Edge Davao 8 Issue 110

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

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Spokesperson Peter Laviña

Duterte camp bares secret NP-PDP Laban talks

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

READY TO FISH. Fishermen prepare their fishing nets and other equipment before going to the sea at the coastline community in Davao City yesterday. The Bureau of fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 11 lifted its three-month fishing ban in the Davao Gulf on Monday.

Lean Daval Jr.

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son of Mayor Duterte, said leaders of both parties are exploring the possibility of setting up a political alliance and fielding Duterte as their common presidential candidate in the 2016 elections.

Present during the secret meeting in an undisclosed place in Metro Manila were Senator Cynthia Villar and her husband former Sena-

tor Manny Villar, PDP-Laban Chairman Emeritus and former Senator Aquilino Pimentel, his son Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, and Duterte himself.

Laviña, however, said the alliance has yet to be finalized as Duterte asked the leaders of the two political parties to give him time before making a decision.

Pulong: Baste being asked to run for Congress P2

EDGEDAVAO Sports

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

HE camp of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday confirmed that a clandestine meeting between the Nacionalista Party (NP) and Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) took place in Manila last week.

Peter T. Laviña, the newly-designated spokesper-

INSIDE EDGE

Duterte will also sort out some problems which could prevent him from accepting the call for him to be the standard bearer, according to Laviña.

“The information I received was that nothing was finalized because Mayor Duterte asked for a little more time to think things

F2 PARTIES, 10

Gilas bounces back, stops taller Russians Page 16 Clarkson says Romeo is like Iverson Page 15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

CAUSE OF TRAFFIC. The road widening and drainage system project along R. Castillo Street creates a monstrous traffic jam in the area where vehicles’ queues sometimes reach almost a kilometer long. Lean Daval Jr.

De Lima claims no deal with INC

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EPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila M. De Lima said on Tuesday there is no deal struck between the government and the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

“As far as I know, there is no deal struck between the two sides (government and INC),” De Lima said.

This was the reaction of the DOJ secretary on reports that an agreement was allegedly reached between the government and the INC that paved the way for the peaceful end on Monday of the five-day protest rally of the INC

which started in Padre Faura St., Manila last Thursday and proceeded to EDSA-Shaw Blvd. in Mandaluyong City.

“I’m asking for understanding for refusing to talk extensively for now. I don’t want to be misquoted,” De Lima added.

Likewise, De Lima said that she will resign in due time.

“I will resign in due time, you know when that is, when I’ve fully decided I’m running in 2016,” De Lima stressed.

De Lima has been reported planning to run for senator in the 2016 national elections. (PNA)

Pulong says

Baste being asked to run for Congress

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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NOTHER Duterte is being groomed to join politics and run in the 2016 elections.

Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the youngest son of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, has been encouraged by a private group to seek the city’s third district congressional seat next year.

Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte revealed this information to reporters covering the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) yesterday, but he refused to name the group pushing for the candida-

cy of his younger brother.

The vice mayor said they are just awaiting the decision of Sebastian and that of their father, who is himself being pushed to seek the presidency in the 2016 election.

Should the 27-year-old Duterte accept the challenge and run for Congress, this will change the political landscape in the third district.

Rep. Isidro T. Ungab is in his third and final term as congressman of the third district, but is reportedly pushing for the candidacy of his younger

ing tonight that I’m running for senator but I will likely go that way),” he added.

During the gathering, which coincided with the 44th birthday of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, the PCM formally announced its lineup for next year’s polls.

Rivera and Vice Mayor Shirlyn Nograles will seek re-election along with incumbent councilors Franklin Gacal Jr., Rosalita Nunez, Ramon Milleza, Arturo Cloma, Brix Tan and Shandee Llido-Pestano.

Completing the slate are incumbent San Isidro barangay chair Jose Edmar Yumang, Rep. Pacquiao’s younger brother Bobby, Dominador Lagare Jr., Rodolfo Ladrera, Jonathan Blando and Van-van Congson.

The party has not yet announced a challenger for incumbent South Cotabato first district Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. of the Achievers with Integrity Movement-Liberal Party but it earlier considered outgoing councilor Dominador Lagare III for the post.

City Councilor Ruel Pacquiao, who represents the Liga ng mga Barangay in the council, was reported to likely seek Rep. Pacquiao’s seat in Sarangani should the latter decide to run for the Senate.

Incumbent Sarangani Vice Gov. Geraldine “Jinkee” Pacquiao, the congressman’s wife, had declared to retire from politics so she could concentrate on taking care of her family.

(MindaNews)

brother, Engr. Alberto Ungab, in 2016.

Two more members of the local ruling party Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod—councilors Bernie Al-ag and Karlo Bello— are also reportedly eyeing the same post.

Unlike Bello, who is in his final term as councilor, Al-ag is still in his second term.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Duterte said he is ready to run for barangay captain in Catalunan Grande in next year’s elections should Baste decide to run for Congress and anoth-

er sibling, Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio, takes another shot at the mayoral post.

“I’m planning to run for barangay captain in Catalunan in 2016,” the vice mayor said.

“Diha man ko nagsugod.

Gimahal ko na nga position (That’s where I started. I love that position),” Duterte said.

Duterte said he will also respect his father if he chooses Inday Sara over him as Hugpong’s candidate for mayor.

“If that is his decision, I will respect that,” the vice mayor said.

session ends Pacman eyes Senate seat SPin just 25 minutes S

ARANGANI Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao announced here on Monday night that he is leaning closer towards making a run for a Senate seat in the 2016 elections.

In a gathering of city stalwarts of his political party People’s Champ Movement (PCM), Pacquiao said he is seriously considering offers from the opposition camp for his inclusion in its senatorial slate but stopped short of making an official declaration.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, who had declared to run for president under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), earlier offered a senatorial slot for Pacquiao for the 2016 elections.

The PCM, which had forged

an alliance with UNA, dominated the 2013 elections here and nearby Sarangani Province.

“Di pa ako talaga nagdesisyon ng final. Pero marami ang nag-advise sa akin na ito na yung chance, which is may punto rin sila (I have not yet made a final decision. But a lot of people have advised me that this is my chance to run for the Senate, and they have a point),” he said.

Pacquiao, who is on his second term as representative of Sarangani’s lone district, said he will make a final announcement on the matter at the right time.

“Di ako nag-aannounce tonight na ako talaga ay officially running for senator. Pero malamang dyan ang pupuntahan natin (I’m not officially announc-

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HE 33rd regular session yesterday of the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Davao City will go down as one of the quickest proceedings if not the fastest in the history of the local lawmaking body.

The regular session Tuesday ended in just 25 minutes after the SP tackled all of the items in the day’s agenda.

So fast was the session that some reporters regularly covering the SP beat even missed some of the proceedings, while others were still in the confer-

ence room when the gavel was banged signaling the end of the day’s regular session.

“Human na. Hurot na ang items sa agenda (It’s over. All the items in the agenda were taken up),” Vice Mayor and SP presiding officer Paolo Z. Duterte said.

A total 17 items were passed on first reading while seven were deferred in the absence of councilor April Marie Dayap, who is on official business (OB).

Several items were also approved on third and fi-

FSP SESSION, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Panabo farmers ask for help to fix dike

By VANESSA KATE F. MADRAZO ADDU INTERN

F RECORD TIME. Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte exchanges pleasantries with councilors Jimmy Dureza and Edgar Ibuyan Sr. just after the adjournment of yesterday’s regular session which lasted for a record 25 minutes. Lean Daval Jr.

ARMERS in 12 barangays in Panabo City are seeking help as the dike that guides irrigation water to their farms has been broken for five years.

Officers of the Davao del Norte Farmers’ Association made the plea during the Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum at SM City Davao last Monday.

The group said 5,000 hectares of land that the 12 barangays share, including Barangays South-

ern Davao, Angara, and Quezon, have been affected by the irrigation disruption which has damaged their crops.

They said the dike was broken by strong flow of water during the rainy season five years ago.

Former association secretary Lima Bautista said the broken dike affects the farms in two ways. First, it fails to deliver water properly towards the crops which in effect do not receive

An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from this city who is facing the death penalty in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after being convicted last May of killing her employer will finally meet her family in the next few days.

Rahima Dalquez, mother of convicted OFW Jennifer, said Tuesday they are set to leave for the UAE anytime this week to visit her daughter at the Al Ain jail and help in the ongoing appeals for her case.

Rahima will be joined by her husband Abdulhamid and another family member in the trip, which is being facilitated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“We’re happy that Allah is giving us this chance to see her and we’re very thankful to the government for making this happen,” she said in the vernacular in an interview with a local television

station.

Jennifer Dalquez, 28, who hails from Barangay Labangal here, was sentenced to death by a court in Al Ain, UAE last May 20 for stabbing her employer to death on December 7, 2014.

