Edge Davao 7 Issue 241

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

MEET 3 FUTURE DOCTORS

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

MEET 3 FUTURE DOCTORS “

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

THERE is no saturation point in education.” This is a famous line attributed to Thomas J. Watson Sr., founder of IBM (International Business Machines Corporation), second biggest company in the world with more than 400,000 employees and which invented computer systems, including the automatic teller machine (ATM).

This may have been the guiding principle that inspired three young leaders of Davao City to pursue post-graduate and doctoral studies.

They are Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte and Councilors Danilo C. Dayanghirang and Al Ryan S. Alejandre, all members of the 15th Council of Davao City (2013-2015). God willing, the three will complete their doctorate in public administration in May this year.

The course is a 15-month special program of the Philippine Councilors League Legislative Academy (PCL-LA) in partnership with Lyceum Northwestern University. VM Pulong and the two councilors are the only Dabawenyos taking up the course, although there are other local lawmakers in Mindanao who are enrolled in the program.

VM Pulong Unbeknownst to many Dabawenyos, “Pulong,” who’s the eldest son of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and older brother of former Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, is a holder of a master’s degree in public administration, majoring in public policy and program administration, a course he acquired from the University of Southeastern Philippines in 2009. He acquired his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in banking and finance, from the University of Mindanao. He completed primary and secondary education from the Philippine Women’s College.

The young vice mayor first entered politics as elected chairman of Barangay Catalunan Grande in Talomo District on November 15, 2007. He was then elected chairman of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) of the city which qualified him to become city councilor as ABC sectoral representative. From July 2011 to June 2013, Councilor Duterte was national vice president for Mindanao of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

The vice mayor is a member of the Guardians Brotherhood Inc. (GBI), Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART), Davao Jaycees, and Free and Accepted Masons Davao Lodge No. 149.

3 masteral courses Councilor Alejandre has not only two but three masteral courses. He has a master’s degree in business administration from the Asian Institute of Technology. He acquired his master’s in education also from AIT and his master’s in development management and governance from the University of Makati. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in the Ateneo de Davao University.

It is Alejandre’s second term in the City Council, where he is currently the chair of the committee on tourism and beautification. A veteran television show host, Al Ryan is often named as festival director and official spokesman for the city’s top extravaganzas – Kaday-

awan sa Dabaw, Pasko Fiesta, Araw ng Davao and Summerfest.

Street fighter Of all three, Danny is the veteran street fighter, having led many campus and street rallies and demonstrations in his student days. This was during the dying days of the Marcos dictatorship when he was president of the student council of the University of Mindanao where he started his career in politics (1983-1985).

At the young age of 21 and fresh graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the UM, he was appointed by the late President Cory Aquino as Davao City councilor (1986-1988). Danny has been elected city lawmaker for a total of 21 years, not to include his short stint as OIC vice mayor in 1998. During term lulls, he worked in the private sector, as employees relations officer of Marsman Drydale (1998-2001), and as consultant to incumbent city chief executives. He was consultant on special concerns of then-Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

As legislator he has extensive experience in committee work, in health, labor and employment, peace and public safety, transportation and communications, environment and natural resources, ethics and good governance, trade, commerce and industry and lately finance, ways and means and appropriations. He considers his stint as majority leader of

the 13th council.

Like the vice mayor, Dayanghirang has been vice president for Mindanao and national treasurer of the PCL and founder of the Guardian Association. He is an adopted member of the Philippine Military Academy Batch ’84 Maharlika Class and a member of the Lions Club.

Like councilor Alejandre, Dayanghirang has a master’s in public administration from the USeP and Lyceum North Western U, another master’s in local development management, Danny completed his course in personal development management from the

Asian Institute of Managament (1986-1988) of top of the class.

Advantageous exposure The three gentlemen agree that getting a doctorate is personally advantageous and beneficial to Dabawenyos, their constituents.

“Undoubtedly, our knowledge and skill in rendering public service will be enhanced,” Dayanghirang said.

He said as students, the doctoral course has strengthened the political leadership skills of the three.

For one thing, the course has given them an opportunity to benchmark with the experiences of their fellow students

who come from various local government units and has exposed them to different kinds of styles of leadership and governance.

Dayanghirang particularly values their exposure to the Singapore experience where the political leaders plan development for 40 years, unlike here in the Philippines where we can usually plan for only three years because of our limited three-year term.

He, however, said as students with enough exposure to the realities on the ground, the Dabawenyos had a comparatively easy way of relating to the case studies in the course.

3 THE BIG NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

PLAYING AROUND. Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo M. Millan (second from right) plays with a toy vehicle made from recycled materials while Department of Education division superintendent Dr. Helen D. Paguican (rightmost), councilor Leo Avila (third from right), Sta. Ana Elementary School principal Mariclu M. Alpas (second from left), DLPC Reputation Enhancement Department man-

ager Fermin P. Edillon (third from left), and DLPC Reputation Enhancement Department assistant vice president Ross Luga watch during the turnover ceremony of the Science Exploration Center donated by DLPC and Aboitiz Foundation to Sta. Ana Elementary School. Lean Daval Jr.

OPAPP denies buying arms of fallen SAF men from MILF

By JEFRY M. TUPAS

T

HE Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has denied claims it is purchasing the firearms of the 44 slain members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

OPAPP executive director Luisito Montalbo said the agency “cannot allow such untruths and violations of our

rights to go unchallenged.”

Montalbo was reacting to allegations made by Cotabato City-based priest Eliseo Mercado about the supposed purchase of the government of the SAF firearms from the MILF. This deal, according to Mercado, is being done through OPAPP. In an interview with ABSCBN, Mercado said he received information “from the ground” about the government,

Guardians back Duterte bid

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

T

HE Guardian International, Inc. (GII) has expressed full support to the possible presidential candidacy of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2016.

In an interview at the Grand Men Seng Hotel on Saturday, GII Universal Grandmaster Founder

Lemborio Jangao Jr. told Edge Davao that he believes Duterte can alleviate the plight of the poor in the country.

“Ang iyang kalidad nakita nato diri sa iyang performance sa Davao na wala nato nakita sa uban na naa sa taas karon (We

FGUARDIANS, 10

through OPAPP, purchasing firearms of the fallen members of the SAF. “The guns are all for sale immediately after taking them all from SAF,” Mercado said.

In a statement released Saturday, Montalbo expressed disappointment at Mercado’s allegation. He said OPAPP’s legal team is now looking into this.

“It is not just the name of the agency that is at stake, but

hundreds of its employees who have no way to protect themselves from being maligned in this way,” Montalbo said.

“We don’t know where that is coming from. Certainly, there is no truth to that,” he added.

“We find it very disappointing that Fr. Jun, whom we’ve known for a long time and who used to directly engage our Office as a peace

advocate, would come out publicly‎ with claims that are unsubstantiated and unverified,” he said.

Montalbo branded the allegation as “wrong and also unfair to our ground forces, the ceasefire committees and our international monitors who personally documented, facilitated and officially witnessed the retrieval of the weapons from the MILF.” Earlier this month, PNP

acting chief Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina also accused the MILF of selling the firearms of the 44 slain members of SF. In a news conference, Espina challenged the MILF to return the weapons and other belongings of the killed police commandos.

Montalbo said his office’s legal unit has started looking into these allegations.

participation now that more Dabawenyos have taken up biking as a hobby,” Dumadag said.

She said the proceeds of the registration will be donated to the PEF, giving each biker participant an opportunity to directly contribute to the mission.

“We are targeting to raise

P100,000 this year,” she said.

The funds from this event will help fuel the foundation’s programs which include research and conservation, conservation breeding, and education.

Registration started last February 16 at the Security Department of The Marco

FOPAPP, 10

600 bikers to ride for the Philippine Eagle

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

M

crc@edgedavao.net

ORE than 600 bicycle riders from different parts of Davao Region are expected to participate in the 2nd Ride for the Eagle on March 22 for the benefit of the captive eagles at the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

“The 2nd Ride for the Eagle is an event organized by the foundation in partnership

with The Marco Polo, Davao and Globe Telecom,” PEF communication officer Vidalyn Dumadag said in a recent interview.

Dumadag said a total of 456 bikers joined the first Ride for the Eagle event last year that raised over P50,000.

“On its second year, the ride aims to increase the

F600, 10

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

Duterte says Cayetano’s exposé on MILF ‘useless’

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

M

AYOR Rodrigo Duterte said that the exposé of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on the alleged link between alleged terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias “Marwan” and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is “useless.”

Earlier this week, Cayetano bared documents allegedly showing the exchange of emails of Marwan and his brother Rahmat Abdhir.

The documents were reportedly from the United States District Court of the Northern District of California.

Duterte, a former fiscal, said the emails prove nothing.

“It will not prove anything. Pwede na buhat-buhaton lang nimo to sow intrigue. I need to see it first to stop speculating about it,” the mayor said.

