Edge Davao Vol 12 Issue 11 | Sunday-Monday, March 24-25, 2019

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VOL.11 ISSUE 11 VOL.12 250• SUNDAY-MONDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH MARCH 24-25, 8-9, 2019 2019

STRATEGY SHIFT

Palace says localized peace talks a better way to negotiate

ON PAGE 2

INTEGRITY PLEDGE. Governor Emmylou TaliñoMendoza of North Cotabato pledges her commitment for free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections by signing on the Integrity Pledge wall during the solidarity walk and interfaith prayer rally held at the Provincial Capitol Gym in Amas, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

EDGE DAVAO Serving a seamless society

DAVAO CITY RECOGNIZES DAVAO LIGHT AS ITS TOP TAXPAYER

► ECONOMY P5

SPORTS

P11

MADAYAG SETS UAAP RECORD

THE CHEF IS A LADY

► INDULGE A1

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 2019

SALUTE. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes the graduates from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “SANSIKLAB” Class of 2019 during the 40th PNPA Commencement Exercises at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda, Silang, Cavite on Friday.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

STRATEGY SHIFT P

PRRD thanks Fil-Chinese for support in war vs drugs

Palace says localized peace talks a better way to negotiate

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he administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte is trying a different tact to attain peace through localized peace engagements, Malacañang said Saturday.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison seems to have no control over communist rebel forces in the Philippines.

“The administration still seeks peace. We are just trying a different tact by localizing the peace talks as the concerns of rebel groups vary from one locality to another, especially so that Mr. Sison appears

not to have control over the communist forces on the ground,” Panelo said.

He dismissed Sison’s claim that Duterte is like an “old broken record” and never gets tired of repetitively terminating peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels.

“The latest statement of CPP founding chairman, Jose Maria Sison, is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. If as Mr. Sison says

SSS to raise savings rate for higher retirement benefits

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he state-run Social Security System (SSS) has said the increase savings rate for higher retirement bene�its in the contribution schedule, as stated in the newly-signed Social Security Act of 2018, will be implemented starting April 1, 2019.

Based on the new law, contribution rates will increase to 12 percent from the current 11 percent starting the second quarter of the year, and the adjustment of the minimum and maximum Monthly Salary Credits (MSC) to P2,000 and P20,000, respectively.

SSS Of�icer-In-Charge Aurora Ignacio said it is high time to adjust the contribution rates and Monthly Salary Credits of SSS to allow members to save more for their retirement.

“We all want a comfortable retirement and to do that, those who are in their productive years must work hard to save more. SSS is the cheapest and most accessible pension scheme. All workers, regardless of nature of employment, must save in the pension fund for their future retirement years,” Ignacio said.

SSS, P8

the President sounds like a broken record, the cantankerous steak chieftain of the National Democratic Front is like an echo with his repeated criticisms of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and this administration to stay politically relevant in the Philippines while maintaining and lapping up his lavish lifestyle in Europe,” Panelo said.

He cited the importance of explaining to the people where Duterte is coming from and why he of�icially announced the permanent termination of talks between the government and the CPP. “Unlike Mr. Sison who

has prolonged the peace process so he can milk the situation and continue freeloading in the Netherlands, as well as enjoying the donations and grants by socialist organizations to his group, President Duterte has tread the path that his predecessors did not dare take to achieve genuine peace,” Panelo said.

The CPP - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) must �irst demonstrate genuine sincerity in the peace process by laying down arms and shunning acts of violence, which include murder, rape, ex-

STRATEGY, P9

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday thanked the Filipino-Chinese community for their support in his administration’s war against illegal drugs.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your support of this administration’s �ight against the scourge of corruption, criminality and illegal drugs.

Through your deeds, you have become our important partner in building the foundations of a more inclusive and sustainable society,” Duterte said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Biennial Convention of the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in Pasay City.

The President also cited

the contributions of the Chinese-Filipino community to the greater economic, social and cultural development in the country.

“Your disaster relief efforts, medical missions and other interventions during calamities, and the construction of thousands of school buildings, classrooms and rehabilitation facilities are a testament to your sel�lessness and commitment to give back to the community,” Duterte told FFCCCII members.

The President cited the role of Filipino-Chinese in empowering Filipinos.

“The meaningful ties of friendship forged between Chinese and Filipinos have enabled us to empower our people, especially those

country.

These were the Peace and Development Zones in Caraga region, and Davao’s Peace 911 – where he described as an example of “participative and inclusive governance” advocated by the local government units.

“This is whole-of-nation approach, wherein programs and activities of different member agencies will be synchronized and in support to each other. Our participation will depend on the convergence program that will be crafted. Where we’ll be needed, we will be there,” he added.

Balagtey added that the EastMinCom has expressed its full support to a new localized peace new panel that will be tasked to negotiate with the NDFP. “The local government units have their own priorities and they know the issues and concerns that are causing con�lict or being used by the terrorist group.

We will always be in support,” he added.

Last March 18, President Rodrigo Duterte has terminated the appointments of the members of the government panel holding negotia-

PRRD, P9

EastMinCom to push for localized peace talks

A

fter President Rodrigo Duterte had terminated the appointments of government peace negotiators holding talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), a military of�icial here said Friday that they would push for the implementation of localized peace talks in a bid to address the root cause of con�lict in areas perceived to be stronghold of the communists.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC), said the implementation of the localized peace

talks is in line with the Duterte administration’s new “whole-of-nation approach” that aims to put an end to the 50-year armed struggle.

“We are in support to the local peace initiatives of some of our LGUs and national government agencies in Eastern Mindanao,” Balagtey said in a Facebook interview on Friday afternoon.

Balagtey cited some of the peace programs initiated by local government units that demonstrate and support the government’s goal of ending the communist insurgency across the

EASTMINCOM, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

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4 NEWS

VOL.12 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 2019

Don’t rely on surveys: COMELEC

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he Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said voters should not solely rely on surveys in selecting candidates in the May 13 mid-term polls.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez noted that survey results do not re�lect the real personalities of those who are seeking public of�ice.

“Surveys offer only a snapshot of a candidate’s popularity. It does not reveal anything substantial about the candidate’s quali�ications, character, or potential as an elected government of�icial,” he said in an interview.

"In a very real sense, choosing on a candidate

on the basis of survey ranking alone is indistinguishable from judging a book by its cover,” the poll body of�icial added.

Jimenez encouraged the public to look for more criteria in choosing whom to vote for in the upcoming polls.

“Clearly, there are better ways of selecting leadership: proven track record, stated positions (or the lack thereof) on critical issues, the voter’s personal knowledge,” he said.

“These and other inputs to the voters’ decision making process should not be ignored, simply because it is so much easier to just jump on the bandwagon,” Jimenez added. (PNA)

elections by signing on the Integrity Pledge wall witnessed by over 1,000 supporters from various sectors.

Law enforcers, educators, students, government and private employees among others were joined the rally for an upright election in the province.

Muslim and non-Muslimo Religious leaders were also present and gave their religious blessings to the activity.

A Muslim and Christian leader had a symbolic exchange of Qur’an and Bible which symbolizes peace

amongst different religions not just during election period but for the years to come.

Police senior superintendent Maximo C. Layugan, provincial director of CPPO, welcomed the people for extending efforts to support the advocacy.