During trial, she said the act was in self-defense after her Emirati employer tried to rape her.

Ebrahim Zailon, acting head of the DFA regional consular office here, said the agency had assigned a lawyer to handle Dalquez’ case, especially her appeal.

A hearing for her appeal was set on Septermber 3 in Al Ain, UAE. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz visited Dalquez in jail last June 18 and expressed “high hopes” that the appeal would be successful.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development

OFW facing death TRO petition vs DoTC GenSan penalty in UAE to meet kin on int’l airport nixed

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HE Regional Trial Court (RTC) here rejected the bid of a taxpayer for an extension of the three-day temporary restraining order (TRO) against the P40.57-billion Davao International Airport (DIA) development project for lack of extreme urgency.

RTC Branch 10 Presiding Judge Retrina Fuentes, who acquired jurisdiction over the case, ruled against a 17-day extension on the TRO which was earlier issued by Executive Judge Emmanuel Carpio of RTC Branch 16.

“The court is not convinced that the matter is of extreme urgency and petitioner as a taxpayer will suffer grave injustice

and irreparable injury if the said TRO is not extended,” Fuentes ruled, adding, “The petition failed to establish any direct injury as a taxpayer that would warrant the extension of the TRO.” Fuentes also took note that the 72-hour TRO issued by Judge Carpio had expired on August 15 having been issued on August 12 but the court received the return of the service only on August 18 and thus, “there’s no more to be extended”.

The court also learned that the submission of the pre-qualification documents had pushed through on August 17, hence, there’s “no more extreme urgency to speak

Guard returns P1.3M in loot to electric coop

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security guard who admitted helping a robber steal P1.6 million in cash from the van of the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco) in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Thursday last week returned P1.3 million of the loot.

Datu Odin Sinsuat police chief Senior Superintendent Lindsy Sinsuat told DXMS Radyo Bida that Magelco general manager Sultan Maongco said security guard Basit Benito admitted being part of the holdup.

Benito personally handed over P1.3 million back to the bank management.

“The manager is still negotiating with the holdupper for the return of the remaining P300,000,” Sinsuat said.

Sinsuat said Benito was

the one who escorted the cooperative’s cashier, Hanna Malang, to the Magelco main office in Barangay Capiton.

They had come from various sub-offices of Magelco in Maguindanao where they gathered the collection money The two were being driven by Gerome Romuar when a masked man hiding at the rear of the van declared a holdup when they reached Barangay Katalungan at around 3 p.m. on August 26.

Armed with caliber .45 pistol, the lone gunman tied the victims’ hands with duct tape then fled with the money.

Maongco told Sinsuat that was giving the suspects until September 2 to return the remaining amount or they will be charged accordingly.

(PNA)

of.”

However on September 20, Fuentes will proceed with the hearing on the main petition for issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction.

The case stemmed from the civil suit filed

by Andre Bucu of Central Park Subdivision, Bangkal, Davao City, questioning the pre-qualification stage of the bidding process.

DIA is one of the six airports in the country which the government placed under the PPP program. According to the government’s PPP website, the Davao City airport project which costs P40.57 billion aims to decongest the airport which

is currently operating beyond its capacity. It is regarded as the third busiest airport in the country.

The project includes the passenger terminal building expansion, cargo terminal building expansion, expansion of other key facilities such as car parking, and administration building, passenger terminal building: additional area from 65,000 to 125,000 square meters, cargo terminal building: Additional area from 13,000 to 27,000 square meters, apron area, construction of full parallel taxiway.

The other airports subjected to PPP are the Bacolod City airport, Iloi-

FTRO PETITION, 10

FPANABO, 10

FGENSAN, 10

THE DAY AFTER. Hundreds of job seekers and employees of various establishments flock to the Sangguniang Panlungsod to obtain residence certificates (cedula) a day after National Heroes Day, a regular holiday during which government offices were closed. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

SC TRO eyed v DOTC projects

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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ILITANT and urban poor groups in Davao City are planning to seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) before the Supreme Court to stop the ongoing bidding process of two public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

This is according to Moro human rights group Kawagid secretary general Bai Ali Indayla, who said various group in Davao are planning to

form an alliance called as Solidarity to Oppose PPP (STOP) Davao chapter that will be launched on September 11 at Redemptorist Church in Davao City.

Indayla said the broad formation will be led by militant groups like Gabriela-Davao, Kadamay, women-led Kadidja, Sama ka and other consumer groups in the city.

“We are planning to challenge those projects of the government through a legal venue,” Indayla told EDGE Davao in a phone interview yes-

terday.

Indayla is referring to the P40.57 billion Davao Sasa Modernization Project and the P17 billion operation and maintenance of the Davao International Airport. Aside from the two, the group also slammed city’s P39 billion reclamation project stretching from R. Castillo all the way to Bucana.

She said the group has initial talks with Bayan Muna representatives Carlos “Kaloy” Zarate and Neri Colmenares to get their support.

The group, which is

still now looking for more members, will also lobby their concern to few city legislators here to encourage the council to pass a resolution opposing the two projects which she describe as “not beneficial and will not promote fair competition.”

“We already talk with councilor Diosdado Mahipus and we’re eyeing to talk with councilor Danilo Dayanghirang for their support of authoring a proposal for the resolution,” she said.

These two councilors earlier expressed their

opposition to the project because of the lack of public consultation both to the citizens of Davao and the city government before proceeding with the bidding process.

Indayla said it is clear that the national government is expediting the implementation of these projects because of the “savings” which allegedly will be used for next year’s election by corrupt officials.

The group also opposed the project because it will cause the demolition of inhabitants

Advancing PPP in Maco W

ITH the newly-forged partnership between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LGU Maco and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., at least 100 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Barangays Mapaang and Manipongol in |Maco, Compostela Vallley will soon engage into Organic Red Creole ‘Bombay’ Production through the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Under this latest venture, DSWD is providing P405,500.00, Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. shares P182,700.00 and LGU Maco through its Municipal Agriculture Office will teach the technology and takes charge of project monitoring.

DSWD Project Development Officer Ronnel L. Terante said project participants will be trained on land preparation, soil mixing, seedling preparation, water management, fertilization, topping, harvesting and curing. The ‘bombay’ will be grown within 110-120 days, he added.

At the recent signing of the Memorandum of Agreement at Barangay San Roque, Director Priscilla N. Razon of DSWD shared, “This is an opportunity for us to provide livelihood to our 100 family-beneficiaries in the two barangays. We are happy that for capability building alone, we have extended Php 8 million so far here in Maco.

We have to raise their capacity through micro-

enterprise development or through employment facilitation. We desire to see our program participants really improving their level of well-being, hence we are preparing them for economic activity. We are grateful that we have more partners so that more will benefit from the 6216 Pantawid recipients here.

Director Razon also stressed the constant support of the local government, adding, “Together, we hope to be able to saturate all Pantawid families so they can become progressive and engaging in economic activities that would sustain their livelihood and promote improved quality of their life for their families.

Jose Venancio Batiquin, COO of Therma

Marine, Inc. and President, Aboitiz Power Oil Group said, “We are helping these families because we want them to have a better life. We all know that Pantawid assistance will never be enough. We are targeting families who are willing to sacrifice, willing to learn. When the beneficiary learns and understands the technology then he can move on.

We are very happy to be part of this endeavor. We have long wanted to reach out to our neighbors.”

Mayor Alvera Veronica R. Rimando expressed her all-out support. “All DSWD projects in Maco are well implemented. We have created a team that will monitor all livelihood projects. This ‘bombay’ production will be suc-

FADVANCING, 10

FSC TRO, 10

Game fowls to be auctioned in DATE T

MOA SIGNING. Jose Venancio Batiquin, COO of Therma Marine, Inc. and President of Aboitiz Power Oil Group and Director Priscilla N. Razon of DSWD sign the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of Organic Red Creole ‘Bombay’ Production.

of areas which involved expansion like the Davao Sasa Port modernization project.

She also said consumers and local businessmen here will not benefit from these projects because the huge cost of the project undertake by winning private bidders will be passed on to consumers.

“A consumer group in Davao clearly opposed these projects because only few will benefit from this. Prices of products and commodities trans-

WELVE game fowls from different commercial breeders in Mindanao will be auctioned to showcase the industry in the 17th Davao Trade Expo (DATE) slated on September 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center.

“The starting price of each game fowl in the auction will be at P3,000 up to P30,000 and above,” Mindanao Game Fowl Breeders Association president Nitoy Nasser said during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex.

He said the auction will be participated by commercial breeders, sabungeros and hobbyists from Davao Region as well as other parts of Mindanao.

