Society Archives - Page 27 of 28 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jul22009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanao vice mayor incurs 99 absences out of 100 council sessions

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Society, Weird

The banner story of a Mindanao regional newspaper yesterday, July 1, 2009, may have been surprising for many (shocking even) but for a Mindanao journalist like me who has been working around politicians for quite a while, it was really nothing new. The same thing, although probably not as "worse," has been happening not only in the local city councils but also even down to barangay councils and even in the Senate and Congress. According to Mindanao Gold Star Daily, Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Vicente Emano has reportedly incurred 99 absences out of 100 council sessions. That means Emano has presided only ONCE since assuming office. Emano reportedly only attended the inauguration of the present Cagayan de Oro City council and that was it. And as if to really add "more color" to...

Jun262009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Who was Michael Jackson to you?

Advocacy, Arts, Blogging, Consumer, Controversial, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Society

Please feel free to share your thoughts! I would love to hear from you...WHO WAS MICHAEL JACKSON TO YOU? Who was Michael Jackson, the renowned "Gloved One," the "King of Pop," to you? How did his life, talents, skills and accomplishments affect you? When he died, how did you feel? What were your thoughts? Today, June 26, 2009 (June 25, 2009 in the U.S.), the world awakens to the sad news of Michael Jackson's death. The Los Angeles coroner confirmed that at roughly 2:26 PM of June 25, 2009 (U.S. time), MJ passed away. Michael Jackson, despite all of the controversies hounding him, will undoubtedly remain as one of the greatest artists of all time. He was a part of our childhood. His music, talent, grooves, style, love and the capacity to draw people together at least in the spirit...

Jun252009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Michael Jackson dead at 50…is this for real?

Blogging, Commentary, Controversial, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology

Like millions of fans around the world, I woke up today shocked and with tears in my eyes. I woke up to the sound of a CNN report saying that the King of Pop - THE Michael Jackson - has been hospitalized and then went into a deep coma. A few minutes later, L.A. Times, AP and Fox News confirmed that Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50. Interestingly, and even right at this moment as I am blogging this, CNN STILL has not yet confirmed the news that Michael Jackson has died. Which is a good thing because basic journalism ethics state that news should always be verified before you broadcast it, lest you want to create senseless or unreasonable commotion. Right now, at this very moment, tears are rolling down my eyes. In my heart, I am hoping that Michael Jackson is still alive....

Jun172009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Poker and gambling center OK’d in Iligan City, Mindanao

Business, Commentary, Consumer, Controversial, Entertainment, Government, Iligan City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Sports

MINDANAO -So is it just me or is poker really becoming more and more popular here in the Philippines particularly here in Mindanao? Some of my friends are getting hooked on the game and I don't mean online poker or that popular Texas Hold 'Em poker application in Facebook. I mean poker games in private homes, special facilities, gambling centers and the like. The latest poker and gaming facility to be given the green light is one that's owned by the Kagayanon Sports Club, Inc. It will be located inside the Iliganon Convenience Store, Coffee Shop and Restobar located along Quezon Avenue, Barangay Palao, Iligan City, Mindanao. This poker center in Iligan City will reportedly be enclosed and of course, no minors will be allowed inside the area. How the owners or operators could assure t...

Jun142009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Conquering the Xcelerator – the longest speed zip line in Asia

Commentary, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Photos, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

MINDANAO - A few weeks ago, my family and I celebrated our brother's birthday by trying the most talked about Xcelerator over at Outland Adventure, Davao City, Mindanao. The Outland Adventure Xcelerator is said to be the longest speed zip line in all of Asia! Cool, right? We arrived at Outland Adventure Davao City half an hour before noon. As it turned out, we missed the "cut-off" time so we had to wait until they re-opened at roughly 1:30 pm. The more than an hour wait was all right --- we just kept ourselves busy taking photos. By 1:30 pm, all of the "zip liners" for the afternoon were asked to sign waivers. Then we proceeded to the area where we put on the harnesses, helmets and other safety gear. My brothers and I were made to choose if we wanted the "Superman" option or the ordi...

Jun72009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan Manny “Pink Lips” Pacquiao for Nikon Coolpix

Business, Controversial, General Santos City, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, Weird

Before anything else, let me make this clear. I love Manny Pacquiao. I have the utmost respect for the man. He has brought pride and glory to the Philippines and Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao really is one of the world's best athletes of all time. Plus he's a certified Mindanaoan! So of course I'm proud of him! However...I cannot help but be tickled pink with my fellow Mindanaoan's new ad for Nikon Coolpix: Is it just me or are Manny's lips PINK?! What the smokes was the stylist/make-up artist thinking?! EGAD! Now this is one "UN-COOLPIX" :(

Jun42009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

After Altis taxis, Cagayan de Oro City now has videoke taxis

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society, Style

I could still remember those days when the taxis (cabs) of Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao were the talk of the town...and of other areas in the country, truth be told. Kagay-anons were so elated when Toyota Altis taxis started to roam around the city (and basically snubbed the "old" taxis) and people from other areas started to hope that they, too, can see "sosyal" public utility cabs in their own places. I also remember the many times when the drivers of "old" taxis would just heave a heavy sigh and wish that they, too, can drive a spanking new Toyota Altis taxi soon. After all, just how many passengers have these "old" taxis lost to these shiny new Altis cabs? Well, taxi operators that still own "old" taxi models in Cagayan de Oro City should really keep up with the pace especially now...

