Edge Davao 7 Issue 200

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

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DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS?

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

Dreaming of a white Christmas?

Text and Photos By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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TO people used to living in the tropics, snow is good to look at and to feel the first time around. When I was a small boy I had only admiration and wonder beholding those Christmas cards showing those beautiful winter scenes of rooftops and treetops laden with virgin snow and of fields all covered with pure white snow.”

That was what my friend Mar Patalinjug, who now lives in New York, wrote me some years back. Most Filipinos don’t have the opportunity of experiencing winter or the pleasure of touching snow (although they may have seen it in the movies, pictures, and television).

I had the chance of touching the real thing several times. And yes, winter is good only for postcards and photos!

The first time was in 2000. That was when I went to New York to consult with multi-awarded environmental journalist Don Hinrichsen about a paper we would present in Washington, D.C. a year later. It was December when I arrived and the air was very, very cold. It was good that I brought with me a winter jacket (which I won when I attended a media conference in Bangkok, Thailand a year back).

One Saturday morning, Dr. James W. Hansen (a close friend and former colleague at a non-governmental organization where I work now) and his wife Merlie (the former Pagbilao and also a friend) and daughter picked me at the hotel where I was staying. The

Hansen couple works at the Columbia University in New York but lives in nearby New Jersey.

When I arrived at their house (where I stayed for two days), there was still no snow in their backyard. As we slept, snow fell down and when I woke up the following day, I saw snow right in front of my window. I went out from my room and touched the snow for the first time in my life!

The words of Christina Rossetti came rushing into my mind: “In the bleak midwinter Frosty wind made moan, / Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; / Snow had fallen, snow on snow, / Snow on snow, / In the bleak midwinter, Long ago.”

More than not, now, I knew what the Bible meant when it said: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). White bond paper, white shirts, and white paint -- these are not pure white at all. Until you have seen a snow, you can’t tell what pure white really is!

Being a tropical country, the Philippines has only two seasons: dry and wet. In the United States and in other temperate countries, there are four seasons: spring, summer, fall (also known as autumn), and winter. The latter is the season with the shortest days and the lowest temperatures.

In areas farther away from the equator, winter is often marked by snow. This was the reason why when I was in Durban, South Africa some years back, despite it being

winter season, I never saw any snow.

Depending on place and culture, what is considered to be the start and end of winter varies. Contemporary meteorology takes winter to be the months of December, January, and February in the Northern Hemisphere and June, July, and August in the Southern Hemisphere. However, many cultures in Europe and East Asia consider winter to begin in November.

Astronomically, winter starts with the winter solstice (around December 21) in the Northern Hemisphere and June 21 in the Southern Hemisphere), and ends with the spring equinox (around March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and September 21 in the Southern Hemisphere). In meteorology, winter is by convention counted instead as the whole months of June, July and August in the Southern Hemisphere and December, January and February in the Northern Hemisphere.

What happens during winter time? Frances Theodora Parsons shares: “During the winter I am content – or try to think I am – to make my head-quarters in town and to get fresh air and a broader outlook at intervals that are frequent, but still at intervals.

Perhaps, the walk or drive out to the frozen lake among the hills for an afternoon’s skating is the more keenly relished because of a busy week elsewhere. For all practical purposes nature is at a standstill. ...

“There is a wonderful joy

in leaving behind the noisy city streets and starting out along the white road that leads across the hills. With each breath of the sharp, reviving air one seems to inhale new life. A peace as evident as the sunshine on the fields takes possession of one’s inner being. The trivial cares which fretted like a swarm of mosquitoes are driven away by the first sweep of wind that comes straight from the mountains…

“The intense silence that broods over the snow-bound land is a conscious blessing.

The deep blue of the sky and the purple shadows cast by the trees and plants are a feast to the eye. The crunch of the snow-rind beneath our feet and the varied hum of the telegraph wires overhead are music to our ears.”

A lot of famous authors and prominent people have written or spoken something

about winter. George Herbert wrote: “Every mile is two in winter.” Victor Hugo quipped: “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” Rudyard Kipling noted: “No one thinks of winter when the grass is green.”

“Winter is not a season, it’s an occupation,” said Sinclair Lewis. “Perhaps I am a bear, or some hibernating animal underneath, for the instinct to be half asleep all winter is so strong in me,” argued Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

Oftentimes, winter is equated with old age, sadness, and death. Charles Kingsley wrote: “Every winter, when the great sun has turned his face away, the earth goes down into a vale of grief, and fasts, and weeps, and shrouds herself in sables, leaving her wedding-garlands to decay.

Then it heaps in spring to his returning kisses.”

The second time I experienced winter was in December 2002 when I returned to present the paper in Washington, D.C. Then, when my sister and her family transferred to Livingston, Montana, I also visited them during winter time in 2003.

After attending a conference for science journalists in Montreal, Canada in October 2004, I decided to visit my sister again and stayed there until January 8.

Now that I had experienced winter four times in my life, all I can stay is that I still prefer summer. As Josh Billings points out: “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”

Yes, it’s good to be back in my native Philippines during this Christmas season!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

3 THE BIG NEWS

WELCOME. Escandor Development Corporation (ESDEVCO) president Glenn Escandor (second from left), accompanied by City Administrator lawyer Melchor Quitain (second from right) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 assistant director Bong Gonzaga (right), welcomes Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte

during the inauguration and blessing of the Clubhouse at Matina Enclaves (CAMA), the mixed-use community project’s club house, on Thursday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

Police to tape over guns on Monday O

Use renewable energy, exec tells Dabawenyos

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

the revelry of the yuletide,” Espina said.

He said intensified intelligence efforts in coordination with AFP, other law enforcement agencies, and local government units will be conducted to identify probable violators.

Joint PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) teams will also be organized to conduct preventive patrols to arrest or apprehend uniformed personnel, members of law enforcement agencies, and civilians involved in indiscriminate firing.

RION Renewables, a Manila-based renewable energy (RE) firm, is urging Dabawenyos to resort to resources like solar power due to the worsening power situation in Mindanao.

Orion sales manager for Mindanao Elvin Dayanghirang told reporters that the company is offering a loan program with a low interest rate to its clients.

The company distributes state-of-the-art RE products like solar panels and wind turbines. It has over 100 projects and partnerships with different institutions in Luzon and Visayas.

“The company has partnered with a financial lending

institution for our loan program. The client has to pay only 20 percent while the remaining 80 percent will fall in a structured financing scheme that would allow potential clients to pay for the product up to seven years,” Dayanghirang said.

He said private individuals and business owners can avail themselves of the loan program for the installation of solar panels and wind turbines.

He said solar power is the most suitable RE source for Mindanao because of the island’s strategic location much nearer to the equator, making it much easier to collect energy from the sun.

will still be subject to finalization by the end of December pending the reports from the field and his office’s monitoring section.

DPWH 11 was allotted 7.893 billion in 2014 to fund 336 projects under the DPWH Regular Infrastructure Program and 2.933 billion for 844 projects under its Outside Infra Program. Projects costing P50 million and below are implemented by the district offices and those above P50M are implement-

ed by the regional office.

Alquiza expressed his satisfaction over the accomplishment of his office despite the setbacks experienced due to bad weather, right of way obstructions, and unforeseeable events.

He said he was also hopeful that the 2013 carry-over and 2014 projects will be completed in early 2015 as to not overburden the project engineers since projects under the 2015 Regular Infrastructure Program have

already been bid out.

As for the 2015 projects, Alquiza announced that the DPWH 11 Regional Office has been given an allotment of almost P14 billion for Regular and Outside Infra combined.

“We are thankful to the Aquino administration for their faith and support in us and rest assured that we will do everything possible to make sure that these funds will be used effectively and conscientiously,” he said.

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will conduct its yearly synchronized firearm muzzle taping on Monday in line with the celebration of the Christmas season.

DCPO spokesperson Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz told Edge Davao the covering ceremony will be held at the Camp Domingo Leonor grounds.

Driz said the covering of the gun tips is the DCPO’s proactive measures against indiscriminate firing during the holidays.

In a separate statement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a stern warning on indiscriminate and illegal discharge of firearms by government and civilian gunholders as part of its support for a “gun-free” celebration of Christmas and New Year.

PNP Officer-In-Charge Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina had already issued a memorandum to all PNP personnel for an intensified campaign against illegal discharge of firearms and indiscriminate firing.

The campaign includes the

simultaneous gun muzzle taping, from the National Headqarters down to Police Regional Offices, Provicial Offices, City and Municipal Police Stations nationwide, which will be conducted on December 22 to assure the public that PNP personnel will not discharge their firearms during the holidays.

“This traditional gun muzzle is a strong message to all gun owners, especially our policemen and soldiers who are the primary enforcers of the law, to refrain from firing their guns and help prevent casualties and injuries during

Malaybalay’s Shepherds Meadow Memorial Park for Marielle E. Achacoso and Barangay Cabangahan Public Cemetery for Kim Lloyd Valiente.

In both funerals, there was a common call for acceptance of their fate and a cry for justice.

Ricardo Achacoso recalled his daughter’s achievements and attributes and

HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 11 yesterday said as of December 15, 2014, it has already surpassed its previous year’s accomplishment of the same period with a rating of 86.67 percent.

Speaking to reporters last Friday during his yearend press conference at the DPWH conference room, DPWH regional director Mariano R. Alquiza said this percentage accomplishment

Families bury kin, demand justice for bus blast victims

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XPRESSIONS of love and calls for justice highlighted Saturday’s burial of two Central Mindanao University (CMU) students who were among the 10 people killed in the December 9 bombing of a passenger bus of Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) near the university’s main gate.

Families and friends held solemn and emotional burial rites in two separate sites–

FFAMILIES, 10

crc@edgedavao.net

FUSE, 10

DPWH 11 hits 86.67% accomplishment rate

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NEWS

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

Reds declare truce for holidays, Pope’s visit

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DRUM AND BUGLE. Majorettes from a participating school carry colorful Christmas lanterns during the 2014 Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw’s Banda Dasig, a drum and bugle corps competition, along Rizal Street on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Troops arrest 4 Abu Sayyaf bandits carrying explosives G

OVERNMENT troops arrested last Wednesday four suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits transporting explosives and bomb-making materials in the province of Sulu, officials said Saturday.

Ensign Ian Chester Ramos, Joint Task Force Zambasulta information officer, identified the arrested suspects as Jumli Pulah, Hassan Jubakal, Ingki Abdulah and

Bashir Alih.