He reminded each and every candidate to bear peace despite of some political rivalry by condemning any form of violence while assuring its men will be on the watch to put order during the campaign

SUPER LPG. Phoenix LPG general manager for VisMin Evelyn Gerodias (center), together with plant supervisor Anthony Suguran (left) and area sales manager for Mindanao Arvin Claveraz, interacts with members of the media as she explains the

features of the new Phoenix Super LPG during the product’s launch held at Sundays Modern Home Cooking in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

Barug fears a repeat of ‘Hello Garci’poll scandal

North Cotabato guv leads interfaith rally for clean polls

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he militant group Barug Katungod Mindanao (Mindanao Stand for Human Rights) expressed fears on Thursday that a repeat of the 2004 “Hello Garci” poll scandal may likely happen again after the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared the entire Mindanao as an election hotspot.

COMELEC’s declaration was announced on Tuesday, citing that armed threats and election-related violence across Mindanao were among the reasons that COMELEC En Banc considered to warrant such election hotspot declaration.

“This developed in the wake of suspected election-related incidents in the last two elections, together with serious armed threats posed by the New People’s Army (NPA), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and/or Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other analogous groups,” COMELEC said in a statement.

But Aglipayan Bishop Antonio Ablon, convenor of Barug Katungod Mindanao, said the poll body’s declaration was seen as a political effort to in�luence and manipulate the 2019 mid-term elections that would favor political bets endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I would anticipate therefore an election re-

sult which would favor the administration’s candidates both senatorial and local to ensure Duterte’s federalism. Remember that GMA’s ‘Hello Garci…’ was in Mindanao.

They wanted not only to repeat it but to do more,” Ablon told MindaNews in Facebook interview Thursday.

Ablon was referring to “Hello Garci” or the “Gloriagate” scandal in 2004 where an alleged wiretapped conversation over the phone between then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and then Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano to rig the election in her favor were released to the public.

Ablon also argued that COMELEC’s basis for its declaration was “baseless” considering the whole island of Mindanao is still under martial law.

“Mindanao is now like the ‘Double Barrel Tokhang.’ We have the martial rule and now with COMELEC’s recent decision to control elections in the island,” Ablon said.

For its part, Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) spokesperson, welcomed the COMELEC’s declaration, saying “it is our duty and obligation to protect the right of suffrage of the people, hence we are ensuring that the people will elect their leaders this coming election freely without coercion and intimidation.”

BARUG, P8

By ADAM B. MORRELL

G

overnor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza of North Cotabato led the solidarity walk and interfaith prayer rally, a joint initiative of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Cotabato Police Provincial Of�ice) (CPPO) towards a clean, credible and peaceful elections, at the Provincial Capitol Gym in Amas, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato on Saturday.

Fresh from acquiring justice against two radio broadcasters who were convicted on Friday, March 23, for libel in relation to cybercrime charges she �iled approximately two years ago, the outgoing provincial Governor spear-

headed the integrity pledge along with 200 other aspiring local candidates of the upcoming midterm elections on May. Mendoza formally pledged her commitment for free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible

NORTH, P8

INTERFAITH PRAYER RALLY. Fr. Desiderio Balatero Jr (left) and Ustadz Saidamen Cali lead the symbolic exhange of Bible and Qu'ran to signify peace and unity during an interfaith prayer rally for a peaceful and orderly elections on May 13 held at the Provincial Capitol Gym in Amas, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

VOL.12 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 2019

LTFRB junks Go-Jek’s accreditation for TNC T he Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has denied the application of Indonesian-based ride-hailing �irm Go-Jek as a transportation network company (TNC) in the country due to non-compliance with the nationality requirements set by the Philippine Constitution.

In a statement on Friday, LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III said Go Jek’s local subsidiary, Velox Philippines, violated the provision under the 1987 Constitution - which states that companies in the country should be 60 percent owned by Filipinos.

“We need to follow the 60-40 requirement of the law for TNCs to operate in the country,” Delgra said.

The Board af�irmed the decision of its pre-accreditation committee, which denied the application of

Velox Philippines.

The committee noted that only 20.4 percent of the 1.2 billion common shares of Velox Philippines’ parent company, Velox South-East Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd. was actually sold to local shareholder Pace Crimson Ventures Corporation (PCVC) based on its Deed of Absolute Sale of Shares of Stock.

The LTFRB said Velox Philippines has failed to show proof of payment of its capital gains tax on the shares allegedly sold, and proof of payment of shares allegedly subscribed by the PCVC under its subscription agreement.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), meanwhile, said it did not interfere in the accreditation process of Go-Jek. “The DOTr does not intervene with the decision of the LTFRB during that

LTFRB, P8

DA reiterates temporary ban on palm oil imports

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) has reiterated its earlier recommendation for a "temporary ban" on palm oil imports, as Filipino coconut and oil palm farmers complain of extremely low prices due to the dumping of the commodity by two major palm oil-producing countries in Southeast Asia.

In his Facebook page, DA Secretary Emmanuel "Manny" Piñol said the proposed ban is just temporary and effective only for a speci�ied period.

He said volume of palm oil imported from Indonesia and Malaysia have increased by 900 percent over the last three years.

Piñol said he also asked the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Bio-Fuels Board (NBB) to

increase the coconut oil component of bio-diesel from B2 to B5, or from 2 percent to 5 percent.

The two recommendations, which were made as early as last year, were resubmitted by the DA to the Economic Cluster, the DOE and NBB, following reports that the European Union (EU) has started the ban on palm oil imports from Malaysia and Indonesia over environmental issues, he said.

This development is expected to result in the dumping of palm oil in countries like the Philippines.

Under the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), member-countries could initiate measures to safeguard its farmers af-

DA, P8

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

HEALTH AND WELLNESS. Sun Life Financial Philippines chief executive officer Benedict Sison (3rd from left) and Sun Life Tri-Team led by actor and Sun Life brand ambassador Piolo Pascual (3rd from right) spearhead the company’s campaign

in giving health and wellness top priority during a news conference held at Seda Abreeza Hotel on Friday. Sun Life Tri-Team has participated in this year's Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao. Lean Daval Jr

Japan signs new P41.8-M grassroots projects in PH T

he Japanese embassy in Manila on Friday has signed �ive new grassroots projects worth PHP41.78 million, which are focused on improving education, health, and agriculture across the country.

The projects, under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), will be implemented by the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. and the municipalities of Matanog in Maguindanao, Dingalan in Aurora, Balete in Batangas, and Calintaan in Occidental Mindoro.

"Once completed, I believe the long-term impact of these projects we signed will far outweigh the resources we have devoted to these initiatives," Japanese Ambassador to the

Philippines Koji Haneda in a speech during the signing ceremony.

The envoy sees more households gaining access to better health services with the upgraded rural health unit and the provision of birthing equipment for Dingalan and Balete.

The PHP5.8 million-worth upgrade of the municipal health center in Dingalan is expected to provide comprehensive medical services to 5,000 patients, including 650 pregnant women annually.

Meanwhile, the grant in Balete - amounting to PHP5.2 million - is seen to improve the municipality's rural health unit to accommodate more patients including 1,400 patients needing the fully-automated chemistry analyzer.

Haneda said he also looks forward to seeing more children study in a conducive learning environment with the classrooms to be built in Matanog and Marawi City.

In Matanog, the Japanese government is allocating a PHP9 million grant with doubled amount in Marawi or about PHP18 million to be implemented by the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. The last grant worth PHP3.9 million is on the procurement of post-harvest

equipment and facility for Calintaan farmers.

Japan established the GGP as a grant facility promoting human security at the community level.

To date, Tokyo have already funded a total of 538 projects worth USD32 million in education, health, agriculture, social welfare and capacity building in the Philippines.

