Brew Berry Café’s Top 10 Adobo
Sunday Brunch at Seda Centrio
‘Hapsay Dalan’
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The
Vol. 1 | No. 49 | Cagayan de Oro City | July 8-14, 2013
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CAGAYANTIMES d e O ro
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Tune CDO Perpective
The Night Stalker :
Cagayan de Oro’s first international hotel chain opens July 19 Cagayan de Oro’s first international hotel chain is scheduled to open this month. Tune Hotels Cagayan de Oro opens its 159 guest rooms on July 19 at its brand new 11-storey hotel in its trademark red-and-white motif in the heart of the Lapasan Central Business District. “We’re going to open another three hotels in the Philippines by the end of this year,” Red Planet Hotels CEO Tim Hansing said in a statement. “We will have branches in Quezon City, Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City. We are expecting to have a total of
10 properties in the Philippines by 2014.” There are four Tune Hotels currently in operation in the Philippines, with its fifth in Cagayan de Oro next in line. Other Tune hotels slated to open in the Philippines following Cagayan de Oro include Ortigas, Aseana City and Ayala. Located in Cagayan de Oro’s fastest growing central business district, Tune Hotel Cagayan de Oro is a welcome addition to the city’s booming air passenger traffic which grew to a robust 1.622 million in 2012 from the previous year.
TUNE|P5
Italpinas champions energy efficiency thru Green Architecture in Mindanao Forum The designer and builder of Northern Mindanao’s first green building shares its advocacy for energy efficiency at the 1st Mindanao Energy Efficiency Forum (MEEF) scheduled for 23 July 2013 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City. Arc hitect Romolo V. Nati, Chairman and CEO of Italpinas Euroasian Design a n d E c o - D e ve l o p m e n t Corporation, will present ITALPINAS|P5
DAtE Convenor Illac Diaz; Antonio Tagliaferri, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission, Italian Embassy; and Arch. Romolo V. Nati.
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Multi-awarded singer and music composer , Jose Mari Chan serenades Kagay-anons, June 29, 2013 (Saturday) at the Atrium, Limketkai Center in a show entitled, “REKINDLING THE RHYTHM OF LOVE”. The concert was organized by the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Heart Parish and LITES Ministry Core team, Cagayan de Oro and is a fundraising concert for the Eucharistic Evangelization Services in Northern Mindanao in the Year of Faith and Beyond. Mr. Chan (right) shares the centerstage with CDO local artist Jetaime P. Yamut. photo by Ronald Mastail
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July 8-14, 2013
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MetroSpect Kumbira 2013 Heritage Feature:
Brew Berry Café’s Top 10 Adobo
O
by Mike Baños
f the ten Pinoy dishes included in Soo Pinoy’s “Search for the Ultimate Pinoy Dish”, perhaps the one easiest to cook but most difficult to judge would be the ubiquitous
took over the operation of what used to be “Blue Berry Café”. However, armed with their collective common experience with one of the nation’s leading food chains and Ann’s extensive culinary experience in various establishments (Manila Peninsula Hotel, Philippine Airlines in-flight catering), the partners were determined to make it a success. Brew Berry’s Adobo is available either as “Chicken Adobo” or “Pork Abobo”. Asked what could be the secret behind the unique taste of their adobo, Ann believes it’s her life-long penchant to keep recipes of Filipino dishes. For instance, in formulating their Kare-Kare, she looks at what’s common as well as unique in the various recipes of the dish in her collection. “I was trained to cook the scientific way and strictly follow the ingredients, their quantity and proportion in relation to each other, as well as faithfully follow the process by which a particular dish is prepared and cooked,” she notes. She credits her professors Dr. Barba and Dr. del Rosario for the one-on-one exams in Food Preparation they had in UPLB where they had to memorize the menu as well as the effects of temperature, the freshness of ingredients and other factors in cooking a dish. On top of that, she and her partners also benchmark their dishes with competitors to ensure that “it’s not dejado or overwhelming” but has just the right balance that make customers come back for more. She says Brew Berry’s adobo is “typical” in the sense that it shares most of its ingredients with those found in other parts of the city and the country such as vinegar, bay leaf, soy sauce, paprika, a “little” sugar, among others. “It’s also moist, not dry, more of lean meat that’s firm but not mushy,” she said of the dish’s taste and consistency. Not the least, she attributes their recognition to the cooks their kitchen who though set in their ways due to their previous experience, have also proven to be trainable and follow her “scientific way” of food preparation and cooking. “You may have the talent and experience but most important, you must be willing to learn new things to make yourself and your dishes better,” she notes. “Attitude is most important.”
adobo. No other Filipino dish has such commonality of ingredients in all corners of the archipelago where it is found, yet has so wide a variety of permutations and taste, making it difficult to reach a consensus which one is better than the other. Thus the ambivalence of Ann Eviota Ato when informed of her Brew Berry Café’s selection as one of Sooo Pinoy’s Top 10 restaurants in the Philippines with the “Best Adobo.” “Of course, I was elated we were recognized as such,” says the petite University of the Philippines at Los Baños B.S. Nutrition graduate who admits she wasn’t even aware there was such a competition or that Brew Berry was nominated. “Our adobo isn’t really the fastest moving item on our menu (that being dinuguan and kare-kare) nor has it been that remarkable with our customers (that being their lengua with white sauce). Adobo is one of the 10 featured Filipino dishes in the “Sooo Pinoy” campaign, a joint project of Unilever Foodsolutions, Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) and Department of Tourism which bills itself “The National Search for the Ultimate Pinoy Dish.” Unknown to Ann or any of her partners, Brew Berry Café was nominated for the “unique taste” of its adobo which was apparently good enough to merit their rating as one of the Top 10 in the Philippines. “A team from Unilever and PDI nominates food outlets around the country that best serve a particular dish,” said Jhao Carandang, Unilever sales executive. “For instance, Brew Berry Café was nominated among others in Mindanao and by certain criteria bested other nominees across the Philippines.” Carandang said ‘mystery judges’ would anonymously visit nominated outlets to judge the particular dish and rank the Top 10 restos or hotels based on ‘Taste’ (balance of flavor, texture and aroma); ‘Presentation’ (creativity, use of ingredients) and ‘Value for Money’ (serving size, quality of ingredients and overall dining experience). Ann and her partners are relatively young in the business, having started only in 2007 when they
Earning income gets a little harder for the street vendors by Remee Monique O. Espiritu of BusinessDaily
What can be considered another massive blow to street vendors to their way of earning income would be Executive Order (EO) No. 001-2013. An order that’s more popularly known as to “temporarily suspend the operation of the Night Café”, issued by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno. The said ordinance is effective starting July 5, 2013. Task Force Hapsay Café is in charge of patrolling the Divisoria area for any vendors still insisting on putting up their stalls there. Atty. Hilario Roy Raagas is the Chairman of said Task Force with Atty. Jose Edgardo Y. Uy as the Vice Chairman, and is also Chairman for Task Force Hapsay Dalan in the market areas of Cagayan de Oro. Street vendors occupy the roads of Tirso Neri and RN Abejuela every Friday and Saturday night since 2004, selling their goods which are but is not limited to clothing items, accessories, footwear, food and whatnot. Blocking off the said roads and causing huge traffic issues and some people even fall victim to petty theft by pickpockets if they’re not careful. Maria, a vendor of shoes, claims that she can no longer let one of her children continue schooling because of the adverse effects the EO has on her business. On the possibility that Night Café will be
transferred somewhere else, she said “Kung ipabalhin gani, balhin na dayun. (If it’s going to be transferred, transfer it immediately.)” to her, this was her only source of income to be able to feed her family and send her children to school. “Maayo unta kung tagaan tag bugas kada adlaw (It’d be better if they’d give us rice every day).” says John Mar Jimenez, vendor of tribal handmade accessories. Although Night Café is not the only place where he sells his stuff, he still thinks that it’s a big help to their business. The team leader for Hapsay Dalan in Divisoria, William Adecer, shares his sympathies to the vendors as he understands that they’re just finding ways to earn for them to be able to eat. He says the suspension is for the meantime because the administration will find ways on where to place these vendors. “Kung mo sukol sila, mo dako ra ilang problema (If they fight back, they’re just creating bigger problems).” he says. Hopefully Mayor Moreno does have something better in store for these vendors to be able to still earn a living, and for these vendors to maybe be a little patient for the meantime, and not solve problems with another problem.
