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

Dec112008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pacman’s win should not mask true state of RP sports

Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Sports

I absolutely agree with Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's statement that Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's win over Oscar "Golden Boy" De La Hoya recently should not mask the real, true state of Philippine sports. While we're all happy and proud of Pacquiao's win in the recently concluded "Dream Match," (congratulations, Manny!) we should not forget that there's still so much to be done in order to really make the Filipino truly excel in different sporting fronts (and not just in boxing). It's true that Pacquiao, a certified Mindanaoan by the way (he was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon and grew up in General Santos City, Mindanao), is a genuine sports hero not only among Filipinos but among boxing aficionados all over the world. What he displayed last weekend was exemplary sportsmanship, skill and ded...

Dec102008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Will Davao have its own airline soon?

Business, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I've been receiving buzz from various businessmen around Mindanao and in Manila that Davao City is supposedly set to have its "own airline" very soon. By own airline, I reckon they mean an entire fleet with "Davao" in its name somewhere and that it will serve as Davao City's very own answer to Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines. I asked a few well-placed personalities in Davao if they've heard of this and most of them did confirm that there are "movements" on this plan. If ever this will push through, this will definitely give Mindanao travel and tourism a big boost. I wonder, though, if the planes of this alleged fleet are as small as those of Mindanao Express' (Beechcraft 1900C)? Or if the planes are basically those of Mindanao Express' and then they'd just change the name? Is t...

Dec102008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bingo crazy at Lim Ket Kai Mall Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

This post is the second for Mindanaoan’s “Things To Do [in a particular Mindanao city or Mindanao province]” series. Here's one thing you can do if you've done just about everything in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao (dubbed the City of Golden Friendship) and you need something to keep yourself preoccupied - play bingo! Yup, I've been "bingo crazy" these past few weeks. First, I played at a recent charity bingo event in Casino Filipino, Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City and then a week later, I found myself playing bingo for two days (!) in Lim Ket Kai Mall, CDO. Not that all I did was play bingo, of course. I also shopped in between games, ate and watched "Twilight" (which, in my own humble opinion, by the way, was more of hype and cheesy teenybopper-kilig lines...Robert Pattinson is a bit of a...

Dec92008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sony Philippines sets up display exhibits in CDO, Davao

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

All right, so because Mindanaoan has really been (and is still is!) overwhelmed by the massive traffic to THIS POST about her first Sony experience (DAGHANG SALAMAT! Many thanks!), she's also inspired to share another round of good news to all of you Mindanaoans who want to buy Sony products or gadgets for your loved ones this Christmas. By the way, NO is the answer to the question if I got a VIP invitation to the recently concluded Sony Expo in SM Mall of Asia. So, NO, my entry wasn't one of the 50 shortlisted entries. I reckon I missed the deadline. Nevertheless, I had fun sharing with you all my first Sony experience and that's all that matters :) So on to the good news...Sony Philippines will hold exhibits in various areas in Mindanao this month of December! Check out the schedule: ...

Dec92008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Secret ways to cut down on holiday gift spending

Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society

We definitely love to get a good bargain on great items this coming holiday season, considering that the world is currently facing an economic crisis. A feature on “Good Morning America Weekend” should help you on saving up on holiday gift spending. • Purchase refurbished items: Trustworthy sites such as Sony, Amazon, Apply and Best Buy reportedly offers refurbished products. These are still in very good condition and can be bought at lesser price. The good thing is that these sites offer full refunds and return periods just like when you buy new items. In this case, rely on a reputable retailer rather than those fly-by-night sites. • Buy gifts in bulk: Chances are, you will get a great discount for buying a lot of items in your preferred retail store. Check out the store’s gift pack...

Dec92008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin cowboy movie trailer released

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

Star Cinema, the producing outfit of the Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin starrer "Love Me Again," has officially released the said movie's trailer. The cowboy movie, which originally had the title "Land Down Under," is part of the ABS-CBN film outfit's 15th Year Anniversary celebration. The movie was shot partly in the northern outback territory of Australia but majority of the scenes were shot in scenic Bukidnon, Mindanao. Bukidnon is located at the southern part of the Philippines. Commonly known as the food basket of Mindanao, the province is known for its rich culture, interesting ethnic history and excellent scenery that is a true reflection of the Filipino way of life. Read more about Bukidnon HERE. SYNOPSIS OF "LOVE ME AGAIN" (formerly "Land Down Under"). After working for seve...

