CDOTIMES September 4-10, 2017

The

CAGAYANLifestyle TIMES Weekly de Oro

Volume 5 | No. 5 | Cagayan de Oro City | September 4-10, 2017

IDC to take center stage at 26th Mindanao Business Conference This September 7-9, 2017, Architect Romolo Valentino Nati, pioneer and leader in sustainable development at Cagayan De Oro, is set to speak about

Italpinas Development Corporation’s (IDC) story in sustainable development and their participation in the growth of emerging cities at the 26th Mindanao

Business Conference, the most prestigious business event to happen in Mindanao.

“We are a designdriven developer of sustainable properties

focusing in emerging cities in the Philippines.

We use a different type of approach to design our projects, which is called performance-based design. In this way, we

are able to deliver green buildings at reasonable prices,” says Nati.

Nati is the CEO and chairman of listed green developer Italpinas Development

Corporation that he founded back in 2009, along with his business partner, Atty. Jojo Leviste, the president of the company. Together conference/PAGE 7

MINBIZCON 2017

ALL SYSTEMS GO

C

AGAYAN DE ORO—Over 1,000 business leaders are gearing up for the 26th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) on September 7-9, 2017 at Xavier Sports and Country Club. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III will do the Opening Keynote, while Keynote Address will be delivered by Guest of Honor President Rodrigo Duterte.

This year’s theme is “Emerging Opportunities, One Mindanao.” The event is co-hosted by the CDO city government, the Misamis Oriental provincial government, and the CDO Chamber of Commerce (Oro Chamber) led by President Robert Pizarro.

Pizarro is also the Chairman of A Brown Company, Inc. (ABCI), one of the pioneers and established leaders of real estate development, agribusiness, and power in the region.

The plenaries for the three-day conference include “DBP’s Max-Infra in the Dutertenomics”

by DBP First VP Paul Lazaro; “Legislative Agenda for Mindanao SME Development” by Senate Chairman for Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship Hon. Migs Zubiri; “Russia: Exploring the Potentials of Mindanao” by Russian H.E. Ambassador Igor A. Khovaev; “Mindanao

Industrial Eco-Zone Development and Opportunities” by Agriculture Secretary

Manny Pinol; and “Mindanao Forum on Breakthrough Technologies” by DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña and Engr. Edgar Garcia of DOST-TAPI (Technology Application and Promotion Institute).

There will be panel discussions on “Building a Disaster-resilient Economy in Mindanao” by geologist and ABCI Chairman Dr. Walter Brown, economist Dr. Bernie Villegas, and Emerging Power, Inc.

CEO Guido Delgado; and on “Accessing Domestic and International Markets/Taking Advantage of the Bilateral Trade Agreements” by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Mindanao Business Council Chairman Vicente Lao, and Dr. Henry Basilio of USAID COMPETE (Advancing Philippine Competitiveness).

Apart from trade exhibits, business matching, and minbizcon/PAGE 7

Read story on page 6

Sharing happiness through Rugby with displaced children of Marawi City

BEAUTY QUEEN VISITS SHOPWISE AS MISS SHOPWISE 2017 Miss Cagayan de Oro First Runner up Meg Bacareza paid a courtesy visit to Shopwise in Limketkai Center as Miss Shopwise 2017 winning candidate. Bacareza was voted by the store loyal shoppers. She was joined by fellow reigning queens and welcomed by Rean Anthony Micayabas (Head, Fresh Division), Michael Angelo Dulalas (Meat and Poultry Section Supervisor, and Ms. Mechielle Pajaron from the Marketing Department). photo by kim zaldivar

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The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

September 4-10, 2017

XU-GLI facilitates creation of ‘Coalition of CSOs for the Ecosystem’ T

By Wilson J. Hormeguera

he Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan facilitated the consultation on the creation of “Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for the Ecosystem” on August 17-18 at Mallberry Suite Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

The intended CSO coalition is a convergence of three networks: Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC), Tagoloan River Basin Management Council (TRBMC), and Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA).

The coalition

is initially named CDO-TAG-MAC Bay Coalition.

On behalf of Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ DD, XU-McKeough Marine Center director Fr Mars Tan welcomed the participants and shared on Ridge-River-Reef (R³) Approach in protecting the ecosystem, which is the main framework of the coalition.

The workshop began with emphasizing the milestones and challenges of TAG-CDOMAC Bay Multisectoral Bodies.

Among the highlights were the greater participation and involvement in the policymaking process

THE STAKEHOLDERS. The coalition is a convergence of three CSO networks: Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC), Tagoloan River Basin Management Council (TRBMC), and Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA). Contributed photo.

for the entire landscape, support and resources of various partners, and realization of the desired result especially among the indigenous peoples (Lumads).

