Politics Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct72011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Update: Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo Live in Cagayan de Oro concert – Mindanaoan.com is an official media partner!

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Concert King Martin Nievera and Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo will topbill a much-awaited event in Cagayan de Oro early next month. The Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo "What Love Is" Cagayan de Oro City concert will be held on Friday, November 4, 2011, 8 PM at the Atrium of Limketkai Center, CDO. Below is the updated version of the concert poster plus a slight change in ticket prices :) Please reserve or buy your tickets as soon as possible before they run out! And yes, Mindanaoan.com, adjudged as the Best Lifestyle Blog for Mindanao 2010 by the Philippine Blog Awards, is one of the official media partners of the Martin Nievera - Sarah Geronimo What Love Is Cagayan de Oro concert! Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo Live in Cagayan de Oro radio ad by asteriskec This eve...

Sep262011 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Exclusive: All 4 One and Color Me Badd thank the Philippines!

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

It's been more than 2 weeks since their highly successful Cagayan de Oro, Philippines show but this Filipina travel and lifestyle blogger is still buzzin'! Yes, folks, I'm still on a high! :D As you guys may know, Mindanaoan.com was an official media partner of the All 4 One and Color Me Badd back-to-back concert last September 10, 2011 at the Atrium of the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. It was a major thing for a certified fan like myself --- not only did I get to meet the boys up close and personal (OMG!!!), spend time with them and see their real, offstage personas, I also had the chance to gather autographs, take lots of photos and...*drum roll please*...meet them again in Manila before they flew out for Los Angeles! *cartwheels* I will share with...

Sep52011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Call for ARMM OIC nominations draws in 341 applicants

ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Politics, Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

So since the ARMM Elections 2011 did not push through, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Screening Committee instead called for nominations to various ARMM OIC posts. Mindanaoan.com even posted the call for nominations days ago. Now, we just got the latest update. Apparently, the call for nominations for ARMM positions has lured in a total of 341 applicants! According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), a total of 341 nominations were forwarded to their office. Here's the breakdown: Nominations for ARMM OIC Governor - 51 Nominations for ARMM OIC Vice Governor - 17 Nominations for ARMM OIC Legislative Assembly Members - 272 There were applicants from Basilan, Sulu 1st District, Sulu 2nd District, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and ev...

Sep12011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Malacanang confirms appointment of Ramon Jimenez as new Tourism Secretary

Beauty, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Culture, Government, Headline, Journalism, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics, Society, Tourism, Travel

Twitter was abuzz today with reports that Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has found a replacement for Alberto Lim, erstwhile Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary. Lim resigned, citing personal reasons. Aquino reportedly accepted Lim's resignation effective August 31, 2011. Now, Malacanang has confirmed reports that a new person has been found to lead the Department of Tourism. In a press release, Malacanang said that Ramon Reyes Jimenez Jr. has been appointed by Aquino as Acting Secretary of the Department of Tourism. Jimenez is now the new Tourism Secretary. Mon Jimenez, as he is known to his peers, has been in the field of marketing communications for a total of 35 years, and is considered one of the pillars of Philippine advertising. He has been a writer, creativ...

Aug262011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Boxing coach Freddie Roach: Manny Pacquiao is broke

Commentary, General Santos City, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, Sports, Weird

Freddie Roach, the longtime coach of Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, shocked a lot of people when he allegedly said downright that the world boxing champion is broke. Yup, as in broke, wala nay kuwarta, no more money, wala nang pera. Freddie Roach's statement baffled a lot of people and not a few expressed their doubts. After all, didn't Manny Pacquiao just buy a multi-million mansion at Forbes Park? Doesn't he give millions away in his GMA 7 show "Manny Many Prizes"? Doesn't he and wife Jinkee Pacquiao have a lot of businesses not only in General Santos City, Sarangani, Davao City but even in Manila as well? Is it really possible that Manny Pacquiao, whose latest guaranteed purse from the bout with Shane Mosley last May 2011 was a staggering US 20 Million, i...

Aug32011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full text: Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri resignation speech

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Crime, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Amid other big news today, the reported resignation of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri was the most talked about. A lot of people shared their reactions to the news that the senator from Bukidnon and fellow Mindanaoan Senator Migs Zubiri will resign amid allegations of poll fraud claims. Mindanaoan wrote a blog post about this earlier. As I previously mentioned, I called up some key people from the Zubiri camp. I also even contacted Senator Migs Zubiri himself. However, although I was privy to some important details, I refused to confirm anything pending the privilege speech of Senator Miguel Zubiri before the Senate plenary, which happened today, August 3, 2011. I was also told that his father, former Bukidnon governor now vice governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr., mother Maria Victoria "Vicky," w...

