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CAGAYANLifestyle TIMES Weekly DE ORO
Volume 8 | No. 32 | Cagayan de Oro City | March 15-21, 2021
MDN Network Digital Platform goes global By T2 MIKE
F
ROM its humble beginnings as a simple weekly supplement in in 2009, Cagayan de Oro’s leading daily newspaper has stepped up into the global stage with the launch of its multilevel digital platform on March 11 at the Ayala Centrio Mall Activity Center. “Dako ang atong pasalamat nga daghan sa mga invited guests and participants mitambong sa atong grand launch kay kini bag-ong mga brands na usab nga atong i-offer sa publiko. Karon dili na kita printed newspaper lamang kon dili aduna na kita
teleradyo ug digital newspaper. Ug daghan kitag mga bag-ong segments sa teleradyo alang sa paghatag news, public affairs, education ug entertainment sa atong mga regular followers and avid listeners sa teleradyo and avid readers sa atong
newspapers,” said MDNN Founder and CEO Dante M. Sudaria. Starting with BusinessWeek Mindanao, the region’s first weekly business newspaper in 2009, the group launched its daily newspaper barely two years later with the Mindanao Daily News, followed by the Metro Cagayan de Oro Times barely a year later, the first and still only Lifestyle weekly in the region. At the instance of VP-Digital Mike Baños, all three newspapers DIGITAL/PAGE 11
VIP Guests at the March 11 MDDN Digital Launch City Councilors Girlie Balaba, Suzette Magtajas Daba and Inday Dahino.
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
MDNN Digital Network launches 2021 station ID March 15-21, 2021
By JOEL C. ESCOL
T
here’s no stopping the continued innovations and technology updates made by Mindanao Daily Publishing Corporation
President and Publisher Dante M. Sudaria, as part of the company’s massive growth to immerse itself with the 21st century’s emerging
technology and the worldwide web. After the successful launch of its digital network MDNN Teleradyo, the Sudaria Group of Companies also
MDNN Digital Founder & CEO Dante M. Sudaria
MDDN Network 2021 Station ID
released its Station ID for Year 2021. The station ID was introduced during the March 11th grand launch of MDNN Teleradyo. “Kailangan pud nato ang station ID kay kini makatabang kaayo sa atong promotion sa airwaves ug apil na usab sa internet. Name recall lang ang kailangan para mahibaw-an sa katawhan ug ilabina sa atong loyal supporters and patrons nga ania ang atong presensya,” the MDNN founder and
president said. Sudaria said it will be the first Teleradyo station ID all over Mindanao and maybe in the Visayas Region. “Sukad masukad wala paman kita makadungog nga ang usa ka teleradyo adunay station ID. We are the first in Mindanao so we are proud of this development. We are now going global so we need to innovate and use the latest technology not to be left behind.” The latest jungle was made possible
by WCKDS AND KELS and filmed by NOSTALGIA DIGITAL FILM. “We are hoping that Mindanaoans will like this station ID and be proud of what we have in Mindanao. We have vast cultures and traditions we can be proud of, and we also have the best delicacies undiscovered by many people outside of Mindanao. In fact, we have a lot to offer to all tourists and travelers all over the globe,” Sudaria noted.
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
CAGAYAN TIMES/Sudaria Group of Companies Publisher MIKE BAÑOS Editor-in-Chief SUSAN P. DENNIS GEAN T. CESAR RANDY FAMACION MAI MAI SISON KLAUS DORING ANNIE GORRA RAGO WENDY RAMOS-GARCIA Contributing Editors CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artist PINKY DOMINGO Marketing
WCKDS AND KELS performs the MDNN Digital 2021 Station ID as filmed by NOSTALGIA DIGITAL FILM.
KHRISTHA RIVA FELICILDA Advertising ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI Legal Counsel The Metro CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES newspaper is published weekly at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa Street, 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 Registration Plane No. 17211 with Business License Certificate 2014-00691. TIN No. 311-982-549-000 Tele/Fax #: (088) 856-3344 Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES email us at thecagayandeorotimes@gmail.com Member: Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber)
facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES
MDNN Digital Program Anchors and Hosts.
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CAGAYANTIMES Feature DE ORO
March 15-21, 2021 Page 3
WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS
By Klaus Döring
Chapter VIII: Love at first sight?
M
y publisher informed me that I would be given more responsibility in the future. And a higher salary. More responsibility meant: manuscript editing, proofreading, layout arrangement, coordination with the printing company. I was really shocked. “Can you do this?” my publisher asked me. My answer was very simple, “Of course, Sir. I can”! From time to time, I visited different stage plays and classical concerts on different occasions and stages as well as concerts halls in West-Berlin. I was fascinated by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of legendary conductor Herbert von Karajan: Ludwig van Beethoven - George Bizet - Frederic Chopin - Evald Grieg. Awesome classical composers, their compositions often bring me to tears. Love at first sight? Yes, with so many classical
composers. A joyous Mozart symphony or perhaps a gentle Bach suite that’s closest to my heart or a majestic piano concerto by Ludwig van Beethoven. And since I became a piano player, Chopin kept on fascinating me more and more. Although my job became very stressful, I didn’t care. I enjoyed it. And I took several time outs while staying in Germany’s wonderful nature. Inhale - exhale... And then the big day came. The flight from Berlin to Frankfurt, during that time by Pan America kept me still calm. It was similar to many of my business trips on behalf of my publisher due to several editorial meetings all over Germany. When “Philippines Airlines boarding” in Frankfurt reached my ears, I really got somehow very nervous. Manila was different during that time in 1982. My pen friend there tried
to convince me not to go to Davao City in Mindanao which was shaken by civil war during that time. “Davao City is killing fields!” My pen friend from Manila sounds really serious. I found myself back as a risk taker. In Davao City, Evelyn waited for me. She didn’t become my love at first sight. It was a certain Rossana Balcom. A teacher from the International Harvardian University and an ethnic dancer of the legendary Manisan Dancegroup Davao City. My penfriend in Zamboanga City waited for free. Before I went back
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to Germany, I and Rossana fianceed each other. Overjoyed I flew back to Berlin - not knowing that some dramatic news awaited me - positive and negative. (To be continued!) ‘Klaus Doring was born in Spenge, a little village near Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia, former West Germany. A publishing house manager and journalist by profession, i.e. managing editor for law magazines in Berlin, New York and Amsterdam, radio and TV host.’
