Edge Davao 7 Issue 31

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

OBAMA HELP SOUGHT. Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) state chairman of Davao City State Revolutionary Committee (DCSRC) Rolando Olamit (center of first row), together with other MNLF leaders from Region II, South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Maguindanao, flashes a clinched fist during the group’s extraordinary leadership gathering

in Amina Taomo Muslim Village, NHA Bangkal, Davao City yesterday where they express an appeal to American President Barack Obama to be their voice in the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement struggle. Lean Daval Jr.

P125-WAGE HIKE PUSHED KMU hits RTWPB 11 for not acting on demands

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

A

FTER almost 20 years of consistent campaign, militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) continued to clamor for P125-across-the-board wage hike nationwide.

In line with its commemoration of the 128th International Labor Day on May 1, the group also assailed the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 11 for not acting on their demand for wage hike.

“Wages have remained too low for too long,” said KMU spokesperson for Mindanao Joel Maglunsod.

“The workers and their families are hungry and they deserve better.

Enough talk, enough gimmicks, implement P125 wage hike nationwide now,” said Maglunsod.

He said that this year, wage boards from other

regions in the country announced non-wage benefits and pay hikes.

“Recently, for workers in Calabarzon (provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon), a P13-hike in COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) was announced while a P15-increase in basic pay was announce for NCR (National Capital Region) workers,” he said.

Last month, the Department of Labor and Employment 11 released an advisory announcing a two-tiered incentive scheme to be implemented by companies based in the region.

CHANGING PLACES? No, U.S. President Barack Obama is not taking over the seat of President Benigno Aquino III. The visiting US leader is signing the Malacanang guestbook as President Aquino looks on. Reuters

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

City sets rehab of Osmeña Park

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) vice chairman for Political and external Affairs Joel Maglungsod says during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao that the P125-

across the board wage increase which labor groups are demanding is for the lost purchasing power of the workers. Lean Daval Jr.

UNDeR CARPeR

Vast tract of land remains undistributed to farmers

A

LEADING advocate group for the rights and welfare of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) urged President Benigno S. Aquino III to hasten the issuance of notice of coverage before the deadline under the country’s agrarian reform law ends on June.

In statement, May Ann Manahan, spokesperson of Focus of the Global South said that with four months before the deadline on June

30, 2014, the president should “muster all the political and social capital” to fulfill the targets embodied in Republic Act 9700, or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (Carper).

Manahan said that the government must effectively complete the land distribution and implement the reforms under the Carper law such as rural women-friendly provisions in

FVAST, 10

N

abf@edgedavao.net

OW crowded by homeless people especially during night time, the Davao City local government is set to rehabilitate the Osmeña Park to bring back its pristine landscape and restore its image as one of the city’s primary open parks.

Davao City Parks System Board chairman Engr.

Eliza Madrazo told reporters yesterday before the

PReSIDeNT OBAMA

special board meeting at the Conference Room at City Hall that they decided to fence off the park from people who use the area as living quarters to facilitate the planned rehabilitation “Among paminaw mura’g di man gyud macontrol ang mga tao na matulog diha, for so many years na daw sila,” Madrazo said.

Madrazo said that the board has approved a res-

olution mandating that the park will only be accessible from 7:00 a.m. and will be closes at 11:00 p.m. similar to People’s Park.

At present, she said railings are set up around the park to serve as temporary fence aside from requesting personnel from Task Force Davao to man the vicinity while the renovation is ongoing and prohibit people from entering

and sleeping in the area.

For his part, San Pedro Police Station Supt. Joel Consulta also emphasized the need to enclosed the area as some people already made it their permanent residence.

“Park yan hindi naman yan residential area. So, dapat talaga masecure yung lugar para ma preserve yung beauty niya,”

FOSMEÑA, 10

PHL-U.S. defense agreement beneficial to both countries

U

NITED States President Barack Obama said the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the US and the Philippines will benefit the two countries, particularly on military

readiness and response to calamities.

In a press conference with President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang on Monday, Obama said the goal of the new defense cooperation agreement is wide-ranging.

The US President said that both countries have maintained strong alliance for many decades and Monday’s signing is an update on that partnership.

The goal of the agreement is to build Philippine capacity in training and in

coordination, he said, adding that the EDCA not only concentrates on maritime security, but also on enhancing the two countries’ capabilities in responding to natural disasters.

“If there are additional

FPHL-U.S., 10

Farewell, Daddy Ram

Your love for journalism is immeasurable. Your dedication is unparalleled.

Your passion is supreme.

You have guided us in our journey, watched over us through our baby steps and saw us grow to be competitive in a world where you shine like a star. Your wisdom is our bible and each story that passed through you with the words “OK Ram” is our diploma. We may have lost you, but the spirit in each printed word you have breathed life with will be our guiding light.

Thank you for the memories, Daddy Ram.

RAMON M. MAXEY (August 12, 1922-April 27, 2014)

From your EDGE DAVAO Family Our condolences to the bereaved family: Surviving siblings Regina, Julia, Patricia and Joseph; Children Charles Raymond and Bella, Angelica Marie and Dani, Alan James and Jessica, Ramil Anthony and Teresa, Ramona Lisa, Ramilyn Tanya and Phil; Grandchildren Audrey, Andrea Patricia, Alizha, Adrienne, Azir Layne, Julia, Sean Ashley, Austin Bleu, Andrew Robert, Amona and Angelisa Tanya.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

3

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 Internet Photo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

P75 M for Sarangani hospital T

HE Department of Health has allocated an additional P75 million next year to augment the ongoing construction and development of the Sarangani provincial hospital complex in Alabel town.

Dr. Arvin Alejandro, officer-in-charge of the provincial health office of Sarangani, said such commitment was issued last week

by Health Secretary Enrique Ona during a visit and inspection of the project, which is being built within a 3,500-sq. meter area at the provincial capitol grounds.

He said the agency has already released around P50 million for the facility’s initial phase that is now about 95 percent complete.

The project’s construction started in late January last year or nearly two years after its groundbreaking with the release of the initial funding from the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

The first phase of the hospital, which will be named Sarangani Medical Center, comprised the emergency room, clinical laboratory and nursing services rooms.

The completion of the 200-bed hospital, which would be operated as a tertiary facility, was projected to cost around P250 million.

Aside from the P50 million funding for the hospital’s first phase, Alejandro said the DOH has allocated some P20 million for the acquisition of hospital equipment.

He said another P5 million was released by the agency for the construction of a two-story out-patient department and operating room foundation.

The official said the provincial government has already released some P5 million as counterpart to the project.

“The DOH has been downloading counterpart funds yearly and has committed to allocate more to facilitate the hospital’s completion,” he said in a statement.

In the last two years, the DOH has already released around P112 million for the ongoing upgrading of the municipal hospitals in Kiamba, Glan and Malungon towns.

The initiative mainly focuses on the upgrading of the three infirmary facilities to Level 1 primary hospitals.

The DOH and the provincial government have been pushing for the completion of the provincial hospital within the next two years.

The provincial government presently maintains patient referrals to this city

Tagum CiTy

WARM UP. Kids perform warm up exercise during a football clinic in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur on Friday, 25 April. The football clinic is part of the Sports Social School of ANAKK-Sta Cruz, an NGO supported by Fundacion Realmadrid and Fundacion Mapfre. [Mindanews Photo by Ruby Thursday More] through a memorandum of agreement with three private hospitals.

It spends an average of

P20 million yearly for the medical and hospitalization costs of patients from the province’s seven munici-

palities.

In 2013, the provincial health office reported a total of 2,605 patient referrals

and admissions, costing the provincial government around P23 million. [MindaNews]

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Incentives eyed to entice 17 municipalities set to benefit from Kalahi-CIDSS program businessmen, investors

T

HE City Government of Tagum is drumming up its goal in making the city a viable area to do business in Southern Mindanao, with the 6th City Council working closely for the passage of the Local Investment Incentives Code of 2014, which is expected to accelerate social and economic growth.

The centerpiece of the landmark legislation is focused on fiscal incentives that will be granted to registered enterprises for a certain year which includes exemption from payment of local business tax, basic property tax and fees for building permits, mayor’s permit, among others.

Exemption from payment of taxes is pegged from 100% in the first year up to 25%

in their sixth year of operation, depending on the types and capitalization of registered enterprises which are classified as new, pioneering, expanding and diversifying and distressed enterprises.

The Tagum City Investment Promotions Board (TCIPB) will have the sole authority to review, evaluate and act applications and grant incentives as provided in the Investment Code.

The composition of the board includes the city mayor as its chair and DTI provincial director as vice chair while its members are representatives from DOLE, CPDO, Business Permit and Licensing Division, Bankers Association of the Philippines, among others. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

S

EVENTEEN municipalities in Region 12 are set to receive “multi-million” socio-economic projects under the national government’s expanded Kalahi-CIDSS program.

Emerita Dizon, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 12’s coordinator for Kalahi-CIDSS, said Monday the preparatory activities are now underway for the implementation in the region of the scaled-up initiative, which is dubbed Kalahi-CIDSS National Community Driven-Development Program (NCDDP).

Kalahi-CIDSS stands for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, a World Bank-assisted poverty alleviation project implemented since 2003 by the DSWD.

President Benigno S. Aquino III recently approved the expansion of the community-driven development program as a national strategy for poverty-reduction.

In Region 12, Dizon said the initiative is set to expand before the second half of the year in 17 towns in three of the region’s four provinces.

These are the municipalities of Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum in Sarangani province; Alamada, Aleosan, Banisilan, Carmen and Pikit in North Cotabato; and, Bagumbayan, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lambayong, Lebak, Lutayan, Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat.

A report released by DSWD-12 said a total of 25 municipalities have benefited from the program in the region in the last 10 years.

Under its additional financing component that started in 2010, a total of 13 towns were enlisted as beneficiaries and five of them presently have ongoing projects.

Dizon said they are currently assisting the 17 local government units (LGU) in the preparation of the required documents for the availment of the program.

“Each LGU will be given a minimum of P12 million to a maximum of P20 million grants to fund various community projects,” she said in a statement.

The allocation of the grants will depend on an area or LGU’s population, poverty incidence and income classification, she said.

“It means that more and more pressing needs in various communities will be addressed with a much bigger grant now from the program,” Dizon

added.