WAITING GAME. Plastic chairs and tables pile at a park in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro on Friday, July 5 as a group of stall owners tried to defy the order of newly-elected Mayor Oscar Moreno suspending the ” night café operations” at the city’s premier commercial center. The vendors failed after the police and City Hall officers held their ground and threaten to arrest violators. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
July 8-14, 2013
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The Night Stalker :
Mayor Oca and Family grace Inaugural Sunday Brunch at Seda Centrio
M
ayor Oscar "Oca" S. Moreno personally graced the inaugural Sunday Brunch at Seda Centrio right after his joint inauguration with other local and national officials Sunday, 30 June 2013 at the Kiosko Kagawasan in historic Plaza Divisoria. Mayor Moreno was inducted into office by former Senate President Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. along with Rep. Rolando Uy (1st District), Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District), Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. (ABAMIN Party List), Sen. Aquilino Martin Pimentel and five city councilors of the Liberal Party: Roger Abaday, Candy Darimbang, Bong Lao, Zaldy Ocon and Eric Salcedo.
Mayor Moreno enjoys Sunday Brunch with IBC-13 Pres & CEO Lito Ocampo Cruz, Mrs Arlene Moreno and son Jang
All set for the Inaugural Sunday Brunch
After attending a joint luncheon his newly minted fellow officials at another local restaurant, the new Mayor proceeded to Seda Centrio where he was joined by wife Arlene, son Atty. Jang Moreno with wife Trina, and daughter Imee Lapuz with husband Aries. They were joined by Lito Ocampo Cruz, President and Chief Executive Officer of IBC-13. Mr. Cruz is a college classmate of Mayor Moreno at the Ateneo de Manila University. Brunch has traditionally been prepared by restaurants and hotels for special occasions, such as weddings, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or Easter Sunday.
Mr Tang welcomes Mayor Moreno and Family
Josy Aliñabon and daughter Iya with Mike Baños and Maricel Rivera
Attorneys Jang and Trina Moreno with Mr and Mrs Aries and Imee Moreno-Lapuz
When you’re in Cagayan de Oro, read...
“We thought June 30 would be an auspicious day to restart this tradition at Seda Centrio since it’s the same date as the inauguration of the new city officials,” said Lorenzo Tang, general manager. “So we invited Mayor Moreno and family to grace our inaugural our Sunday Brunch here at Seda Centrio after the inauguration rites at Plaza Divisoria.” Mr. Tang said the Inauguration Sunday Brunch of Seda Centrio was inspired by the column of historian Ambeth Ocampo who talked about the menu for lunch and dinner on September 29, 1898 when the Kawit declaration of independence was ratified by Aguinaldo’s government in Malolos, Bulacan. For posterity’s sake, here’s the menu for the June 30, 2013 Inauguration Day Sunday Brunch of Seda Centrio: SOUP: Seafood Chowder; SALAD: Fresh Garden Salad; VEGETABLE: Green Vegetable; HOT: Fish Fillet in Black Pepper Sauce, Patatim, Herb Chicken, Steamed White Rice; BEVERAGE & DESSERT: Chilled Juices (Orange/Guava/Dalandan/ Mango), Fruit Kebab.
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Points of View
The New Normal
ALA MODE Owen Jaen
We were almost or most likely used to the sight of cramped Cagayan de Oro City sidewalks as traders peddle their wares sprawled on the concrete floor or hung on makeshift display stands. This was a day-to-day sight to see in public markets and along the DVsoria strip. Their daily existence on the streets of Cagayan de Oro became an eventually numbing sight that we ended up not caring anymore, becoming indifferent from the chaos, noise and barrage of commodities up for grabs. For years, people complained of these jungle-like scenarios that we all encounter and during peak seasons, this plethora even becomes a huge sea of masses flocking to buy, ogle or just milling around.
We somehow got used to it that when the new administration decided to conduct operations against these sidewalk vendors, people stopped and took notice but had mixed feelings. They were pleasantly surprised to see the streets around Cogon and Carmen markets freed up from street sellers and hawkers. Days after the initial crackdown, the weekly Night Cafe along the DVsoria strip was targeted next and now what was once a byword has now become nothing but a memory. Gone were the tarpaulin tents and the spaghetti wires with hanging light bulbs. The elevated mixture of noises and varied aroma one encounters every weekend is all but a flashback now.
