjoying life.

Into each life some rain must fall. Some days must be dark and dreary. The difference be­ tween the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination. Think you can, think you can’t; either way you’ll be right.

When you have a choice and don’t make it; that, in itself, is a choice. Happiness is a perfume you can’t pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself. Never ex­ plain yourself: Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn’t we? Wisdom lies in taking everything with good humor and a grain of salt.

FAST BACKWARD

BY THE ARCHIVIST

It’s a wonderful life!

10 NEWS

Engineer... FFROM 1 with child abuse case for enticing Cherie to have sex with him in exchange of money.

“It is important to stress that when the police entered the room, the respondent was with the minor and was about to have sex with her,” Sanchez said.

Records revealed that on November 5, Che-Che received several text message from Gelua, who had previously hired her for sex. Gelua asked Che-Che to recruit more virgin minors who can satisfy his urge.

Che-che, who was in the custody of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 at the time, told the agency’s officials about Gelua’s attempted transaction.

The DSWD then informed the Talomo Police Station, which immediately set an entrapment operation for the arrest of Gelua.

Cherie and Wendy were asked to work with the po-

lice on the operation and they immediately proceeded to a motel in Ecoland.

While in the room, Gelua immediately asked the two if they were still virgins.

The respondent told them that he would pay P8,000 for their services.

When Gelua was about to start, the two girls immediately left the room and informed the police, which resulted in the arrest of the respondent.

Che-Che allegedly admitted that she had already offered and provided three minors to Gelua prior to the entrapment operation.

“Clearly, the respondent even prior to entrapment operation had been engaging the services of minors through Che-Che,” Sanchez said in her resolution.

The resolution was forwarded to Office of the Clerk of Court (OCC) of RTC for the raffling of case last Friday afternoon.

and directed the police to conduct speedy and deeper investigation to give justice to the victims.

On November 16, a similar bomb went off along a busy street in Kabacan, North Cotabato that left a student dead and 16 others

wounded.

The province is still reeling from the deadly Kabacan blast when another bomb went off in Mlang, North Cotabato.

No one has claimed responsibility for the two incidents. (PNA)

with barangays in Toril and Matina areas, Barangay 76A, Agdao, and Poblacion areas.

Bermudo said the city does not prohibit children from caroling provided they do it in safe areas.

She said what the city will not allow is children caroling on busy streets because it might endanger their lives.

“We have seen that children go caroling where the traffic lights are located,” she said.

“We did not say that we prohibit caroling but not in the danger zone such as the streets and establishments

which are already far from the area of the children,” she added.

Bermudo said the streets will be monitored up to January next year. Children who are seen caroling on busy streets will automatically be rescued.

Bermudo said that the rescued children who have no relatives in the city will be brought to CSSDO centers.

She also asked Dabawenyos to refrain from giving anything to street carolers.

“Give instead to charitable institutions, the churches, and local government units through the CSSDO,” she said. (ABF)

in enforcing local regulations or policies.

Briones was ordered last week by Chief Supt. Lester Camba, Region 12 police director, to investigate Pampolina over the incident.

Pampolina allegedly manhandled a minor, who was working as a cashier in an internet café at the town proper of Sto. Nino, at past 12 midnight last Nov. 15.

The police officials actions were captured by closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at the establishment.

The CCTV footage showed Pampolina, who was wearing civilian clothes and with a handgun tucked on his waist, twisting the boy’s arms to his back and

dragged him outside the establishment.

A witness said the police official appeared drunk and smelled of liquor during the incident.

Pampolina earlier played down the incident saying he just enforced the town’s ordinance that barred minors from such establishments and other public areas after 9 p.m.

He denied reports that he was drunk during the incident and insisted that he did not hurt the boy in any way.

Camba, who personally viewed and assessed the CCTV footage, said he initially found some lapses committed by Pampolina. (Min­ daNews)

Governor...

CSSDO...

FFROM 2

FFROM 2

Town... FFROM 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

De Lima... FFROM 3 City Trial Court Branch 221.

“The good news is that, they have to raise P200,000 for each murder case. Eh 58 counts, that means each one of them has to raise 11.6 mil­ lion pesos para temporary silang makalaya (for their temporary liberty),” says de Lima drawing cheers from the crowd.

“And any police officer who could raise that amount should create suspicions! We will have them investigated,” she added.

“Bad news, potential witness Dennis Sakal was killed just recently, but it’s also good news that Dicay’s petition for bail was denied last November 21,” she said.

De Lima was referring to former Maguindanao provincial police deputy director Chief Inspector Sukarno Dicay, who is accused of helping set up the checkpoints that allowed gunmen to stop the

convoy of the Mangudadatus.

Mangudadatu had sent his wife and other relatives to file his certificate of candidacy.

“The role of Dicay as testified by the prosecution witnesses was vital and instrumental. During the meeting called by the Ampatuans, witnesses testified that Dicay actively participated in the planning of the massacre, particularly on the installation of checkpoints to flag down the Mangudadatu convoy in order to kill them. Dicay, together with Andal Jr. was also seen shooting the victims on the ground,” de Lima said.

She also reminded law enforcement agencies to arrest nine members of the Ampatuan clan and 12 uniformed men who are still on the run.

She said they should be arrested on sight, adding that their apprehension is a matter of national security.

“Definitely, this case of the

century will not take a century to finish,” she added.

Mangudadatu lauded de Lima’s effort in updating the families of the victims.

“It’s good that the Secretary had explained the status of the case because many of the relatives of the victims have become discouraged,” the governor told MindaNews.

Still waiting for support Jergin Malabanan, daughter of Saksi News reporter Gina dela Cruz said that, “while I’m happy to hear what the secretary said, I hope the government will also fulfill their promise of supporting us.”

“They promised to look after us, but since 2012 we have not received any financial assistance forcing two of my siblings to stop schooling,” Malabanan added.

At least 500 people joined the commemoration in Sitio

Masalay, Barangay Salman in this town, site of the grisly massacre which is considered the bloodiest political violence in recent history, and which de Lima called the “crime of the century.”

Pickup trucks, vans, military trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and bikes filled about a third of the 3-kilometer road leading to the massacre site.

An all-terrain vehicle owned by a local politician was also in the site, a stark contrast to the 15-vehicle convoy of journalists, media workers and relatives of the victims who visited the site two days earlier.

