Edge Davao 8 Issue 36

VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

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BIRD LOVER. A foreigner feeds a flock of pigeons with grains at Rizal Park. A bird lover, he comes to the park every morning to do this.

Lean Daval Jr.

SUICIDE NOTE: NEW TWIST TO MASSACRE 17-year old victim is now person of interest

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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17-YEAR-OLD teenager who was one of the fatalities in last Wednesday’s massacre in Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City has himself emerged as a “person of interest” after police found an apparent suicide note inside the victims’ house in Residencia del Rio. In an interview yesterday, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz said a notebook containing an alleged suicide note written by Philip Sacro Salazar was found in one of the rooms in the house of the Sacro family.

Driz said the note read: “Pasensiya na sa lahat wala na akong pagasa na mabuhay pa. Punong-puno na ako sa kahihiyan. Babalik ako!

(I apologize to everyone, I have no hope of living. I am filled with shame. I will come back!).”

The alleged suicide note is now in the hands of the investigators of DCPO for verification. Driz said investigators are still comparing the letter to the handwriting sample of Salazar to see if it was the 17-year-old who wrote the letter.

Salazar and three others were

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INSIDE EDGE RUN, RAIN OF COLORS

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

SCHOOL’S COMING. A sales attendant of one of the oldest bookstores in Davao City displays school supplies in preparation for the upcoming opening of classes. Lean Daval Jr.

DOTC defends P17-B Sasa Port cost

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) central office yesterday defended the P17-billion price tag on the modernization of the Davao Sasa Port, saying the project is intended to support Davao City’s growing economy.

“You have to understand that Davao City is one of the fastest growing economies in the Philippines and the mod-

ernization of Sasa Davao Port is just timely for its growing demand,” DOTC Undersecretary Rene K. Limcaoco said during the Infrastructure Technical Working Group of the Mindanao Development Corridor- South Central Mindanao Corridor meeting at the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) office yesterday.

Limacoco said Sasa Port will be the gateway for goods

and products needed by the growing population and industries in Davao City.

He also said the winning bidder is not required to implement the modernization project at the P17 billion bid price because it could be lower depending on the bidder and its respective design.

“We’re not requiring 17 billion. It’s not required. If they (bidders) can meet the specifi-

cations of the port even at P5 billion or P6 billion, that’s better,” Limcaoco said.

He said the P17 billion bid price is just the “estimated cost of the conceptual design.”

The designers, however, “don’t have to follow this design,” Limcaoco said. “If they can come up with a better design at a cheaper cost then they are free to do so.

Limcaoco, however, said

this also means bidders can go beyond P17 billion.

“Investors could go higher or lower. In this public-private partnership project, the bidder doesn’t have to follow (the conceptual design and costing)… unlike in the regular government bidding procedure in which bidders have to follow government’s design and costing,” he said.

Limcaoco said three companies have already bought bid documents for P300,000.

One of them is San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

During the meeting, Limcaoco heard the opposition of some in the private sector who will be affected by the project, like port operators and businessmen, and even from other government agencies like the

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“It would be costly for the DPWH to acquire the right of way just for the widening of roads in Sasa,” DPWH Assistant Secretary Dimas S. Soguilon said.

He said the project will further worsen the traffic congestion in the Sasa area.

During the meeting, Hijo Resources Corporation vice president for industrial port services Jacobo C. Mantecon questioned the participation of SMC as a bidder because it does not have a port operation which is required as a qualification for bidders of the project.

Mantecon also opposed the modernization of Davao

FDOTC, 11

2 moderate quakes jolt Davao Occidental

VICTIM-TURNED-SUSPECT. Police operatives stand beside the body of Philip Sacro Salazar inside a house in Residencia del Rio Phase 4, Barangay Catulanan Pequeño, Davao City on Wednesday. Salazar is now considered a “person of interest” in the massacre after authorities found a suicide note apparently written by him. Lean Daval Jr.

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T least two mild earthquakes shook the province of Davao Occidental on Thursday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the first quake with a magnitude of 4.2 occurred at 9:07 a.m. with its epicenter traced 46 kilometers southeast of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental.

The quake, which was tec-

tonic in origin, had a depth of 135 kilometers.

The second quake with a magnitude 3.0 occurred around 10:07 a.m. with epicenter traced some 47 kilometers southeast of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 135 kilometers.

Phivolcs said there was no casualty or damage reported and no aftershocks are expected from the two quakes. (PNA)

3 Roxas: I want to continue Colmenares cites ‘Daang Matuwid’ advocacy edge of Duterte VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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EPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas yesterday said he is interested in continuing the “Daang Matuwid” advocacy of the present administration.

Roxas, however, said this was not a confirmation that he is running for any position in 2016.

Talking with the members of Davao City media on Thursday afternoon at the Alejandro L. Navarro National High

School in Lasang, Roxas said he wants to continue what he has started in the “Daang Matuwid” advocacy of the present administration.

He also said he is sincere in wanting to bring a brighter future for the country.

“Itong nakaraang limang taon kitang-kita ang aming performance, hindi ko sinasabing perfect, may maganda may hindi maganda. Ganun paman sincero, tapat at hayag ang aming pamumuno (In these past five years you can

see our performance. I’m not saying it’s perfect because there was some good and bad.

Just the same, we have been sincere, loyal, and transparent in our leadership),” he said.

Asked about the possibility of giving way to Senator Grace Poe in the Liberal Party (LP) ticket, Roxas just laughed.

He said his track record as a public servant is already established in the public’s mind.

He also said the public already knows that he serves cleanly and with experience.

Puan, Dumoy, Toril, Tugbok and Calinan substations.

The transfer of loads will be on May 23, anytime between 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 m.n., for 15-minutes only. The two-hour period in which the switching will be implemented is necessary to give the control engineers sufficient time in transferring various feeder lines in separate instances within the given period for 15-minutes.

Affected by this service disruption are customers from COA office going to crossing Panacan up to Holcim Ilang

including areas of Sasa and Panacan proper. Customers along J.P. Laurel Avenue, from Lyndon’s up to PLDT office near Sasa Wharf, and from Arroyo Street going to Agdao flyover will also be included in this power interruption. Also to experience are customers in the entire areas of Ecoland, Matina, Catalunan Grande and Bangkal including areas of Magtuod, Langub and Maa. Similarly, this will affect areas from Ulas Police Station going to the entire areas of Mintal, Tugbok and Calinan up to Sitio

DLPC: 15-minute power interruptions

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AVAO Light and Power Co. will conduct 15-minute power interruptions on May 23, 24 and 25 to facilitate the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) primary line works on its 69kV line shutting down NGCP’s Davao Substation.

Communication Officer Rossano Luga said that Davao Light will implement switching or transfer of loads to nearby lines to keep the power interruption at its barest minimum. This will affect the electric utility’s Panacan, R. Castillo, Ecoland, Matina, Bangkal,

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

Roxas ranked 6th in the latest survey of Pulse Asia with 4 percent while Poe ranked second with 14 percent, following Vice President Jejomar Binay with 29 percent.

The survey was conducted from March 1 to 7 with the question “Who do you prefer to be the next president of the Philippines?”

In the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS), Roxas dropped his ratings from 19 percent last December to 15 percent in March.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AYAN Muna Party-List Rep. Neri Colmenares yesterday said Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s long years of service as mayor will be his edge if he runs for the presidency.

“A President is an executive position and he has served as local chief executive for so many years. So, his track record and experience will do so much,” Colmenares said in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum.

Colmenares said he noticed the city has developed a lot during the leadership of

Duterte.

He also said the city has a number of local legislation that the national government can always follow.

Colmenares said aside from his track record, the mayor’s advocacy on Federalism will also be a plus factor for him since many provinces now want to change the system of government.

“The root of this call is the problem of the central government in terms of giving less attention and concern to the

FCOLMENARES, 11

FDLPC, 11 TRENDING. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte lands on top of the trending topics in Yahoo! Philippines yesterday.

4 NEWS

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

Marcos: Consti warning flags raised on BBL should be taken seriously

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ENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government, today said they will accord due importance to the findings of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment and Revision of Code on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. News reports said a draft committee report of the constitutional amendment panel, chaired by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago being circulated for signature of the panel members concluded Congress cannot pass BBL without corresponding charter changes.

“We will certainly take serious consideration of the warning flags the report has raised,” Marcos said, who acknowledged signing Santiago’s committee report.

Marcos noted that the committee report was based on views expressed by the country’s foremost legal experts who took part in the Senate panel hearings.

“That report practically vindicates the meticulous scrutiny to which I am subjecting

the draft BBL. We don’t want to pass the BBL only to have it declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court later, then we’d be back to square one and all our efforts would be for nothing,” he added.

This is also the reason rushing the passage of the proposed BBL just to meet the June 10 deadline Malacanang has set is irresponsible, according to Marcos.

“As far as I’m concerned, the priority is to get it right,” he said.

At the House of Representatives, the ad hoc committee on the BBL approved on Wednesday the proposed law after three days of at times impassioned arguments, paving the way for plenary deliberation of the measure amid allegations of railroading, a charge the administration denied.

But Marcos noted that this early Buhay party list has warned that as soon as Congress passes BBL, they will challenge it before the Supreme Court.

