Edge Davao 8 Issue 42

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

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INSIDE EDGE

Duterte-Rosales word war resumes

The BIG NEWS P4

No plate no travel policy lifted in R11 The BIG NEWS P4

HOW TO PUT RODY DOWN ‘De Lima and Rosales should know that I know my law.’

Picking Alyssa Valdez’s mind

Sports P16

M

AYOR Rodrigo Duterte is not one who picks up a fight with women. It’s not in his personality.

Not even in his DNA. But not when he is provoked.

Enter two of the President’s women. Justice Sec. Leila Delima and the just retired Human

Rights Commissioner Etta Rosales. Just how do you put Mayor Duterte down? These two women will find the ways.

De Lima and Rosales have taken turns at the toughtalking Davao City mayor. For the two women to turn the heat on Mayor Duterte, he probably

must’ve shaken the boat more than they expected him.

Obviously, Duterte’s name is now in the same sentence as the other presidentiables, and in each paragraph where the subject matter is the 2016 presidential elections. Time

FHOW, 2

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

FEDERAL ADVOCACY. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte talks about federalism and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in his keynote speech before the delegates of the 4th Vice Mayors’ League of Laguna General Assembly at Grand Men Seng Hotel on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

“To make her happy, I’d own up to knowing DDS. Delima just like Etta (Rosales) believed that there is really DDS. That is a phantom created by a police general at the height of communist insurgency in Davao.

Lawyer ‘ako noon, isang ordinaryong’ fiscal trying to eke a living in a troubled city and Delima and Rosales are telling the world that I created DDS. ‘Di ba kagagahan yon?

How... FROM 1 was when Duterte was just another jester in the run up to the elections. Just another name thrown into the list of presidentiables.

Five months into the filing of candidacy for President, the mayor is fast becoming the target of demolition jobs.

You don’t have to be a political analyst to know why.

Mayor Duterte is in the league now and they want him down. As fast as they can before he gets even bigger.

Recently, the mayor got what supporters branded as below-the-belt editorial from Philippine Star which compares him to “Dirty Harry,” a movie police detective played

by Clint Eastwood who baits known criminals especially recidivists to gun duels and says “thank you for making my day” after downing the gangsters.

Excuse the publication’s weak research but the editorial mistakenly identified the mayor as a former policeman when he was a former assistant city fiscal, old name of prosecutor or defender of the State.

Did the demolition job wear down the Duterte train? Perhaps not. Instead of condemnation, however, the embattled Mayor Duterte is getting an unprecedented media mileage. This week, Manila-based television giants have sought Duterte in Davao City, sending their topnotch reporters here to go down deeper on what seemed like a Duterte-mania.

There’s also a video clip of him riding in a big bike while making surprise rounds of

the city and 911 emergency headquarters was made into what looks like an advertising material and had been shown also in major TV networks and in the social media. Duterte who is a bike enthusiast is a member of the exclusive Philippine Motorcycle Oganization which lately landed in the Guinness Book of Record for the most number of rumbling motorbikes assembled in one place (Tagaytay City). Duterte who was guest of honor and speaker of the event was being pushed to be President of the club.

Unlike another presidentiable who attempted to generate publicity during a disaster by riding a motorbike and crashing, Mayor Duterte is a natural on two wheels.

And so it comes down to this battle against De Lima and Rosales. How many men have been put down by these two women? Now, it’s Duterte’s time to come face to face with the formidable duo.

Delima made a knee-jerk reaction to the New York Citybased Human Rights Watch which, through its Asian affiliate, condemned Mayor Duterte for alleged extra-judicial killings in Davao City. The same allegations also by HRW New York were subject of a probe headed by Delima herself when she was CHR chairperson under the former detained president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The charges were dismissed by the Regional Trial Court of Manila.

In a surprised statement

last week Delima issued a threat that she will have Duterte investigated and appealed to the nation “not to idolize Duterte”.

On the heels of that statement, Rosales also cautioned those endorsing Duterte for President not to vote for him.

An exasperated Duterte who had been consistently dodging calls for him to run for President, shot back at Delima.

“To make her happy, I’d own up to knowing DDS. Delima just like Etta (Rosales) believed that there is really DDS. That is a phantom created by a police general at the height of communist insurgency in Davao.

Lawyer ‘ako noon, isang ordinaryong’ fiscal trying to eke a living in a troubled city and Delima and Rosales are telling the world that I created DDS. ‘Di ba kagagahan yon?’Duterte fumed.

The mayor however admitted warning criminal elements. “Papatayin ko kayo” but I never order policemen “patayin ninyo”, he stressed.

“Delima and Rosales should know that I know my law. I have my way of dealing with criminals,” Duterte said.

‘Magkaiba kami ni Delima. Siya’ she allows inmates in Muntinlupa to leave their cells. She allows a Hilton (Hotel) to be put up in Muntinlupa. Women are allowed in and out of the special Hilton Hotel inside Muntinlupla. Kung ako ang Presidente I will restore death penalty and will hang those drug convicts with a laundry wire. Electrocution or

gas chamber is too expensive for these drug lords. Imagine, they are allowed to cook shabu inside Muntinglupa and supervise the distribution. I was in Mindoro when drug enforcers discovered that the penitentiary there was getting its supplies from the Bilibid prison.

What has Delima done? Kung may laboratory sa Munti sigurado ako na may kaparte ang mga atoridad”, Duterte said.

Delima’s rebuke and the release of the recent video clip have become viral on YouTube and various forms of social media.

In Cotabato City where Duterte had a forum on Federalism last week, the participants handed him a ‘bayong’-full of coins to help him in his Federalism crusade. The teary-eyed Duterte clutched the bayong and thanked them for their help despite the national government neglect of the region. In a guttural and unintelligible words he was heard as saying “kung ako maging presidente…” He did not finish his statement but proceeded to clasp the hands that reached out to him. The enthusiastic Cotabato crowd chanted Duterte! Duterte!

Duterte! imitating the shrill cheers of the children in the leaked video except that this one go with thunderous applause.

Just how do you put Duterte down?

De Lima, Rosales, and the rest of them tasked with the unenviable job, will have to try harder.

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4 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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BACK TO SCHOOL. Parents and their children choose from a wide array of school supplies at the atrium of a shopping mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue offering a back-to-school sale over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

No Plate No Travel policy lifted in R11

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 has lifted the No Plate No Travel policy in Region 11 in line with the national office’s decision to suspend it due to strong public “Nasuko ang mga tao kay ang LTO man daw ang nahutdan og plaka nganong amo man daw sila ang pandakpon?

So, karon gi-lift na siya (The people were angry because they were being apprehended even though it is the LTO that has run out of plates. That’s why it has been lifted),” LTO

11 operations division chief Eleanor Calderon told EDGE Davao in an interview.

“You can now travel without a plate provided that you will present a certificate of registration,” she added.

Calderon said the LTO national office dropped the policy after the LTO National Capital Region issued a certification that it had no new plates available for release.

But Calderon said while the No Plate No Travel

FNO PLATE, 10

Duterte-Rosales word war resumes

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

D

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte hit back at former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Etta Rosales and defended his views on martial law and the 1986 People Power uprising.

In an interview on Thursday night, Duterte said Rosales was “ignorant” about what martial law really is

when she said he (Duterte) would bring back martial law if he became President.

“She (Rosales) is not a lawyer, that is the problem with ignorant people,” he said.

The latest exchange of words between Duterte and Rosales is a far cry from a few weeks ago when Rosales said she recognized that it was Duterte’s leadership that

brought peace and order to Davao City.

Duterte said martial law is mechanism in the Constitution to meet the challenges of rebellion, invasion, or lawlessness in the country.

The mayor also said his view on People Power, which Rosales had put into question, is that its spirit has been lost because the people behind it

FDUTERTE, 10

Maguindanao, North Cotabato villagers arming vs ‘aswang’

V

EAGLE EYES. Veteran photographer Rene Arias checks out the photographs of Philippine Eagles on display in the ongoing Philippine Eagle Foundation Photo Exhibit at lobby of The Marco Polo, Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

are now involved in corruption.

He hinted that among these people is Rosales herself. “I would like to ask her, how many projects sa PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) niya pumunta doon kay (Janet) Napoles because in the documents published before, she made cash

ILLAGERS in Barangay Poblacion here have armed themselves against a huge dog they described as “aswang” (Philippine version of a vampire) after it attacked a couple on Friday last week.

Muslima Guiamad of Barangay Poblacion 8 was walking with her husband Abdullah to the public market before dawn on that day when a huge dog attacked her from behind.

She recalled the dog bit her in the nape and upper arms.

“The extra big dog has wide red eyes, sharp sets of teeth and very strong,” Muslima said, trying to picture out her ferocious attacker.

Abdullah came to her rescue as soon as the “aswang”

clamped on his wife. He hit the attacker with his machete but it continued to feast on his wife’s arms.

Then the “aswang” turned to Abdulla and bit his leg.

“I hit the dog several times but my machete bounces back.

As if I was hacking a stone,” he said.

“I’m convinced it was not an ordinary dog but an aswang,” he added.

Bai Ingkong Manalasal, another resident, said rumors spread that an “aswang” has been transforming into a dog to attack humans.

