Edge Davao 8 Issue 67

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

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FORBIDDEN UNION

Why same-sex marriage cannot take effect in the Philippines

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

GOLFER OF THE WEEK

Michelle Kim: Beauty and the greens

A

NYONE thinking of same-sex marriage being allowed in the Philippines better find relief elsewhere.

Philippine laws will have to changed and public consultations will have to be held in Congress for same-sex marriage to legalized in the

Philippines. Hypothetically, that is a process more tedious than going to the United States and contracting a same sex marriage there with all

the legal requisites satisfied.

Unlike in the US, where a decision from the US Supreme Court

FFORBIDDEN, P2

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

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NOT THAT EASY. The path to legalized same-sex marriage will be a long one, though she also said current law allowed some members of the lesbian-gay-bisexual-and transgender (LGBT) community to get married.

Lean Daval Jr.

FORBIDDEN... FROM 1 legalized same-sex marriage in all fifty states, laws will have to be changed in order to allow it. Given how long laws are passed in this jurisdiction, it is more likely that it will not happen soon.

Lawyer Atty Lorna Kapunan, who had represented a transgender client who wanted to be legally recognized as a female in his civil registry, explained in a report by GMA News Online that the path to legalized same-sex marriage will be a long one, though she also said current law allowed some members of the lesbian-gay-bisexual-and transgender (LGBT) community to get married.

It’s a very complex scenario. The Family Code of the Philippines explicitly prohibits same-sex marriage.

Article 1 states that “Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlements may fix the property relations during the marriage within the limits provided by

this Code. “ Further, Article 2 provides for the essential requisites of marriage. “No marriage shall be valid, unless these essential requisites are present: (1) Legal capacity of the contracting parties who must be a male and a female; and (2) Consent freely given in the presence of the solemnizing officer. “ Article 4 of the Family Code provides for the legal implications of the defects in the essential and formal requisites of marriage. It says: “The absence of any of the essential or formal requisites shall render the marriage void ab initio, except as stated in Article 35 (2).”

By void ab initio, the law provides that marriages with defects in essential and formal requisites are illegal from the beginning. Hence, they do not exist or do not have any binding effect.

While the Family Code of the Philippines prohibits same-sex marriage, people found intriguing ways of circumventing it. For example, a gay man and a lesbian may get married. A transgender male and a transgender female may also get married.

However, there is a school of thought in legal parlance that your gender at birth is your gender forever.

Kapunan said in the report that she recalled a transgen-

It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlements may fix the property relations during the marriage within the limits provided by this Code.

der case she handled but lost some years ago. She said her transgender client wanted the gender stated in his birth certificate changed from male to female. Her client wanted legal recognition as female.

The US Supreme Court ruled on Friday, 5-4, that the US Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law meant that states could not ban samesex marriages.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing on behalf of the court, said the hope of gay people intending to marry “is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions.

They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

Immediate reaction among Filipinos to the US Supreme Court ruling favoring same-sex marriage across America, has been mixed, with some totally in favor and some firmly against.

The complexities of our laws have resulted to petitions to nullify the portions of Article 1 and 2 of Executive Order 209 or the Family Code of the Philippines that define and limit marriage as between a man and a woman.

A young Filipino lawyer has asked the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) to lift samesex marriage prohibitions in the country’s almost 3-decade-old Family Code.

The lawyer, who identified himself as openly gay in his May 18 petition, argued that limiting civil marriages and the rights that go with such unions to heterosexuals violate the constitutionally guaranteed protection for equal treatment, undue interference to liberty rights, and marital autonomy.

Petitioner Jesus Nicardo Falcis III said the limitations imposed by the 1987 Family Code favoring only opposite-sex marriages repealed the 1949 Civil Code, which never made such a distinction.

His petition was submitted

...there is a school of thought in legal parlance that your gender at birth is your gender forever.

to the High Court a few days before a historic referendum in Ireland approving gay marriage.

The contention of Falcis is that those portions violated Section 1, Article III and Section 3 (1), Article XV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Also being questioned in the light of new development concerning marriages in the modern world are portions of Article 46 (4) and 55 (6) of the Family Code that mentioned lesbianism or homosexuality as grounds for annulment and legal separation. Articles 1 and 2 regulate what is considered fundamental rights like the right to decisional privacy, the right to marital privacy,

a n d the right to found a family in accordance with religious convictions.

The two articles are said to have deprived some Filipinos of their right to liberty without substantive due process of law.

The bone of contention espoused by the petition is that the contested portions of the Family Code in processing applications for and in issuing marriage licenses against homosexual couples should not be enforced.

The petition filed by Falcis maintained that it does not matter whether or not Filipinos are already ready to accept same-sex union. “The en-

joyment of fundamental rights and liberties do not depend on the acceptance or approval of the majority. Aside from the ability to found and constitute a family, homosexuals just like heterosexuals can fulfill the essential marital obligations laid down by the Family Code.”

While there are Filipino gay and lesbian couples getting married in the Philippines, these individuals have undergone such a ceremony to express their love and commitment to one another. They may have done it to also rekindle the debate on same-sex marriages. However, no matter how you look at at, the legal protection and benefits that flow from marriage cannot be availed of similarly in the case of same-sex marriages.

It is very clear in our laws that this jurisdiction does not recognize and protect same-sex marriage. It is of no moment which religion one belongs. Unlike certain religious and cultural matters — divorce, for instance, which is allowed for the Muslim community — the legal non-recognition of same-sex marriage applies to all groups and religions.

At least for now.

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Four soldiers injured in Agusan encounter

F

OUR soldiers were wounded in a landmine blast on Thursday afternoon in BarangayBinucayan, Loreto, Agusandel Sur. In a statement, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said soldiers belonging to the 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), 4th Infantry Divisionwent on security patrol at around 2:35 p.m. of July 2 after a concerned resident reported the presence of an unidentified armed group.

The soldiers then encountered a group of New People’s Army (NPA) members and engaged them in a gunfight.

It was during the battle that a landmine exploded, wounding four soldiers.

The four were immediately brought to Patin-ay Hospital inProsperidad,Agusan del Sur. Pursuit operations were launched and were still ongoing as of this reporting.

Soldiers found three unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two rolls

of electrical wires (150 and 160 meters each), and five liters of gasoline at the encounter site.

They also recovered four backpacks, a raincoat, a tent, assorted empty shells of high powered firearms,SIM cards, and a medical kit.

The military said civilians reported that wounded NPA members were carried by their companions away from the encounter.

Last June 27, the same troopsencountered a group of NPA members in SitioTagbulete, Barangay del Monte, Veruela, Agusandel Sur. They recovered two M16s, an AK47, and M653 rifles.

EastMinComcommanderLieutenant General Aurelio B. Baladad encouragedthe wounded NPA members to surface for medical treatment.

“Our soldiers are ready to help you to safely reach the hospital for your medical treatment,” he said. Armando B. Fenequito

Strong winds damage 17 houses in SouthCot

S

EVENTEEN houses were damaged in Tupi town in South Cotabato after strong winds battered three of its villages on Thursday afternoon.

Emil Sumagaysay, Tupi Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head, said Friday the incident occurred at the height of heavy rains that started at around1 p.m.

Citing their initial assessment, he said eight houses in Sitio Atbol of Barangay Acmonan, seven in Barangay Tubeng and two in Barangay Poblacion sustained partial damages as a result of the weather phenomenon.

“Two of the houses were damaged by fallen trees while

the roof of the 15 other houses were blown away by the strong winds,” he said in an interview over radio station dxKR. Sumagaysay said two families, one in Tubeng and one in Poblacion, sought shelter at the homes of their relatives.

The official said there were also reported damages to various crops in Barangay Acmonan due to the incident.

He said Tupi Mayor Reynaldo Tamayao has dispatched personnel from the Municipal Agriculture Office to assess and validate the crop damages.

The local government has already delivered relief goods and other related items to the affected families, he said.

Sumagaysay said they will

FSTRONG, 10

Can a gay marriage in NY be recognized in the Philippines?

WHAT THE?

#

Article 26 of the Family Code answers that question.

