BusinessWeek Mindanao (September 29, 2014)

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Free check-up ILIGAN City – More than 200 provincial employees availed of the free medical check-up early this week held at the Provincial Capitol Building lobby, Barangay Pigcarangan, in Tubod, Lanao del Norte province. The free health assessment was conducted in line with the annual “World Heart Day” celebration on Sept.

29. It was facilitated by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and was supported by Governor Khalid Dimaporo. Among the free tests given were blood glucose to determine blood sugar, blood pressure monitoring, and blood typing. This year’s theme, “Happy Hearty Healthy Lifestyle: Well-fit for Life,” underscores the importance of a healthy heart to live a happy and fulfilled life. (CHENG ORDONEZ)

Revenue Code THE business sector IN Cagayan de Oro thanked the City Council committees on finance and ways and means chaired by Councilor President Elipe and on trade, commerce and cooperatives chaired by Councilor Edna Dahino for holding a series of public hearings with different sectors to present all the provisions of the proposed Revenue Code of 2015 and hear their concerns and suggestions on these.

It may be recalled that Councilor Elipe maintained the need to revisit the 11year old Revenue Code, citing current developments in the city such as the opening of new businesses.

This is also in response to concerns and questions of different sectors on collection policies currently being implemented.

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Mindanao Food Congress 2014

Free trade agreements vital for Asean economy

By CHENG ORDONEZ, Associate Editor

T

HE two-day Mindanao Fo o d C ongress 2014 kicked-off here with a challenge to participants to make good investments with the ASEAN economic community, making use of the various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to advance their businesses.

PRIZED CATCH. A Brahminy Kite holds on to a meal it caught from the murky waters of Cagayan de Oro River. mindanews photo by erwin mascarinas

MCT endorsed as major port of entry

By CHENG ORDONEZ, Associate Editor

THE Regional Development Council Executive Committee has endorsed the proposed declaration of the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) as a principal port of entry from just being a sub-port of the Cagayan de Oro base port.

Contributing 86 percent share of the region’s total customs collections in 2013, the MCT consistently showed increasing domestic and foreign cargo throughput

and shipcalls.

Declaring it as a principal port would emphasize its role in the region’s vision of becoming a major gateway in the south, according to the RDC .

The body also supported and endorsed recommendations to the Bureau of Customs that include bringing back total cargo inspection inside the MCT premises and

implementing a thorough electronic selectivity system.

The RDC likewise recommended the review and roll out of an improved system in disposing abandoned cargoes and implement BOC’s rationalization plan to ensure the right number of personnel to carry out timely disposal of abandoned shipments reportedly overstaying at the MCT. mct/PAGE 7

Speaking before participants at the Mindanao Food Congress 2014, held at the Luxe Hotel at Limketkai, here, Atty.

Adrian S. Cristobal Jr., undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), presented what he described as “4-Cs” scheme in dealing with ASEAN business communities.

T h e s e a r e “ C o m p e t i t i v e n e s s ,” “Compliance” with commitments, intensified “Communication” and the need to promote “Collaboration”.

Atty. Cristobal, whose keynote speech focused on “Philippine Strategies for the economy/PAGE 7

Treevolution in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. photo by denr - armm posted on treevolution facebook

account

M’danao ‘breaks’ Guinness record on tree planting

By MINDANEWS

KO R O NA DA L C i t y - Mindanao has unofficially broken a Guinness World Record for most trees planted simultaneously in multiple locations on Friday, but some participants ranted against the organizers for the unannounced grueling trek in the mountains that had some of them fainting

due to fatigue.

As of 5 p.m. Friday, thousands of Mindanawons have planted 3,058,625 trees of various species in the six regions of the island, according to the partial and unofficial results for the “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW.” The current world record

for the most number of trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations was achieved in India on August 15, 2011.The world record of 1,945,535 trees planted was carried out by 340,200 participants across 408 locations.

Guinness will still have to validate Mindanao’s tree planting feat. tree/PAGE 7

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Oroquieta City, now a Red Orchid Awardee OROQUIETA City -- The c it y of O ro qu i e t a , t h e “City of Good Life,” has recently received the Red Orchid Award (ROA) from the Department of Health (DOH) in recognition of the city’s tough campaign against smoking.

The ROA is given by DOH to local government units (LGU) that meet the criteria for implementing a 100 percent tobacco-free environment set by DOH under the World Health O r g an i z at i on’s ( W HO ) framework.

Mayor Jason Almonte, who received the award, stressed that the city’s antismoking campaign is part of his administration’s 8-point agenda and that the city continues to strive for the good life of its constituents through healthy lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Almonte thanked the Sangguniang

Panlungsod for strengthening the city’s anti-smoking ordinance that paved the way for the intensified effort toward a smoke-free city.

He, likewise, thanked the frontline implementers of the anti-smoking campaign, like the Philippine National Police (PNP), the City Traffic

Management Board and the City Health Office (CHO) headed by Dr. Clemente Almonte.

O n t he ot he r hand, the city will provide for a close monitoring and evaluation of tobacco use and prevention policies to protect people from the effects of tobacco use &

second hand smoke.

It also offers help to people who wish to quit smoking, warn people of the dangers of tobacco, implement absolute ban on tobacco advertisement, promotions and sponsorships in whatever form and raising taxes on tobacco and tobacco products, Almonte added.

DOLE-X distributes P2.1M to 254 beneficiaries in Mambajao MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – T h e D e p a r t m e nt o f Labor and Employment-X (D OLE-X) turned over seven livelihood projects under its DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) in Mambajao town on September 7 at the provincial plaza.

Coinciding with the 2014 corporate night awards for Miss Mambajao search in the town’s fiesta celebration, Jose Errol A. Natividad, Camiguin provincial head handed down the projects to some seven proponent groups benefitting 254 individuals.

