CDOTIMES - December 16, 2013)

The

ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH | FITNESS | EVENTS | TRAVEL | PEOPLE

CAGAYANLifestyle TIMES Weekly de Oro

Volume 2 | No. 17 | Cagayan de Oro City | December 16-22, 2013

TUNE HOTELS Cagayan de Oro celebrated their Christmas Party at the roof deck of the hotel, December 13. Photo taken after the traditional exchange-gifts segment. Management, staff, and interns all joined in the fun and celebrations in Tune Hotels CDO’s first Christmas party.

Photo by Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

The Night Stalker:

Join Seda Centrio’s 1st Anniversary Party on December 29

C

agayan de Oro’s premier Urban Lifestyle Hotel marks its 1st Anniversary on Sunday, 29th December 2013 with a day-long celebration of a fruitful first year.

Guests checking in on this date will be treated to a special rate of only PHP3,450.00 for a DeLuxe Room which, if you are young enough to remember, was their introductory rate when they opened a year ago.

Hotel guests on this special day are welcome to join a private intimate cocktail reception al fresco at the Poolside from 06.00pm onwards with live music from Seda’s resident jazz band, Loy Navalle and Friends.

“And, since the anniversary falls on a Sunday, Seda’s Sunday Lunch Buffet will have a special price of PHP 365.00, as in the number of days in a year,” says Lorenzo Tang, Seda’s dashing hotel Manager. “We would like to offer a nice buffet, at a very reasonable price for Kagay-anons to enjoy on this special date."

Place your reservations now for this once-in-a-lifetime milestone! Call tel.

(88) 323-888, fax 323-8891, email cdo@ Pastor Jeg and Mrs Jojie Ferrer celebrate their wedding anniversary with an intimate dinner sedahotels.com or log-in at www.sedahotels. at Seda Centrio’s Misto with Mike Baños and the daughter of her best friend, Risa Honnableu com for more information. of New York City now detailed as F&B Consultant from Seda BGC.

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES

Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | Advertising: cagayantimes@yahoo.com.ph | 09177121424

2

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

December 16-22, 2013

METROSPECT

High school students from different institutions attended the event at the Centrio Ayala Mall, December 12, which was made possible by Commission on Population & Center for health development. Photo by Glenn Palacio

Centrio Ayala Mall hosts the 2013 Independent Film Festival on adolescent reproductive health with the theme: "Toga Muna, Bago Trahe de Boda", December 12, 2013. Photo by Glenn Palacio

Students viewed the various films that were shown during the 2013 Independent Film Festival on adolescent reproductive health with the theme: “Toga Muna, Bago Trahe de Boda�, December 12, giving them a greater knowledge on reproductive health. Photo by Glenn Palacio

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES

Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | Advertising: cagayantimes@yahoo.com.ph | 09177121424

METROSPECT

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

December 16-22, 2013

TUNE Hotels CDO Christmas Party 2013

“Tune Angels” win the first ever TUNE CDO Got TALENT Search, during the hotel’s Christmas Party, December 13.

Tune Hotels CDO Manager Ms. Sansehry Binay-an delos Santos with MsCdeO 2013 Amadea Lucia Piatti

BEST DRESSED. Mr. Melch Ignilan & Ms. Aezel Abellanosa are judged as the Best Dressed staff of the night. Photo op with MsCdeO 2013 Amadea Lucia Piatti.

Tune Hotels CDO Manager Ms. Sansehry Binay-an delos Santos awards Ms. Krisalee Anne Salamon with a service recognition for her dedication and hard work this year.

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES

Photos by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | Advertising: cagayantimes@yahoo.com.ph | 09177121424

3

4

LIFESTYLE VIEWS

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

December 16-22, 2013

The silver lining

ala mode

by Owen Jaen

by Janey Montebon Duterte

How to Avoid “Break-up Season”:

Take a Cue From the Celebs

Q

uick question: did you know that Christmas is actually considered by relationship studies as “Breakup Season”? For some reasons, the number of relationships falling apart when this time of the year rolls in is quite high. You don’t believe me? Quick, google ‘Why people break up around Christmas’ and see for yourself.