“There will be a short fight for each pair to determine the skills and best breed,” Nasser said.

He said a single fighting cock was sold at P150,000

in an auction conducted two years ago in an event in Metro Manila.

The two-hour auction which aims to change the reputation of the game fowl industry will be on the second day of the three-day event.

“We are trying to positivize the industry because it is part of our culture aside from the fact that it provides employment as well as allow the growth of other related industry like pharmaceutical and feeds industry,” he added.

The game fowl industry in Mindanao and in the country has grown significantly in the past 15 years despite the stigma.

“The game fowl industry just started as a hobby until some breeders saw and realized its potential as a source of a lucrative income,” said Nasser, a breeder and hobbyist.

FGAME, 10

DTI-Davao: Sales promo period must be definite

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HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region reiterated among establishments that sales promotion period must be definite.

With its efforts to uphold the rights of consumers, the agency is intensifying its campaign against unscrupulous conduct of sales promotion.

Republic Act 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, defines sales promotion as techniques intended for broad consumer participation which contain promises of gain, which includes a prize (either in cash or in kind) and reward for purchasing a

product or service, involves winning in a contest or game, and utilize widespread means of communication. It is also a strategy intended to increase sales, patronage and/or goodwill of a product, service or credit facilities.

These sales promo campaigns are offered in different types, to wit: raffle (electronic or conventional), discount, premium, games, contest and redemption.

For a sales promo application of an establishment to get approved, DTI reiterated that it needs to suffice four elements – promise of gain, consumer

FDTI, 10

EDGEDAVAO

5 PROPERTY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

What to consider when buying a condo

Northpoint has its own lifestyle center that will give its unit owners a stylish, comfortable, and convenient condo living.

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HERE are many things to consider when buying a condo, but the bottom line for many homebuyers would be the price of the property. They believe that the price ultimately determines whether the condo unit is a good or a bad buy.

When buying a condo unit, cheaper does not always mean a better buy. That’s because buying cheap is relative. If you can get a good quality pair of shoes at rock bottom prices, it may be your lucky day. Sadly, it does not follow when it comes to real estate, because when you get it for cheap, you almost always end up getting what you paid for.

For one, the location could be less than attractive. There’s a big chance the condominium community you’re eyeing for its affordability is situated in a neighborhood that is less than ideal for a comfortable, safe, and convenient living.

It could be located in a busy but rough part of town, where

safety can be a constant concern. The condominium might be in the middle of the city, but if the neighborhood has a reputation for petty crimes, would you sacrifice your peace of mind for a cheaper condo home?

On the other hand, it could be located away from downtown, in a safe and peaceful part of the city, but far from modern amenities and daily essentials. This will entail a longer commute, thereby exposing you to more traffic and higher expense for fuel or fare for transportation.

Soon you will find it too much of an effort to go downtown to buy groceries or pay bills or run errands. It will dawn on you that it totally negates the whole concept of condo living, where its normally central location makes everyday living easy, convenient, and hassle free.

There’s another catch when the condominium’s location is in a sleepy and uneventful part of town where there’s simply noth-

ing going on. For one, it does nothing to your goal of living an exciting urban lifestyle. More importantly, it negatively impacts your investment because a good condo investment requires a promising location with a good potential for growth and progress.

Another thing to look into is the condominium’s facilities. Does it have the full range of amenities or is it very spartan to the point of being non-existent? Facilities and amenities that

Despite its urban location, Northpoint is situated within a lush environment, making it a refreshing place to live.

are poor in quality and quantity should be a deal-breaker by itself. So when you find a condo unit priced so low it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

The other side of the coin, however, does not usually mean the opposite. When a condominium property is priced within the high-end range, many believe it automatically means it offers the best option. While it could be true in a few cases, it is not always the case.

Some condominium developments are pricey simply because the cost of construction is very high. If a condominium is built on wet or marshy land, the developer invests heavily on building a strong foundation. This bloats the cost of the development and in turn makes the condo units pricier than most.

Typically, those looking for a condo usually want it located in a “nice” neighborhood, meaning the community is safe, convenient, and promising. That is why the best condominium communities like Northpoint are located at the heart of the city’s

growth area.

Northpoint is the landmark condominium development of Vista Residences in Davao. It is built on solid bedrock within the elevated land at the junction of Buhangin Road and JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, two major thoroughfares plied by public transportation and lead to both the northern and southern part of the city.

Northpoint is nestled within the heart of north Davao’s growth area, where the real estate development is flourishing and the business district, BPO parks, and commercial and shopping centers are thriving. Its

central location makes it near to almost everything, giving its unit owners a convenient lifestyle.

As a masterplanned development, it has world-class amenities such as the majestic clubhouse called Wakefield Manor, a fitness gym, an adult wellness pool with salinated water, kiddie pool, cabanas, grill pits, and a multi-purpose hall. There are pocket gardens, nature park, jogging track, and shuttle service to the main gate.

More on Northpoint is available at the Camella Offices at Delgar Bldg, JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, with telephone number 226-3100.

A perspective of Liverpool (center), the 4th and tallest building of Northpoint.

Northpoint’s grounds are dotted with imported Caribbean pine trees, making it a delightful place for kids to play in and for adults to enjoy. Northpoint’s grounds are dotted with imported Caribbean pine trees, making it a delightful place for kids to play in and for adults to enjoy.

EDGEDAVAO

6 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

Good job

HE FISHERFOLKS operating within the Davao Gulf share in the happiness of the officials of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for the clear success of JAO (Joint Administrative Order) No. 2, Series of 2014, in increasing the fish production in the gulf.

JAO No. 2 mandates the closure of the gulf waters to fishing activities for three months, specifically from June 1 to August 30, 2015.

The administrative order is jointly signed by the secretaries of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Agriculture and enforced by the Philippine National Police, the BFAR and other agencies of both departments. The directive bans commercial fishing and the use of ring nets and bag nets within the gulf , from the entrance of Talagotong Point in Don Marcelino town in Davao del Sur to Cape San Agustin in Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental or a total area of 3,087 square kilometers. The lull in fishing as a result of the ban has allowed small pelagic fishes such as matambaka, bilong-bilong, moro-moro, pirit, galunggong to lay eggs and reach ideal size during the spawning season.

Indeed, as reported by Agricultural Undersecretary and concur-

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rent BFAR Director Asis Perez, the JAO on fishing has been very successful in not only increasing the volume of catch of pelagic fishes by 10 percent but also in enabling the fishes to grow in size at the time they are caught.

Perez also presided over last Monday in Davao City’s People Park the declaration of the open fishing season during the next nine months starting September 1.

Significantly, the BFAR and its partner agencies, the Maritime Police and the various local government units in the coastal areas affected have done a wonderful job and for this, they deserve a sincere pat on the back both from the fisher folk and the fish-eating public who are among the first beneficiaries of this project. Take note that this is the second of the JAO’s successful implementation.

Also to be credited for this milestone in resource management are the commercial fishing firms and the small fishers who cooperated in this project.

Finally, it is our hope that this synergy could also be shown by government agencies and the private sector in combatting other community concerns, including the drug menace.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

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GET READY TO BE

!

D E L Z O O B M

BA

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

“

I wanted more. I’m a hard guy to please.”

These are words straight from the heart of Bamboo, the country’s celebrated rock singer who has recently produced, as a coach, the grand winner of the second season of the talent search “The Voice Kids” on Sunday night.

At the end of the tough competition, 11year old banana cue vendor Elha Mae Nympha went home with a recording contract from MCA Music Inc., a music instrument package, a family utility vehicle, a house and lot worth P2 million, P1 million cash, and a P1-million trust fund.

That’s all for listening to her coach, Bamboo, and trying hard to please him.

Elha knows that if she pleases her coach, she could please everyone.

Bamboo Mañalac, the singer’s real name, explained in a news story why he felt emotional when his ward’s name was announced Sunday night.

“I saw greatness in her. I was the only coach who turned for her during the blind auditions,” he told the Inquirer shortly after the finale held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.

As a coach, in choosing the members of Team Kawayan, Bamboo said he just had to bring forward the person who he feels is ready vocally.

“We’re looking for a star. Someone we can connect,” said Bamboo prior to the finale.

Now that Bamboo has laid the trappings of a future star of Philippine music, he returns to his first love—doing concerts.

Bamboo goes to Davao City on September 13 for a one-night-only engagement at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier. Redstone Productions, the same outfit that brought to Davao the legendary James Ingram, is turning to the Pinoy rock icon to up the ante a bit in its bid to put Davao in the concert map again.

“It’s Bamboo’s biggest concert outside Manila,” said Redstone’s local partner Vincent Tupas.

