Edge Davao 8 Issue 126

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

RODY: HANDS OFF

Mayor explains non-involvement in abduction case operations

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

OFF TO COMELEC. Lumads from the hinterlands of Davao City, mostly women, sit atop a minibus on their way to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 regional office yesterday to have their biometrics taken in preparation for next

INSIDE EDGE

Vice Mayor Pulong quits Hugpong P2

year’s national election. Lean Daval Jr.

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will not take part in the recovery of three foreigners and Filipina who were abducted in a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Monday night.

“I will not meddle on that because it is not in my jurisdiction,” Duterte said in an interview on Tuesday night at Grand Men Seng Hotel.

Duterte said even if he is the chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), he has no power to order the police to conduct an operation because he is only limited

with administrative function.

He said the RPOC is only for making guidelines for the peace and order implementation in the region and not an executive body that could order police to operate.

Duterte said the owner of Holiday Ocean View resort is his friend, but that he can only extend his sympathy to them.

“It is a government thing now,” he said.

Duterte said the only thing he can do is to lend his resources such as the equipment from Central 911 and the personnel from Task Force Davao

and Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

“The government there should be the one to manage the situation because that is not my territory,” he said.

Duterte said the operation should be led by the police and military because it is part of their mandate.

“It is not my time to act. It is the time for the police and military to do something on the situation,” he said.

The mayor said that if it is a hostage situation or New People’s Army (NPA) prisoner of war recovery,

FRODY, 10

CARTO SKETCH. Police Regional Office (PRO) deputy regional director for administration and Special investigation Task Group ocean View head Chief superintendent Federico L. Dulay Jr. shows the cartographic sketch of one of the suspects in the abduction of three foreign nationals and a Filipina at a world-class resort in the Island Garden City of Samal during a press briefing at Camp Quintin M. Merecido yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

FALLOUT?

Vice Mayor Pulong quits Hugpong

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

D

AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Z. Duterte has quit Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, the local administration party headed by his father and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Vice Mayor Duterte , in tendering his resignation from the party, said Hugpong sa Tawong Lunfsod failed to recognize the accomplishment of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) which he heads.

“The Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod leadership has, in the recent days, been talking heavily on who should run at a particular position in the upcoming elections. It is undeniable and obvious that it has deliberately failed to afford due consideration to the efforts and achievements of the Council which I presently lead,” the vice mayor said in explaining his decision.

Mayor Duterte has been making public pronouncements that he wants his daughter, former Davao mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, as the party’s mayoral candidate in the 2016 elections.

During a recent press conference, Duterte said that if Sara won’t accept his offer for her to run for mayor in May, he will be compelled to seek re-election.

The vice mayor, however, assured the councilors of his continued support despite his resignation from the party.

“At the moment I am preparing the resignation letter which I will be tendering to Hugpong. Despite this, you can be assured of my continued support to all of you for I am fully aware that we, as a body, are tied not by a political party or personal motives but by a common cause to serve our constituency,” Vice Mayor Duterte said.

PRO 11 releases carto sketch

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Z. Duterte

Del Rosario asks LGUs to tighten security in resorts, tourist spots D

AVAO del Norte Gov. Rodolfo R. del Rosario condemned in strongest possible terms the kidnapping of three foreign nationals and a Filipina in a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Monday night.

At the same time, Del Rosario immediately ordered government forces and the local government units (LGUs) in the province to tighten security in resorts and other tourist destinations in the wake of the latest crisis to

hit the Davao Region.

“On behalf of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, I condemn in the strongest terms this senseless act,” del Rosario said in a statement. “I am appealing to the perpetrators the immediate and unequivocal release of the hostages.”

The governor said the abduction that took place in a resort in Barangay Camudmud, Babak District will affect the tourism industry not only in Samal but also Mindanao. IGACOS is part of Davao del Norte.

“I hope the abductors will be considerate enough and be able to understand that the tourism sector of Samal and that of the whole island of Mindanao will really be affected,” del Rosario said.

He assured the public that the government is “doing everything that it can to ensure the early resolution of the crisis.”

“A special task force was already organized to conduct a thorough investigation and the necessary operation to recover the victims,” del

Rosario said.

The governor also called on security forces, resort owners and the LGUs to strengthen security of tourist destinations to safeguard the guests.

“All necessary measures must be put in place so that no tourist will ever escape their watch,” del Rosario said.

Abducted by armed men in IGASCOS were Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kajartan Sekkingstad and a Filipina named Tess. CRAM

HE Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Ocean View released on Wednesday the cartographic sketch of one of the suspects in the kidnapping incident that took place in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Monday night.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 deputy director for administration Chief Superintendent Federico L. Dulay Jr., head of SITG Ocean View presented the sketch to reporters in a press briefing yesterday at Camp Quintin Merecido Dulay said the suspect was identified by couple Steven and Kazuka Tripp when he barged in to their yacht at around 11:40 p.m. of Sep-

tember 21.

“After the investigators from Davao City Police Office (DCPO) interviewed the victims who were not taken, Mr. Steven and Mrs. Kazuka Tripp, we come up with the sketch and this is now our new update,” he said.

The suspect, according to the witnesses, has a height 5’2” to 5’3”feet, medium built body and his age is around 25 to 30 years old.

Dulay said only one suspect was identified because he is the only one who tried to abduct the couple.

“With the sketch, at least we can now gather information,” he said.

Dulay, however, said the

FPRO 11, 10

Abduction not handiwork of NPA rebels, Duterte says

T

HE kidnapping incident in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Monday night as not the handiwork of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte emphasized this to the members of the media, saying NPA rebels do not resort to kidnapping involving civilians.

“The NPAs would not do that,” he said at the Grand Men Seng Hotel Tuesday night.

Based on the report from Police Regional Office (PRO) 11, the security guard of the resort in IGACOS where the abduction took place recovered a note at the entrance gate 500

meters away from docking area around 4:00 a.m. or hours after the incident took place. The note read: “KATARUNGAN NG AMING COMMANDER (Justice for our commander) by: NPA”.

But, Duterte said the note recovered in the area was only a diversionary tactic to confuse the investigation of the law enforcers.

“Do not believe on that,” Duterte said. “it is just only used to divert.”

The mayor added that the perpetrators could be other organized criminal groups in the Davao Region.

Task Force Davao head, Colonel Cristobal Zaragosa, agreed with Duterte.

FABDUCTION, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

When life throws you lemons, make some pie.

Us, we change the game.

The only thing constant in this world is change.

That said, EDGE Davao is consistently pushing itself to ride the winds of change.

With this young organization’s battlecry “Change the game”, we are again blazing the trail amidst the autobahn speeds of developing technology by going to the social media platform to advance our coverage.

Two weeks ago, we posted the “Crying Lady” photo on our Facebook page and it generated nearly 200,000 views in 24 hours. On Monday, as we took to the social media our coverage on the much-anticipated “Announcement II” of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, a series of posts reached over 100,000 in a matter of minutes leading up to the press conference. In sum, over 200,000 were reached in those hours of “Announcement II” where Mayor Duterte reiterated he is not running for President and is considering reelection for Mayor if his daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio decide not to run.

The numbers speak for the reach of this coverage from our print copy to our online content and we intend to intensify our push towards the optimization of our news reach in the social media platform where the battle has shifted.

These days, most news organizations are taking their content to the social media which has proven to be the most accessible vehicle for news content.

Let’s face it, the game has shifted.

If one has to be in the thick of the fight, one’s presence in this platform would spell the difference. This is where the real demographics are measurable and tangible, not to mention relevant and not limited to a few respondents only of a particular segment.

It’s a no-brainer. Hundred thousand views can’t be wrong.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Blazing the trail in innovative journalism.

3

4 NEWS

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

DOJ orders probe of alleged NBI profiling

D HOT PURSUIT. Task Force Davao Commander Col. Cristobal N. Zaragoza (left) gives updates on the hot pursuit operation against the abductors of three foreign nationals and a Filipina at one of the resorts in Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) on Sunday night. Zaragoza was joined by Moro National

Liberation Front (MNLF) spokesman Gen. Mike Tagalog (right) during yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing at the Task Force Davao headquarters. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao cops tighten security following Samal abduction

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is now implementing tight security measures in the metropolis following the abduction of three foreign nationals and a Filipina in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS).

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps Media Briefing at Task Force Davao headquarters, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz said the police are on alert status and now conducting random checkpoints within the city especially in all entry points of the city.

“We are tightening the

W

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which requires that countries respect human rights without distinction of any kind.

The ICCPR prohibits discrimination on such grounds as race, religion, political opinion or national origin.

According to Azis, this non-discrimination also requires mutual respect.

“As a country with a history of rich diversity, we are determined to avoid negative stereotypes and misinformation about beliefs, cultures and communities,” he said.

Azis added that the government will protect and respect every Filipino regardless of race, color or religion.