D I L E E P i s D O L E ’s contribution to the

governments’ agenda of inclusive growth through massive job generation and substantial poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers.

Through its accreditedco-partner the Mambajao Water District Employee’s Association (MWDEA), represented by manager Engr. John C. Cagas, DOLE-X allotted P2,119,852.00 for the setting up of goat raising production; establishment of fish shelter; cakes and pastries; production of cultured mushrooms; taho station; coco coir production and suman moron production.

Mambajao mayor Ma. Luisa Romualdo said that these projects give empowerment

to all constituents to start their own business and help augment their income.

Romualdo further emphasized that the municipality is living to its commitment to serve its residents through various programs and services – guided by the principle: “Sa nagkadaiyang kalamidad ug pag bag-o sa panahon, kanunayng nagkahiusa ang lig-ong Mambajaonon.” (Even through calamities and climate change, always a united and strong Mambajaonon.)

“The implementation of the various DILEEP projects is the result of the municipal leadership’s effort to link with national agencies,” she added. dole/PAGE 7

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Abolish Irrigation Service Fees Collected From Farmers There is a practical and reasonable way to unburden the nation’s lowly-farmers from paying irrigation service fees. - Abolish irrigation fees and help- avert food crisis.

The proposal to amend Republic Act No. 1169 otherwise known as the Charter of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is just timely and proper.

The lawmakers seek to amend Section VI A of R.A. 1169 by decreasing at least five (5%) percent from the present fifty (55%) percent Prize Fund and add instead the same to the thirty (30%) percent Charity Fund allocated fund program of the PCSO. The authors explained that the five percent sourced from the Prize Fund will go to the operating and maintenance fee of the irrigation system being managed by the National Irrigation Administration (NFA). This is very appreciable.

Irrigation service fees imposed on lowly farmers will practically be subsidized by this proposed amendment

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Tongue Tamers

T

hink a minute…Some big powerful horses can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

Yet if you put a bridle and bit in its mouth, a little 90-pound girl, who knows what she’s doing, can make that big horse do whatever she wants!

But you know what’s even smaller than a bridle and bit, weighs only 2 ounces, yet can cause divorces and even wars between nations? Our tiny tongue. Terrible wars have been fought, killing millions of people, all because of the evil, destructive power of our tongue and words!

Gossip is probably the number one killer of relationships, even people’s jobs and careers. Someone spreads untrue, bad stories about another person, so they don’t get their job promotion. And longtime friends suddenly become enemies! All because one person could not control his or her tongue! So your and my tongue has the power to ruin not just our life, but other people’s lives also.

In fact, most of our life’s problems and pain start with our tongue - our dishonest or hurtful words, cutting people down so they don’t look better than we do!

But just think…if every one of us would use our tongue only to encourage and

THINK

A Minute

By Jhan Tiafau Hurst

say positive things that make the other person look good instead of bad! If you and I would choose to always speak the truth, can you imagine how different life would be?

Everybody would actually trust each other instead of being afraid that they’re only nice to your face. Because the minute you turn your back, watch out!

Some say the real test of a person’s relationship with God is not how clever and well he or she can speak, but rather how well our heart can control our tongue no matter what someone did to wrong or hurt us. So right now, won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you for all the hurtful, destructive words you’ve said with your tongue?

Jesus said that’s the only way you and I won’t suffer because of all our wrong and hurst/PAGE 7

editorial and result to the abolition of the said fee being shouldered by agricultural workers.

The c urrent 15% of net PCSO receipts shall be retained as contributions to the operating expenses and capital expenditures of the PCSO, while all balances shall revert to and form part of the charity fund provided for under the PCSO charter.

The disbursements of the allocations herein authorized shall be subject to the usual auditing rules and regulations,” the author pointed out.

It should be noted that under the said Charter, “any property acquired by an institution or organization with funds given to it under this Act shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of without the approval of the Office of the President, and that in the event of its dissolution all such property shall be transferred to and shall automatically become the property of the

Philippine Government.”

What prompte d t he lawmakers to propose this move? They noted the worsening challenges brought about by the global climate change which majority of researchers have concluded that human activities – in p ar t i c u l ar, g re e n h ou s e gas emissions – are now significant causes of global warming.

Scientists bared recently that droughts are already rampant in the African continent. While they are not getting the needed public attention or publicity, NASA predicts that by 2020, between 75 to 250 million people are projected to be exposed to increased water stress.

Furthermore, they noted that yields from the rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50 percent in some regions by 2020, agricultural production including access to food, may be severely compromised.

With these realities, our country, particularly the government should give special attention to this concern.

The proponents pointed out that vast land areas for rice production are still dependent on monsoon-based periodic rainfall and its dependency is very risky because there are great variations in the average amount of rainfall received by the various regions.

In the wake of recent economic conditions, the agriculture sector is greatly affected by the shortage of the basic needs of the people which is rice. It is just proper to urgently supp or t t he prog r ams, projects and activities of the government particularly the operations and management of the National Irrigation Administration which is one of the implementing arms of the Department of Agriculture, they argued.

With this, it is easy to surmise that there is always a threat to the nation’s food security. Again, - abolish irrigation fees and help- avert food crisis.

Living With A Holy Man

Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Member:

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776 Editor: Allan Mediante

am referring to Bishop Alvaro del Portillo (March 11, 1914-March 23, 1994), first successor of St. Josemaria Escriva as head of Opus Dei. He will be beatified in Madrid on September 27.

I first met him in person in 1987 when he visited the Philippines, though I have known him ever since I got in touch with Opus Dei way back in 1970. He was like the shadow of St. Josemaria because I always saw him beside the Founder in the pictures.

But more than a physical shadow, he was a most faithful reflection and conductor of the spirit of Opus Dei that the Founder embodied with his original charism. St. Josemaria used to call him “Saxum,” meaning Rock, because the Founder could always rely on him for anything.

