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May102010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Two Mindanaoan senatorial candidates get my vote

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Features, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Politics

With just a few hours before May 10, 2010 - the very day the Philippines is set to hold its first ever automated elections - I, Mindanaoan, would like to share to you two choices I've already made. I'm set to vote for these two senatorial candidates and I'm proud to let you know that both of them are from Mindanao. Both Mindanaoans and both I've had the utmost honor to work with. I'm voting for Adel Tamano (#54 on the ballot) and Neric Acosta (#1 on the ballot). Before I delve into the finer details as to why I'm voting for these senatoriables from Mindanao, let me quote something from respected columnist Manolo Quezon III (my idol!): "The job of a senator is not just about legislation, it’s about oversight, with the latter being more relevant and required than the former. The House...

May52010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon governor embroiled in a scandal with ex PBB teen

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Entertainment, Government, Headline, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

First off, a lot of people in Bukidnon, Mindanao claim that this isn't exactly fresh news. However, I guess this issue involving Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. and ex-Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen housemate Claire Cabeguin (who's from Bukidnon herself) will continue to be controversial and will forever be circulated unless, most probably, if one of them either speaks up against or confirms the issue. Before I continue, a brief backgrounder first. Zubiri is on his third term as the governor of Bukidnon and is currently gunning for the vice gubernatorial seat. He used to be an active member of LAKAS CMD KAMPI until he recently surprised not a few when he endorsed Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manny Villar. Zubiri is the father of Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Cabegu...

Mar92010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte endorses fellow Mindanaoan senatorial bet Atty. Adel Tamano

Advocacy, Davao City, Features, Government, Headline, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics

Senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano says he's very grateful and humbled upon learning that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is extending his full support on his candidacy. “I am undoubtedly grateful to Mayor Duterte. His endorsement means a lot to me and I am very humbled by the fact that he trusts and believes in me and in what I can do not only for Mindanao but for the entire country,” Tamano enthused, adding that since Davao City loves its chief executive, he’s hopeful that the Dabawenyos will also extend their full support on his candidacy and to the rest of the Nacionalista Party. Tamano, the first ever Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School and youngest president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, is a proud son of Marawi City. “Mayor Duterte’s end...

Feb122010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Surigao del Sur National High School bags top plum in SMART’s Doon Po Sa Amin challenge

Announcements, Campus, Education, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Surigao, Surigao del Sur, Technology

Kung Mindanaoan gani, lahi ra gyud! This is definitely what you'll exclaim after reading this good piece of news. Congratulations to Surigao del Sur and to Barobo National High School! And of course, congratulations to the coach and to the students who bagged the top plum in the finals of SMART Telecoms' Doon Po Sa Amin challenge. SMART talaga :) For the second consecutive year, Surigao del Sur’s Barobo National High School made it to the finals of Smart Communications, Inc.’s (SMART) Doon Po Sa Amin (DPSA) Learning Challenge. SMART Public Affairs Community Partnerships Senior Manager Darwin Flores (right) awards the team from Barobo National High School composed of (from left) Jade De los Santos, Jennifer Noveras, head coach Romulo Morata and ICT coordinator Alex Mistula for winnin...

Feb112010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

COMELEC asks celebrity endorsers to go on leave or resign; Mindanaoan says that’s bull

Advocacy, Broadcasting, Commentary, Controversial, Entertainment, Government, Headline, Humor, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Politics, Society

Mindanaoan can't help but comment on the recent resolution of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to urge celebrities endorsing political candidates to either resign or go on leave from their shows. I find it absolutely funny that the COMELEC, amid all their problems, still has the time and energy to think about this. I reiterate Mindanaoan senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano's statement: "this latest COMELEC resolution is a mere ploy to distract the public. The COMELEC has bigger problems to solve – from all these delays in ballot printing and deliveries of PCOS machines to assuring the public that signals won’t be jammed during transmission of election results. Why don’t they concentrate on those first?" Hear, hear! Besides, isn't this unconstitutional? Celebrities have rig...

Jan152010 by Mindanaoan Irene28 Comments

Ayala Mall CDO – said to be the biggest mall in Mindanao

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism

It looks like Cagayan de Oro City is now, more than ever, THE next place to watch out for here in Mindanao. Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is set to build the biggest mall in Mindanao - the Ayala Mall CDO - and is set to allot a total of P4.5 Billion for the said project. Ayala Mall CDO will be a shopping and recreation haven and will reportedly be right smack in the heart of the city. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula was quoted as saying that the Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro "would make the city the major shopping destination in Mindanao as this will be the biggest mall in the region and will further boost our beloved city as a haven for investment." Ayala Mall CDO will even be larger than the P3 Billion Ayala Mall Davao City, reports say. Ayala Mall CDO will occupy a large s...

