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

Mar152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Job in Davao City alert – Davao Doctors College needs an auditor

Advocacy, Announcements, Davao City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

Are you a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)? Are you in need of an auditor job in Davao City, Mindanao? This job opening in Davao Doctors College may just interest you. Davao Doctors College is in need of an internal auditor, preferably a CPA or a CIA. They also prefer applicants who have working experience in internal and/or external audit for at least one year. Interested applicants must also have excellent communication skills (both oral and written), have professional integrity and possess leadership skills. You can submit your application letter and comprehensive resume with 2x2 ID picture to: The Human Resource Department Davao Doctors College General Malvar Street, Davao City For inquiries, please call (082) 2220850 local 105 Go...

Mar142009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

So this is how it feels when Piolo Pascual greets you

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Personal, Personalities, Videos

I must admit, I'm kilig to the bones. Although I know by heart every single word Piolo Pascual said in this video greeting that he did (I should because I wrote the words LOL), I still cannot help but feel giddy. Piolo is Piolo! And he has always been very nice to me...so I have nothing but respect and admiration for the man. The last time I spoke to him was when I watched the ASAP show live at ABS-CBN Manila late last year. And I tell you, he really is one charmer! :D Check out the video greeting he did for his "fellow Bukidnons" (he, along with "Love Me Again - Land Down Under" co-star Angel Locsin, is an adopted child of the Province of Bukidnon) in time for the Kaamulan 2009. Piolo's looking dapper in that video, don't you think? Thank you very much to Miss Mariole and Miss Lulu ...

Mar122009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Araw ng Dabaw festivities now available

Announcements, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update

Finally! The Araw ng Dabaw 2009 festivities can now be found over at the Official Website of the Araw ng Dabaw Festival. You have to take note, though, that there may be last minute changes in the Araw ng Dabaw 2009 schedule so make sure to keep your eyes peeled. I think the major crowd drawers will be the Mutya ng Dabaw pageant as well as the concerts. I just scanned the schedule of activities and I already spotted two major acts - Hale and Slapshock will have shows during the Araw ng Dabaw festival. Will any of you join the Araw ng Dabaw 2009 festivities?

Mar122009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

After Villar and Teodoro, Bukidnon’s Zubiri is now endorsing Loren Legarda

Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Headline, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personalities

I cannot help but wonder what's going on Bukidnon Governor Jose Zubiri, Jr.'s mind right now. Isn't he supposed to be a LAKAS-CMD member? What's he doing endorsing NPC member Senator Loren Legarda as "the next President" of the country? Zubiri publicly called Legarda "the next Philippine President" and "President Legarda" during the female senator's recent visit to the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. Legarda served as the guest of honor during the 92nd Foundation Day (Aldaw Ta Bukidnon) of the Province of Bukidnon last March 10, 2009. Before thousands of people, the Bukidnon governor and father of current Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri called on his constituents to support Legarda. Zubiri's statement has raised a lot of questions. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? Photo courtesy of ...

Mar82009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Rachelle Ann Go Live in SM Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Music

To boost promotions for her new CD, singer Rachelle Ann Go will hold a mall show at SM Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao on March 14, 2009. Rachelle Ann Go's show will start at 5 PM at the Atrium of SM Cagayan de Oro City (first floor, near the main entrance of the said mall). SM Cagayan de Oro is located along Masterson Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City. Rachelle Ann Go's new album is dubbed "Falling In Love." Everyone is invited to watch the show. You can also buy copies of Rachelle's new CD at the venue.

Mar52009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Jam 2009 in Bukidnon, Mindanao Grand Finals photos

Announcements, Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

The photos are out! I'd like to share with you some of the photos I took during the grand finals of the Kaamulan Jam 2009 Lock and Load Battle of the Bands which was held last February 28, 2009 at the Capitol Stage, Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The finals night was a successful one - hundreds of people came despite the rain and very chilly weather. A total of five bands performed that night (elimination nights were held from Monday to Friday that week and the winning band had the chance to compete in the finals) and the band called "The Jam" nabbed the top prize of P25,000 cash. By the way, apart from being one of the official photographers of the event, I (well, technically, the agency I own and manage) was also a sponsor and part of the coordinating committee :) C...