Dec82008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Cebu Pacific Air adds more Mindanao-bound flights

Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism, Travel

Cebu Pacific Air just announced that they've added new services and more flights from Cebu City to Mindanao areas and to other parts of Visayas. Starting January 10, 2009, Cebu Pacific Air will fly three times weekly between Cebu and Cotabato, with a year-round "Go Lite" fare of only Php 888 (roughly US $18) one way. On January 12, 2009, on the other hand, the airline will also begin their thrice-weekly service between Cebu and Siargao (dubbed the surfing capital of Mindanao). "Go Fares" for this route begins at P888.00 as well. I must admit, these are pretty good travel deals especially for us Filipinos. It's definitely high time for us to go see the rest of beautiful Philippines!

Dec82008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jewels in times of crisis – The cosmic powers of a young man’s artworks

Arts, Business, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

He walks into a room and one would think he is just another guitar-toting, carefree boy next door. But far from that image is how this young man actually views life and the powers beyond an ordinary human’s comprehension. This young man, in fact, cares so much for his fellow that he has devoted much of his life to helping people out through his cosmic jewelries. Born and raised in Israel, David Weitzman is far from being typical. Through his Ka Jewelry, Weitzman has labeled himself a cosmic jeweler who comes up with designs that have more than what meets the eyes. “I deal with universal symbols that are not only religious but are also related to the cosmos,” Weitzman explains. “Ka, in fact, means life force. It is something that is universal and exists in all cultures, like the Hindu...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan Rep. Luz Ilagan’s speech on GMA’s rights violations against Mindanaoans

Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News

Here's the full text of Mindanaoan Congresswoman Luz Ilagan's speech in the House of Representatives regarding President Gloria Arroyo's rights violations against us Mindanaoans. Rep. Ilagan used to be a teacher in my alma mater, Ateneo de Davao University. Today, she's a Congresswoman under the Gabriela Women's Party List. Pagsusog sa Reklamo Hinggil sa Pagpapatalsik sa Katungkulan ng Gng. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Pananalita ni Rep. Luzviminda C. Ilagan Kinatawan ng Gabriela Women’s Party sa Pulong ng Komite sa Katarungan Kamara de Representantes Ika-24 ng Nobyembre, 2008 Mr. Chairman, sa Mindanao, kung saan ang kinatawang ito nagmula, daandaang kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao at Konstitusyon ng Pilipinas ang kinasasangkutan ni Gng. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. I. Human Rights Vi...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

My first Sony experience is with my Sony Ericsson K500i

Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Style, Technology, Tourism, Travel

While I consider my father's Sony all-transistor radio my first Sony "encounter," (it was one of his most treasured possessions and when he installed pipe-in sound systems in Jesuit-owned buildings, he'd bring me and his precious all transistor radio along - my role was to belt out songs and he'd test the wirings and quality of sound) I consider my Sony Ericsson k500i mobile phone as my very first Sony experience. In fact, truth be told, my Sony Ericsson k500i cellular phone has been with me through so many "firsts" in my life that it has just been (and still is!) one crazy, amazing, memorable ride. This phone has also played a great part in my quest to find my niche - my very own place under the sun. I bought this Sony product at a time when I felt I badly wanted - nay, needed - a chan...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Sarangani school buildings repair underway

Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Reviews

The repair of school buildings in the Province of Sarangani in Mindanao is reportedly underway. This, following the visit of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Sarangani earlier this week. Teodoro graced the ceremonial start of the repair efforts under the "Laban sa Kahirapan" project of the national government. Here's a photo of Teodoro along with my friend, Mindanaoan and Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez. Photo credit: Cocoy Sexcion of the Sarangani Information Office By the way, all of you Generals should check out GenSan Exchange. It's an informative, interactive website that features the latest news about General Santos City. There's a forum and you can also post free ads over there.