He underscored the role of mutual respect and equal protection of law in the pursuit of multicultural harmony.

He cited Singapore as a successful example of a diverse country that has avoided the tensions and conflicts now wracking various countries in Africa and the Middle East. (PNA)

random inspections especially in the egress and ingress portion of the city,” Driz said.

She said DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. issued an order to all police station commanders to intensify their intelligence monitoring and coordinate with other law enforcement groups so that no criminal elements can go inside the city.

Driz also urged the other resort owners to coordinate with DCPO so that the police will get information in case there are some cohorts of the suspects are in the city.

She, however, said that so far the city has no threat yet from the lawless groups who intend to make trouble in the city.

Davao Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said the incident in IGACOS will really affect the city because the city is the gateway of all other destinations in the region since the airport is here.

Duterte said if the embassies of these foreign nationals will give a travel advisories against the city, he has nothing to do with it because there is an incident.

“Although Samal Island is not part of Davao City, it

against the 90 identified respondents; however, the issuance of subpoenas will be done discreetly so that these alleged suspects will not be able to go into hiding.

To recall, the GPHMILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) had assisted the DOJ team in conducting the site visit and interviews as part of its investigation on the Mamasapano incident.

Furthermore, the CCCH, with the assistance of some local government officials, responded immediately to cease the fighting and retrieve the corpses from all sides, including civilians, at the scene in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano on that eventful day of January 25.

“Let the judicial process take its due course

ANOTHER CONDO RISING. Workers install metal braces on the first floor of the ongoing construction of Aeon Towers’ state-of-the-art condominium along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

is Davao del Norte. But, I can do nothing if theie governments will release a travel advisory. You cannot control any governments,” he said.

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario issued a statement yesterday regarding the kidnapping incident in IGACOS. Del Rosario said the incident was “unfortunate and isolated” and he condemned it to the strongest terms.

“I am appealing to the perpetrators the immediate and unequivocal release of the hostages,” he said.

The governor said he is

FDAVAO, 10

Let the law take its due course: GPH

ITH the murder charges filed against 90 suspects in connection with the Mamasapano incident, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said to “let the law take its due course alongside the bigger reforms.”

In a statement, Ferrer assured that any “untoward incident” that might arise from the issuance of the subpoena to identified suspects affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be prevented through the joint cooperation of the government ceasefire mechanism and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to conduct preliminary investigations on charges of direct assault with murder

EPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Zabedin Azis, upon the instruction of DOJ Secretary Leila M. De Lima, has ordered National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Virgilio L. Mendez to investigate the reported use of a sketch labeled “Muslim Type” by the NBI Western Mindanao.

The sketch was released in connection with the search for suspects in the recent bombing in Zamboanga.

NBI Western Mindanao Regional Director Fernando Lavin has apologized for the lapse, for which he took full responsibility.

“The DOJ does not allow or tolerate discrimination against any group or sector of society, including Muslim Filipinos,” De Lima said.

“This would violate not only the equal protection clause of our Constitution but also our commitments under international law,” De Lima added.

De Lima pointed out that the Philippines is a party to the International

FLET, 10

Storm ‘Dujuan’to enter PH

T

ROPICAL storm ‘’Dujuan’’ is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, according to state weather bureau PAGASA. PAGASA weather forecaster Jun Galang said the typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph.

The storm was spotted 1,745 kms east of Northern Luzon at 4 a.m.

Wednesday.

Dujuan was moving west northwest at 15 kph and will be named named “Jenny”once it enters PAR. The storm is enhancing the southwest monsoon. This is expected to result in light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms over MIMAROPA, Visayas, Mindanao and the provinces of Cavite and Batangas.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, meanwhile, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms.

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

Imports maintain growth P

Infographics by NEDA

HILIPPINE merchandise imports posted double-digit growth for the second consecutive month at 16.9 percent in July 2015, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Trade data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority today indicate that significant increases in inward shipments from the country’s major trading partners buoyed up merchandise imports to US$6.5 billion in July 2015 from US$5.6 billion in the same month last year.

Also for the second consecutive month, the Philippines ranked first among monitored economies in East and Southeast Asia in registering imports growth in July 2015. Except for Viet Nam, most trade-oriented economies in the region recorded a decline in imports for the said period.

“The steady growth in importation of key imported commodities is expected to further boost the growth of investments and household consumption in the third quarter of 2015. This will offset weak revenues from exports, which remains affected by dampened global demand,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio

M. Balisacan.

Meanwhile, increase in outurns for consumer goods (72.8%), raw materials and intermediate goods (41.1%), and capital goods (32.5%), which all made up for the significant decline in import bills for mineral fuels and lubricants (-76.4%), moderated the growth of imports for July 2015.

“Within the near term, imports growth may likely continue as consumer confidence for the third quarter slightly improved to -11.6 from an index of -16.2 during the second quarter,” added Balisacan, who is also the NEDA Secretary.

The spending for imported consumer goods grew to US$1.4 billion in July 2015 from US$793.9 million in July 2014 due to higher purchases of both durable goods (up 75.7%) and non-durable goods (up 69.5%).Moreover, growth in importation of durable goods is accounted for by the increase of importation of passenger cars and motorized cycle.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and Truck Manufacturers Association jointly reported that a total of 10,221 passenger cars were sold in June 2015. This is 23 percent higher com-

FIMPORTS, 10

6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

RDC wants Sasa port updates T

HE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (RDC) in the Davao Region Monday approved a resolution asking Transportation and Communication Sec. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya Jr. to appear before the RDC 11 to give updates on the proposed P19-billion Sasa Port Modernization Project.

This was learned from Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, RDC 11 chairman, who told reporters cov-

ering the RDC 11 briefing on infrastructures program that the Council earlier approved a resolution endorsing the controversial multi-billion peso project to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

“However, the endorsement was conditional,” del Rosario said, adding that the RDC approves of the project for as long the DOTC, the project proponent, comply with five conditions.

Market access continues to hound swine growers

T

HE Philippines remains an importer rather than an exporter of swine fresh cuts despite being certified free from the dreaded foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Organization for Animal Health, Edward So, president of the Davao Hog Raisers Association said.

So in an interview on Monday said Mindanao swine producers did not capitalize on its FMD certification and just settled with locals as their major market. The problem lies on the lack of assistance from government to build markets, he noted.

When asked if Mindanao has sufficient supply, he said, “If there is a market, yes we can, we are always ready, but if there is no market, no one will invest. If there is also a market, we are faced with the difficulty in the accreditation process.”

Mindanao, he said, is producing about 20,000 heads monthly and is supplying Visayas and Luzon markets.

Davao City’s production however is only enough for Davao, he added. With the lack of available markets, the major market of swine producers is still from the locals, he said.

So also lamented that foreign markets impose stringent requirements on the Philippines exportable livestock, while they easily export their unwanted meat cuts also known as “wastes” into the country.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) had forged a deal with Singapore in early 2007 for the shipment of fresh cuts and processed pork meat products.

DA tapped two Mindanao firms: the Matutum Meat Packing Corp (MMPC) based in Polomolok town in South Cotabato and the Davao City-based Nenita Quality Foods Corp., to start the exports.

But the transaction did not push through after a hog farm in Luzon was detected of Ebola Virus. From then on, no exports of Philippine swine have been made. (PNA)

Farmers, fisherfolks honored

H

ONORING the contribution of farmers and fisherfolks to the province’s agricultural productivity, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental recently commemorated the Farmers and Fisherfolks Day at the Provincial Capitol.

Already on its fifth year, the Farmers and Fisherfolks Day is an annual celebration initiated by the Provincial Government to pay tribute to all farmers and fisherfolks, especially here in the province, whose untiring efforts not only help feed the people and provide raw materials to many industries, but also contribute to the province’s socio-economic development.

Rotchie Ravelo, Head of the Provincial Agriculture Office, largely attributed to the farmers and fisherfolks the 6.5% drop on the poverty incidence rate of the province – the largest reduction among all provinces in the region. He said that their hard work that led to the increase in the agricultural production has significantly contributed to this huge dent in poverty.

For the past eight years, the Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, has achieved major feats in agriculture that has transformed the province and created lasting difference in the lives of its farmers.

First is the substantial increase in rice sufficiency level from 44 percent in 2007 to 67% in 2011 through the Food Intensification Program.With the World Bank-MRDP-Provincial Government- funded Cateel Irrigation Project, Davao Oriental is sure to soon hit a 100% rice sufficiency level as it will irrigate additional 1,600 hectares to 2,000 hectares of rice fields in Cateel town.

Furthermore, Davao Oriental earned the highest regional award in agriculture as the GawadSaka Regional Champion in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015 and landed among the top 10 provinces with outstanding performance in rice production and became an AgriPinoy Rice Achiever Awardee (APRAA) in 2015.