“Unless we sufficiently address the question of con-

GOING UNDERGROUND. Construction workers start digging holes at the premises of City Hall for the planned underground cabling project of the city government of Davao along City Hall drive yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Saving Sarangani Bay: Children’s rights group cries harassment of IP enrolment A backbreaking love affair M

EMBERS of the Save Our Schools Network trooped the regional office of the Department of Education XI to bring to the attention of school authorities the series of military attacks on schools in Davao del Norte Province.

A network of organizations, institutions and individuals advancing children’s rights to education especially in IP communities, the Save Our Schools Network or SOS have received reports of interrupted enrolment of IP schools in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

SOS network spokesperson, Rius Valle said that students of Salugpongan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center (STTICLC) were threatened and prohibited by state forces under the 68th Infantry Battalion from going to school in Sitio Tibucag, Brgy.

FMARCOS, 11

Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte last May 9-14, 2015. The students have wanted to enroll already but they were prevented from doing so.

“Some students and parents were scolded and threatened that if they will enroll at Salugpongan school something will happen to them, when they attempted to accompany their teachers in going to school” said Valle.

Moreover, the recognition rites and summer class of Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc., (MISFI) Academy in Sitio Muling, Brgy. Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte were also interrupted, reports have it. Danny Gumanao, board member of MISFI Academy said “the moving-up ceremony of MISFI could have been realized had the residents not been threatened by Alamara/CAF-

FCHILDREN’S, 11

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EVERAL had gathered at the shore of barangay Kamanga Tuesday, May 19, breaking their backs together in deploying 250 concrete artificial reef cubes into Sarangani Bay. The concrete cubes are drifted one by one onto the identified spot of the bay by and through an improvised raft (balsa).

Once dropped, cubes are painstakingly organized on the sea-floor in a two-tiered square array with the help of volunteer-divers who share their might and forbearance.

“Para matarong ug plastar ug walay natural corals nga madisturbo (This is to ensure the cubes are perfectly arranged underneath and also not to destruct the natural corals),” Angelie Budo of the Conrado & Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (Alcantara

Foundation) explains on the laborious ‘mano-mano’ way of installing the artificial reefs.

As been directed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, artificial reef design has been changed from domes to cubes “to allow faster and larger coral recruitment and more expansive coverage of coral community.”

Such genuine environmental activism marked Maasim’s Ocean Month celebration with this year’s theme: “Stand up, Save our Reefs.” Apart from installing artificial reefs, half a million fish hatchlings were also released.

Alejandra Sison, officer-in-charge of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office observes that, “community’s awareness of saving Sarangani bay rises further with private companies

to run for President. Colmenares, together with Assistant City Building official lawyer Joey Felizarta, graced yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall.

Lean Daval Jr.

triathlete-lawyer Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine from Surigao had set his personal record as the first man to have alone swam across Sarangani bay.

Macarine, an environmental lawyer by profession revealed he’d chanced upon a huge whale, just 10 minutes after jump-starting at barangay Kamanga.

“Macarine’s swim is an advocacy of saving our seas,” explained Sarangani Governor Steve Solon.

“We in the provincial government are seriously addressing the degrading marine environment of Sarangani Bay by protecting it,” Solon added.

“At the same time, we are embracing sustainable economic activity to create commerce. The bay plays a very important role for our economic activities to thrive.”

lieve in the modus operandi of those disguising as field enumerators of Listahanan and taking advantage of the ongoing assessment of poor families under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR). It stressed that no money is being collected to be qualified to be listed in Listahanan.

It was learned that DSWDField Office IV-A had received reports that in Maragondon and Magallanes in Cavite, some fake enumerators asked money from families by promising that they would be included in the list of 4Ps beneficiaries.

Region IV-A is composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and

Quezon, otherwise known as Calabarzon.

Listahanan is a nationwide information management system that identifies who and where the poor are located in the country’s different regions, including Metro Manila.

Through the enumerators and staff of Listahanan, a comprehensive database of poor families will be made available to the national government agencies and other social protection stakeholders to serve as basis in identifying beneficiaries of social protection programs and services.

At present, the Listahanan is conducting the second round of nationwide assess-

DSWD warns public vs‘fake enumerators’

T RODY’S ADVANTAGE. Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares (left) believes Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s experience and track record as local chief executive will be his advantage if ever he decides

partnering for the bid.”

Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC), which now currently builds here the first 105-Megawatt (MW) phase of its 210-MW coal - fired power plant is considered by the local government as top exponent of the artificial reef project since 2009.

“From the start of our power plant construction, up to this day and onward, we remain committed to helping the local government keep Sarangani Bay a protected seascape,” Renan Garcia, SEC Media & Comrel Associate said during the kick-start of Swim across the Bay – one of the highlights of this year’s Sarangani Bay Festival (Sarbay Fest) at the power plant’s jetty area on May 15.

A day before the 15-kilometer open water five-man relay swimming competition,

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reminded the public on Thursday that its field enumerators conducting the Listahanan (Listahan ng mga Mahihirap na Mamamayan) are not collecting money from poor families to make them eligible program beneficiaries.

The DSWD made the clarification after it received reports that some “bogus” survey enumerators were extorting money from families in exchange for a promise to include them as beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The department also warned the public not to be-

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EDITORIAL New school season, higher tuition

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FEW days from now, schools all over the country will be opening to a new school year. Some will start on June as was usual. Some will open on August following a new calendar.

It is worthy to note too that some schools will be in full swing with the K-12 program. Some are not just about ready yet.

With the onset of the new school season come the perennial problems of lack of schoolrooms, chairs and mentors especially in public schools. Year in and year out, these are the same problems that surface no matter how much we increase the annual government appropriations for education.

Above all concerns, there is the increase of tuition fee in 313 colleges and universities which were granted a new wave of tuition fee only two days ago. That means , students will have to deal with the higher matriculation fees despite the measure in Congress for a Magna Carta for Students which includes a section that seeks to tighten tuition regulation in the country.

The Magna Carta essentially proposes a stringent process that schools need to undergo whenever they propose fee in-

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

creases and the creation of a “School Fee Board” in each school that will deliberate such proposals. The proposed school fee board is composed of “an equal number of representatives from the administration, academic and non-academic personnel, parents/guardians, students, and the alumni association.”

Other pertinent provisions of the Student Magna Carta lays down the basic rights of students in the Philippines, including the right to organize, right of expression, academic freedom, right to information, right to participate in policy-making, and the right to due process in disciplinary proceedings.

The bill also underscores the importance of student organizations and institutions, and includes several provisions for the protection of the right of students to join and form organizations.

We express optimism that the Student Magna Carta will be passed into law before the end of the 16th Congress. Laws on tuition regulation will only be effective if CHED and the national government will “stop betraying students” and commit to ensuring affordable and accessible education in the country.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND P. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 Tel: (088) 852-4894 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

A NIGHT FOR MINDANAO EDGE Davao’s top brass AMA, ODV with Joselyn Panes and Angelica Garcia take a pose with PPI chair Jess Dureza and Dr. Meliton Salazar Jr.

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO It was a night to remember not just for EDGE Davao, but for Mindanao newspapers.

The event was the 2014 Civic Journalism Awards, an annual competition that aims to recognize outstanding journalism among community newspapers across the country. On this night at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, four Mindanao newspapers shone like jewels for the island.

Four newspaper publications from Mindanao outshone their Visayas and Luzon counterparts winning six out of 12 journalism awards given by the Philippine Press Institute, including the country’s Best Edited daily and weekly papers.

EDGE Davao of Davao City is the best edited daily newspaper and recipient of two other awards while Mindanao Cross of Cotabato City won as best edited weekly newspaper.

EDGE Davao was cited for “allowing the readers to arrive with a stand, succeeded in manifesting the conviction of the community members while embodying transparency and excellence in delivering the news to the community.”

The Mindanao Cross was recognized for its “remarkable approach of conveying concerns in a re-

gional perspective while embodying excellence in writing and photojournalism which captures a substantial meaning of the situation of the community EDGE Davao bested the other finalists in three categories and came home with the Best in Environmental Reporting, and Best in Culture, Arts and History Reporting trophies.

Editor in chief Antonio Ajero received the trophies in the event which was also attended by EDGE Davao GM Olivia D. Velasco, Marketing Manager Jocelyn Panes, and Manila Office marketing manager Angelica Garcia.

Another Davao-based daily, Sun.Star Davao, was awarded Best in Business and Economic Reporting.

“Congratulations to all finalists and winners for living up to journalistic standards,” said PPI chairman-president Atty.

Jesus G. Dureza, himself a Mindanaoan and publisher of Mindanao Times which was nominated for Best in Editorial Page.

“That is civic journalism. We engage communities. We build better communities,” said Dureza.

EDGE Davao’s top brass wi Director Ariel Sebellino th PPI Executive

munity AMA with the Best Edited Com Newspaper trophy

Joceyn Panes, Olivia D. Ve lasco, Angelica Garcia and Antonio M. Aj ero.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

EVENT

Pomelo festival and culinary delights at SM Lanang Premier The first ever Davao Pomelo Festival came to a wrap last weekend coinciding with the conclusion of the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS). The five-week feast enticed throngs of tourists and locals to celebrate the city’s favorite fruit at The Fountain Court grounds of the metro’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination – SM Lanang Premier.

