Opinion Archives - Page 6 of 7 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

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...

Feb12009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Was Mindanaoan Gary Granada ripped off by GMA Kapuso?

Advocacy, Controversial, Crime, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Opinion, Personal, Personalities

Don't we just hate it when people, especially fellow Mindanaoans, are deprived of what's rightfully due them? And don't we just hate it when someone denies that a wrong has been done even when it's so blatant? Just take this case of Mindanaoan artist Gary Granada who alleges that GMA Kapuso Foundation took advantage of his work. GMA Kapuso Foundation allegedly used his work without proper recognition and more importantly, payment or royalties. According to Gary, who was born in Maco, Davao (Compostela Valley), GMA Kapuso Foundation took advantage of his work and the said foundation's lawyer even had the audacity to say that he merely changed a word or two. Worse, the camp of GMA 7 alleged that they don't owe Gary anything since the end product was a result of "collective work." A legal ...

Jan282009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Are you willing to pay P6,000 to the Philippine government just so you can blog?

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Technology

Because this seems to be the case if ever a proposal dubbed "Guidelines on the Provision of Contents, Information, Applications and Electronic Games" lodged before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) pushes through. Now, how does this affect Mindanaoan bloggers or content providers here in the Philippines, you ask? This controversial proposal, when loosely translated, would mean that the Philippine government wants to require people to hold licenses in order to create or post content online. And, of course, there will be corresponding fees and charges. Under the proposal, a filing fee of P300.00 shall be imposed and an annual registration fee of P6,000.00. There will also reportedly be surcharges for late filings. While the proposal probably has commendable objectives and w...

Jan202009 by Mindanaoan Irene16 Comments

The curious case of the CagayanCon 2009 website and a controversy?

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal

The 1st Cagayan de Oro Construction Show 2009 (CagayanCon '09) was held last January 16, 17 and 18, 2009 at the Rotunda, Lim Ket Kai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The event aims to pool together stakeholders (from construction businessmen to manufacturers to suppliers to end consumers) in the construction industry. I must admit, I didn't hear about the event up until I was actually inside Limketkai Mall last Sunday, January 18, the last day of the exhibit. I was in town (CDO) for the day and I noticed the many booths at the Rotunda area of the said famous Cagayan de Oro mall. I was only able to check out 2-3 booths that day, unfortunately, so I vowed to check the event website and hopefully write about it here in Mindanaoan. Lo and behold, I found a couple of highly ...

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 ...

Jan192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Is Mindanao really RP’s “Wild West”?

Advocacy, Commentary, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion

This got me thinking when I received a press release from the Office of Sen. Richard Gordon recently. The PR read: "Turn around Mindanao’s image as RP’s ‘Wild West’ – Gordon" The senator said that Mindanao has "gained a negative reputation in the international media as the country’s “Wild, Wild West” due to the continued spate of kidnappings, sporadic bombings, and the poor peace and order situation." Is our beloved island Mindanao really the Philippines' version of the so-called "Wild West"? In a meeting with the Regional Development Council of Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Gordon challenged Mindanao executives to turn around Mindanao's negative image from being the “Wild West of the Philippines ” into a premier tourist destination with its unique history and ...

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...

Dec172008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The one question I want to ask General Santos City Mayor Pedro “Jun” Acharon

General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Travel

A few months ago, my brother and I went to General Santos City, Mindanao. AFTER 14 LONG YEARS. It was a trip planned within a few days - I wanted to take pictures during the Tuna Festival and at the same time, perhaps see some of our relatives (father's side) whom we haven't seen in that long a time. What supposedly was a "reunion" turned out to be a depressing visit. My brother and I learned that some of our relatives are now homeless. Yes, HOMELESS. Their homes in Lot 2, Barangay Apopong, General Santos City have been demolished and they have been living in makeshift shanties for more than a year now. By makeshift I REALLY mean makeshift - they merely took whatever they could retrieve in the heat of the demolitions (there were two in a span of a few months) and they literally just pie...

Dec162008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Should Sen. Trillanes do video conferencing instead?

Government, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Technology

There's a proposal in the Philippine Senate these days that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV be allowed to attend the Senate sessions through the power of the Internet. If the proposal will be ratified, Sen. Trillanes can "participate" in the sessions through video conferencing. If ever this will push through, the senator, who's currently in the slammer (compulsory detention after his involvement in a recent coup attempt), will be the first Filipino elected official who will use this type of technology. As expected, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago rejected the proposal. The other senators who have yet to let their stand known include Senators Joker Arroyo, Juan Ponce Enrile, Manny Villar, Richard Gordon, Panfilo Lacson, Manuel Lapid, Francis Pangilinan, and Mindanao's very own, Juan Miguel Zu...

