Edge Davao Vol 12 Issue 16 | Sunday-Monday, March 31-April 1, 2019

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SPORTS ANGELS BEHIND THE P11 TRIATHLON RAILS

NO TO SINGLE-USE PLASTICS. A young boy tosses a plastic bottle into a designated bin for plastic bottles and plastic caps placed by the city government of Davao at Rizal Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City over the weekend.

The city government of Davao is initiating an effort to recycle trash and mulling to ban single-use plastics to protect the environment. Lean Daval Jr

SINGLED OUT? Actor to gov’t: Make narco list of other professionals too TRUE COLORS: A CLOSER LOOK AT POLL ‘HOTSPOTS’ ► BIGGER PICTURE P8

A roadtrip of great memories from the ‘90s ANG HULING EL BIMBO ► INDULGE A1

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eteran actor Rez Cortes on Thursday called on the authorities to come up with and release drug lists on other professionals and not only showbiz personalities.

“Why single us out? If they insist on releasing the names of the showbiz personalities, they might as well release the names of other professionals like doctors, dentist, teachers, (and) judges (who are) also on their drug watchlist,” Cortes said.

Cortes was reacting to the threat of authorities to release the names of movie and television actors and actresses allegedly into drugs.

He said it would be unfair as it could destroy the image and reputation of the person.

“We are not politicians, we were not voted (in) by the people, and we are not public servants,” said Cortes, a Bicolano actor and former president of the Movie Actors Guild.

Cortes was the keynote speaker at the launching of the Bicol Film Festival, where in-

dividuals, �ilmmakers, and �ilm enthusiast in Bicol can submit entries for the 2019 Bicol Film Fest set on July 28 this year.

Asked how many movie personalities are into drugs, Cortes said two years ago, then Philippine National Police chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa gave him a list containing 57 names of actors and actresses who are allegedly drug users or peddling drugs.

In defending members of the movie industry, Cortes said most of the actors and actresses

SINGLED, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2019

INAUGURATION OF BARMM. President Rodrigo Duterte sounds the agung to signal the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during a ceremony at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City on Friday night. Joining the President is BARMM Interim Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Pro-Duterte blogger denies organizing FB pages, accounts

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social media manager supposedly for President Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 elections has denied organized a network of 200 pages and accounts linked to “misleading behavior.”

According to a report, blogger Nic Gabunada denied Facebook’s allegation after the social media giant announced on Friday that it has taken down the hundreds of pages and accounts.

Gabunanda said that he was a member of the groups that Facebook had closed because he was a part of Duterte’s election campaign three years ago.

He denied organizing the network as well as deceiving the public.

Gabunanda said he didn’t spread disinformation and fake news.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte had nothing to do with those accounts.

Nathaniel Gleicher,

Facebook’s head of Cybersecurity Policy, announced in a press conference earlier Friday that they took down 67 pages, 68 accounts, 40 groups and 25 Instagram accounts associated with public relations man Nic Gabunada due to “misleading behavior.”

Gleicher said the people behind the activity “attempt to conceal their identities and make them look like they’re independent but in fact our investigation could con�irm that this was a cluster of coordinated behavior” that has links to a network supposedly organized by Gabunada.

“What we saw is this cluster of these pages, groups and accounts, a combination of authentic and fake accounts that were basically being used to drive messaging on behalf and related to political candidates,” the Facebook executive said.

He also said these fake accounts usually post can-

PRO, P9

P2.5-B WTE project in Davao to start in Q3

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV

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he national government will start the construction of the waste-to-energy (WTE) project worth P2.5 billion in a 10-hectare property acquired by the City Government of Davao in Biao Escuela, Tugbok District by the third quarter this year, Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag said on Friday.

Speaking during the Mindanao Business Forum at the Seda Abreeza Hotel here, Al-ag said the WTE project, which will be implemented through a grant from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), would be the city government’s “long-term solution” to address the solid waste problem.

He said the city government, the bene�iciary of the WTE project of the na-

tional government, signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Finance last Tuesday for the funding of the project.

Al-ag added that the city government was veering away from the “land�ill approach” in favor of the WTE technology to solve the solid waste problem in the city.

He said the nine-yearold seven-hectare sanitary land�ill, located in New Car-

men, Tugbok, has nearly reached its maximum capacity.

The local government had set aside P50 million to extend its lifespan to another �ive years, but it could not be usable beyond 2024, according to the vice mayor.

Asked about the concerns of the environmentalists on the possible health and environmental risks of the WTE project, Al-ag said that they would push through with the project for as long it does not violate the provisions of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000, and that they operate within the bounds of the RA 8749 or

mer rebels, especially from the areas where there are threats from their former comrades.

He said this will also show to the government that they have abandoned the armed struggle to be productive members of society.

Unad said the IPs, especially the former rebels, now rely on the govern-

ment to protect them and provide them with livelihood as they struggle for peace and development.

He said 85 to 90 percent of the IP communities, which had been affected by the communist insurgency, are contributing to the peace efforts in the region.

He, however, pointed out that these communities are still vulnerable to NPA

threats if they are not protected.

He noted that the IP communities are in the hinterlands, which are still NPA lairs and where the insurgents are free to move around.

“Panawagan sab ni sa mga opisyal sa army nga palig-onon ang pag-protekta kanila kay hadlok gihapon sila sa mga armado

the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.

He said Davao’s sister city in Japan since 2018, Kitakyushu, would provide the technical support in the construction of the WTE, which will be completed in three to four years.

In a statement, No Burn Pilipinas, a coalition of environmental advocates in the Philippines, opposed the construction of the WTE project, claiming that there are “documented failures of WTE from economic and investment perspectives and these are mostly from advanced and rich countries such as UK, Germany, and Australia.”

The coalition said

ilabi kadtong wala pa nagbaba (This is a call to the of�icials of the military to strengthen the security and protection of the IP communities because the people still fear of the armed group especially those who are have not surrendered yet),” Unad said.

If there is no government protection, Unad said

2.5-B, P9

Groups call on government for protection vs NPA atrocities

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round 500 members of the indigenous peoples (IPs) community, former communist rebels and peace advocates held simultaneous rally across Davao region, calling for protection from New People's Army (NPA) atrocities.

The IPs, led by their tribal chieftains from Paquibato, Marilog, Bagu-

io and Calinan Districts in Davao City, and Talaingod, Davao del Norte, joined the activity still fearful of their security as they continue to receive threats from communist insurgents.

In an interview, Datu Joel Unad, the chairman of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders, said the rally aims to consolidate and organize for-

GROUPS, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

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4 NEWS

VOL.12 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2019

No complaint at start of local campaign: Comelec

T RETURN TO THE FOLD OF THE LAW. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio talks to a commander and a vice commander of New People’s Army’s (NPA’s) Pulang Bagani Command 2 who surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Battalion during

a presentation in time for the Change of Command Ceremony of 1003rd Infantry Brigade at Purok 9, Barangay Mahayag, Bunawan District Davao City on Thursday.

CONTRIBUTED

he Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Friday it has yet to receive any complaint at the start of the campaign period for local candidates on Friday.

“It's a positive feedback in the sense that we haven't received complaint of congested streets. No one is complaining about the early morning campaigning activity. We always remind them of those things,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez in an interview.