Five Simba vehicles of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were also deployed in strategic locations as part of the security detail for “VIPs”.

Five CCTVs were installed at the perimeter of the covered hall. Toto Lozano/MindaNews

lagdan had also said the damage in six different bridges in Davao Oriental caused the delay in the transportation of building materials.

Angel said she hopes delays do not happen again “so that we can finish the project in time.”

She said NHA has already built 6,000 duplex-type completed housing in 60-square meter lots with 22 square-meter houses, but only the units that are ready for occupancy will

be turned over today.

Compostella Valley will receive a total of 2,967 new housing units in a permanent resettlement subdivision. A large chunk of the units are in San Roque, New Bataan with 1,214.

The other units are in Andap, New Bataan with 50; New Visayas, Montevista with 335; Marapat, Compostela with 300; Union, Monkayo with 225; Lower Ulip, Monkayo with 443; and Kidawa, Laak with 400

units.

Davao Oriental, on the other hand, has a total of 538 units in San Alfonso, Cateel with 167; San Antonio, Cateel with 289; and Barangay Taytayan, Cateel with 82 units.

The subdivisions built

by NHA have concrete roads and concrete-lined open canals. Each house has light and water facilities.

Aside from houses, NHA has built multipurpose buildings in each subdivision for the live-

lihood component of the community.

A two-story school building will be built next year in each subdivision that has 1,000 units.

“Each house owner will receive house and land title,” Angel said, adding that the housing package costs P220,000 each.

She said each recipient will pay a token P1 once during the agreement signing. However, she said this is not yet final. CRC

be found in Sagada – lemon pie at the Lemon Pie House.

Its flavor is a marriage of sweet and sour that produced tarty as an offspring.

You taste the sweet on the first bite, only to be chased off by the sourness of the lemon, and the chase goes on loop with each spoonful you put in your mouth. The crumbly crust added more character to the pie. I would have brought some home with me if it hadn’t been so much of a hassle to carry around.

(Just so you readers know, anything more than my backpack and sling bag is cumbersome to carry for me.

But if I really love you, you can get me to lug around five kilos of fresh arabica coffee in a hideous bag.)

So there is this quaint little café down the road, way down the road, further down the road, that I passed by while my friends and I were on our way to our spelunking adventure (one of the best things to do in Sagada).

Naturally, I had to try it.

The name of the cafe is Gaia, which meant something, but I forgot. It is a vegetarian, all organic restaurant that made everything from scratch. I had their humus sandwich, sweet potato fries with paprika and lemon, and fresh vegetable juice.

With each bite of the

sandwich came the crunch from the fresh lettuce, then the natural sweetness of the freshly baked wheat bread, and then the garlicky humus would pinch the bottom of your tongue to remind you who the star of the show is.

And the aroma... If you can describe heaven, then you can describe its aroma.

The sweet potato fries were also amazingly delicious. They were fried to perfection, with just the right amount of muscovado sugar coating. I hadn’t tried potato fries with paprika before, but I was sure glad I did. The squeeze of lemon gave the fries that explosive burst of freshness in your mouth.

I went to Sagada during an orange picking season, which is somewhere in between October and December. Again it was just natural that I did that, too. Actually, it was my friend Amyssa who insisted on that because her mom wanted her to bring home some (4 kilos plus) fresh oranges.

We paid 50 pesos to pick and eat as many oranges as we could in 15 minutes. I am not a citrus fan, but I figured that if I paid 50 bucks and each orange costs 10 pesos, I had to eat five to get the value out of what I paid. So there I was reaching out for the orangest orange (which

were mostly green) and shoving them into my mouth for 5 minutes. Then I could not take anything anymore.

Some oranges I got were sweet, some were sour, the others I was told were not yet for picking, but since I picked them already I had to eat them anyway.

All those orange eating landed me in the CR. Good thing the rest rooms in Sagada were clean. Except for the one in Sagada Pine, which I’ll get to next.

Oh, by the way, the restaurant at the orange farm serves delicious pancakes. Good for two, as usual.

I like going out at night.

For the three nights I stayed in Sagada, I was with my friends at Sagada Pine, which opens at 4:20 (only a few will understand this and I will not explain).

I love Sagada Pines. It is the perfect place to end the day. They don’t have a paper menu but a walking Mr. Menu Guy, who will tell you what they have and don’t have. I had Cali the first two nights (coz I was wholesome like that) and lots of fun and a couple of beers the last night with a new friend.

Sagada Pines does not serve pulutan, but you can buy some chips at the nearby sari-sari store (part of the foodventure). They,

however, have what you can’t buy legally at any bar here (wink).

One of the fun parts about Sagada Pines is when you have to relieve yourself of all the liquid you just ingested. It becomes a cat and mouse game, that one. For guys it’s no problem, they can just face a wall or a post, but for a woman, you have to be quick and vigilant. They have a CR but you would not want to get in there.

There are lots of restos in Sagada and every one I went to served good food.

Try Sagada Brew, they serve good breakfast. Try Ysagada Downtown Bistro, they serve delicious mushroom soup. Try the Masfery, they have yummy veggie pasta and fresh goat’s milk. Try the log cabin, their tomato salad is to die for and they have the most wonderful ambiance of all.

The prices of the food were not too bad, considering you are paying for meals that have servings good for two persons.

There is one thing though that you should not ever try in Sagada unless you are a looney like me – mamà. It is that wrap of bettlenut, tobaco, and apog that locals chew. But if you want to see the buildings dance and the world spin all at same time, yeah, go ahead,

3,505... FFROM 2

Foodventuring... FFROM 11

EDGE DAVAO

CULTURE & ARTS Foodventuring in VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

By DIANA LHYD SUELTO

I

have always dreamt of going to Sagada. In my mind I painted a picture of rolling hills with cows grazing, of cliffs where there are coffins hanging, and of people walking around in the traditional bahag.

I got the hanging coffins right. There were lots of hills; in fact there was nothing flat in sight. There were no grazing cows, however, and people were certainly not walking around in ba­ hag. They were wrapped in thick jackets most of the time. The temperature was at 18 to 22 degrees Celsius when I was there, but I was told it can go as low as 12 degrees, which would have been perfect for my companions who brought tons of jackets to ward of the cold.

The Sagada that greeted me was not what I had in mind. It was a hundred times more awesome (Warning: I am going to use this adjective liberally) than what I imagined it to be.