“All marriages solemnized outside the Philippines in accordance with the laws in force in the country where they were solemnized, and valid there as such, shall also be valid in this country, except those prohibited under Articles 35(1), (4), (5) and (6), 36, 37 and 38. X x x Those articles mentioned in Art. 26 consider the following marriages as null and void: (1) Those contracted by any party below eighteen years of age even with the consent of parents or guardians; (2) Bigamous or polygamous marriages; (3) Those contracted through mistake of one contracting party as to the identity of the other; (4) A marriage contracted by any party who, at the time of the celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage (5) Incestuous marriages;”

TOAST. Camella Southern Mindanao cluster head Marlon Niño B. Escalicas (rightmost), marketing head Anna Mae dela Peña (third from right), former president Michael Regino (second from right), and group heads propose a

toast to investors, brokers, and guests during the grand launch and unveiling of Bradford, Camella Northpoint’s fifth condominium building, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel on Thursday night. Lean Daval Jr.

NFA rice safe: exec

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

T

HE National Food Authority (NFA) in Davao City yesterday assured the public that all NFA rice is safe from adulteration.

In an interview, NFA Davao City manager Virgilio Alerta said NFA rice imported from Thailand and Vietnam is well guarded even before docking at the Port

of Davao.

“Naa pa lang sa lawod ang barko, nay moadto didto tan-awon ang ilang dala na mga dokumento kung tugma ba sa dokumento na ilang gipasa sa amo kung unsa ng vessel ang nag karga, pila ang volume nga naa sa vessel og as agikan (While the ship is still offshore our personnel will go there to

check if their documents match the documents they submitted to us. We check the vessel, the volume of the rice cargo, and its origin),”Alerta said.

He said if the documents match, the NFA will allow the vessel to dock and unload the rice.

Alerta said NFA quality assurance officers are de-

ployed in the ship during the unloading of rice and up to the trucks going to their warehouses to ensure no supplies are snuck in.

“Walay switching gyud na mahitabo (No switching would happen),” he said.

He said in the midst of the fake rice scare in Davao City, it is still safe to buy commercial rice.

dies on my table. One of my students informed me that she has given me candies sent to them by her brother from Saudi,” Gidacan said.

“I then asked for the packaging of the candy, and saw that it was already expired, dated December 12, 2014. I immediately asked my students to go out and remove the candies from their mouth but several of them have already eaten the candy,” she said.

She noted that after two hours several of the children were already complaining of stomach ache, headache and some even vomited.

“I could not believe what was initially happening. About more than 20 of them were crying really hard due to the abdominal pain. Some who did not have the symptoms started to panic and cried in fear they might also be in danger,” Gidacan said.

“I immediately called

for help informing the division school nurse, our principal and the barangay. Few minutes later an ambulance from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office arrived and brought the children to the hospital,” the teacher explained.

Dr. Maria Christine Mordeno, medical officer III, said it was good that the children were immediately brought to the hospital.

“We segregated the children with symptoms from those who have none.

Those without symptoms were given antacids and antispasmodic. Those with symptoms, about six of them, were admitted and immediately given IVs,” Mordeno said.

“We will monitor those admitted for 24 hours to see if the symptoms would get worse or get better,” she added.

Jocelyn Bequin, the foster mother of the child

who brought the candy said they received the chocolates from her son who is working in Saudi Arabia last October 2014.

“We just placed the entire package in the refrigerator. I forgot about the chocolate since the doctor prohibited me from eating them. The other evening we cleaned our refrigerator and found the chocolate candies.

“My elder sister told my adopted daughter not to eat them since they were already expired and asked to throw them away. We did not expect she would bring them to school and offer the candies to her classmates,” Bequin said.

The emergency response units of the city were on the field as the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Council was conducting an emergency disaster drill as part of the Disaster Consciousness Month celebration. (Erwin Mascarinas/MindaNews)

36 pupils in Butuan hit by food poisoning

T

HIRTY-SIX schoolchildren were rushed to the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital here for suspected food poisoning Friday.

The children, all pupils of Doongan Elementary School, were reported to have eaten expired candies.

“We received a total of 36 students. About five of them who exhibited the most severe symptoms were admitted to the hospital while others are still under observation. Right now our doctor and nurses are taking care of the children,” said Domingo Enciso Jr. Nurse II at the Provincial Health Office.

Eunice Joy Gidacan, grade 4 teacher-in-charge explained that she did not notice the children eating the chocolate candies because it was break time.

“It happened during snack break, this was about 9:20 to 9:40. When I sat down back I saw can-

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EDGEDAVAO

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No Mindanaoan will be left behind: Sec. Luistro

“

PART of the challenge of the K to 12 Program is that no Mindanaoan will be left behind. If Mindanao progresses, the Philippines will progress,” Education Secretary Armin Luistro said during the gathering of over 4,000 education stakeholders from Mindanao supporting the education reform, which was held in Cagayan de Oro. Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon said the local government of Tagum is committed to the successful implementation of the said education reform. “The success of the K to 12 Program is not just the success of DepEd but also the success of all Filipinos,” he said.

“We, education stakeholders, made it a point that education is not a spending but an investment. K to 12 is an investment for the future,” Rellon added.

Several students from Mindanao shared how the K to 12 Program and their decision to undergo the early implementation of Senior High

School changed the course of their lives.

“Isa ako sa magandang bunga ng K to 12 sa pagkakaroon ng magandang training na kailangan ko sa paghahanap-buhay. Nagagamit ko ang mga kasanayang nakamit sa isang tribal school,” said Marian Clarell Bularon, Grade 11, Kling National High School in Sarangani.

Lyn Joy Olana, a Grade 9 indigenous learner from Impasugong National High School in Bukidnon also attested that in K to 12, their cultural knowledge is being recognized and given importance. “The implementation of K to 12 serves as a helping hand for the Indigenous Peoples to boost us to do our best in school,” she said.

Elaine Salar, a mother from Surigao City, lauded the K to 12 Program as his son landed a job as encoder after finishing the program. “Now, I truly believe that K to 12 is a big help to the families, espe-

3-DAY SALE. SM Lanang Premier mall manager engineer Therese Lapeña-Manalo (left) and marketing manager Irish Carreon announce the mall’s upcoming The Great 3 Day Sale on July 17 to 19 during the FAST Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

Al-ag: Someone must pay DOF issues warning vs scams for smuggling of fake rice T

HE Department of Finance (DOF) yesterday informed the public that certain letters are circulating requesting individuals to provide sensitive personal information in the guise of official business as authorized by the department.

“The DOF has received reports from individuals being contacted by persons claiming to be DOF employees using the e-mail addressdof.gov.ph@ execs.com,” the DOF said in a statement.

In the letters, supposed DOF employees request for pertinent information from unsuspecting individuals, to be used for the investigation of fraudulent companies, or to facilitate the transfer of funds through a spurious investment scheme to so-called beneficia-

FNO, 10

ries, among others.

“The DOF would like to clarify that these letters are bogus and the DOF representatives are likewise fictitious,” the statement said.

“Evidently, this is a type of scam to elicit information and funds from individuals by unlawfully using the name of the Department of Finance.

Solicitation of such information in writing, accompanied by a promise of compensation, is a hallmark of an attempted scam,” it added.

The DOF advised the public to be highly cautious of such notices, especially from entities and individuals claiming to transact on behalf of Philippine government agencies. Verification of official and legitimate activities can be done through the DOF at www.dof.gov.ph.

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Council majority floor leader Bernard Al-ag yesterday said someone must suffer the consequences for the entry of fake rice into Davao City.

This as the National Food Authority-Food Development Center (NFA-FDC) found that a sample of rice coming from Davao City feared to be fake was positive of a substance used in plastics.

In an interview with DXDC RMN aired yesterday morning, Al-ag said the Committee on Health has already conducted an investigation but has not released a recommendation yet.

Al-ag also warned that

eating fake rice could ssbe harmful to both humans and animals since it is an artificial substance.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte had earlier ordered the police to crack down on retailers who sell fake rice.

In a statement released on Friday, the NFA-FDC said the rice, submitted to NFA Davao early last week by Carmencita Grinio of Matina Aplaya, had “a 90 percent likelihood for the presence of dibutyl phthalate.”

The rice was tested along with NFA rice. “Solvent tests were run on both samples using eight solvents, namely acetone, benzene, chloroform,

ethanol, ether, methelene chloride, toluene, xylene. NFA rice reacted to none, while the suspected fake rice disintegrated in acetone and ethanol,” the statement said.

The NFA-FDC statement said during the test, there was at first no difference between the suspected fake rice and the NFA rice based on microscopic analysis.

But after one hour of air exposure, the NFA rice had a creamy white appearance while the suspected fake rice was chalky white.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website said dibutyl

left to right are Davao City Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, Rep. Al Francis Bichara, Rep. Romero Quimbo, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte with HMQueen Maxima and her delegation last Wednesday, July 1.