"Over the years, GGP continues to be carried out with the goal of helping those in the marginal and vulnerable sector improve their conditions and achieve better opportunities for growth" Haneda said.

"It is our goal to continuously make a difference in the lives of many Filipinos, one community at a time," he added. (PNA)

Davao City recognizes Davao Light as its top taxpayer

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he City Government of Davao has once again recognized Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. as its top business taxpayer during the Pasidungog: Garbo sa Dabaw last March 15, 2019 at the Enderun Tent, Azuela Cove, Lanang, Davao City in celebration of the 82nd Araw ng Davao.

A plaque of recognition was given to Davao Light for its unwavering support to the initiatives and programs of the local government in 2018.

Moreover, the electric utility's strong support enabled the city

to achieve its economic sustainability.

“By being a responsible taxpayer of our beloved Davao City, we advance business and communities and contribute to help make our city what it is today – progressive,” said Davao Light Vice President for Engineering Mark A. Valencia.

In photo receiving the plaque from Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is Davao Light Vice President for Engineering Mark A. Valencia together with the Assistant Vice President for Reputation Enhancement Rossano C. Luga.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 2019

EDITORIAL Shifting strategy By shifting its tact towards a direct localized peace talks with the New People’s Army, the Philippine government is not completely abandoning the journey to end decades of con�lict.

Peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) of�icially ended on Thursday, March 22, with President Rodrigo Duterte making the announcement a day after the termination of the appointments of government peace negotiators with communist rebels.

The end of the peace negotiations was imminent. The dateline pointed to that direction ever since the talks fell short. On November 23, 2017, Duterte signed Proclamation 360 declaring the termination of peace negotiations with the communists, citing the CPP-NPA-NDF’s supposed failure to show sincerity to the peace process. In December 2018, Duterte issued EO 70 which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in attaining peace and created a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Con�lict.

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This now leads to a different approach which looks promising.

The localized approach will have a different strategy as it goes down directly on the ground from one locality to another. An inclusive group local stakeholders and government agencies directly dealing with the conditions of the talks shall be created to supervise localized peace engagements. The composition of the new panel will be based on the Colombian model which includes representatives from different sectoral groups, local government units, and the military whose presence is essential to the peace negotiations.

This mode of talks is going to be a big slap on NDF chairman Jose Ma. Sison. It appears the Netherlands-based Communist Party leader does not have full control of the ground personnel of the rebels as shown in the apparent ‘independent’ actions carried out by some rebel commandos.

With this tact, it is hoped that the long-cherished peace will be attained swiftly.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE Richard C. Ebona | Product Development officer LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts.Address: 04 Orilla St. Purok 4B Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Specialist Cellphone number: 09472652969 General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Email Address: edgedavao@gmail.com Mobile: (Smart) 09382022120 Tel: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

GRATITUDE IN ACTION “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson *** Dr. Kurt Emmerich was a surgeon in the German army. He tells the following story of an experience he had on the Russian front. Thousands of wounded soldiers passed through his hands as he operated a �ield hospital, but one of them he will never forget.

Since the name was never mentioned, let’s call him Wayne. He had come in with much of his face blown off. Dr. Emmerich went to work for many days to repair the face as best he could by a series of skin transplants and the like.

In the �inal phase of the plastic surgery, the doctor sutured together the remaining corner of Wayne’s mouth. The attendants then helped the wounded soldier into a sitting position.

Because the local anesthetic still kept the pain at a distance, Dr. Emmerich told Wayne: “Now, let’s hear you say something with that mouth.”

Wayne, still struggling, moved his lips around carefully and then with his �irst smile formulated his words: “Thank you.”

Two words – simple yet intense. They touch the heart of whoever hear it. They can even

melt the hatred gnawing one’s heart. Although the recipients may not ask for those two words, they soothe the total being of a person who hears the spoken words.

Carlo Atienza, in his column “Sui Generis,” which appears in Business Mirror, shares this statement: “You need to learn to say thanks to others. Being grateful for what others have done not only endears them to you, but also creates a social bond which could be the start of a friendship.

A simple thank you when people hold the elevator for you, or when a friend helps you out of a jam fosters camaraderie and general feelings of goodwill. That can become the catalyst for the person to help others in return, consequently creating a domino effect for others to help others. Take the opportunity to brighten somebody’s day just by saying ‘thank you.’”

Now, let me share another story. This happened in 1900s yet. One night, a newly married Hungarian couple ate supper in a small obscure restaurant in Paris, France. When it came time to pay the bill, the husband was distressed to �ind that his pocketbook had been stolen.

Their return train tickets to Vienna were also gone. They told the waiter of what had happened but he did not believe them. In fact, he took them to the manager of the restaurant.

There was something about

the husband which the manager liked and trusted, so he even bought their ticket home to Vienna. The young husband assured him, “Sir, you will never regret this generosity of yours. I promise to make you and your restaurant famous. My ambition is to write an opera and I shall put your restaurant in it.”

The manager smiled. He said he would be happy just to get his money back.

But the young man – who turned out to be Franz Lehar – kept his promise. He wrote a light opera entitled, “The Merry Widow,” which became an instant hit and playing for so many years. That obscure Paris restaurant – Le Café Maxim – was featured in one of the songs.

Because of that opera, even today, people visiting Paris want to see Le Café Maxim – all because of the owner of more than a hundred years ago befriended a penniless Hungarian composer.

The anecdote above reminds me of the words of Suzy Kassem, who wrote Rise Up and Salute the Sun. “Stop counting your losses and start counting your blessings. Only then you will discover that losses are always easier to point out and count than blessings. And that your blessings will always outnumber your losses, for they are truly immeasurable.”

Showing our gratitude to someone should be easier – especially if that someone has done so many good things for you. But

why is it very hard for most of us to say, “Thank you”? Do we need to utter those words when the other person won’t be able to hear it?

Allow me to share another story, which Bruno Hagspiel had written: A widow who had spent long days and hours in the factory and at home raising her four children, lay exhausted and emaciated on her deathbed.

Around her stood the four of them, now grownup men and women. The eldest son, in tears, said to her, “Mother, you have always been so good and kind to us. We want to thank you. We’re so proud of you.”

The mother opened her eyes for the last time and asked, “Why have you waited so long to tell me that? You never ever said so before.”

She turned her head away – and died.

“This (simple act of practicing gratitude) is powerful because it transforms you from the inside out,” wrote Josie Robinson, author of Give Thanks: A Journal for Sharing Gratitude. “When you’re in a grateful and joyful state, you open your eyes to see and receive miracles. When you’re in a negative, stressed state, it’s like putting on sunglasses that completely block out the light. How can you receive a miracle when you can’t see it?”

Let me end this piece with another story. Jonathan was watching an interesting television pro-

gram. A recording team scoured the countryside, stopping people on the streets, pointing the camera at their faces and telling them, “You’ve got two minutes on the air to say anything you want to say for the whole country to hear.”

No one had a prepared text. All 30 guest speakers talked off the top of their heads. This went on for an hour and every person without exception did one thing: complained about their homes, their family, about taxes and the high cost of living, about school or study or jobs.

All these people seem to have thought to themselves. “This is my big chance: the whole country will be watching. I’ll tell them how ad things really are. Then everyone will know what’s wrong with the world.”

Nobody thought of saying what’s right with the world. Not one of the 30 thought of smiling into the camera and saying he or she was happy.

After the program, Jonathan got the impression that the people of this world are a race of grumblers – just like the time when Moses took the Israelites out of Egypt.

Now, when was the last time you read a letter to the editor in one of our newspapers praising or thanking someone?

