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

Nov232009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

By 2014, Mindanao power deficit will be equivalent to putting out power in 5 major Mindanao cities

Announcements, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato, Davao City, Events, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Technology, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

The press statement of the upcoming Mindanao Power Summit 2009 alarmed me. It said that "by 2014, projections have it that Mindanao will have a deficit capacity of 484 megawatts which is equivalent to putting out power in the five major cities of Mindanao - Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Butuan, and Cotabato." That means that five years from now, Mindanao will suffer a devastating power crisis and that the situation may reach the most critical state if we do not act fast and act now. The press statement also claimed that the entire Mindanao grid may experience regular rotating brownouts as early as next year (!), especially with the coming in of additional new investments that are anticipated to further deplete the grid’s reserve capacity. I don't know about you but their statemen...

Nov202009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Manny Pacquiao and Krista Ranillo together in Baguio

Controversial, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Photos, Sarangani

Are these photos of Filipino boxing champ and new world welterweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and sexy starlet Krista Ranillo just for their upcoming movie, "Wapakman," or what? Are these just for publicity or are they really having a secret love affair? I'd hate to think that the latter is the answer. After winning his recent bout against Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico, Pacquiao and Ranillo have become tabloid fodder. Do you think these photos of Manny Pacquiao and Krista Ranillo in Baguio will taint Pacman's Sarangani congressional plans? One more photo after the jump...

Nov202009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan band EEVEE bags Nescafe Soundskool 2009 top plum

Announcements, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Northern Mindanao, Radio, Society

Mindanaoan band EEVEE bagged the top prize in the recently concluded Nescafe 3in1 Soundskool 2009 finals held in Manila. EEVEE, which represented the Philippine Women's College of Davao City, bested 13 other groups from all over the Philippines. EEVEE received P250,000.00 cash, an exclusive recording contract with Sony Music Philippines and their school, PWC, will receive P100,000.00 worth of music equipment. A few days before the grand finals, EEVEE and the 12 other bands underwent workshops in Boracay. They were all briefed on the ins and outs of the Philippine music industry, coached on songwriting techniques and performance styles. EEVEE is composed of Enzo Villegas, Paolo Raymundo Segura, Craig Neniel and Jerick Adrian Sy. Mindanaoan had the chance to meet these talented ...

Nov182009 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Batchoy at Tita Annie’s Victoria Plaza Davao City Mindanao – fail!

Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update

Upon my mom's prodding, we decided to eat at Tita Annie's at Victoria Plaza, Bajada, Davao City in a recent trip to my hometown Davao. I was craving for batchoy at that time so I ordered the Tita Annie's special batchoy. Batchoy is basically comprised of sweet meat broth, slices of meat and pork innards, spring onions, garlic and other taste enhancers plus fresh noodles. Batchoy is usually topped off with crushed pork cracklings (chicharon). So you can just imagine my dismay when this was served to me: Not only did it taste bland, I particularly didn't like the fact that the chicharon wasn't crushed. Instead of being extra toppings, the pork skin cracklings looked as if they were "part" of the meal itself. Ayayay. Meal wasn't worth it. That was a disappointment. What abo...

Nov182009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoans in Starstruck V Top 60

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, General Santos City, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani

I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of Starstruck, GMA 7's reality artista-based search. In fact, I haven't watched a single episode of this reality TV show in its entirety but I am familiar with some of its alumni - Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, LJ Reyes and Katrina Halili. Things may change soon, though, since I just learned that there are several Mindanaoans in the top 60 of Starstruck's latest season, Starstruck V. Check out the names in bold below: Adam Santos Hussein, 22, Pasig City Edward Benosa, 19, Quezon City Shereef Ibrahim, 19, Quezon City John Paul Joseph Cadayona, 20, Las Pinas April Ian Jamin, 19, Cebu City Jacob Sales, 19, Bacolod City William Zarib Papageorghiou, 18, Marikina City Aldous Erwin Santiago, Bulacan Luis Hontiveros, 17, Marikina City Jetrix Pasaman...