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
March 15-21, 2021
Flying the turbulent skies:
Lance Gokongwei pilots Cebu Pacific with lessons from his dad
S
OMETIME in the latter 1980s, the late John Gokongwei Jr. (a.k.a Big John) first toyed with the idea of starting his own airline. He did not possess any experience in running an airline – yet this did not deter the older Gokongwei, nor did the prospect of going against an established goliath bother him. It was an upbeat period as the local aviation industry was steadily opening up with the liberalization of air travel. Big John loved to travel and had a fascination for airplanes as a kid. “He was in the United States at that time and read about a low-cost carrier called Southwest. That’s how all this started,” recalls Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei. “He came up to my office one day and said, ‘I started this airline— can you think of anyone who could help?’ For me, that meant he wanted me to help, so that’s what I did.” Marking 25 years of
flying everyJuan Today, Cebu Pacific has come a long way as it marks 25 fruitful years since it first took to the skies in 1996. In the process, it has fulfilled Big John’s vision to make air travel accessible to more Filipinos. And while the airline known for offering low fares and great value has encountered its fair share of turbulent skies—not the least of which is the ongoing pandemic that has upended the global airline and tourism sector like never before—it has weathered many challenges under his son Lance’s steady, able leadership. This, Lance credits to the many valuable life and business lessons that he picked-up from his dad whom he describes as a classic entrepreneur and a visionary; learnings that guide him every step of the way in running Cebu Pacific and other Gokongwei family interests under JG Summit Holdings. “All the lessons my dad taught us – he taught not
The late John Gokongwei, Jr. with Cebu Pacific president & CEO Lance Gokongwei. (File photo from Dad lessons from Eddie Garcia, Nards Jimenez & John Gokongwei.)
through words, but by example. And the lessons he taught, guide me until now,” Lance said. Lessons from Big John Even as a successful businessman, Big John never hesitated in seeking advice from others – a firm believer that learning never ends. “You can never stop learning from others. Even when you’re the boss or the manager, you will benefit from the ideas of your colleagues,”
Mr & Mrs John Gokongwei, Jr. with First Lady Ming Ramos during the blessing of 2 new aircraft in 1996.
John Gokongwei, Jr.
Lance notes. “If necessary, go ahead and tap the expertise of consultants and join industry groups that discuss problems in your field because no matter what challenges arise, make sure to find the solution, even if it doesn’t come from yourself.” While musing on the business triumphs of his dad, Lance said in 2019: “’Till today, I think Dad was most successful with businesses that catered to every man, the common man, because that’s who he was himself.” Commitment to
serve Amid the challenges the airline is facing today, Lance is grateful to the passengers and customers who have trusted Cebu Pacific with their lives’ important moments. “The unwavering support you have given us through the years propels us to pursue new opportunities, to usher #MoreSmilesAhead with everyJuan.” Lance stresses Cebu Pacific remains committed to serving the public with utmost safety, convenience, and fun in every flight.
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“Our strong team - from the flight crew to the operations team, to those working from home or offices across the network - remain true to their service in making sure you arrive at your destination as safe and comfortable as possible,” he assures. “We have witnessed a lot of changes in 25 years - changes that enabled us to grow and reaffirm why we fly. As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment remains: to make the skies accessible for everyJuan of you in the years to come.”
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle DE ORO
March 15-21, 2021
Page 5
SAFE AT SEDA
Misto’s Buffet Breakfast returns to Seda Centrio Your healthy salad bar
Charcuterie Boards Galore!
The Congee Corner
S
A sumpteous breakfast
By T2 MIKE
EDA Centrio’s beloved Buffet Breakfast makes its long anticipated comeback on March 15, 2021 for hotel guests and walk-ins.
During a buffet breakfast simulation for tourism industry and media partners held March 11 at the Miso Lobby Lounge, Seda Centrio Hotel Manager Rhett Villaruz stressed the hotel would be strictly implementing their #SafeatSeda safety protocols in all aspects for the safety of their guests and their service crew alike. “While we are slowly re-opening our services like your favorite breakfast buffet, keeping you #safeatseda remains our top-priority.
Everywhere in the hotel, from the public areas and guestrooms to back-of-the-house and delivery areas, safety protocols are in place to help keep you safe whenever you visit,” Mr. Rhett stressed. Beginning with the time you step into the hotel premises at the first floor foyer, take the elevator up to the 4th floor, and avail of their buffet breakfast either as a hotel guest or walk-in diner, the minimum health standards are strictly enforced for guests and hotel staff alike.
Thus, when the socially distanced buffet area is opened, only a minimum of six guests are allowed inside while the rest of the diners are either socially queued outside the area or requested to sit in physically distanced seating in the lobby lounge which will be exclusively for walkins only while hotel guests would take their breakfast in the Misto dining area. Of course, like we personally experienced during this simulation, the menu of Seda Centrio’s Buffet Breakfast remains as superb as ever complete with all those dishes you’ve come to expect from Cagayan de Oro’s leading Lifestyle Hotel. Saludos to Executive Sous Chef Chris Lugtu! So far, Seda Centrio is only the fourth of Seda Hotels eleven hotels around the Philippines which have re-opened their Breakfast Buffets, along with Seda Vertis North (Quezon City),
Seda Centrio Hotel Manager Rhett Villaruz welcomes guests while F&B Manager Randy Dreisbach stands by.