But of course we do not want our relationships to turn sour at the happiest time of the year.

To avoid a “malamig na pasko”, here, let’s take a cue from failed celebrity relationships and pick up a thing or two about what causes their nasty breakups.

Why celebrities? Because if there is a group of people most prone to break ups and failed marriages, it definitely is them.

No relationship seems to last in tinsel town, and here are some reasons why, as well as the lessons we normal folks could learn from it.

1. Make your relationship your own business.

No relationship would survive if it is scrutinized by the rest of the world from different angles. Remember this: your love story is your own problem.

Your problems are your own, so don’t go

telling everybody about it.

Don’t broadcast your relationship issues in social media, and for goodness’ sake do not fight using angry Facebook posts. If you badmouth your bf/gf/ husband/wife for the world to see, it will simply boomerang and reflect on you. Plus, if you get back together, what would the rest of the world think?

This rule applies even to small fights.

Never tell your good friends or family members the worst qualities of your partner. You might be able to let it go and simply accept it, but your friends and family won’t be able to forget that as easily. How can you explain to them later on that you’re okay with his or her issues? The resentment from people close to you will ultimately lead to even more problems later on.

Bottomline, the less people involved in your relationship, the better. Unless you are being physically or emotionally abused (a la Rihanna), then that’s a totally different story.

2. Stick with your choice.

There will always be a lot of options out there. There will be better-looking, more thoughtful, more exciting men or women than your husband or wife.

DUTERTE

. P5

W

hen I was younger, (okay, way younger around eight years old or so) I get very excited when I see holiday lights being set up or when the tree has emerged from the stock room and slowly being assembled in our living room.

It meant that in just a few days, I will be receiving lots of gifts wrapped in colorful paper with bright and glittery bows.

We usually open our gifts on Christmas Eve and sleep late or wait until the morning light comes. Overflowing food, merry dancing, unending rounds of karaoke and games cap our celebrations back then.

W h e n I g r e w o l d e r, Christmas slowly shifted its meaning. It was no longer about me receiving but me having to give back.

Now let us move forward to the present. Christmas takes on a different glow now that I am growing older (and hopefully wiser).

I no longer get the excitement of receiving gifts but I feel the adrenaline rush whenever I go around shops looking for presents.

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

Money and Health

Editor SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

. .

Editorial MIKE BAÑOS NELSON Consultants CONSTANTINO RUEL PELONE ALLAN MEDIANTE CHENG ORDOÑEZ

.

Account LAVIE CASENAS JOHN DEL Executives BANDO PINKY DOMINGO CADAVEDO

.

Legal Counsels ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI ATTY. ROBERTO A. CANTAGO, JR.

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES newspaper is published weekly at FICCO Bldg., Lapasan Hiway, with the editorial office at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St.,Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 with Certificate No. 01801884, and with Business Permit No. 17211 with TIN No. 311-982-549-000 | Tele/Fax #: (088) 856-3344, (08822) 74-53-80 Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES email us at Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail. com, Advertising: cagayantimes@yahoo.com.ph Member: Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber)

read us online:

www.businessweekmindanao.com

facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES

Christmas is indeed a time for giving. I may not have the wealth that can uplift lives of our brethren but I sure have a treasure trove of wonderful people willing to lend a hand.

My real family are now spread all over the country and outside and we may never have the chance to celebrate Christmas like we used to, but through this project I can feel that it has bound us together in spirit.

Same with my classmates in high school whom I have not met for quite a few holidays now, we may not have had the chance to reunite in person but this little mission for the kids rekindled our connections.

This will be my first time to really truly celebrate a deeper kind of Christmas, not just with my own family but with children we hope to touch with our little presents.