A police blotter report showed the Guiamad couple was bitten by a dog.

Residents, meanwhile, have forbidden their children

FMAGUINDANAO, 10

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 5

DavOr is 4-time Gawad champ of R11 F

OR consistently exhibiting excellence in agricultural sustainability and productivity, the Department of Agriculture hailed Davao Oriental as fourth-time Regional Champion in the prestigious Gawad Saka Awards.

Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon, who was guest speaker at the awarding ceremony held Friday, May 29 in Davao City, said that having been recognized once again as overall champion of the Gawad Saka is an affirmation and a clear indication that the province has charted the right direction.

She said agriculture has always been a top priority of her administration considering the province’s vast agricultural resources waiting to be tapped. “We have the potential for growth production, the market is continuously expanding and the opportunity for increase in income is also a given fact,” she said.

In her speech, Gov. Malanyaon highly attributed this success to the programs and complementary projects established by the provincial government that does not only address food security but also increases productivity and income of small farmers and fisherfolks.

Governor Malanyaon who is about to finish her term next year said she is deeply hon-

ored and privileged to have made a difference in her province’s agriculture sector— which after taking respite for 18 years as an awardee has now made it to champion.

Under Gov. Malanyaon’s leadership, Davao Oriental was first hailed Gawad Saka regional champion in 2011 and has been consistently adjudged with such recognition ever since, only taking respite in 2013, after super typhoon Pablo severely hurt its agriculture sector. This year, the province garnered the champion spot following the same top spot last year.

Basking on her province’s victory, the governor recognized the support of the Department of Agriculture, along with its attached bureaus, for its guidance through technical and financial assistance to her province. She further thanked the department for believing that Davao Oriental has what it takes to succeed in agricultural ventures.

She also cited the support programs extended by the Mindanao Rural Development Program and the World Bank which complemented the province’s efforts and resources in the completion of the P256 million worth irrigation project in Cateel. Set to irrigate more than 2,000 hectares of rice fields, the people of Cateel, said the governor, are now assured of a steady supply of

CHAMPION FOR THE 4TH TIME. Regional Director Remelyn R. Recoter. Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon, Banaybanay Mayor Adalia Tambuang and PAGRI Head Rotchie Ravelo during the awarding ceremonies of the Gawad Saka Achievers 2015 last Friday in Davao City. Davao Oriental is the regional champion for the fourth time. water which would definitely contribute in achieving 100% rice sufficiency level for the entire province.

Even after the brunt of super typhoon Pablo in 2012 that created a huge blow in the province’s agriculture sector, the province had explored more opportunities that helped encourage the pouring of support for the total recovery and rehabilitation of

No drunk driving arrests yet: LTO

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 has so far not arrested anyone for drunk driving based on Republic Act 10568 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

In an interview, LTO 11 operations division chief Eleanor Calderon told EDGE Davao that six drivers were stopped for speeding during the period of May 7 to 19 and made to undergo a sobriety test since speeding is probable cause for

drunk or drugged driving.

Calderon said the LTO flagged down two drivers in Quimpo Boulevard, two drivers in Lanang, one driver in Matina near MTS, and one driver near Davao Memorial Park.

“The six drivers underwent a field sobriety test and two of them failed,” Calderon said.

A sobriety test consists of straight line walk, one-leg stand, and eye reaction using a

TESTING BREATH ANALYZER. Ramon Sartiga Jr. of the Land Transportation Office (in uniform) demonstrates the use of the breath analyzer on Rotarian Jim Sabino of the Rotary Club of East Davao as LTO

chief of operations division Eleonor S. Calderon (left before podium) explains the enforcement of the recentlypassed law against drunk and drugged driving. In the foreground is banana executive Vic Sojor, club past president.

small flashlight.

Calderon said the two drivers immediately underwent breath analyzer test to check if they were driving under the influence of liquor.

Under RA 10568, drivers of private four-wheeled vehicle are allowed up to 0.05 blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which is equivalent to drinking two bottles of San Mig Light.

The two drivers, however, showed only 0.02 BAC. They were not charged because they did not reach the threshold.

Calderon said as of the press time, no public utility driver has been apprehended violating the law.

Calderon said so far only Davao City and Mati City have implemented the law in Region 11, with the other areas still in the process of training their police and local traffic enforcers.

Places with on-going training are Tagum City, Island Garden City of Samal, and Compostela Valley Province. Next week, the LTO will train the local enforcers of Digos City.

Calderon said on the third week of June the LTO will conduct full implementation of the law after the office finishes the training of local enforcers.

the province, particularly the three hard-hit towns of Boston, Cateel, and Baganga.

Meanwhile, she also credited this success to the farmers, fisherfolks and community organizations, whose labors and hard work helped Davao Oriental emerge as a leading province in the region in terms of agricultural productivity.

For this year’s Gawad Saka, Davao Oriental has pro-

duced eight winners. Among the achievers under the individual category are Genevieve Madelo from Banaybanay town - Outsanding Rice Farmer, Artemio C. Cabanog from Cateel town – Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer, Dominador Sampiri, Jr. from Mati City – Outstanding Small Animal Raiser, Modesto Ingig from Mati City – Outstanding Large Animal Raiser, and Gly-

neth Laurea from Lupon town – Outstanding Fisherfolk.

Meanwhile, included in the group category are Carmen Barangay Food Terminal from Boston town – Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal, PAFC Davao Oriental from Mati City – Outstanding Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Council, and MAFC Banaybanay from Banaybanay town – Outstand-

FDAVOR, 10

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

BSP to demonetize old banknotes

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced on Friday the complete facing out of old bank notes and will start circulating the new design series in the economy by 2017.

“The start of the demonetization is on January1, 2017.

The old series of banknote will no longer have monetary value. Only the new banknote series will remain as legal tender in the country,” BSP deputy governor for monetary stability sector Diwa C. Guinigundo said in a briefing at the BSPDavao.

Demonetization refers to the process of the process of removing the monetary value of a legal tender currency by BSP. Guinigundo said for this year the old banknotes series can still be used for daily transactions while starting January 1, 2016, the old banknote series can no longer be used in daily transactions and can be only exchanged in authorized agent banks and BSP cash department or any regional offices or BSP branches.

He said universal banks, commercial banks, thrift banks including saving banks and private development banks and rural banks under the supervision of BSP are the au-

thorized agent banks that are allowed to engage in the exchange of the old series with the new series.

“What will replace the old banknote series launched in 1985 consist of eight denominations, namely P5, P10, P50, P200,P500 and the P1000 piso is the new series,” Guinigundo said.

Of the 2.8 billion pieces of combined old and new series circulating in the Philippine economy, only 540 to 560 million pieces of old series of banknotes are left and up for demonetization.

“We’re expecting that all old series of banknote will be retired before the end of 2016,” Guinigundo said “Among the reasons we demonetized the old banknotes is because this is one way of safeguarding the integrity of the currency to protect it against counterfeiters,” he added.

The BSP official further said that there is a need to replace the old bills with new designed banknotes because the new one are printed with significant events years after the launching of old bills in 1935.

“Our new generated currencies (NGC) are printed not just with faces of past presidents but also with faces we consider our heroes. It is also

printed with iconic natural wonders that are mostly recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and species that can be only found here like tarsier and the

big as compared to last year’s banana export,” Antig said.

Last year’s exportation to Japan, China, South Korea and Middle East for the second quarter of the year was pegged at US$480 million.

Antig said banana production areas in Davao del Sur and all the way to General Santos City and Saranggani Province have been damaged by the long drought season, which is expected to end by December as forecasted by the government’s weather

station Pag-asa.

“A lot of banana farmers, especially the small ones who cannot afford the installation of an irrigation system, have been affected by El Niño,” Antig said.

Banana industry stakeholders here are hoping that the exported banana will reduce by half just because of El Niño by the end of year, according to him.

Antig also feared that the banana export would de-

T

come a major real estate market given the region’s continued strong economic growth and emerging tourism industry.

The Board of Investments (BOI) recently reported that P17.4 billion worth investments are expected in 2015 for the Davao Region, mostly in real estate development and agriculture. Davao City is still considered the most urbanized city in the region and in

Mindanao, having the biggest share in housing projects.

More investors are warming up to the business opportunities offered by Davao’s real estate market. Among these is Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC), investing P4 billion on three luxury property development projects in the region.

The upcoming projects in Davao City — Dusit Thani

FPBGEA, 10

Davao’s property sector poised for major growth T

HE Philippine property sector is expected to sustain its growth in 2015 as the country’s strong economic performance, rising business sector, and expanding export market will contribute to another stellar performance.

Aside from the familiar places such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas and Quezon City, Davao City also presents big potential to be-

1000- piso.

“The security thread is wider compared to the old banknote series,” he said. “The serial number is still composed of one of two prefix letters and six to seven digits

which are increasing in size.”

Meanwhile, he assured that even with the demonetization of old series, there is enough pieces of new banknotes circulating in the economy.

WEEKEND UPDATE. SM Lanang Premier tenant relations officer Josh Supan gives updates of the mall’s Lanang Weekend Market which is being participated in by various companies such as organic producers and furniture makers. Supan graced the FAST Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier.

Lean Daval Jr.