However, he said that he will not be surprised if Mar-

wan is really with the MILF. “I will not be surprised actually kung naa jud sa ilaha (Marwan). The question is did they know who that person was?” he said.

In a television interview, Cayetano said there were emails between the brothers and in which Marwan gave details on the MILF and what his role was there.

He also said it is getting clearer that Marwan had an intimate relationship with the MILF and that MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal was “lying” when he said that they did not know and did not protect Marwan.

An official from Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 who asked not to be named said with the recovered emails, “logic will tell you that Marwan was with the MILF.” He said the emails can be proof but still need to be analyzed and validated.

TRAVEL TIME. A mall-goer browses through the brochures at the booth of Tourism of Malaysia during the second day of the 2nd National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) Tourism and Trade Bazaar at the activity center of Abreeza Mall on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

5

AFP denies militarization in SoMin IP communities

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

T

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has denied allegations of “militarization” in the ancestral domain of indigenous peoples in Southern Mindanao.

10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo Año said that there is no truth behind the accusation of the Kalumaran Southern Mindanao that there are abuses happening in some areas of Talaingod.

“It is not true. No militarization is going on.

What the military is doing in the IP communities is peace and development,” Año said.

Kalumaran had cried foul over what they say are physical and sexual abuses as well as manipulation of ancestral domains and “militarization” happening in Talaingod.

In an interview with 105.9 Balita FM, Dolphing Ogan, the secretary general of Kalumaran, called the attention of the National Commission of the Indigenous People (NCIP) to take action on what is happening in Talaingod.

“Ang NCIP kinahanglan nga muadto sa kabukiran aron nga lantawon ang tinuod nga kahimtang sa kalumaran og dili lang kay mag-storya sa ilang buhatan,” Ogan said.

On Wednesday, several Lumads composed of different tribes put up a rally in front of the NCIP office to urge it to take a step in what is happening in the hinterland.

NCIP said it hopes the Lumads who complain about the abuses will submit a community resolution as soon as possible in order to file charges against the perpetrators.

Regional Hearing Officer of NCIP-Region 11 Lawyer Jake Dumagan said an agreement to submit a community petition was agreed on by the NCIP and leaders from Ata Manobo from Talaingod even before they staged a protest in the city.

“Once we receive the necessary papers, we will assess it and then we will bring it to the Department on National Defense or in

Philippine Army for the official filing of cases,” Dumagan said.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 director Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario backed Año in denying the allegations.

“Wala talagang militarization sa Lumad areas.

Ang totoo may mga complaint desk kami para sa Lumad (pero) wala naman kaming natatangap tungkol dun kahit dati pa,” Rosario said.

Año also added that the complaints about the alleged Militarization in the hinterlands were never new to them, saying that the progressive groups always make it an excuse to shoo away the Military in the area of the New People’s Army.

FESTIVAL OF COLORS. Organizers Juvy Sta. Maria and Pankaj Kumar announce the staging of the first Holi Festival of Colors in Davao City slated on March 7 at SM Lanang Premier. Sta. Maria and Kumar, together with other

members of the organizing committee, graced the FAST Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

Hydromax to extend services on NaK vessels

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

A

YP Holdings Inc. subsidiary Hydromax is seeking to extend its services to Nippon Kaiji Kyokai or the Class NK, a Japan-based company that maintains a huge line of vessels.

Richard Odion, operations manager of Hydromax, said they have already applied for an accreditation from NK on safety standards and are just awaiting its issuance.

He said they are expecting the accreditation to be awarded in the first week of March.

Established in 2008, Hydromax is engaged in providing world-class quality and efficient underwater survey and repair maintenance services on all types of vessels.

The company’s services include cable laying survey, hull cleaning, hull inspection, pier inspection, ports and harbor repair, salvaging, underwater CCTV survey and underwater welding.

Hydromax also boasts of the latest state-of-the-art equipment like tools and diving gears, and is well-known

in the shipping industry of the region.

The firm is also certified by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in the United States,, Lloyds Register, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) in Europe, Marina and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) making it at par with international standards.

Odion said once Hydromax secures the NK accreditation as service provider, they can start doing underwater surveys and cleaning on all NK vessels which, according to him, is a big market.

“It (accreditation) is a big factor for us,” Odion said.

He said surveyor from NK had conducted an actual inspection of the Hydromax facility early this month, checking on equipment and company documentation.

Hydromax currently maintains a good number of client shipping lines from all over the country.

Odion said some of their clients as from Cebu and Batangas in Luzon.

N response to growing container volumes coming in and out of the island of Luzon, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) recently deployed new generation reach stackers in its Manila and Subic operations.

The four new units of the mobile container handling equipment are stationed at ICTSI’s flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and at the New Container Terminals 1 and 2 at the Subic Bay Freeport. The Subic terminals are operated by ICTSI subsidiaries Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. and ICTSI Subic, Inc. The new reach stackers, the first of their kind to operate in the Asia-Pacific region, brings to a total of 27 mobile container handling equipment deployed at the

MICT and Subic terminals.

This fleet of reach stackers and empty container handlers is the largest in the Philippines to date.

Supplied and manufactured by Kalmar, the port equipment and technology unit of Cargotec Oy of Finland, the Gloria or Generation G reach stacker takes productivity to a whole new level with its 45-ton total lift capacity, which is an industry-best for its class.

Aside from exceptional performance, it offers three ECO driving modes, namely power, normal and economy, making it the most energy efficient reach stacker in the market today. Gloria also sports an automatic stop-start function, which is responsible for reduced emissions and fuel efficiency of up to 10 percent.

Antonio Coronel, ICT-

SI Purchasing Director, is pleased with the new equipment and believes they will contribute to improved port operations in more ways than one. He also praised Kalmar’s “understanding of the critical requirements of our business.”

“They don’t just provide highly productive and reliable equipment; they appreciate the dynamics of the business and as a result, can provide solutions that boost productivity yet reduce our costs of operation.

We have an ambitious development strategy to become one of the world’s leading port management companies and on the same global stage, Kalmar is clearly a trusted partner,” he added.

Björn Jonasson, Kalmar Asia Sales Director expressed his delight at ICTSI becoming “the first custom-

er to specify Kalmar Gloria reach stackers in Asia and particularly so soon after their launch into the region.

We have enjoyed considerable success in launching Gloria into other key territories and the product has now become the benchmark for reach stacker performance throughout the industry.”

MICT, ICTSI’s flagship operation and the Philippines’ largest international container terminal, has an annual capacity of 4.2 million TEUs – a number that continues to grow.

ICTSI is an international operator of common-user container terminals serving the global container shipping industry. ICTSI is the largest port operator in the Philippines and has a portfolio of 29 container terminal operations in 21 countries across six continents.

Foundation for Development Cooperation, in partnership with Citi Foundation and in collaboration with GE Capital, the International Finance Corp. (IFC), the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Policy and Economic Research Council (PERC).

The APEC Advisory Group for Financial Systems Capacity Building has been convening the Asia-Pacific Forum on Financial Inclusion since 2010 to provide policymakers and

regulators with priority recommendations in relation to financial inclusion.

The advisory group is currently reviewing these policy recommendations to assess the extent to which they have been adopted by APEC economies, and identify what challenges remain for their implementation.

During the same forum last year, several APEC economies were examined, among them China, the Philippines, Peru, India, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The discussions in Tagaytay will also examine financial inclusion in Mexico, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea, and tackle digital financing, credit information systems, and ways to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) gain access to financing.

The APEC meetings in Tagaytay and in other parts of the country are a run-up to the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in November, to be attended by leaders of the grouping’s 21 member economies. (PCOO News Release)

Hydromax workers and their equipment.

The state-of-the-art equipment of Hydromax.

in Mindanao crucial ICTSI adds muscle to Manila, Subic operations Peace for ASEAN integration: PCCI I S

O

APEC delegates to meet in Tagaytay City

FFICIALS and stakeholders gathering in the Philippines for the country’s hosting of this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum will meet in Tagaytay City on March 3 and 4 to discuss financial inclusion.

The APEC delegates will meet during the Asia-Pacific Forum on Financial Inclusion, to be hosted by the Department of Finance.

The event is being organized by the APEC Business Advisory Council, and the

ETTLING down tensions and having peace in the southern islands of the Philippines is crucial for the country in the upcoming ASEAN integration as Mindanao is the country’s gateway to other Southeast Asian neighbors, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Alfredo M. Yao told the Philippines News Agency.

Yao said there are big economic prospects that has not yet explored in Mindanao, which will play a significant role for the country once ASEAN integration takes place at end-2015, because of the tensions with the armed groups in the southern regions.

He mentioned that Mindanao’s agriculture sector has huge potential with its fertile land.