Mar42009 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: Tia’s Beach Resort Camiguin Island Mindanao budget hotel

Camiguin, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Summer is drawing near and I'm pretty sure that most, if not all, of you are thinking of places to go to during those hot summer days. And with airlines now offering more flights to and fro Camiguin Island, Mindanao, I'm sure many of you are considering the place dubbed as the "Island Born of Fire" as one of your summer destinations in the Philippines. Tia's Beach Resort in the Island of Camiguin, Northern Mindanao, Philippines can be considered a good place to stay especially if you're on a budget. The last time my mother, brothers and I stayed there was last year during the Holy Week. We planned to go to Camiguin at the last minute so practically most of the hotels and inns were already fully booked. Good thing my brother remembered Tia's Beach Resort and how he and his friends like...

Mar32009 by Mindanaoan Irene16 Comments

How long before you get your SSS ID – three months!

Business, Commentary, Consumer, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology

Well, in my case, at least. After a little over three months, I finally received it. I received my Social Security System (SSS) ID in the mail today. My SS card was sent via registered mail and interestingly, the "generic" letter that came with it (which was signed by current SSS Chairman Romulo Neri) was dated February 3, 2009 but the envelope was postmarked February 19, 2009. So I'm thinking the SSS has one really very slow mailing process. Anyways, this post on how long before you get your SSS ID comes three months after my entry on how to get your SSS ID card. In that post, I mentioned that the data capture operator told me that it might take more than two months before my SSS digital ID is sent via registered mail. Well, what do you know? She was right! Not only did it take more th...

Mar22009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2009 Ethnic Street Dancing competition to have 7 contingents

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel

I learned from the Kaamulan Festival 2009 Chief Coordinator today that a total of seven (7) contingents will compete during the Kaamulan Ethnic Street Dancing competition this Saturday, March 7, 2009. The contingents will represent the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the municipalities of Cabanglasan, Kalilangan, San Fernando, Malitbog and Quezon. I must admit, I was a little bit disappointed with the news. Out of 20 municipalities in Bukidnon and 2 full pledged cities and only 7 will vie for this year's much-awaited event! However, the Kaamulan overall coordinator said that in recent years, the provincial government of Bukidnon has imposed a couple of changes in the way they handle the yearly festival --- and the cutting down of budgets for official streetdancing competitors is o...

Mar12009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Exactly who in Lanao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Caraga received the P2.7M worth of checks?

Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Commentary, Controversial, Davao City, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Opinion

This is exactly why I sometimes dislike writing news articles based on press releases or announcements (especially those from government entities.) You really don't get the minute details, you know that most of the time these PRs are just to "beautify" the government's image and if you really need to get to the bottom of things, you have to exert effort and really research. Unfortunately for journalists like me, however, there really are days when you don't have any other choice but to stick to the PR or media statement and hope that your article comes out fair, balanced and factual. I read a rather interesting article today."Displaced OFWs from Mindanao get P2.7M gift from Arroyo" - GMANews The article claimed that President Gloria Arroyo handed out a total of 33 checks worth P2.7 m...

Feb272009 by Mindanaoan Irene11 Comments

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is hiring! (or so they say)

Advocacy, Agusan del Norte, Announcements, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Jobs, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, Pagadian, South Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula

Forgive the hint of doubt but let's face it - we're in the midst of global economic turbulence and we know just how many have lost their jobs. While it's true President Gloria Arroyo announced that the government is doing its best to offer "temporary jobs" to workers who recently got laid off (not sure if this so-called program has even started yet or is merely press release), her office did also say that they're offering loan packages to former OFWs from Taiwan and other countries - but we hear of a ton of complaints from these former OFWs. They claim that after going to and fro government agencies and submitting all pertinent documents, a lot of them have yet to receive a single cent. Hence, until I see solid proof that the government did hire thousands of workers albeit on a temporary b...