“Again, it’s still just the �irst day and let’s face it, they’ve been campaigning since they �iled their Certi�icates of Candidacy. So we don't expect that there is a substantial difference between now and then,” he added.

Jimenez said many candidates have used social media to campaign.

“If at all the biggest noticeable difference is that there are more of those who post pictures on their Facebook account to campaign,” Jimenez said.

At the same time, Jimenez reminded local aspirants to supervise their supporters since tension usually happens at the local level.

“We would like to ask our candidates to exercise strict control over their supporters so that they won’t be too rowdy,” he said.

“As everyone knows, local elections are a little more volatile, more hard-fought than national level contests because of the proximity of the contending parties,” Jimenez added. (PNA)

PRRD to Moros: Correct External company to audit EU funds allegedly funneled to CPP-NPA historical injustice

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resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday, March 29, urged the Moros to take advantage of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to ‘correct’ the historical injustices in the region.

During the inauguration of BARMM, President Duterte said that the new autonomous entity would address the injustices of the past and plot the course towards a more promising future for Mindanao and the rest of the country.

“Our victory in this plebiscite is proof of our determination to bring about genuine peace and development in Muslim Mindanao through a responsive

government that truly re�lects the identity of its people,” he said.

The Chief Executive added that the momentous event would bring the country a step closer to the realization of the decades-old dream of a peaceful region under the new Bangsamoro government that serves Muslims, Christians, Lumads, other indigenous peoples, and all Filipinos who also call Mindanao their home.

“We entrust this responsibility to the distinguished members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority under the able leadership and through the vision of Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim,” he said.

The President expressed his optimism that the new Bangsamoro regional government would not only live up to the aspirations and principles embodied in past peace agreements with different Moro fronts, but also promote good governance, transparency, accountability, and inclusive political empow-

erment.

President Duterte also told the BangsamoroTransition Authority that “the power to chart the region is now in your hands” and that he “trusts that you will wield the power with utmost care.”

“As we enter the transition period, I ask everyone to work towards building lasting peace and inclusive progress that will bene�it all Mindanaoans and the entire country as well,” he said.

The President also thanked the stakeholders who courageously played their respective roles in the success of the plebiscite. PND

T

he European Union (EU) on Friday said an external company would be auditing EU's grants to non-government organizations (NGOs) in the Philippines that were allegedly funneled to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

Last Thursday, the Philippine government submitted documents and pieces of evidence to EU Programme Manager on Governance Louis Dey and Belgian Ambassador Michel Gof�in, asking the two parties to "immediately cease" the release of funds.

"The EU now will verify and evaluate these doc-

uments. A �inancial audit by an external company is due to be conducted in April," the EU Delegation in Manila said in a statement.

The bloc underscored that CPP and the NPA are recognized by the EU as terrorist groups, which means that no asset can be held in EU by these organizations.

The EU has yet to verify the allegations as it noted that the NGO concerned is registered and continues to operate legally in the Philippines.

"Should the allegations be established, the EU immediately would take full legal action," it said.

EXTERNAL, P9

Cops arrest NorCot town mayor Russian-made vehicles eyed for Davao’s transport sector for possession of ammunition

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town mayor in North Cotabato was arrested for possession of ammunition after police raided his home Friday.

Mayor Egidio “Ekis” Cadungon of Antipas, North Cotabato cried “political harassment” after personnel of Police Regional Of�ice 12 (Soccsksargen) raided his house in Barangay Poblacion before dawn.

The police of�icers were armed with search warrant against Cadungon for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition).

The raiding team seized one bullet for 9 mm pistol and another

piece for .38 caliber revolver during the conduct of the search.

Police had earlier raided his home in Matalam, North Cotabato, and later his home in Barangay Poblacion.

In a text message to reporters, Cadungon said the charges against him were all fabricated and that he considers the raid as political harassment.

Cadungon is seeking reelection as mayor of Antipas in the May 13 polls.

Police Capt. Bernard Abarquez, Antipas town police chief, said the raid was carried out by law enforcers of Soccsksargen and that the local police only extended as-

COPS, P9

T

he Philippine distributors of Ru s s i a n - m a d e commercial vehicles is eyeing the vibrant transport sector of Davao as its market.

Gazelle Motors Corporation, which distributes Gazelle trucks and commercial vehicles is considering to market its Citiline vans to transport cooperatives in the region.

The vans, which are intended for those wanting to upgrade their public utility vehicle �leet in accordance to the PUV modernization law are 22-seater vehicles which are spacious, air-conditioned and is

equipped with handrails, close-circuit television cameras and have Cummins Euro 4 compliant diesel engines.

Under the company’s Asenso program, transport cooperatives can get the Citiline vehicles at a low downpayment prices with terms of �ive to seven years in Land Bank and Development Bank of the Philippines loan windows.

Gazelle Motors Corporation CEO Fernando L. Martinez says they will be talking with Davao City local government of�icials regarding Citiline PUV in line with the City’s

preferred High Priority Bus System where the city is looking at a bus system to replace the PUVs in plying the city’s routes.

Martinez said the Citiline PUVs can be marketed to routes which are not covered by the HPBS. “Our vehicles are perfect for the narrow streets, where the buses have dif�iculty going,” Martinez said.

He said the Citiline vehicles are already plying in Cebu and in Cagayan de Oro, they currently have orders of 600 units for this year.

The company was in Davao City for the

Mindanao Transportation Cooperative Congress held March 20-21 in SMX. The company a subsidiary of Eastern Petroleum Group displayed its Gazelle vehicles.

The Russian made vehicles was born out of President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit in Moscow where Filipino businessmen like Martinez were able to enter business deals with Russian businesses, one of these is GAZ or Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod an automobile manufacturer in the city of Nizhny Novrogod, Russia. (PIA-XI Dabawenews- RG Alama)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2019

GSIS execs update members, pensioners on key programs

“W

e are here to bring our services closer to our members and pensioners.”

This was the statement of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Jesus Clint Aranas before a crowd of more than 200 attendees including members, pensioners and heads of teachers and retirees’ organizations.

Aranas said that the GSIS Board and Management will hold more and frequent dialogues with stakeholders “to personally listen to their issues and concerns, which can serve as inputs for enhancing programs and improving service delivery.”

Since 2017, GSIS has implemented several programs to ensure greater sustainability of the fund. These include the restoration of the Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation (APIR), the GSIS Financial Assistance Loan program (GFAL), the Program for Restructuring and Repayment of Debts (PRRD) for inactive members, and a condonation program for housing.

“Collectively, these programs aim to plug pension overpayments, re-�inance the loans of active members with private lending institutions through lower interest rate and longer repayment terms, and provide a mechanism for members, including those

who are already retired, to settle their outstanding loan obligations through penalty condonation,” Aranas said.

He explained that “as administrators of our members’ savings, we are duty-bound to ensure that GSIS funds are healthy so that the present and the future generations of our members, can receive their bene�its, as and when they fall due.”

The pension fund chief urged members with outstanding loans to take advantage of these programs. “When you retire, you will receive your bene�it in full, and truly enjoy your retirement.”

PGM Aranas underscored that GSIS is reaching out to members to help settle their loans, particularly those with private lending institutions.

“Through GFAL, you can borrow up to half a million pesos at 6% interest rate and repayment period of six years.

This will help ease your burden in paying your loans, and because of lower rate, your net income will be bigger.”