He also noted that Mindanao is also an asset as it can be a manufacturing hub for the country and improve trade with other ASEAN countries with its near distance to Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

“Mindanao can be a manufacturing site; our south border which is very near to our ASEAN brothers: Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia,” the PCCI chief said.

“It (Mindanao) is a big boost for the Philippine economy,” he stressed.

Yao, however, said the investment prospects in Mindanao were affected because of the recent incident in the region particularly in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“We still hope invest-

ments in Mindanao to push through, but the incident will affect the decision of investors,” he said.

“Everybody wants peace...

If there will be peace here in the country we can live harmoniously, we can explore the economic side of Mindanao,” he noted.

The PCCI official also mentioned that the Mamasapano incident now made the government to further scrutinize the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and provides room for some amendments on BBL, which he noted, to be agreed upon by both parties.

Early this week, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Malacañang Palace will respect changes that will be introduced in the BBL. Even before the January-incident in Mamasapano, the Philippine government -- through Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) -- has positioned southern Philippines for economic cooperation with other ASEAN countries through Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

BIMP-EAGA was formed with the goals of promoting trade, investment, and tourism in less-developed states and provinces in the ASEAN sub-group.

The said ASEAN subgroup is now beefing up programs and agreements to enhance connectivity among member-countries.

(PNA)

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY

7

Flawless eyes 4 more branches

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

F

crc@edgedavao.net

LAWLESS Face and Body Clinic, a Filipino-owned skin care provider, is planning to establish four more branches in Mindanao with Davao City as the center.

Flawless business director Drew Donovan Mendoza, speaking in the recent weekly Fast Fridays forum at Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier, said the company is eyeing to establish another branch in SM City Ecoland for Davao City after having the first branch in SM Lanang last year.

Mendoza said the compa-

ny is planning to set up over 45clinics by the end of this year.

“We would like to extend our quality but affordable service to Mindanao,” Mendoza said.

Mindanao, he said, is an untapped market.

“We can never be complacent with the entry of new players in the skin care industry and all we can do is expand outside Manila and NCR (National Capital Region), “ Mendoza said.

According to him, there

were few players in the beauty industry when Flawless came.

To date there were more than 75 known firms already in Manila.

Mendoza said among the target areas for expansion this year are Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City and Zamboanga.

For Davao city, the Flawless Clinic is now located at the ground floor of the SM Lanang Premier and offers free consultation and non-invasive skin care procedures to its clients.

Mendoza said Flawless performed well during the first year of its operations in Davao City despite the people’s reputation as price sensitive.

“Our cheapest service is classical facial for P399,”Mendoza said. “The owner of the company put this business with the aim to enhance what’s already given and not to change it in an affordable price.”

Flawless, he said, is devoted to providing better access to quality skin care procedures and products at an affordable

price to its clients who are mostly in the upper and middle class.

The beauty clinic offers free consultation, facial services, botox, facial treatment for whitening, acne control, oil control, and anti-ageing and rejuvenation. It also offers on-invasive and non-surgical medical treatment for various skin problems.

Flawless face and Body Clinic was founded on December 8, 2001.

Flawless is known for many innovations in provid-

PPP, infrastructure discussion in APEC conference agenda

E

NO FLAWS. Flawless business director Drew Donovan Mendoza announces the company’s upcoming expansion program in Mindanao. Mendoza was joined by resident doctor Dr. Faye Candao (center) and marketing manager

Renee Funtanilla (right) at the FAST Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

Danny favors LBT equal sharing scheme

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council is considering the proposal of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to give the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur an equal share in the local business tax (LBT) from the Therma South Inc. (TSI)’s coal-fired power plant.

Councilor Danlo Dayanghirang said they will abide by Duterte’s declaration to equally split the 70 percent LBT to be generated from the power project.

But Davangbhirang, chair of committee on finance, ways and means, and appropriation, said the final decision will still depend on the final report of both the Davao City and Sta, Cruz local government units.

“Kung unsay instruction ni Mayor, kato (If that is the instruction of the mayor, it will be followed). But, we have to prepare the details,”

Dayanghrang said.

Dayanghirang said that the City Assessor’s Office and the Business Bureau are now compiling all the documents to see what facilities and equipment belong to Davao and Sta. Cruz and their value.

“We will conduct an environmental inventory to see how wide the plant occupied the property in the city,” he said.

Since the project occupies a huge area of the city, the Davao LGU believes it should have a higher share making the 50-50 sharing difficult to impose, according to Dayanghirang.

But, should they find the equal sharing proposal reasonable, Dayanghirang said the city will immediately give the 35 percent to Sta. Cruz.

The councilor from the second district said that with Mayor Duterte’s pronounce-

ment, the city might settle with the equal share on LBT since the city government will automatically get the 30 percent of the tax of Therma South since its main office is located in Davao.

Dayanghirang said that the city will get a total of 65 percent of tax from the plant if the equal split will be finalized.

Duterte had earlier told reporters he will give the 5050 share of the LBT being asked by Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez to solve the sharing dispute.

“If that is the fastest solution, I am OK with it,” Duterte said, adding that Sta. Cruz also has the right to an equal share since the coal plant is situated in one of its barangays.

The sharing, Duterte said, should not just be based on where the facilities and buildings are situated because the entire plant will not operate if

the whole complex is not used.

“Do not focus on one building alone, it is not laid out that way,” he said.

Earlier, City Administrator Atty. Jesus Melchor V. Quitiain said that during a meeting last week, Lopez said Sta. Cruz wants an equal share of the remaining 70 percent of the LBT since Davao City will automatically receive 30 percent of the tax since the main office of TSI is in Davao City.

Davao City officials, however, initially want a higher share.

Quitain even insisted that the city should have the biggest share and that he was not in favor of equally sharing the remaining 70 percent.

City Treasurer Rodrigo Riola also wanted a bigger share of the LBT for the city since Davao got the higher percentage of equipment of the coal plant compared with Sta. Cruz.

ing best beauty solutions to Filipinos. The brand is known to introduce an all-in-one IV cocktail, known as the Beauty Drip, all natural clinical facial to treat hyper-pigmentation, photo damage and premature aging, known as the All-Natural Ultimate White Facial.

It is also known to be first in making surgical threads accessible and more affordable with an anti-ageing treatment, known as Acculift..

For this month until March this year, Flawless will offer 50 percent in all of its services.

XPERTS and finance officials will meet in Tagaytay City on March 4 to 6 to discuss the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program as well as infrastructure, as part of this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which is being hosted by the Philippines.

When the 4th APEC PPP Experts Advisory Panel Meeting opens on March 4, participants will get a report from the APEC Secretariat and Indonesia regarding the discussions made and decisions taken during the panel’s third meeting, as well as updates on the works undertaken by Indonesia or the panel.

Indonesia will also give an update on its PPP unit and its various PPP projects, as well as the challenges the country faces.

The Philippines will also give inputs during the discussion, presenting its own PPP programs and the work of the Philippine PPP Center and PPP projects that are in the pipeline.

After the discussions on PPPs, officials will gather for the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting (FCBDM) to tackle the current economic outlook and financial condition in the region, and the Cebu Action Plan, as well as how to promote financial integration, advance fiscal transparency, enhance financial resiliency, and support infrastructure development and financing.

Since its formation in November 1989, the APEC has become the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

The APEC groups 21 member economies: Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Philippines; The Russian Federation; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; The United States of America; and Viet Nam. (PCOO News Release)

Agri-tourism, trade bazaar opens

S

EVERAL heads of government agencies in Davao Region urged members of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies in Davao Incorporated to continue the cooperation among themselves and government in pushing Davao Region as a tourist destination to ensure inclusive growth.

The Naitas opened its tourism and trade bazaar at the Abreeza Mall from February 20 to 22 with the theme, “Agri-Trade Tourism is life.”

Ma. Belena Ambi, director of the Department of Trade and Industry 11 said travel agencies can maximize tourism, agriculture and trade in inviting people to come to the region.

She assured the support of government to the tourism industry through the small-medium enterprise.

Ambi said the tourism industry generates jobs beneficial to the families.

“All our efforts must be geared towards the realization of the inclusive growth that

must be felt and experienced by the citizenry,” she said.

Roberto Alabado, III, director of the Department of Tourism 11 cited the NAITAS for opening Davao Region to the world.

He stressed that travel promotes regional development since it does not only provide jobs in places of destination but also the experience and knowhow in the management of tourism activities.

“Travel brings experiences, learning history of places lessons can be applied to places where we come from,” Alabado said.

He also bared that the DOT plans to position Davao Region as the fruit basket of Asia due to the many fruits it can offer like the banana, mangos teen, marang, mango and durian.

Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of the city council committee on tourism said the exhibition has helped the push of Davao City as an island to highland destination. (PIA 11Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

W

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

Out of the league

HOEVER said airports are mere terminals? Airports are more than simply points of departure and arrival. They’re like an extension of our homes.

