SunStar Network News feed for Cebu, Philippines http://www.sunstar.com.ph en-us Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:09:33 +0800 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:09:33 +0800 INSPIRED by the impressive eight gold medal-finish of American tanker Michael Phelps, the Cebu Blue Marlins try to stamp their marks in their own ways as they compete in the 107th Silliman University’s Founder’s Day Age Group Swim fest today at the Shaw Memorial swimming pool at the university’s campus. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/sports/cbm.tankers.gun.for.‘the.phelps’.today.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified PRODIGIES come and go. They number by the hundreds, even thousands, every year all over the world, but after a few years or so, they are relegated to the dustbins of chess history. There are phenomenal exceptions though, and one of them is our Wesley So. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/sports/pestaño.wesley.so–a.rare.prodigy.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Frank “Boy” Pestaño Chessmoso MANILA - Former world champion Willy Wang scored 9.74 points to rank first with one round to go in the demonstration sports of wushu in the 29th Olympic Games at the Olympic Sports Center in Beijing. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/sports/pinoy.takes.1st.place.in.wushu’s.forms.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified CLOSE to P200,000 is being dangled for whoever crosses the finish line first in the 22nd Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon tomorrow in Malaysia. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/sports/rp.sends.largest.team.to.mt..kinabalu.climbathon.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified AFTER the Visayan Electric Company (Veco) purchased National Transmission Corp. (Transco) assets worth P179.85 million, it is now asking the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to allow it to charge consumers an additional two centavos as “cost recovery.” http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/news/veco.seeks.p.02.hike.to.recover.buying.cost.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified From day dresses to couture designs, Cebu’s fashion emperor Philip Rodriguez suggests eight classic and current styles rummaged from his newly opened ready-to-wear boutique, Filippo, at the SM Northwing. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/life/forever.auspicious.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Clint Holton P. Potestas IN 1988, Apple Inc. filed a case against Microsoft seeking to prevent the latter from using the visual elements of its operating systems, like its windows, “trash can” icon, and file folder icons that were similar to those in the Mac operating systems. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/bus/the.‘windows’.copyright.case.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Clint Fabiosa & Andrew Ong I-protect WHILE there are opportunities for the Philippines to make a name in software development, it is very difficult for the country to attract investment in information technology (IT) hardware. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/bus/it.hardware.development.in.rp.not.possible.sans.research.schools.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified STATE-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will put in an additional P1 billion for the expansion of an Islamic bank in the country. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/bus/islamic.bank.in.cebu.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified A former revenue district officer advised accounting departments of companies to start adjusting their computations based on the yet to be approved implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the new law amending the 1987 national tax code. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/bus/ex.bir.official.tells.accountants.to.prepare.for.new.tax.rules.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified MANDAUE City Mayor Jonas Cortes yesterday asked councilors to put the interests of residents on top of their own in dealing with the city’s budget. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/news/forget.personal.interests.jonas.tells.councilors.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified DAANBANTAYAN mayoralty candidate Augusto Corro yesterday claimed victory in the election protest he filed against Mayor Sun J. Shimura before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Bogo City. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/news/corro.claims.victory.in.election.protest.loot.son.to.file.appeal.on.court.ruling.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified ILLEGAL bonuses to prisoners and the unregulated use of government phones were among the alleged lapses that state auditors found in the Cebu Provincial Government’s transactions last year. The Commission on Audit (COA), in its annual report released yesterday, questioned the release of an “anniversary bonus” to inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), which amounted to more than P3 million. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/news/coa.bonus.to.dancers.illegal.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified A news reporter sends a text to a public official to tell him the Government has withdrawn the MOA with the rebels, what does he think? http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/oped/pachico.a..seares.news.sense.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Pachico A. Seares News Sense YOU know times are bad when you hear leaders of people victimized by war demand for an “all-out-war.” But that’s what is happening in Lanao del Norte, some of whose towns were hit by the most recent display of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) barbarity. Politicians sought more war even as war evacuees flooded their turfs. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/oped/bong.o..wenceslao.candid.thoughts.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Bong O. Wenceslao Candid Thoughts WITH the full implementation of the bio-fuels blend next year, the Department of Energy has issued a circular implementing the standards for bio-diesel and bio-fuels. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/oped/godofredo.m..roperos.politics.also.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Godofredo M. Roperos Politics Also EVERY year during the past few years, this island, as well as this country’s economy, has been the subject of closer study by keen economic observers and investors, including concerned stakeholders, in a forum organized by Sun.Star. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/oped/editorial.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified KIA Motors Corp. has announced that it has extended the partnership with its global brand ambassador and reigning Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal for another three years through 2011. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/life/kia.renews.global.partnership.with.tennis.sensation.nadal.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified RUNNING around all day can put a lot of stress on your feet. So be sure to take some time out to treat your toes and make them look pretty. Try this step-by-step guide to the perfect pedicure — and don’t forget to show off your toes whenever you can: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/life/perfect.pedicure.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified DESPITE the fact that I had already announced here last week that the personal appearance of For The First Time lead stars Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion had been cancelled due to lack of time, still there are still some fans who expressed hope that the films’ bigwigs will change their minds. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/22/life/serna.robin’s.laudable.school.project.html Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Roger Serna Sounds and images WHERE have all the ladies gone? http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/sports/chiongbian.wgap.moves.to.bacolod.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Edgar R. Chiongbian Teetime THE University of San Carlos Warriors successfully fended off the Don Bosco Greywolves, 73-64, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc basketball tournament, yesterday, at the Cebu Coliseum. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/sports/usc.warriors.dump.greywolves.73.64.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified MANILA - The Barangay Ginebra Kings played true to their “never say die spirit” as they carved a 97-84 win over Air 21 Express last night to capture the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference crown at the Araneta Coliseum. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/sports/ginebra.wins.game.7.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified MANILA —Tshomlee Go, lacking fire and ferocity, succumbed to a 0-1 beating to Australian Ryan Carneli yesterday in the first round of the taekwondo bantamweight division of the 29th Olympic Games at University of Science and Technology in Beijing. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/sports/go.loses.in.1st.round.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified THE Cebu Provincial Board (PB) yesterday approved the first supplemental budget worth more than P700 million for Capitol’s various expenditures. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/news/capitol.gets.p700m.for.projects.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte — The beleaguered peace process was thrown into disarray yesterday, with Malacañang saying that a proposed deal with Muslim rebels must be renegotiated after the guerrillas shot or hacked 37 people to death. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/news/palace.backtracks.cites.need.for.review.of.ancestral.domain.deal.with.milf.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified A MANDAUE City official’s service vehicle consumed up to 30 liters a day for a few months last year, which the vice mayor found unjustifiable. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/news/budget.officer’s.service.car.consumes.‘30.liters.a.day’.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified TALISAY City policemen found themselves in a high-speed chase Tuesday night as they pursued Joavan Fernandez following reports that he “abducted” two young girls last Monday. But while the girls practically cleared Joavan of the allegations, the mayor’s son is still not off the hook. Joavan, the girls and a male companion allegedly used a City Hall-owned motor boat for a “joyride” off Canton Beach in Barangay Cansojong last Tuesday afternoon. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/news/city’s.boat.used..html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified THERE'S no legitimate reason an importer will use an alias to bring in foreign goods into the country. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/oped/pachico.a..seares.news.sense.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Pachico A. Seares News Sense I FEEL for accountant Jonathan Capanas in his bemusement over the new tax exemption law. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/oped/michelle.p..so.caught.in.the.net.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Michelle P. So Caught in the Net THESE are dangerous times for the Arroyo administration, with the possibility of military turmoil looming large because of its mishandling of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) question. The threat on President Arroyo is not with the Muslim rebels, who are not capable of mounting a nationwide offensive, but with disgusted soldiers. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/oped/bong.o..wenceslao.candid.thoughts.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Bong O. Wenceslao Candid Thoughts JOAVAN Fernandez should blame nobody but himself if people now get panicky in his presence and every infraction, no matter how minor, lands in the pages of newspapers and is reported on radio and television. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/oped/editorial.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified LANI Misalucha’s inspiring success story continues with the release of her new album, Reminisce, from Universal Records (UR). http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/life/lani.reminisces.