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Manila flood – emergency numbers to call | How to help

Announcements, Mindanaoan Update, Society
Lots of areas around Manila, Philippines are now flooded out. As of this posting, work in both government and private offices in 9 provinces has been suspended due to inclement weather. This morning, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. announced that work in private offices (this includes call centers, BPOs) has been suspended in NCR (National Capital Region), Zambales, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Bataan, Laguna, Cavite, Tarlac, Bulacan and Rizal. Here's a copy of the memorandum circular issued by Malacanan Palace. According to this ABS CBN report, the Philippine government is helping some 199,485 families in 11 regions affected by monsoon rains. Meanwhile, GMA News reports that neck-deep floods have forced many residents to flee to rooftops and evacuate. Interaksyon reports that PAG-ASA h...
My live radio interview at DZIQ Radyo Inquirer

My live radio interview at DZIQ Radyo Inquirer

Blogging, Broadcasting, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Journalism, Manila, Media, Northern Mindanao, Society, Technology
A few weeks ago, I was in Manila to meet up with social media as well as political publicity clients. It was a rather brief stay in Manila but one of the highlights of my trip was a live radio interview at DZIQ 990 AM Radyo Inquirer. DZIQ Radyo Inquirer is a flagship AM radio station owned by Trans-Radio Broadcasting Corp., Inc. and operated by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. My live radio guesting was made possible by a good friend, Miss Noemi of BlogWatch, who was one of the anchors of the program I was set to be a guest in. You may know Miss Noemi as @momblogger on Twitter. She's also the writer behind one of the blogs I regularly read, About My Recovery, which started out as a "grief blog" about her deceased son Luijoe. Now, Miss Noemi is a passionate advocate of the Reproductive Hea...

Join this giveaway sponsored by Spruce

Announcements, Blogging, Contests, Fashion, Features, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Style
Giveaway alert! Mindanaoan is proud to share with you this simple online giveaway courtesy of our generous friends over at Spruce. Spruce Designer Network, Inc. is a company that brings global fashion lifestyle brands to Northern and Western Mindanao. Spruce owns and manages various stores such as PUMA (Limketkai CDO and PUMA Ayala Center, Cebu) and the Spruce boutique lifestyle stores in Limketkai Mall Cagayan de Oro and Tamay Lang Arcade, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Spruce is also the authorized Havaianas sub-distributor for Northern and Western Mindanao --- which means that yes, they're the ones who will make the much-awaited Make Your Own Havaianas 2012 possible! Yep, they're that awesome :) So...on to the big question --- how does a pair of brand new robe soled sandals that are 100 pe...
Miss Kagay-an 2012 candidates photos

Miss Kagay-an 2012 candidates photos

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Photos, Society, Style
Miss Kagay-an 2012 update! Here are the photos of the official candidates of the Miss Kagay-an 2012 pageant. I know a lot of you have been asking me for the Miss Kagay-an 2012 photos so here they are. This Filipino blogger was able to attend the press presentation of these lovely Miss Kagayan Festival 2012 candidates last Monday, July 23, 2012 and the organizing committee released these photos. I will also upload these photos on my Pinterest account. You might want to follow the Mindanaoan Pinterest account here. If you may notice, there are now only 11 official candidates instead of 12. The 11 lovely official candidates are: Lovely Jane Estampa, a legal analyst at Development Bank of the Philippines Sydney Taboclaon, born in Germany and taking up BS HRM at Tagoloan Community Col...

Kagay-an Kalo Festival 2012

Announcements, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Culture, Entertainment, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism
One of the core events in the Kagay-an Festival 2012 is the 3rd Annual Kagay-an Kalo Parade Competition. Kalo is the local word for "hat." So the Kalo Parade Competition this year will feature festive hats made out of native / indigenous materials. If you're interested to join the Kalo Parade 2012 or if you want to join the contest, please check the poster below. Cash prizes and plaques await the winners. Please feel free to share this information with all your friends :) Meanwhile, the Kagay-an Festival 2012 schedule of activities can be found here