The challenges, on

the other hand, included the increase of internally displaced persons, the degradation of natural resources, and the unsustainable livelihood programs.

Participating CSOs

realized the need to converge considering the connection of mountains, rivers, and seas, and how the upstream and downstream inhabitants affect each other. They see the coalition as

a stronger force for environmental advocacy and policy lobbying.

The CSO coalition will advocate for the improvement of the quality of life in the coalition/PAGE 7

MMK: “Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan” now on its 2nd year

Cebu Pacific pushes extension of Travel Tax exemption for BIMP-EAGA air routes

Join the country’s Search for the Most Outstanding Coastal Community!

The Malinis and Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) program of the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will award coastal municipalities with exemplary efforts in protecting and conserving their marine environment To qualify, the coastal municipality must pass on the following criteria: (1) No illegal fishing, (2) Observance of closed

fishing season, (3) Establishment of marine protected areas, (4) Clean coastal waters without domestic and industrial wastes, and (5) Effective mangrove protection and rehabilitation program.

The top 3 winners for this year will receive Php 30 million, Php 18 million, and Php 10 million worth of fisheries livelihood projects, respectively.

For more information, you may visitBFAR-10 office at Julio Pacana St., Macabalan, or call at (088) 8569593.

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), has asked government to extend the tax exemption for all air and sea travel from the Philippines to any destination within the Brunei-IndonesiaMalaysia-PhilippinesEast ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), in line with the carrier’s newest international route between Zamboanga City and Sandakan, Malaysia.

The BIMP-EAGA Travel Tax exemption covers all international travel in airports and seaports in Mindanao and Palawan to Brunei,

Indonesia and Malaysia.

Former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria MacapagalArroyo had granted the tax exemption.

The exemption from payment of Philippine Travel Tax of PHP1,620.00 (approximately US$32.00) was most recently reinstated through Executive Order (EO) 72 on October 24, 2014, covering a three-year period. The EO is set to expire in October 2017.

“We have made representations with the Mindanao Development Authority to request

for the extension of the Travel Tax exemption for travel from the Philippines to destinations within the BIMP-EAGA. We believe that this would provide relief to the Filipino travelers and accelerate trade and tourism between the member countries, in accordance with the spirit and intent behind the creation of BIMP-EAGA,” said Atty JR Mantaring, Vice President for Corporate Affairs of Cebu Pacific.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) serves as the exemption/PAGE 7

quality tarpaulin printing contact: mindanao daily news publishing corporation Mdntarps@gmail.com

(0935) 161 3398 look for Anabelle, (088)881-0100

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The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

September 4-10, 2017

3

Evening shopping at Guam Premier Outlet (GPO)

Great value for Money at ABC Store

Shopping ‘Origs” in Guam 24/7 at 50% Off

By Mike Baños

A

growing number of Filipino shoppers are finding out there’s more to the U. S. territory nearest to the Philippines than just military bases.

While only two percent of the 1.53 million visitors who visited Guam last year were Filipinos, there’s an increasing excitement among holiday travelers that U.S. style shopping at a fraction of the mainland costs is only a 3.5 hour jaunt in the same airlines and aircraft they’ve been used to riding in domestically.

“We had 28,000 visitors from the Philippines last year.

It’s still small and we’re trying to grow it and we’re very grateful there are now 3 carriers servicing the Philippines to Guam (PAL, CEB and United). We value our partnership with these airlines,” said Pilar Laguaña, Director of Global Marketing, Guam Visitors Bureau, during an interview with a group of journalists from the Visayas and Mindanao Tumon Sands Plaza Atrium

The Biggest Shopping Event in Guam:

Shop Guam e-Festival Nov. 10, 2017-Feb. 28, 2018

Filipino Journalists from the Visayas and Mindanao interview Carmel Carpio, Guam Visitors Bureau (left) and Susan Fryer, Tumon Sands Plaza Shopping Center Manager (right)

who underwent a recent famtour of the island courtesy of the Cebu Pacific Air and the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB).

“It’s been growing, in the past it was just around 9-10,000 but it grew and with Cebu Pacific coming in as a player, it has helped Filipinos get to the US very cheap, especially with the promotions,” said Carmel R. Carpio,

GVB, Philippine Market Account Director.

As stated in its official website, GVB is the official marketing agency of the Government of Guam tasked with promoting and developing Guam as a viable destination overseas. Tourism provides over 50% of the Gross Island Product and is considered as the main economic driver of

Guam’s economy.

Shopping in Guam “Shopping remains one of the most favorite activities of tourists,” said Ms. Laguaña.

