Magnitude of 7.6 Earthquake hits East of Philippines, Tsunami warning and watches alert

A earthquake of a magnitude 7.6 has occurred east of the Philippines and has the potential to generate a tsunami across the Pacific. Tsunami warnings and watches have been issued for most of the Pacific Rim.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) the earthquake occurred at 8:47pm local time, estimated 58 miles east of Sulangan, Philippines or 464 miles east-southeast of Manila. The quake originated at a depth of 21.6 miles beneath the surface (tectonic) along the Philippine Sea plate.

Phivolcs said the quake was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Davao City and Intensity II (slightly felt) in Tupi, South Cotabato and in Koronadal City.

Certain coastal areas of the Philippines, like Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, were ordered to evacuate due to the tsunami alarm. The earthquake triggered a landslide in Cagayan de Oro that killed one elderly and injured another. "The quake occurred amid a strong rain, so the earth shook loose and there was a landslide," the country's civil defense chief, Benito Ramos, said to The Manila Times.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for Indonesia, the Philippines and Belau. So far, no other occurences like aftershocks have happened.

Numbers / Counting in Bisaya

Counting in Bisaya is not that difficult. It is quite of advantage to know Spanish, but in case, you were not gifted the same like me, it is time to memorize it:

One - Usa, uno
Two - Duha, dos
Three - Tulo, tres
Four - Upat, kuwatro
Five - Lima, singko
Six - Unom, sayis
Seven - Pito, siyete
Eight - Walo/Wa'w, Otso
Nine - Siyam, Nuybe
Ten - Napulo/Napu, Diyes

Eleven - Napulog-usa, onse
Twelve - Napulog-duha, dose
Thirteen - Napulog-tulo, trese
Fourteen - Napulog-upat, katorse
Fifteen - Napulog-lima, kinse
Sixteen - Napulog-unom, disesayis
Seventeen - Napulog-pito, disesiyete
Eighteen - Napulog-walo, disiotso
Nineteen - Napulog-nuybe, disinuybe

Twenty - Kawhaan, bayenti
Twenty-one - Kawhaan-og-usa, bayenti-uno

Thirty - Katloan, trayenta
Forty - Upat lapion ug napulo, kuwarenta
Fifty - Kali-an, Singkuwenta
Sixty - Sayisenta
Seventy - Kapitoan, Sietenta
Eighty - Kawaloan, Otsenta
Ninety - Kasiyaman, Nuybenta
One hundred - Usa ka gatos

The Bagnetian Kitchen

At the Bagnetian Kitchen

Ilocos cuisine

I have been seeing the word Bagnet on some blog posts and people have been mentioning it in conversations. So, it was fortunate that on the birthday of my boss (whose mother is from Ilocos), we headed to the newly opened The Bagnetian Kitchen. Excitement come up in me for tasting a different Filipino cuisine from the Ilocanos.

Bagnet is the Ilocano version of lechon kawali – deep fried large chunks of pork leimpo, belly or pork sides.

The Bagnetian Platter (Php450)

By tasting the food, it has a different flavor. A must try is their spicy Bagnet Express, if too hot, settle for the salty Binagoongan Bagnet, Sisig Bagnet, Classic Bagnet or the Bagnet Platter with all choices - diped it in vinegar... quite a delight! 

The place is simple and neat, and has about six to seven tables in their location.

Prices of the dishes started at around Php100 and are going upward. One serving is good for two persons and can be for just Php140 to Php180. 

Address for Reservations:

Bagnetian Kitchen is located at Palma Gil St./Polo st., Obrero, Davao City (near the Starr, Boyds and the Brewery)
Contact Numbers: 0918-2648323 / (082) 3007134

CECIL'S Davao

Snack Inn & Bakeshop Inc.