Ramos said Pula has an existing warrant of arrest issued by a Court in Jolo, Sulu.

He said they were arrested at around 9 p.m. Wednesday by the Joint Task Group Sulu while conducting a checkpoint at Sitio Nangka in Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu.

He said the four were traveling aboard a pickup type vehicle without a

registered plate number coming from Jolo bound for Barangay Danag, Patikul when the troops intercepted them.

Ramos said the troops confiscated from the possession of the suspects two 20-liter container full of ammonium nitrate, three hand grenades, a bottle of trinitrotoluene (TNT), two blasting caps, nylon cord, batteries and wires.

He said a case for illegal possession of explosives and bomb-making materials were filed Friday against the suspects before the Sulu provincial prosecutor’s office.

Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the pick-up type vehicle is being used by the Abu Sayyaf bandits to transport kidnap victims, ammunition and equipment.

“There could be more. This gathering is gathering of volunteers, volunteers in the sense that they are not yet members of the party, they have yet to be members of the political party, after this they will apply for the political party.”

Mansoor said the plebiscite to ratify the Bangsamo Basic Law hopefully by 2015 will serve as the “test case” of the strength of the party.

“This is really the intention why we (are rushing) to make the party established now because of that plebiscite,” he said.

Mansoor said they are open to alliances with local and national political parties but will have to study this issue more extensively to ensure the allies understand the principles and direction of the Bangsamoro. “Titingnan naman kung kailangan ang alliance, not all the time alliance is necessary, bakit ka naman makipag alliance kung sa tingin mo sa sarili mo ay kaya mo din.

(We will see if alliance is needed. It is not all the time that alli-

ance is necessary. Why will you seek alliance if you believe you can do it yourself?)

Mansoor said the normalization process, which includes the decommissioning of the MILF combatants and their weapons as well as the redeployment of the military, is ongoing.

When the Bangsamoro Transition Authority is set up, said Mansoor, “the armed wing of the MILF ceases. The MILF as an organization will still be intact pero yung military activities ay wala na yun (but the military activities will be over).

(Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

Murad to head MILF political party; assembly on Dec 23-25

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HE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is busy completing the requirements to set up a regional political party – the United Bangsamoro Justice Party or UJBP) – which MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim will lead as Chair and President, Sammy Al Mansoor, Secretary-General, said.

Mansoor said there will be five vice-chairs: MILF Vice Chair for Political Affairs, will serve as vice chair for Central Mindanao, Maamor Estino for Western Mindanao, Hussin Munoz for Eastern Mindanao, Alim Ali Solaiman for Northern Mindanao and Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel chair and Bangsamoro Transition Commission, for Southern Mindanao.

Mansoor said the an assembly of the party members and volunteers will be held on December 23 to 25 in the MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

He estimates at least 26,000 volunteers will attend the assembly.

HE Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has declared a ceasefire for the holidays and during the visit of Pope Francis in January.

In a statement sent Friday, the CPP ordered its armed wing, the New People’s Army, to observe a ceasefire during the following periods: 12:01 am of December 24, 2014 to 11:59 pm of December 26, 2014; 12:01 am of December 31, 2014 to 11:59 pm of January 1, 2015; and 12:01 am of January 15, 2015 to 11:59 pm of January 19, 2015.

“During the aforementioned days, all units of the New People’s Army and people’s militia are ordered to desist from carrying out offensive operations against units and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the various armed paramilitary groups attached to the Government of the Philippines (GPH),” the declaration said.

The CPP said the declaration is being issued “in solidarity with the Filipino people in their observance of traditional holidays which coincides with

the CPP anniversary celebrations on December 26”.

“This ceasefire declaration is also being issued in deference to the upcoming visit of Roman Catholic patriarch Pope Francis which the Filipino people look forward to as an opportunity for religious celebration and to raise outstanding issues such as military abuses and violations of human rights and children’s rights, Hacienda Luisita and widespread landlessness, poverty and exploitation of peasants and workers, bureaucratic corruption and government neglect of calamity survivors and the poor,” it added.

But the CPP also cautioned the NPA to remain in “active defense mode” and vigilant against attacks by the military and police on rebel territories.

The CPP was founded on Dec. 26, 1968 and the NPA on March 29, 1969.

The National Democratic Front, the umbrella of all underground Left-wing organizations in the country, has been engaged in on-and-off peace talks with the Philippine government since 1986. (MindaNews)

Seven persons, including a young girl, were wounded in a grenade explosion followed by an exchange of gunfire at the public market in Poblacion 2, Parang, Maguindanao at around 5:45 p.m. Friday.

Mohammad Ali, a brother of the barangay chair who helped bring the patients to the hospitals in Cotabato City, said that before the blast, there was a commotion.

“But we didn’t see who threw the grenade. It was dark, there was a power outage,” Ali said.

Major Jo-Ann Petingly, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said troops from the 37th Infantry Battalion reported at around 545 p.m. that a loud explosion was heard inside the town’s market, followed by an ex-

change of gunfire.

The wounded victims were rushed to different hospitals in Cotabato City. They were identified as s Jamila Tomas, Abdullah Tomas, Salahodin Tomas, Saima Raoro, Camlon Rairo, Sirikit Magayan and a certain Locman.

Police are still verifying if the conflict stemmed from a rido (clan feud).

Initial items recovered at the crime scene by the Army’s Explosives Ordnance Team, include five empty shells from a 9mm pistol and a safety lever from a hand grenade.

Police and Army operatives are going after a suspect named Sauto Giti from Campo Uno, Matanog, Maguindanao, Petingly said. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

7 hurt in grenade blast in Maguindanao market

CHRISTMAS BREAK. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte (right) shares a light moment with Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo Jr. during Friday night’s tri-media gathering at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Also in photo is businesswoman Cathy Binag. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

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6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

Customs suits stun G-Shock smugglers

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SMUGGLED WATCHES. Samples of the 413 Casio G-Shock watches seized by the Bureau of Customs last August that were concealed inside six Balikbayan Boxes. The Bureau filed smuggling-related cases against the six consignees of the boxes.

USTOMS stuns G-ShocSix persons face smuggling-related cases filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for allegedly attempting to sneak in a total of 413 Casio G-Shock watches through Balikbayan Boxes. The watches have a total value of over P7.4 million.

Complaints of violating Sections 3601 and 3602 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines were filed against Zenaida Valencia, Jennifer Valencia, Edward Ochave, Clarisse Karingal, Genevieve Ochave and Edmund Discutido before the Justice Department.

In a statement, the BOC said the case stemmed from the entry of six Balikbayan Boxes from Bahrain last August.

“These were shipped on the same flight and on the same day through Forex U-Mac Bahrain and its counterpart, U-Mac Forex Cargo Philippines. The boxes were declared to contain personal effects such as shoes and clothing, beddings, groceries, candies and chocolates. However, derogatory information

from the Bureau’s Intelligence Group prompted the 100 percent physical inspection of the boxes, revealing the watches inside. The misdeclaration was intended to evade payment of duties and taxes amounting to over P1 million,” the BOC said.

“While we recognize that the Balikbayan Box is vital to millions of overseas Filipinos and their families in the Philippines, we cannot allow the abuse and misuse of this privilege to bring in goods of commercial quantity or contraband items. Let this be a lesson to traders and sellers that by illegally concealing items meant for sale or prohibited items, you are not only taking risk by getting caught but you also delay other Balikbayan Boxes that are in the same batch,” Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla said.

Since 2001, the Bureau has continually revamped its process for monitoring and inspecting Balikbayan Boxes following revelations that these have been used to bring-in illegal items such as car parts and accessories, goods for sale and regulated drugs.

Davao firms urged to join ICT awards NGCP restores power

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

ORE nominations are expected from Region 11 as organizers of the 19th International ICT (information communications technology) Awards Philippines add six new categories to the contest.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (Cancham) president Julianne Payne said the new categories are best emerging IT-BPM company for creatives; for healthcare; for finance and accounting; best software company of the year; and best Philippine mobile app of the year.

“The 2015 ICT Awards events include six new categories as a response to the broad-

center of the year; best voice excellence company of the year; best IT-BPM (information technology-business process management) CEO of the year; and individual contributor of the year.

Payne encouraged companies in Region 11 to send their nomination or even self-nominate.

He said companies in Davao City, for instance, have become more competitive over the years, making the ICT sector one of the main economic drivers of the city.

Davao City has been home to 97 local and foreign-based ICT firms since the early 2000’s. Among the locators

up to 1 hour prior to departure for all AirAsia flights, and up to 4 hours prior to departure for AirAsia X flights,” the airline said in a statement.

Guests must ensure to select the option to either receive their boarding pass via email or the mobile QR code in their smartphone during web check-in. It is highly recommended for guests to print out their boarding passes before arriving at the airport, to ease their travel process.

Check-in kiosks are also available for guests to utilize, by keying in the 6-digit booking reference number or scanning the rectangular

OPEN MESA. Members of the Escandor family led by Glenn Escandor (fourt from right) gather in front of the family’s second Mesa branch located at the Annex of SM City Davao during Saturday’s blessing officiated by Bishop George Rimando. The restaurant was officially opened to the public on Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

AirAsia urges flyers to use self check-in

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IRASIA has advised its guests flying during the holiday season to utilize the airline’s self check-in options, via Web or Mobile, for their travel convenience.

Check-in counters at airports during the festive season are expected to be congested due to the surge of passenger numbers, which could severely impede movement and cause late arrivals of passengers at the departure gate.

“Therefore, it is highly advisable for AirAsia guests to perform self check-in, available through Web and Mobile, before arriving at the airport. The Web and Mobile Self Check-In is available from 14 days and

in Ruby-stricken areas

ening and deepening composition of the ICT industry in the Philippines, “ Payne said.

He said the enhanced ICT Awards include emphasis on Filipino-owned companies as well as companies outside the national capital region (NCR).

Payne said the organizers received about a hundred nominations for the nine major categories last March and expect more for next year’s awarding event.

The other categories are best company of the year; best employer of the year; best Filipino-owned company of the year; best company of the year outside NCR (National Capital Region); best global in-house

FAIRASIA, 10

here are Convergys, Teleperformance Philippines, IBEX, Sutherland Philippines, and Concentrix.

Aside from the 14 categories, Cancham, in association with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), will be also giving the Hall of Fame Award again.

