Mindanao Archives - Page 12 of 14 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jan92009 by Mindanaoan Irene11 Comments

I’m now a wedding photographer here in Mindanao!

Arts, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Davao City, Fashion, General Santos City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Photos, Sarangani, Society, Weddings

So I just produced the photos I took during my very first wedding photography coverage gig. I was one of the photographers (and the only female photographer, I should say) during the Prestenbach Wedding in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao last December 28, 2008. (Yep, I guess I'm now a wedding photographer here in Mindanao! :) ) It was truly a great day - to be able to capture people and moments and to be a part of a nice couple's memorable day. The Prestenbachs, a Germany-based couple, have been together for 15 great years and they're thinking of moving here in the Philippines for good. The Prestenbachs have two lovely children. They also have this magnificent beachfront property in Baloy, Cagayan de Oro. Here are some of my wedding photography photos: * All photos are of low ...

Jan82009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon anticipates “Love Me Again (Land Down Under)” but needs to go to CDO or Davao to view film

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

Residents of Bukidnon Province, Mindanao are highly anticipating the showing of the Angel Locsin-Piolo Pascual starrer "Love Me Again (Land Down Under)" come January 15, 2009. However, there's one catch - they need to either travel to Cagayan de Oro City (which is roughly 2 hours away from Bukidnon's capital city Malaybalay) or Davao City (which is about 5 hours away by land) OR wait for the DVD version of the movie (hopefully some won't resort to buying pirated copies of the film!). You see, there aren't any movie houses or cinemas in the entire province of Bukidnon. After the Belyca cinema in Malaybalay City closed down years ago, no other movie house has operated in the capital city of the said province that's considered the food basket of Mindanao. (I actually remember those days wh...

Jan72009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Summer 2009 Battle of the Bands in Davao City, Mindanao

Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Music

For all you band members or music lovers out there, I found an ad about the Summer 2009 Battle of the Bands competition sponsored by UiS Web Radio. Click here to view the ad. Registration fee is P500.00 (non-refundable) and the winners stand the chance to win the following prizes: P10,000 first prize (plus a chance to perform as front act in a different event), P5,000 second prize and P3,000 third prize. Participating bands must perform at least 1 original song. According to the organizers, the first ten registrants will receive free UiS Web Radio t-shirts. A Manila-based band/artist will be invited during the contest proper. Contact these numbers for more information: FOR SPONSORSHIP - 0919645414; FOR REGISTRATION - 09227175256 Disclaimer: Mindanaoan is in no way connected to the or...

Jan72009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Josh Hartnett and his Mindanao film set for showing this year

Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

Just when I thought Hollywood heartthrob Josh Hartnett's Mindanao-set film will never see the light of day here in the Philippines, word has it that it will be shown (finally!) this year, 2009. "I Come With the Rain" is about a former Los Angeles cop turned private investigator (played by Josh Hartnett). Kline, the character played by Hartnett, goes to Hong Kong in search of Shitao, the son of a Chinese billionaire who has gone missing. He meets former colleague and now Hong Kong cop Meng Zi and they collaborate. The big twist in the movie, though, is when Kline is distracted from his search of Shitao. He gets haunted by memories of the serial killer Hasford (played by Elias Koteas) who was the reason Kline quit the L.A. police force in the first place. Well, it seems "I Come With th...

Jan62009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Online petition for the resignation of the Pangandamans; Pangandaman counsel: “Wala pong bodyguard, lahat po sila naka-bakasyon”

Controversial, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

The website of the "Ang Kapatiran Party" has launched an online petition for the resignation of Department of Agrarian Reform Nasser Pangandaman, Sr. and Masiu, Lanao del Sur Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr. This, following the alleged brutal mauling of 56 year old businessman Delfin dela Paz and his 14 year old son, Bino. If you're interested to sign the petition, please CLICK HERE. Incidentally, the Pangandamans also have an appeal to bloggers. This part is nicked from an ABS-CBN news story: Appeal to bloggers Since Bambee’s blog, the story about the incident in the golf club spread through the Internet. Bloggers condemned and some even put up a signature campaign for Pangandaman’s resignation. Pangandaman said his family is hurting because of the bad picture being painted o...