Feb272009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Angela Batumbakal finally sends a reply and yes, she needs money

Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal

This post is related to an earlier entry about this girl who sent me an email and claimed that she has photos of award-winning Filipino actor Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana. The email sender calls herself "Angela Batumbakal." And since I was intrigued by her email, I sent her a brief reply asking, "and I suppose you're asking for money?" (Well, truth be told, I knew from the get-go that she needed money in exchange for these photos of former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity contestant Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana but admittedly, I was curious and a bit baffled as to how people can go through such lengths just to earn that quick buck) Today, I checked my email and I finally received a short confirmation from "Angela Batumbakal": "ofcourse in exchange for d pictur...

Feb262009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Full statement of former Bukidnon congressman Neric Acosta on graft charges filed against him

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities

Yesterday, February 25, 2009, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez ordered the filing of graft charges against former Bukidnon First District Congressman Neric Acosta, his mother former Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon mayor Socorro Acosta and his aunt Nemia Bornidor (member of the Board of Trustees of the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries, Inc. and JR Nereus Acosta's aunt). The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Fr. Venancio Balansag Jr., Fr. Wilredo Torayno, Vicente N. Abrogueña (now deceased), and Felix Vergara, Jr. representing the Bukidnon Crusade Against Graft and Corruption. The BCAGC alleged that on January 9, 2001, the former Bukidnon congressman and Yale World Fellow and then Mayor Amado Noble of Talakag, Bukidnon executed a Memorandum of Agreement providing for the appropr...

Feb252009 by Mindanaoan Irene27 Comments

Duty Free Philippines Davao is in need of cashiers, POS specialists

Davao City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

In need of a job? Here's good news for job hunters! Duty Free Philippines - Davao is in need of a POS specialist and cashiers. According to their job announcement, these job openings are urgent requirements so if you think you have the skills and qualifications, read on and send in your applications ASAP. Please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE TO MINDANAOAN as your way of thanking me for posting this Davao City job opening ha? ;) Please also leave a comment. Salamat!

Feb252009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana – caught on camera?

Controversial, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal

I received a rather weird (yet interesting, I must admit) offer via email yesterday. A girl who introduced herself as a certain "Angela Batumbakal" claimed that she has photos of "Jay" indie film lead actor Baron Geisler and another woman (unnamed) smoking marijuana. I found her email "interesting" only because I realize the lengths people go through just so they can either destroy a person or earn that quick buck. This "Angela Batumbakal" wrote: i have 5 clear pictures of baron geisler and a woman smoking marijuana.i found a memory card at an internet cafe and then i opened it and saw baron's pictures on it.if u are interested to have these pictures,u can send me an email.09099758776 [[email protected]] I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who received her so-called "offer," wh...

Feb232009 by Mindanaoan Irene26 Comments

Pinoy Big Brother Season 3 audition schedules and venues

Announcements, Broadcasting, Butuan, Entertainment, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Music

For all of you Mindanaoans who want to try their luck in the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house, then check out the schedule of auditions for BOTH the Pinoy Big Brother Season 3 housemates and Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition. Mark your calendars! April 24 - Butuan City, Mindanao - Father Saturnino Urios University Gym April 26 - General Santos City - Barangay Lagao Gym, General Santos City Now for those in Luzon and Visayas, here are the schedules and venues for the auditions in your areas: February 27 - Manila - PDA concert hall (Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon city) March 1 - Batangas - Lipa City Colleges (beside St. Sebastian Cathedral) March 6 - Laoag (Ilocos) - Centennial Arena March 8 - Pampanga - Holy Angel University, Angeles City March 20 - Tarlac City - Tarlac State University A...

Feb222009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Quick updates: Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Commentary, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal

So today, Sunday, February 22, 2009, is the fifth day since the "soft opening" of the Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration here in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. I'm here because my team and I (meaning my very helpful brothers and I) are in-charge of some Kaamulan 2009 events. We regularly have a lot of responsibilities every Kaamulan time and it's something that we just love to do. There's a different kind of rush whenever you're part of something grand and looked forward to by many. Plus of course it's an honor to be a part of such a huge festival (not to mention the widely recognized only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines!) There are now hundreds of booths at the Capitol Grounds here in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. All of these booths, by the way, are only made ...

