Mindanaoan Irene, Author at Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct202010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

How a Samal Island, Mindanao sari-sari store owner successfully made his debtors pay up!

Davao Del Norte, Humor, Island Garden City of Samal, Mindanaoan Artists

The minute I saw this on my friend Edu's Plurk timeline, I just couldn't help but laugh and be amazed at this sari-sari store owner's ingenuity! Bartolome Malacura, a sari-sari store owner in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), Davao del Norte, Mindanao, probably got fed up with debtors that he posted their names on the facade of his store! As the caption states, the "shame campaign" paid off because from P2,000 (roughly $50.00), the collectibles are now down to P900 (roughly $23.00) It's probably not the preferred method of asking people to pay up but hey, it worked for Bartolome Malacura! (more…)

Oct202010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Marks and Spencer to open its first Mindanao branch in Cagayan de Oro City

Announcements, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

Over the years, I've learned to shop not only because of the price of the item/s but also because of the quality of the said item/s. If in the past, I was willing to buy stuff because they're cheap and affordable and "somehow look okay," now I take into consideration the quality and the fact that the item may last for at least a few years. The item should also be a classic and not just something that you can wear because it's part of the trend or fad. The item should also be easily paired with just about anything you can get from your closet. Enter Marks and Spencer. It is one of the United Kingdom's leading retailers. Each Marks and Spencer store sells clothing for men and women (and kids, too!), food, underwear, wine, shoes and even home and furniture stuff. The prices of the items...

Oct192010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero wants to put ceiling on credit card interest rates

Consumer, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Usurious interest rates slapped by credit card companies should be regulated to protect consumers from unconscionable hidden charges, Senator Chiz Escudero said. In Senate Bill No. 166 (SBN 166), Escudero seeks to put a ceiling on interest rates and surcharges imposed by credit card companies and prohibit hidden charges that further burden plastic card holders. “While credit cards are deemed as relief for consumers during bad times, woes begin when card companies levy interests and charges which are usually unknown to the users that eventually saddle them with more debts. We want to put a stop to the hidden charges which catch consumers unaware,” Escudero explained. SBN 166 puts a cap of 1 percent per month or 12 percent per annum on the interest rates that credit card companies c...

Oct162010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Photos of Matt Mullenweg in Wordcamp Philippines 2010

Blogging, Events, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Technology

This is a follow-up to my earlier post about Wordcamp Philippines 2010, Wordpress founder and lead developer Matt Mullenweg and his video greetings for moi! :D Ch-ch-check out the video greetings here! I'm well aware that keywords such as "Matt Mullenweg photos" and "photos Matt Mullenweg Wordcamp Philippines" have led a lot (and I mean A LOT) of netizens on my humble Mindanaoan blog so as earlier promised, I'm sharing some of the photos I took of Matt. Enjoy ;) More photos after the jump! (more…)

Oct162010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanao indigenous people decry portrayal of IPs in ABS CBN show “Noah”

Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Commentary, Controversial, Culture, Entertainment, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Society, Television

This caught my attention because it's about a complaint filed against the representation (or misrepresentation) of indigenous peoples or Lumads in the ABS CBN Channel 2 show "Noah" starring Piolo Pascual and Zaijan Jaranilla. Here in Mindanao, the IP community is a highly respected group and as a Mindanaoan, I feel it is my duty to help advocate for their rights and help suppress discrimination, in whatever form it may be. Peace advocacy group Mindanao Peoples Caucus said that the primetime telenovela’s portrayal of Lumads as “monkey-like creatures” is a “blatant violation of the mandate of RA No. 8371 to respect, recognize and protect the right of the ICC’s/IP’s to preserve and protect their culture, traditions and institutions.” The letter-complaint, which was dated October 8...

Oct142010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao jobs alert: Butuan Garden Memorial Estate needs a trainer

Announcements, Butuan, Jobs

JOBS IN MINDANAO | JOBS IN BUTUAN CITY | BUTUAN CITY - The Butuan Garden Memorial Estate is in need of a trainer. Uraya Land Development, Inc., which runs the Butuan Garden Memorial Estate, is in need of a Sales and Marketing Trainer. If you're interested to apply for this position, then please read on. Preferably Female ( 22 – 35 yrs. old ) with good personality Graduate of any Business Course Must be knowledgeable in the above stated position 1 to 2 years experience in related field is an advantage Good communication skills Computer Literate If you think you have a shot at this job opening in Butuan, then prepare a comprehensive resume and an application letter. Interested applicants may submit their Application letter, Resume and T.O.R. to [email protected] Goo...