More or less I could claim that I lived with him for two years in Rome when I was sent there for my ecclesiastical studies. I have to say, “more or less,” because we actually did not share the same house, nor did we see each other everyday. But, yes, we met and had gettogethers with many others like me quite often.

I had many occasions of talking with him personally, and since one of my job assignments was to open the

gate of the compound where we were staying, I frequently had a chance to open the gate for him, greet him and have some small talk.

Once, I was asked to accompany him while he had his haircut. I made sure I collected the cut hair - of course, in secret - knowing that one day it will be a relic. But I lost it since when his process of beatification started, we were asked to return all items related to him.

But that occasion was memorable to me because after the haircut, while I escorted him to his room, he asked me details of my birthday which I celebrated just a few days before. I was impressed that he would know about my birthday, considering there were hundreds of us, and that he was interested to know what happened during the celebration.

I had always found him as a very serene person, exuding pure goodness. I never saw in his face any sign that he was bothered, though I knew very well that he had to face and bear quite a burden of responsibilities and other concerns. Yes, I was truly edified by that, and hoped that I could be like him.

To me, his words, always gentle and delivered in a soft tone in meditations or

in get-togethers, revealed nothing less than a deep spirituality that was most faithful to the gospel and to the spirit of Opus Dei as embodied by St. Josemaria.

I was always moved to listen very carefully to each word he said.

My impression was that he spoke directly from his heart, but a heart in constant dialogue with God. There was a certain freshness in his ideas and words. I never had the feeling of listening to recycled spiritual clichés, prettified by some rhetorical if spiritual gloss and hype, or propped up simply by clever literary devices or witticisms.

I suppose that when one tries hard to be very spiritual in his outlook and lifestyle, nourishing his spiritual life with the living word of God, with the sacraments and many other spiritual exercises, he could distinguish between what is truly spiritual and what may just look or sound like one, between what is truly spiritual and what is merely literary, etc.

The biography of Bishop Alvaro is full of heroic instances of suffering, extreme fidelity, poverty, generosity, mercy... He forgave the person who nearly killed him during the Spanish civil war, the cocked gun pointed right to his head. He was always

HINTS

and

Traces

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

preaching about forgiveness, asking for it as well as giving it.

In spite of his deceptively serene and laid-back presence, he was actually a man burning with love and selfgiving. He was very dynamic in the sense that he inspired the putting up of many projects for the spiritual and social health of many people in many countries.

Opus Dei spread on to many places during his term.

He was made bishop in January 1991, and on January 28 of that same year, I was among the first batch of those ordained by him as deacon. Obviously, I was very happy and very thankful for this unexpected privilege.

I always cherish the memory of this very holy man. I now have a great devotion to him, and I hope and pray many others will have it too.

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Filinvest building more high-end condos in Cebu THE Filinvest Group is rolling out more high-end residential projects in Cebu this year.

Filinvest Development Corp (FDC) executive vice president Catherine A. Ilagan told reporters on Thursday night that the company is launching a project under the Filinvest Premiere brand near its Crimson Hotel in Mactan.

Another project under The

Exclusive Collection will be offered in its 50-hectare township in the South Road Properties in Cebu City.

Filinvest Premiere and The Exclusive Collection are two of the most upscale brands of the Filinvest Group of Companies.

“We felt the growth of the market there has accelerated for the last 2-3 years…Even

the high-end [market] of Cebu, they’re well-travelled.

They know there’s a certain kind of convenience out of condo living. That’s the demand we’re trying to meet,” Ilagan said, noting these projects will be launched in a month or two.

The Filinvest Group is looking at Makati and two sites in Bonifacio Global City

as the possible locations of its future high-end projects with its inventory in The Beaufort, the first premier development of the Gotianuns, nearly sold out.

FDC has sold 95 percent of the West Tower and 70-80 percent of the East Tower of The Beaufort, situated at the corner of 5th and filinvest/PAGE 7

Cebu Pacific mounting add’l Visayas flights in fourth quarter CEBU Pacific is adding flights to the Visayas in the fourth quarter of this year.

In a statement, Gokongwei-owned Cebu Air Inc (CEB) said it is adding flights to and from Bacolod, Cebu and Roxas.

From O c t o b e r 9 t o December 3, flights between Manila and Roxas will be increased to 20 a week from 13 right now. Manila-Cebu flights will also increase from 114 a week to 128.

Between October 26 and December 3, flights from Manila to Bacolod will increase to 49 a week from 42 at present.

“CEB continues to study opportunities to stimulate travel to and from the Visayas. We believe that air travel brings convenient accessibility not just for the tourism sector, but also for the business sector,” Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for Marketing and Distribution, said. cebupac/PAGE 7

Globe plans return of free Facebook promo

GLOBAL Telecom Inc is br i ng i ng b a ck it s f re e Facebook promo.

Yo l a n d a C r i s a n t o , Globe spokesperson, told InterAksyon.com that the company plans to bring back the promo next week.

The Ayala-led telco first offered free Facebook access in October last year, but the promo ended last April.

Globe said the promo doubled mobile browsing adoption and helped drive the company’s subscriber uptake.

T h e t e l c o’s m o b i l e browsing and other data revenues reached P6.22 billion in the first six months of the year, up from P5.59 billion in the same period last year. In contrast, its text messaging revenue dipped to P14.24 billion from the previous year’s P14.31 billion.

Besides its collaboration w it h Fa c e b o o k , G l o b e globe/PAGE 7

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Banking&Finance

Customs fails to hit August collection target THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) failed to hit its collection goal last month, as congestion at Manila’s ports of entry weighed on the agency’s performance.

In a report, the bureau said it raised P29.06 billion in August, or short of the P33.46

billion target for the month.

The Port of Manila raised only P4.5 billion, or below its P7 billion goal, while the Manila International Container Port generated P8 billion, short of its P9.5 billion target.