PBGEA: Davao’s banana export bulk to decrease HE Philippine Banana Exporters and Growers Association (PBGEA) said Davao Region’s export volume of bananas to Japan and the Middle East will decrease by 20 to 30 percent in the first six months of the year.

PBGEA executive director Stephen Antig said the expected drop in the regional banana export industry is attributed to the mild El Niño phenomenon.

“It will not definitely as

Philippine Eagle,” Guinigundo said.

According to him, the NGCs features the new BSP logo, and available in six denominations, including 20-, 50-, 100-, 200-, 500-, and

FDAVAO’S, 10

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Andi and Ellie Eigenmann grace Abreeza Mall’s

STYLE ORIGIN

STYLE ORIGIN, the annual fashion event that tours around Ayala Malls nationwide, once again took over Abreeza Mall’s Activity Center on May 22. This year, Abreeza Mall’s community fashion show starred young actress and celebrity mom Andi Eigenmann and her daughter Ellie, who both strutted down the runway for the show’s finale.

Andi and Ellie joined other motherand-child duos from Davao in conquering the Abreeza Mall runway—a fitting highlight that strengthened the mall’s ongoing Mompowerment May campaign. In keeping with the campaign’s goal of celebrating and empowering all the moms who make great things happen for themselves and their families in various ways, Abreeza Mall invited moms from different fields in the Davao community to model the latest pieces from Abreeza Mall retailers with their little ones. Among the moms who were fashion models for a day were Stockbridge International School vice-president for operations Careen LimHao Bian, Manic Nightnings proprietor Kat Dalisay, Sun.Star Davao columnist

Andi A4

Esprit.

Dorothy Perkins.

Mango.

Promod.

Andi and Ellie Eigenmann in GAP.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

EVENT

Smart supports SarBay F

advocates preservation of the environ GUMASA, Glan—Smart Communications (Smart), in partnership with the Province of Sarangani, hosted a series of events during Sarangani Bay Festival, an annual event which promotes Sarangani as an eco-tourism hub.

Smart supported the biggest summer beach festival in southern Mindanao by staging a challenging triathlon course, among others. A coastal cleanup was also organized by Smart to generate public awareness on the need to protect and preserve the rich marine resources of the province.

The pristine waters and coastal terrain of Glan was once more the venue to the 2nd SarBay SwimBike-Run for the Environment participated in by Filipino and foreign athletes last May 16. But changes were made in this year’s route to make it more challenging for the participants.

Michael Murphy, an Australian triathlete that represented the Philippine Red Cross, expressed how challenging the race was after taking the lead in the Olympic category in just over 2 hours and 22 minutes.

“The race was unbelievable. It was my first time here in Sarbay (triathlon) and it blew my expectations,” Murphy said. “It was one of the toughest courses I have ever

been in a bike-and-run. But what kept me going were the cheers of the children and the crowd…it’s like an entire community is rooting for you.”

Murphy, who is also an advocate for the environment, revealed he is planning to start a training camp in Sarangani Bay to prepare himself for next year’s triathlon event.

Seasoned triathletes like Murphy opted for the standard or “Olympic” category, which included a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-

km bike ride, and 10-km run, for a total of 51.5 kms. A total of 36 triathletes accepted this challenging trail, including Lea Coline Langit, who was first in the overall standard female category.

Meanwhile, beginners registered themselves in the “Sprint” category, which was half the distance traversed in the Olympic category. Young triathletes dominated the Sprint category with Kimi Jade Wee, 16, and Gennex Rey Combatir, 15, both from the Gensan Red Sea Lions (GRSL),

finishing first and second.

Part of the proceeds from the triathlon event will go to the turtle hatchery in the town of Maasim.

Nova Concepcion, senior manager and head of environment and disaster preparedness programs of Smart Public Affairs, said the triathlon was originally conceived as a “Bike for the Environment” similar to what the telco is doing to boost public awareness in its other environmental advocacies. However, it

was deemed a triathlon would better showcase the coastal area and its challenging terrain.

“Smart is known for innovation. Activities like the SarBay Fest triathlon is an innovative way of amplifying public support for an environmental cause like preserving the coastal waters of Sarangani Bay as a marine habitat. Through initiatives like this, we have raised funds to support a specific advocacy. This time, we will help ensure that the turtle hatchery in Maasim is protected,” said Concepcion.

Meanwhile, around 10,000 fingerlings of bangus were released during the coastal cleanup led by Smart last May 17. Donated by the Alcantara Foundation, the fingerlings were released to replenish the supply of bangus in

UP AND ABOUT

AirAsiaPH backs Geeks on a Beach 2015 GEEKS ON A BEACH (GOAB), the international tech confab which returns this August 2015 to Boracay Island, gets backing from Air Asia Philippines.

In the event launching today at the Azia Suites in Cebu City, GOAB organizers announced that AirAsia Philippines CEO Joy Caneba will be giving the keynote address during GOAB in behalf of Asia’s leading and largest low-cost carrier.

“AirAsia Philippines is excited to take part in an event renowned to be the International Summit for Tech, Startups and Design in the country. We are more than glad to share our own experience of building tech innovations that enhance the lives of ordinary people,” said Caneba.

GOAB has been providing an international platform for startups or innovationdriven enterprises, technopreneurs, and designers with

a laid back yet productive interaction and discussion on technology, entrepreneurship, and actual business opportunities.

Caneba said that AirAsia Philippines’ backing of GOAB is a reaffirmation of the seriousness of its efforts to take roots in the Philippines by supporting its budding tech and startup communities.

The airline has earned a reputation for making air travel experience more convenient through tech innovations such as the mobile, web, and kiosk check-ins.

GOAB’s lead organizer TechTalks.ph, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Filipino tech entrepreneurs and promoting the Philippine tech sector to the world, emphasized that this year’s event will be about less the hype and more action.

“Our success these past 2 years has pushed GOAB to return to Boracay Island this

August 20-21 with a triple splash — triple number of innovative minds, triple funding opportunities, and triple doses of fun,” said Tina Amper, TechTalks.ph founder.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the country’s leading wireless service provider, and IdeaSpace, the largest privately-backed early stage startup incubator in the country, have also consistently supported GOAB for the past three years since the event’s first staging in Boracay.

“This year marks a transition of the Philippine startup ecosystem - from potentials to success stories. The 3rd Geeks on a Beach will be as exciting as ever as we go back to Boracay - a convergence of the best minds in the country with the best beach in the world.” said Earl Martin S. Valencia, president at IdeaSpace and VP for corporate innovation and strategy at Smart.

Also expressing support in behalf of the Smart Developer Network is Paul Amerigo Pajo, senior manager and developer evangelist at Smart.

“Developers want to meet startups. Startups want to meet developers. Geeks On A Beach is one of the few events that cater to both.”

“SMART and IdeaSpace have been with us from the very beginning. And now we also have AirAsia with us. We are very happy to have more and more businesses, seasoned entrepreneurs, and even people from government backing GOAB,” said Amper.

She said that twenty tech champs in the world have so far confirmed their attendance to speak before an expected 600 participants from across the globe.

Some of the speakers include IdeaSpace President, Earl Valencia; Monk’s Hill Ventures Managing Director, Kuo-Yi Lim; Kickstart Ven-

tures President, Minette Navarrete; Rappler CEO, Maria Ressa; SMART Communications Developer Evangelist, Paul Pajo; Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communication Technology Office (DOSTICTO) Deputy Executive Director, Mon Ibrahim; and 500 Startups Managing Partner, Khailee Ng. TechTalks.ph and the DOST-ICTO have partnered once again with Sym.ph, Happy Garaje, and PRWorks for the third GOAB, and major partnerships with Smart through the Smart Developer Network, IdeaSpace, Microsoft, and Monk’s Hill Ventures.

To register, sponsor, or inquire about GOAB, visit the website, www.GeeksOnABeach.com<http://www. geeksonabeach.com/>, follow @GeeksOnABeach in Facebook and Twitter @ GeeksOnABeach, or emailhello@GeeksOnABeach.com

Back-towith ASU

PREP UP for th notebooks-- no ible prices. Chec ing and affordab for the young o

From touch noteb gaming and multim right device that’s p ASUS Notebooks mance in order for y Windows 8.1 and AS make them conveni From now until Ju are now bundled w worth PHP1,990 – P device wherever yo

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ENTERTAINMENT

‘Pangako Sa’Yo’ debuts as Fest, most-watched TV program onment ABS-CBN’s highly anticipated primetime drama series “Pangako Sa’yo” made a grand comeback on television as the remake of the classic Filipino love story topbilled

by Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo debuted as the most-watched TV program in the country.

the area. Apart from tuna, Sarangani is also known for its bangus and the Alcantaras are one of its bigger producers in the area.

Smart has embraced its protection and conservation as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Not only has it planted a million trees and mangroves in various adopted upland and coastal sites all over the country, it has also integrated green merchandising in its operations, making use of ecofriendly materials for its out-ofhome merchandising materials.

It is also one of the main proponents of the Marikina Watershed Initiative that pushes for the rehabilitation, reforestation and protection of the Upper Marikina River Basin, which will prevent severe flooding in Metro Manila and other low-lying areas.