Tradition defines Cecil's good business. For generation Cecil's has been serving Dabawenyos with a taste of Filipino cuisine and adapted a wide assortment of snacks and desserts. Over the years, the business flourished and expanded to many branches in the city. Today, Cecil's is a firm part of Davao history and will surely continue to be part of family gatherings, birthday's or simply a brief merienda snack of our children' children... A modern yet historical place, very affordable, easy to reach, smiling staff - just a cozy and homey feeling by entering Cecil's door.

Cecil's Batchoy

Tip:

• sneak inside Cecil's doors for merienda and try the "Pancit Lug-lug", a thick sauce over noodles, sprinkled with crispy pork or flower onion. (Php75.00)
• are you brave? - indulge in the all-time Pinoy favourite "Dinuguan". We do not have to explain the ingredients... lets just say, Cecil's did a fabulous job in bringing out its version! 
• try "Batchoy Special" (Php75.00) which is a classic noodle soup topped with an egg and flower onion. Simply, a beautiful flavor. 
• The desserts are an eye-catch! From chocolate moisture cake, cute Carrot cake, egg pie cake (around Php45.00/slice) to "Eclair" that indeed brighten up your afternoon siesta! 

you can order customized cakes for any occasion! Approach the nice staff and ask for the catalogue from which you can choose the best.

Remark: Where can Cecil's be found? Easy, ask any Dabawenyo, or go to
Anda Street (main) (Telephone Number: (082) 227 5305 / 227 9865 / 227 2085)
General Malvar street (Telephone Number: (082) 221 1906)
in Gaisano Mall (Telephone Number: (082) 300 1296)
JP Laurel Avenue (Telephone Number: (082) 301 6707)
Sta. Ana Avenue (Telephone Number: (082) 221 8638)
Damose, Mamay Road (Telephone Number: (082) 234 6260)
in NCCC Mall (Telephone Number: (082) 305 4180)
in NCCC Center Point (Telephone Number: (082) 297 8985)
Victoria Plaza Mall (Telephone Number: (082) 222 5027)

Calda Pizza

The best from Cebu

Just you, friends and a good Pizza... a dream. Known for its crispy, thin yet big-sized pizzas! It takes me hours to choose in between a classic Margherita Pizza, mushy Funghi Pizza, spicy Etna Pizza, exotic Hawaiian, a folded Calzone, or a no-meaty Vegetariari, a fire-red Bolognese, Pinoy Style Filipiana, covered Pepperoni... or Capricciosa, Carousela, Modena, Granchi, Roma, Napoletana, Veneta, Filetto oooor a cheesy Quattro Stagioni.


And then the second question, the size: are you feeling alone to go for a regular (10"), are you with family or friend go for the family size (15") or even both, family plus friends then consider the XL which has even 20". But it doesn't stop here... level up with the Super-30"-Pizza and with the goodness size of 36", the so-called XtraSuper. Accordingly is the pricing... ranging from Php140.00 to Php1,290.00

Aren't you hungry by now? How to order? Dial the delivery number!

Clear result: Neat ambiente, tasty stuff, cannot complain about the pricing at all... Calda Pizza is the best import from Cebu! Daghang salamat mga Cebuanos!

For Delivery:
AddressGaisano Mall J P Laurel Avenue Davao City, 8000
Phone #222-2532

Don Beppe Pizza & Pasta Davao

Pizza & Pasta "from the wood oven"

Amore in Davao... The Peak of Gaisano Mall holds a little treasure indeed. Above the roofs, Dabawenyos and friends can enjoy a new pizza and pasta highlight at Don Beppe. A nice and cozy place that offers a wide range of Italian specialties. From Antipasti, soup, pasta risotti, risotti and pizza. the drinks reach from delicious fruit shakes, juices, coffees, soft drinks, beer, cocktail, wine, liquor over to house wines.... Prices are reasonable, and worth the dishes. A great piggin' out place: sweet breeze of Italy, clean place, nice staff and tasteful dishes all created for two... a place for Amore!