Win exclusive invites to Make Your Own Havaianas 2012

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Contests, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Shopping, Society, Style
Do you love Havaianas? Or do you want to own a pair of Havaianas? Do you and your friends like taking jump shot photos? Here's a chance for you to not only take fun jump shot photos but to win exclusive VIP invites to the Make Your Own Havaianas 2012 Northern Mindanao leg! And you know what an invite means - you get to design your very own pair of Havaianas! Join the Jump For Joy With Havaianas promo and you stand the chance to receive exclusive invites to the 2012 Make Your Own Havaianas Cagayan de Oro leg. Here's how to join: (fun fact: the models used in this poster are the fun, funky bunch behind Mindanao's best professional photography team - One Happy Story Photography!) I just love, love, love Make Your Havaianas events! It's actually one of the events I look forward...
Kagay-an Festival 2012 Cagayan de Oro schedule of activities

Kagay-an Festival 2012 Cagayan de Oro schedule of activities

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel
It's time for the Kagay-an Festival 2012! The Cagayan de Oro City Government has released the schedule of activities for the 2012 Kagay-an Festival. The Kagay-an Festival 2012 or the Cagayan de Oro Festival 2012 will be held in commemoration of the feast of patron Saint Augustine. This year, the Kagay-an Festival activities will be handled by the local government unit unlike in previous years when Promote CDO Foundation handled the task. Accordingly, Promote CDO now wants to focus on other ventures. Nevertheless, I'm sure the Kagay-an Festival this year will be peaceful and successful. I also hope that many of you, my dear readers, would come and visit. Participating in the various activities, purchasing local goods, eating at local restaurants etc during the Kagay-an Festival 2012 w...

Meet fellow Mindanaoan KZ Tandingan of Digos

Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society
KZ Tandingan. A star is born in Digos, Davao del Sur! I'm sure a lot of you have watched that video of Kristine Zenny "KZ" Tandingan of Digos where she auditioned for "X Factor Philippines." Just in case you haven't, I placed it below. KZ Tandingan is from Digos, Davao del Sur so that makes her a fellow Mindanaoan (person from Mindanao, Philippines). I told you guys time and again, there are a LOT of amazing singers in the Philippines especially in my beloved Mindanao. During her audition for X Factor Philippines, KZ Tandingan sang her very own version of "Over The Rainbow." Her version's so cool that a lot of people now say that she's the Joss Stone of the Philippines. Do you agree? The X Factor Philippines judges Charice, Pilita Corrales, Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano all g...
Miss Kagay-an 2012 press presentation set

Miss Kagay-an 2012 press presentation set

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style
Earlier, I shared with you the list of the official candidates of Miss Kagay-an 2012. Did your bet make it to the list? Now, these lovely ladies will be presented to the media for the 2012 Ms. Kagay-12 press presentation event on July 23, 2012. A press release from the City Tourism Board of Cagayan de Oro says: The CDO City Tourism Board and N Hotel inks an agreement for the highly anticipated Press Presentation of the 12 Official candidates of Ms. Kagay-an 2012 scheduled next week. The candidates will be presented to the media as their first official public appearance. The Darling of the Press winner will be chosen from the Press Presentation. Ms. Gean Cesar, Co-Chair of Ms. Kagay-an 2012 and Chair of Ways and Means, together with CTB Finance Officer Linda Costales signs contract o...
Photos: US Ambassador Harry Thomas leads turnover of donations to Bulua

Photos: US Ambassador Harry Thomas leads turnover of donations to Bulua

America, Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, United States of America
Like I previously mentioned in this blog, I had the chance of a lifetime to accompany US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas, Jr. for two days. It truly was an honor to be that up close and personal with the American ambassador, who I found to be very smart, direct and friendly. As a part of his party when he visited Cagayan de Oro City for the very first time last week, I got the chance to accompany him in various events. We attended the distribution of HACCP and ISO certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, the roundtable discussion with CIPMYL graduates in Xavier University and the launch of the Cities Development Initiative in CDO. Another event that I got to witness was the turnover of donations to Bulua National High School. The United States Agency for International Develo...
USAID, Cagayan de Oro sign MOU; launch Cities Development Initiative