For a person who lives in the warmer part of the country, its weather alone was heavenly. Add the charming houses, the wonderful people, the natural wonders, and the surreal views – I was in paradise.

Have I mentioned the fireplaces? Almost every place I went into has a fireplace. I was in a Christmas village!

Everything about Sagada was awesome – even the non-stop walking because of the lack of tricycles, trisikads, habal-habals, and taxis. It was a fun way to exercise.

Of all the wonderful things that Sagada is, it was the food that got me hook, line, and sinker. The food there was just delicious.

Remembering and writing about it now it makes my mouth water, more so since my next meal right now will just be kamote and chorizo.

The food I had while I was there were the tastiest and freshest I’ve ever had.

Most of veggies were picked from the back gardens or were bought fresh that morning from the nearby farms. Everything was mostly organic. You see, everything grows nice in Sagada, even the weeds. Nothing gets fresher than that.

My first meal was lunch at Pepper and Salt. It was pork steak with roasted baby potatoes with liberal dashes of pepper, less salt, and just a hint of rosemary. The pork was cooked perfectly. It was juicy and not gummy. It was seasoned perfectly to my taste – very little salt and just the right amount of spice to give my palette a little tease.

The serving was good

for two people. But because I was hungry from the long and winding trip I was able to finish it off and then some.

Later in my foodventure, which was what became of the trip, I found out that the servings are always huge, maybe because of the many foreigners who go there. And that it is always tasty. Awesome for a foodie like me.

My favorite resto in Sagada is the Yogurt House. I love

11

Sagada

yogurt. I prefer the sour, unflavored kind, but would eat or drink just about anything with yogurt in it. This resto is all about yogurt – plain yogurt, yogurt with strawberries, yogurt juice, and more yogurt. Plus they have a terrace where I can have my yogurt while people watching, one of my favorite pastimes.

There’s another yogurt place just beside the inn where I stayed, but the

owner was cross. She got offended when my friend asked if they served any strawberry dishes because there was none on the menu.

“Of course we have, we are called the strawberry house because strawberry dishes are our specialty,” she told my friend curtly. We walked out and never came back.

Consumer power.

The perfect dessert is to

FFOODVENTURING, 10

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 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Much to do in Kuala Lumpur I

will admit that my knowledge of Malaysia’s financial and economic capital, Kuala Lumpur, is just that of any regular joe with just images of the Petronas Twin Towers dancing in my mind.

This image was quickly erased and a more colourful picture of Kuala Lumpur and the many things it offers came to me on my first visit to KL and here are some of the things that I discovered and loved.

Travel through time A visit to Kuala Lumpur’s historical Merdeka Square is like travelling through time right back to the cradle of the city’s founding. The architecture in the area goes back to British colonial times and features a heady mixture of Malay, Tamil, Islamic, Chinese, and British influences.

Visitors will want to take a peek into the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery to view an interactive map of KL as well as read through the informative exhibits detailing the history of Kuala Lumpur from its founding on the point of confluence of the Gombak and Klang River as a tin

mining town, through to its growth as a city, to Malaysian Independence, and future plans for the development of the city.

Visit the twins Probably the most iconic buildings in the whole of Malaysia, the Petronas Twin Towers dominate Kuala Lumpur’s skyline

with their uniquely modern Malay-style of architecture. A must visit for every visitor to KL, the Pertonas Towers has a sky bridge that offers some of the best vantage points of the city.

Located underneath the colossal skyscrapers is the Suria Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), one of Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping destinations which feature an array of goods and dining options to satisfy any passionate shopper.

Shop til you drop Voted as the 4th Best Shopping City In The World according to CNN Travel, Kuala Lumpur has a plethora of shopping malls that are in close proximity to each other, each offering shoppers a kaleidoscope of fashion brands and goods. What makes shopping in Malaysia value for money is that fact that Malaysia is duty free helping make your shopping money go the extra mile.

The best area to shop aside from KLCC is along Jalan Bukit Bintang where malls such as the Farenheit 88, Starhill Gallery, and 6-star mall, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur are located.

You can even catch heart buys and discounts at the 1Malaysia Year End Sale if you visit Malaysia now

Merdeka Square.

Inside the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery. until the 4th of January.

Learn a new skill Malaysia’s arts and cultural scene is enjoying a renaissance and it is none more apparent than in Kuala Lumpur where some batik workshops can be found offering not just quality hand-made batik, but also batik-making workshops for visitors to experience the art of making the colourful textile that is synonymous with Malaysia.

Eat, eat, and eat some more

Any visit to Kuala Lumpur is not complete without stuffing oneself with food from one of the many food streets located around the city. Thanks to the mixture of various cultures and cuisines, dining in Kuala Lumpur is like a quick whirlwind around Asia and beyond.

One of the most famous food streets in KL is Jalan Alor located within the vicinity of Jalan Bukit Bintang where one can take a bite of some of the best roasted chicken wings in

KL from W.A.W. Restaurant. Other dishes to try around the area include Alor Corner Curry Noodle’s curry noodle, Yao Char Kuey’s famous Char Kuey Tiaw, and Hong Kee Stall’s pork noodles. There are also various street side eats such as steamboatstyle satay, local homemade ice cream, and Chinese style barbecue pork one can encounter while walking along Jalan Alor.

Many thanks to Tourism Malaysia for organising the 1Malaysia Mega Fam trip that allowed me to experience the colours of Malaysia. For more information about visiting Malaysia you can visit www. facebook.com/friendofmalaysia or www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.

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

The smell of food fills the air along Jalan Alor.

A batik craftsman colours the textile by hand.

Outside Pavilion Mall.

Posing in front of the Petronas Towers.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Make Park Inn by Radisson Davao your home for the holidays IT’S the most wonderful time of the year. Relatives and friends are flying home for vacation and reunions, shopping sale and events happening at every corner, plus a bounty of home-style cooking and international flavors waiting to be enjoyed.

Take time off for that much needed R&R and spend weekend or a couple more days with the folks. If you’re staying in Davao City, make Park Inn by Radisson Davao your home for the holidays. With its convenient location next to SM Lanang Premier, the colorful hotel is the most ideal choice for leisure travelers who are looking for a quiet hideaway complete with the basic necessities and options for dining and shopping.

With family and groups abound, the hotel offers accommodation packages which can suit a family of 4.