GFAL was recently expanded to cover nonDepEd personnel recognizing that all members should enjoy the same privileges from GSIS for the sake of equality and fairness.

“The same loan privilege should also be offered to the remaining 49% of our members across the country,” Aranas said.

DAVAO’S NEW LANDMARK. Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) president and chief executive officer and YHEST Realty and Development Corp. chair Jose Soberano III (2nd from left), CLI executive vice president and chief operating officer and YHEST Realty and Development Corp. director Jose Franco Soberano (leftmost), YHEST Realty and Development Corp. president Frederick Yuson (2nd from right)

BSP forecasts March 2019 inflation between 3.1-3.9%

H

igher oil prices and power rates are seen as upside risks to the country’s March 2019 in�lation rate, which the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) forecasts to stay between 3.1 and 3.9 percent.

The lower end of the projected range is way below the 3.8 percent rate of price increases in the country last February.

In a statement Friday, the BSP said its Department of

Economic Research (DER) considers the lower prices of rice on account of arrival of rice imports, and other agricultural products as factors that would help offset the impact of elevated oil and

electricity prices.

“Going forward, the BSP will continue to closely monitor evolving in�lation dynamics and ensure that the monetary policy stance remains appropriate to support BSP’s price stability objectives,” it added.

Domestic in�lation rate returned to within-target level last February, but average to date is at 4.1 percent, still

above the two to four-percent target band until 2022.

BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB), during its rate setting meeting last March 21, reduced the average in�lation forecast to three percent from the 3.1 percent set the previous month.

The 2019 average in�lation forecast remained at three percent. (PNA)

he Philippines has never defaulted on its loan payments so there is nothing to worry about even if the government continues to borrow to �inance its infrastructure program, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Friday.

“First of all, the Philippines has never defaulted in any of its loans. (The) Philippines has not done it. Even in the worst time.

And the worst time is right after Marcos when the Philippines had no money.

We never defaulted on our loans,” he told journalists in an interview.

Dominguez said the government even paid USD2.2 billion for a loan extended to a power plant project of the Marcos government that was never used.

He was referring to the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which was programmed to be the country’s source of nuclear energy.

Dominguez also countered allegations that the

Philippines will fall into a debt trap due to the amount it needs to fund projects under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

The Duterte administration has identi�ied 75 priority projects under its infrastructure program and it targets to spend at least PHP1 trillion annually for its infrastructure investments.

Dominguez also decried claims by some government critics that the

mended a temporary ban on palm oil importation from Indonesia and Malaysia, citing �igures which indicate dumping of the commodity which led to the collapse of local coconut prices.

Under the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), member-countries could initiate measures to safeguard its farmers affected by the dumping of excess commodities from other countries.

Importation data gathered by the DA showed that exports of palm oil to

the Philippines by both Indonesia and Malaysia have increased by 100 percent over the last three years.

Since palm oil is cheaper than coconut oil, the former's increase in the commodity exports was cited one of the reasons behind the collapse of copra prices.

During yesterday's meeting, Piñol said, it was agreed that the technical working group will draft recommendations on the rationalization of palm oil exports to the Philippines.

Piñol said he proposed

PH never defaults on its foreign loans: DOF sec

NEDA: El Niño has small impact on inflation, economic growth T O f�icials of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Friday downplayed the in�lationary and economic impacts of weak El Niño as the government implements a roadmap to address the effects of the prolonged dry spell.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Ernesto Pernia said economic managers are maintaining the government’s in�lation target range of 2 to 4 percent for the year despite the El Niño.

“I think we can be con�ident that we can stay within the target range of two to four percent… Maybe if there will be some impact on in�lation, then it will still be below four percent,” he said in a press brie�ing.

Pernia pointed out that the implementation of the rice tarif�ication law is “really very timely” in mitigating its impact.

“The thing about in�lation is that rice is a problem when there is a domestic shortage

and if there is a problem in the timing of import. This time, the timing of imports will be right on the dot because importers are adept at responding to the perceptible shortages. They are better at estimating when it is pro�itable and when it is not,” he said.

The NEDA chief estimated the agriculture sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) at 8 to 9 percent in gross value added (GVA).

Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, NEDA Assistant Secretary for Planning and Policy, noted the contribution of the agriculture sector to the economy is “small” compared with industry and service sectors.

“So overall, it might not be that substantial,” he said, referring to the possible economic impact of El Niño phenomenon estimated at -0.2 percentage points.

Abad Santos said the 6 to 7-percent GDP revised target of the Development Budget Coordinating Committee

and YHEST Realty and Development Corp. corporate secretary Jason Huang lead the unveiling of the perpective of Phase 1 of the P33-billion Davao Global Township (DGT) located in MacArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City during a media launch and news conference held at Park Inn by Radisson Davao on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr

(DBCC) for this year already assumed a weak El Niño.

“However, depending on the response that we have, with these response in terms of mitigation, that might be even less of a negative impact,” he added.

NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Adoracion Navarro said based on reports to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), total damage brought by the weak El Niño to agriculture reached PHP2.68 billion as of March 27 this year.

Citing the outlook of weather bureau PAGASA, Navarro said the number of areas with potential for dry condition, dry spell and drought from April 2019 to June 2019 are expected to reach 98.

Navarro said the inter-agency El Niño Task Force (ENTF) led by NEDA has been reactivated to revisit the Roadmap for Addressing the Impact of El Niño

NEDA, P9

PH, P9

PH, Indo, Malaysia agree to address palm oil issue

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he Philippines and its ASEAN-neighbors-Malaysia and Indonesia-- have agreed to form a tri-partite technical working group to address the smuggling and dumping of palm oil into the country to the detriment of local coconut farmers.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel "Manny" Piñol said the agreement was reached on Thursday following a call

by Malaysian and Indonesian government representatives on him.

The DA earlier recom-

PH, P9

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2019

Figures that speak

President Rodrigo Duterte is 74 years old last Thursday. But there are �igures other than 74 that are more signi�icant.

The �igures that will likely be more relevant are the cumulative survey results of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) net satisfaction ratings of the national administrations from February 1989, when surveys became a political meter, to December 2018. That is practically covering the post-EDSA or postMarcos era.

Overall, it shows that President Rodrigo Duterte accumulated the highest satisfaction rating since the time of President Corazon Aquino. The surveys indicate President Duterte’s administration general performance got the highest +70 rating, posted on December 2017, which makes his administration the only one with an “excellent” rating.

Further, the Duterte administration’s average surveys +62 rating from September 2016 to December 2018 is the highest among six administrations rated by SWS as the only administration with “very good” average rating so far.

How do the other administrations rated? President Benigno Aquino, +45

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle KENNETH IRVING K. ONG MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. JAN MIKKO CANARIAS CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

DR. MAURO L. PUYOD LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Cartoonist Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO• DENNIS “GICO” R. G.GORECHO DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ MUJAHID NAVARRA • HAROLD CAVITE

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

rated by SWS as “good”; Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, -2 “neutral”; Joseph Estrada, +15 “moderate”; Fidel Ramos, +13 “moderate”; and Corazon Aquino, 5 “neutral.”

By comparison, PRRD’s lowest +50 posted on September 2018 was still within the “very good” rating bracket.

