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May232011 by Mindanaoan Irene15 Comments

Is Tingting Cojuangco qualified to run for ARMM Vice Governor?

ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Commentary, Cotabato, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Sulu, Tawi Tawi

If she wins, she may very well be the most stylish vice governor the ARMM has ever had. Unfortunately, style is not enough to win in ARMM. Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco surprised, befuddled a lot of people (including me) when she officially filed on Saturday her certificate of candidacy for vice governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Yes, Tingting Cojuangco, former Tarlac governor, socialite, philanthropist and one who was labeled in the 70's as one of Harper Bazaar's most beautiful women in the world, wants to be the ARMM vice governor. Why? Because, she says, she has given her life "to the Muslims for the past 26 years." She says she also wants to "bring about change to the ARMM by embarking on good governance, education and honesty." As of press time, two...

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...

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...

Nov202010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan senator Guingona et al take first step to budget reform

Advocacy, Announcements, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

Senator Teofisto ‘TG" Guingona III, a fellow Mindanaoan, has taken his crusade for a transparent, accountable and participatory budget process a step further. The solon led the signing of the Open Budget Partnership Agreement during a forum on the 2011 National Expenditure Program attended by members and leaders of civil society organizations in Ortigas, Pasig City today. “Today, we are witness to a historic event, when the government and the civil society join hands in safeguarding one of the most important processes in good governance – that is, making sure that the budget process will be truly crafted in the true essence of democracy, one that will benefit the people whose taxes make this country run,” stated Guingona. The Open Budget Partnership is a collaborative initiative amon...

Nov182010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Should the Maguindanao Massacre trial be made public?

Advocacy, Announcements, Broadcasting, Controversial, Crime, Headline, Maguindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News

This blogger from Mindanao thought about this today after I received a press release from the Office of Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan. Reportedly, Sen. Pangilinan has filed today Resolution No. 186, expressing the sense of the Senate that the Maguindanao massacre trial should be made public through radio and television coverage of the court proceedings. "It would be in the best interest of our judiciary to have transparency in the judicial process, especially in such an unprecedented case of brutality that captured the attention of the international media. The Constitution recognizes the right of the people to public information on matter of public concern," it said. Pangilinan also said that having the proceedings twice a week is the right step. He said that twice-a-week proceed...

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...

Sep92010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Davao City to hold Asia’s first regional bird conservation fair

Advocacy, Announcements, Davao City, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News

Birdwatch, the official site of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, just announced that my beloved hometown Davao City, Mindanao will play host to Asia's first regional bird conservation fair! Check out the press release below: Birdwatchers, conservationists and eco-tourism promoters from all over Asia and elsewhere have their eyes on the Philippines, which is hosting Asia's first-ever region-wide bird festival. The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines said the First Asian Bird Fair will be held in Davao City from 24-26 September 2010, tandem with the 6thPhilippine Bird Festival, the country's premier avian conservation and eco-tourism event. The milestone event is co-hosted by the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Davao City government. The First Asian Bird Fair-themed “Nurtu...

Jan192010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Tangub City of Misamis Occidental, Mindanao bags Sinulog 2010 streetdancing top plum anew

Arts, Contests, Culture, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, News, Northern Mindanao, Religion, Tangub City, Tourism

Tangub City did it again! The Tribu Sinanduloy, entry of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, Mindanao to the Sinulog 2010 streetdancing competition this year, bagged the top plum anew. Tribu Sinanduloy is the defending champion for the Sinulog-based category. And to add another feather to their cap, Tribu Sinanduloy also bagged the street dancing award! Tangub City has bagged nine championship trophies since they first joined the Cebu festival in 1994. Their Sinulog 2010 victory is their ninth. The dancers from Tangub City, Mindanao highlighted bountiful harvest blessed by Sto. Nino, the patron saint of Cebu City. Tribu Sinanduloy of Tangub brought with them large scarecrows, a carabao, neon green bamboo and other bright, attractive props. The huge crowd at the Cebu City Sports Cente...

Jan152010 by Mindanaoan Irene28 Comments

Ayala Mall CDO – said to be the biggest mall in Mindanao

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism

It looks like Cagayan de Oro City is now, more than ever, THE next place to watch out for here in Mindanao. Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is set to build the biggest mall in Mindanao - the Ayala Mall CDO - and is set to allot a total of P4.5 Billion for the said project. Ayala Mall CDO will be a shopping and recreation haven and will reportedly be right smack in the heart of the city. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula was quoted as saying that the Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro "would make the city the major shopping destination in Mindanao as this will be the biggest mall in the region and will further boost our beloved city as a haven for investment." Ayala Mall CDO will even be larger than the P3 Billion Ayala Mall Davao City, reports say. Ayala Mall CDO will occupy a large s...