A tip:

• As Antipasta - a must try "Bruschette Calabrese" (for Php245.00) a wonderful entree of chopped tomatoes, a big bunch of garlic with herb on light toasted bread.
• As Soup - enjoy the seafood soup "Zuppa de Pesce" (for Php150.00)
• As Pasta Risotti - wonderful choices of the Italian classic of garlic and a bit of Chili, "Pasta Aglio-Olio" (for Php229.00); a tasty spaghetti with clams and white wine sauce, "Spaghetti Vongole" (for Php269.00); or my favourite... "Spaghetti Puttanisca" (for Php349.00) - an amazing mix of black capers, black olives and anchovies,

• As Risotti - I would recommend the "Risotti alla Marinara" (for Php389.00)
• As Pizza - the amazing "Rusticana Pizza" (double Php219.00, family Php420.00), a dream composition of mozarella salame, mushroom, red and green bell pepper and tomato. And if you need it double, go for the "Calzone alla Barese Pizza", the folded pizza version which is worth dying for (Php364.00).

Disclaimer: These prices indicated in my blog are taken from the original menu and might be subject to change.



For reservations:

Don Beppe Pizza & Pasta Davao
The Peak
Gaisano Mall
J.P. Laurel Avenue
Davao City 8000
Philippines
Phone: (082) 271 9261
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Don-Beppe-Pizza-Pasta
Open times: 11:00AM – 10:00PM Monday to Sunday

Over the roofs of Davao City, Gaisano Mall, The Peak

B'laan tribe

The B'laan (also called Blaan, Bira-an, Baraan, Vilanes or Bilanes) are one of the tribes in Mindanao, and neighbors of the T'Boli tribe and live in Lake Sebu and in the southern part of Cotabato, Sarangani province, in General Santos. They can be also found in the northern part of Cotabato at the Buluan lake.

Dancing B'laan children welcome visitors.

The tribe is known for their beautiful brassworks, beadworks and weave products which are called T'nalak.

This quiet folk wear impressive, colorful costumes that have traditional embroideries all over, going with it, accessories of fine materials are worn. Heavy brass belts with little tassels are worn by women, which gives them a melodic sound while walking. 

The B'laan call the mountainous areas their home and rarely going down to the shoreline or to the cities, unless there is a cultural event, like the Kadayawan festival.

Their way of living is simple by going fisihing, hunting in the forest, and harvesting crops like rice, corn, sugarcane, banana, papaya and other root crops.

In terms of religion, the B'laans are animistic in belief. They believe in Gods like Melu (creator of the universe), Lamot Ta Mangayo (God of war) or Diwata (God of harvest). Almos are female priestesses and have the power to communicate with spirits. Those called witches offer sacrifices to these Gods and spirits to avoid calamities and other evil influences. Almos occupy the highest rank of women in the tribe.

It is id that their name comes from "bla" that means "opponent" and the added suffix "an" could find it meaning from "people."

The Lumads in Mindanao

Two Ata women weave a bamboo basket.
(photo by Edgat Arro)

The Philippines counts more than forty different ethnic groups, and each group has a distinct culture and language.

In Mindanao, there are seventeen Lumad groups. Lumad is a short expression and term for the native and indigenous people in the southern Philippines which derives from the Cebuano term Katawhang Lumad, meaning "indigenous people".

Those ethnolinguistic groups are Atta, Bagobo, Bnwaon, B'laan, Dibabawon, Higaonon, Mamanwa, Bukidnon, Mandaya, Manobo, Tagakaolo, Manguwangan, Mansaka, Maguindanaon (Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2012 winner), Teduray, T'boli, Ubo and Tasaday.

According to Wikipedia, Katawhang Lumad are the un-Islamized and un-Christianized Austronesian peoples of Mindanao, namely Erumanen ne Menuvu`, Matidsalug Manobo, Agusanon Manobo, Dulangan Manobo, Dabaw Manobo, Ata Manobo, Kagan (Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2012 Talent Night Winner), B'laan, Kaulo, Banwaon, Teduray, Lambangian, Higaunon, Dibabawon, Mangguwangan, Mansaka, Mandaya, K'lagan, T'boli, Mamanuwa, Talaandig, Tagabawa, and Ubu`, Tinenanen, Kuwemanen, K'lata and Diyangan. There are about twenty general hilltribes of Mindanao, all of which are Austronesian.

