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Mindanaoan Update

Dec142010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full text: Supreme Court decision on Hubert Webb case – Vizconde Massacre

Announcements, Blogging, Commentary, Controversial, Crime, Education, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Politics
If you've been following me on Twitter today, you must have noticed some of my tweets about the acquittal of Hubert Webb et al. You may have also noticed that I tweeted about the dismissal of the case filed by actress Katrina Halili against Hayden Kho. I also mentioned that today, December 14, 2010, marks the 6th death anniversary of the King of Philippine movies - Fernando Poe, Jr. And, last but definitely not the least, ousted Philippine Football Federation President Jose Mari Martinez says he wants a revamp in the Philippine team #Azkals. Yes, today was a very heavy, full and controversial day in Philippine history. Tough week for the Philippine police and army, too. If you recall, the President himself ordered that the cases against the members of Morong 43 be dropped. Is it Acquitta...
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Dec132010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Pupil Live in Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos
The long wait is over, boys and girls! Here are the most awaited photos taken during the Pupil Live in Cagayan de Oro City special concert! Ely Buendia and the rest of the Pupil band were in CDO recently for the PUMA Archive Uncovered concert series. Thanks to PUMA for bringing the boys over and of course to my favorite boutique Spruce for letting magic happen that night. All photos are taken by my professional photographer-brother Bon. Ready for more? Check out more photos after the jump! And oh if you need a wedding, events, fashion and portrait photographer in Mindanao, please do not hesitate to CONTACT ME. Please refer me and my brother to your friends as well. Cheers and thanks! (more…)
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Dec122010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Your next Starbucks drink is on us! Join Mindanaoan’s contest now!

Announcements, Blogging, Consumer, Contests, Features, Food, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping
If you're a big coffee lover like I am, then I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say that the Christmas season isn't really the same if you don't drop by a Starbucks store and have your share of the Starbucks Christmas drinks. After all, Starbucks Christmas is absolutely much-awaited not only by kids, teens and yuppies. Christmas at Starbucks is a most-awaited season by virtually everyone! This year, Starbucks Philippines is featuring three delicious varieties - Praline Mocha, Toffee Nut Latte and Peppermint Mocha. Out of the three, my favorite is the Toffee Nut Latte. A tall Toffee Nut Latte beverage never fails to cheer me up, whatever time of the day. In fact, during my most recent visit to Cebu City, I took my brother and mom (who also flew in a few days later) to Starbuck...
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Dec112010 by Mindanaoan Irene30 Comments

Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa Day Tour | What to do in Cebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Photos, Resorts, Reviews, Style, Tourism, Travel
Yes, the rumors are true. Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa is a beautiful paradise that you just have to visit at least once in your lifetime! :) I finally availed of the much-talked about Shangri-La Mactan day tour recently. I treated my brother so it was the two of us who had a grand time at Shangri-La Mactan Cebu. The Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa Day Tour rate, as of October 2010, is P2,500.00 per person (roughly US $65.00) - a bit expensive for many but I must say, our experience was worth every penny. From Cebu City proper (along Salinas Road, to be exact), we took a metered cab towards Mactan. Travel time was about half an hour, notwithstanding traffic. Fare was around P160 but I paid P200 - just to start the day right :) Here's what greeted us when we arrived at Shangri-La...
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Dec112010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Dinner with the US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Society, Technology, Weird
I was in Cebu City recently to open a small branch of my PR, media, marketing and outsourcing agency and to visit my younger brother at the same time. About a week and a half after I arrived, I received an invitation from fellow blogger and Plurker Jay de Jesus, the Emerging Media Specialist for Public Affairs of the US Embassy, Manila. He asked if I could attend a small, intimate dinner with someone from the US Embassy in Manila and that the dinner was to be held the evening of that very day. I asked him who I was supposed to meet. He said that it was his boss - the Counselor for Public Affairs of the US Embassy in Manila - Richard W. Nelson. I must admit, I immediately had reservations. I checked my watch --- I only had about 3 hours to prepare for what could be a life-changing dinner...
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Dec102010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A Kagay-anon’s dream come true – this Richard Poon, Pokwang and Markki Stroem CDO concert