Oct142010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Forever 21 Manila Philippines – my initial loot

Arts, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Shopping, Style

Well, it basically took "forever" but the wait is finally over! (Hey, how's that for a rhyme? :D) Forever 21, a popular retail chain, opened its first Philippine branch over at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City last July. Sadly, I wasn't in Manila when the Forever 21 Manila branch opened and I also didn't have the chance to visit it even if I was there last August. Ugh. But well, I was back in Manila for Wordcamp Philippines 2010 and yes, I allocated an entire afternoon just to visit the store (finally!). That was how determined I was to snag at least a few pretty finds! LOL. Besides, it was the afternoon before the big John Mayer Live In Manila gig and I wanted to wear something special! Good thing my fellow bloggers Venus, Jacq and Cherry decided to join me in my quest to scour all of the...

Oct122010 by Mindanaoan Irene11 Comments

Pacquiao vs Margarito fight on November 13, 2010

Bisaya, Blogging, Events, General Santos City, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, News, Personalities, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Sports

Fellow Mindanaoan, Sarangani Congressman and the world's best pound-for-pound boxer, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, is set to face Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito on November 13, 2010 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium for the World Light Middleweight Championship belt. As expected, this will be another day when Filipinos all around the world will root for our very own Pacman. I bet all Mindanaoans will again feel so proud of Manny Pacquiao, who was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon but who has lived in both General Santos City and Sarangani for several years. For sure, this Pacquiao vs Margarito boxing bout will be another blockbuster! I must admit, I have a few reservations about this Pacquio versus Margarito fight. (more…)

Oct122010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Fan mode: Mr. WordPress Matt Mullenweg’s video messages

Blogging, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Technology, Videos

And so Wordcamp Philippines 2010 came and went. It was my very first time to attend a Wordcamp and I must say, the event was worth my time, money and energy! The organizers, Avatar Media, did a fabulous job putting the event together. Congratulations to the organizers, volunteers and speakers of Wordcamp Philippines 2010! And of course, congratulations to all of my fellow campers as well ;) I'm sure everyone had fun and learned a lot :) Let's not forget Wordpress founder and lead developer Matthew Charles Mullenweg's challenge to us, yes? Let's advocate the use of Wordpress here in the Philippines! Are you up for the challenge? Because I am! :) For non-bloggers, just in case you're curious as to why Wordcamp Philippines 2010 was such a big deal especially for bloggers who use Wordpres...

Oct102010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Starbucks Cagayan de Oro and Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Coffee

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Gifts, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews, Shopping, Society

If you're living in Northern Mindanao, chances are you've already heard of the upcoming opening of Starbucks Cagayan de Oro. In fact, I wrote about the much-awaited opening last May, along with a job opening announcement for baristas and store managers. Fast forward a few months later, word's out that Starbucks CDO is set to open in just a few weeks' time. Starbucks CDO is located at Limketkai Mall corner Rosario Drive, right across the Missy Bon Bon gelato and bread store and very near Mc Donald's. As expected, they got an ultra prime location. That area will soon see the rise of an 18-floor hotel and is just a few blocks away from the Regional Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs, a state university and a mixed-use building. So yeah, the Starbucks CDO branch will enjoy heavy fo...

Oct92010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Of skydiving, bungee and my Bacolod City to Cebu City aerial shots

Bacolod City, Cebu City, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Photos

I'll let you in on a secret. One of the things included in my bucket list is to take photos while I glide through the air after I jump out of an airplane! Is that weird or too much of a dream? I've always wanted to try skydiving (but I have yet to find a reliable company that provides this type of extreme adventure in the Philippines --- if you know of one, please let me know!) and hopefully someday soon I'll try the bungee jump at AJ Hackett Macau Tower (I did manage to visit the tower all right but only to try their 360 degrees revolving restaurant LOL). In the meantime, I have to be contented with just taking aerial shots while well within the confines of an airplane. Anyhoo, here are some aerial shots I took during my recent Bacolod to Cebu City flight. All photos taken with a Pa...

Oct72010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bacolod: Balay ni Tana Dicang | Bacolod tourist spot you must visit!