Dec112008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pacman’s win should not mask true state of RP sports

Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Sports

I absolutely agree with Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's statement that Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's win over Oscar "Golden Boy" De La Hoya recently should not mask the real, true state of Philippine sports. While we're all happy and proud of Pacquiao's win in the recently concluded "Dream Match," (congratulations, Manny!) we should not forget that there's still so much to be done in order to really make the Filipino truly excel in different sporting fronts (and not just in boxing). It's true that Pacquiao, a certified Mindanaoan by the way (he was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon and grew up in General Santos City, Mindanao), is a genuine sports hero not only among Filipinos but among boxing aficionados all over the world. What he displayed last weekend was exemplary sportsmanship, skill and ded...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

My first Sony experience is with my Sony Ericsson K500i

Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Style, Technology, Tourism, Travel

While I consider my father's Sony all-transistor radio my first Sony "encounter," (it was one of his most treasured possessions and when he installed pipe-in sound systems in Jesuit-owned buildings, he'd bring me and his precious all transistor radio along - my role was to belt out songs and he'd test the wirings and quality of sound) I consider my Sony Ericsson k500i mobile phone as my very first Sony experience. In fact, truth be told, my Sony Ericsson k500i cellular phone has been with me through so many "firsts" in my life that it has just been (and still is!) one crazy, amazing, memorable ride. This phone has also played a great part in my quest to find my niche - my very own place under the sun. I bought this Sony product at a time when I felt I badly wanted - nay, needed - a chan...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero speaks up on his plans for 2010

Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities

If you're curious if Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero is running for President this 2010, then read on. Here's the full text of Sen. Chiz's blog. THOUGHTS? December 2, 2008, 12:29 am Dahil sa mga naglalabasang surveys na kasali ako sa top 5 ng mga presidentiables, marami ang nagtatanong kung nangangarap daw ba akong maging presidente ng Pilipinas sa 2010. Ang masasabi ko lang ay oo. May pangarap ako tulad ng sinumang pulitiko siguro ngayon na humawak ng mas mataas na puwesto. Ang maganda sa pangarap, ito ay libre at hindi kailangang bayaran. Subalit ang mahalaga sa akin ay hindi kung ano ang gusto ko. Gusto ni ganito na tumakbo, gusto ni ganyan na tumakbo. Hindi mahalaga kung ano ang gusto kong takbuhan. Ang mahalaga, ano ba ang gusto ng ating mga kababayan na tatakbuhan ko o gusto ba...

Nov252008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Pictures taken during the Senate Nov. 17, 2008 revamp

Broadcasting, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Photos

What supposed to be was a simple, routinary visit to the Senate of the Philippines last November 17, 2008 turned out to be one very controversial occasion. It was the day when the Senate coup happened. It was the day when the Senate revamp occured. It was the day when Senate President Manny Villar got ousted by his fellow senators and was replaced by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. And yes, it was also the day when Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri got appointed as Acting Majority Floor Leader. Although I've been receiving some tips via text messages that something "big" and "major" would occur in the next few days, I never thought that IT would happen that day, a seemingly innocent Monday. Anyways, here are the photos I took that day: (CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS) ...

Nov92008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Scary and weird display at Marcella SM Cagayan de Oro branch

Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Photos, Weird

I'm not a visual display expert but I think this display of wigs over at Marcella SM Cagayan de Oro branch looks weird. Scary even. I was paying for the items I bought at the said store when I saw this area near the cashier. Don't these look as if they came right out of a scene in the cult flick "The Ring"? Or don't these look like as if these are real ladies waiting for their hair to be shampooed? I mean this is just my personal opinion but come on! I appreciate that the Marcella store needs to showcase the wigs and sell them but I seriously think there's a much better way to arrange the display. Apologies for the low quality of the photos. Just took this one with my Motorola Krzr.

Nov92008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

How a single letter can make a difference

Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal

I couldn't help but take a photo of this during my trip to Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao over the weekend. I was crossing the street when I spotted this sign at the back of a van. The word "Legislators" first caught my attention - the letters were huge, red and attractive. Unfortunately, when I studied the sign further, I saw something wrong. Can you find what I saw? A single misspelled word can really make or break a lot of things - even an organization's sign/placard. Just when I was supposed to be impressed, I was immediately disappointed with what I saw. I had a lot of questions, too --- who made that sign/placard? Why did the National Movement of Young Legislators allow such blunder? How much did the group spend for a misspelled sign? Didn't they check beforehand or at least reque...