Jan52009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Thank goodness! May the dela Paz family finally get justice!

Controversial, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

Finally, the long wait is over! Today, fifty six year old businessman Delfin dela Paz and his 14 year-old son, Bino, have finally lodged before the Antipolo courts separate charges of physical injuries against the Pangandamans. Named as respondents to the case are the two sons of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. - Hussein and Nasser Pangandaman Jr., the mayor of Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. The family’s legal counsel is Raymond Fortun, who's known to represent high profile clients such as former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada. According to the Inquirer, Fortun said they were set to go to the Ombudsman on Wednesday to seek the preventive suspension of Pangandaman Sr. "so as not to derail the investigation." Atty. Fortun also said the secretary ...

Jan32009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

What’s the government doing against the Pangandamans?

Controversial, Government, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

I'm sure that many of you have heard of the Dela Paz - Pangandaman alleged brawling incident last December 26, 2008 (yes, a mere 1 day after Christmas!) Just in case you haven't, you may want to read this. You may also want to read Bambee Dela Paz's blog entry here - Bambee is the sister of the 14-year old boy who allegedly got mauled, along with his 56-year old father, by Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. and his son Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. Apart from the facts that the incident involved a 14-year old boy, government officials and their gun-toting bodyguards and that the younger Pangandaman is a leader of a town in Mindanao of all places (it's controversial and embarrassing, really, especially since we Mindanaoans wan...

Jan22009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Lighted Christmas tree in Divisoria Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

I've been so preoccupied during the holiday season that I now only had the chance to post this picture! Well, better late than never, eh? :) Here's a picture that I took of the large Christmas tree found in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. I took this on a Friday, which coincidentally was also "Night Cafe" day in CDO. "Night Cafe" is a regular Friday and Saturday event in the City of Golden Friendship. Most roads within the Divisoria area are closed to traffic and various vendors put up shop along the streets. So without further ado - here's the lighted Christmas tree. Pretty, yes?

Dec312008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Review: Southwinds Hotel Cagayan de Oro City near Centrio Mall

Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel

Southwinds Hotel is located along Capt. Vicente Roa Street Extension in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. It is a hotel known for its very strategic location - Southwinds Hotel is right behind the new Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro or the Ayala Centrio Mall, it's just a few meters away from Gaisano Mall Cagayan de Oro (walking distance) and a few blocks away from Robinson's Mall Cagayan de Oro and Lim Ket Kai Mall CDO (you can just ride one of the local trisikads or padyaks for 5 pesos per person) It's also in front of the main branch of Graphic All-In-One (a large chain of stores that sells cellular phones, cellphone accessories and the like). Just this week, my mom, brother and I stayed in Southwinds Hotel. It was my second time to stay there, the first one was during a media t...

Dec312008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Gordon’s New Year’s Message

Government, News

Here's the full text of Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon's New Year's Message. This coming year 2009 (year of the Ox), I also hope that each and every one of us can be the change or agent of change that our country (badly) needs. It really all comes from within! Sen. Gordon's year 2009 message: Let us be the change our country needs. I extend my warmest greetings to my kababayans here and abroad as you, along with the rest of humanity, eagerly await the dawn of New Year 2009! Each New Year is a symbol of hope and a herald for new beginnings. The year 2009 stretches across us like a horizon, filled with opportunities to be explored and challenges to be overcome. As we celebrate another milestone in our history, let us not forget the lessons we have learned from the past and continue t...

Dec242008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Filipino version of Twilight: Takipsilim is this for real?

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, News

Good Lord, did ABS-CBN Channel 2 really pay US $1 Million (that's roughly 47 million pesos!) to be able to do a so-called "remake" of the hit movie "Twilight"? The Lopez family-owned broadcasting network will reportedly co-produce with Ignite Media a Filipino version of the movie Twilight. Can you seriously, SERIOUSLY imagine Rayver Cruz as Edward Cullen and Shaina Magdayao as Isabella "Bella" Swan? OMG - the Philippines will seriously be the laughing stock of the entire world if this will push through! And get this - the Twilight Pinoy version will be entitled "Takipsilim" (DUH!) The taping will reportedly start by February 2009. The Province of Bukidnon, which recently played host to the cast and crew of the Star Cinema production "Love Me Again (Land Down Under)", will reportedly...