“Luxury items are anywhere from 3040%,or even 50% less the cost, depending if they catch it on a sale but on the norm it’s like 30% cheaper.”

Ms. Laguaña stressed that the Guam government only allows authentic merchandise to be sold in the island’s malls and stores since its retail industry is governed by the same laws and regulations as the US mainland.

“They can find the real product here. We do not allow counterfeit merchandise in our island. It’s against the law and our retail industry is very firm about not selling counterfeit products,” she emphasized.” So if you buy an item here you’re getting the authentic merchandize so origs/PAGE 7

Shop Guam e-Festival, the biggest shopping event in Guam starts Nov. 10, 2017 to Feb. 28, 2018.

Shop Guam e-Festival is the annual signature event organized by the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) featuring the best Christmas shopping, New Year fireworks, family activities and cultural events.

“GVB reaches out to all the vendors and stores, and it’s up to them if they want to join and offer special discounts, freebies, and other perks,” Ms. Carmel R. Carpio, Marketing Account DirectorPhilippines, Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) said.

GVB calls the event “A world-class global campaign that aims to create an interactive shopping experience for residents and visitors while highlighting Guam as a modern, fashionable and diverse destination to shop.”

“We invite our local businesses and tourism industry partners to be a part of the Shop Guam e-Festival,” said GVB President and CEO Nathan Denight. “It’s a good way to capture great deals and showcase the very best Guam has to offer.”

The Shop Guam e-Festival was one of the case studies that helped Guam’s tourism agency receive the President’s “E” Award in May 2017, the news release stated.

“The Shop Guam e-Festival has gained international recognition over the past few years and is one of the most successful Guam tourism products that travel wholesalers promote to customers every year,” said GVB Director of Global Marketing Pilar Laguaña.

GVB will partner with TripAdvisor to promote the 2017 Shop Guam e-Festival.

Last year, Shop Guam reported 180 local businesses from Guam participated with 282 special offers, with 86 percent of vendors reporting positive store sales. The official app reported over 2 million screen views and over 79 percent of travel agents reported positive package sales in 2016.

To make Shop Guam e-Festival even more complete and enjoyable, shoppers may download the official Shop Guam e-Festival mobile app which allows them to find special promotions for shopping, dining, touring and cultural products. It is also a fun way to explore Guam and attend events during and even after the festival.

The official Shop Guam e-Festival mobile app can be downloaded from iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/app/ id1152318231 or for Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.smartguam.visitguam&hl (Source: GVB & The Pacific Daily News)

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The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

September 4-10, 2017

Cebu Pacific waives rebooking fees C

ebu Pacific will waive fees on rebooking or flight changes as part of its push to improve customer experience.

Passengers who decide to change flight schedules within 24 hours from booking will no longer have to pay rebooking fees of as much as P2,800.

In the past, passengers who make changes on their bookings were required to pay P1,500 for domestic flights, P2,300 for short-haul flight and P2,800 for long-haul

international flights.

For bookings that require changes in the flight sequence, penalty fees will also be waived.

For example, if a passenger booked a Manila-Cebu flight, and then needs to change this to Cebu-Manila, the cancellation fee is waived.

The same applies for Sum of Sectors (SOS) or “Through Fare” bookings, which are basically two connecting flights treated as one.

For instance, a passenger books a

No more stress and additional expenses for Cebu Pacific passenger wanting to make changes in their booked flight itineraries

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

CAGAYAN TIMES Publisher PINKY DOMINGO Marketing Manager MIKE BAÑOS JOE PALABAO CHENG ORDOÑEZ MARK FRANCISCO Board of Editors MARK FRANCISCO Lifestyle Editor CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Art Director ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI Legal Counsel

The 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.

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Virac-Manila-Cebu flight and needs to change this to Cebu-Manila-Virac, the cancellation fee is waived.

Penalty fees will also be waived for direct flights changed to SOS booking and vice versa.

While the rebooking and cancellation fees are waived, however, passengers who make such flight changes will still need to shoulder the fare difference.

The waiver on the rebooking and cancellations fees

is applicable across all booking channels of Cebu Pacific, whether through a travel agent, ticket office and call center.

Ancillary services, such as seat selection, baggage allowance and pre-ordered meals, are also fully transferrable to other guests and flights at no extra cost.

“Rebooking and cancellation fees have been a key concern for passengers, especially those who have been able to

Cebu Pacific passengers will no longer be charged rebooking fees in case they want to make changes to their dates and times of travel

avail themselves of low fares. This will benefit them as it truly makes flying with Cebu Pacific more affordable,” Cebu Pacific Vice President for Corporate Affairs Paterno S. Mantaring said.