Payne said the organizers upgraded the judging procedures for the ICT awards 2014 event last March to ensure independence, objectivity, and transparency in the judging to keep up with the evolving best practices in the international industry competition.

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HE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) restored its power transmission facilities in Ruby-stricken areas in Eastern Visayas except the Province of Eastern Samar where the typhoon made landfall last December 6.

Ma. Rosette B. Martinez, Regional Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Officer of NGCP Eastern Visayas, said they hope to complete the repair and restoration of power lines destroyed by typhoon Ruby before Christmas.

As early as 6 p.m. of December 6, NGCP restored power transmission service

to Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO) after transferring its load from Maasin Substation to Ormoc Substation and inspection on the faulted line section which was isolated was conducted immediately.

Aside from SOLECO substations, it likewise re-energized its transmission lines supplying power to LEYECO V, LEYECO IV, LEYECO III and DORELCO substations.

To fast track the restoration of power supply to the other cooperatives within the week, aerial and foot patrol along the transmission lines

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

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THE ECONOMY

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APEC meeting highlights sustainability, resilience

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PEC Senior Officials identified “Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities” as a key priority area for APEC 2015 at the APEC Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting held on December 8 and 9, 2014 at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

Sustainability and resilience, particularly disaster preparedness and management, took center stage as Typhoon Yolanda/Hagupit hit the central Philippines including Legazpi City, Albay where the ISOM was originally set to be held.

To ensure the safety of all delegates and to afford the local government to focus on the preparations for the typhoon, the Philippine government deemed it best to transfer the ISOM to Manila.

Seen as a testament to the resilience and preparedness of the host economy, the ISOM further introduced discussions on particular initiatives and work programs to implement the APEC 2015 priority of “Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities”.

“The Asia-Pacific region has disproportionately accounted for the incidence of and damage from natural disasters globally,” said Ambassador Antonio Basilio, Executive Director of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “Because it is also home to the most complex and dense supply chains, the impact of disasters when they happen are multiplied and take a long time to restore.” APEC economies must be equipped and knowledgeable of how to best prepare for and respond to disaster – from typhoons and earthquakes to health pandemics and food scarcity.

The Symposium on December 8 emphasized promoting the resiliency of infrastructure at the every level beginning at the local and grassroots level. To this end, notable experts from international organizations and the academe gave suggestions including preparing business continuity plans, ensuring greater visibility in supply chains, as well as creating redundancies such as duplicating production bases. At the regional level, measures such as generating information on hazard risks through scientific research, facilitating contingency measures to ensure business continuity, enabling the “creative reconstruction” of affected regions, building resilient infrastructure, and insuring for economic losses were advanced.

The meeting also focused on food security and the marine economy as these issues intimately affect the food supply and sustainability of communities, especially coastal communities. Experts highlighted enhancing regional cooperation in protecting the marine environment and ensuring sustainable livelihood for fishing communities.

APEC 2015 will advance these initiatives and boost cooperation in promoting sustainability and resilience through the Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) and Policy Partnership on Food Security (PPFS).

The Philippines is also set to host the Senior Disaster Management Officials’ Forum (SDMOF), and the High Level Policy Dialogue on Food Security and the Blue Economy (HLPD-FSBE) next year. (DFA)

MY KIND OF PIZZA. A customer smiles upon receiving his slice of pizza during the opening of S & R New York Style Pizza at Abreeza Mall on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

Paje to public: Keep it ‘green’ during holidays E

NVIRONMENT Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje is encouraging the public to have a “green” Christmas by properly managing their waste during the season when most households produce more trash than usual.

“Christmas does not have to be a burden on the environment. There are a number of ways we can do in order to help reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season, including practicing the 3Rs of waste management – reduce, reuse and recycle,” Paje said.

The environment chief noted that Filipinos, who

are known to celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world, generate more waste during the holidays than at any other time of the year.

Thus, he said, it is only necessary for the public to be more conscious of the waste they generate and to observe environmentally-responsible Yuletide habits.

Since the bulk of holiday waste comes from gift wrapping and packaging materials, Paje suggested using newspapers, gift bags and other alternatives to traditional wrapping paper that can be reused, recycled

The most recent commemorative circulation coins issued by the BSP were for the 150th year of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal in 2011 and the 150th year of Philippine Hero Andres Bonifacio

in 2013.

The BSP also announced the minting by the BSP of 50-piso and 500-piso commemorative coins in time for the Papal visit in January next year. (BSP)

or composted, and does not end up in the landfill.

Paje said people could consider alternatives to sending traditional Christmas cards like e-cards or making a donation to charity instead.

They could also buy gifts made from recycled materials as well as toys that do not use batteries, which eventually end up as waste, he added.

He said seedlings and plants would make great gifts to send this holiday season.

At the same time, he urged the public to patronize locally made products

for use as gifts as the process used to make them come from shorter supply chain, which translates to lower carbon footprint.

He also suggested the use of energy-efficient LED as Christmas lights.

“These are just some of the positive things we can do to make Christmas greener,” Paje pointed out. “A Green Christmas is a step towards redeeming the environment, and saving humanity and biodiversity from manmade environmental abuses and their consequences, which now can be summed up in the crisis that is climate change.” (DENR)

BSP issues 3 commemorative coins

Measures being carried out to address port congestion

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Saturday announced that three new limited edition commemorative circulation coins will be available starting Monday, December 22, 2014.

The new coins commemorate the following: 1.The Bagong Bayani Commemorative Coin in honor of Overseas Filipinos on the 5-piso circulating coin; 2.The 150th year of Philippine Hero Apolinario Mabini on the 10-piso circulating coin; and 3.The Leyte Landing which was a turning point for the liberation of the Philippines during World War II on the 5-piso circulating coin

HE government and other stakeholders are coordinating to address the congestion at the ports, especially at the Port of Manila, a Palace official said on Thursday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement that he has received information from Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras that concrete measures were being carried out to address the problem.

Among the measures agreed by the stakeholders are the 24/7 operation of shipping lines and container yards, the unloading of cargoes at the ports of Manila, Subic and Batangas, the use of a computerized system at the Bureau of Customs, and the continued use of the 24-hour express

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As a matter of policy, the BSP commemorates significant events and heroic Filipinos in our country’s history through the minting of coins, medals or overprints on our banknotes.

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lanes for trucks traversing the north and south routes.

“Lahat ng mga suliranin ay pinagtutulungang lutasin ng Technical Working Group at patuloy ang masinsing koordinasyon ng lahat ng mga stakeholders,” Secretary Coloma said.

Last month, the government organized a forum to find solutions to the problems posed by port congestion.

A few months ago, President Aquino designated Secretary Almendras to become the point person for addressing concerns at the ports.

The Cabinet Cluster on Port Congestion, headed by Secretary Almendras, also said last month that efficiency and productivity at the ports have significantly increased after the City of Manila lifted its daytime truck ban. (PCOO/PND)

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

EDITORIAL

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Yearend frenzies we like

EARENDS are famous or infamous for frenzies, natural or manmade. Only a few days ago, this month, Taliban Islamists attacked a school in Peshawar, Pakistan and massacred 149 people in a frenzy of violence that brought about international condemnation. In swift retaliation, the Pakistan military killed 50 suspected militants and executed two prisoners convicted of terrorist activities.

In the same week, Boko Haram in Nigeria kidnapped 185 civilians, including women and children, many of them also slaughtered. In the civil war in Nigeria, some 13,000 people have perished during the last five years.

Our kind of yearend frenzies in the Philippines have been natural during the last four years with typhoon Sendong, Pablo, Yolanda occurring either in November or December. But they could be as devastating, or even worst than the manmade ones. True enough, the country continues to grapple with the widespread destruction that the typhoons wrought on us long after they actually happened.

For now, we are wishing the kind of yearend frenzies will be along the “Daang Matuwid“ (straight path) battle cry of the Aquino administration, whose last full year will be next year.

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We certainly like the frenzy of the Aquino administration in its crackdown against criminal syndicates controlling the New Bilibid Prisons. Every Filipino and his uncle knows that this horrible situation had been obtaining in the national penitentiary for decades, it would be a lasting legacy of the Aquino administration if it is able to dismantle the powerful criminal gangs there, and send to jail prisons officials and personnel in cahoots with the crime syndicates with seeming impunity inside the jail. All of them should be made to pay dearly for making a mockery of our criminal justice system.

Another kind of frenzy that we wish President Aquino will be able to do up to his last day in office is running after big and small time grafters in the government. Filipinos wish President Aquino’s acceptance of the resignation of Health Secretary Enrique Ona would start a frenzy of firing Cabinet men who have lost the confidence of the Chief Executive and who, in the eyes of the public, have become unfit to continue holding office, due to certain improprieties. The people certainly wish Mr. Aquino can do this more swiftly, too, to the erring men and women reported to be his political partymates or perceived to be his close friends.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

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

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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

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VANTAGE POINTS

9

Mass reflections and the Christmas conspiracy

EARING mass last night to prepare myself for the coming of the king on Christmas day, I couldn’t help but notice the different types of people in the small chapel.

One was an elderly lady on a walker. She stood, sat, and sang the hymns gracefully despite her age. There were married couples too, reveling in the rather cool weather of Manila at this time of year. There were mothers and daughters taking in the gospel in their pullovers and jackets. Of course, there were young people enjoying the weather and the company of friends. There were the affluent and the not-so-rich. Many were healthy while there were those obviously hobbled by one malady or another.

Pleasantly observing them while focusing on the mass, I did not try to decipher what went on in their minds. All of them had their own preoccupations for the season, their troubles for the preceding year, their dreams

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HE Davao visit of the President immediately drew great interest in Manila in the months to come. The July 1936 editorial of the Philippine Magazine pointed out that Quezon’s remark before the legislature that “there is nothing in the so-called Davao problem that should cause a serious concern,” helped calm down the hysteria in some quarters in Japan that were stunned by the cancellation of the leases on Japanese landholdings.

Observers theorized the President’s statement on the land issue was anchored on the expectation that the problem could “be solved satisfactorily, yet it is not to be assumed that the Japanese will give up their preset dominant position in Davao without a struggle.” In his statement before the National Assembly, he said: “A vast and rich territory with untapped natural resources is a temptation to enterprising nations that are looking for an outlet for their excess populations. While no nation has the right to violate the territorial integrity of another nation, people that lack the energy, ability, or desire to make use of the resources which Divine Providence has placed in their

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

OW are you doing today? Not feeling good anymore, as if the world has already abandoned you? Do you sense that no loves you anymore? Or you’re carrying all the problems of everyone in your back?