Kalahi-CIDSS-NCDDP mainly aims to empower communities to achieve improved access to services and to participate in more inclusive local planning, budgeting and implementation of community-based socio-economic projects.

It aims to cover 5.4 million households in 847 municipalities of 58 provinces in the entire country.

The national government has set aside some P43.9 billion for the implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS-NCDDP, which was also set as a support initiative to the government’s post-disaster response and development activities in areas affected by typhoon Yolanda.

The program is supported by loan grants from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

[MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

PHL, Japan sign P1-B grant agreements for water supply, coastal management projects T

HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) led the Philippine government in signing the grant agreements with the Government of Japan for two projects on water supply and coastal management.

Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Noriaki Niwa, incoming Chief Representative of the Japan International Coordination Agency (JICA) Philippine Office, spearheaded the signing of the agreements for the two projects in April 24, 2014 at the Millenia Suites, Pasig City.

The first agreement is for the Project for Improvement of Water Supply System in Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), which has a grant amount of JPY1.165 billion or almost PhP501 million (JPY1 = PhP0.43).

The project aims to ensure a reliable supply of

clean water among consumers in the Metro Cebu area through a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This will provide an integrated, more accurate and real time data collection and analysis through the use of scientific decision-support systems.

The MCWD will implement the project from April 2014 to March 2017.

The second agreement is for the Project for Enhancement of Coastal Communications Systems, which has a grant amount of JPY1.152 billion or almost PhP500 million.

The project, which involves the supply of communication equipment for search and rescue operations, aims to minimize maritime-related disasters for public safety and enable effective and efficient command and control within the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other related agencies nationwide.

PeZA vows to intensify investments drive

T

HE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has pledged to work harder to invite more investors who will put up and expand ventures here in the country, PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima said in an interview.

De Lima said her office is intensifying its efforts to grow investments and number of projects within PEZA economic zones in order to make up for sectors which PEZA is no longer giving incentives.

Pursuant to its resolution on November 2012, PEZA halted giving incentives on tourism projects within Metro Manila, Cebu, and Boracay, and also biofuel projects. ”Those are big projects. On tourism, it’s always multi-billion investments; also biofuels -- these are big projects,” de Lima said. ”Our universe has been reduced,” she said explaining the effects of removing incentives on tourism and biofuels projects in PEZA. In 2013, total investments in PEZA reached Php 276.13 billion which is 11.48 percent lower than 2012’s total investment of Php 311.50 billion. ”We will work for it

harder. I will invite more investors. Those who are here, I will invite them to expand,” de Lima stressed. ”We are approving a lot of projects even sometimes we’re down, sometimes we’re up.But our gauge here is the number of projects we are approving… Big companies, they bring their suppliers especially in electronics and automotive (sectors),” she added.

She noted that PEZA has been receiving interests on investments here in the Philippines from different countries particularly from Central Europe. ”It’s only in the recent past that we get invites from Norway, Sweden Copenhagen, Denmark, Finland, Scandinavian, Nordic countries. Then we’re getting invites from Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic… We’re now on the radar screen,” de Lima cited.

The investment promotion agency aims to grow investment approvals by 10 percent this year.

In its 19 years of establishment, investments entered through PEZA has reached to Php 2.627 trillion and created 1,055,599 direct jobs.

[PNA]

READY. Workers in sitio Marahan in Marilog, Davao City place squash in sacks for delivery to buyers in the city on Sunday, 27 April 2014. [MindaNews photo

by H. Marcos C. Mordeno]

Int’l on-line vehicle marketplace spreads out investments in PHL C

ARMUDI, an international on-line vehicle marketplace for shoppers and sellers, has expanded its investments in the Philippines three months after it opened its domestic office in the country.

The Philippines has a slice on the new USD 10 million worth of investment of the company in Asia. ”Carmudi has received a funding of USD 10 million to expand into its Asian operations in six countries – Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and Myanmar,” it said.

Carmudi is supported by one of the world’s larg-

est e-commerce, Rocket Internet, which focuses on venture capital firms and startup incubators.

Carmudi Philippines has yet to disclose how much it received from the USD 10-million investments but it explained that the local office here gets a large percentage noting that the Philippines is the fastest growing economy among the other six countries.

The company has started its local operation in January 6, 2014 with headquarterss in the Makati Central Business District.

Carmudi Philippines offers all kind of brand

new, used, and certified second-hand vehicles from motorcycles to cars up to commercial vehicles.

When it started on January, Carmudi Philippines has 400 on-line listing per week.

To date, its listing grew by 1,500 percent to about 7,000 on-line listing in a week.

It has a weekly turnover of 20 percent or selling around 1,400 vehicles every week.

About 90 percent of this listing came from private or individual auto sellers while the remaining 10 percent came from Carmudi’s local partner dealership

companies nationwide.

Carmudi Philippines Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Doldt said with the strong performance in the first months of its operation in the country, the company expects growth towards the end of the year.

Dodlt added that Carmudi Philippines will focus on strengthening and growing its number of professional and private dealers.

Meanwhile, the company is present in 11 countries including Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Ghana, Pakistan, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. [PNA]

company pays. The amount represents about 69.02 percent of Vista Land’s outstanding $ 150-million bonds due 2015.

Villar-led property firm said the positive results from the tender offer helped drive momentum for the new issue by its subsidiary Vista Land International Inc. (VLLI), which garnered a final order book of about $ 350 million from 44 accounts.

The company said the

issue saw participation from offshore and institutional investors.

In terms of geographic distribution, around 95 percent of the bonds were distributed in Asia and the rest in Europe. By investor type, 60 percent of the bonds were distributed to banks, 28 percent to fund and asset managers and 12 percent to private banks.

Vista Land priced the new five-year issuance at

a yield of 7.625 percent, representing a 12.5 basis points tightening from initial guidance of 7.75 percent. The bonds will bear a fixed interest coupon of 7.45 percent per annum, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears.

“The success of the tender offer and new issue represents an important milestone for Vista Land in the active management of its capital structure,” it said. [PNA]

Vista Land raises $225 M in corporate notes issue

A

UNIT of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. has successfully raised abroad $ 225 million through corporate notes, the first dollar-denominated bond offering from a Philippine corporate this year.

The bond issuance was in conjunction with the tender offer for $ 103.76 million worth of corporate notes originally due September 2015, aimed at lowering the interest the

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

Bloomberry Resorts posts P1.46 billion in 1st quarter B

LOOMBERRY Resorts Corporation (BLOOM PM), owner and operator (through its subsidiaries) of the Solaire Resort & Casino, reported unaudited consolidated financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, posting total gross revenues of P7.381 billion, over 11 times the P661 million generated in the same period last year; and generating a profit of P1.461 billion from a loss of P1.056 billion in the same period last year.

Gaming continued to generate the bulk of the company’s total gross revenues, accounting for 95.7 percent of the total followed

by Hotel, Food and Beverage at 3.9 percent with the balance of 0.4 percent taken up by Retail and Others and Interest Income.

Gross gaming revenues and non-gaming revenues hit P7.060 billion and P286 million, respectively. On a year-on-year basis, these grew 12- and five-fold, respectively. This significant improvement in revenues was due to the Group’s ability to successfully manage and operate Solaire without a third-party management company.

Enrique K. Razon Jr., Bloomberry Chairman and CEO, says: “It is significant that we were able to turn a profit after only a year of operation. This is proof

positive that the Group, without a third-party management company, has the ability and the acumen to manage an integrated resort. During the year, we labored on building our core business while working on the expansion that would make Solaire a truly integrated resort. By the fourth quarter of this year, we shall see the fruition with the opening of Phase 1-A.” Solaire’s management focused on preparing and implementing its marketing strategy and executing policies and procedures that resulted in significantly better margins. The Group identified and addressed the operational issues relating to GGAM’s failure under the Management Services Agreement, which was the reason for its termination. Solaire’s management intensified promotion and marketing efforts through the unveiling of creative programs, hosting special events, launching promotions, establishing marketing presence in the Asian Region, hiring experienced senior executives in mass and VIP marketing and other strategic marketing activities.

Total expenses for the quarter rose nearly 2.5 times to P4.530 billion, from P1.826 billion in 1Q 2013. Operating expenses grew by 157

percent year-on-year to P4.515 billion.

Earnings Before Interest, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) reached P2.154 billion, a significant turnaround from the negative P1.062 billion in the same time period last year. Moreover, this year’s first quarter EBITDA was nearly

equal to its full-year 2013 EBITDA of P2.166 billion (excluding P1.048 billion in pre-operating expenses). Based on net revenues, the EBITDA margin registered an unprecedented increase to 36 percent, effectively doubling from 18 percent in the last quarter of 2013.

Earnings per share

Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

He added that the two economies have been increasingly interlinked; the two countries have more common institutions than any other country in the Asian region.

“Our commercial, educational, legal, public institutions, and even language, have much in common between the two countries.

This is why it is natural that we find common interests in development,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

In 2013, The USA was ranked as the second largest trading partner of the Philippines, with total trade amounting to US$14.5 billion. Moreover,

it remained as one of the major sources of cash remittances from OF from 2007-2013. Last year, cash remittances of OFs totaled US$23 billion, up by 7.4 percent from 2012.

The Cabinet official said the USA recognizes that the Philippines requires substantial resources to realize its development goals.

“Their government’s assistance to the country in forms of partnership for growth is contributing quite significantly to the whole process of complementation of our development resources,” said Balisacan.

He also highlighted the USA’s significant role in the Asian region, which

will remain strong in the years to come.

“For us here in the Philippines, geopolitical stability is a key driver of growth. We need stability in the years to come for us to be able join the rank of more advanced economies. That’s why we need good relationships and partnerships with other governments. The US sending the signal that it is here in Asia for the long haul will help bring that stability,” said Balisacan.

“The affirmation and re-affirmation between the two governments of their common and longterm economic and social interests toward prosperity are very important,” he said.

INDIGENOUS. A bus passenger buys bracelets made of an indigenous material called tikog from Matigsalug vendors at the quarantine station in Lorega in Kitaotao, Bukidnon on Sunday, 27 April 2014. each bracelet costs P10. [MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno] in the first quarter of the year hit P0.138 versus a P0.10 loss in the same quarter last year.

Total capital expenditures for the quarter declined by 50 percent yearon-year to P4.883 billion with the opening of Solaire in March last year.