Here is the parameters of the survey: Helping the poor, �ighting in�lation, ensuring that no family will ever be hungry and have nothing to eat, foreign relations, ful�illing commitments in international treaties, eradicating graft and corruption in government, defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, building and maintenance of public works like roads and bridges, protection of human rights, promoting women’s rights, deciding quickly on important problems of the country, transparency in providing information about government activities, �ighting crimes that victimize ordinary citizens, like killings, holdups, robberies, and physical violence, as well as �ighting terrorism, reconciliation with Muslim rebels, and reconciliation with communist rebels.

These �igures speak for themselves—74 for his age, plus 70 for his performance.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

GENERALDE SANTOS MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN OROCITY MARKETING OFFICE MARKETING OFFICE LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager RICHARD C. EBONA EDMUND D. RENDON Product Development officer Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City General Santos Cagayan de Oro CityCity (Smart) 09382022120 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe) Tel: Mobile: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DEBUNKING LAPU-LAPU’S MACHO IMAGE For centuries, Cebuano hero Lapu-lapu, in the minds of artists and in the absence of a primary report that accurately describes him, has always been depicted as a hunk, a warrior that is more cinematic in physique than was observed by the Spanish invaders in 1521.

‘Legends of India’ (185866) author Gaspar Correa (1492-1563), an eminent Portuguese historian who interviewed survivors of the Magellan expedition, described Lapu-lapu in his tongue as ‘veljo,’ the equivalent of ‘viejo’ in the Spanish language, or ‘old’ in English.

As to how old, Filipino historian Danilo Madrid Gerona, in his ‘Ferdinand Magellan: The Armada de Maluco and the European Discovery of the Philippines,’ (2016) provided the hint: “In the eyes of the European, a person was of�icially or legally classi�ied as viejo when one reached the age sixty. In fact, when the Spaniards introduced the system of encomienda, exemptions from certain colonial obligations were given to the reservados, people who were sixty years or above.”

In Gerona’s hunch, Lapulapu, brother-in-law of King

Humabon whose principal wife was the hero’s sister, was “probably about seventy” when the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines. Lapu-lapu, also dubbed as the king of Mactan, was the brother-in-law of Sula, a rival chieftain who married the former’s sister.

At the time, the whole of Visayas, an enclave of many chieftaincies, was known in historical records as the island of tattooed people, Islas de los Pintados, with Lapu-lapu being no exception.

Tattooing, as a body modi�ication, requires “inserting ink, dyes and pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin” and loses its attraction as creases, due to old age, start to show in many parts of the body. The older the human canvass develops, the sagging of the skin becomes prominent, in a way providing clues to the wearer’s age.

Who is Lapu-lapu? Where does his name originate?

Gerona, drawing from folk tradition, identi�ied Lapulapu as the son of Mangal and his wife Matang Mantaunas, also known as Bauga. He had a spouse named Bulakna, the daughter of the chieftain of Olango island, and a son, Sawili.

Other oral accounts, though, claim the Visayan hero had, in fact, sired many children. Given his status as a ruler, it was not remotely possible that he slept with numerous women during his reign.

Contrary to popular belief that Lapu-lapu is a takeoff from the popular �ish with the same name, the Mentrida’s Dictionary, a colonial-era lexicon, suggests that the appellation could have come from laposlapos, “to penetrate from one part to the other with sword, lance, etc.,” referentially in relation to the water channels he had to negotiate and cross in reaching his inner �iefdom, especially in relation to his conduct of piratical activities.

Intricately adorned with tattoos on his body, Lapu-lapu was an expert in martial arts.

Spanish historian Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés (August 1478–1557), getting his �irst-hand information from the survivors of the Magellan expedition, wrote that the Visayan chieftain, as “king or chieftain [was] so much esteemed for being an excellent man in the art of war, and very powerful than all the rest of the residents.”

Lapu-lapu’s current depiction as a macho man, a

person with rippling muscles and prominent biceps, is an offshoot of the delusion that the leader of a �ighting pack should display unusual bodybuilt. But the most important in�luence that led to the creation of Lapu-lapu as a muscleman is the depiction the movies introduce in portraying Spartan-like warriors.

Gerona makes his own take on the modern depiction of Lapu-lapu: “The chieftain’s fame as an agile warrior in his younger days could have earned for him this sobriquet, a physical quality attributed by the few surviving oral accounts and legends. If was probably because of this quality drawn from the meaning of his name that Lapu-lapu’s distinctive physical features as a young man, �ierce and muscular warrior was immortalized in history, carved in monuments and depicted in numerous paintings. But in the absence of any known historical document from which this national imagination of Lapu-lapu was made, it is theoretically imperative to raise questions about this folk hero.”

While Lapu-lapu did not physically lead the contingent that met Ferdinand Magel-

lan on the beach of Mactan, his men, known to be experts in arnis, the indigenous rattan-stick �ighting, eventually subdued the foreigners using spears, poisoned arrows, and bamboo cannons. In the end, it was the Portuguese explorer’s arrogance that cost him his life after he set aside the rules of engagement of the expedition, i.e., to convert people and use diplomacy in dealing with them!

In the bloody con�lict, Magellan’s young crew lost to the Lapu-lapu �ighters. Gerona wrote that Magellan’s “foolhardiness and overcon�idence in facing an overwhelmingly superior number of enemy (sic) with his small bank of young armed seafarers. But based on the inventory of armaments of the expedition, Magellan apparently envisioned to engage his enemy in a battle where, despite the Mactan warriors’ numerical superiority, the Spaniards had still overwhelming tactical advantage, a long-range positional advantage.”

With Magellan’s group feeling weary and tired from a long journey, the odds were not to their bene�it. The outcome of the battle would validate this disparity.

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

PUTTING DRUG LORDS, CRIME SYNDICATES OUT OF BUSINESS A nation and a people whose moral values are on a decadent slide may take a whole generation to reform.

Mexico and Colombia are two examples we need to cite here. For decades, both countries have been undergoing dif�icult (violent) struggles against crime syndicates and illegal drug cartels which are directly affecting government operations and its bureaucracy. Corruption is already at the core.

The Philippines may not be too far away.

Already even the Chief Executive had to admit that the proliferation of illegal drugs is on the rise even as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency discover and capture huge shipments of cocaine worth billions of pesos in several remote coastlines of the archipelago.

The incumbent administration is continuously �lexing its authoritative muscle against the illegal drugs trade

that grew and spread its menacing tentacles during the previous regime.

Very obviously, the country’s geographical location makes it an ideal transshipment point for drug traf�ickers that are based in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, South America and elsewhere, even Africa.

There is a felt need to strengthen our naval units – the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard – before these brute monsters engulf us completely and place us in their mercy.

But for me, the real key to putting the drug lords and crime syndicates out of business remains on the shoulders of barangay of�icials.

Being the smallest local government unit established by the 1991 Local Government Code, they are the �irst to bump into illegal activities in their respective barangays, thus making them the government’s front liners.

In this manner, the DILG thru the of�ice of the Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Dino should unceasingly mobilize all year-round its barangay anti-drug councils nation-wide on a 24/7 roundthe-clock basis.

The strict vigilance and incorruptibility of barangay of�icials, in close coordination with the PNP, PDEA and AFP, will discourage illegal drug traf�ickers from plying their trade in their areas.

Today, criminals and syndicate members are no longer willing to peacefully surrender even when trapped. If they cannot escape, they shoot it out with the pursuing policemen and law enforcers.