Jun22009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Reload via SMART Money and get additional 10 percent bonus airtime

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

Good news for the many Mindanao-based SMART Money users! Beginning May 15, 2009, SMART subscribers will enjoy bonus airtime, whenever they reload their own or another Smart Buddy prepaid account using Smart Money. Now for entrepreneurs like me, this is definitely good news especially since I regularly send out payments and other types of transactions through SMART Money. Load denominations ranging from P15 to P1,000 purchased via Smart Money will entitle account holders to an additional 10 percent of the reloaded amount. For example, a Smart Money account holder will get P110 worth of load for a personal airtime purchase of P100. Also, if the account holder opts to purchase airtime for a friend or loved one, the load recipient will get the corresponding 10% bonus load. That’s 10% wor...

May282009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Looking forward to trying the Xcelerator!

Business, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel

Experience some atmosFEAR! Now who wouldn't be curious with that? I am really, really looking forward to trying the Xcelerator zip line over at Davao City's Outland Adventure this weekend! The Outland Adventure Xcelerator is supposedly the longest speed zipline in all of Asia! Cool, eh? The Xcelerator is open everyday from 8am to 5 pm. Groups reservations available for weekdays. Fee is P300.00 per adult. They grant a 50 percent discount for small children if they're riding in tandem with an adult. Outland Adventure is right across the GAP Farm along the Diversion Road in Ma-a, Davao City, Mindanao. Check out this video:

May252009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Teriyaki Boy now open in SM Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society

Seems like the City of Golden Friendship is fast becoming the new city of major developments! Cagayan de Oro City is the newest home of a Teriyaki Boy branch. Teriyaki Boy is a fast-casual Japanese dining restaurant here in the Philippines and yes, I often make it a point to drop by one of their branches in Manila (I also like Tokyo Tokyo, another fast-casual Japanese-style dining restaurant chain which has a couple of branches in Manila). Thankfully, Teriyaki Boy now have an outlet in CDO --- in SM City CDO along Masterson Avenue, to be exact. *picture taken using only my Motorola Krzr Is it just me or has Teriyaki Boy changed their corporate look? Their logo used to have red and black, yes?...now I noticed that they prominently used yellow. Or does this look only apply in th...

May212009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Dancesport competitions still heavy favorites in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao

Arts, Entertainment, Events, Features, Lanao del Norte, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Sports

I finally "reunited" with my friend Jane, whom I met in Camiguin Island, Mindanao about a year ago. She's also a Mindanao-based events organizer like me and she specializes in events in the Lanao del Norte area. Jane's based in Maranding (a highly urbanized barangay of Lala, the largest municipality in the second district of Lanao del Norte, Mindanao) but she happily told me that she has an upcoming event in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte --- a dancesport competition! I haven't had the chance to organize a dancesport competition YET so it excites me to know that a contest such as this is still a heavy favorite here in Mindanao. (Which makes me think if it's high time for me to organize one!) In a time where band concerts, battle of the bands competitions and even warehouse parties have beco...

May202009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Attention bloggers! You’ll love this — PLCPD announces Call for Entries to the 5th PopDev Media Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Broadcasting, Contests, Internet, Journalism, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

The Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) announces the Call for Entries to the 5th PopDev Media Awards. The contest is open to all print, broadcast, online, photo, and citizen journalists nationwide. Entries must deal with population and human development issues such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), public health (especially reproductive health), reproductive health policy and governance, economic growth and poverty, climate change, housing and urban development, sustainable development, environment, education, gender, maternal health, adolescent reproductive health, family planning, food security, reproductive rights, migration, and population ageing. For the Print and Online...

May202009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

SM General Santos City on the drawing board

Business, Consumer, Corporate, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, SoSCksargen

Although there haven't been any official statements yet from both SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (the corporation behind the SM supermalls around the country) and the Salazar Family of General Santos City (said to be the owners of an 8-hectare property along Santiago Boulevard, GenSan where SM reportedly intends to put up the SM General Santos Supermall), observers believe that it's a done deal. The fact that General Santos Mayor Pedro Acharon already confirmed the signing of a lease between the two concerned parties, then the project already has the green light. SM reportedly intends to lease the Salazar-owned land for 50 years. And we all know that long-term leases mean financial security for the owners. Good for them, yes? SM General Santos City is seen to be the imminent rival to Rob...

May92009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Basic photography workshop/tutorial for a great cause

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personal, Society

Two members of Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao-based TEAM ORO, a group composed of fine photographers, videographers, stylists and graphic designers, met a very serious car accident just this week. Aye Navarro and Cocong Ohashi sustained serious injuries, burns and bruises. Aye’s car was totally wrecked and Cocong underwent an operation for internal bleeding. Both will have to stay at the hospital until they are fully recovered. In line with this, TEAM ORO will have a Portrait for a Cause and Basic Photography Workshop/Tutorial. All proceeds will go to Aye and Cocong's medications and hospital bills. Please...if you're interested to join or help in any way, please do not hesitate to leave your contact details HERE or you can also leave a comment under this entry. We will need all the...