Bloombery Resorts Corporation is the owner

and operator (through its subsidiaries) of the Solaire Resort & Casino, the first property to open in Entertainment City in the Philippines. With the opening of Phase 1-A by the fourth quarter of this year, Solaire will become a true Integrated Resort (IR) driving both local and foreign visitation.

Stronger PHL-US development partnership key for economic stability, inclusive growth T

HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) underscored the importance of strengthening the development ties between the Philippines and the United States of America (USA) in the government’s goal of inclusive growth for the country.

The statement was made in time for US President Barack Obama’s state visit to the Philippines today, April 28, 2014.

“Overall, the Philippines has strong linkages with the USA in many areas of the economy such as trade, finance, overseas Filipino (OF) employment and remittances, foreign direct investments, among others,” said Economic

by the numbers The Bureau of Cust collected

oms

P86.501 billion

in January to March,

8.73%

short of its P94.778-

billion goal.

Source: BocImporterS an d dIStrIButorS Inc (aVId)

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

Coal: A mixed blessing?

By GERRy T. EsTRERA

“A

MONG the materials that are dug because they are useful, those known as anthrakes (coals) are made of earth, and, once set on fire, they burn like charcoal. They are found in Liguria ... and in Elis as one approaches Olympia by the mountain road; and they are used by those who work in metals.” -- Theophrastus, On Stones *** Damned if you, damned if you don’t. Such is the case of using coal as source of power. If coal is not used for power generation, it’s damned. And if it used, it’s still damned. The demand is seen to intensify as population continues to increase each year.

Whether Filipinos like it or not, the country’s power supply will be unstable. This is particularly true in Davao, where the economy is booming. In fact, from time to time, brownouts happen every now and then.

“One of these days, about 10 years from today, we will completely lose our energy,” explained Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on why he defended the approval on second reading the request of Therma South, Inc. to expand its generating capacity in barangay Binugao, Toril from 300 megawatts (MW) to 645 MW. Duterte told the local media that all mans should be utilized to meet the power demand. As there are no economically viable alternatives of energy sources right now, he singled out coal as the best possible solution.

“Coal is the cheaper and more accessible source of power that could satisfy the (growing) demand of

the city,” Duterte pointed out. He added that oil as a source of power is too expensive. As for the geothermal from Mount Apo, it can only give about 30% of the city’s power needs.

Environmentalists, however, are worried that the coal fired-power plant would harm the ecology and jeopardize the health of the communities where the plant is located. “I am the mayor,” he said, “Do you think I will allow that to happen? Am I that stupid?”

Coal (from the Old English term col, which has meant “mineral of fossilized carbon”) is a fossil fuel that supplies 28 percent of the world’s fuel.

“Coal began to form 300 million years ago when large regions of the earth were covered with tropical swamps containing dense vegetation,” wrote H. Steven Dashefsky, author of Environmental Literacy: Everything You Need to Know about Saving Our Planet. As the fast-growing vegetation died and accumulated under the water, it formed a material called peat, which is the first step in the formation of coal.

The peat was gradually covered by sediment.

“Over time, pressure squeezed out much of the

water and compressed the peat into lignite coal (also called brown coal), which contains about 40% moisture. With heat from the earth and continued pressure, lignite was transformed into a soft type of coal balled bituminous coal, which has only about 3% moisture. With continued heat and pressure, hard coal called anthracite was finally formed.”

The entire process took hundreds of millions of years. “Coal is not a pure substance,” wrote Penelope ReVelle and Charles ReVelle, authors of The Environment: Issues and Choices for Society. “In addition to carbon, it contains inorganic material that remains after coal has been burned; it’s called ash. Sulfur also occurs in coal, sometimes as iron sulphide and sometimes combined with organic compounds. Arsenic is also present in coal, as are radioactive elements.”

Coal may be “the dirtiest of the fossil fuels,” but it is a magnificent source of heat energy. “Burning 0.454 kilogram of bituminous coal releases 13,000 Btu, or 13,700 kilojoules of heat energy,” the ReVelles wrote.

Wikipedia shares this information as to how

coal is used for electricity generation: “(Coal) is usually pulverized and then combusted (burned) in a furnace with a boiler.

The furnace heat converts boiler water to steam, which is then used to spin turbines which turn generators and create electricity. The thermodynamic efficiency of this process has been improved over time. Simple cycle steam turbines have topped out with some of the most advanced reaching about 35% thermodynamic efficiency for the entire process. Increasing the combustion temperature can boost this efficiency even further.”

At least 40% of the world’s electricity comes from coal. In 2012, about one-third of the United States’ electricity came from coal. Ten percent of the world’s coal reserves (identified deposits) are located in the US, with over 50% in China.

“Coal reserves are expected to last about 220 years if existing demand continues,” Dashefsky wrote.

“The projected amount of coal resources (unidentified deposits), however, might last about 900 years with the current demand.”

Coal contains high heat

content at economical costs, but many environmental problems are associated with its use. Coal is touted to be the dirtiest fossil fuel to burn and it generates hundreds of millions of tons of waste products, including fly ash, bottom ash, and fluegas desulfurization sludge, that contain mercury, uranium, thorium, arsenic, and other heavy metals.

Burning of coal releases pollutants that help contribute to acid rain. In addition, the burning may release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere thus causing the climate change phenomenon.

Studies have shown that coal-fired electric power generation emits around 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide for every megawatt-hour generated. This is almost double the approximately 1100 pounds of carbon dioxide released by a natural gas-fired electric plant per megawatt-hour generated.

According to Wikipedia, coal-fired power plants without effective fly ash capture systems are one of the largest sources of human-caused background radiation exposure. They also emit mercury, selenium, and arsenic, which are harmful

to human health and the environment.

But there’s good news.

“New technologies can burn coal more efficiently and more cleanly,” Dashefsky noted. “This includes the fluidized-bed combustion method, which will begin replacing old-style coal burners. It converts solid coal into gas or liquid fuels called synfuels.”

Coal gasification converts solid coal into a gas synfuel called synthetic natural gas. Coal liquefaction turns it into a liquid synfuel such as methanol.

Both types of synthetic fuels produce much less air pollution than burning solid coal.

“Liquid fuels are more functional than solid fuels for heating homes and running automobiles and other forms of transportation,” Dashefsky pointed out. “They can also be transported through pipelines whereas solid coal must be shipped.”

Meanwhile, Mindanao gets its power from four major sources: hydropower, coal, oil, and geothermal -- in that order. The bulk – 662 MW or 52% – comes from hydropower.

Oil contributes 24% of the power supply (311 MW) while geothermal is the source of 8% (98 MW).

The remaining 16% (203 MW) comes from coal.

“We are heavily dependent on hydropower which is coming only from one source, Lake Lanao,” says Manuel ‘Bobby’ Orig, first Vice President for Aboitiz Power Corp. in Mindanao. “This is the reason why during summer months or during long dry spell, when water level in Lake Lanao is very low, the power supply in Mindanao is gravely affected.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

Ramon M. Maxey (August 12, 1922-April 27, 2014)

EDITORIAL

A time to grow and a time to lose

L

IKE some old-fashioned sad song, we ask: why do we lose someone whenever we gain something?

This paper has just turned six years old and already, we are humbled by the experience of being in this very competitive world. Frankly, to be in existence for this long and remain in the competition is already a tall order where a number have tried and failed. We were never really given much of a look, our presence perhaps inconsequential. But from a weekly business paper, we have evolved to join the mainstream daily newspaper publications in Davao City.

One of those who stuck to the conviction of being in the thick of the fight is no less than the most grizzled warrior in newspapering this side of the world—Ramon M. Maxey.

Daddy Ram, as everyone in this industry calls him, never waned in believing this paper will survive the battle. He bravely goaded everyone to cling on to the spirit, almost to the point of coaxing. For Daddy Ram, a war veteran himself, only the brave survives. Daddy Ram knows how a war is fought. He was a frontline gunner for the 110th Division of the US forces in the Philippines during the war. His favorite

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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

weapon is the 60mm mortar—reason why he says he stirs his coffee sixty times.

Daddy Ram was the guiding light of this news organization. He was so engulfed with passion for excellence that he swore to bring in awards while still in active duty, patiently going through each written word.

At age six, Edge Davao has four nominations in this year’s Philippine Press Institute-Coca Cola National Journalism Awards for Best Edited Newspaper, Best Editorial Page, Best in Business and Economic Reporting, and Best in Photojournalism. All these are, in a way, part of Daddy Ram’s humble legacy.

We sure hope that Daddy Ram would have been around when the verdict comes. However, deep in our hearts, we know the outcome will be of no consequence. Daddy Ram has lifted us to this level and kept us in the thick of the fight.

He will continue to make us work even harder and not rest on any laurels.

We know you are proud of us, Daddy Ram. We will keep the passion burning.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR./ CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. ViLLARiN

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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

Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

Smoke of perception

H

IGHLY-AMBITIOUS POLITICIANS ARE DEEPING THEIR FINGERS INTO THE PDAF SCAM – The mystery deepens. Possibly the Justice Department, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and different government probe teams should think again. The recent disclosure of Janet Lim-Napoles implicating more lawmakers including some allies of the President to the PDAF scam raised the quizzical brows of the wary public.

Just like the three leading political figures embroiled in the pork barrel scandal, the alleged “new buddies” vehemently denied the accusation. Of course, none of this is to say that Napoles is telling the truth – nothing but the truth. But some skeptics suspect that despite their intense denial others may be hiding dirty linens inside their closets.

What makes the situation even more confusing is that some highly-ambitious and power-obsessed politicians are trying to deep their fingers into the pork barrel controversy. Based only on unsigned draft testimony they want to make it appear that there’s certainty on Napoles’ revelation and knowing for a fact that they’re aware of the anomalies from the very start. By the way, where is that darn evidence?

Many people notably the supporters and followers of the newly named lawmakers who allegedly benefited from the pork barrel scam may not share Napoles’ disclosure, but they certainly seem to share the main premise that corruption is so entrenched that there is a need to dig deeper into the despicable undertaking.

It is now the turn of the alleged “next batch” of PDAF recipients to clear their names. Perhaps they should. They spent enough time in Congress not to know that behind the smoke of perception is the fire of habitual corruption in the bureaucracy. What can they lose by assuming that all legislators need to be thoroughly investigated?