Perhaps we have forgotten that the age-old saying is still valid: “The person who thinks, thanks.”

Thank you.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

US CONQUEST AND BOTTLED WATER An important contribution of American rule in the islands was the introduction of bottled water.

The commodity was part of the military ration of Army soldiers when they were deployed in Manila at the turn of 20th century, along with U.S. troops assigned in Davao region.

The manufacture and selling of bottled drinking water commenced in the �irst half of the 19th century when it was fashionable among Americans to take a bath and drink mineral waters sourced from Saratoga Springs (New York) and Sulphur Springs (West Virginia). Later, in the 1850s, with “the practice of dip-molding made glass bottles cheaper and more reliable [becoming widespread], entrepreneurs began bottling those popular waters and selling them in drug stores, groceries, and even saloons.”

Initially, bottled water was sold for its supposed health bene�its. And, as the bottling and overhead cost of distribution of the product dramatically dropped, it became the alternative to potable water produced by urban water systems until chlorination was introduced.

In the Philippines, the popularly of bottled mineral water shot up with its introduction in the �irst two decades of American rule. Locally, the arti�icially charged water that carried the label ‘Isuan’ was top of the line; it came from the springs of Los Baños, Laguna.

In 1921, according to Heise and Behrman of the Bureau of Science, by this time there were already numerous classi�ications of mineral waters produced locally, namely, thermal, carbonated, ferruginous, muriated, sulphated, bromide’ sulphurated, and arsenical. During this period, annually, around P100,000 worth of bottled water was imported to the country.

Five years later, according to data from the Bureau of Health in Manila, bottled water was made available “in �irst-class drug stores and [was] highly recommended by Spanish and Filipino physicians for moist skin diseases, low-grade ulcers, dyspepsia, gastro-intestinal catarrh, chronic dysentery, liver diseases, and menstrual diseases.”

In 1973, with DuPont engineer Nathaniel Wyeth having

patented the polyethylene terephthalate, bottled water took on a different direction. Instead of breakable glass as container, the bottle used were now made from lightweight plastic. The proliferation of plastic gave rise to numerous types of bottled water, from distilled and puri�ied water, namely: Artesian water (sourced from a con�ined aquifer that has been tapped); �luoridated (with added �luoride such as ‘for infant’ water); ground water (from an underground source that is under a pressure); mineral water (contains minerals such as salts and sulfur compounds); puri�ied water (produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other processes; also known as ‘demineralized water’); sparkling water (contains the same amount of carbon dioxide from its source); spring water (from an underground formation where water �lows naturally); sterile water (passes sterilization); and well water (from a hole bored, drilled, or constructed in the ground.

An interesting topic of debate is which company has the rightful

claim was the �irst puri�ied bottled water producer in the country. Excluding the America-era Isuan brand, two �irms contest the credit. Banahaw Spring puri�ied water, produced by Philippine Bottling Beverage, proclaims itself as “the �irst bottled water manufactured in the Philippines,” claiming “every single drop of [the product] gives the beauty of the greens, freshness of plants, and the wonderful feeling of being close to nature… It’s locally sourced from Mt. Banahaw!” On the other hand, Solerex Water Technology, producer of Crystal Clear, brandishes its Solarex Water Technology.

Absolute, a pure distilled drinking water, is the �irst and only recognized by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), a World Health Organization (WHO) collaborating center for food and water safety and indoor environment, in the Philippines.

For its part, Davao’s �irst water-bottling companies were mostly re�illing outlets or franchisees of Manila-based �irms.

Brands like Nature’s Spring, H20, Aquastar, Apo Spring Water, Viva, Wilkins, Le Minerale, and Wet, to

name a few, do not have Davao provenance.

Bottled water history is not complete without mention of Tansan (after whom the soft drink crown has been named), a sparkling carbonated water sourced from the mineral springs of Takarazuka, known as Tansan Springs, in the mountains of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, and produced by Tansan Mineral Water Co., Ltd., owned by Englishman John Clifford Wilkinson.

Tansan as aerated water was registered as trademark in 1896 in Washington, D.C. It was exported to the Philippines in 1902 and sealed with a metal crown cap with cork, which was invented in 1892 by William Painter of Baltimore, U.S.A. In 1915, Swiss trading �irm Lutz & Zuellig (later succeeded in 1922 by F.E. Zuellig, Inc.) was made sole distributor of Tansan in the country. Given its popularity, the Japan-produced aerated water was honored with a Diploma of Honour in the Semarang (Java) Exhibition. The green-bottled water was sold for $6 for pints per four dozen and $8 for splits per eight dozen.

8 EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 2019

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Ignacio said that along with the contribution increase, the Monthly Salary Credit will be adjusted to a maximum of P20,000 which will increase the amount of bene�its and privileges of members.

“The good news is that those who will save more with SSS under the new maximum Monthly Salary Credit of P20,000 will have higher amount of bene�its and loan privileges as the Monthly Salary Credit is one of the main factors used in the computation of bene�its and loan privileges.

For example, a member whose monthly salary is P20,000 and has paid 12 contributions in the 12-month period before the semester of contingency

of sickness will enjoy P600 in sickness bene�it per day from the current P480 per day,” Ignacio added.

Similarly, another member who has paid the minimum 120 contributions at the old maximum MSC of P16,000 will have a basic monthly pension of P6,400. If the member pays under the new maximum MSC of P20,000, the member’s new basic monthly pension will increase to P8,000.

SSS said that the 1 percentage-point increase in contribution is reasonable, citing as an example an employee who earns a salary of P10,000. The current personal monthly contribution of P363.30 will increase by

P36.70 to P400 while, the employer will now pay P800, an increase of P63.30 from the current P736.70 employer-share.

The law is also expected to generate an additional P31 billion for the pension fund as it imposes the implementation of a gradual increase of monthly contributions from the current 11 percent to an additional 1 percentage point starting this year, until it reaches 15 percent in 2025, and the gradual adjustment of the minimum and maximum MSCs. It will also add 13 more years to the fund life of the SSS up to 2045 upon full implementation of the law by 2025.

The new law, Republic Act (RA) 11199, which repealed RA 1161 as amended by RA 8282, aims to strengthen the pension fund through its salient features such as the rationalization of the powers of the SSC—the policy-making body of the SSS—to allow it to expand the investing capacity of the pension fund to generate better income for the bene�it of its members and pensioners.

“We hope that our members will understand the importance of adjusting contributions to make sure that the pension fund remain strong and viable for the current and forthcoming generations,” Ignacio concluded. (SSS)

and election period.

Provincial election supervisor lawyer Jay Gerada and 602nd Brigade deputy commander Jose Gonggona were also present.

Gonggana lauded the

efforts of the PNP for imposing a clean and peace election with such initiatives, assuring that the side of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will extend its all-out support.

Reacting to Ablon’s claim, COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez has assured the public that the poll body won’t engage in partisanship as the May election nears.

“With regard to the

apprehension that this declaration might lead to partisanship by the COMELEC, the election management body reassures the public that this will not happen. The results reporting proce-

dures of the automated election system are fully transparent and protected by multiple redundancies which, by and large, have been proven successful in preventing cheating in the last three

automated elections – 2010, 2013, and 2016.

There is no reason to fear that it will be otherwise in 2019,” Jimenez said in statement sent to MindaNews Thursday afternoon.

phase of deliberation. If Velox Philippines wishes to appeal, they can do so before the DOTr, through the Franchising Review Staff,” Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon said.