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According to data from Kantar Media last Monday (May 25), the pilot episode of “Pangako Sa’yo” topped the

list of most-watched TV programs in Philippines with a national TV rating of 34%. It is more than double than its rival program in GMA “Let the Love Begin” (15%).

Meanwhile, even before “Pangako Sa’yo” aired its pilot episode, the show’s official hashtag #PSYAngUnangPagIbig already became a worldwide and nationwide trending topic on the microblogging site Twitter because of the fans’ excitement for the new primetime offering.

Positive tweets flooded

social networking sites as netizens praised the effective performances of Jodi Sta. Maria, Ian Veneracion, and Angelica Panganiban as Amor, Eduardo, and Claudia, respectively.

Helmed by three of the best directors in the country Rory Quintos, Dado Lumibao, and Olivia Lamasan, “Pangako Sa’yo” revolves around the promise of true and neverending love from two generations&#8212;the love story of Amor and Eduardo, who were separated by Claudia,

and the couple brought together by destiny, Yna (Kathryn) and Angelo (Daniel).

Don’t miss the exciting continuation of the classic Filipino love story on television, “Pangako Sa’yo,” weeknights after “Nathaniel” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For exclusive updates, log on

toTwitter.com/StarCreativesTV and Instagram. com/StarCreativesT V. Meanwhile, viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “Pangako Sa’yo” through ABSCBNmobile. For more information, please go to www.abscbnmobile. com.

Lifestyle Network adopts new tagline and logo LIFESTYLE NETWORK expands its reach among Filipinos by adopting the new tagline “love your life” and a new logo that appears in its programs and social media platforms to communicate to young Filipinos.

Lifestyle’s channel head Tippy Benedito says that the revamping was needed for the channel to evolve and connect with young, fun-loving Filipinos.

“For 16 years, Lifestyle has established itself as the one-stop lifestyle hub for career-driven Filipinos. As the channel turns a year older, we have decided to cater to the younger crowd as well to involve them in the channel’s call to embrace and love life,” Benedito shares.

With its expansion, Lifestyle will launch a roster of new shows this June that appeals

to its younger audience.

Part of the line-up is the Emmy-winning lifestyle show “1st Look” hosted

by Audrina Patridge, who shows the best destinations, adventures, and must-try eats each week.

Beefing up the food programming strand are “Brunch @ Bobby’s Season 4,” the cooking show of renowned chef Bobby Flay and “Sweet Julia,” a sinful dessert show featuring Julia Baker, a patissier and master chocolatier who infuses sweet flavors in savory dishes.

Lifestyle also showcases a brand new TV series that will hook young Filipinos. American drama “Chasing life” follows the life of ambitious twenty-something April (Italia Ricci) who is suddenly diagnosed with cancer.

The rest of Lifestyle’s new shows this June are

“Rachel Khoo’s Ktichen Notebook: Cosmopolitan Cook,” “Model TV,” “Italian Food Safari,” and “Port Town Walks in Hokkaido.” It also retains its originally produced shows, “Listed,” “Food Prints,” “Curiosity Got The Chef,” “Lifestyle Shorts,” “A Pinch of Portia,” and “Scene & Heard,” among others.

Aside from new titles, Lifestyle continues its aim of bringing Filipinos closer to the international scene.

On June 27, Lifestyle airs the Tony Awards and hit foreign films each Saturday for young adults such as the “Silver Linings Playbook.”

For more updates, log on to Lifestyle’s Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/LifestyleNetwork), Twitter (https://twitter. com/lifestyle52), and Instagram (https://instagram.com/lifestylenetwork/).

May 28 – June 2, 2015

YOU'RE STILL THE ONE Maja Salvador, Dennis Trillo PG

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

SAN ANDREAS Alexandra Daddario, Dwayne Johnson PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

EVENT Andi A1 Jenny Molbog-Mendoza, and Oomph! Radio station manager and entrepreneur Joey SyDomingo.

No less than 40 Abreeza Mall merchants covering men’s and women’s apparel, kids’ and teens’ wear, active lifestyle picks, footwear, bags, and accessories took part in this much-anticipated annual fashion showcase; namely, Armani Exchange, Artwork, Bratpack, Cache Cache, Calvin Klein Jeans, CLN, Collezione C2, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Esprit, Fox, GAP, Gingersnaps, Giordano, Guess, Herschel, Isis,

Marithe + Francois Girbaud.

Izod, Just G, Lacoste, Mags, Mango, Marithe + Francois Girbaud, Marks & Spencer, Nautica, Nike Athletic Club, Nothing But H2O, Onesimus, Original Penguin, Petrol, Plains & Prints, Promod, Silver Finds, SOUL Lifestyle, Springfield, Res Toe Run, R.O.X., Wrangler, and XOXO. Ayala Malls Style Origin 2015 is presented in partnership with The Philippine STAR YStyle, TIGER 22 media corporation, and Starworld. Local sponsors for Abreeza Mall’s Style Origin are Seda Abreeza Hotel, Cebu Pacific Air, TGI Fridays, and Hairless: The Laser Hair Clinic.

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

Careen Lim-Hao Bian and her son in Giordano.

Andi and Ellie share a light moment on the catwalk.

Armani Exchange.

Calvin Klein.

Collezione

Kat Dalisay and her daughter in Nike.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

AEON TOWERS

7 PROPERTY

SMARTHOME. Aeon Towers, the signature project of FTC Group of Companies, is a future-ready community fitted with state of the art technology. A fiber optic backbone goes through every unit.Fused with wireless technology,it gives every unit resident the opportunity to experience a new level of modern,truly smart and connected living. With Smarthome,the house takes care of you.A touch-screen master controller allows you to dim tour light,turn your air Conditioner on or off,draw your curtains,play your favorite music at will,adjust your shower temperature,and control your door access wherever you are,whenever you are.

DAMOSA LAND INC.

DLI begins sales drive across Mindanao N

OT long after its successful groundbreaking ceremony, Damosa Land, Inc. took to the road to introduce its latest residential project, Seawind by Damosa Land. Perched on a sloping 2.8 hectare property in Barangay Sasa with an unobstructed view of the Davao Gulf and Samal Island, Seawind is targeting the young and vibrant market. Hence Damosa Land’s involvement in various colorful events all over Mindanao.

Damosa Land did not miss any opportunity to join various parties to celebrate this year’s summer season.

The team toured Mati, Davao Oriental to be at the Summerfrolic Party as one of the Major Sponsors of the event.

It went on to participate in a series of events such as the

Colors of Summer Party at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Samal Island; the Palarong Pambansa in Tagum, Davao Del Norte, wherein they were also a partner; the Philbex 2015 at SM Lanang, Davao City; the Acoustic Nights at Valley High, General Santos City; and the Sarbay Festival in Sarangani Province.

The Company’s efforts eventually bore fruit as Seawind’s Tower 1 (out of 6 towers) has already been sold out with sales of Tower 2 continuing at a similar pace.

“As a Mindanao based developer, we wanted to give fellow Mindanaoans first crack at our project. Of course we will be targeting markets outside of Mindanao and abroad, but we felt that the demand from the local market would be

Damosa Land joins in on the fun at the Sarbay Fest in Sarangani Province

Damosa Land was one of the partners of the Palarong Pambansa 2015.

strong,” said Cary Floirendo Lagdameo, Damosa Land, Inc. vice president.

Damosa Land promises big projects this year. It looks to expand further with projects that have residential, academic, commercial and business components.

He added, “The series of events we took part in will definitely not be the last as we are determined to bring Damosa Land to the rest of Mindanao.”

Damosa Land is the real estate and property development company of the Anflocor Group – the company that is responsible for developing business and lifestyle oriented commercial center Damosa District and the boutique residential community Damosa Fairlane.

A property specialist attends to a client at the Damosa Land booth at Philbex 2015 in Davao City.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

EDITORIAL Standing by free speech

W

ITH Mayor Rodrigo Duterte making it more and more clear what his intentions are as far as the 2016 presidential election is concerned, many nonDabawenyos are voicing out concern that if he wins the country would fall headlong into martial law. There is a seeming distortion being made in various platforms showing Davao City residents cowering in fear under a dictator who treats both criminals and peace-loving citizens in the same iron-handed manner. Nothing, of course, can be farther from the truth, and one need not be a Duterte supporter to back up this claim. Every person in the city enjoys a peaceful and free city whether or not he or she is a fan of the mayor’s. It is probably hard for non-Dabawenyos to imagine a leader who has two distinctly different aspects, one benevolent to citizens and the other tough on criminals, but there he is.

Those who fear a clampdown on free speech under a Duterte leadership should go back to February of 2006 when then-President Gloria Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1017 placing the entire country under a state of national emergency due to an alleged coup

EDGEDAVAO

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planned by military officials. Under the proclamation all licenses and permits to hold demonstrations and protests were revoked.

Throughout the country, the government clamped down on all such gatherings — a scenario that was likened to martial law declared in September 1972 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos. An uneasy silence followed — except in Davao City where Duterte allowed all groups to continue their mass actions. Even the media went on a protest march without even a reminder or word of warning from from City Hall.