Family Funtastic, priced at Php4,455.00 net, is a special promo for an overnight stay with breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children. Package includes Poolside Drinks and Snacks for 4, 15% dining discount for orders at the RBG, Pool Bar and Room Service, discount card for participating outlets in SM Lanang Premier and 10% off on city tour packages.

Booking period is until December 15, valid for stays from December 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015.

Shop ‘Til You Drop, offered at Php4,800 net, is a room package for an overnight stay inclusive of breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children, Poolside Drinks and Snacks for 4, 20% dining discount at the RBG, Pool Bar and Room Service, complimentar y F&B credit worth Php1,000, discount card for participating outlets in SM Lanang Premier, 10% off on city tour packages and 10% discount on in-room massage services. Booking is open from December 1 to 30, 2014, valid for stays from December 1, 2014 to February 28, 2015.

For bookings and inquiries, please call +63-82-2727600 or email reservations.davao@parkinn.com. Follow @ parkinndavao on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details on upcoming promotions.

Thanksgiving Specials at SM Lanang Premier, Nov 25 to 30 ON NOVEMBER 25, Tuesday, celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends at the metro’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination – SM Lanang Premier – and get holiday discounts when you shop at any of participating stores mallwide.

Promo runs until November 30.

Visit The SM Store at the Upper Ground Level to grab markdowns on selected items.

SM Advantage Card holders also get a chance to enjoy exclusive discounts at The SM Store’s Thanksgiving Day Sale on November 27, Thursday.

For a dose of retail therapy, shop at Marks and Spencer, JB Music, Crescendo and many other participating stores to avail of special holiday promos during this period.

Enjoy Thanksgiving Specials with your loved ones at SM Lanang Premier! Check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more updates.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

GENSAN

Stephanie Chu’s love of cupcakes “PUT your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.”

Stephanie Chu’s motto, proprietress of For The Love of Cupcakes, an online shop that offers a wide range of services from baking delicious and uniquelydesigned cupcakes and cakes-in-ajar,may it be by bulk or single purchases, to catering parties, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other special events.

“From whay started as an idea to lower the expenses for my daughter’s first birthday party by learning and baking the cupcakes myself. It did not cross my mind that it would grow significantly after how many months because of my friends and relatives who have advertised and shared their good experiences with my business through personal conversations and social media sites.” Is how Stephanie described her venture into the pastry world.

Stephanie firmly believes that For The Love of Cupcakes’ specialty is their dedication to their clients where they guarantee that they will always provide top-of-the-line ingredients, may it be specially imported or locally produced, and they asure their clients that their cupcakes would be the best tasting and well-designed cupcakes their clients would have ever tasted.

It’s true, I could still savor the first time I sinked my teeth on their famous

red velvet cake she sent me a few months back. The fab personalized jar really went together with the taste. And it’s a testament to say that the hype is true.

When asked if anything is in the works, that we might see in the near future for For The Love of Cupcakes? Stephanie

proudly replied, “We are proud to announce that soon, we would finally open our first cafe,and we guarantee you that you will experience one of the best tasting cupcakes you’ve tried in your whole life.”

The holidays are at nay, send love through sweet

and mouth watering desserts! Or just try them for yourself! For orders contact Stephanie, 09328492357 or visit their Facebook page for updates, facebook.com/ fortheloveofcupcakes2014 For more info in and around my wonderland that is Gensan follow me on Twitter @kyriekouture

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Download ‘Hope for Humanity’ song on SPINNR to help Yolanda survivors

IT’S been a year since Typhoon Yolanda wrought havoc in the Visayas region, particularly in Leyte. One effective way of coping for victims is through the power of music.

This is the reason why Smart’s partner MCA Music, in collaboration with its talented pool of artists, has come up with the song “Hope for Humanity” which can now be downloaded through SPINNR, the country’s biggest online music destination. The inspiring track is currently available exclusively via SPINNR, and will be available for download on iTunes and streaming on Deezer beginning November 24.

Composed by MCA Music artist Krissy, the song is now available for download for only P30, an amount which can be deducted from the

Artists from Smart’s partner MCA Music band together to create a touching and uplifting songs for the survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda in the Visayas. Listeners who want to donate to the recovery efforts can download the “Hope for Humanity” song on SPINNR.ph for only P30. All proceeds will go to Help.PH, the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation’s fund for communities affected by recent disasters. prepaid load of Smart, Sun Cellular, and Talk ‘N Text subscribers, or charged on top of their postpaid bills.

All proceeds from the “Hope for Humanity” song downloads will go to HelpPH, the fund-raising campaign organized by

the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

“Many people have already contributed to help the recovery efforts in the Visayas, but the work continues. We must do every-

thing we can to help our fellow Filipinos stand on their feet again, and one of the ways we can contribute is by downloading and sharing this inspiring song crafted by our most talented OPM artists,” said Ramon Isberto, Public Affairs Head

at Smart.

“We have contributed for the relief for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) through the worldwide effort of our parent company – Universal Music Group via ‘Songs For The Philippines’ and locally via our benefit show last year at Eastwood Central Plaza entitled ‘Music Comes Alive For Visayas’.

But we feel that it should not stop there. A lot still needs to be done especially for Leyte to be fully rehabilitated and fully recover from what happened a year ago,” added Ricky Ilacad, MCA Music President.

Among the artists who

lent their creativity and talent to this effort include Sitti, Mitoy Yonting, Lyca Gairanod, Klarisse de Guzman, Nyoy Volante, Sabrina, Gabby Alipe of Urbandub, Janice Javier, Myk Perez, Krissy, Paolo Onesa, Bassilyo, Franco, Solenn Heussaff, Erica Villongco, Aljur Abrenica, Edray Teodoro, Tonton Cabiles, Zendee, Loonie, Ron Henley, Nicole, JC Regino, CJ Pangilinan of Iktus, Johnny Alegre, and Domino.

“Hope For Humanity” can be downloaded and streamed via the SPINNR website (spinnr.ph) or through the SPINNR Android or iOS apps.

Lani Misalucha sings DZMM’s 2014 Christmas theme song

DZMM shows gratitude to inspiring Filipinos and pays tribute to their compassion for each other in its newest Christmas station ID that features Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha. It will be launched on Monday (November 24).

“It’s always a great privilege for me to be singing a song for a radio station like DZMM. The greatness of an individual starts from being grateful. In line with the message of the song, for me, whether good or bad things come your way, you should always be grateful,” said Lani.

