Blog - Page 61 of 92 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun12011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Photo: Senator Miguel Zubiri cites in contempt Exequiel Navarro, consignee of seized shipment of black corals

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Controversial, Cotabato, Crime, Headline, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, News, North Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Earlier today, the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources conducted a hearing on alleged smuggling of black corals, turtles, seashells and other marine life. The committee chairman, Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, led the investigation. Unfortunately, the consignee of the P35 million worth of seized shipment of black corals, Exequiel Navarro, was a no-show. This led Senator Migs Zubiri to cite Exequiel Navarro in contempt. And rightly so. For one, Navarro reportedly promised to cooperate with the investigation and even give the names of the financiers of this syndicate that allegedly smuggles corals and other marine life from the Philippine shores. According to Senator Zubiri, Navarro executed an affidavit on May 3, 2011. Now, he has become a headache. A he...

May302011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A visit to Starbucks CDO – the first Starbucks in Mindanao

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews

My mom, brother and I were in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao last weekend and since I still had 3 beverage coupons (yes, similar to those I gave away last December) from Starbucks (thank you Starbucks Philippines! :D) with me, we decided to use them at Starbucks Cagayan de Oro. Starbucks CDO is the first Starbucks in Mindanao. Dubbed as the 166th store in the Philippines, Starbucks CDO is located at Limketkai Mall corner Rosario Crescent. You can't miss it --- it's just a few steps away from the main entrance of Lim Ket Kai Mall in Cagayan de Oro. It was drizzling by the time we reached Starbucks CDO. Notice the water specks on my camera's lens: There are several chairs and tables outside. The right side facing the main entrance door is the "smoking area." I presented my...

May302011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full text: Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri privilege speech on black corals smuggling in Philippines

Advocacy, Blogging, Cotabato, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Politics

Here is the full text of the privilege speech of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on the alleged smuggling of black corals in the Philippines. Senator Miguel Zubiri delivered this speech today, May 30, 2011. Zubiri's speech was prompted by the recent confiscation of multi-million peso worth of black corals in Cebu. The Rape of Our Ocean (privilege speech of Senator Migs Zubiri on the poaching of corals in the Philippines) Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise on an issue that has been the newspaper headlines and the topic of many discussions on social network, particularly on Facebook and Twitter, for the past week. Dubbed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as "the rape of the ocean", I refer to the confiscated black corals, stuffed hawksbill turtles and other marine species. Mr. Pre...

May302011 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Air Philippines launches 100 pesos airfare promo seat sale

Announcements, Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Flights, Internet, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism, Travel

Yes, AirPhil or Air Philippines is launching its special 100 pesos airfare promo seat sale tonight at the strike of midnight! Air Philippines is set to offer its 100 peso seat sale as soon as the clock strikes midnight tonight. This Mindanao blogger already shared this info via Twitter earlier this evening (which should be enough reason for you to follow me on Twitter ;) ) but I'm sharing this again for the benefit of my beloved Mindanaoan.com blog readers. Take note that this Air Philippines seat sale promo will only be available from May 30 to 31, 2011. Pay only 100 pesos* for trips to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao! Definitely the best time for you to explore the Philippines :) Travel period for this promo: August 1 to September 30, 2011 * one way, domestic flights only, ex...

May282011 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Best clean, cheap Singapore hostel – Pillows And Toast

Blogging, Business, Consumer, Features, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Reviews, Singapore

Pillows & Toast Singapore is the best hostel in Singapore! It's a relatively new, clean, budget Singapore hostel that my mom and I liked. You see, Pillows And Toast was our home in Singapore back in February when we had our first ever mother-daughter trip overseas to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You might want to read these blog posts to learn more about our Singapore - Malaysia trip: How to prepare a do-it-yourself Singapore and Malaysia trip Singapore Chronicles: Day 1 Cebu to Singapore List of all Singapore hostels Pillows And Toast Singapore Reservation / Booking Although it wasn't our first time to travel abroad, it was our first time to visit Malaysia and Singapore. It was also our first time to follow a DIY (do it yourself) trip! Like I mentioned in this p...