Don’t worry. You are not alone. If only trees could talk, they will have many stories to tell, too. Listen to one tree speaking: “When I was young, I didn’t notice it. But later on, I began to realize how different I was. I was short and crooked and all out of shape while around me stood those tall stately pines and those long-branched acacia trees. I should tell you, though, that I am hanging here onto the side of a cliff and my few roots are twined around the top of a stone.

“I often dreamed of being big and beautiful, with the wind bending me to and fro and the showers of rain washing my leaves. But here on the cliffside I felt so small, the wind didn’t often blow through my branches. Even the sun only warmed me for half a day and then it left me in the shade of my cliff and shone down on those majestic trees in the valley.

“Why did I have to stay here, hanging onto a cliff? I did not have enough soil to develop all the beauty inside me. I was dissatisfied with my lot in life. Why did I have to stand here and be like this?

“Then early one spring morning, the perfume from all the new meadow flowers wafted up to me, a tiny bird warbled its song from my branches, and the first warm sunrays kissed me long before they ever got down into the valley. What a beautiful panoramic view I had from up here. No other tree down there could see as far as I could.

and fears, MY TWO CENTS’ hopes and apprehensions for the coming 2015. Maybe some anticipate the further lowering of fuel prices and public jeepney fares, the coming visit of Pope John Tria Francis, next ecisouth@gmail.com years funding for the advocacy group he works for, the possibility of a new Bangsamoro evolving, the price of Christmas ham, the paying of debts incurred in the past year. Short and long term real world concerns. All valid and worth attending to.

But seeing them hearing the celebrated mass, I could not help but reflect on the fact that for at least an hour, all cares of the

material world are cast aside. Not to escape the realities, but for many, to seek the power to face these in their human life. Many of these real world concerns offered up. Cornucopia, kaleidoscope and diaspora, for such is the Christian world with all its nuances and cultural variations seeking to overcome the world. Various expressions of faith and love flow from such a mixture of peoples. None of them came dressed in a common uniform, or wore a prescribed skirt, coat or hat. They were all themselves. Each have their own way of dealing with their world, but the collective desire of the group last night is to activate a higher power to help them face their realities.

They offer up their concerns and seek the wisdom, and empowerment of a love greater than they, and I, can comprehend.

Given the myriad activities and parties they would opt to be in that evening, they chose to offer these and seek the help to face these issues. Last night’s experience can only be described as a conspiracy of hope.

Amid the rubble, the flowers, and the crowd that is material human existence, hope is the currency of those who are empowered to do so and see beyond the obvious limitations of the physical realm. Their hope turns to joy, which is the hearts ideal healthy condition when dealing with adversity. That hope and empowerment came more than 2,000 years ago and is sustained in mass events such as these. Of course there are those who question such beliefs as unnecessary and even stupid given the advances in technology that they claim can solve every problem. But, as the leader of these believers say, “Who am I to judge?”

Hope is the conspiracy of Christmas, helping us see beyond our limitations and achieve a joy to face reality that no limited and biodegradable material gain can give us.

The good news is that Christmas is a free gift for all willing to have it. Join in the conspiracy, and unravel the power inside the gift.

Merry Christmas!

The Davao problem

FAST BACKWARD

BY THE ARCHIVIST hands, afford a excuse for a more energetic ad willful people to deprive them of their lawful heritage. If, therefore, were resolved to conserve Mindanao for ourselves and our posterity, we must bend our efforts to occupy and develop it ad guard it against avarice I greed.”

Pundits in Manila also remarked that the customs figures on imports and exports at the time showed evidently that there was “a definite attempt on the part of the Japanese

to restrict the economic benefits of their efforts in the [Davao] region to themselves ad to Japan, and a to build a Japanese community with its own schools and churches, its own bank its own lad ad sea transportation systems, and even its own officials, separate and apart from the general life of the country, secretive yet aggressive, and… expanding constantly.”

The tightening of the noose in terms of Japanese investment in Davao got a big blow when on Sept. 10, 1936, the Supreme Court, by invoking the provisions of the 16-monthold Constitution, upheld the decision of the Public Service Commission denying the petition of a Japanese entrepreneur in Davao to increase his equipment by the addition of another Ford car. Although he was granted a certificate of public convenience in 1929 to operate a Ford automotive to transport passengers, the high tribunal, in a ruling ,said “the petitioner is not a citizen of the Philippines and not a corporation or other entity organized under the laws of the Philippines sixty per cent of the capital of which is owned by the citizens of the Philip-pines.”

On October 16, the president signed into

law Commonwealth Act No. 51 elevating Davao to a chartered city. Sponsored by Assemblyman Romualdo C. Quimpo, the law was filed chiefly as an offshoot of the apprehension the agrarian problems evolving from the expanding Japanese acquisition of large tracts of lands in Davao would eventually result in foreign control of the local economy.

The enactment took place two weeks after the government received reports on September 30 of the entry of Japanese in Davao claiming to be American citizens from Hawaii.

The restrictions imposed by the 1935 Constitution on Japanese-cultivated abaca farms compelled the foreigners to look for other options abroad. Mitsui Bushan Kaisha, Ltd. was reported in 1938 to have opened plantations at Tawan North Borneo using Davao seedlings and experienced Japanese workers. The farms were leased for 99 years.

Eight years earlier, Yoshizo Furukawa had started scouting lands for hemp plantations in South American. A 1953 U.S. study shows that he brought planting materials, mostly the Tangongon variety, to Panama before these were exported to Ecuador, where he is the “father of the abaca indus-try.”

Count your blessings “From that day on, I began THINK ON THESE! to realize that I was something special. I was a special kind of tree made for a special kind of place. None of those big beautiful trees could do what I am Henrylito D. Tacio doing. Why did it take me so henrytacio@gmail.com long to realize that?”

A wise man once said, “Your presence is a present to the world. You are unique and one of a kind. Your life can be what you want it to be. Take the days just one at a time. Count your blessings, not your troubles. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again.”

The Daily Motivator also affirms, “No matter what kind of troubles you may have, just think of how fortunate you are to be alive and living in a world where almost anything is possible. Consider for a moment the good things you have, and the good things that you can accomplish through your willingness, determination and action.”

Always see the brighter side of life. As an ancient Persian saying goes, “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet.” This reminds me of the true story of Major Frederick Franks in an article written by Suzanne Chaz-

in for Reader’s Digest. It went this way: Major Frederick Franks stared at the Christmas tree in his drab hospital room. It was the time of year for joy, but Franks felt only sadness. Seven months earlier, in May 1970, while he was in Cambodia, grenade shrapnel had torn into the lower half of his left leg. Doctors were preparing to amputate it.

Franks had graduated from the US military academy at West Point, where he was captain of the baseball team, and he had planned to make the army his career. Now, retirement seemed the only option. Although Franks felt he still had a lot to offer the army – combat experience, technical knowledge, an ability to solve problems – he knew that soldiers with severe injuries seldom return to active duty. They must pass a yearly physical-fitness test, which includes a three-kilometer run or walk. Franks wasn’t sure he would be up to the task with prosthesis.

After the surgery, Franks felt saddest of all about giving up his prowess on the baseball diamond. At weekly games, he batted while someone else ran the bases for him.

Waiting to bat one day, he watched a teammate slide into base. “What’s the worst that could happen if I tried the same thing?” he thought.

In his next turn with the bat, Franks hit the ball into center field. Waving away his runner, he began a painful, stiff-legged jog.

Between first and second, he saw the outfielder throw the ball towards the second baseman. Closing his eyes, he willed himself forward and slid into second. The umpire called “Safe!” and Franks smiled triumphant-

ly.

A few years later, Franks led a squadron through military exercises in rough terrain.

His superiors wondered if an amputee was up to the challenge, but Franks showed them he was. “Losing a leg has taught me that a limitation is as big or small as you make it,” he said.

“The key is to concentrate on what you have, not what you don’t have.”

I like that. We have to count each day a blessing. No matter how small the things are now facing, consider yourself blessed. “The things that count most cannot be counted,” a friend once told me. William A. Ward agrees: “The more we count the blessings we have, the less we crave the luxuries we haven’t.”

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some,” Charles Dickens urges. Thankfully, we all have a lot more going for us than it sometimes appears. Yet, with blessings aplenty, far too many people still plod along holding tight to their scarcity state of mind. They don’t see much good happening to them and not surprisingly, not much of anything ever happens in their lives. It never occurs to them that what they don’t see is exactly what they don’t get.

A timely thought from an unknown author should remind us all: “Count your blessings instead of your crosses. Count your gains instead of your losses. Count your joys instead of your woes. Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears. Count your courage instead of your fears. Count your full years instead of your lean. Count your kind deeds instead of your mean. Count your health instead of your wealth.”

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NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

DANCE FOR JOY. City Economic Enterprises personnel perform their dance routine during the Indayog sa Pasko held at Quezon Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr.

Use... FFROM 3

Dayanghirang said the company uses technology to accurately position solar panels to collect energy from the sun efficiently.

With this, institutions and households can start transferring from non-RE to RE, he said.

Dayanghirang said solar panels can be mounted on roofs or placed on the ground based on the assessment of their personnel.

He said the solar panels the company distributes is a Canadian invention with a production life of 25 to 50 years and with 85 percent efficiency. However, it can go

beyond that depending on the client’s usage.

Dayanghirang said the installation of RE sources not just saves money but also provides business continuity to business establishment and offices.

He said clients are mostly from the business sector in Luzon, one of which is the Calamba Medical Hospital which had an installation of a 150-kilowatt solar panel system that can be used as source of energy during power outages.

Dayanghirang said Orion is targeting to install one megawatt worth of RE projects nationwide. [CRC]

Alquiza also identified four of his top priority projects for 2015: the widening of Davao River and Matina Pangi Bridges along the Davao City diversion road, the widening of Gov. Miranda Bridge II along Daang Maharlika (Tagum City), and the much anticipated construction of the Davao City Diversion Road Extension which will traverse the Toril, Puan and Bangkal areas.

“Instead of constructing a flyover in Ulas intersection, we have decided to build an extension of the Diversion road instead to accommodate more vehicles and help alleviate the worsening traffic congestion in the area. We are positive that this will significantly decrease the volume of vehicles passing through the Davao-Cotabato Road going to the city center,” he said.