Bamboo will be singing his own hit songs like Noypi, Hallelujah, Tatsulok and Mr. Clay. Likewise, he will belt songs popularized by him during his heydays with the Rivermaya band like 214, Himala, Elesi, Ulan, Liwanag sa Dilim, Kisapmata, Umaaraw Umuulan, Imposible and If. Doing the front act

for Bamboo is sultry songstress Morissette.

Morissette Amon, a runner-up of The Voice of the Philippines and went on to record the theme song for the drama series Moon of Desire. Star Records then released her first studio album, entitled Morissette, in March 2015.

Bamboo used to be the frontman of Rivermaya and Bamboo, two of the biggest rock groups in the country.

Their songs were popular among Filipinos of different generations.

He made his exit from Rivermaya in 1998 to form his namesake band, which he left in 2013. He has since done solo performances and was named one of four pioneer judges of The Voice Kids Philippines.

Ticket Prices for Bamboo’s concert are: SVIP – P3000 with seat number; GOLD – P2000 with seat number; SILVER – P1,250 free seating; BRONZE – P650 standing. Tickets are sold at Mount Olive Trading beside Mercury Drug Store at the corner of Mabini Ext. and Circumferential road near the entrance of Marfori Subdivision. For more information, CALL (63)917 996 1910, (63)916 286 7088 or Bamboo in Davao official Facebook Page.

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LOOP DJs hold first Davao DJ Expo and Convention IT STARTED as wishful thinking as a group of veteran DJs bemoaned the sad state of the DJ industry, particularly in Davao City. Aside from fragmented groups, they felt that the art of mixing was slowly being killed by technology, specifically the sync button, or the misuse thereof.

Then they decided to do something about it, and the idea of a DJ convention was born spearheaded by the veteran DJs, Gary Tomas, Atty. Joseph Martin Castillo together with fellow veteran DJs in Davao. Together they formed the LOOP DJs. Being a first, the group encountered a lot of obstacles, apathy and scepticism from potential sponsors, but with only their desire to help the industry, they finally held the 2015 DJ Expo and Convention, the first in recent memory in the Philippines, the first in Davao city.

The two-day event featured not only lectures on how to become a professional DJ, trade secrets, tips and raffles of mobile phones and

tablets, but also hands on training in the nearly lost art of scratching, beat matching as well as a sneak peek into the current trends in modern DJing, like stem and live remixing / controllerism.

The event also featured a display of latest DJ equipment for sale by JVS Audio, and a display of different DJ controllers and gears which was used in the hands on portion of the event.

On the eve of August 17, LOOP DJs opened the 30th The 2015 DJ Expo and convention delegates.

Kadayawan street party at San Pedro street attended

by Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte which despite the rain, continued on with a supportive and energetic crowd.

The event was capped by a fellowship night on August 18, that was attended by Councilor Al Ryan AlejanThe expo had basic Dj skills lessons. dre who delivered a speech for the delegates which was then followed by former congressman and commissioner of customs Ruffy Biazon, who also delivered a meaningful speech about being a DJ and how he started to be one, and showed of his DJ skills by playing a Former congressman and customs commisioner Ruffy flawless multi-genre set.

Biazon shows his DJ skills.

At the scratching workshop.

UP AND ABOUT

Globe launches portal for the latest Samsung phones AS the leader in the digital lifestyle, Globe Telecom is gearing up to welcome the newest Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ to Philippine shores with an online portal to serve early customers. The portal accepts registration of interest among customers purchasing the latest devices from Samsung with the myLifestyle Plan from Globe.

New and existing postpaid customers can visit the registration of interest portal available on the Globe website via www.globe.com.ph/postpaid/ samsung/register to register and indicate their preferred Samsung handset model in ad-

vance, along with their name, mobile number, and e-mail address. The customer database will be used to update registered customers with postpaid plan offers and pricing details.

A reference number will be provided to customers so they can track status of their application.

“With our registration of interest portal, customers get first dibs on our offers as well as exclusive privileges which they can avail when they get the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ from Globe,” says Erli Valdez, Vice President for Postpaid Business at Globe. “As the leader in postpaid and preferred telco carrier of the latest smartphones and “phablets”, we are poised to take one’s device experience to

the next level with our innovative myLifestyle Plan offerings, which gives customers access to their digital lifestyle while enjoying the amazing features of the devices.”

Valdez adds, “Over the next few days, customers will find out why it’s best to get the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6+edge from Globe with our unbeatable offers.”

Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 edge+ boast of a 5.7” QHD display, a 16 megapixel rear and 5 megapixel front camera, dual SIM feature and an Octa-core processor with the latest android operating system Lollipop. The Galaxy S6 edge+ also takes off from its previous predecessor’s sleek design, but now with a bigger dual-edge display.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Elha is ‘The Voice Kids’ grand champion

E L E V E N -Y E A R OLD banana cue vendor Elha Nympha of Team Bamboo was declared the grand champion of the second season of “The Voice Kids,” after receiving 42.16% of the public votes during the program’s grand finals last Sunday night.

“I’m happy and I didn’t expect to win.

I’m very happy because it’s my first time to win in this kind of competition,” said Elha.

Elha, Bamboo’s first artist to win the toprating singing competition, beat Team Lea artists Reynan Dal-anay, who got 31.64% of the votes, and Esang De Torres (18.16%), as well

and lot worth P2 million, P1 million cash, and a P1 million trust fund.

Before performing her winning piece “Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin,” Elha impressed viewers with her mind-blowing rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Emotions” that showed off her whistle register, and sang with Jed Madela in the finale’s first two rounds on Saturday (Aug 29).

Reynan, Esang, and Sassa, on the other

as fellow Team Bamboo artist Sassa Dagdag (8.04%).

“I just truly believe she deserves it. The right thing I did this season was turn for her. I was the only one who

turned for her (in the blind auditions). That’s quite a story. No one saw her coming, and then at some point, I knew I had someone very special,” said coach Bamboo.

hand, performed with “Your Face Sounds Familiar’s” Gary Valenciano, Billy Crawford, and Sharon Cuneta.

During the Sunday live show, meanwhile, coaches Lea Salonga, Bamboo, and Sarah Geronimo also performed for the first time “Sariling Awit Natin,” a soon-to-be-released song composed by Yeng Constantino in collaboration with Jonathan Manalo.

As the newest “The Voice Kids” grand champion, Elha won a recording contract from MCA Music Inc., a music instrument package, a shopping spree, a family utility vehicle, a house

New York welcomes Dingdong, Ai-Ai and other Kapuso stars FOLLOWING a series of jam-packed Kapusong Pinoy events across different continents, GMA Pinoy TV stages another Kapusong Pinoy concert to be held at the prestigious Town Hall in Midtown Manhattan, New York on September 5, with Kapuso stars all geared up to bring the fun and entertainment to all loyal GMA fans.

As GMA Pinoy TV celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, it remains committed to bringing quality news and entertainment to Kapuso fans abroad, making them feel closer to home.

“The past ten years have been a very fruitful and heart-warming journey for GMA International and we dedicate this year’s Kapusong Pinoy concert series to all those who have been with us along the way,” says GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia. “Through a night of music, fun and laughter with their favourite Kapuso artists, we hope to bring a slice of home to our kababayans abroad,” he adds.

Some of the Network’s biggest and brightest stars headline the third of this year’s series of anniversary concerts with Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Philippine Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas leading the all-star cast.

“I’ve always loved New York,” admits Dingdong. “Our kababayans there have such a strong Filipino spirit and I’m really excited to come back and perform for them. This concert is also special because we’re celebrating ten years of reaching out to every Filipino across the world and making them feel closer to the Philippines,” he expresses. Dingdong has recently wrapped up taping for his primetime soap Pari ‘Koy and is all set to return

to the hosting scene via the muchawaited comeback of StarStruck.

Ai-Ai is as excited as Dingdong.

“Mga Kapuso, bongga talaga ang 10th anniversary ng GMA Pinoy TV at handog nanaman namin ang isang napakasayang show para sa inyo! New York, handa na ba kayo?

Maki-celebrate na ng ten years with ten times the fun!” says the veteran actress-comedienne, who is one of

the main hosts of Sunday PinaSaya.

Alongside Dingdong and Ai-Ai are Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose, actor comedian Betong Sumaya and Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista.

Julie Anne, who recently filmed her newest music videos including “Tidal Wave” in Los Angeles and “Not Impressed” in New York, shares her excitement and anticipation for the event. “I can’t wait to finally be back in New York and be with all the Filipinos there. It’s always great to be performing in front of such a warm and lively crowd. We hope you enjoy the performances we’ve prepared for you!” says the artist whose fans can also catch her weekly on Sunday PinaSaya.

