News Archives - Page 15 of 17 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr282009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s April 27, 2009 privilege speech (full text)

Advocacy, Announcements, Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities

If you're as baffled yet curious as I am with all this Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson versus Senator Manuel "Manny" Villar "ethics war," then you might want to give this a read. Here's the full text of Senator Ping's privilege speech yesterday, April 27, 2009, delivered before his fellow legislators. (Privilege Speech) By Hon. Panfilo M. Lacson Senator April 27, 2008 This will be a short privilege speech. At the outset I would like to thank the minority leader for yielding the floor to this representation and likewise to the lady senator from Antique. Mr. President, I stand on a matter of personal and collective privilege. Last Monday, 20 April 2009, this representation took the floor to clarify certain misleading statements made by some of our colleagues at the minority bloc in ...

Apr212009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

RTMI bus bombed in Kabacan, North Cotabato…and I was just there 2 days ago!

Bukidnon, Controversial, Crime, Iligan City, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, South Cotabato

My, my...this really scared the wits out of me. Less than 24 hours after I posted this entry about my first ever trip to Koronadal City (where the Rural Transit Bus I took had a brief stop at Kabacan, North Cotabato), I found out that a Rural Transit bus with body number 2772 got bombed Monday afternoon. And I was just there...in the very same place...two days ago! An improvised bomb reportedly exploded inside the bus. A passenger, who allegedly boarded the vehicle in Bukidnon, left a bag at the back part of the vehicle. The bomb explosion left four people injured. Coincidentally, a bomb also exploded at a bridge in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao. The bridge has been declared "unsafe for passage." When will all these ever end?

Apr102009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The presidentiables, senatoriables are now reaching out to Mindanao

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Society

The next Philippine national elections may still be a little over a year away from today but the various personalities believed to be among the "2010 senatoriables" and "2010 presidentiables" have started to make their presence felt here in Mindanao. Just a few days ago, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay paid Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao a visit. He was the guest of honor in an SK-related event, I think. However, sources told me that he also proceeded to the Province of Bukidnon to meet some political allies. Care to guess what they discussed? Senator Mar Roxas, on the other hand, has also been visible around Mindanao as of late. Touted as the Liberal Party's presidential bet, Senator Mar has been doing the rounds here as commencement exercises speaker. Same thing with the solon fro...

Apr92009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Warning: don’t bring sand from White Island, Camiguin

Advocacy, Announcements, Camiguin, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism, Travel

CAMIGUIN ISLAND, MINDANAO - The world-renowned White Island in the Province of Camiguin is undoubtedly one of the more famous tourist spots in this side of Mindanao. Thousands of local and foreign tourists flock to this beautiful island year after year. And because it's one of the more preferred tourist destinations in the Island of Camiguin, the local government is doing everything in its power to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the renowned White Island. The Camiguin government has also enforced a couple of rules and regulations that aim to protect and preserve White Island. One of these rules is that visitors are not allowed to bring sand from White Island. Check out the picture I took (the picture that appears in this post). There's a sign that says "Guinadili pagkuha s...

Mar172009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Is Senator Francis Chiz Escudero a datu?

Announcements, Arts, Culture, Davao City, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Society

Apparently he now is! The once spokesperson of former President Erap Estrada (the late Fernando Poe, Jr.) and now opposition senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was recently "adopted" as a Datu. Chiz Escudero is now also known as "Datu Matansub" (meaning approachable and wise). The adoption of Chiz as a datu was held last March 14, 2009 in Davao City, Mindanao during a meeting with tribal leaders. The meeting was held in line with the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for People and Development. Check out the photo provided to Mindanaoan by the Office of Senator Francis Escudero below. Photo by Bambam Luneta. BY THE WAY --- please --- if you have plans of reposting this entry or reusing this photo, please have the courtesy to cite the source. Thank you.

Mar162009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero crowns new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada

Announcements, Contests, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Style

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was one of the special guests during the coronation night of the Mutya ng Davao last March 14, 2009. Escudero, a frequent visitor of my hometown Davao City, was tasked to crown the new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 winner, Resa Angeli Rizada. The new Mutya ng Dabaw winner, by the way, is a nursing graduate of San Pedro College. Check out this photo of Sir Chiz along with Davao City Vice Mayor Sara "Inday Sara" Duterte and Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada. Also in the photo is Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Mary Jane Lastimosa (3rd from right) Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Francis Escudero. Photo by Bambam Luneta. The Mutya ng Dabaw pageant is part of the annual Araw ng Davao celebration.