Few people outside Davao City know that even today, rallies can be held here without a permit. Mayor Duterte is one of the few who leaders who respects freedom of speech so much he does not require anyone to ask permission before speaking their mind in a public place. He has also never told a media outfit to stop reporting on particular issues. If anything, the media here can count on the mayor to stand by them whenever their right to free speech is being threatened. Perhaps ironically, we can actually foresee a much freer media under Duterte.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

Q

UESTION:Why do some people want a divorce?

ANSWER: Because they think it’s an idea whose time has come.

Q: What?

A: Nothing is permanent. There will be changes in human traditions, beliefs, and usages. Take family and religious values. In some First World nations (Europe, U.S., etc.), there are laws allowing divorce, same sex marriage, mercy killing, etc. Pro divorce guys say only two countries have no law favoring divorce, the Vatican and the Philippines.

Q: What is divorce?

A: Juan is single, Fe is single. When they marry, their civil status is changed to Juan married – Fe married. If they divorce, the civil status of Juan is again changed from married to single; Fe’s civil status is also changed from married to single. Juan can marry another. Fe can also marry another.

Q: Divorce and legal separation?

A: We have legal separation but no divorce.

Fe filed legal separation against Juan and there is a court order of separation. They can now live separated. Their civil status will be Juan married separated, Fe married separated. However, both cannot marry other persons.

Q: Annulment?

A: Fe filed an annulment case and there is a court order annulling the marriage of Juan and Fe. Their civil status is changed to Juan married annulled, Fe married annulled. They can marry others.

Q: What is the difference between divorce and annulment?

A: Juan cannot file a divorce case because we have no divorce law but he can file an annulment case.

Q: What else?

A: The spelling and pronunciation is not the same. Juan filed a case for annulment. There is a decision that Juan forced Fe to marry him or Fe forced Juan to marry her or both Juan and Fe did not give their consent freely but forced by their

W

ATER, Irrigation, and Duterte. In a statement that came from outside current political discussions, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte startled many by suddenly talking about the need to provide free irrigation in our farmlands. Similar to his advocacy for the return of the return of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and the call for a self reliant armed forces, the position taken is a departure from established thinking about the value of such an important pillar of agricultural production, and like the other positions, brings attention to issues that are absent from discussions in Manila’s political circles and mainstream media.

Irrigation makes happy farms, and is of vital importance to the State Irrigation is a vital need in an agricultural country with rice as the people’s staple. Rice is a difficult crop, and the availability of the right amount of water is key to good harvests, which in turn, determine the cost of the staple that the population consumes daily. Truth be told, only 56% of our irrigable areas are actually provided with Irrigation (NIA, 2014). Furthermore, reality has it that a majority of our farmers are actually considered poor, and that should worry us, because a stable, productive, and happy farm sector is what will sustain our quality of life as a whole. Food availability and scarcity affects prices in the proverbial basket of goods for all Filipinos. Along with electricity and transport, a sudden spike in the price of basic needs has a profound impact on those barely

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Divorce primer EDGEWISE

BY JESUS QUITAIN parents. The court will annul the marriage. It is hard to prove that Juan or Fe is forced to marry because the marriage ceremony is an open public place and the solemnizing officer (Judge, Priest, Mayor, etc.) will ask both “Do you take Juan/Fe to be your spouse.”

Q: Divorce?

A: The most common ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences. Petty ordinary quarrels is enough ground to allow divorce if the couple often disagree. Some states in the USA like Nevada allow no fault divorce, meaning Juan who filed the case does not have to prove it is his fault or Fe’s. Some states allow uncontested divorce, meaning: Juan files a case and Fe does not oppose it. This is uncontested divorce. The court will easily and often time immediately approve it.

Q: Is divorce part of Pilipino culture and tradition?

A: No, we were under Spain from 1521 to 1898 and we had no divorce. We were under America from 1898 to 1942. Americans have divorce but they never pushed Pilipino lawmakers to pass a divorce law because they knew it is against our culture.

Q: Did we ever had divorce?

A: Yes, we had under Japan from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese created a Kalibapi Filipino Puppet Republic which passed a divorce law.

When America returned and gave us independence in 1946, the Japanese created Divorce law was one of the first laws repealed by our nation. This is the best evidence that our nation is against divorce.

Q: How? A: If it’s good, the divorce law would not have been repealed.

Q: Is it true that the 1935 and the 1973 Constitutions were against divorce?

A: False, the two constitutions were silent on this matter. The 1986 Constitution is specific that family is the foundation of the nation and guarantees the inviolability of marriage.

Q: The Vatican and the Philippines are the only two nations without divorce. Is this not a stigma, mark of backwardness, or of being out of touch with reality?

A: No, it is a badge of honor. It shows we do not follow worldly whims. Just because there are only two nations without divorce does not mean the rest of the world is correct. We trust in the judgement of the church and our own family values, not worldly materialistic secular culture.

This April, news items appeared in all local and national newspapers that Congress will consider a divorce bill. These items were indorsed by pro divorce people to test the waters. If the public response will be who cares, no, yes, or not now it is best we should react strongly at once otherwise our silence might be misunderstood as indifference, surrender or weakness. It is also important to know if the state is neutral for or against divorce.

Q: What is the position of the state regarding marriage and the family?

A: The constitution says “The state recognizes the sanctity of family and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution (Art. 2 Sec. 12)”. The state recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development (Art. 15 Sec. 1). Marriage as an inviolable social institution is the foundation of the family and shall be protected by the state (Art. 15, Sec. 2).

Q: Is there a connection between the Constitution and the divorce bill?

A: Yes, the Constitution is clear that marriage is an inviolable social institution and shall be protected by the state. Divorce will dissolve the marriage and dissolve the family which is the foundation of the nation. This constitution does not allow a law that says the states shall

strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development (Art. 15, Sec. 2, 3) Art. 2, Sec. 12 and Art. 15, Sec. 2, 3 are very solid stonewalls placed by the 66 Commissioners who made the Constitution in 1986 to protect the family and marriage.

Q: But Congress seemed open to divorce.

A: No. There are 24 senators and 200 plus congressmen who must approve the divorce bill before it is sent to the President. The President may or may not sign it into law. There has been no head count in Congress as to how many Senators and how many Representatives will vote yes to divorce. The point is we should not panic so that the faithful will not be demoralized.

Q: How influential is the yes divorce?

A: We do not know but Congress and the President know that the Constitution is emphatic about the family and marriage.

Q: That’s a relief.

A: The lawmakers and the President like all public officials and employees took an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Maybe if Congress approves Divorce Bill and the President signs it into law, they could be charged with violating the Constitution.

Q: What are the chances that the Representatives will hold public hearings about divorce between now and December 2015?

A: Remote. The lawmakers are now busy campaigning, preparing for their re-election and as the candidates for Senator, President, Vice-President, Governor, Mayor, etc.

Q: Hay salamat.

A: No, we should not relax. The pro-divorce group will relentlessly continue their propaganda/public information campaign even if Congress is slow in acting on this bill. We should go on a full all-out dissemination program down to the individual family and GKK (Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban) or small Christian communities level.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Quitain Divorce Primer is produced by Jesus V. Quitain, a retired judge of the Regional Trial Court

Duterte hails from the Davao region, a collection of provinces falling under Modified Coronas Climate Classification Type 4, which means that rainfall is more or less distributed evenly throughout the year. Essentially, this means that rainfed agriculture is generally viable and productive, since dry periods are not as long as those in Luzon, allowing for relatively sustained production for most of the year.

Now, climate change coming as instant drought skews the climate classifications and creates havoc on the planting and harvesting schedules of all famers in the Philippines, even those in Davao and Southern Mindanao. Moreover, in Luzon and the Visayas, and even Northern Mindanao, more frequent strong typhoons are observed. Climate change threatens farm productivity, the availability and price of our food supply, and the viability of the farmers’ livelihood. Irrigation support is needed to weather these. Simply put, we cannot control weather and cannot dictate when droughts come, but we can plan for how much water is available when the drought comes.

Beyond being a buffer to climate change, having the right kind of irrigation is a call for government to get its agricultural priorities in a way that it can help farm sector achieve some stability against the uncertainties of the global economy. The amount and quality of water made available for the farmer is a variable in agricultural production we can plan for and invest in. Prices of other inputs and commodity prices for harvested crops may vary in the global market, but the cost and amount

of water government can plan to be relatively stable over time, with investments in the right infrastructure. Likewise, having less costly irrigation lowers the costs of production for the poor farmer, and can help make his production less costly, improving his quality of life, possibly even lowering the farmgate price for other consumers. Of course, it can be argued that Thailand and Vietnam, both located in the water rich Mekong Delta, can produce cheaper rice than the Philippines, and that it may be cheaper to import this rice than it will be to produce locally. But with political and military tensions brewing in the seas separating us from these rice producing countries, in-country rice production must be secure.

The Carabao in the room

able to survive MY TWO CENTS’ the day, many of whom are farming families.

As the World Bank itself conservatively estimates that a third of our population live below the ofJohn Tria ficial poverty ecisouth@gmail.com line, it is not surprising that the farmers of the next generations will depart from cultivating the land as they mature.

Cycles of debt and ill production makes their living difficult. This is the obvious case in Calabarzon, where the offspring of farmers, having achieved some social mobility through education, will not continue the farming of their parents and instead push the sale of the farmland and divide the cash. This has contributed to the uncontrolled urban sprawl of the greater Metro Manila area, pushing agricultural production areas farther away and, due to higher transport costs along expensive tollways, raising the price of agricultural commodities for Metro residents.