Jan122010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tabo Sa Umahan 2010 – 80th Founding Anniversary of Misamis Oriental

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Tourism

The Province of Misamis Oriental, Mindanao is celebrating its 80th Founding Anniversary this week! Starting January 11 to 15, 2010, the "Tabo Sa Umahan 2010" will be held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Interested to join the festivities? Check out the schedule of activities under the Tabo Sa Umahan 2010 event: January 11, 2010: 7:30 am - Thanksgiving Mass 9 am - Opening program with Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri 11 am - Start of judging (LGU booths/exhibits) 1 pm - Pinakataas ug Pinakalami Banana Cake Contest Cooking Contest (Pinakbet) 6 pm - Musikahan sa Parke 7 pm - Higaonon Night January 12, 2010: Display/exhibits will continue 2 pm - Agri-Pasiklaban 3 pm - Goodwill Basketball Game 6 pm - Musikahan sa Parke 7 pm - Muslim Night...

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...

Dec252009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Happy Christmas news in Mindanao – kidnapped Basilan school official released

Announcements, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Campus, Controversial, Crime, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News

They may have paid P100,000.00 for the "board and lodging" but what's the most important is that they have their beloved relative back. Dr. Orlando Fajardo, the vice president of Basilan State College in Basilan, Mindanao, was released a few hours before Christmas at an area between the towns of Tuburan and Tipo-Tipo. Fajardo was captured two weeks ago at the BSC canteen. The Fajardo family reportedly paid P100,000.00 for the "board and lodging" of their relative. The money was also reportedly paid in installment. Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul said Fajardo was released at around 9:30 p.m. Christmas eve Thursday. Initially, the kidnappers wanted P20 million in ransom. Then, the amount was lowered to P3.5 million. Eventually, no ransom was paid. Only the ...

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...

Dec52009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full text of Maguindanao martial law declaration – Proclamation No. 1959

Announcements, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

Mindanaoans here is the full text of President Gloria Arroyo’s declaration placing the province of Maguindanao under martial law. THOUGHTS? PROCLAMATION NO. 1959 PROCLAIMING A STATE OF MARTIAL LAW AND SUSPENDING THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS IN THE PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO, EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN AREAS WHEREAS, Proclamation 1946 was issued on 24 November 2009 declaring a state of emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and the City of Cotabato for the purpose of preventing and suppressing lawless violence in the aforesaid areas; WHEREAS, Section 18 , Article VII of the Constitution provides that ” x x x In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety so requires it, (the President) may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the p...

Dec32009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

If Pampanga has a Fr. Panlilio, Bukidnon has a Fr. Tabios

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Society

It seems there's no stopping priests from joining politics these days. If Pampanga has a Fr. Eddie Panlilio, Bukidnon Mindanao has a Fr. Diosdado Tabios. Tabios, the former parish priest of Valencia City, Bukidnon, is set to run for governor in Bukidnon come May 2010. He's set to face incumbent Bukidnon Vice Governor Alex Calingasan (LAKAS CMD KAMPI), who will run for the gubernatorial position, his relative Ernesto Tabios (Liberal Party) and Delfina Bicatulo (Alpha Omega 9K Party). While re-electionist Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio has reportedly filed a petition asking that he leave his priestly duties as he pursue his political plans, Tabios has yet to formally file a written petition. He has, however, spoken to Bishop Honesto Pacana of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and the latter sai...

Nov112009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mining company in Mindanao hires APO Hiking Society’s Danny Javier

Advocacy, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Weird

Yes, you read that right. A mining company operating in the Municipality of Tampakan has hired Danny Javier of the popular group APO Hiking Society. Javier is now a "strategist" for Sagittarius Mines, Inc., a gold and copper mine. As a "strategist," Javier is reportedly supposed to help SMI develop a "better image." It can be recalled that the said mining company, which has business interests in three large areas in Mindanao namely South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur, has and still is facing strong opposition especially from the Church. A lot of non government organizations which advocate environmental sustainability have also expressed their opposition against the operation of Sagittarius Mines. What makes this development noteworthy is that Danny Javier of APO Hiki...