Mar152009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Songs of Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City bands in ‘The “Thank You” Girls’ film

Advocacy, Arts, Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Music, News

I'm really pleased to know that the songs at least three Mindanawon bands were included in the soundtrack of the independent Visayan film "The 'Thank You' Girls." The bands I'm referring to are Gasulina (a band I had the chance to hire for a gig roughly two years ago...I already fell madly in love with their songs "The Pill" and "Fueled" then --- the very same songs that are included in the indie film), The Superflirts and fellow Atenistas, Lizardchips. I still haven't had the chance to view "The 'Thank You' Girls" movie (if I'm not mistaken, their last screening was at Robinson's Indiesine in Manila last January 2009) but I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on a DVD (original copy, don't worry! ;) ) Hopefully, though, there will be more screenings of this movie because I"...

Mar122009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

After Villar and Teodoro, Bukidnon’s Zubiri is now endorsing Loren Legarda

Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Headline, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personalities

I cannot help but wonder what's going on Bukidnon Governor Jose Zubiri, Jr.'s mind right now. Isn't he supposed to be a LAKAS-CMD member? What's he doing endorsing NPC member Senator Loren Legarda as "the next President" of the country? Zubiri publicly called Legarda "the next Philippine President" and "President Legarda" during the female senator's recent visit to the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. Legarda served as the guest of honor during the 92nd Foundation Day (Aldaw Ta Bukidnon) of the Province of Bukidnon last March 10, 2009. Before thousands of people, the Bukidnon governor and father of current Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri called on his constituents to support Legarda. Zubiri's statement has raised a lot of questions. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? Photo courtesy of ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Feb82009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Senate commends Mindanaoan junior tennis champ Francis “Nino” Belderol Alcantara

Arts, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Sports

The Philippine Senate recently formally commended Mindanaoan Francis Casey "Niño" Alcantara, the first Filipino Australian Open champ, via a resolution. Just this week, the senators unanimously adopted Senate Resolution Number 860 authored by Senator Pia Cayetano commending the country's newest sports phenomenon. Alcantara recently nabbed the Junior Boys Doubles crown of the Australian Open Tennis Championships. Alcantara played alongside partner Cheng-Peng Hsiehtoi of Taiwan. Alcantara, 17 years old, is a student of Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan University) in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. The son of a Bukidnon native (his mother Sarah is from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Mindanao), this young Mindanaoan is the very first Filipino to win a "Grand Slam" tennis tournament. * Nin...

Feb52009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

DTI Northern Mindanao to offer income generating livelihood, entrepreneurial trainings

Announcements, Business, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office in Northern Mindanao has just shared with Mindanaoan the series of income generating livelihood and entrepreneurial trainings that they are set to offer for free. Simultaneous trainings and seminars will be conducted this month in the different provinces by the various DTI branches in response to the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) of the national government. The following CLEEP trainings and seminars are open to all and registration is FREE but on a first come and first serve basis only as the venue could only accommodate a limited number of participants. Be sure to register early! Interested parties can just visit the nearest DTI Provincial Office or the Regional Office at Corrales-Luna...

Jan292009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Breaking news: Basilan mayor slain in ambush

ARMM, Crime, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sulu, Zamboanga Peninsula

Karam Jakilan, mayor of Albarkah, Basilan, along with three others, was slain in an ambush just this afternoon. They were attacked in Tipo-Tipo, according to police reports. Basilan is located just off the southern coast of Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao, Philippines. Basilan, which is within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), is the biggest and northernmost among the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago. Basilan Police Superintendent Salik Macapantar reportedly said that the mayor, his driver and two unnamed persons - a man and a woman - were killed at around 4 pm today. Meanwhile, three people included in the convoy were hurt. Police believe that the motive of the killing was "rido," which pertains to blood feuds that often go unresolved over several generations. ...

Jan292009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Avail of the 50 percent discount on a DTI permit, Mindanaoan!

Advocacy, Announcements, Business, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

Got laid off? Have you been toying with the idea of launching a business? Want to concentrate on being self-employed this time around? Well, now's a great time to do it and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is doing its share of making that plan of yours easier on the pocket. According to a press release sent to me (Mindanaoan) by the Department of Trade and Industry, the DTI has reportedly slashed its business name registration and renewal fees to half. Yes, you read that right. A fifty percent discount on that much-needed DTI business permit. This, in accordance to a department order issued by DTI Secretary Peter Favila. Instead of the standard P300.00 fee for business name registration, DTI will now only collect P150.00 per business name registration and renewal transaction....