With that mindset, Seoul’s Incheon International Airport was recently named the best airport in the world when it comes to customer service.

South Korea’s biggest hub topped the poll conducted by Montreal-based Airports Council International, the Airport Service Quality Awards (ASQ) that surveyed 550,000 travellers at more than 300 airports around the world. Incheon scored the highest marks for passenger satisfaction.

How was the survey made? ASQ asked flyers to rate airports across 34 criteria that include access, check-in, security, airport facilities, dining and retail.

Second to Seoul was erstwhile no. 1 Changi Airport in Singapore, and for those who have travelled to our island country ASEAN neighbor, you know how it is once you step inside Changi Airport.

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These two airports are no strangers to airport awards. They actually figure always against each other in nabbing the title of world’s best airport from Skytrax.

A similar survey carried out by The Guide to Sleeping in Airports also asked travellers to rate airports based on factors such as comfort, convenience, cleanliness, and customer service.

Not surprisingly, that list was topped by Singapore’s Changi Airport and was again followed closely by Seoul Incheon International Airport.

Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal I topped that list as the world’s worst last year.

For the record, ACI’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) is the only global benchmarking programme measuring passengers’ satisfaction while they are at the airport.

Now, you ask, how our airports rated in the ASQ list?

The answer is: Not one of our airports is even on that ASQ ratings list. We are not in the league. Phew!

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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VANTAGE POINTS

9

Little things mean a lot

T

ODAY, we live in a world where everything seems to be larger than life. People don’t pay attention anymore to things that are trivial. Most people don’t say, “Thank you,” anymore. If you do, the recipient won’t reply, “You’re welcome.”

But are there really small things?

“Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things – a chance word, a tap on the shoulder, or a penny dropped on a newsstand – I am tempted to think… there are no little things,” Bruce Barton commented.

We think so, too. In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German. In 1800, one vote in the Electoral College gave Thomas Jefferson the Presidency over Aaron Burr. In 1868, only one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment. In 1876, one vote gave Rutherford D. Hayes the Presidency of the United States.

David used a small stone to kill the giant named Goliath. Three simple words – “I love you” – can start a lifetime commitment. Only one fling can destroy a relationship. And, yes, it only takes a spark to start a fire.

“Men trip not on mountains; they stumble on stones,” goes a Chinese saying.

Great men and women from the past – such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mother Teresa – changed the

course of history

by THINK ON THESE! performing a series of little things.

Benjamin Franklin points out how important the little things are if we wish to Henrylito D. Tacio reach our henrytacio@gmail.com goals: “For want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost; being overtaken and slain by the enemy, all for the want of care about a horseshoe nail.”

Henri Frederic Amiel reminds us, “What we call little things are merely the causes of great things; they are the beginning, the embryo, and it is the point of departure which, generally speaking, decides the whole future of an existence. One single black speck may be the beginning of a gangrene, of a storm, of a revolution.”

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen,” John Wooden says.

Laurie Beth Jones, author of The Power of Positive Prophecy, related her own story about a former boss who didn’t want her to spend so much time with clients. “Go after the big clients,” she was told. “Leave the

peanuts to the others.”

But still she did what she wanted to do. “When the numbers were totaled,” she wrote, “my combination of small sales outtotalled his few big ones.”

Jones resigned from her job and started her own company. “Dinosaurs became extinct yet rabbits still abound,” she pointed out.

Now, let me tell you a story that was featured in 365 Moments to Cherish by Robert Strand: At age 21, Jacques Lafitte, a son of a very poor carpenter from a small city, set out to seek his fortune and future life’s work in Paris. He had no references from influential people no brilliant academic career behind him, but he was young and full of hope. With his usual thoroughness, he started looking for a job. Days became weeks, and still he had no job or income. But he kept at it. Nobody in Paris noticed this determined young man.

One morning, he applied at the office of a famous Swiss banker, Monsieur Perregaux. The banker asked him few questions about himself.

Then, he slowly shook his head and said there would be no job offered at the moment.

Sadly, and more discouraged than ever, Jacques left the bank and walked slowly across the courtyard.

As he did so, he paused, stopped, and picked something up. Then, he con-

tinued into the busy street, wondering if perhaps it wasn’t time to return home.

At about that moment, he was overtaken by a man who tapped him on the shoulder. “Excuse me, sir,” he said, “I’m an employee at the bank.

Monsieur Perregaux wishes to see you again.”

For the second time that morning, Jacques faced the famous banker.

“Pardon me,” the banker said, “but I happened to be watching you as you crossed the courtyard of the bank.

You stopped and picked something up. Would you mind telling me what it was?”

“Only this,” the young man replied, wonderingly, as he took a bright new straight pin from the underside of the lapel of his coat. “Aaah,” the banker exclaimed. “That changes everything.

We always have room here for anyone who is careful about little things.

You may start at once.”

Sweat that small stuff ! Julia A. Fletcher Carney wrote this short poem as a reminder: “Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land. Thus the little minutes, humble though they be, make the mighty ages of eternity.”

An unknown author penned these words: “Little dreams can lead to greatness, little victories to success.

It’s the little things in life that brings the greatest happiness.”

become a MY TWO CENTS’ bother or a necessary evil, including friends and family.

The status page and shoutout is where we really exist. Society is a veritaJohn Tria ble vacuum ecisouth@gmail.com for us. Read both mainstream and social media and the level of frustration and cynicism is at a high, such that even the well meaning, thoughtful, and sensitive in real life have become the brash netizen who cares little about the hurt piercing words inflict.

I’m no statistician but I’m sensing that a good number of Filipinos who are vocal about the things secretly yearn for a war that titillates their sense of raw adventurism, despite the lack of information on the history which they have not bothered to study, and the consequences of which they do not understand, as they are not affected.

What this does reveal is growing alienation from society and reality.

Marx and critical theorists like Theodore Adorno wrote and thought of it extensively. Alienation has been the meat of 20th century sociology and the study of group behavioral thought. You know you are so alienated when it is so convenient for you to call for a war that you know you will never feel. Woe to those on the border and the frontline who will face the consequence of

your call. The alienated feel separated from the rest and simply don’t care what happens to others as a result of their actions. This is the most disturbing and worrying, when the frustration at a broken society pushes you to destroy it even further.

What we need, more than ever, is a return to the sense of oneness with others. We need a leader that can help bring back faith in institutions, in the need to be part of groups, to restore the dignity of families, where empathy, a sense of oneness, a feeling of nation, begin and exist.

Come 2016, this is the deep challenge that any prospective leader will have to tackle. It may take generations to undo, so the leaders we choose will have to plant the right seeds and set into motion the patterns of cultivation meant to regrow this fractured society.

All-out warmongering, and healing the fractured society

P

ERHAPS the most disturbing feeling I get over the last three weeks since the Mamasapano incident is the nagging feeling that many are asking for a war they don’t understand, if they understand war at all.

All over social and mainstream media, a sick excitement for war permeates and seeks a presence in the national debate.

I’m no prophet, but there is a sense that we are tugging on the last straws of normalcy as we know it. There is a great distrust in institutions like government, the mainstream media, institutional religion, the peace process, and many forms of organization. We have all been disaggregated and alienated, failing to be genuine to other people around us yet revealing our true selves only to the computer screen and the Facebook page. Other people thus

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

OPAPP... FFROM 3 “Definitely, we cannot allow such untruths and violations of our rights to go unchallenged,” he said. “It is not just the name of the agency that is at stake, but hundreds of its employees who have no way to protect themselves from being maligned in this way.”

Montalbo said the retrieval of the weapons was made through the help of GPH-MILF Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, and the International Monitoring Team or IMT. At least 16 high-powered firearms were presented to the government on February 18 by MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal in a program hosted by the 6th Infantry Division’s Camp Siongco

in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The presentation was witnessed by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, GPH peace panel member Senen Bacani, Joint Normalization Committee co-chair Muhammad Nassif, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gregorio Catapang Jr., A ‎ FP Western Mindanao Command Chief Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Philippine Army 6th Infantry Battalion Commander Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan and PNP ARMM OIC Senior Superintendent Noel Armilla.

A day after, the firearms were turned over to the PNP.

see his leadership quality based on his performance in Davao City which have not seen in the other higher national officials),” Jangao said.

Jangao said his group is finding ways to help the nation since the government does not seem to be taking steps to fight poverty.

He said this is unfortunate since alleviating or eradicating poverty will also solve the peace and order problem.

Jangao said many officials do not implement the laws because these favor the poor.

He believes Duterte could be the one who can implement the laws that will balance the situation of the country today.

Jangao said members of the organization were elated when they heard the news that Duterte was willing to run for President.

Duterte was appointed International Advisor of the Guardians International Division on November 25, 2014.

Jangao said his group has 8.1 million members in the country who are willing to support his presidential bid.

