Nature at its best

"A LAND of waterfalls, caves, lakes, rivers, towering mountain ranges and forests, gold and silver deposits, sulfuric hot and cold springs, and inland and beach resorts" -- that is how Provincial Tourism Officer Christine T. Dompor describes Compostela Valley (more popularly known as Comval).

Northpoint goes greener

A LANDMARK condo development in Davao, the British colonial themed Camella Northpoint, is going greener. Camella Davao general manager Marlon B. Escalicas talks about how green architecture plays a key role in their homeowners' healthy living.

What specific benefits do Camella Northpoint residents get from the green buildings?

Loves fastfoods, but wants to lose weight

DEAR Dr. Fritz,

I am one of your avid readers. I am just concerned because I am one of those who do really eat at fast foods – and yet, I wanted to lose weight. I know there are a lot of fats there. I can’t help eating at these fast foods because of my work. I just don’t have a lot of time to prepare my own foods. What can you suggest?

The green architecture

RENOWNED architect Art Secuya, Camella's head for planning, recently went to Singapore to get the latest trends and innovation on green architecture.

Here he shares insights into this cutting-edge concept as applied to Northpoint's newest building, shoring up the company's environmental commitment as June celebrates Environment Month.

For brighter tomorrow

IT ALL started when Pinky Aquino-Abellada told her brother, President Benigno Aquino III, she wanted to help him. What immediately came to her mind was education for children. She believed that becoming fully literate is a pre-requisite to school achievement and success.

Experts said the roots of literacy are established in the early years of children. After all, the windows of opportunity for language development and learning are wide open before age of ten.

The Navy is where his heart is

A TRUE leader does not only command excellence but more importantly builds excellence for the welfare of the nation.

This is how Commodore Philip Libed Cacayan, leader of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), was lauded and commended by his colleagues in public service.

Potential of cacao as export crop

CACAO has a potential of becoming an export crop only if the farmers “are equipped with postharvest technologies.” That's according to a news report which appeared in a national daily.

Manny, many changes

“THIS is my last story about Manny Pacquiao!”

I have been saying that each and every time I write something about our very pound—for-pound king whenever he is entering the ring and beat the living daylights out of an opponent. The stories are running out. Aside from the tales of the tape, which the whole world already knows, there is really nothing else to tell. Not unless we divert our attention outside of the ring.

Dive into summer!

THE exciting anticipation for summer concluded when Damosa-based employees of the Anflocor Group of Companies took their time off to rest and relax in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) last May 12.

Taking a break from their frantic schedule, they shoved away their worries and fitted into their summer outfits in vibrant colors and radiantly kid-like auras.

Hagonoy on my mind

HAGONOY ISLAND is one of Mother Nature's ideal prototypes for a refreshing commune- with-nature getaway from the mainland, less than an hour away by boat.

Not as publicized as other island retreats, this tiny paradise is idyllic in its simplicity and tropical atmosphere. Sans any advertising, people discover it through the locals or by positive word of mouth. The word hagonoy is said to be a type of herb abundantly growing on the island.

Life after a kidney transplant

"There's life after a transplant: a better life to live," this is how Vanessa Javier described her second life after she underwent kidney transplant 12 years ago.

It was when she knew she had a kidney problem when she most felt how loved she is not only by her family but also by people who are dear to her.

Waterfront kicks off Summer Fiesta 2012

IT WAS a grand first for Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao as it opened the Summer Fiesta 2012 last May 26 and 27 with the people of Davao reliving the experience of a traditional Filipino fiesta at the sprawling gardens of the seaside hotel.

The Garden Ten was transformed into a fun fiesta village with great fashion and foodie finds. The highlight on the first day was the extravagant Santacruzan procession featuring lovely ladies from the illustrious families of Davao.

Four museums in a day

MORE than 60 participants who attended the recent International Museum Day Conference in Davao City had more fun when they visited four museums in one day in three cities.

The first stopover was the Museo Dabawenyo located on Pichon Street (formerly known as Magallanes St.) in Davao City. Orly Escarrilla, the museum's administrator, was present to welcome the visitors.

The path to healthy skin

DE-STRESS. Everyone has the need to escape the taxing daily grind. While some find relief in retail therapy, most would escape to the tranquility of a spa.

With the growing trend of specialized services brought closer to the market, preferred therapies like retail and body rejuvenation can be enjoyed in a single destination- at the mall.

Return to Angkor

"IF I go back again I would want to stay longer and soak up in sunsets and sunrises at different vantage points, perhaps earlier than the growing throng of tourists who flock in thousands to spoil the serene view. I will most likely visit the least popular temples hidden in the jungle, despite warnings of mines."

This was my closing dramatic lines to my first article about Siem Reap last year. Siem Reap means "Defeat of Siam" (now Thailand) and is the gateway to Angkor Wat, a Unesco World Heritage Site declared in 1992 and a symbol of Cambodia's flag since 1863.