Meanwhile, Christian, who also headlined Kapusong Pinoy Vancouver and Kapusong Pinoy Anaheim this year, is ready to thrill the crowd with his romantic ballads. “This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our fellow Filipinos abroad and I’m grateful to be part of a very special celebration. Congratulations to GMA Pinoy TV for 10 successful years!” he says.

The concert will be held at The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, New York NY 10036 on September 5.

Gates open at 5:00 PM. Kapusong Pinoy New York is sponsored by Landbank, Vonage, Vista Residences, Moneygram, Ritemed, Mapua Institute of Technology, Cebuana Lhuillier, Globe Duo USA, Everest Aircondition, The Generics Pharmacy, ASAP Tickets Service, Xoom. com, Shakey’s, Financial Rescue, Cebu Pacific, LBC, DirecTV, Debt Aid Consulting, Transfast, Air 21, Red Ribbon, Magnolia Ice Cream, Chowking and Tancinco Law Office.

September 2 – 8, 2015

THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella Wright R13

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

PIXELS Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan PG

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

INSIDE OUT/ *HITMAN: AGENT 47 Diane Lane, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling / *Zachary Quinto, Rupert Friend PG/*R13

R-16

11:30 | 1:40 | 3:50 LFS / *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

EX WITH BENEFITS Derek Ramsay, Coleen Garcia R13

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

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Snap and share

I

’d like to think that, in this time, our circle of friends have now expanded significantly, not only through acquaintances we make in the neighborhood, school, work spaces and social establishments. Thanks to the Internet, the world has become smaller and we are able to connect with fellow netizens from different parts of the globe. Social media has opened doors to new found friends and even, to a certain extent, gave us a free platform to voice out our opinions.

It is through these sharing of insights that made social media channels successful, keeping all of its users engaged and attuned to what’s happening in every corner. Aside from Facebook and Twitter, Instagram is one of the widely used by different generations living in this era. In fact, Instagram is the number one ranking social media platform for image sharing. It boasts of online communities, which are cared for and managed by the most loyal users of this medium: the

visual storytellers.

There are users who prefer to keep their account as a personal photo diary of their special moments and daily highlights, and choose to keep

these mementos only for a selected audience. For brands, whether local or global, they utilize Instagram as a way of humanizing their brands, making them more relatable to the day to day encounters of its consumers and the community. Another type of “IGers” are those who grow into their visual style of narrating to a bigger audience something inspirational, spreading good vibes across continents through images with character and personality that are, undeniably, worthy of

@pinkmother

Mimi Vergara - Tupas is one smart and sassy lady who has mastered the use of social media in marketing. You won’t see much of her brands in this account, though. Instead, you’ll get to know more about this beautiful soul who lovingly devotes herself to family, friendships and the simple joys that come in all shapes and sizes. a double-tap.

For those who wish to increase their following, one must to consider having a clear message or theme of what you want your grid to narrate. In an intimate “Instameet” and talk by digital strategist, Martine de Luna, she emphasized on the basic fundamentals in content strategy. “Instagram is all about sharing, inspiring and creating a community,” says Martine. “If you are open to gaining a public following, then you have to give that audience something that will inspire them to think,

@iam_artisan

A strong believer of the “follow your bliss” mantra, April San Pedro takes you to a journey in the world of paper, coffee, prints and handmade bliss. feel and believe in your or differences are helpful message; something use- means that can make the ful. You have to have that shot more appealing, but respect for your audience you must also put emphaand give them materials sis, first, on the moment that are well thought of. and the story behind it.”

I am, personally, fasciYou have to also interact with your audience. After nated and inspired by few all, we have to admit that notable Davao women we get a sense of belong- who have consciously and ingness when we’re appre- humbly mastered the art of ciated by people who we online sharing. Not all of them have gained a million relate to.”

“Whether you’re after followers just yet (but who the reach or the likes, your knows what will happen image and caption create in the next year), but their an impact to your audi- posts are like rays of sunence,” Martine continues. shine that inject you with “Just like public speaking, energy and positive vibe. you must mind what you I never get tired of seeing say. All the filters and col- their squares in my feed.

@mimathology

This account will win you over with dozens and dozens of babies smiling at you. The grid is oozing with cuteness and joy!

@helensco @the_metime_wife

You’ll love all her flatlays, plus the cheerful and colourful vibes of her snaps showing those blissful moments at home and with the family.

Her grid showcases a bespoke collection of images with character and depth.

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“

RISING greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are causing global temperatures to rise, which is leading to the melting of the polar ice caps, which in turn has resulted in rising sea levels and a host of ecological issues,” wrote Alex Renton in a cover story for Newsweek last year.

“It’s also causing the chemical makeup of the world’s oceans to change so rapidly. Carbon dioxide, one of the key perpetrators in the lineup of man-made greenhouse gases, is absorbed by seawater, causing a chemical reaction near the ocean surface that results in lowered pH levels,” Renton further wrote.

What most people don’t know is that about one-third of all the man-made carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere ends up absorbed by the oceans.

I learned this bit information when I attended the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida some years back.

“Tropical coral reef waters are already significantly warmer than they were and the rate of warming is accelerating,” said Janice Lough of the Australian Institute of Marine Science during the 12th ICRS at Cairns, Australia. “With or without drastic curtailment of greenhouse gas emissions we are facing, for the foreseeable future, changes in the physical environment of present-day coral reefs.”

Coral bleaching has been cited as one of consequences of the raising of baseline temperatures in the oceans. But what most marine scientists around the world are concerned most of is ocean acidification, which is considered as “climate change’s evil twin.”

“Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere eventually finds its way to and dissolves in the oceans, causing the water to be-

“

AAAAHHH…Let’s get ready to rumbooooolll!”

No, it’s not a Pacquiao-Mayweather Super Fight 2. It’s a Binay-Roxas Super Rumble 2. At stake is the country’s highest political office – the presidency.

The two political warriors contested the vice presidency in 2010. Binay scored a surprising, if not miraculous, victory and laughed all the way to the Comelec office sporting a smile as wide as the Edsa stretch in Makati.

Who will capture Malacanan and lord it over a nation of 100 million souls?

The Liberal Party seems to have been caught in a cobweb unable to pick a Roxas running mate and Roxas himself seems to be walking a tightrope fearful of plunging down with a single misstep.

P-Noy’s vaunted anointment of Roxas has not produced the bandwagon effect at all.

Binay, on the other hand, continues to

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Climate change’s evil twin come ‘acid- THINK ON THESE! ic’… reducing the ability of the coral reefs to deposit calcium carbonate or calcify,” explained Dr. Edgardo Gomez, the founding di- Henrylito D. Tacio rector of the henrytacio@gmail.com University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.

About 25-50% of the carbon dioxide emitted over the industrial period had been absorbed by the world’s oceans, preventing atmospheric carbon dioxide build-up from becoming worse.

But this atmospheric benefit comes at a considerable price. “As a result, the sea water becomes more acidic and the concentration of carbonate ions decreases,” explains Forest Rohwer, author of Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas. “Carbonate ions are required by corals, crustose coralline algae, and other marine organisms for building their skeletons and shells. The increasing ocean acidification that lies ahead will affect even the most remote coral reef ecosystems.”

Experts claim the average pH (the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution) of the ocean has already decreased about 0.1 pH unit from pre-industrial values, a shift that corresponds to a 30 percent increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions and a decrease in carbonate ions. “This has decreased the rate at which reef-building corals build their skeletons (their rate of calcification) by 20 percent,” Rohwer writes.

Ocean pH is projected to decrease

another 0.3 to 0.4 pH units by the end of this century. This much change in pH is predicted to reduce coral calcification rates to 40-60 percent of normal. “This is a momentous change,” Rohwer notes.

“Imagine dripping hydrochloric acid onto chalk,” says André Freiwald of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, one of the authors of a study that appeared in the professional journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. “The chalk would disintegrate immediately; the corals could face a similar fate.”

Will it happen soon? “Two hundred years ago, the amount of carbon dioxide in the ocean was around 200 ppm (parts per million). Now it is nearly 400 ppm. If people continue their business as usual, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change… predicts that it will be more than 500 ppm at the end of the century,” said Dr. Gomez, who is the chair of the World Bank Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity Building for Management Program.

The acidification, Dr. Gomez added, may be gradual but would happen simultaneously all over the world. He warned that it would be worse than the acidification of agricultural lands due to the use of chemical fertilizers. “Land is more manageable. With the use of organic fertilizer and chemicals, land can easily recover. But once the ocean becomes acidic, it would take millions of years to bring back their natural (state).”

The current acidification may be worse than during four major mass extinctions in history when natural pulses of carbon from asteroid impacts and volcanic eruptions caused global temperatures to soar, according to a study which appeared in the journal Science.

