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

Jan292009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

So I received a cool package recently…

Gifts, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities

Check out the contents of a package sent to me via courier recently. (Apologies for the poor quality of the photos as I only took them via my ever trusty Motorola Krzr phone.) Now...is this a sign of things to come? Is this something die hard supporters should be elated about? Or is this just a way for HIM to thank his friends, fans, foes (?) and supporters? You know...the year 2010 is a presidential election year and this early, we have heard of the many personalities who have made it clear that they have intentions of gunning for the top executive position in Philippine government. From Senator Manny Villar to Senator Mar Roxas to Senator Loren Legarda. Do you think HE will run? Do you think he will face Legarda in the quest to get the NPC Party's nod? And do you think he has...

Jan292009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cagayan de Oro outsourcing company needs marketing manager, accounting staff

Announcements, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

A Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao-based outsourcing company is in need of a marketing manager and an accounting staff member. Ace Preferred Business Options, Inc., an outsourcing company handling Human Resources such as recruitment and staffing, compensation and benefits administration, training and development as well as manpower services is in need of those personnel for their clients - a leading construction company and a resort developer. For the MARKETING MANAGER position, qualifications include: Male or female, not more than 35 years old Preferably with at least one year of working experience in the related field With at least two years experience in Managerial Capacity Graduate of a Marketing or any four-year business course from a reputable business school Above average neg...

Jan292009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Avail of the 50 percent discount on a DTI permit, Mindanaoan!

Advocacy, Announcements, Business, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

Got laid off? Have you been toying with the idea of launching a business? Want to concentrate on being self-employed this time around? Well, now's a great time to do it and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is doing its share of making that plan of yours easier on the pocket. According to a press release sent to me (Mindanaoan) by the Department of Trade and Industry, the DTI has reportedly slashed its business name registration and renewal fees to half. Yes, you read that right. A fifty percent discount on that much-needed DTI business permit. This, in accordance to a department order issued by DTI Secretary Peter Favila. Instead of the standard P300.00 fee for business name registration, DTI will now only collect P150.00 per business name registration and renewal transaction....

Jan282009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival 2009 to start by February 18, 2009

Bukidnon, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The much-awaited Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines is set to begin on February 18 and I myself cannot wait to join in the festivities! The Kaamulan Festival is the largest festival in Bukidnon and is largely renowned as the only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philipines. Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term for “gathering” for any purpose. It can also mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. I was furnished a tentative schedule of activities for this year's Kaamulan Festival celebration in the Province of Bukidnon by the Bukidnon Tourism Office and although I can say that there aren't that many changes from previous celebrations, there are still a lot of things ...

Jan282009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Are you willing to pay P6,000 to the Philippine government just so you can blog?

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Technology

Because this seems to be the case if ever a proposal dubbed "Guidelines on the Provision of Contents, Information, Applications and Electronic Games" lodged before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) pushes through. Now, how does this affect Mindanaoan bloggers or content providers here in the Philippines, you ask? This controversial proposal, when loosely translated, would mean that the Philippine government wants to require people to hold licenses in order to create or post content online. And, of course, there will be corresponding fees and charges. Under the proposal, a filing fee of P300.00 shall be imposed and an annual registration fee of P6,000.00. There will also reportedly be surcharges for late filings. While the proposal probably has commendable objectives and w...

Jan212009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Off to Cebu City! Visayas here I come!

Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

Mindanaoan is off to Cebu City tomorrow and will be back by Tuesday. However, I just got word that the hotel in Cebu where I'll stay in has WiFi access (hopefully it's free! *fingers crossed*) so I think I'll be able to post and entry or two while I'm in the Queen City of the South. My trip will be a combination of business and pleasure so I really hope to make the most of my time in Cebu City. While it's not my first time to travel to Cebu City, Visayas, it'll be my first time to take "better photos" (hopefully!) of the city's sights. It'll be my first time to take photos using my ever trusty Nokia DSLR, my first time since I got more engrossed with digital photography and my first time since the photography workshops, trainings and one-on-one tutorials. Pretty excited - yes I am! I...