Seda BGC (Taguig) and Seda Abreeza (Davao), we learned from F&B Manager Randy Dreisbach. In a related development, Seda Centrio was recognized with the Loved by Guests 2021award from the online booking portal Hotels.com, with a score of 9 in a scale of 10. “We are deeply honored to receive worldwide recognition
Lobby Lounge for walk-in guests
for our brand promise of genuine Filipino hospitality,” said Sales Director Carol Valdez. “This is testament of the hotel's exceptional level of quality and excellence of the services and facilities offered to all guests who visited us during 2020, which leaves us extremely delighted.” Seda lifestyle hotels, “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” in the World Travel Awards from 2014-
2020, offer a smart new concept in hospitality—where style, space and function offer comfort and convenience in the most exciting destinations. Work on essential businesses is going on in Mindanao and Seda Centrio in Cagayan de Oro, gateway to our biggest island, provides travelers safe and comfortable accommodations during their trip.
Socially distant seating
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
March 15-21, 2021
Scout Queppet meets MacArthur at Macabalan with reenactors March 13, 2017.
Abelardo Neri Queppet
This Week in Local History:
The Boy Scout who met MacArthur at Macabalan
T
By MIKE BAÑOS
HIS quaint vignette from World War II may not qualify for inclusion in any of our history books, but it’s an interesting footnote in history from a time many prefer to forget, but Boy Scouts from around the world may long want to remember. That’s because it involves a Boy Scout from Cagayan in 1942 and a global icon who is probably the most famous and most familiar with history buffs of the
Pacific Theatre. As recounted by Ann Gorra in her anthology City of Gold: People Who Made Their Home and History in Cagayan de Oro, Abelardo “Loloy” Neri Queppet was one of the scouts of BadenPowell Troop (named after the founder of the Scouting movement Lord Baden-Powell) in charge of enforcing the mandatory blackout. His dad encouraged him to join the Boy Scouts and he was a member of Troop 1 at
the City Central School. There were at least 20 scouts in the troop among them Jaime Tiano, Victor Roa, Terencio Gadrinab, Hugo Balase, Antonio Zacharies, Vic Itchon, Jose Apolinario and Cristobal Nagac. These were dark days in Philippine history when the country was tottering on the brink of defeat, with US and Filipino soldiers of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) boxed in at Bataan and Corregidor by the seemingly invincible Imperial Japanese
Mayor Oscar Moreno hands over the BSP Centennial Medal to Sct Clark Dexter Prudente as BSP CDO Officials look on (photo by Rich Neri Concepcion)
Army(IJA). So it was strictly lights out after 5PM for everyone lest they become targets of a Japanese aerial attack. “As soon as dusk gave way to night, I rode my bike (bought from a Japanese Bazaar) and rode around Del Mar, Mindanao and to the pier, blowing my whistle to warn residents that it was time to shut their lights off.” Loloy was assigned to do this task by his Scout Master Epifanio Balase since he was a nativeborn Kagay-anon and knew his way around. Even if he was just 14 years old at the time, Loloy went about his routine like a professional: waking up at 6AM, clean the house, eat breakfast, and report to HQ in his Boy Scout Uniform: shorts, knee socks, red and blue neckerchief, brown shirt and Boy Scout cap. Another of Loloy’s responsibilities was to direct traffic at Plaza Divisoria to expedite the passage of US military convoys to avoid strafing by Japanese planes. His friend, one Sergeant Hunter, charged with the security of Macabalan port in those days, often kidded him
Gen Douglas MacArthur takes a stroll at Del Monte, Bukidnon with Brig Gen Richard J Marshall and Maj Gen Richard K. Sutherland after their Breakout from Corregidor sometime March 13-17, 1942. (Terry Warner Wadsworth Collection through MacArthur Memorial)
about making sure he stops the tartanillas (horse-drawn carriages) since they had no brakes. On the evening of Thursday, March 12, 1942, Sgt. Hunter asked Loloy to be at the parola (lighthouse) in Macabalan at 7PM. Upon his arrival, Sgt. Hunter told him they were expecting General Douglas MacArthur to arrive between midnight and dawn. Sure enough, at 7AM of Friday, March 13, 1942, MacArthur and his party disembarked from two PT Boats at Macabalan Pier and rode a convoy of military vehicles to the Del Monte airfield in nearby Tankulan (now Manolo Fortich),
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BSP Centennial Medal awarded to the family of Sct. Abelardo Neri Queppet
Bukidnon. But not before the General noticed the Boy Scout and his bike (who saluted him with the SCOUT/PAGE 11
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
March 15-21, 2021
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Time Traveling Mindanao with Cucina Higala’s Heritage Dishes S
By T2 MIKE
INCE March 13, 2021, it’s now possible to time travel the island of Mindanao, and in one sitting at that! That’s when Cagayan de Oro’s Cucina Higala introduces its latest Mindanao Heritage Dishes. If you’re up to it, you can travel in time in one sitting from Jolo, Sulu, straight to Maguindanao (formerly a part of Cotabato), up to Lanao del Sur, then up to the mountain fastness of the island where indigenous peoples still prepare dishes the traditional way. On March 11 we were invited by the Cucina Higala team of Jan and Magz Uy, Joe Jake Almodobar and Donna Ocampo to sample their five latest Mindanao Heritage Dishes. I joined Nicole Abas Datayan of NikiTV, Narz Moria of Travelvlogsph, my CDOBie Maria Irene
Aserios of Mindanaoan. com-Mindanaoan Meets the World. Like all Mindanao Heritage Dishes in its menu which they’ve been featuring since 2018, Cucina Higala’s latest lineup features the same meticulous research, experimentation and enhancing the heritage of Mindanao’s indigenous peoples without desecrating their traditional taste and preparation. Of course, since I originally come from Zamboanga City, I made a beeline for a hometown favorite of my hometown, the classic Tausug dish often served at weddings and celebrations best described by a former colleague from Business World and now an MP in the BARMM Legislative Assembly, Amir Mawallil in an article from Esquire Magazine Philippines: “Tiyulah itum, also called tiyula sug, is a very
Learning how to prep Dinilutan A Seda for a Royal Feast.