Nov172009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

RC Cola strengthens presence in Mindanao, P1 Billion to be allotted for new bottling facility

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Davao City, General Santos City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

The licensed bottler of RC Cola in the Philippines is allotting P1 Billion for the establishment of a new bottling facility here in Mindanao. Asiawide Refreshments Corporation's new state-of-the-art bottling facility is set to address the softdrink markets especially in the Davao and General Santos regions. The new RC Cola bottling facility will be put up in Davao City, Mindanao and will hopefully be operational by the first quarter of 2010. Of course, this does not only mean additional jobs for the people in Mindanao but this also shows the confidence of business owners and capitalists on the potential of Mindanao. Mabuhay Mindanao! :) Speaking of RC Cola, here's a video of new RC Cola endorsers Maja Salvador and Kim Bum (Korean actor in the hugely popular "Boys Over Flowers" ...

Nov172009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Zest Air back to serving Zamboanga to Sandakan Malaysia route

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Flights, Mindanaoan Artists, Tourism, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Zest Air, formerly Asian Spirit, is now back to serving the Zamboanga-Sandakan route. This is definitely good news for travelers who want a faster way to reach Sandakan, Malaysia...and hopefully a way to discourage people from using the back border. The Zamboanga-Sandakan route is in consonance with the continuing confidence in the potentials of trade, tourism and investment in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Zest Air is now plying the said route three times a week. Check out the photo of the 56-seater MA60 modern ark aircraft below: This Zamboanga to Sandakan, Malaysia route is, I believe, Zest Air's first international flight here in Mindanao. The airline company currently serves flights to Hongkong and soon in Japan, Inch...

Nov152009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

AdZU Concert Band marks 77 years with STINT, to hold concert in Davao and CDO

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University Concert Band will mark its 77th anniversary with a ground-breaking tour of Mindanao. “This concert tour is in celebration of the Sesquicentennial (150 years) of the return of the Jesuits to the Philippines,” said band director Apolonio “Poli” G. Enriquez. “This is also in celebration of 100 years of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University from 1912-2012.” The band concert dubbed "Stint" will play at Xavier University on November 24th, (Tuesday) with a 3.00 PM Matinee and 7.00 PM Gala performance. This will be followed by a similar performance at the Rodelsa Hall of the Liceo de Cagayan University on the 25th, Wednesday, 7.30 PM. Tickets are available from P 30 to P 150 at XU and at P 100 (for students) and P 200 (for non-students) at Liceo. Fr. To...

Nov152009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanao job alert: Nestle needs an area nutrition manager

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Caraga, Compostela Valley, Cotabato, Davao City, Dipolog, General Santos City, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

JOB OPENING IN MINDANAO - Mindanaoan is back to posting job openings in Mindanao. I know a lot of you out there have been sending me reminders through my contact form (thank you!) to post more job opportunities and I pledge to post more in the next few days. For now, I would like to share this Mindanao job alert. If you think you or someone you know is qualified for this job, then go ahead and submit your application right away. Nestle Philippines is in need of an area nutrition manager. The manager will do the rounds in North Luzon and Mindanao. Qualifications: graduate of a 4-year science/medical related course, above average interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, proficiency with Windows programs, driving skills and excellent analytical, entrepreneurial and negot...

Nov152009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao defeats Miguel Cotto, grabs welterweight boxing crown!

Events, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, Sports

Fellow Mindanaoan and the world's best pound for pound boxing champ Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has defeated Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto just a few minutes ago. Pacquiao won against Cotto on the 12th round via TKO. The boxing referee had to stop the fight with only 55 seconds remaining in the 12th round. Filipino boxing champ Pacquiao, who now has 7 boxing titles, has successfully grabbed the World Boxing Organization welterweight boxing title. The Pacquiao versus Cotto fight took place Saturday night at MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. During the fight, Cotto was knocked down twice and his ears, nose and most of his face got bloodied. Congratulations Manny Pacquiao! The world, especially the Philippines, is truly proud of you!

Nov122009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sarangani Province Munato Festival 2009 is a go!

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Tourism, Travel

Everything seems to be up and ready for the much-awaited Munato Festival 2009 in the Province of Sarangani, Mindanao. The festivities will begin on November 23 although the bigger events will really start by the 25th. Munato Festival in Sarangani is one of the much-awaited events in that area of Mindanao. Check out the schedule below. Thanks to Miss Michelle Solon, wife of Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Solon, for the information. Congratulations are also in order to my classmate Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez and to the rest of his staff!

