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Mindanaoan Update

Mar32009 by Mindanaoan Irene16 Comments

How long before you get your SSS ID – three months!

Business, Commentary, Consumer, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology
Well, in my case, at least. After a little over three months, I finally received it. I received my Social Security System (SSS) ID in the mail today. My SS card was sent via registered mail and interestingly, the "generic" letter that came with it (which was signed by current SSS Chairman Romulo Neri) was dated February 3, 2009 but the envelope was postmarked February 19, 2009. So I'm thinking the SSS has one really very slow mailing process. Anyways, this post on how long before you get your SSS ID comes three months after my entry on how to get your SSS ID card. In that post, I mentioned that the data capture operator told me that it might take more than two months before my SSS digital ID is sent via registered mail. Well, what do you know? She was right! Not only did it take more th...
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Mar22009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2009 Ethnic Street Dancing competition to have 7 contingents

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel
I learned from the Kaamulan Festival 2009 Chief Coordinator today that a total of seven (7) contingents will compete during the Kaamulan Ethnic Street Dancing competition this Saturday, March 7, 2009. The contingents will represent the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the municipalities of Cabanglasan, Kalilangan, San Fernando, Malitbog and Quezon. I must admit, I was a little bit disappointed with the news. Out of 20 municipalities in Bukidnon and 2 full pledged cities and only 7 will vie for this year's much-awaited event! However, the Kaamulan overall coordinator said that in recent years, the provincial government of Bukidnon has imposed a couple of changes in the way they handle the yearly festival --- and the cutting down of budgets for official streetdancing competitors is o...
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Mar12009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Exactly who in Lanao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Caraga received the P2.7M worth of checks?

Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Commentary, Controversial, Davao City, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Opinion
This is exactly why I sometimes dislike writing news articles based on press releases or announcements (especially those from government entities.) You really don't get the minute details, you know that most of the time these PRs are just to "beautify" the government's image and if you really need to get to the bottom of things, you have to exert effort and really research. Unfortunately for journalists like me, however, there really are days when you don't have any other choice but to stick to the PR or media statement and hope that your article comes out fair, balanced and factual. I read a rather interesting article today."Displaced OFWs from Mindanao get P2.7M gift from Arroyo" - GMANews The article claimed that President Gloria Arroyo handed out a total of 33 checks worth P2.7 m...
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Feb272009 by Mindanaoan Irene11 Comments

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is hiring! (or so they say)

Advocacy, Agusan del Norte, Announcements, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Jobs, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, Pagadian, South Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula
Forgive the hint of doubt but let's face it - we're in the midst of global economic turbulence and we know just how many have lost their jobs. While it's true President Gloria Arroyo announced that the government is doing its best to offer "temporary jobs" to workers who recently got laid off (not sure if this so-called program has even started yet or is merely press release), her office did also say that they're offering loan packages to former OFWs from Taiwan and other countries - but we hear of a ton of complaints from these former OFWs. They claim that after going to and fro government agencies and submitting all pertinent documents, a lot of them have yet to receive a single cent. Hence, until I see solid proof that the government did hire thousands of workers albeit on a temporary b...
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Feb272009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Angela Batumbakal finally sends a reply and yes, she needs money

Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal
This post is related to an earlier entry about this girl who sent me an email and claimed that she has photos of award-winning Filipino actor Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana. The email sender calls herself "Angela Batumbakal." And since I was intrigued by her email, I sent her a brief reply asking, "and I suppose you're asking for money?" (Well, truth be told, I knew from the get-go that she needed money in exchange for these photos of former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity contestant Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana but admittedly, I was curious and a bit baffled as to how people can go through such lengths just to earn that quick buck) Today, I checked my email and I finally received a short confirmation from "Angela Batumbakal": "ofcourse in exchange for d pictur...
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Feb262009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Full statement of former Bukidnon congressman Neric Acosta on graft charges filed against him