FAL-AG, 10

Solon to Coast Guard: Enforce safety measures

V

QUEEN MAXIMA WITH LAWMAKERS. Members of the Philippine House of Representatives had a one-hour meeting with Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Netherlands during her official visit to the country. Standing from

phthalate is used in making flexible plastics that are found in a variety of consumer products. It appears to have relatively low acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) toxicity, the EPA said.

According to GreenFacts (greenfacts.org), dibutylphthalate (DBP) is used in a wide range of products for everyday use such as plastics, paints, inks, and cosmetics.

Its widespread use has raised some concerns on the safety of this compound, the group said.

However, the two websites said that there are no information is available regarding the

ALENZUELA City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday urged the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to tighten its inspection and seaworthiness evaluation of maritime vessels after a motorized banca capsized off Ormoc City on Thursday, killing at least 39 individuals.

“The PCG should make sure that there are enough life vests for all passengers and crew and that all those aboard wear such safety gear all throughout the trip,” said Gatchalian, a member of the Board of Governors of Red Cross and is the organization’s lifetime honorary chairperson for the Valenzuela City.

The Nationalist People’s

Coalition (NPC) lawmaker said passengers are sometimes only made to wear life vests just before reaching their destination just to show compliance with the Coast Guard. In other instances, no life vests are available to passengers.

Gatchalian pointed out the PCG should ensure that vessels do not carry weight that is beyond their capacity, considering the weight of all the passengers, crew, land vehicles, and shipments.

“The PCG should be strict and impartial in implementing the no-overloading rule,” he said. “The vessels should also be made of sturdy materials and should not be too old to venture out to the sea.”

FSOLON, 10

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

food

Foodtography Tour at SM Lanang ONCE a foodie, always a foodie. ..

What began as a technical lecture turned into a fun, memorable moment with foodies, photo enthusiasts and media practitioners during the coveted Food-tography with JojieAlcantara and Fuji Film Ph last June 18, 2015 at the SM Lanang Premier. It was a tour of flavours and gastronomic adventure that re-ignited the foodie in us-- literally in a snap!

Although it was the first day of our month-long celebra-

tion of Ramadan, I was still in tip top spirit as we transferred from one restaurant to another.

Despite the encouraging smell and sight, I was able to have fun and make the most of the moment – minus the eating part, of course.

The tour was participated by 6 dynam-

FOOD A3

Deep fried Chicken Pandan

A2 INdulge!

travel

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

5 best shopping destinations in Asia 1. BANGKOK, THAILAND In Bangkok, you can max out your plastic at a huge mall like Siam Paragon, tuck into delightful and insanely cheap street food, and nibble on freshly grilled seafood at a floating market – all in the same day. If that’s not enough, there’s also Chatuchak Market, which is so large that you can easily spend an entire day roaming the stalls there.

Great for: Chatuchak Market’s labyrinthine offerings as well as floating markets Of note: Chatuchak Market, a sprawling bazaar is wellknown and loved by many shopaholics familiar with

Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok. Household items, clothes, jewellery, books, memorabilia, antiques … the list of items for sale is endless. Arrive early in the morning to beat the blistering heat and the hordes of other bargain-seekers.

Amphawa Floating Market, which is considerably

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Home to some of the largest malls in the world, Kuala Lumpur is also a great place to shop for electronics. With discounts of up to 70%, the seasonal sales in malls and smaller stores are quite an event and should be

less touristy than Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Prawns, shellfish and squid are grilled in front of you at food stalls lining the river, with more unusual offerings like helmet crab egg salad available too.

Of note: Budget clothes stores in Jardine’s Bazaar and Jardine’s Crescent for bargain hunters Fashion Walk, catering to the sartorial needs of the trendy and the (relatively) young UML Hobby, selling action figures and limited edition collectibles Satis-Factory Vintage Emporium, which is known for its wedding dresses and lace imported from England and dating as far back as the 1800s.

to 10 enormous malls chockfull of international brands, including Malaysia’s very own Jimmy Choo.

on the bucket list of any selfrespecting shopaholic. The 1 Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival runs from 27 June to 31 August 2015, while the 1Malaysia Year End Sale lasts from 14th November 2015 to 3rd January 2016.

Districts: Bukit BintangKLCC strip, which is home

Of note: Suria KLCC and Starhill Gallery for luxury clothes and international labels Plaza Low Yat, which has a wide array of electronics Sungei Wang Plaza for Korean and Japanese fashion 1 Utama, the fourth largest mall in the world, which has an indoor rainforest, freshwater aquarium and rock climbing garden

Seoul, South Korea

3. SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA The mix of raucous street bazaars, sleek malls and chic local boutiques in Seoul has something to please everyone. Fun fact: South Korea has the highest number of credit card transactions per person in the world, and retailers are required by law to accept credit cards for any purchase, no matter how small the amount is. (That should give you an idea of how serious Seoul is about shopping.)

Great for: Everything

4. HONG KONG Hello, Hong Kong! As it turns out, Hong Kong delights not just foodies in search of excellent dim sum, but shopaholics as well. Causeway Bay is the primo shopping destination in Hong Kong, overflowing with a myriad of trendy boutiques, bargain-filled markets, and the enormous Times Square mall and Sogo’s department store.

Great for: Fashion, electronics, jewellery, watches Districts: Causeway Bay for everything from street bazaars to upmarket boutiques and megamalls.

from high-end luxury labels to local fashion boutiques and street markets selling traditional craft items.

Districts: Apgujeongdong has a mix of trailblazing new local designers and big international luxury brands, while the Dongdaemun Shopping Market is open from midnight till the wee hours of the morning.

Of note: Seoul Folk Flea Market, the largest flea market in Korea. Find souvenirs, antiques, clothing, traditional art, and authentic Korean

food at this market, which is popular with both locals and tourists Lotte Department Store is a shopper’s paradise with over 12 floors of fashion, electronics, food, jewellery and duty-free shops Galleria Department Store, which resembles a cross between a sea creature and a disco ball but nonetheless features an excellent selection of international luxury brands The Hapjeong district is a good bet if you prefer hipster cafes and quirky little boutiques to swanky malls

Hong Kong 5. TOKYO, JAPAN Tokyo is where the weird and the wonderful collide in one of the world’s most populous retail nirvanas. From ephemeral fashion in the trendy Shibuya 109 to Nakano Broadway’s plethora of manga, collectibles and figurines, any fan of hardcore shopping will spend countless happy days (and dollars) in Tokyo.

Great for: Fashion, electronics, manga and collectibles Districts: Fashion in Shibuya and Harajuku, international brands and malls

in Ginza, and Akihabara for electronics.

Of note: Isetan’s flagship Shinjuku store, with shopping consultants that you can book in advance Charming industrial vintage furniture from Journal Standard Furniture Kappabashi Dougu Street, which sells all the household tools and kitchenware you could possibly want, and probably a few you didn’t know existed (soba flour rolling pin, anyone?)

Tokyo, Japan

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FOOD A1 ic food establishments at the SmLanang Premier. From appetizers of flavours and taste to mains of meat to an ice cold dessert and coffee in the end, it was truly a foodie’s kind of tour.

The participating establishments were Bulgogi Brothers, Cellar de Boca, Banana Leaf, Vikings, Giardino Gelato and Blugre.

Basically, the foodtography’s main goal was for participants to learn how to take the most appetising food shots using their phones and cameras. During the tour, each will be given a chance to win GC’s from participating establishments through photos posted on their personal instagram account. They have to use hashtags though for the judges to filter the photos. Oh, this was done real time – 10 mins photo opt, 10 mins eating.

The foodie in me kept to my camera and angles. I took my time taking photos and of course, talking to comedia practitioners, friends and foodies alike. I was happy listening to their tales of taste as I envision the taste of every cuisine showcased during the tour. Was I satisfied? Very!

Personally, the event was favourable to me as I learned how to use my camera, look for natural light and click. Since forever, I struggled with taking food shots because either (1) I leave

Seafood Dimsum

Spicy Rice Cake

Sweet Tofu my good camera at home or (2) I’m so hungry. Now, I know that to get the best shot, I need to stand up and make a stand.

More so, it was such

an event to remember as JojieAlcantara, premier Dabawenya photographer, was there making sure that we were all able to understand the lecture. She too was ac-

commodating that I fell right at place. Again, very thankful for the experience.

Given the opportunity, I’d take the tour again!