Most characteristic of these indigenous groups is that they live in a traditional way, how their ancestors used to live centuries ago.

Read more about some tribes:

• B'laan
• Bukidnon
• Manobo
• T'Boli
• Mamanwa
• Higaonon
• Mandaya

Winner of Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2012: Ms. Jean Ali of the Maguindanao Tribe.

The Hiyas and the mayor: Ms. Jean Ali is seated beside Davao City mayor
Sara Duterte during the Indak-Indak presentation (August 18).

After days of presentations, the Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2012 has come to its end last night, August 17, and revealed its winner Ms. Jean Ali of the Maguindanao Tribe.

Out of the ten representatives of the ten tribes,  Ms. Jean Ali also won the Miss Photogenic Award.

1st Runner-up is Ajema Malatus of the Maranao Tribe and 2nd Runner-up is from the Kagan Tribe, Hannah Catucag who won on August 16 the Hiyas sa Kadayawan Talent night 2012.

A replay of the coronation night can be viewed at Sun.star newspaper. 

(L-R) Emerita Bogcal, Jean Ali, Jamayla Angela Cabale, Hannah Catucag, Belle Colleen Bato, 

Elmia Hussin Sailadin, Analine Mansabid, Jehan Kartini Andan, Shenley Caba, Ajema Malatus)

Kagan tribe wins Best in Talent during Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2012

Add 21 year old, Hannah Catucag
of the Kagan tribe

The 21 year old, Hannah Catucag of the Kagan tribe was declared best in talent during the search of Hiyas sa Kadayawan last August 15 at Gaisano Mall. She impressed the judges with a traditional dance on bamboo sticks, although she almost fell.

During her presentation, Catucag almost slipped off the bamboo while she danced on layers of Singkil dancers, but she managed to finish. She said “it was a plus factor and a recall” for her to win the Best in Talent title.

The criteria for the Hiyas search is that 30 percent is added to the hiya who wins in Best in Talent for the candidates’ ranking in the night’s finals, which will be hold August 17.

The runners-up for the best in talent are Ajema Malatus, 21, from Maranao tribe, and Jean Ali, 18, from Maguindanaon tribes.

The coronation will also be held at the Gaisano Mall of Davao around 5 p.m. Friday.

About the Kagan tribe:

Kagan is one of the thirteen Muslim tribes of Mindanao. Each of these tribes has a sultan of four major parts of the Davao Gulf, which is Davao City, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte. As the tradition says, each sultan is related to the other. The true term of Kalagan is "Kaagan.

"Ten Tribes: One Vibe": The official candidates of "Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2012" revealed

The Kadayawan Festival is Davao City's feast of all the feast, if not even one of the most significant in the Philippines that attracts thousand of people from near and far. A delight to visitors during the one month-long celebration of thanksgiving for a year-round bounty, is the presentation of the exotic beauties of Davao's tribes, the Hiyas sa Kadayawan.

In fitting of this year's theme “Ten Tribes, One Vibe”, ten chosen candidates were revealed to the media and to the public eye at the beginning of this August.

Hiyas sa Kadayawan is the search for the indigenous young woman who, up until the present is knowledgeable of her indigenous culture and wisdom through a pageantry of Mindanaoan myths and legends. (City Information Office)

The ten candidates come from the ten tribes in Davao City representing the culture of their tribe.