Knowing that gratitude is the best gift one can give during the holiday season, DZMM personalities are shown in the station ID thanking people who inspire them. These anchors include Noli De Castro, Ted Failon, Karen Davila, Julius Babao, Anthony Taberna, Bernadette Sembrano, Winnie Cordero, Ariel Ureta, Amy Perez, Atom Araullo, Jun ‘Dr. Love’ Banaag, Cory Quirino, Nina Corpuz, May Valle-Ceniza, Fr. Nono Alfonso, Fr. Ben San Luis, Ricky Rosales, Marisciel Yao, Neil Badion, Dra. Luisa Puyat, Ilsa Reyes, Fatima Soriano, Sr. Bubbles Bandojo, Gretchen Fullido, Ahwel Paz, Ambet Nabus, MJ Felipe, DJ Chacha, Norma Marco, Radyo

Patrol Reporters, DZMM Traffic Angels, and Stargazer.

They share their stories of appreciation and say thank you to unsung heroes and ordinary people who serve others, such as the volunteer doctors and nurses for “DZMM Teaching, Learning, Caring,” teachers, housemaids, soldiers and police officers, farmers, overseas Filipino workers, chefs and waiters, traffic enforcers, drivers, and Filipino athletes.

DZMM also treats its listeners and viewers via its “Radyo sa Beinte Otso” promo that will give away transistor radios. Join the promo by either tuning in to DZMM or being on the lookout for DZMM Traffic Angels in Metro Manila.

Mega Manila’s number one AM radio station also gives an early Christmas present to 75 kids from Antipolo Indigenous Tribe and San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan by bringing them to Enchanted Kingdom for a whole day of fun, surprises, and presents.

Three hundred fifty pregnant women from San Pablo City, Laguna and nearby towns, meanwhile, benefited from DZMM’s Buntis Congress that was conducted last month with partners Department of Health, National Nutrition Council, Midwives Foundation of the Philippines, and Population Commission.

DZMM’s Christmas station ID theme song was written by Lloyd Oliver Corpuz and composed by

Raizo Chabeldin. It was created by ABS-CBN Creative Communications Management headed by Robert Labayen, Christina Barbin, and Miriam Anaten-Ramos. The station ID was directed by Paolo Ramos and Peewee Gonzales. It was done under the supervision of ABSCBN Integrated News head Ging Reyes and DZMM station manager Marah FanerCapuyan, with copywriterproducers Shally Tablada and Steph Angeles. Other members are technical production head Jaime Porca, technical assistant Darwin Duenas, the post production team composed of Dennie Amarille, Con Ignacio, Oliver Paler, Gewel Bautista, and Karlo Victoriano, and sound engineer Paolo Ordono.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG 13

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

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG 13

1:45 | 4:15 | 6:45 | 9:15 LFS

INTERSTELLAR Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway PG 13

R-16

12:00 | 3:20 | 6:40 | 10:00 LFS

BIG HERO 6 T. J. Miller, Jamie Chung PG 13

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

TRAVEL

DAVAO CITY’S WHITE HOUSE Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

“HAVE you been to White House,” a friend once asked.

“Yes,” I replied. “I had been there twice.”

I thought my friend was referring to the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States.

It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. and has been the residence of every American president since John Adams in 1800.

Before I could say more, my friend tried to stop me. “The White House here in Davao City,” he said. I was flabbergasted; I couldn’t believe what I heard. “You mean to see, a replica of what the US has?”

Again, my friend tried to correct me. “No, it isn’t,” he said. “It’s actually a high-end restaurant.

And it’s called White House because the house is white-painted.”

Let’s hear the whole story from co-owner Cathy Binag. “When we were restoring the house, the carpenters referred to it as the white house since it is white painted,” she recalls.

To make the long story short, Binag and her co-owner named it The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge.

Actually, the old white house was built by Robert Kerr, a Scottish abaca plantation owner, in the 1900s. As it is located in a small hill, it overlooks the

commercial district of Bajada. In the 1980s, when traffic was too much too handle, an overpass was built near it.

As more buildings were built, the white house – which used to be a landmark – was neglected.

When the real estate developer Vista Land bought the surrounding area and converted a big chunk of the property into a pinethemed residential condominium, the company spared the old house from development.

Until Binag saw it while passing through from Buhangin going to the city.

“I saw this old one which they say nobody is staying anymore,” she recalled. “I inquired and I found out that it is owned now by Senator Manuel Villar.”

Interestingly, it was the same house that was offered to her in the beginning. But she never saw the house and when she was told that it is located under the bridge, she never considered it.

But when she saw the house, Binag changed her mind. The rest, as they say, is history.

The old house was renovated and as a restaurant, it opened to the public last year.

“The White House, a European-style house, now restored as a semifine dining restaurant and wine lounge, has stood

Actually, the old white house was built by Robert Kerr, a Scottish abaca plantation owner, in the 1900s. As it is located in a small hill, it overlooks the commercial district of Bajada. sentinel over Davao’s transformation since 1920.

(Its) unmistakably elegant at the same time comfortable ambiance brings out the best for our guests who would surely feel like it is also their home,” said its press release.

Here’s how the White House is being described: “Located in the heart of the city, it is perched on a verdant hill of greengrass and dotted with statuesque age-old variety of acacia, Caribbean pine trees, and fruit trees which have grown robustly around the establishment secluding the restaurant from the chaotic and stressful environment of the city.”

Now, there’s a place in

Davao City where people can have fine dining at their most convenient time. Non-Davao doctors who come to the city for a conference or just for a vacation can now enjoy good foods while relaxing at the cozy place.

The restaurant focuses on Japanese-European fusion cuisine. “We combine Japanese flavors with European techniques to create unique dishes,” explains Binag, who is a chef herself. “This art of fusion cuisine aims to transform traditional Japanese and European dishes into contemporary ones.”

The White House also specializes in degustation, which means that each course are carefully served

one after the other to taste them with much gusto.

Currently, it offers several degustation menus, ranging from 5-9 courses.

But what makes the White House interesting, particularly to those who love Filipino foods are its “adobo” and “kare-kare.”

“It’s not your everyday ‘kare-kare’ as it is homecooked and made from scratch,” Binag explains.

“The process is too tedious and time-consuming but it is, of course, cooked with so much passion and love so that you would really taste the difference of a ‘kare-kare’ that is traditional and authentic.”