The international team of researchers from the United States, Great Britain, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands examined hundreds of paleoceanographic studies, including fossils wedged in seafloor sediment from millions of years ago. They found only one time in history that came close to what scientists are seeing today in terms of ocean life dieoff – a mysterious period known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum about 56 million years ago.

“We know that life during past ocean acidification events was not wiped out – new species evolved to replace those that died off,” wrote lead author Dr. Barbel Honisch, a paleoceanographer at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

“But if industrial carbon emissions continue at the current pace, we may lose organisms we care about – coral reefs, oysters, salmon.”

Dr. Honisch and colleagues said the current rate of ocean acidification is at least 10 times faster than it was 56 million years ago. “The geological record suggests that the current acidification is potentially unparalleled in at least the last 300 million years of Earth history, and raises the possibility that we are entering an unknown territory of marine ecosystem change,” said co-author Dr. Andy Ridgwell of Bristol University.

In the Newsweek article, Renton quoted Callum Roberts, a professor of marine conservation at the University of York, England: “There’s a profound game-changing event going on in the life of the sea. The fact is that changes in alkalinity are going to cause massive reorganization of marine life, impacts on marine food webs, productivity, all sorts of things. We’re heading for a car crash here.”

exude that unmistakable aura of confidence of a frontrunner.

His mantra: “I beat him once, I’ll beat him again.”

I won’t downplay Binay’s supreme confidence in his biggest fight and challenge against political giants.

On my own, I see a Binay runaway victory in 2016 for the following reasons: One: He is an incontestable man of action, a silent but relentless doer. Calm and collected and fficious by nature, he is totally unlike ballistic and acidic Miriam Santiago, screwy hypothetical Alan Peter Cayetano, demeaning Antonio Trillanes, bombastic

and scandalous Rufus Rodriguez.

Binay’s two-decades stewardship of Makati has transformed it into the most affluent city in the country, and his socio-economic development program has benefitted Makati’s citizens especially the marginalized sector, and made them the happiest lot, except Ernesto Maceda and friends.

The Vice-President once belonged to the poorest of the poor lot.

To say that Binay is pro-poor is an understatement. He is not just pro-poor. The blood of the poor runs in his veins. No politician today can claim closer affinity to the poor than the Vice President.

Two: Competence is Binay’s hallmark as a public servant. Appointed to various sensitive and high national offices under several presidents, Binay always delivered the goods. He was never found wanting in performing his duties. Competence may well be his middle name.

Three: A man of vision. Binay’s vision

for Makati is now a glowing, monumental reality. Now he wants that vision to become a reality all over the nation. Impossible?

Think Makati and you’ll see impossible becoming possible.

------000------Now comes Manuel Araneta Roxas II. Can he beat Binay?

His track record as DILG chief and purportedly P-Noy’s all-action man is pathetic.

Roxas bungled his job as lead man in the Typhoon Yolanda operation. He was bossy and arrogant and demonstrated lack of knowledge in crisis management.

The Mamasapano incident exposed Roxas’s lapdog mentality. Along with Defense boss Gazmin and AFP Chief Catapang, Roxas played dumb and stupid by refusing to answer critical questions in order to shield P-Noy from blame.

Now will you entrust to this guy the fate of the nation?

The race to Malacañan

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2 Parties... FROM 1 over,” Laviña said.

Duterte has consistently refused the endorsement for him to run for President, citing his lack of financial resources, his age, and the opposition of his family.

While he has been mayor of a major city in the Southern Philippines for 23 years, Duterte has led a simple lifestyle, preferring to live in a low-cost housing unit in a GSIS-funded housing subdivision in Davao City.

At 70, Duterte’s family

believes he deserves to take a rest from public service and encourages him to enjoy his retirement.

“The alliance between the two parties would only be finalized if Mayor Duterte finally agrees to run for President,” Laviña said.

The final decision of Mayor Duterte is expected to come very soon considering that the deadline for the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy will be by the middle of October, Laviña added.

nal reading, but there are just minor ones.

Even during the privilege hour where a good number of councilors usually take the floor, only one SP member this time in the person of councilor Halila Y. Sudagar delivered a privi-

lege speech.

There were also no discussions on the floor this time regarding the items, which is also unusual since SP members have the penchant of deliberating over issues in the past sessions.

CRAM

enough sustenance. Second, it wrecked the drainage system and in the event of a strong rain and flood, it washes out the crops.

Bautista said the last time they were able to harvest rice was in April 2014 from only six out 5,000 hectares of land, with subsequent efforts to plant failing.

They were not able to harvest the crops they planted on November 2014 because these were damaged.

Bautista said five years ago, they were able to harvest 80 sacks of crops per hectare, which eventually decreased to 20 sacks of crops per hectare.

This has affected their flow of income as most of these farmers are de-

pendent on farming as a source of livelihood.

More than that, Bautista said that this has also affected the food security of their barangay as there is barely any food supply for them other than a few banana plantation and coconut trees.

Bautista said the last time they asked help was from the City Agriculture Office. “Naminaw man sila pero walay aksyon kay dili daw pwede manghilabot sa national project (They listened but there was no action because they said they couldn’t act on national projects),” Bautista said.

Bautista said there is already a contractor to fix the dike but they are still waiting for a writ of procession for constructions and reparations to begin.

and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration had provided assistance to Dalquez’ family, especially her two children.

Jennifer’s father Abdulhamid believes her daughter’s conviction would be overturned as she only acted in self-defense.

“She’s innocent so we’re

on-site sales offices where you can learn more about the condominium and perhaps even view a showroom.

Garces advises that before buying a condo, one should request and read the documents that apply to the management of the complex.

FAQs Typical questions to ask are: What are the hot issues for this complex? How big is the condominium’s reserve fund? How does management deal with owners’ requests and complaints?

Does the condominium impose strict rules and guide-

SP session... FROM 2

Panabo... FROM 3

Gensan... FROM 3

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

HOMEWARD BOUND. Members of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) ride a truck to return to their respective provinces on Monday afternoon after INC officials announced the end of nationwide protest actions after reaching an agreement with the government. Lean Daval Jr.

TRO petition... FROM 4 lo airport, Laguindingan airport in Cagayan de Oro City, New Bohol (Panglao) airport and Puerto Princesa airport.

At least six com-

panies are interested in taking the deal and these are Philippine Airports Consortium, led by Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Aeroports de Par-

is Management SA; the Union Equities-ACSA Consortium; the SMHC-HAC Airport Consortium of San Miguel Corp.; the Maya Consortium, led by Aboitiz Eq-

uity Ventures Inc. and Vinci Airports; the Filinvest-Jaco-Sojitz Consortium; and the GMR Infrastructures and Megawide Consortium.

(PNA)

In fact, there are more fighting cocks now than layers in the Philippines, he said. “Proof to this is the venturing of many local companies here into feeds production and manufacturing because of the in-

creasing population of the game fowls.”

In Davao Region alone, there are about 30 to 40 commercial breeders with at least 500 to 3,000 heads of fighting cocks.

Nasser said the num-

ber of cock pits in Davao City alone continue to grow because of the increasing number of hobbyist.

“At present, there are five legally operating cock pits in the city located Mintal, Toril, Calinan, Ma-

tina Gallera and the Matina Coliseum,” he said.

Meanwhile, the game fowl industry is one of the feature industries of the DATE 2015 aside from livestock, poultry and aquaculture. CR

ported using these logistic facilities might increase,” she said.

Indayla said the winning bidder has to recover the cost of taking the project within the concession years and this could be only attained by increasing fees.

She believed that improvement of basic services should be undertaken by the government to secure that all services will be accessible at reasonable price.

“This should not be passed to the private sector,” Indayla said.

The Aquino administration’s PPP project aims to improve infrastructure facilities around the country through partnering with a private sector. It is said that this would entail savings for government.

“Hindi dapat tinitipid and serbisyo para sa mga

Pilipino,” Indayla said.

“This is purely negligence of the government to its people.”

Meanwhile, the group is also planning to launch a signature campaign to gather signs of those who opposed the project and submit to congress.CRC

very hopeful with her appeal,” he said.

Rahima, on the other hand, advised relatives of other OFWs who are facing various sentences overseas “not to lose hope.”

“We’re also hoping that we will joined by Jennifer when we return home,” she added. (PNA)

cessful with our assistance. You have our full support.”

According to Elizabeth D. Uy, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer, the LGU has installed a municipal livelihood focal and even a livelihood focal in each of the 37 barangays to assist the DSWD project development officer assigned in the area. “The LGU has even assigned a motorcycle service to the DSWD

staff for prompt coordination with other workers in the town and so that he can easily move around to check on project progress,” she added.