WORDS & NOTES Debbie Cabague
The
CAGAYANTIMES d e O ro
CAGAYAN TIMES Publisher ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, Ph.D. General Manager SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY Editor-in-Chief RONALD MASTAIL Art Director MIKE BAÑOS NELSON CONSTANTINO JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA RUEL PELONE ALLAN MEDIANTE CHENG ORDONEZ Editorial Consultants John del Bando Sales & Marketing Director PINKY DOMINGO CADAVEDO Marketing Executive ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI ATTY. ROBERTO A. CANTAGO, JR. Legal Counsels The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES newspaper is published weekly at FICCO Bldg., Lapasan Hi-way, with the editorial office at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 with Certificate No. 01801884, and with Business Permit No. 17211 with TIN No. 311-982-549-000 Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES email us at Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com Advertising: cagayantimes@yahoo.com.ph Member: Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber)
It suddenly leaves a pang of longing as memories were formed and unforgettable moments were created during those weekend frenzy at the streets. Some part of us are missing the fun and pandemonium of the Night Cafe and bargain hunting on the side streets of Cogon and Carmen but on the other end, we know this move of the new City Administration is for the benefit of the greater chunk of the population. It indeed alleviated pedestrian and vehicular traffic woes and even minimized garbage problems as well. The daily sight of a subdued Cogon Market and snail-paced weekend ebb at DVsoria takes a little getting used to and perhaps a few more adjustments before we
can say that indeed, this is the new normal now. For me, these street sellers are fine but they must be regulated and placed in a proper site so as not to impede traffic and block pedestrians. s for us, who had lots of fun during the earlier days of the CDO Night Market, we hope that in time the City Government will find a new haven for such a novelty and bring back a muchorderly, peaceful and clutter-free outdoor shopping heaven. Time will tell if the new “Hapsay” scheme of Mayor Oca will be truly successful when all of us will be able to adapt to the new environment and create better opportunities for everyone. It needs everyone’s efforts, dedication and understanding to enjoy this new normal we longed for.
The Impossible Composer Every time I go to bed at night I always have the habit of playing my favorite songs on my phone and one time while I was listening to this particular song, a memory of a talk played in my mind. “Thank you for singing “Still” that time, I couldn’t help but cry...” These words were spoken to me by an acquainted friend, two years after I sang that song for an Invocation. I felt so blessed that the song spoke to her that time, not because of me but because of God’s message in the song. Today as I continue to listen to the deep compositions of other artists whether it’s an old hymn or a secular song, these songs also gave me the desire to write my own songs. As I have observed, the composers that I listen to are usually the singers themselves and most of their compositions are generally about life, love and God of which it always gives a positive influence on its listeners. I too, would want to be a positive influence to my listeners, who can give hope and a healthy expression of love. There’s too much hate in the world so why add up to it? I’d rather be among the few artists who can penetrate souls of a few rather than entertain many and become one time hit. In the long run, when our lives are in discord, we want encouragement and comfort. True enough when I experienced storms in my life, Positive music was one of the vessels God used to lift me up. Often times it made me cry but then I also found release. King David, an author of the book of Psalms was an artist. Are you aware of that? Music was always a part of him, uniquely he wrote the songs in various circumstances of his life. This was written many years ago and though we do not know the tune of these songs but still the message remains until today. We had other great composers way back as well both foreign and Filipino composers but sad to say today, some composers just compose for money’s sake. I read a composer’s explanation regarding the lyrics of his composition “well, it’s written that way so that it will sell more”. Yes there is money in music but it shouldn’t be our ultimate pursuit as musicians
because it can become a hindrance in giving out our best. Good music should sell because of the message of the songs not because it is following a fad in music. “Music fad” songs only lasts for awhile but real good songs lasts a lifetime. My desire to compose songs was always there but I failed to recognize it at a younger age, but then it’s never too late to start. Unexpectedly, Two years ago my boss asked me if can make a jingle for the school and I said yes even when I do not know how to do it. When I got home that night I really talked to God and said with all honesty ... “I do not know what to do with the jingle but I trust You Lord that You will help me do it”. To my delight, God did helped me, the following day I was able to write the lyrics and give its tune. How? At first I wrote my observations about the school, read its mission and vision then lastly consulted God’s word and out from a verse, I was able to organize my thoughts into the lyrics of the jingle. The tune came to me fast, I found myself humming and tried it with the lyrics and it sounded good so I recorded myself and finally got the jingle sorted out by a musician friend who later became the arranger of that jingle. “PROIS SHINE” finally came out in the radio by summer that year and every time I hear it, it makes me smile because it reminds me that nothing is really impossible with God. I wrote that jingle in a non conventional way right? Well for me I’d call it a miracle, but I guess God allowed it too so that I can see the possibility of becoming a composer through Him. Today I’m still on the process of getting equipped musically, as you can see music has technicalities that I need to learn and harness before I can get myself to composing good songs. It’s been different after that “jingle composition” and I still have a long way to go but patience is part of the training. The process is not easy yet it’s very fulfilling every step of the way. Yesterday it was a desire, today it is a jingle, and tomorrow it’s going to be His song. Philippians 4:13 “I Can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”
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Points of View SUPER BRANDING Harry Tambuatco
It is terribly offensive to have to read on a major broadsheet - two men kissing on the lips with passion at that. I can only imagine the damage to the kids who will see and read this. It is not enough it seems, that we have crossdressers on TV with gay-speak as well as on radio as if to propagate their kind. Is there a conspiracy by media to promote the gay culture? If I am not mistaken we are predominantly Catholic in the Philippines and our faith does not share kindly towards this endeavor. While this may be an inter national news update, we need not promote this behavior openly. News somehow becomes our politics and we need to make our politics responsible to our faith. While we in the Philippines are
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The ‘Gay’ Culture predominantly Catholic there is no doubt Christians have increased in numbers over the decades especially with the evangelization on TV and radio. Unless you were protestant since bir th, Christians were initially Catholics to begin with. Proof of this, is baptism after bir th. The gay culture is unacceptable in a Catholic country suc h as the Philippines however is tolerated. There is no compelling need to promote it either way. Then there is the demonization of c hildren who were somewhat infected after playing “spirit of the glass” allegedly wherein these sc hool c hildren were r ushed to c hurc hes and hospitals having gone awry in sc hool screaming their heads off. Demons and what-not in the Philippines? Now we know why Dan Brown the author, zeroed in for his “gates of hell” to be in
TUNE from page 1
ITALPINAS from page 1
The recent opening of the new Laguindingan Airport is also expected to further increase the number of flights especially by domestic low cost carriers which grew 6.12 percent in 2012 to 15,540 from 2011, data from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Area IX office shows. The Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental cluster continues to be the most favored by foreign tourists in Northern Mindanao for 2012. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 10 shows that 45,244 or 74 percent of total foreign tourist arrivals visited the Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental last year. Tune Hotels aims to establish its niche market in the booming international and local economy/budget travelers. Although the national government is taking its time to open up additional access points to the country via regional airports in pursuit of its 10 million tourist arrivals target, Red Planet Hotels Philippines Corporation is looking ahead to double the number of its Tune Hotels to ten by the end of the year to capitalize on the domestic travel boom. “Tune Hotel CDO is also the first Tune Hotel in the Philippines to have a function room for 20-30 persons for meetings and social gatherings,” said Carlo C. Cruz, Director of Sales and Marketing, Philippines. “We will also have a restaurant at the ground floor to serve breakfast and provide the food and beverage for meetings and events.” Red Planet Hotels is the major franchisee of the Tune Hotel brand across South-East Asia. Tune Hotel’s core value proposition is a great night’s sleep at a budgetfriendly price. Though affordably priced, the strategically located hotels provide housekeeping services, electronic keycard access into rooms, extensive CCTV systems, and no access into the main lobby without a keycard past midnight. All Tune Hotels boast of Five Brand Essentials – 5-Star Quality Beds, Power Shower, Central and Convenient Location, 24-Hour Security and Clean Environment. Red Planet Hotels Phils. Corp. is a subsidiary of Red Planet Hotels Limited (RPHL), a regional hotel investment company focused on Asia’s emerging markets which operates its own hotels under a franchise agreement with Tune Hotels Limited. The firm has acquired a 16.05- percent stake in Tune Hotels as both companies sought to grow the booming low cost hotel brand. Established in 2007, there are now 24 Tune Hotels operating 3,859 rooms globally in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India, Japan and soon in China and Korea. For inquiries and reservations, please call (+632) 5190888 or e-mail us at philippines@tunereservations.com. Get to know more about Tune Hotels and Red Planet Hotels Limited by visiting www.tunehotels.com or www. redplanethotels.com.