Adobo is touted as the country’s national dish.

But the White House’s

“adobo” is “not your usual adobo fare” as it is “cooked twice.” Diners can select from any of these: braised and baked stewed pork belly, pork knuckle, or chicken and chicken liver.

The White House is also the first restaurant in Davao City to offer a merienda buffet. Guests and visitors can enjoy the massive spread of delectable, sweet Filipino dishes that include puto bumbong, bibingka, binignit (ginataang halo-halo), champorado, sopas, ginataang mais, lumpiang sariwa, pancit luglog, lugaw, tokwa’t baboy, mais con yelo, saba con yelo, turon, lumpiang gulay, suman sa latik, and halo-halo.

“Our Filipino merienda treat offers overflowing sweet delights that will not only satisfy your cravings and complete your day, but also will bring back happy memories of home and family,” Binag says.

According to Binag, she learns how to cook because of her mother.

“The best chefs in the universe are our own mothers and with great joy, the White House wants to share these secrets with you through a table full of merienda treats garnished with the joys of home and the affection and love of mothers,” she points out.

The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge is located at Camella Northpoint along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City.

COMPETITIVE EDGE13

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

Globe extends smartphone ownership to prepaid customers

G

LOBE Telecom is boosting smartphone penetration in the country with an innovative offer that allows prepaid customers to avail of discounted devices and get rebates with GoGadgets.

GoGadgets is the first-ofits-kind prepaid service that allows customers to create their own prepaid bundle by choosing a gadget from a menu of discounted Android phones ranging from as low as P2,699 to P7,899.

To complete their prepaid bundle, customers just need to choose their promo combo (texts to all networks or unlimited calls), the validity period of the promo (7, 15 or 30 days) and the registration period (6, 12, 18 or 24 months), with no need to submit any requirements.

Customers can earn their money back via GCash every time they register to any GoGadgets promo, which allows them to get their devices almost free.

Devices that can be availed from GoGadgets include CloudFone Excite 400dx, a smartphone that comes with interchangeable batteries and has 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB of internal storage and long-lasting battery which can last up to 1 day of heavy use and 2-3 days on regular usage and

Samsung Trend Lite which sports 4-inch screen powered by 1GHz processor and 3-megapixel rear camera.

“We continue to provide game-changing experiences to our customers through the introduction of innovative and first-in-market products and services. With GoGadgets, prepaid customers get the latest devices and get their money back while enjoying the flexibility of prepaid promos, enabling them to fully enjoy their digital lifestyle,” says Issa Cabreira, Senior Vice President, Globe Consumer Mobile Marketing.

GoGadgets comes on the heels of another pioneering innovation from Globe Prepaid, GoSAKTO. When it was first launched in 2013, GoSAKTO offered its prepaid customers the ability to create their own promo, allowing them to choose the kind and amount of calls, texts, and data they need for the validity they want. With the improved GoSAKTO launched in June this year, subscribers can now add apps and sites like Facebook, Instagram, Viber, and YouTube to their promo, letting customers create over 200 million different call, text and app combos.

Globe Prepaid customers can register by dialing *143#, choosing GoSakto and selecting Choose a gadget.

BMW named official premium mobility partner for APEC 2015 A

SIAN Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, recently forged ties with the Philippine government to roll out over 200 BMW luxury vehicles to serve as VIP mobility shuttle for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) event to be hosted by the Philippines in 2015.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario together with ACC chair Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez led representatives from the national governement and key officers of ACC to formalize the partnership in a signing ceremony held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

As the official premium mobility partner of the premier forum, ACC will provide a fleet of BMW 7 Series Long-Wheelbase Sedan, as well as BMW 5 Series in Sedan and Gran Turismo forms, to service heads of states, government officials, dignitaries, and private sector leaders from 21 APEC member economies.

In a statement, ACC said the BMW 7 Series is the brand’s flagship model range and represents luxury,

power, comfort, and exclusivity at the highest level.

Short overhangs, clear side lines, and a long bonnet lead the set of exterior elements unique to the BMW 7 Series. Its interiors also boast of compelling elegance with roomy seating coupled with a host of luxurious features such as ambient lighting, rear-seat entertainment, and soft-close doors.

“With these defining qualities, the BMW 7 Series truly reflects the commanding presence and luxury that world leaders deserve,” the company said.

The BMW 5 Series, on the other hand, embodies a true business vehicle as it

The BMW 7 Series Sedan.

dons the signature BMW elegance and practicality for everyday use. While the 5 Series Sedan continues to be a favorite among executive vehicles, the luxurious 5 Series Gran Turismo is available for those who seek a spacious and versatile automobile.

“As the preferred premium mobility provider for APEC 2015, we aim to ensure a positive experience among delegates by offering the best models in our portfolio. We have specially commissioned cars that uphold the global BMW standards of safety and performance to support the government’s efforts in driving economic growth in the Philippines

and the region,” ACC president Maricar Parco said in a statement.

The APEC Summit aims to promote a healthy economic landscape by addressing opportunities and challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

To support this mission, a series of meetings on trade and investment liberalization, business facilitation, and economic and technical cooperation will be hosted in select venues within Metro Manila and the Visayas region. The premier forum will also conduct dialogues on regional strategies to foster sustainability in the automotive industry.

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

Gavino rules Durian Tee

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

C

ROWN him the silver edition champion.

Jing Gavino won the 25th staging of the annual Durian Tee Invitational Golf Tournament on Sunday firing a gross three-under par 69 to win by a stroke over Juan Karloz Alba.

Gavino toured the treelined Apo Golf and Country Club layout with superb tee shots and steady putting to turn back the challenge of Alba, whom he also beat in last week’s 3 Fore Tree tournament over at Rancho Palos Verdes.

Richard Bad-ang shared honors with Gavino after he shot a net 89 to win the net honors.

The class winners are Danny Nagayo for Class A net, Lorenzo Castro for Class B gross, Jojo Simbulan for Class B net, Romy Garcia for Class C gross, John Gross for Class C net, Gemma Bokawachi for Ladies gross, Josephine Vergara for Ladies net, Alex Sy for Seniors gross and Gregorio Jabonillo for Seniors net.

The tandem of councilor Dado Mahipus and Randy Arevalo fired a combined 164 to win the Team gross championship while Jong Gavino made it a double when he teamed up with Ryan Gotan to win the team net title with an aggregate 134.