Paquita T. Rafols, AVP for Corporate Services emphasized, “We will not just put food on the table today but really a livelihood that will send their children to school. We are happy to have found our partners. We wanted to implement livelihood

projects in the past but we were looking for partners then and now we have just found the right partner in DSWD.” We always welcome the support of CSOs (civil society organizations) which are pro-development and we appreciate their commitment and sincerity to partner with the public sector especially with DSWD, Director Razon added.

Benefiting 993 fam-

ilies at a cost of Php 7.2 million, other livelihood projects recently initiated by DSWD here are Crab Fattening, Computer Hardware Servicing NC II, Automotive Servicing NC II, Organic Corn Production, Kalabasa Production, Kamatis Production, Visual Graphic Design NC II, Native Chicken Production, and Swine Production. (DSWD/Carmela C. Duron)

lines on owners that you would be unhappy with?

Garces stressed that it is important that you need to get a sense of whether the condominium you are considering is well run, whether the rules and restrictions would allow you live the lifestyle you’re seeking and whether the building/complex is experiencing any problems that could hurt the value of your share of ownership in the future.

Finally, whether as an investor, vacationer or yearround resident, condos are definitely something that should be on the radar.

Matina Enclaves, a prog-

eny of a business stronghold as solid as Escandor businesses like The Royal Mandaya Hotel and Davao Allied Security and Investigation Agency (Dasia), meets the condominium requisites for homebuyers and investors. A versatile location matched with competitive prices, fantastic design and wonderful community, Matina Enclaves is the right choice for one who is looking for a condominium in Davao City.

For inquiries on Matina Enclaves, visit the Showroom at Genesis 88 Building, Ecoland, Davao City or request for an on-site visit.

purchase, use of mass media and duration.

With these elements, there will be greater chances to achieve fairness in the conduct of sales promotion, truth in claims, guarantee in the delivery of commitments and remedies for possible violation.

“We would like to reiterate that putting the phrase ‘until supply lasts’ in any sales promo activity is prohibited by law. Therefore, all establishments must ensure that the items on sale or the prizes they are giving away will last until the last day of the promo,” DTI-Davao Region Officer-in-Charge Maria Belenda Q. Ambi pointed out.

Ambi added that any person who wants to conduct any form or scheme for a sales promotion campaign of a consumer product, service or credit facilities which include sponsorship or game shows and similar activities must first secure a permit from DTI, from the Department of Health (DOH) for food, drugs, cosmetics and hazardous products, or from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) for meat products at least 30 days prior to the actual start of the promo period.

Meanwhile, DTI clarified that no sales promo permit is needed for the following activities:

· Sales promo campaigns sponsored by government; · Imported products under promo in their country of origin, not covering the Philippines; · Social, civic, political, religious, educational and other similar organizations conducted among their members; · Sponsorships of programs, concerts, game shows and similar activities, political, religious and institutional advertisements presented for public service, education or information, health, environment and development or desirable values and similar activities.

Choosing... FROM 13

Game... FROM 4

SC TRO... FROM 4

Advancing... FROM 4

DTI... FROM 4

11 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

Festivities begin in GenSan T

HE Police Regional Office-12 deployed additional police personnel in parts of the city in connection with the opening on Tuesday of the city’s week-long 47th foundation anniversary celebration and 17th Tuna Festival.

Superintendent Edgar Yago, operations chief of the city police office, said at least 615 police and military security personnel will secure various venues and the lined up events for the festivities until September 6.

He said the PRO-12 augmented the city police’s security operations for the festival with personnel from the regional training school, regional office and the regional police public safety battalion.

Troops from the Philippine Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan, barangay policemen, and members of volunteer group Magdalo were also deployed in the main festival venues, especially the at the city’s oval plaza grounds.

“We’re on red alert right now and rest assured that we’re doing everything to make sure that the celebrations will be smooth, orderly and peaceful,” Yago said.

He said the security deployment at the oval plaza and other festival venues

will be on 24-hour basis that will be divided in three shifts.

He said they have also installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in each of the six entry and exit points of the oval plaza, eight at the carnival area and two at the security command post.

There are existing CCTV cameras in strategic areas of the streets surrounding the oval plaza grounds, he said.

Yago said they have set up a monitoring station for the installed CCTVs at their command post, which also serves as the base of standby personnel from the City Health Office, Red Cross and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The festival, which is co-organized by the city government and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority-General Santos Fish Port Complex, had a soft opening last Aug. 15 but the highlights were set from Sept. 1 to 6.

Minor activities were lined up at the oval plaza and other parts of the city until Sept. 15.

After the highlight of the celebration on Sept. 6, Yago said they will maintain a security strength of 249 personnel at the oval plaza.

Meantime, Carlos Ha-

DAILY SIGHT. A T’boli fisherman deploys fishing nets in Lake Seloton in Lake Sebu town, South Cotabato. Seloton is one of the major lakes in town, which is a known source of tilapia in the region. MindaNews photo by Keith Bacongco gosojos, 17th Tuna Festival performers. for the Guinness record city’s 46th charter anniverdirector, said eight entities It will be highlighted by achieved by the city for the sary celebration and 16th will compete in the tuna the ceremonial cutting of a “world’s largest fish dis- Tuna Festival last year. float parade, which is slated whole yellowfin tuna, which play.”

The Guinness certificate before the grand opening will be offered to the public The city government read: “The largest fish disceremonies at 6 p.m. by 100 chefs. received earlier his month play consists of 25,594.49 He said the opening cerCity Councilor Shanee the certificate for such feat, kg (56,426 lb 3 oz) of emony will include a light Llido Pestano, chair of the which was achieved on Sept. yellowfin tuna and was achieved by the City of Genand sounds show, balloon council’s tourism commit- 11, 2014.

The world record bid eral Santos, South Cotabato, show, fireworks display and tee, said they will also forcultural shows from 235 mally unveil the certificate was the highlight of the Philippines.” (PNA)

12 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE EDMUND D. RENDON Marketing Specialist Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 MANILA MARKETING OFFICE ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE 13

Choosing the right home, investment

Gerald Garces HEN you’re looking to buy a home, there are plenty of choices available and in this modern world, among the popular choice is a condominium.

W

As you may already know, a condominium is a large property complex that is divided and sold in individual units. Compared to a single-family dwelling, ownership in a condominium includes partial ownership in shared “common property”. This presents unique challenges for condominium buyers.

If you’re considering buying a condo, there are some basic things one needs to know more about this type of property and what ownership entails.

First, let’s ask: Why a condo?

According to Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) proj-

ect head Gerald Garces, “there are lots of reasons that a condo might be a better fit than an apartment or single home, and money is surely one of them. Condo prices tend to appreciate at a slower rate than single-family dwellings, making them a more affordable choice in markets where prices are on the rise. And, compared to renting an apartment, because you actually own your condo, you can take advantage of tax deductions such as the interest on your mortgage.”

Esdevco is the local developer of the Matina Enclaves located along Quimpo Boulevard, a stone’s throw away from the Davao City Golf and

Country Club, Ateneo de Davao University and SM City Davao, among others.

Garces added that “conversely, it’s important to remember that the purchase price isn’t the only thing to consider when you’re buying a condo. Most co-ops and condos have monthly fees for upkeep of the common property (these can be costly) and, unlike renting an apartment, you’ll have to pay property taxes, too.”

Granted, it’s not all about the money, Garces said, condos also provide attractive lifestyle choices for many prospective buyers.

“Living in a condominium can also free you from some of the usual chores that go along with owning a house, such as yard and exterior maintenance,” he added.

Searching for the Right Condo Looking for a condo involves the same pro-

cess as shopping for a single-family home. If you have a general idea of what you’re interested in, going to a real estate agent can be a great way to find out about properties that you might not be able to find on your own.

Otherwise, you can search real estate websites and listings for condos in the area you are interested in. If you have a specific building or complex in mind, many offer

FCHOOSING, 10

14

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

S

Truth be told: SMB vs. MVP

OMEBODY told me there is truth in the corporate war between the San Miguel Group and the Manny V. Pangilinan firms that has spilled over to sports development at the expense of the country’s national pastime—basketball.

No, it’s not their rivalry in the PBA that’s the reason why players from San Miguel’s three teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are avoiding a stint with the Gilas Pilipinas program spearheaded by MVP’s SMART Telecommunications.

It far reaches out to bigger business interests.

Let’s start with the “bidding war” for a road project that links the toll roads south and north of Metro Manila: South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEx). It’s called the CALAX Road.

Shaq, Kobe burry hatchet

F

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

ORMER Los Angeles Lakers teammates and one-time bitter rivals Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant have buried the hatchet in an online podcast released on Monday where both men addressed their long-running feud.

O’Neal and Bryant’s tense relationship was a staple of NBA debate for years during the Lakers successful period of dominance in the early 2000s, when the team won three championships and lost a fourth.