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society
In its initial offering as a concert producer in Cagayan de Oro (CDO), Joey Pelaez Events is set to conquer the music scene on December 19, 2010 at the Atrium Limketkai Center with The Crooner and The Comedienne featuring the country’s top standard music singer Richard Poon and the fashionable and witty Pokwang, and introducing Markki Stroem of Pilipinas Got Talent fame. (more…)
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Dec92010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Two Mindanaoan groups win in the 8th TAYO Awards

Announcements, Compostela Valley, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Surigao del Sur
Here's a great follow-up to my previous blog post about the Mindanao youth org-finalists to the 8th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards --- two (yes, TWO!) youth groups from Mindanao won! Let's all congratulate the Pro-Drop Out Reduction Program (PRO-DORP) Team from Surigao del Sur, Mindanao and the 4-H Mandaya Tribal Youth Organization (MTYO) from Compostela Valley, Mindanao! Both Mindanao youth groups received P50,000.00 cash grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines as well as a specially handcrafted trophy by artist Toym de Leon Imao. Woohoo! Congratulations guys! I'm super proud of all of you! * photo credit: Momblogger The awarding ceremonies of this year's 8th TAYO Awards was held today, December 9, 2010 at the Malacanang Palace. No less than President...
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Dec82010 by Mindanaoan Irene60 Comments

UPDATED: Justin Bieber Live in Manila on May 10, 2011 | Kenny Loggins and Maroon 5 are coming too!

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities
Yes, it's confirmed! Justin Bieber will come to Manila for a much-awaited concert on May 10, 2011 (coincidentally, the very day of the most recently held national elections!). The Justin Bieber Live In Manila concert will be held at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Pasay City, Philippines. Just to be clear - this blogger from Mindanao got hold of this Justin Bieber Manila concert straight from the top honcho of Music Management International - the same firm that brings international acts over. Justin Bieber in Manila is a concert all of you Bieber fans should not miss! Fronting for Justin Bieber is the group called Poreotics. And here's more good news - the Manila concert scene will not only see the arrival of Justin Bieber on May 10 at MOA but it will also see the arrival of well-lo...
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Dec72010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanao tourist spot: Alalum Falls in Sumilao Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Tourism, Travel
Let's take a break from all my Cebu and Philippine Blog Awards-related posts :) I'm sharing photos I recently took of a Bukidnon tourist spot - the Alalum Falls found at Kisolon, Sumilao, Bukidnon. This Bukidnon waterfalls is probably the most accessible in the entire province of Bukidnon since it's located along Sayre Highway and just a few meters away from the Municipal Hall of Sumilao, Bukidnon. Alalum Falls is approximately 148 feet. Check out one more shot after the jump! (more…)
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Dec72010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

An appeal to all of my valued Mindanaoan.com readers

Bisaya, Blogging, Contests, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Technology
After bagging the Best Lifestyle Blog for Mindanao 2010 in the Philippine Blog Awards, this humble Mindanao blog is once again nominated - this time to two national blogging awards - the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards Bloggers' Choice Award and the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards Readers' Choice Award. As I previously wrote, however, I myself will not even vote for my own blog for the Bloggers' Choice Award since my vote will go to Bukidnon Online but for the Reader’s Choice Category, I would really appreciate a little help from my valued Mindanaoan.com readers, subscribers, supporters! :) Mindanaoan.com and other Readers' Choice Awards nominees will be judged according to the number of Facebook "LIKES" starting today until before 11:59 pm on December 11, 2010 (Saturday). Most number of lik...
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Dec62010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Review: Red Box Karaoke Ayala Cebu

Beauty, Business, Cebu City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Reviews, Tourism
I finally had the chance to visit the much-talked about Red Box Karaoke located at G101, Garden Level of The Terraces (below Active Zone, just beside the fountain) at the Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park. I've been hearing a lot of praises about this new Cebu hangout - karaoke place in Cebu so when my Cebu City-based brother finally had one free weekend, we decided to go to Red Box Karaoke Cebu and try their primetime package. The Red Box Ayala Cebu primetime package is available from 7 PM up to 12 midnight. For only P299.00+ per head (P399.00+ on Fridays and Saturdays), you can enjoy TWO FREE drinks (drink choices: iced tea, soda, local beers, mineral water, hot tea and brewed coffee), access to the extensive song library composed of more than 100,000 songs and fully airconditione...
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Dec52010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Davao City’s musical fountain worth P18M is 1st in Mindanao