In partnership with the Davao Pummelo Stakeholder’s Association, Inc. (DPSAI), SM Lanang Premier kicked off the Davao Pomelo Festival on a successful note in April. No less than Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang graced the event on behalf of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, together with Councilor Al-Ryan Alejandre, Department of Tourism

(DOT) Regional Director Robert Alabado, City Tourism Operations Officer Lisette Marques, and Dr. Lorna Herradura of Bureau of Plant Industry.

REDD’s GI Consultant Peter Canary and ABSCBN’s Agri Tayo Dito host Ruben Gonzaga were on hand to show support for the event. Meanwhile, SM officials led by SM Supermalls AVP for Marketing

Councilor Al-Ryan Alejandre, Peter Canary of REDD-Ltd, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang and City Tourism Operations Office OIC Lisette Marques at the Davao Pomelo Festival.

Pomelo in pure and flavored forms.

(Mindanao) Russel Alaba gave the guests a warm welcome.

Leading Pomelo producers – Vic Farm, Tadeco Nenita Farms, Fe Felicilda, Sheba Marie Elefante, Helen Cabalida and Sarangani Agricultural Co., Inc. – retailed their best-tasting pomelos for the duration of the festival. As a treat for weekend visitors, Eat-All-YouCan pomelo promos were made available on SaturStudent Chef Patrick Co from the Center for Asian Culinary Studies takes days and Sundays. part in the Pomelo Dishes and Drinks Chef’s Demo.

Mallgoers were given the chance to witness free culinary demos on April 18, 19, 25 and 26 and get a taste of pomelo dishes and drinks. Featured chefs from Hukad, Hog’s Breath Café, Vikings, Chippens, Park Inn’s RBG, Center for Asian Culinary Studies, Institute of International Vikings Executive Chef Anton Abad with Chef Richtofen Barraquias Culinary and Hospitalpresent their pomelo dish.

ity Entrepreneurship, and Philippine Women’s College School of Hospitality Management showed audiences how they can concoct dishes and drinks with pomelo.

The Davao Pomelo Festival was SM Lanang Premier’s way of promoting the Visit Davao Fun Sale.

It was supported by the Davao City Government, the Department of Science and Technology, the DOT, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry and REDD-Ltd “Sharing Knowledge for Ethical and Tasty Food.” As part of the DOT’s Flavors of the Philippines campaign, the Davao Pomelo Festival aimed to foster food tourism and generate more awareness and appreciation for one of Davao’s foremost fruits.

UP AND ABOUT

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang addresses the crowd at the opening of the Davao Pomelo Festival.

DOT-XI Regional Director Robert Alabado (3rd from left) graces the Davao Pomelo Festival. Together with him are SM Supermalls AVP for Marketing (Mindanao) Russel Alaba (extreme left) and DPSAI President Andrew Tan (right).

Chef Rolando Llido of Hog’s Breath Café share his recipe at the Pomelo Festival while mallgoers look on.

Felcris Superstore to hold wine and cheese event A PREMIER SELECTION of wine and cheese brands will Julian will be presenting the be showcased this May 23 and 30 at the Felcris Centrale choice wine best sellers from the Superstore. company; Col Vetoraz Docg Brut Dubbed as The World of Wine and Cheese, the invitation only event, which will be held at the gourmet section of the superstore, will present a choice offering of cheeses and wines, which are available at the Superstore.

May 23 will be the World of Cheese featuring Dabawenya cheesemaker Olive Puentespina of Malagos Farms. Olive’s Malagos Farmhouse cheese has

received national and global acclaim.

Among her famous cheeses include fresh goat cheese (kesong puti), Feta, Blue Peppato, Queso Rustico and Blue Goat Cheese.

On the 30th of May a winetasting event will be held also at the gourmet section with special guest Julian Gagliardi, general manager of the Straits Wine Company.

Prosecco 2013, Aix Rose 2013, Marco Felluga Pinot Grigio 2013, Babich Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 and the Oddfellows Winner’s Tank Shiraz 2012.

The World of Wine and Cheese event aims to introduce to the public what the gourmet section of the Felcris Superstore has to offer with premium imported wines and local artisanal products like cheeses not commonly found in the market.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

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ENTERTAINMENT

My Mother’s Secret premieres on May 25 BEGINNING MONDAY (May 25), witness how lives and relationships reignite the love between mother and child as GMA-7 presents the drama series My Mother’s Secret.

My Mother’s Secret aims to dramatically showcase how a mother’s love for her child and a child’s love for her mother can overcome self-centeredness or ambition.

Having a grandiose ambition of making it big as an actress, Vivian (Gwen) left her childhood sweetheart Anton (Christian) and pursues an acting career in the city. However, Vivian’s budding career ended abruptly when she learned that she was pregnant.

Not wanting to turn out like her sister, Stella (Meryl), who had kids while unable to take care of them, Vivian detested the idea of being a mother at a young age.

She decided to hide her pregnancy and left her baby to Cora (Lotlot), the midwife who helped her give birth. But Viv-

ian’s budding career was ended abruptly due to a scandal, and she returned to the province.

Despite having a fiancé, Anton, now a successful engineer and entrepreneur, still could not deny that he still loved Vivian. He forgave her; they got married; and after discovering that it would be difficult

for her to bear children, they adopted Vivian’s niece.

They are living as a happy family when Anton was suddenly diagnosed with an illness.

Desperately looking for a donor, Vivian sought out to Cora to look for her daughter. She then found out that Neri (Kim), Cora’s daughter,

was the baby she gave up back then.

Despite having a hard life, Neri grows up to be optimistic and hardworking. She works at an orphanage to support her studies as she pursues her dream of becoming an engineer.

She catches the eye of Craig (Kiko)—a volunteer at the orphanage. His admiration for her perseverance will eventually develop into something deeper.

With the fear of losing her seemingly perfect family, will Vivian be able to find the courage to reveal to Anton the truth? Will Cora continue to hide Neri’s true identity from her? Will Anton and Neri forgive Vivian and Cora once they find out the truth?

Helmed by director Neal Del Rosario and Kenneth De Leon as Head Writer, Kim Rodriguez and Kiko Estrada will prove how exciting a pair they are. Making the series more powerful are convincing portrayals led by Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, respected actress Lotlot De Leon, and Kapuso leading lady Gwen

Zamora in their most stellar roles yet, plus strong performances by Shamaine Buencamino and Meryl Soriano. Completing the cast are Enzo Pineda, Diva Montelaba, Tricia Cabais, Joanna Marie Tan, Richard Quan, Mike Lloren, JM Katanyag, Frances Makill, Ervic Vejandre, with the special participation of Mark Herras.

My Mother’s Secret is created by the GMA Dra-

ma Group headed by Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV; Redgie A. Magno, Vice President for Drama; Cheryl Ching-Sy, Assistant Vice President for Drama; Catherine O. Perez, Senior Program Manager; and Michelle R. Borja, Executive Producer.

My Mother’s Secret airs weeknights beginning May 25 before 24 Oras on GMA.

Will lucky stars batch 4 be the luckiest batch of them all in “KDOND”?

THE fourth batch of Lucky Stars already kicked off its monthlong run in the hit game show “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” last week.

Among the stars who have been given the chance to make the deal of a lifetime are teen heartthrobs Arjo Atayde, Sue Ramirez, Myrtle Sarrosa, and Jon Lucas; sexy actresses Regine Angeles and Aiko Climaco; comedians Pooh, Anton Diva, and Archie Alemania; singer Frenchie Dy; veteran actress Tanya Gomez; Miss Supranational Mutya Datul; and Kapamilya hotties Boom Labrusca and Paul Jake Castillo.

This batch of Lucky Stars also marks the return of actress and now proud mommy Melissa Ricks, action star Jeric Raval, and professional basketball playerturned-comedian Bonel Balingit.

more than just one millionaire?

Don’t miss “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal,” Mondays to Fridays, 5 PM, on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold. For updates follow @KDONDph on Instagram and Twitter or visit the show’s official website at http://kapamily-

For the first time, host KC Montero, hunk model John Spainhour, and breakout YouTube sensation MMJ Twins also star in their first Kapamilya show.

Five Lucky Stars namely Myrtle, Mutya, Sue, Paul Jake and Arjo already tried their luck bargaining with the Banker but failed to bring home the jackpot. Who among the 15 remaining Lucky Stars gets to pick the millionpeso briefcase? Will Batch 4 be the luckiest batch of all and produce

adealornodeal.abs-cbn. com.

Meanwhile, viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more information, please go to www. abscbnmobile.com.

May 22-26, 2015

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult R16

BOND WITH JAMES BOND IN ABS-CBN’s “SUMMER KAPAMILYA BLOCKBUSTERS” ABS-CBN airs the blockbuster films of the world’s most famous secret agent James Bond every weekday morning in “Summer Kapamilya Blockbusters.” Join your newest Kapamilya in an action-packed bonding experience and relive the adventures of all the actors who portrayed James Bond on the big screen. Watch popular titles such as “Skyfall” (2012) starring Daniel Craig, “Die Another Day” (2002) starring Pierce Brosnan, “License to Kill” (1989) starring Timothy Dalton, “Octopussy” (1983) starring Roger Moore, “Goldfinger” (1964) starring Sean Connery, and “Oh Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969) starring George Lazenby. Don’t miss “Summer Kapamilya Blockbusters” featuring James Bond, 9:15 AM on ABS-CBN.