Feb202009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Survivor Philippines Season 2 to hold auditions in Davao City Mindanao

Announcements, Broadcasting, Davao City, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Society

If you want to be the next Pinoy sole survivor in the second season of Survivor Philippines and you're from Mindanao, well, head on down to Davao City, Mindanao and join the auditions! Who knows, you could just be the next winner of Survivor Philippines Season Two! So far, the only auditions for Survivor Philippines Season 2 here in Mindanao will be at SM Davao on March 18 and 19, 2009. Organizers of Survivor Philippines say that you don't need any documents - just bring your personality and a pen (so that you can fill up the registration form) and count your lucky stars. By the way, you can now download your registration form at the Official Survivor Philippines website. Good luck, Mindanaoan!

Feb192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Have YOU registered yet?

Advocacy, Announcements, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personal

Are you Filipino? (It doesn't matter whether you're Mindanaoan - taga Mindanao - or from Luzon or Visayas) Are you at least eighteen (18) years of age and a resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year? Then you might just be qualified to vote in the upcoming May 2010 elections! Also, if you have lived in a certain place in the Philippines for at least 6 months prior to the elections, then you are qualified to vote. PLEASE, PLEASE EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO SUFFRAGE! If you haven't registered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) yet, then please visit the nearest election office in your area. A registration form just like THIS ONE will be needed. If you're a first time vote, you are required to PERSONALLY APPEAR before the election officer in your area. You will be re...

Feb182009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Online has a new look – check it out ;)

Bukidnon, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Are you from Bukidnon? Or were you born in Bukidnon but you're now living in a different place? Or do you wish to learn more about the latest in Bukidnon - Bukidnon news, updates, features, photos, events etc? Bukidnon Online might just be the website you're looking for! A little over a year old, Bukidnon Online now sports a different look. Now made with Wordpress, this website about Bukidnon aims to showcase the province's rich culture, various tourist spots, fun-filled events and amazing people. Bukidnon Online will also feature exclusive photos, interviews, profiles of Bukidnon personalities etc. Considered the food basket of Mindanao, Bukidnon is also the home of the only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines - the Kaamulan Festival. Do check out the spanking bra...

Feb152009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Are you a Havaianas fan? Write and join Isla Havaianatico in Samal, Davao, Mindanao

Davao City, Events, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update

Listen up, all you Havaianas fans! There's a day-long treat in store for all of you in a Havaianas Beach Resort and Spa somewhere in Samal (or should I say Island Garden City of Samal - IGaCOS) Davao City, Mindanao...but only if you write a one-page essay stating why you love your Havaianas. You must email that essay along with three creative photos of you wearing your Havaianas pair/s to [email protected] and if you're lucky, you get to spend a whole day Havaianas adventure in Samal on March 21, 2009 (Saturday). Deadline for submission of entries is on March 14, 2009. By the way, winners, their friends and VIP media guests will be grouped into teams during the island event and the champion team will receive P20,000.00 cash. Exclusive Havaianas items will also be given away as mi...

Feb152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Healing priest Rev. Fernando Suarez to visit Butuan City, Mindanao on February 17-18, 2009

Announcements, Butuan, Mindanaoan Update, News, Religion, Society

Filipino healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez will be in Mindanao next week for both public and private healing sessions. Father Fernando, a member of the Companions of the Cross Healing Ministry, will be in Butuan City, Mindanao on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. An open-to-the-public healing session will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Urios University Gymnasium in Butuan. Organizers say that the healing session will be open to anybody who needs prayer, guidance and healing. A mass will also take place after the healing session, which will take place in the afternoon of February 18. Fr. Suarez's much-awaited visit is sponsored by the Butuan City Government in coordination with the Office of Butuan City Rep. Jose Aquino III. Born in Taal, Batangas, Fr. Fernando Suarez has b...