“Energy Efficiency in the Real Estate Industry” as a ‘first mover’ designer and builder of Primavera Residences, a twin 10-story condominium at the Pueblo de Oro Business Park in Cagayan de Oro City. “With Eco-Logic Architecture, the global warming and climate change compels us to move towards Energy Plus Buildings which are net producers, rather than net users of energy,” Arch. Nati said. “Around 25-40 percent of total energy produced worldwide is consumed by buildings and their air conditioners,” he noted. “Buildings also produce seventy percent of the total volume of carbon dioxide in cities.” Arch. Nati believes the real estate sector, particularly the architecture, engineering and energy sub-sectors can substantially contribute to the attainment of energy security in the country as demonstrated by the Italpinas experience in the Philippines. “Italpinas is an Italian-Filipino joint venture which designs and develops innovative green buildings with unique energy features in efficiency and generation,” said Atty. Jose D. Leviste III, President. “By integrating renewable energy features with real estate through innovative architecture (passive green design to reduce energy consumption; active green designs with solar photovoltaic panels to generate its own energy; and power cost optimization to ensure maximum benefits to end users and investors).” These unique value propositions have been amply demonstrated in the 10-storey twin tower P450million Primavera Residences which features an inner courtyard to increase ventilation, solar panels and cross ventilation, and overhang shading to maximize shade from the building’s orientation to lessen aircon use. “We aim to prove that architecture and urban planning can design sustainable cities only if they start from different and more
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July 8-14, 2013
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Manila of all places. Again the Churc h is in the center of all this phenomena as if the faith tolerated issues outside the teac hings of Christ. As Catholics, as Christians are we made to believe in the occult? Every time I would mention “kar ma” or the issues of the feng sui; I was told growing up (and in a Catholic sc hool at that) that we are not supposed to lend impor tance to this nonsense. In fact our faith does not give any credence whatsoever to these types of tales and yet today we do. Or do we? Unless I am wrong; we are possibly the last bastion of Christianity in Asia being predominantly Catholic with close to 100 million people. Am I wrong?
responsible values,” Arch. Nati said. “A conscientious development is the main challenge of our generation, the only way to achieve a sustainable world.” An Asian Development Bank (ADB) study (“Same Energy, More Power: Accelerating Energy Efficiency in Asia”) recently estimated the Philippines needs some $601 million worth of investments to address energy efficiency challenges. ADB Energy Committee chairman Anthony Jude said that implementing proper policies that support private sector initiatives toward energy efficiency, as well as upgrading public buildings, improvements in street lighting, and enhancement of electricity meter devices can help ramp up much needed investment. Investments like these are equivalent to 1 to 2 percent of the total energy sector investments, and could meet as much as 25 percent of the projected increase in global energy consumption (with Asia's share set to rise 56% in 2035 from 34% in 2010). Organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the Energy Efficiency Forum aims to be an annual event to convene key decision makers and business leaders from the energy, commercial and industrial sectors; enlist top management commitment to implement energy efficiency programs at the enterprise level; build strategic alliances among business, government, international donor organizations, environmental organizations and other public interest groups in the Philippines; and set a common climate action agenda in reducing carbon footprint through energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is proving to be a key strategy for increasing business competitiveness not only in terms of improving the operational bottom line but also in terms of the added value created for the company as it promotes corporate social responsibility. Through energy efficient operations companies are
able to reduce costs significantly, thus making companies more competitive. Moreover, energy efficiency allows reduced use of energy resources thus eases the impact of operations on the planet (environment) and people. With Mindanao unable to consistently secure its energy supply and attract sufficient investments in energy, the need for energy conservation and energy efficiency has become increasingly paramount. Under the leadership of Arch. Nati, Italpinas has been cited three times internationally: 1. As one of the most promising clean energy investment opportunities in the Philippines by the Climate Tec hnology Initiative- Private Financing Advisory Networks (CTIPFAN) Asia Forum for Clean Energy Financing during the 2nd annual Philippines Clean Energy Investor Forum held in Manila in 2011 (for Primavera Residences); 2. As one of the Best Condo Developments in the Philippines by the South East Asia Property Awards in 2011 (for Primavera Residences); 3. And most recently, as one of the top 10 (among 41) and only entry from the Philippines qualified for the finals of the CTI PFAN Asia Forum for Clean Energy Financing (AFCEF-3) Business Plan Competition held February 22, 2013 in Singapore (for a new project). Arch. Nati was also personally recognized with a “Special Energy Award” in the 2011 Design Against the Elements (DAtE) global architectural design competition, whic h aims to build the first green, livable, affordable, and disaster-resistant village in the Philippines that will serve as the blueprint for other communities threatened by climate change. Some 119 entries from 30 countries joined the competition. The winning entry was inspired by the geometry of corals which the team transformed into manageable architectural shapes, through the use of Voronoi geometry .
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Around NorthMin NSO conducts poverty indicator survey
Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez listen to the citizen of Barangay Gusa Cagayan de Oro regarding the needs of the on-going contruction/repair of Multi-Purpose building that funded by the congressman. The said building is intended for the office of senior citizen and for botika nga barangay. This during the groundbreaking and turn-over ceremony of fourty-four (44) worth of P 115,726,011.43 of project of the congressman Rufus with his brother ABAMIN representative Maximo B. Rodriguez. Photo by Rolando N. Sudaria
Anti-corruption month enacted House Bill 3005, authored by Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez, was recently signed into Republic Act 10589 (An Act Declaring December of Every Year as "Anti-Corruption Month" in the Entire Country) by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Rep. Rodriguez filed this bill to instill awareness to every Filipino on the effects of corruption. Based on the law, December of every year is declared as "Anti-Corruption Month" in the entire country. This means that every December, all heads of government agencies and
instrumentalities, including government-owned and -controlled corporations as well as local government units and employers in the private sector are mandated to conduct activities designed to create awareness among the people on the adverse effects of corruption. The awareness campaign must not only contain information on what constitutes an act of corruption, but also what citizens must do when faced with such corruption. The law designates the Office of the Ombudsman as the lead agency.
