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

Jan72009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Josh Hartnett and his Mindanao film set for showing this year

Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

Just when I thought Hollywood heartthrob Josh Hartnett's Mindanao-set film will never see the light of day here in the Philippines, word has it that it will be shown (finally!) this year, 2009. "I Come With the Rain" is about a former Los Angeles cop turned private investigator (played by Josh Hartnett). Kline, the character played by Hartnett, goes to Hong Kong in search of Shitao, the son of a Chinese billionaire who has gone missing. He meets former colleague and now Hong Kong cop Meng Zi and they collaborate. The big twist in the movie, though, is when Kline is distracted from his search of Shitao. He gets haunted by memories of the serial killer Hasford (played by Elias Koteas) who was the reason Kline quit the L.A. police force in the first place. Well, it seems "I Come With th...

Jan62009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Online petition for the resignation of the Pangandamans; Pangandaman counsel: “Wala pong bodyguard, lahat po sila naka-bakasyon”

Controversial, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

The website of the "Ang Kapatiran Party" has launched an online petition for the resignation of Department of Agrarian Reform Nasser Pangandaman, Sr. and Masiu, Lanao del Sur Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr. This, following the alleged brutal mauling of 56 year old businessman Delfin dela Paz and his 14 year old son, Bino. If you're interested to sign the petition, please CLICK HERE. Incidentally, the Pangandamans also have an appeal to bloggers. This part is nicked from an ABS-CBN news story: Appeal to bloggers Since Bambee’s blog, the story about the incident in the golf club spread through the Internet. Bloggers condemned and some even put up a signature campaign for Pangandaman’s resignation. Pangandaman said his family is hurting because of the bad picture being painted o...

Jan52009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Thank goodness! May the dela Paz family finally get justice!

Controversial, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

Finally, the long wait is over! Today, fifty six year old businessman Delfin dela Paz and his 14 year-old son, Bino, have finally lodged before the Antipolo courts separate charges of physical injuries against the Pangandamans. Named as respondents to the case are the two sons of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. - Hussein and Nasser Pangandaman Jr., the mayor of Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. The family’s legal counsel is Raymond Fortun, who's known to represent high profile clients such as former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada. According to the Inquirer, Fortun said they were set to go to the Ombudsman on Wednesday to seek the preventive suspension of Pangandaman Sr. "so as not to derail the investigation." Atty. Fortun also said the secretary ...

Jan32009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

What’s the government doing against the Pangandamans?

Controversial, Government, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

I'm sure that many of you have heard of the Dela Paz - Pangandaman alleged brawling incident last December 26, 2008 (yes, a mere 1 day after Christmas!) Just in case you haven't, you may want to read this. You may also want to read Bambee Dela Paz's blog entry here - Bambee is the sister of the 14-year old boy who allegedly got mauled, along with his 56-year old father, by Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. and his son Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. Apart from the facts that the incident involved a 14-year old boy, government officials and their gun-toting bodyguards and that the younger Pangandaman is a leader of a town in Mindanao of all places (it's controversial and embarrassing, really, especially since we Mindanaoans wan...

Jan22009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Lighted Christmas tree in Divisoria Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

I've been so preoccupied during the holiday season that I now only had the chance to post this picture! Well, better late than never, eh? :) Here's a picture that I took of the large Christmas tree found in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. I took this on a Friday, which coincidentally was also "Night Cafe" day in CDO. "Night Cafe" is a regular Friday and Saturday event in the City of Golden Friendship. Most roads within the Divisoria area are closed to traffic and various vendors put up shop along the streets. So without further ado - here's the lighted Christmas tree. Pretty, yes?

Dec312008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Review: Southwinds Hotel Cagayan de Oro City near Centrio Mall

Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel

Southwinds Hotel is located along Capt. Vicente Roa Street Extension in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. It is a hotel known for its very strategic location - Southwinds Hotel is right behind the new Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro or the Ayala Centrio Mall, it's just a few meters away from Gaisano Mall Cagayan de Oro (walking distance) and a few blocks away from Robinson's Mall Cagayan de Oro and Lim Ket Kai Mall CDO (you can just ride one of the local trisikads or padyaks for 5 pesos per person) It's also in front of the main branch of Graphic All-In-One (a large chain of stores that sells cellular phones, cellphone accessories and the like). Just this week, my mom, brother and I stayed in Southwinds Hotel. It was my second time to stay there, the first one was during a media t...