Both ports suffered the brunt of the congestion after the Manila City government expanded a truck ban. The local government unit has since lifted the ban.

Despite missing its target for the month, the bureau’s

August collections were 11 percent more than the P26.08 billion last year.

Last month’s collections brought the year-to-date tally to P232.92 billion, or 17 percent more than the P199.17 billion last year.

BSP to improve bank governance rules BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said financial regulators across the region have more to do to improve the monitoring of corporate governance in terms of risks or failure.

Tetangco said the ASEAN C or p or at e G ov e r n a n c e Scorecard (ACGS), which the BSP, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. set up in 2012, needs to be revisited from time to time, and that right now, “continuing improvements are called for.”

The central bank, for one, has strengthened the governance standards in banks, honing on the “fit and proper” rules for bank directors, and an independent c ompl i an c e s y s te m for business risks.

“These are check-andbalance type structures which are integral to a bank’s governance, alongside its own culture on the management of articulated risks,” Tetangco

said in a forum discussing the ACGS. But making sure good governance is complied with is “never-ending” and that it is “always a work in progress,” said Tetangco.

The ACGS was created as an initiative of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum and the Asian Development Bank. Basically, the regional scorecard evaluates the top publicly listed companies in five categories. This is 10 percent for rights of the shareholders; 10 percent

for role of stakeholders; 15 percent for equitable treatment of shareholders; 25 percent for disclosure and transparency; and 40 percent for corporate board responsibilities.

In shor t, t he AC GS provides a standard m e t h o d o l o g y f o r d at a integrity, to give comparable information to investors, fund managers, the private sector, the regulators such as central banks, and governments.

Presently, there are six ASEAN members participating.

Besides the Philippines, there is also Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.

“While the ACGS country reports and assessments for 2013-2014 said the performance of ASEAN publicly listed companies in applying recommended corporate governance principles is commendable, continuing improvements are called for,” stressed Tetangco.

Tetangco added that the ACGS is a step forward to the eventual regional integration.

Manulife tapping China Bank, other distribution channels to sustain growth MANULIFE Philippines is looking to maximize its partnership with China Banking Corp to sustain its growth despite a slowdown this year. “ Ye a r 2 0 1 3 w a s a tremendous year because of some factors, like the stock market doing well,

and there were the special deposit accounts,” Manulife Philippines president Ryan Charland told reporters during a briefing on Friday.

“Those conditions haven’t been replicated in 2014, that’s why it’s going to be a challenge for the industry,” he said.

Given this, the company

will continue to hire financial advisers and tap other distribution channels, including a partnership with Henry Sy-owned China Bank.

“So far this year, we’ve added over a thousand advisers in our sales force. Last year, we’ve ended the year with tapping/PAGE 7

MOLDING LEADERS THROUGH SCOUTING

By GENOVEVA CEBALLOS – CARERAS Teacher III East City Central School Division of Cagayan de Oro City

It was in 1992 that I joined the teaching force of St., Francis Learning Center now called Capitol University Basic Education Department. Then I actively participated in Girl Scouting activities with Teacher Naomi A. Flores as my partner who is well trained and knowledgeable.

For the past five years that I was in SFLC, I would say that it was fruitful years for me especially in my Scouting activities.

We’ve been trying to imitate what Josefa Llanes Escoda, our founder, had started to be of service to God and to other people. We conducted LOVE DRIVE wherein we adopted families living near the riverbank of Gusa where our school is located.

Every December, we bring them to our school fetched by our school bus to have party with them. We gave them food, used clothing, canned goods and we played games with the children. Our young girls were the one who played with them and accommodated the families while they’re in school. Every weekend our girls visit the families in their homes, baby-sit the children at least an hour or more to train them on what is stated in the 8th Point Challenge in scouting and in return they were given badge

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on what they have performed from the challenge.

And now that I’m transferred to the Public School, I did not stop my being a Girl Scout as the saying goes “Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout.”

When I was given the chance to be a GSP Coordinator for 2 years, I see to it that I will be able to mold future leaders among our young girls. We religiously follow the Calendar of Activities set for the School year. We had our backyard camping, after which the children joined District encampment, Division, Councilwide and Regional Enhancement.

I would say that the pupils who joined scouting were developed to become future leaders as they were taught on how to lead others starting from the Patrol level. In the Patrol system, everybody has her duty to perform though they have different functions but they work for the unity and cooperation of their group. These functions will enable them to lead a bigger group in the future. I am sure that through Scouting, they will become responsible. They will develop good values instilled in their minds and hearts, leadership skills are developed thus building future responsible, God-fearing individuals in our community as well as in our society.

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Economy...

Tree...

ASEAN Economic Community,” said business deals need to be backed by compliance with commitments on reforms, infrastructure and an assurance to comply with policies, like that of the ASEAN Single Window, among others.

Atty. Cristobal said there is a big market of three billion people in the ASEAN with a huge 21 trillion economy and Mindanao products can match with their prospects by making use of the FTAs. The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber), headed by Mr. Efren Uy, is hosting the Mindanao Food Congress 2014, the largest gathering of agriculture and food industry players, government policy makers, exhibitors, businessmen and consumers in Mindanao. Mr. Ruben Vegafria sits as congress chairperson.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has assured the business sector in Mindanao of stable and sufficient power supply from 2014 to 2020 should the committed private-sector-initiated power projects succeed.

In fact, “there is surplus power until 2020 and 90 percent of it comes from coal,” Mr. Bryan Diosma, technical head of the Mindanao power monitoring committee at the Mindanao Development Authority, said.

Howe ve r, Ag u s an d Pulangi push through with their privatization, Diosma revealed.

TreeVolution organizers earlier targeted to mobilize 185,440 people who will plant 4,636,000 trees covering 9,200 hectares across Mindanao.

As of posting time on Saturday, the target was still short by 1,577,375 trees as counting was still in progress.

