Politics Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Nov262010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PacMan: Behind the Scenes with Manny Pacquiao

Bisaya, Blogging, Features, General Santos City, Humor, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Politics, Reviews, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Sports

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

Nov182010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Got an invite to attend a forum on the 2011 National Expenditure Program

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Controversial, Events, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personalities, Politics

I must say that it was a surprise - a nice one at that, I suppose - to receive an invitation to attend a forum on the 2011 National Expenditure Program. I received the invite from Mindanaoan Senator Teofisto "TG" Guingona III's office. Guingona is the convenor of the Open Budget Partnership (OBP). As to what the Open Budget Partnership is, I seriously don't have any idea so don't ask. However, I'm hoping I will understand it better on Saturday, the day of the forum. The event will be held in Manila, by the way. Let me just say, before anything else, that I'm grateful for the invitation. This is a good step forward especially for the government to bring in not only members of the traditional media but those involved in the new media as well. Although I do have plans of writing news artic...

Nov82010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Senator Kiko Pangilinan congratulates www.Mindanaoan.com!

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, 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, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, 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, Shopping, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

I must admit that even a few days after my humble Mindanaoan.com blog won as Best Lifestyle Blog for Mindanao in the Philippine Blog Awards 2010, I still am on cloud 9. While a lot of people have already congratulated me (and I still continue to receive several congratulatory messages until now) and even my ever-supportive Mama has already made plans to have a special tarp printed and displayed (yikes! :D), nothing prepared me for an absolutely wonderful surprise I got yesterday. November 6, 2010, the very day of a blogging 101 workshop that I organized, was made extra special when someone sent in this video message that did not only make my cheeks burn but make my heart melt as well :) No less than Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan congratulated me! Yes, THE Senator Kiko Pangili...

Oct312010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins! Best Lifestyle Blog – Philippine Blog Awards 2010 Mindanao

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, 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, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, 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, Shopping, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Woke up to sweet and absolutely wonderful piece of news today! This humble blog - www.Mindanaoan.com - won as Best Lifestyle Blog in the recently concluded Philippine Blog Awards 2010 - Mindanao Division! Yebah! Woot woot! :D My warmest, sincerest gratitude to the organizers and sponsors of the Philippine Blog Awards 2010! Thank you for the recognition and may you continue to uplift the blogging community! And of course, my deepest gratitude to all of my readers and followers! Like I previously mentioned, just the thought of you guys sparing a few minutes of your time each day just to come and visit my little online home brings me so much joy and inspiration. I am humbled. Daghang salamat! And to the readers and followers of my two other blogs that were also finalists of the PB...

Oct252010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Did you vote today?

Advocacy, Blogging, Commentary, Events, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personal, Politics

I did. Together with my family, this blogger from Mindanao exercised her right to suffrage today, October 25, 2010 - the day of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Armed with my Panasonic Lumix digital camera, my Flip Mino HD, my Nikon D40, ballpen, voter's ID and ever trusty Blackberry, I went to my polling precinct at around 9:30 a.m. I looked like I was ready for war. As usual, I spotted several odd things during my trip to my polling precinct: 1. There were only a handful of voters. Ergo, low voter turnout. 2. I spotted several candidates only a few meters away from the polling centers. According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), this should not be. Candidates must be at least 100 meters away from polling centers. 3. I didn't spot any policemen or ...

Oct192010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero wants to put ceiling on credit card interest rates

Consumer, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Usurious interest rates slapped by credit card companies should be regulated to protect consumers from unconscionable hidden charges, Senator Chiz Escudero said. In Senate Bill No. 166 (SBN 166), Escudero seeks to put a ceiling on interest rates and surcharges imposed by credit card companies and prohibit hidden charges that further burden plastic card holders. “While credit cards are deemed as relief for consumers during bad times, woes begin when card companies levy interests and charges which are usually unknown to the users that eventually saddle them with more debts. We want to put a stop to the hidden charges which catch consumers unaware,” Escudero explained. SBN 166 puts a cap of 1 percent per month or 12 percent per annum on the interest rates that credit card companies c...