(By Karen Lou Deloso)

He said the conditions are as follows: --purchase of 6.5 hectares adjacent land in addition to the current size of the Sasa port area; --ensure payment to owners of the additional land; -- see to it that the terms of reference in the purchase will specify who should pay the real property tax involved; --transfer of informal set-

tlers occupying part of the port to a suitable relocation site; and --ensure that the project will benefit the shareholders of the port in terms of economic benefits and in providing opportunities for employment.

Del Rosario said that the appearance of Secretary Abaya will give RDC 11 a chance to know whether the conditions in the resolution of endorsement have been

EMPOWERING WOMEN. Coca-Cola Philippines Public Affairs and Communications vice president lawyer Adel Tamano (second from right), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial director Nestor Tabada (right), Tagum City Council of Women president Alma Uy (second from left) and First Community Cooperative (FICCO) chief operating officer Ed

complied with.

“The Council also looks at the appearance of Secretary Abaya as an opportunity for us to revisit some of the contentious aspects of the project, specially its huge cost,” the RDC 11 chair said.

“We are all for the improvement of this vital facility, but we would like to see to it that its cost will not be detrimental to its users,” Del Rosario said, adding that it

is natural for whoever will build the project to recover the huge development cost by increasing the fees of the port.

Del Rosario who was himself twice a member of the Cabinet aside from being member of the House of Representatives for several terms said that failure of the DOTC to comply with the RDC’s suggestions will become the project’s “technical problem.”

Micayabas hold the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of training and economic empowerment program for women sari-sari store owners and operators in Mindanao at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Empowering women micro-entrepreneurs

C

OCA-COLA Philippines signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and a civil society organization for the implemention of a training and economic empowerment program for women sari-sari store owners and operators in Mindanao.

Under the agreement,

the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) in Davao would be empowered to conduct the modules of the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program in areas where they operate. The agreement also directs FICCO to nominate and develop “trainer teams” that will undergo training and certification by TESDA. With the program,

these signatories recognized the significant role of women micro-entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and community development.

TESDA, the agency which took care of the implementation of the modules that were co-authored with Coca-Cola, intends to transfer knowledge and skills to its civil society partners.

The partnership will

run from 2015 to 2020 to ensure the sustainability and continuity of the STAR Program, even after Coca-Cola Philippines completes its target of empowering 200,000 women micro-entrepreneurs by 2020.

Signing the MOA is provincial director Nestor Tabada in behalf of TESDA Sec. Joel Villanueva.

that the festival aims to showcase Davao as a cacao-producing region.

They will be giving an update of the current cacao-industry on September 27, one of the highlights of the festival.

Aside from the industry update, chocolate aficionados and culinary enthusiasts can listen fo Chef Jackie Ang Po’s segment on “Baking Chocolates at Home.”

On Sept. 26 while Chef Rolando Andico will

share his tips on cooking chocolates.

Another anticipated activity is the search for the best chocolate dessert at the Chocolatier’s Match on Sept.

26 and the awarding of the City’s best chocolate cake on on Sept. 27.

Turtur hailed the impact of the chocolate festival was is has spurred cacao growers to also venture into chocolate-making inspired by the exhibits during the

first Chocolate Festival held last year.

He said that value-adding through the processing of chocolates will help raise the income of cacao farmers.

Among the exhibitors in the event are homegrown chocolate artistan processors such as Tsokolate San Isidro, Kablon Farms, Malagos chocolates, Cacao de Davao and Coco Dulce. (RG Alama)

2nd Davao Chocolate Festival opens Sept. 25

S

M City Davao once again plays host to the second Chocolate Festival this coming Sept. 25 to 27.

The chocolate festival is organized by the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (CIDAMI) and SM City Davao.

It will be participated by 20 exhibitors mostly cocoa growers, chocolate processors and artisans.

Val Turtur CIDAMI executive director said

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

A Middle-eastern feast at

Zabadani

WHAT BEGUN as a small coffee shop, internet cafe and cozy place to relax is now one of the best dining places in Davao.

Since then, Zabadani Cafe and Restaurant has been serving locals, visitors and foodies from all over to world with their delicious dishes prepared with nothing but the freshest of ingredients you can

ever find.

From just a quaint shop in 2008 to a quasibigger space in 2009 to eventually conquering The Peak of one of the most celebrated and visited malls in the city, Zabadani has been expanding to broaden and cater to its hungry niche.

From kids to kids at heart, Zabadani has always been a favorite by many.

Not only do they have an elaborately extensive menu but theirs is also one of a kind. Yes, Zabadani serves a medley of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dish-

Yes, Zabadani serves a medley of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. It does not stop there. The dishes are made to suit our palate of flavours and textures that makes it perfect for an any day craving.

es. It does not stop there.

The dishes are made to suit our palate of flavours and textures that makes it perfect for an any day craving.

Their menu has an array of rice meals, appetizers, desserts and of course, drinks. The meals are either made of chicken, beef, fish or seafood. Here, you won’t have to worry about anything – it’s all about clean eating with big flavours.

Last September 5,

2015, Zabadani Cafe and Restaurant made a bold move and transferred to a more convenient location where they can freely accommodate more than a handful of clients.

Nowadays, if you are hungry and is craving for a plate of Beef Biryani, Layered Coffee and Samboosak, then head on to their new site at the Circumferential Road corner Jacinto sts. Davao

ROYAL CHEF A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

Are you heading to UP AND ABOUT

THE JUNGLE?

By Athena Jillian Bravo

EVERYONE has been to all kinds of rave party over the metro in recent times. But does any one ever heard of the jungle?

Party has gone wild enough across the globe, but now it’s getting wilder than ever as it chooses Davao as its new habitat. What is meant by “wilder” is the Jungle Circuit Party. This kind of party has been known to be the the country’s most high profile circuit party to date and has been touring outside Metro Manila. Headed by the organizer itself, Cristian Nuevo one of the sought after events promoter in Manila.

This wild turnabout is brought by the Brazilian native who debuted in the international scene at a party called “TheOneX” in Barcelona, Spain promoted by actor Jean Frank dividing the tracks spinning with big names such as Ezine, Jimmy Stokes and the famous Enrico Arghentini. His ability in electronic music and his gift to animate the crowd makes him a favorite in Ibiza, Colômbia, Rio De Janeiro, São Paulo, Brussels and all our events in Manila and all our Islands.

Now, the time has come for it to be unleashed in Davao’s very own King of the streets “Acropolis Superclub”. Nuevo, personally paid a visit in the city and experienced the night life and clubbing as he was searching for the best spot where he can throw in his loads of gold and Acropolis Superclub was just the right place for it. For him, Acropolis

Superclub is the exact venue to accommodate big event, big crowd, has a perfect sound system and light effects which are perfectly suited same with the bars and clubs they have in Metro Manila.

Jungle is the first circuit party with international standards, nonstop entertainment that features International DJ’s , out-

standing live performances and introduces world class Filipino DJ’s that helps boost the tourism

industry in the Philippines.

Choosing Acropolis Superclub as his first league here in Mind-

anao will be a promising event that you surely don’t want to miss as it will give you a heartbeat escalating series of entertainment that features a parade of dance floor hits to be performed live by theater actors, Martin Buen and Cosmo Bachelor Model for our emcee, Orion and featuring the city’s pride is Acropolis Superclub resident DJ Paulin Pulido.

Check out their Facebook page to stay updated with all our events in Manila and all around our islands at http://facebook. com/junglecircuitparty and tickets are available online (https:// smtickets.com/events/view/3716 ) or at SM ticketing nationwide.

Acropolis Superclub accepts booking & reservation for events, like reunion, debut, corporate event, etc: Please contact Jean Pal 09205678949 or 09256525196.

SEAsia’s leading wedding portal Bridestory expands to Phl BRIDESTORY, Southeast Asia’s leading wedding marketplace that helps couples with their weddings and provides a platform for wedding professionals, is expanding to the Philippines.

Several weeks ago, Bridestory launched a local website for the Philippine market (www.bridestory.com. ph). The company will also launch a mobile app for wedding vendors across the globe later this month.

The Indonesia-based online wedding platform seeks to establish more presence in the country to administer their on-ground operations more efficiently.

Bridestory, which has over 200 cu-

rated vendors in the Philippines, currently manages its relationships with Filipino vendors from its Jakarta headquarters.

Bridestory has received investments from Rocket Internet, Sovereign’s Capital, Fenox Venture Capital, East Ventures, Lippo Digital Ventures, Skystar Capital, and BEENOS Plaza in the past year.

“Bridestory is like Pinterest for weddings but more,” said Kevin Mintaraga, Chief Executive Officer of the firm. He adds that Bridestory combines the convenience of having a wedding directory and an inspiration site in one portal.