Go-Jek is a technology start-up �irm based in Jakarta, Indonesia that specializes in ride-hailing and logistics. It currently oper-

DA... FROM 5

ates in Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand.

The company, which counts Google and Singaporean sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings among its investors, has been expanding in Southeast Asia to compete with Grab, which took over the regional businesses of Uber Technologies last year. (PNA)

fected by the dumping of excess commodities from other countries.

Latest data showed that mill gate prices of co-

pra fell between PHP12 to PHP17 per kilo, which is much lower than last year’s PHP26 to PHP30 a kilo. (PNA)

BARUG... FROM 5

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

LTFRB... FROM 5

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Consolidation of Cases of Certificates of Public Convenience to operate an Airconditioned TAXI Service.

ARNALDO R. AMOROSO, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-TX-2019-3-139 (2003-XI-00139)

ESTHER R. CAÑEDO, Petitioner.

ISIDRO DANNY S. CORTEZ Petitioner.

LOLITA L. BAQUERO Petitioner.

NICOLITA L. JAYME Petitioner.

VICTOR Y. TAN, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2019-3-700 (2013-XI-00700)

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2019-3-561 (2014-XI-00561)

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

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x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 31, 2019. In the petition filed on March 14, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same units previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: MANUEL GUINGA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on August 30, 2019. In the petition filed on March 20, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY – BAGANGA (DAVAO ORIENTAL) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on April 28, 2019. In the petition filed on March 14, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of the said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: MATINA APLAYA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on March 19, 2019. In the petition filed on March 8, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same units previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 3, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 16, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: COMMUNAL - BANKEROHAN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on October 29, 2019.

In the petition filed on March 11, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same units previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 10, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 2, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

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

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

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

Davao City, March 15, 2019.

Davao City, March 21, 2019.

Davao City, March 19, 2019.

Davao City, March 13, 2019.

Philippines,

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Petitioner, Arnaldo R. Amoroso Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco

Philippines,

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Petitioner, Esther R. Cañedo Counsel, Atty. Randolf P. Esparagoza

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 3, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

Davao City, March 12, 2019.

Philippines,

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Petitioner, Isidro Danny S. Cortez Counsel, Atty. Bien Marie G. Bolcan

Case No. R11-EV-UV-2019-3-152 (2014-XI-00152)

Philippines,

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Petitioner, Lolita L. Baquero Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2019-3-129 (99-XI-00129)

Philippines,

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Petitioner, Nicolita L. Jayme Counsel, Atty. Victorio U. Advincula, Jr.

Case No. R11-CC-TX-2019-3-018 (2013-XI-00181/2013-XI-00183) (2013-XI-00182/2013-XI-00166) (2013-XI-00154/2013-XI-00413) (2013-XI-00333/2011-XI-00006) (2013-XI-00184)

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NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of several Certificates of Public Convenience issued in Case Nos. 2013-XI-00181, 2013-XI00183, 2013-XI-00182, 2013XI-00166, 2013-XI-00154, 2013-XI-00413, 2013-XI-00333, 2011-XI-00006 and 2013-XI00184 authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service for the transportation of passengers and freight along the line: WITHIN DAVAO CITY from said place to any point in REGION XI with the use of a total of TWENTY FOUR (24) units, which certificates are still valid and subsisting up to December 31, 2021, November 28, 2023, March 12, 2024, December 31, 2024, June 5, 2021 and December 31, 2023, respectively. In the petition filed on March 20, 2019, petitioner requests authority to CONSOLIDATE the Certificates of Public Convenience under One (1) Certificate with the use of the same units previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 16, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this Office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

Davao City, Philippines, March 21, 2019.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director Petitioner, Victor Y. Tan Counsel, Atty. Randolf P. Esparagoza

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 2019

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

THE CHEF IS A LADY

GIVEN that it is International Women’s Day and we love food, we’re celebrating the emergence of incredible female chefs at the top of their game.

It’s no secret the world of hospitality is a male-dominated industry. The commercial kitchen is not exactly the place we find most women. But as time goes on, female chefs are beginning to influence the sector with their love for food and cooking.

Although not as many as male chefs are, these women in the kitchen are no second fiddle. In fact, most of them are the creme de la creme.

Inna Melissa Escandor, or simply Chef Inna, is one of the rare breed of women who has found a niche in the kitchen. The fact that she’s young and grew up to a family that owns a business empire in Davao City, Chef Inna could have just opted to take over a front office position in the family business. But while Chef Inna was never previously thought she would go into that role of cooking for others in the kitchen, she just did the improbable.

The beauty of how our culture is changing is that young women like Chef Inna just think, ‘I am passionate about cooking, I will be a chef’. It is great to see because it means everyone has the chance to follow their dream and follow their passion without having to think “no I am not allowed to do that.”

The 26-year old culinarian owns a degree in International Hospitality Management Major in Culinary Arts. Young as she is, her experience is rich with Michelin stars. After college, she left the country to hone her craft in Los Angeles’ Michelin-starred restaurants. She spent her internship at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée which has been classified with 3 Michelin stars.

We dropped Chef Inna a few questions on her new role and what her perspectives are of the industry that is once a playground dominated by male masters.

Chef Inna Melissa Escandor is an artist in the kitchen.

EDGE: What drives your creativity?

Chef Inna: I have driven my creativity from my love for food, my experiences with world renowned chefs, traveling and experiencing new cultures and cuisines and of course giving homage to my hometown, Davao.

EDGE: What is your signature dish?

Chef Inna: I don’t have a signature dish, but I make great steaks with a good tasting gravy... as what they’ve told me. I’m also really fond of making fresh pastas.

She went on to land a job at the 1 star Michelin Hatfields in Melrose in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills Hotel and Jean-Georges Beverly Hills at Waldorf Astoria owned by the award-winning Jean Georges.

With her rich experience from the world’s luxurious restaurants, Chef Inna brings her culinary artistry home and now heads the operations of The Republique Asian Fusion Cuisine at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center.

Her ascent in the industry is remarkable if not phenomenal.

Check this out: despite the increase of female chefs joining the world of hospitality, the majority of head chef positions are still being occupied by males. Only 18 per cent of head chef jobs worldwide are currently being held by women, according to not-for-profit Parabere Forum.

According to Group Michelin’s 2018 Michelin Guide, there are

only 20 female chefs out of the 166 starred restaurants from the U.S, 44 out of the 365 in Italy and 19 out of 195 in Spain. Given these figures, female’s interest in becoming chefs and holding key roles within the kitchen continue to rise, as the stigma of it being a male-dominated environment shifts.

EDGE: Why did you choose Asian fusion as the theme of Republique?

Chef Inna: As we all know Philippines is a melting pot for different sorts of Asian cuisine and we wanted to be able to cater this kind of cuisine to the Davaoeños to give them more food choices.

EDGE: What are the things you put emphasis on when you cook?

Chef Inna: I put emphasis on the taste, texture, color, technique, and the precision of executing a dish. By communicating to your diners with the 5 senses and bringing them a full dining experience.

EDGE: Is Davao ready for fine dining?

Chef Inna: I want to be optimistic that Davao is ready with fine dining. I also want the Davaoeños to be educated more in terms of what goes through the process of fine dining, may it be front or back of the house.

Last February 14, Chef Inna whipped The Republique’s first pop up dining experience to a huge success. She hopes to broaden how Davao sees this kind of service.

“The team and I are very grateful of the outcome of our event. We plan to do more pop ups in the future,” she said with excitement.