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

PITCH PERFECT 2 Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson PG

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

TOMORROWLAND George Clooney, Britt Robertson PG

R-16

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

SPY Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham R13

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

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

The future of the OFW

UBOY (not his real name) is a father of 5 children, and the sole breadwinner of his seven-member family based in Maa, Davao City. Hard pressed to provide for his family’s needs, he recently landed an overseas job as a mechanic in the Middle East. Things would normally work out well for them, but a closer look at their income and expenditure patterns show that while their average monthly expenses could average a lean estimate of around P18,000, the supposedly plum foreign job only nets Buboy the equivalent of P12,500. Of course, with free board and lodging, the salary is virtually clean, tax-free income. Nonetheless, the family still needs to fork over some additional amounts to cover the balance. At present, all his children study tuition-free in local public schools, but with the eldest entering college next year, expenses are expected to rise. At present, the oversetas job is barely enough to make ends meet, and averages about the same as the Metro Manila minimum wage.

Many returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) point to the same reality that overseas jobs don’t pay as well as they used to. Africans, Indians, and Sri Lankans are able to compete well for jobs normally held by Filipinos, and charge less than they do. Likewise, the recent political upheavals in many Arab countries don’t make a stable economy for investment. The fears of ISIS and terrorism make many Arab businessmen careful in their own investments, with expansion the first victim to the increased sense of caution. Many Arab countries have pursued indigenization programs to enable homegrown residents to take the place of the overseas contract worker. Fewer jobs may therefore available for the same multitude of third world citizens like Buboy seeking job opportunities. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

T

VANTAGE POINTS

HE superhyped Battle for Greatness between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao turned out to be the Battle of Weakness – the arrogant American champion fought like a scared rabbit while the Filipino ring warrior climbed the ring like a wounded lion.

The “Fight of the Century” became the Fight of the Injury as Pacquiao claimed to have fought with an injured right shoulder.

True enough, Pacquiao had a surgery last May 10, and will have to endure a recovery period of at least six months.

I could be wrong but it appears Team Pacquiao was guilty of deception. It made the fight fans believe that Pacquiao was out to give Mayweather a hell of a fight.

Trainer Freddie Roach boasted that Pacquiao would demolish Mayweather in three rounds, and that he never saw a better prepared Pacquiao before except for this fight.

Promoter Bob Arum, for his part, bragged that Pacquiao will win every round of the fight, and that Pacquiao will drown Mayweather with volume punches with his blinding speed and power.

But, alas, come fight night all these Pacquiao arsenal were nowhere in sight.

is already exMY TWO CENTS’ ploring other markets for Filipino jobs.

It’s simply not the same as the 1980s.

O v e r seas Filipino Workers income and remittances John Tria have always ecisouth@gmail.com been called the virtual backbone off the Philippine economy, helping insulate the Philippine economy from the effects of the international economic slowdown. Steadily comprising one tenth of Philippine Gross Domestic Product, it has in recent years been decreasing in proportion to Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) jobs in the Philippines and the steadily increasing manufacturing sector. Since 2010, the percentage share of OFW remittances has fallen by one full percent. If recently released Central Bank data are to be believed, cash remittances from OFWs coursed through banks increased by 11.3 percent year-onyear to $2.1 billion in March 2015. But the same agency reports that BPO income has been growing at about 15 percent in recent years, outperforming OFW remittances. This has prompted the Bangko Sentral to report that perhaps for the first time, BPOs will outshine OFW remittances in 2016, hitting the $25 billion mark as opposed to the OFWs $24 million. The good news nonetheless is that OFW remittances continue to grow year-on-year by about 10 to 11 percent. Perhaps the better news is that locally generated BPO income is growing faster than foreign salaries. Between these two sectors, you already have a fifth of Philippine GDP.

What this means is that as a percentage of GDP, locally generated income is outperforming OFW remittances. Local jobs are generating more income. Nonetheless, the challenge is that the Philippines as a whole remains to be a service economy, and while that’s not necessarily bad (the US is a service economy), it can only be mainly good when your poverty levels are low and per capita income is high (like Singapore). Otherwise, if your other job creating sectors are weak, and agricultural sector likewise poor (the Philippines is a net importer of rice, for instance), then poverty rates tend to be high, and in our case, remaining at about a fourth of our population over the last decade at least. Agriculture and industry ought to provide a bigger share since these provide a more stable base of job and wealth creation over the longer term, and enable a lower cost of food items.

The big challenge therefore, is how food and energy prices can be lowered so that both local resident workers and OFWs like Buboy can save enough to create a larger money pool for their own needs, and when saved in banks increase the money base to lend out (when increased, at at lower rates) for new investment. High salaries mean little when costs of basic commodities rise as well.

Already, we are seeing a future oversupply of power thanks to the entry of renewable energy plants like wind and solar farms, apart from the more obvious thermal power plants. We hope they redound to lower power costs so that industries can be set up due to cheap power.

The last sector to create a strong economy is cheap food. Getting there has been problematic due to a host of political and structural reasons, not to mention corruption. I guess that’s for another column.

Where were the fast and furious hands and the nimble feet?

Where were the volume punches that come from all angles?

Where was the real Pacquiao the night of May 2?

Sadly, all of these were left – the Wild Card gym of Freddie Roach.

What now, Pacquiao? Let Bob Arum answer that. As for Pacquiao, he declared emphatically: “I will move on.” So be it.

vice presidential bet.

Two probable presidential bets are former Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Francis Escudero who have not declared openly their ambition. They are, however, open to adoption by political aggrupations.

Now, let’s size them up.

Mar Roxas is a certified loser. He is bland and lacks charisma.

Vice President Binay is wrapped in corruption charges which he refuses to confront. All he does is give a blanket denial hoping the issue will die a natural death.

Sen. Grace Poe doesn’t have political wings mature and strong enough to let her fly safely and comfortably above the stormy political sea.

Chiz Escudero and Ping Lacson, if they failed to get adopted by major political parties, would readily back out of the race for the usual alibi – lack of funds.

THE NEED FOR A BETTER LEADER We need someone who will lead us out of the mess we are in, and into the “Promised Land.”

We need a man of vision, competent, decisive, consistent, intellectually honest, focused, unwavering, emotionally mature, creative, and realistic.

What now, Pacquiao?

-------- 000 --------FOCUSING ON 2016 The Liberal Party most likely will field Mar Roxas as standard bearer in 2016 presidential race.

The United Nationalist Alliance wants Jejomar Binay to capture Malacañan.

P-Noy is wooing Sen. Grace Poe to boost the sagging administration political stock. Poe might end up as presidential or

“

Lies, damned lies…

7

YOU see your best friend’s husband THINK ON THESE! or wife having what appears to be a romantic dinner with a stranger. Would you feel obliged to tell your friend what you have seen?” This was the question posed by the Asian edition of Reader’s Digest Henrylito D. Tacio to more than 1,600 henrytacio@gmail.com people across Asia, including the Philippines.

According to the survey, 52 percent of Filipinos would tell their friend – but not without feeling guilty though. Here’s a statement from a respondent, who has seen his friend having a romantic dinner with a woman who happened to be a friend, too. “If I do nothing,” he said, “I feel guilty, and if I tell, I feel guilty. My conscience is killing me!”

In Chapters from My Autobiography, which appeared in the “North American Review,” Mark Twain wrote: “Figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the arranging of them myself; in which case the remark attributed to (Benjamin) Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: ‘There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.’”

A research in the United States showed that people lie in about a quarter of their daily interactions. In another study, done by Professor Jeff Hancock of the Cornell University, it was found that people are more likely to tell a lie during a phone conversation than they are in an e-mail exchange. “Most day-to-day lies tend to emerge in conversation they’re spontaneous so it’s unlikely for lies to occur in e-mails, which are more planned,” he explained.

“It is always the best policy to speak the truth, unless, of course, you are an exceptionally good liar,” Jerome K. Jerome once pointed out.

This statement came to mind after hearing the confession of former professional road racing cyclist Lance Edward Armstrong to television talk show host Oprah Winfrey some years baci. A celebrity in his own right, he had won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times between 1999 and 2005.

An editorial of Philippine Daily Inquirer said: “A cancer survivor who went on to win the most prestigious title in cycling, the Tour de France, an unprecedented seven times, Armstrong did not only dominate one of the toughest sports for a decade; he was hailed as one of the greatest athletes of all time. He served as a symbol of all that is good about sports: the necessity of discipline, the joy of competition, the virtuous thrill of deserved victory; his struggle against and recovery from a life-threatening illness, and his determined pursuit of athletic perfection, seemed to fulfill the Greek poet Pindar’s redefinition of immortality: for the human soul to exhaust the limits of the possible.”

For much of his career, however, Armstrong faced persistent allegations of doping. He denied all such allegations until January 2013, often claiming that he never had any positive test in the approximately 600 drug tests he’s taken over his cycling career.

But, actually, the perfect story was, as he told Winfrey in the first of two taped interviews, “one big lie.”

“Although we profess to hate it, lying is common, useful and pretty much universal,” wrote Melissa Healy of Los Angeles Times. “It is one of the most durable threads in our social fabric and an important bulwark of our self-esteem. We start lying by the age of four and we do it at least several times a day, researchers have found. And we get better with practice.”