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified PLANTATION Bay’s poolside gazebo was the romantic setting for the wedding of US-based sweethearts Dalmar Duran and Mimi Colina. Their altar date had to be pre-arranged here by relatives from Dumaguete and Cebu. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/life/2.birthdays.and.a.wedding.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Chinggay V. Utzurrum The scene LAST week, we held several events under the Mandaue Business Month 2008 celebration. Many of these events were very exciting. Particularly fulfilling was the “My Business Idol,” where various schools in Cebu competed against each other to come up with the best business plan. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/bus/ng.exciting.events..html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Wilson Ng Wired Desktop ONE challenge self-publishers face is the delivery processing of book sales. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/bus/toral.online.shipping.matures.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Janette Toral Digital Filipino AN EXECUTIVE of a business process outsourcing (BPO) company admitted that the companies in the industry are partly to blame for misconceptions about the kind of work in a BPO company. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/bus/wrong.notion.about.bpo.result.of.ad.glamorizing.industry.jobs..html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified AMID the lack of qualified people who meet the labor demands of business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, an official of a Cebu-based foundation remains bullish about Cebu’s potential to be a Silicon Valley or an “innovation island” and contribute to the country’s economic growth through technological entrepreneurship. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/21/bus/‘silicon.valley.possible’.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified MANILA - It’s now or never for Air 21 and Barangay Ginebra when they dispute the title today in a sudden death playoff of the best-of-seven championship series for the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/sports/it’s.now.or.never.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified EXCITING prizes amounting to P50,000 are at stake for the winners of the 1st Sportwriters Association of Cebu (SAC)-Hapee Sports Quiz set on Sept. 27 at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/sports/sports.scribes.group.to.hold.quiz.p50t.at.stake.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified Marestella Torres defied injury but could only finished 34th in a field of 41 in the qualification round of the women’s long jump for the 29th Olympic Games at the Birds Nest in Beijing. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/sports/no.pain.for.torres.finishes.34th..html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified MANILA - Filipino jin Tshomlee Go, armed with a deadly mission to save the Team Philippines’ campaign, faces Australian Ryan Carneli at 11:45 a.m. today at the start of the taekwondo competition of the 29th Olymic Games at the Beijing University of Science and Technology. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/sports/tshomlee.steps.on.the.mat.today..html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified PERVEZ Musharraf’s resignation tells me the Philippines lags behind her Asian neighbors not only in economics and politics but also in statesmanship. In fact, what makes us lag behind our neighbors economically is our lack of statesmanship which I define as the ability of a leader to work for a cause bigger than his pocket, namely, the welfare of the nation. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/oped/orlando.p..carvajal.break.point.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Orlando P. Carvajal Break Point FOUR police officers are willing to undergo a polygraph test if only to prove that Joavan Fernandez was not around when they responded to a call for help in the mauling case against two vulcanizing shop workers. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/news/4.officers.willing.to.prove.joavan.wasn’t.around.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified COMPOSTELA Mayor Ritchie Wagas is optimistic the conflict over the town’s 2008budget will be resolved “within the week.” http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/news/gwen.steps.in.asks.compostela.officials.to.refrain.from.talking.about.budget.row.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified THE military clashes with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Minda-nao have changed plans of the Central Command (Centcom) to add troops to Negros Island to force out the New People’s Army. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/news/centcom.troops.from.bohol.camp.sent.to.reinforce.lanao.soldiers.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified AFTER keeping itself tight-lipped for days, the Talisay City Council yesterday finally said it is condemning the reported series of violent acts involving Mayor Socrates Fernandez’s adopted son Joavan. As this developed, Sun.Star Cebu yesterday learned that Joavan was involved in another controversy, this time for allegedly picking up two females – ages 16 and 23 – in Barangay Linao last Monday afternoon. Rudy Laceda, Linao barangay secretary, said Joavan sought permission from Linao Barangay Council Wendell Caparida that he would take with him the 16-year-old girl and 23-year-old Ivy Ouano, who works at the motor pool section in Talisay City Hall. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/news/joavan.‘grabs’.2.young.girls.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Garry A. Cabotaje Sun.Star Staff Reporter GOVERNMENT should talk peace only with reasonable and respectable armed groups or it could end up looking dumb, like what the Arroyo administration is viewed with the way the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is acting. The attacks on villages in North Cotabato and recently Lanao del Norte also caused untold suffering on people in the area. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/oped/bong.o..wenceslao.candid.thoughts.