Nov72008 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Review: Songs I Grew Up With (Jay Durias solo album)

Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Reviews

Album review written last August 31, 2007 and published by many media outlets. Thank you! The author of this piece (who is also the one behind Mindanaoan.com) is a long-time supporter of award winning Filipino band South Border. She was also cited in the album acknowledgments. Jay Durias, a certified Dabawenyo, is South Border's musical director and keyboardist. Jay's solo album, "Songs I Grew Up With," is a project album. Admit it - you’ve always wondered how South Border keyboardist and musical director Jay Oliver Durias would fare as a solo artist. After all, he’s largely considered as “the main man” behind the highly successful band, having composed and arranged most of South Border’s hits including “Rainbow,” “Love Of My Life” and the favorite of many, “Kahit Kailan,” and h...

Oct282008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jeanette Lomanta drops libel case vs. radio man

Broadcasting, Controversial, Crime, Davao City, Headline, Journalism, Media, News, Opinion, Personalities, Radio

TV personality Jeanette Lomanta has reportedly submitted an affidavit of desistance in relation to the libel case she filed against former radio broadcaster Alexander Adonis. As a result, Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Davao City is set to dismiss the case soon - BUT only if Adonis' other pending cases get settled as well. The libel case against the former journalist is in line with Adonis' series of commentaries over the air in 2001 alleging that Lomanta had a so-called tryst in a Manila hotel with then Davao 1st District Congressman now House Speaker Prospero Nograles. Lomanta reportedly withdrew her complaint after "adhering to the Christian values of forgiveness." Adonis, in a letter dated October 21, 2008, extended his apologies to her. He still has to face a pending libel ca...

Oct282008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Facebook Tagalog…well what about Pisbuk?

Advocacy, Bisaya, Humor, Internet, Opinion, Technology

All right, call me crazy but wouldn’t it be fun if we had a Visayan version of the popular social networking website Facebook? After all, there’s now a Facebook Tagalog version (I’m not kidding! I was completely stunned, too, when I found the question “Ano ginagawa mo ngayon?” in there!). Even Friendster (arguably still the most popular social networking website among Pinoys) has its own Tagalog version. So why not Facebook Bisaya or Facebook Visayan? (Or as my friend Budoy of Junior Kilat and Celebrity Pinoy Big Brother fame would term it --- “Pisbuk”) Wouldn’t it be awesome and totally fun if we found something like “Unsay imong gabuhaton karon, dong/dai?” or if the Pokes were called “dutdut?” Knowing how fond of the LOLs we Bisdaks are, we'll have a field day! The mere thought makes...

Oct242008 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Getting primped up at Jesi Mendez Salon Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Opinion, Personal, Style

Ever since my House of Representatives days, I’ve always wanted to visit a Jesi Mendez Salon branch and see what the fuss was all about. You see, a lot of my Manila-based friends rave about how they like the salon, the hairdressers and the services. Many wives of congressmen-friends also visit the salon for their regular hair treatments. However, being the “kuripot” (cheapskate) Mindanaoan that I am, my plan just remained a plan for years until finally, I had the chance (and the money!) to go last weekend. I was in Cagayan de Oro City and I found out that there was a Jesi Mendez Salon in the area. So I went. The Jesi Mendez Salon branch there, which opened early this year (with GMA 7 actor Dingdong Dantes as guest celebrity), is located at the famed Lim Ket Kai Mall along Lapasan Highwa...

Oct182008 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Justice for Mantigue Island, Camiguin residents

Camiguin, Controversial, News, Opinion, Resorts

My family and I went to the Island of Camiguin a few months ago. What supposedly was a time to relax and unwind turned out to be work somehow. You see, when we visited the beautiful islet of Mantigue in Camiguin (the "less popular" islet --- tourists usually go to the famous White Island), we learned from the residents there that the local government has started to send them feelers. The residents said that the local government wanted them off the island as soon as possible because they were considered "illegal occupants." The residents opined, however, that most of them have been born in the island. They asserted that they were "natives" there and that they grew up knowing only one home and that is Mantigue. Over the years, they learned how to fish, culture seaweeds and eventually welcom...