Honey Glazed

July 6 – 7, 2015

JURASSIC WORLD Chris Pratt, Judy Greer PG

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

MAX / * MAGIC MIKE XXL Josh Wiggins, Thomas Haden Church/ * Channing Tatum, Elizabeth Banks G / * R16

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

THE BREAKUP PLAYLIST Sarah Geronimo, Piolo Pascual PG

R-16

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

TERMINATOR GENISYS J.K. Simmons, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney PG

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

up&about

EDGEDAVAO

TRMH officers refresh and recharge in Sarangani OFFICERS of The Royal Mandaya Hotel took time off from their usual routine in the office for some wellneeded breather last June 26-27 at White Haven in Sarangani Province.

The hotel’s officers went through its Leaders

Refresher, an annual company team-building event aimed at providing a muchdeserved break for Department Heads as well as taking a closer view of the hotel’s operations and how they can further improve it.

“Every year we spend

time for this activity as a way of giving ourselves a break and at the same time consult each one in the team on how we can improve on our services,” TRMH general manager Benjie Banzon said.

The activity was also

spiced up by some fun games. The TRMH Department Heads were also treated to Sarangani’s worldclass beaches.

“It’s fun. Everyone came home refreshed and recharged,” said Banzon.

(NJB)

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very year we spend time for this activity as a way of giving ourselves a break and at the same time consult each one in the team on how we can improve on our services

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

7 BIGGER PICTURE

Views on same-sex marriage A corporate leader, blogger and three columnists share their views on this controversial subject JOHN TRIA Columnist

The current debate on same sex marriage opens the door to examine the basic tenets of protagonists on both sides of the “aisle,” and raises important questions we all have to answer about our current institutions. What stands out in the debate is the roughly 3-4% of Americans who call themselves homosexual have inspired more than half (57%) of Americans (Pew Research, 2015) to “come out” in favor of same sex marriage.

For any social movement, this is significant, noting that the change in attitude has happened only over a span of a decade. The rapid change in attitudes may have encouraged us to overlook some important points: 1. One of the main beliefs of Americans indicated in the Pew Research surveys is that homosexuals are “born this way,” and as such, cannot change themselves to conform to the idea that only man and woman can marry. Many assert that homosexual traits and tendencies exist in nature, and that being so, their rights to marry emanate therefrom.

Unfortunately, science has yet to show that homosexuality is a genetic trait in humans, and in turn, all men and women have the same genetic makeup. The homosexual “nature” in human beings is therefore unclear. What seems acceptable is the homosexual orientation (present unless one acts on it as behavior) and the behaviors. Apart from this, there is the culture and the advocacy that endeavors to grant rights to favor, and the challenge to discrimination and hatred against this behavior. Behavior depends on the person, and as such, is open to change over time. It would be prejudiced to think otherwise, given the reality that there are former homosexuals who have reverted to heterosexual status, and homosexuals not in favor of gay marriage for a variety of reasons.

2. Marriage, on the other hand, is a sacred state institution that entails not only benefits the state is required to support, but also responsibilities to the state and greater society by the married couple that has its effects on society long after both the married parties pass away. Our constitutional commissioners in 1987 had their reasons for declaring that only one man and one woman can marry, and not one man and another man, or one man and two women (with exceptions apply to this). It goes beyond any simple contract. Before any desire to declare this fundamental tenet unconstitutional, it is thoughtful to examine

BEN SUR

CARLOS MUNDA

the reasons for making it a fundamental constitutional precept that underlies many laws. Moreover, for transparency’s sake, it is true that the state, though declaring the family sacred, has neglected the family that the constitution contemplates, with the lack of access to shelter, food, income, and educational opportunities and the high cost of food and electricity, the reality of drug addiction and other ills still making life a hell for a third of our population in heterosexual marriages, and creating even more social problems. The state has allowed the family to slowly disintegrate, and create a behavior averse to marriage.

The state needs to walk its talk on taking marriage and family seriously – it still needs the right safeguards to defend its welfare.

Given this backdrop, it therefore raises the question: Should the sacred right to marry, with all its difficulties, actually be granted to people on the basis of behavior? Given the difficulties in upholding marriage in the Philippines, is it necessary and beneficial to grant this right and responsibility to those other than constitution provides? We all need to slowly and compassionately answer these questions.

_______________ BEN SUR

Corporate Affairs manager Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Corporation “I personally think that it will not yet happen in the Philippines. Under our laws, marriage must be contracted between parties belonging to the opposite sex. Although times have changed, it is going to be very difficult to have this kind of marriage in the future, and unless of course the law is repealed or amended.”

_______________

BLOGIE ROBILLO

Human rights activist and marine environment advocate When religious people say that they will fight for “traditional marriage” -- meaning, to keep it between a man and a woman – they probably don’t realize that they’re also saying “Gay people are not our equals, so they must not be given the rights that we enjoy.”

Marriage isn’t the domain of any church. When couples get married in a religious ceremony, it’s still civil law that declares the marriage binding.

What I am fighting for is that legal right to be recognized in the Philippines. Two people who want to commit to a life of togetherness, regardless of their sexual orientations, should become a reality here.

They should be able to enjoy the rights, privileges and responsibilities accorded to all married citizens.

I am not asking for any

JON JOAQUIN church to perform same-sex marriages. I just want them to back off and let the secular and civil liberties of Filipino LGBT citizens be equal to everyone else’s.

_______________

CARLOS MUNDA Columnist

The recent United States Supreme Court decision legalizing same sex marriage in America has ignited a firestorm of debate among advocates for both sides of the question from all over the globe. In the Philippines, a schizophrenic nation that is both LGBT-friendly and staunchly Catholic, discussions regarding what is essentially a legal milestone has been clouded by religious themes that have more to with the bible verses than constitutional provisions.

What we have to understand is that, on issues as

JOHN TRIA controversial as this, religious doctrine is probably the last place we want to go if we are looking for objectivity. Despite what televangelists and priests with messianic complexes would have us believe, there really isn’t a one “right” way to interpret the Bible.

Prophets real and otherwise have been trying to do this for ages and all we have to show for it are the multitude of churches, denominations, cults, and a million other variants of faith-based communities that espouse everything from preaching with snakes to waving upturned umbrellas to catch God’s blessings.

Legally, while the decision has no direct effect on Philippine law, it has opened the debate to granting members of the LGBT community the same rights and privileges that are already part and parcel of all straight couple unions. It seems only common sense that the fruits of a

conjugal partnership must be protected for both partners regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. This said, I also don’t think it make any sense for same-sex marriage advocates to go after churches and church officials who do not share their own beliefs.

While it makes for good propaganda to exposes the bigotry of other people in the media, it does not do anything to advance the more important legal aspects of the issue.

In the end, while I believe that there is merit on both sides, everyone should be careful not to let any form of extremism in on the action.

The moment activists step through the door, expect reason and good sense fly out the window.

_______________

JON JOAQUIN

Associate Editor I am one of the growing

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

EDITORIAL Keeping our waters safe

I

N an archipelagic country like the Philippines, one would think that sea travel would have been brought to a level of sophistication that would make it easy, convenient, and safe.

In some ways this is true, especially when compared with even just 10 years ago. Mostly, however, travel by water can be a hazardous proposition given the antiquated vessels that are still allowed to ply our channels and the laxity with which our officials implement safety rules.

It is still too early to say what caused the latest boat sinking in the country – this time in Ormoc City – that killed scores of people, but already there are reports that the boat was overloaded both with both passengers and cargo. The bad weather was also a factor, and the mixture of the two was surely a recipe for disaster. The boat’s owner and its captain are now behind bars as they await the filing of criminal charges, but it must be said that they could not have committed anything had not maritime authorities and coast guard personnel allowed the boat to sail

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under questionable conditions. The death toll from the tragedy has reached 59 as of this writing; the number could rise as operations continue to find survivors – and fatalities.

The tragedy is just one in a series of many boat and shipping accidents that have plagued the country’s seas over the decades.

Literally thousands have died from such incidents, the most infamous of which was the sinking of the MV Doña Paz in 1987 that killed as more than 4,000 people – the worst maritime disaster during peacetime. In virtually all the cases, some form of neglect was to blame. In other words, they need not have happened had the boat or ship owners only taken the rules seriously and the authorities implemented them strictly. Most of the accidents were preventable, and the loss of lives was completely unnecessary.

The recent boat sinking reminds us just how we still have to go to make our waters safe. Government and the people must make sure those at fault are punished so that future incidents are prevented.

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A

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Religious freedom and religion’s responsibility (Part 2)

S religion provides meaning for individuals and communities, so does it create cohesion and solidarity in greater society. Notice how many conflicts have brewed and convulsed over the last twenty years.