Available and affordable irrigation helps protect our food from climate change and other uncertainties

Calling the Carabao’s attention The Carabao (not the elephant) in the room of Philippine politics is the fact that our attention is drawn too much to being entertained by it. We love reading diatribes and hearing their responses and patuchadas. A cousin of mine often hollers for popcorn when politicians start trading barbs. But how much of Manila’s politics and the discussions inherent in them have real meaning to us, the governed? While some may or may not agree with Duterte’s advocacies, his calls have thus far called attention to many vital issues that heretofore have been ignored or forgotten in Manila’s media and policy circles. Perhaps we call the Carabao’s attention by raising more of these issues so that we can tackle and eventually resolve them to move us forward as a country.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

337 OFWs from Yemen given 10K- FRAP from OWWA I

N response to the worsening political conflict in Yemen, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has implemented the Financial Relief Assistance Program (FRAP) by virtue of Board Resolution No. 3 and 4, Series of 2015 instructing the release of Php 10,000.00 financial grant to the OFWs (both OWWA member and non-member) who were displaced by the political unrest in Yemen.

As per Memorandum of Instruction No. 004 Series of 2015, workers from Yemen who were repatriated after the government declared Alert Level 4 Status requiring mandatory

repatriation on February 16, 2015, are entitled to the one-time financial assistance. The program can be availed of by the repatriated OFW within six (6) months after his/her arrival in the Philippines.

As of May 25, 2015, a total of 337 OFWs from strifetorn Yemen have already availed of the Php 10,000.00 financial grant. They belong to the group of 482 OFWs who have been repatriated so far from Yemen.

FRAP aims to provide immediate relief to OFWs while they are undergoing economic and social adjustments in their communities as a result of sudden displacement from their jobs.

Qualified OFWs could claim the financial grant at OWWA Regional Offices and should bring with them their passport or travel documents indicating the date of entry to Yemen, date of exit from Yemen and date of arrival in the Philippines, and any government-issued ID with address or barangay certificate to establish the residency of the returning OFW. OFWs from Yemen are provided airport assistance, temporary shelter and transport services and fares for their on-ward travel to their respective provinces. These post- repatriation services, including the FRAP, are components of

the Assist WELL Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which stands for Welfare, Employment, Livelihood and Legal Assistance extended by government agencies to the OFWs who were repatriated due to emergency situations at their respective jobsites.

ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL MARKETING DIVISION (ASMD) Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Tel. No. (632) 891-7601 loc. 5414, 5603 or (632) 891-7741 Email address: asmd07@owwa.gov. ph/ asmd07@gmail.com Website: www.owwa.gov. ph

for Teachers.

Socorro, a graduate of the College of Teacher Education with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Education majoring in Biological Science placed at 90% in the secondary level of the March

2015 LET. The University of Mindanao has more than half the national average passing rate for first time takers of LET at 66.67% compared to the 31. 63% national average passing rate for the second-

ary level LET. Meanwhile at the elementary level, UM placed 88.89% average passing rate for first time takers, compared to the national average passing rate of only 27.

42%.

ing Agricultural and Fisheries Council in the municipal level.

Winners under the individual roster received trophies and P 30,000 cash prize each while those in the group category received trophies and cash prize of P50,000 each.

The Gawad Saka is an an-

nual search of the Department of Agriculture which has become the highest form of recognition to deserving farmers and fisherfolks in the country who have excelled in the various sectors in agriculture.

(With DavOr provincial information office)

crease in the next few months because of the untreatable Panama disease or fusarium wilt.

“Just like what I’ve said before, this banana disease is uncontrollable and we can’t eradicate it. We can just contain it,” he said.

Antig estimated that about 700 hectares are infected with the disease.

Some multinational banana corporation and the government have developed fusarium wilt-resistant variety, but the quality of the produce is beyond incomparable to Granine variety of Cavendish banana.

The government has developed two Panama disease-resistant banana varieties, namely the Giant Cavendish Tissue Culture Variety (GCTCV) 218 and GCTCV 219 that are now grown in some demo plantations in the region.

“If this is true, this will be good to the banana industry,” Antig said. However, these varieties are hard to reproduce.”

Antig also lauded the

effort of the Department of Agriculture 11 in implementing a 102-million eradication program for infected plantations on Davao.

He also feared that the export of banana in the region might be affected by the territorial dispute between Philippines and China over the Spratley Island in the South China Sea. China is the biggest export market for Philippine Cavendish banana.

The exportation of banana here, Antig said, might be affected by the bullish performance of Ecuador, the world’s largest exporter of banana and first to Philippines.

He said Ecuador is now expanding its market.

“We fear that our largest export market for banana, China, will start importing 80 percent of its banana requirement to Ecuador, leaving us with only 20 percent,” Antig said.

China is presently getting 80 percent of its banana import from the Philippines.

Cheneen R. Capon

UM grad is LET 3rd placer

T

HE University of Mindanao continually displays the results of its quality education as it welcomes Jayrald D. Socorro in its roster of topnotchers for 2015 after placing third in the Licensure Examination

Globe Business spearheads DavOr... FROM 5 women engagement program

G

LOBE Business, Globe Telecom’s information and communications technology (ICT) arm, spearheads an engagement program dedicated to women in the corporate world dubbed as Project W. Women executives from around the Philippines in various industries are invited to a full day of enrichment that aims to empower their personal and professional lives.

With Project W, women can learn new things through interactive forums as well as experience a well-deserved relaxation treat. The said program gives huge value to influential women as part of the local driving force of the economy with empowerment programs and learning sessions that will give boost to their careers.

“We recognize the role of female leaders in the enterprise industry as a driving force in steering the progress and growth of the country’s economy,” said Gerry Soler, Globe Telecom Director for Enterprise Group Marketing.

Soler said the Philippines “remains a great place” for working women, pointing out that the country has one of the biggest numbers of female executives in the world. Since more and more Filipinas are becoming leaders of enterprises, there is also a growing need to empower them so they can strike a balance between career and family life.

Initially rolled out in Cebu early this year, women leaders enjoyed activities such as informative forums with renowned speakers such as inspirational speaker Francis Kong and Professional image consultant and coach Olen Juarez-Lim, AICI FLC. As one of the past participants, Rosemarie Basan of MEDCOR INC. Philippine Branch shared, “The activity doesn’t only boost my self- confidence, it motivates me to be the best that I can be in everything I do! I also gained new business friends which is the best part of the program”.

The program held its culminating event over the weekend at Pearl Farm Resort in Davao with over 40 invited female executives. The program included a session with Juarez-Lim and was followed by make-up workshops where participants learned new ways to improve their everyday look and style.

Globe Business continues to strengthen its relationships with its enterprise partners through different activities such as golf tournaments, mentoring sessions and women engagement programs. Clients can also look forward to enhanced loyalty marketing programs such as Career & Life Design workshops headlined by some of the country’s top inspirational speakers, complimentary pampering sessions, and fitness activities.

PBGEA... FROM 6

No Plate... FROM 4 policy has been lifted, the No Registration No Travel policy is still being enforced.

She said last April her office apprehended 47 cars, of which only four were brand new bought in Manila while the remaining 43 were surplus.

She said the LTO slapped a

P10,000 on the 43 owners as it found that the vehicles had not been registered for the more than two years.

Calderon said LTO enforcers will still conduct a verification operation in the highways to make sure all vehicles in region are registered.

advances. Is that the spirit of EDSA that you are now talking about?” Duterte said.

“There is no more spirit of EDSA because the very persons who fought in EDSA are the ones replacing the corrupt people now,” he added.

In an earlier television

interview, Rosales had said she would campaign against Duterte if the mayor intends to conduct extrajudicial killings if he became president.

Duterte, however, retorted that if a thousand Etta Rosaleses campaigned against him, he would surely win the presidency.

to go out at night.

Pregnant women were heavily guarded as elders said the “aswang” was after the babies in the wombs.

In Barangay Tapodoc, Aleosan, North Cotabato, similar “aswang” stories were also reported. The mythical creature allegedly transformed from a cat to a monster-like human and attacked three persons on Wednesday.

Villagers have armed themselves with sharp bamboo poles, machete, knives and even firearms, and kept vigil

waiting for the “aswang” They put garlic at window openings to drive away the “aswang”, which is believed to dislike the smell of the spice.

But for the Guiamad couple, it’s no longer whether the “aswang” really exists or not.

Their worry was they were yet to receive anti-rabies vaccination, something they could not afford to buy.

Belief in “aswang” and other malevolent creatures has persisted in many rural areas of the country. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

Residences, dusitD2 Hotel and Lubi Plantation Resort — will provide luxury accommodations for guests and investors as these projects are in partnership with Dusit International. Having the renowned global hotel brand on board, Torre Lorenzo’s projects guarantee to raise the bar in terms of quality accommodations in Davao.

Torre Lorenzo president Tomas P. Lorenzo said the properties promise to cater to the discerning tastes of local and international travellers seeking to take advantage of Davao’s booming tourism industry.