Chef Inna is not the first and certainly not the last woman to make her mark on the cooking industry. What Chef Inna and all these women chefs have in common is they share a passion for cooking and a drive to share their unique culinary perspectives with people.

Chef Inna and her all-male team.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

STYLE

OBRIGADA 2019:

AN ORIGINE STORY TO DEPICT the longawaited feeling of being outside in the summer months, the annual Obrigada hosted

by Havaianas distributor Martish Marketing was held in airy cafe Think Up last March 8.

This time, the spotlight beamed on the newly released Origine and the very trendy Slide. As they do every year, Martish invited the local community of writers, personalities and lifestyle bloggers to participate and interact with their newest soles by way of personalization.

Makeshift artist nooks with paints and brushes were set up and it made for the perfect way for the attendees to commune and catch up while the Martish staff sorted sizes and pairs of Origines for everyone.

I was seated with my editor Kenneth, stylish mom Chuchay Sison and writer Jinggoy Salvador. I am not very artistic so having these exuberant spirits with me helped me get my art on that afternoon. After a few photo ops and donning cute aprons, we set upon the task of splattering, smearing and painting on our Origines. This went on for awhile, interspersed with healthy doses and chitchat and picking up the Slides which were strategically scattered around the venue to peruse and try on.

It is not everyday that we get to really look at the shoe line of Havaianas or something other than their infamous flipflops so having the chance that day, under the very leisurely cir-

cumstances, really allowed us to appreciate these additions to their current offerings for the Philippine market. The Origine Classic is a slip-on shoe with fabric encasing and the signature buttery-soft Havaianas rubber sole. The colors introduced during the Obrigada - in black, denim, white and red - were perfect palettes for the attendees to play around with and soon enough, everyone was already looking for inspirations on their mobile devices or rendering their own sketches to kickstart their imaginings. The Slide is all but a surefire hit as athletic and luxury brands alike have their own version of this slipper.

Having these sort of gatherings is a real treat especially

where there is creativity to be unleashed. The enthusiasm was above and beyond the usual effort given for these activities which showed the masterful hand at which the team at Martish had in reading the preferences of their market in Southern Mindanao. There was a prize to be given that afternoon and although I was not a contender at all, I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the other participants work on their entries. There were summery lemons and citruses painted on some while the familiar faces of cartoons adorned others.

Sure enough, each and everyone put their own stamp and spin to the Origines that afternoon to get ready for their respective summer frolics and follies.

UP AND ABOUT

Team Liyab set to compete at upcoming League of Legends TEAM LIYAB, the official esports team of Globe and Mineski is set on another mission—to secure the top spot and represent the Philippines in the League of Legends (LoL) Southeast Asia Tour (SEA Tour) Finals to be held next month in Vietnam.

The Liyab - League of Legends team is currently undefeated in the National Qualifiers in the League of Legends SEA Tour. For the upcoming National Minor event,

the team will be competing against 3 other local teams in a best-of-3, single elimination bracket for a right to represent the Philippines in the National Major against Singapore/Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Liyab recently triumphed in other major LoL events, including the Mogul Silver Slam - SEA Tournament held last February 23 in which they were proclaimed overall champion and took home P80,000 in cash. Further, the team dominated the group stages

at the Philippine Pro Gaming League (PPGL), the country’s premier multi-game nationwide tournament. The team bested some of the biggest esports teams in the Philippines namely, Imperium Pro Team, ISC and Arkangel to secure a spot at the main event and a chance to win P400,000 in cash prize.

On the other hand, the Liyab - Arena of Valor team has also nabbed a number of championship titles locally including the ESL Clash of Nations 2019 Philippines in

which they earned the honor and privilege to represent the country in the ESL Clash of Nations – Arena of Valor Regional event to be held at the JIExpo Convention Center in Jakarta, Indonesia on March 29 to 31. The ESL Clash of Nations has a total prize pool of USD 50,000, with the champion team to get USD 25,000.

The successes of Liyab signify the Philippines’ rise as a major player in the world of global esports. Globe, through its Games and Esports Program, will continue to sup-

port the development of local esports in the country, with the objective of honing the skills of future national esports athletes.

Part of these efforts is the recent launch of the country’s first Esports Center (ESC) located at Play Nation in UP Town Center in Quezon City.

With areas dedicated to PC, mobile and console gaming as well as a live streaming studio, the ESC welcomes every type of gamer as it offers a worldclass esports experience until March 24.

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 2019

s SEA nat’l qualifiers

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA Public Affairs brings to life digital love stories via ‘One Hugot Away’ WHETHER it be falling in or out of love, Filipinos have the penchant for hugot lines and stories—the more emotionally-charged and relatable, the more Pinoys are drawn to these.

From the same group that continues to make groundbreaking and award-winning documentaries and programs comes “One Hugot Away” featuring digital love stories set to make hearts flutter beginning March 25.

Produced by GMA Public Affairs, “One Hugot Away” brings to life short film love stories made for digital format but will also be shown on television. The series will be available on GMA Network’s Facebook and YouTube accounts while snippets will also be aired on GMA 7 all throughout the day.

For its first offering, “One Hugot Away” will have Kapuso actors Shaira Diaz and David Licauco banner the story of Ella and Ben entitled “Walang Label”.

Ella and Ben have gotten really close spending time together for the past six months. Ella admits they “enjoy” each other’s company.

But it boggles her that While Ben shows they are more than friends, he is not consistent with his actions. What will happen once she confronts Ben about the label of their relationship if there is one?

Snippets of this short film will be seen on TV during commercial gaps of Kapuso Movie Festival,

Wowowin, and My Golden Life.

Netizens, on the other hand, will be able to catch the two-part story at 7 p.m.

But viewers will have to wait until March 28 during the timeslot of My Golden Life to know what will be the ending of Ella and Ben’s story. Netizens on the other hand, can watch the finale on March 29 at 12 noon.

The first “One Hugot Away” short film is written by James Estrada and directed by Zig Dulay.

The Clash alumna Muriel Lomadilla sang the theme song entitled “Bakit ‘Di Na Lang Tayo” which was composed by Roxanne Fabian and mixed by Andrea Cullla under GMA Post Music Production.

Go ahead, indulge in your deepest hugot moments. Catch “One Hugot Away” beginning March 25 on GMA Network’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/GMANetwork) and YouTube (www. youtube.com/GMANetwork) accounts and on GMA 7.

Hit romcom series ‘My Sassy Girl’ premieres on GMA-7 FROM ENEMIES TO PARTNERS… to eventual lovers?

Beginning Monday (March 25), GMA Heart of Asia presents My Sassy Girl, South Korea’s hit romantic comedy drama about the cutest and craziest tale of two unexpected lovers.

It all started when Mr. Handsome Scholar, Gyun Woo (Cha Tae-hyun), crosses paths with Sassy Princess, Hye Myung (Jun Ji Hyun), who gets herself in trouble due to her bad drinking habits. Left with no choice but to help her, Gyun Woo leads her to a hotel until she becomes sober, but gets wrongfully accused of being a pervert. Their cat-dog quarrel continues even after Gyun Woo becomes the appointed master of the Prince.

But after unfortunate circumstances and an interesting twist of events, they find themselves embarking on a whirlwind adventure as they discover illegal secrets and fight their way out of the mess they are both in.

Join them in their crazy kilig adventures in My Sassy Girl, Monday to Friday beginning March 25, 9:20 AM on GMA Network.

A4 INdulge!

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tortion, and destruction of public infrastructure and private properties if they want peace negotiations to resume.

“Until such demonstra-

tion of sincerity, the localized peace talks shall be given impetus,” he said.