Robert Feldman, dean of social and behavioral sciences at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and a leading researcher on the psychology of lying, offers this explanation: “People do it because it works. We get away with lies all the time. Usually they’re minor: ‘I love your tie.’ ‘You did a great job.’ But in some cases they’re bigger, and in Armstrong’s case, he was pretty confident he could get away with it.”

It’s not easy to lie, Healy admits. “Psychologists and neuroscientists have found that –initially, at least – deceit requires mental exertion for most of us. The effort to reconcile a lie with the truth – or with our notions of ourselves as good people – takes up so much brainpower that as we do it, we may actually forget to perform such effortless acts as blinking.”

To sustain a lie for years, and against mounting evidence of its untruth, liars large and small must “develop an infrastructure around it,” Feldman said – a litany of justifications that makes it possible to cling to deception and convince ourselves that we are good people in spite of it. “But as time goes on, it gets easier,” Feldman said.

American president Thomas Jefferson noted: “He who permits himself to tell a lie once finds it much easier to do it a second and a third time till at length it becomes habitual.”

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

El Niño damage to rice, corn at P120 million

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE damage to the Davao Region’s rice and corn has reached P120 million as of May 18 due to the mild El Niño, an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 said.

“The damage to rice sector has reached to a total of P51.28 million, while corn damage has reached about P68.81 million

as reported by the agency’s monitoring since early March of this year,” DA 11 supervising agriculturist Herna M. Palma said.

Palma said the total loss went up after the province of Davao del Sur submitted its report.

She said damaged planted area for rice is now at 1,427.81

APEC senior officials discuss actions to hike trade, growth

T

HE Second Senior Officials Meeting of the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members kicked off Wednesday in Boracay Island in central Philippine province of Aklan where they would continue discussions on new policy actions to boost sluggish trade and growth in Asia-Pacific economies.

On the table during the two-day APEC Senior Officials Meeting are next generation initiatives for strengthening regional economic integration and lifting barriers to trade and the flow of goods, services, people and capital between the region’s economies, said Laura Del Rosario, Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and 2015 Chair of the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting.

She said the emphasis is on ensuring that APEC economies’ people, businesses and governments are equipped to take advantage of new economic opportunities born out

of greater interconnectedness and trade, and building smart, resilient communities that improve sustainability and living conditions.

Senior Officials are working out the hard details of a collective strategic study on the realization of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific to build on ongoing regional undertakings such as the Trans Pacific Partnership and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and include all APEC members.

In the spotlight is the formulation of the Terms of Reference, led by China and the United States, that will set the course of the study due for review by APEC Leaders in 2016.

The Second APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting will conclude on Thursday. It sets the tone for the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on May 23-24 to accelerate progressive trade and growth.

(PNA/Xinhua)

PAL services expand to Cairns, Auckland

F

LAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday said that it is set to launch flights from Manila to Cairns, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand beginning December 1 this year.

PAL said that these new flights are part of the expansion of its network in the Oceania region.

The airline will operate four flights weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) to serve the Manila-Cairns-Auckland route, utilizing the 156-seater Airbus A320.

Its six-hour flight to Cairns departs Manila at 11:45 p.m.

(Manila time) arriving in Australia at 08:00 a.m. (local time) the following day.

The one-hour stopover allows the airline to pick up passengers from Cairns for the continuing journey to Auckland. Arrival in New Zealand is at 4:00 p.m. (local time).

Flights from Auckland depart on the same days at 6:30 p.m. (local time), arriving Cairns at 10:30 p.m. (local time). After a brief stopover, flights depart from Cairns, arriving Manila at 3:30 a.m. (Manila time), the following day.

Prior to launching flights to these two destinations, PAL opened services to New York, USA last March 15 and to Jinjiang in Quangzhou, China last April 25.

PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime Bautista in a statement said that the route will stimulate passenger traffic along three travel streams -- Manila and Cairns, Manila and Auckland as well as Cairns and Auckland.

“The new service allows PAL to cater to the travel needs of business and leisure travelers and showcase its distinct brand of service marked by Filipino warmth, charm and hospitality,” Bautista said.

He said that there were close to 40,000 Filipinos residing in New Zealand, so the new service is a convenient link to the Philippines.

“Upon arrival in Manila, passengers may enjoy the capital city for a few days then connect to any of the 67 other destinations (30 domestic and 37 international) in the PAL network,” the PAL chief said.

“In the long term, the service will drive traffic between Southeast Asia and New Zealand,” he added. (PNA)

hectares while the figure for corn is 3,547.57 hectares, totaling 4,975.38 hectares for the whole region.

Palma said the province of Davao del Norte recorded the highest loss in the rice sector amounting to P41.14 million from 688.81 hectares of damaged rice fields, followed by Davao City with P5.6 million,

Compostela Valley with P4.4 million, and Davao del Sur with P130,200.

For corn, Davao City incurred the highest loss of P61.58 million from 2,142.50 hectares of damaged corn fields, followed by Davao del Sur with P3.89 million, and Davao del Norte with with P3.33 million.

Palma said the damage to agriculture of the long drought season may increase because of the projection that EL Niño will last until December of this year.

She said the region has enough supply of corn and rice despite the damage incurred by the long drought because of the frequent rains.

“We’ve already stopped the cloud seeding operation because it has been raining for many weeks,” she added.

Palma also said the effect of El Niño was not the same in all area of the region. “When I visited Compostela Valley, there was no evidence of El Niño. The grass is green,” she said.

KNOCKOFFS. A street vendor sells knockoff jewelry at the sidewalk along City Hall drive in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

BIR to close down erring boarding houses, dorms

T

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) 11 are eyeing to close down erring boarding houses and dormitories near colleges and universities in Davao City by the end of May. “We’re already coordi-

nating with the Business Bureau to identify these boarding houses and dormitories,” BIR11 regional director Glen A. Geraldino told reporters on Wednesday.

Geraldino said this is the bureau’s participation in the

preparations for the opening of classes in June.

He said BIR 11 is targeting lodging establishments that fail to issue official receipts and do not follow the tax code.

Geraldino said the bureau has been conducting surveil-

lance in different dormitories and boarding houses mostly occupied by college students.

“We are warning the public and business establishments to be compliant and follow the law,” he added. Cheneen R. Capon

age population.

Villanueva said the Philippines should get its share in the region’s luxury tourism industry by advocating that the Philippines can offer premium travel experiences, locations, and services.

In Asia Pacific, premium travel destinations include India, Australia, China, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Vietnam, Singapore and Bali.

In order to promote the country as an emerging luxury tourism destination in Asia, S8 Exhibition will be holding the first Asia Premium Travel Mart (APTM) from May 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Some 100 buyers are expected to attend the event for business-to-business meeting in which 70 are international buyers while the remaining

are local buyers.

International buyers will come from India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, South Korea, Cambodia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Hungary, Belgium, Macedonia, Russia, Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, United Kingdom, Austria United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, South Africa, Canada, and Australia.

After holding the 1st APTM, S8 Exhibition targets that the country to attract 10,000 luxury tourists for the first year and secure some P1.6 billion in revenue.

The group aims to attract 200 luxury buyers for APTM in 2016 which will also include meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibition (MICE) sector while some 300 luxury buyers are targeted to

join the event in 2017 with focus in attracting buyers from Asia Pacific, Europe, BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Middle East, Australia, and Latin America.

S8 Exhibition targets 30,000 premium travelers in 2017 and 60,000 travelers by 2018.

Villanueva noted that the Philippines has big potential in the premium travel industry with companies here developing hotels and accommodations with very high quality of services being offered such as Crimson Group, Shangri-La Group, Hennan Group, Huma, and Misibis Bay among others which have developments in El Nido in Palawan, Cebu, Boracay, and other top tourist destinations in the country. (PNA)

PHL targets P7-B luxury tourism take in 2018

T

HE Philippines targets some P7 billion worth of revenue in luxury tourism by 2018, S8 Exhibition Inc. executive director Edwin Villanueva said in a briefing Thursday.

Villanueva said the S8 Exhibition, a tourism show company, eyes the Philippines to be a premium travel destination.

According to Villanueva, luxury travel costs as much as P100,000 to P120,000 per night for prime location and elegant settings, very high quality of services and comfort, and exclusivity.

Target markets of luxury tourism are those in the very high-income middle class.

He noted that there is a growing Social Class A travellers in 2011 with income 200-percent higher than aver-

VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

SUICIDE... FROM 1

found dead inside their home in Residencia del Rio, Catalunan Pequeño on Wednesday morning.

The other fatalities were identified as Ceasar Ann Sacro Omila, 12, a student of Holy Child of Mintal; Virginia Sacro, 58; and househelp Liezel Burongan, 12, from Bobon, Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The victims suffered multiple stab wounds. A knife was still embedded Salazar’s chest when the police arrived.

The initial investigation report of Talomo police station showed the blood of Salazar was still fresh compared with the other victims’ whose blood was already a bit dry.

“The investigators found that Salazar was last to be stabbed since his blood was still fresh,” she said. She also said the Scene of Crime Operations (SOCO) found that the knife embedded in his chest could have been self-inflicted.

“There is a possibility based on the evidence that it will to the angle of suicide,” Driz said, adding Salazar may have killed the women before killing himself.

She said based on statements gathered from neighbors, Salazar was addicted to drugs.

Driz said investigators are also looking at the angle of rape since the Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) found that 12-year-old house help Liezel Burongan had no underwear under her pajamas.