“With an array of benefits for different levels of investment, Davao offers the best value in terms of doing business,” said Lorenzo. “As the Davao economy picks up, its property sector will strengthen and we will continue to see an upward trajectory. Now is the best time to capitalize on its real estate market given such favorable conditions.”

Dusit Thani Residences will feature 168 full-service residence units standing in a complex that offers owners and guests prime city and ocean views. Adjoining will be the 120-key upscale dusitD2 Hotel with a full suite of accessible facilities and amenities.

Both accommodations are located within Siam 8000, Torre Lorenzo’s first city community project, located in Buhangin District, Davao City. The 1.2-hectare development aims to provide a discriminating

and highly diverse market with a self-contained and integrated master planned community.

Lorenzo said that they are also anticipating the recreational needs of a growing affluent market. “Torre Lorenzo’s first leisure community, Lubi Plantation Resort, will provide that one-of-a-kind adventure and experience.”

The Lubi Plantation Resort, easily accessible by a 30-minute private speedboat transfer, is a 37-hectare island paradise that will offer unparalleled accommodations and amenities of a private membership club.

Lorenzo said the reason TLDC is bullish in Davao is because the city is one of the most progressive in the Philippines and is considered among the world’s safest cities.

“Our goal is to conceptually start with the three projects, and eventually embark on more development ventures in the long run. We believe that the local audience will be excited for this kind of development in Davao, putting the region in the international tourists’ map and make it their destination of choice,” added Lorenzo.

Headquartered in Makati City, Torre Lorenzo first made a name in the real estate market through its highly successful student-targeted university housing project located well within Manila’s school district.

The firm all the more solidified its reputation in the property industry with the development of its first township venture in Davao, Ciudades.

Duterte... FROM 4

Maguindanao... FROM 4

Davao’s... FROM 6

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

Claudine Verga shown here with the hosts and judges Mr. Michael Dakudao and Ms. April Evangelista

The Teen Superbodies of 2015

Holiday Gym and Spa Teen Superbodies winners bared G

EORGE Bascarpa, Paolo Camacho, Gilia Nolasco, and Claudine Verga emerged winners in the first ever Holiday Gym and Spa Teen Superbodies Circle of Four held last May 28 at the Abreeza Mall.

Named to the top five male selection were George Bascarpa, Lavesh Dhanwani, Dale Escudero, Paolo Camacho and Franz Chavez, while the top five female winners were Kimberly Haw, Gilia Nolasco, Nivole ALcober, Claudine Verga, and Reina Vermont.

Special Awards were also given to Lavesh Dhanwani and

Trisha Dillera as Mr. & Ms. Congeniality, George Bascarpa and Claudine Verga as Mr. & Ms. Photogenic, and Melvin Solon & Kimberly Haw as Mr. & Ms. Nature’s Spring (otherwise known as Mr. & Ms. Fitness Challenge).

The top ten selection, hosted by Mr. Rovicv Cuasito and 2013 Superbodies Winner Steffy Dacalos, was judged

by Toffy Ledesma of Stunning Events, Architect Michael Dakudao, April Evangelista, school director of John Paul II College of Davao, Kat Dalisay of Manic Nightnings, Juliet Pamintuan, a well-known fashion

Alaska spearheads World Milk Day

designer, and Mutya ng Davao 2015 Kris Abegail Guanzon.

Holiday Gym has been holding the Superbodies Search as part of their effort to invite people to join them in their campaign for healthy living. Since its 1st search held at The Venue in 2007, the succeeding searches were held in 2010 and 2013.

This year, Holiday decided to hold a search that focuses mainly on the teenagers because the team noticed that more and more teenagers are flocking to the gym not only during summer but even during regular school months.

And to make use of the potential these young people have on encouraging their fellow youths to start healthy living, the Teen Edition was born.

Twenty-one teen members of Holiday Gym signed up and joined the almost two months of selection process that included a closed-door panel interview and fitness challenges.

Gym attendance was also factored in the selection for top ten, of course deportment, audience impact, physique, overall appeal and their campaign slogan were also considered.

Holiday Gym thanked Mr. Arnold Alvarez, his technical

The Top 5 Female

team, and his Sining Tala Dancers for mounting the successful pageant, the designers of Stunning Events headed by Mr. Toffy Ledesma, Modern Teknika, RDL Phils., Splash Corp., Unifrutti, Tanduay DIstillers,

Inc., EyeCrafter, Dole Stanfilco, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, ORIX Metro Finance & Leasing COrp., Bioskin, Camp Holiday, Nature’s Spring Drinking Water, Elements Salon, Maniniyot Community, and Detox Daily.

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

M

crc@edgedavao.net

ORE than 700 Dabawenyos will toast milk for healthier mornings as Alaska spearheads the celebration of the Alaska World Milk Day (AWMD) at the Open Parking B, SM City in Davao City on Sunday.

“We’re targeting 400 participants for the World Milk Day Family Run, and 300 for the Zumba this year,” M2M project manager Miriam Maramba for Alaska Milk Corporation said in a press briefing at The Marco Polo, Davao on Friday.

This is the second AWMD in Davao City as well as in Cebu and Baguio. Maramba said the first AWMD here last year was joined by about 475 Zumba enthusiasts at the Rizal Park.

“Alaska finally decided to bring the Family Run to Davao, Cebu and Baguio. For Manila, the fun run for the whole family has been done yearly since 2013,” she said.

For Davao City, the family run will be at 3 kilometers starting at the Open Parking

B of SM City Davao up to the intersection of Quimpo Boulevard and McArthur Highway in Matina.

Maramba said the World Milk Day celebration is part of Alaska’s continuing commitment to promote proper nutrition and active lifestyle through its “Nutrition. Action.

Champion” program.

“Alaska reinforces the importance of drinking milk and participation in sports and outdoor play among Filipinos,” she said. “ It also encourages children and families nationwide to develop the habit of taking a nutritious breakfast through the ‘Alaska for Breakfast’ campaign,” she said.

With the “Alaska for Breakfast” campaign, breakfast stations and milk bars will be set-up in the area and will serve all participants with pandesal, champorado, and milk for free.

“This is to encourage them to develop the habit of having a good breakfast with milk which is crucial since breakfast will provide them with nutritious energy to start the

GUEST OF HONOR & SPEAKER MANUEL “Bobby” ORIG (2nd from left), Aboitiz Power Corp. 1st VP for Mindanao Affairs and Chairman of the Board of the Ateneo de Davao University, receives a plaque of appreciation from Asia Area President Yaz Okano of Japan during the 64th Philippine Regional Convention held on May 8-10, 2015 following his delivery of an Inspirational Message

entitled “a Life of Success and Significance” by underscoring that “A successful life can be measured by what you have gained and what you give back.” Also shown are Regional Director Paciencio “Jun” Rosalem (right) and Host Pres.

Jose “Joval” Valenzuela Jr., of Y’s Men Club of Metro Davao. Regional Convention Chairman is Leoncio “Nonoy” Villa-Abrille. Photo by Robinson Ninal Sr.

day right and get through it,” she said.

The nationwide celebration will culminate in a nationwide Milk Toast at exactly 6 a.m. in which children and their families in the four venues simultaneously drink milk and make a pledge to a healthy and active lifestyle.

ipinos aged 20 and above, and about 2 out of 10 children are overweight,” she added.

The yearly observance of World Milk Day through the Alaska Family Run and the Alaska for Breakfast campaign helps reverse this prevailing nutritional problem, which could lead to serious health,

The celebration of the third Alaska World Milk Day puts greater emphasis on the need to combat obesity and malnutrition in the country, Maramba said.

“According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s 7th National Nutrition Survey in 2008, at least 16 million Fil-

economic, and social implications in adulthood.

Alaska has chosen the Children’s Hour once again as this year’s beneficiary of the event. For every participant, Alaska will be donating an equivalent number 1.8 kilogram can of milk to Children’s Hour.

12 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

Operation Smile sets huge cleft surgery mission in June O

PERATION Smile will be partnering once again with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Social Concern Foundation for the Davao City leg of the global children’s charity’s five-site medical mission in the Philippines.

The mission will provide free reconstructive surgery to a total of 750 indigent Filipinos with cleft lip and cleft palate over a period of nine days, commencing on the country’s independence day on June 12 and running up to June 20.

In a joint statement, Operation Smile, Inc. cofounder and president Kathleen Magee and Operation Smile Philippines president Wigbert Funtanilla said the multinational teams of cleft care professionals will hold simultaneous surgeries at the Brokenshire Hospital in Davao City; Adventist Hospital in Cebu City; Ricardo Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Bacolor, Pampanga; Sta. Ana Hospital in Manila; and Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital in Bacolod City.

The foundation has been hosting Operation Smile missions in the city since 1996 and has treated a total 3,083 cleft children or 11 percent of the total treated in the Philippines.

Oral cleft is one of the country’s leading congenital defects, afflicting one in every 500 newborns or a total of 5,000 Filipinos every year. Of the estimated 140,000 born with the defect between 1982 and 2014, around

100,000 are still awaiting surgery.

The highly debilitating deformity disfigures the afflicted and impairs their normal speech. If they are not treated early, they are likely to lose their self-worth and become recluses and outcasts.