The National Statistics Office will be conducting the 2013 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey (APIS). This is a nationwide sample survey designed to provide information on the different indicators related to poverty. This survey aims to provide inputs to the development of an integrated poverty indicator and monitoring system which would enhance timely, accurate and consistent production of poverty-related data that can be used at the national level. It also aims to supplement the identification of the poor families through the use of non-income indicators. Hence, this survey provides information on the socio-economic profile of families and other information relating to their living conditions. More specifically, this survey gathers information on the demographic and economic characteristics, health status and education of the family members; awareness and use of family planning methods; housing, water and sanitation condition of the families; availment of credit to finance the family business or enterprise; and income and expenditures of the family.
In addition, it gathers information on the effect of the economic crisis in families and the steps they had taken in response to these problems. In Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental, a total of 200 sample households will be interviewed for this survey. There will be Field interviewers that will be hired to do the actual interview in the sample households. The enumeration will start on July 8, 2013 and will end on July 31, 2013. According to Officer-in-Charge, Janith Cabalang – Aves of NSO Misamis Oriental, this undertaking is vital since the results of this survey will be used as inputs to the development of an integrated poverty indicator and monitoring system for the assessment of the government programs on poverty alleviation and for use in policy-making and planning. OIC Aves encouraged all sample households to cooperate with the field interviewers and provide them the correct data. Rest assured that all information that will be gathered from the respondents will be held strictly confidential as embodied in Commonwealth Act 591. All field interviewers are equipped with proper identification.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) region 10 members during the disaster consciousness month kickoff program at the Kiosko Kagawasan last July 2, 2013. [RDMendoza, PIA-10]
Kasambahay law mandates Pag-IBIG Fund membership by Recthie T. Paculba, Contributor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Republic Act 10361 or commonly known as Kasambahay Law requires employers to register and make their house workers a member of Pag-IBIG Fund, said Ferdinand Saniel, Department Manager of Cagayan de Oro Branch. Saniel also said that 4% of the house worker’s monthly income should be the basis of the Pag-IBIG Fund contribution which will be shouldered by the employer as stated in Section 9 of Rule IV Rights of the Kasambahay in RA 10361. However, if the monthly income of the house worker is P5,000 and above, the house worker will pay his or her personal contribution. The law also states that the additional contribution from the employer should amount to P100 every month. According to Saniel, Pag-IBIG Fund membership entails a lot of benefits. This includes an increase of the member’s monthly contribution which is tax-free. Active members can also borrow BOUNTIFUL CATCH. A boatload of sardines or tamban land in Barangay Kalibunan, a certain amount based on their total contribution through Pag-IBIG Fund’s Cabadbaran City on Sunday June 23. MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas
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Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL). The MPL will be paid by the member in two years with 10.75% interest every year. Pag-IBIG Fund is also well-known of its Housing Loan Program where active members who already have 24 months contribution can borrow a certain amount from Pag-IBIG Fund to purchase a desired house and lot. If the house worker decides to leave his or her employer, he or she will still be able to continue his or her contribution to Pag-IBIG Fund through a current employer. If the house worker is not employed yet, he or she will still be able to continue his or her contribution as SelfPaying. [RTP/PIA10]
For more details, Pag-IBIG Fund Cagayan de Oro Branch is located at Pag-IBIG Fund Building, JR BorjaMortola Sts., Cagayan de Oro City and they can be reached at (08822) 726348, 722800, (088) 8561861 to 62 and at cagayandeoro@pagibigfund.gov.ph.
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Dalan’ affects ‘Project Tiniil’ brings ‘Hapsay street vendors’ income, smiles to pupils in CDO by Remee Monique O. Espiritu of BusinessDaily
by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat, Contributor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Pu p i l s of G L Reyes Anhawon Elementar y School in barangay Bulua this city wore huge smiles as they tried to fit their per fect pair of brand new slippers from ‘Project Tiniil’ of Gawad Kalinga and Pilipinas Natin on Saturday, June 29. Ga wad Ka l i ng a rep resentative, Lex Cabacungan said that this project and initiative is in collaboration with Pilipinas Natin. He said t h at o n to p of t h e i r ot h e r p r o j e c t s s u c h as constr uction of librar y buildings, they conceptualized this as their contribution to the little kids in school. Asked why slippers, he said, " Slippers are the very basic need to protect our feet." He even shared that when they started the project, they went to one of the malls here b a refo ot. H e a d d e d that they also wanted to experience what it is like to walk without slippers or shoes in public and that they spent half a day in the mall doing so.
Pupils from G.L. Reyes Anhawon Elementary School, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City receive new slippers during the turn-over ceremony of library building and slippers distribution of Pilipinas Natin, Gawad Kalinga and Ruby Ibarra project on June 29, 2013. (RTPaculba/PIA10) H e a l so re m i n d ed the kids to really wear the slippers and not just preserve it somewhere else. Total of 339 slippers were given to the pupils of Anhawon elementary school, said Lex. Ruby Ibarra, FilipinoAmerican international rapper and music producer who helped in raising funds to build a library in the school was also there and thanked
The street vendors on July 3, 2013, still coming back to sell despite Operation Hapsay Dalan. Photo by Remee Monique O. Espiritu of BusinessDaily
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everyone in the program including the pupils and the teachers for the warm welcome. She said that she hopes the kids will like the new library once it is built. Cupid Cynder land S a l va c i o n , Te a c h e r s C l u b p r e s i d e nt a l s o acknowledged and thanked partners of this project including Liceo de Cagayan University through Fritzie C. Estoque, director of Liceo Center
fo r Co m m u n it y D r ug Development fo r the donation of slippers. The school principal, Alma Sheila Alorro also expressed her gratitude to the generous people og Gawad Kalinga and Pilipinas Natin for making this project possible. Lastly, as gratitude, t h e p u p i l s re n d e re d various song and dance numbers to their guests and wore the slippers with smiles on their faces.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY Operation Hapsay Dalan led by Atty. Jose Edgardo “Egay” Uy started last July 1, 2013. But since then street vendors have still been coming back to the streets to sell their goods, playing what they call “karate” with the RTA officers just for the sake of being able to earn some income. Most vendors said that this was their only source of income, thus they say they are willing to sacrifice their energy in running away from officials and setting up their stalls again in order for them to feed their families. “Kung naa man gani mi lain, ngano diri pa lugar mi? (If we had another way to earn, why would we still stay here?)” says Jera Carulasan, who sells mangoes on the street. To another vendor of mangoes, the income earned from selling on the streets is relatively bigger than what vendors on the inside earn, thus their decision to stick with selling on the streets and bearing with the “karate” game. Although their sales have gone down ever since the Operation Hapsay Dalan, “mao ni ang ilang na andan”, thus adding to their refusal of possibly being transferred to inside the market place. From Atty. Egay Uy’s Facebook post, he cited that: “According to the CEED
estimates, about 70% of the vendors and streets have stalls upstairs.” and taken from a vegetable vendor from inside the Cogon Market building who chooses to stay anonymous, some sidewalk vendors are really from stalls inside. Jera also mentions that at the times of 3-6:00PM there are a lot of street vendors, because that’s when those from the building come outside to sell on the streets. The vendors are asking that they be granted just 1 meter from the gutter to put up their stalls, after all business is still business, and they need the money they earn from their stalls to feed their families and send their children to school. But the issue on traffic congestion still stands as many other businesses are affected from such congestion like taxi drivers, who now find it easier to get passengers since the streets are easier to go a around, according to a taxi driver named Frank Daginotas. “Matagaan man gyud sila ug ka solbaran (They will be given a solution).” adds Frank, who thinks Operation Hapsay Dalan has a positive effect 100%. “We are working on these. There are no immediate solutions.” says Atty. Egay Uy at his online statement. Time will come that hopefully everyone will be happy, and everything will be “hapsay”.