Sep272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Certificates of candidacy for SK Chairman and Kagawad

Advocacy, Announcements, Events, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Thanks to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, this blogger from Mindanao got a hold of the official certificates of candidacy for those interested to run for Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman or SK Kagawad. Please feel free to direct anyone you know who may be interested to run this coming SK Elections to this page. The certificate of candidacy for SK Kagawad can be found after the jump... (more…)

Sep262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Inverted Philippine flag snafu at ASEAN-US meeting

BIMP-EAGA, Broadcasting, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Politics, Weird

It was an honest mistake, according to Rebecca Thompson of the US Embassy. Still, the damage has been done. Now what I'm just hoping for is that the person/s responsible for this fiasco be dealt with accordingly. You see, during the recently concluded 2nd ASEAN-US Leaders' Meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York, USA, the Philippine flag was surprisingly inverted (!). Instead of the blue band atop the red band, the red band can be seen as the one atop the blue one --- and we all know what this means --- it suggests that we're "AT WAR." "This was an honest mistake. The U.S. treasures its close relationship and close partnership with the Philippines which were demonstrated tis past week during President Aquino's trip to the U.S., with the signing of the ...

Jul142010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

From Mindanao media to PNoy’s communications group – an appeal

Advocacy, Blogging, Broadcasting, Commentary, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Politics

So it's somehow final now. The Office of the Press Secretary is no longer. New Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III or PNoy will reorganize it and will rename it to the Presidential Communications Office. The latest buzz is that ANC broadcaster Ricky Carandang and "The Explainer" Manolo Quezon III will join the communications team and will play vital roles. I am, quite frankly, happy to know that Carandang and Quezon will be part of the team. For sure, these brilliant minds will bring with them their years of experience and they will definitely be fab assets to the Aquino administration. No doubt about that. My concern, therefore, is more about the treatment towards Mindanao journalists now that Aquino has made it clear that the public is his "BOSS" and now that he has tw...

Jun302010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Inaugural speech of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III | Full text inaugural speech of Noynoy Aquino

Announcements, Blogging, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics

Thanks to the Noynoy Aquino Media Bureau, this blogger from Mindanao got a hold of the full text of the inaugural speech of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. This inaugural speech was delivered largely in Filipino and was delivered by Noynoy himself today, June 30, 2010, during the inauguration rites held at Quirino Grandstand, Manila, Philippines. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is the Philippines' newest President. The new vice president is Jejomar "Jojo" Binay. If you missed the inauguration rites today, here's a copy of the inaugural speech of Noynoy Aquino (full text). The English translation of Aquino's inaugural speech can be found HERE. His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and membe...

Jun132010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan.com Exclusive: Interview with incoming Bukidnon 2nd District Congressman Florencio T. Flores, Jr.

Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Politics

"If there's just one thing that I'm worried about, it's the pressure that will come from the people of Bukidnon." Such was the statement from incoming Bukidnon Second District Congressman Florencio T. Flores, Jr. In an exclusive interview with this writer from Mindanao, Flores, who finished three terms as Malaybalay City Mayor and who recently bagged the coveted Bukidnon 2nd District congressional seat, said that although he doesn't feel pressured at all at the moment, he knows that it will be a "different, most likely interesting" road ahead. "The people in the second district of Bukidnon will have expectations and as much as I want to strive hard to meet those expectations, we know that we can't satisfy all the needs. That is why we need to prioritize," he said. Flores' distr...

May122010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Willie Nepomuceno and the “Presidentiables Gut Talent” show

Advocacy, Arts, Blogging, Commentary, Entertainment, Events, Features, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Society, Weird

If there is one thing that I, Mindanaoan, absolutely love to do whenever I'm in Manila then that would be to catch as many comedy shows as I can. I'm not referring to comedy shows on TV or stand-up gigs at comedy bars, mind you. I'm referring to live ones that you get to watch at venues like the Music Museum in Greenhills or at the newer one, Teatrino, at the Promenade (located also at Greenhills). There's just something about live comedy shows that I find so invigorating. Well, obviously, apart from the fact that they do provide a venue for you to escape the daily grind somehow and let you laugh (at least for about two hours), I think comedy shows celebrate the amazing talent Filipino comedians have. Just check out my review on "Da Spooftacular Showdown" featuring Jon Santos, Pokwang, ...