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hotels

News

Here's a list of hotels, inns, lodging houses, pension houses, resorts and other types of lodging places here in Mindanao, Philippines. This list of Mindanao hotels will also include links to Mindanaoan's reviews. Note: Mindanaoan can also review your establishment for free! Just drop me a line HERE DAVAO CITY Aljem's Inn - Rizal Street, Davao City UPCOMING REVIEW: Lispher Inn - Juna Avenue, Juna Subdivision, Davao City CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY Mallberry Suites Hotel - Cagayan de Oro City Casa Crystalla Southwinds Hotel CAMIGUIN ISLAND Camiguin Island Golden Sunset Beach Club - Mambajao, Camiguin UPCOMING REVIEW: Tia's Beach Resort - Mambajao, Camiguin GENERAL SANTOS CITY UPCOMING REVIEW: La Tierra Del Sur Hotel - National Highway, General Santos City

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Bukidnon Bloggers network launched

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

The Bukidnon Bloggers social network has finally been launched! So if you're from the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao (it does not matter whether you're a current or previous resident of Bukidnon or if you were born in the province but is in a different country or area right now) and if you have a blog/website (Wordpress, Blogspot, Multiply, Friendster etc and whether it's hosted for free or if you have your own domain or hosting plan), then join the Bukidnon Bloggers network today! The Bukidnon Bloggers network aims to gather all blogging aficionados in Bukidnon and for the group to come up with their own various projects/programs that could not only help foster camaraderie and friendship among members but could also help advocate blogging and the use of the Internet to promote social c...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Finally, an update on Mindanaoan journalist Marlene Esperat’s case

Controversial, Crime, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

I learned from Senator Richard Gordon today that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to revive the investigations into the brutal murder of Mindanaoan journalist Marlene Esperat. Esperat, who exposed an alleged illegal procurement of P432 Million worth of fertilizers, was slain in her own home in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao by an assassin who later on reportedly confessed that he was hired by two officials in the Department of Agriculture - Central Mindanao. What really dismayed me was the fact that she was even gunned down in front of her own children. “This time we will investigate why a resident Ombudsman in the Agriculture Department in Mindanao was killed because she wanted to expose an anomaly. So far, the case has made some progress in courts but the masterminds have ...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero speaks up on his plans for 2010

Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities

If you're curious if Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero is running for President this 2010, then read on. Here's the full text of Sen. Chiz's blog. THOUGHTS? December 2, 2008, 12:29 am Dahil sa mga naglalabasang surveys na kasali ako sa top 5 ng mga presidentiables, marami ang nagtatanong kung nangangarap daw ba akong maging presidente ng Pilipinas sa 2010. Ang masasabi ko lang ay oo. May pangarap ako tulad ng sinumang pulitiko siguro ngayon na humawak ng mas mataas na puwesto. Ang maganda sa pangarap, ito ay libre at hindi kailangang bayaran. Subalit ang mahalaga sa akin ay hindi kung ano ang gusto ko. Gusto ni ganito na tumakbo, gusto ni ganyan na tumakbo. Hindi mahalaga kung ano ang gusto kong takbuhan. Ang mahalaga, ano ba ang gusto ng ating mga kababayan na tatakbuhan ko o gusto ba...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meet my new toy: Hewlett Packard Mini Note 2133

Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Technology

Ever since my Acer Travelmate laptop started acting out a few weeks ago (which was understandable since that baby has served me so well for more than a year), I knew I had to buy a new notebook. This time, however, my "back up" toy should be small enough to bring along during my frequent trips but durable and sleek enough that I can use it during power meetings with clients or if I need to beat a deadline right smack in the Senate session hall or at the gallery section in Congress. So meet Mindanaoan's new toy --- my new Hewlett Packard Mini Note 2133 laptop. I got this baby during my most recent trip to Manila. And for a very good price, too! I got a whopping P4,000.00 discount! (I'm not kidding! And yes, this one's a brand new unit and has a yearlong warranty, just in case you're curio...