(L-R) Emerita Bogcal, Jean Ali, Jamayla Angela Cabale, Hannah Catucag, Belle Colleen Bato, 

Elmia Hussin Sailadin, Analine Mansabid, Jehan Kartini Andan, Shenley Caba, Ajema Malatus)

These are the official candidates for this year's Hiyas sa Kadayawan with their tribe:

• Emerita Bogcal (Ata Tribe),
• Jean Ali (Maguindanao Tribe),
• Jamayla Angela Cabale (Tagabawa Bagobo Tribe),
• Hannah Catucag (Kagan Tribe),
• Belle Colleen Bato (Bagobo K’lata),
• Elmia Hussin Sailadin (Sama Tribe),
• Analine Mansabid (Matigsalog Tribe),
• Jehan Kartini Andan (Tausug Tribe),
• Shenley Caba (Obu Manuvu Tribe),
• Ajema Malatus (Maranao Tribe)

Before the final night, a pre-judging competition, which will showcase the candidates’ cultural skills, is slated on August 15, at Gaisano Mall of Davao at 6 p.m. And the Hiyas sa Kadayawan Finals will be on Aug. 17, 6pm at the Davao City Recreation Center.

Davao City to become 'intelligent city': IBM’s Intelligent Operations Center to be implemented, the first in world aimed to improve the city’s public safety

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and IBM Philippines Country
General Manager Mariels Almeda Winhoffer sign the
memorandum of agreement at the Public Safety
Command Center last June.

Davao City has been known as one of the safest places in the country and a region with continuous economic development. The same region might be soon be labelled as the most "techie" city in the Philippines, with the support of US-based technology giant IBM and the Davao City government who envision the city to advance in technologies and, thus, to improve the city's management and efficiency.

In an interview with the newspaper Inquirer, Mariels Almeda-Winhoffer, IBM Philippines’ newly appointed president and country manager said that Davao owns already a working command center which gives a platform for government employees to monitor the city from 'above', with closed-circuit TV cameras. This technology has been assisting the local government to respond effectively to emergencies, fires and rescue operations, and other situations where police force were be needed.

Winhoffer explained that IBM wants "to further automate its operations and enhance intelligence into the system," by setting up an IBM Intelligent Operations Center at the city's Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC).

She mentioned as well that the same technology is the same as IBM's super-computer, called Watson. Watson won games of "Jeopardy" against its best players.

She said “I believe that, after this, Davao will be the safest city in the world.”

“The city, thanks to Mayor (Sarah) Duterte, already has the basics. We just want to elevate their capability,” she said to the reporter.

The US American-owned company has been deploying related technologies in other cities all over the world, however Davao would be the only place where the main focus would be public safety and security.

“Davao will be the first in the world to have this kind of technology,” she said, and that this "intelligent city" will be one of the fastest accelerating cities in Mindanao like no other seen, but Winhoffer believes that this equipment will respond to citizens’ needs, with a particular focus on safety, would boost Davao’s tourism sector and make the city even more of a major investment draw.

Anti-Smoking Ordinance: Increase in fines for violations.

(Photograph taken from Article.Wn Website)

The Anti-Smoking Task Force (ASTF) has proposed amendments in the “New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City” to impose higher fines if there is a violation. This shall ensure the local government's effort in keeping Davao smoke-free.

According to Dr. Domilyn C. Villareiz, co-chairperson of ASTF, said that fines, enforced by the Philippine National Police, would be increased to P1,000 for a first offense, P2,500 for a second offense and P5,000 for a third. Aside the fines, smoking cessation counseling in accredited clinics shall be imposed.

The amendments in the include a ban on the use of emerging tobacco products in non-smoking areas such as e-cigarettes and shisha.

According to a news article in Edge, smoking will be forbidden in all enclosed or partially enclosed places. Designated smoking areas, meanwhile, should be located in open spaces without permanent or temporary roof or walls upon the approval of ASTF.

Section 10 of the proposed changes, it is said that individuals caught smoking in prohibited places “shall be allowed to pay a penalty in the amount of P500 with the City Treasurer’s Office to avoid being criminally prosecuted within three days from apprehension.”

Davao City is a leading example for supporting the smoke-free ordinance in the Philippines. In advance of the 2003 National Tobacco Control Law, and originating from tobacco control measures to strengthen anti-smoking policy promoted by the former City Mayor, Duterte, the City Council passed its Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance in 2002. Since then, it has actively promoted and enforced it, according an article published by the WHO.