P

And what is there to fear about if they have done nothing wrong in the performance of their duties?

Well, it is so really degrading to talk about corruption and even more frustrating to see that it is in the protracted political infighting and senseless debates over the PDAF scam where all the energies of our lawmakers go.

EXASPERATING ECONOMIC REVERSAL – Economists predict that the year 2014 will be another difficult time for the country since the 70’s and 80’s oil recession. The oil crisis downturn is knocking louder than expected these days, and it is beginning to edge its foot into our doors. And the bad news keeps coming; higher oil prices have hurt. Prices are expected to rise as high as P60 per liter.

Government has for months been resigned to the fact that prices of gasoline and other refined petroleum products will increase because of the escalating prices in the world market. Even if our economic experts and captains of trade and industry would consider that the economy remained stable, people are already beginning to feel the pain in unanticipated ways.

In the last few weeks, a consensus has been growing that more workers are losing jobs and unemployment rate rose at accelerating pace.

Consumers refrained from spending, particularly on big-ticket items. The country’s capital goods destined largely for export suffered a drop, and the toughest problem relates to the

very nature of the manufacturing base. Exports, which were supposed to go up as currency went down, haven’t met expectations.

The reversals might be exasperating to our top-level officials and economic managers.

As a matter of fact the country’s economy still looks good – on the surface. Looking closer given the currency meltdown at the start of 2014, exports are little changed in U.S. dollar while falling imports demonstrate weak domestic demand.

Private economic experts likewise think interest rates will remain high, the currency weak and the economy vulnerable to paleness among Asian neighbors. If local exporters do not get back their feet soon largely due to skyrocketing cost of fuel, the country’s export machine will grind to a halt.

Continuous oil price hikes likewise would deliver a major blow to the country’s tourism industry. Tourism, another key earner for the country has likewise been devastated – as of the first quarter of the year tourist arrivals had fallen drastically. Officials estimate that the country’s tourism earnings could fall severely this year if the oil crisis continues.

Gravest government critics’ latest forecast predicts zero growth this year as they alleged that domestic demand slows down and trade conditions will deteriorate. Other private economic analysts are more pessimistic still, predicting that the potential impact caused by the oil crunch on export and capital inflow may lead to temporary slowdown in economic growth in the country.

Admittedly, this year will be a difficult year for all of us since the previous series of oil crisis. When it comes to oil slump, no one, not even the best-run economies will be immune, and no one will be able to count on fast recovery. That’s the restraining reality – even for the proudest bureaucrats.

Abe’s disturbing lack of focus

RESIDENT Barack Obama’s trip to Asia this week has focused mostly on Japan’s territorial disputes with China. On this issue, Obama seems to be repeating the same mistakes he made in Ukraine.

By creating false expectations of U.S. support for the Japanese position, the president is encouraging Japan to escalate its belligerent rhetoric. That, in turn, makes Chinese military action to seize the disputed islands more likely.

Everyone knows that there is no chance of the United States going to war with China to defend Japan’s claim to four uninhabited lumps of rock.

Luckily, a military confrontation in the East China Sea remains highly unlikely because the Beijing government’s top priority is economic and financial reform. Unfortunately, this seems less true of Japan.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s attention seems to have shifted from economics to diplomacy and military matters — and financial markets have started to notice this disturbing change of focus. The clearest evidence can be seen in the relative performance of the Japanese stock market.

Equities around the world have enjoyed a strong rebound in the past few weeks. While the U.S. and several European stock markets were again challenging record highs this week, the Tokyo market has been by far the world’s worst-performing stock market, down 10 percent so far this year.

Yet Japanese equities are by some measures among the world’s “best value” — or cheapest investments. The Topix index is trading at just 1.1 times book value, according to Bloomberg.

U.S. stocks in Standard and Poor’s 500 index, by contrast, are selling at 2.6 times book value, while Europe’s Stoxx 600 index is at 1.9 times.

Despite its relative cheapness, the Tokyo market’s performance has deteriorated further in the past few weeks even as global investors

COMMENTARY By anatole KaletSKy have sought to rotate their money toward better-value assets, as I described here two weeks ago. The upshot is that Japan’s market has given up all the relative gains it enjoyed in the first half of last year.

Tokyo was then, by far and away, the world’s best-performing stock market — buoyed by enthusiasm for Abe’s economic reform program, known as Abenomics, which seemed ambitious and single-minded. Today, the Japanese stock market is weaker relative to Wall Street and to most European markets than at any time in the past decade.

Why has Japan performed so poorly? I presented the economic case against Japan here a month ago. The key risk was — and still is — last fall’s controversial decision to boost consumption taxes. The move illustrated the sudden shift in Abe’s priorities from accelerating economic growth to the more traditional objectives of conservative Japanese politicians. The higher tax supported the construction industry and, perhaps most important, created the fiscal headroom to boost defense spending.

The consumption tax hike, which went into effect in April, amounts to a fiscal tightening of more than 2 percent of gross domestic product. The contraction more or less guaranteed a slump in the Japanese economy unless offset by very powerful countervailing measures of monetary or fiscal expansion.

But no such initiatives were implemented.

Even if some were announced in the next few months, they would come too late to prevent a severe economic contraction.

Why is it that Abe, who early last year seemed willing to “do whatever it takes” to

shake his country out of its decades of economic lethargy, has decided to risk pushing Japan back into stagnation by continuously tightening fiscal policy?

Judging by my recent conversations in Tokyo, there are two answers, both connected with the geopolitical issues dominating this week’s Abe-Obama summit.

First, a big fall in output in the current quarter caused by the tax hike will set the stage for a statistical rebound in the third quarter, when consumption returns to something closer to normality. The government and the Bank of Japan are eager to see such a mechanical rebound because the prime minister must make a formal decision in December to proceed with the next stage of fiscal tightening – raising the consumption tax from 8 percent to 10 percent, which would go into effect in October 2015.

A decent rebound in third-quarter GDP figures, due to be released in late November, will provide the pretext that Abe requires for yet another tax hike. The higher tax, in turn, is seen as necessary to create the fiscal headroom for higher military spending in the years ahead.

The second reason for the Abe government’s new-found tolerance for an economic slowdown is directly connected to the rise of China. When Abe was elected in late 2012, his determination to revive the Japanese economy was significantly motivated by fears about China.

The worry was not that China had overtaken Japan as the world’s second-biggest economy and would eventually overtake the United States’ — even the most ardent Japanese nationalists see both these trends as inevitable.

More troubling was growing evidence that China’s economic might was shifting the balance of interest in Washington from the traditional postwar friendship with Japan to cultivating better relations with China.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Service-oriented and Orderly Abroad; Sana Also at Home WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa

R

Part 1 of 2

EMEMBER Dr. Jose Rizal’s essay on “The Indolence of the Filipino?” It confronted the prejudice of Spanish colonials towards Filipinos (whom they called indios) as lazy, lacking in initiative, unreliable, fit only for menial labor and not worth full compensation.

Knowing the true character of Filipinos and their oppressed condition as subjects of an imperious regime, Rizal explained that the alleged laziness of Pinoys was in fact a reflection of their resentment against indignity and maltreatment.

Over three hundred years of indignity and abuse, he explained, created resentment in the hearts and minds of Filipinos—inducing in them an uncooperative attitude towards the colonial regime and a distaste for officious Spaniards who exploited the country’s resources for their own purposes.

Not only that, appearing to be “indolent” disguised their non-cooperation.

It was a defense mechanism as well as an offensive reaction against insulting treatment.

Ultimately, it was a form of defiance, a protest against cruelty and oppression. Laziness wasn’t what made Pinoys unwilling to work or to serve the colonials. It was revulsion at the thought of working for basically nothing. ***** The colonials actually thought they could just demand obedience, tribute, or pro bono service! It didn’t occur to them that no one in his right mind, native or alien, would work for free, earn nothing for livelihood, and let his family starve in the process!

It didn’t help that the government also adopted a policy of compulsory labor from the citizens. Everyone except the privileged classes was required to contribute their labor for the construction of public works projects—without compensation!

It was inevitable therefore that the Pinoys were reluctant to offer their services unless coerced. And when forced to serve, they did so in an improper way.

Intentional bad service was their way of expressing criticism and defiance at the way they were treated. In that context, poor workmanship was also a way of exacting revenge.

A doctor many times over and a keen student of human nature, Rizal knew the Pinoy condition as no one in his generation did. And that’s why his essay on “indolence” is a classic piece of revolutionary writing.

The Castilian overlords overworked and abused the trusting Filipino to the point of killing his will to work, to strive to progress, or even to live. Thus it is understandable that the Filipino would seem to them to be indolent and bereft of resourcefulness.

Ultimately, Rizal rectified the wrong characterization of his fellow countrymen, eloquently presenting their case in the context of colonialism and man’s struggle for dignity and justice.

He showed how Filipinos were second to none as honorable and dignified people, while also exposing the pretentious, elitist, and prejudiced attitudes of the colonial Spaniards.

10 NEWS

Osmeña... FFROM 2 said Consulta.

“Wala naman silang ginagawa diyan kundi mag-inuman, sinisira yung park,” added Consulta, whose police station is just across the park.

Consulta said the suspected snatchers also frequent park which has also become a smoking area during night time.

Yesrday morning, he narrated that they rescued five minors caught in a gambling session inside the park. The minors were immediately turned over to Quick Response Team for Children’s Con-

cerns of City Social Service and Development Office.

Madrazo said that they are going to transfer the chess club hub on the other side of the park beside Sangguniang Panglunsod upon the club officers’ request to avoid the noise from passing vehicles which often disturb the players.

The ‘Dama’ hub will be placed beside the comfort room within the park.

Madrazo said the fencing of the park is expected to be finished by early July this year.

threats that may arise, we are able to work in a cooperative fashion,” he said.

The agreement is similar to the pact that the US signed with Australia, he noted.

“I think this is going to be a terrific opportunity for us to work with the Philippines to make sure that our navies, our air force are coordinated; to make sure that there is information-sharing; to allow us to respond to new threats and to work with other countries—ASEAN countries, Australia, Japan,” Obama said.

The US goal here is simply to make sure that everybody is operating in a peaceful and responsible fashion, he said.