From the battle for Ireland, to the Columbine shooting in 1998, to the Charleston Shooting last month, to the Ferguson riots and the concerns of man over the Bangsamoro basic law and the Boko Haram rapes and kidnappings, the ISIS activities in the Middle East. All are seen as having a religious dimension, thereby gaining the ascription of some as religious conflicts that would not have erupted had people listened to John Lennon’s “Imagine” and removed religion altogether.

Without religion we have more inequality A society without religion is like a “vessel without a compass,” so says Napoleon. Human society as a whole is obviously imperfect, fractured, unable to meet the basic needs of every human being, and with greed and other negative values permeating its fabric, consuming the worlds other resources, leaving a full third of its population poor. Many secular governments write laws that proclaim the equality of peoples and push for their welfare, but doubtless are unable to provide even the basic needs for a good number of their citizens, much less the necessary care especially for the disadvantaged and marginalized such as the disabled, elderly and children.

On the other hand, many institutions founded by religious groups have taken the task of filling in these gaps left by the State, such as the provision of care for disadvantaged and marginalized sectors that even the

P

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

APA was the love of my life. As a little girl, I declared, “When I grow up, I will borrow Papa from Mama and marry him.” He was a man of few words but his compelling presence deeply resonated within me.

There was something intangible and more binding than blood that connected us. It was as if our persons hummed at the same vibration.

Papa’s passing did not come as a tragic surprise. A few months before Papa’s death, my brother and I, together with our spouses, threshed out details from who could be with Papa the fastest when emergency strikes to budgeting and tasking during the wake down to Mass reading assignments during the burial. I was in tears while presiding over the meeting. My brother was watching me in disbelief. He was challenging me that what if this grim event we were planning for would only happen ten years from now. “It does not matter,” I said, “we then execute things as planned.” Much as I would have wanted my brother to prove me wrong, we indeed executed things as planned. Later on, Mama expressed to her friends that her children allowed her to mourn in comfort.

Papa was lucid till the end. When the pain got to be too much to bear, Papa plaintively call out to his deceased mother, “Nay.” When

Department of MY TWO CENTS’ Social Welfare and Development and other agencies have left unserved.

Doubtless, a good number (around half, maybe) of donor agencies John Tria for non-govecisouth@gmail.com ernment and people’s organizations are religious institutions or were founded by religious people. Religious institutions, and the actions encouraged by religious beliefs have worked against inequality and strengthened human dignity in many instances.

the Catholic Church talks of the need to participate in public life and promote the common good and the dignity of the human person, which is reflected as existing within a plurality of beliefs present in a secular society. There is no Catholic theocracy here, though some often argue based on their disagreement with certain policies implemented by the secular state that they deem to be “Catholic.”

to the EDSA People power revolution. I dare say that a lot of the patient organizing work that led to the tipping points against these were done in Churches. Perhaps the incessant belief in something greater than the present encouraged the perseverance to overcome.

Religion creates the inner peace that makes society compassionate The Dalai Lama, for one, calls religion the basis of our self-control, when he said, “The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticize others. Rather, we must criticize ourselves. How much am I doing about my anger? About my attachment, about my hatred, about my pride, my jealousy? These are the things which we must check in daily life.” It therefore reflects a perspective where an individuals religion is viewed as a means of achieving inner peace and happiness.

Catholic teaching likewise prescribes important rules for which Catholics (and other Christians who closely follow the Catholic Church’s positions on moral matters) engage society. Chapter 2 Article 2 of the Catechism of

Religious thought often challenges the prevailing order Religions often provide the seedbed of alternative thought needed for a democracy to thrive. As I mentioned earlier, religion is perhaps the only philosophy many people ever encounter. This reflects the conditions prevalent during the time of Jesus, where the faith he established was a counterculture to the established pagan order. As such, it thrived and grew as an ethical counterpoint to the materialism, greed, and corruption of the established social order where Galilee was a province of the Roman Empire, and where Jewish authority essentially bowed to their occupiers. In particular, his requirement to offer the other cheek is interpreted in Jewish culture as to stand your ground and assert yourself, not capitulate. This was then a strong message to the Jewish religious leaders at that time, who backed down to the current order and were essentially in cahoots with Caesar. Thus, the religious and spiritual dimension offered served as a buffer to tyranny.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and you have the Philippine anti-dictatorship struggle, the fight for human rights in Latin America, the anti-Apartheid struggle in South Africa, the Civil Rights movement in the united States

Religion can breed the counterculture we need Loving one another is a tenet of many religions. Christianity considers it one of the two greatest commandments. This is countercultural because at that time (and indeed, until the present day), people like to categorize others into labels that impugn superiority or impose inferiority. Back then, you had Pharisees, Sadducees, Jews, Judeans, Galileans, Romans, Samaritans. I’d leave it to you to determine which was superior or inferior. An example is the popular name of many poorer Filipinos that many Netizens call “bobotantes”, referring to them as inferior Filipino specie. Stratification and tyranny prevail today as always.

The stubborn belief that we can love one another cuts through the strata and the labels, making us fully human. This is the counterculture.

Looking at the current reality of strife in the world, we can only reflect on the need for positive change within us as the only way to overcome conflict. The conflict we see is a mere reflection of the inner turmoils that dog us. While it is easy on the surface to blame religion, the same religion can help us overcome, starting with our own biases, hatreds, and anger, by slowly replacing it with respect, love, and openness to the fact that people may be different and express themselves differently, yet be fundamentally the same.

I told him that his Nanay was already dead, he replied, “I know but she can help us.”

In the midst of his expressions of constant discomfort, he suddenly inquired, “How are we doing financially?” The atribida that I am, I nonchalantly answered that we were rich and he should just focus on getting well. Because of the limited intake of water, Papa complained, “My lips are parched.” I mischievously requested him to spell “parched” and he answered back with an exasperated, “Hay naku!” His condition was deteriorating but I was telling him to get well already because I would be leaving for Manila soon for my PhD studies. His retort to me was a very matter-offact, “Ano ka ba naman, mamamatay na ako, wala ka.”

Papa was an intelligent, principled, kind, and loving man. He also had a temper that short-circuited when faced with ineptitude, corruption, and sheer disobedience from us.

He once threatened that if ever I get pregnant out of wedlock: “Papalakolin kita. (I’m going to kill you with an axe).” Papa was arrested by the military when I was a little girl and when I asked him why, he simply replied, “Because we were helping the poor.” He always answered my questions in his own oblique way. He instilled in me love of learning. Papa was an activist. He carried me on his shoulders during rallies and brought me to the bukid to be with community and nature. He instilled in me love of country. I was not daddy’s little princess who twirled around in a pink tutu and tiara.

I was Papa’s little companion in travels, political fora, karate classes, and jogs around the PTA oval. He once put me into a murky pond at a resort when I would not stop whining. He also pushed me into the deep end of the pool and watched if I would sink or swim. I always swam. Papa instilled in me strength of character.

Papa was a strong and quiet man. A few years ago, he expressed to me as part of a group prayer, “Nothing gives me more pride and joy than seeing you create positive impact on others.” It was the first time, and the last, that he fully and verbally articulated to me how much I meant to him. In the ICU, when I was trying to help ease his pain, I asked him what he wanted. He responded, “Nothing. I

just want my family.” Papa’s parting words for us were, “Take care of each other.” Papa kept on appealing to us to let him go. Upon inquiring how he wanted us to let him go, he unhesitatingly answered, “Happy, happy. Dance the cha-cha.” Papa loved music, especially Spanish songs, and dancing.

I was with Papa until 3 a.m. of that fateful day, the last member of the family to be with him. We prayed the chaplet of the Divine Mercy together. I quietly probed, “You know we really love you, right?” He simply said, “Yes.” Putting up a brave front, I assured him that we were very okay and he could go. I kissed him on the forehead, whispered “I love you,” and managed to playfully say,” Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite,” as I stepped out of the ICU. Papa breathed his last a few hours later. My father, Prudente D. Valverde, joined our Creator on March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, father of Jesus, Son of God. In the insightful words of my cousin, Yasmin, “Just like the person of Joseph, Tito Pruds exemplified this beautiful form of responding to God’s will: in quiet simplicity and joyful obedience. No fanfare, only an unassuming, focused and single-hearted obedience and attention to the details of God’s plan for him. A devoted husband, a loving father, a good example for all of us.”

Esperame en el cielo, Papa.

Conversations before the end

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

Strong... FROM 4 submit a report on the incident to the Office Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other government agencies to facilitate the release of additional assistance.

He said they will specifically request for emergency shelter assistance from the DSWD for the affected residents.