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Bong O. Wenceslao Candid Thoughts EVERYBODY has heard of the parable of the Prodigal Son. Joavan, the controversial adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Soc Fernandez, is not literally a lost son. But I hope he will end up like the Prodigal Son, who eventually went home, sought forgiveness and was accepted back by his father. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/oped/bobby.nalzaro.saksi.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Bobby Nalzaro Saksi WHAT the Muslim extremists in the south are planning to do, they are keeping it close to their hearts. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/oped/editorial.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified TO boost its curricular program, the University of the Visayas (UV) invested and capitalized on top-graded facilities such as its crime laboratory and hotel and restaurant simulation hotel. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/life/uv.invests.on.new.crime.lab.hrm.simulation.hotel.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified Where have all the years gone? This was what 22 of us, 1958 high school graduates of St. Theresa’s College, asked ourselves during the alumnae homecoming last July 26. No, we didn’t feel “that old,” the reason why we couldn’t fully grasp the fact that indeed 50 years have passed since that balmy day in March when our class (a total of 68 in two sections) proudly stood onstage, diplomas in hand, eyes shining bright with excitement. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/life/neri.notes.from.a.golden.jubilarian.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Nelia G. Neri Eve “DIAMONDS are forever.” In celebration of its 75 years of academic excellence, St. Theresa’s College Cebu (STC) has crystallized this classic statement by the opening of the STC Folklife Museum. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/life/folklife.museum.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 April Sevilla HOUSING problems, no doubt, differ in magnitude and intensity among various region, areas and communities. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/bus/osmeña.illegal.squatter.dilemma.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Antonio V. Osmeña Estatements REAL estate industry players in Cebu welcome Tourism Secretary Ace Durano’s campaign to promote the country to people abroad who have the extra money to live and own vacation homes here. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/bus/real.property.sector.welcomes.dot.vacation.homes.program.html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified CORN production in Central Visayas is expected to decrease by 10 to 20 percent at the close of the third quarter this year. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/bus/r7.corn.yield.to.drop..html Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified MANILA - Quit or be crushed, President Arroyo warned Muslim leaders yesterday, after they raided several towns in Mindanao, burning houses and killing at least 24 civilians and eight soldiers. Government blamed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for an ambush on soldiers in Lanao del Norte, which killed eight. Separatists also set off two bombs in hotels in Iligan City, hurting three civilians, and attacked a band of Marines in Basilan. Brigadier Gen. Antonio Supnet, head of an army brigade that drove away the rebels, said that 20 civilians were slaughtered in Kauswagan and four others in neighboring Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/news/milfs.sow.terror.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified THE University of San Jose Recoletos Jaguars have boosted their chances to make it back to the finals of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) after posting a 73-66 win over the Southwestern University Cobras, 73-66, Sunday night at the Cebu Coliseum. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/sports/usj.r.makes.it.5.for.5.in.cesafi.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified I’VE been beset by queries from some boxing fans as to why those body punches landed by Harry Tañamor did not count. Well, actually they are supposed to, guys. Punches to the body are scoring opportunities. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/sports/quijano.when.harry.met.manyo.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Jingo Quijano Last Round BEIJING – Wasn’t it perfect? Like he had it all planned. Just three hours away from that most-awaited date of “August 18” when he’ll be crowned tennis’ world No. 1, Rafael Nadal stood at that middle podium, raised his Spanish arms to the Beijing skyline, then accepted the sparkling gold medal from his countryman, the IOC president for life, Juan Antonio Samaranch. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/sports/pages.as.our.journey.ends.rafa.and.gold.glitter.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 John Pages Olympic points MANILA —It’s not going to be tough than expected when Tshomlee Go faces Australian Ryan Carneli tomorrow at the start of the taekwondo competition of the 29th Olympic Games at the Beijing University of Science and Technology Gym. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/sports/rp.jins.set.to.battle.familiar.foes.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified FAMILIES still waiting for their loved ones to be identified can take comfort in the assurance that the chances of finding them are high, an official said. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/news/all.bodies.from.sunken.ferry.to.be.identified.icmp.assures..html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified ADDITIONAL DNA samples from families with missing relatives may be required, said Kathryne Bomberger, director-general of the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP). http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/news/for.99.5.accuracy.relatives.of.sinking.victims.need.to.provide.2.3.samples.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified THREE House bills have been filed to address smuggling involving the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the illegal registration of imported vehicles by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/news/ban.on.use.of.