mindanaoan Archives - Page 45 of 49 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr212009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

RTMI bus bombed in Kabacan, North Cotabato…and I was just there 2 days ago!

Bukidnon, Controversial, Crime, Iligan City, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, South Cotabato

My, my...this really scared the wits out of me. Less than 24 hours after I posted this entry about my first ever trip to Koronadal City (where the Rural Transit Bus I took had a brief stop at Kabacan, North Cotabato), I found out that a Rural Transit bus with body number 2772 got bombed Monday afternoon. And I was just there...in the very same place...two days ago! An improvised bomb reportedly exploded inside the bus. A passenger, who allegedly boarded the vehicle in Bukidnon, left a bag at the back part of the vehicle. The bomb explosion left four people injured. Coincidentally, a bomb also exploded at a bridge in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao. The bridge has been declared "unsafe for passage." When will all these ever end?

Apr202009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: EMR Suites in Koronadal City, Mindanao

Cotabato, Hotels, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Reviews, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

My companions and I were billeted at EMR Suites in Koronadal City, Mindanao last week. We were in the land formerly called Marbel for a two-day gig at EMR Center, which was actually just a few steps away from EMR Suites. Two words to describe my 3-night stay? UBER COMFORTABLE. My room had a large queen sized bed (you may also opt for the room with two single beds), an airconditioning unit, a table large enough for you to place your laptop and a few work-related stuff on, a few stools (my room had three), a large flat screen TV, cable connection and space for your clothes. The bathroom, meanwhile, was clean (this is very important, of course). It had hot and cold shower. Water current was strong, which I liked. I was also provided with a towel, a roll of toilet paper and a small...

Apr152009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The power of luya, salabat and Pei Pa Koa

Advocacy, Commentary, Consumer, Features, Food, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Weird

So I'm up at 3 o'clock in the morning. I'm set to travel to Koronadal City, Mindanao in a few hours. Terribly excited to see another part of my beloved Island of Mindanao but a bit worried, too. Not about traveling to the place formerly called Marbel but because I lost my voice...literally! I caught nasty cough and colds a few days ago and now I'm paying for the consequence --- I currently have terribly hoarse voice. Two days ago was the worst. I could barely hear myself. I couldn't hear anything when I tried to utter a word! Enter my immediate remedies for this type of emergency --- luya (ginger), salabat (ginger ale) and the ever trusty Pei Pa Koa. Ever since I was a child, my mother always reminded us of the wonders of luya and salabat. And of course, mothers know best. Ginger ...

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...

Apr92009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Warning: don’t bring sand from White Island, Camiguin

Advocacy, Announcements, Camiguin, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism, Travel

CAMIGUIN ISLAND, MINDANAO - The world-renowned White Island in the Province of Camiguin is undoubtedly one of the more famous tourist spots in this side of Mindanao. Thousands of local and foreign tourists flock to this beautiful island year after year. And because it's one of the more preferred tourist destinations in the Island of Camiguin, the local government is doing everything in its power to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the renowned White Island. The Camiguin government has also enforced a couple of rules and regulations that aim to protect and preserve White Island. One of these rules is that visitors are not allowed to bring sand from White Island. Check out the picture I took (the picture that appears in this post). There's a sign that says "Guinadili pagkuha s...

Apr82009 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Smart, Talk ‘N Text Mindanao exclusives

Advocacy, Announcements, Business, Consumer, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update

I'm sure that most, if not all, of you have noticed the various billboards, posters, tarps and radio ads about SMART and Talk 'N Text's Mindanao exclusives --- exclusive "unlimited texting" and "unlimited calls" promos meant only for Mindanao subscribers. I have yet to try this type of promo but I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble? You see, many of the people I know who've registered under these so-called Mindanao exclusives promos of SMART and Talk 'N Text have encountered several problems. For one, they claim that they no longer receive messages especially during night time even though the people who sent them those messages swore to the high heavens that they "successfully sent" those SMS notes. Still, these types of promos are very interesting and I would really like to try t...