Duterte on Thursday of�icially announced the permanent termination of the

peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF. The President mentioned the government’s preference for localized peace engagements. (PNA)

who are vulnerable and marginalized,” he said.

The President expressed hope that Filipino-Chinese traits and values will continue to fuel a dynamic and vibrant Chinese-Filipino business community that contributes to the country’s overall advancement.

At present, the FFCCCII is constructing drug rehabilitation centers to help

drug dependents. Once completed, the rehabilitation centers will be turned over to local government units.

Around 800 delegates representing the federation’s member chambers, trade and business associations around the country joined the event.

Established in March 1954, FFCCCII is considered

the largest organization of Filipino-Chinese businessmen in the country with 170 member chambers, trade and business associations across the country.

Aside from business, the organization is involved in social development, launching projects in education, livelihood, and community rehabilitation for those affected by disasters. (PNA)

tions with the communists.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr., in a statement on Wednesday,

said they “will reconstitute the panel at a national scope in accordance with the whole-of-nation approach

we are advocating to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace.” (Mart Sambalud / MindaNews)

er made it 93-90 with 6:58 remaining. Brooklyn took a 107-99 lead on a layup by Harris with 2:48 remaining, but a 3-pointer by James made it 107-104 with 1:59 left.

The Lakers also were within 109-106 following two free throws by James with 53 seconds to go, and they had a chance to tie when Russell missed a 3-point attempt with 32.9 seconds left.

The Lakers never got a

shot off as James committed a turnover along the baseline while being guarded by Jarrett Allen, and the Los Angeles star appeared to come up a little gimpy.

After Dinwiddie split two free throws with 17.1 seconds left, James missed an off-balance 3-point try with 14.5 seconds remaining and Kyle Kuzma missed a 3-point attempt nine seconds later to essentially seal the win for Brooklyn.

Neither team scored in the �inal 2:42 of the �irst quarter, which ended with the Lakers holding a 23-20 edge.

The Lakers took a 29-22 lead early in the second on a dunk by McGee, but the Nets held a 44-43 lead at halftime after two free throws by Dinwiddie with 7.9 seconds left.

Brooklyn took a 69-60 lead on a 3-pointer by Russell with 6:15 remaining in the third and held a 78-73 lead going into the fourth.

PRRD... FROM 2

EASTMINCOM... FROM 2 NETS... FROM 11

9

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by Special Asset Management Group of Philippine National Bank thru Eugenio A. Tamayo III that the following Acquired Assets with Loss Owner’s Duplicate Copy of Title (ODC): TITLE NO. 1. T-8327 2. T-5142 3. T-8324 4. T-10163 5. T-8325 6. (T-9967) T-13451 7. T-10191 8. T-3946 9. T-8326 10. T-8324 11. T-33956 12. P-17427 13. T-46970 14. (T-8195) T-2687 15. (T-8196) T-2688 16. T-4931 17. T-4427 18. T-4430 19. T-4428 20. T-4429 21. T-4431 22. T-4730 23. O-3478 24. T-4505 25. T-4729 26. T-4929 27. T-23060 28. T-1108 29. T-11889 30. T-3639 31. T-3592 32. (T-13019) T-2809 33. T-5194 34. T-6024 35. P-23179 36. P-5554 37. T-18063 38. T-15213 39. (P-2670)735 40. T-13188 41. T-23059

AREA PER TITLE 4.9048 13.6686 4.5927 7.8127 4.5448 7.6442 3.9576 6.2615 4.4069 4.5927 3.0000 4.9820 1.2057 2.1286 3.6515 3.9135 3.2274 2.0145 1.8954 0.9331 4.0300 1.9118 8.7289 4.0186 6.2278 4.7200 0.8679 8.3067 14.0743 12.0200 10.2171 12.8194 11.5941 8.1527 4.3280 7.0269 4.1800 22.6836 5.1082 9.6404 4.8328

LOCATION OMPAO TARRAGONA, DAVAO ORIENTAL LAMIAWAN CARAGA, DAVAO ORIENTAL OMPAO TARRAGONA, DAVAO ORIENTAL JOVELLAR TARRAGONA, DAVAO ORIENTAL BO. OMPAO TARRAGONA, DAVAO ORIENTAL TAGUIBO MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL LAWIGAN MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL MANURIGAO CARAGA, DAVAO ORIENTAL BO. OMPAO TARRAGONA, DAVAO ORIENTAL OMPAO TARRAGONA, DAVAO ORIENTAL ESPERANZA STO.TOMAS, DAVAO DEL NORTE BOBONGAN STO. TOMAS, DAVAO DEL NORTE MADAUM TAGUM, DAVAO DEL NORTE KINGKING PANTUKAN, DAVAO DEL NORTE NAPNAPAN PANTUKAN, DAVAO DEL NORTE BADONG TAGO, SURIGAO DEL NORTE SABANG LINGIG, SURIGAO DEL SUR SALVACION LINGIG, SURIGAO DEL SUR SABANG LINGIG, SURIGAO DEL SUR SABANG LINGIG, SURIGAO DEL SUR SALVACION LINGIG, SURIGAO DEL SUR SAN ISIDRO TANDAG, SURIGAO DEL SUR JAVIER BAROBO, SURIGAO DEL SUR STA. CRUZ MARIHATAG, SURIGAO DEL SUR BADONG TAGO, SURIGAO DEL SUR MAGROYONG SAN MIGUEL, SURIGAO DEL SUR BALANGONAN, JOSE ABAD SANTOS, DAVAO DEL SUR CEBU SULOP, DAVAO DEL SUR OSMEÑA SULOP, DAVAO DEL SUR SUCUB HAGONOY, DAVAO DEL SUR SUCUB HAGONOY, DAVAO DEL SUR BALASIAO KIBLAWAN, DAVAO DEL SUR LAPULABAO HAGONOY, DAVAO DEL SUR MANAGA MATANAO, DAVAO DEL SUR LANURO HAGONOY, DAVAO DEL SUR BULACAN MALALAG, DAVAO DEL SUR KIDADAN STA. MARIA, DAVAO DEL SUR KIBAO MATANAO, DAVAO DEL SUR SAN ROQUE DIGOS, DAVAO DEL SUR MAHAYAHAY HAGONOY, DAVAO DEL SUR SINAWILAN MATANAO, DAVAO DEL SUR

were lost and beyond recovery, notwithstanding that the ODCs are missing and can no longer be located, subject properties had already been cancelled and, in lieu thereof titles in the name of the Republic of the Philippines was issued by the Register of Deeds Region XI.

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11 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

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PH is still SEAG host

T

he Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) has assured that the Philippines will host the SEA Games from November 30 to December 11.

"We would like to assure our athletes, the sports community, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the rest of the Filipino people that all preparations for the 30th South East Asian Games are in full swing," the committee said in a statement issued Friday.

Reports surfaced this week that the Philippines is in danger of losing the hosting rights to either Indonesia or Thailand due to budget constraints.

Phisgoc, however, maintained that despite the budget cuts and various challenges confronting

the Philippine hosting of the 30th SEA Games, “we are unfazed and determined to make this successful.”

“We know that the budget limitation is a major factor. But our strong will to mount the best SEA Games in history for the sake of our athletes and the Filipino people, is bigger than any other problem confronting us today," it said.

The committee called the reports "fake news or misinformation that will damage the image of the country," saying it will not tolerate them.

"We at Phisgoc remain committed and shall continue to work hard for the success of the 30th SEA Games for our nation and the Filipino people," it said.