Dec302009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Robin Padilla, now “Abdul Aziz,” lends support to Mindanaoan senatorial candidate and fellow Muslim Adel Tamano

Announcements, ARMM, Controversial, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics

Following Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari’s endorsement, popular Filipino actor Robin Padilla, who now has embraced the Muslim name "Abdul Aziz," has also expressed his support for fellow Muslim Atty. Adel Tamano. Tamano, the first Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School and President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, is a senatorial candidate under the Nacionalista Party. In a handwritten personal note to Tamano dated December 9, 2009, Padilla wished the young lawyer and former opposition spokesperson well in his political journey. “May Allah guide you and give you success,” the note read. Tamano, for his part, expressed his gratitude to Padilla’s show of support. “I am extremely grateful to Robin for his trust and confidence,” T...

Dec252009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Happy Christmas news in Mindanao – kidnapped Basilan school official released

Announcements, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Campus, Controversial, Crime, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News

They may have paid P100,000.00 for the "board and lodging" but what's the most important is that they have their beloved relative back. Dr. Orlando Fajardo, the vice president of Basilan State College in Basilan, Mindanao, was released a few hours before Christmas at an area between the towns of Tuburan and Tipo-Tipo. Fajardo was captured two weeks ago at the BSC canteen. The Fajardo family reportedly paid P100,000.00 for the "board and lodging" of their relative. The money was also reportedly paid in installment. Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul said Fajardo was released at around 9:30 p.m. Christmas eve Thursday. Initially, the kidnappers wanted P20 million in ransom. Then, the amount was lowered to P3.5 million. Eventually, no ransom was paid. Only the ...

Dec202009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoans who will run for national positions come May 2010

Advocacy, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Davao City, Features, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

Did you know that several Mindanaoans will gun for national political positions come May 2010? If you're the type of person who wants to support fellow children of Mindanao in the next presidential elections, then you may want to check out the list below. Among the vice presidentiables, two are Mindanaoans. Bangon Pilipinas' vice presidential candidate Perfecto Yasay, Jr. is from Davao City. Jay Sonza, the vice presidential candidate of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party, is also from Davao. All of Sonza's children are fellow Ateneo de Davao University alumni. As for the senatorial candidates, on the other hand, Mindanaoan has identified 10. First is Nacionalista Party's bet lawyer Adel A. Tamano of Lanao del Sur. He's the first Filipino Muslim scholar graduate of Harvard Law Schoo...

Dec152009 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Nur Misuari successfully pools hundreds of MNLF commanders – still the man, I guess?

ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Controversial, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Society, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Don't strike Nur Misuari out just yet! Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari successfully assembled hundreds of MNLF commanders, leaders and members during the 5th National Bangsamoro Consultative Assembly held at Zamboanga Sibugay, Mindanao. Hundreds of MNLF members came (a lot even came down from the boondocks just for the event) that the local army reportedly got a bit alarmed. Thankfully, authorities understood what the event was for. It was, after all, a peaceful meeting among Bangsamoros. The 5th National Bangsamoro Consultative Assembly aimed to obtain, through "shura" or Islamic consultation, the pulse of the Moro people regarding the peace talks between the government and the MNLF. (more…)

Dec112009 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

GMA 7, QTV, Radio GMA rate cards – airtime prices

Advocacy, Broadcasting, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Features, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update

With all the hoopla over the upcoming May 2010 elections, Mindanaoan is sure that a lot of you out there are interested to know --- exactly how much does a national candidate have to pay for radio and television airtime? Remember, if you're running a national campaign, you should also tap the regional and local radio and TV channels, right? So if you're paying P100,000 per 30 seconds for ONE time airing, exactly how much do you pay not only for regular airing via national TV but via regional and local radio outlets, too? Mindanaoan got a hold of the latest rate cards (airtime prices) of GMA Channel 7, QTV Channel and Radio GMA (DZBB, DWLS, DZBB Super Radyo). The rate cards below even specify how much it would cost if you place your ad by program. For instance, it costs P475,200.00 fo...

Dec72009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Five out of ten Galing Pook awardees are from Mindanao!