I pray that when they do receive these little bundles we prepared, they will see life with more hope and vigor to move forward.

Once again, to all who helped and are still willing to share, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

by DR. MARY JEAN LORECHE

Publisher CAGAYAN TIMES General Manager ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA,Ph.D.

Photographer GLENN PALACIO

There is a different sense of fulfillment seeing other people smile with glee.

This year, it is even more meaningful when together with some friends we are giving away gift packs to children in the Visayas.

The turnout of those helping the project is more than overwhelming.

As of this writing, we are close to a thousand gift packs and counting.

This is something we only hoped for but never truly imagined that it will be realized.

The love from friends and from generous people is enough to make this Christmas truly magical.

The simple act of kindness from the people we asked to share fills our hearts with so much joy and we know that the children who will receive these presents this yuletide season will be happy as well.

This project made me value the gift of family and of friends. They have been supportive in my personal endeavors and more so now that this is not just for me but for other people who need more cheering up than we do.

HEALTH IN FOCUS

The

Art Director & RONALD MASTAIL Layout Artist

My Christmas Now

H

ealth as defined by the World Health Organization is the state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease.

We have embraced this definition even in our trainings and studies as medical professionals.

When dealing with patients, we hear the word “holistic approach“, which is being practiced these days.

Simply put, it means the addition to the original definition, to include also the spiritual well being. Gone was the old concept even of building hospitals.

What we see in these modern days are HOSTELS- hospitals that look like hotels, services that are world class, where patients get treated like guests.

But, let me not digress from what I would like to share this month of merriment and festivities, celebrating Christmas and the coming new year, where people, whether engaged in government or private corporations receive additional compensation.

Money is a tool that can be used for good or evil. And, is as important to one’s health.

The lack of money to send one’s child to school, or, to pay the medical bills of a spouse admitted or checked for an illness, to buy the needed medicines or to rebuild homes that have been

destroyed by natural calamities, can cause so much worry that it can affect one’s health as well.

Where exercise and a healthy lifestyle keeps one from getting a physical ailment, and feeding the minds with beautiful and good thoughts, as well as keeping love, peace and harmony in the hearts to keep one’s mental and social part of his being safe from disorders, and the keeping of one’s faith in HIS MAKER, ensuring a healthy spiritual life, so, it is important to be reminded of what one can do to be financially healthy too.

I am no expert with money matters, as there are financial gurus in a better position to discuss it. But, one thing I know, which I would like to share to the readers this time of merriment: that, money truly matters, even in health.

Experience has taught me that money should be handled with care: there must be a balance between spending and saving.

But before this, one must earn in order to have that which he/she can spend and save. Strike while the iron is hot, is an adage that is one basic guide.

It simply means, that while one is able and capable to earn, one should, and to live below one’s means is another important step to becoming money healthy.

One must spend only after one has set aside the savings for the

month.

There are some who would say that at least 10% of one’s income be placed aside for the rainy days, but, if you can set more than that , then, it will be to your advantage.

Spending on the needs and not the wants is another important tip. How often do we get into a buying spree especially during the sale season, and then regret the unnecessary purchases?

A shopping or grocery list is good practice, as this will do away with that impulsive pick- up of not so needed things.

Earn, save, spend on necessities and yes, planning an investment is good money sense. When considering investments, it need not be big, to start with.

Find what you can before entrusting that hard earned money learn and get information that will help you in your decision.

Since we are all but stewards on whatever is placed in our hands, it is good to render what is for Cesar and the Lord.

One other thing I have learned in money matters is this: money is like fertilizer that needs to be shared, to those who need help (legitimate of course).

Financial independence, can help build better futures, and is like a cycle that always goes back to where it started. Health and wealth, together, it can create a better tomorrow...

AROUND NORTHMIN

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

December 16-22, 2013

5

JICA hails disaster resiliency of COWD rehab project

by Mike Baños

T

he highest official of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency Philippine Office hopes the disaster resiliency built into the rehabilitated facilities of the Cagayan de Oro City Water District damaged by Tropical Storm Sendong would serve as a model for other water districts in the country.