When there is regional stability, countries focus on more important things like increasing prosperity and growth, as well as creating jobs, the US leader noted.

“Those are the things that we, as leaders, should be focused on, need to be focused on. And if we have security arrangements that avoid conflict and dispute, then we’re able to place our attention on where we should be focusing,” Obama said.

Defense Minister Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador Philip Goldberg on Monday morning signed the agreement that allows a bigger US military presence in the country.

The 10-year deal is only a framework agreement.

Details on the duration and number of US troops staying in the country still have to be negotiated.

Obama arrived in the Philippines from Malaysia on Monday afternoon for a two-day visit. Manila is the final leg of his Asian trip that also took him to Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

[PNA]

terms of giving access to land and support services, socialized credit and initial capitalization for new and old ARBs. She said that the government should also expand the support services scope beyond the agrarian reform communities, provide agrarian justice delivery and ensure adequate budget for the implementation of agrarian reform.

“The underlying goal is to usher in a lasting era of social justice in the countryside and ensure the economic viability and political empowerment of agrarian reform beneficiaries,” Manahan said.

According to the data of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), land acquisition and distribution balance totaled to 790,671 hectares form 80,867 landholdings as of 2013.

“This means that the department needs to distribute 197,667.8 hectares per month from March to June 30, 2014 to stick to the deadline,” Manahan said.

She said that that there are still 206,536 hectares of lands with no notices of coverage. The notices kicks off the land distribution process for private agricultural lands under compulsory acquisition, which is now the main mode of ac-

quisition under Carper law.

“These landholdings comprise the bulk of remaining lands to be distributed – 470,274 hectares of lands or 60 percent of the total land distribution balance,” she said.

The statement said that the coconut, rice and sugar cane lands comprise of more than two-thirds of lands that still need to be distributed under the law.

Based on DAR figures as of January 2013, there are 262,524 hectares of rice lands and 145,802 hectares planted to sugarcane that are up for distribution.

“Unfortunately, the national land reform program is now at dire state, ultimately, as a result of DAR’s halfhearted commitment to act decisively for the interests of its primary constituency – small, landless farmers,” she said.

Manahan narrated that DAR secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes promised to distribute more than 1.2 million hectares of land, targeting 200,000 for 2011; 180,000 hectares for 2012; 260,000 hectares for 2013 and 200,000 hectares for 2014.

“This leaves around 360,000 hectares of undistributed land or 30 percent of the total balance by 2014,” it says. [ABF]

PHL-U.S. ...FFROM 2

Vast...FFROM 2

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

SUMMER SPORTSFEST. City Sports Officer William Ramirez discusses with City Tourism Officer Lisette Marques during this week’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao the details of the upcoming Davao City Summer Sports for Peace Festival to open on May 1 at People’s Park. Lean Daval Jr.

Jobseekers urged to attend 2014 Labor Day job fairs A

S the country gears up for the 112th Labor Day celebration on May 1, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz has reminded jobseekers on the basic “must-do” if they wish to join and participate in any of the 65 DOLE 2014 Labor Day Job Fairs nationwide.

The documents required by employers at the job fair are resume or curriculum vitae; 2 x 2 ID pictures (bring extra copies for multiple job applications); certificate of employment, for those formerly employed; diploma and/or transcript of records; and authenticated birth certificate, said Baldoz.

“Whether you are going to the job fair at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City, or to another job fair in a particular city or

province, a basic requirement is to have your application documents ready as job opportunities in ‘key employment generator’ industries in all the 65 job fairs will be abundantly available on May 1,” Baldoz said.

This year’s Labor Day theme celebration is “Sa Sipag, Tiyaga, at Talino, Buong Mundo Saludo sa Manggagawang Pilipino.”

With this theme, the DOLE aims to recognize the invaluable contribution of all Filipino workers to the continued growth and resurgence of the Philippine economy.

As a general procedure for job application on May 1, new job seekers will be required to fill-up registration forms which are to be provided at the job fairs.

But before May 1, applicants can already pre-register online through the

new PhilJob.net website (http//www.phil-jobnet. dole.gov.ph); or manually, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), in their locality.

“There will be thousands of jobs that would be available in the job fairs.

Choose the position that best fits your qualification from the vacancies listing that would be made available at the fairs. Take note of the company’s name then proceed to the company’s booth,” Baldoz said.

“Better still, do a little research on the company you are interested in. This will be a big help in the interviews. Employers will interview, pre-select, and hire on-the-spot qualified workers, but if the applicant is not qualified, he may opt to look for other vacancies,” she added.

“The resiliency of our workers, against all odds,

Benigno Aquino III in Malacanang.

Obama congratulated President Aquino for the reforms he pursued to make the Philippines one of the fast growing economies in Asia. ”We agreed to keep deepening our economic cooperation. I congratulated President Aquino on the reforms that he’s pursued to make the Philippines more competitive through our partnership for growth and our Millennium Challenge Coop-

eration compact,” Obama said. ”We are going to keep working together to support these efforts so that more Filipinos can share in this nation’s economic progress because growth has to be broad-based and it has to be inclusive” the US leader added.

The two leaders also discussed the steps that the Philippines could take to position itself for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. ”I encouraged the President to seize the op-

is beyond compare. This Labor Day, we aim to give back the service they deserve by fast-tracking the matching of job seekers and employers, particularly in identified areas where skills are highly in demand or available through the conduct of Job Fairs,” Baldoz said.

The job fairs are open to all unemployed, skilled and unskilled workers, fresh college graduates, graduates of training institutions, displaced workers and employees seeking advancement.

The DOLE is leading the 2014 Labor Day festivities with a renewed commitment to the righteous governance, anti-corruption, anti-poverty drive of the Aquino administration, whose goal is to reduce, if not eliminate, poverty through inclusive job-rich economic growth. [PNA]

American business leaders to explore opportunities in Philippines--Obama U

NITED States President Barack Obama on Monday announced that American business leaders will be coming to the Philippines in June this year to explore more opportunities. ”I’m announcing that my Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker will lead the delegation of American business leaders to the Philippines this June to explore new opportunities,” Obama said during the joint press conference after his bilateral meeting with President

portunity he’s created by opening the next phase of economic reform and growth,” Obama said. ”As a vibrant democracy, the Philippines reflects the desire of citizens in this region to live in freedom and to have their universal rights upheld.

As one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, the Philippines represents new opportunities for the trade and investment that creates jobs in both countries,” the US President added. [PNA]

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

11

Farm Heroes Saga: A veggie rush CHILL JILL

ROM the makers of the hit game Candy Crush Saga, comes a new puzzle game that will keep your eyes glued to your mobile phones. Drum rolls for the Farm Heroes Saga!

Join forces with the farm heroes to stop villains Rancid and Racoon from spoiling the ‘cropsies’ in your farm.

Switch and match some crops to generate power and stop them from destroying your farm. Match about three to four ‘cropsies’ to drive away Rancid from messing up the precious land farm.

If you’re in for some

farm-tastic adventure then this game is for you. You can also mix it with some fruit madness!

Play through more than hundred levels of this game with some strawberry switching and carrot crushing to save the day.

Farm Heroes Saga does not differ much from Candy Crush if you happen to play it. It’s the same thing where you do a switch and match job but this time not you use crops and fruits instead of candies.

Don’t look now but this game has already reached more than fifty million downloads and increasing ratings day by day.

This is not just to entice players for a matching game but it also reminds everyone to do away from sugar rush and go for some healthy lifestyle by eating fruits and veggies that will keep us away from getting sick.

Funny but it’s true that we get to love candies more

HE smartphone market reached another milestone after shipping over one billion units worldwide in 2013, global market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) said.

According to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mo-

T

port*, Korean device manufacturer Samsung emerged as overall leader in worldwide smartphone shipments with 313.9 million units shipped worldwide in 2013, generating a 31.3% market share on the back of a sustained demand for its Galaxy S4 and Note 3 mod-

bile Phone Tracker*, vendors shipped a total of 1.004 billion smartphones worldwide, up 38.4% from the 725.3 million units in 2012.

Based on the IDC re-

els, as well as its line-up of mid-range and entry-level devices.

For 2014, Samsung continues to strengthen its presence in the smartphone market, specifically

Athena Jillian Bravo

F

because of Candy Crush and maybe it’s time for us to switch back to what’s supposedly a more healthy menu by starting to love

vegetables and fruits with the help of Farm Heroes Saga.

Farm Heroes would always save the day and

in Southeast Asia, with its recent collaboration with the SingTel Group to provide a more seamless and richer mobile data experience to its over 500 million mobile customers across the region.

In the Philippines, the partnership is poised to benefit over 38 million Globe Telecom customers with initiatives such as a retail collaboration program, direct carrier billing system, regional mobile app development program, and direct access to selected apps.

Alongside the launch of the landmark partnership is the availability of the Samsung Galaxy S5 from Globe under its suite of innovative postpaid plan offers, where customers can get the Galaxy S5 for as low as P1,699 monthly at Globe mySUPERPLAN or P1,599 with P16,800 cash-out per year with the Galaxy Forever Plan which allows them to get the newest Galaxy smartphone every year.

On top of a fully-customizable plan, subscribers are also entitled to exclusive privileges such as free 1-month Gadget Care coverage, free Facebook access, free 1-subscription to Enjoy VIP PH Mobile App, free Globe apps, app purchases charged to postpaid bill or deducted from pre-

paid load, and free 6-month subscription to Spotify Premium for access to over 30 million songs on mobile.

“Maximize the powerful features of the Samsung Galaxy S5 with a Globe postpaid plan that fits you and your needs, including special add-ons and offers for the complete smartphone experience,” said Raul Macatangay, VP for Postpaid Business and Devices at Globe. “With our strong partnership with Samsung and our established affinity with postpaid consumers in the Philippines, our offers enable users embrace the smartphone revolution in an easier and faster way, allowing them to play in a wonderful world of the latest devices for their digital lifestyle.”

Globe subscribers can also enjoy the telco’s largest 4G network nationwide for faster and more seamless connectivity while surfing on mobile using the new GoSURF consumable data plan. To know more about Samsung Galaxy S5 from Globe, visit www. globe.com.ph/galaxys5 or call the Globe Sales Hotline at 730-1010. *IDC Press Release, “Worldwide Smartphone Shipments Top One Billion Units for the First Time, According to IDC,” 27 January 2014

maybe will save yours too.