Nov112009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mining company in Mindanao hires APO Hiking Society’s Danny Javier

Advocacy, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Weird

Yes, you read that right. A mining company operating in the Municipality of Tampakan has hired Danny Javier of the popular group APO Hiking Society. Javier is now a "strategist" for Sagittarius Mines, Inc., a gold and copper mine. As a "strategist," Javier is reportedly supposed to help SMI develop a "better image." It can be recalled that the said mining company, which has business interests in three large areas in Mindanao namely South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur, has and still is facing strong opposition especially from the Church. A lot of non government organizations which advocate environmental sustainability have also expressed their opposition against the operation of Sagittarius Mines. What makes this development noteworthy is that Danny Javier of APO Hiki...

Nov102009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

PAGCOR Davao – Casino Filipino Davao City – What to expect and what to do (Part 2)

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism

This is part 2 of my Casino Filipino Davao City - What to expect and what to do blog post series. Like I previously mentioned, Mindanaoan thought of writing this series because I know that there are still a lot of Pinoys out there who shun from casinos and betting stations. I DO NOT, however, advocate gambling. I just want to share with you all how life is inside a 24/7 casino, what you can see in PAGCOR Davao, what you can do in a Casino Filipino branch and how you can avail of freebies be they be food, bets, chips, tokens, concert tickets etc. So are you now curious about what’s going on inside this 24-hour casino in Davao City, Mindanao? Now that you already have your Casino Filipino Privilege Card, the next step would be to check out the various areas inside this casino. You can ...

Nov102009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Zubiri and Acosta, enemies yesterday, friends today and tomorrow?

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Weird

Ang politics nga naman! Mindanaoan was a bit shocked - nay, very, very shocked - when I found out that last-termer Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. and political archrival JR Nereus "Neric" Acosta MAY soon sing sweet music together. This, after Zubiri is reportedly eyeing a "transfer" to the Liberal Party from LAKAS-CMD-KAMPI. Acosta will run for Senator under the LP. What's so interesting about this is that these former political allies have burned a lot of bridges over the years and have become bitter political enemies. Zubiri has accused Acosta of graft and corruption. Acosta, on the other hand, tried to run for Bukidnon governor in the last elections but lost to Zubiri by a very large margin. From mudslinging to accusations of one trying to kill the other to one trying to discredi...

Nov62009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan, do you want to go to school — ABROAD?

Announcements, Campus, Davao City, Education, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal

One of the things I used to dream about when I was younger was to attend school abroad. I took my IELTS exam (I passed) and did research. I remember I already had a shortlist of the schools that I wanted to attend. However, times were tough, money was scarce. And the LIFE kicked in. My dream remains to be a dream. Still, I'm not losing hope. One of these days, I'll attend at least a crash course on communications, new media or public relations. Good thing there are better opportunities now plus there are more scholarships available. If you're like me and you have this dream of attending school abroad, why don't you attend this event in Davao City on November 18, 2009 from 5 to 9PM? Admission is FREE and you can also register online. Various representatives from schools in Australi...

Nov62009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Manny Pacquiao back on the cover of TIME magazine

Controversial, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, Sports

Fellow Mindanaoan and world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao is back on the cover of TIME magazine. An article about his rise, fame and everything else in between can also be found in this most recent TIME magazine article about this Filipino boxer and the best pound for pound boxer so far. Check out wifey Jinkee's name on his arm! :) Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is set to face Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto on November 14, 2009 at MGM Las Vegas, Nevada. If he wins, this will be Manny's 7th worth title in different weight classes. Which reminds me...where will you watch this Pacquiao vs Cotto fight? Just in case you missed the Pacman's guesting on the late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, check this out.

Nov52009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PAGCOR Davao – Casino Filipino Davao City – What to expect and what to do (Part 1)

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism

Have you ever been to PAGCOR Davao? Curious about what's going on inside this 24-hour casino in Davao City, Mindanao? If you haven't yet, then allow this little write-up series to be your friendly, handy little guide of sorts to Casino Filipino Davao. Mindanaoan thought of writing this series because I know that there are still a lot of Pinoys out there who shun from casinos and betting stations. I am, however, in no means advocating gambling. I just want to share with you all how life is inside a casino, what you can see in PAGCOR Davao, what you can do in a Casino Filipino branch and how you can avail of freebies be they be food, bets, chips, tokens, concert tickets etc. First of all, a little backgrounder. PAGCOR or the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation operates 13 PAGC...