‘alias’.by.importers.sought.in.bills.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Elias O. Baquero Sun.Star Staff Reporter IT’S supposed to make us sigh and feel sorry for ourselves but the last syllable of losing doesn’t sound so disappointing, see? For a while there, that L-word might explain why we’re such a nation—come hell or high water—of videoke belters. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/oped/myke.u..obenieta.so.to.speak.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Myke U. Obenieta So to speak TEN bodies of victims in the June 21 sinking of mv Princess of the Stars have been identified by DNA tests. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/oped/pachico.a..seares.news.sense.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Pachico A. Seares News Sense WE HAVE had four Presidents since the ratification of the 1987 Constitution. Cory Aquino, under whose watch the Charter was crafted by a Constitutional Commission and approved by the people in a plebiscite, did not attempt to amend it. Fidel Ramos did while Erap Estrada never had the chance. Gloria Arroyo, on the other hand, will probably be remembered by, among many others, her seeming obsession with Charter Change since day one of her two terms. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/oped/frank.malilong.the.other.side.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Frank Malilong The Other Side LOCAL leaders that have determination, aspiration, and dynamism, comprise the primal key to development and growth of any community, whether in a rural or urban setting. This is the assertion of most social and political observers, whether the community has a single or multiple kind of leadership, as long as the leadership has unity of purpose and focus, and moves in the same direction, following a prior agreed-on programs and goals. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/oped/editorial.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified THE “One Cebu” exhibits held on Aug. 8-15 were the highlights of the grand 439th anniversary celebration of the Province of Cebu. It proved once again that Cebuanos from all walks of life, regardless of political or religious roots, can pool their time and resources together to demonstrate their genuine pride in and respect for Cebuano heritage and culture. Mabuhi! Ang atong garbo (our pride). http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/life/espina.one.cebu.our.pride.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Mila C. Espina In my diary TO attain the state of being in quintessence is to become the purest of something or of your kind. Such is the very essence the Fine Arts students of the University of San Carlos (USC) attempted to search and unravel. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/life/quintessence.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Ritchie Landis Doner Quijano ABOITIZ One Inc., the company behind 2GO—a supply chain solutions provider—recently passed its 2008 audit for ISO 9001:2000 with flying colors, for the fifth year in a row. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/bus/aboitiz.supply.chain.company.completes.int’l.standard.audit.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified STAKEHOLDERS in the business process outsour-cing industry in Cebu are expected to participate in the Sun.Star Economic Forum to be held tomorrow at the Parklane International Hotel. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/bus/sun.star.economic.forum.set.bpo.players.to.tackle.issues..html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified MOBILE phone manufacturer Nokia said its sales have remained strong despite rising prices of goods in the country. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/bus/habit.of.filipino.buyers.changes.turn.to.less.pricey.mobile.phones.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified SOMEONE once said that a gift is as good as the package it comes in with; but not many people have the talent to turn gift wrapping into an art. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/19/bus/ideas.from.the.box.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Nancy R. Cudis Sun.Star Staff Reporter THE University of San Carlos Warriors made up for their two straight losses in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc and finally got back on the winning track as they outclassed the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 81-73, Saturday night at the Cebu Coliseum. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/sports/warriors.recover.winning.ways.dump.uspf.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified BEIJING - Apart from not seeing the US “Redeem Team” embarrass everyone in basketball (though we did see Kobe and LeBron in separate sports venues here) and not capturing, with our bare eyes, the historic 8-for-8 achievement of a dolphin named Phelps, our China trip lived up beyond our expectations—especially with what we witnessed two days ago. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/sports/pages.the.bird’s.nest.finally.we.land.inside.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 John Pages: Olympic points I WENT to the range for the first time in three weeks, yesterday. And, lo and behold, a four-stage two-gun match between people from the different services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the region was in full swing at the Kamagong Gun Club, as if to welcome me back. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/sports/rama.welcome.with.a.kaboom!.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Karlon N. Rama Stage Five MANILA —Filipino track star Henry Dagmil could only settle for 18th in a field of 20 in Group A of the men’s long jump competition Saturday night in the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/sports/dagmil.finishes.18th.of.20.in.long.jump..html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified CEBU City officials were expecting a drastic increase in the number of dengue cases in July, but the City Health Department (CHD) reported a reduction of as much as 50 percent compared to the same month last year. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/news/dengue.cases.in.cebu.city.drop..html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified WITHOUT enough cash to fund this year’s P100-million second supplemental budget, the Cebu City Government will take out a P61.5-million loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to fund additional expenses this year. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/news/cebu.city.to.borrow.p61m.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Linette C. Ramos Sun.Star Staff Reporter “FINALLY, he is found.” http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/news/ma.reunites.with.son.after.positive.match.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Elisabeth P. Baumgart Sun.Star Correspondent NEW Asiatown IT Park establishments want to know which barangay they should get permits from. They are confused, said Clavel Tongco, Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corp. (CPVDC) retail business group head. “May we request for a formal statement for the Cebu City Government as to which barangay has territorial jurisdiction over The Walk,” she said in an Aug. 8 letter to Vice Mayor Michael Rama. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/news/firms.ask.city.to.solve.row..html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Rene H. Martel Sun.Star Staff Reporter THREE city mayors in Metro Cebu are now under fire for allegedly hiring ghosts: Mayor Soc Fernandez of Talisay City, Mayor Jonas Cortes of Mandaue City and Mayor Arturo Radaza of Lapu-Lapu City. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/oped/anol.mongaya.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Anol Mongaya “THE spin doctor will confuse you now.” http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/oped/pachico.a..seares.news.sense.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Pachico A. Seares News Sense MAYOR Tomas Osmeña divulged his plan to build three flyovers and two underpasses as additional components of the Cebu South Coastal Road. He said he wants to get the approval and funding for these infrastructure projects and put everything in order before he steps down from City Hall in 2010. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/oped/bobby.nalzaro.saksi.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Bobby Nalzaro Saksi SQUATTER-ON” is a threat to demolish illegal dwellings put up by informal settlers using public or private property without permission or constructing in danger zones risking public safety. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/oped/editorial.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified SCREENING 140 Cebuano/Visayan songs to pick those that made it to the magic 12 in next year’s Cebu Popular Music Festival wasn’t easy. However, this writer and the other screeners immensely enjoyed the task given to us by project executive director Philogene Florita. Non-screeners Gani and Gloria Villarojo of Soundtraxx Production Studio. They were around to assist in the screening process. He was in charge of playing the song entries that we screeners had to hear while she took care of tabulating our votes for all the entries. The day-long screening last Aug. 10 was held at the alumni office of the University of the Visayas. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/life/costanilla.pop.fest.magic.12.named.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Sam Costanilla Spotlight IN celebration of the 439th Founding Anniversary of the province of Cebu, Gov. Gwen Garcia played host at a Governor’s Ball at the Capitol Social Hall last 08-08-08. Festive as festive can be, the affair began at the patio of of the main entrance of the Provincial Capitol where the guests congregated to await the arrival of the governor. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/life/neri.the.governor’s.ball.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Nelia G. Neri Eve NEW leaders and renewed zest by those who will continue to serve highlight the United Architects of the Philippines Regional District (UAP RD) C-1 as their new fiscal year was unveiled. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/life/turn.over.night.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Arch’t. Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP THIS explosive man’s feat and feet will blow you away. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/life/super.lolo.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Luis A. Quibranza III AN important immigration decision was just issued (Aug. 12, 2008) by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which held that aliens who marry their fiancés/fiancees after entering the United States (US) with a fiancé visa and who subsequently obtain a divorce prior to obtaining permanent resident status are still entitled to adjust to resident status. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/bus/reeves.new.rights.for.k.1s.after.divorce.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Robert I. Reeves HIGH power costs are blamed for the “sad state” of the country’s paper milling industry. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/bus/costly.power.blamed.for.rp.paper.industry’s.problems.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified A STRONG influx of visitors to the country last year brought “positive” revenue growth to Waterfront Philippines Inc. (WPI). http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/bus/pinoy.hotel.chain.reports.revenue.growth.as.tourist.arrivals.increase..html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified A BUSINESS leader urged private and public groups to focus their efforts and advocacies on energy self-sufficiency, agriculture and food security, infrastructure development and education to help improve the economy. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/18/bus/‘focus.on.food.infra’.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified TWO cases and more than two years of detention later, the Laputan brothers are finally free. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/news/brothers.in.rape.case.freed.