Nov102009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

PAGCOR Davao – Casino Filipino Davao City – What to expect and what to do (Part 2)

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism

This is part 2 of my Casino Filipino Davao City - What to expect and what to do blog post series. Like I previously mentioned, Mindanaoan thought of writing this series because I know that there are still a lot of Pinoys out there who shun from casinos and betting stations. I DO NOT, however, advocate gambling. I just want to share with you all how life is inside a 24/7 casino, what you can see in PAGCOR Davao, what you can do in a Casino Filipino branch and how you can avail of freebies be they be food, bets, chips, tokens, concert tickets etc. So are you now curious about what’s going on inside this 24-hour casino in Davao City, Mindanao? Now that you already have your Casino Filipino Privilege Card, the next step would be to check out the various areas inside this casino. You can ...

Nov52009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PAGCOR Davao – Casino Filipino Davao City – What to expect and what to do (Part 1)

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism

Have you ever been to PAGCOR Davao? Curious about what's going on inside this 24-hour casino in Davao City, Mindanao? If you haven't yet, then allow this little write-up series to be your friendly, handy little guide of sorts to Casino Filipino Davao. Mindanaoan thought of writing this series because I know that there are still a lot of Pinoys out there who shun from casinos and betting stations. I am, however, in no means advocating gambling. I just want to share with you all how life is inside a casino, what you can see in PAGCOR Davao, what you can do in a Casino Filipino branch and how you can avail of freebies be they be food, bets, chips, tokens, concert tickets etc. First of all, a little backgrounder. PAGCOR or the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation operates 13 PAGC...

Nov42009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao region soon to be a lobster production area?

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, News

A PNA article caught my attention today. It said that an American feeds supplier is eyeing lobster production in the Davao region here in Mindanao! A certain Denzil Nicholson of Verdant Ocean, an aquaculture feeds company, said that they're keen on the possibility of producing lobsters in Davao. "The region is a good area for development. It is one of the most viable industries as lobster stocks are on the decline," Nicholson was quoted as saying. Did you notice the tricky part? He said "lobster stocks are on the decline." I wonder if the proposed lobster production process would involve "synthetic" procedures or would the entire thing adopt natural means? Nicholson was part of the US-Philippines Agribusiness Trade and Investment Mission. The group visited the 60-hectare maricu...

Oct222009 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Meet Mindanao’s richest governors and mayors

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Caraga, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Controversial, Cotabato, Davao City, Dipolog, Features, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Journalism, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Malaybalay City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Politics, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Who says we here in Mindanao don't have multimillionaires? The Island of Mindanao may still look rural to many but we have a lot of silent (and otherwise) multimillionaires here, mind you...and some of them are in office! Seriously. Meet Mindanao's richest governors and mayors. According to a Mindanews report, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario is STILL (meaning he was the richest last year) the richest governor in Mindanao with networth P408.94 million while Oroquieta City Mayor Jorge Almonte is the richest city mayor with networth P54.71 million as of yearend 2007, according to their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). Here are the top 15 richest Mindanao provincial governors: 1. Davao del Norte’s Rodolfo del Rosario …………P408.94 million 2. Bukidnon...

Oct152009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanaoans who aim to have a seat in the Senate

Advocacy, Agusan del Sur, ARMM, Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Features, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personalities, Politics

First off, let me make this clear. This list of Mindanaoans who want to run for Senator in the 2010 elections is just initial - there may still be more interested senatorial candidates in the days to come so Mindanaoan will try to update the list as often as possible. Hopefully, this list can help you, fellow Filipino voters and fellow Mindanao residents, in choosing the right candidate to send to the Senate. I'm also hoping that this post can help provide a platform for all of us Mindanawans to discuss who can really be the true voice of Mindanao in the Senate. Please feel free to share your thoughts! Aquilino Martin "Koko" Pimentel III - ran for the Senate during the last elections but lost to former Bukidnon congressman and now Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Koko Pimentel has since l...

Oct92009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Watch Spongecola for free in Davao City today!

Advocacy, Announcements, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Society

Popular band Spongecola will perform in Davao City, Mindanao today, October 9, 2009, during the Bagong Sigla benefit concert at Damosa Market Basket, Lanang, Davao City. Entrance is technically not free since you're requested to bring some canned goods, a pack of rice, dry and usable clothing, bottled water or medicines but this is for a good cause so it's still all good, yes? Alternatively, you can also just donate a minimum of one peso at the concert gates to gain admission (although I highly suggest that you bring more than that please) Beneficiaries will be the typhoon Ondoy victims. This Bagong Sigla concert will actually be held simultaneously in Manila, Iloilo, Davao and Dagupan. Originally planned to be a free musical concert in time for Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's 40...