O’Neal eventually moved to the Miami Heat in 2004 while Bryant remained at the Lakers, where he continues to play as his career draws to a close.

In a lengthy discussion on O’Neal’s “The Big Podcast with Shaq”, both men expressed regret at the way their bickering often spilled into public view.

“I just want people to know that I don’t hate you, I know you don’t hate me,” O’Neal, 43, told Bryant on the podcast.

“I call it today a ‘work beef,’ is what we had. I was young, you was young. But then as I look at it, we won three (championships) out of four so I don’t really think a lot was done wrong.

“We had a lot of disagreements, we had a lot of arguments. But I think it fueled us both.”

Bryant, 37, meanwhile said he wished the frequent rows with O’Neal could have been kept private.

“To me, the most important thing is you keep your mouth shut. There’s no need to go to the press.

You keep it internal,” Bryant said.

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo

The “connector road” between SLEx and NLEx is eyed by two of the country’s biggest business groups -San Miguel Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

(MPIC) With both groups led

by San Miguel’s Ramon Ang (left) and Manuel Pangilinan (right) fighting over the NLEx-SLEx connector road project, therein lies the bigger battle with Metro Pacific offering a far better PPP offer in terms of government share.

The MVP-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

(MPIC) had the better end in the 45.5-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax) deal after submitting a surprise aggressive offer in a rebidding exercise for the public-private partnership (PPP) project that edged out rival San Miguel Corp.

The results of the bidding by the Department of Public Works and Highways showed that Metro Pacific’s MPCALA Holdings offered a premium payment of P27.3 billion— against San Miguel Holdings Corp.’s offer of P22.2 billion— for the right to build and operate Calax for a period of 30 years.

It was also more than double the P11.33 billion that MPIC, which controls the country’s biggest electricity retailer and its largest chain of private hospitals, offered in last year’s auction for the same project. San Miguel had offered P20.1 billion last year—the

basis of a floor price that the DPWH had included in the current rebid exercise.

Now that’s a lot of mojos. If you think the rivalry is just basketball, that’s peanuts. This is still business.

Remember that the two firms own six of the PBA’s 12 franchises.

The SMB squads are San Miguel Beer, Purefoods Star Hotshots and Ginebra San Miguel where nationals Marc Pingris, LA Tenorio, June Mar Fajardo, and Japeth Aguilar belong. On the other hand, the MVP teams are Talk N’ Text, Meralco and NLEX where Gilas stalwarts Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo, Gary David, Jared Dillinger, Larry Fonacier, and Jimmy Alapag.

So when the SMB affiliated players begged off one after the other, we knew the reason why even if they do not admit it.

Alam na this.

Clarkson says Romeo plays like Iverson

A

DD NBA player Jordan Clarkson to the growing list of people left impressed by rising star Terrence Romeo in Gilas Pilipinas’ stint in the 37th Jones Cup. In a long talk with Gilas officials, Clarkson and his business manager Tim Fuller expressed admiration for the GlobalPort guard who has won over a new army of fans here with his impressive play in Gilas’ two games, both of which the Lakers guard watched from the Philippine bench.

“He’s an (Allen) Iverson,” Clarkson told Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) vice-chairman Ricky Vargas and former PBA chairman Pato Gregorio.

[See Terrence Romeo wins new fans over in Jones Cup] Asked by Vargas if Romeo

should pass the ball more, Clarkson responded: ‘No, don’t do that. Let him play, allow him to do what he can do.

Put him with people who can shoot and let him create.”

But more than Romeo’s dazzling play on the court, Clarkson, according to Vargas, is more impressed with the dedication and the countless hours the former FEU star spends working on his game in practice.

Clarkson, who has been here since Sunday joining Gilas in practices and games, told Vargas he was surprised Romeo didn’t even greet him the first time they met in practice.

“He just entered the court, faced the wall, and practice,” he told Vargas. “That’s passion.”

Gregorio added: “Some people looked at it as swagger, Clarkson saw it as focus.”

FIRST ROUND FUNK

Nishikori, Ivanovic suffer first round upsets K

EI Nishikori was back in the U.S. Open spotlight on Monday but for all the wrong reasons as last year’s runner-up headlined a day of first-round upsets at Flushing Meadows.

Fourth seed Nishikori, who last year became the first Asian man to reach a grand slam final, found defeat hard to swallow after squandering two match points in the 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6(6) 6-4 loss to Frenchman Benoit Paire.

The 25-year-old Japanese had plenty of company at the exit following a string of opening-day upsets that included Serbian seventh seed and former world number one Ana Ivanovic, eighth seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova and 10th-seed Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain.

A hot, muggy day that attracted a record first session crowd of over 37,000 got off to an ominous start when 50th-ranked Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova dispatched Ivanovic 6-3 3-6 6-3 on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

Anna Tatishvili gave t h e home fans a

reason to get excited as the 121stranked American qualifier destroyed Pliskova 6-2 6-1 while Frenchwoman Oceane Dodin kept the upsets trending with 2-6 7-5 6-3 victory over Jelena Jankovic, the 21st seed and 2008 U.S. Open runner-up.

It was Nishikori, however, who generated the opening day buzz as his hopes of making another magical U.S. Open run came to a quick end.

Marin Cilic, who beat Nishikori in last

year’s final, had no opening day hiccups as the ninth-seeded Croat began defense of his title with a 6-3 7-6(3) 7-6(3) win over Argentine qualifier Guido Pella.

Recovering from a wobbly first set Nishikori had looked ready to survive the opening test taking a 6-4 lead in the fourth set tiebreak.

But the 41st-ranked Paire would fight off two match points then take the tiebreak and carry the momentum into the fifth set where he recorded the decisive break to go up 3-2 before finishing off Nishikori with a booming ace.

“It’s always very sad to lose in the first round, but I think he was playing good tennis,” said Nishikori. “I don’t think I played badly. Didn’t play great, but still, it’s never easy first match.”

Venus Williams, a two-time U.S. Open champion, scrapped to a center court 6-4 6-7(7) 6-3 win over Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig hours before sister and world number one Serena launches her bid to complete a calendar year sweep of the grand slams against Russia’s Vitalia Diatchenko.

UPSET. Ana Ivanovic of Serbia reacts as she plays Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia during their match on the first day of the 2015 US Open Tennis Championship.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 110 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

WILLIAM JONES CUP STANDINGS IRAN

3-0 RUSSIA

3-1 PHILIPPINES 2-1 TAIWAN

2-1 N.ZEALAND 1-1 USA

1-2 S.KOREA

1-2 TAIWAN B

0-2 JAPAN 0-3 Still playing as of presstime Iran v. New Zealand USA v. South Korea Taiwan B v. Taiwan

FAN FAVE. Terrence Romeo of the Philippines dances in the air against South Korean giant Lee Jung Hyun.

BOUNCING BACK

Gilas Pilipinas stuns Russia 85-71 after painful loss to South Korea

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

HE Philippines rebounded from another heartbreaker to Asian rival South Korea to hand Spartak of Russia its taste of first defeat 85-71 in the 37th William Jones Cup in Taipei yesterday.

Ranidel de Ocampo was on fire in the fourth quarter, capping his game-long heroics with a dagger triple with a little under two minutes left.

De Ocampo scorched the hoop in the fourth quarter which saw the Gilas pool shoot better than the taller Russians.

Gilas Coach Tab Baldwin dispatched Troy Rosario, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Aldrech Ramos to the line-up and rested Marc Pingris and Gary David in the ballgame.

Gilas Pilipinas trailed after the first quarter

20-23 but outhustled the Russians to take a 43-40 lead at the lemontime break. The Russians hit a triple before the halftime buzzer to keep the score close.

In the third, the Gilas limited the Russians to just 10 points while scoring 18 of their own before capping the match with 24 points in the fourth period against the Russians’ 20,

three coming in wastage time.

Before facing the Russians, the Filipinos were just less than 24 hours removed from an 82-70 loss to Asian rival South Korea on Monday in a game where Gilas Pilipinas failed to catch up with their opponents in the second half.

Both teams engaged in a tight battle for the first three quarters be-

fore South Korea unleashed a zone defense which the Filipinos, who are only together for almost a month as a group, failed to break.

But guard Terrence Romeo continued to shine for the Filipinos as he led the squad with 23 points while also sparking a comeback attempt late in the game.

The Russian side had earlier beaten USA (84-

65), South Korea (8684) and New Zealand’s Wellington Saints (9894) to come out on top of the standings.

Against Gilas, Kostiantyn Glazyrin was Spartak’s marked man after exploding for 24 points in his team’s win over the Saints. Andrey Ivanov and Aleksei Fedorchuk have also been vital to the team’s unbeaten run so far.