Takahiro Sasaki, chief representative for JICA’s Philippine Office, lauded COWD’s proactive stance during the Turnover Ceremony of the Deed of Donation held at a local hotel Thursday, 12 December.

“My congratulations to COWD for considering disaster resilience as an important component in this project, and I hope you will continue to adopt, be proactive and also implement this kind of strategy for the rest of your water system,” Mr. Sasaki said during his formal turnover speech. “More importantly, I hope that this will set a standard for making public facilities and resources disaster-resilient in the country.”

In the aftermath of the killer flash floods spawned by Tropical Storm Sendong on 16-17 December, 2013, the COWD water system was badly damaged prompting the Japanese government through JICA to extend technical assistance in the amount of P52-million through the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) for the immediate rehabilitation of the damaged infrastructure.

The technical assistance included the provision of equipment such as pumps, generators, water meters, data loggers, chlorination facility, power cables, a bio-safety cabinet and a short term expert to expedite the full restoration of COWD’s operations and provision of safe water supply in Cagayan de Oro City.

The JICA grant was formally acknowledged by Ruben Vegafria, chairman of the COWD Board of Directors.

“Typhoon Sendong has long been gone, but the tragic memories remain, even the pain. Stories of fear and hopelessness have been told and retold many times over but only two great experiences are worth remembering: We saw the indomitable spirit of the Kagay-

DUTERTE

. from Page 4

They will tempt you, they will make you think a lot of “what-ifs”, they will challenge your values, and make you doubt your decisions. It happened to Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and yes could happen to you too.

But remember that love is not all butterflies and rainbows. LOVE IS A DECISION. You have decided to love that person; you have promised to stick with them, so DO IT. You will be a better person for doing so. Avoid situations where you will be exposed to temptations. If you already think someone is interesting, then by all means, avoid him or her. There's no sense exploring the “possibilities”.

Remember the story about the moth that went too close to the fire and got burned? That could be you. So stay away from trouble at all cost. Focus your attention instead on the one you chose to love. Remind yourself why

anons to rise above the ruins of Sendong. And we saw the outpouring of kindness of the international community to respond to save humanity in times of disaster and its unconditional generosity to help rebuild hope for the afflicted.”

Mr. Vegafria cited the swift response from the people of Japan through JICA as “a living testimony of JICA’s noble role in promoting international understanding, goodwill, peace and better friendship.”

“To the government of Japan and JICA, please accept our deepest gratitude. Indeed, while Sendong will linger in our collective memory, the JICA rehabilitation project will temper the pain with the realization that the human spirit knows no boundaries,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Let me assure our fidelity as stewards of the things which you have entrusted to our care.”

Acting LWUA Administrator Eduardo C. Santos similarly acknowledged the JICA grant as indicative of the increasing trend for “Water Cooperation’ not only at high level talks between countries but between water districts in the country as well.

“Our concept of Water District in utility services has been shown as a successful model in terms of water public utility,” Mr. Santos noted.

“During calamities, neighboring water districts are ready to help and assist the affected water districts.”

He cited the cases of COWD, Compostela Valley, the recent earthquake in Ayungan, Negros Oriental, and in Clarin, Bohol. And the latest in Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Panay Island, and part of Palawan due to Typhoon Yolanda.

“LWUA in cooperation with PAWAD, has started talking about strengthening further LWUA’s capability to react during disasters,” he disclosed. “LWUA’s Disaster Assistance Reaction Team (DART) has been in the forefront every time disaster occurs. We are contemplating of involving PAWAD (Phil. Association of Water Districts) so that reaction time can be faster.”

“LWUA as the agency mandated by the government in the development of water systems

Local dignitaries witness the formal signing of the Deed of Donation for P52-M worth of equipment and supplies provided by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the rejabilitation of the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) facilities destroyed during Tropical Storm Sendong two years ago. Signing the Deed of Donation are Takahiro Sasaki, Chief Representative of JICA Phil Office and COWD Gen Manager Rachel Beja.