“When brides or grooms look for inspirations, they commonly use wed-

ding directories and inspiration sites.

But with Bridestory, they can get direct information from the vendors behind each inspiration,” he explained.

Couples can search for vendors that are grouped in Bridestory based on the services they offer—including dress and attire, catering, hair and make-up, flowers, and photography— in over 20 categories.

“Couples who plan their wedding with Bridestory will end up with better, more beautiful, more savvy wedding, since we believe that they will make a well-informed decision with Bridestory,” Mintaraga said.

Mintaraga added that the platform is not just for couples but also an avenue for vendors to promote their

businesses. “Bridestory is for wedding professionals who seek to seize the opportunities of the growing digital market,” said Mintaraga.

Over 15,000 vendors from 39 countries, including 12,000 hailing from the Southeast Asian region, presently sell with Bridestory. Approximately 150,000 business inquiries are received by registered vendors monthly.

According to Similarweb, Bridestory has become the most visited wedding website in Southeast Asia by August 2015. Its site traffic reaches 500,000 visits per month. In addition, Bridestory also owns one of the world’s largest wedding Instagram network, reaching out to more than 2 million people globally.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

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Megan Young reveals her ‘StarStruck’ journey helped her get to Miss World MISS WORLD 2013 Megan Young acknowledged how her StarStruck journey groomed her into the woman that she is today.

“I think joining StarStruck really helped me out kasi dati, sobrang mahinhin [at mahiyain] lang ako. I would always keep to myself,” she shared.

Megan, who was only fourteen years old when she joined the reality-based artista search, is grateful to have been given the chance to develop her skill and boost her confidence during her early teenage years.

“I guess it was all part of the baby steps that I took to get to where I am today. [StarStruck] was the beginning, and the starting point is always the most important [part].

Where would you be without that beginning?,” she told GMANetwork.com.

For the beauty queen-actress, there have been many lessons during the competition but one clearly stands out. “[One of the important things I learned from my StarStruck jour-

ney was] really making sure that I don’t give up, and I really work hard,” she said.

The host of the new StarStruck season also admitted how her elimination from the show fueled her drive to aspire for success.

“I was an avenger. I didn’t win the whole thing

and I guess it just goes to show that I used that to motivate me into finding out what was the best thing for me, finding out what are the other options that I have. [I asked myself] what I did wrong and [I made sure to] learn from that… and I carry [that] on [until today], she concluded.

LJ Reyes wins international Best Actress award for indie film KAPUSO STAR LJ Reyes felt overwhelmed for winning as Best Actress in the Pacific Meridian International Film Festival 2015 in Jun Robles Lana’s, “Anino Sa Likod Ng Buwan (Shadow Behind the Moon).”

The Yagit actress got a text message from her director, saying they bagged three awards from the festival. “I think it was the first time I burst out in tears!” she posted on Instagram.

“This project was very challenging for me in so many ways. When I accepted it, it was I believe very far from my abilities. [In] this film, my character Emma pushed me beyond my limits and challenged me as an actor,” the StarStruck First Princess admitted.

At first, she was not confident to portray the role, but she nailed it with the help of Lana’s guidance.

“I told him, ‘Direk, ikaw na bahala sa [akin]!’ Maraming, maraming salamat sa tiwala!”

She also thanked everyone who were part of the production, “Sa lahat ng staff at crew, salamat sa pag-alaga! Para sa ating lahat ang panalong ito! And of course, all the praises and glory belong to the One above! Thank you Lord sobra! [The] best ka!!!”

LJ was also named as 2010 Cinemalaya Best Supporting Actress for the movie, “The Leaving.”

September 9-15, 2015

HENERAL LUNA/ *THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED John Arcilla, Epy Quizon/ Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella Wright R13/*R13

11:25 | 1:40 | 3:55 LFS/* 6:10 |8:05 | 10:00 LFS

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS Dylan O'Brien, Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Brodie-Sangster R13

11:20 | 2:00 |4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

PIXELS/ *SINISTER 2 Adam Sandler, Kevin James/ Shannyn Sossamon

R-16

PG/*R16

11:25 | 1:40 | 3:55 LFS/* 6:10 |8:05 | 10:00 LFS

EX WITH BENEFITS Derek Ramsay, Coleen Garcia, Carmi Martin R13

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

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EVENT ROYAL CHEF A1

city, fronting Bioessence.

The opening event ceremonies was organized by PREP – PR, Events and Promotions, city’s leading events and PR management team.

An elaborate and lavish feast was laid before guests, family and media friends.

“We are grateful to everyone who helped us, truly Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) been The Most Kind. We also owe our success to our patrons and to our lovely city, and we will strive to become a better brand and a better restaurant in general.”, Wadi Mutia, founder and Operations Manager of Zabadani.

Aside from their delicious menu, Zabadani

Cafe and Restaurant remains to be the only HALAL CERTIFIED Semi-Fine dining restaurant in the country. For someone like me who is always on the hunt for halal restaurants, this has been a personal goto whenever I’m craving for something lavish yet within the budget.

For the foodie in me, I can say that Zabadani has the best tasting coffee on this side of the city. It’s rich, creamy and just right on the sweetness level. Their Biryani – be it chicken or beef – is truly divine and fit for a royalty on a gastronomic adventure. Not to mention, their shawarma gives off a mediterrenean vibe like your on another zip code with

every bite.

Zabadani Cafe and Restaurant is located at JA Sarenas Avenue, Jacinto Extension corner Circumferential Road, Marfori Street, Davao City. They are open from 10:00am to 10:00pm from Mondays to Sundays. For orders and reservations, you can call them at 082 224 3942.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Tag me on instagram (@herroyalheiress) for your delicious food finds!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

SCIENCE 7

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

Blowing in the wind

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Photos by BENJIE PALISADA

“

INDUSTRY experts predict that if this pace of growth continues, by 2050 the answer to one third of the world’s electricity needs will be found blowing in the wind.” -National Geographic *** Most of the electricity generated in the Philippines comes from fossil fuels. In fact, about 70% of it and 90% are generated from coal and oil resources, which are imported at varying prices from other nations.

“With fossil-fuel prices continually rising due to dwindling supplies and soaring demand, the cost of our electricity shall rise even further. The best solution is to use existing renewable energy resources to shield us from the cost volatility of fossil fuels,” said Atty. Gia Ibay, the Philippines climate change head of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

According to WWF, the country’s continued reliance on imported fuel

contributes to the high electricity rate in the Philippines.

As such, WWF bats for clean and renewable sources of energy. Among those that the Philippines have few competitive advantages -- as the country has no significant deposits of fossil fuels are geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar energy.

One renewable energy sources that the country should pay attention is that of wind power. Just recently, “Business Mirror” carried this headline: “Largest wind farm in Southeast Asia starts operating.”

“The Philippines’s bid to wean itself off fossil fuels and tap its massive potential for renewable energy (RE) got a big boost after the Lopez-led Energy Development Corp.

(EDC) announced the completion of the largest wind farm in Southeast Asia,” wrote Marvyn N. Benaning, author of the news report.

The Burgos Wind Proj-

ect, as it is called, is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

According to EDC Burgos Wind PowerCorp., an affiliate of EDC, it has already informed the Department of Energy (DOE) that its 150-megawatt (MW) project had achieved successful commissioning.

“We are happy to have met our target commissioning date, even a bit earlier than expected.

This is a major achievement for us,” Richard B. Tantoco, EDC president and chief operating officer, was quoted as saying.

“Renewable energy has a long way to go before it can meet our country’s ever-growing energy demands. But this is a significant step.”

The news report, quoting Tantoco, said the Burgos Wind Project will be providing 370 gigawatt-hours of electricity topower approximately 2 million households.

That is enough to displace about 200,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. Carbon dioxide is the

primary culprit of climate change, which the world is now experiencing.

The news is indeed a good development. Will other provinces be able to follow this kind of project? Can the country harvest all its winds to generate power?

“Across the developing world, countries are beginning to see the way the wind is blowing,” said Klaus Toepfer, former executive director of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). “Once it was believed that only one percent of their area was suitable for wind power.”

Not anymore. “The serious development of wind power in modern times began in 1973 after the oil crisis shook the confidence of the developed world that oil was there for the asking.

Today, wind power is the fastest growing energy source in several regions of Europe, with the United States and India following behind in total installed capacity. And the potential is enormous,” notes Dr. Leon Freris, a visiting professor of renewable energy at the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology in Loughborough University in England.

In Denmark, for instance, wind energy now contributes 13 per cent of national energy consumption, the highest proportion of any country in the world. When the wind blows strongly, wind energy supplies more than half the electricity in the western half of the country.