Driz said the police found blood on the floor even though

Burongan was found lying on the bed.

“Murag naa silay struggle sa killer kay sa investigation, nakita nga murag giilisan nalang si Burongan pero wala nag ka di mao ang pag ilis kay walay panty ang victim (It appears they had a struggle because the investigators saw that someone had dressed Burongan but the assailant was in a hurry so he wasn’t able to put on her underwear),” Driz said.

She said if found that Salazar was the real perpetrator of the crime, it will be considered a closed case since the alleged suspect is already dead.

“No one will be sued but we still submit report to our higher office,” she said.

Meanwhile, the person first tagged in the massacre, Ramon Curray, is still under the safekeeping of Talomo PNP. Curray, who works at Sutherland Global Services, is the live-in partner of Vijealyn Sacro Omila, the daughter of victim Virgnia Sacro. Omila is currently working in Japan.

Driz said based on the initial investigation of the DCPO, Curray entered his place of work at around 6 p.m. on May 19 and left at 6 a.m. on May 20.

The massacre was estimated to have occurred at around 6 a.m. on May 20.

Driz, however, said Curray is still considered a person of interest since there were inconsistencies in his statements to the police. He was also the first person to discover the incident.

regions. The farther you are from Manila the attention will be less,” he said.

Colmenares said that the call for paradigm shift of government is not just happening

in Mindanao but also in the Visayas.

“If the people will accept Federalism it will be a major victory to Mayor Duterte,” he said.

Ladian as well as all parts of Puan, Dumoy and Toril.

Normalization or return of loads back to its normal set-up will be implemented in two schedules. First schedule will be on May 24, still for 15-minutes anytime between 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.. This will affect customers from Davao Memorial Park going to the entire areas of Catalunan Grande, Bangkal, Puan, Dumoy and Toril.

Second schedule will be on May 25, anytime between 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., for 15-minutes only. Customers affected are those from Mintal One Network Bank going to Tugbok, Calinan until Sitio

Ladian. Customers in along J.P. Laurel Avenue, from Lyndon’s up to PLDT office near Sasa Wharf, and from Arroyo Street going to Agdao flyover will also experience this service disruption.

This 15-minute power outage will also affect DCWD sump pumps located in the above-mentioned areas.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of these scheduled power interruptions. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

GU in Sitio Patil, Brgy. Gupitan, Kapalong.”

“Now, we are worried that we could not continue teaching in Sitio Muling since Alamara/ CAFGU have been constantly barring the teachers from passing Sitio Patil. We have yet to hold our enrollment due to this dilemma” Gumanao added.

MISFI however announced that the “Moving-up” ceremony

in all schools of MISFI in Brgy.

Gupitan will be held here in Davao City on May 25, 2015.

Both Salugpongan school and MISFI Academy urge the Department of Education to investigate and make a stand on the issue, that DepEd should first consider the right of lumads to be educated rather than accommodating malicious statements of the AFP.

Colmenares... FROM 3 DLPC... FROM 3

Children’s... FROM 4

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 11

PHL holding dialogue with UNCHR on how to help boat people -- Palace A PALACE official on Thursday said the Philippines is holding dialogue with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) on how the country can help thousands of boat people from Myanmar and Bangladesh. ”We are in continuing dialogue with the local office of the UNHCR on how the Philippines may be able to meaningfully fulfill its commitment to the attainment of the UN’s humanitarian objectives,”

said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a press statement.

Coloma said the Philippine government has reaffirmed its commitment to provide humanitarian succor and relief as a signatory to the United Nations (UN) Convention relating to the status of refugees and stateless persons. ”We are mindful that we are constrained by resource

limitations, especially considering that we are still in the midst of implementing a massive rehabilitation and reconstruction program for areas affected by typhoon Yolanda/ Haiyan,” he explained.

The typhoon Yolanda, one of the strongest to hit land in the world, left over 6,000 people and 1.5 million homeless.

Coloma said the Philippines has in the past demonstrated its commitment through its cooperation with the UN in establishing the

Philippine Refugee Processing Center in Morong, Bataan in 1980. It operated up to mid-90s.

“This Center was funded by the UNCHR, and its programs were supported by various international aid agencies,” Coloma said.

He said the center assisted refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in seeking admission to resettlement nations such as the United States, Canada, Norway and France. (PNA) LGI/JFM

ALACANANG is hoping both the House of Representatives and the Senate will pass a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) version that will bring lasting peace and development in Mindanao. ”We are convinced that their decision is for the lasting peace and development of Bangsamoro and Mindanao,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said on Thursday in a press briefing in Malacanang.

Coloma also believed that the BBL which was renamed as Basic Law of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in

the House, can withstand the scrutiny as to its constitutionality. ”Since the BBL was drafted, every provision has been scrutinized to make sure it will abide with the Constitution,” he said.

Although the Supreme Court is the final arbiter, Coloma said the BBL would still be decided by the people of Mindanao through a plebiscite. ”It will be presented to our countrymen and according to our Constitution , they have the final sovereign will. It is still up to them if they think this (BBL) can help in achieving peace,” he said.

The BBL or the Basic

Law of the Bangamoro Autonomous Region hurdled the committee level of the House of Representatives last Wednesday.

On Thursday, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago said changing the name of the BBL will not make it any less objectionable unless Congress also revamps the bill to address numerous “constitutional infirmities.”

Santiago is the chairperson of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes that conducted separate hearings to tackle the constitutionality of the proposed law.

Santiago said she finished

already her committee report and was signed by seven senators.

Aside from Santiago, other senators who already signed the report are Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Jinggoy Estrada, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Vicente Sotto III, and Cynthia Villar.

The 27-page document is one of three committee reports that will form the Senate’s position on the BBL effort. The two others will come from the committee on local government, the primary committee, and the committee on peace, unification, and reconciliation. (PNA)

Sasa Port because it is “not necessary.”

He said the modernization project and increasing the capacity of Sasa Port will only worsen the traffic congestion in the city.

“The property of the city is beautiful. Why create traffic when this can be perfect for tourism. We have two major cruise ship owners who expressed their interest to visit the Philippines and Sasa could be the gateway to our tourism,” he said.

Alexander N. Valoria, president and chief executive officer of Anflocor which operates the Davao International Container Terminal in Panabo City, also opposed the project.

“The Sasa area is already

heavily congested as it is. The vision presented in the PPP for Sasa will multiply this congestion tremendously,” Valoria said.

Valoria also said the government should not compete with existing private sector interests.

“The role of government is to open new fields of investment opportunity for the private sector that leads to further economic development and upliftment,” he said.

He said the PPP project for Sasa port “is not only a redundant waste of valuable resources but also seriously discourages further investments in the Philippines and thus is counterproductive to economic development.”

stitutionality, the concerns of all the stakeholders, as well as practical issues of administration and other problematic provisions of BBL, it will surely be challenged before the Supreme Court,” he said.

This is the reason, Marcos said, while he is trying to reaching out to as many of the stake holders as much as possible.

After his recent BBL hearings in Jolt and Zamboanga, Marcos has conducted a hearing in Manila to hear the side of

the Moro National Liberation Front, the first Moro group to have signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government. MNLF leaders claim they were left out in the BBL negotiations.

Marcos has scheduled two more hearings, one on May 5 for the sultanates and the indigenous people (IP) of Mindanao, and another on June 3 for local executives in the core area and adjacent localities of the proposed Bangsamoro territory.

ment, targetting 15.3 million poor households.

Based on the initial investigation by the DSWD-Field Office IV-A, the modus operandi being used by the fake “enumerators” is by introducing themselves as DSWD employees and asking an amount of PhP20 from the household members with the assurance that they will be included in the list of possible program beneficiaries.

The same incident also happened in Morong, Rizal.

The DSWD said it is now in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to track down these unscrupulous individuals and prevent them from further deceiving the public.

As a reminder, the DSWD said that are vital indicators that will help the public identify and distinguish who are fake and who are real enumerators of Listahanan.

The department said that official enumerators wear official Listahanan identification (ID) cards with their photo and name, and signature of the DSWD regional director.

They conduct house-tohouse interviews using the Family Assessment Form (FAF) which have a watermark of the DSWD logo in the middle of the sheet.

The FAF is also difficult

to replicate since it is printed on paper as wide as two A4 sheets.

After the interview, the enumerators will post a sticker on the house to indicate that the household has been assessed.

DSWD also encourages households to request for the ID number of a Listahanan enumerator to be sure if he or she is real or fake.

“If they have any complaints regarding their validation, they can give the ID number to the Listahanan office so that DSWD can verify the complaint and take appropriate action,” said DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman.

The public is also advised to report any similar incident to the nearest DSWD or reach the Listahanan through voice hotline number (02) 717-3770 local 88876 for grievances.

They may also send their concerns to text hotline numbers 0918-9122813 for Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers and 0917-8902327 for Globe and Touch Mobile subscribers by textingListahanannamelocationgrievance/inquiry.

They may also reach Listahanan through its email address ask.listahanan@dswd. gov.ph, or its official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ listahanan.official. (PNA)

Palace hoping Congress will pass BBL version for peace, development of Mindanao

M

DOTC... FROM 2

Marcos... FROM 4

DSWD... FROM 4

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Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

13

Congress moves to fast track Magna Carta for students A

DAY after the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved a new wave of tuition and other school fee increases in 313 colleges and universities in the country, the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE) moved to fasttrack the passage of the Magna Carta of Students, which includes a section that seeks to tighten tuition regulation in the country.

