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

May72010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Election day in Central Mindanao photo contest

Announcements, Basilan, Cotabato, Maguindanao, Photos, Society, Sultan Kudarat

Fellow Mindanaoans! Are you based in Central Mindanao? Do you want to snap photos during election day (May 10, 2010) and perhaps win some cool cash? Be a photographer for peace in Central Mindanao! Join the "Election Day in Central Mindanao photo contest for peace"! Prizes include P10,000 (first place), P5,000 (second place) and P3,000 (third place). Consolation prizes are also at stake. The entry photos must be taken only on May 10 on the theme “Election Day in Central Mindanao… a photo contest for peace.” This photo contest is sponsored by the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in cooperation with the Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reforms, Inc. (Citizens CARE) and the Lente Images Philippines, Inc. This photography contest for peace is open to all civilians,...

May72010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan movie review: “A Nightmare on Elm Street”

Arts, Consumer, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Reviews

Thanks to Manila-based blogger Azrael, Mindanaoan was given the chance to attend the advance screening of the much-talked about horror flick, "A Nightmare on Elm Street." Made possible by SM Cinemas, the advance screening of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" was also sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures and Magic 89.9. Check out the cool invitation that I received: I arrived at SM Megamall Cinema 6 a little past 7 pm. Thankfully, the moviegoers were still outside the theater so I took that opportunity to buy some popcorn and iced tea. Not long after, a Plurk pal named Erlyn arrived (yep, it was a Plurk meet-up of sorts :) ) and we sat alongside one another - wishing that the movie won't scare us too much! By the way, if you have a Plurk account, please don't hesitate to add me up HER...

May62010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Are you from Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao and Misamis?

Advocacy, Announcements, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Government, Internet, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Society, Technology, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Because if you are, then we need you to help map out precincts! Google Philippines, through its representative Aileen Apolo, is asking us to please help map precincts in certain regions in Mindanao. A website called Find Your Precinct has been set up and its goal is to help every Filipino find the location of the voting center for their precinct. The locations found in the said website are contributed by volunteer mappers and it's about time that Mindanaoans join forces and help not only one another but the rest of our fellow countrymen. According to Aileen, there's still need to map out precincts in Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao and Misamis. Help now by logging on to Find Your Precinct. Alternatively, and to make things more fun, you can spearhead a mapping party and...

May52010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Only one Mindanaoan among INC’s endorsees

Announcements, Bukidnon, Mindanaoan Update, Religion

Only one Mindanaoan made it to the coveted list of the senatorial candidates who will receive the support of the reported 5-million strong Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC). Incumbent Bukidnon 2nd District Congressman Teofisto "TG" Guingona III, who's currently gunning for a senatorial seat under the banner of the Liberal Party, is the lone Mindanaoan who's set to receive votes from INC. INC is reportedly the biggest religious sect in the country that observes bloc voting. Reportedly, non-compliance to the voting preference of the leadership is considered a sin that is punishable by expulsion. Other senatorial bets who will receive support from the INC are Ramon Revilla Jr., Lito Lapid, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Pia Cayetano; former senators Vicente “...

May52010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon governor embroiled in a scandal with ex PBB teen

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Entertainment, Government, Headline, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

First off, a lot of people in Bukidnon, Mindanao claim that this isn't exactly fresh news. However, I guess this issue involving Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. and ex-Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen housemate Claire Cabeguin (who's from Bukidnon herself) will continue to be controversial and will forever be circulated unless, most probably, if one of them either speaks up against or confirms the issue. Before I continue, a brief backgrounder first. Zubiri is on his third term as the governor of Bukidnon and is currently gunning for the vice gubernatorial seat. He used to be an active member of LAKAS CMD KAMPI until he recently surprised not a few when he endorsed Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manny Villar. Zubiri is the father of Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Cabegu...

Apr302010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao job alert: Sales and marketing position

Announcements, Davao City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

Looking for a sales and marketing related job here in Mindanao? Here's a Mindanao job opening that you may want to consider. Please note that people living in Davao City are the best ones to apply for this Mindanao job opportunity since the company wants the candidate to work within Davao. QUALIFICATIONS: • 25 – 35 years old, male/female. • must be a college graduate. Fresh grads are welcome! • must have initiative, confidence, professional conduct, and willing to be trained. • able to accept feedback & make appropriate changes to develop solutions. • must be computer literate • must possess excellent communication and people skills • must be Goal-Oriented / Goal-Driven • willing to work in Davao City • preferably with sales experience Interested applicants are request...