Lester Brown, of the Washington-based Earth Policy Institute, said more than 70 countries are now developing windresources. “Between 2000 and 2010, world wind electric generating capacity increased at a frenetic

pace from 17,000 megawatts to nearly 200,000 megawatts,” he wrote in “Harnessing Wind, Solar, and Geothermal Energy,” a chapter which appeared in the book, “World on the Edge: How to Prevent Environmental and Economic Collapse.”

The Philippines, home to more than 7,000 islands, is following suit.

In fact, wind power now makes up a small percentage of the total energy output of the country.

Before the Burgos Wind Project, there were the Bangui WindFarm in Bangui in Ilocos Norte and the Wind Energy Power System (WEPS) in Puerto Galera in Mindoro Oriental.

The Bangui Wind Farm, the very first largescale wind power plant in the country, cost 50 million dollars to build.

The windmills were built

by Northwind Power Development Corporation, a private firm headed by a Danish engineer. It became operational in June 2005.

According to Northwind, the wind farm supplies up to 40 per cent of the electricity requirement of Ilocos Norte. It also sells the supply to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative at a discounted rate.

“Power supply is more reliable nowadays and that’s because of the windmills,” Elinao Ramiento, a barangay councillor in Taguiporo, one of the barangays being energized by the 25-megawatt wind power plant, told journalist Girlie Linao Mar. Ramiento recalled that when a typhoon cut off power supply to the barangay one time, it didn’t take long for the service to return after the deluge.

“The windmills apparently made it easier to get power back to us,” he surmised.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are more than 1,000 wind sites in the northern and central Philippines, with a potential capacity of at least 7,400 megawatts - enough to power 19 million homes.

“Wind is the movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure,” the “National Geographic” explains. “In fact, wind exists because the sun unevenly heats the surface of the Earth. As hot air rises, cooler air moves in to fill the void. As long as the sun shines, the wind will blow. And as long as the wind blows, people will harness it topower their lives.”

Today, people are realizing that wind power “is one of the most promising new energy sources” that can serve as an alternative to fossil fuel-generated electricity. Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electrical power, windmills for mechanical power, wind pumps for water pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships.

Actually, societies have taken advantage of wind power for thousands of years. The first known use was in 5000 BC when people used sails to navigate the Nile River. Persians had already been using windmills for 400 years by 900 AD in order to pump water and grind grain. Windmills may have even been developed in China before 1 AD, but the earliest written documentation comes from 1219. Cretans were using “literally hundreds of sail-rotor windmills (to) pump water for crops and livestock.”

The Dutch were responsible for many re-

FBLOWING, 10

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

EDITORIAL Catch the perpetrators

T

HE daring abduction Monday night of three foreign nationals and a Filipina at a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal dealt another major blow to the tourism industry not just in Davao Region but the entire country. Just when the beautiful island city is now slowly making economic progress and its residents and visitors alike enjoying tranquility in this part of the land come this unfortunate incident that destroys the calmness of the area.

Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo R. del Rosario, for one, knows fully-well the negative effect of the incident to the tourism sector and immediately condemned the kidnapping. “On behalf of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, I condemn in the strongest terms this senseless act,” del Rosario said in a statement even as he appealed to the kidnappers for the “immediate and unequivocal release of the hostages.”

Abducted by armed men, reportedly numbering 11, were Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kajartan Sekkingstad and a Filipina named Tess. The four were seized in a famous resort in Barangay Camudmud, Babak District at around 11:40 p.m. Monday by the perpetrators, who were brandishing bandoliers and high-powered firearms and whose criminal act was even partly captured by CCTV cameras of the establishment. The victims were initially taken towards the

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direction of Davao Oriental, but their whereabouts remain unknown as of press time as no group has come forward to claim responsibility for the kidnapping.

How the abductors were able to sneak inside the barangay and into the resort without being noticed by law enforcers despite being fully armed is a puzzle to everyone. But, well-meaning citizens bothered by this latest incident could take solace on the fact that government forces had immediately launched hot pursuit operations to hunt down the perpetrators and rescue the victims at the soonest possible time.

Joint forces from the Philippine National Police, Naval Forces in Eastern Mindanao, Philippine Coast Guard and the 10th Infantry Division have been dispatched to track down the perpetrators. The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) headed by its chair, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, is also taking an active role in handling the latest crisis to hit the region.

Duterte and Del Rosario would really want to immediately resolve the crisis as soon as possible and give justice to the victims and put an end not only to their ordeal but that of their families who are hoping and praying for their safe return. But, more importantly, these leaders desire to catch these perpetrators soon and let them pay for their crime.

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EDGEDAVAO

I

T’S less than a month from October 16 and still in the recent press conference, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterated that he won’t be running as the next president of the Philippines.

I wasn’t around during the press briefing but former councilor Peter Lui Lavina posted some excerpts of what the mayor said. “I ask the people planning to converge in Manila to stop it; they should look for other candidates,” Duterte pointed out. “It is not my ambition to be president. It is not my destiny to be president. I cannot be ‘corrector’ of many wrongs.”

Duterte said that it would be impossible for a president to solve “the country’s grinding poverty.” As he explained, “No one can change things substantially under the present system.”

His suggestions: “We need to change our values, turn things around 180, even 360 degrees. We need to change our system. It has done injustice to all of us. Criminality is rampaging, corruption is systemic. Six years would not be enough for any president to turn things around with the current set up.”

Duterte said he would retire from politics and asked his daughter, Inday Sara, to run for mayor in the forthcoming election. But if she would turn it down, he may run again -- as Davao City Mayor.

Running, as a form of exercise, has been a popular since the 1970s. One author wrote: “The great advantage of this form of exercise is its intensity. It promotes fitness quickly and efficiently and burns more calories than other activities, making it attractive to people who want to control their weight. Because of its intensity, running releases endorphins in many people, creating the runner’s high that some describe as an ‘energy buzz.’ The runner’s high - like aerobic 1st of two parts

A

LMOST midnight, from six floors up in a corner suite of a downtown hotel, the sparse streetlights cast their lambent glow on a lonely figure treading the deserted road. It was three blocks down heading my way, weaving steadily in the middle of the street. There was something not quite right about the picture he made.

As he got nearer, I gasped in astonishment.

“Honey, there’s a naked man walking down the street!” I turned to hubby who was still burning the nightlight working on a deadline.

He stood up and parted the curtains to look down from the window.

“Hmmm… There’s another one who does that. A woman,” he mused.

Gee. That’s a mental health load I can’t deal with. Psychologists try to catch them before they become psychiatric cases.

(Ah, but to be free and liberated of the world’s cares this way when you can walk the streets as God put you in this world.

Naked and sacred. These denizens of Eden make me wonder if this world indeed needs psychologists.)

Hubby has been over a year here in Tacloban, deployed for USAID’s REBUILD program. I get to visit and spend nights with him when we have activities scheduled for the Leyte Community Resilience Enhancement Project (LCREP) we’re running for Terre des Hommes.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

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Don’t run, walk! exercise highs THINK ON THESE! in general - is a good antidepressant.”

But running is not for everyone. “Running has some potentially serious disadvantages that you should consider before Henrylito D. Tacio choosing to do it on a regular henrytacio@gmail.com basis,” wrote Dr. Andrew Weil in his website, drweil.com.

“Regardless of exercise type, doing too much too soon can result in injuries,” notes one author.

“However, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, stress fractures, and runner’s knee are a few specific ailments often reported by runners. Training for long distances, ignoring rest days, and running through pain contributes to these injuries.”

So, instead of running why don’t you walk?

I did this when I tried to explore New York’s Manhattan. When you visit Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, there is no way but to talk to see all those mesmerizing temples scattered all over the place.

Perhaps not too many know that American president Harry S Truman took to walking briskly until the ripe old age of 88. Astronaut John Glenn credited his celebrated return to orbit at age 77 to his two-mile daily power walk.

Famous author and naturalist Henry David Thoreau admitted he couldn’t have preserved his health and spirit without walking at least for four hours through the woods or fields every

day.

“Regular physical activity is probably as close to a magic bullet as we will come in modern medicine,” says Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the United States. “If everyone were to walk briskly 30 minutes a day, we could cut the incidence of many chronic diseases by 30 to 40 percent.”

Even if you’re 50 and have never taken part in a physical activity, a brisk half-hour walk three times a week can “basically reverse your physiological age by about ten years,” says Dr. Gareth Jones, a Canadian geriatric specialist.

Jones’s source: A three-year study of 220 retirement-age men in which half didn’t exercise and the other half walked briskly for 30 minutes three times a week. After a year, the exercise group showed a 12 percent increase in aerobic power and a ten percent increase in strength and hip flexibility – equivalent to what they would have lost over a decade had they not exercised at all.

People in France and the Mediterranean tend to be slim because they’re a lot more active.

And it’s all because they walk more. A study of 200,000 Americans at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, found that city dwellers were almost three kilograms lighter than their suburban counterparts, largely because, instead of driving, they walked more. “You’re not working out,” says Dr. Will Clower, author of The Fat Fallacy: The French Diet Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss. “You’re just moving.”