Polo, Davao. Registration fee is P400 inclusive of packed food, souvenir shirt, and raffle entry for fabulous prize starting with one standard mountain bike.

Dumadag said the conservation center in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City is home to a total of 34 endangered Philippine Eagle. Thor, a 46-year old male Philippine Eagle, is the oldest while twoyear old Mabuhay, the hatchling of Pag-asa, is the youngest.

However, PEF is hopeful that there still at least 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles in the wild from Sibulan, Toril District in this city to Arakan, North Cotabato.

“Eagles are highly territorial predators. Each male eagle requires as much as 7,000 hectares for its territory, ”Dumadag said.

She said the territory enables Philippine Eagle parents to raise their children and look for food for the family.

She said the mating pattern of Philippine Eagles allows them to lay eggs once in every two years. However, not many captive eagles are able to do this.

Dumadag said the egg-laying season is from September to February, but no eagle laid an egg during this last season.

She also said there are eagles in custody that cannot be released to the wild because of low survival rate.

“There were eagles that were raised conditionally by their human handlers and those eagle become dependent to them,” she said. “We’re afraid that the eagle we release in the wild will go to human habitation where there is more danger.”

Some of the eagles in the center were adopted by individuals who give support to the daily requirement of the adopted eagle.

For instance, television host Kim Atienza adopted two eagles in the center and gives as much as P150,000 to each annually.

Dumadag said 11 Philippine eagles in the center were already adopted, while 23 are up for adoption.

She said the donation of adopters goes to veterinary care, maintenance, and food of the adopted Philippine Eagle.

Guardians... FFROM 3

600... FFROM 3

WET WORK. A helper of a motorized boat plying the route between Sta. Ana wharf and Island Garden City of Samal (IgaCos) gets soaked while unloading passengers’ belongings. Lean Daval Jr.

2 suspected carriers test negative of MERS-CoV T

HE overseas worker from this city and visiting flight attendant who were earlier quarantined due to suspected Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERSCoV) infection have tested negative of the disease, a health official here said.

Dr. Mely Lastimoso, epidemiology and surveillance head of the City Health Office (CHO), said Friday the two patients have been cleared of possible infection with the deadly virus based on test results on their swab samples.

She said the two have fully recovered from the suspected symptoms of MERS-CoV and were recommended for release from quarantine.

“They’re okay now and they don’t have any (suspected) signs and symptoms of the virus. So they may now go home,” she said in an interview over TV Patrol Socksargen.

MERS-CoV is a highly fatal, influenza-like illness characterized by fever, cough, and often with diarrhea.

The two, who recently arrived from the Middle East, were earlier placed on hospital quarantine after exhibiting suspected symptoms of MERS-CoV. The OFW, who is a female domestic helper, was brought to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Cotabato City while the flight attendant was confined in a private

hospital here.

The CRMC had been designated by the Department of Health as the main isolation and treatment facility in Region 12 for suspected cases of MERS-CoV and other emerging infectious diseases.

With the release of the negative test results on the two patients, Lastimoso said the city has remained free of MERS-CoV. She said they have continued their intensified monitoring against the disease to prevent its possible entry and spread in the area.

The official said they maintain close coordination with city airport personnel to ensure immediate detection of potential MERS-CoV

cases, especially among returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other residents who had history of travel to the Middle East.

“Summer is already approaching and we expect that more OFWs will be coming home so we really need to step up our monitoring,” she said.

Lastimoso urged returning OFWs and their relatives to immediately submit themselves to quarantine and testing should they exhibit suspected signs and symptoms of the disease.

She added that all returning OFWs from countries affected by MERS-CoV must be observed and examined within 14 days of their arrival in the country.

(MindaNews)

HE Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Friday rejected calls by government to surrender all firearms taken from the police commandos who died in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

“We will never return the firearms we recovered…it’s like in cockfighting that a winner will take home the loser’s cock,” Abu Misry Mama, speaking for the BIFF, said in jest.

He said the military

or police would do the same thing had the situation been reversed.

Forty-four members of the police Special Action Force (SAF) were killed in the Jan. 25 encounter against Moro rebels in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano against terror suspect Zulkipli bin Hir alias Marwan.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front said it lost 18 fighters in the clash which it blamed on the lack of coordination between the rebel

group and government forces. At least four civilians also died in the clash.

Claiming the BIFF seized at least a dozen assorted firearms from the SAF, Mama said they will use the guns to defend themselves against government forces and the rival MILF. The BIFF broke away from the MILF over differences on the conduct of the peace talks with government.

“We recovered the guns in victorious bat-

tle, we did not borrow it that we are obliged to return,” he said.

He claimed his group seized two M-16 rifles with M-203 grenade launchers, four Armalite rifles, one long Bushmaster M-4 rifle and a recoilless rifle.

On Wednesday, the MILF returned 18 firearms its fighters recovered from the slain SAF commandos, in a ceremony at the 6th Infantry Division in Awang, Maguindanao. (Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews)

BIFF says it won’t return SAF weapons T

11 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

DAVAO CITY: Before and after (First of Two Parts)

Davao City hall (Photo

by Henrylito D. Tacio)

Davao was Asia’s

“MURDER CITY”

By Henrylito D. Tacio

in the past

“

IF you’ve heard stories from old-timers about Davao in the mid1980’s, most of them are probably true. No one would even want to touch this southern city with a 10-foot pole. Just name anything that will force people here to pack up their bags and leave this city during those days, this city had it: killings, robberies, thefts, rapes, kidnappings and even urban warfare between cops, soldiers and communist guerrillas.” -- Aurelio A. Peña in a news report

“MURDER City” -- that was how the defunct Asiaweek described Davao City in the early 1980s. Each day, some two to three people were killed and thrown in the ditch. Foreigners and even those from nearby provinces shunned what became the country’s “killing fields” (a sobriquet bestowed on Cambodia once upon a time).

At one time, Davao City was touted as the Nicaragua of the Philippines. In fact, Agdao -- a main business district which hosts a large slum area located in the city proper -was the bastion of killings and earned the nickname “Nicaragdao.”

However, killing and hostilities were not confined only in Agdao but also happened in other parts of the city. One scribe wrote: “Criminalities were commonplace in the most parts of the suburbs, summary killings were

widespread. The communist movement had established its ranks and penetrated most of the major districts of Davao and those who did not cooperate in their cause were punished and tortured to death. Fear and terror prevailed amongst its people and the city never dared to crawl to little progress.”

Alsa Masa It was just a matter of time that the “Alsa Masa” (literally “the rise of the masses”) came into existence. In his Sun Star Davao column, Jun Ledesma made a lengthy discussion on how the uprising against the communist regime came: “The rich families left Davao. Those who had no means stayed. Terror reigned.

The CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army) fronts grew in number but the source of funds to support and sustain their operations dwindled.

The tax collectors now turned to their mass base for two tsupas of rice and a can of sardine from each family. As if these were not enough, they raised it to a ganta of rice plus P50 each week. Scared that they would be dealt with capital punishment, squatter families strived hard to produce the ‘aid’ for the people’s revolution. The mass base was gripped in fear and hunger.”

According to Ledesma, terror ended when three armed partisan assigned to

collect taxes were rounded up by a team of Sparrows. “People were herded in a square in Gotamco, which used to be a basketball ground then.

There, they witnessed the execution of three young partisans for failing to turn over their collection quota,” he wrote in his column.

One of those who executed was named Lamorena, who had several relatives and intimate friends in Agdao.

“He was a young man with dreams and hopes for his parents to be liberated from poverty. He believed that joining the revolution would be the key to realizing his dreams.

He had relatives in the movement and it was easy for him to be drafted as a young partisan and was assigned the task to collect revolutionary taxes. Unfortunately for him, the big taxpayers had abandoned the city and the poor communities barely had any more means.

“His death triggered the shift. His kin, some of them leaders of armed partisans, distanced themselves from the Sparrows and the hardcore among the NPA. Quickly the spirit of mass uprising against the NPA spread like wildfire that engulfed Agdao, the ghettos in the stretch of Quezon Boulevard all the way to Punta Dumalag. The hunters became the hunted and they were dealt with the same gruesome style of execution.”

The bombings San Pedro Cathedral San Pedro Cathedral, situated at the very heart of the city right across the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) building, is the oldest church in Davao City. The city’s premier historical landmark, it is now recognized as a National Cultural Treasure.

The original structure was built in 1847 during the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors and was named after San Pedro, Davao’s patron saint.

On Easter Sunday of April 1981, two grenades were thrown into the congregation as the traditional Easter service was concluding.

Floren Baltazar, who practically lived around the Cathedral selling religious items at the church ground, told Davao Today of what happened that particular day. “I can’t say how many died, but I remember that it took five fire trucks to clean up the blood, in the aftermath of the incident.”

According to Manila Standard Today, the blast killed 17 people and injured 150 others.