special dish with a black soup served at weddings, and is a mainstay at most other celebrations. It is black, or a greenish–dark gray color from the burnt coconut that is added to create the dish’s distinct flavor. Burnt coconut is an ingredient that is used often in the Tausug culinary environment.” “The meat used for tiyulah itum is rubbed with pamapa (burnt coconut paste and spices that may include pounded ginger and garlic). The beef is braised with fried onion and garlic, then turmeric, ginger, and chopped galangal (langkuwas) are added, along with broth, then simmered. The process of preparing tiyulah itum is communal, and it is usually the menfolk who cook this dish in most of the Tausug villages in Sulu Archipelago and Zamboanga Peninsula.” Of course, Cucina Higala’s version is a tad different, most
prominently since it consists mainly of Bukidnon Wagyu Beef, served with coconut milk enriched with burnt coconut flavored broth, with lemon grass, galangal and lime accents. I assure you Cucina Higala’s take retains the classic taste I’ve been used to in Zamboanga, with the ingredients differing a bit only since the one I’ve been used to back in ZC also includes beef ribs and bones. Another classical Mindanao Heritage Dish among Cucina Higala’s newest I’m familiar with is Chicken Piyaparan known among Meranaws as manuk a piaparan, pipaparan, piaran,or piarun. Piaparan means shredded coconut in Maranao and is a type of ginataan. This has two main ingredients: a coconut milk-based broth with grated coconut, garlic, onions, ginger, coconut, garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, young wild shallots with leaves (sakurab), labuyo chili, and various vegetables and spiced with palapa. Similarly inspired by the traditional Meranaw Dish, Cucina Higala’s rendition is tossed in savory, roasted coconut, and topped with mild green chilies, and of course the aroma from sakurab (the main ingredient of palapa). A labor of love indeed! Moving up north from Western Mindanao, we next time travel to Maguindanao, where we encountered what to many of us was the surprise dish among the new set: Dinilutan A
Seda. I said surprised because the fish used for this dish is the Mudfish (Channa striata, known as Aluan in Maguindanao, Haluan in Cebuano and Dalag in most parts of the Philippines). Decades ago when the city was still sparsely populated, the neighborhood kids could easily catch this from drainage canals and stagnant waters and fry it for lunch or supper. However, these days it seems its much harder to obtain and are now sourced mainly from rivers, streams and rice fields. Nevertheless, Cucina has taken the classic Dinilutan A Seda and brought together the flavors of sinugba and kinilaw, in their awesome
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take on Maguindanao gastronomy. Their crispy, deep friend Haluan is served on lime coconut milk dressing, with chilies, green mango strips and roasted coconut. To enjoy, quarter the fish into bite-sized strips, mix the dressing with the other ingredients to your taste, dip the crispy Haluan, and voila! Pop it into your mouth for an unforgettable carnival of taste! A quick time travel to India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and especially Thailand shows the fish is also a very popular ingredient for a variety of dishes across Asia such as a curry made with this fish and tapioca in Kerala and Pla ra, a fermented fish sauce popular DISHES/PAGE 11
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
March 15-21, 2021
The Hineleban Coffee Story
H
INELEBAN Coffee was the first endeavor under the Sustainable Disposable Income Crop (SDIC) section of Hineleban Foundation Inc. (HFI). Eventually, HFI was largely shaped by its experience with the coffee program in partnership with some Indigenous People’s (IP) communities of Bukidnon. Coffee was the initial crop HFI decided to grow with the IP’s for two main reasons: first, Arabica coffee had been proven to grow well in the region since the 1800’s when Spanish colonists introduced coffee to the Philippines; second, HFI founder John Perrine’s passion for quality coffee had already compiled decades of personal research and development of the Arabica coffee in Tuminugan Farm.
Hineleban Coffee new packaging.
By the time HFI started supplying its partner-farmers with seedlings and inputs to start farming coffee, the dispersed seedlings were varietal hybrids from both Asia and South America established in Tuminugan. By 2008, Oroy Villara,
who had been growing the coffee on Tuminugan Farm for decades, selected cherries from the most successfully fruiting mother plants, propagated thousands of seedlings, and distributed these as the first batch of Hineleban Coffee to our IP partner farmers.
Joel Shuler of Coffee Quality Institute documenting and auditing Hineleban Coffee Processing Facility.
Renée Perrine, Dan Khun from Kona Coffee and Master Roaster Reyno Almonia checking coffee quality.
During the same period, Villara trained HFI technicians known as Values Coordinating Officers who in turn trained Hineleban partner farmers, equipping them with production technology to successfully grow the coffee on their own lands. However, when the first harvests were made in 2010, the farmers informed HPI they had no buyers for their produce, and did not know how to process the cherries to green beans for storage. HFI also learned there was no single facility with a complete set of coffee processing equipment to produce quality green or roasted coffee within the region. The Transformational Business Partnership: Coffee Chapter At this point, Kalugumanan AgriDevelopment Corp. (KADC, which had been managing the Tuminugan Farm)
HIneleban coffee cherries and processed beans (photo by Neal Oshima)
financed the building of the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved post-harvest facility in Region X with imported machineries acquired through DTI which could convert cherries to green beans and thence as roasted coffee. This enabled HFI to produce high quality packaged specialty coffee, now known as one of the Philippines’ best arabica coffee. HFI saw this as the way to make growing arabica sustainable for its partner farmers. Optimal profits were shared back to the farmer as partners by increasing the buyback price of cherries 3 times over its prevailing market price. Since closing the loop from farmer to processor to consumer, HFI with
HFI Co-Founder Renée Perrine and Marty Curtis during the 2017 Coffee Global Expo.