In tescoliving.com, Hannah Ebelthite cited 10 health benefits of walking. Allow me to share the top three benefits: 1. It strengthens your heart. Regular walking has been shown to reduce your risk of

heart disease and stroke. It lowers levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and keeps blood pressure in check.

“Anything that raises your heart rate and gets your blood pumping is a workout for your heart and circulatory system,” says personal trainer Stuart Amory. According to the Stroke Association, walking briskly for up to 30 minutes can help prevent and control the high blood pressure that can cause strokes – reducing your risk by up to 27%.

2. It lowers disease risk. As well as heart disease, a walking habit can slash your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, asthma and some cancers. A study in the British Medical Journal showed taking more steps every day can help ward off diabetes. And according to the Walking for Health, regular exercise such as walking could reduce risk by up to 60%. Those who are active have around a 20% lower risk of developing cancer of the colon, breast and womb than those least active.

3. It keeps weight in check. “If you’re trying to lose weight, you need to burn about 600 calories a day more than you’re eating,” says Amory.

“Putting one foot in front of the other is one of the easiest ways to do that.”

A person weighing 60 kilograms burns 75 calories simply by strolling at 2 miles per hour (mph) for 30 minutes. Increase that to 3 mph and they’ll burn 99 calories. Speed it up to a fast walk (4mph) and that’s 150 calories.

“Walking also increases muscle mass and tone and the more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism – so the more calories you burn, even at rest,” Amory adds.

Now, you know why it is better to talk than to run.

At first, Wayward he was only on temporary and fanciful reassignment

By Gail Ilagan here from a project providing livelihood support to TS Pablo survivors in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. When his contract expired, his employers rehired him to be based in Tacloban.

I knew Tacloban could use him, so I held my tongue at guilt-tripping him on holding true to a promise we made when we got married: Neither one of us would be an OFW. We would stay together in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse.

So when I am in Tacloban, we both work all day and in the evening he and I walk the streets, try the newest restaurant or café, or hit the mall. He indulges my retail therapy addiction – I always come home with more clothes than I arrived in. Naked mannequins weep in my wake. These days, coming to Tacloban, I just grab my shoulder bag and ride the plane. Hubby will take care of me when I get there.

True enough (so far).

I remember Tacloban best that one night earlier this year when hubby and I shared a bottle of Asti under the shadow of the refurbished belfry of the Sto Nino Cathedral.

Almost two years after the killer storm Yolanda, Tacloban is recovering. From six floors up as I bid this city another goodbye, life down there looks almost normal. Light traffic plies the streets as people start their day. On a cloudless day, cargo ships are moored along Cancanato Bay to the east.

Smaller ferry boats are steadily chugging towards San Juanico Bridge and probably beyond to Samar on the north. A huge white statue of Christ with both arms extended to embrace Tacloban stands high on the mountain to the west. It is dwarfed by a taller transmission tower on the foreground.

Yesterday I visited five of LCREP’s partner villages.

I found Kap Danny Murillo at Barangay 61 going about fixing his home. When we came to visit him last July 2014 to invite his barangay into a partnership with LCREP, this house was in ruins. Seven months after Yolanda, and Barangay 61 then had yet to clear the storm debris.

“Fifty-seven bodies had washed up here.

It was difficult to get at some of them as they were trapped under the debris,” I remember him saying. Murillo then wore the look of someone who still lived the terrible things he had seen.

Yesterday, Yolanda’s memories still brought tears to his eyes. But he did not pause in his story. In a quiet voice, he talked to me about wanting every now and then

to just pause and give himself the luxury of grieving for his own pain.

“But I can’t do that, ma’am. There’s always someone who needs me, so I just carry on,” he said.

Over at Barangay 56-A, it was a different story for Editha Monredondo. She greeted me with effusive thanks for LCREP’s assistance in getting her village to qualify for a fish cage grant.

“We earned P135,000 from our harvest!” she exclaimed. They are using the money to fix the nets and ramps. Soon they will be stocking fingerlings for a second run at growing bangus.

She showed me a small warehouse they put up to stock sacks of rice.

“Ma’m, we started with just P20 per cluster member. From that, we eventually were able to buy and sell rice in the neighborhood. It had gotten so that we now have enough money to buy 27 sacks at one time.”

From LCREP inputs, she said that the most important lesson they learned was the need for self-help.

Today, Barangay 56-A residents have signed memoranda of agreement with three lot owners in Happy Homes Village in Diit. They have set up small organic farms in these properties on the condition that when they leave in five years’ time, whatever physical improvements they had put in place would be left for the lot owner.

Recovering Tacloban City

10NEWS

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Blowing... FROM 7

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finements of the windmill, primarily for pumping excess water off land that was flooded. The windmill was further refined in the late 19th century in the United States; some designs from that period are still in use today. The first large windmill to produce electricity was the “American multi-blade design,” built in 1888. Its 12-kilowatt capabilities were later superseded by modern 70-100 kilowatt wind turbines.

“Wind turbines for electricity generation are essentially simple devices, though their design requires deep understanding of the properties of wind, aerodynamics as well as mechanical and electrical engineering,” explains Dr. Freris.

The kinetic energy in the wind is intercepted by three or two rotating, slender blades. The action of these blades is to extract energy from the wind by slowing it down.

This extracted energy first appears as mechanical energy on the turbine shaft and then as electrical energy from a generator coupled to the shaft through a gearbox.

“The power in the wind is proportional to the cube of the wind speed, hence doubling of the wind speed results in an eight-fold increase in

maybe he can extend help.

Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Ocean View head Chief Superintendent Federico L. Dulay Jr. released on Wednesday the cartographic sketch of one of the suspects in the kidnapping incident.

Dulay said the suspect was identified by couple Steven and Kazuka Tripp when he barged in to their yacht at around 11:40 p.m. of September 21.

“After the investigators from Davao City Police Office (DCPO) interviewed the victims who were not taken, Mr. Steven and Mrs. Kazuka Tripp, we come up with the sketch and this is now our new up-

DAVAO... FROM 3

electrical power generated,” informs. Dr. Freris.

“Wind turbines are designed to stop if the windspeed becomes excessive and do not rotate if the wind speed is too low for useful energy extraction.”

Wind turbines are usually congregated in wind farms, consisting of few or as many as 100 machines. By installing several machines on a site the costs of connection to the electricity grid and the operation and maintenance costs are reduced.

Aside from wind power being environment-friendly, it is also cheaper. “If a household used wind power for 25 percent of its needs, it

hoping the abductors will be considerate enough to understand that the tourism sector in IGACOS and the whole Mindanao will be affected with this incident.

“We assure the public that the government is doing everything that it can ensure the early resolution of the crisis,” del Rosario said.

He added that a special group was already organized to conduct an intensive investigation and operation to recover the victims.

“I further ask the security forces, resort operators and local government to

strengthen the security of our destinations in order to protect our guests,” del Rosario said.

“Al security measures must be put in place so that no tourist will ever escape under their watch,” he added.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 identified the victims as KjartanSekkinstad, Norweigian National and the Operations Manager of the resort, John Ridsel and Robert Hall both Canadian National and a certain “Tess” or Marites Flor, live-in partner of Hall.

pared to the 8,339 units sold in the comparable period last year.

Payments for raw materials and intermediate goods, which account for 43.8 percent of the country’s total merchandise imports, increased by 41.1 percent to US$2.9 billion in July 2015 from US$2.0 billion in July 2014. This is a bit lower from last month’s growth of 49.2 percent.

Moreover, the value of imported capital goods marked its sixth consecutive month of double-digit growth, rising by 32.5 percent to US$1.9 billion in July 2015 from US$1.5 billion in the same period last year.

“The current trend in the import of capital goods, consumer goods and raw materials shows a robust domestic demand and a rebound in consumer sentiment towards the end of the year. To further support this growth, the government must quickly catch up on the implementation of various pipeline public infrastructure projects,” said Balisacan.

“On the other hand, the continued low price environment of mineral fuels, lubricants, and other petroleum-based products should provide additional incentive for further expansion of economic activity given strong domestic demand,” he said.

Imports... FROM 1

would spend only $4 or $5 dollars per month for it and the price is still dropping,” contendsalterenergy.org. “Compare this to 4.8 to 5.5 cents per kilowatt per hour (kWh) for coal or 11.1 to 14.5 cents per kWh for nuclear power.”

But of course, wind power should not be the only source of electricity.

Generally, hydroelectricity complements windpower very well. When the wind is blowing strongly, nearby hydroelectric plants can temporarily hold back their water, and when the wind drops they can rapidly increase production again giving a very even power supply.

The answer is not only blowing in the wind but the future is based on it.

