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

May72009 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Davao Golden Pomelo, Inc. is hiring

Announcements, Davao City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

DAVAO CITY, MINDANAO - Davao Golden Pomelo, Inc. is in need of additional staff members. Currently, they need an accounting manager/accounting head as well as an accounting staff member. For the accounting head position, they need someone single, between 21 and 35 years of age. Can either be male or female. Has a degree in Accountancy, is computer literate and is highly organized and systematic. You should also be good in oral and written communications and has had experience as an accounting manager/supervisor. For the accounting staff position, on the other hand, applicants can either be male or female, 21 to 30 years of age. Has a degree in Accountancy or Management Accounting. Applicants should also be computer literate and systematic. If you're interested to apply, submit your r...

May42009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao growth threatened by power shortage

Advocacy, Announcements, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero said over the weekend that the growth of Mindanao may be stunted unless investments in the power sector start pouring in. “Mindanao is where a fourth of the country’s population lives. Unless we take steps to ensure sufficient power on the island by creating a conducive environment for investments, we as a nation will be headed for a crisis,” Escudero said. He called for the immediate privatization of the government’s power generation and distribution assets in the region and to allow free market forces to determine costs rather than keeping power rates artificially low supposedly to attract industries. He said investments in Mindanao’s power sector are unlikely if power pricing problems remain unsettled Despite a recent increase to P2.8177 per kil...

Apr302009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PLDT, SMART pledges more support for gov’t manpower dev’t initiatives

Advocacy, Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News

Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of PLDT and SMART, together with Napoleon L. Nazareno, President and CEO of PLDT and SMART, met with Labor Secretary Marianito D. Roque recently to discuss how the telecommunications giant and the nation’s leading wireless services provider could enhance the efforts spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), particularly in the areas of job creation, manpower development, job placement and skills matching. For several years, PLDT and SMART have supported government initiatives by promoting and offering job and livelihood opportunities through various programs like the SMART Entrepreneurial Program, the DBP I-net Negosyo for Overseas Filipino Workers and their beneficiaries, several microfinance programs in the countryside, a series of ...

Apr302009 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Davao to Cagayan de Oro direct flights launched

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Well, after years of waiting for another airline to launch Davao to Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan de Oro to Davao direct flights (the last airline that offered this was Mindanao Air - if memory serves me right - I was able to fly twice), the wait is finally over. Cebu Pacific Airlines has launched a direct thrice-weekly service from Davao to Cagayan de Oro starting May 14, 2009. And here's pretty tempting news for those who want to try this new route --- Cebu Pacific is introducing this Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City, Cagayan de Oro City to Davao City route with a one-way ‘Go Lite’ promo fare of P499 all-in. The seat sale will run from today to April 30, 2009 and is valid for travel from June 1 to August 31, 2009. Promo fare is non-refundable. The flight departs from Davao every Tuesday...

Apr282009 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Made in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao: Energy Plus bar

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update

I discovered something pretty interesting lately. Well, a product made in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, to be exact. It's an energy bar - an all natural, high protein, high fiber and high carbohydrates bar that promises to help you replenish lost energy. "Reload in a bar" - the product says. I'm a huge fan of muesli bars and I also make it a point to visit cereal joints whenever I'm in Manila (which reminds me...when will a similar all-cereal food joint ever open here in Mindanao?) so to find a similar product made here in Mindanao is interesting to me. This Cagayan de Oro Mindanao product is called Energy Plus (Trail Mix Bar) and of course, the picture used for the product label is that of a group of friends going on a white water rafting trip (CDO is known for its white water r...