Johnny Santos and Mackmod Mending finished gross runner-up with a 159, followed by Virgie Hermiston and Richard Bad-ang (159), and Manuel Nitorreda-Marte Velasco (155). The net runners-up were Vincent Gumapac-Ronald Galicia (133)Leo Ya—Chris Tan (123) and Elmer Basilia-Benhur Villarosa (115).

The Durian Tee is a tournament for members and their guests. AGCC president Mario Luis Jacinto awarded the prizes to the winners.

DURIAN TEE. Nenot Galicia (top) blasts out of the bunker during the 25th Durian Tee Invitational Golf Tournament at the Apo Golf and Country Club. AGCC president Mario Luis Jacinto and dirctor Jerry Salas award the trophies to overall champion Jing Gavino (left) and runner-up Karloz Alba (right). Below, Joel Yamyamin could only manage first runner-up in Class A net this time. Boy Lim

Ancajas scores knockout win P

ANABO pride Jerwin Ancajas opened Clash in Cotai 2 with a crushing victory to set the table prior to the main card.

Ancajas, representing Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, knocked out Tanzanian Fadhili Majiha at the 1:48 mark of the third round. Trained by Nonoy Neri, one of Pacquiao’s assistants, Ancajas has developed his punching power as of late.

After suffering his first defeat at the hands of Mark Anthony Genraldo back in 2012, the Panabo City fighter has now stopped his last nine opponents.

The Filipino super flyweight stalked his Tanzani-

an foe early, landing right hooks and straights in the first two rounds.

In round three, Ancajas faked Majiha with a jab step before nailing him with a picture perfect one-two that floored him. Mahija stayed on his back for a complete 10-count to hand Ancajas his second victory at the Cotai Arena.

Ancajas raised his record to 22 wins (14 knockouts) with a loss and a draw.

Ancajas’ former amateur ranks team manager Generose Tecson of Barangay Una boxing program, under former Congressman Antonio Floirendo and Cong. Anton Lagdameo, expressed delight over An-

cajas’ win. “I am glad Ancajas KO’d Majiha. He was ex-barangay Una boxer, had some problems but am very happy for him,” Tecson said in a Facebook post to this writer.

In another undercard, Rex Tso of Hongkong got the night’s second victory with via unanimous decision over Indonesia’s Espinos Sabu. The judges scored the fight 79-73, 7874, 78-74 for fighter from Hong Kong.

Tso, who is trained

by Filipino Aljoe Jaro, remained undefeated with 15 wins, nine coming via knockout, while Sabu drops to 11 wins against three losses and a draw.

Petecio advances to World Finals

J

EJU island, Korea- On the day Manny Pacquiao demolished USA’s Chris Algieri in Macau, Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio also upended an American, Tiara Brown, in the semifinal round of the AIBA World Women’s Championships here.

Brown, the reigning women’s featherweight champion who won the gold medal in the 2012 staging of the event in Qinhuangdao, China, lost her chance to defend her title as she fell prey to the sneak attacks of the much shorter Davao del Sur native.

Petecio shifted her stance from orthodox to southpaw every round, causing problems for the 25

year-old American. Unable to use her reach advantage, Brown increasingly became frustrated as Petecio repeatedly rocked her with hooks and straights to the head and body.

“Malakas din siya sumuntok at dahil mahaba ang mga braso, nasasalag niya ang mga straight ko. Kaya ginawa kong hook yong straight. Ayun, tinamaan ko! (She could also hit hard and because of her long reach, she kept deflecting my straights. So I turned them into hooks. And they found their mark!), said a beaming Petecio upon getting a candy bar from team manager Karina Picson as a “reward” for her entry into the Finals.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

A MISMATCH FROM THE START Manny should demand a fight with Floyd

MANNY THE MERCIFUL. Manny Pacquiao responds to the applause of his fans after disposing off American Chris Algieri in Macau last Sunday. Right photo shows Pacquiao watching over a hapless Algieri. Chris Farina

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

F

njb@edgedavao.net

OR the uninitiated, it was a great fight. A Sunday service with a preacher delivering a boxing gospel.

For the masters of the prizefighting business, that Manny Pacquiao-Chris Algieri fight was a mismatch from the very start. A painful sight of a sport’s biggest injustice.

From the day the fight was announced, the only thing good about the November 23 fight in Macau was Algieri’s looks. It had the trimmings of a comedy from the time Pacquiao stood on a stool standing over the 5-foot-10 Algieri in one of its roadshows.

Perhaps, only Top Rank promoter Bob Arum believed it was going to be close.

Boxing analysts Atty. Ed Tolentino and Recah Trinidad both scoffed at the fight won by Pacquiao on points with Algieri kissing the canvas six times—twice rolling over and twice complaining of a slip.

“The reason why I did not bother going to Macau,” said Trinidad in an interview with ABS-CBN the morning after the fight.

“It was a clear mismatch,” said Tolentino in the same television program.

Both Tolentino and Trinidad have done commentaries on previous Pacquiao fights.

Boxing analysts around the world believe it’s time Pacquiao demand a better

fight from Arum. Pacquiao has been a good ward for Arum all these years—simply obeying the veteran fight promoter and agreeing to fight whoever the American threw his way.

Lately, Arum has given him ‘lighter assignments.’

There was the Brandon Rios fight and the rematch with Timothy Bradley.

The fight everyone in the world wants to see—against Floyd Mayweather—has yet to happen and Arum does not seem to be seriously making a pitch. Now, he’s mentioning Danny Garcia.

Admittedly, Pacquiao has at most two more years left in his career and he has lesser options.

After the Algieri fight, Manny Pacquiao has Mayweather right where he wants him.

“I think it’s time to say something,” Pacquiao said on Sunday after dispatching Algieri in convincing fashion.

“The fans deserve that fight. It’s time to make that fight happen,” the Filipino said.

Whether it actually happens, of course, depends on Mayweather agreeing to sign on the bottom line. And for the better part of five years now, Mayweather has given one excuse after another.

He had a lot of excuses.

First, he suspected Pacquiao might be on steroids, and refused to deal with his promoter. When Pacquiao got knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez, Mayweather said

it wasn’t worth his time to even mention his name.