An old man pushes his stall onto the sidewalk and off of the streets, a necessary action to take under Operation Hapsay Dalan. Photo by Arjay Felicilda of MindanaoDaily News
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Agriculture Updates
Rice farmers’ techno forum held in DA’s research station Dangcagan, Bukidnon – Anchored on the Philippine government’s target of achieving ample supply of rice by the year 2013 and onwards, the Bukidnon Agricultural Productivity Center (BAPC), one of the research stations of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), recently conducted its 3rd Rice Farmers Technology Forum on June 28, 2013, in this town. The said activity primarily aimed at showcasing inbred rice varieties, namely NSIC Rc 158, 212, 214, 222, 224, 226 and 240, and organic rice seed growth to rice farmers. Technical experts from the station have imparted the characteristics of various inbred rice varieties, including their reaction to pests and diseases, eating quality, yield, among others. Out from the abovesaid varieties, harvest yield ranges from 5.4 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) to 10.6 mt/ha with an average maturing days of 113. Likewise, a guided field tour on the station’s Pa l ay am an an w a s a l s o conducted. It is a diversified farming system that employs the bahay-kubo concept, in which it was innovated for
a higher level of farming integration. As such combines rice with other high valued crops, fish and waste recycling practices, which is seen to increase farmers’ productivity and income by maximizing the use of farmlands while contributing to ecological balance. As this year is als o declared as the ‘National Year of Rice,’ the DA through BAPC station superintendent Ulito T. Kingdom stressed the farmers’ role to be one with the government in its bid for the country to become a surplus supplier of rice starting 2013 and beyond as expressed in the Panaad sa Pagdaginot sa Humay. “Isip usa ka Pilipino, nakighiusa ako sa pagpanaad nga dili mag-usik-usik sa kan-
Nearly 50 rice farmer-guests (left) in the locality recited in unison the Panaad sa Pagdaginot sa Humay, signifying their commitment to contribute in the government’s goal of achieving rice self-sufficiency for the country with 2013 as its earliest target. Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Regulatory and Research Constancio C. Maghanoy, Jr. (right) stresses the rice farmers’ integral role in providing food for the nation.
on ug bugas…tudloan nako ang uban sa responsableng pagkunsumo aron mahatagan ug bili ang kahago sa mga mag-uuma ug makatabang ako sa pagkab-ot nga mapaigo ang gidaghanong bugas sa Pilipinas,” nearly 50 farmerguests have pledged. Also citing that “the only thing constant in this world is change,” DA-
1 0 R e g i ona l Te ch n i c a l Director for Research and Regulatory Constancio C. Maghanoy, Jr. explained that the department through the station will carry on in conducting and exhibiting researches of productive, economical and sustainable farming technologies for the cultivators of land. Recognizing the farmers’
long and enduring experience and years in farming, he also encouraged them to consider in bringing and applying the available technologies found in the station that might be suitable in their respective farmlands. Furthermore, he pushed for the farmers in attendance to also relay to their fellow farmers, as well the different
farming technologies that they have witnessed firsthand at the station. With the forum at hand, the department is expectant that more farmers will be able to propel their existing farm practices and in due course, would also augment their livelihood and income amid numerous farming challenges. (Joanne L. Olson, DA-10)
UPDATING OF INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGIES ON POSTHARVEST AND MECHANIZATION Envisioning postharvest and mechanization development for the agriculture and fishery sector of the country, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization-Applied Communication Division (PhilMech-ACD) recently briefed the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) for an updating of information and technologies on postharvest and mechanization. Attended by its representatives from the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division, banner programs, attached bureaus and agencies, Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy (left), PhilMech-ACD head said, that the meeting primarily aimed to convey to the department’s key informants on the agency’s current infrastructure programs on postharvest and mechanization, including Rice Mechanization, which seeks to contribute in increasing the current level of rice productivity by 5%; agricultural tramline system, which intends to minimize the drudgery of transport of agri-produce and farm inputs; and cold chain, which targets to address the inefficiencies in the perishable agri-fishery sector using cooling technology to preserve the quality and prolong the shelf life of agri-produce. Likewise, he introduced breakthroughs such as the cashew nut sheller, multi-commodity solar tunnel dryer, charcoal-fired cabinet oven, and coffee depulper, among others, in which he recognizes that although farmers may have resistance to change in using such technologies, Dr. Estigoy encouraged the attendees to persuade more farmers for the availment of the abovesaid innovations to “transform the future of agriculture.” (Joanne L. Olson, DA-10) photo by: VMSSiano
Engr. Roxana H. Hojas (right), DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations hand-over P5.8M worth of farm equipment to Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo (center) and Provincial Agriculture Officer Letecia Ditucalan (left) during the Agri-Aqua, Livestock and OTOP Fair in celebration of the 54th Founding Anniversary of Lanao del Norte.
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Feature
Sharing a part of themselves: Employees of energy firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) conducted recently a blood-letting activity in support of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) blood donation program. Over the years, SPI had been supportive of the PNRC program in keeping with its corporate tradition of caring and giving. More than 3,300 liters of blood have been donated so far by SPI employees and service providers over the last seven years of its power plant operations in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.