Advocacy, Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Bukidnon, Contests, Cotabato, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, Society, Technology

Five Mindanao cities and towns were among this year's awardees in "Galing Pook." The Galing Pook Awards 2009 is sponsored by the Galing Pook Foundation and aims to highlight the innovative and practical approaches to common local development challenges. Galing Pook Awards also aims to highlight the best practices that actually worked in a Philippine town. The 5 Mindanaoan areas that received the prestigious Galing Pook awards were Midsayap, North Cotabato; Surallah, North Cotabato; Sarangani, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and Valencia City, Bukidnon. Foundation chairman Rafael Coscuela said this year’s GPF awardees were chosen from 123 nominations by a national selection committee chaired by prominent economist Solita Monsod based on “innovation, positive results, transferability, sus...

Dec52009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full text of Maguindanao martial law declaration – Proclamation No. 1959

Announcements, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

Mindanaoans here is the full text of President Gloria Arroyo’s declaration placing the province of Maguindanao under martial law. THOUGHTS? PROCLAMATION NO. 1959 PROCLAIMING A STATE OF MARTIAL LAW AND SUSPENDING THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS IN THE PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO, EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN AREAS WHEREAS, Proclamation 1946 was issued on 24 November 2009 declaring a state of emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and the City of Cotabato for the purpose of preventing and suppressing lawless violence in the aforesaid areas; WHEREAS, Section 18 , Article VII of the Constitution provides that ” x x x In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety so requires it, (the President) may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the p...

Dec32009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

If Pampanga has a Fr. Panlilio, Bukidnon has a Fr. Tabios

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Society

It seems there's no stopping priests from joining politics these days. If Pampanga has a Fr. Eddie Panlilio, Bukidnon Mindanao has a Fr. Diosdado Tabios. Tabios, the former parish priest of Valencia City, Bukidnon, is set to run for governor in Bukidnon come May 2010. He's set to face incumbent Bukidnon Vice Governor Alex Calingasan (LAKAS CMD KAMPI), who will run for the gubernatorial position, his relative Ernesto Tabios (Liberal Party) and Delfina Bicatulo (Alpha Omega 9K Party). While re-electionist Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio has reportedly filed a petition asking that he leave his priestly duties as he pursue his political plans, Tabios has yet to formally file a written petition. He has, however, spoken to Bishop Honesto Pacana of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and the latter sai...

Nov262009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

List of journalists killed in the brutal Ampatuan massacre

Commentary, Crime, Headline, Maguindanao, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal

First of all, we should not call it "Maguindanao Massacre" anymore. We should now call it "Ampatuan Massacre." Ampatuan is the specific place where the mass graves were found. Maguindanao is the province here in Mindanao. Secondly, to fellow journalists out there (especially those from Luzon) who make the constant mistake of treating Mindanao as one "lawless island," (come on, you know who you are!) please...please be extra careful. Maguindanao IS NOT Mindanao. Mindanaoans like myself have been doing our best to help keep our place peaceful and safe. Unfortunately, like any other area, there are people who refuse to obey the law and think that they are above it. These people do not represent the entire island of Mindanao. One tiny yet misleading description of our island can re...

Nov252009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

President Gloria Arroyo’s press statement on the Maguindanao massacre

Announcements, Controversial, Cotabato, Crime, Headline, Maguindanao, Mindanaoan Update

Lame duck President Gloria Arroyo released a statement on the very gruesome Maguindanao massacre...the very massacre that led the International Federation of Journalists to declare that the Philippines is the most dangerous place for journalists to work in. Yep, after Efren Penaflorida's triumph as CNN Hero of the Year and after Mindanao Manny Pacquiao's 7th world title, the Philippines is again hogging headlines. And sadly, Mindanao is at the center of it all. I can't quite point a finger to it...I don't know but I feel icky whenever I read this so-called "press statement." Maybe because the government hasn't done a thing ever since this entire brutality took place. Or maybe because all of PGMA's mouthpieces have only exercised lip service and nothing else. Or maybe because I am just t...