[ABF]

supplying power to the Provinces of Samar and Leyte was conducted. Hence, on December 12, at 1:17 a.m., NGCP resumed delivery of electricity to Leyte II Electric Cooperative (LEYECO II) which covers Tacloban City and the Municipalities of Babatngon and Palo, Leyte.

This was followed by

the delivery of power to all three substations of SAMELCO 1 and II and NORSAMELCO in Northern Samar.

Typhoon Ruby has devastated parts of Region 8 when it made landfall in the municipality of Dolores Eastern, Samar last December 6, this year. (ajc/cba/ PIA-8)

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Families... FFROM 3 called for the acceptance of her fate, even asking for prayers so that her soul may rest in peace.

“I am sure she lived a happy live here on earth. Let us allow her (with our prayers) to be happy in heaven,” he said after the funeral mass at the cemetery’s chapel filled with relatives and friends.

He said she was “a sweet, respectful girl and made the family laugh.”

Her uncle, Rene, who described her as a good girl who was “ fond of jamming,” believed that God has a plan for the family.

Her friends recalled Marielle’s strong personality and encouragement in times when they were down.

The Achacosos and many of those in attendance, including Marielle’s classmates, wore white t-shirts printed in the front with “We love you Marielle E. Achacoso” super imposed with a photo of the 17-year old first year accountancy student of CMU. Others wore shirts printed in the front with “Justice for Marielle E. Achacoso” and a graphics of a black ribbon next to the words.

At the back of the shirts, there is also a mix of print: “We love you Marielle E. Achacoso” and “Justice: 12-0914” also next to a graphics of a black ribbon.

Marielle’s classmates from elementary to college arrived in the burial with many of them staying up until the last shovel of soil was placed on top of her grave.

Her parents and siblings released balloons tied in the form of a rosary to mark their goodbyes just after 11 a.m.

In Cabangahan, the Valientes also buried 16-year old Kim Lloyd, a mechanical engineering student, next to the grave of a younger brother and his grandmother.

After the final blessing, his casket was lowered amid the wails of the family members. His father, Jaime, cried that the perpetrators did not know how much they loved their child and that “they have no conscience.”

During the wake, Kim’s aunt said that pain and sadness will remain with them with his death, adding they won’t forget him.

Reports said that Kim was still able to ask help from rescuers but was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

His father recalled a memorable encounter with his son a day before the bombing happened: the son said “I love you” to his father and kissed him.

Mr. Valiente, in a forum on December 17, has lamented the failure of the police intelligence network to prevent the bombing, which happened a month after another bomb exploded near the CMU, wounding four passengers.

During the funeral, Kim’s family, relatives and friends wore white t-shirts printed in the front with “We will miss you Kim” and at the back “Justice will prevail.

Stop killing innocents. Everything will be okay in the end.”

Teachers and students from CMU attended both funerals, with many of them shuttled by a bus provided by bus firm RTMI.

Davao... FFROM 6 “These changes were widely endorsed and well-received as a model for industry award competitions,” he said.

Payne added that nominations for the various awards are open to all eligible companies and individuals in the county. Deadline for submission of nominations is January 31 next year.

The awarding will be held on March 24, 2015 at the Marriott Hotel, Pasay City.

The ICT International Award is an annual event that

recognizes the best in the dynamic and fast growing ICT industry.

“This prestigious annual ICT gala awards night has inspired and has promoted further development, growth, and innovations of the country’s ICT or IT-BPM industry as a world leader,” Payne said.

Last March’s awarding event was attended by more than 400 guests from the ICT and other business sectors in the country as well as overseas.

barcode on the flight itinerary.

Check-in kiosks are available at NAIA Terminal 4, NAIA Terminal 3 and provincial airports in Kalibo, Mactan-Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Tagbilaran, Tacloban and Cagayan de Oro City.

All airports throughout Malaysia including klia2 also offer the same convenience with check-in kiosks available from 14 days and up to 1 hour prior to departure for all AirAsia flights, and up to 4 hours prior to departure for AirAsia X flights.

Guests are recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to their respective flights and clear all travel formalities as early as possible, to avoid missing their flights due to the possible congestion.

For guests with baggage to check-in, baggage counters close 60 minutes before flight departure for all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights. As congestion is also expected at the security scanning and baggage clearance checkpoints during this holiday season, it is advisable to complete baggage drop as early as possible.

International flights passengers are advised to proceed immediately to the immigration checkpoint, as increased passenger traffic may cause delays in reaching the boarding gate.

Guests with group booking, reduced mobility or special needs are only allowed to check-in at the counter and should allocate more time for this process due to the potential congestion, at least 3 hours before the time of departure.

The airline also reminded guests to ensure sufficient baggage allocation for their travels. To add more baggage allocation, guests may do so online via ‘Manage My Booking’ at www.airasia.com, up to four hours prior to scheduled departure time.

It is also recommended for guests to pre-book their meals online, as increased demand may result in insufficient stock on the aircraft for on-the-spot purchase. Pre-booking guarantee that meals are served and available at any time after making a flight booking and up to 24 hours before scheduled time of departure.

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COMMUNITY SENSE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

Monsanto addresses MSU students on global agri, food sustainability

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ECOGNIZING that investing in the youth is not only necessary but also has immeasurable returns, Monsanto Philippines recently engaged 866 university students from the Mindanao State University (MSU) in a fruitful dialogue on sustainability, food, partnerships, and career building at a seminar on ‘Monsanto and the Work that We Do’ held at the MSU gymnasium.

The Monsanto Philippines Team of Cherie Ocampo , Human Resources Lead; Gabby Romero, Regulatory Affairs Lead; Jorgen Abellera, Corn Breeder and Plant Pathology Lead for Asia Pacific and Chat Ocampo Corporate Engagement Lead exchanged

perspectives with MSU students and faculty members on the challenges and solutions to achieve global food and agriculture sustainability; the role of farmers, better seeds, plant biotechnology products and crop management practices to produce better food using fewer natural resources; the need for new partnerships especially public-private sector partnerships; and the purpose-filled personal development opportunities of working in a company like Monsanto.

Ocampo underscored how Monsanto values diversity and inclusiveness so that the contribution of every single member of the organization is recognized for maximum and wholistic im-

pact.

Campaign Sales Executive and MSU alumna, Aireen Gile, inspired the students with her talk on how her work at Monsanto has provided her with the tools to make a significant contribution to society and make her reach greater even heights both at the personal and professional levels.

MSU faculty, students and staff members actively asked questions. MSU College of Agriculture Dean Helen Perpetua thanked Monsanto for conducting the seminar saying that the young people are catalysts for economic growth and development. Dean Perpetual also said she looked forward “to a fruitful

partnership with Monsanto in providing opportunities for the Filipino youth, especially in Mindanao.”

Ocampo also encouraged the university students to share any useful i n f o r m a t i o n which they got from the seminar to their network of family and friends.

“We recognize that social media tools are becoming the most popular way to instantaneously reach the young generation,” Ocampo said. “This seminar will have more value if you can share what you have learned from this seminar via Facebook, Twitter, blogs and YouTube if you have these accounts.”

Charina Ocampo at MSU-Gen San

Monsanto staff with participants

UP Min, Hedcor ink The perfect wake-up call biodiversity project H B BOOK REVIEW

By RANDOLPH R. RESERVA

RO. Karl Gaspar’s Desperately Seeking God’s Saving Action: Yolanda Survivors’ Hope Beyond Heartbreaking Lamentations takes us back to the 8th of November 2014, when Supertyphoon Yolanda was trashing about the provinces of Samar and Leyte. It takes us back to when the strongest of winds were roaring like jet engines, when cars lying in the typhoon’s path were flying around like tumbleweeds.

Through masterful storytelling Karl vividly depicts the experiences of struggle, pain, and despair our countrymen from Eastern Visayas had to face. The stories jump out of the pages with fervor

that you could almost taste the freezing seawater that slammed the coastlines of Samar and Leyte in surges.

Reading through the stories will make you feel the weight of the debris that trapped thousands of individuals to their deaths. They make you carry the countless crosses the people of Samar and Leyte had to carry as they faced the wrath of Yolanda.

In this book, Karl kept his stories sharp yet short.

They flow like shallow rivers that lead to the depths of the ocean. They may leave you hanging though, perhaps for a reason – they are not for the sensitive of heart. If you read Karl’s narratives with intent,

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21050650 under Loyola Contract No(s). 1371223/000130005179 issued to ANONAT, JESUS 1002611 under Loyola Contract No(s). 393173/000112355079 issued to ANONAT, REMY were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

12/4,11/18

you would be surprised how so succinct stories can shake your beliefs and evoke emotions with relative ease.

Beyond the stories, Karl’s reflections provides an absorbing window into an experience that will never be accessible for most of us. If Karl’s stories make you fly around with emotions, his reflections are the anchors that keep you aground. They make you see the complex plots of disasters. His reflections also introduce the all-important characters in how disaster relief operations are designed.

All-important characters that include us, the readers – you and me, and how we may have contributed to a world of disasters and how we can fight our way through it.

Notwithstanding the focus on Supertyphoon Yolanda, Desperately Seeking God’s Saving Action should remain relevant for years to come. This book is the perfect wake up call to all of us to rethink our ways so as to continue revolutionizing our world whilst taking care of Mother Nature.

Redemptorist Brother Karl launches his latest book at the St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI), Redemptorist Compound, Davao City on December 18. MindaNews photo

by BJ PATINO More importantly, let this book be one of the many glues that binds us together especially in times of disaster.

For in times of desperation, God’s saving action manifests through us and our willingness to be there for one another.

(Randolph “RR” R. Reserva is program manager of the Leyte Community Resilience Enhancement Project of Association of Psychologists Helping Practitioners).

EDCOR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, recently entered into a wildlife inventory and biodiversity assessment project with the University of the Philippines-Mindanao.

The project will be an output report containing a survey of the plants and animals, an evaluation and assessment of the biodiversity, and the effects of Hedcor’s environmental initiatives within Mt Apo Natural Park in Sibulan, Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur. A five-year biodiversity enhancement action plan will also be outlined in the

said area, which is also the home of the 42.5MW Sibulan Hydros and the 14MW Tudaya Hydros.

Signing the agreement are (seated from the leftmost) Hedcor’s consultant Dr. Bo Puentespina, Hedcor’s Vice President Rolando Pacquiao, UP Mindanao Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion, with assistant professors Fritzie Camino and Marion John Achondo.