USAID, Cagayan de Oro sign MOU; launch Cities Development Initiative

America, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Politics, Society, United States of America
During his recent visit to Cagayan de Oro, US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cagayan de Oro City LGU. The MOU was for the launch of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)'s Cities Development Initiative. Ambassador Thomas, USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano all signed the MOU last Friday, June 29, 2012 at a local hotel in Cagayan de Oro. The launch of the Cities Development Initiative in CDO is seen to be very beneficial to the LGU. The Cities Development Initiative is an integral part of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG). Launched in November 2011, PFG is helping the Philippines achieve its high growth potential by creating a more tra...
US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. meets with Mindanaoan youth leaders

US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. meets with Mindanaoan youth leaders

America, ARMM, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, United States of America
Here's more about my 2-day task of accompanying US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. around Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Thanks to the folks over at US Embassy Manila, this Mindanao blogger got the chance of a lifetime to experience first hand how it was to officially be a part of an American ambassador's party :) After the awarding of HACCP certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, our next stop was the roundtable discussion with the alumni of the Congressional Internship Program for Mindanao Youth Leaders (CIPYML). The roundtable discussion of these Mindanaoan youth leaders with US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was held at the American Corner at the Xavier University Library. Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was welcomed by Xavier University officials: On our ...
Fil-Chinese community donates 160 houses for Sendong victims

Fil-Chinese community donates 160 houses for Sendong victims

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society
More houses for the victims of the deadly Typhoon Sendong that hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan last December 2011 have been donated. This time, a total of 160 houses - all imported from China - were donated and duly turned over a few days ago by the Filipino - Chinese community in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The 160 houses only comprises the 1st batch, by the way. More houses will be donated to the Sendong victims. Representatives of the Filipino-Chinese Community of Cagayan de Oro said they pledge to donate 600 houses to the victims of the calamity. Witnessing the milestone turn-over event were CDO Mayor Vicente Y. Emano as well as the project chiefs Messrs. Efren T. Uy, Greg Lao, Antonio Uy, Tomas C. Sia, Dolly Ong and Ricky Go. Also present were Kagawad Juan Sia, Mss...
Official candidates Miss Kagay-an 2012

Official candidates Miss Kagay-an 2012

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style
The official candidates of Miss Kagay-an 2012 have finally been revealed. Miss Kagay-an is the annual beauty pageant held every August in Cagayan de Oro City in line with the city fiesta. After weeks of waiting, the Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Board has finally announced the 12 official candidates of the 2012 Miss Kagay-an beauty pageant. The following are the official Miss Kagay-an 2012 candidates: Greanne Trisha T. Mendoza Maria Leslie Angelina P. Ghan Lovely Jane B. Estampa Karla Mae M. Laraga Kris C. Pajaron Emie Lou E. Yamba Queenie C. Bahian Roxinne Jearl D. Monterde Maria Elaine Angelica P. Ghan Juriel Valledor Sidney Taboclaon Laurice Dee O. Inosa The Ms. Kagay-an 2012 official candidates will be presented to the media on July 23, 2012. The swimsuit competiti...
Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro Centrio job fair

Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro Centrio job fair

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society
Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro Centrio is going full blast with their job hiring! The latest Ayala Mall CDO job opening announcement has been released. If you're interested to apply for a job at Ayala CDO Centrio mall, then you might want to join the job fair this June 2012. Ayala Mall Centrio Cagayan de Oro is set to open this October 2012. Centrio Mall Ayala Cagayan de Oro has partnered with CDO Mayor Vicente Emano's job fair come June 14 and 15, 2012 at the New Executive Building of the City Hall. Job hiring for Ayala Centrio will begin at 7 AM until 6 PM. Bring your resumes and/or biodata plus a valid ID. Application process at the Ayala Mall CDO job fair: 1. Available positions as well as requirements will be displayed for applicants to choose from 2. Registration ...
At Zubuchon – declared best pig in the world by Anthony Bourdain

At Zubuchon – declared best pig in the world by Anthony Bourdain

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Visayas
According to Anthony Bourdain, Zubuchon is the home of the best Cebu lechon or in his words, "the best pig...ever!" Zubuchon is where you can get the best lechon in Cebu, according to the No Reservations host and chef. Naturally, being a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, I listened! And listened well I did! During my most recent Cebu City vacation, I visited Zubuchon - a.k.a. the very same Cebu lechon tasted, featured and praised by no other than world renowned chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations. Actually, it wasn't my first time to try Zubuchon. About two years ago, I had my very first taste of this much-talked about lechon Cebu that claims to not have any MSG at all. If you're wondering why it's named Zubuchon - well, "Zubu" is the old name of Cebu and "chon" is...
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu dinner buffet – Cafe Marco