The airlines has also updated all its booking systems to make exemptions from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal Fee, or the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) applicable on bookings made via

the Cebu Pacific mobile app and web site.

The move is seen benefiting thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who book flights on Cebu Pacific to get to their job sites.

Aside from OFWs, pilgrims with authorization from the Philippine Sports Commission and guests who have been issued an exemption certificate are also exempted from paying the IPSC, provided valid documents are presented.

Cebu Pacific has waived rebooking fees for passengers wanting to make changes in their booked flight itineraries

SPENDING MONEY LIKE WATER? Some people have money to burn! Oh yes, just the opposite: they are spending it like water.

Every time I observe them, I feel that their money is going down their drain. Yes, “money talks”.

The more money you have, the more you might become avaricious. Every time, we have to dig deeper into our pockets, we might longing to be like those people, who don’t see the difference between a 500 or 1,000 bill.

Oh yes, money matters! I am really not rich!

I also wouldn’t hesitate to say, that I would like to be so! Being rich means having wealth!

Wealth is abundance, opulence and aff luence.

Af luences becomes quickly inf luence. Dyed-inthe-wool millionaires or even multi-millionaires over lose their view of reality many times.

They can’t even see the horizon, which could be the demarcation of their real estate. They even don’t recognize the wonderful f lowers growing and blooming in their gardens.

Money calms down! Sure. No doubts at all!

We all need an income to survive for our daily needs - and, maybe, a little bit more. Many of us struggle through life and work like slaves for a pitiful daily minimum wage. If you’re rich, you might be on the top. But believe me, once you are on top, you will have some unwelcome, mostly acceptable companions such as loneliness, so-called friends (!), parasites and freeloaders.

These companions will let you scream in pain, because you will start missing things, you have expected from them: real friendship, love, care, comprehension, understanding, sympathy, appreciation... .

Remember such things? Miss such things?

Yes, money can give you a wonderful sleep,

and you might stay H ave M y Say in one of the most luxurious beds - but being awake, while your poorest neighbor sleeps better and more peaceful on the f loor.

There are many sayings about money. I like this one: Money Klaus Doring can buy books but not brains. You might study a lot and get a lot of experiences; it’s just a pity, if you don;t use them at the right time for the right people in your surroundings.

Money can buy food but no appetite. Who reaps the benefits of it? A full to overf lowing store room will never be satisfying, if sour freeloaders join your table and push away your real friends.

Our last earthly dress has no more pockets.

The remembrance on how we acted and lived together with our fellow creatures will remain forever. With money, we might be able to let the devil dance. But, money alone doesn’t make us happy. Money kills more people and friendships than a cudgel.

The more money, the more problems. And, how many times happened this: that’s throwing good money after bad. Do we really need all these things we bought without thinking about?

The more money, the more we have to pay and the higher our bills become... . +++ Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me in Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or visit www. germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.kloausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

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Feature Feature

The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly

5

Bamboo Zip Bike: The Newest Attraction at Ugong Rock

A

bike with a frame made of bamboo is now the newest attraction at Ugong Rock in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Called the Bamboo Zip Bike, the adventure is a fun combination of bike and zipline that will surely give the tourists, both local and foreign, the thrill and the possibility to enjoy nature.

The Bamboo Zip Bike Adventure allows thrillseeking visitors to explore the breathtaking scenery in Ugong Rock using a bike made out of the bamboo plant on a 250- meter long high-wire suspended at about 90 feet from the ground. Along with two more traditional ziplines, the bamboo zip bike adventure is now one of the most popular activities in the city. It is usually included in tour packages offered by various travel agencies and has made headlines as the first tourist spot offering an environmental-friendly cycling adventure.

Ugong Rock, found in Brgy. Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa City is one of the go-to places of tourists and is known for its spelunking and zipline adventures. It has taken its name from the reverberating sounds or “ugong” produced by stalactites found within the caves of the limestone formation that stands 75-feet high.

Ugong Rock prides itself as an ecotourism spot and a front runner in sustainable tourism in the province.

The place is run by the Ugong Rock Multipurpose Cooperative (Ugong Rock MPC), an organized group of indigenous people (IPs) in Palawan along with the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.

Ugong Rock MPC is formed through the Community-based Sustainable Tourism Program of the Puerto Princesa City Tourism Office. Currently, they have 45 members, all working for the improvement and sustainability of the eco-tourism site.

The bamboo zip bike adventure was

introduced to the public in October 2016. It was inspired by the first-ever zip bike launched in Bohol, Philippines but comes with a twist. Ugong Rock MPC provided a new kind of adventure and experience to its clientele while staying true to their commitment of being an environment steward by using a bike made out of an abundant local raw material, the bamboo plant, in its newest attraction.