So why not be a part of the Farm Heroes and save our healthy cropsies from Rancid and Racoon?

Having said all that, do you have what it takes to be a Farm Hero?

As my dad always say, “Let’s get it on.”

Samsung tops global smartphone shipment Smart unveils simpler,

affordable roaming rates

W

IRELESS services leader Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has unveiled new rates for its roaming services aimed at giving postpaid subscribers a much easier way of controlling their phone usage and expenses while travelling abroad.

Now, Smart’s roaming rates for voice, text and data services enjoyed by postpaid subscribers are categorized based on two zones – Asia and America on one hand, and the rest of the world on the other.

Starting April 25, Smart postpaid subscribers who are travelling to countries in Asia and America will only have to pay a flat rate of PHP18 per text message, PHP50 per minute for incoming calls, PHP115 per minute for outgoing calls and PHP3 per 10 kilobytes of data.

On the other hand, subscribers who are bound for countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Oceania will be charged with a flat rate of PHP23 per text message, PHP65 per minute for incoming calls, PHP145 pesos per minute for outgoing calls and PHP5 per 10 kilobytes of data.

Easy calculable rates for greater convenience “Many phone users have a hard time deter-

mining whether or not to avail of roaming services out of confusion with the rates or fear of racking up a huge amount in their phone bill when they come back home,” said Michele Curran, Group Head for Smart Data and International Services.

“With these simplified rates, Smart postpaid subscribers may enjoy the peace of mind of having the most affordable roaming services. Moreover, they can easily calculate their phone usage and will not have to be in the dark whenever they need to make or take an important call, send a text message or use mobile internet overseas,” she added.

Discounted rates from Smart partner networks Smart Postpaid subscribers may also get lower rates when they are headed to countries covered by the Conexus Mobile Alliance and Vodafone Group.

Subscribers headed to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam may latch on to local networks under Conexus and pay only PHP15 per text message, PHP50 per minute for incoming calls, PHP110 per minute for outgoing calls and USD10/day for unlimited surfing.

12

EDGEDAVAO

MOTORING Isuzu PHL kicks off 2014 D-Max 4x4 Drive Series I

SUZU Philippines Corporation (IPC) kicked off the 2014 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Drive Series last weekend at the Eastgate Center in Barangay San Jose, San Fernando, Pampanga in front of a visibly excited crowd of off-roading enthusiasts and pick-up lovers.

The 2014 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Drive Series is the third such drive organized by IPC and the first one that features the all-new D-Max. The first Drive Series was held in 2008 with only three locations which was grown to four locations in 2010. This year, IPC is bringing the total number of locations to five including the Pampanga leg. After Pampanga, the 2014 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 Drive Series moves to Mandaue, Cebu on May 9 to 11, Bacolod City on May 23 to 25, Cagayan de Oro City on June 6 to 8, and Davao City on June 20 to 22.

The Drive Series is designed specifically to cater to the continuous growth of the four-wheel drive pick-up sector and the rapidly increasing popularity of outdoor recreational activities among Filipinos. It also aims to educate the market on the techniques required in order to maximize the advantages of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The off-road activities showcased the strengths of owning a four-wheel drive vehicle like the D-Max 4x4 especially in provincial areas where people engage in agricultural, mining, construction, and other businesses that traverse across

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

rough terrains. In Pampanga for instance, the D-Max 4x4 is ideal in crossing areas still heavily covered by lahar.

Participants in the D-Max 4x4 Drive Series got to try out a specially-made track meant to simulate extreme off-road situations. The exercises include a 40-degree hill climb done in first and second gear; 40-degree hill climb with a stall midway up; 40-degree descent without braking; lateral climb mount; driving over “elephant holes”; tackling trail ruts; camber right and camber left sides up in 45-degree angles; traversing a roundabout cone; lateral descent ditch crossing; driving over cross axle articulation rails; and, going on a steel-inclined plane with rollers.

“Since the introduction of the Isuzu D-Max to the local market more than a decade ago, the pickup has steadily built a reputation for being a durable workhorse that one can depend on in both livelihood and leisure—the more than 23,000 proud owners of the model vouch for this,” said IPC President Nobuo Izumina. “Of this number, a good 20 percent of them chose the D-Max’s 4x4 variants, indicating that a lot of them appreciate the added benefits of genuine all-terrain capability.

This trend continues in the allnew D-Max, whose popularity is rising along with that of the 4x4 pickup sector in general.” (www.carguide.ph)

Authentic racing gear at Ducati Davao L OOK like a real moto racing rider or get ready for the race track with authentic Ducati racing gear only from Ducati Davao.

Norminring Corporation, the exclusive dealer of world-renowned Ducati bikes, brought in Ducati’s exclusive line of racing gear for Davao’s growing Ducati bike owners and for those who simply wanted to get that Ducati look.

The Ducati gear includes helmets, racing jackets and pants, gloves, jerseys, boots and shoes.

The Ducati shop, which features the classic and latest Ducati bikes like the Hypermotard, Multistrada and the Monster Diavel, also has bags and other Ducati accessories.

Ducati Davao is located at Camus Street infront of Apo View Hotel. [NJB]

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

A stylish oasis in the heart of Durianburg

Funny that I should be staying a couple of nights at the Marco Polo Davao, especially since it is just five block from where I actually live, but the long Holy Week break gave me enough reason to take up Marco Polo Davao’s PR officer, Patty Basa-Tan’s longstanding invite.

After checking in, I was quickly escorted to my Premier Room. The Premier Room is Marco Polo Davao’s new room category that offers floor to ceiling windows, a different colour palette compared to the deluxe room, as well as upgraded marble bathroom features with a deep soaking bath tub.

I love the cozy feel of the room as well as the spectacular view of Davao Gulf it provides as well as the in-room capsule coffee maker which makes perfect espresso and americanos at the touch of a button. To complete the Premier Room experience, the mini-bar of the room is absolutely complimentary, making snack cravings while watching movies on the room’s LCD TV, easy to handle.

A hotel stay is not complete without enjoying its amenities and the Marco Polo Davao comes up in aces when it comes to this thanks to The Deck which turns the hotel into a virtual oasis in the urban jungle. I loved the 25-meter long lapping pool which allowed me to get some sun while allowing me some exercise to burn the chips I ate the evening prior.

Sunsets at the pool are more spectacular thanks to the nearby Polo Bisto and pool bar. And with a

LEFT: The spacious and cozy Premier Room was perfect for my weekend escape.

mojito in hand and a big bowl of halo-halo on the table, I kicked back and took in the fading sun while cherishing my stylish stay.

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

TOP: The Premier Room comes equipped with its own capsule coffee machine where you can make your own espressos.

Breakfast at the Cafe Marco is a filling experience.

The Cafe Marco serves up sumptous buffet meals all day long.

The Marco Polo Davao’s Deck is the ultimate address for lounging, pampering or just simply flaunting that summer ready body.

Mojitos at the Polo Bistro.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Adventure Time live show comes to Abreeza Mall ThE magical land of Ooo has found its way to Davao as Ayala Malls brings Adventure Time characters for an exciting journey filled with awesome games and surprises this May at Abreeza Mall.

Cartoon Network’s unstoppable hit, loved by kids around the world reaching 131 million global viewers, is brought to life with the Adventure Time Live on Stage that takes viewers on a trip to Finn’s candy-tinted world.

Adventure Time takes place in the Land of Ooo, a postapocalyptic wasteland filled with magical creatures where series heroes Finn the human and Jake the Dog battle against a pastiche of geekish villains.

Join Fann, a mad Adventure Time fan, as he attempts to write a totes radical Adventure Time fan fiction story that will turn into a real life adventure, where Finn and Jake are sucked through a wormhole between the Land of Ooo and Fann’s bedroom closet.

Get ready to groove, bust a tune and sing your heart out at the Royal Karaoke as you help them accomplish their mission: rescue Fann and his friends in the audience by helping them to come up with a story that doesn’t sting.

Witness the premiere of Adventure Time Live on Stage, meet and greet the cast and fast track time to create the most hardcore, epic fan fiction adventure story of all time on May 2, 3, and 4, 2014 at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center, with shows at 1:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.

Have one great Adventure Time with your kids and head down to Abreeza Mall! For ticket inquiries, 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.

Smart, PSF turn over exhibit earnings to Yolanda survivors in Capiz SMART COMMUNiCATiONS, iNC. (Smart) and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) recently turned over the proceeds of two sculpture exhibits to a fishing community in Capiz which was hit hard by Typhoon Yolanda last year.

MThe selling exhibits – held at Rockwell Center and at the Smart headquarters in Makati – featured the works of Yolanda survivors from Barangay Gabuc in Pontevedra, Capiz who had undergone driftwood sculpting workshops facilitated by the Banglos sculptors under the mentorship of renowned artist Rey Contreras and the Daambakal sculptors of Tondo, Manila. The workshops and exhibits were organized by Smart, which also spearheaded the sculpture training of the fisher folk of Banglos, Quezon, who had lost their homes and livelihood to a series of storms in 2004.

The money turned over by Smart and PSF will be used to expand the sculpture training of interested Yolandaaffected fishing communities, and to purchase tools and equipment for production.

In the photo taken during the Capiztahan festival in Roxas City are (from left to right) Smart public affairs officer Jhoie Tionloc, PSF president Esther Santos, and Pontevedra Mayor Esteban Jose Contreras.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Globe kicks off the wonderful summer season at Boracay

GLoBE TELECoM kicked off the summer season with its own version of an adventure race and back-to-back parties in Boracay to the excitement of island residents and patrons.

The leading telecommunications company made its presence felt at one of the world’s most beautiful and frequented summer destinations with a slew of activities and games.

Dubbed as “The 2014 Globe Adventure in Boracay”, the 4-day interactive activity from April 17-20, 2014 allowed participants to receive stamps from finishing tasks in each of the designated stations around the island. They also took home Globe freebies upon completion of the activities and enjoyed free multi-cab rides.

Participants who have completed the stamps received exclusive VIP passes to the full-house Globe Wave Party on April 17 and 19 at the Wave Bar, dancing to the beats of international disc jockeys led by DJ Samir Ayeb and hobnobbing with celebrities like “Please Be Careful With My Heart” TV actor Jerome Ponce, international fashion designer Avel Bacudio, and Star

Magic artist and model Rob Bermudez.