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Jujemay G. Awit Sun.Star Staff Reporter PROVINCIAL officials yesterday made good their promise to include the Lapu-Lapu City Government in the tourism caravan “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo: Urban Adventure.” http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/news/capitol.lapu.show.mended.fences.during.battle.site.visit.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified THE National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) has received 13 notices of strike from Jan. 1 to June 30 this year, which shows a 44 percent increase from the nine notices filed in the same period last year. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/news/13.strike.attempts.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified MANDAUE City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna challenged the mayor to make good his promise to be transparent and show the council the list of all job-order employees. He said this will quell reports that the city has “ghost employees.” Fortuna pointed out that City Hall allocated P53 million from January to June to pay 1,900 job-order employees, including those in the hospital, public market and slaughterhouse. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/news/.casuals.pad.2.cities.payroll.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified SO HOW do you reconcile the fact that we have the best pound-for-pound boxer in the planet today, but we can only qualify a lone entry in the Olympics and that lone entry can’t even get past the first round? http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/sports/quijano.sports.is.life.with.the.volume.turned.up.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Jingo Quijano Last Round BEIJING—Out of the eight days and nights that we’ve camped out here in this Olympic city, the weather has been erratic: When we arrived on 08/08/08, the smog was as thick as smoke. The day after, the sun arose and the sky’s ceiling was painted blue. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/sports/pages.timeout.from.sports.we.scaled.the.great.wall.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 John Pages Olympic Points MANILA—Like true blue-bloodied warriors, Filipino jins Mari Antoinette Rivero and Tshomlee Go expressed readiness to face their respective rivals in the taekwondo competition of the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/sports/two.rp.jins.prepare.hunt.for.gold.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Frank C. Calapre Sun.Star Correspondent MANILA—The Air21 Express will go for their first ever title since joining the pro-league in 2002 when they face Barangay Ginebra today in Game 6 of the best-of-seven championship series for the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/sports/air21.guns.for.1st.title.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Frank C. Calapre Sun.Star Correspondent THE case that some residents of Compostela filed against their vice mayor and three councilors bears watching. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/oped/frank.malilong.the.other.side.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Frank Malilong The Other Side THE Social Weather Station (SWS) released last August 7 the results of its sports survey that showed how respondents view Philippine participation in the Olympic games. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/oped/nini.b..cabaero.beyond.30.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Nini B. Cabaero Beyond 30 HEFTING both shotgun and 9 mm pistol, Mayor Tomas Osmeña mimicked legendary lawman Wyatt Earp in “Gunfight at O.K. Corral.” His unwitting supporting actors were picket line strikers at Gaisano South. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/oped/juan.l..mercado.sidebar.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Juan L. Mercado Sidebar WHO doesn’t talk about the OFW phenomenon in conversation over coffee or in lectures in school or in newspaper columns? http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/oped/erma.m..cuizon.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Erma M. Cuizon “TO the manor born,” could easily be said of Mother Cecilia, a gentle Caviteña who one day decided to give her life, her talent for music, and her all to God. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/life/lagura.sister.daughter.singer.and.beggar.for.god.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Fr. Flor Lagura, SVD in the service of the word A LOT of figure conscious and fitness enthusiasts believe that dieting or skipping meals will hasten their goal to lose weight. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/life/paquiao.diets.don.t.work.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Calixto S. Paquiao fitness & you TWO of my street children’s families were relocated to Talamban. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/life/luab.today.giving.is.not.enough.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Evelyn R. Luab light sunday EVER since the time when early humans felt the need for shelter, wood, aside from being a source of fuel, has been an important building material for houses. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/17/life/wood.to.the.eyes.html Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Arch’t. Karl A.E.F. Cabilao, UAP TWO children, represented by their grandmother, and a public school teacher from Bantayan Island are the latest complainants in a growing string of suits against Sulpicio Lines Inc. over the sinking of the mv Princess of the Stars. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/news/grandmother.represents.2.kids.in.latest.damage.suit.vs..sulpicio.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified CEBU City Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants the council to draft legislation prohibiting protesters and strikers from covering their faces. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/news/tomas.wants.council.to.prohibit.covering.of.faces.during.strikes.protests.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified A LAWYER saved a suspected snatcher from a mob that wanted to beat him up during lunch time yesterday and then set his bail later in the afternoon. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/news/fiscal.fires.warning.shot.to.stop.mob.from.beating.up.snatcher..html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified BEARING placards, at least a hundred residents of Compostela town, Cebu went to the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas yesterday morning to file an administrative complaint against four of their town leaders. They accused Vice Mayor Joel Quiño and Councilors Tessa Cang, Josephine Abing and Joselito Reynes, all members of the town’s committee on finance and appropriation, of failing to perform official functions. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/news/heads.sued.on.budget.crisis.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Katrina A. Balmaceda Sun.Star Correspondent BEIJING — Four nights ago at around 10 p.m., I and my viewing partner during these games—my roommate, Jasmin—were lost. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/sports/pages.the.people.power.of.the.china.olympics.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 John Pages Olympic Points WORLD renowned trainer Freddie Roach believes that the mega fight between six division world champion “Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya and Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas can still be revived. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/sports/pacman.golden.boy.a.standing.deal.roach.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified SEVEN-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champion University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers are slowly gaining back momentum that had won them all those titles as they pulled off a lopsided 92-57 win over the Southwestern University (SWU) Thursday night at the Cebu Coliseum. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/sports/usual.champ.uv.shows.old.form.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified AFTER 8 days into the 29th Olympic Games, silence, grief and sorrow seem to have lingered the atmosphere of Team Philippines inside the Athletes Village in Beijing, China. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/sports/keep.heads.up.team.rp.told.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified ONE. At this point in time when the moral bankruptcy of public servants is at its nadir, I can readily agree with those who premise that for the most part it does not matter much what system of government is in force. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/oped/orlando.p..carvajal.break.point.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Orlando P. Carvajal Break Point AMONG the legislative councils in Metro Cebu, the Mandaue City Council is the most controversial. Fireworks are observed in each of its sessions. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/oped/bobby.nalzaro.saksi.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Bobby Nalzaro Saksi IMAGINE a cluster of four cities. Two on either side of what we may consider as the mother city at the center because of size and age. The third is an island city, separated by a channel of sea. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/oped/godofredo.m..roperos.politics.also.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Godofredo M. Roperos Politics Also MAYOR Tomas Osmeña’s defiant reaction to the flak he received for attempting to break the picket of Gaisano South employees gave away the reason for his daring to do the controversial act. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/oped/editorial.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified SORRY, folks, your reading pleasure has to be interrupted by this commercial which makes me ponder. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/life/khok.break.time.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Ober Khok Sira-sira store HEARING of our local talents successfully making headlines because of their skills no longer comes as a surprise to me. Whether it is in music, art or fashion, Cebuano’s have rightfully proven their place in the spotlight. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/life/go.a.fashion.project.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Charlene Go Lakwatsa FAR from looking plain, plaid can be an interestingly playful pattern. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/life/mad.about.plaid.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified TAKING a gastronomic shift from gracing these pages with the usual visual feast and enlightening takes on design and architecture, this architect gets a taste of a different form of “tropical Asian” (aside from just being an architectural style) as he makes a sojourn to a new dining destination in the metro. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/life/tropical.palate.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Karl A.E.F. Cabilao AFTER it recently inaugurated a building for the training of future seafarers, the University of Cebu-Lapulapu Mandaue (UC-LM) made another promising achievement. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/bus/meal.in.lumpia.wrapper.wins.competition.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Nancy R. Cudis Sun.Star Staff Reporter TWO years after it started distributing hybrid rice in Cebu, a rice distribution company experienced 500 percent growth and is now looking at selling in convenient stores to expand its market. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/bus/hybrid.rice.distributor.sees.growth.eyes.wider.market.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Not Specified CREATING new, convenient and accessible tourism destinations, the Department of Tourism (DOT) pushed areas in Northern Cebu as one of the three top strategic destination areas (SDA) in the Visayas. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/bus/northern.cebu.towns.identified.as.top.destinations.in.visayas.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Jose Jello Cubelo Of Sun.Star Cebu THE business chambers in the Visayas urgently requested President Gloria Arroyo, through the Department of Energy (DOE), to do a “timely action” on measures that would immediately address the power crisis in the region. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/16/bus/address.power.crisis.groups.ask.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0800 Nancy R. Cudis Sun.Star Staff Reporter