Jan202009 by Mindanaoan Irene16 Comments

The curious case of the CagayanCon 2009 website and a controversy?

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal

The 1st Cagayan de Oro Construction Show 2009 (CagayanCon '09) was held last January 16, 17 and 18, 2009 at the Rotunda, Lim Ket Kai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The event aims to pool together stakeholders (from construction businessmen to manufacturers to suppliers to end consumers) in the construction industry. I must admit, I didn't hear about the event up until I was actually inside Limketkai Mall last Sunday, January 18, the last day of the exhibit. I was in town (CDO) for the day and I noticed the many booths at the Rotunda area of the said famous Cagayan de Oro mall. I was only able to check out 2-3 booths that day, unfortunately, so I vowed to check the event website and hopefully write about it here in Mindanaoan. Lo and behold, I found a couple of highly ...

Jan202009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Want to promote your business during the Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon?

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Events, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update

Budding entrepreneurs, webmasters and companies - hear ye, hear ye! Here's good news for those who want to do business during the much-awaited Kaamulan Festival in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. Will you be one of the many business owners, participating companies or entrepreneurs during the much-awaited Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration in Bukidnon? Or do you intend to promote your website, service or business and let the hundreds of thousands of residents, guests and tourists alike know what you're offering? Let Bukidnon Online help you promote your business venture, website or service in what is largely called the remaining authentic indigenous festival in the Philippines - the Kaamulan Festival! Thousands of people are guaranteed to participate in the almost 3-week long Kaamul...

Jan192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This is exactly why experts say it’s worth investing in mining stocks this year

Controversial, Cotabato, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat

No need to look far, really. Central Mindanao is fast becoming the major hub of mining operations in the country. Just recently, a Filipino-owned company has sought from the regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau an exploration permit for copper, gold, and silver deposits in three provinces here in Mindanao. Tao Mohin Resources Corporation is the very first company to formally file an application for exploration permit this year. And get this - Tao Mohin Resources Corporation shelled out not less than P800,000 just so they can be granted permit to explore 14,831.7 hectares. If the company is willing to pay that much just for "exploration," you can just imagine just how much it's willing to invest once it finds that pot of gold (and copper and silver!) The said company is reportedly keen ...

Jan192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Is Mindanao really RP’s “Wild West”?

Advocacy, Commentary, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion

This got me thinking when I received a press release from the Office of Sen. Richard Gordon recently. The PR read: "Turn around Mindanao’s image as RP’s ‘Wild West’ – Gordon" The senator said that Mindanao has "gained a negative reputation in the international media as the country’s “Wild, Wild West” due to the continued spate of kidnappings, sporadic bombings, and the poor peace and order situation." Is our beloved island Mindanao really the Philippines' version of the so-called "Wild West"? In a meeting with the Regional Development Council of Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Gordon challenged Mindanao executives to turn around Mindanao's negative image from being the “Wild West of the Philippines ” into a premier tourist destination with its unique history and ...

Jan162009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao-Hongkong and Davao-Singapore now on ZERO FARE!

Business, Corporate, Davao City, Flights, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Travel

Good news Mindanaoan travelers! If you've been meaning to visit bustling Hong Kong or clean and beautiful Singapore then now is the time to travel! Cebu Pacific Air is offering another round of its infamous zero fare promo for Davao-Hongkong (and vice versa) and Davao-Singapore flights! The seat sale promo starts today, January 16, 2009 up to January 22, 2009. There are 70,000 seats available for Cebu Pacific Air's international seat sale so that's 70,000 chances for you to travel to your Asian destination of choice! Actually, the airline is offering zero fares for flights to Bangkok, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Kaohsiung, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Shanghai and Taipei as well. Pretty exciting deal, eh? I did a mock reservation just a few minutes ago for a Davao to Sing...