Witnessing the signing are Hedcor environmental initiatives officer Junessa Guimalan, UP vice chancellor Antonio Obsioma and instructor Maria Catherine Otero.

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CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

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

Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

YEARENDER: TRAVEL

Where did Dabawenyos travel to?

Destinations of 2014

By Kenneth Irving Ong

2014 was a big year for Dabawenyo travellers as more and more areas within Mindanao are being discovered. These places include Davao Oriental, Saranggani, and even the Surigao Provinces. More and more Dabawenyos are also flying to different parts of the Visayas such as Bacolod and Iloilo.

Favourite international destinations are still the ones which allow Pinoy travellers visa-free entry such as Hong-Kong, Sin-

gapore, and Thailand, but pan and even further to with the easing of visa Europe. restrictions and a great Discovering Davao economy, people are now Oriental looking more at travel JaThe province of Davao

Davao Oriental’s Subangan Provincial Museum.

Oriental flexed its tourism muscles this year as it made the bucket list of many Dabawenyos as a place that one has to visit. Just a 3-hour drive from downtown Davao, Dabawenyo urbanites are now discovering the beauty of the region’s easternmost province.

One of the newest at-

WHERE A4

Hinatuan’s Enchanted River.

Photo from Agusan del Sur website.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Globe launches first self-service mobile portal for business customers FULFILLING its commitment to superior customer experience by bringing the most advanced technologies to Philippine businesses, Globe Telecom launched its Business Online Portal (BOP), an advanced service platform for small, mid-size and enterprise companies that promotes easy, quick, and hasslefree account management.

The BOP can now be accessed by Globe Business and Globe myBusiness customers as well as their authorized representatives through https://accounts-business.globe. com.ph/login.

As an alternative channel for Globe Business customers and account managers that will establish a safe and more efficient approach in addressing billing inquiries and account modification requests, the BOP effectively empowers business customers to securely perform online and real-time transactions as well as view account-related information.

According to Globe Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Gil Genio, “the BOP is an alternative channel for Globe business customers to establish a more efficient and direct approach in addressing billing inquiries and account requests. This innovation in customer interaction effectively increases empowerment of our clientele to access up-to-date information and perform real-time transactions.”

He emphasized that customers are the priority of business customer-facing units of Globe Telecom, saying that technology, coupled with genuine business relationships, spell the difference in gaining the trust and confidence of its corporate customers, which subsequently empower them to create a wonderful landscape for themselves and the industries they serve.

Hero TV kicks off January 2015 offerings for year-long 10th anniversary celebration HERO TV’s lineup for January 2015 is nothing short of amazing as it offers only the best to anime fans with the popular movie “Rurouni Kenshin” premiering on January 1, 2015 and new localized anime titles in time for the anime channel’s 10th anniversary.

Consistent to its mission to offer a promising lineup every year, Hero TV is set to revamp the anime TV experience in its 10th year.

“Rurouni Kenshin,” the story of a former assassin who becomes a wandering samurai, will premiere on Hero TV on New Year’s Day (January 1), 9PM. Meanwhile, much-anticipated titles such as “Gatchaman,” “Leviathan,” and “Taichi Chasers” will bring in excitement for 2015.

“Gatchaman,” an action movie based on the anime of the same title, is about five agents who are given mysterious stones called “receptors” that hold immense power after war is declared in the world by an organization called Galactor. The action-packed show will have its premiere on January 4, 12MN with replays at 12NN and 8PM. Meanwhile, anime fans can kick off their 2015 right with “Leviathan,” a story about three young girls – Bahamut, Jormungandr, and Leviathan from the dragon clan who are chosen by the fairy syrup to stop evil creatures in their world brought by meteorites.

The thrilling fantasy tale of dragons and fairies will make waves on TV starting January 1.

Finally, witness an epic battle between Tigeroids and Dragonoids in “Taichi Chasers,” a story about how the kid of Taichi battle out with the Dragonoids to recover the lost 1000 tai-chi symbols in a quest to gain ultimate power to rule an entire empire. “Taichi Chasers” will premiere on January 7, 6PM with replays at 12AM, 6AM, and 12NN. Hero TV’s favorite titles will also be returning this 2015 to keep the fun and excitement burning. “Tiger and Bunny: The Beginning,” “Gargantia on Verdurous Planet,” “Initial D 4th Stage,” Claymore,” “Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya,” “Fate/Zero,” “Hack Legend of the Twilight,” “Kokoro Connect,” “Power Rangers RPM,” “Toaru Kagaku No Railgun,” and “Trigun” among others will be welcomed back to the number one Anime channel.

Catch all these and more this January on Hero TV, the number one Anime channel celebrating its 10th anniversary. For updates, visit Hero TV’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/myheronation).

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

EVENT

Big 8 Corporate Hotel holds first color run in Tagum City TAGUM CITY is known for its long festive Christmas season which begins from the official lighting of its giant holiday tree in the last week of November up to December’s grand fireworks display on new year’s eve. Big 8 Corporate Hotel-Tagum added a new highlight to an already vibrant holiday mood when it recently introduced the very first color run in the City of Palms.

Dubbed as the Big 8 Christmas Color Run, the paint race literally provided a colorful warm up for the yuletide season in Tagum.

“I never expected it to be this exciting. It was just really more fun to run while you get showered with colors,” said Big 8 Corporate Hotel’s General Manager Roxan Obregon.

“I finished 5K but it was not about the distance, it was all about seeing smiling faces, runners having a great time along the course. Nobody got tired.

Definitely, this will not be the first and last in Tagum.

See you in 2015!” Obregon guaranteed.

The color run is a paint race, basically the same with the typical fun runs which promote health and wellness only that runners get doused in colorful powders while completing the race.

Hundreds of runners registered and were very eager to practically paint their faces with colors, ready to thread the happiest race in Tagum. Just before the run, zumba session led by the hotel’s Aqua Gen Fitness Center instructors heated the runners up for the gun start.

No sweat, no problem.

While it normally takes a while to sweat, a waiting fire truck courtesy of Tagum City Fire Department sprinkled and drizzled the pack or runners few meters from the starting arc.

The runners, drenched and all, embraced the salvo of green upon reaching the first color station. Excitement was overwhelming as yellow, violet, pink and orange were hurled at them in the ensuing stations just before the 5K turning point.

Reaching the finish arc and looking like a running rainbow masterpieces only signaled for the most awesome part of the event.

After completing the race, runners were given cups filled with color powders and they were gathered for the blast of colors.

They simultaneously lobbed color powders into the air with giggles and yells of fulfillment upon witnessing a fog of dazzling colors and an atmosphere of togetherness and happiness. They started the race dry and snowy.

They returned soaked and very colorific.

To put icing on the cake, a buffet breakfast was served to a seeming colorful community of runners. Top finishers were awarded.

Gift certificates for overnight accommodation, fitness center and

swimming pool membership, weekend buffet were raffled off to the delight of the lucky winners. NBA Car Sunshades and Tumblers were also given away courtesy of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. Big 8 Christmas Color Run celebrated wellness and happiness with friends and family, promotes the beautiful City of Palms and its people.

The event was made possible in partnership with Cebu-based Live House Productions, the same event outfit that spearheaded the breaking of the Guinness World Record for the Largest Zumba Class and doing the Largest Human Pink Ribbon Formation in SM City Cebu in October this year.

Visit Big 8 Corporate Hotel at www.facebook. com/big8corporatehotel. com and www.big8corporatehotel.com. For bookings and inquiries, you may contact (084)216.0888 or email to info@big8corporatehotel.com

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Julie Anne San Jose: I only want to sing

ASIA’S POP SWEETHEART Julie Anne San Jose held her first major solo concert last December 13 entitled Hologram at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. She showcased a personal rendition of her most favourite songs and serenaded the audience.

Adding glitter to the first hologram concert in the country were Christian Bautista, Abra, Sam Concepcion, Jonalyn Viray, and Frencheska Farr who made the night even more special.

Hologram was a combination of Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Beyonce inspired performances. In one of the numbers, Julie Anne showed her versatility as a musical performer. She played her songs Baby You Are and Blinded on the piano while her holograms played the violin, guitar, and drums.

One of the concert highlights was her interpretation of OPM classics together with GMA Artist Center stars Jonalyn Viray and Frencheska Farr. Their version of Sana’y Wala Ng Wakas, Sana’y Maghintay

ang Walang Hanggan and Bituing Walang Ningning charged the audience to a full blast of cheer.

Fans of the Asia’s Pop Sweetheart remained to cheer on when she started to become emotional in the middle of her “Sana Ngayong Pasko” number.

As Julie Anne was singing, video clips of her performances while she was

still young in the industry started playing in the background. Her fans were already chanting “Iiyak na ‘yan!,” but only after the song did she turn her back from the audience, and cried.

Julie Anne seemed to have kept in what’s bothering her regarding recent issues on bashing and comparing her to other singers.

their love to the Asia’s Pop Sweetheart. Julie Anne then put her best foot forward and danced the night away, giving a performance to remember.

Her concert was graced by the presence of GMA executives: Senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Program Management Joey R. Abacan, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi S. Lara, Assistant Vice President for Talk, Variety, Musical and Specials Darling de Jesus, Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Assistant

Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer.

The Asia’s Pop Sweetheart was also supported by her fellow Kapuso stars, the Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Bela Padilla, Derrick Monasterio, Diva Montelaba, Jeric Gonzales, Stephanie Sol, Mayton Eugenio, Gabbi Garcia, Jak Roberto, Coleen Perez, Sabrina Mann, Phytos Ramirez and Empress Schuck.

Julie Anne concluded the night by warming up the hearts of her fans and inviting them to the stage to take selfies with her.

“Hindi naman po ako nakikipag-kumpitensiya.

Gusto ko lang naman pong kumanta eh. Kahit ano pang sabihin nila, ginagawa ko po ito para sa inyo,” the Asia’s Pop Sweetheart claimed as she wiped her tears.

This emotional turn of the night only raised the energy as her fans screamed louder to show

Sancho Delas Alas, Prince Villanueva sign contract with GMA Artist Center FRESH FACES Sancho delas Alas and Prince Villanueva inked contracts yesterday, December 18, with GMA Artist Center at the Executive Lounge of GMA Network Center.

Present in the contractsigning were GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer, and comanagers Ai-Ai delas Alas and German Moreno.