Bacolod City, Blogging, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Reviews, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

So a few weeks ago, I shared with all of you all about the New Bacolod Silay Airport and the two places where my friends and I dined in Bacolod City (Pepe's Grill for the delicious ribs and Calea for the best desserts). Now I'll share a nice tourist spot we visited at Talisay City (about half an hour away from Bacolod City) --- Balay Ni Tana Dicang. Located along Rizal Street, Balay Ni Tana Dicang (Balay means home while tana is shortcut for "kapitana") stands as one of Negros' most preserved ancestral homes. It's so well-preserved, in fact! These days, it's now a museum and occasionally plays host to art exhibits and other mini shows. It was build in 1883 for Don Efigenio Lizares and Dona Enrica Alunan at the later stage of the Spanish era in the Philippines. This bahay na ba...

Oct72010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Pres. Noynoy Aquino first 100 days report speech – full text Noynoy 100 days report

Announcements, Blogging, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

Full text of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III 's message on the first 100 days of his administration. President Noynoy Aquino delivered his First 100 Days Report earlier today, October 7, 2010 at La Consolacion College, Manila. Read below: Message of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III President of the Philippines On The First Hundred Days of his Administration [October 7, 2010, La Consolacion College, Manila] Isandaang araw po ang nakalipas, nagpanata ako sa taumbayan: Hindi ko tatalikuran ang tiwalang kaloob ninyo sa akin. Ang nakalipas na isandaang araw ang magsisilbing tanda ng ating paninindigan. Malalim at malawak po ang mga problemang minana natin. Nag-ugat ito sa isang gobyernong parang tatlong matsing na nagbingi-bingihan, nagbulag-bulagan, at gumawa ng sariling ...

Oct62010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

John Mayer Live In Manila – that oh-so-wonderful experience!

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Personalities, Photos, Reviews

This is a follow-up to my earlier post! John Mayer Live In Manila. October 1, 2010. SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. It was one memorable date I will never forget. Firstly, because it was THE John Mayer...the love of my life! Secondly, because the entire country has waited for this moment for years (and a few months more...especially after this gig was postponed from May to October!). And thirdly, because I've never attended a concert in the middle of a typhoon! (But what the heck - it was John Mayer for chrissakes!) So my gal pal Crissa and I arrived at the concert venue just in time (and I mean REALLY JUST IN TIME!) for John's very first song. I was clad in my newly bought Forever 21 top, walking shorts, Rudy Project biker jacket and ever dependable Fitflops (I know, it wasn't the wor...

Oct62010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Atty. Adel Tamano and Atty. Aquil Tamano endorse Mindanaoan.com!

Blogging, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Personalities, Videos

What do you do when two very handsome and smart lawyers (and celebrities in their own right, I must say!) endorse your humble blog? a) you blush and get *gigil* b) you scream, jump for joy and thank the high heavens c) you blog about it! Well, in my case, I did all of the above! :D Atty. Adel Tamano and his younger brother Atty. Aquil Tamano gave this uber *kakakilig* video message endorsing this humble blog, www.Mindanaoan.com, and the blogger behind it ;) Imagine - two Mindanaoans endorsing Mindanaoan.com! I think that's cool. Don't you think so? :) I must admit, I've played this message again and again and still - I can't help but feel warmth on my cheeks :P Thank you to Sir Adel and to Sir Aquil for this! I really, really appreciate it :) Atty. Adel Tamano and...

Sep302010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao job alert: laboratory assistant needed

Announcements, Cotabato, Jobs, South Cotabato

Thanks to a reader of this blog, this blogger from Mindanao got a hold of this job opportunity. I surmise that the company, Tateh Premium Feeds Corp., is based in Polomolok, South Cotabato, Mindanao. However, please note that if you do get hired, you must be willing to be trained in Calumpit, Bulacan. Tateh Premium Feeds Corp. needs a Laboratory Analyst. Qualifications: Female 21- 30 years old preferably single Graduate of BS Chemistry or Microbiology With at least 1 year experience in Laboratory works but fresh graduates are welcome to apply Computer Literate Analytical minded Willing to be trained in Calumpit, Bulacan Interested applicants may submit their Resume, Application Letter, and Transcript of Records to the email address found after the jump! In ...