May272011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

ARMM Elections 2011 candidates

Announcements, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Politics, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

ARMM Elections 2011 official list of candidates. Here are the names of candidates for the 2011 ARMM elections, tentatively planned to happen on August 8, 2011. I say tentatively because Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and the rest of Malacanang are trying their best to move for the postponement of the ARMM elections. PNoy is proposing that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections be reset for synchronization with the 2013 midterm polls. Qualified ARMM voters are set to choose the Regional Governor, Regional Vice-Governor and Regional Assemblyman during the ARMM elections 2011. Candidates for ARMM Governor: (14 candidates) Mamintal Alonto Adiong (incumbent Lanao del Sur Governor) Ashmaira Mayasa Abdullah Saad Ibrahim Amate Pangalian Macaorao Balindong Ephraim ...

May272011 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Breaking News: Oscar de La Hoya apologizes to Manny Pacquiao

Blogging, Commentary, Features, General Santos City, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, SoSCksargen, Sports

Former world boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya has apologized to Manny Pacquiao, current world boxing champion, world's best pound for pound boxer and congressman representing the lone district of Sarangani, Mindanao. This Oscar De La Hoya apology, which I personally followed via Twitter, comes after Top Rank CEO Bob Arum reportedly said that if only De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions merely extended their apologies to Manny Pacquiao, the Mindanaoan boxer may just consider recalling the defamation case he filed against them. Arum was once quoted as saying that if Oscar dela Hoya and Schaefer want to withdraw the defamation lawsuit filed against them by Pacquiao, they just had to extend their sincerest apologies. And now, Oscar De La Hoya has made the first mov...

May242011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Be Captain Planet: Help Save Our Ailing Mother Earth

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Society

(Note: This article is written by Ana Rizza D. Celades and Benedict Jan T. Baloncio. Please take your time to read this and share this article with your family, friends and colleagues --- I'm sure they will thank you for this! And to BJ and Ana, thank you for entrusting this article to Mindanaoan.com - it serves as a constant reminder of our roles as stewards of Mother Nature) With the higher frequency of natural disasters, retreat of glaciers in mountainous areas, abrupt increase in sea level, coastal flooding, and just about the extremities of weather we now experience, are brought about by effects of climate change, even plants and animals species have become extinct, and sudden outbreak of diseases in places are now high - these and the many more damages are the price we all have to...

May232011 by Mindanaoan Irene16 Comments

Is Tingting Cojuangco qualified to run for ARMM Vice Governor?

ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Commentary, Cotabato, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Sulu, Tawi Tawi

If she wins, she may very well be the most stylish vice governor the ARMM has ever had. Unfortunately, style is not enough to win in ARMM. Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco surprised, befuddled a lot of people (including me) when she officially filed on Saturday her certificate of candidacy for vice governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Yes, Tingting Cojuangco, former Tarlac governor, socialite, philanthropist and one who was labeled in the 70's as one of Harper Bazaar's most beautiful women in the world, wants to be the ARMM vice governor. Why? Because, she says, she has given her life "to the Muslims for the past 26 years." She says she also wants to "bring about change to the ARMM by embarking on good governance, education and honesty." As of press time, two...

May192011 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

KLutched designer bags, totes and satchels now in the Philippines

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Style

I very well know that Filipinas are silent bag hags. Bags are oftentimes that guilty pleasure we simply cannot let go. So you could just imagine how excited I was when I recently got wind of a piece of exciting news! So here you go ---Good news to all Filipino fans of bags, totes and satchels! KLutched, one of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's most talked about brand, is finally here in the Philippines! Yes, yes, yes! KLutched is finally available in the Philippines! Created by the young and very talented Ung Yiu Lin, who also owns the brands ShoesShoesShoes and Idylinn, KLutched promises gorgeous bags - from slouches to totes to miniaudieres to satchels and yes, to clutches! (KLutched...clutched...get it? Plus the "KL" can also mean Kuala Lumpur! Cool branding, huh?) - made of exotic skins and ...

May192011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Zest Air launches Manila to Cagayan de Oro, Manila to Zamboanga, Manila to Davao flights

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Flights, Leisure, Manila, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Zest Air Philippines, formerly Asian Spirit, will soon offer Manila to Cagayan de Oro (and vv), Manila to Zamboanga (and vv) as well as Manila to Davao City (and vv) flights! While this sounds promising especially for Mindanao tourism, I'm not sure if the dissatisfied customers of Zest Airways will be excited about this. Remember what happened to fellow bloggers Winston (a.k.a. Batang Yagit) and Conrad Miguel? Their horrible, horrible experiences with Zest Air airlines has left a really bad taste in the mouth and I have tried so hard to avoid booking Zest Air flights like the plague! I would rather pay extra than avail of Zest Air promo flights and undergo a mind numbing 16 hour delay!!! BUT!!! if only to let you guys know that yes, Zest Air airways will soon land on Mindanao soil and (...