Apr262010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

My “Sharon” taping experience. Fun and disappointing at the same time

Arts, Blogging, Broadcasting, Culture, Entertainment, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society, Television

Before you read this, though, have you read my previous entry? You may want to check out Mindanaoan artist Laarni Lozada's cool makeover (saw her in person during the "Sharon" taping). I must say, it's good to see a Mindanaoan singer doing pretty good in her chosen career and that she's doing well in Manila, too, so it seems. Kudos to Laarni! Anyways, on to my kuwento about my "Sharon" taping experience. Thanks to Miss Bing, I got passes enough for 5 people to watch the April 18, 2010 taping of Sharon Cuneta's show. Although it wasn't my first time to watch "Sharon," I still felt excited especially since I towed some of my friends along. I was the self-proclaimed ABS CBN complex tour guide of sorts that day --- we went to the cafeteria (where, during my days working in ABS CBN Manila, a...

Apr232010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

NUJP Davao to Agra: Thank You Sir!

Announcements, Controversial, Crime, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal

Thank you, Secretary Alberto Agra for confirming the truth that the Filipinos—thirsty for justice—can never expect anything from the Arroyo Administration. You just dignified the growing distrust of the Filipino people on the government when you saw Zaldy Ampatuan and his cousin, Akmad, as innocent over the gruesome slaughter on November 23 of 58 civilians—32 of them our fellow journalists—even in the absence of due process. When you wanted the two Ampatuans, who, according to witnesses were behind the killing of the 58 civilians, out of jail when murder charges were already filed and a commitment order was already issued, it showed how offensive and obscene you and the Arroyo administration can really get. Thank you for allowing the world to see what we have long been crying out ...

Apr222010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Does this political TV ad for Mindanao by Villar, Pimentel and Tamano work?

Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Commentary, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Technology, Videos

Nacionalista Party standard bearer Senator Manny Villar has released (yet another) political TV ad. This time, he's speaking in Bisaya and it's an ad specifically for Mindanao. In this political ad, he appears with NP senatorial candidates Gwen Pimentel and Atty. Adel Tamano. As we all know, Pimentel and Tamano are Mindanaoans. Pimentel is the daughter of Senator Aquilino Pimentel and the sister of Atty. Koko Pimentel, who lost in the previous elections to Mindanaoan and Bukidnon senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Adel Tamano, on the other hand, is from Marawi City and is the first Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School. In this political TV ad, Villar, Tamano and Pimentel raised the 8-hour brownout currently plaguing Mindanao (actually, a lot of areas around the island even...

Apr202010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan Laarni Lozada gets a cool makeover

Beauty, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Style, Sultan Kudarat

Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao's pride and the Pinoy Dream Academy grand dreamer Laarni Lozada sure has gone a long way from singing in a choir to financing her own studies to winning the big prize at ABS-CBN's talent-reality show PDA. Laarni Lozada, a fellow Mindanaoan, counts Sitti, Lea Salonga and Whitney Houston as among her singing idols. And now that she's a singing idol herself, Laarni of course has a new look. From this simple looking lass: to this diva: (more…)

Apr152010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Love cereals? Cerealicious is a must-try!

Business, Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society

Mindanaoan is a huge cereal fan. You name it - I love it! Frosties, regular corn cereals, choco coated cereals...I love them all! I must admit, though...I'm not a regular breakfast eater (which I know is a bad thing because breakfast is the most important meal of the day...I'm really trying my best to eat breakfast as often as I can!) but you can be sure that I'll be at the table (mas mabilis pa sa alas kuwatro!) if cereals and milk plus fruits or cookies are served. So you could just imagine how happy I was when I first learned that the Philippines now has the first ever cereal cafe! Yup, you read that right. Cereal cafe! Welcome to Cerealicious - the country's first ever cafe that serves 30+ cereals, 40+ toppings and even gives you the chance to come up with your very own mix of ...