Sancho delas Alas, the son of Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas, will finally be part of the GMA family. He is well supported by his mom who also graced the contract signing. Sancho sees this opportunity to venture into a different field. After studying Culinary Arts, he is ready to take a different, but a very familiar path, which is acting.

Prince Villanueva

Sancho Delas Alas

“As of the moment po, any projects na ibibigay sakin, pagtatrabahuhan ko ng maayos. Okay po ako na comedy at drama pero workshops po muna. I’m starting from the beginning po eh. Di naman po pwedeng isasabak na agad.

May training po muna, and kung sa projects, hindi rin naman po agad-agad meron na. I still have to work on it,” promises Sancho.

Co-manager of GMA Artist Center is Sancho’s mother, Ai-Ai delas Alas.

She gladly expressed her

support for her son, and shared how she encourages her children to do whatever it is they want as long as they have already finished college. She sees a lot of potential in Sancho and she’s sure that he will succeed in the business.

“Meron siyang potential. Unang-una, si Sancho, magaling yan sa mga musical instruments. Magaling yan magdrums, konting kanta, magaling sumayaw, magandang umiyak. So nung nagdecide ako na dito na siya, naisip kong

siguro yun ang nakatadhana para sa kanya, na dito siya mapunta sa Kapuso Network,” said the self-proclaimed mommy-ger.

Meanwhile, another talent, Prince Villanueva, has been appearing on Walang Tulugan as a crooner and this contract signing can open more doors for him.

“Masaya po ako na maging part ng GMA Artist Center at nagpapasalamat po ako kay Tatay Germs na naging tulay para sa oportunidad na ito. Excited po ako sa mga proyektong ipagkakatiwala nila sa akin,” said Prince.

Lilybeth Rasonable warmly acknowledged the new GMA Artist Center talents. She is very grateful for another batch of potential stars who are addition to GMA Network’s stable of talents. “Sancho and Prince, welcome to the Kapuso family. Ito ay pagpapatunay na tuluy-tuloy tayo sa pagdiscover ng talent para mag-increase yung pool natin,” said the GMA executive.

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES Ian Mckellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage PG 13

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

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3D Ian Mckellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage PG 13

12:30 | 3:30 | 6:30 | 09:30 LFS

THE PYRAMID Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O'Hare R 13

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

R-16 EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton PG13

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

YEARENDER: TRAVEL WHERE A1

tractions in Davao Oriental is the Subangan: Davao Oriental Provincial Museum. A project of the provincial government of Davao Oriental, the museum showcases the natural and entho-cultural wonders of the province. The highlights of the museum include the skeleton of a 53-foot sperm whale as well as an interactive exhibit featuring the forests of Mt. Hamiguitan, the country’s newest UNESCO World Heritage site.

The main draw to Davao Oriental though would be its wonderful white sand beaches with the 7-kilometre Dahican Beach being the most pop-

ular. A regular hang-out for urbanites who want sand, sun and surf, Dahican beach is a popular surfing and skim boarding venue. The area’s idyllic nature lets one get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, except during Summerfrolic when some of the country’s best DJs converge on the beach and turn it into an outdoor dance club.

South to Saranggani Just as Dabawenyos are discovering new attractions in Davao Oriental, the beaches of Saranggani also offered urbanites another option for them to get a dose of some vitamin sea.

Located in the mu-

Dabawenyo photographer Kat Mercado and friends enjoying the autumn air in Japan.

Photo by Kat Mercado.

Photo by Kyrie Baños

Gumasa Beach during SarBay Festival. nicipality of Glan just an hour from General Santos City, the long, white sand beach of Gumasa has been dubbed by locals as the “Boracay of the South” due to the powdery fine texture of its sand. Unlike Boracay though, Gumasa is a quiet beach without the noise and huge crowds.

Another draw to Gumasa is when it celebrates its annual Sarbay Festival during Summer season where a carnival-like party atmosphere takes over.

Enchanted with Surigao For urbanites with cars

and don’t mind the drive, the province of Surigao del Sur has been a secret get-away for 2014. The province’s natural beauty attracts families as well as adventure enthusiasts from Durianburg as well as from the surrounding provinces.

One of the most famous attractions is the province’s Hinatuan Enchanted River. Crystal clear and a deep azure blue in colour, the Enchanted River attracts people to take a dip in its fish-filled, cool waters.

The more adventurous travellers may want go

to Surigao del Norte and its outlying islands such as Sohoton, with its lagoon filled with schools of stingless jellyfish, as well as Siargao with its growing surf and beach culture.

Hello Japan With the Japanese government relaxing the visa requirements of Filipinos, it may seem that visiting Japan is all the rage this year with a significant number of Pinoys now opting to visit the land of the rising sun. This coupled with more and more affordable flights to Japanese cities, made sure

that Japan was within easy reach of the Pinoy traveller.

Japan’s biggest attractions include the famous cherry blossom season from March to April as well as the coming of Autumn when the leaves of the trees turn a bright yellow orange hue.

With the influx of the new wave of Japanese specialty restaurants to the Philippines, foodies will also love to check out Japan’s rich food culture that varies from one city to another.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND Or PAG-IBIG FUND, Mortgagee -versus-

EJF-REM CASE NO. 14,959-14

ARNULFO S. LUMANLAN,married to VIRGINIA S. LUMANLAN, Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND against ARNULFO S. LUMANLAN, married to VIRGINIA S. LUMANLAN with postal address at LOT 319-B, BLK.00 55 ROLLS ROYCE ST., DAVAO EXECUTIVE HOMES, MATINA, DAVAO CITY to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of ( P 731,495.84 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, as of April 28, 2014 plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on January 16 , 2015 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 235211 “A parcel of land (LOT 379-B-2-C-1-D-1-0, PSD -11-020047, XXX) situated in the Barrio of Matina , City of Davao, Island of Mindanao…xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) SQUARE METERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on FEBRUARY 13, 2015, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, DECEMBER 02, 2014

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) ROBERT M. MEDIALDEA Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (12/8,15,22)

13

EDGEDAVAO REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND Or PAG-IBIG FUND, Mortgagee -versus-

EJF-REM CASE NO. 14,934-14

Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND against CHARLITA A. BALUIS, married to IRENEO D. BALUIS with postal address at LOT 16, BLK. 59 NHA ROSALINA VILLAGE III, DUMOY, TORIL, DAVAO CITY to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of ( P 514,101.84 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, as of July 24, 2014 plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on January 09 , 2015 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements thereon, to wit:

Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 235211 “A parcel of land xxx (LOT 16 , Blk. 59, xxx Pcs- 112402001850,xxx) situated in the City of Davao, Island of Mindanao…xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on FEBRUARY 06, 2015, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, NOVEMBER 18, 2014

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF: (SGD.) ROBERT M. MEDIALDEA Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (12/8,15,22)

IN THE MATTER OF CANCELLATION

SP. PROC. CASE NO. 13,310-14

CHARLITA A. BALUIS, married to IRENEO D. BALUIS,

Noted by:

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 16 Davao City

AND SUBSTITUTION OF THE BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF MARIA ARNELOU CAMILE OLBES CHUA AND MARIA ANGELICA ARABELLA OLBES CHUA, REP. BY HER SISTER, MARIA ARNELOU CAMILE OLBES CHUA MARIA ARNELOU CAMILE O. CHUA Petitioner, Versus

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY & LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF LAAK, COMPOSTELA VALLEY, ORDER

Petitioner in their verified petition prays of this Honorable Court that:

1. The first Birth Certificates of the petitioners registered in the Local Civil Registry of Davao which are defective be cancelled; AND 2. The Birth Certificates of the petitioners registered in Laak, Compostela Valley be SUBSTITUTED as true and correct Birth Certificates of the petitioners.

Finding the said petition to be sufficient in form and in substance. It is hereby ordered that the said petition be set for hearing on February 09, 2015 at 8:30 in the morning on which date, time and place, all persons who are interested may appear and show cause if anu, why said petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least once a week for three(3) consecutive issued at the expense of the petitioner.

The Local Civil Registrar, Davao city, and the Assistant City prosecutor are cited to appear on said date of hearing, in order to show cause, if any, said petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippine, October 27,2014.

SGD. EMMANUEL C. CARPIO Presiding Judge 12/8/15/22

SPORTS DAVAO 14 EDGE Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

Floyd: I should call the shots F

LOYD Mayweather Jr. said he is the “A side” of the supposed super fight with Manny Pacquiao and therefore should call the shots in the negotiations.

In his recent interview with Fight Hype, the controversial American boxer claimed Pacquiao’s camp has been misleading the public by claiming he (Mayweather) has been ducking the fight all this time.

Mayweather said Pacquiao, whom he labelled as the “B side,” didn’t submit to his demands and this, he said, caused the collapse of their negotiations in the past.

“The public has been misled by the other side, which is the ‘B side’ because Mayweather Promotions is the ‘A side,’” he said.

Mayweather said he used to be at the B side when they were negotiating for the super fight against Oscar de la Hoya back in 2007.

He said that back then, it was Dela Hoya who called the shots.

“He chose the weight, he chose the gloves, he chose the arena, basically chose every-

thing. All I had to do was show up. He chose the judges, he chose the referee,” said Mayweather. “I agreed to everything Oscar dela Hoya wanted.

Everything.”

“My job is to show as the B side, do what I have to do so I could become the A side and call the same shots that Oscar dela Hoya called when we faced each other.”

Mayweather said Pacquiao suffered consecutive losses against Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

These losses made the Filipino boxer the B side.

“If we just turn the table and I was at the position that Manny Pacquiao is in at this particular time, I wouldn’t be able to have any say so at all.”

Among Mayweather’s demands were the random blood testing and the upside of the purse split. But the American boxer seemed to ignore Pacquiao’s response to these conditions.

Pacquiao has already consented to random blood testing, and recently said that he already agreed to take the lower cut of the revenue share.

Floyd Mayweather reacts during his boxing match against Marcos Maidana.

best-ranked McIlroy emerges dominant in 2014 Azkals team in Southeast Asia

A

YEAR to forget for an injury-plagued Tiger Woods was savoured sweetly by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy after the ‘Celtic Tiger’ won two majors in 2014 to regain his status as the game’s leading player.

McIlroy ended a stellar campaign with four victories and five runner-up spots in 23 starts worldwide, embellishing his credentials as a genuine golfing great in what many regard as a handover of the ‘Tiger’ torch to usher in a new ‘Rory’ era.