Sep302010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

John Mayer in Manila, Philippines – and I’m watching!

Arts, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personal, Personalities

John Mayer and his songs are a big part of my life. I used to think that most, if not all, of his songs were fit for certain phases of my life. Sure, he may be known these days as one notorious chick magnet (he only managed to catch Jennifer Aniston lang naman), a kiss-and-tell boyfriend (read: Jessica Simpson) and one sorry fool who thought he could "intellectualize an emotionally filled" racist term but I guess we can't deny that John Clayton Mayer has produced great, chart-topping songs. This John Mayer song below, entitled "Daughters," for instance, gave me goosebumps the very first time I heard it. I felt he was singing this song especially for me: This one below, on the other hand, entitled "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room" is a hands-down sexy song: I also love "Say"...

Sep292010 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Review: Castle Peak Hotel Cebu City | and why I won’t stay in Castle Peak Cebu again

Cebu City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

Castle Peak Hotel Cebu City is the second Cebu City lodging place that I think I will never patronize ever again. The first one is Paragon Suites along Juana Osmena, Cebu City where I had a rather unpleasant stay early this year. Castle Peak Hotel in Cebu City is now the second one on my "must not try again" list. Before anything else, though, I want to make something clear. I HATE giving negative feedback especially on services or establishments that are related to Philippine tourism but if giving it would serve as a wake-up call for entrepreneurs or managers and if giving it would mean that they'd change and learn to give better service next time around, then I won't hesitate to do so. So here goes. Castle Peak Hotel Cebu is located along F. Cabahug corner President Quezon Streets,...

Sep272010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

RJ Ledesma’s special video message for me and a friend

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Journalism, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Videos

If you were born in the 80's (or even late 70's), chances are you know who RJ Ledesma is. He's the lovable "Joey" in that popular Royal Tru Orange series of TV commercials. Here's one below (this one's entitled "Teacher's Pet") Here's another classic RJ Ledesma as "Joey" commercial (this one's entitled "Kuya"): Well, fast forward several years later and no longer the "Joey" we used to know, RJ Ledesma is now a grown man --- UNO Magazine's Editor In Chief, newspaper columnist, book author, uber talented host and proud dad! So you could just imagine how happy I was to finally see him in the flesh (after years of just seeing him as "Joey" on TV!) during the recently concluded 17th National Public Relations Congress. RJ was the host of the 2-day confab and he did an amazing jo...

Sep272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Certificates of candidacy for SK Chairman and Kagawad

Advocacy, Announcements, Events, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Thanks to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, this blogger from Mindanao got a hold of the official certificates of candidacy for those interested to run for Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman or SK Kagawad. Please feel free to direct anyone you know who may be interested to run this coming SK Elections to this page. The certificate of candidacy for SK Kagawad can be found after the jump... (more…)

Sep272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos taken at the Senate: the day of Sen. Miriam Santiago’s jueteng expose

Controversial, Events, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos

Apart from attending the 17th National Public Relations Congress, another thing I did during my recent trip to Manila was visit the Senate of the Philippines. It was supposed to be a quick visit but it turned into an almost 3-hour stay. The reason: Senator Miriam Santiago's jueteng expose. The feisty Ilonggo senator, in her privilege speech, accused several persons including Chavit Singson, Bong Pineda (a known friend of former President Gloria Arroyo), Atong Ang (a known ally of former President Erap Estrada), Tony Santos and Danny Soriano as alleged jueteng lords and even went on to say that the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government are in cahoots. Leave it to Sen. Miriam Santiago to shock and awe everyone. Well, this blogger from Mindanao t...

Sep262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Inverted Philippine flag snafu at ASEAN-US meeting

BIMP-EAGA, Broadcasting, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Politics, Weird

It was an honest mistake, according to Rebecca Thompson of the US Embassy. Still, the damage has been done. Now what I'm just hoping for is that the person/s responsible for this fiasco be dealt with accordingly. You see, during the recently concluded 2nd ASEAN-US Leaders' Meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York, USA, the Philippine flag was surprisingly inverted (!). Instead of the blue band atop the red band, the red band can be seen as the one atop the blue one --- and we all know what this means --- it suggests that we're "AT WAR." "This was an honest mistake. The U.S. treasures its close relationship and close partnership with the Philippines which were demonstrated tis past week during President Aquino's trip to the U.S., with the signing of the ...