May102010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Two Mindanaoan senatorial candidates get my vote

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Features, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Politics

With just a few hours before May 10, 2010 - the very day the Philippines is set to hold its first ever automated elections - I, Mindanaoan, would like to share to you two choices I've already made. I'm set to vote for these two senatorial candidates and I'm proud to let you know that both of them are from Mindanao. Both Mindanaoans and both I've had the utmost honor to work with. I'm voting for Adel Tamano (#54 on the ballot) and Neric Acosta (#1 on the ballot). Before I delve into the finer details as to why I'm voting for these senatoriables from Mindanao, let me quote something from respected columnist Manolo Quezon III (my idol!): "The job of a senator is not just about legislation, it’s about oversight, with the latter being more relevant and required than the former. The House...

May52010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon governor embroiled in a scandal with ex PBB teen

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Entertainment, Government, Headline, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

First off, a lot of people in Bukidnon, Mindanao claim that this isn't exactly fresh news. However, I guess this issue involving Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. and ex-Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen housemate Claire Cabeguin (who's from Bukidnon herself) will continue to be controversial and will forever be circulated unless, most probably, if one of them either speaks up against or confirms the issue. Before I continue, a brief backgrounder first. Zubiri is on his third term as the governor of Bukidnon and is currently gunning for the vice gubernatorial seat. He used to be an active member of LAKAS CMD KAMPI until he recently surprised not a few when he endorsed Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manny Villar. Zubiri is the father of Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Cabegu...

Apr222010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Does this political TV ad for Mindanao by Villar, Pimentel and Tamano work?

Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Commentary, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Technology, Videos

Nacionalista Party standard bearer Senator Manny Villar has released (yet another) political TV ad. This time, he's speaking in Bisaya and it's an ad specifically for Mindanao. In this political ad, he appears with NP senatorial candidates Gwen Pimentel and Atty. Adel Tamano. As we all know, Pimentel and Tamano are Mindanaoans. Pimentel is the daughter of Senator Aquilino Pimentel and the sister of Atty. Koko Pimentel, who lost in the previous elections to Mindanaoan and Bukidnon senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Adel Tamano, on the other hand, is from Marawi City and is the first Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School. In this political TV ad, Villar, Tamano and Pimentel raised the 8-hour brownout currently plaguing Mindanao (actually, a lot of areas around the island even...

Mar272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan at the Cotabato City proclamation rally for local candidates

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

Yes, you read that right. Mindanaoan had the privilege of witnessing the proclamation rally of local candidates in Cotabato City, Mindanao. The Cotabato City proclamation rally was held today, March 26, 2010 at the city plaza. As you all know, March 26 marks the very first day of official local campaigns. Along with senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano (first ever Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School, former spokesman of the Genuine Opposition, currently the spokesperson of the Nacionalista Party, former lawyer of Fernando Poe, Jr. and currently a senatorial candidate under the banner of the NP), I arrived in Cotabato City at around noon. After participating in a "kanduli" (thanksgiving occasion), I then went to the Cotabato City Hall. Here's a look at their majestic...

Mar92010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte endorses fellow Mindanaoan senatorial bet Atty. Adel Tamano

Advocacy, Davao City, Features, Government, Headline, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics

Senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano says he's very grateful and humbled upon learning that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is extending his full support on his candidacy. “I am undoubtedly grateful to Mayor Duterte. His endorsement means a lot to me and I am very humbled by the fact that he trusts and believes in me and in what I can do not only for Mindanao but for the entire country,” Tamano enthused, adding that since Davao City loves its chief executive, he’s hopeful that the Dabawenyos will also extend their full support on his candidacy and to the rest of the Nacionalista Party. Tamano, the first ever Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School and youngest president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, is a proud son of Marawi City. “Mayor Duterte’s end...