There were several groups suspected of the bombing, among them the NPA. Twelve years later, during a mass in December in 1993, another bombing incident happened in the same Cathedral. This time, only seven people were killed but about 151 others were injured, 32

seriously.

Dory Flaviano, publisher of a Davao daily who witnessed the bombing, said there were three bombs that exploded. The first one blew up at the center aisle. The second bomb went off near the altar, while the third one shattered the main entrance fronting San Pedro Street.

“I have no idea what the motives are but it is an inhuman act,” Rev. Fr. Bong Dublan, who was leading the worship, was quoted as saying by Manila Standard Today.

A few days later, two motorcycle-riding men threw a grenade at a mosque, a few blocks away from the San Pedro Cathedral.

Bombing at the airport and Sasa wharf Aside from the two bombings that happened in San Pedro Cathedral, two more bombings took place in the city: one at the Davao International Airport and another one at the Sasa wharf.

People’s Park (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio)

San Pedro Cathedral cross and Freedome statue (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio)

Old Davao airport (Photo from Wikipedia)

On March 4, 2003, a bomb which was planted inside a backpack exploded in the waiting shed outside the old airport terminal building. Twenty-one people were killed and at least 148 others injured.

One of those who died was William P. Hyde, an American missionary from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He died “in surgery from head and leg injuries.”

According to reports, Hyde was there to fetch fellow American missionaries. “I just heard it explode to my side,” recalled American missionary Barbara Wallis Stevens, who was wounded slightly. “I was carrying my infant son so I grabbed my daughter and picked her up and ran away.

I was afraid there could be more bombs.”

Almost a month later, another bomb exploded at the Sasa wharf. Seventeen perished, including children. In addition, 56 others were injured. (To be concluded)

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

A red letter day at

Seda Abreeza Smoked Norwegian Salmon and Warm Fresh Goat Cheese on Toast Roasted Tomato Soup.

ITS not my tradition to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Maybe because Valentine’s Day is not really an actual holiday, nor is it the fact that I have not yet been bitten by the love bug given my decade long singleness. This year however, I decided to give Valentines Day a chance and attend Seda Abreeza’s Reflections of Love dinner upon the invite of Andy Hipolito, Seda Abreeza’s Director of Sales.

I finally realized the reason why I disliked commercial holidays the moment I stepped out of the house, it was hard getting a cab and the traffic was even worse. At the back of my mind, I was imagining myself lying back in bed, watching videos on YouTube, and commenting and laughing at

Strawberry Panna Cotta with Creme Fraiche.

the bitter Valentine’s Day posts on Facebook.

I arrived just in time for the start of the dinner service, Miso was packed full of people, couples, families, and friends just out for a good time. I met up with Andy who also just came from Jaya’s performance at the nearby Abreeza Mall. I have to

admit that it was awkward for a single person to be at a Valentine’s event especially since Andy told me that I can bring an extra person along, to but I do remember that I was there for the food and the experience and eat (it could be to drown out my utter singleness), and eat I did.

The Reflections of Love dinner started with a cold appetiser of Smoked Norwegian Salmon and Warm Fresh Goat Cheese on Toast paired with a salad of Hearts of Romaine and Lollo Rosa lettuce and dresses with a Citrus Vinaigrette. The appetiser was paired with a nice citrusy 2012 Spanish Airen wine.

The salad was followed by a delicious Roasted Tomato Soup that came with a crispy Prosciutto Tuille.

The rich smoky flavour of the soup was balanced

out by the dollop of cream that was used to finish the dish. A slightly tart 2008 Spanish Monastrell complemented the soup.

After the soup, the main dish of USDA SlowCooked Roast Beef with a Merlot Au Jus was served.

The tender and juicy beef was served on a bed of Mashed Potato elevated

by Truffle Oil with sides of roasted asparagus spears and root vegetables. The main course was paired with a fruit-forward 2011 Chilean Merlot that complemented the beef perfectly.

And what is a Valentine’s dinner without a delectable dessert? Seda’s Reflections of Love fin-

Slow-Cooked Roast Beef with a Merlot Au Jus. ished on a high note with a Strawberry Panna Cotta with Creme Fraiche served with sides of fresh strawberries dipped in Belgian chocolate. To pair with the dessert, a bubbly lemonade mimosa was served that was a beautiful end to a wonderful

Velentine’s dinner even if I am single.

Send your shootouts to me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong if you want to share your travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

SPINNR represents PH in tilt for world’s best music app SPINNR, the game-changing music service introduced by wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has been named as one of the world’s best music apps by the prestigious GSMA telecoms industry association.

The homegrown app, which kick-started the music streaming revolution in the Philippines, is vying for the “Best Mobile Music App” distinction at the GSMA 2015 Global Mobile Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the mobile industry. SPINNR is competing against projects developed by the likes of Samsung, among others.

Winners will be named on March 3 during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

“We are thrilled that SPINNR has been given the distinction as one of the top mobile music apps in the world. By giving users the total music experience through music streaming, exclusive merchandise, and the hottest music events, SPINNR has revolutionized the way Filipinos enjoy and experience music through their mobile phones,” said Mellissa Limcaoco, head of Smart’s innovation and product development group.

Since its launch two years ago, SPINNR has grown to influence the music-listening habits of Filipinos by offering affordable streaming packages for as low as P2.50 per day, on top of exclusive promos, merchandise, meet-and-greet opportunities, and concert events by the biggest names in music.

“Just a few years ago, music streaming was not a familiar concept among most Filipino music lovers. With SPINNR, Smart changed the local music landscape by allowing more fans to affordably enjoy music anytime, anywhere without worrying about the limited storage space on their mobile devices,” Limcaoco added.

Having established partnerships with the biggest music labels – Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Universal Re-

cords – SPINNR owns the exclusive rights to use and distribute in the country their entire library of digital content.

The SPINNR catalog is home to millions of local and international hits spanning different genres.

Sometimes, SPINNR even releases singles and albums a week before they become available in physical stores.

The recognition from GSMA is just the latest commendation for the rapidly growing music service, in addition to its Best Content Service Award from the Asia Communication Awards and the Boston consulting group JANA naming SPINNR as the top music-streaming app used by Filipinos last year.

The GSMA is a renowned global association of mobile operators, device makers, software companies, equipment providers, and Internet companies.

“With a new record of

Lucky Pinoy Taylor Swift fans were able to get a rare opportunity to personally meet their idol prior to her Red Tour Manila concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last June 6. Photo courtesy of Maria Angelina Amul.

Zan a hi

Zanjoe Marudo and Beauty Gonzales’ natural onscreen chemistry has charmed TV viewers who are now hooked on the budding romance of Baste (Zanjoe) and Alex (Beauty) in ABS-CBN’s charming primetime drama series “Dream Dad.”

Based on data from Kantar Media, “Dream Dad’s” episode last Monday (February 16), which featured Baste and Alex’s romantic bonding moment, scored a national TV rating of 28.6%. It is 12 points higher compared to its rival program on GMA “More Than Words” (16.6%).

ABOVE: Smart and Sun Cellular wireless consumer business head Charles Lim enjoyed listening to SPINNR with young stars and Smart endorsers Jasmin Curtis, James Reid, and Nadine Lustre, at the December 12 launch of Smart Life at the Rockwell Power Plant Mall.

LEFT: SPINNR Product Manager Lucille Tang receives the “Best Content Service” award for SPINNR during the Asia Communication Awards ceremony held June last year at the Conrad Centennial Hotel in Singapore.

over 800 entries, the Global Mobile Awards are, as always, hugely competitive and reflect the dynamic pace of growth and evolution in digital communications. Congratulations to all those shortlisted today and many thanks to our judges who have an almost impossible task selecting the nominees from such high-calibre and exciting entries,” said GSMA chief marketing officer Michael O’Hara in a press release.

This year’s panel of judges is comprised by more than 300 independent experts, analysts, journalists, and academics.

Launched in October 2013, SPINNR is the first app in the Philippines to offer music streaming and downloads with no data charges. It is available as a free downloadable app on Android phones and iPhones, and can be accessed by other internetcapable gadgets like tab-

lets, laptops, and desktops via www.spinnr.ph. Users can log in using their Smart, Talk ‘N Text, or Sun Cellular account or their Facebook account.

Spinnr also offers predefined playlists for every mood or occasion. Users can also create personal playlists which they can listen to even when offline, and can access the SPINNR radio for free.

Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular subscribers can avail of SPINNR streaming packages for as low as P2.50 per day or P49 per month. No other streaming service has rates as affordable as these.

Unlike other digital music stores, SPINNR lets Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular subscribers pay for downloads or streaming conveniently through prepaid load deductions or charging to their postpaid bill – no credit cards or special accounts needed.

Kris Be

AT 25, Kris Bernal dreams t come one of the top ver actresses of her generation believes that she will be ab make it in 2015. On the Feb issue of the collaborative o photo magazine MusePH reveals that she is ready to everything just to survive triumph this challenge tha has set upon herself.