I am just wondering why barangay of�icials generally claim they know nothing of illegal drug activities in their small jurisdiction.

Even mayors make that claim when confronted with the issue. They know nothing.

Sorry if I use a strong word

like plain “bullshit.”

The DILG should put all barangay chairmen and their councils on their toes. Most of these of�icials – especially in the urban areas and metropolitan centers – are bene�itting from businesses, mostly from sidewalk vendors who illegally occupy sidewalks that belong to the pedestrians.

Tell me if this isn’t true?

Pres. Duterte is like a lone voice shouting in the wilderness. One day, he will �ind his voice hoarse because nobody is listening.

Maybe RevGov is the answer?

His threat to abolish Congress and establish a revolutionary government should there be a failure in the midterm polls should not be taken lightly.

The Comelec has been deceiving the nation and the Filipino voters for so many years.

The President could only endure so much. How do we know his patience is not run-

ning thin?

Even God, in His in�inite wisdom and grace, could not endure the sinful and immoral ways of His people.

He burned Sodom and Gomorrah.

Before that, the Great Deluge came and destroyed all humanity, including all plant life - save for Noah and his family.

Pres. Duterte might be running out of options.

He promised to make this country great again – to effectively stomp out corruption, criminality and the illegal proliferation of drugs.

No doubt, he has the political will.

He has the popular support of the people, too.

Watch out for the time draws near. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the �lesh, but according to the Spirit.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2019

BIGGER PICTURE

True colors: A closer look at poll 'hotspots' I

t is that time again when Filipinos choose their next leaders. In the Philippines, the election season, which happens every three years, spells a festive mood as candidates spare no effort to woo voters. It is also, however, a season marred by unrest and violence.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other government agencies work together to ensure safe and peaceful elections.

Among the preparations for the polls undertaken by the poll body is to determine the intensity of election-related violence in a certain area of the country.

Hotspot categories

For the 2019 polls, the Comelec used a color coding in classifying election hotspots. These are Category Green, Category

Yellow, Category Orange and Category Red. Category Green refers to areas that do not have security concerns and are generally peaceful and orderly, while Category Yellow are areas of concern, which means that these have a history of election-related incidents in the last two elections and intense political rivalry, and these had been previously declared under Comeleccontrol.

Category Orange, meanwhile, means areas of immediate concern where there is serious armed threat posed by the New People’s Army (NPA), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and other lawless elements; while Category Red means areas of grave concern, which exhibit combined factors under the Yellow and Orange categories that it may warrant the motu proprio (on its own) declaration of Comelec control.

EDGE DAVAO

Over 900 hotspots for May 2019 polls The number of election hotspots in the country is now at 941, higher than the 701 recorded in February.

This came after the poll body declared the whole island of Mindanao, the entire province of Abra and the towns of Jones in Isabela and Lope de Vega in Northern Samar under Category Red. “So we’ve seen an increase in the number of election hotspots. It is tracked from the declaration of martial law in Mindanao because of the unrest. Unrest is one of the factors in declaring an area as a hot spot," said Comelecspokesperson James Jimenez in an earlier interview.

The decision to declare the four areas as election hotspots was based on the suspected poll-related violent events in two previous electoral exercises, as well other threats from insurgent

groups.

The entire island of Mindanao is under Martial Law until December 31, 2019, nearly two years after the Marawisiege.

According to PNP data, a total of 223 places have been identi�ied areas of concern (yellow category), 382 areas of immediate concern (orange category), 94 areas of grave concern (red category).

Of the 94 areas of grave concern, 27 are in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 19 in the Bicol region, seven each in Calabarzon and Western Mindanao, six each in Mimaropaand Western Visayas, �ive in Northern Mindanao, four each in Soccsksargen and

NOW HIRING!!!

3 REPORTERS

Kindly address application letter ASAP to

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511

For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

SP. PROC. CASE NO. R-DVO-19-01091-SP FOR: CANCELLATION AND CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY

OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY AND ALL PERSONS OF HAVE OR CLAIM ANY INTEREST OVER THE CASE,

Respondents.

X------------------------------------------------/ ORDER Petitioner in their verified petition prays of this Honorable Court that after due notice and hearing, an Order be issued, directing the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City to cancel the entries sought for and correct the same with further prayer to fill in the entries sought for in the Birth Certificate of the petitioner as follows:

a) b) c) d) e)

The first word “ELIA” of the petitioner’s name in her Birth Certificate be cancelled and accordingly be corrected to ELLA; The family name in the Birth Certificate of petitioner i.e. “MECHADO” be cancelled and accordingly be corrected to MACHADO; The family name of petitioner’s mother i.e. “MECHADO” be cancelled and accordingly be corrected to SALANGO; The occupation of the mother of petitioner i.e. “HOUSEKEEPER” be cancelled and accordingly be corrected to GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE; The details for the father of the petitioner in her Birth Certificate be filled in with the following entries: FIRST NAME: FERDALIN MIDDLE NAME: BORCI LAST NAME: MACHADO CITIZENSHIP: FILIPINO RELIGION: CATHOLIC OCCUPATION: POLICE OFFICER

Finding the said petition to be sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby ordered that said petition be set for hearing on June 27, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning, at which date, time and, place, all persons who are interested may appear and show cause, if any, why the said petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published in a newspapers of general circulation at least once a week for three (3) consecutive issued at the expense of the petitioner. annexes.

Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General a copy of this petition together with

The Local Civil Registrar, Davao City, and the Assistant City Prosecutor are cited to appear on said date of hearing, in order to show cause, if any, why said petition should not be granted.

Comelec control

Under the law, the poll body may place any political subdivision under its immediate and direct control and supervision if, among other things, there is a history of - or current - intense political rivalry among contending parties, as such rivalries could motivate people to engage in violent acts.

“It's actually possible that if your are under Category Red, you can declare Comelec control without undergoing a tedious process like getting feedback from the locals or from the AFP or PNP. The declaration of Category Red itself means it can possibly be under Comelec control," Jimenez said.

Once an area is placed under Comelec Control, the poll body will immediately take control over all national and local of�ices in the affect-

R-DVO-19-00336-SP IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN DIVORCE DECREE,

Voting process

Jimenez noted that voters in areas of concern will be casting their votes in the same way as voters in areas not under the control of the poll body.

“There is no difference as far as voting process is concerned. It does not mean that an area under Comeleccontrol means the elections will be supervised by the military. It’s still the same.

Teachers will serve as Board of Election Inspectors (BEI),” he said.

The poll body of�icial, however, said the Comelec is keeping a close watch on law enforcement personnel in areas declared under its control.

“In the context of the actual voting procedure, it only means the Comelec is more focused on the movement of the police and the military.

They cannot act without our approval,” Jimenez added. (PNA)

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, - versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17.187-19

SEYCHELLE QUILAB ALAGNA, Petitioner, - versus -

NORMA E. PEREZ, married to BIENVENIDO PEREZ, Mortgagor/s.

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, Respondents.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X ORDER The petitioner through counsel filed this verified amended petition seeking an order from this Court, that after due notice, publication and hearing, to direct the Local Civil Registrar to render judgment recognizing the divorce legally obtained by respondent against petitioner; and that the Marriage Contract be cancelled from the Books of Marriages of respondent City Civil Registrar of Davao City up to the Philippine Statistics Authority, upon payment of the required fees.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course and set for hearing on AUGUST 12, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning, at which date and time, any interested party may appear and show cause, if any, why the said petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, as determined by raffle in accordance with law.