Last week, three elderly residents of Barangay Bunao were killed following a landslide in one of the mountains in the area.

Four other barangays were ravaged by flashfloods that came after hours of almost nonstop heavy rains.

Sumagaysay said rehabilitation is ongoing in areas that were affected by the floods and landslides.

He said they have relocated nine families from landslide-prone community in Barangay Bunao to a resettlement site that is being developed by the local government and the National Housing Authority. (MindaNews)

cially the least fortunate families,” Salar said.

“I had a hard time figuring out what would happen to me after fourth year high school. I came from a poor family,” said Marion Sonorio, an SHS graduate of a technical−vocational course from Iligan City National School of Fisheries. He said that, after taking up commer-

cial cooking, he immediately found a job as cook in a local restaurant. Months after, he was promoted as assistant supervisor.

Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno said he sees a brighter future for the Mindanaoans with the full implementation of the K to 12 Program. DepEd

effects in humans from inhalation or oral exposure to dibutyl phthalate, and only minimal effects have been noted in animals exposed by inhalation.

For his part, NFA administrator Renan B. Dalisay said the 90-percent finding means “hindi pa conclusive ang test results (the test results are not yet conclusive.”)

He said NFA scientists have yet to confirm if the substance was indeed dibutyl phthalate. “But the NFA is not taking chances,” he added.

“Maraming reports ng alleged fake rice, pero lahat ng samples negative. Itongsa Davao pa langang positive for contaminant (There have been many reports of alleged fake rice but the samples have been found negative. This sample from Davao City is the only one

found positive of having a contaminant),” Dalisay said.

The NFA-FDC statement quoted Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary for Health Regulation Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go as saying the ingestion of fake rice on a daily basis for at least three months may cause harm “because the contaminant is a non-food grade substance.”

The statement also quoted Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan as saying the NFA is now coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to trace the source of alleged fake rice.

Pangilinan said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima also vowed to investigate who the people are behind the fake rice.

No... FROM 6

Al-ag... FROM 6

NAIL TALK. Nailandia Nail Studio and Body Spa proprietors Christopher and Ma. Antoinette Arquiza introduce the shop’s services such as nail care, facial care, and body spa diamond peel during the FAST Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

Solon... FROM 6

Views... FROM 7

Gatchalian, who represents Valenzuela City’s 1st district, also offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

“We offer our prayers for those who have lost their dear family members in this tragedy,” he said.

The recent tragedy has left 18 people missing as of Friday morning while 124 passengers have been rescued, according to reports.

An initial probe pinned the blame on human error after the wooden vessel made a sharp right turn soon after leaving the port in Leyte. Panicked passengers reportedly crowded the fer-

ry’s right side, causing it to tilt before capsizing.

The ferry was also carrying cement but “didn’t appear to be overloaded,” said PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo Thursday’s Ormoc Sea tragedy increased the country’s “notoriously poor record for maritime safety” to 21 sea mishaps since 1980.

The Philippines holds the title of having the world’s worst peacetime shipping disaster after the Dona Paz collided with an oil tanker off Mindoro Island in December 1987, killing 4,375 ferry passengers and 11 crewmembers of the tanker Vector.

Primary services being offered by Nailandia’s first branch here are body spa, complete nail care, hand and foot spa, nail enhancements, waxing and threading, eyelash enhancement, spa party packages and fairy’s fantastic treat for teens and children.

Christopher said they are targeting to have the second branch opened next year at SM City Ecoland.

He said services like body scrub, facial care, and diamond peel will be offered on the second branch. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Nailandia... FROM 11

number of committed Christians who support same-sex marriage. Don’t get me wrong; I believe the Bible does preach against homosexuality, but it also says the same thing about a host of human behavior and activities. The Bible, in fact, lumps all of them together and calls them “sin,” and no sin is graver than another. Sin is sin, period, and they all result in the same thing: separation from God. But just because I believe this doesn’t mean everyone else should, too. I accept that people have their own philosophies and beliefs, and no matter how diametrically opposed they are to mine, I have no right to impose mine on them. As has been pointed out many times in the past days, marriage itself is not a purely religious institution: while the ceremony itself is usually performed by a church, the final authority on the declaration of marriage lies in government. This is why not all pastors can perform a wedding ceremony; they have to get a license first before they can do that. And that license is issued

by government.

Now this government is bound to respect the rights of each citizen, not just those of the majority. Just because the Catholic and other Christian churches preach against premarital sex, for example, doesn’t mean it’s a crime. The same line of reasoning goes for divorce; many evangelical Christians support the passing of a divorce law, but it cannot move yet because the Catholic church is against it. It’s the same with same-sex marriage: not everyone believes in the Bible, or interprets the Bible the same way, and their views must be respected.

Christians, of course, should also be free to preach against homosexuality and not be labeled “narrow-minded” or “bigoted” for doing so.

They’re just following their conscience. But we must all let go of the idea that what we believe must be imposed on other people. There must be a level playing field, and we must believe enough in the Gospel to trust that it will be effective with or without government backing.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF STATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPS. MARVIN C. AGUSTIN and MILA LUPDAG AGUSTIN has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among their heirs per Doc. No.199; Page No. 40; Book No. 211; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC OSMUNDO P. VILLANUEVA JR.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late REVELINA B. EVANGELIO has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF STATE executed among her heirs per Doc. No.177; Page No. 86; Book No. X; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC JOSEPH BRIAN A. ATENSOR

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7/6,13,20

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11 ECONOMY

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TRADE EXPO OPENING. Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder (sitting , second from left) together with Davao City assistant city administrator Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo (to his right), assistant city administrator Atty. Jhopee A. Agustin and Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president Antonio dela Cruz,

and other officials and guest during the opening of the Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) Trade Expo at the Abreeza Ayala Mall on Friday. Cheneen R. Capon

Phl, Canada FTA talks start soon

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

C

crc@edgedavao.net

ANADIAN Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said the exploratory discussion for the formulation of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippine and the Canada will start in a “few weeks from now.’

This, after President Benigno Aquino III and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper had an initial talk over the issue during the state visit of Aquino in Canada last May. Reeder, however, said he was not privy as to when will be the exact schedule for

the first meeting of the two governments on the possible exploration of a bilateral free trade pact.

Exporting goods and products between Philippines and Canada and vice versa will be made easier soon as tariff of some export commodities will be pulled down.

Reeder said tariff “limits trade of products and services” between the Philippines and the Canada. It also makes the commodities exported to Canadian market more expensive.

He said the pact will pro-

Programs eyed to create convenient biz transactions

T

HE City Government of Davao is planning to implement various reforms and programs with the aim of improving services and encouraging more micro, small and medium enterprises to enter into the business.

“The City Government looking to strategic upgrading of the local technological infrastructure with the aim of improving government services particularly doing business, licensing and permitting transactions, building and its other auxiliary permits zoning classification,” assistant city administrator Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo said during the opening of the weeklong MSME Trade Expo at the Abreeza Ayala Mall last Friday.

Domingo said the city government is also planning of “redetermination and decentralization of payment of taxes and other fees all over city’s 13 satellite offices located all over Davao City’s 11 administrative district.”

These programs and plans are all geared towards creating an easier, simplified, more transparent and more convenient transactions with the local government.

Domingo said the opera-

tions of MSMEs fuel the city’s economy and provides employment to Dabawenyos.

He said the current massive economic growth in the city is not only due to the investment of large companies, but also small businesses which compose the majority here.

Of the 35,393 businesses operating in Davao, more than 95 percent are MSMEs. “Of the nearly P210 billion estimated declared investment capital of businesses in the city, the MSMEs contribute at least 20 percent or a total of 40 billion pesos,” Domingo said.

National MSME Development Council vice chair and private sector representative Mary Ann Montemayor stressed in her speech during the opening ceremony the contribution of MSMEs not only in the Davao City but also in the Philippines.

Montemayor said that it is essential for MSMEs to strive more and become globally competitive to be able to contribute more to the society.

She said MSMEs are driver of growth and creator of jobs not only in the urban areas but also in the country side. CHENEEN R. CAPON

vide a win-win solution to each nation since both are trade oriented.

“Once approved, this comprehensive FTA will be Canada’s first trade agreement with a country from the Southeast Asia,” Reeder said, adding that Canada has also trade pact with South Korea, Eurpean Union, and US, among other.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government led by the Department of Trade and Industry is working on getting trade agreements with other nations like Chile and Mexico.

Earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that FTA should be utilized by exporters to penetrate new global and foreign markets other than traditional markets like US. Agnes Perpetua R. Legaspi, export marketing bureau assistant director, had earlier said that FTA allows exporters to penetrate these markets at a lower cost because of the agreement to lower the products’ tariff line.

The Philippines has existing trade agreement with China, Japan, New Zealand, South

Korea, and Australia. It also has a pact with other Asian countries under the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga).

However, in a study conducted by state-owned think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), it was reported that only one-third of Filipino firms surveyed by the government make use of the country’s free-trade agreements.

A report from Business Mirror said that the result of the study which was released

two months after Aquino’s state visit to Canada revealed that “a majority of firms [70 percent] currently do not use FTAs..

“Topping the list [of reasons for nonuse of FTA among firms] is lack of information, followed closely by using another scheme,” the report reads.

It also said that the “study stated that small- and medium-sized firms said they lacked information in using FTAs. Large firms, on the other hand, said they are already located in economic zones.”

safe for fancy young girls, ” Ma. Antoinette said during the Fast Friday’s media forum at Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier.

Ma. Antoinette, mother of a 10 year old daughter and a preschool teacher, is a self-confessed addict to beauty and wellness services. She said that kids nowadays are also into coloring their nails and pampering themselves with services like massage and foot spa.

Even her very young daughter is expected to be as girly as her mother when she turns three and can avail

those nails services, according to her.

But, manicure and pedicure services for all members of the family are not expensive at Nailandia.

Business partner and husband Christopher said their manicure is at P160 while pedicure is at P200, while a foot splurge composed of foot spa and pedicure is only P400.

Christopher said it is very timely to bring nail salon and body spa to Davao because of the booming beauty and wellness industry here.

He said that as the econ-

omy of the city improves so with the lifestyle of Dabawenyos, who are now willing to spend a couple of bucks just to be pampered and relaxed after heavy and tiring day.

The opening of Nailandia here, he added, is the first in Mindanao and second outside Metro Manila. There are a total of 17 branches of Nailandia nationwide.

Employing a total of 10 personnel, the newly opened Nailandia is located at the ground floor of SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

of the founding anniversary celebration on July 1 at the Davao del Sur Coliseum in Digos City.

This is the second time that Sta. Cruz won the competition by besting other municipalities.

The exhibit lasted for nine days from June 23 to July 1 where the totality of the town was showcased featuring its existing agri-industries, ecotourism desti-

nations and agricultural productivity.

Local products manufactured by existing people organizations especially those that received technical and financial assistance from the local and national government offices were also displayed in the exhibit.

This annual competition is a highlight of the Araw ng Davao del Sur celebration to encourage local manufactur-

ers to promote their products to the provincial scene and to also undertake business matching between local producers and buyers.

There are three major components of the contest employed by the organizers in identification of winners which include booth design, display content and sales generated, among others.

(CDIO-Sta. Cruz/Julius R. Paner)

Nailandia opens branch in Davao W

HAT started as a hobby turned into a business endeavor for couple Christopher and Ma. Antoinette Arquiza, who decided to open in Davao City the Manila-based Nailandia Nail Studio and Body Spa. Manicure and pedicure are not anymore limited to both mother and father as Nailandia offers the same pampering and relaxing services to very young lady-like girls as young as three.

“Our trained nail technicians will be using US brand Piggy Paint a natural, non-toxic and odorless nail polish

FNAILANDIA, 10

Sta. Cruz cited anew for best agri-trade booth

T

HE municipality of Sta. Cruz has been cited anew as champion of the Best Booth competition of the Provincial-wide AgriTrade Fair and Exhibit during the weeklong celebration of the 48thAraw ng Davao del Sur. Governor Claude P. Bautista handed the trophy and cash prize worth P100,000 to Mayor Joel Ray Lopez during the culmination programme

12

EDGEDAVAO

HEALTH

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

Guava: Instant medicine

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“

IT has more vitamin C are no existing records for big than citrus; the edible rind planting and production of alone has five times the vi- guava in the country. To think tamin C of an orange.” That is of, guava has an internationhow Bill Daley describes guava al market and waiting to be in an article which appeared in tapped as long as we know Chicago Tribune. what and how much they need.

Nutrition experts claim Since 1975, Brazil has been that vitamin C -- mainly in the exporting large quantities of skin, secondly in the firm flesh, guava paste, concentrated guaand little in the central pulp va pulp, and guava shells not -- varies from 56 to 600 milli- only to the United States but to grams. It may range up to 350- Europe, the Middle East, Africa 450 milligrams in nearly ripe and Japan. Canned, frozen guafruit. When it is fully ripe and va nectar is an important prodsoft, the vitamin C content may uct in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. decline to 50-100 milligrams.

In South Africa, a baby-food Aside from vitamin C, gua- manufacturer markets a guava is also rich in potassium, va-tapioca product, and a guacalcium and iron. Likewise, va extract prepared from small guava contains both carot- and overripe fruits is used as enoids and polyphenols – the ascorbic-acid enrichment for major classes of antioxidant soft drinks and various foods. pigments -- giving them relaLike most tropical fruits, tively high dietary antioxidant guava has a thousand uses. In value among plant foods. As fact, guava has been touted as these pigments produce the an all-purpose medicinal plant. fruits’ color, guavas that are If it is “an apple a day keeps the red or orange in color have doctor away” in Europe and more potential value as anti- the United States, it must be “a oxidants sources than yelllow- few guavas in the season keeps ish-green ones. the doctor away Raw guafor the whole vas are year” in Like most tropical fruits, guava eaten t h e has a thousand uses. In fact, outPhilguava has been touted as an ofip-

all-purpose medicinal plant. If it is “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” in Europe and the United States, it must be “a few guavas in the season keeps the doctor away for the pines whole year” in the Philippines hand, a n d and other countries where but are other guavas grow. preferred countries seeded and served sliced as dessert or in salads. There are innumerable recipes for utilizing guavas in pies, cakes, puddings, sauce, ice cream, jam, butter, marmalade, chutney, relish, catsup, and other products.

Dehydrated guavas may be reduced to a powder which can be used to flavor ice cream, confections and fruit juices, or boiled with sugar to make jelly, or utilized as pectin to make jelly of low-pectin fruits. In the Philippines, guava is used in dishes like sinigang.

A report from the Bureau of Plant Industry, a line agency of the Department of Agriculture, carries this information: “Guava has a great potential for extensive commercial production because of its ease of culture, high nutritional value and popularity of processed products. Most common areas where guavas are grown in abundance are: open areas, second-growth forests, backyard, or as a part of a mixed orchard.”

Currently, however, there

where guavas grow.

The roots, bark, leaves and immature fruits, because of their astringency, are commonly employed to halt gas-

troenteritis, diarrhea and dysentery, throughout the tropics.

Crushed leaves are applied on wounds and ulcers. The leaf decoction is taken as a remedy for coughs, throat and chest ailments.

The bark and leaf extracts of guava have shown to have in vitro toxic action against numerous bacteria. The leaves of guava are rich in flavonoids, which have demonstrated anti-bacterial activity. This anti-bacterial property of guava leaves is what causes benefit to the teeth and gums.

For this reason, guava has been used for centuries to cure problems related to the teeth and gums. Leaves are chewed

to relieve toothache and to cure bleeding gums and bad breath.

Guava leaf decoction is gargled to relieve mouth sores and inflamed and bleeding gums.

Julia F. Morton, in Fruits of Warm Climates, writes: “Guava has been effective in halting vomiting and diarrhea in cholera patients. It is also applied on skin diseases. A decoction of the new shoots is taken as a febrifuge. The leaf infusion is prescribed in India in cerebral ailments and nephritis.

An extract is given in epilepsy and chorea and a tincture is rubbed on the spine of children in convulsions. A combined decoction of leaves and bark is given to expel the placenta

after childbirth.”

Guava helps reduce cholesterol in blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that foods which lack fiber (such a refined flour) add to blood pressure, due to quick conversion to sugar.Guava, being very rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, helps reduce blood pressure.

Guava is also very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising with their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber. Guava, being very high in roughage and very rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but with no

cholesterol and less digestible carbohydrates, is very filling and satisfies appetite very easily. Ironically, guava helps gain weight among lean and thin people. This is probably due to its richness in nutrients, which keeps their metabolism right helping proper absorption of nutrients.

Those who want to look younger should eat guava.

“Guavas can help improve your skin texture and avoid skin problems more than the best of beauty creams or skin toner gels can do,” a beauty expert said. This is chiefly due to the abundance of astringents in its fruits (more in immature ones) and in leaves.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY13

End of summer Open House at Matina Enclaves T

HE Matina Enclaves, a signature project of Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) capped the summer season with a summer-inspired Open House last June 26.