Dec242008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Malipayong Pasko kaninyong tanan!

Mindanaoan Update, Personal

From my family to yours - Merry Christmas! (Malipayong Pasko) I hope the past year has been fruitful, peaceful and definitely merry for you and your family. My 2008 has been (and still is!) amazing - I have traveled to more places this year, attended more events and festivals around Mindanao, met more interesting people around the Philippines and tried my hand on more things such as photography, white water rafting and Photoshop dabbling! I intend to continue this amazing journey next year, 2009 - the Year of the Ox. Hopefully, I will travel even farther, increase my list of friends, meet more people, help more strangers, hone my talents more and just become a well-rounded, warmer, more confident, more courageous person. Expect bigger things here in Mindanaoan as well! Once again, Merry...

Dec232008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon provincial government employees receive P50,000 Christmas bonus

Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

So how much did you receive as Christmas bonus this year? If you think your ten or twenty thousand pesos is already a big amount, think again. Government employees in Bukidnon received fifty thousand pesos for their bonus this December. Yes, Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) employees received P50,000.00 each (more than a thousand US dollars) this year. Don't be too surprised, though, because the said amount is actually LESSER than what the regular Bukidnon provincial government employees received last year. The year 2007 saw each and every regular provincial government of Bukidnon employee receiving a staggering eighty thousand pesos (P80,000.00) Interestingly, some of my friends working in the PGB said that the P50,000.00 still wasn't enough. They said that they still have to...

Dec232008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Busy Christmas shoppers flock to Gaisano Mall Davao

Consumer, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

Have you been to Gaisano Mall of Davao lately? Because I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say that you will never think there's a financial crisis going on when you see the throngs of Christmas shoppers in that mall. Actually, the scenes in other malls aren't different either. A lot of Dabawenyo Christmas shoppers are also busy checking out the Christmas sales in SM Davao, Chimes, 168 Mall Davao, NCCC Mall, Times Square and in other shopping centers around Davao City, Mindanao. I also spotted a lot of people along San Pedro Street (does anybody remember Mantex? What about A & M?) Anyways, here are some photos I took over the weekend when my family and I bought some gifts at G-Mall: See? You can't help but wonder, "Crisis? What crisis?" I guess CRISIS-mas isn't "uso" in Pin...

Dec202008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Two of my most favorite Visayan Christmas carols

Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personal

Kasadya Ni-ining Takna-a and Ani-a Kami are two of my most favorite Visayan Christmas carols. These songs bring back so many childhood memories - from my father cradling me on his lap to the glee clubs which want to raise money for their groups by singing Christmas carols around our subdivision to the children who bring their homemade musical instruments. I bet all Mindanaoans, Visayans and even Luzonians love these songs! Just in case you're also in the mood to sing Christmas carols, here are the lyrics of Kasadya Niining Takna and Ania Kami: KASADYA NIINING TAKNA-A Kasadya niining taknaa Dapit sa kahimayaan, Mao ra’y among nakita Ang panagway nga masanagon. Bulahan ug bulahan Ang tagbalay nga gi-awitan, Awit nga halandumon Sa tanang Pasko, magmalipayon. Bag-ong tuig, bag...

Dec192008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Win a laptop and 5 iPod shuffles! Get $45.00 as well!

Advocacy, Consumer, Contests, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

MoreNiche is giving away a brand new laptop, five IPod shuffles and Google Adwords Spend in their grand golden ticket draw. To enter simply join MoreNiche today. Just click on the banner found below: Alternatively, you can also click on the banner found on the right side of this website. Golden tickets will be given for each sale generated during January and each affiliate you refer to the network. Every affiliate who joins the network will automatically receive their first golden ticket. MoreNiche prides themselves in giving premium affiliate support, more resources than any other affiliate program online and product that sell! If you signup today MoreNiche will give you $45 just for signing up, along with your first free golden ticket. Join an affiliate program where you’...