After being hailed as the Ul Love Team together with Mar cudero in StarStruck IV’s final has been living under the li being the sweetheart, the cut amiable Kapuso star. But now, New Year opens for new oppo ties, Kris wants to step up and gressive with the goals she s her career.

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njoe and Beauty’s love team, it among viewers, netizens

d l s o e e ) g s

t c 2 n

Aside from the ratings, the ‘BaLex’ (Baste and Alex) love team also conquered social networking sites such as Twitter where ‘Jacket o Yakap’ became a nationwide trending topic because of Baste’s sweet gesture to offer his jacket to Alex while they were hanging out.

Meanwhile, TV viewers will surely fall in love even more in the next episodes of “Dream Dad” now that Baste and Alex start to develop a deeper relationship.

How will Alex be able to help Baste with his emotional struggle after Baby (Jana Agoncillo) returned to the orphanage? Will Alex be able to open Baste’s heart

to welcome love once again?

Don’t miss the continuation of the feel-good family drama series that will draw smiles in the hearts of viewers, “Dream Dad,” weeknights, after “TV Patrol,” on ABSCBN Primetime Bida. For more information about “Dream Dad,” log on to the show’s official social networking sites Facebook.com/ DreamDadOfficial, Twitter.com/ DreamDadTV, and Instagram. com/DreamDadTV. Viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “Dream Dad” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more information, please go to www.abscbnmobile. com.

Jennylyn Mercado breaks Sunday night TV on GMA’s SNBO

AFTER winning Best Actress in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2014 with her lead performance in the monster movie hit “English Only, Please!” Jennylyn Mercado serves a different kind of entertainment with her solo concert OO NA! AKO NA MAGISA! SAMAHAN NIYO NAMAN AKO! The sold out concert will be seen on GMA Sunday Night Box Office on February

22, 2015.

Jennylyn Mercado gives a unique musical treat by combining comedy and music. Expect to see another glimpse of Jennylyn’s role in English Only, Please as Tere Madlansacay as she performs songs that will surely touch people’s hearts.

Laugh hard with Jen’s wit and humor as she throws funny antics together with the help of some of the cast members of the movie and a lot of very special guests.

She is also joined by two Kapuso stars who held special places in her heart—Mark Herras and Dennis Trillo. The Wordsmith of Rap, Gloc-9 is also in the show. There is just so much reason not to miss this Sunday night TV event.

Oo Na! Ako Na Mag-Isa! Samahan N’yo Naman Ako! is presented by GMA Network Inc., in cooperation with Becky Aguila Entertainment and Marketing Services.

ernal breaks free

to bersatile on and ble to bruary online H, Kris o face e and at she

ltimate rtin Esale, she ight of ute and , as the ortunibe agsets for

Looking fierce and fresh with an ensemble of black and white outfits, Kris overflows with an aura of determination and power. She glares through the pictures, showing how her eyes pierce through the camera and register as someone who is ready to break free and conquer a different venture.

“You only live once, but once is enough if you live it well,” sustains the GMA Artist Center star. She strongly expresses her desire to make the most out of her career, and is more than willing to try different roles to portray.

With her outright conviction and grit to step out from the perky, girlnext-door image, surely people will expect a stronger and bolder Kris Bernal this year.

February 18-24, 2015

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson R16

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan R18

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

THAT THING CALLED TADHANA /*JUPITER ASCENDING

R-16

PG13/ *PG13

Angelica Panganiban, JM De Guzman/ *Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum 11:30 | 1:20 | 3:10 LFS / * 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

DRAGON BLADE Jackie Chan, John Cusack, Adrien Brody R13

12:20 | 2:45 | 5:10 | 7:35 | 10:00 LFS

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

ARTS AND CULTURE

Gregorian Choir of Paris

to perform in Davao for their Philippine Tour AYALA MALLS, with the support of Alliance Française de Manille and the French Embassy, proudly presents the world-renowned Gregorian Choir of Paris live in concert for the Philippine tour from February 18 to 27, 2015. The tour, endorsed by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, brings a spiritual and sacred message: the world needs a form of silence that resembles a Gregorian chant.

The Gregorian Choir of Paris gathers musicians from all over the world.

The Choir have dedicated themselves in cultivating the Gregorian chant, both in its natural liturgical setting and in their concerts across the world.

For the first time ever, the prestigious ensemble will be performing in the Philippines to spread a spiritual message of hope and solidarity especially after moments of natural and man-made upheavals in the country. It aims to echo through actual Gregorian chanting the resilience of the Filipino spirit.

The concerts and masses of the Sacred Liturgy are also meant to promote the cultural heritage of the Church through its music tradition. St. Augustine of Hippo said a famous quote: “Qui Bene Cantat Bis Orat” (who sings well pray twice).

The Gregorian Choir of Paris will also be participating in the historic celebration of the 450th year of the presence of the Augustinians in the Philippines (1565-2015). As the first Catholic missionaries in the country, and with almost 150 churches scattered all over the country, the influence of the Augustinian order is very much imbedded in Philippine history and culture.

The opening concert at the UNESCO declared World Heritage Church of San Agustin, Intramuros, on February 19, with the support of the SSI Group, Inc, will be featuring a repertoire with Pascal Marsault on the 18th century Spanish baroque organ and the oldest existing organ in the country.

The succeeding concerts will be held in Ayala Malls throughout the country. The spirit of the Gregorian Choir of Paris is to reach the people and touch their lives through a program, centered on the all-encompassing love of the Virgin Mary. In Davao, the performance will take place on February 27, 6 p.m. at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center.

The concert is free admission.

Music, to echo the words of Pope St. John Paul II, is indeed, “the supplement of the soul”.

This is why the Gregorian

Choir of Paris will also dedicate some special moments for prayer and will perform the Sacred Liturgy in Latin as a special

choir at the 5:30 p.m. Holy Mass at the Sacred Heart Parish in Obrero on February 26.

The Philippine tour is

made possible through the participation of official international airline partner Etihad Airways, official local airline partner

Cebu Pacific, official hotel partners InterContinental Manila and Seda Hotels, and official media partner The Philippine Star.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @ iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

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‘Condemned’ creek possible cause of shoreline erosion in GenSan

T

HE massive shoreline erosion at a coastal community here that earlier triggered the evacuation of 46 families could be due to the re-emergence of a “condemned” creek in the area, a city official said.

Dr. Agripino Dacera Jr., City Disaster Risk Reduc-

tion and Management Office (CDRRMO) head, said Friday their initial studies showed that the eroded area along the shores of Purok Tinago in Barangay Dadiangas South here was within the path of a creek that once flowed from the inner portions of the city.

He said the presence of

the waterway in the area in the previous years was indicated in an old map of the city.

“Historically, there’s actually a creek along that area.

But it’s no longer there as it was overcome by land developments,” he said.

Citing established geological studies, Dacera said closed

or condemned waterways like creeks and rivers would remerge over time and assume their previous paths.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of Region 12 had noted such findings in its assessment of previous flooding incidents along portions of the critical Allah River in

South Cotabato and in several other waterways.

“Geologists would always say that water will always find a way to come out,” he said.

But the official said such observation is still subject to validation and confirmatory studies by geology experts.

MGB-12 geologists are scheduled to inspect and assess the area next week to determine the nature and what caused the coastal erosion, which was initially feared to be a sinkhole.

The shoreline opening initially emerged early Sunday morning and has since continued to expand.

The local government initially evacuated 46 households that were settled near the affected area but later decided to clear a bigger stretch of the coastline due to the risks of another potentially massive coastal erosion.

The forced evacuation or relocation will cover around 1,000 households in Puroks Islam and 9-A and 9-B of Tinago.

“We will continue with

the relocation of the residents since there is a continuing threat and the area is considered unstable,” Dacera said.

He said the local government will no longer allow any settlement or the building of housing and related structures in the area.

The city’s Office of the Building Official has already declared the affected area as a “no-build zone,” he said.

In its initial assessment earlier this week, the MGB12 said the huge hole that emerged at the shores of Purok Tinago here could have been caused by the degeneration of coralline limestones situated underneath the area’s shoreline.

Roger Tamayo, MGB-12 mining engineer, said the breakdown of the limestones triggered the erosion of its sand covering that eventually appeared liked that of a sinkhole.

He added that could not be considered a sinkhole as there was no “igniter” like an earthquake that happened before it appeared. (MindaNews)

VOL. 7 ISSUE 241 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 23, 2015

SPORTS 15

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Guinomla leads Class B golfers B

ANRAHIM Guinomla of Cotabato Golf tallied 72 points to lead the Class B golfers in the on-going 68th Philippine Airlines Interclub Senior Golf tournament at the Club Filipino and Mactan Island layouts in Cebu.