While former world number one Woods failed to add to his career major tally of 14 and played just eight tournaments during a winless and truncated sea-

son, McIlroy proved to be the player to beat virtually every time he teed off in competition.

McIlroy dominated golf’s biggest events in the latter half of 2014 after American left-hander Bubba Watson had clinched the Masters for a second time in three years and Germany’s Martin Kaymer had coasted to an eightshot victory at the U.S. Open.

Swede Henrik Stenson, Australian Adam Scott and Spaniard Sergio Garcia each triumphed once as they also produced impressively consistent golf during the year but McIlroy set himself apart from his closest rivals, just as he did in 2012.

Having endured a turbulent 2013 on and off the

course, McIlroy was once again a picture of focus and consistency, finishing no worse than 25th in 17 starts on the 2013-14 PGA Tour and recording three victories among 12 top-10 placings.

He also claimed the European Tour’s money list trophy for the second time in three years and played an influential role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory over the United States in September.

McIlroy never looked back after recording his first win of the year at the European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship in May, just a few days after breaking up with his tennis-playing fiancee Caroline Wozniacki.

“Every time I teed it up, I felt like I had a good chance

to win,” McIlroy said of his superb form in 2014, highlighted by consecutive major wins at the British Open and PGA Championship sandwiched around a victory at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

“That’s what I feel like I need going forward, consistency in my game and being up there each and every week,” added the four-times major champion.

BACK AT THE TOP McIlroy, who dropped to sixth in the world rankings after struggling with an equipment change and offcourse distractions in 2013, enhanced his standing as golf’s top player and many of his peers expect him to remain there for some time.

T

HE Philippine Azkals, despite not going home with any titles this year, ended 2014 as the best-ranked team in Southeast Asia according to the FIFA World Rankings.

The Azkals dropped two spots, but still placed 130th to top regional neighbors Vietnam (137th), Myanmar (141st), Thailand (142nd), Malaysia (154th), Singapore (157th), Indonesia (159th) and Laos (160th).

The Azkals came up short in their major tournaments this year. They got beaten out

by Palestine for a spot in the Asian Cup after settling for second place in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup last May and bowed out in the semifinals for the third straight

time in the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup this month.

The Filipinos also failed to defend their Philippine Football Peace Cup title last September, with Myanmar stealing the crown.

World Cup champion Germany finished the year on top of the world ladder, followed

by Argentina, Colombia, Belgium and Netherlands.

FIFA calculates every country’s ranking based on match results (a win, a loss or a draw), its importance (i.e. a friendly or a World Cup match), and the strength of the nation’s opponent ranking-wise. These points are then accumulated from the country’s past results in the previous four years.

Djokovic, Williams rule

G World number one and defending champion Rory McIlroy during the final round of the Australian Open golf tournament in Sydney. REUTERS/ David Gray

RAND slam titles were shared around like slices of pizza in 2014 but for all the welcome variety Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams ended the year still setting the standard.

For the first time since 1998 the eight grand slam singles trophies on offer were lifted by eight players.

While the four women’s champions were existing members of the elite club, Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka and Croatia’s Marin Cilic marked the biggest shake-up of men’s tennis for a decade with breakthrough victories.

After years spent in the shadow of 17-times grand slam champion and compatri-

ot Roger Federer, Wawrinka came good in Melbourne, beating Djokovic in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and showing no mercy to injured Spaniard Rafa Nadal in the final.

Nadal rebounded to claim a ninth French Open title, but the year was too prove a worrying one for the injury-prone Mallorcan who suffered a shock defeat by Australian teenager Nick Krygios at Wimbledon before a wrist problem and a grumbling appendix restricted him to only seven more matches.

Federer, 33, claimed five titles but was unable to add to his record collection of grand slams.

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SPORTS

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Blazers nip Spurs in 3 OT T

HE Portland Trail Blazers know firsthand how cold and methodical the veteran San Antonio Spurs can be when they have a team in trouble.

So when the defending champions failed to close out the Blazers in the first two overtimes, Portland point guard Damian Lillard had a simple message for his teammates. ‘’Step on them,’’ Lillard said.

Lillard provided the boot, scoring a career-high 43 points, including 16 after regulation, as the Trail Blazers handed the Spurs their second straight defeat in triple overtime by rallying for a 129-119 victory Friday night.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 32 points and 16 rebounds, and Wesley Matthews added 16 points as Portland (21-6) extended its winning streak to four games.

The Spurs overwhelmed the young Trail Blazers in the Western Conference semifinals last season, winning three games at home in rolling to a 4-1 series victory en route to their fifth NBA title.

So, winning in San Antonio in the manner it did was particularly special for Portland. ‘’This was a big win for us, probably our best win of the season,’’ Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts said.

The Spurs have lost three straight overtime games at home, including a 117-116 defeat in three OTs to Memphis on Wednesday.

It was the first time a team has played consecutive triple-overtime games since the Baltimore Bullets did so in December 1951.

San Antonio failed to take advantage of another stellar performance by veteran Tim Duncan, who had 32 points and 10 rebounds. ‘’Timmy in particular was a ‘Back to the Future’ type of

deal,’’ Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. ‘’He was amazing.’’

Danny Green had 27 points and Tiago Splitter scored 14 for San Antonio (17-10).

Just as they did against Memphis, the Spurs had plenty of opportunities to beat the Trail Blazers.

San Antonio scored the initial six points in each of the first two overtimes, but failed to hold the lead. ‘’They had two opportunities to step on us,’’ Lillard said. ‘’The door was left open a little bit and we forced another overtime two times, which is not what people do to them.

They usually finish you off. We got in a situation that they got in the first two overtimes and I wanted us to know that we just did it to them two times so don’t get excited and don’t think that what we did was easy, we’ve got to be better. We did that.’’

Lillard decimated San Antonio’s hopes almost singlehandedly, scoring the first nine points in the third OT, including crossing up Green for a 20-foot jumper and a 120-112 lead with 3:04 remaining. Lillard’s ensuing 3-pointer gave Portland a 123-112 advantage, prompting Popovich to empty his bench. ‘’He’s a special player,’’ Green said. ‘’That last OT he just took over pretty much. It didn’t matter what we threw at him, he attacked the rim well for them.’’

Lillard had help.

Steve Blake’s 3-pointer with 30.2 seconds left in the second overtime gave Portland a 112-110 lead and Cory Joseph tied the game 7 seconds later on a floating jumper.

Duncan hit consecutive turnaround jumpers early in the first overtime, but Aldridge grabbed a missed 3 by Matthews that didn’t touch the rim and fed Lillard, who drained a tying 3-pointer with 13.6 seconds remaining.

Bulls snap Grizzlies’ 6-game win streak C

HICAGO rookie Nikola Mirotic left the locker room before the media could hear about his perfect shooting night from outside the arc.

The rest of the Bulls were willing to speak up in praising the reserve forward.

Mirotic scored a career best 27 points, converting all six of his 3-pointers on Friday night. That, coupled with 31 points from Jimmy Butler helped the Bulls beat the Grizzlies 103-97 on Friday night, snapping Memphis’ six-game winning streak. ‘’Niko was huge with the energy right off the bench,’’ Butler said. ‘’Some night’s it’s going to go more your way; some nights it’s not,’’ said Bulls forward Pau Gasol, who was limited to six points on 2 of 7 shooting. ‘’I think tonight he definitely didn’t play with any fear.’’

Mirotic thwarted several Memphis rallies, particularly

in the first half. In the second quarter he connected on four 3-pointers as Chicgo carried a 51-43 into the break. His six 3-pointers on the night also were a season-best.

But Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said there is more to Mirotic’s game than scoring. ‘’He’s not afraid,’’ Thibodeau said. ‘’He makes tough plays. He hustles all the time. .He’s never satisfied, and I love that about him.’’

Aaron Brooks scored 17 points and Joakim Noah finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds as the Bulls outrebounded Memphis 51-45.

Mike Conley led Memphis with 21 points, while Beno Udrih added 15 points before leaving with a hand injury in the fourth quarter.

Marc Gasol had 13 points, but was 5 of 15 from the field part of Memphis shooting 39 percent for the game. Vince Carter scored 10 points for Memphis.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard shoots during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Rondo wants another title run in move to Mavs

R

AJON Rondo wants another ring and another parade and knew it probably wasn’t happening anytime soon with the rebuilding Celtics.

When he was on his way to Dallas with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban as the centerpiece of a five-player trade, championship talk dominated the conversation.

The deal sends the fourtime All-Star point guard from the fringe of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference with Boston to solidly in the mix in the tougher West, where the Mavericks were showing signs of returning to title contention but looking like they might be missing a piece.

In their view, that piece comes in the form of the NBA’s assists leader with a reputa-

tion as a solid defender and rebounder. In other words, one of the league’s few triple-double threats.

“To be a contender right away, there’s a goal that you have in mind and I’m dying to get a ring again,” Rondo said at his introductory news conference Friday. “I want another parade.”

The ninth-year player got his first with the Celtics in 2008, and now Rondo is joining 2011 champs Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler as part of the nucleus of a Dallas team trying to win another title.

Rondo and center Dwight Powell were acquired Thursday for center Brandan Wright, forward Jae Crowder, point guard Jameer Nelson, a firstround draft pick in 2015 and a second-round choice in 2016.

Long the subject of trade rumors, Rondo was in his second season of a full rebuilding mode in Boston following the departures of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. He also missed parts of two seasons to have reconstructive knee surgery.

“Well, it’s been about seven years now and I’ve been in trade rumors,” said Rondo, who has career averages of 11 points, 8.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds. “Bound to happen.”

The news came in a phone call from Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, a former teammate of Dallas coach Rick Carlisle. Rondo said they talked for about 45 minutes after the deal was settled and “it was no hard feelings.”

“I believe it’s a great lega-

cy I leave behind,” said Rondo, who was the 21st overall pick out of Kentucky by Phoenix in 2006 and shipped to Boston in a draft-day deal. “I can’t remember one bad time I had in Boston as far as where I got negative feedback from fans, no matter the first year we lost 18 straight or the following year we won a championship.”

For Mavericks fans, the trade is reminiscent of a 2008 deal that brought point guard Jason Kidd back to Dallas. It took a coaching change and several seasons, but the deal eventually paid off with a title.

Rondo joins a coach in Carlisle who has dealt with several makeovers of the roster since winning the franchise’s only title, and Carlisle is more than happy to tweak again.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014