Feb262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From the campaign trail – Mindanaoan will post exclusive photos, kuwentos etc

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Broadcasting, Commentary, Controversial, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Politics

Hello everyone! How is everyone doing? It's been quite a while and I really hope all of you are in good health. Mindanaoan has been very busy as of late and this is due to the start of the nationwide campaign sorties. As you all know, the campaign period for the national positions began last February 9, 2010 and political parties have been so busy visiting various areas around the country. Mindanaoan is a part of these nationwide tours. This has actually got me thinking --- perhaps it's best if I also share my own experience straight from the campaign trail. What do you guys think? I was thinking of sharing exclusive photos, videos, kuwentos and other things that may prove to be interesting somehow for all of my readers. I was thinking of sharing behind-the-scenes stuff. What do ...

Feb112010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

COMELEC asks celebrity endorsers to go on leave or resign; Mindanaoan says that’s bull

Advocacy, Broadcasting, Commentary, Controversial, Entertainment, Government, Headline, Humor, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Politics, Society

Mindanaoan can't help but comment on the recent resolution of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to urge celebrities endorsing political candidates to either resign or go on leave from their shows. I find it absolutely funny that the COMELEC, amid all their problems, still has the time and energy to think about this. I reiterate Mindanaoan senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano's statement: "this latest COMELEC resolution is a mere ploy to distract the public. The COMELEC has bigger problems to solve – from all these delays in ballot printing and deliveries of PCOS machines to assuring the public that signals won’t be jammed during transmission of election results. Why don’t they concentrate on those first?" Hear, hear! Besides, isn't this unconstitutional? Celebrities have rig...

Jan152010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Iligan City councilor, a Liberal Party candidate, attacks broadcaster on air

Broadcasting, Commentary, Controversial, Crime, Government, Humor, Iligan City, Media, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Politics, Radio, Weird

This piece of news pretty much made my day today. Mindanaoan thought that what happened between an anchorman of a local radio station in Iligan City and an Iligan City councilor (who's seeking re-election, no less!) was controversial, wacky, weird, funny, interesting and well...basically a sign of what's to come in the next few months. Yup, the campaign season really DOES bring out the LOLs! According to news reports, Iligan City Councilor Chonilo Ruiz, a Liberal Party (LP) candidate, attacked DXRJ anchorman Albert Loyola while the latter was inside the announcer's booth and was live on air. Ruiz allegedly barged into the station Wednesday morning and punched Loyola. Ruiz is seeking re-election come May 2010. Ruiz is seeking for a third term. Amid the commotion, Loyola was alleged...

Dec302009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Robin Padilla, now “Abdul Aziz,” lends support to Mindanaoan senatorial candidate and fellow Muslim Adel Tamano

Announcements, ARMM, Controversial, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics

Following Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari’s endorsement, popular Filipino actor Robin Padilla, who now has embraced the Muslim name "Abdul Aziz," has also expressed his support for fellow Muslim Atty. Adel Tamano. Tamano, the first Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School and President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, is a senatorial candidate under the Nacionalista Party. In a handwritten personal note to Tamano dated December 9, 2009, Padilla wished the young lawyer and former opposition spokesperson well in his political journey. “May Allah guide you and give you success,” the note read. Tamano, for his part, expressed his gratitude to Padilla’s show of support. “I am extremely grateful to Robin for his trust and confidence,” T...

Dec202009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoans who will run for national positions come May 2010

Advocacy, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Davao City, Features, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

Did you know that several Mindanaoans will gun for national political positions come May 2010? If you're the type of person who wants to support fellow children of Mindanao in the next presidential elections, then you may want to check out the list below. Among the vice presidentiables, two are Mindanaoans. Bangon Pilipinas' vice presidential candidate Perfecto Yasay, Jr. is from Davao City. Jay Sonza, the vice presidential candidate of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party, is also from Davao. All of Sonza's children are fellow Ateneo de Davao University alumni. As for the senatorial candidates, on the other hand, Mindanaoan has identified 10. First is Nacionalista Party's bet lawyer Adel A. Tamano of Lanao del Sur. He's the first Filipino Muslim scholar graduate of Harvard Law Schoo...