“We are happy to have made Boracay an even more wonderful summer destination with our Adventure Race and sold-out beach parties that further fueled the energy up in the island,” said Joe Caliro, Head of Retail Transfor-

mation and Management at Globe. “Almost in the whole stretch of Boracay Island, people saw and experienced the wonderful world of Globe with our massive merchandising efforts, interactive activities, and festivities that residents and visitors took part of and enjoyed. With

our Globe Store, customers were able to transact and seek assistance on our postpaid plans, prepaid services and Tattoo broadband offers. It was indeed a wonderful 4-day event and our subscribers can expect more wonderful surprises from us this time of the year.”

The celebration continues this May 3-4, 2014 as Globe broadband brand Tattoo brings international DJs Cedric Gervais and Steve Aoki to Boracay for the Tattoo Labor Day Weekend 2014 at the Epic Beach Front.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

ENTERTAiNMENT

Acclaimed film ‘Norte’ goes South named one of the world’s best

ThE Filipino film Norte, hangganan Ng Kasaysayan has figured prominently in worldwide critics’ polls as one of the Best Films of 2013 since it premiered in Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section.

After special screenings in Manila and Cebu, the film will have its one-time special screening in Davao on April 29, 2014, 6:30 PM at Abreeza Cinema.

Directed by independent filmmaker and Mindanaoborn Lav Diaz, Norte was cited as one of 2013’s top ten films by the British Film institute’s Sight and Sound (ranked 9th), Cinemascope Magazine (ranked 2nd), La internacional Cinefila (ranked 6th), and Artforum (ranked 1st, 7th, and 9th by three of the five critics polled by the magazine).

James Quandt, senior programmer at the Toronto international Film Festival, picked Norte as the best

film of the year. in a nod to the recent steady outpouring of cinematic gems from

the country, the Artforum contributor noted that “Lav Diaz’s Dostoyevskian mini-

epic… may prove the greatest work of the Philippine New Wave.”

A loose adaptation of “Crime and Punishment”

by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, the film premiered to a standing ovation and rave reviews in Cannes last May. it became that festival’s second highest-rated film and has since been picked up for distribution in France, the US, and the UK. This means it will enjoy a theatrical release in those countries later this year. here in its home country, the film initially encountered some difficulty in getting a playdate. A factor that figured in discussions with cinemas is the film’s running time of four hours.

But the length of the film has been more of a plus than a negative to those who have seen it. Time Out New York’s David Fear describes it as “a movie that approaches (a) marathon-

length running time yet still makes you wish it were twice as long.”

Wesley Morris, a Pulitzer prize-winning critic, considers the film “an honest-togoodness masterpiece.” he recalls his encounter with Norte in Cannes: “The lights went down, the movie came up, and i sat there.

Two-hundred-fifty minutes later… i stood with tears in my eyes, and clapped as loudly as i ever have for any movie in my life.”

Aside from Diaz, Norte line producer Maya Quirino, assistant director Lir Dela Cruz and actor-production designer Perry Dizon all come from Mindanao.

Nash Aguas at SM Davao 3 Day Sale, May 3 TEEN campus crush Nash Aguas adds fun to SM City Davao’s 3 Day Sale on May 3, 7PM at the Annex Event Center.

Aguas, 15, debuted on television as a contestant in the Batang F4 competition of the defunct noontime show MTB. in 2004, he joined ABSCBN’s talent search Star Circle Quest where he won as the Grand Kid Questor. Later, he became a regular in the kid’s comedy show Goin’ Bulilit. in 2013, along with 4 other teen crushes, his band Gimme 5 was launched.

Nash is now seen in the teen Sunday afternoon show LUV U where he acts opposite Alexa ilacad, also from Goin’ Bulilit.

Get a chance to meet and greet teen heartthrob Nash Aguas at the Summer Campus Crush Tour on Saturday.

Admission is free.

Enjoy up to 70% off on great selections mall-wide at the SM Davao 3 Day Sale.

SM Advantage, Prestige/ BDO Rewards card holders may avail of additional discounts when using their cards at The SM Store, Surplus, ACE hardware, SM Appliance Center, Watsons, Toy Kingdom and Levi’s during the much anticipated SMAC Sale Special happening between 9AM12NN on May 2.

On Friday, get fit with zins Lei Valle and Jonathan Gamil at the Zumba Fitness Night, 5PM. At 7PM, the cool dudes from itchyworms are set to entertain shoppers with their feel-good music.

Get the whole family ready to be dazzled as they

interact with Mad Scientists! Foggy dry ice storms, giant beach balls floating in the air and a special Mad Science “burp” potion await everyone at the Mad Science Kid’s Day happening on Sunday, 5 PM. Plus, catch the Red Light Sale at SM Davao’s participating tenants. Enjoy freebies and more discounts when your favorite store is on red light sale. Sale runs May 2-4 with extended mall hours up to 12 MN on Friday and Saturday, and until 10PM on Sunday.

For inquiries, call 297-6998 local 126. Like SM City Davao on Facebook or follow @ smcitydavao on Twitter and @smdavao on Instagram for event and promo updates.

RIO 2 2D Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway GP

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL 2D Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly GP

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

TRANSCENDENCE 2D Johnny Depp R13

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

R-16 DA POSSESSED 2D Vhong Navarro, Solenn Heusaff PG 13

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

EVENT

Tang launches Sweet Orange in Mindanao TAnG introduced their latest powdered drink mix, specially made for us Mindanaoans. This new mix reflects how Mindanaoans have a sweet tooth, just like our popular pasalubong items such as piaya, pastel, yema, mangosteen and durian.

Lawrence Lorico, Tang’s brand manager shared that “Tang Sweet orange is preferred by 7 out of 10 Mindanaoans,” That’s why Tang got a team of food scientists flown to Mindanao to concoct a mixture to satisfy Mindanao’s sweet tooth. “We formulated a beverage using their local water and their sweet palate,” Lorico added. “The result is a unique Tang flavor that caters to the Filipino taste but does not skip on quality because

it is made from world-class ingredients.”

This Halal-certified, vitamin (A, C, B2, B3, B6, iron and folate) infused

Hanging out with Tang’s brand ambassador, Gerald Anderson.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

At the Tang Sweet Orange event. drink ,had their brand ambassador Gensan’s own Gerald Anderson come straight from a taping of a TV series he’s in, to share with us his thoughts on this new, tangy, sweeter, orange juice. “Growing up in Mindanao, you can’t help but develop a strong sense of pride for this region,” said Anderson. “Tang is celebrating this pride by creating the Tang Sweet orange flavor for Mindanaoans.”

He also mentioned that the new mix definitely suits his Mindanaoan taste and surely made mealtime even more enjoyable.

After sampling this new and improved drink, I totally agree with Gerald. I can see myself enjoying a glass of Tang to beat the summer heat, with meals or along with snacks. or maybe a mix for a few glasses of tequila sunrise with the gang.

Tang Sweet orange is available in 25 gram sachets for only P8.95 at supermarkets and sari-sari stores in Mindanao. For more info like Tang on Facebook (TangPhilippines).

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

Davao Light: Mom and dad’s summer worries S

UMMER may mean a break from school for kids, but for working parents, it’s a time for more worries. With children left at home for long hours without adult supervi-

sion, boredom is inevitable.

They start to tinker on appliances and call it “discovery” or “independence”. As much as we want to let them be, we can’t discount the possibilities of

NOTICE OF LOss

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 52823/ 21040789 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 300152-0/190891-6 issued to ADRIANO A .DELA PEÑA / TEODORA S. DELA PEÑA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

them getting hurt or the house burning down.

Before we get more anxious, Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Company has come up with some remedies

for parents’ home accident dilemmas.

Orient them. Kids are more familiar with their classrooms than the whole house. Show them around the house and

FOR sALE (Direct Buyer Only)

4/22/29/5/6

NOTICE OF LOss

Notice is hereby given by LOyOLA PLANs CONsOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAyMENT No.(s) 1002642 under LOyOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) NNN111982758 issued to EDUARDO M. LIMBAGA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

4/15/22/29

Destiny Training Center located at Silway-8, Polomolok, South Cotabato, Philippines Area: 1.5 hectares (clean title) Contact Person: Jayson Mata and Jarry Cortez Mobile Numbers: 09073069070,09266173168 Telephone Number:(083)301-7975 Email Ad: april23jayson@yahoo.com / jarrycortez@gmail.com website: http://www.destinytrainingcenterph.com

point out which ones are off limits and which ones are not.

Introduce them to the medicine kit and teach them how to administer first aid. Let them repeat your instructions twice or thrice to make sure they understood.

Show and tell. If house helpers are beyond the budget, the best way to keep your children safe is to show them how your stuff works. Insist on the regular usage of pot holders and mittens, keeping the floors dry, and how to safely plug and unplug your gadgets. Let them watch you use a device from start to finish, and then let them do it under your supervi-

sion. Make sure you have seen them perform the task flawlessly many times before you allow them to reign over your appliances.

To reach or not to reach?

Most accidents initiated by children at home are usually due to an object beyond or within their reach. Once you’ve established which items or devices are yes and no, place them appropriately around the house. If the microwave has been mastered, place it where you’re child won’t have difficulty handling it. If the sharpest knife is still a tricky tool, stow it away where the kids won’t find it.

14 CLASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

SPORTS 15 SPORTS

Lady Agilas making heads turn in V-League

T

HE fighting Davao Lady Agilas are soaring in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference with a string of victories that are making heads turn this early.

The latest of Davao’s conquest came at the expense of defending champion National University (NU) Bulldogs last week as the Lady Agilas won in four pulsating sets, 25-20, 30-28, 14-25, 32-30.

The win put the Lady Agilas on top of Bracket B with a 3-0 card and assured themselves of a quarterfinals berth right in their maiden apperance in the V-League.

The Lady Agilas, whose participation in the tournament was supported by the City Government of Davao, earlier defeated Far Eastern University Lady Tamarwas and University of Perpetual Help Lady Atlas.

Assistant coach Abet

Bernan credited the Davao belles for their steady resolve in scoring three straight wins at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“It was pure heart,” Bernan said. “These ladies never gave up and played excellent volleyball.”