Announcements, Arts, Davao City, Features, Government, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism
As you guys may or may not know, the local government unit of my hometown Davao City, Mindanao has banned the use and sale of fireworks for years now. So yes, it's been a series of pretty "quiet" Christmases and New Year's Eves in Davao for several years now. Quiet but safe. Now, because fireworks aren't permitted, the Davao City government, led by Mayor Sara Duterte, has come up with the next best thing - an P18 Million dancing, musical fountain! The grand musical fountain, which can be found at the Davao City People's Park (former PTA Grounds, along Camus Street), is said to be the first in Mindanao. The musical fountain in People's Park Davao is also a part of the yearly Pasko Fiesta, which the Davao government holds to usher in the holidays. I don't have a photo of the grand m...
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Dec52010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why I am NOT voting for this blog for the Bloggers’ Choice Award

Advocacy, Blogging, Bukidnon, Contests, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personal
Did that surprise you? It's true. While this Mindanaoan blog may be one of the nominees for the Bloggers' Choice Award in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards, I'm not voting for it. Instead, my vote will go to Bukidnon Online - the largest, most active/updated and most interactive blog about the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. I have a lot of reasons why I'm voting for BukidnonOnline.com but some of these reasons include: - Bukidnon Online is a labor of love. It started out as a "hobby blog" - a mere outlet for a non-Bukidnon resident to share her new discoveries about the province she has started to fall in love with. However, after only a few weeks of going online, this Bukidnon site became a source of news and updates for a lot of people not only from within the province but basically...
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Dec32010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Photos: Jay-R at Ayala Terraces

Cebu City, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Photos
If there's one young Filipino singer-composer whom I'm pretty impressed with, then that's no other than the Prince of RnB, Jay-R. I just love his clear, soothing voice! His dance moves aren't bad either and his compositions are really good so yup, I think that Jay-R Sillona is one great Filipino artist :) I had the chance to interview him before and I found him pretty charming, humble and smart. Some friends of mine later seconded my impression of Jay-R. My friends - the members of multi-awarded Filipino band South Border --- attested that Jay-R was indeed very nice, easy to get along with and was one very talented musician. Glad I was right! So when I heard that Jay-R was in town for a mini-concert, I no longer thought twice. I simply had to watch! So here are some photos I took of ...
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Dec32010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Why I organized the Bukidnon Bloggers group

Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Events, Internet, Malaybalay City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Technology
A few weeks ago, right before this blogger from Mindanao flew to Cebu City to open a small, humble branch of my PR, events, media and marketing business, I organized an event dubbed "BukidnonOnline.com Bukidnon Blogging 101 and How To Make Money Online Workshop" in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Mindanao. It was a workshop I never expected to be such a huge hit - especially since there were hardly any bloggers in that part of Mindanao. However, more than 40 would-be and newbie bloggers came - and with a lot of help from the CDO Bloggers group, ASTERISK Events and Communications and from generous friends and sponsors - not only was the blogging workshop a major success but it also bore a 10-man Bukidnon Bloggers core group. Needless to say, as event organizer and bloggers myself, I felt abso...
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Nov302010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Aquil Tamano joins the Games and Amusements Board

ARMM, Blogging, Features, Government, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics, Society, Sports
If you're a regular reader of my humble blog, you'd know that I consider Atty. Aquil Tamano a dear friend. I met him during the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3, which was held in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao in 2009. His brother, former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) President and former senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano, accepted my invitation to grace the said event and deliver a special message. That fateful day was the beginning of what I can proudly call a good friendship. I also later on met Sir Aquil's wife, Inee, who's as equally as nice as he is. She's pregnant, by the way, and their precious one is due on February 2011! :D Anyways, fast forward to November 2010, great opportunities went Sir Aquil's way. First, I heard that he became the lawyer of some GMA 7 artists in...
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Nov292010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon: The Philippine Frontier coffee table book released