Jan192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This is exactly why experts say it’s worth investing in mining stocks this year

Controversial, Cotabato, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat

No need to look far, really. Central Mindanao is fast becoming the major hub of mining operations in the country. Just recently, a Filipino-owned company has sought from the regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau an exploration permit for copper, gold, and silver deposits in three provinces here in Mindanao. Tao Mohin Resources Corporation is the very first company to formally file an application for exploration permit this year. And get this - Tao Mohin Resources Corporation shelled out not less than P800,000 just so they can be granted permit to explore 14,831.7 hectares. If the company is willing to pay that much just for "exploration," you can just imagine just how much it's willing to invest once it finds that pot of gold (and copper and silver!) The said company is reportedly keen ...

Jan132009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao to have cold weather and rains in next few days

Mindanaoan Update, News

Like a lot of people, I myself also can't stand cold weather. I hate catching colds and to remain stuck at home can somehow be boring. So you can just imagine how disappointed I was today when I learned that Mindanao will continue to see rains and cold weather in the next few days. According to Nathaniel Cruz, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (OMG, I can't remember the last time I said that out loud...hmm), the country is currently plagued with a cold front, which also apparently triggered the rains and unfortunate flashfloods in both Visayas and Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro City has been badly hit by these flashfloods as of late). Which reminds me...I hope this cold front will not dampen the Sinulog 2009 celebration. I'm actually looking ...

Jan62009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Online petition for the resignation of the Pangandamans; Pangandaman counsel: “Wala pong bodyguard, lahat po sila naka-bakasyon”

Controversial, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

The website of the "Ang Kapatiran Party" has launched an online petition for the resignation of Department of Agrarian Reform Nasser Pangandaman, Sr. and Masiu, Lanao del Sur Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr. This, following the alleged brutal mauling of 56 year old businessman Delfin dela Paz and his 14 year old son, Bino. If you're interested to sign the petition, please CLICK HERE. Incidentally, the Pangandamans also have an appeal to bloggers. This part is nicked from an ABS-CBN news story: Appeal to bloggers Since Bambee’s blog, the story about the incident in the golf club spread through the Internet. Bloggers condemned and some even put up a signature campaign for Pangandaman’s resignation. Pangandaman said his family is hurting because of the bad picture being painted o...

Jan52009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Thank goodness! May the dela Paz family finally get justice!

Controversial, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

Finally, the long wait is over! Today, fifty six year old businessman Delfin dela Paz and his 14 year-old son, Bino, have finally lodged before the Antipolo courts separate charges of physical injuries against the Pangandamans. Named as respondents to the case are the two sons of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. - Hussein and Nasser Pangandaman Jr., the mayor of Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. The family’s legal counsel is Raymond Fortun, who's known to represent high profile clients such as former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada. According to the Inquirer, Fortun said they were set to go to the Ombudsman on Wednesday to seek the preventive suspension of Pangandaman Sr. "so as not to derail the investigation." Atty. Fortun also said the secretary ...

Jan32009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

What’s the government doing against the Pangandamans?

Controversial, Government, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

I'm sure that many of you have heard of the Dela Paz - Pangandaman alleged brawling incident last December 26, 2008 (yes, a mere 1 day after Christmas!) Just in case you haven't, you may want to read this. You may also want to read Bambee Dela Paz's blog entry here - Bambee is the sister of the 14-year old boy who allegedly got mauled, along with his 56-year old father, by Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. and his son Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. Apart from the facts that the incident involved a 14-year old boy, government officials and their gun-toting bodyguards and that the younger Pangandaman is a leader of a town in Mindanao of all places (it's controversial and embarrassing, really, especially since we Mindanaoans wan...

Dec312008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Gordon’s New Year’s Message

Government, News

Here's the full text of Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon's New Year's Message. This coming year 2009 (year of the Ox), I also hope that each and every one of us can be the change or agent of change that our country (badly) needs. It really all comes from within! Sen. Gordon's year 2009 message: Let us be the change our country needs. I extend my warmest greetings to my kababayans here and abroad as you, along with the rest of humanity, eagerly await the dawn of New Year 2009! Each New Year is a symbol of hope and a herald for new beginnings. The year 2009 stretches across us like a horizon, filled with opportunities to be explored and challenges to be overcome. As we celebrate another milestone in our history, let us not forget the lessons we have learned from the past and continue t...