Witnessing the signing are Kag. Roger Abaday; Ryutaro Aoki, 1st Secretary, Embassy of Japan; Ed Santos, acting administrator, LWUA and Ruben Vegafria, Chairman, COWD Board of Directors. Photo by Mike Baños, NPM

nationwide, will always be there to assist all water districts that need its assistance. We have again proven the success of the LWUA-Water District Partnership,” he added.

For his part, Mr. Sasaki hopes the success of the COWD rehabilitation project and its integration of disaster-resiliency not only serve as a model, but also a beacon of hope for the other areas of the country like Zamboanga, Bohol and the Visayas which were recently ravaged by similar disasters.

“Let this occasion be our message, to encourage them to hold on, be strong, and believe that they will soon recover to be more resilient and disaster ready in the future,” Mr. Sasaki said. “Let us all transform our experiences and lessons from the recent earthquake, Tropical Storm Sendong and Typhoon Yolanda to a more concrete, effective and climate adaptive measures that will mitigate damage by disasters and further protect the lives of our people.”

you are with that person. And remind yourself again and again and again just in case you forget.

3. Love means time.

After a divorce when paparazzis ask the usual “what went wrong” questions, celebrities would often say that the relationship isn't working because their schedules don't match and they could hardly spend time with each other. In between tapings and tours and dizzying travels, who has room to nurture a good marriage?

Someone once told me that love is now spelled not as L-O-V-E but as T-IM-E. Sharing your time with the one you love is the ultimate gift you could give them. It doesn’t matter if you’re celebrities or not. Time is time and it’s the same 24 hours a day for all of us.

Every relationship needs lots of it to flourish.

Happy holidays!

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES

Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | Advertising: cagayantimes@yahoo.com.ph | 09177121424

6

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

BILLBOARD

Getting Life Back on Track with Rehab Access December 16-22, 2013

By Mike Baños

E

ver since she started her medical practice in Cagayan de Oro City twenty seven years ago, Dr. Grace R. Cid, M.D. has constantly found it necessary to make the public aware of her specialty and the great difference it is capable of in improving the quality of their lives.

Dr. Cid is a physiatrist. She is a Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine, a Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Rehabilitation Medicine and a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. She has formally trained for and accredited in her subspecialty of Sports Medicine.

“A physiatrist practices in the field of physiatry (also called physical medicine and rehabilitation) –a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease primarily using "physical" means, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and medications,” Dr. Cid explains. “We treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move and function. By taking the whole body into account, we are able to accurately pinpoint problems and enhance performance - without surgery.”

Treadmill

Rehab Access Locator Photo The term 'physiatry' was coined by Dr. Frank H. Krusen in 1938. The term was accepted by the American Medical Association in 1946. The specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is approximately over 60 years old. Today, there are still just some 300 physicians practicing physical medicine and rehabilitation in the Philippines and only 10 in Northern Mindanao. ( Frontera, W.R. (ed.). (2010).

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkin.) ("Information for Patients and Family," American Academy of Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation, accessed August 2011.) (http://www.spine-health.com/ treatment/spine-specialists/what-a-physiatrist) After establishing her hospital based practice in three of the city’s leading medical institutions (Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Maria ReynaXavier University Hospital and Cagayan de Oro Polymedic General Hospital) over the last three decades, Dr. Cid recently opened Rehab Access, a private, fully equipped physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic located at the 1st floor of the El Cid Building along Gen. Antonio Luna Extension, Cagayan de Oro City next to the regional offices of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Rehab Access offers medical rehabilitation services for Neurologic Disorders (Stroke, Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, Nerve and Muscle Diseases, Parkinsonism); Muscoskeletal Disorders (Back and Neck Pain, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Spine Deformity, Osteoporosis, Amputation, Healed Fracture, Contracture, Post Orthopedic Surgery); Pediatric Disorders (Cerebral Palsy, Delayed Motor Development) Conditioning in Cardiac and Pulmonary Disorders; Geriatric Rehabilitation; Orthotics (Pre- and Post-Prosthetic Training) and Sports Injuries.