Dec312008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Gordon’s New Year’s Message

Government, News

Here's the full text of Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon's New Year's Message. This coming year 2009 (year of the Ox), I also hope that each and every one of us can be the change or agent of change that our country (badly) needs. It really all comes from within! Sen. Gordon's year 2009 message: Let us be the change our country needs. I extend my warmest greetings to my kababayans here and abroad as you, along with the rest of humanity, eagerly await the dawn of New Year 2009! Each New Year is a symbol of hope and a herald for new beginnings. The year 2009 stretches across us like a horizon, filled with opportunities to be explored and challenges to be overcome. As we celebrate another milestone in our history, let us not forget the lessons we have learned from the past and continue t...

Dec242008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Filipino version of Twilight: Takipsilim is this for real?

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, News

Good Lord, did ABS-CBN Channel 2 really pay US $1 Million (that's roughly 47 million pesos!) to be able to do a so-called "remake" of the hit movie "Twilight"? The Lopez family-owned broadcasting network will reportedly co-produce with Ignite Media a Filipino version of the movie Twilight. Can you seriously, SERIOUSLY imagine Rayver Cruz as Edward Cullen and Shaina Magdayao as Isabella "Bella" Swan? OMG - the Philippines will seriously be the laughing stock of the entire world if this will push through! And get this - the Twilight Pinoy version will be entitled "Takipsilim" (DUH!) The taping will reportedly start by February 2009. The Province of Bukidnon, which recently played host to the cast and crew of the Star Cinema production "Love Me Again (Land Down Under)", will reportedly...

Dec242008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Malipayong Pasko kaninyong tanan!

Mindanaoan Update, Personal

From my family to yours - Merry Christmas! (Malipayong Pasko) I hope the past year has been fruitful, peaceful and definitely merry for you and your family. My 2008 has been (and still is!) amazing - I have traveled to more places this year, attended more events and festivals around Mindanao, met more interesting people around the Philippines and tried my hand on more things such as photography, white water rafting and Photoshop dabbling! I intend to continue this amazing journey next year, 2009 - the Year of the Ox. Hopefully, I will travel even farther, increase my list of friends, meet more people, help more strangers, hone my talents more and just become a well-rounded, warmer, more confident, more courageous person. Expect bigger things here in Mindanaoan as well! Once again, Merry...

Dec232008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon provincial government employees receive P50,000 Christmas bonus

Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

So how much did you receive as Christmas bonus this year? If you think your ten or twenty thousand pesos is already a big amount, think again. Government employees in Bukidnon received fifty thousand pesos for their bonus this December. Yes, Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) employees received P50,000.00 each (more than a thousand US dollars) this year. Don't be too surprised, though, because the said amount is actually LESSER than what the regular Bukidnon provincial government employees received last year. The year 2007 saw each and every regular provincial government of Bukidnon employee receiving a staggering eighty thousand pesos (P80,000.00) Interestingly, some of my friends working in the PGB said that the P50,000.00 still wasn't enough. They said that they still have to...

Dec232008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Busy Christmas shoppers flock to Gaisano Mall Davao

Consumer, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

Have you been to Gaisano Mall of Davao lately? Because I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say that you will never think there's a financial crisis going on when you see the throngs of Christmas shoppers in that mall. Actually, the scenes in other malls aren't different either. A lot of Dabawenyo Christmas shoppers are also busy checking out the Christmas sales in SM Davao, Chimes, 168 Mall Davao, NCCC Mall, Times Square and in other shopping centers around Davao City, Mindanao. I also spotted a lot of people along San Pedro Street (does anybody remember Mantex? What about A & M?) Anyways, here are some photos I took over the weekend when my family and I bought some gifts at G-Mall: See? You can't help but wonder, "Crisis? What crisis?" I guess CRISIS-mas isn't "uso" in Pin...