Aug32011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Reports: Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri to resign today

Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

Reports surfaced earlier today stating that the senator from Bukidnon, fellow Mindanaoan Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri will resign from his senatorial post at 3 PM today, August 3, 2011. I would like to stress, however, that at this point, everything remains unconfirmed. No one can really say for sure yet if indeed Senator Miguel Zubiri will resign. I first read the reports on Twitter. I then called up some people from the Office of Senator Migs Zubiri and verified. I also even asked Senator Migs himself. As of this posting at 1:18 PM, however, reports remain unconfirmed. The key people from the Zubiri camp shared some details but I refuse to confirm anything at this point. I also do not want to divulge anything specific just yet since I do not want to pre-empt Senator Miguel (although I ca...

Jul22011 by Mindanaoan Irene32 Comments

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte punches sheriff…and why I still trust and believe in her

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Controversial, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Politics, Society

First things first. I am a Dabawenya. Hence, you know that I can be biased...and I am. I will not even try to deny it. No matter what people say, I think Davao City has gone a long way from being a mere "NicarAGDAO" (likened to Nicaragua...Agdao is one of the notorious areas in Davao where dead bodies would be found long ago...now it's a busy commercial district) to being one of the most livable cities in the world and part of the reason why my beloved hometown is doing this well are the Dutertes. Before I proceed, let me just say that this is not a political post. This will not be an in-depth analysis. This will not even cite the possible sanctions, the alleged violated laws etc etc. I will leave all of those to lawyers, analysts, political bloggers, columnists etc etc. Instead, this w...

Jun302011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Atty. Adel Tamano joins ANC Channel, has new primetime show

Blogging, Features, Headline, Marawi City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Politics, Society, Television

A few weeks ago, this Mindanao blog broke the news about former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila president and very first Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard University Atty. Adel Tamano being the new Dean of the College of Law of Liceo University, Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao. Boy, that blog entry attracted a whole lotta traffic and it was shared so many times in various social networking websites! (thank you everybody! :D) Now, you might think that because of this new gig, Sir Adel has really bid adieu to limelight. Think again. Atty. Adel Tamano is the newest host to join ANC or the ABS CBN News Channel. He will soon have a primetime show on ANC. First airing is tentatively set on July 7, 2011 at 7:30 PM. The title of the show isn't fixed yet, apparently. Sir Adel d...

Jun82011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan Exclusive: KC Concepcion greets Mindanao, shares what she loves about Mindanao, invites fans to “Forever And A Day”

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

You heard the theme song. You got intrigued when you heard this - "kaya mo bang mahalin ang isang taong mawawala din sayo?" And, by now, it's likely that you've memorized this line - "Thank you for yesterday. Thank you for today. And if I forget, thank you for tomorrow." Yes, it seems you're ready to fall in love on June 15, 2011. KC Concepcion and Sam Milby will topbill one of the most awaited movies of this year, the Star Cinema offering "Forever And A Day." Truth be told, I think this KC Concepcion and Sam Milby starrer is THE most awaited movie here in Mindanao - primarily because they shot this flick in 3 key areas in Mindanao - Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City (who wouldn't be excited to see familiar places? Plus think about what this film will do for Mindanao tou...

Jun22011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Young Filipino wedding photographers from Mindanao included among world’s best

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

A group composed of Mindanaoan Filipino visual artists turned destination wedding photographers, One Happy Story, was recently included in a list composed of the best engagement and most creative wedding photographers in the world. One Happy Story, a group of young Filipino wedding photographers, was recently included in Love Olio, a hand-selected listing that features only what they call “the most groundbreaking wedding photographers in the world.” Love Olio showcased some of One Happy Story’s best engagement and wedding images. “We are extremely proud and delighted. Our inclusion in Love Olio is an affirmation of our commitment to capture real and happy moments as they happen for two people in love,” said Bon, Creative Director of One Happy Story. “Each couple has a unique story...

May302011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full text: Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri privilege speech on black corals smuggling in Philippines

Advocacy, Blogging, Cotabato, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Politics

Here is the full text of the privilege speech of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on the alleged smuggling of black corals in the Philippines. Senator Miguel Zubiri delivered this speech today, May 30, 2011. Zubiri's speech was prompted by the recent confiscation of multi-million peso worth of black corals in Cebu. The Rape of Our Ocean (privilege speech of Senator Migs Zubiri on the poaching of corals in the Philippines) Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise on an issue that has been the newspaper headlines and the topic of many discussions on social network, particularly on Facebook and Twitter, for the past week. Dubbed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as "the rape of the ocean", I refer to the confiscated black corals, stuffed hawksbill turtles and other marine species. Mr. Pre...