Petitioner is directed to submit the Judicial Affidavits of his witnesses five (5) days before the scheduled hearing. The Branch Clerk of Court is hereby commissioned to hear and receive the evidence of the parties.

Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and the City Legal Office of Davao City with a copy of this Order and each with a copy of the Petition, who may oppose the same within fifteen (15) days from notice hereof.

SO ORDERED.

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee against the mortgagors/s Norma E. Perez, married to Bienvenido Perez, with postal address at Lot 3-A-3, #131 Hacienda Heights Subdivision, Sasa, Davao City, the indebtedness of the mortgagors as of March 1, 2019 amounts to One Million One Hundred Forty One Thousand Three Hundred Sixty One Pesos & 02/100 (P1,141,361.02) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on May 2, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-128146 “A parcel of land (Lot 3-A-3-31, Psd-11-019290, being a portion of Lot 3-A-3, Psd-11-018883), situated in the Barrio of Sasa, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR (164) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.” time and date.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on May 30, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, March 25, 2019.

Davao City, Philippines, February 18, 2019.

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

(sgd.) RETRINA E. FUENTES Presiding Judge

SO ORDERED. Davao City, Philippines, March 14, 2019.

(sgd.) JAY C. ESPERANZA Sheriff IV (sgd.) EMMANUEL C. CARPIO Presiding Judge

Apr. 1, 8 &. 15, 2019

ed place.

Also, the Comelec exercises full control and supervision over all national and local law enforcement agencies, as well as military of�icers and men, assigned or deployed in that area.

The poll body has placed the municipality of Daraga, Albay and the City of Cotabato have been placed under the control of the poll body last January 15. The order is effective until the end of the election period.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURTSHERIFF Davao City

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 10 Davao City

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 16 Davao City

ELLA MAE SALANGO MACHADO,

the Cordillera region, three in Eastern Visayas, two each in Central Luzon and Davao region and one each in Caraga and Cagayan Valley.

Regions without areas of grave concern include Ilocos, National Capital Region (NCR) and Central Visayas.

In the NCR, �ive areas -- Manila, Caloocan, Pasay, Mandaluyong, and Malabon – have been classi�ied as areas of concern.

The Election Period for the May 13, 2019 NLE started on January 13 and will run until June 12.

Apr. 1, 8 &. 15, 2019

Apr. 1, 8 &. 15, 2019

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

A ROADTRIP OF GREAT MEMORIES FROM THE ‘90S

ANG HULING EL BIMBO FOR MANY OF US, college is the time when you finally find out who you are. It is the time that defines your character and is the time when ones dreams and goals are moulded.

I spent most of my college days in the mid-90’s shuffling around the various buildings of University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. The “State U” experience was truly a life-changing experience especially for a teenager coming from Durianburg. The neverending design plates, to college crushes and the ever-dreaded ROTC weekends, everything in UP, the good and the bad moulded me into the person I am today.

So imagine how excited I felt last year when I learned that a musical was finally created inspired by the songs of The Eraserheads, the Philippine’s most iconic Pinoy rock band, at Resorts World Manila. Unfortunately, the run ended and I was not able to catch it.

Last Thursday, thanks to Resorts World Manila, I was able to finally catch the second run of “Ang Huling El Bimbo” which returned to the Newport Performing Arts Theater and I can say that it was a literal rollercoaster of nostalgia, and emotions from the moment the first note was sung.

High fives. (L-R) Nicco Manalo, Reb Atadero and Lance Reblando make a pact in Ang Huling El Bimbo.

Featuring 90’s anthems from the country’s “Fab Four,” the tale of four friends as imagined by playwright Dingdong Novenario and director Dexter Santos literally brought waves of tears and rays of joy as the scenes slowly unfolded.

“The audience response to Ang Huling El Bimbo was very positive to say the least,” said associate director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. All this confirms the keen interest there was in the show,” she added.

The musicals first run last year garnered the most number of citations from Gawad Buhay during the third and fourth quarter of 2018 with a total of 14, and with new cast members, more nominations are expected along the way.

The cast of Resorts World Manila’s Ang Huling El Bimbo perform an ROTC number.

New cast members Myke Salomon, David Ezra, and Rafa Sigioun-Reyna in Resorts World Manila’s Ang Huling El Bimbo.

For the second run, new and more gripping narrative facets complement the produc- which was polished by promition. Fresh cast members Nicco nent dramaturg Floy Quintos Manalo, Lance Reblando, who joins the creative team.

David Ezra, Phi Palmos, Myke Artistic director Michael Salomon, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Williams expressed his praise Gabriella Pangilinan, and to audiences for their continCarla Guevara- Laforteza also ued support not only for Ang join the original cast of Gian Huling El Bimbo but for the Magdangal, Reb Atadero, numerous Filipino producBoo Gabunada, OJ Mariano, tions in performance onstage Bibo Reyes, Jon Santos, Tanya as well. “Productions like Ang Manalang, and Menchu Huling El Bimbo allow the Lauchengco-Yulo. Audiences general Filipino audiences to can expect additional lines recognize theater as a viable and dialogue for more engagoption for their entertaining scenes and tighter repartee ment,” he said. “Our show has between the characters. The found its audience, and the upcoming iteration of the muaudience has found us. It’s a sical also features a fine-tuned mutual discovery and we hope

A new Joy. Gab Pangilinan takes on the young heroine of Resorts World Manila’s Ang Huling El Bimbo. that relationship continues to grow,” he added.

If you have not experienced Ang Huling El Bimbo yet, then I would highly implore you to go and experience a truly beautiful Filipino-made musical that literally brings one back in time and touches the heart.

Ang Huling El Bimbo runs until April 14 with shows every Thursday to Sunday at 8pm, and matinees at 3pm every Saturday and Sunday at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now available at the RWM Box Office and TicketWorld outlets. Download the RWM Mobile App for the complete show schedules.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

Close encounter with an elephant.

Playing fo

THE DAY I ENCOUNTERED

REAL ELEPHANTS

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I WAS still a little kid when I started my fascination with elephants. This happened after I watched those Hollywood movies featuring the “strongest beast of burden.”

So, when I learned that one of the itineraries of our recent tour in Thailand is the Mae Sa Elephant Camp, I was totally excited.

“Elephants have been revered in Thailand for many centuries,” the information notes given to us said.

An elephant giving a massage.

“In Thailand, elephants were important in battle, with kings mounted on elephants fighting the Burmese to defend their country on many occasions. Elephants have also been noted for their intelligence, memory and pleasant nature.”

The elephant camp is located in Chiang Mai, about an hour flight from Bangkok. Called “the rose of the north,” it is well above sea level and lies in a valley ringed by mountains. Its flowers, mountains, temples and colorful festivals have made the city as one of the most popular places among Thais and foreigners.

In Thailand, there is this legend

which said that marriage can be compared to that of an elephant. The husband is considered the front legs that choose the direction while the wife is the back legs, providing the power.

It was on our third day in Chiang Mai when we finally visited the elephant camp. Existing since 1976, it is actually a conservation center for domesticated elephants acquired from across Thailand. The animals were once employed in the logging industry but when heavy machines came, the elephants found themselves “out of jobs” and ended up roaming the streets begging for food.