MinDA bats for more ‘clean and green’ power sources As share of fossil technology in Mindanao’s energy mix is expected to rise, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is pushing for aggressive deployment of renewable energy projects to ensure sustainable and affordable power supply in Mindanao. “Ensuring sufficient and reliable power supply for Mindanao is particularly crucial to attract more investments to achieve broad-based growth and long-term sustainable development,” said Romeo Montenegro, MinDA director for investment promotion and public affairs during a recent briefing with energy beat reporters in Manila. Montenegro however explained that while a sizable chunk of new capacities currently being built in Mindanao will come from coal, tapping renewable energy sources is highly imperative to maintain ideal balance of energy mix as well as mitigate foreign exchange and environmental costs. With 500 megawatts (MW) of fossil fuel-based capacities coming on stream by 2016, the share of renewable power sources in Mindanao will go down from the current 59 percent to 47 percent, while share of fossil power will increase from 41 percent to 53 percent. “Although coal provides reliable baseload and high capacity factor, the long-term power development strategy and policy framework being espoused by MinDA point to diversification of energy sources, with renewable energy high on the agenda,” added Montengro. He explained that with various potentials in Mindanao such as hydro, biomass and solar, it’s time to create the renewable energy rush and maintain a desired 50-50 percent mix in the years to come. Montenegro further added that renewable energy development is vital not only to achieve balance in Mindanao’s energy mix, but also to
mitigate foreign exchange risks as fossil fuel is traded at global prices, and lessen the environmental impacts of fossil-based power plants. A one-stop processing and facilitation for renewable energy projects is now being worked out by MinDA in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) to fast-track approval and accelerate deployment of renewable energy projects in Mindanao. The mechanism will hasten the application process of RE projects and aims to facilitate project development in two years instead of the usual five. The facility is also seen to address bottlenecks in the waiting time for the releasing of permits and clearances to expedite the approval and implementation of RE projects. “Over a decade ago, 83 percent of Mindanao’s power was generated from RE sources, mainly hydro, while oil-based power accounted for only 17 percent of generated power,” said Montenegro. He explained that other realities facing Mindanao’s growing need for power, such as the declining capacity of the ageing Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex that supplies 54 percent to the Mindanao grid, due to maintenance needs as well as siltation of its river systems and dams have caused declining share of renewable energy sources. “Mindanao’s electricity need is also growing at a rate of 4.7 to 5.28 percent annually, spurred by the expansion of industries, real estate development, and services sector such as tourism facilities, malls, and business process outsourcing industries,” added Montenegro. Investments in power generation sector in Mindanao, however, did not move at a parallel pace. Mindanao’s thriving industries posted 7.8 percent in the first quarter of the year owing to strong performance of the manufacturing and construction sectors.
ITALPINAS partners with Habitat for Humanity for Pagatpat Project Cagayan de Oro City’s first mover in green buildings has partnered with a locally based NGO in support of the latter’s mission to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. ITALPINAS Euroasian Design and Eco-Development Corporation (ITPI), an Italian-Filipino company specializing in designing and developing innovative eco-friendly real-estate projects signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) last May 31, 2013 at ITPI’s head office in Makati City. “Our advocacies complement each other’s vision and mission of providing eco-friendly, sustainable and affordable houses,” Mr. Nati said. Architect Romolo Valentino Nati, Chairman and CEO of ITPI, sealed the partnership by signing with Mr. Charlie S. Ayco, CEO & Managing Director of HFHP, with ITPI CFO Mr. Harold J. Dacumos and HPHP CFO Ms. Yvonne C. Lih. Habitat is an accredited as a nongovernmental organization (NGO) by the Board of Investments which is engaged in socialized housing and community development projects. Its socialized housing projects aim to transform communities so that their home partners would have better access to socioeconomic opportunities and a better quality of life.
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As a relatively new real estate developer, ITPI has received international accolades such as “One of the Highly Commended Condo Developments in the Philippines” from the Southeast Asia Property Awards in Singapore in 2011, and as one of the “Most Promising Clean Energy Investment Opportunities in the Philippines” from the Climate Technology Initiative Private Financing Advisory Network (CTI PFAN) in 2013 (Singapore). ITPI’s first venture started 2009 with the development of the twin 10-storey mixed-use condominiums “Primavera Residences” in Uptown Cagayan de Oro. Designed and constructed as ecofriendly buildings, it is the first mover in Northern Mindanao featuring optimized natural lighting/shading and ventilation, heat reduction, reduced energy consumption and renewable energy production through the use of rooftop solar photovoltaic panels. Other projects in other areas of the country are now in the pipeline. With the recently signed MOA with HFHP, ITPI agreed to support Habitat’s “I Build” Campaign through a donation which will fund a specific portion of Habitat’s socialized housing project in Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro. For more information please visit: www.habitat.org.ph | www.italpinas. com |www.primaveraresidences.com
A partnership in building homes and hope: Arch. Romolo V. Nati (right), Chairman/CEO of ITPI and Mr. Charlie S. Ayco (left), CEO/Managing Director of Habitat for Humanity Phils. shake hands after the MOA signing on May 31, 2013 at the ITPI Head Office in Makati City.
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Sun Cellular strengthens cultural, historical heritage nationwide With the country’s huge roster of Philippine festivals and cultural events, mobile network provider Sun Cellular steps up to the forefront of pushing and showcasing national identity to more Filipinos nationwide. From local fiestas and colorful celebrations to the nationally-celebrated Independence Day, Sun Cellular’s presence and participation help make these happenings much more fun and vibrant. Through reliable and affordable services, Sun Cellular powers Filipinos with the ability to connect and share the on-going events with their family and friends. Moreover, Sun Cellular supports organizations like the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) for its “Looking for Juan: Revolution” campaign this year that showcases Filipino identity through artworks of various artists. “The country has a rich kaleidoscopic culture that we should all be proud of,” says Sun Cellular official spokesperson Reuben Pangan. “That’s why we feel that we, at Sun Cellular, can help in pushing the diversity, richness and pride on our cultural events and heritage.” Needless to say, the way Filipinos should continuously highlight these cultural activities should never wane. And with Sun Cellular, Filipinos may be armed with the Good Choice to do just that.