Apr282009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Tuesday Vargas and her tattoos (pix inside)

Arts, Beauty, Bukidnon, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

Talented comedian, singer and actress Tuesday Vargas may be known for her hit single "Babae Po Ako" but there's another thing that she's pretty famous for --- her artsy, beautiful and pretty interesting tattoos. For those who still don't know, Tuesday also performs in a band so her tattoos (found on her back) can really add to her "visual" appeal especially on stage. Check out some of the photos I took of Tuesday Vargas and her tattoos: (I took these photos after the Talk 'N Text Gaaniversary activity in Valencia City, Bukidnon Oval last Saturday, April 25, 2009...she performed alongside funny man Vhong Navarro and Rufa Mae Quinto...I served as one of the official photographers of the event, thanks to Talk 'N Text and SMART of course :))

Apr282009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s April 27, 2009 privilege speech (full text)

Advocacy, Announcements, Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities

If you're as baffled yet curious as I am with all this Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson versus Senator Manuel "Manny" Villar "ethics war," then you might want to give this a read. Here's the full text of Senator Ping's privilege speech yesterday, April 27, 2009, delivered before his fellow legislators. (Privilege Speech) By Hon. Panfilo M. Lacson Senator April 27, 2008 This will be a short privilege speech. At the outset I would like to thank the minority leader for yielding the floor to this representation and likewise to the lady senator from Antique. Mr. President, I stand on a matter of personal and collective privilege. Last Monday, 20 April 2009, this representation took the floor to clarify certain misleading statements made by some of our colleagues at the minority bloc in ...

Apr232009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary in Valencia City, Bukidnon this April 25, 2009

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON - In commemoration of Talk 'N Text's 9th anniversary, the said prepaid GSM service, considered the Philippines' second largest, will bring its "Gaaniversary" activities to Valencia City, Bukidnon, Mindanao. “We are happy to bring the Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary celebration to Valencia City, and we are excited to continue contributing to the vibrancy of this area,” said Steve Alcoseba, SMART head for sales in the Visayas and Mindanao. The Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary activity is a yearly series of merrymaking held in different places in the country to let hardworking Filipinos and their families take a break and have fun together. This year’s series, dubbed “Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary: Ikaw ang Bida”, kicked off last March 28, 2009 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. ...

Apr232009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Over Workshop in Davao City

Announcements, Beauty, Consumer, Davao City, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Style

Attention ladies! Especially those who are mineral makeup aficionados like me! There will be a Jane Iredale Mineral make-over workshop in Davao City, Mindanao this weekend. Davao City store Chimes Specialty Store and Jane Iredale will sponsor this event, which will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2009. First Batch: 1:30pm - 3:30pm (30 participants only) and Second Batch: 4:00pm - 6:00pm (30 participants only) If you're interested to join this mineral make-up workshop, then call Renren at 09209511830 Chimes Specialty Store is located along Governor Sales Street, Davao City. Meanwhile, if you're interested to check out more Treats for Women and other things related to women, check out the Women Treats website. (MINDANAOAN.COM ANNOUNCEMENTS)

Apr222009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the Talk ‘N Text Idol search; Mindanao audition sked here

Announcements, Consumer, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Think you can carry a tune? Do you think you can wow any crowd? Do you think you have a colorful background --- one that could really catch the attention of many? What about winning a whopping P1 Million just by singing your heart out? Then join Talk 'N Text's Search for Talk 'N Text Idol! If you have an interesting story to share or if you have the "diskarte sa tipid-sulit," then you might just be the one that Talk N Text is looking for! There will be nationwide auditions for the Search for the Talk 'N Text Idol. Here are two places in Mindanao where you can audition: - April 25, 2009 (Saturday) Koronadal City, South Cotabato Rizal Park, Bonifacio Street - April 25, 2009 (Saturday) Ipil, Zamboanga Sibuguey Ipil Luis Ruiz Freedom Park Meanwhile, Talk 'N Text will also have ...

Apr212009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

RTMI bus bombed in Kabacan, North Cotabato…and I was just there 2 days ago!

Bukidnon, Controversial, Crime, Iligan City, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, South Cotabato

My, my...this really scared the wits out of me. Less than 24 hours after I posted this entry about my first ever trip to Koronadal City (where the Rural Transit Bus I took had a brief stop at Kabacan, North Cotabato), I found out that a Rural Transit bus with body number 2772 got bombed Monday afternoon. And I was just there...in the very same place...two days ago! An improvised bomb reportedly exploded inside the bus. A passenger, who allegedly boarded the vehicle in Bukidnon, left a bag at the back part of the vehicle. The bomb explosion left four people injured. Coincidentally, a bomb also exploded at a bridge in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao. The bridge has been declared "unsafe for passage." When will all these ever end?