Operation Smile aims to attend to and eventually eradicate the backlog of cleft cases in the Philippines and ensure that new ones receive treatment before they turn one year old.

“Local resources alone will not suffice to achieve this ambitious goal at the moment so we are tapping the Operation Smile international network, via this annual mega mission, to augment our effort,” Funtanilla said.

For her part, Magee said they have committed to help “in any way we can.”

“We owe it to the Filipino people, whose ‘bayanihan’ spirit inspired us to grow Operation Smile into the global movement that it is today, mobilizing volunteers of different nationalities to treat cleft children of all colors and creeds – this is our gift and tribute to them,” she said.

Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker, said she and her husband Dr. William, a plastic surgeon, established Operation Smile in 1982 following a medical mission in Naga City where they first saw the gravity of the cleft problem and the willingness of ordinary folks to help.

“We came to treat 40 children and saw ten times that number waiting for us at the

hospital; we had to turn back hundreds but promised them that we would return,” Magee recalled, adding that what sustained their enthusiasm during the mission and after were the people they don’t even know who dropped by the mission site to bring food and made themselves useful.

Operation Smile has been coming back to the Philippines every year since and, in 1989, helped set up Operation Smile Philippines so that quality cleft care can be delivered to indigent Filipinos yearround.

The advocacy has spread across five continents. Operation Smile now has a corps of 5,400 highly trained, experienced, and credentialed medical and non-medical volunteers from 80 countries doing missions in over 60 countries. And today, an Operation Smile foundation similar to Operation Smile Philippines exists in 42 of those countries.

An Operation Smile mission team usually comprises of plastic surgeons, anaesthesiologists, pediatric intensivists, paediatricians, dentists, nurses, speech pathologists, child life specialists, biomedical technicians, medical records specialists, and patient imaging technicians.

All are volunteers who take a leave of absence from their employment or private practice for more than a week to do pro-bono work.

The missions are mainly funded by private corporate donations.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 42 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

CLASSIFIED 13

5% budget for disaster preparedness ‘not enough’ L

OCAL leaders from the region said the 5% allocation for the disaster preparedness budget, which is taken from each local government unit’s (LGU) annual budget is no longer sustainable for provincial preparations against the effects of climate change.

Under RA 10121, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, LGUs are mandated to set aside no less than 5% of its estimated revenue from regular sources, for its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF).

Davao del Norte governor Rodolfo del Rosario, concurrent chair of the Regional Development Council said

that even with a P50 million budget per year, provinces find it difficult to maintain a disaster preparedness program, and more importantly, fund disaster relief efforts.

Del Rosario cited super typhoon Pablo, which hit Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley on December 4, 2012, as proof of this.

“We did not anticipate Pablo,” he said, adding that even with his experience leading a province, he had not experienced being in a major storm.

Del Rosario made the comment during the press briefing at the Regional Advocacy Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change held at the Pinnacle

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 1003156 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 31696-6 issued to VICKY P. ASENTISTA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

5/18,25;6/1

Hotel Friday.

The governor, who served as Environment Minister during the last years of the Marcos dictatorship, said that while provinces are able to allocate 70% of the budget for mitigation measures, they would need additional funding from aid agencies to implement a more comfortable allocation.

He pointed to a program initiated by the National Economic Development Agency (NEDA), which in 2011 implemented the disaster planning program in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Australian Agency for International Aid (AusAID), and the New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP).

The program aims to mainstream disaster preparedness measures from the level of budgeting to implementation across all levels of the LGU, with communities actively participating.

The three Pablo-hit provinces, along with Davao del Sur, submitted last Fri-

day its enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFP) after years of planning.

The respective budgets would then be submitted to NEDA for consideration for funding.

Compostela Vice governor Manuel Zamora said LGUs have recently relied on the NEDA for funding of their major climate change-related projects, especially since the controversial priority development allocation fund (PDAF) for congressmen has been stopped.

According to a copy of Davao del Norte’s PDPSP, the province has been hit by nine major floods from 2011 to 2013 alone.

This translates to P930 million in infrastructure damage and P3.5 billion in agricultural damage for the years mentioned, it said.

Titon Mitra, UNDP Philippines country director, said the funding provided

by UNDP for the program would not be in the form of loans but in the form of grants. (MindaNews)

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SPORTS 15

SHE FLIES, SHE FALLS, SHE RISES. Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo goes down for a dig in a sequence of photos above, and then gets up and flies high for a spike during the Heartstrong Charity game on Friday at the USEP Gym. Lean Daval Jr.

PICKING... FROM 16

GOLFER OF THE WEEK

EJ CASINTAJAN: Domination personified

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

I

F there’s a name that’s quite sounding like the Tiger Woods domination in golf, that must be Ernest James Casintajan.

This boy rose from the ranks of the junior golf program and now practically makes the local golf scene his very own playground.

EJ, as he is fondly called, started picking up a club at the age of nine when he was introduced to the game by his father.

He first hit balls at the now defunct St. Andrews Driving Range at Shrine Hills.

“I had a hard time playing golf before because it was really a difficult sport to play and I only play on weekends,” EJ said.

“But when I got to high school, I was more into it and I played more often and joined tournaments in Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. Like most young golfers, EJ is not only a monster with his drives and precise with his putts. He is also a stickler for golf fashion, opting for the subdued but head-turning hues popularized by Rory McIlroy and Ricky Fowler.

“Fashion was not a big deal for me but now I like to dress to impress,” he said.

EJ goes to tournaments wearing multi brands. He wears Nike shirts and caps but goes for a Puma pants, adidas shoes and belt.

He uses a Ping g30 driver and Mizuno irons and putts with a Scotty Cameron.

one most of us hindi pa nakakarecover from minor injuries. We have physical therapists to help us recover fast.”

Playing sparingly in the Davao charity game, Alyssa said she just prepares anytime she is asked to go on the floor. “Kahit naman you have an injury if you are an athlete you give your 100 percent to play naman.”

Talk about the UAAP three-peat?

“As coach Thai said, it’s hard to get a championship, harder to get the second, mas lalo na pag three-peat na.”

After winning the UAAP championship for the sec-

ond straight season, the Lady Eagles did not rest on their laurels. “The ateneo girls are starting training na rin. As early as now, as soon as the season ended we did not stop training.”

Asked to share her pieces of advice to young spikers dreaming to play in hgih level competition, she summarized it in three: Start small.

Have fun first. Start from zero.

“Every game we enter the court, we always think na we’re gonna do our best, we’re gonna enjoy the game and we’re gonna play as a team,” Alyssa said.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

PICKING ALYSSA’S MIND ‘Have fun first before

thinking about winning’

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

Davao Partner

N

OT everything that causes shakings, shrieks, and screams are natural disas-

ters.

Alyssa Valdez is an excemption.

She’s a natural. Just that.

But when the country’s newest volleyball sensation walks into the stadium, the building shakes in wild uproar. It’s obvious. In this rapidly growing volleyball-crazy nation, everyone is going ga-ga over Alyssa.

Alyssa’s popularity rose after she led Ateneo de Manila University to its second straight Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) title this year, leading the Lady Eagles past their bitter rivals De La Salle University fir the second year in a row.

Alyssa has not only become the face of the Ateneo Lady Eagles, she has become the face of Philippine sports--earning the privilege to be the country’s flag bearer in the forthcoming Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

The incloming senior has also caused the snowballing of a fan base that has even grown beyond the country. It’s called Alyfinity--a spin off the popular Linsanity phenomenon once caused by Jeremy Lin in the NBA. Recently, Alyssa played for the country’s tri-clors in the Asian Under-23 Championships. Despite playing with an injured thumb, the Ateneo star gave it her all and picked up a few lessons which she said made her a better player.

“I think one of the most important na natutunan ko, kasi it’s not me lang naman who’s going to the SEA Games but also Bea (De Leon) and Jia (Morado), it’s the team work talaga that’s the most important naman sa paglaro ng volleyball so definitely yun naman ang na-gain

VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE42 42••SUNDAY SUNDAY--MONDAY, MONDAY,MAY MAY31 31--JUNE JUNE1,1,2015 2015

namin sa paglaro sa under 23,” she told Edge Davao in an interview before suiting up for the Heartstrong Charity Game at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gym last Friday.

Alyssa thinks that in the SEA Games, the country will be a medal contender although she refused to say if it’s going to be gold, silver or bronze. “Siguro adding more skilled players and smart players like sina Den Den (Lazaro) and everyone else na matured na rin sa paglalaro. Iba rin yung matutulong nila sa team eh,” she said referring to her teammate Ateneo libero Den Den Lazaro and veterans Jaja Santiago, Rachel Ann Daquis, and Dindin Santiago-Manabat.

The team, however, was only finalized two weeks ago and has trained only for a short period of time given the player’s schedules with their mother clubs.

“Madami akong natutunan sa under 23 as a player but there’s also other players na mas older and mas experienced so madami na rin silang natutunan kaysa sa amin sa pagvo-volleyball. So I think mag mi-meet lang kami halfway para mas maganda yung maipakita namin sa SEA Games,” she said.

Alyssa, still obviously feeling the wear and tear of having to endure the UAAP wars, the ongoing club leagues and the recent Asian tournament, said there is no reason to mind an injury. “Everyone naman wala pa ring rest. Every-

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