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities
Yesterday, February 25, 2009, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez ordered the filing of graft charges against former Bukidnon First District Congressman Neric Acosta, his mother former Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon mayor Socorro Acosta and his aunt Nemia Bornidor (member of the Board of Trustees of the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries, Inc. and JR Nereus Acosta's aunt). The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Fr. Venancio Balansag Jr., Fr. Wilredo Torayno, Vicente N. Abrogueña (now deceased), and Felix Vergara, Jr. representing the Bukidnon Crusade Against Graft and Corruption. The BCAGC alleged that on January 9, 2001, the former Bukidnon congressman and Yale World Fellow and then Mayor Amado Noble of Talakag, Bukidnon executed a Memorandum of Agreement providing for the appropr...
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Feb252009 by Mindanaoan Irene27 Comments

Duty Free Philippines Davao is in need of cashiers, POS specialists

Davao City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update
In need of a job? Here's good news for job hunters! Duty Free Philippines - Davao is in need of a POS specialist and cashiers. According to their job announcement, these job openings are urgent requirements so if you think you have the skills and qualifications, read on and send in your applications ASAP. Please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE TO MINDANAOAN as your way of thanking me for posting this Davao City job opening ha? ;) Please also leave a comment. Salamat!
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Feb252009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana – caught on camera?

Controversial, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal
I received a rather weird (yet interesting, I must admit) offer via email yesterday. A girl who introduced herself as a certain "Angela Batumbakal" claimed that she has photos of "Jay" indie film lead actor Baron Geisler and another woman (unnamed) smoking marijuana. I found her email "interesting" only because I realize the lengths people go through just so they can either destroy a person or earn that quick buck. This "Angela Batumbakal" wrote: i have 5 clear pictures of baron geisler and a woman smoking marijuana.i found a memory card at an internet cafe and then i opened it and saw baron's pictures on it.if u are interested to have these pictures,u can send me an email.09099758776 [[email protected]] I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who received her so-called "offer," wh...
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Feb232009 by Mindanaoan Irene26 Comments

Pinoy Big Brother Season 3 audition schedules and venues

Announcements, Broadcasting, Butuan, Entertainment, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Music
For all of you Mindanaoans who want to try their luck in the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house, then check out the schedule of auditions for BOTH the Pinoy Big Brother Season 3 housemates and Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition. Mark your calendars! April 24 - Butuan City, Mindanao - Father Saturnino Urios University Gym April 26 - General Santos City - Barangay Lagao Gym, General Santos City Now for those in Luzon and Visayas, here are the schedules and venues for the auditions in your areas: February 27 - Manila - PDA concert hall (Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon city) March 1 - Batangas - Lipa City Colleges (beside St. Sebastian Cathedral) March 6 - Laoag (Ilocos) - Centennial Arena March 8 - Pampanga - Holy Angel University, Angeles City March 20 - Tarlac City - Tarlac State University A...
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Feb222009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Quick updates: Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Commentary, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal
So today, Sunday, February 22, 2009, is the fifth day since the "soft opening" of the Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration here in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. I'm here because my team and I (meaning my very helpful brothers and I) are in-charge of some Kaamulan 2009 events. We regularly have a lot of responsibilities every Kaamulan time and it's something that we just love to do. There's a different kind of rush whenever you're part of something grand and looked forward to by many. Plus of course it's an honor to be a part of such a huge festival (not to mention the widely recognized only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines!) There are now hundreds of booths at the Capitol Grounds here in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. All of these booths, by the way, are only made ...
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Feb202009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Survivor Philippines Season 2 to hold auditions in Davao City Mindanao

Announcements, Broadcasting, Davao City, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Society
If you want to be the next Pinoy sole survivor in the second season of Survivor Philippines and you're from Mindanao, well, head on down to Davao City, Mindanao and join the auditions! Who knows, you could just be the next winner of Survivor Philippines Season Two! So far, the only auditions for Survivor Philippines Season 2 here in Mindanao will be at SM Davao on March 18 and 19, 2009. Organizers of Survivor Philippines say that you don't need any documents - just bring your personality and a pen (so that you can fill up the registration form) and count your lucky stars. By the way, you can now download your registration form at the Official Survivor Philippines website. Good luck, Mindanaoan!
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Feb192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Have YOU registered yet?