(PNA)

ames Harden matched his career high with 61 points, delivering early and late to bail out host Houston Rockets in their 111-105 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday at Toyota Center.

Harden, who also scored 61 points on Jan. 23. at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, �inished 19 of 34 from the �loor while drilling 9 of 13 from 3-point range.

After the Rockets coughed up a 19-point third-quarter lead and fell into a 100-94 hole late in the fourth, Harden responded with three successive 3-pointers and a pair of drives to the basket to secure the victory, the Rockets' third consecutive win over the Spurs.

San Antonio had won nine of the previous 10

head-to-head meetings entering the game.

Chris Paul added 18 points, including four free throws inside the �inal minute to seal the win.

Eric Gordon added 12 points for Houston, but Harden was the showstopper, posting his second consecutive 50-point game and eighth on the season.

No other NBA player has more than one.

Bryn Forbes led �ive Spurs in double �igures with 20 points while Derrick White added 18 with eight rebounds.

DeMar DeRozan posted 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists while LaMarcus Aldridge paired 10 points with �ive blocks for San Antonio, which captured its �irst lead at 85-84 on a Patty Mills reverse layup with 10:48 left to play.

Harden ties career-high 61 J

Maddie Madayag imposed her will to tow Ateneo past UST.

Madayag sets UAAP record D abawenya Maddie Madayag will have her name etched in the annals of the Universities Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

The Ateneo Lady Eagles middle blocker made UAAP history after a stunning performance that saw her register 11 kill blocks against the University of Santo Tomas in the Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.

The graduating ADMU blocker broke the longstanding record held by La Salle’s Celine Hernandez.

She �inished the match on Wednesday night with 11 kills and an ace for a career-best 23 points. The

Lady Eagles needed every single one, as they rallied from a two-set de�icit to break the hearts of the Golden Tigresses in �ive sets, 19-25, 22-25, 27-25, 25-22, 15-11.

Afterward, Madayag could not quite believe her achievement.

“Seryoso? 11 blocks? I didn’t know that,” she said.

“Oh my gosh, I’m speechless. I don’t know what to say.”

Madayag had �inished as the league’s leading blocker

after the �irst round of eliminations, with 0.78 block per set. But she was on another level on Wednesday, as she made life dif�icult for UST’s powerful pair of Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, while also repeatedly rejecting Dimdim Pacres.

Indeed, her 11th block came at Rondina’s expense, giving the Lady Eagles a crucial 23-20 lead in the third set.

“I just played my game, I guess,” said Madayag. “I contribute whatever I can for the team, and I just gave it my all.”

“Gagawin ko lang kung anong kaya kong gawin for my team,” she stressed. “So

Nets eliminate Lakers from playoffs

J

Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris (12) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee (7) and forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of their game at the Staples Center. Reuters

kung sa blocking department tutulong ako.”

Madayag would then come up big on offense in the �ifth set, as she scored three points including the running kill that gave Ateneo the lead for good, 1110.

With her at the forefront, the Lady Eagles tallied a whopping 24 kill blocks -- her fellow middle blocker, Bea de Leon, contributed six rejections of her own.

“This is for my team,” Madayag said of her historic effort. “This is for the school, this is for the Lord and not really for myself, because it’s a team thing.”

oe Harris scored 26 points, and the visiting Brooklyn Nets made enough plays down the stretch Friday to earn a 111-106 victory over the Lakers, of�icially eliminating Los Angeles from postseason contention.

The Nets followed up their historic comeback win in Sacramento and improved to 2-3 on a season-high, seven-game road trip that continues Monday in Portland.

Seventh-place Brooklyn (38-36) moved to within a half-game of the sixth-place Detroit Pistons and 2 and a half games ahead of the eighth-place Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers lost their �ifth straight, dropped to 2-12 in their last 14 games and will miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season. The loss of�icially ensured that LeBron James will miss the postseason for the �irst time since his

second season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2004-05.

Brooklyn's D'Angelo Russell added 21 points and 13 assists against his former team. Russell became the �irst Net to post three straight games with at least 20 points and 10 assists since Kenny Anderson in January 1994.

The Nets shot 40.2 percent from the �loor in a game that featured 23 lead changes and 16 ties.

JaVale McGee led all scorers with career highs of 33 points and 20 rebounds for the Lakers, who shot 38.5 percent from the �ield. James �inished one rebound shy of his 81st career triple-double, totaling 25 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds.

James also committed eight of the Lakers' 16 turnovers.

The Nets took the lead for good when Russell's 3-point-

NETS, P9

12 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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TRI TO WATCH

Promising triathlete Aldueguer looks to make his mark

L YOUNG TRIATHLETE. Promising Ironman 70.3 triathlete Miguel Aldeguer takes a breather as he acquaints himself of the bike route.

ook out for Bib. No. 113.

Aeon Luxe Properties has thrown its support to promising young triathlete Christopher Lorenzo Miguel Aldeguer who will don bib. no. 113 in the 2019 Alveo Ironman 70.3 in Davao City on Sunday.

The leading homegrown property developer presented its of�icial bet in the biggest triathlon event in the country during a meet and greet event on Friday at the Aeon Towers Showroom in Bajada.

The 21-year old Aldeguer, a graduate of BSBA Major in Business Operations Management with a specialization track in Business Analytics and resident of Pasig City, is a veteran endurance athlete who has set his sights on wearing the national team colors in future international competitions.

“I’ve been training for �ive months for Ironman and it has never been easy.

I utilize my time by waking up early in the morning to bike before going to work and then do my swim training at night and run back home. I really hope all my

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO trainings will be worth it as it is my �irst time to join the Ironman,” said Aldeguer who will wear a personalized tri suit ordered overseas by Aeon Luxe.

The Aeon Luxe carrier trained under the watchful eyes of father Toots who is a mixed martial arts practitioner and organizer.

“I gave all the support I can to Miguel because I’ve seen great potential in this kid. I am sure that he will hit the podium on race day,” said Toots Aldeguer of his son.

“Aeon Luxe will be there to show our support to Miguel. He is really good and he trained so well. We hope to see him win it,” Aeon Luxe Vice President for Marketing and Sales Erick Umali said.

Aldeguer's best �inish in a triathlon was a third place �inish in the 20-24 years old division of the 2017 Aboitiz Triathlon in Pico De Loro, Batangas, on September 2, 2017.

His other notable endurance race �inishes include toping the overall men's division of the 1st Pasig City Duathlon Challenge 2017 in Caniogan, Pasig City on August 26,

2017, �irst place overall (men's and age group) in the Biathle 2017 at the Army Gym in Taguig on September 9, 2017, �irst place in the men's division and fastest time in the standard distance of the Animo Aquathlon at the De La Salle Santiago-Zobel, Alabang Village on December 9, 2017, �irst place in the 1929 age group category of the 2nd Baguio Aquathlon at the Baguio Athletic Bowl, Baguio City on December 30, 2017, fourth place in the 10K division of the 2018 Sun Life Resolution Run and �irst placer in the 18-24 category and second place overall in the 2nd Pasig City Duathlon 2018.

Aside from competing, Aldeguer also works at SRI as a Brand Coordinator of Brooks Running.

"Working has been a challenge for me as an athlete because it takes up so much time from me," he said as he vowed to give his best effort in Sunday's race.

Besides Aeon Luxe Properties and Green Windows Dormitel, Aldeguer is also backed up by Brooks Running, GU, TYR, Saltstick, Drymax, Fitletic, Inside Track Athletics, and Pace.