May272011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

ARMM Elections 2011 candidates

Announcements, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Politics, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

ARMM Elections 2011 official list of candidates. Here are the names of candidates for the 2011 ARMM elections, tentatively planned to happen on August 8, 2011. I say tentatively because Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and the rest of Malacanang are trying their best to move for the postponement of the ARMM elections. PNoy is proposing that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections be reset for synchronization with the 2013 midterm polls. Qualified ARMM voters are set to choose the Regional Governor, Regional Vice-Governor and Regional Assemblyman during the ARMM elections 2011. Candidates for ARMM Governor: (14 candidates) Mamintal Alonto Adiong (incumbent Lanao del Sur Governor) Ashmaira Mayasa Abdullah Saad Ibrahim Amate Pangalian Macaorao Balindong Ephraim ...

May22011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Video: US President Barack Obama speech on Osama Bin Laden death

Announcements, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Politics, Videos

Like you, I was one of the hundreds of millions of people around the world who got a bit stunned when the news of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden's death broke out today. Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 bombings, was killed by U.S. forces in a mansion Abbottabad, north of Islamad, capital of Pakistan. This, after nearly 10 years (!) after the 9/11 attacks. Reportedly, some of Bin Laden's relatives were also killed during the military operation. I must admit, the news of the death of Osama Bin Laden, one of, if not THE most wanted person in the world, was the last thing on my mind. After all, haven't there been so much going on in the world as of late? The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the beatification of Pope John Paul II and locally, the resig...

Mar202011 by Mindanaoan Irene18 Comments

Keeping up with the fun, funky familia!

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Bukidnon, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Kaamulan Festival, Leisure, Macau, Malaysia, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Politics, Society, Technology, Tourism, Travel

Let's take a breather from my Singapore Chronicles series of blog entries, shall we? Right now, at this very minute, I'm actually taking a break myself. Taking a break from packing my clothes, preparing my documents and checking (and re-checking) my to-do list. And for some reason, amid all the chaos, I am now rather becoming a little bit sentimental. I can't help it. I become mushy whenever I think of my beloved fun and funky family :) Come to think of it - in the past year alone, so many things have happened to me and my family. First off, we finally moved to our new home! It's smaller than the previous one we lived in for years but at least this one's ours! Woohoo! :D I was so excited that I shouldered the special landscaping for our front yard. Never mind if it shaved a lot off m...

Feb62011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At the wedding reception of the Malaysian ambassador’s daughter

BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Features, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Politics, Society

Ever since I had the utmost privilege to meet the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad and his beautiful wife Datin Seri Dato Zainab Kader, I've become so fascinated with Malaysia, its people, its culture and traditions and even their food! I've also become quite fascinated with certain similarities between the Philippines and Malaysia and the glaring fact that at the end of the day, we really all are connected. So when I received this special invitation to attend the wedding reception of the Malaysian ambassador's daughter Zaireen Ayu Ibrahim and her groom Shazlan Sufian, I knew I just had to go. Not only was it a fabulous chance for me to witness an akad nikah (traditional Malay wedding) but it was also a chance for me to meet and mingle with new Malays...

Jan112011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero seeks relief of Cotabato police, army leadership

Cotabato, Government, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics

The rising number of abductions in Cotabato City over the past months has prompted Senator Chiz Escudero to call for the relief of the local police and armed forces chiefs in the area, saying they failed in their duties to secure and protect the people from criminals like the kidnap-for-ransom gangs. Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, condemned the latest abduction in the city involving Chinese businessman Eulogio Lim Yu last Saturday. This came a month after a nine-year-old girl was kidnapped but rescued in Pigcawayan, a town adjacent to the city. The girl’s father, trader Allan Tamayo, was killed when he tried to stop the abductors. Before this, Chinese businesswoman Conchita Tan was also snatched in Cotabato City, and her driver and bod...

Dec162010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanao congressmen who have perfect attendance

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Government, Mindanaoan Update, North Cotabato, Personalities, Politics, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City

I must say, I'm so relieved that I found several Mindanawon congressmen in the list of representatives who have perfect attendance in the first 45 days of session. These congressmen from Mindanao sure exemplified a good sense of public service. Hats off to all you, sirs! Here are the various Mindanao congressmen who have perfect attendance in Congress (at least within the first 45 days of session): Pedro Acharon Jr. (South Cotabato) Erico Basilio Fabian (Zamboanga City) Nur Jaafar (Tawi-Tawi) Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro) Jesus Sacdalan (North Cotabato) Raden Sakaluran (Sultan Kudarat) Jose Ma. Zubiri III (Bukidnon) These Mindanawan congressmen, along with 36 others, received a Parker ballpen as a token. Their names were also reportedly announced in the chamber. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...