Guinomla first shot 38 points and added 34 for Cotabato.

He is followed by Manuel Imperial of Brookside with 66 (26+40) while tied in third with identical 65 points are Butch Dulay (30+35) of PGA British Columbia, Ricky Pineda (35+30) of Lanang and Jackie Arellano (27+38) of Foresthills.

Bacolod’s Almario Ongsuco is solo 6th with 64 (32+32).

In Class A, William Clifford Celdran of Pueblo de Oro

leads with 94 (51+43) followed by Cebu Country Club’s Koichi Horil (43+48=91), Wack-Wack’s Alfred Velayo (46+44=90) and Eagleridge’s Tongwha Lee (44+45=89).

South Cotabato’s Abe Pandapatan is in 13th spot with 79 (33+46).

In Class C, Jun Yabut of UP Tee Jots leads with 51 (22+39) followed by Moffet’s Renato Sumalpong (49), Phil-Am’s Jake Battad (48), SF Alliance’s Victor Cabreros (48), Iligan’s Ali Bari (47) and Sarangani’s Marfin Tan (45).

Victoria’s Enrico Besana leads Class D with an 82 (44+38) followed by Villamor’s Romeo Poquiz (39+40=79) and South Bay’s Joe Hautea (37+39=76). LITO DELOS REYES

OCAL chief executives of the cities and municipalities in Davao del Norte recently entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Provincial Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario to signify their respective commitment of support for the 2015 Palarong Pambansa.

This came shortly after Del Rosario signed late January this year an MOA with Secretary Bro. Armin A. Luistro of the Department of Education (DepEd) which Davao del Norte Provincial Government has to principally work closely with in hosting this year’s national athletic meet.

Among the LGUs which committed to support the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte in hosing the Palarong Pambansa are the cities of Tagum, Panabo, Island Garden City of Samal and the municipalities of Kapalong, Sto. Tomas, New Corella, Carmen, Asuncion, Talaingod and San Isidro.

Among the LGUs, Tagum City bears the most number

of responsibilities being the co-host and the site of the Palarong Pambansa.

Tagum City committed to provide Billeting Quarters for regional delegations particularly in Tagum National High School, Tagum City National Comprehensive High School, Laureta Elementary School, Laureta National High School, La Filipina Elementary School, La Filipina National High School, Magugpo Pilot Imelda, Magugpo Pilot Central, Rizal Elementary School, Don Ricardo Briz Elementary School, Jose Tuazon Memorial High School, Madaum Elementary School and Mangga Elementary School.

It will also provide the billeting quarters for the technical officials of the Palaro particularly accommodating them at Tagum National Trade School, Visayan Village Elementary School, Union Elementary School, Mankilam Elementary School and Apokon Elementary School.

DavNor GUs ink MOA to support Palaro L

I

T’S on.

The fight the world wants to see is finally happening on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao, the more gracious and modest between the two boxing superstars, gave the floor to Floyd Mayweather to make the official announcement.

Manny has been that way in dealing with Floyd just to make the fight happen.

He took not just one step back. He took a number of steps back in agreeing to many of Floyd’s demands—random drug testing, secondary billing, and most importantly, a smaller cut in pay that’s 60-40 split in favor of the American.

Manny took them all like a man. He even took the hit from Floyd that he was lying about the contract. Well, Manny has proven that now. He signed the contract

MANOTOC’S GRAND COMEBACK. Tommy Manotoc (right) made a thundering comeback after a two-year absence by contributing 53 points to Canlubang at the Club Filipino de Cebu golf course on the 2nd day of the PAL Seniors Interclub.

Davao City athletes seek to dominate DAVRAA 2015

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

T

HE Davao City athletes are out to dominate anew the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet which fires off from February 24 to 28 in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The Davao City athletes culminated their training at the Davao City National High School (DCNHS) Friday and were scheduled to leave for Mati Sunday morning on board 11 buses in time for

the region’s biggest sporting competition.

The Davao athletes held camp at the DCNHS since February 8 and honed up their skills as they train their sights on the overall crown in both elementary and secondary levels.

But, more importantly, these young athletes seek to earn slots to the Palarong Pambansa, the country’s biggest sporting conclave being held

No. 1 or no. 48?

first after LET’S GET IT ON posting on Instagram the signed contract above his name while that of Floyd is still blank.

But let’s not debate that anymore.

Neil Bravo The one thing important is that the fight is on.

Don’t even ask me who will win this megafight or in a more patriotic side, how Manny will defeat Mayweather. Don’t ask me for sure. I don’t know the answer. Don’t tell me too that you know the answer un-

every year.

The Davao City delegation composed of athletes, coaches and officials is more than 600, the biggest among the 10 divisions seeing action in Mati.

Davao City is traditionally strong in the ballgames and swimming.

Also competing are Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Island Garden City of Samal,

less you are Freddie Roach or Manny yourself.

Let’s wait for the answer come the second of May. When I finally saw the announcement on Saturday morning splashed all over social media and online sports websites, I was jumping in excitement.

It took five years to make this fight.

The interest began when the two fighters exchanged seats as the world’s pound for pound king. Pacquiao went up in weight and the weight difference between the two diminished. The two cleared the path of obstructions along the way and now it’s just the two of them at the crossroads— mano a mano.

Do we mind that they are no longer in the prime of their careers?Manny is 36 and his knockout power no longer the same.

Panabo City, Tagum City, Digos City and host Mati.

DAVRAA 2015 features events like basketball, football, futsal, volleyball, track and field, chess, tennis, table tennis, arnis and swimming.

The DAVRAA in Mati pushed through after the local government unit assured the safety of the delegates in a letter sent to the Department of Education (Deped) 11, which is supervising the meet.

Floyd is turning 38 and remains the best defensive fighter of this era.

Knockout?

Naah. Don’t ask for too much. The last time Manny knocked out his opponent was in 2009 over Miguel Cotto in the 12th.

Mayweather has stopped only one fighter Victor Ortiz in the last eight years. That KO win was even questioned after Mayweather hit Ortiz during a break.

Mayweather wants Manny to be his no.

48. Meaning, his 48th career victim and go 48-0.

Manny wants to be the no. 1 on that Mayweather unblemished record (47-0).

I can’t wait for this one. Vegas in my dreams.

Postscripts: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” on 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8-10 a.m.

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PACQUIAO BY KNOCKOUT MANNY PACQUIAO 36 57 (KO 38)-5-2 5’6” 67” Southpaw General Santos City, Philippines 10”

TALE OF THE TAPE age record height reach stance hometown

FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. 38 47 (KO 26)-0 5’8” 72” Orthodox Grand Rapids, Michigan

fist

11”

Pinoy boxing enthusiasts see Floyd loss in Las Vegas fight

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY and ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

F

OR finally signing the contract and agreeing to fight Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is bound to absorb the first defeat of his boxing career.

This was the bold prediction of boxing promoter Manny Piñol and other officials on the most anticipated and richest fight in boxing history set to take place on May 2 in Las Vegas.

To them, the battle against Pacquiao—the fight the world wants to see--will be Mayweather’s Waterloo.

“Manny Pacquiao by knockout,” Piñol told Edge Davao.

“Floyd will be un-

comfortable with Pacquiao’s unorthodox style.”

Piñol, former governor of North Cotabato and a boxing writer himself, does not see Mayweather winning the fight despite his unblemished record.

Rep. Sylvestre Bello III agrees with Piñol. So is executive assistant to the city mayor Christiopher “Bong” Go. “Pacquiao will win. He is faster, stronger and younger,” said Bello, of the 1-BAP Party List.

“Of course Manny will win. Manny is the better fighter and arguably the best in the field right now,” Go said.

“That’s why Floyd kept on avoiding him because he will surely get his first defeat,” he added.

Davao City Police Office

(DCPO) deputy director for operations Supt. Angel Sumagaysay said he believes Pacquiao will prevail specially if the fight turns into a slugfest.

“I think Pacquao can beat Mayweather if the Filipino will slug it out in close range,” he said.

Sports Development Division-City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO) officer-in-charge William “Butch” Ramirez said he is rooting for Pacquiao because he is a fellow Filipino.

The fight, however, could end in a draw, according to Ramirez.

Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte echoed Ramirez, saying he is behind Pacquiao all the way.

“Nobody knows kinsa ang mudaog pero ako didto syempre sa atong pambansang ka-

mao (Nobody knows who will win, but of course I will go for our national hero. Good luck to our boxing champ Pacman,” Duterte said.

Mayweather finally signed the contract Friday that sealed the richest bout in boxing history. It also ended five years of negotiations between the most colorful boxers today.

Mayweather is unbeaten in 47 fights with 26 knockouts while Pacquiao holds the record with titles in eight different weight divisions.

Pacquaio is the younger fighter between the two at 36 years old. Mayweather will be turning 38 this week.

The fight is reportedly worth $250 million.