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KADC had been able to buy all the IP farmer’s harvests every year, with 2021 being their 11th year as partners. Thus began the Transformational Business Partnership (TBP): HINELEBANKADC-IP Partner Farmer agreement: Community relations Production technology Harvest technology Buy back cherries Adding value: quality control through processing Marketing: branding, packaging, shipping & distributing the final product Customer service To date, this has meant that Hineleban partner farmers have been able to earn up to P150,000 per year for growing one hectare of coffee. Hineleban partner farmer Agrido Sagonlay shared how, through this partnership, he was able to upgrade his hut to a cemented two story home, sent his children to school, and financed five motorcycles (for his habal-habal business), a jeepney (for public transportation) and a light truck for trucking purposes. This is how HFI defines TBP — a true partnership of equals that elevates the dignity of an average farmer to that of a Proud Provider, Sustainable Farmer, and Businessman. Achievements When introducing Hineleban Coffee as a branded product to the public, we realized how hard it was to pronounce HINELEBAN/PAGE 11
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CAGAYANTIMES Motoring DE ORO
March 15-21, 2021
A
FTER six years of research and 4 million kilometers of testing, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX has hit Philippine shores with a Big Bang! “We are very excited to introduce this model to the Philippine
market—a market that has been particularly special for us since there are a lot of scenic routes and challenging terrains all over the country that a pick-up and 4x4 enthusiast would love to traverse, especially on the weekends. Because of that, we’ve made sure
Advanced Driver Assist System
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Page 9
SOARING INTO NEW HEIGHTS with the All-New Isuzu D-MAX
that the All-New D-MAX will have a wide range of choices to cater to every consumer’s needs, ” said Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) President Hajime Koso during the March 4 digital launch on the company’s social media pages.
Long famous for its outstanding durability and reliability, the AllNew Isuzu D-MAX has been designed “beyond the pick-up truck”. All-New from the ground up, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX crashes the barrier between trucks and passenger cars with its BOLD, EMOTIONAL and SMART design concept. The exterior styling utilizes the bold but emotional concept, giving the new D-MAX a muscular and aggressive stance, so unlike its more pedestrian looking forebears. That bold and smart styling is also instantly discernable in its new interior which stresses its sharp horizontal layers design theme, reflecting the successful merger of function and design
Lane Departure Warning
via Isuzu’s universal design concept aimed at reducing NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) ultimately resulting in a quantum leap in ride comfort for the driver and his passengers. IMPROVED POWER PACK Truck purists will revel in the All-New Isuzu D-MAX new 4JJ3-TCX with a vastly improved Isuzu common rail system that churns out an adrenaline pumping190 PS of power and 450 newton meters (Nm) of torque. Its smaller brother RZ4E-TC engine has also been upgraded for faster acceleration and better overtaking performance with 150PS of maximum power and 350 Nm of torque. PEDAL TO THE METAL Where the road
ends, the All-New Isuzu D-MAX true grit comes to fore. Design and engineering innovations such as its one-piece aluminum tail shaft, 800mm water wading depth capability, newly designed steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, redesigned gear lever for better gear selection and control (for both MT and AT), Terrain Command Select Dial, and electronic differential lock—all work together in synergy to push the All-New D-MAX through virtually any type of terrain. Lest the vastly improved comfort and ride lull the driver to misgivings about where it can go, engineering innovations such as the new front suspension SOARING/PAGE 10
Turn Assist
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
Region X public school teacher hailed 2020 Brightest STAR by DOST-SEI March 15-21, 2021
A public school teacher from Region X has been cited by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) for her exemplary work in STEM education with K-12 students. Honored as one of two Brightest Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) in an online ceremony on March 3, 2021 was Ms. Janice M. Baldelovar of Don Restituto Baol Central School (DRBCS, (formerly South City Central School) in Gingoog City, Region X for her work in Mathematics education. Honored in the same ceremony was Mr. Don King O. Evangelista of Navotas National Science High School in the NCR for his Science teaching work. They each received a cash prize of P100,000, a trophy, and a plaque of recognition. Spearheaded by the DOST-SEI, the Brightest STAR Award is part of the STAR training program. The award is given to exemplary science and mathematics teachers who have been continuously applying their STAR training in their teaching practice and teaching communities. The citation serves to uplift teachers’ morale cultivate a culture of innovation among teachers. Department of Education officials, Division
Soaring... from page 9
geometry, chassis design featuring larger side rails and 8 cross members for torsional rigidity, new rear leaf spring design, ultra-high tensile steel reinforced cabin structure, and a semi mid-ship engine layout ensure the All-New D-Max gets you there, anytime, anywhere, and safely back again whatever the road or weather. AMENITIES To keep its driver and passenger relaxed even for ultra-long or rough rides, the All-New D-Max boasts of a 10.1 Infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity,
Superintendents, Principals, School Heads, and STAR trainers from the 16 participating regions also joined in to witness the said awarding ceremony. Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones praised all the finalists, lauding their capacity and flexibility to provide high-quality, accessible, and safe STEM education despite the uncertainties and worries brought on by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña underscored this in his message, referring to the finalists as S&T champions and pioneers under the new normal. “The pandemic has been a big game changer for all of us, particularly in the
academe and most especially in STEM education,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo. “And yet, the STAR program continues to live up to its name by being a light and guide for our educators and students, even among our marginalized communities.” “I warmly congratulate and thank Ms. Baldelovar and Mr. Evangelista for their tireless work for and with our youth. Thank you both for lighting the way, and for being exemplars of the STAR program,” Dr. Biyo concluded. A total of 70 nominations for the STAR Award were received from the 16 Philippine regions. Of these, only six national finalists were