As singer Peter Frampton wrote: “The future’s in the air, I can feel it everywhere; blowing with the wind of change…”

Let... FROM 3

for the benefit of all those who were aggrieved,” said Ferrer.

Aside from the promise of justice, Ferrer said that they find solace in the various forms of assistance provided and healing initiatives initiated by both government and nongovernmental groups.

She also stressed to continue pushing for the bigger reforms.

“At the same time, let not the bigger project of putting in place the re-

formed institutions in the Bangsamoro through the passage of a good basic law and the implementation of the different normalization programs fall on the wayside,” Ferrer said.

“More than ever, the bigger reform agenda must be realized in order to sustain the peace, prevent further bloodshed, and achieve all-around social justice without further delay in Muslim Mindanao,” she added. (PNA)

“They will not do kidnapping because if the people will know that they are doing this kind of activity it will ruin their reputation,” Zaragosa said in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum.

Zaragoza, however, said that he cannot give any conclusion as of the moment because the investigation is still ongoing.

“I will not anything as of the moment because it might lead us to some that will be the reason for the kidnappers to change their plans,” he said.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson

Superintendent Antonio Rivera said that the investigation of the Special Investigating Task Group (SITG) Ocean View is now ongoing.

Rivera police operatives are still looking at the NPAs or Abu Sayyaf as the perpetrators.

The victims were identified as KjartanSekkinstad, Norweigian National and the Operations Manager of the resort, John Ridsel and Robert Hall both Canadian National and a certain “Tess” or Marites Flor, livein partner of Hall.

Police report said around 11 armed men onboard two motorized Bang-

ka docked at the said resort and forcibly took the victims and fled towards unknown directions around 11:41 p.m. of September 21.

Report said perpetrators are speaking English and Tagalog.

Before the victims were abducted, some of the armed men barged into the yacht of couple Steven and Kazuka Tripp first but fought back and managed to escape. However, the couple was rushed to Davao Norte Hospital-Samal Zone for medical treatment after suffering head injuries.

ABFJ

police are still facing a blank wall in its investigation as no group has claimed responsibility in the kidnapping.

“We are still on the process of verification to identify the group who is responsible for the kidnapping,” he said.

Dulay said his group is not closing doors to any angles because anything is possible.

The note found in the resort saying that the kidnapping was perpetrated by

New People’s Army (NPA) could be a diversionary tactic, according to him.

He said the police cannot also say that it was perpetrated by a kidnap for ransom group because as of yesterday there was no ransom demand.

“Sangayon is wala pang demand (For now, there is no demand) so we cannot say that it was kidnap for ransom group,” Dulay said.

Dulay said the suspects are still within the region

because there are no reports from other areas that the perpetrators are already in the area.

“We have close coordination with our counterparts in other areas,” he said.

Police identified the victims as KjartanSekkinstad, Norweigian National and the Operations Manager of the resort, John Ridsel and Robert Hall both Canadian National and a certain Marithes Flor, live-in partner of Hall.

Abduction... FROM 2

Imports... FROM 1

date,” he said.

He said the suspects are still within the region because there are no reports from other areas that the perpetrators are already in the area.

Dulay said his group is not closing doors to any angles because anything is possible.

The note found in the resort saying that the kidnapping was perpetrated by New People’s Army (NPA) could be a diversionary tactic, according to him.

He said the police cannot also say that it was perpetrated by a kidnap for ransom group because as of yesterday there was no ransom demand.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Ordinary Regular Service ARSENIO R. SOLIVA, Case No.2001-XI-001133 Petitioner x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: SASA VIA CABAGUIO AVENUE with the use of TWO (2) units, which certificate will expire on April 17,2016. In the petition filed on September 14, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 6, 2015 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 14th day of September 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ

Chief Transportation Development Officer

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

EDGEDAVAO

Madela returns for repeat concert

By VANESSA KATE MADRAZO

W

DPWH XI Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza, speaks before the participants of the 5-day Seminar-Workshop on PD 1096 or the National Building Code of the Philippines being held at the Brokenshire Resort and Convention Center in Madapo Hills, Davao City. With him are (from left to right) are Engr. Jose

A. Aguinaldo, Project Manager NBCDO, Atty. Nathaniel Dalumpines, Office of the (Davao) City Mayor and Engr. Demosthenes Abella Jr., President, Philippine Association of Building Officials (PABO). – DPWH XI PIO

Phoenix Petroleum joins Int’l Coastal Cleanup

P

hoenix Petroleum Philippines, through the Phoenix Philippines Foundation, conducted a simultaneous coastal cleanup activity in Davao, Batangas, Bacolod, and Cebu on September 19, 2015 in participation of the 30th International Coastal Cleanup.

More than 400 Phoe-

nix employees, scholars, and volunteers from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Barangay Tayud in Cebu, Barangay Banago in Bacolod, and Barangay Pampanga in Davao collected trash and debris from the shorelines and canals.

The cleanup is one of Phoenix Petroleum’s corporate social respon-

sibility activities. As part of its support to environmental protection, Phoenix has been conducting annual coastal cleanup activities in Davao, Batangas, and Cebu since 2008.

It is a worldwide activity initiated by the international nonprofit environmental advocacy group Ocean Conser-

er services in the full service centers in SM Lanang Premier and in SM City Davao in Ecoland will be accepted from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Meanwhile, Panabo branch customer services will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and its payment services will be from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Toril and Calinan payment offices will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon, and from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Only Sto. Tomas payment office remains to be unavailable during the holiday.

Emergency service will remain available 24 hours through 229-DLPC (3572).

DLPC customer services open on Sept. 25

D

AVAO Light and Power Company’s frontline services will be available for the public on September 25, Friday, declared as a regular non-working holiday in celebration of the Eidul Adha or Feast of Sacrifice, one of the major religious feasts in Islam.

Payment and custom-

vancy. The Philippines had the second largest number of volunteers in the world in 2014.

Phoenix Petroleum is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, shipping/ logistics and allied services.

IDELY acclaimed singing sensation Jed Madela is slated to perform in the second All Requests Davao concern together with actress and singer-songwriter Alex Gonzaga, and The Voice Season 2 contestants Timmy Pavino and Daryl Ong, on October 10, 2015 in SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere.

The concert is organized by Prod Factory Productions and sponsored by the Ageless Society of Ladislawa Garden Village, a civic organization for senior citizens in Davao City, and Aguman Ding Capampangan Inc. Davao, an organization for Pampanga natives in Mindanao.

“We really got good reviews from the previous one and we’re hoping for the success of this one too,” Arione Panganiban, owner and producer of Prod Factory. This is the second All Request concert to be held in Davao, the first one being in March 12 earlier this year.

Panganiban said that the concert is part of the two sponsor organizations’ fundraising activity for their respective advocacies, particularly for medical missions, and outreach programs for senior citizens that extends to other senior citizen clubs, and a promotion of their organizations as a way of getting more members.

“The concept is inter-

esting,” Panganiban said, “because there will be a fish bowl where people will drop their requests.

Half of the show will be based on those requests and Jed will perform it on the spot.”

He added that there will be changes on the selection of performances from the last concert because Madela has just launched his new album Iconic. Most of the songs performed will be from that album.

“The show is also expecting a lot of VIPs. There will be big names from politics and business to be present in the event,” Panganiban said.

In terms of the profit, Panganiban said, “We have internal arrangements. Big chunk of the proceeds will be shared equally [among the partner organizations].”

The concert will accommodate a maximum of 4,000 people which is twice as many from the last concert’s 2,000-persons capacity. Panganiban said they’re not going to accommodate any more people beyond the capacity.

VVIP tickets cost Php 4,000, VIP at Php 2,500, Titanium at Php 1,500, while the General Admission tickets at Php 500 are already sold out. These are available in both SM Ecoland and Lanang and in Java Jive outlets in Bajada and Quirino. (with Jessa Mariestela P. Putong)

Coop sets opening of budget hotel

T

HE Tagum Cooperative which has plunged into tourism industry is now ready to open “Budgetel,” a cozy and affordable place one can stay in when visiting Tagum City.

Budgetel will open its doors on September 30, offering seven standard double rooms, two single beds per room, and four classic rooms with one queen size bed each room.

The budget hotel is designed to accommodate at most 25 persons in11 different sized rooms with different rates.

Located along Dalisay Road, Tagum City near Tagum

Coop Main Office, the Budgetel charges P2,000 per room for overnight stay and P1,500 for a 12-hour stay.

The Budgetel is open for wash-up stays up to three hours at P450 classic room rate while offering same type of room at P1,500 rate for a 24hour stay and P1,125 for a 12hour stay.

On top of the Budgetel, Tagum Cooperative will also open commercial spaces downstairs of the building where the budget hotel rooms are located.

Along with its financial strength, Tagum Cooperative is also expanding office spaces through the construction of a new building, particularly the

TC Annex Building 1 located at the back of TC Main Office.