Members of the CHTE sat down with student leaders of various schools and organizations in a technical working group meeting Wednesday to

iron out the remaining snags and hitches in the substitute bill for the Student Magna Carta, which is a consolidated version of House Bills 102, 1098, 2870, and 4435, which were authored by Reps. Grex Lagman, Terry Ridon, Diosdado Arroyo, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Ibarra Gutierrez, respectively, along with CHTE Chair Roman Romulo.

Section 10 of the substitute bill proposes a stringent process that schools need to undergo whenever they propose fee increases and the creation of a “School Fee Board” in each school that will deliberate

such proposals.

The proposed school fee board is composed of “an equal number of representatives from the administration, academic and non-academic personnel, parents/guardians, students, and the alumni association.”

Other pertinent provisions of the Student Magna Carta lays down the basic rights of students in the Philippines, including the right to organize, right of expression, academic freedom, right to information, right to participate in policy-making, and the right to due process in disciplinary pro-

ceedings.

The bill also underscores the importance of student organizations and institutions, and includes several provisions for the protection of the right of students to join and form organizations.

“It is high time for Congress to pass a bill that would not only regulate tuition and other school fees effectively, but also safeguard the fundamental rights of Filipino students,” Kabataan Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said.

Ridon, one of the main authors of the Student Magna Carta, said that while it

is laudable that Congress is fast-tracking the Student Magna Carta, there is still a need to further strengthen several provisions in the substitute bill.

“In the section on tuition and other school fee regulation, for example, we need to insert a provision that will ensure that only through the consensus of all members of the school board can approve a fee increase. In the event that no consensus is made, the previous rate of tuition and other fees will apply,” the lawmaker explained.

“These are minor snafus that need to be ironed out be-

fore we pass the substitute bill to ensure that we pass a magna carta that is genuinely pro-student and will not in any way be used to curtail their rights,” Ridon pointed out.

While Ridon expressed optimism that the Student Magna Carta will be passed into law before the end of the 16th Congress, the legislator also emphasized that laws on tuition regulation will only be effective if CHED and the national government will “stop betraying students” and commit to ensuring affordable and accessible education in the country. (PNA)

ERRATUM

That in the Edge Davao issues of May 5, 12, and 19 , 2015 a Notice of Loss of the Certificate of Full payment number 21023004 under contract No. 183243-9 / NNN130005218 issued by Loyola Plans Consolidated, Inc. was inadvertently misspelled, the name VICTORIA B. TAGUILOB should be VICTORIA B. TAGULOB. Our Apologies!

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

Southeast Asia’s iprice group Are you safe receives US$550K seed fund in your kitchen?

T

HE Malaysia-based iprice group has received US$550,000 in funding from Asia Venture Group (AVG) to create the largest online shopping community in South East Asia.

As the young Internet population in the region is growing by more than 50% within the next three years – according to a report by UBS – it will drive e-commerce volume at least fivefold by 2020.

Tapping into this potential, the website already offers more than 3 million products from over 10,000 local and international brands, sourced through trusted online stores.

Founded in October 2014, Co-founder Heinrich Wendel said that the idea of the website was to create the most delightful online shopping experience by giving shoppers an intuitive and visual way to discover products.

“Whereas other sites in the space are all about comparing prices, we focus on narrowing down the vast amount of products to your personal preference.

No matter you are looking for a blue and black dress, 3-inch high heels, a solid bag pack, or a classic Chesterfield sofa, we will show you where you can get the best offer,” Wendel said.

Shoppers browse through the millions of products by categories, brands, models and colors, amongst other attributes, to get inspiration.

All products are automatically linked to special promotions

and coupons that are offered by the respective e-commerce stores.

In the future, the company will double down on its machine learning algorithms to further improve the “smart search” and provide individual recommendations according to the user’s browsing behavior.

Operating from their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, the

company employs talent from all over Southeast Asia, enabling them to address the needs of each local market individually. The service is already live in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam – with traffic more than doubling every month.

For e-commerce stores, iprice provides invaluable expertise in online marketing, helping them to expand their reach to new markets and grow their customer base.

Tito Costa, Managing Director for Zalora Group, Asia’s leading online fashion destination, recognizes iprice as a strong affiliate partner. “iprice helps online shoppers to find what they have been looking for and to discover new products.

They send high converting traffic to Zalora across the Southeast Asia region and drive our revenue significantly,” he said. PRNewswire

ICTSI expands facilities in Laguna dry port

I

NTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) dry port unit Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal (LGICT) recently broke ground to start the expansion of new facilities as it primes the Laguna dry port for the revival of intermodal freight transport in the Philippines.

The new facilities include extended and dedicated storage areas for loaded and empty containers, a runway for rubber tired gantries (RTG), container care facilities, weigh bridges at the gates and an upgraded access road, The expansion works, which is Phase 1 development of LGICT, is estimated to cost

GROUNDBREAKING. Photo shows the groundbreaking and time capsule lowering ceremonies signaling the start of Phase 1 civil works at the LGICT site in Calamba City, Laguna. From left: Socorro Z. Niro, TDG Chief Finance Officer; Rashid Alexander H. Delgado, Transnational Diversified Corp. President;

P587 million and is eyed for completion by yearend. It will add 7.22 hectares of developed dry port facilities to the initial four-hectare container yard already operational.

On full development, LGICT will have an area of 21 hectares and will include facilities for reefer containers, truck holding areas, a fuel station, a

rail workshop and container freight stations.

For its equipment fleet, on order are RTGs, side lifters, prime mover trucks and additional reach stackers.

Opened last March, the LGICT is a joint venture of ICTSI, Transnational Diversified Group (TDG) and Nippon Container Terminals (NCT) Co. Ltd.

Atty. Lirene Mora-Suarez, ICTSI Corporate Legal Services Officer; Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Vice President and Head of the Asia Pacific region; Dan C. Florentino, TDG Chief Operating Officer; Carmela N. Rodriguez, LGICT General Manager; and Shuji Harada, NCT Philippines President.

G

IVE the busiest part of your household a safety upgrade with simple tips The kitchen is usually one of a household’s busiest hubs. Incidentally, it is also the riskiest, with majority of household accidents occurring in it. According to the World Health Organization, around 265,000 deaths occur every year because of burns originating in the kitchen.

“If you think about it, every part of the kitchen is dangerous,” says RJ Buenaventura, Philips General Manager for Consumer Lifestyle. “You have flammable materials, oil, and electrical equipment. Without proper precaution, the place can be the site of a lot of accidents.”

The kitchen is one of the biggest fire hazards inside the house, making it a top priority in terms of home safety. Last year alone, more than 150,000 home fires were said to have started inside the kitchen. Additionally, cuts occurring on this part of the house are also the reason behind almost a million of emergency room visits.

But with simple easyto-do tips, you can make a big difference in creating a safer home for you to live, work, play, and cook in.

Pay attention “Neglect is the primary cause of kitchen accidents,” says Reah Ronsayro, Business Development Manager for Philips Kitchen Appliances. “Keep your attention on what you are cooking and try to avoid leaving it unattended.”

Unattended cooking – particularly open flame – causes more injuries, deaths, and property damage than all other causes of home fires.

Have a fire extinguisher ready Where you place your fire extinguisher is very important. Fire safety hazards

recommend storing it 10 feet away from the stove, preferably in a place near the kitchen exit.

Its weight should also be considered. Make sure that everyone in the family can lift the fire extinguisher and knows how to use it.

Mind your wires Make sure not to overload your electrical circuits.

Additionally, practice regular checkup of all electrical installations.

Faulty wiring is among the leading causes of fire in the country. For frayed wirings and electrical fixtures that need to be changed, have a licensed technician to do the repairs.

Go flameless!

If open flame is the root of kitchen fires, why not entirely take it out of the equation?

“Flameless cooking solutions, like induction cookers, can fire up your meals without the flame,” shares Ronsayro. “They definitely add an extra layer of protection for your home and are safer to use as well.”

The Philips Induction Cooker offers superior, flameless cooking. It also cuts cooking time by 1/3 and better seals in the nutrients of food, making it a perfect partner for health aficionados. What’s more, it comes with a host of smart features that allow for effortless cooking.

Use the right tools According to Reah, using the right tools can help a lot in preventing kitchen accidents. “Do not use knives for opening cans or cutting strings. Stick to equipment meant for the job and avoid improvising.”

Buenaventura closes, “Diligence plays a big role in minimizing fire hazards.

From practicing the right kitchen habits to investing in fireproof cooking partners, there are a lot of simple ways to keep a bird’s eye view of your home and your family’s safety.”

VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

FIRST BLOOD

THUNDERBIRD CHALLENGE. The annual Thunderbird Challenge goes to Davao City on June 6 at the New Matina Gallera. The country’s best gamefowl breeders are expected to converge for this annual classic last hosted last year by Ilocos.

Ateneo Lady Eagles, Color Manila Run, Malaysia Open medalists at FAST Fridays

E

XCITING topics make up today’s main dish at the weekly FAST Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier.