chosen, including Ms. Baldelovar and Mr. Evangelista. For Mathematics, these were Mr. Mark Joseph C. Pastor of Ilocos Norte College of Trades and Ms. Janeve Caballa of El Salvador Central School. For Science were Mr. Mark Joseph Cometa of Palina East National High School and Mr. Mark Anthony Leido of San Teodoro National High School. Each national finalist received a cash prize of P10,000.00 and a plaque of recognition. For more information on the Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) program and awards, visit e-star.ph or the Facebook page Science Teacher Academy for the Regions.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice control. All these with full touch screen display of an improved navigation system, paired with a dynamic surround sound system that will make any journey a breeze. A welcome light automatically illuminates the cabin when the driver is approaching the vehicle and a remote engine start to get going quickly when the occasion calls for it. SAFETY FIRST, LAST AND ALWAYS The All-New D-MAX just doesn’t get you to your destination quickly and comfortably, your safety is first, last and always remains the main consideration as
demonstrated in its wide array of active safety features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC), and Brake Override System (BOS). Your safety steps up even further to a new level with the D-MAX 3.0 LS-E variant, with its new Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) that employs state-ofthe-art sensors and a first in its class SMART DUO CAM that enables the D-MAX to constantly
monitor the surrounding environment, thus offering the driver a plethora of active and passive safety features. Among them: Forward Collision Warning (FCW); Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB); Turn Assist; Pedal Mis-application Mitigation; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Manual Speed Limiter (MSL); Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM); Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); Parking Aid, and Multi-Collision Brake (MCB). On top these, the AllNew D-MAX comes with 7 S.R.S Airbags and has been given a 5-star safety rating by the ASEAN
If interested, contact:
DANICA SUDARIA
dannycarosesudaria0512@gmail.com 0936-046-2356
New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). PRICING AND VARIANTS The All-New Isuzu D-MAX is available in different cabin types and drivetrains that caters to a wide spectrum of pickup buyers. As a special treat to pick-up lovers nationwide, Isuzu Philippines announces its special introductory price as follows; D-MAX RZ4E 4X2 Single Cab MT P857,000; D-MAX RZ4E 4X2 LT MT P987,000; D-MAX 3.0L 4X4 LT MT P1,288,000; D-MAX RZ4E 4X2 LS MT P1,219,000; D-MAX RZ4E 4X2 LS AT P1,309,000; D-MAX 3.0L 4X2 LS MT P1,320,000;
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D-MAX 3.0L 4X2 LS-A AT P1,390,000; D-MAX 3.0L 4X4 LS MT P1,630,000 and the D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT P 1,825,000. In addition to this, first 200 customers to reserve and purchase the All-New D-MAX in any dealership will receive a special-edition Isuzu D-MAX Miniature. 50 Limited Edition D-MAX G-Shock watches will also be raffled off to qualified D-MAX customers nationwide. For more information about the All-New Isuzu D-MAX, log on to www. isuzuphil.com, or get in touch with your nearest Isuzu dealership at Isuzu Cagayan de Oro-Cebu Southern Motors, Inc.
The
CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
Digital... from page 1
later launched their own stand-alone websites in tandem with their respective social media fan pages to maximize their reach. Then in 2018, Sudaria conceptualized and launched MDN Teleradyo as a streaming service on social media serving up a varied mix of news, public affairs, entertainment, and sports. MDN Teleradyo eventually merged with its print newspapers, news websites, and social media pages as the Mindanao Daily News Network (MDNN) Digital. Notables present during the March 11 launch included Councilors Girlie Balaba, Edna Dahino, Suzette Magtajas Daba and Dr Malou Seriña Gaane; Dr. Janry Colonia of DepEd Region 10, Cagayan de Oro Press Club President Manny Jaudian, among others. Sudaria acknowledged the support of their over 200,000 followers in social media, government agencies and advertisers, who were instrumental in helping the group survive the ravages of the pandemic which all but shut down almost all of the region’s newspapers. “Ang uban newspaper nagsirado ug wala na gyud makabalik. Pero kita, consistent nga mipadayon sa atong tahas,” he stressed. Guest of Honor and Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Girlie Balaba challenged the people to be more responsible in interacting in social media, and fact-check social media posts before sharing them to the general public. “We all want a more progressive and more developed society. But let us not forget in this digital era, we have equal responsibility to give the truth to the public,” said Balaba, a former news anchor of ABS-CBN. For his part, Oro Press Club President Manuel Jaudian said that with the advent of the internet, everyone can now connect with everyone on a global scale, leading to the rise of various internet sub-cultures revolving not merely with one’s friends and acquaintances, but even with unknown associates from distant locations with shared advocacies and beliefs. However, Jaudian also noted the widespread misinformation brought about by the emergence of social media, fake news and the irresponsible
sharing of unverified facts online. “Digital platforms have made communication, socialization, sharing and interacting easier for people with an internet connection, yet the responsibility to share the truth to the general public remains paramount particularly this time of pandemic,” Jaudian noted. “We cannot only be the consumers of information, but also become instant information producers, Jaudian said. “Sharing news, thoughts and opinions to a global audience through the internet is no longer something only for the rich and the powerful.” “In the era of blogs, social media and instant communication, disseminating information is neverending, and anyone with an internet connection can now have their beliefs and opinions posted on Facebook and Twitter unedited,” he added. Despite the rise of digital media, Jaudian said the old mainstream media remain relevant as key editing gatekeepers to maintain the veracity and authenticity of information. Published information is parsed by editors and producers to ensure it is true, timely and accurate. Jaudian noted how the absence of media gatekeepers has allowed social media influencers to become not just information consumers, but also information producers thanks to apps like Twitter which spreads news faster than ever. Thus, the new media can be produced and disseminated by anyone with an internet connection, without necessarily following journalism ethics and editing protocols. That is the downside of the new media, and why digital news platforms like the MDDN with its mix of traditional mainstream and new media are most welcome as gatekeepers of the truth.