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T h e P ione er g roup of insurance companies establishes its presence in the Mindanao region as it broke ground on the site of the 3rd Pioneer House. With a Pioneer House in Manila, Makati, and Cebu, the company extends its reach towards the south with Pioneer House Cagayan de Oro, which will be completed by the second quarter of 2014. Located at the corner of Don Apolinar Velez and Mabini Streets, Pioneer House will be a stand out addition to the CDO skyline, one of the region’s most prog re s sive a nd pr i me business districts. The building is a six-level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Env i ron menta l Desig n) structure with a roof garden among its features. This environment-friendly design makes it an energy-efficient building. Pioneer’s substa nt ia l i nvest ment for a LEED Gold certification is the company’s contribution to environmental conservation. Once completed, Pioneer House-CDO will be one of t he most i n novat ive establishments in Mindanao. In his speech during
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Pioneer breaks ground in CDO
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Arch. Alfredo Caritativo of Arkitektii Philippines, Inc.; Uvifredo Agor, Pioneer SVP for Branches Division; Engr. Charlie Collado, Department Head of Pioneer Property Administration; Dr. Eduardo Arrojado of Eduardo C. Arrojado & Associates; Darneil Perez of Langdon & Seah Philippines, Inc.; Noel Sadava, Pioneer VP for CDO, Iligan and Bacolod; and Engr. Teodoro Malabanan of Primeart Builders, Inc.
the ceremony, Uvilfredo Agor, Senior VP-Branches Division, said that Pioneer "dedicates this building as a testament of our commitment to Mindanao especially to Cagayan de Oro City. It is our hope that our presence here improves the delivery of our services to our valued and loyal clients, intermediaries
and stakeholders." In 1966, Pioneer House Manila was inaugurated in the business center of Binondo, Manila. Eleven years later, in 1977, the compa ny tra nsferred cor porate headqua r ters to Pioneer House Makati located at the heart of the Makati Central Business
District. In 2007, Pioneer House Cebu, located at the Cebu Bu si ne s s Pa rk, opene d its doors to become the company’s first building outside of Metro Manila. Pioneer House CDO is the company’s first building in one of Mindanao’s major business centers.
Sun Cellular launches pre-order of the BlackBerry Q10 with unlimited services Sun Cellular makes the wait worthwhile for the excited takers of the latest BlackBerry smartphone as it officially launches the BlackBerry Q10 coupled with its economical and unlimited services. Sun Cellular’s BlackBerry Q10 offering comes via Sun Plan 1499 and is showered with amazing inclusions such as unlimited mobile Internet, 5 minutes of Sun calls and 300 texts to ALL networks. This postpaid plan is geared to help users fully enjoy and maximize the BlackBerry Q10 experience. With its upgraded features and sleek finish, the BlackBerry Q10 comes with dual-input capability via its AMOLED touchscreen display and QWERTY keypad that raises productivity and efficiency of users. In addition, it is armed with an 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and 2GB of RAM with 16GB internal memory, which is expandable up to 64GB. BlackBerry Q10’s enhanced features are something to swoon for. From the BlackBerry Hub that centralizes all communication platforms, BlackBerry Balance that organizes professional and personal files to the BlackBerry Messenger Video with Screen Share, this latest gadget definitely makes it to the list of gadget must-haves. “Our Postpaid plan portfolio has always been packed by a roster of amazing handsets that come with economical and useful Sun Cellular offerings,” says Sun Cellular Vice President for Postpaid Marketing Joan Dueňas.
“Now with the arrival of the BlackBerry Q10, our inclusion package definitely makes the wait worthwhile.” Interested subscribers can preorder at any The Sun Shop branches nationwide. The BlackBerry Q10 will be officially available in The Sun Shop branches starting July 8, 2013. For more information on this and other services that Sun Cellular offers, visit www.suncellular.com.ph or Facebook page www.facebook. com.ph/suncellularph. Follow @ suncelldeals on Twitter. Sun Cellular is a member of the PLDT Group.
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First-time Senators (L-R) JV Ejercito, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay and Juan Edgardo “Sonny’ Angara attended their orientation on legislative proceedings, Senate protocol and other rules and guidelines at the Senate 3 July 2013.
XU creates community, not just houses for Sendong survivors By Cheng Ordoñez of BusinessWeek Mindanao
TEAM managers, lead organizers and main benefactors of the Xavier University-Lumbia Resettlement Project (XULRP) on Saturday, July 06, 2013, held the blessing and turn-over ceremony of the permanent houses at Xavier Ecoville, the XU-led resettlement community for Sendong survivors, to their respective beneficiaries, at Xavier Ecoville in Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City. True to its slogan of not just building houses, but building a community, XU-LRP turned over not just concrete edifices but permanent homes to wellorganized community of 2,582 Sendong survivors (517 households), at the Lumbia resettlement after a year and a half of “slowly but orderly construction and community organization.” The Xavier UniversityLumbia Resettlement Project is a joint endeavor of Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) and the local government of Cagayan de Oro that aims to resettle, at least, 500 families who are victims of tropical storm Sendong that ravaged the city on December 17, 2011. “The 5.3 hectare resettlement site located in Barangay Lumbia is aptly called Xavier Ecoville and has been envisioned to be an ecologically and economically progressive, God-centered village inhabited by residents who care for one another,” Fr. Roberto C. Yap, Xavier University president, said. Two primary components have been put in place in the resettlement agenda of Xavier Ecoville: Physical development and community development.
Member-beneficiaries of Xavier Ecoville join the village parade during the turn-over and blessing of their houses Saturday, July 6, 2013, at Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro. photo by mikee espiritu
“Like we always say, we are not just building houses, we are building a community, so these components are essential,” Fr. Yap said. The physical development component is in-charge of preparing the permanent site for resettlement of the beneficiaries while the community development component takes charge of values formation, governance, health, livelihood and educational competencies. Xavier Ecoville constructed 568 permanent shelters. Each has a lot area of 50 sq. m. and a floor area of 21.40 sq. m. All units have lofts, which can be used as sleeping area with comfort rooms, sized at 1.1 x 1.4 meters. Dirty kitchens are located outside of the units. Other community facilities under the physical development component are Multipurpose Hall, a 200-seater center for general assemblies and trainings; Xavier EcovilleJCI Macajalar 24K Children’s Study Center, a 30-seater study area with educational facilities; Toy Library with playground on its façade; St. Francis Xavier Chapel to hold masses and religious
activities; Livelihood Center to house the operations of Xavier Ecoville Multipurpose Cooperatives; and Community Center, home to market stalls, jeepney drop-off terminal. “Community development forms an integral part of XULRP efforts at Xavier Ecoville. With partner beneficiaries coming from different areas and cultures, community building mechanisms have to be in place to facilitate a cohesive, progressive and valuesoriented community. The overarching idea is to address immediate needs while capacitating partner beneficiaries to become a self-sufficient and selfgoverning community,” said Roel Ravenera, chairman, XU-LRP. Among the main benefactors of the project are Habitat for Humanity, San Miguel Foundation, Union Bank, Ladies Association of Parish in Cebu, Sacred Heart of Cebu, Rotary Club, STEAG, Maybank, JCI and Philippine Toy Libraries. As of February, this year, some P29.87 million pesos have been accounted for as “receipted cash donations” by XU-LRP.
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