With Pacquiao’s impressive outing, Mayweather may be boxed into a corner for a number of reasons and from a number of angles. The pressure will be on to make the fight sometime in the first half of next year or forever draw the wrath of the fans who contribute to his massive paychecks.

Suddenly the prospect of boxing’s richest fight does not seem like such a farfetched fantasy after all.

“Answer the telephone, it’s as simple as that,” promoter Bob Arum said when asked what it would take to make the fight. “If boxing is to be considered a major sport then the fight has to happen. The nonsense needs to cease. There are no excuses anymore.”

Mayweather opened the door ever so slightly after his win over Marcos Maidana in September, saying he might be open to the possibility of a fight.

“If the Pacquiao fight happens, it happens,” Mayweather said in a report.

“You can ask the same questions and get the same answers. I call my own shots.”

Boxing experts believe there remain a number of obstacles to actually making a fight, though. Not least is Mayweather’s willingness to risk his unblemished record near the end of his career, issues with promoters, TV contracts, purse splits and even legacies.

And the fact is that both fighters have pretty much run out of opponents that boxing fans will pay good money to see on pay-perview.

Except in the case of a megafight that would break all records and make both fighters earn far more than the $20 million to $30 million they have routinely been getting for fights.

“I get asked about it wherever I go,” Arum said of a fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather. “If I’m on a plane the person next to me will ask me. I go to the restroom, and the attendant asks me.”

On Sunday, Pacquiao took a jab on Mayweather when he stood in the ring and mimicked a Foot Locker commercial he stars in, where he jumps up and down and excitedly cries: “He’s going to fight me? Yes! Yes!” That one, is the match everyone is excited about.

‘He’s going to fight me?’

“HE’S going to fight me?”

Manny Pacquiao deflected the question with a joke. He once again said the line from his Footlocker commercial.

In the past few years.

Pacquiao often tip-toed around the issues between him and Floyd Mayweather simply be-

cause he isn’t used to calling out fighters.

“I’m just a boxer,” he would say. “It’s up to my promoter to make the fights.”

These were his popular lines from before so the media expected him to blurt these out once more. However, Pac-

quiao threw a curve ball.

“For that fight, it’s good that we talk about it. The fans deserve that fight. That’s the good statement. The fans really deserve that fight,” Pacquiao said during the post-fight press conference after his dominant win over Chris Algieri.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 181 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

UNCHALLENGED

WE MADE IT. A mother and her two kids cross the finish together in one of the touching scenes during the 38th Milo Marathon on Sunday at Roxas Street. The race was dominated by Sonny Wagdos and Judy Miranda (photo below).

Lean Daval Jr.

Wagdos, Miranda rule Milo Marathon Davao City leg

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

O

N a Manny Pacquiao Sunday where streets are characteristically bare, two veteran runners owned the city to themselves for a little over an hour—unchallenged and unsurprised.

Before everyone’s attention was gobbled up by another championship fight for the country’s most celebrated athlete, Sonny Wagdos and Judelyn Miranda shared a fleeting moment of glory after they dominated the 38th Milo National Marathon Davao qualifying run on Sunday.

Wagdos and Miranda— about the only big names in the short list of crack runners yet to qualify for the National Finals of the country’s most prestigious footrace—ruled the men’s and women’s 21-kilometer races to join the more illustrious runners who have earlier qualified via qualifying runs in Luzon, among them last year’s champions Anthony Nerza and Cynthia Jaro.

Wagdos and Michale Jan Echalico, rivals in the local running scene, fiercely ran stride by stride from the bark of the gun at the break of dawn in Roxas Street through seven kilometers of the race. Echalico, however, faded away at the one-third mark and Wagdos was left all by his lonesome like a Pied Piper chased by a colony of pursuers.

The 22-year old Wagdos, more accustomed to the 10-kilometer distance and at the track, paced himself well in his very first 21-kilome-

ter race of his career making sure he had enough gas on his tank. He crossed the finish line with plenty to spare in the end clocking one hour 13 minutes and 59 seconds, leaving a trail of dust for the rest of his rivals to eat.

Echalico finished a far second in 1:15:03 with Gilbert Maluya winding up third in 1:18:13. Echalico joined Wagdos as the other Davao qualifier within standard time.

“Nag-pacing lang ako.

Hindi ko pa kabisado ang sarili ko sa 21-K kaya nagging maingat din ako na hindi ako maubusan ng hangin o magka-cramps,” the Agusan del Sur native said after the race.

The University of Mindanao standout, however, said he will skip the National Finals in Manila on December 7 due to his commitment to represent Davao City in the 2014 BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games in Labuan, Malaysia on December 6-10.

It was a similar story in the women’s race as the veteran Miranda, a five-time Milo Marathon National Finals qualifier, earned her sixth trip to the longest-running marathon event in the country.

The 29-year old Miranda, a security officer in Tagum City, survived a bout with stomach cramps in the last five kilometers to win the women’s title.

Miranda broke free from the get-go and left the rest of the field shadowing her from behind. So dominating

was Miranda that she managed to slow down her pace while fighting away cramps beginning at the 16-kilometer mark. She had built enough lead though and got to cross the finish line alone in 1:33:55.

“Nagcramps ako after 16 kilometers kaya bumagal ang takbo ko. Buti na lang di na ako naabutan ng iba,” said Miranda.

“Nahirapan din ako kasi di naman ganun ka extensive ang training ko kasi may trabaho ako. Ang duty ko 7 am to 3 pm kaya halos isang oras lang sa umaga ang training ko,” Miranda narrated.

Madelyn Carter, Miranda’s cousin from Cebu City, finished second in 1:49:43 while Daisy Joy Dayondon claimed third in 1:58:09.

Miranda, whose best finish in the National Finals is fourth, became the lone all-expense paid qualifier in the distaff side. A total of 44 finishers submitted qualified clocking to the Nationals.

Other winners were Er Jimboy and Emalyn Taypin in 3-K, Erwin Gubal and Meagey Nenura in 5-K, and Joerge Andrade and Diana May Memoracion in 10-K. Sunday’s race, according to local race organizer Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports, registered the third best record in Davao leg history with over 10,381 runners.

The record of over 13,285 set last year remained as the best field ever.

GO FOR IT, SON. A father (right) watches his son happily cross the finish line ahead of him during Sunday’s 38th Milo Marathon Davao leg at Roxas Street. Over 10,000 runners including this father-son tandem joined the race.

Lean Daval Jr.