Through the Department of Science and Technology’s f lagship program Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the Ugong Rock MPC was able to start the pioneering project delivering sustainable livelihoods and opportunities to the people in their community. They were able to acquire zip bike facilities such as bike lanes, cable wires, harness, and handmade bamboo bikes. With the assistance from KawayanTech in San Jose, Tarlac, bamboo bike frames with two support cords, for safety, were hand made for the bamboo zip bike adventure setup.

KawayanTech is a company whose vision is to “promote a lifestyle of health and sustainability using bamboo as an alternative and appropriate communitybased technology with practical applications” “Nakatulong po ng malaki ang tulong ng DOST lalo na ang programang SETUP na nagbigay sa amin ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pinapangarap naming bamboo zip bike. Dahil dito nadagdagan ang kabuhayan namin at nagkatrabaho ang aming mga kasamahan.

Nadagdagan ang kita ng community. Yung mga taga-community ito na ang trabaho nila arawaraw. Kung ma-destino sila sa bamboo zip bike sa buong maghapon para mag-assist ng guest parte ng kita nila doon yun na ang sweldo nila.

Maliban sa pag-assist ng guest, may photo din kasi na kasama ang package ng bamboo zip

de Oro

September 4-10, 2017

The first-ever tandem bamboo zip bike in the country is found in Ugong Rock in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Guests as they enjoy the Bamboo Zip Bike Adventure in Ugong Rock

bike. So kung mayroong mag zip bike kukuhaan din ng staff ng photo ang nag zi-zip bike at dagdag iyon sa kita nya” said Mr. Romel Ortega, President of Ugong MPC. The SETUP assistance has allowed them expand their tourism activities from famous spelunking and zip line adventures and now to include a unique bamboo bicycle experience. An estimate of 100 to 200 tourists come to Ugong Rock daily which means more and more customers are enjoying the activities they offer. To accommodate to more guests, Ugong Rock is planning to add more bamboo bikes soon.

“Ang plano po talaga sa bamboo zip bike na ito, dadagdagan po talaga ito. Sa ngayon dalawa pa lang ang unit dito. Nasa plano po na dagdagan pa ito ng dalawa pang unit para maging apat” Mr. Ortega said.

In addition to providing the tourists an unforgettable experience, Ugong

Two members of the members of Ugong Rock MPC who operates the Bamboo zip bike for a living

Rock focuses on developing activities that raise environmental awareness and promotes sustainable management of natural resources.

You can ride the bamboo zip bike for only Php 500.00. This includes a souvenir photo of you on the bike to remind you of the experience.

Ugong Rock’s Bamboo Zip bike supports sustainable tourism in Palawan and is the beginning of growing a

green economy for the province. Every visit will not only satisfy your adventure gene but will also be able to help the local community.

“Ang kita ng zip bike pumapasok sa reserve fund namin na ipon po namin para makabili ng bagong units ng bamboo zip bike.

Ang kita naman namin para sa spelunking at zip line pumapasok sa general fund namin na pinagkukunan namin ng pangbayad sa repayment

sa SETUP, maintenance, gastos sa operations, salary at benefits ng mga empleyado, at rentals namin”.

For more information about the Bamboo Zip bike and Ugong Rock, you may contact DOST Provincial Science and Technology CenterPalawan (DOST PSTC- Palawan) at (048) 433-0489 or through their email add dostpalawan@gmail. com.

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The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

September 4-10, 2017

Rugby Cares

Sharing happiness through Rugby with displaced children of Marawi City ended up in makeshift evacuation centers with very basic amenities in very poor living of CDORFC’s social responsibility initiative, conditions. Some adults Help Change the Life walked around with the look of anxiety and of a Child, under the depression while others umbrella Rugby Cares with uncertainty for program of the Club. their future.

CDO RFC has always worked to promote child What saddened me welfare and believes that is the fact that the most vulnerable ones, the all children deserve to enjoy their basic human elderly, pregnant women and children, are being rights, which include forced to live a hard the right to play and be life in the evacuation happy. centers. While the So on the 28th of adults are on survival August, the day of the mode trying to find Fiesta in Cagayan de sustainability for their Oro City, I traveled to familes, the children Marawi City together are left with very little with one of the senior support and very players, Chuck Martin limited opportunities Echano, and some XU to do things that faculty/staff. normal kids do. Some The journey to Marawi City did not take of them even seem to long though it was tiring find it challenging to as the call time was 5:30 adapt to the new living conditions that they a.m. After entering the city boundary, I thought have been forcefully placed in.

I was prepared for what Seeing those kids I was about to see that made me realize that no day. child deserves to be a We visited 3 part of war, much more evacuation centers and a victim. However, their each painted a different sad fate has brought picture of devastation them to experience both. and resilience.