May182011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sarangani Bay Bodies 2011 this Sarangani Bay Fest season

Beauty, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Style, Tourism, Travel

If there is one thing I can never pull off, then that is to wear a two piece bikini and strut my stuff along the catwalk. This is why I have so much respect for people who have the intestinal fortitude to join bikini contests and flaunt their shapely bodies before thousands of people. Sabagay, who wouldn't want to flaunt their assets if you have bodies like these two? These are the previous winners of the Sarangani Bay Bodies contest - one of the much-awaited events during the Sarangani Bay Festival in Sarangani, Mindanao, Philippines. Cute muscled guy - check! Pretty sexy lady - check! And guess what? You'll see more toned bodies this year during the 2011 Sarangani Bay Bodies event! (more…)

May122011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tiger Airways to offer Manila to Davao City flights by July 2011

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cebu City, Davao City, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The Francisco Bangoy International Airport a.k.a. Davao City International Airport will be doubly busy come July 2011. This, after Tiger Airways recently announced the launch of their Manila to Davao City and vice versa flights. Tiger Airways will also launch their Manila to Cebu and vice versa flights on the same month. There will be 10 daily domestic flights between Manila and Cebu. The Tiger Airways Manila to Cebu flights will start on July 1, 2011. Meanwhile, there will be 6 daily flights between Davao and Manila. The Tiger Airways Davao to Manila flights will start on July 2, 2011. These Tiger Airways Manila to Cebu and Manila to Davao flights are the airlines' first two domestic routes in the Philippines. Tiger Airways flies from Clark, Pampanga to Hong Kong, Singapore and Maca...

May122011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Paris Hilton to visit Davao City Mindanao Philippines soon?

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Commentary, Consumer, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Style, Tourism

I'm pretty sure you've read it all - from Paris Hilton watching the Pacquiao vs Mosley fight ringside to Paris Hilton meeting Jinkee Pacquiao and Manny Pacquiao to Paris Hilton actually tweeting just how much she likes the representative of the lone district of Sarangani to how much she adores the Pacquiao couple and...of course, her plans of coming to the Philippines real soon "for a new and exciting project." Well, okay, she actually tweeted "I'm so excited for my trip to the Philippines. I am really looking forward to my newest business endeavor." There have been a lot of speculations (there was even a buzz that a Paris Hilton Beach Club was in the works) but it's clearer now. I guess this is the reason why Paris Hilton will visit the Philippines soon: (more…)

May112011 by Mindanaoan Irene60 Comments

Starbucks and list of shops at Abreeza Mall Davao City

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News, Shopping, Society, Style, Tourism

So the much-awaited Abreeza Mall will finally open tomorrow, May 12, 2011! Abreeza Mall is the newest shopping mall to open in Davao City, Mindanao. Located along JP Laurel Avenue (or for certified Dabawenyos like myself - Bajada!), in Davao City, Abreeza Davao is the very first Ayala owned mall in Mindanao, Philippines. Technically, Abreeza Mall Davao is owned by the Accendo Commercial Corporation, a joint venture company of Ayala Land and Anflocor. Abreeza Mall Davao City sits on about 25 acres of land. Apart from a mall, the area will also be home to a hotel, a business process outsourcig hub and residential / condominium properties. I'm sure that a lot of fellow Mindanaoans are excited about this project. And yes, Starbucks will finally open a branch in Davao City! It's...

May112011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jobs in Mindanao alert – Cebu Pacific Airlines to hold cabin crew job screening in Davao, Bacolod, Manila

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Flights, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

Here's a great job opportunity for those who want to be a part of an airline company. If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a part of the Cebu Pacific Airlines family as cabin crew member, then this Mindanao job alert is for you! Cebu Pacific will hold cabin crew job screenings in Davao City, Bacolod and Manila. So if you're looking for jobs as flight attendants of Cebu Pacific, then check this job opening below: More details and other job openings after the jump! (more…)

May92011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Exclusive: Atty. Adel Tamano is new Dean of Liceo University, Cagayan de Oro City

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Cotabato, Education, Features, Headline, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

BREAKING NEWS! A first and exclusive right here on Mindanaoan.com! And he even broke the news to this Mindanao blogger himself ;) One of the largest universities in Mindanao now has a high profile lawyer as one of its Deans. Liceo de Cagayan University or LDCU, the first private, non sectarian university in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, just hired the very first Filipino Muslim scholar graduate of Harvard University. Atty. Adel Tamano, former President of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), former spokesperson of the United Opposition (and last year, of the Nacionalista Party) and yes, former senatorial candidate, is now the new Dean of the College of Law of Liceo University. "I've accepted the post of Dean of Liceo in CDO. I'll be there twice a month," was Atty. Adel's te...