Apr202009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: EMR Suites in Koronadal City, Mindanao

Cotabato, Hotels, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Reviews, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

My companions and I were billeted at EMR Suites in Koronadal City, Mindanao last week. We were in the land formerly called Marbel for a two-day gig at EMR Center, which was actually just a few steps away from EMR Suites. Two words to describe my 3-night stay? UBER COMFORTABLE. My room had a large queen sized bed (you may also opt for the room with two single beds), an airconditioning unit, a table large enough for you to place your laptop and a few work-related stuff on, a few stools (my room had three), a large flat screen TV, cable connection and space for your clothes. The bathroom, meanwhile, was clean (this is very important, of course). It had hot and cold shower. Water current was strong, which I liked. I was also provided with a towel, a roll of toilet paper and a small...

Apr152009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The power of luya, salabat and Pei Pa Koa

Advocacy, Commentary, Consumer, Features, Food, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Weird

So I'm up at 3 o'clock in the morning. I'm set to travel to Koronadal City, Mindanao in a few hours. Terribly excited to see another part of my beloved Island of Mindanao but a bit worried, too. Not about traveling to the place formerly called Marbel but because I lost my voice...literally! I caught nasty cough and colds a few days ago and now I'm paying for the consequence --- I currently have terribly hoarse voice. Two days ago was the worst. I could barely hear myself. I couldn't hear anything when I tried to utter a word! Enter my immediate remedies for this type of emergency --- luya (ginger), salabat (ginger ale) and the ever trusty Pei Pa Koa. Ever since I was a child, my mother always reminded us of the wonders of luya and salabat. And of course, mothers know best. Ginger ...

Apr102009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The presidentiables, senatoriables are now reaching out to Mindanao

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Society

The next Philippine national elections may still be a little over a year away from today but the various personalities believed to be among the "2010 senatoriables" and "2010 presidentiables" have started to make their presence felt here in Mindanao. Just a few days ago, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay paid Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao a visit. He was the guest of honor in an SK-related event, I think. However, sources told me that he also proceeded to the Province of Bukidnon to meet some political allies. Care to guess what they discussed? Senator Mar Roxas, on the other hand, has also been visible around Mindanao as of late. Touted as the Liberal Party's presidential bet, Senator Mar has been doing the rounds here as commencement exercises speaker. Same thing with the solon fro...

Apr92009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Warning: don’t bring sand from White Island, Camiguin

Advocacy, Announcements, Camiguin, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism, Travel

CAMIGUIN ISLAND, MINDANAO - The world-renowned White Island in the Province of Camiguin is undoubtedly one of the more famous tourist spots in this side of Mindanao. Thousands of local and foreign tourists flock to this beautiful island year after year. And because it's one of the more preferred tourist destinations in the Island of Camiguin, the local government is doing everything in its power to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the renowned White Island. The Camiguin government has also enforced a couple of rules and regulations that aim to protect and preserve White Island. One of these rules is that visitors are not allowed to bring sand from White Island. Check out the picture I took (the picture that appears in this post). There's a sign that says "Guinadili pagkuha s...

Apr82009 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Smart, Talk ‘N Text Mindanao exclusives

Advocacy, Announcements, Business, Consumer, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update

I'm sure that most, if not all, of you have noticed the various billboards, posters, tarps and radio ads about SMART and Talk 'N Text's Mindanao exclusives --- exclusive "unlimited texting" and "unlimited calls" promos meant only for Mindanao subscribers. I have yet to try this type of promo but I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble? You see, many of the people I know who've registered under these so-called Mindanao exclusives promos of SMART and Talk 'N Text have encountered several problems. For one, they claim that they no longer receive messages especially during night time even though the people who sent them those messages swore to the high heavens that they "successfully sent" those SMS notes. Still, these types of promos are very interesting and I would really like to try t...