Dec202008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cagayan de Oro City hotel needs a cook

Cagayan de Oro City, Jobs

Here's a chance for you to work in a hotel, fellow Mindanaoan! If you're good at cooking, then read on. A hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao is in need of a cook. Country Village Hotel needs a male cook whose age is not over 35 years old. Preferably with 4 years of experience. Interested parties may submit their application letters and resumes to: The Executive Office Country Village Hotel Villarin Street, Carmen Cagayan de Oro City You may call these numbers for any inquiries you may have: (08822) 71-22-01 or (088) 858-3004 Good luck! :)

Dec202008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Two of my most favorite Visayan Christmas carols

Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personal

Kasadya Ni-ining Takna-a and Ani-a Kami are two of my most favorite Visayan Christmas carols. These songs bring back so many childhood memories - from my father cradling me on his lap to the glee clubs which want to raise money for their groups by singing Christmas carols around our subdivision to the children who bring their homemade musical instruments. I bet all Mindanaoans, Visayans and even Luzonians love these songs! Just in case you're also in the mood to sing Christmas carols, here are the lyrics of Kasadya Niining Takna and Ania Kami: KASADYA NIINING TAKNA-A Kasadya niining taknaa Dapit sa kahimayaan, Mao ra’y among nakita Ang panagway nga masanagon. Bulahan ug bulahan Ang tagbalay nga gi-awitan, Awit nga halandumon Sa tanang Pasko, magmalipayon. Bag-ong tuig, bag...

Dec192008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Win a laptop and 5 iPod shuffles! Get $45.00 as well!

Advocacy, Consumer, Contests, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

MoreNiche is giving away a brand new laptop, five IPod shuffles and Google Adwords Spend in their grand golden ticket draw. To enter simply join MoreNiche today. Just click on the banner found below: Alternatively, you can also click on the banner found on the right side of this website. Golden tickets will be given for each sale generated during January and each affiliate you refer to the network. Every affiliate who joins the network will automatically receive their first golden ticket. MoreNiche prides themselves in giving premium affiliate support, more resources than any other affiliate program online and product that sell! If you signup today MoreNiche will give you $45 just for signing up, along with your first free golden ticket. Join an affiliate program where you’...

Dec182008 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Review: Casa Crystalla (Budget hotel in Cagayan de Oro City)

Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Reviews, Travel

Back in college, the Ateneo Glee Club had a joint concert with the Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan University) Glee Club. (Don't laugh but I was one of the Sopranos of the Ateneo Glee Club :D) Anyways, all of us had to stay with either foster families or in lodging houses in Cagayan de Oro City. Casa Crystalla, a budget hotel in the City of Golden Friendship, was one of the concert's sponsors and they offered several rooms for my co-club members. (I stayed with the lovely Yap family) Fast forward a few years later, Casa Crystalla CDO is now one of the CDO inns I stay in whenever I'm in town. There are a couple of reasons why I like staying there - for one, the rates are very affordable (I usually get the deluxe room with ref, table and chairs - like a mini sala set of sorts - and b...

Dec182008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Giant Christmas Tree at People’s Park Davao City

Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Tourism

I got the chance to snap a couple of photos of the giant Christmas tree within the vicinity of People's Park, Davao City. The Christmas tree was adorned with a lot of trimmings and lights and can be found between the huge Durian dome and the fountain area. You won't miss it! This Christmas tree is also near the benches. Go to People's Park (right beside the Apo View Hotel along Camus Street) and check out this pretty Christmas tree. Better if you go there at night. Don't forget to take pictures! :)

Dec172008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The one question I want to ask General Santos City Mayor Pedro “Jun” Acharon

General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Travel

A few months ago, my brother and I went to General Santos City, Mindanao. AFTER 14 LONG YEARS. It was a trip planned within a few days - I wanted to take pictures during the Tuna Festival and at the same time, perhaps see some of our relatives (father's side) whom we haven't seen in that long a time. What supposedly was a "reunion" turned out to be a depressing visit. My brother and I learned that some of our relatives are now homeless. Yes, HOMELESS. Their homes in Lot 2, Barangay Apopong, General Santos City have been demolished and they have been living in makeshift shanties for more than a year now. By makeshift I REALLY mean makeshift - they merely took whatever they could retrieve in the heat of the demolitions (there were two in a span of a few months) and they literally just pie...