May52011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Manny Pacquiao to wear yellow gloves to support Gawad Kalinga

Bisaya, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, General Santos City, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Sports

The world's number 1 pound for pound boxing king Manny Pacquiao is set to wear a pair of yellow gloves come Pacquiao versus Mosley fight night to show support for Gawad Kalinga. Gawad Kalinga or GK is an organization that has built at least 50,000 homes in the Philippines, has tens of thousands of volunteers all over the country and has successfully housed over 500,000 people for low-cost housing. Accordingly, my fellow Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao will wear yellow gloves “to represent movement and hope.” The top Filipino boxer and current Sarangani, Mindanao representative is also asking everyone to wear yellow during the Manny Pacquiao vs Sugar Shane Mosley fight this weekend. The Manny Pacquiao versus Shane Mosley fight will be held at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 7, 2011 (M...

May22011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao vs Sugar Shane Mosley livestream

Bukidnon, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani, Sports

Who isn't excited about the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley fight? I'm pretty sure that my fellow Filipinos are not the only ones who are looking forward to this Manny Pacquiao versus Sugar Shane Mosley fight for the 2011 World Welterweight Championship belt. Bet the rest of the world is also eager to know who will reign supreme in this boxing match. I also think that a lot are looking forward to the Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley fight livestream! The Pacquiao vs Mosley fight will be held on May 7, 2011 (May 8, 2011 Manila time) at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Are YOU as excited as I am? :) Manny Pacquiao, as many of you may already know, is a fellow Mindanaoan. He was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Mindanao but his family later moved to Davao City then General Santos C...

May22011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Video: US President Barack Obama speech on Osama Bin Laden death

Announcements, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Politics, Videos

Like you, I was one of the hundreds of millions of people around the world who got a bit stunned when the news of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden's death broke out today. Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 bombings, was killed by U.S. forces in a mansion Abbottabad, north of Islamad, capital of Pakistan. This, after nearly 10 years (!) after the 9/11 attacks. Reportedly, some of Bin Laden's relatives were also killed during the military operation. I must admit, the news of the death of Osama Bin Laden, one of, if not THE most wanted person in the world, was the last thing on my mind. After all, haven't there been so much going on in the world as of late? The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the beatification of Pope John Paul II and locally, the resig...

May12011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

1st Davao Summerfest 2011

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Society, Sports, Style, Tourism, Travel

Here's another 1st from my hometown Davao City! The City Government of Davao, in cooperation with the Davao Association of Tour Operators and the Davao Tourism Association, will be holding the 1st Davao Summerfest from April 29 to May 29, 2011. The 1st Davao Summerfest was organized to address the need to hold an event during summer in Davao City, a season when the city receives the most number of tourists, as well as to complement the city’s existing major festivals — Araw ng Dabaw and the Kadayawan Festival. This year’s Summerfest will showcase a series of events that will focus on sports, eco-adventure, and entertainment for both visitors and locals to enjoy during the summer season. Blessed with “natural venues” for outdoor sports, the Summerfest will allow visitors to see...

May12011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sarangani Bay Festival 2011 – Mindanao’s ultimate summer experience!

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

Have you ever been curious about Sarangani Mindanao? I have! I've always wondered what you can do, what you can see, what you can visit/explore/discover and even what you can eat in Sarangani! Admittedly, all I know for sure (so far) about the Sarangani Province are: - it's the district being represented by top Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao - it's where you can experience fun-filled water tubing - it's the home of my former classmate in Ateneo, incumbent Sarangani Provincial Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez Needless to say, this Mindanao blogger needs to explore, smell, taste, feel Sarangani! And what better way to do it but during the most awaited Sarangani Bay Festival 2011! Sarangani Bay Festival or the Sarangani BayFest is Southern Philippines' biggest beach party! From May 19...