Mar262009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Marco Polo Davao offers Holy Week Special for Dabawenyos

Announcements, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Marco Polo Davao has just announced their Holy Week special - and here's the good news for fellow Dabawenyos - this very special offer is exclusive only for us Davao City residents! Marco Polo Davao will only charge P2,888.00 for an overnight stay in a superior room. You will also get to enjoy the following benefits: Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for Two 50% off on Foot Reflexology Treatment and 20% discount on other services at Lazuli Spa 30% discount in all Food and Beverage outlets Two (2) extra pool passes with one month validity If you wish to upgrade your room to deluxe category, just add P500.00. Extra bed is also available at P500.00 net per night. This Marco Polo Davao City promo will be available from April 1 to 15, 2009. Again, please take note --- this offer is exc...

Mar242009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Attending my brother’s Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan graduation rites

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society

I attended a very special ceremony at the Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) last weekend. My youngest brother graduated from college last Saturday, March 21, 2009. Yay! I'm really very proud of him. He was one of the graduates who marched and received their diplomas in the afternoon (2nd batch). The afternoon batch was composed of graduates from the colleges of Agriculture, Law, Engineering, Graduate School etc. I haven't attended a graduation ceremony in years so I was a bit worried that it might take a lot of time (I remember my college graduation took about 4 hours!). Thankfully, the Ateneo de Cagayan graduation ceremonies that day started on time (3:30 pm) and ended roughly 2 hours and a half later. The graduation rites were orderly although I was a bit baffled as to...

Mar232009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Check this out: TennisGuru.net for tennis news, tennis views, features, stats and rankings

Advocacy, Announcements, Mindanaoan Update, Sports

Are you a tennis aficionado? Do you like being updated with the latest in tennis news, tennis features, profiles of tennis stars, statistics and rankings in the world of tennis? Have you been on the lookout for a blog that solely focuses on tennis and for the love of the sport? No need to look further as my brother, a very passionate follower of the said sport, brings you TennisGuru.net! My brother has been maintaining TennisGuru.net for about two months now and the blog has been enjoying immense traffic. No surprises there anymore especially since you can really see how dedicated my brother is on sharing the latest tennis news and views. So whatcha waiting for? Go check out TennisGuru.net and please help spread the word ;)

Mar172009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Is Senator Francis Chiz Escudero a datu?

Announcements, Arts, Culture, Davao City, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Society

Apparently he now is! The once spokesperson of former President Erap Estrada (the late Fernando Poe, Jr.) and now opposition senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was recently "adopted" as a Datu. Chiz Escudero is now also known as "Datu Matansub" (meaning approachable and wise). The adoption of Chiz as a datu was held last March 14, 2009 in Davao City, Mindanao during a meeting with tribal leaders. The meeting was held in line with the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for People and Development. Check out the photo provided to Mindanaoan by the Office of Senator Francis Escudero below. Photo by Bambam Luneta. BY THE WAY --- please --- if you have plans of reposting this entry or reusing this photo, please have the courtesy to cite the source. Thank you.

Mar162009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero crowns new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada

Announcements, Contests, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Style

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was one of the special guests during the coronation night of the Mutya ng Davao last March 14, 2009. Escudero, a frequent visitor of my hometown Davao City, was tasked to crown the new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 winner, Resa Angeli Rizada. The new Mutya ng Dabaw winner, by the way, is a nursing graduate of San Pedro College. Check out this photo of Sir Chiz along with Davao City Vice Mayor Sara "Inday Sara" Duterte and Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada. Also in the photo is Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Mary Jane Lastimosa (3rd from right) Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Francis Escudero. Photo by Bambam Luneta. The Mutya ng Dabaw pageant is part of the annual Araw ng Davao celebration.

Mar152009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Songs of Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City bands in ‘The “Thank You” Girls’ film

Advocacy, Arts, Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Music, News

I'm really pleased to know that the songs at least three Mindanawon bands were included in the soundtrack of the independent Visayan film "The 'Thank You' Girls." The bands I'm referring to are Gasulina (a band I had the chance to hire for a gig roughly two years ago...I already fell madly in love with their songs "The Pill" and "Fueled" then --- the very same songs that are included in the indie film), The Superflirts and fellow Atenistas, Lizardchips. I still haven't had the chance to view "The 'Thank You' Girls" movie (if I'm not mistaken, their last screening was at Robinson's Indiesine in Manila last January 2009) but I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on a DVD (original copy, don't worry! ;) ) Hopefully, though, there will be more screenings of this movie because I"...