Apr142010 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Visiting the Team Pacquiao by Manny Pacquiao store in General Santos City Mindanao

Business, Consumer, General Santos City, Gifts, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Tourism

More often than not, anybody who gets to visit General Santos City, Mindanao for the first time has this question: where can we find Pambansang Kamao Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and is there any place where we can buy Pacquiao souvenirs? Well, for die hard Manny Pacquiao fans, fret no more! During Mindanaoan's most recent visit to the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, she finally had the chance to visit the Team Pacquiao by Manny Pacquiao store in Robinson's GenSan! The Team Pacquiao store, located at the Ground Floor of the said General Santos City mall, sells a wide array of souvenir and gift items - from Manny Pacquiao shirts to Team Pacquiao jackets to pretty notebooks to Pacquiao keychains and Pacman lanyards! (more…)

Apr22010 by Mindanaoan Irene18 Comments

Resorts World Manila – what to see, what to do

Arts, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Style

So this blogger from Mindanao finally had the chance to visit the much-talked about Resorts World Manila, a luxurious, fun-filled entertainment destination in Newport City, which is located just right across the new Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 (NAIA 3). I often caught ads about this new entertainment hub on TV so naturally my curiosity got piqued. Resorts World Manila sits on a vast 7.8 hectare lot in Pasay, particularly at 100 Andrews Avenue, Newport, Cybertourism Zone, 1309 Pasay City. The product of a collaboration between Alliance Global Group, Inc. (reportedly a Philippine conglomerate) and Star Cruises, Resorts World Manila is just a few blocks behind the Star Cruises headquarters. Resorts World Manila is in a pretty large complex so I doubt that you'd miss it ;) Here'...

Mar312010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Learn how to create fresh, fun, funky photographs! Join the Razzle Dazzle photography workshop

Announcements, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society

According to the good ol' Webster Dictionary, the term "razzle dazzle" means: raz•zle-daz•zle (r z l-d z l) n. Informal 1. Dazzling excitement. 2. Extravagant or showy display, as of technique Inspired by the meaning of this term, Mindanaoan suggested this to my youngest brother, who happens to be a professional photographer. Hence, the birth of the "Razzle Dazzle Photography Workshop"! Summer is fast approaching! Instead of lazing around all day and being perfectly useless till June, why not enhance your artistic skills? As soon as June kicks in, you're swagging your new photo skills! Everyone can snap a photo, but can you do it the FRESH FUN FUNKY WAY? (more…)

Mar272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan at the Cotabato City proclamation rally for local candidates

Cotabato, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics

Yes, you read that right. Mindanaoan had the privilege of witnessing the proclamation rally of local candidates in Cotabato City, Mindanao. The Cotabato City proclamation rally was held today, March 26, 2010 at the city plaza. As you all know, March 26 marks the very first day of official local campaigns. Along with senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano (first ever Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School, former spokesman of the Genuine Opposition, currently the spokesperson of the Nacionalista Party, former lawyer of Fernando Poe, Jr. and currently a senatorial candidate under the banner of the NP), I arrived in Cotabato City at around noon. After participating in a "kanduli" (thanksgiving occasion), I then went to the Cotabato City Hall. Here's a look at their majestic...

Mar142010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Hot Hunks including gorgeous Brazilian-Jap Akihiro Sato sizzle in Mindanao!

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos

Sizzle mah schizzle! Saturday, March 13, 2010 was an uber special day for ladies! In celebration of Women's Week, SM City Cagayan de Oro, along with top retail brands Penshoppe, Mint, Folded and Hung, Maldita and Bossini, hosted the "Hot Hunks Fashion Show" featuring no less than the current toast of the local fashion world, Brazilian-Japanese (Brapanese) hottie Akihiro Sato. For the uninitiated, Akihiro Macieira Sato is a 6 ft 1 inch stunner born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He used to model in Thailand but now he has decided to grace the Philippine shores with his amazing looks and pleasing disposition and has decided to live here for good! Be still my heart! So of course, who wouldn't want to go to SM City CDO to catch this cutie? So along with some friends, Mindanaoan went ...

Mar132010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Havaianas Happy Soles – time for happy souls to travel to Brazil!