Nov242009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Press statement: Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao on Maguindanao massacre

Announcements, Broadcasting, Controversial, Crime, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) condemns in the strongest possible terms the brutal murder of scores of civilians in Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanaoin, a bloody start for the 2010 elections. Among the hapless victims were UPLM treasurer Concepcion “Connie” Brizuela and UPLM member Cynthia Oquendo. Authorities claimed the victims were reportedly abducted by some 100 armed. They were accompanying the wife of Buluan Vice Mayor Ishmael “Toto” Mangudadatu , Genalyn, whose group was on their way to file her husband’s certificate of candidacy for Maguindanao governor at the Commission on Elections office in Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao. This barbaric mass murder not only indicates the early onset of pre-election violence, but, also shows that the culture of impu...

Nov232009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

By 2014, Mindanao power deficit will be equivalent to putting out power in 5 major Mindanao cities

Announcements, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato, Davao City, Events, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Technology, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

The press statement of the upcoming Mindanao Power Summit 2009 alarmed me. It said that "by 2014, projections have it that Mindanao will have a deficit capacity of 484 megawatts which is equivalent to putting out power in the five major cities of Mindanao - Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Butuan, and Cotabato." That means that five years from now, Mindanao will suffer a devastating power crisis and that the situation may reach the most critical state if we do not act fast and act now. The press statement also claimed that the entire Mindanao grid may experience regular rotating brownouts as early as next year (!), especially with the coming in of additional new investments that are anticipated to further deplete the grid’s reserve capacity. I don't know about you but their statemen...

Nov182009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoans in Starstruck V Top 60

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, General Santos City, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani

I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of Starstruck, GMA 7's reality artista-based search. In fact, I haven't watched a single episode of this reality TV show in its entirety but I am familiar with some of its alumni - Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, LJ Reyes and Katrina Halili. Things may change soon, though, since I just learned that there are several Mindanaoans in the top 60 of Starstruck's latest season, Starstruck V. Check out the names in bold below: Adam Santos Hussein, 22, Pasig City Edward Benosa, 19, Quezon City Shereef Ibrahim, 19, Quezon City John Paul Joseph Cadayona, 20, Las Pinas April Ian Jamin, 19, Cebu City Jacob Sales, 19, Bacolod City William Zarib Papageorghiou, 18, Marikina City Aldous Erwin Santiago, Bulacan Luis Hontiveros, 17, Marikina City Jetrix Pasaman...

Nov152009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao defeats Miguel Cotto, grabs welterweight boxing crown!

Events, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, Sports

Fellow Mindanaoan and the world's best pound for pound boxing champ Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has defeated Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto just a few minutes ago. Pacquiao won against Cotto on the 12th round via TKO. The boxing referee had to stop the fight with only 55 seconds remaining in the 12th round. Filipino boxing champ Pacquiao, who now has 7 boxing titles, has successfully grabbed the World Boxing Organization welterweight boxing title. The Pacquiao versus Cotto fight took place Saturday night at MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. During the fight, Cotto was knocked down twice and his ears, nose and most of his face got bloodied. Congratulations Manny Pacquiao! The world, especially the Philippines, is truly proud of you!

Nov102009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Zubiri and Acosta, enemies yesterday, friends today and tomorrow?

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Weird

Ang politics nga naman! Mindanaoan was a bit shocked - nay, very, very shocked - when I found out that last-termer Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. and political archrival JR Nereus "Neric" Acosta MAY soon sing sweet music together. This, after Zubiri is reportedly eyeing a "transfer" to the Liberal Party from LAKAS-CMD-KAMPI. Acosta will run for Senator under the LP. What's so interesting about this is that these former political allies have burned a lot of bridges over the years and have become bitter political enemies. Zubiri has accused Acosta of graft and corruption. Acosta, on the other hand, tried to run for Bukidnon governor in the last elections but lost to Zubiri by a very large margin. From mudslinging to accusations of one trying to kill the other to one trying to discredi...

Oct222009 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Meet Mindanao’s richest governors and mayors

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Caraga, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Controversial, Cotabato, Davao City, Dipolog, Features, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Journalism, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Malaybalay City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Politics, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Who says we here in Mindanao don't have multimillionaires? The Island of Mindanao may still look rural to many but we have a lot of silent (and otherwise) multimillionaires here, mind you...and some of them are in office! Seriously. Meet Mindanao's richest governors and mayors. According to a Mindanews report, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario is STILL (meaning he was the richest last year) the richest governor in Mindanao with networth P408.94 million while Oroquieta City Mayor Jorge Almonte is the richest city mayor with networth P54.71 million as of yearend 2007, according to their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). Here are the top 15 richest Mindanao provincial governors: 1. Davao del Norte’s Rodolfo del Rosario …………P408.94 million 2. Bukidnon...