In my own little As a consequence way, I wanted to lessen of the Marawi siege, their burden, even just thousands of residents for a while, by playing were forced to leave with them and teach everything they had to them something new secure their safety and

By Noel Delos Reyes Villa

I

t has been almost a month since the Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club (CDO RFC) Rafters competed in the Palawan Rugby 7s Tournament where the team won gold in the Plate Division.

Indeed, winning the tournament has never been more meaningful especially that we dedicated our games to the affected families and fallen soldiers of the Marawi siege.

Unfortunately, the crisis is far from over and evacuees are still suffering from the ill effects of the terroristic attack.

After donating boxes of clothing to the victims last June, CDO RFC joined Xavier University (XU) faculty and students in packing relief goods including rice, canned goods, noodles, etc. last month.

When they requested for assistance to deliver the relief goods to the evacuation centers in Marawi City, I did not hesitate in spite of the potential dangers. I just thought of it as another opportunity to do one

that would somehow bring back those fresh and crisp laughter they had before they were forcefully displaced from their homes. Hence I declared that day to be a great day to play Rugby, and set up an instant Rugby Clinic for the kids with the help of Chuck, Jinky Gonzalez and Robert de la Serna of XU with some adults from the evacuation center.

Jinkee Gonzales introducing us to the many kids at the evacuation center.

Chuck Martin Echano with the excited kids from the evacuation

center From being silent and self contained, the kids instantly changed to being open and excited to know more about the odd shaped Rugby ball. Playing Rugby has temporarily took away the sadness and was replaced with beautiful smiles on their faces.

It didn’t matter whether the eggshaped ball that they passed around was occasionally dropped and got covered in mud.

It didn’t matter if some of the kids couldn’t understand Tagalog or the next kid couldn’t

pass the ball properly.

It was beautiful to see them all excited, smiling or laughing, a moment that they all shared at one given moment - quintessential of happiness. I truly hope that the interaction between the kids and the new sport that they learned that day would remain in their hearts as a beautiful memory.

Despite coming from different corners of the city, social classes and religion, playing a game of Rugby that day has truly shown that solidarity in diversity is indeed possible.

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The

CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly de Oro

September 4-10, 2017

Conference... from page 1

with Leviste, Nati saw the potential of Cagayan de Oro which led to the development of its first project, Primavera Residences and later Primavera City.

Primavera Residences was the city’s first condominium project and became a primary indicator that Cagayan de Oro is ready for vertical developments.

“IDC has been confident in CDO’s potential. This is the reason we were eager to develop our first project here. We wanted to play a big part in the growth of the city. We stand firm on the belief that this city will continue to be progressive. More beautiful things will happen to Cagayan de Oro,” Leviste states.

Amid the rise of big developments in the big cities of the country, IDC still aims to develop sustainable projects in emerging cities. The company specializes in green projects—in the real estate landscape.

This makes IDC ahead of the curve.

Despite being a young player in the industry, IDC was able to establish its name as a sustainable development leader in the country.

For the past years, the company garnered several international recognitions, including two international property awards, such as “Best Mixeduse Development in the Philippines” for its projects in CDO, Primavera Residences and Primavera City, and a global green certificate from International Financing Corporation (IPC), World Bank, and Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE).

The Mindanao Business Conference is considered as the largest annual business conference in Mindanao.

It will bring in business leaders, stakeholders and government policymakers together to talk about innovative strategies towards building a strong resilient Mindanao economy.

Minbizcon... from page 1

workshops, the “Go Mindanao” Tour Buses will be launched during the event.

The conference is held under the auspices of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) led by President George Barcelon.

According to Chairman Ruben Vegafria, the

26th MinBizCon is the largest annual gathering of business leaders, stakeholders, policy makers, and professionals both from government and private sectors to advocate issues and adopt resolutions affecting business, which form part of the policy agenda submitted by PCCI to President Duterte at the 43rd Philippine Business Conference in October.

This year’s theme in particular aims to set the stage for discussing innovative strategies towards building a strong and more resilient economy.

Philippines. The subregion has a combined market of over 55 million consumers. A brainchild of former President Ramos, BIMPEAGA was created to accelerate social and economic development of less developed areas in Southeast Asia, by harnessing private sector leadership in initiatives to promote cross-border investments, trade and tourism; as well as improve connectivity.

Coalition... from page 2

locality as a result of a healthy ecosystem, sustainable livelihood, from page 2 and meaningful Coordinating Office participation. of the Philippines for The creation of the BIMP-EAGA. Coalition of CSOs for In addition to the the Ecosystem formed extension of the Travel part of the Sustainable Tax exemption, Cebu and Healthy Integrated Pacific has also been Ecosystem through working with the Bureau Lobbying and Advocacy of Customs, Bureau (SHIELD) project of the of Quarantine and Samdhana Institute.