Jan152009 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Review: Bahia Spa and Wellness in MetroLifestyle complex Davao City

Beauty, Consumer, Davao City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society

First of all, let me just stress that this is NOT a sponsored post. I just want to share my very good experience over at the Bahia Spa and Wellness Center in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. Here's hoping that my review of the place could help weary travelers, spa aficionados, health buffs and perhaps Dabawenyos who still have reservations with regard to spas and health centers. Please feel free to share your thoughts :) Bahia Spa and Wellness Center is located along F. Torres Street, Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. It's near the Davao City National High School and can be found within the Metro Lifestyle Complex, which also houses a Bo's Coffee Club franchise, a gym (MetroLifestyle Fitness Center), the Krua Thai restaurant Davao branch and a Dermalife Facial and Slimming center....

Jan152009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Sylvester “Sly” Stallone together in a movie?

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Features, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

Well, this information's straight from Erik Pineda, Manny Pacquiao's business manager, so I guess this one's true! Pacquiao is reportedly set to do a movie with Rambo himself, Sylvester "Sly" Stallone. In fact, the duo reportedly met at Stallone's office in Los Angeles, California last January 6, 2009. During the meeting, Sly even gave the Pacman's two sons, Jimwell and Michael, a pair of boxing gloves which bore the signature of former world light-heavyweight champion Tony Tarver. Still, this piece of development shouldn't be treated as a 100-percent-fully-done-and-waxed type of deal. Everything's still in the planning stage. Erik Pineda was quoted as saying that it's "not a boxing movie but something like ‘Rush Hour’ (a Jacky Chan-Chris Tucker hit." Looks like Manny, who's a certif...

Jan152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Love Me Again (Land Down Under) opens today

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

The latest offering of Star Cinema, ABS-CBN Channel 2's film production outfit, is set to open in theaters nationwide today, January 15, 2009. "Love Me Again (Land Down Under)," which stars Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual, will be shown in theaters nationwide starting today --- unfortunately (and ironically, I guess?) it won't be shown in the very province that they shot the movie in. "Love Me Again" won't be shown in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines for the mere reason that there aren't ANY movie houses or theaters in the Province of Bukidnon. The latest Star Cinema movie was partly shot in the scenic province of Bukidnon. The movie, which is reportedly part of Star Cinema’s 15th Year Anniversary celebration, was partly shot in Bukidnon particularly in the Municipality of Impasug-ong, in...

Jan132009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao to have cold weather and rains in next few days

Mindanaoan Update, News

Like a lot of people, I myself also can't stand cold weather. I hate catching colds and to remain stuck at home can somehow be boring. So you can just imagine how disappointed I was today when I learned that Mindanao will continue to see rains and cold weather in the next few days. According to Nathaniel Cruz, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (OMG, I can't remember the last time I said that out loud...hmm), the country is currently plagued with a cold front, which also apparently triggered the rains and unfortunate flashfloods in both Visayas and Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro City has been badly hit by these flashfloods as of late). Which reminds me...I hope this cold front will not dampen the Sinulog 2009 celebration. I'm actually looking ...

Jan122009 by Mindanaoan Irene93 Comments

Should we now close the Philippine Post Office?

Business, Consumer, Government, Mindanaoan Update

I don't know about you but I'm getting more and more disappointed with the Philippine Post Office. A few months ago, I received a very important package from the United Nations and its sides were torn and were deliberately "put back together" by mere use of a transparent packing tape. You could just imagine how insulting that was --- I wonder if an employee or two from the national or local post office thought that there was money inside the large envelope or probably some lucrative contracts? And now, after traveling for two days, I come home and see my mails...and I find out that they were all supposed to be delivered last November and December! One package, for instance, was full of important coupons I could've used to avail of discounts during the Christmas holiday shopping sprees. ...

Jan92009 by Mindanaoan Irene11 Comments

I’m now a wedding photographer here in Mindanao!

Arts, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Davao City, Fashion, General Santos City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Photos, Sarangani, Society, Weddings

So I just produced the photos I took during my very first wedding photography coverage gig. I was one of the photographers (and the only female photographer, I should say) during the Prestenbach Wedding in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao last December 28, 2008. (Yep, I guess I'm now a wedding photographer here in Mindanao! :) ) It was truly a great day - to be able to capture people and moments and to be a part of a nice couple's memorable day. The Prestenbachs, a Germany-based couple, have been together for 15 great years and they're thinking of moving here in the Philippines for good. The Prestenbachs have two lovely children. They also have this magnificent beachfront property in Baloy, Cagayan de Oro. Here are some of my wedding photography photos: * All photos are of low ...