Brokers, sales agents and buyers were treated to a summer-themed banquet of all-time Pinoy favorite Halo-halo matched with a bevy of ice cream flavors in the event that was extended by two hours to accommodate the overwhelming response of the attendees.

“We are grateful to our brokers and agents for being so enthusiastic in pushing the product but most of all we are thankful to the clients who have shown tremendous interest and excitement over the fact of owning a space here at Matina Enclaves,” said Gerald Garces, Matina Enclaves project head.

Matina Enclaves is a mixed-use real estate development developed by the same company that has been successful with The Royal Mandaya Hotel and Davao Allied Security and Investigation Services (DASIA). It is located along Quimpo Boulevard right noext to the Davao City Golf Club and juts a stone’s throw away from major shopping malls and universities in the city.

OPEN HOUSE. Clients and agents of The Matina Enclaves during the Open House last June 26.

14 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE EDMUND D. RENDON Marketing Specialist Mobile: (Smart) 0930-669-3018 MANILA MARKETING OFFICE ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509 DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

GOLFER OF THE WEEK MARICEL KIM Started playing golf: July 2008 What’s in her bag?

Driver/woods: Honma Irons: Honma

MARICEL KIM: BEAUTY AND THE GREENS

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

Ball: XXiO Golf outfit: Nike Footwear: Footjoy Golf history: * Started playing golf in 2008 * Began learning at driving range, then fairways * Joined PAL Ladies Interclub in 2011 * Won severeal ladies division titles in local tournaments

T

HE fairways may be too wide and the golf course too outstretched, but when Maricel Kim is playing, you can’t miss her even from a parfive distance.

Kim strikes a refreshing figure whenever she’s in the fairways. If a golf course were an ocean of green, Kim’s colorful golf ensemble is like a rainbow in the horizon.

Looks and her sense of golf fashion, however, are not just Kim’s assets. She is

one of the consistent winners in the ladies division of the local golf scene.

Kim began picking up the sport in July 2008. Like all golf beginners, she was introduced to the game at the driving range before taking it to the fairways. A year after playing golf, she hang up her golf bag in 2009.

If one thinks motherhood and golf do not mix, ask her. She knows beest.

Being a mother took Kim in and out of

the sport. She returned in 2010 and joined the Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub in 2011 and took another maternity leave from golf in 2012. She was also out for almost a year in 2014 and continued playing again last April.

Despite the intermittent playing time, Kim believes women also deserve their own time at the golf course.

It’s not just a man’s game and she knows that women like her can be at par with men in golf.

Photo by BOY LIM Dustin Brown has a ‘loose and casual’ approach to employing coaches but those currently around him believe he has found a winning formula. Photograph: Ella Ling/BPI/Rex Shutterstock

Dustin Brown: a slow burner finally shining bright Y

OU can’t miss Dustin Brown, but you can, apparently, mistake him.

As he made his way to practice court No4 at lunchtime, a little boy lifted up a tennis ball for him to sign, and his mum, momentarily confused, said: “Thank you, Gaël.” When someone nearby pointed out her mistake, she was mortified: “I’m so sorry, Dan.” Brown responded with one of his wide smiles, and in doing so won over yet another fan. “I’ve just offended him twice, and he’s been very gracious,” she giggled, as he wandered away, his red headphones clamped to his ears. “I like him even more now.”

Further along, a couple of young men eagerly discussed the technicalities of how the 30-year-old had managed to beat Rafa Nadal. Ten minutes earlier, the crowd hadn’t been

speaking at all: watching Roger Federer hit, you might have thought Friday’s one-minute silence had lasted a half-hour.

Then Brown arrived – someone who inspires effervescence, rather than a reverential hush. From the moment he released his magnificent dreadlocks from his cap, and tied them back with a piece of red string, he had everyone’s attention. Even poor James Ward, walking past the queue of onlookers, went unnoticed.

It was only a gentle practice for Saturday’s match against Viktor Troicki and he didn’t need to run far, not with those long, lean arms and legs that stretched across the court to thwart Nadal. He kept most of his trick shots under wraps – he later claimed that he is not working on anything new – but his clever hands couldn’t keep themselves qui-

et, spinning his racket on his wrist in between exchanges.

Brown’s entourage is a fluid affair – Scott Wittenberg flew out to coach him after qualifying, and he enlists the ad hoc help of an ATP tour analyst, Craig O’Shannessy.

“It’s loose and casual but that works, it fits,” says O’Shannessy, who suggests that if Brown had a full-time coach “it would probably last about three months”. There’s also Brown’s agent, Scott Norton.

“They’ve known each other for a long period of time so there’s a lot of trust, a lot of positive energy,” says O’Shannessy. “When Dustin looks up to the box and sees Scott doing this” – he pumps his chest – “he grows another six feet.”

A couple of friends from home were watching Brown practise and confirmed there had indeed been a small cel-

ebration on Thursday night in the house that they are renting near Southfields. “We only had one drink!” they cried, but still, that drink was champagne. Brown’s practice partner, meanwhile, looked too young to drink. He turned out to be a junior who met him two years ago at the Mönchengladbach sports club in Germany.

Being a black youth in north Germany had its problems for Brown growing up.

“The village next to my town was infamous for being a Nazi stronghold,” he said earlier this week. “We were three or four coloured kids around and sometimes the other ones showed up with knives after school.”

But it made him neither hard nor angry. “He’s so chilled,” said his young hitting partner, Tim Sandkaulen.

“Two days ago he gave me his Centre Court tickets. This morning I texted him and said congrats, and he said ‘thanks’ and ‘you want to hit today?’” What’s the hardest thing about facing him? “His drop shots. You cannot see it when he plays it. There is no one like him. That’s why he’s so dangerous for all the players because you don’t know what’s coming.”

After the practice, there was time for a few words with Brown himself. He talked about the tattoo of his dad (it took eight hours, he listened to music to deal with the pain), and his hair (last cut in August 1996). He did not talk about his British grandmother – “I am pretty sure she does still live here but there’s no direct contact” – or his campervan experiences (“that’s a very old story”).

But he did admit it had taken him a while to get to sleep after the adventures of Thursday evening. “I ended up getting to dinner, it was already 11pm, so it took a bit of time to wind down.” His extremely glamorous-looking girlfriend, Dione Gonzales, has been rooting for him from Las Vegas on Twitter – would she be coming to watch him?

“We’re not sure yet. We’re still waiting. Going to see how I play tomorrow and then we’ll decide.”

Financial concerns have limited more than his entourage – they have had an impact on his rise up the rankings. “He can’t go to the tournaments he wants to,” says O’Shannessy. “And he’s playing a game style that naturally takes more time to develop.

That makes it a slower burn for him.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

LEGENDS ON TOUR

VOL. 8 ISSUE 67 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 5 - 6, 2015

Pilipinas Legends All-Stars in Kadayawan

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HE Pilipinas Legends basketball stars will kickoff the new league’s advocacy tour when it plays an exhibition match on August 17 in Davao City.

Jaypee Solis, director for operations of Pilipinas Legends, announced the exhibition match on Friday during the FAST Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier.

“The match will be one of the sporting highlights of the Kadayawan Festival,” said Solis, who also owns one of the initial cast of six teams to be known as Goldlife.

The Pilipinas Legends All-Stars will be known as MX3 All-Stars and will be bannered by former fourtime MVP Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codinera, Johnny Abarrientos, and Kenneth Duremdes, among others.

The All-Stars will also play in Panabo City and Gen. Santos City in the Legends Tour.

The Pilipinas Legends, launched formally last March in Davao City, will start in October and runs until December.

“The first tournament will be called Legends Cup,” said Randy Caluag, business director of Pilipinas Legends.

MX3 and Goldlife are the first two teams to have confirmed participation.

Curiously, the two teams are rooted in Davao. MX3 is a health and wellness brand based in Davao while Goldlife is being represented by Solis who is from Davao.

Other team sponsors in the final stage of negotiations are BYD Car Company, Phoenix Petroleum, Generika, Generics Pharmacy, Kopiko and JAC. The Pilipinas Legends is a uniqie basketball league which also trains its players for disaster and emergency response. “The players will be trained by the Philippine Army and the Disaster Rescue and Risk Management Council.

FAST FRIDAYS. Randy Caluag (right), business director of Pilipinas Legends, explain the thrust of the new league which will play in Davao City on August 17. At left is Jaypee Solis, operations director. Lean Daval Jr.