Dec22008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao Chinatown 168 Mall to open December 6, 2008

Business, Corporate, Davao City, News, Travel

Davao Chinatown will be busier this weekend as the much-awaited Chinatown 168 Mall is set to open this Saturday, December 6, 2008. Davao China Town 168 Mall is within the Uyanguren district of Davao City, near the Magsaysay Park (where most durian vendors are) and Agdao area. Initially, I thought that this was a branch of the famed 168 Mall in Binondo, Manila (and I actually got a bit excited since I always see to it that I drop by 168 Manila during my frequent trips there) but such wasn't the case. Nonetheless, the China Town 168 Mall in Davao City is something to look forward to. See you there, fellow Mindanaoan!

Dec22008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photography Workshop for a Cause set in Cagayan de Oro City

Arts, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Style

Calling all photography buffs out there! A photography workshop for a cause will take place on Friday, December 5, 2008 in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Beneficiaries of the event will be the street children of Agora, CDO (Agora is where the CDO public market is) Registration fee only costs P500.00 and there will be five speakers - all of whom have proven their skills and talent in the field of visual arts, photography, layout and design. What's also great about this workshop is that an on-the-spot photoshoot along with Cagayan de Oro City's top models will serve as the day-long event's culminating activity. This is because renowned Kagay-an fashion designer Gil Macaibay III will showcase his designs via a fashion show at Ghana Bar and all the workshop participants will be part of t...

Dec12008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Things to do in Davao City: Charity Bingo every Sunday

Advocacy, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update

This post is the first for Mindanaoan's "Things To Do [in a particular Mindanao city or Mindanao province]" series. Naturally, as a certified Dabawenya, the first entry is about my beloved hometown :) So here's one thing you can do in Davao City on a Sunday - play bingo and help others at the same time! The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) - Davao branch is regularly hosting a Charity Bingo event every Sunday, 1-4PM at the Entertainment Area of Casino Filipino - Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. Each ticket only costs P300.00 (roughly US$8.00) and that entitles you to 4 bingo cards which you can use for ten (10) games (you also have the option to buy extra cards from the game marshals around the area). There are also special games like the Super 6 Bingo, Super ...

Nov282008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Red X Jonathan Neri photography Xperience

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society, Tourism

Team Oro, a Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao-based group composed of very talented photographers, stylists, visual artists and graphic designers, is currently presenting an event dubbed "Red X: The Jonathan Neri Photography Xperience" at the Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Showhouse, Divisoria. The exhibit, which will run from November 27 to December 27, 2008, will showcase Onat Neri's artisty, passion and "eye" for beauty and detail. Check out the poster in this page. The poster for this event in Mindanao, Philippines is designed by Team Oro member Bon. Pretty neat, huh? If you need to commission Bon for any design work, graphic work, caricatures/drawings, layout and even for photography services, do contact (+63) 919 238 6575. You may also send an email to asteriskEC (at) gmail (dot) com TE...

Nov272008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pinoy Dream Academy stars to hold show in NCCC Mall Davao City

Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music

Six Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 scholars will hold a Christmas Mall Show on December 6, 2008 at the Activity Center of the NCCC Mall in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. The show, which will start at 4 pm, will feature PDA Grand Star Dreamer Laarni (who's a certified Mindanaoan, by the way!), Bugoy, Cris, Van, Liezel and Miguel. Check out the poster below:

Nov272008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Top 5 tips on Christmas gift shopping

Advocacy, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

A U.S. survey recently revealed that the consumers are setting aside an average of $832 just for Christmas shopping this year. However, due to the global financial crisis, the said amount may seem too expensive or steep. Financial experts say that one doesn’t have to overspend this holiday season. Seriously, there's no need to overspend on perfect presents! Here are the top 5 tips I can share on Christmas gift shopping: 1. Make a written plan: Be realistic when it comes to how much you can spend for the holiday gifts. As much as possible, don't allot more than you can afford! 2. Spend on sentimental gifts: Gifts such as picture frames with memorable photos will be for sure more valuable for the recipient. A personalized scrapbook highlighting your travel photos for this year will ...