Whi le t he Guinness attempt was “obviously successful,” the activity drew flak from several participants, with one of them bluntly calling the organizers “liars.”

In his post at the Facebook wall of the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW, Aj Hipolito lambasted the organizers for not being straightforward in telling the participants on the actual location of the planting site.

“We ride for two hours aboard a truck going to the mountain. We thought it’s the actual location already. You did not tell us we still have to walk for two more hours to reach the main site,” he said in Filipino. “ The trek was really difficult. What you did was cruel. Many women fainted because of the punishing walk,” Hipolito added.

He also noted that there were no available bottled waters when they reached the planting site at around 8 a.m.

Hipolito said the bottled waters were distributed two hours later.

The TreeVolution was coorganised by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Depar tment of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

S ecretar y Luwalhalti Antonino, MinDA chairperson, said the massive tree planting activity was part of the re-greening initiatives for Mindanao.

“While we are aiming to create a new Guinness World Record with Treevolution, what is more critical is for us to reforest Mindanao,” she said on Facebook.

“Let’s bring back what we took away from Mother Nature,” Antonino added.

Those who participated include soldiers, policemen, government employees, the

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MCT... from page 1

It also noted that the Load Port Survey (LPS) system be reassessed to reduce additional upfront costs for imported raw materials in bulk further considering the inclusion of containerized cargoes.

In mid-2013, the BOC assigned cargo examination to a private contractor in a s e p a r at e d e s i g n at e d examination area/customs clearing area (DEA/CCA) outside the MCT.

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religious and business sectors, students, non-government organizations and even members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The simultaneous tree planting lasted for an hour– from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A pre-registration was required for the participants who must be 17 years old and above.

Under Guinness rules, digging machinery cannot be used during the planting, and actual digging of plots must take place at the time of planting, not prior to the attempt.

DOLE... from page 2

Natividad, meanwhile, assures that DOLE will reach out and do their best to help through their deliverable programs.

“I am very thankful to the support of MWDEA who serves as the conduit partner in the success of this implementation,” he said.

The proponent groups include: Tupsan Goat Raising Association; Yumbing Civilian Volunteers Organization; Agoho 25/8 Cakes and Pa s t r i e s O r g a n i z at i on ; Tagdo Cultured Mushrooms Organization; Pandan Taho Producers; Agoho Kalipi Organization and Balbagon Kalipi Organization.

Early this year, Mambajao was one of the DILEEP major recipients that received P854,000.00 which benefited about 150 marginalized workers in five projects.

(Glenford C. Labial, DOLE 10/PIA)

Hurst... from page 4

hurtful words. So why not ask Jesus to take charge and start changing your heart and way of talking? He’s the One Who can give you the love and willpower you need to tame your tongue.

Then you’ll start speaking only honest, loving words to bless others. Just Think a Minute…

Filinvest... from page 5

23rd streets in BGC. The company expects to sell out the remaining inventory in a couple of months, Ilagan said.

“The market for this type of property is now ready. This novel venture answers the need of that type of home buyers who put premium on space and aesthetics as well as the conveniences that can be had living in a condominium,” FDC president Josephine Gotianun-Yap said in a statement.

F D C i nv e s t e d P 3 . 5 billion for the two-tower development with total revenues expected to reach P7 billion. The company turned over the project to homebuyers late last year.

The Beaufort’s East and West Towers have 271 units in total with an average selling price of P160,000 per square meter. A one-bedroom unit with parking space starts at P10 million.

providing other details.

The revival of the free Facebook promo comes on the heels of rival PLDT’s launch of a free mobile internet offering -- a move that, according to analysts, shifts the battle between the two biggest telcos to a new front.

Glob e welcome d it s competitor’s latest promo.

“We wish them the best of luck. More people on the internet is good for the Philippines and our ecosystem,” said Crisanto.

“In the end, customers will choose the telco provider with the best digital services and the fastest experience possible. Amidst all the hype and promotions, we are happy in the fact that, at Globe, we deliver both,” she added.

CebuPac...

Tapping...

Besides Bacolod, Cebu and R oxas, t he airline op e r at e s f l i g ht s t o 3 1 other domestic and 28 international destinations.

In the Visayas, the carrier also flies to Caticlan, Dumaguete, Kalibo, Iloilo, Tacloban and Tagbilaran.

Data f rom the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) show that Cebu Pacific carried 5.82 million domestic passengers in the first half of this year, up by 6.98 percent from last year’s 5.44 million passengers.

The airline’s 51-strong fleet comprises 10 Airbus A319, 28 Airbus A320, 5 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world.

Between 2014 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 11 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 1 Airbus A330 aircraft.

4,400. Now we’re much closer to 5,400,” Charland said.

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Globe... from page 5

likewise has partnered with popular message applications such as Vibr, Facebook Messenger, Kakao Talk, WeChat, Whatsapp and Line, allowing many of the telco’s subscribers to communicate through mobile data services and providing alternatives to traditional telephony services.

“That’s just the start,” Cr is anto s aid, w it hout

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7

“There are still a lot of opportunities with China Bank that we can do to sell more to their customers,” he said.

“That’s going to be our primar y focus - taking advant age of t he huge opportunity that we already have as opposed to looking for other partners,” he added.

Manulife Philippines has 30 branches, but plans to growth its network to 50 in three to five years, with the expansion going beyond Metro Manila.

“What we really want to focus on is to have breadth as a company, to talk to as many people as possible,” Charland said.

“We would like to continue to grow our professional insurance advisers and sales force, increase the amount of customers we have through our partnership with China Bank, and look for other ways to interact with customers,” he added.