The center is fully equipped with instruments and facilities essential to rehabilitation medicine such as heating pads and bath, ice packs, traction devices, paraffin wax bath, ultrasound, laser, infrared light, electrotherapy unit, stimulators and a therapeutic gym.

“You should consider seeing a rehabilitation physician if you had an accident or have an injury or chronic condition that has left you with pain or limited function,” Dr. Cid explains. “We can also assist you if you’re contemplating or recovering from surgery; have

an illness or treatment that has diminished your energy or ability to move easily; recovering from the effects of a stroke or other problems related to nerve damage; have chronic pain from arthritis, a repetitive stress injury, or back problems; have had a heart attack or had undergone cardiac surgery; or recently experienced life changes such as childbirth or menopause which have created new challenges to your physical function.”

Among the common conditions that are treated by the rehabilitation therapists are stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, musculoskeletal pain syndromes such as low back pain, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, amputation, and sports injuries. They also facilitate cardiopulmonary rehabilitation which involves optimizing function in those afflicted with heart or obstructive lung disease.

“The job of a rehabilitation physician is to treat any disability resulting from disease or injury, from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries,” Dr. Cid says.

“The focus is on the development of a comprehensive program for putting the pieces of a person's life back together after injury or disease – without or after surgery.”

“We will thoroughly assess your condition, needs, and expectations and rule out any serious medical illnesses in developing a treatment plan to address your specific needs and goals. A clear understanding of your condition and limitations will help us develop a treatment plan suited to your unique needs,” she added.

“If surgery is needed, we will team up with your surgeons before and after surgery. By directing your treatment team and collaborating with other health care professionals, we can design a treatment program specially tailored for you.”

By providing an appropriate treatment plan, rehabilitation physicians help patients stay as active as possible at any age. Their broad medical expertise allows them to treat disabling conditions throughout a person’s lifetime (http://www.aapmr.org/patients/ aboutpmr/pages/physiatrist.aspx) Rehab Access is open Mondays to Fridays 9-12am and 2-6PM and Saturdays 8-12AM. Consultation hours with Dr. Cid are Mondays to Fridays 2-6PM and Saturdays 9-12AM. For more details, contact tel.(88) 880-1373 or mobile # 09177073356.

Ultrasound

Stationary Bike Rehab Access

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES

Lumbar Traction

Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | Advertising: cagayantimes@yahoo.com.ph | 09177121424

FEATURE

TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES.-- The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc.-(IIEE) Cagayan de Oro Chapter hold a tree planting activity at the river side of Brgy Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City headed by Engr. Ferdie Bernasor. photo supplied

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

December 16-22, 2013

7

Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez, Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines (CDP) National President swears-in F. Sionil Jose, National Artist for Literature, as a member of the CDP during the CDP’s 3rd National Congress held in Cagayan de Oro City. Also in the photo is Fr. Jun Mercado, CDP Adviser.

Italian Language Week cites Primavera Residences designer as ‘Innovator’

T

he architect who designed the first eco-friendly, mixed-use condominium development in Mindanao spoke as an ‘Italian innovator’ on Dec. 12, at the 13th edition of the Settimana della lingua italiana nel mondo (Italian Language Week), the 13th global celebration of the annual cultural event first held in 2001.

ITPI Corp (ItalPinas Euroasian Design and Eco-Development Corporation) Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Romolo Valentino Nati shared his “eco-logic” design principles with other Italian innovators and an audience of mostly Filipino aficionados of Italian language and culture.

Aimed at promoting Italian language and culture, Italian Language Week is held simultaneously in many countries on December 10-13, focusing on a specific theme or particular aspect in the use of the Italian language.