At national level, the subsequent 2003 Tobacco Regulation Act prohibits smoking in a wide range of public places but is less protective than the Davao City ordinance, not least because owners can determine the size and specifications of the smoking and non-smoking areas on their premises.

(taken from the WHO website)

4. Small talk you can do as foreigner

The natives used to ask me:

Do you understand English?  Kasabot ka og English?
Do you know how to speak English?  Kabalo ka mo-English?
Do you understand Bisaya? Kabalo ka mo-binisaya?

You could answer this:

Yes, I understand. Oo, kasabot ko.
I don't understand. - Wala ko kasabot. (also shortened to: Wa ko kasabot.)

Yes - Oo
No - Dili

And if you haven't understood the native at all, try:

Please repeat. - Balika palihug.

3. Basic greetings in Bisaya

The first basic greetings!

Good morning!  Maayong buntag!
Good afternoon!  Maayong hapon!
Good evening!  Maayong gabi-i!
Good morning to you all!  Maayong buntag ninyong tanan!
Good afternoon to you all!  Maayong hapon ninyong tanan!

Good evening to you all!  Maayong gabi-i ninyong tanan!

Hello/Hi  Hello/Hi
How are you?  Kumusta ka? 

                        shorter: Musta?
I am fine, thank you.  Maayo man, salamat. 

                        ("man" is just an expression)
Goodbye!  Babay!/Bye
See you soon/See you later  Magkita unya ta pohon

                        shorter: Kitakits! 
Take care! Pag amping!

                 Ayo-ayo!

                 more common the Tagalog; Ingat!

2. How to learn Bisaya

At a certain point in time, I had to make myself a list on what I need to look into before getting (more) confused about Bisaya. As a foreigner to this country that time, I did that by knowing that the Bisaya spoken in Davao is different from the clean, spoken one like in Cebu. So, I did not want to clutter my brain with Tagalog or the true Visayan, but just to be focused on the Davao style of speaking.

A sales vendor with Jackfruit at Bankerohan

There is much achieved in putting effort and time into it. Here are my eight pillars of reminders from me to you.

1. Have a notebook and pencil in your pocket. You cannot imagine how helpful it was and is until now to me. I have a ready notebook to scribble down words or phrases I heard. My brain is like a water drenched sponge which cannot retain information that well, so I forced myself to write it down as fast as I can. It is a bit like school. Oh, you may also use your phone.

2. Study the pronunciation of the language first. Practice the most difficult sounds with repetitive drills, common words and short phrases daily until you feel somehow ok about them. Do not feel embarrassed, ask a friend to check on your pronunciation. I swear, bring down your pride and ask like a child, Filipinos here are most welcome to help you! (I made some exercises for you.)

3. Practice the Bisaya intonation, stress, and rhythm of common, short social sentences and social questions, (see, exercise) Do your best to imitate the Bisayan speakers, and then repeat it as much as you can.

4. Go to Youtube and watch clips on Bisaya. (go here)

5. Study the grammar. Oh boy, yes, that has been the hardest part to me. Since this Davao-Bisaya cannot be found in books, we have very much to refer to the clean Visaya.

6. Study some good idioms, proverbs, and expressions to make conversation at the beginning easy. (like, basic greetings, small talk you can do as foreigner,)

7. Be open-minded. Educate yourself in the cultural aspect of the language. This is very important if you do not want to come across as rude to the folks in Davao or Filipinos in general. (learn Etiquette)

8. Again, force yourself to speak in Bisaya. Practice!

1. A hodgepodge of languages: Visaya vs. Bisaya

1. A hodgepodge of languages: Visaya vs. Bisaya

A woman selling mussles at the
Bankerohan market.