Dec182008 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Review: Casa Crystalla (Budget hotel in Cagayan de Oro City)

Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Reviews, Travel

Back in college, the Ateneo Glee Club had a joint concert with the Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan University) Glee Club. (Don't laugh but I was one of the Sopranos of the Ateneo Glee Club :D) Anyways, all of us had to stay with either foster families or in lodging houses in Cagayan de Oro City. Casa Crystalla, a budget hotel in the City of Golden Friendship, was one of the concert's sponsors and they offered several rooms for my co-club members. (I stayed with the lovely Yap family) Fast forward a few years later, Casa Crystalla CDO is now one of the CDO inns I stay in whenever I'm in town. There are a couple of reasons why I like staying there - for one, the rates are very affordable (I usually get the deluxe room with ref, table and chairs - like a mini sala set of sorts - and b...

Dec182008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Giant Christmas Tree at People’s Park Davao City

Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Tourism

I got the chance to snap a couple of photos of the giant Christmas tree within the vicinity of People's Park, Davao City. The Christmas tree was adorned with a lot of trimmings and lights and can be found between the huge Durian dome and the fountain area. You won't miss it! This Christmas tree is also near the benches. Go to People's Park (right beside the Apo View Hotel along Camus Street) and check out this pretty Christmas tree. Better if you go there at night. Don't forget to take pictures! :)

Dec162008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Should Sen. Trillanes do video conferencing instead?

Government, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Technology

There's a proposal in the Philippine Senate these days that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV be allowed to attend the Senate sessions through the power of the Internet. If the proposal will be ratified, Sen. Trillanes can "participate" in the sessions through video conferencing. If ever this will push through, the senator, who's currently in the slammer (compulsory detention after his involvement in a recent coup attempt), will be the first Filipino elected official who will use this type of technology. As expected, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago rejected the proposal. The other senators who have yet to let their stand known include Senators Joker Arroyo, Juan Ponce Enrile, Manny Villar, Richard Gordon, Panfilo Lacson, Manuel Lapid, Francis Pangilinan, and Mindanao's very own, Juan Miguel Zu...

Dec162008 by Mindanaoan Irene13 Comments

Citi Hardware Davao City is hiring!

Davao City, Jobs

Need a job in Davao City? What about working for Citi Hardware? Check out the latest job openings in Citi Hardware Davao, Mindanao: STORE OPERATIONS TRAINEE * Male or Female, between 25-35 years old * Graduate of any 4-year business course * With at least (1) year supervisory experience in retail operations or related business * A good team player and goal-oriented * Has the ability to carry out effective customer service * Has the aptitude for management and marketing strategies * Very good in both oral and written communication * Willing to be assigned outside Davao City GRAPHIC ARTIST * Male or Female * Not more than 28 years old * Graduate of Fine Arts or any related course * With adequate hands-on experience in lay ...

Dec112008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pacman’s win should not mask true state of RP sports

Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Sports

I absolutely agree with Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's statement that Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's win over Oscar "Golden Boy" De La Hoya recently should not mask the real, true state of Philippine sports. While we're all happy and proud of Pacquiao's win in the recently concluded "Dream Match," (congratulations, Manny!) we should not forget that there's still so much to be done in order to really make the Filipino truly excel in different sporting fronts (and not just in boxing). It's true that Pacquiao, a certified Mindanaoan by the way (he was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon and grew up in General Santos City, Mindanao), is a genuine sports hero not only among Filipinos but among boxing aficionados all over the world. What he displayed last weekend was exemplary sportsmanship, skill and ded...

Dec102008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Will Davao have its own airline soon?

Business, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I've been receiving buzz from various businessmen around Mindanao and in Manila that Davao City is supposedly set to have its "own airline" very soon. By own airline, I reckon they mean an entire fleet with "Davao" in its name somewhere and that it will serve as Davao City's very own answer to Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines. I asked a few well-placed personalities in Davao if they've heard of this and most of them did confirm that there are "movements" on this plan. If ever this will push through, this will definitely give Mindanao travel and tourism a big boost. I wonder, though, if the planes of this alleged fleet are as small as those of Mindanao Express' (Beechcraft 1900C)? Or if the planes are basically those of Mindanao Express' and then they'd just change the name? Is t...