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel
It was a dream project that took five - yes, 5!!! - years to complete. And now it's finally done. Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri presents a copy of "Bukidnon: The Philippine Frontier" to Bukidnon Gov. Alex Calingasan at the launching ceremony recently held at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio Global City. Senator Migs Zubiri said the coffee table book is a dream project that took five years to complete. The 183-page book is written by Rafael "Apa" Ongpin with photographs by Neal Oshima. Photo shows (L-R) Neal Oshima, Apa Ongpin, Senator Migs Zubiri, Gov. Alex Calingasan and Bukidnon Vice Gov. Joe Zubiri (Senator Migs' dad and former three-term Bukidnon governor) at the unveiling ceremony. On a personal note, this blogger from Mindanao received a text message from Senator Migs hims...
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Nov272010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Full text – Sen. Ping Lacson’s siblings speak out

Announcements, Blogging, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics
From my mailbox --- received this press release from the Office of Senator Ping Lacson. It's the full text of Senator Panfilo Lacson's sibling's statement "In Defense of Our Family’s Honor." I am printing this verbatim: In every Filipino family, two things are most treasured: honor and home. Our brother, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is accused of masterminding the murder of Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver. The principal evidence against him that the previous administration’s DOJ investigating panel and the court considered “probable cause” was an affidavit by a lone witness, Cesar Mancao. In that affidavit, Mancao narrated a supposed conversation inside a car between Ping and Michael Ray Aquino wherein Ping allegedly ordered Aquino to have Dacer murdered. He claimed to have ov...
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Nov272010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Truefaith to rock Munato Festival 2010 in Sarangani Mindanao tonight

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Tourism
The Province of Sarangani, Mindanao is currently celebrating its 18th Foundation Anniversary as well as its 8th Munato Festival. The Sarangani Munato Festival 2010 bears the theme "History, Culture, Resources." Sarangani, Mindanao is made up of the following towns: Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, Malungon, Kiamba, Maasim and Maitum. As you all know, the world's best pound for pound boxer, Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, is the new Sarangani congressman. For sure, you'll see much of Congressman Pacquiao all throughout the festival. My former classmate and now Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez, along with Vice Governor Steve Solon, will also be around and about for sure. By the way, one of the much-awaited events during the 2010 Munato Festival is the musical concert featuring to...
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Nov272010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

First Filipino Yale World Fellow and former Bukidnon Mindanao congressman Dr. Neric Acosta congratulates Mindanaoan.com!

Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society, Technology, Videos
During the Open Budget Partnership forum I attended in Manila a few days ago, I saw an old friend. I didn't expect him to actually come since a member of the event secretariat told me earlier that day that he might not be able to drop by. Lo and behold, he came...and when I approached him to say hello, he looked a little bit surprised to see me there but nonetheless looked happy. The old friend I'm referring to is former Bukidnon First District Congressman Dr. JR Nereus "Neric" Acosta. Yes, he's the same Neric Acosta who ran for a Senate seat in May 2010. He's the same Neric Acosta who's a staunch advocate of environment protection, responsible population management, health and programs for climate change. And yes, he's the same Neric Acosta who authored the Clean Air Act and who's t...
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Nov262010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PacMan: Behind the Scenes with Manny Pacquiao

Bisaya, Blogging, Features, General Santos City, Humor, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Politics, Reviews, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Sports
Many say that one will either extremely love or extremely hate this new biography about my fellow Mindanaoan, Manny Pacquiao. For fellow fans of the world's best pound for pound boxer and now Sarangani Mindanao congressman who haven't had the chance to read this new PacMan: Behind The Scenes With Manny Pacquiao book, I'm hoping that I will at least like it and not curse the book's author, Gary Andrew Poole. Because you see, while most of the "expert reviewers" say that this is a good read, many also say that it's poorly edited, contains unverified and even stupid material and reveals things about Pacquiao and the rest of Team Pacquiao that can, accordingly, "stain his good name." Before we talk about the nega stuff, though, let's consider some of the "good reviews." Scoop Malinows...
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