Apr222009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the Talk ‘N Text Idol search; Mindanao audition sked here

Announcements, Consumer, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Think you can carry a tune? Do you think you can wow any crowd? Do you think you have a colorful background --- one that could really catch the attention of many? What about winning a whopping P1 Million just by singing your heart out? Then join Talk 'N Text's Search for Talk 'N Text Idol! If you have an interesting story to share or if you have the "diskarte sa tipid-sulit," then you might just be the one that Talk N Text is looking for! There will be nationwide auditions for the Search for the Talk 'N Text Idol. Here are two places in Mindanao where you can audition: - April 25, 2009 (Saturday) Koronadal City, South Cotabato Rizal Park, Bonifacio Street - April 25, 2009 (Saturday) Ipil, Zamboanga Sibuguey Ipil Luis Ruiz Freedom Park Meanwhile, Talk 'N Text will also have ...

Apr102009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The presidentiables, senatoriables are now reaching out to Mindanao

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

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

Mar262009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Marco Polo Davao offers Holy Week Special for Dabawenyos

Announcements, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Marco Polo Davao has just announced their Holy Week special - and here's the good news for fellow Dabawenyos - this very special offer is exclusive only for us Davao City residents! Marco Polo Davao will only charge P2,888.00 for an overnight stay in a superior room. You will also get to enjoy the following benefits: Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for Two 50% off on Foot Reflexology Treatment and 20% discount on other services at Lazuli Spa 30% discount in all Food and Beverage outlets Two (2) extra pool passes with one month validity If you wish to upgrade your room to deluxe category, just add P500.00. Extra bed is also available at P500.00 net per night. This Marco Polo Davao City promo will be available from April 1 to 15, 2009. Again, please take note --- this offer is exc...

Mar242009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Attending my brother’s Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan graduation rites

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society

I attended a very special ceremony at the Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) last weekend. My youngest brother graduated from college last Saturday, March 21, 2009. Yay! I'm really very proud of him. He was one of the graduates who marched and received their diplomas in the afternoon (2nd batch). The afternoon batch was composed of graduates from the colleges of Agriculture, Law, Engineering, Graduate School etc. I haven't attended a graduation ceremony in years so I was a bit worried that it might take a lot of time (I remember my college graduation took about 4 hours!). Thankfully, the Ateneo de Cagayan graduation ceremonies that day started on time (3:30 pm) and ended roughly 2 hours and a half later. The graduation rites were orderly although I was a bit baffled as to...

Mar172009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Is Senator Francis Chiz Escudero a datu?

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

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

Mar32009 by Mindanaoan Irene16 Comments

How long before you get your SSS ID – three months!

Business, Commentary, Consumer, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology

Well, in my case, at least. After a little over three months, I finally received it. I received my Social Security System (SSS) ID in the mail today. My SS card was sent via registered mail and interestingly, the "generic" letter that came with it (which was signed by current SSS Chairman Romulo Neri) was dated February 3, 2009 but the envelope was postmarked February 19, 2009. So I'm thinking the SSS has one really very slow mailing process. Anyways, this post on how long before you get your SSS ID comes three months after my entry on how to get your SSS ID card. In that post, I mentioned that the data capture operator told me that it might take more than two months before my SSS digital ID is sent via registered mail. Well, what do you know? She was right! Not only did it take more th...

Mar22009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2009 Ethnic Street Dancing competition to have 7 contingents

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel

I learned from the Kaamulan Festival 2009 Chief Coordinator today that a total of seven (7) contingents will compete during the Kaamulan Ethnic Street Dancing competition this Saturday, March 7, 2009. The contingents will represent the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the municipalities of Cabanglasan, Kalilangan, San Fernando, Malitbog and Quezon. I must admit, I was a little bit disappointed with the news. Out of 20 municipalities in Bukidnon and 2 full pledged cities and only 7 will vie for this year's much-awaited event! However, the Kaamulan overall coordinator said that in recent years, the provincial government of Bukidnon has imposed a couple of changes in the way they handle the yearly festival --- and the cutting down of budgets for official streetdancing competitors is o...

Feb202009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Survivor Philippines Season 2 to hold auditions in Davao City Mindanao

Announcements, Broadcasting, Davao City, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Society

If you want to be the next Pinoy sole survivor in the second season of Survivor Philippines and you're from Mindanao, well, head on down to Davao City, Mindanao and join the auditions! Who knows, you could just be the next winner of Survivor Philippines Season Two! So far, the only auditions for Survivor Philippines Season 2 here in Mindanao will be at SM Davao on March 18 and 19, 2009. Organizers of Survivor Philippines say that you don't need any documents - just bring your personality and a pen (so that you can fill up the registration form) and count your lucky stars. By the way, you can now download your registration form at the Official Survivor Philippines website. Good luck, Mindanaoan!