The camp took them and they again found their self-worth – as artists, entertainers or being themselves.

“Elephant is the largest mammal surviving in the world at present,” the camp’s website said. “Since the ancient time, the elephant was raised by men for many advantages such as a royal vehicle of kings in the wars, or even as worker in the forest.”

The Mae Sa Elephant Camp flanks a rushing river in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush forest canopies.

A mere twenty minutes scenic drive from downtown Chiang Mai, it is home to more than 70 domesticated elephants and their mahouts (trainers). Each day, the elephants undergo a routine of bathing in the river, feeding and performing a string of talent shows.

Sounds very interesting, right?

Elephants using their trunks to pick up logs.

When we arrived, the elephant show had already started. What we missed was the parade of elephants welcoming the audience.

Two elephants were playing football. One elephant threw the ball using his nose while the other elephant at the end tried to intercept it.

Once the ball made it, people watching the show clapped their hands. In response, the elephant knelled one of his feet before the crowd.

After playing, the two elephants exited and three new elephants with their mahouts entered the ground.

This time, the trio exhibited their skills in painting. The mahouts provided each elephant with brush (one brush for each color).

About ten minutes later, the mahouts displayed the painting each elephant had created. I couldn’t believe what I saw: one painted a bunch of flowers while another painted a tree.

I didn’t see the other paint because I was at the other side.

The camp is said to be the only place in the world showing the painting of realistic pictures by elephant

artists. Fifteen y Believe It or Not “The Largest Pa Elephants” to th ter wide and 12by a herd of eigh collaborative pa Wind, Swirling Lanna,” depicts esque rural scen canvas.

After the awe watching elepha thing in a canva entered the scen a mat in the gro The huge anima hout using one o sight to behold b Can elephant Two stands full placed on the ot and his mahout left side facing t while on the rig spectator) stand stand with ballo The man thre it hit the balloon elephant followe

EDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

Andre Paras and Joyce Ching sign anew with GMA Artist Center KAPUSO TV host and actor Andre Paras and Kapuso actress Joyce Ching remain loyal Kapuso after renewing their exclusive contracts with GMA Artist Center last Tuesday, March 19.

Andre is grateful that GMA continues to trust and challenge him as an artist, “Sobrang saya ko sa lahat ng ibinibigay ng GMA. I’m very happy that they are exploring the other talents that I may have, in hosting, comedy and acting. Sobrang thankful ako kasi the Network really trusts me and of course, I trust them with my career. I’ll do everything to continue making people happy. That’s something I’m always proud to be doing.”

The Kapuso heartthrob is a mainstay of the comedy-musical variety program ‘Sunday PinaSaya’ where he showcases his comedy wit. This year, he will also be part of the second season of the toprating singing competition ‘The Clash’ as backstage host alongside Joyce Pring.

He shared what awaits the Kapuso viewers in the upcoming season, “It’s going to be bigger and more exciting. As much as I want to share kung ano pong mangyayari, I can just say that it’s going to be different and it’s something to look forward to.”

football.

years ago, the Ripley’s t of Thailand bestowed ainting by a Group of he camp for its 2.4-me-meter long painting ht elephants. The ainting, entitled “Cold Mist, Charming Chiang Mai’s picturnery in eight panels of

esome experience of ants depicting someas, another elephant ne. The mahout placed ound and lied down. al massaged the maof his feet. It was a but horrifying though. t play dart? Yes, it can. with balloons were ther side. An elephant t were standing on the he stand with balloons ght side was a man (a ding facing the other oons. rew his dart first. Once n, it exploded. The ed; throwing the dart

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 16 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2019

Meanwhile, Joyce Ching also affirmed her loyalty with her home network for 14 years. She feels blessed and happy to renew her ties with GMA, “Masaya ang stay ko with GMA kasi ang dami kong natututunan in terms of sa mga roles na ibinibigay nila sa akin at hindi talaga nila ako pinapabayaan ever since kaya sobrang thankful and grateful talaga ako sa GMA Network for giving me the chance to explore my talents.” she shared.

Currently, Joyce plays the role of Astrid Chua in the Afternoon Prime series Dragon Lady.

GMA Entertainment Group Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable is grateful that Andre and Joyce are continuing their

journey as Kapuso stars.

“We’re very happy that they decided to renew with GMA Network and GMA Artist Center.

We appreciate their loyalty and we also remain loyal to them. Si Joyce, napakagaling umarte. Si Andre naman, he’s developing into a very good host, a comedian and also a dramatic actor. Pareho nating patuloy na iho-hone ang kanilang talents” Present during the contract signings were Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, and GMA Artist Center Senior Talent Manager Vic del Rosario.

UP AND ABOUT

MARCO POLO DAVAO WINS GUEST REVIEW AWARD using his nose. This went on and on until the man had exploded almost all his balloons while the elephant missed hitting some balloons. To outdo the man, the elephant went on a “rampage” by hitting all the balloons using his nose.

Finally, elephants displayed their skills in logging: gathering the logs, placing them together in a file – of course with the guidance of the mahout.

The show is about one hour. After all the displays of talents and skills, two elephants entered the ground again bringing a signage telling the audience that the show had ended: “Thank you and have a nice day.”

The elephants came one by one near the audience. I tried to have my picture taken. One elephant came near to me and hugged me using his nose; I was terrified at first but the fear vanished when the elephant placed a cap on my head. It was good that my friend, award-winning Manila Bulletin photographer Erwin Beleo, took photos while it was happening.

Indeed, it was an experience worth remembering!

MARCO POLO DAVAO was awarded as one of the winners of the 2018 Booking. com Guest Review Award.

“Marco Polo Davao would like to extend its thanks to all guests who have shared their beautiful reviews on Booking. com. We will continue to create innovations and provide premier personalized service to our guests,” said Glenda Magallanes, Director of Rooms.

The Guest Review Awards program is Booking. com’s annual appreciation program that recognizes partners for their top-notch hospitality according to review scores left by guests after their stay.

A4 INdulge!

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are now health buffs and only a few are into drugs.

Citing the drug and alcohol abuse case of actor Baron Geisler, Cortes said members of the movie in-

dustry have helped Geisler to undergo rehabilitation, saying his colleagues are ready to assist movie personalities who are suffering addiction. (PNA)

Fuel Masters guided the young players and gave them tips. Seeing the kids, guard and rookie Ron Dennison recalled his childhood. “I, too, started my career by joining basketball clinics and learning from experienced players and coaches. Now, it makes me very happy to be able to return the favor and teach these kids who are dreaming of becoming professional basketball players someday,” said Dennison.

The Fuel Masters arrived in their hometown, Davao City, on March 14, 2019, for their last game in the elimination round of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup on March 16 at the Panabo City Gym. In between practices, the team made time to meet fans and supporters.

They �irst visited the Phoenix Petroleum Headquarters in Davao. JC Intal, Willy Wilson, Rey Guevarra, Jorey Napoles, and Michael Gamboa joined Davaoeños at the Phoenix Damosa Station for a meet and greet activity. Lastly, the Fuel Masters, in full force, participated in the basketball camp.

The Phoenix PULSE Fuel Masters made its best regular season �inish in the elimination round as it defeated the four-time champion San Miguel Beermen in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, bringing off a pulsating 96-93 victory. The team now of�icially secures the number one spot in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup with a 9-2 win-loss record—the �irst and best in the team’s history.