Visaya is synonymous with the Cebuano dialect, but can be referred to as Bisaya. Visaya is spoken in Cebu and Mindanao - but differ any many ways, like vocabulary, terms for everyday usage, contraction of different words and having a heavily accented language (usually the ending vowels are pronounced heavily).

In fact, real Visayans might find it weird if they come here and hear the Davao version.

In Mindanao, other dialects like Tagalog, Cagayanon, Chavacano, Dabawenyo, Spanish, Bicolanao, Muslim, and other tribes like the Ilonggo who have settled down in the mountains, coined the way Bisaya is spoken in the south of the Philippines. We can proudly say that the Dabawenyos have one of the most unique language in the world.

At the Bankerohan market, Fr. Selga street

Since I have been living here in Davao, I have been confronted with 'this unique' dialect that cannot be found in a dictionary. Up to this very day, the language remains complex to me, and the only way I was able to adapt to the folks here is to listen and talk myself (read also How to learn Bisaya). Despite my foreign accent, I have been able to communicate in simple ways and thus, I have emerged more and better into the vibrating culture of Davao.

Another Kadayawan 2012 highlight: 17th Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) to be held for four days.

Archived picture from MTE 2009, presentation of native
products (photo: davaodelights.blogspot.com)

The 17th Minadanao Trade Expo (MTE) will be held at Abreeza Mall on August 13 - 16, 2012, expecting 66 exporters from all over Mindanao to participate.

The expo is organized for the seventeenth time by the MTE Foundation, Incorporated (MTEFI) and is a economical and cultural highlight in the celebration of Davao City's Kadayawan Festival.

The theme of this year is "MTE 2012 Goes Retail" and seeks to connect local buyers and consumers from the public and private sector.

MTEFI board member Yvette Marie Celi said to the newspaper Edge Davao that "she wants local buyers to enjoy her products at the domestic front and at affordable prices" and added that “the public will really find quality products there.”

The participation fee of the four day event is Php6,000 for non-MTEFI members and Php4,000 for members. The fee includes an assigned space with booth for presentation and consultation.

The MTE 2012 is supported by the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport)-Davao Chapter, USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Abreeza Ayala Mall.

Archived pictures from MTE 2009, presentation of goods and wood
products (photo: davaodelights.blogspot.com)

Gun Ban in Davao: 300 additional policemen for Kadayawan Festival

Starting July 6, 2012, the Police Regional Office (PRO) will put more police force in the Davao City area to fully strengthen the local gun ban implementation which will be upheld throughout the month of August.

Superintendent Marcial M. Magistrado, PRO spokesperson, said in an newspaper interview that 300 additional policemen will be deployed to  to help increase police visibility in various areas in the city under the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

Magistrado said that some 100 augmentation forces will come from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) and some 200 Scout Rangers.Especially, since the Kadayawan Festival has started this month, security measures are on full alert to maintain peace and order. About 70,000 of tourists from all over are expected to participate in the various events that are held during the long month celebration in Davao City.

"We conducted our conference on Thursday, and ‘yun nga pinag-usapan namin ‘yung seguridad for Davao City, which is now celebrating the Kadayawan. We reminded our personnel to strictly implement our security measures," Magistrado said to the media.

The gun ban is in line with the ordered suspension of gun-carrying privileges  for one month to ensure the safety of the public. by Philippine National Police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome.

2012 Kadayawan Festival: expecting positive impact on Davao tourism sector

This year's Kadayawan sa Dabaw is expected to draw wide attention from visitors world-wide, which will have a positive impact on Davao City's tourism.

During the official opening of the 27th Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival at the People's Park, Mayor Duterte-Carpio said that the festivity will result in a high number of tourists. "People really go to places where there's festival like this one, which is unique to Davao," she said. According to Art Boncato, director of the Department of Tourism, he expects that more than 70,000 tourist to arrive.

All in all, organizers showcase 38 different activities for the whole month of August, of which 14 will be officially held by the city government and 24 will be accredited events. 

A special event of the City Agricultural Office will be holding Liwanag World Festival on August 18.