The forthcoming visit of the reigning two-time UAAP women’s volleyball champion Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Lady Eagles, the much-anticipated debut in Davao City of the Color Manila Run and the heroes of the recent 2015 Milo Malaysia Open Karatedo Championships banner today’s discussion with Edge Davao managing editor Neil Bravo as moderator.

Making the formal announcement of the Ateneo Lady Eagles’ Davao stint is Ateneo de Davao University athletic director Noli Ayo while Jay

Em and Justine Cordero will likewise announce the Color Manila Run set this Sunday at the Davao Crocodile Park.

Also making their first appearance after winning medals in the recent Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur are AAK Davao karatekas led by child phenom Atsuko Kaiyel Tan, PJ Bacayo, JP Ponce, Darlene Maramara, Sofia Agullo and Eman Bayugo with head coach Rommel Tan. Jennifer Labininay, Area Supervisor of IPANEMA sandals, will also be announcing the latest updates of the popular brand which recently opened its branch at SM Lanang Premier.

The weekly forum organized by SM Lanang Premier begins at 10:30 am.

L

Smith, James lead Cavs past Hawks 97-89 in Game 1

EBRON James scored 31 points, while J.R. Smith made eight 3-pointers and added 28 to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks 97-89 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals Wednesday night.

Intent on bringing Cleveland its first NBA title, James sealed the victory with a soaring dunk in the final minute.

But Smith was the one who ignited the Cavaliers, going 8 of 12 from 3-point range.

For the Hawks, it was the second straight series in which they’ve lost the opening game at home. Cleveland will look to take command of the series in Game 2 Friday night.

Jeff Teague led Atlanta with 27 points. But the night really turned sour for the Hawks when DeMarre

Howard doubtful for Game 2

H

OUSTON Rockets center Dwight Howard has a sprained left knee and is unsure whether he’ll be able to play against Golden State in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals Thursday night.

Howard sat out practice Wednesday at Oracle Arena after an MRI confirmed the injury. He said his knee was still in pain and he’ll listen to his body before deciding whether to play. He added that he has “no doubt” he’ll return at some point in the series.

“The most important thing is that I’m healthy,” Howard said. “Nobody can understand an injury when they’re injured but the person that’s injured.

This is going to be on how I feel. If I feel like I can tolerate it and go out there and play on it, then I will. But my career is the

most important thing. I want to do whatever I can to help the team, but I can’t help the team if I’m hurt.”

Howard hurt his knee in a first-quarter collision with teammate Josh Smith. He came back into the game in the second quarter but lacked his usual athleticism and eventually left with less than a minute into the fourth.

Howard finished with seven points and 13 rebounds in 26 minutes on the floor. The Warriors beat the Rockets 110-106 to open the best-ofseven series.

“It was very painful to play (Tuesday) night, and coach just felt like it was best that I sit out the rest of the game. I tried to play on it, but it’s really nothing I could do,” Howard said.

Asked if he could play if

Carroll, their leading scorer in the playoffs, went down with what appeared to be a left knee injury driving to the basket with 4:59 remaining.

He was helped to the locker room, not putting any weight on his knee.

The Cavaliers took control when Smith knocked down back-to-back 3s in the third quarter. After the second one, he turned toward the Atlanta fans and blew off his right index finger and motioned toward his side, like he was holstering his pistol.

Yep, he was that hot.

Cleveland outscored the Hawks 22-4 over the final 5 minutes of the third quarter and the first 2 minutes of the fourth. In fact, the Cavs scored the first 11 points of the final period for their biggest lead, 85-67.

Carroll’s injury left the crowd in silence and could be a huge blow for the Hawks. Not only was he their main defender on James, he has turned into an offensive force in the playoffs, averaging more than 1 7 points coming into the first Eastern Conference final in Atlanta history.

Cleveland slowed the pace down the stretch, looking to milk the clock, and nearly squandered the big

lead. Atlanta closed to 91-87 with about a minute remaining, but James got loose from Paul Millsap out near the arc, took off down the lane uncontested and slammed home a dunk to finish off the Hawks.

Smith has been a huge addition for the Cavaliers since he was acquired in January as part of a three-team trade with New York and Oklahoma City, a player once known for his selfishness learning to work well with within the confines of a team led by James.

When the Cavaliers really needed Smith in Game 1, he seemed to make every shot.

Looking to get off to a quick start in front of their raucous home crowd, the Hawks jumped out to a ninepoint lead in the first quarter.

Atlanta shot 61 percent and James went to the bench with about 3 minutes remaining in the period after picking up his second foul.

The Cavs hit just 35 percent in the opening quarter, but a dominating performance on the boards kept Atlanta from pulling away.

Cleveland outrebounded the Hawks 15-6 over the first 12 minutes, actually yanking

Cleveland offense. He scored 14 points in the period on 7-of-9 shooting, taking advantage when the Hawks tried to bait him into a third foul by guarding him with smaller players. James kept driving to the basket but managed to avoid a lot of contact.

Cleveland was poised to take a lead into halftime when Tristan Thompson dunked off a slick pass from Matthew Dellavedova with 4 seconds remaining. But Dennis Schroder wisely let the inbounds pass roll to nearly midcourt without picking it up, which prevented the clock from starting.

The second-year guard finally scooped it up, bolted into the lane, and rifled a pass to Kent Bazemore wide open in the corner. He sank the jumper as the horn sounded, leaving the teams tied 51-51 at the break.

down more offensive rebounds (seven) than Atlanta’s total output.

James returned in the second quarter and began to take control of the

ONE AND DONE. Game 1 is done for the Cavaliers with Lebron James and JR Smith conspiring to win past the Atlanta Hawks on the road.

S

Kawhi Leonard leads All-Defensive team

AN Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, already the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, headlines the 2014-15 all-Defensive first team announced on Wednesday.

Leonard, 23, is one of three players to make the All-Defensive first team for

the first time.

He received 116 First Team votes and 242 points from a panel of 129 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada.

Joining him on the team are forward Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors,

guard Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies, center DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers and guard Chris Paul of the Los Angeles.

Green and Jordan — who finished second and third behind Leonard in voting for Defensive Player of the Year — are also first-time selec-

tions.

Leonard helped the Spurs hold opponents to an average of less than 100 points per game (97.0) for the 20th consecutive season.

He averaged career highs of 5.9 defensive rebounds and a league-leading 2.31 steals for the Spurs.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 36 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 22 - 23, 2015

RAIN, RUN OF COLORS Color Manila Run Davao leg flags off on Sunday at Croc Park

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

D

njb@edgedavao.net

AVAO City will finally have its taste of the exciting Color Manila Run when the country’s most colorful race goes to Durianland on Sunday at the Davao Crocodile Park.

Runners taking part in this race will experience a rain of color power throughout the race but the memories that come with the rare experience will forver be etched in any runner’s colorful strides with the sport.

“We are expecting around 800 runners to join the event this Sunday from serious runners to fun runners,” said Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports.

The race, organized by lo-

cal race outfit Vantage Sports is sponsored by Brother Philippines, will feature three categories--3K, 6K and 10K-each promising exciting prizes and race kits. Registration fee is pegged at P650 which includes one dri-fit signature shirt, a race bib, foldable CM shades, drawstring bag, and finishers medal in all categories.

Assembly time for the race is at 4:30 am with designated gunstart at 5:45 am for 10K, 5:50 am for 6K and 6 am for 3K. Registration site is at the Adidas Gmall shop from 1-7 pm on Mondays to Saturdays.

Brother International

Philippines Corporation or Brother Philippines which recently introduced its revolutionary line of Refill Tank System Multi-function Centers (MFCs) at the recent presscon for Brother Color Manila Run: Davao leg. With this launch, Brother Philippines strengthens its line of MFCs with focus on “Customer First” approach.

As a major partner for the upcoming Color Manila Nite Run, Brother Philippines highlights the ultra high 6,000 page-yield feature of its new range of Refill Tank System with a 6K race category instead of the usual 5K category. Special activities and

prizes await the participants and the winners. Additionally, 3K and 10K categories are also available.

Brother Philippines President Glenn P. Hocson said, “We have chosen a perfect venue to publicly launch our exciting new product. The colorful event will not only highlight Brother’s Refill Tank System’s CMYK refillable ink bottles, but also our competitively priced 6000 page-yield that meets high print volume users’ need for lower ‘running’ costs. It will also serve as an opportunity for Brother customers and partners to experience the fun run as participants them-

selves.”

Two 3-in-1 inkjet Multi-Function Centres, the DCP-T300 and the DCPT500W, were introduced.

Both are ideal for personal users, or business users printing from small office home office (SOHO) or small business environment who seek bigger savings. This series introduces low-cost ink bottles with ultra-high 6,000 page-yield for black ink and 5,000 page-yield for color ink. These are additional models to the current Ink Benefit inkjet multi-function centers that Brother is offering to the market.

Suggested retail price for

the DCP-T300 is PhP 8,450, while the DCP-T500W is at PhP 9,450.

To join the public launch of the new Brother Refill Tank System and win exciting prizes, join the Brother Color Manila Nite Run: Blacklight Edition on May 16, 2015, at the Filinvest City, Alabang. Register at http://www.colormanilarun.com/?q=blacklight.

Interested fun runners may also join the Brother Color Manila Davao on May 24 and Brother Color Manila Cebu Run on May 31, by registering at http://www.colormanilarun.com/?q=cebu and http://www.colormanilarun. com/?q=davao.