Meanwhile, the Belgium embassy in Manila said it takes the claim seriously and has immediately started investigating the matter, together with European authorities.

"The funding of non-governmental organizations is subject

to strong legal requirements under Belgian law.

Should these abuses be established, the Belgian government will not hesitate to stop its support and to seek to recover the amounts already disbursed," Gof�in said in a statement. (PNA)

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“emissions from incinerators contain heavy metals, dioxins and furans, which may be present in the waste gases, water or ash.

Plastic and metals are the major source of the calorific value of the waste.”

“The combustion of plastics, like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), gives rise to these highly toxic pollutants,” it added.

It said WTE is the most expensive way to produce energy.

“It is 10 times costlier than coal �ired power plants and 4 times the nuclear. The one being proposed in Quezon City is said to produce 1kW at P524 while solar energy can be harnessed for only P53 or even less. These are just some of the reasons why WTE incineration in other countries are being phased-out,” it added.

Mary Ann Fuertes, managing trustee of Interface Development Interventions, said the WTE project

was worrisome, and called on the local government to hold massive consultations with the different stakeholders.

While it could not be denied that the city is confronted with woes on the solid waste management, Fuertes believed that a WTE project could only worsen the problem because people might think that it is “okay to produce waste” since the WTE needs garbage to generate energy.

“It runs counter to the values that we want to teach the people of Davao.

We can endeavor to reduce our solid wastes by segregating properly our wastes, and as to the organic wastes, they can be brought to the composting site of every barangay. The problem now is that the city immediately resorts to technology to solve the problem,” she said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

the IPs will continue to live in fear and under threat.

Simultaneous peace rallies were also held in the provinces of Davao del Norte (Tagum), Davao Ori-

ental (Mati City), General Santos, and Kidapawan City, which are under the area of responsibility of the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division. (PNA)

sistance.

Abarquez said Cadungon will have his day

in court. The mayor is temporarily out on bail.

(PNA)

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didate updates and views, alleged misconduct of political opponents as well as controversial events that were purported to occur during previous administrations.

Gabunada handled the

social media campaign of Duterte’s presidential run in 2016.

Last January, Facebook removed a total of 220 pages, 73 accounts, as well as 29 Instagram accounts due to policy violations.

keeping palm oil exports by Malaysia and Indonesia at levels which would not hurt the country's coconut and palm oil industry.

He also called on Malaysia and Indonesia to check on reports on the alleged smuggling of crude and re�ined palm oil to the Philip-

pines.

Piñol also suggested to the two countries to open up their markets to Philippine products, especially coconut-based products, to correct the trade imbalance.

The technical working group is expected to be organized next week. (PNA)

(RAIN), which aims to ease its impacts in four critical areas--food security, energy security, health, and safety.

She pointed out the task force would revisit the roadmap, which was formulated in 2015 during the last El Niño occurrence, to include water security among the areas of concern.

“So it’s the same (roadmap) but (we) expanded the

special area of concern. Before, water issues were considered cross-cutting. But by putting special focus as one special area of concern, we will be able to target more interventions especially na nagkaroon ng (there was) water crisis in Metro Manila and some areas are also experiencing water shortages,” she said in an interview.

(PNA)

country is using its assets as collaterals to these loans.

“There is no collateral in any of our loans to any country or bank. We don’t provide collateral,” he said.

“There (is) no collateral provided and all the loan terms are available on our website. Anybody can read it. Just read it on our website. The loan documents are there,” he added. (PNA)

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Angels behind the triathlon rails

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

B

ehind every successful triathlete are his supporting cast of family and friends.

Every triathlete knows that.

TEAM MIGUEL. Younger brother Sebastian Aldeguer, Mother Erlinda Aldeguer, Father Toots Aldeguer, Grandmother Myrna Casumbal and Grandfather Efren Casumbal.

Miguel Aldeguer gets a boost from the Davao crowd.

(Left to right) Aeon Luxe Sales Director Vanni Marasigan, Toots Aldeguer,Ironman finisher Miguel Aldeguer, VP for Marketing and Sales Erick Umali and Michael Avendaño for Corporate Accounts after the Ironman 70.3 race meetup at Green Windows Hotel, Davao City.

Phoenix PULSE Fuel Masters train young basketball players in Davao

P

hoenix PULSE Fuel Masters, the PBA team of leading independent and fastest-growing oil company Phoenix Petroleum, spent time with young basketball players during the Phoenix PULSE Fuel Masters Basketball Camp held at the Davao City Recreation Center on March 15, 2019.

“The basketball camp is a good opportunity for the team to give back and get in touch with the kids,

to teach them the basics of basketball so they can improve their game, and to inspire them to dream big,” said Phoenix PULSE Fuel Masters Team Captain Doug Kramer.

Proper footwork, ball handling, shooting, passing, defense, and shooting were among the techniques taught to more than 100 basketball players, aged 10 to 12 years old. The participants were from Phoenix Petroleum

A �ine example n e wly- c ro w n e d Ironman 70.3 champion Markus Rolli of Germany who �lew in with his parents to Davao City.

The race course, in fact, is lined with people cheering for their heroes, brandishing placards, tarps, and statement shirts. The posts too on social media platforms during the Ironman fever in Davao were just as delirious.

Among the sightings on Sunday’s race was a family of �ive who proudly waved a square meter tarp that read: Go Miguel Bib#113.

That bib belongs to promising 21-year old triathlete Miguel Aldeguer who is backed up not only is

Aldeguer raises his hands after crossing the finish.

adopted schools in Davao; Davao City Special School, Doña Asuncion Hizon Elementary School, F. Bangoy Central Elementary School, Lapu-Lapu Elementary School, San Roque Elementary School, and Vicente Hizon Elementary School. Local coaches, led

by Camp Director Goldie Delvo and Camp Master Aladin Saldua, facilitated the camp.

The Phoenix PULSE

by his parents but also by Davao City �irms Aeon Luxe Properties and Green Windows Dormitel.

“They’re my second pair of wings,” said Miguel who �inished a strong 6th place in the 18-24 age bracket. He clocked 4 hours 55 minutes and 6 seconds to break the 5-hour barrier.

Overall, Miguel �inished fourth in the 18-24 category swim stage with a clocking of 32:16, his bile stage went 2:39:20 good for 15th place, but he ran a blistering pace to �inish off in 1:40:30 good for 2nd place in is category.

Miguel’s performance netted a 6th out of 44 (Age Group 18-24) �inish, a 38th place �inish out of 1,299 in men’s, and 44th out of 1,569 runners overall.

Not bad for the parttime athlete, full-time worker with Brooks footwear brand.

He thanked his Team Miguel crew of father Toots, mother Erlinda, brother Sebastian, grandparents Myrna and Efren.

“It’s amazing to have such a huge support from my family,” Miguel said.

Like champion Rolli who said the Davao crowd’s presence pumped him up, Miguel also thanked the Davao crowd for lining up the streets and egged every participant on.

“The Davao crowd is simply wonderful. They make you feel good,” said the young triathlete from Pasig.

“They are our angels behind the rails.”

Phoenix PULSE Fuel Masters forward Calvin Abueva teaches young kids about defense during the Phoenix PULSE Fuel Masters

PHOENIX, P9 Basketball Camp on March 15, 2019 at the Davao City Recreation Center.

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