Nov52009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Write about your Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3 experience and win a NOKIA phone

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Events, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao

Were you one of the participants of the recently concluded Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3? If yes, then here's your chance of winning a spanking brand new Nokia 6730 cellphone! The CDOBloggers, Inc. the organizing group of the recently held MBS3 event, is holding a blogging contest. Blog about your experience in the 3rd Mindanao Bloggers Summit in Cagayan de Oro City and get a chance to win a Nokia 6730 cellphone. To qualify, mention the following sponsors: (don’t forget to link the sponsors or make the links of the following sponsors active!) Asterisk Event and Communications – asteriskeventsandcommunications.com Nokia OVI – www.ovi.com Smart Communication – smart.com.ph Make Your Own Havaianas – spruce.ph 1st Rafting Adventures – www.raftingadventurephilippines.com UltraCraft – ...

Nov42009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Broadcasting, Entertainment, Features, General Santos City, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, Technology, Videos

Our Pambansang Kamao, world boxing champ Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, recently guested over at Jimmy Kimmel Live! Jimmy Kimmel Live! is a late night talk show aired over at ABC in the U.S. and hosted by...who else...funny man Jimmy Kimmel himself. I was able to watch Manny Pacquiao's interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! via a video sent to me by a friend in the U.S. If you want to check out the transcription I made, check out my Twitter account for my blow-by-blow account :) In my opinion, Filipino boxing champ Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao had a good time --- in fact, he never stopped smiling and laughing all throughout the interview! Pacman also shared fun statements during the interview. He said things like he has a dog named Pacman, his superhero character "Wapakman" has a lot of superpowers, t...

Nov42009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao region soon to be a lobster production area?

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, News

A PNA article caught my attention today. It said that an American feeds supplier is eyeing lobster production in the Davao region here in Mindanao! A certain Denzil Nicholson of Verdant Ocean, an aquaculture feeds company, said that they're keen on the possibility of producing lobsters in Davao. "The region is a good area for development. It is one of the most viable industries as lobster stocks are on the decline," Nicholson was quoted as saying. Did you notice the tricky part? He said "lobster stocks are on the decline." I wonder if the proposed lobster production process would involve "synthetic" procedures or would the entire thing adopt natural means? Nicholson was part of the US-Philippines Agribusiness Trade and Investment Mission. The group visited the 60-hectare maricu...

Nov42009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Davao Crocodile Park – another must-visit place in Mindanao

Davao City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Reviews, Tourism

Visiting Davao City, Mindanao soon? My mom, some of her students and I were in my hometown Davao City a few days ago and we visited the Davao Crocodile Park. Located at Riverfront Corporate City, Diversion Road, Ma-a, this popular Davao City tourist spot is a must-visit place in Mindanao. Owned by fellow Dabawenyo Sonny Dizon, Davao Crocodile Park also houses other exotic animals such as bats, monkeys, tigers (yep!), bearcats (super cute!), ostriches, snakes (I stayed as far as possible from the pythons! LOL) and some reptiles. Of course, the crocodiles are the "stars" of the park. There are saltwater and fresh water crocodiles there and then there's Pangil - one very huge (and angry looking, I must say) crocodile. Entrance fee to the Davao Crocodile Park is P100.00 (adults). For c...

Nov32009 by Mindanaoan Irene51 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone in Bukidnon – longest zipline in Asia

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

Bukidnon, Mindanao no longer means just pineapples, cool climate and lush greenery. It's now home to the longest zipline in Asia - Dahilayan Adventure Park's Zipzone! I know that Mindanaoan has featured this piece of news way back in September but ZipZone offers new and exciting adventure that it deserves to be continually promoted, yes? Besides, two of my friends got featured on the front page of Inquirer because of this new Mindanao tourist destination! Say hello to my fellow thrill seekers Moi and Des: (photo courtesy of Inquirer/Cai Panlilio) Located at the verdant Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon (an hour’s drive away from nearby Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao), Asia’s longest Dual Cable Zipline is now open for business. Check out the rates below: (do...