Advocacy, Announcements, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personal
Are you Filipino? (It doesn't matter whether you're Mindanaoan - taga Mindanao - or from Luzon or Visayas) Are you at least eighteen (18) years of age and a resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year? Then you might just be qualified to vote in the upcoming May 2010 elections! Also, if you have lived in a certain place in the Philippines for at least 6 months prior to the elections, then you are qualified to vote. PLEASE, PLEASE EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO SUFFRAGE! If you haven't registered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) yet, then please visit the nearest election office in your area.  A registration form just like THIS ONE will be needed. If you're a first time vote, you are required to PERSONALLY APPEAR before the election officer in your area. You will be re...
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Feb182009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Online has a new look – check it out ;)

Bukidnon, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
Are you from Bukidnon? Or were you born in Bukidnon but you're now living in a different place? Or do you wish to learn more about the latest in Bukidnon - Bukidnon news, updates, features, photos, events etc? Bukidnon Online might just be the website you're looking for! A little over a year old, Bukidnon Online now sports a different look. Now made with Wordpress, this website about Bukidnon aims to showcase the province's rich culture, various tourist spots, fun-filled events and amazing people. Bukidnon Online will also feature exclusive photos, interviews, profiles of Bukidnon personalities etc. Considered the food basket of Mindanao, Bukidnon is also the home of the only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines - the Kaamulan Festival. Do check out the spanking bra...
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Feb152009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Are you a Havaianas fan? Write and join Isla Havaianatico in Samal, Davao, Mindanao

Davao City, Events, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update
Listen up, all you Havaianas fans! There's a day-long treat in store for all of you in a Havaianas Beach Resort and Spa somewhere in Samal (or should I say Island Garden City of Samal - IGaCOS) Davao City, Mindanao...but only if you write a one-page essay stating why you love your Havaianas. You must email that essay along with three creative photos of you wearing your Havaianas pair/s to [email protected] and if you're lucky, you get to spend a whole day Havaianas adventure in Samal on March 21, 2009 (Saturday). Deadline for submission of entries is on March 14, 2009. By the way, winners, their friends and VIP media guests will be grouped into teams during the island event and the champion team will receive P20,000.00 cash. Exclusive Havaianas items will also be given away as mi...
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Feb152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Healing priest Rev. Fernando Suarez to visit Butuan City, Mindanao on February 17-18, 2009

Announcements, Butuan, Mindanaoan Update, News, Religion, Society
Filipino healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez will be in Mindanao next week for both public and private healing sessions. Father Fernando, a member of the Companions of the Cross Healing Ministry, will be in Butuan City, Mindanao on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. An open-to-the-public healing session will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Urios University Gymnasium in Butuan. Organizers say that the healing session will be open to anybody who needs prayer, guidance and healing. A mass will also take place after the healing session, which will take place in the afternoon of February 18. Fr. Suarez's much-awaited visit is sponsored by the Butuan City Government in coordination with the Office of Butuan City Rep. Jose Aquino III. Born in Taal, Batangas, Fr. Fernando Suarez has b...
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Feb142009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon featured in Cebu Pacific’s inflight magazine “Smile”

Announcements, Bukidnon, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism
The Province of Bukidnon found in Mindanao, Philippines takes the spotlight in the current issue of the inflight magazine of Cebu Pacific Air, "Smile." The article about Bukidnon entitled "Tribal Pursuits" centers on the province's largest annual festival called the Kaamulan Festival. The Kaamulan festival is the annual gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. For more information and for the complete schedule of activities for this year's Kaamulan 2009 Festival, check this page. Going back to the article found in Cebu Pacific's magazine, I would just like to personally thank the writer, Irwin. I met him last year during the Kaamulan Festival 2008 celebration in Bukidnon. He was very pleasant and friendly. Salamat, Irwin! Thanks for mentioning Bukidnon Online, too ;)  The article is re...
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Feb142009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jesuit-run org needs writer, English teacher and bookkeeper