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Hello, fellow Mindanaoans! Are you ready to flip-flop your way to a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Brazil? If you're a Havaianatico (i.e. a person who loves Havaianas and the Havaianas lifestyle) then do read on! The answer to my earlier question better be a resounding YES as world-famous fashion brand Havaianas kicks off its new Happy Soles campaign for Havaianaticos 18 and above. This campaign celebrates the fact that Havaianas has been both a witness and a reminder of Filipinos’ happiest moments. A constant companion on everything from beach trips to food trips, Havaianas has trekked up mountains, walked down wedding aisles and danced under the pale moonlight. For many happy soles, Havaianas is a daily reminder of moments spent with friends and filled with laughter – moments that d...

Mar132010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Nacionalista Party’s Grand Cebu City “Wowowillie” rally

Commentary, Controversial, Entertainment, Events, Features, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos, Society

Mindanaoan had the chance to cover the uber grand "Wowowillie meets Manny Villar" rally in Cebu City recently. Yes, it was "Wowowee" and popular host Willie Revillame meet Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manny Villar, vice presidential candidate Loren Legarda and senatorial bets Atty. Adel Tamano, Gilbert Remulla, Bongbong Marcos, among others. I was personally curious as to how the show would go. Of course, it was obviously a political affair in the guise of a variety show. However, and I say this with all fairness, you could sense during the show that because Willie Revillame is an avid supporter of Manny Villar, the show had "heart" (Willie spoke spontaneously as he rallied support for Villar, Legarda and the senatorial candidates, he shared personal experiences, personal thoughts...

Mar92010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte endorses fellow Mindanaoan senatorial bet Atty. Adel Tamano

Advocacy, Davao City, Features, Government, Headline, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics

Senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano says he's very grateful and humbled upon learning that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is extending his full support on his candidacy. “I am undoubtedly grateful to Mayor Duterte. His endorsement means a lot to me and I am very humbled by the fact that he trusts and believes in me and in what I can do not only for Mindanao but for the entire country,” Tamano enthused, adding that since Davao City loves its chief executive, he’s hopeful that the Dabawenyos will also extend their full support on his candidacy and to the rest of the Nacionalista Party. Tamano, the first ever Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School and youngest president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, is a proud son of Marawi City. “Mayor Duterte’s end...

Feb282010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Paragon Suites in Cebu City, Visayas | Budget hotel in Cebu

Business, Consumer, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Reviews

HOTEL REVIEWS - Paragon Suites Cebu City is located along Juana Osmena Street, Cebu. Roughly a 10-minute walk away from bustling Mango Avenue (where there's a lot of videoke places, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and Internet cafe stations), Paragon Suites is ideal for people who want cheap accommodations in Cebu City. One can classify Paragon Suites Cebu as a budget hotel, a budget pension house or a cheap inn with the basic amenities. I stayed at Paragon Suites Cebu City just a few days ago. I stayed for a total of 3 days and truth be told, I didn't quite enjoy my stay and therefore will never find myself staying at Paragon Suites Cebu ever again. But more on that after the jump. Here's a look at my superior room (rate was P1,380.00 per night): My room was fully carpeted and fu...

Feb262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From the campaign trail – Mindanaoan will post exclusive photos, kuwentos etc

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Broadcasting, Commentary, Controversial, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Politics

Hello everyone! How is everyone doing? It's been quite a while and I really hope all of you are in good health. Mindanaoan has been very busy as of late and this is due to the start of the nationwide campaign sorties. As you all know, the campaign period for the national positions began last February 9, 2010 and political parties have been so busy visiting various areas around the country. Mindanaoan is a part of these nationwide tours. This has actually got me thinking --- perhaps it's best if I also share my own experience straight from the campaign trail. What do you guys think? I was thinking of sharing exclusive photos, videos, kuwentos and other things that may prove to be interesting somehow for all of my readers. I was thinking of sharing behind-the-scenes stuff. What do ...

Feb262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan’s new Swatch Vancouver 2010 watch

Consumer, Fashion, Musings, Personal, Style

I must admit, I'm not much of a fan of watches - maybe because I grew up in an average income family and because receiving and giving gifts especially expensive watches is considered quite a luxury. I think I only had one or two "real" watches when I was younger. Real meaning it was either given as a gift or that I saved my allowance for. Most of the other watches I had were "hand me downs" from my parents. And so I grew up not really seeing the need of having a funky watch. I guess I managed to just really be time conscious and prompt at almost everything that I felt a watch would just be an accessory and nothing else. Fast forward many years --- here I am earning my own keep and finally having extra money to spend on things that I like, want and need. One of the things that I bo...