Dec172008 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Cotabato to Cebu, Siargao Surigao to Cebu flights for only P500

Business, Consumer, Cotabato, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Tourism, Travel

Want to fly from Siargao, Surigao (the renowned surfing capital of the Philippines) to Cebu or from Cotabato to Cebu for only P500.00? That's now possible but only for a limited period of time! Cebu Pacific Air just announced that they're now offering flights from Cebu to Cotabato and from Cebu to Siargao starting January 1, 2009. To kick things off, the airline company is offering a P500.00 Go Lite All-In fare. The seat sale STARTS NOW until December 19, 2008 only so book your flights ASAP! The seat sale is good for travel from January 1 to March 18, 2009. Meanwhile, starting January 10, 2009, Cebu Pacific will fly three times weekly between Cebu and Cotabato and the Cebu to Siargao flights will be thrice weekly beginning January 30, 2009. This is definitely another reason for you t...

Dec162008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Mar Roxas speaks about last Friday’s Anti-Cha Cha rally

Controversial, News

This one's fresh off the pan! Emailed to Mindanaoan by Senator Mar Roxas' media office in the Senate of the Philippines. Privilege Speech of Senator Mar Roxas’ on last Friday’s Anti-Cha-Cha rally (Delivered on Tuesday, December 16, 2008) Mr. President, may I take a moment of the chamber’s time to rise on a matter of personal privilege. Marami nang nasabi mula nang magsalita ako noong rally noong Biyernes. Maraming nabigla sa bugso ng emosyon. May mga nailang o nagalit. May mga nagsasabing mali ang sinabi ko. Binanatan ako ng Malakanyang. Ginamit nila ang kanilang propaganda machine laban sa akin. Una: gaya noong Biyernes, magsasalita ako nang deretsahan ngayon: I AM NOT SORRY. I am not sorry for speaking my mind and telling the truth as I see it to be. I am not sorry for expressi...

Dec162008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Should Sen. Trillanes do video conferencing instead?

Government, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Technology

There's a proposal in the Philippine Senate these days that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV be allowed to attend the Senate sessions through the power of the Internet. If the proposal will be ratified, Sen. Trillanes can "participate" in the sessions through video conferencing. If ever this will push through, the senator, who's currently in the slammer (compulsory detention after his involvement in a recent coup attempt), will be the first Filipino elected official who will use this type of technology. As expected, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago rejected the proposal. The other senators who have yet to let their stand known include Senators Joker Arroyo, Juan Ponce Enrile, Manny Villar, Richard Gordon, Panfilo Lacson, Manuel Lapid, Francis Pangilinan, and Mindanao's very own, Juan Miguel Zu...

Dec162008 by Mindanaoan Irene13 Comments

Citi Hardware Davao City is hiring!

Davao City, Jobs

Need a job in Davao City? What about working for Citi Hardware? Check out the latest job openings in Citi Hardware Davao, Mindanao: STORE OPERATIONS TRAINEE * Male or Female, between 25-35 years old * Graduate of any 4-year business course * With at least (1) year supervisory experience in retail operations or related business * A good team player and goal-oriented * Has the ability to carry out effective customer service * Has the aptitude for management and marketing strategies * Very good in both oral and written communication * Willing to be assigned outside Davao City GRAPHIC ARTIST * Male or Female * Not more than 28 years old * Graduate of Fine Arts or any related course * With adequate hands-on experience in lay ...

Dec122008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tips in finding gifts for men

Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society, Style

Men are not the only ones racking their brains out as to what’s the best gift for the female loved ones this Christmas season, the women are also having a hard time too! Unlike in the past where the easiest gift to pick for men are jackets or pants, women are now challenged with the fact that men are also embarking in the modern age where there’s a lot of things to choose from. Trend expert Vincent Gregoire gave some cool tips for women in what great gifts to give to their male loved ones. He suggested that before scrimping for gifts, women should think of practical and intelligent presents. • USB memory sticks or external hard drives. Men are becoming more tech savvy and providing them additional memory in storing files is a safe bet. • Items that would look good in his pad. Y...