Announcements, Bukidnon, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update
Want to work in Mindanao? Here's a job opening in Mindanao that might interest you. The APU PALAMGUWAN CULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER (APC), a Jesuit-run educational organization with Indigenous Peoples (IP) education programs in Mindanao, Philippines, is looking for people to join their team. If you have the passion to serve and the required skills, do read on. I. WRITER/DOCUMENTOR Qualifications 1. Excellent writing skills 2. Education work background 3. Experience in developing manuals a plus 4. Willing to live in a community setting for several weeks 5. Preferably can speak Bisaya Target Outputs 1. APC Operations Manual (primarily of school processes) 2. APC Administrative Manual: organization processes & policies 3. Documentation of APC's education program: base d...
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Feb122009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Spend Valentine’s Day at Pepper and Peppers Restaurant Davao City

Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Personal
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you should already have an idea by now as to where you can bring your loved one for that special, romantic dinner. However, with just so many choices especially in Davao City, Mindanao, deciding where to go can be quite a challenge. Good thing there's Pepper and Peppers Restaurant which promises nothing but exquisite food, exclusive dining and elegant ambiance. Located at The Site, Central Convenience Store Compound, Jacinto Extension corner Mapa Street, Davao City, Pepper and Peppers Restaurant is best known for their killer (and I mean absolutely delish!) Iberian chicken, Chilean shrimp pasta and (my favorite) Sizzling Blackened Chicken. And come Valentine's Day, they've prepared two Valentine Set menus for you to choose from. The "Hopel...
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Feb102009 by Mindanaoan Irene17 Comments

Dabawenya Mindanaoan to compete in Binibining Pilipinas 2009

Beauty, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society
I was pleasantly surprised to see our "Baby South" during the press presentation of the official candidates of this year's Binibining Pilipinas 2009 pageant. "Baby South" refers to Priscilla Mae Navidad, a 17 year old Dabawenya. I met Mae a few years ago in Davao City, Mindanao. I was helping organize the Davao leg of the nationwide "Rainbow Tour" of premiere Filipino band South Border and after the concert, I was also selling copies of their award-winning platinum CD, "Episode III" (yes, I know, major plugging na 'to LOL :D) Anyways, there was this tall girl who kept on asking me if she could meet Jay Durias (South Border's musical director and keyboardist) because, according to her, they were cousins. I must admit, I had reservations at first because after all, there was virtually A M...
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Feb102009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Discover Region 12 and ARMM in Intramuros – until Feb. 16 only!

Announcements, ARMM, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao
Curious as to what Region XII, Mindanao and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) can offer? Head on down to the Intramuros History Town and discover the beauty of these two Mindanao areas. The said exhibit will go on an extended run until Feb. 16, 2009 only so you better hurry up! Better yet, why not make that visit your Valentine's Day celebration? From what I gathered from Sen. Richard Gordon, the Region XII and ARMM showcase in Intramuros History Town has so far been drawing roughly 6,000 visitors daily. Not bad, eh? I wonder how many of those 6,000 are certified Mindanaoans who just happen to be in Manila? :) This Intramuros History Town project, conceived by Senator Gordon, is pretty interesting and can really help boost tourism especially for the Island of Mindanao. Espe...
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Feb92009 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Davao City soon to have a wakeboard park

Mindanaoan Update
I simply couldn't contain my utter excitement when I found out about this yesterday - and via Facebook, no less. Apparently, Davao City will soon have a wakeboard park! Construction of the Davao Wakeboard Park is allegedly underway and it's set to be completed on April 2009. The grand opening of this new Davao City tourist attraction is slated for May 2009. Just in time for the tail end of summer 2009! As a certified water sports aficionado, I simply cannot wait to visit this complex soon! For the uninitiated, wakeboarding is a surface water sport wherein a person uses a wakeboard (this one's smaller than a surfboard but a little bit bigger than a skateboard) over the surface of a body of water. This sport was reportedly developed via a combination of water skiing, surfing and snowboard...
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