Bridging Japan and Davao

A VETERAN in foreign ministry affairs, a devoted husband, a people-person, a pet lover, and a talented painter with a good sense of humor rolled into one.

Kahuziko Anzai, Consul of Japan and Director of the Consular Office of Japan in Davao, is all these and more.

Preciosa Spa's options

THE need to relax transcends borders. Regardless of where people live, the primary reasons spa-goers visit spas are to relax and relieve/reduce stress. The number of spa and wellness centers that have sprouted in the city during the recent years gives Dabawenyos different options as far as quality service and budget are concerned.

Near the Madrazo fruit stands on the corner of Ponciano where the Philippine Airlines held office, a new spa shop opened its doors on April 28.

'Mother's enterprise' helps support a village

"WE ARE opening this place in honor and in memory of my mother," said international lifestyle designer PJ Aranador during the inauguration of his Wawa Heritage Restaurant in Jaro, Iloilo City.

The name of the restaurant itself is homage to his mother who was called Wawa by her grandchildren, for they could not pronounce the word "lola."

A mother for all seasons

"YOU will never discern where you're going unless you know where you came from."

The statement came from the mouth of Saturnina - more popularly known as Tina - Dela Rita. She said those words while recalling her past. In between the conversation, she was in tears; in some instances, she cried unabashedly. Although she didn't want to remember it anymore, she insisted that she wanted to share her story.

Tea'amo: A nice milk tea place

APRIL Mesiona swears they have no marketing strategy when she and her younger sister Chiara opened Tea'amo Tea and Coffee Shop.

Without much fanfare and even lacking in personnel, Tea'amo quietly opened its doors to the public at the groundfloor of Sanny Sweets Bldg. along Tionko Avenue last March 23.

It's time to SarBay

GUMASA, Sarangani -- Sarangani Bay Festival is expected to draw at least 40,000 tourists to the white sand beaches of Gumasa on May 18 and 19, prompting festival organizers to prepare a bigger venue for the events, stores, "tent city" and parking space.

SarBay Fest, the biggest beach festival in Mindanao, kicks off with the 15-kilometer Swim-Across-the-Bay on May 18, peaking with its best moments the next day with a massive party at the beach from sunset until sunrise.

The ageless fighting dentist

ONLY a handful of athletes in their 40's have accomplished remarkable feats like bagging championships, winning crucial games or even competing in their prime.

Athletes such as multi-titled professional boxer Bernard Hopkins, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavy and light heavyweight king Randy Couture and Michael Jordan, who made history by averaging at least 20 points per game in a regular National Basketball Association (NBA) season in his 40s, are just some of the rare and prized jewels of international sports.

A tale of two graduates

RECENTLY, I had to file two leaves of absence from my work because I had to attend the graduation of my two nephews: one from high school and another from college. I think the last time I attended such occasion was five years ago.

The popular British brand finally in town

A FEW more days and Marks & Spencer in Davao will be launched. Of all the stores in Abreeza, this opening must be the most awaited.

It’s not that surprising. For years, the Dabawenyos have become loyal shoppers of this British brand that whenever trips to Manila or abroad come up, a stop at M&S is a must to hoard on their apparel and foodstuff of choice.

Not an ordinary employee

EVERYONE has very interesting story to tell, just like Magdalena Sebumpan, an attendant at the City Hall assigned at the Pubic Information Desk, whose life story is worthy of recognition.

Record-breaking 1,671 LGUs join global Earth Hour switch-off

MAKATI, CEBU, DAVAO -- "My challenge is not about this next hour, but about what we will be doing in the days, months and years to come," said President Benigno Aquino III during the opening rites of the global Earth Hour 2012 switch-off on March 31. "The challenge is to reduce our wants so we can fulfill everyone's needs. I believe that so long as we are united under this goal, we will succeed."

To fast or not to fast

MOST religions use periods of fasting as a means of demonstrating faith or penitence, and an opportunity for spiritual reflection. Fasting has also historically been a means to express political views and a form of protest. In recent years, fasting became popular as a healing medium.

"Fasting is the greatest remedy, the physician within," said Philippus Paracelsus, one of the three fathers of Western medicine. "Instead of using medicine, better fast today," Plutarch, a Greek biographer and moralist, suggested.

Star light, star bright

CONTRARY to the fearsome events forecasted to transpire as a calendar cycle ends and the stars align, everything good has been happening in the city so far. One of which was the rising of another Davao-born star.

Cayading: Valuing your Grandparents

WHAT is so amazing about grandparents? We can find the art of parenting in a lot of self help books, you can browse or rather search it at the web site and internet and you can also observe the right meaning from people whom you will encounter in your daily walk of life.

The mother and academician

NOTHING can be more fulfilling than to land a job right after an exhilarating life in college. The case of Anna Bella Ladaga Pedrosa is different. She returned to the academe, but this time, as an instructress and a guidance counselor to serve thousands of students, guiding and preparing them as well to become better persons.

Pedrosa graduated Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Marawi State University in 1996 and finished her masters in school counseling at De La Salle University in Manila in 2001.