The Lady Agilas first created ripples when they brought down FEU in their opening assignment and showed tenacity when they came back from a two-set deficit to stun NCAA champions Perpetual help in their second match of the tournament.

After the triumph over the Bulldogs, the Lady Agilas proved they are for real.

“We are having fun out there,” team captain Venus Flores said. “As what our coach said, we don’t think of any pressure while playing.”

The Lady Agilas are com-

posed of collegiate standouts in Davao City and two guest players.

Aside from Flores, the Lady Agilas are composed of Angel Mae Antipuesto, Jocemer Tapic, Irish Dignadice, May Shiel Agton, Princess Joy Oliveros, Reynelen Raterta, Mary Grace Berte, Kween Marie Claire Dawang, Ma. Aurora Enriquez and guest players Cherry Ann Balse from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and PO1 Ana Veronica Concepcion.

Joining the Davao Agilas in Bracket B aside from FEU are the National University, University of Perpetual Help, San Sebastian College and University of Santo Tomas.

Playing for Bracket A are Ateneo, Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila, College of St. Benilde, Southwestern University and St. Louis University.

Aboitiz Power while Apo Ville pocketed P100,000 courtesy of San Miguel Brewery. Mountain Hardware-White Peak went home with P75,000 cash sponsored by Franklin Baker Company.

The 4th to 8th placers, who each earned P10,000 cash were the PNP Nomad (Jonathan Pido and Juny Rex Carreon), San Mig Light (Angelito Sibayan and Elmer Bartolo), Black Arrow/People’s Park Runners (Mario Ecalner and Marcelo Ecalner), JB007/ People’s Park Runners (Ronald Dagaang and Lloyd Malinao) and Frank Baker (Romeo Mascardo Jr. and Dioscoro Genunsalao Jr.).

Maniyog and Nonato were partners last year for second placer Columbia-DOTA, while Dagaang and Ecalner won last year’s race for PPR. The 25 teams started with a 47.8 kilometer mountain

bike race from the municipality to Baroring at Sitio Sibulan.

It was followed by a 55-kilometer trail run from Baroring to the country’s highest peak Mt. Apo and down to Darung.

Then they went water tubing at the Darung River up to the coastline for 5-kilometers. The final discipline was a 13.7 kilometer run towards the finish line at the municipal hall.

The other Open Elite team finishers, who each receive medals were the Friends of Matutum, Team Buddies/PNP, Tagum Runners and Team Inner G. Friends of Matutum won the Sportsmanship Award while the other special awards in the Open Elite were Fastest Road Runners (Buddies-PNP), Fastest Trekkers (Boatman/ Escape Route) and Fastest Water Tubers (Black Arrow/ PPR).

just let them talk,” Obama said when asked about the controversy during a news conference in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Obama said he was confident NBA Commissioner Adam Silver would deal with the issue.

“Obviously the NBA is a league that is beloved by fans across the country,” Obama, America’s first black president, said. “It’s got an awful lot of African American players steeped in African American culture.”

He said the controversy was also an example of how the United States continues to wrestle with the legacy of race, and he likened that

struggle to Malaysia’s effort to foster a harmonious multi-ethnic society.

Celebrity news site TMZ. com published the 10-minute recording on its website late on Friday, describing it as a taped conversation between the billionaire Sterling and a model who goes by the name V. Stiviano.

“The audio recording posted by TMZ is truly offensive and disturbing, and we intend to get to the bottom of it as quickly as possible,” Silver said on Saturday night.

The recording was sharply criticized by civil rights leaders, fans and players. It was not immediately clear when and how the conversation was recorded.

Boatman-escape Route tops Mt. Apo race

T

Houston Rockets’ Dwight Howard (12) defends a shot by Portland Trail Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half of game four of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series game. (AP Photo/Greg Wahl-Stephens)

HE tandem of April John Maniyog and Mark Anthony Rance of Team Boatman-Escape Route ruled this year’s Mt. Apo International Boulder Face Challenge held at Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Maniyog, 22 and Rance, 25, who were backed-up by logistics man Dennis Aranao, finished the 120 kilometer race which started last Saturday in 13 hours, 23 minutes and 23 seconds.

They were followed by Team Apo Ville of Kidapawan composed of bikers Ireezbone Barrientos, 23, and Jayrald Daraydo, 28, who clocked 13:35:21.

Third was Mountain Hardware-White Peak played by last year’s second placer Dexter Nonato, 30 and Marcial Catanggui, 37, of Davao City who had a time of 13:40:11.

Boatman-Escape earned P150,000 cash prize from

Rockets on the Obama hits Clippers owner brink of ouster for‘incredibly’racist rants P

ORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — There was some shouting going on in the Trail Blazers’ locker room after they fell behind by 10 points at halftime to the Rockets.

Up 2-1 in their first playoff series since 2011, the Blazers didn’t want to mess up Game 4, especially in front of their hometown fans.

“In the words of Chuck — Charles Barkley — we were playing like wussies,” Portland guard Wesley Matthews said.

“That was the message to each other.”

Whatever was said, the Trail Blazers pulled out of their funk and went on to defeat the Rockets 123-120 in overtime Sunday night to take a 3-1 advantage in the series that moves to Houston on Wednes-

day.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 29 points and 10 rebounds in the first win for the home team in the series, while Nicolas Batum added 25 points. It was the third game in the series decided in overtime.

The Blazers haven’t advanced out of the first round since 2000. Portland also hasn’t held a 3-1 advantage in a series since the 2000 Western Conference semifinals against Utah, which the Blazers won 4-1.

James Harden had 28 points and Dwight Howard added 25 points and 14 rebounds for the Rockets.

“The playoffs are a grind,” Houston coach Kevin McHale said. “It’s a different game than the regular season. You’ve got

to be built for the grind.”

Portland trailed by as many as 11 points, but rallied in the fourth quarter. Mo Williams’ 3-pointer put the Blazers in front 105-104 with 18.9 seconds left. Dorell Wright missed the first of two free throws, making it 106-104 with 8.3 seconds to go.

Howard dunked off a feed from Harden with 3.6 seconds left to tie it and Williams missed a 3 at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

Chandler Parsons was hit with a flagrant foul on Aldridge, who made both free throws to give the Blazers the lead to start off OT. Batum scooped up a layup before adding a 3-pointer and Damian Lillard made a layup to put Portland ahead 117-110.

W

ASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Sunday that comments reported to have been made by the owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers basketball team were “incredibly offensive racist statements.”

The NBA is investigating an audio recording posted online of Clippers owner Donald Sterling allegedly telling his girlfriend not to post photographs of herself with black people and not to bring African-Americans to Clippers games, league officials said on Saturday.

“When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance you don’t really have to do anything, you

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 31 • TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

DOLe XI RITPC BASKeTBALL UNITY CUP

DASIA turns back GMA-7 97-80 D

ASIA Security turned back eliminations tormentor GMA 7 Kapuso 97-80 to catch the last bus to the Final Four joining early qualifiers Montaña Security, Stanfilco and defending Champion Tadeco in the DOLE 11 Unity Cup basketball tournament.

Skipper Gerome Escandor ignited the scoring for the DASIA to avenge their loss to the same Kapuso team in overtime during the eliminations stage. Escandor scored back

to back baskets including a tough fadeaway to give DASIA the early lead 6-2 en route to an early 28-23 lead after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, DASIA put some more pressure on Kapuso to up their lead to 9 at the half 52-43 behind the snipings of Mark Bonifacio and Miggy Solitaria who conspired by combining for 21 of Dasia’s 24 points in the second canto.

However, just when it looked like DASIA is headed

for a blowout win, the Kapuso five mounted a fierce rally that saw them erase a 15 point deficit and erecting a 3-point lead 62-59. Sensing danger, DASIA sued for time to end the quarter with an 8-0 run to give them back the upper-hand 67-62.

In the fourth period, it was an all DASIA show as they raised their lead again to as high as 21 points as Escandor fired five in that stretch.

Bonifacio lead the scoring for DASIA with game-high 35

Jesme Baucon, 11; Relyn Calooy, 14; and Shiela Mae Bantao, 14. The four boys are Ruben Enggo Jr., 15; Junior Lito Mabanag, 12; Ronald Dauban, 13; and Joshue Tiwog, 15.

They are all students from different schools. However, a special education program will be provided to them by DepEd in the coming school year in order not to disturb their regular training.

“Most of these kids are also honor students and we don’t want their education to be affected also,” said Gov. del Rosario.

The running team was

assembled to put premium on the welfare of Ata-Manobo children in terms of sports.

It aims to discover and train top-caliber runners for regional, national and international competitions.

Del Rosario said that program will also foster peace and unity through the convergence of support of LGUs, community and other stakeholders.

“Ang hangarin din po namin na sila ang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral at magkaroon ng mas maliwanag na bukas sa pamamagitan ng sports,” del Rosario said.

points, including 22 in the first half, followed by Solitaria’s 23. Albert Polancos chipped in 10 points, and Escandor 9. Kapuso Team was lead by Dede’s 30 points and Jaime’s 22.

“Our Boss wants to play on May 1. So we came to the game with one GOAL in mind and that is to do whatever it takes for Us to play on May 1, which is the date for the Championship game.” said DASIA Team Coach-sultant Jek Melendres.

RDR opens fresh hopes for talented lumad runners

D

AVAO del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario paved the way for fresh hopes for talented Ata-Manobo children in Talaingod with the launching of Talaingod-DavNor Running Team at the municipal hall of Talaingod in Barangay Sto. Niño in Davao del Norte.

The Talaingod-DavNor Runners, composed of six girls and four boys, were selected from more than 100 Ata-Manobo children in Talaingod.

The six girls are Rochell Anggol, 13; Rica Andil, 11; Jeanneth Mansumilay, 15;

The kids can possibly earn college scholarship grants from universities and colleges if ever they will do win in national competitions like the Palarong Pambansa.

But these young runners will first have to train and start joining in fun runs for exposures.

“This is a joint project of the provincial government of Davao del Norte, municipal government of Talaingod, Department of Education and the office of Congressman Anthony del Rosario,” said provincial sports coordinator Giovanni Gulanes.

FINE FORM. Gerome escandor hits a three in this file photo. escandor’s DASIA team advanced to the Final Four after winning over GMA 7 Kapuso Team in the DOLe 11 Unity Cup basketball tournament. Lean Daval Jr.