Bureau of Immigration Project head Dr. to ensure that Hilly Ann Roacustoms, immigration Quiaoit explained to and quarantine participating CSOs that (CIQ) mechanisms the idea of creating a in Zamboanga are coalition came from prepared for commercial the CSOs themselves international air during the consultation passenger operations. workshop on the Theory “We are also of Change held last year. coordinating with local government officials from page 3 in Zamboanga and there’s no worry on the Sandakan to make sure consumers’ part.” all systems are in place Not only are authentic for the launch of our premium and signature new route.” items available at lower Cebu Pacific, prices due to the island’s through its whollytax-free status and sale owned subsidiary, events, the shops are also Cebgo, will begin open round the clock. operation of its “You can shop 24 Zamboanga-Sandakan hours. You can shop till route October 29, 2017. you literally drop. You Cebgo will f ly between can shop any hour of the Zamboanga City and Sandakan, Malaysia four day and you can find times weekly (Tuesdays, everything from high end luxury goods all the Thursdays, Saturdays, way to your everyday and Sundays). CEB’s household goods,” Ms. new Sandakan Laguaña said. route, the carrier’s Guam has high27th international end shops at the DFS destination, was Galleria, Tumon Sands finalized after BIMPPlaza, and the Plaza at EAGA ministers the Outrigger. It has the approved the world’s largest Kmart, Protocol to Amend the Guam Premium the Memorandum Outlets, Micronesia of Understanding Mall and Agana on Expansion of Air Shopping Center where Linkages in October you can buy clothing, 2016. This allows for shoes, accessories, the facilitation of air island souvenirs, food, services on existing beverages, and toiletries.

BIMP-EAGA routes, as Tumon Sands Plaza well as encourages the One of the first stops opening of new routes. was the upscale Tumon Created in 1994, BIMP-EAGA is a growth Sands Plaza at Tumon, sub-region comprised of the central business Brunei Darussalam; the district of Guam where we were hosted by Indonesia provinces of Susan Fryer, Shopping Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Irian Jaya; Center Manager and Mai Mimura Perez, Customer Sabah, Sarawak and Service and Marketing the Federal Territory Manager.

Labuan in Malaysia; “We have all kinds of and Mindanao and brands here Balenciaga, Palawan in the

Exemption...

Origs...

Chloe, Givenchy, Furla, Anteprima, Bally, Gucci, Tiffany, Rolex, Louise Vitton, Swarovsky, and Kenzo which is opening up next month,” Ms. Fryer said.

Tumon Sands Plaza, will celebrate its 45th anniversary this November, has over 20 tenants but is currently refocusing from purely branding to include restaurants and entertainment which will be accommodated in its first and second levels. It is has a sister company Guam Premier Outlet (GPO) and the two bill themselves as “The Best of Both Worlds” as consumers can browse through high end or outlet shops with a free shuttle between the two.

“You have to go with the trend. Nowadays, a lot of tourists don’t go for brand names, they go for the good value, more affordable,” said Ms. Fryer. “Actually now most of our tourists come here to experience life here in Guam, what we have to offer aside from shopping. They like to play golf, they like to drive around and discover the natural beauty of Guam.”

Ms. Carpio disclosed how GVB is positioning Guam as a shopping destination in the Philippines.

“Because of tax free shopping, we have all the high end brands here, we have sports as well, we have shops that are open 24/7, we have shops that are open 1am, you know how Filipinos are, they love to shop,” she noted.

Besides being tax free and the convenience of round the clock shopping, Ms. Fryer noted Filipinos like to go to Guam to shop because they find the styles they want here which are not available in the Filipinos’ traditional shopping mecca in Hong Kong.

To get even more value for their shopping money, Ms. Fryer said many Filipino tourists to Guam do their shopping during the traditional Black Friday Sale held the day after Thanksgiving.

Black Friday also is the de facto start of holiday shopping season.

Ms. Perez also advises shoppers to be aware of other peak shopping dates for other nationalities such as the Japanese Summer Peak Season and Golden Week (between end of April and start of May).

“August 15 (Obon Festival) is biggest season for Japan market, even for Koreans,” she noted.

“Golden Week is the longest vacation period of the year for many

Japanese workers. Two other Japanese holidays are observed for most or all of a week: Japanese New Year in January and Obon Festival in August.

Golden Week is a popular time for holiday travel.”

Where America’s Day Begins “Guam is the nearest US destination to the Philippines, so it’s very ideal especially when we have long weekends.