Scout... from page 6
three fingered Boy Scout salute), standing by the gangplank where they were disembarking (now the site of the flagpole for the Cagayan de Oro Port Management Office of the Philippine Ports Authority). Asked what the Boy Scout was doing there, one of the soldiers replied he was a community volunteer. “Send him home,”
MacArthur said. “The war is inevitable.” (Gorra, 2010) On Monday, March 13, 2017, the City of Cagayan de Oro through the City Historical and Cultural Commission (Hiscom) marked the 75th Diamond Jubilee of General MacArthur’s Breakout from Corregidor to Australia, via Cagayan, Misamis and Dicklum, Tankulan (Manolo Fortich). Among the salient moments of the week –long celebration from March 13-17, 2017, was the reenactment of MacArthur’s arrival at Macabalan. Included among the cast (and unknown to world history save for the local yarn as told by Loloy to Ms. Gorra), was Boy Scout Abelardo “Loloy” Neri Queppet, who was played by his 9-year old grand nephew Clark Dexter M. Prudente of the Baden-Powell Troop of Xavier University High School, the same troop of by his late grand uncle when he met MacArthur in 1942. Boys Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Cagayan de Oro Council Chair Roy Hilario P. Raagas, said the council accorded the late Scout Queppet a posthumous award for his valiant deeds as a Boy Scout in enforcing the blackout and directing traffic under dangerous circumstances in Plaza Divisoria in 1942. BSP Cagayan de Oro Council Scout Executive Rudy Guligado added the local council also presented the family of Genevieve Josefa Queppet Ramonal, the late Scout Queppet’s only child, with a BSP Centennial Medallion and plaque during the 75th Commemorative Dinner and Program on March 17 which brought down the curtains on General Douglas MacArthur Week. Scout Loloy Queppet passed on in September 2008. But his date with one of the titans of the 20th Century will now forever stay entwined with the saga of General Douglas MacArthur, The Liberator of the Philippines. Interested readers can still purchase copies of Ann Gorra’s City of Gold: People Who Made Their Home and History in Cagayan de Oro from Amazon.com through the ff. link: https://www. amazon.com/City-GoldPeople-History-Cagayan/ dp/1897435444/ref=sr_1_ 1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid =1488598770&sr=1-1&ke ywords=city+of+gold%3A +people+who+made+thei r+home+and+history
Dishes...
March 15-21, 2021
Association (SCA) Global Expo in Seattle, from page 7 Washington, USA. in northeastern Thai Hineleban Coffee was cuisine, made by pickling graded by Marty Curtis as Haluan and keeping it for EXCELLENT at 86.25%. some time. A Chinese Curtis is the co-founder of sausage is prepared with the SCA and inventor of common mudfish flesh in the SCA Coffee Cupping Thailand. Scoring Sheet, and the Another surprise Coffee Flavor Wheel. among Cucina’s New Significant Contributors Hineleban Mindanao Heritage Foundation’s path to Dishes is their Nangka producing excellent Randang, a vegan take on the iconic Indonesian coffee was a difficult and challenging one. Our Rendang that’s been team was mentored by celebrated in Lanao for numerous individuals decades. Rendang is who came from all around traditionally a Sumatran the world to help us dish with slow cooked improve. beef, braised in coconut Robert Francisco, then milk and spices. owner of Boyd’s Coffee In lieu of the usual Roasting Company, beef or the even more was the first to roast traditional carabeef, the green beans of jackfruit or Nangka Hineleban Coffee, pegging (known as Langka in his cupping notes as, Lanao) is simmered in “caramel, nutty, slight coconut milk, lime lives acidity with bitter cacao and other spices. Young aftertaste.” jackfruit especially is Karen Lo Tsai, the great for recreating this national Indonesian dish, Philippines’ only Q-grader in 2010, was the first to as it has a meaty texture. officially grade Hineleban I swear I can’t tell the as the Best Arabica of difference with the meat the Philippines. She has version! since been an esteemed Not the least, Cucina proponent in pushing Higala’s latest Mindanao excellent local coffee, Heritage Dishes salutes especially Hineleban. traditional Lumad In 2016, the foundation cookery with Nilotlot, joined efforts with ACDI/ their twist on the inVOCA to educate other bamboo tube cooking coffee producers in technique used by Bukidnon, both small indigenous peoples all over the archipelago since holders and COOPs, on how to improve their time immemorial. production, and how to Their Bamboo Rice properly process them to has aromatic sticky rice international standards. lavished with seafood, Hineleban’s processing chicken, bamboo shoots, facility was used as the with woodsy hints of venue to educate them caramel and soy, and is a on the proper methods of meal in itself ! Revel in this exquisite processing coffee 4 ways: buffet of creamy coconut natural, fully-washed, semi-washed and honey milk, fiery spices, green processes. chilies on chicken, seafood, and beef from all After these training sessions, the first around Mindanao with Philippine Cupping a time travel experience Competition was held in around Mindanao at Cucina Higala today and 2017, with 11 of the top 12 winners coming from ask for their Mindanao Bukidnon, including Heritage Dishes! Hineleban. Available for dine For the past 3 years, in, take-out, beginning Metrobank Foundation March 13, 2021. For more inquires call Cucina has given Hineleban a grant to help other Higala at 0917-7946small holder farmers not 118 or (088) 881-1570. included in the current @ Capistrano-Mabini partnership. Hineleban Streets, CDOC transferred the technology and rehabilitated their from page 8 coffee trees by sharing and recall the word production standards Hineleban . and harvest technology, To circumvent this, the subsequently increasing marketing group launched their market opportunities the Sip and Reforest by selling their own packs Campaign through or adding their harvests to which a forest tree on the Hineleban roster. the foothills of Mount In farming, there is Kitanglad is planted for still so much to learn, every pack of Hineleban and the foundation made Coffee purchased. tireless efforts to learn Hineleban Coffee from the best. represented the We were bestowed with Philippines along with a wealth of knowledge several other local by Dr. Rafael Creencia, a coffee growers at the Filipino that led Vietnam 2017 Specialty Coffee to being the second-
Hineleban...