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Misamis Oriental, STEAG launch new developments in tourism sites Reef WatchtoWeR gRoundbReaking - a groundbreaking ceremony on agutayan Reef Watchtower project was held in agutayan White island in barangay Jampason, Jasaan, Misamis oriental, September 23, 2014. it aims to provide monitoring and to secure that rules and regulations are applied in its premises. in addition, the project is expected to provide jobs and long-term livelihood to its residents. other than agutayan White island is Sagpulon falls site development project that was also introduced in the same date at brgy.

San isidro of the town. the groundbreaking in agutayan was led

by Misamis oriental governor bambi emano State and Steag Power inc. Manager, dr. carsten evers.

SuPPLied Photo By iRene Joy b. dayo

T

he provincial government of Misamis Oriental, in collaboration with its private organization partners, has conducted a groundbreaking ceremony to finally mark the start of construction of a

multimillion projects.

The groundbreaking was held September 23, 2014 in two different sites in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.

Agutayan White Island in Jasaan is the location site of Agutayan Reef Watchtower. It is a 6.6-million project,

funded by STEAG State Power Inc. as a part of its contribution to the social and environmental protection programs for its host communities.

According to STEAG, it will help in enhancing the Jasaan local government unit’s capability

for environmental monitoring and environmental laws enforcement in the area.

In addition, the project will also address the eco-tourism drive of the provincial government.

The tower will be a two-storey structure,

BATTLE AGAINST DENGUE CONTINUES – VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ continues his advocacy in the awareness and prevention of the spread of dengue in the province as he conducted a public lecture in San Francisco Elementary School, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. Cases of dengue still continue to rise in the province as reported by the Department of Health Regional Office X. Misamis Oriental listed 869 cases for January to August 2014 compared to only 490 cases during the same period in 2013, indicating a substantial increase of about 77.35%.

having 83.92 square meters that include observation room, viewing decks, lantern room and catwalk.

It is expected to be completed by December this year.

STEAG viewed this Agutayan Reef Watchtower as a research venue for students in coastal, marine and tourism courses.

Moreover, on top of this project, regular sea patrol and marine monitoring will be conducted in the area premises.

Aside from Agutayan Reef Watchtower, a site development project in Sagpulon Falls in San Isidro, Jasaan also became a part of the groundbreaking held in the town. It is a 10-million development project funded by Philippine Tourism Authority. This project includes construction on function hall, room rentals and shower and rest rooms.

Governor Bambi Emano expressed his gratitude to the partner organizations for the collaboration that aimed to develop tourism site in the province, specifically in Jasaan town. “Through these projects, our

dream for the province is becoming a reality,” he said. The governor, under his flagship, develops and promotes sites that can bring jobs and provide livelihood to the residents. “With the rich resources and fertile land, we still have people who can’t eat three times a day. These projects are more than just to be projects, these are livelihood projects,” he ended.

Further, Governor Emano challenged the Jasaan people in terms of maintenance and sustainability because once they failed to protect the sites; tourists will no longer come back in their place.

Jasaan municipal administrator and former mayor, Engr.

Redentor S. Jardin, in behalf of Mayor Grace Jardin, thanked the provincial government and partners for choosing Jasaan sites as beneficiary of development projects.

He committed that in their lead, residents will protect the sites.

For the Sagpulon Falls site development project, the province targets first quarter of 2015 for it to be completed.

BusinessWeek MINDANAO MONDAY | September 29, 2014

www.businessweekmindanao.com editor: Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

DRAGONOIDS UNLEASHED

VIBE

The Liceo de Cagayan University Dragon Boat Team was formally introduced to the general public through a formal program in the university grounds, September 26. The highlight of the affair was the exhibition race against Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) and Iligan City’s Team Bakunawa in the waters of the Cagayan de Oro River on the same day. Photo by Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

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La Salle University Teatro Guindegan performs at 2014 SIPA Festival Indonesia

T

he Teatro Guindegan, resident theater company of La Salle University – Ozamiz, represented the Philippines to the 2014 Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) Festival which was held in Benteng Vastenburg Solo, Indonesia, September 11-13, 2014.

FULL STORY on page B2

The Philippine delegation with Consul Shirlene Mananquil and Attache Remee Alcazar at the Benteng Vastenburg Solo. Photo by Karinandini Zahra Ineza

We are now in Valencia City, Bukidnon!

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Hugis is an experimental production fusing traditional Asian movements in contemporary performance.Photo by Dandi Samsi Atmaja

The Philippine delegation with Consul Shirlene Mananquil and Attache Remee Alcazar at the Benteng Vastenburg Solo.

Photo by Karinandini Zahra Ineza

La Salle University Teatro Guindegan performs at 2014 SIPA Festival Indonesia T he Teatro Guindegan, resident theater company of La Salle University – Ozamiz, represented the Philippines to the 2014 Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) Festival which was held in Benteng Vastenburg Solo, Indonesia, September 11-13, 2014.

The group performed Hugis, an experimental production that tackles themes on the origins of life and communities, of selecting personal identities, of ownership claims resulting to conflict and misunderstanding leading to the destruction of their life support system – the Environment. Fusing

Asian movements, the production was a stylization of traditional Asian arts forms to tell stories of life, conflict and hope in contemporary performance.

Conceived and directed by Felimon Blanco, Hugis was performed by an all-male ensemble composed of Ted Nudgent Tacan, Michael Angelo Plaza, Chrey Miekko Mutia, Artchie Linganay, Renz Clifford Do and Paul Adrian Manlangit. Ric Orcino provided technical direction. Production and tour management were supervised

by Dr. Calixta Colarte, Chiedel Joan San Diego and Elma Gula.

In behalf of Ambassador Maria

Rosario Aguinaldo of Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, Consul Shirlene Mananquil and Attache Remee Alcazar came to support the group during the festival. After the festival performance, Deputy Ambassador Roberto Manalo hosted dinner for the Philippine delegates in Jakarta, Indonesia.