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu dinner buffet – Cafe Marco

Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Visayas
So after our Cebu island hopping adventure with Islands Banca Cruises, what better way to cap off the day (and to celebrate my brother's birthday) but to check out Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu? Cafe Marco is the popular and award-winning signature restaurant of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the only 5 star hotel in Cebu City, Visayas, Philippines. Dubbed as the "Best Buffet Restaurant" by a lifestyle magazine, there's really hardly any wonder why Cafe Marco is one of Cebu City's most favorite buffet restaurants. The well-lighted and tastefully designed restaurant seats 144 guests and has 4 very clean, interactive kitchens that offer Asian, Western, Japanese and Filipino cuisine. Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Cebu also has a salad and cold appetizers bar, a grilling and tempura station and...
Cebu island hopping with Islands Banca Cruises

Cebu island hopping with Islands Banca Cruises

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel, Visayas
Ever wanted to tour Cebu islands in style? Here’s one Cebu adventure you must try! I have always wanted to go on a Cebu island hopping trip. Who hasn’t heard of the beauty of the Pandanon white sandbar as well as the rich and lovely marine life at both Gilutungan and Talima Marine Sanctuaries? Add to that the fact that I absolutely love to swim and snorkel. What best way to do all that but to go on an island hopping adventure in Cebu, right? Fortunately, my wish was granted just a few days ago, much thanks to Islands Banca Cruises. My recent Cebu island hopping adventure aboard Islands Banca Cruises was made possible by the generosity of Islands Group President and Chairman Jay Aldeguer and with the able assistance of Islands Banca Cruises marketing officer Jefferson Cruz. Islands Banca...
Perks of Living in Mindanao

Perks of Living in Mindanao

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If you listen to the news on Mindanao, the most likely reaction is that you’ll hesitate to come here. Much less choose to live here. But given the direness of the news on the peace and order situation here, have you ever wondered if there are perks to living in Mindanao? Actually, what’s so terrible in the news is merely a microcosm of Mindanao society. Given the largeness of the island and the number of regions, cities, and cultures that are found in Mindanao, you might want to take the news with a grain of salt the next time. Mindanao is generally a peaceful place. The members of the populace are satisfied with their lives, and commerce and trade are smoothly moving along. The economics show a due representation from the filthy rich to poverty level poor, but people manage to get by. ...

Davao City bans plastic bags, styrofoam starting June 28, 2012

Advocacy, Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Food, Government, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personal, Society, Technology
YEY! I am so, so, sooo happy with this development! Congratulations Davao City! What an awesome move! I'm so proud of my hometown Davao City for finally, FINALLY deciding to put a ban against non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam! Points for Mother Nature, environment and the start of the use of eco-friendly products :) I wonder, though, how the fastfood chains and other business establishments that use plastic bags and styrofoam will cope when the ban takes effect on June 28, 2012. Hmm. What do you think? Anyways, here's the news report from SunStar Davao: Non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food and beverage containers will no longer be allowed in this city starting June 28, this year. Polystyrene foam is more commonly referred to as Styrof...
Congressmen use own money for Sendong homes

Congressmen use own money for Sendong homes

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Government, Iligan City, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Politics, Society
Back when the deadly Typhoon Sendong (International name: Washi) hit Northern Mindanao in December 2011, I started a small Typhoon Sendong volunteer campaign and donation drive. What I initially envisioned to be a small and private donation drive grew bigger and bigger by the minute, thanks to the power of Twitter, Facebook, blogging and other online media tools. Suddenly, my photos became viral, my tweets about Sendong were retweeted, shared and replied to and my calls for help were heard. Government agencies, public officials, NGOs and even international news agencies followed me on Twitter, Facebook and through this blog, shared the infos I sent out and sent donations (which I am and will always be thankful for). Two of these public servants who started following me and engaging w...
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