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largest coffee producer of the world; Joji Pantojas from Coffee for Peace for sharing the same vision of Peace through Coffee; Daniel Mulu Asfaw, Coffee Value Training Expert from Coffee Quality Institute; the late Dr. Chinapra, Coffee Expert from India; the late Dan Khun from Kona Coffee Hawaii; Joel Schuler, Lead Consultant for the Coffee Quality Institute from the US; Mario Roberto Fernandez Alduenda, Technical Director for Processing at the SCA; Reyno Almonia for his unrelenting passion to improve the processing and roasting and not the least, Thelonious Trimmle, Director of ACDI/VOCA for pushing Filipino coffee in the world wide arena. Underlying the foundation’s journey to coffee excellence are founders John and Renée Perrine’s passion for the product, as well as John’s own agricultural expertise and guidance. Corporate Partners for Coffee When Hineleban Foundation first reached out to Romy Sia, owner of Healthy Options, he quickly flew to Bukidnon with his son and marketing group to learn the story behind the coffee. His subsequent seal of approval linked Hineleban to a long term relationship supplying their 30 plus stores. Hineleban Coffee was the first Filipino product, and only local coffee to land all Healthy Options shelves nationwide. In 2017, we launched an online store www. hinelebanstore.com to make the packs available to consumers nationwide. Prior to the pandemic, Hineleban Coffee catered to hotels, restaurants, boutiques, delis and cafes in and around Metro Manila. Provincial tourist hubs like Boracay and Siargao have embraced the excellence, quality and consistency of Hineleban Coffee as well. We would also like to add a special thank you to the wonderful team of Healthy Inside and Out in taking care of getting the product professionally to your doorstep or making it available in your favorite stores nationwide. Thanks too to Claudia Perrine for putting Hineleban in the Manila specialty coffee map when she opened Hineleban Cafe in Makati. To reorder or to try your first Hineleban Coffee, click on this link: www.hinelebanstore.com Sip and Reforest with us! Follow us on: fb.com/hinelebanfarms hinelebanfarms order@hinelebanstore. com
Metro
ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH | EVENTS | TRAVEL & TOURISM | PEOPLE
CAGAYANTIMES Feature DE ORO
March 15-21, 2021
Page 12
IDC Bags Outstanding Developer Award of 2020 P ROPERTY Green Developer ( Italpinas Development Corporation ) through its Primavera Sales Office at Uptown Cagayan de Oro, was awarded by Leuterio Realty & Filipino Homes for its Developer’s Choice Award for the year 2020. “Filipino homes have been consistently the best performing Real Estate company for IDC’s project in Cagayan de Oro. We were positively surprised that even in the time of pandemic Filipino Homes, not only selling IDC projects, but even increased their performances. The initiatives like various webinars differently gave an exceptional value. They also have well-motivated, committed and hardworking sellers. It is more than a pleasure to work with a well organized and professional company as Filipino Homes’’ said Arch. Romolo V. Nati, IDC Chairman & CEO. IDC is grateful for the support of Filipino Homes / Leuterio Realty & Brokerage showed to the company since IDC started in 2010 in Cagayan de Oro. Leuterio Realty has been a consistent Top Realty Firm ever since. And the
company is looking forward to a stronger partnership in the years ahead as the company grows. IDC recognizes all the agents of Filipino Homes / Leuterio Realty & Brokerage for their continuous efforts in promoting the company’s legacy of sustainable development , and IDC will promise to continue in motivating and inspiring each seller to go the extra mile. “In IDC we are motivated by our common goal of achieving perfection in our product and
services and we work hard to achieve that, every day. We are happy to see that Filipino Homes is aligned with IDC in this challenge”, said Ms. Gladys Ivy M. Echano, IDC Sales Director. “Thank you Filipino Homes for your exceptional support to IDC. We have even boosted an increase in our sales reservations during the health crisis period. This is because of the contributions of the hardworking partners from Filipino Homes.
More power to Filipino Homes,” she added. “We are beyond grateful for this recognition, and more than thankful for the partnership IDC has with Filipino Homes / Leuterio Realty & Brokerage. 2020 has been one of the best years of IDC. We recognize all the agents of Filipino Homes / Leuterio Realty & Brokerage for their continuous efforts in supporting us. We promise to continue to accommodate them to the best of our
currently has two major projects. Primavera City in Cagayan de Oro is a cluster of seven buildings to be developed in four phases. Miramonti Green Residences, on the other hand, is located inside Light and Industry Science Park in Santo Tomas, Batangas, and will be developed in two phases. Citta Bella, the second phase at Primavera City, is the newest building. It is the next ecofriendly building that will rise at Primavera City’s Uptown Cagayan de Oro location, along the junction of P.N Roa Ave. and Masterson Ave. The first phase at Primavera City, (called Citta Verde) is in ongoing construction, with completion targeted before the end of this year. Phase 3 is Citta abilities and inspire them every day to go Grande, which is now the extra mile.” said in permitting stages. The last Phase (Phase Ms. Gladys Ivy M. 4) will be Citta Alta. Echano, IDC Sales The key-factor Director. that is present in IDC is grateful all IDC’s projects for the support of and that has made Filipino Homes / the company’s Leuterio Realty & Brokerage showed to developments so successful and the company since appreciated, is IDC started in 2010 the performancein Cagayan de Oro. based design which Leuterio Realty has integrates sustainable been a consistent strategies and Top Realty Firm green architectural ever since. And the elements that aim company is looking forward to a stronger to reduce overall energy and water partnership in the consumption, years ahead as the resulting in longcompany grows. term savings. The company
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