Once completed, the TC Annex Building 1 will open spaces for new Tagum Cooperative Gymnasium, more offices and a parking lot.

Other than constructing new edifice, TC is renovating buildings particularly the Tagum Coop Funecare 1 located in Purok Santol, Brgy. La Filipina in Tagum City.

To extend much improved funecare services to its members, Tagum Cooperative has acquired Topaz Funeral Home, strategically located along the national highway in Brgy. Visayan Village, Tagum City. (Contributed)

12CLASSIFIED

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 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

13

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

ZION

ACCUPRINT PUBLISHING, INC.

Is in need of:

MACHINE OPERATOR (Printing Press)

Qualifications:

- At least high school graduate, not more than 30 years old - Physically and mentally fit - Can handle minor repairs of the machine - Has the ability to be cool under pressure of deadlines and complex projects - Experience of at least one year

Send application letter & resume to: HR Supervisor ZION Accuprint Publishing, Inc. Door 14 Alcrej Building, Quirino Ave., 8000 Davao City, Philippines E-mail: marketing@edgedavao.net zion_publishing@yahoo.com Telefax: (082) 2213601 Website: www.edgedavao.net

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

NO WAY TO GO. Ranidel de Ocampo of the Philippines tries to look for an opening amidst a tight defense by a Palestine player. FIBA Asia photo

GILAS SHOCKER

Philippines falls to newcomer Palestine in FIBA Asia opener

T

HE Philippine national men’s basketball team failed to have a good start to its campaign, suffering a huge upset against Palestine, 75-73, in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship on Wednesday at CSWDC Dayun in Changsha, China.

Gilas Pilipinas led by as much as 16 points but faltered in the second half to hand Palestine, a first-timer in FIBA Asia, a shocking win.

With Andray Blatche leading the charge, Gilas Pilipinas established a 16-point lead, 28-12, as the Filipinos got their rhythm after Palestine put up a tough fight early.

But Palestine didn’t let

Gilas Pilipinas pull away far. The Filipinos saw their lead trimmed from time to time with Sani Sakakini and Jamal Abu Shamala providing all-around presence for Palestine.

After a JC Intal triple that gave Gilas Pilipinas a 45-33 lead, Palestine went on a furious closing run in the second period. Sakakini led a 7-0 run that closed Palestine’s gap to just five, 45-40, at halftime.

Palestine continued giving the Filipinos a hard time in the second half, with Sakakini doing the damage. Palestine broke the five-point barrier after coming within four, 59-55, following an and-

FGILAS, 10

TIGHT GUARDING. Andray Blatche was well covered all game long.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

GAME ANALYSIS T URNING Point: The Philippine still held a sizeable lead in the fourth period, 71-62, with less than five minutes to play, but Palestine then went on a 10-0 run to snatch the lead in the final 2 minutes.

The Filipinos held the advantage for the last time at 73-72 with under a minute to go, but Sani Sakakini was up to the challenge and scored the marginal points to complete the upset.

Stats Don’t Lie: Palestine’s big three: Sani Sakakini, Jamal Abu Shamala, and Imad Qahwash all played without relief in this encounter. Not surprisingly, they all put up big numbers. Abu Shamala collared 15 rebounds, while Sakakini hauled down 14 boards, had 2 steals, and blocked 1 shot.

Qahwash, who was supposed to play in the PBA this past season, added 17 points.

Game Hero: Jamal Abu Shamala was really the one who killed the Philippines

here. Despite playing from start to finish, the 196cm/6ft 5in US-born swingman didn’t look gassed in the payoff period. He continued to be aggressive in attacking the Philippine defense and showed no hesitation in hoisting (and hitting) those jumpers, including back-toback three-pointers late in the game that really changed the match’s complexion.

The Bottom Line: Most observers ranked the Philippines way ahead of Palestine, or any other team for that matter, in this group, but this result proves that anything can happen. With Palestine tripping the Filipinos here, it sure looks like the other teams in Group B, and perhaps the ones in Group A, too, are feeling more confident about their chances.

Palestine, meanwhile, debuted in the tournament with aplomb, and they are sure to be taken much more seriously moving forward.

one play at the end of the third frame.

Sakakini buried a jumper to open the fourth period as Palestine finally came within a basket, 59-57.

But timely triples

by Terrence Romeo and JC Intal, as well as an and-one by Blatche, gave Gilas Pilipinas a breathing room, 71-62, with over three minutes left.

However, Palestine had one run left in its bag. A 10-0 run fueled by two triples from Abu Shamala gave Palestine the lead, 72-71, with 1:34 remaining.

Blatche scored a putback to give Gilas Pilipinas back the lead, but Sakakini completed an and-one play to put Palestine ahead, 75-73, with 15 seconds left.

Gilas Pilipinas had the chance to recover but the Filipinos failed

to hoist a shot as time expired.

Blatche finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead the way for the Filipinos.

Romeo added 11 markers while Jayson Castro chipped in 10.

Abu Shamala topscored for Palestine with 26 points and 15 boards while Sakakini scored 22 points and 14 boards for an impressive showing for Palestine.

The scores: Palestine 75 – J. Abu Shamala 26, S. Sakakini 22, I. Qahwash 17, S. Sakakini 10, A. Haroon 0, S. Khatib 0, A. Younis 0, J. Yaghmour 0, A. Salman 0, E. Odeh 0, S. Owda 0, H. Yousef 0.

Gilas 73 – Blatche 21, Romeo 11, William 10, De Ocampo 6, Intal 6, Abueva 5, Thoss 4, Norwood 3, Hontiveros 3, Pingris 2, Ganuelas 2, Taulava 0.

GILAS... FROM 14

SPORTS 15

LTO edges CMO P

OWERHOUSE Land Transportation Office pulled off a nail-biting, 104102, victory over the City Mayors Office on the opening day of the DENR Cup (Class B Tournament) on Monday at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Veteran John Gonzaga poured in 31 points as the Road Enforcers prevailed over the City Hall dribblers in the battle of offensive firepower.

Both teams showed their lethal weapons all throughout the game with the breaks of the game went to LTO’s side to take the high-scoring contest.

Clemente Ruiz and Ronald Bangoy chipped in 17 apiece to LTO’s conquest of CMO. Spitfire Bob Ilanga made 30 big points in an all-out effort for the City Hall dribblers.

Greggy Delica scored 19 while Christopher “Bong” Go hit five triples to finish the game with 18.

LTO and CMO traded the lead back and forth that made the game more exciting.

CMO will try to bounce back against next assignment Goldstar Hardware.

SANDWICHED. Dom Cane of Ateneo de Davao University is sandwiched by defenders from Davao Jones Academy during a Gaisano Grand Cup match over the weekend.

Lean Daval Jr.

Calvin Abueva of the Philippines loses the leather.

16

EDGEDAVAO Sports

BLUNDER

VOL. 8 ISSUE 126 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

Baldwin admits Gilas mistakes

C

HANGSHA – After a shock upset loss to FIBA Asia first-timers Palestine in their opening game of the 2015 edition of the tournament, Philippine national men’s basketball coach Tab Baldwin said that their performance should not be seen as an indicator of the capabilities of the Gilas Pilipinas national team but simply a misstep

SLIPPERY. Terrence Romeo of the Philippines played well in his first FIBA Asia stint but went short in the endgame.

FIBA Asia photo

that must be corrected. tournament is far from

“This

o v e r.

This is not a statement game of who Gilas Pilipinas is. This is a big mistake by our team, by our coaching staff, all of us,” Baldwin told reporters at the postgame press conference following his team’s 75-73 defeat at the CSWC Dayun on Wednesday.

“But we fortunately have a whole tournament to rectify that mistake, fix it, and get us back to where we belong.

Winning games and putting ourselves into a position to get into the playoff rounds of this tournament. That’s our intention.”

The Philippines, which finished runner-up in the 2013 FIBA Asia tilt in Manila, is among those touted to be a contender for this year’s crown, along with defending champion Iran and host China, and was considered a favorite in Group B, where they were pooled with Palestine, Hong Kong and Kuwait.

But the country suffered a

surprising setback in its very first game against a team that, while boasting of some talented players, is marking its debut on this level of international play.

“Like Dondon (Hontiveros) said, this was a really difficult loss for us to swallow. We in the Philippines, we bring so much pride into playing for the national team, for Gilas. And we carry a lot of expectations with that pride.

We obviously didn’t live up to those expectations at all today,” Baldwin said.

“It’s one thing to lose a game, it’s another thing to get beaten. I thought today we were beaten.”

But Baldwin stressed that while the Filipinos will feel the sting of this loss, they will be ready to do battle again as there is plenty of time left to make up for this game.

“We have to take this on the chin, we have to congratulate Palestine. We cannot hang our heads, there’s too much tournament left to play,” he added.