Filipinos love to travel to go out of town especially on long weekends, and Guam’s the perfect place. You get to enjoy the beach and surf, and at the same time you get to enjoy ga-ga over shopping,” Ms. Carpio added.

Chimed in Ms. Fryer: “Filipinos love to step into the US and this is the first flight to the US that they can go in.

It’s the nearest and the cheapest US destination Filipinos can go to.”

Not to mention that Filipinos, among its many tourists, would feel right at home in Guam.

“Guam is a melting pot full of nationalities from all walks of life.

But it is a fact that our biggest ethnic group here in Guam besides our local ones are Filipinos,” Ms. Laguaña noted.

Filipino Community In fact, Filipinos are a major component of Guam’s economy.

“Oh they help tremendously. They’re part of our retail industry, our F&B industry, they are part of our hospitality industry in the hotels and restaurants.

Everywhere you go in Guam you will find Filipinos. They’re a very significant community of citizens and we could not have done so well in

7

our economy if it was not for the vibrant and active role our Filipino community engages in,” Ms. Laguaña said. “They are active in everything not just on the business side but also on the social civic side. They are some of the most energetic volunteers to help our communities in different types of non-profit organizations.”

“Guam only has a population of 160,000 and 30-40% of those are Filipinos. We also get a lot of visitors from the Philippines who come here to visit their families and friends. And when they’re here, they end up shopping.”

“Those who have the means to shop for expensive things, they’re here on Guam for several things, but top of mind would be golf and shopping. Guam has seven of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. We also get many Filipino celebrities who come here because Guam allows them to play golf and shop anonymously,” Ms. Carpio added.

Not the least, Ms. Laguaña assures visitors to Guam it is perfectly safe despite the recent saber rattling by North Korea.

“We became the most famous island in the world in a matter of three days we’re on every newspaper, every TV channel, it is a fact we were headliners for about a week!”she exclaims.“What we assure people is that Guam is very safe. We are a US territory that’s very significant to the US, and in fact our tourist arrivals never decreased, in fact it increased!”

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The

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

CAGAYANTIMES Motoring de Oro

September 4-10, 2017

Page 8

Angie King races to first place at the Ferrari Challenge APAC in Sepang

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hortly after a successful podium finish at Fuji Speedway, Angie King once again bagged top honors for the fifth round of the Ferrari Challenge APAC in Sepang, Malaysia.

“We have complete confidence in Angie’s talent as a competitive racer, but this first place podium finish is still a milestone worth celebrating,” said Wellington Soong, President and Chairman of Autostrada Motore, the official dealer of Ferrari in the Philippines. “Nobody expected a newcomer to bag a win, but Angie, in the first

two rounds of racing she has ever done in her life, made it happen. We are proud of Angie and she has our utmost support.”

The second race of Round 5 of the Ferrari Challenge APAC saw lots of excitement for in the Pirelli AM class.

With track temperatures at a blistering 50 degree Celsius, it was very challenging for the drivers and tires were managed to minimize deterioration.

King battled it out with Yanbing Xing from China.

Xing started from pole and was attacked by King from the get-go. However, Xing suffered a hit on lap 8, lost

his position but still ended up third on the podium. It was a maiden win for King who led from start to finish.

At the end of 14 laps, King clocked in at 31:13.629, followed by Ken Seto of Japan, lagging behind by 6.194 seconds.

Immediately after receiving the trophy, King was met by her avid supporters including wife Joey Mead-King together with the Soongs, Willie and Marc, Autostrada Motore’s Executive Director.

“I’m so happy to be in first place,” said a still stunned King. “Thank you Ferrari Philippines for all

the love and support.”

At the end of 5 rounds of the Ferrari Challenge APAC, King is placed 4th overall in the Trofeo Pirelli AM Class, despite entering the Challenge only by the 4th round in Fuji.

King has to beat Yanbing Xing of China in third, Ken Seto of Japan in second, and Tiger Wu of Taiwan in first place to bag the overall championship of the Ferrari Challenge APAC. As the Challenge heads to Singapore for the penultimate round, King will continue to bear the Philippine f lag. Her participation and eventual

success in the Challenge is an important milestone for recognizing Filipino talent in the world of racing.

The Ferrari Challenge was established as a onemake series in 1993, bringing together complete track novices and drivers with prior competition experience. The series spans three regions: North America, Europe and AsiaPacific. This year, the Ferrari Challenge uses a multi-class format; drivers are grouped under Trofeo Pirelli, Trofeo Pirelli AM, Trofeo Pirelli 458, Coppa Shell, Ladies’ Cup and Gentlemen’s Cup.

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