On its 6 th year, SIPA 2014 had the theme “Generation of World Cultures”. The festival is jointly organized by Kementerian Pariwisata Dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Kementerian Pemuda Dan Olahraga, Pemerintah Kota Surakarta, SIPA Community and

Semarak CandrakiranaFoundation.

International performing arts groups that participated in the festival came were Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, South Korea, Indonesia-USA and Germany.

In 2012 SIPA Festival, the NCCA supported a collaborative production of Teatro Bol-anon with Visayas and Mindanao artists.

NCCA Chairman Prof. Felipe M. de Leon headed the delegation in 2012. This year, Teatro Guindegan’s participation to the 2014 SIPA was made possible through a travel grant from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776 Editor: Cheng Ordoñez

Environment

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Greenpeace campaign for ecological agriculture continues

By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

O Z A M I Z C I T Y – T he advocacy for saying “Yes to Ecological Agriculture,” of Greenpeace Philippines (Greenpeace), continues.

This was emphasized by Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace country manager, during the Media Forum on Ecological Agriculture held at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City,

on Sept. 18, this year.

At t e n d e d by m e d i a practitioners all over the region, the forum discussed issues on the Ecological Agriculture Situation of the region, Rice Diversity and the Challenges Faced by Farmers, among others.

Baconguis said Greenpeace is an independent, global

campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behaviour to protect and conserve the environment and promote peace.

Particularly, Greenpeace campaigns for ecological agriculture that advocates for healthy and safe food,

sustainably produced without harming nature, she said.

Me anw hile, D aniel O camp o, Gre enp e ace SAGE Campaigner said ecological agriculture is a farming system that works in harmony with nature. It taps into ecological and natural

processes to produce food, and is beneficial not only to the environment, but also to the livelihood of farmers.

Ecological Agriculture protects and keeps the soil healthy by using organic fertilizer, mulching and cultivating other plants as

natural fertilizers. By not using harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that contribute to greenhouse gases, ecological agriculture helps in Climate Change Mitigation, Ocampo said. ( RC A / P IA 1 0 - Mi s am i s Occidental)

Oroquieta City, now Red Orchid Awardee OROQUIETA CITY -- The city of Oroquieta, the “City of Good Life,” has recently received the Red Orchid Award (ROA) from the Department of Health (DOH) in recognition of the city’s tough campaign against smoking.

The ROA is given by DOH to local government units (LGU) that meet the criteria for implementing a 100 percent tobacco-free environment set by DOH under the World Health Organization’s

(WHO) framework.

Mayor Jason Almonte, who received the award, stressed that the city’s anti-smoking campaign is part of his administration’s 8-point agenda and that the city continues to strive for the good life of its constituents through healthy lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Almonte thanked the Sangguniang Panlungsod for strengthening the city’s antismoking ordinance that paved

the way for the intensified effort toward a smoke-free city.

He, likewise, thanked the frontline implementers of the anti-smoking campaign, like the Philippine National Police (PNP), the City Traffic Management Board and the City Health Office (CHO) headed by Dr. Clemente Almonte.

On the other hand, the city will provide for a close monitoring and evaluation of tobacco use

and prevention policies to protect people from the effects of tobacco use & second hand smoke.

It also offers help to people who wish to quit smoking, warn people of the dangers of tobacco, implement absolute ban on tobacco advertisement, promotions and sponsorships in whatever form and raising taxes on tobacco and tobacco products, Almonte added. (LE/ RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Emergency responders undergo basic life support training MAMBAJAO, Camiguin -The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Camiguin Council conducted a 10–day training workshop on Basic Life Support (BLS) at five municipalities in the province on August 30 to September 8, 2014.

Dr. Luis S. Bollozos, provincial chair of the PDRRMCamiguin said the workshop aimed to revisit and reorient

the accredited responders of the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council (MDCC) on the Basic knowledge and tools on Community-Based (DRRM) and to equip themselves on the Basic Guidelines on Disaster response embedded in the Philippine Disaster Management System.

A total of 145 participants compose of responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk

Reduction Management, Rural Health Workers, School Disaster Risk Reduction Management Coordinators, identified Barangay Officials participated in the training workshop.

The training workshop also served as way to participants to be acquainted and learn the required skills on rescue and retrieval operations cause by man-made and natural calamities and debriefing management

styles for the victims of the said calamities.

Provincial Governor of Camiguin, Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo, graced the opening and closing activities and instilled the minds of the participants with inspiring words that the province should always be ready since it is prone to natural calamities thereby disaster trainings should be given foremost priority. (Ian Roy Genelsa, CGH/PIA)

​ manda Arbitrario (center) from Panglao, Bohol​,​was crowned as Miss Scuba Philippines 2014 in Pacific Cebu Resort​,​last Friday night. She will represent the Philippines in A Miss Scuba International on November 28, 2014 at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. In her court are Princess Jayme (lef​t​), 2nd runner-up, and Reygin Juen Brion, 1st runner-up, both from Cebu City. Miss Scuba Philippines believes in sustainable development within the realms of marine environment and hopes that by sharing the beauty and wonders of the underwater world with the help of beauty ambassadors, more people will get a better understanding of the oceans, and how they can help to protect these fragile bodies of water. This year’s Miss Scuba Philippines is supported by the City of Lapu-lapu, the Department of Tourism Central Visayas, Pacific Cebu Resort managed by sav, Selrahco Management, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Pacific Audio Video Inc., Pyroworks, Philtech Divers, Mr. Bar’s Printing Press, Laguna Garden Cafe, Flame It!, The Islands Group, SMART, Canon, Nature’s Spring, and Megaworld Corporation.

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TONKATSU LIKE NO OTHER!

VIBE Photos by Glenn Palacio & Shaun Uy

WAIT TILL YOU TRY TONKATSU BY TERAZAWA A serving of tasty, tender pork cutlets fried to perfection, served with pickled vegetables, shredded cabbage, miso soup and unlimited rice is an irresistible meal anytime of the day. And this delightful fare one can enjoy at Tonkatsu by Terazawa, the first Philippine franchise of the Japan-based chain brought to the country by the Bistro Group. The restaurant also has branches in Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.