As this year’s theme was ‘Ricerca, Scoperta, Innovazione: L’Italia dei saperi or Research, Discovery, Innovation: Italy and Knowledge’, Architect Nati was chosen to present his company’s innovative and

environmental approach to building and property development.

Every year, Italian Language Week is organized by the Accademia della Crusca in collaboration with the Office for the Promotion and Cooperation in Cultural Affairs of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the Philippines, the Embassy of Italy and the Department of European Languages of the University of the Philippines, Diliman organized the event.

Nati pushes sustainable architecture Nati spoke on “Eco-Friendly Buildings and Renewable Energy” at one of the Italian Language Week’s events, a whole-day forum held on Dec. 12 at the Claro M. Recto Hall of the College of Arts and Letters in the UP Diliman campus.

The Italian architect is the designer of Primavera Residences -- a 10-storey, twintower, mixed-use development located in Cagayan de Oro’s plush Pueblo de Oro Business Park -- and his company, ITPI, developed this.

ITPI was formed by Nati and his Filipino partner, Atty. Jojo Leviste, in 2009, and today has several projects in the pipeline. While the company is young, it invests most of its resources in its in-house research and design (R&D) department that looks into sustainable architecture. ITPI is also an affiliate of the renewable energy firm Constellation Energy Corp. (CEC). Leviste is the President of CEC. The first tower of Primavera Residence, Tower A, just completed in the third quarter of last year, is almost fully sold-out. Tower B is also around 30 percent sold, even if its construction is just around 30 percent complete.

Romolo Valentino Nati

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES

A truly green and ‘disaster-proof’ architecture Tower A of Primavera Residences has an inner courtyard and a cross-ventilation layout designed to enhance natural air flow and light.

Shaded facades sift sunlight’s entry through windows, moderating the temperature inside units, slashing air-

conditioning costs by up to a third.

These features -- coupled with its location (110 meters above sea level) -- also functioned to make the condominium ‘typhoon resistant,’ helping it survive two tropical storms and typhoons which hit Cagayan de Oro in the last two years. The location saved it from massive flooding at the height of Sendong, while the energy-saving features helped the mitigated the impact of Pablo's strong winds on the building.

The structures have also been designed to withstand earthquakes of high intensities.

Multi-awarded green property developments Because of the eco-friendly features included in the design of its two towers, Primavera Residences has quickly gained the attention of both renowned real estate institutions as well as institutions involved in sustainable property development.

Primavera Residences has won two awards: The Most Promising Clean Energy Investment Opportunities from the Climate Technology Initiative-Private Financing Advisory Networks (CTI-PFAN) in 2010, given at the Asia Forum for Clean Energy Financing held in Makati; CTI-PFAN is the Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) initiated by the Climate Technology Initiative (CTI) in cooperation with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Expert Group on Technology Transfer. PFAN operates to bridge the gap between investments and clean energy businesses. And, as One of the Best Condo Developments in the Philippines from the 2011 South East Asia Property Awards at a ceremony held at Singapore.

See the world through Italian language At the forum, Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Roscigno declared that the Italian language is a good instrument to explore the world.

“Italian is a language of music,” Roscigno said, also noting that it was important to devote resources to protect our heritage. "Without heritage, we are nothing."

The ambassador also expressed sympathy over the destruction of churches in Bohol and urged all Filipinos to do what they can to help restore our heritage sites, despite the economic challenges faced by the nation.

Dani R. Molintas

Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com | Advertising: cagayantimes@yahoo.com.ph | 09177121424

8

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

December 16-22, 2013

May the timeless message of Christmas fill your heart and home with joy today and throughout the coming year.

Branch Manager: Henry Lacida Address: PVB Building Roxas Avenue, Mahayahay National Highway, Iligan City 9200 Telephone: (063) 223-8374 | (063) 351-7366 Fax (063) 223-1523