Jan82009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon anticipates “Love Me Again (Land Down Under)” but needs to go to CDO or Davao to view film

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

Residents of Bukidnon Province, Mindanao are highly anticipating the showing of the Angel Locsin-Piolo Pascual starrer "Love Me Again (Land Down Under)" come January 15, 2009. However, there's one catch - they need to either travel to Cagayan de Oro City (which is roughly 2 hours away from Bukidnon's capital city Malaybalay) or Davao City (which is about 5 hours away by land) OR wait for the DVD version of the movie (hopefully some won't resort to buying pirated copies of the film!). You see, there aren't any movie houses or cinemas in the entire province of Bukidnon. After the Belyca cinema in Malaybalay City closed down years ago, no other movie house has operated in the capital city of the said province that's considered the food basket of Mindanao. (I actually remember those days wh...

Jan82009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Quantum and I.T. Convention set for January 23 to 25, 2009

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

The 2nd Mindanao-wide I.T Convention dubbed "Quantum and I.T. Convention" will be held on January 23-25, 2009 at Marco Hotel, Alwana Business Park, Cagayan de Oro City. With the theme, "Enriching Mindanao I.T. enthusiasts for global competence," the confab aims to promote information technology in Mindanao as well as smart technology, current and emerging web technologies, 3D technology and e-commerce. The event is organized by XCEL, Quantum and Information Technology Convention (QITC) and AIMS. QITC is an innovation of 2 groundbreaking activities of two renowned organizations in Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) united to accomplish a common goal. For payment options, list of speakers and other details, log on to the QITC website.

Jan72009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines makes Cagayan de Oro to Cebu travel even faster, better

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Traveling from Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao to Cebu City, Visayas (and vice versa) is now made even better, faster and more comfortable with Trans-Asia Shipping Lines' new ship! The MV Trans-Asia 3 has started serving the Cagayan de Oro and Cebu routes and so far, passengers have been highly satisfied. Trans-Asia Shipping Lines bought this new ship from Japan, a passenger-cargo vessel with vehicle deck that can accommodate 707 passengers. The new ship has 2,908.47 gross tonnage and has a good cruising speed of 18 knots. This means that travel between Cagayan de Oro and Cebu will now only be at a mere 9 hours. Definitely good news for money-conscious and time-conscious travelers! The MV Trans-Asia 3 ship offers comfort and ease even for travelers in the 2nd class non-aircon accommodatio...

Jan72009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Want to effectively lose weight this new year?

Advocacy, Consumer, Freebies, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Is losing weight part of your "to-do" list this new year 2009? Is weight loss part of your New Year's Resolutions? Want to know how you can effectively lose weight? Try Proactol, a clinically proven daily supplement that absorbs up to 28 percent of the fat in anything you eat. Proactol is clinically proven to reduce excessive body weight and body fat. Proactol has also been proven to effectively bind up to 28 percent of your fat intake. Fat binder Proactol can also help you reduce your food cravings. And the good news for you weight watchers doesn't stop there. Proactol is giving away FREE Proactol and FREE Proactol boxes! Check this out: Now that's a great deal! Purchase Proactol today and be on your way to a new, slimmer you! And if you're interested to earn money on...

Jan72009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Summer 2009 Battle of the Bands in Davao City, Mindanao

Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Music

For all you band members or music lovers out there, I found an ad about the Summer 2009 Battle of the Bands competition sponsored by UiS Web Radio. Click here to view the ad. Registration fee is P500.00 (non-refundable) and the winners stand the chance to win the following prizes: P10,000 first prize (plus a chance to perform as front act in a different event), P5,000 second prize and P3,000 third prize. Participating bands must perform at least 1 original song. According to the organizers, the first ten registrants will receive free UiS Web Radio t-shirts. A Manila-based band/artist will be invited during the contest proper. Contact these numbers for more information: FOR SPONSORSHIP - 0919645414; FOR REGISTRATION - 09227175256 Disclaimer: Mindanaoan is in no way connected to the or...