The dish, Tonkatsu, is showcased, as created by Japanese restaurateur and Chef Akinori Terazawa.

WAIT TILL YOU TRY MY TONKATSU! A classic favorite in Japanese homes, tonkatsu eases itself into the hearts and tastebuds of many food lovers, be they Asian or Western. “Knowing this drove me to pick up the challenge of making the best Tonkatsu in town,” said Chef Terazawa.

That was 20 years ago in Nagoya, Japan. Today, that dream has come to fruition with a successful restaurant chain which serves just that – the best tonkatsu in town, plus a wide array of other delectable Japanese fare. Chef Terezawa’s line, “Wait till you try my Tonkatsu,” is more than a teaser; it conveys a promise of a memorable dining experience at hand.

The simplicity of a serving of Tonkatsu belies intricate preparations and methods of cooking required for a pork delicacy that is flavorful and richly textured.

Chef Terazawa uses the traditional Japanese method of preparing this dish, incorporating aging the meat by wrapping it in white cloth for three days. This produces meat that is irresistibly flavorful and juicy.

The pork is then seasoned and breaded using only Nama Panko which is composed of fresh and soft bread crumbs instead of flour or ordinary breading. This is another secret to cooking excellent Tonkatsu, enabling guests to fully enjoy the luscious tenderness and the juiciness of the pork with a softer yet crispy coating.

The breaded cutlet is then deep fried to perfection using vegetable oil.

Chef Terazawa also shares the perfect way to enjoy the dish: “Grind the sesame seeds straight onto the tonkatsu to bring out the aroma and flavor of the pork.

Dip the tonkatsu in the house blended Tonkatsu sauce, with a pinch of Japanese salt for added taste. Include a good amount of the shredded cabbage in between bites to cleanse your palate.”

KATSU: DELECTABLE JAPANESE DELIGHTS Tonkatsu by Terazawa prides itself with serving katsu’s crowning glory, the Kurobuta Katsu. Kurobuta, dubbed the angus of pork, is meat from the original strains of Berkshire hogs from Japan. This method of raising produces hog meat that is of optimum quality and lush in flavor, with its own inherent and distinctive sweetness that can be perfectly paired with a variety of meat sauces. The restaurant’s Kurobuta Katsu is packed with juiciness and is rich in flavor from the meat’s excellent marbling.

The restaurant further spoils guests by offering something even more extraordinary - Iberico Katsu that is made of the finest black Iberico pork with a delicate, nutty, meaty, melt-in-your-mouth marbling. Popularly known as “Pata Negra,” these Iberian pigs are a special breed found in the south and southwest areas of Spain. They are

an indigenous, free-roaming living link to the European wild boar. What makes them extraordinary is the fact that they are fed on barley and maize weeks after weaning.

They are then allowed to forage on forest floors eating acorns, thyme, rosemary and mushrooms, making them the “healthiest pigs with 50% unsaturated fats like that of olive oil. It has been said that doctors in Spain refer to Black Iberico pigs as “walking olive trees” because of the hog’s diet.

Chef's Katsu specialties include the Rosu Katsu sets (deep-fried pork loin sets) and the Hire Katsu (deep-fried pork fillet sets).

Another must-try is Jumbo Ebifurai, imperial prawns that are simply deep-fried to achieve the natural fresh taste of the prawns. Guests have a choice to order only the prawns or in sets with either deep fried pork loin or fillet.

Kakifurai or Deep Fried Oysters is another Chef’s specialty that has a lot of flavor as the restaurant prepares it in a fashion where the combination of breading and meat are perfect to the bite. The freshness of the oysters that are imported from Japan is sealed in every crunch.

Nagoya Meshi Katsu is the restaurant's take on Nagoya-style Miso Katsu (Miso Hire Set and Miso Rosu Set) with miso or soybean paste. There’s also the Negi or leek sauce Katsu (Negi Hire Set and Negi Rosu Set).

For those who want to try a little of the best Katsu delights, there's the Iroiro Katsu, a deluxe set of assorted katsu dishes (prawn, pork loin and pork fillet set; prawn, pork loin and chicken roll set; mixed katsu of prawn, pork fillet and white fish; prawn and hire katsu set; and prawn and rosu katsu set).

All of the restaurant’s Katsu sets are served with refillable servings of Japanese rice, shredded cabbage and a bowl of hot Tonjiru, a special miso soup flavored with pork.

Starters include appetizing starters Chasoba Salad, Caesar Salad, Pork Karaage, Fried Chicken Wings and Japanese-style French Fries.

For a sweet ending, try the bestselling dessert - Frozen Green Tea, a heavenly slice of frozen, fluffy meringue roll with a hint of green tea.

At night, have a drink or two at the restaurant’s al fresco bar with your choice of beer, sochu, sake and wines that are perfect accompaniments to Tonkatsu in the traditional Japanese way.

The Japanese feel in Tonkatsu by Terazawa is consistent from the flavorsome food to the ambience.

Wooden walls, lanters, accents with hand-painted Japanese characters and the bright, welcoming lighting evoke warmth and comfort. The ambiance is complemented by the friendly and personal attention of the wait staff, a signature brand of service by the Bistro Group.

And as he sees guests enjoying Tonkatsu, Chef Treazawa is led to believe that he has achieved his vision of spreading Japanese food culture.

Don’t you think it’s about time you tried Tonkatsu by Terazawa?

Tonkatsu by Terazawa branches are located at (Ground Floor Centrio Mall CDO, Greenbelt 2, Lucky China Town, Solenad 1 Nuvali, Ayala Center Cebu) For more details, check the restaurant’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TonkatsuByTerazawa. Follow on Twitter and Instagram (@tonkatsuph.