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.

Mar162009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero crowns new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada

Announcements, Contests, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Style

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was one of the special guests during the coronation night of the Mutya ng Davao last March 14, 2009. Escudero, a frequent visitor of my hometown Davao City, was tasked to crown the new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 winner, Resa Angeli Rizada. The new Mutya ng Dabaw winner, by the way, is a nursing graduate of San Pedro College. Check out this photo of Sir Chiz along with Davao City Vice Mayor Sara "Inday Sara" Duterte and Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada. Also in the photo is Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Mary Jane Lastimosa (3rd from right) Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Francis Escudero. Photo by Bambam Luneta. The Mutya ng Dabaw pageant is part of the annual Araw ng Davao celebration.

Mar152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Job in Davao City alert – Davao Doctors College needs an auditor

Advocacy, Announcements, Davao City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

Are you a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)? Are you in need of an auditor job in Davao City, Mindanao? This job opening in Davao Doctors College may just interest you. Davao Doctors College is in need of an internal auditor, preferably a CPA or a CIA. They also prefer applicants who have working experience in internal and/or external audit for at least one year. Interested applicants must also have excellent communication skills (both oral and written), have professional integrity and possess leadership skills. You can submit your application letter and comprehensive resume with 2x2 ID picture to: The Human Resource Department Davao Doctors College General Malvar Street, Davao City For inquiries, please call (082) 2220850 local 105 Go...

Mar122009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

After Villar and Teodoro, Bukidnon’s Zubiri is now endorsing Loren Legarda

Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Headline, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personalities

I cannot help but wonder what's going on Bukidnon Governor Jose Zubiri, Jr.'s mind right now. Isn't he supposed to be a LAKAS-CMD member? What's he doing endorsing NPC member Senator Loren Legarda as "the next President" of the country? Zubiri publicly called Legarda "the next Philippine President" and "President Legarda" during the female senator's recent visit to the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. Legarda served as the guest of honor during the 92nd Foundation Day (Aldaw Ta Bukidnon) of the Province of Bukidnon last March 10, 2009. Before thousands of people, the Bukidnon governor and father of current Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri called on his constituents to support Legarda. Zubiri's statement has raised a lot of questions. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? Photo courtesy of ...

Mar52009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Jam 2009 in Bukidnon, Mindanao Grand Finals photos

Announcements, Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

The photos are out! I'd like to share with you some of the photos I took during the grand finals of the Kaamulan Jam 2009 Lock and Load Battle of the Bands which was held last February 28, 2009 at the Capitol Stage, Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The finals night was a successful one - hundreds of people came despite the rain and very chilly weather. A total of five bands performed that night (elimination nights were held from Monday to Friday that week and the winning band had the chance to compete in the finals) and the band called "The Jam" nabbed the top prize of P25,000 cash. By the way, apart from being one of the official photographers of the event, I (well, technically, the agency I own and manage) was also a sponsor and part of the coordinating committee :) C...

Mar42009 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: Tia’s Beach Resort Camiguin Island Mindanao budget hotel

Camiguin, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Summer is drawing near and I'm pretty sure that most, if not all, of you are thinking of places to go to during those hot summer days. And with airlines now offering more flights to and fro Camiguin Island, Mindanao, I'm sure many of you are considering the place dubbed as the "Island Born of Fire" as one of your summer destinations in the Philippines. Tia's Beach Resort in the Island of Camiguin, Northern Mindanao, Philippines can be considered a good place to stay especially if you're on a budget. The last time my mother, brothers and I stayed there was last year during the Holy Week. We planned to go to Camiguin at the last minute so practically most of the hotels and inns were already fully booked. Good thing my brother remembered Tia's Beach Resort and how he and his friends like...

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...

Feb252009 by Mindanaoan Irene27 Comments

Duty Free Philippines Davao is in need of cashiers, POS specialists

Davao City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

In need of a job? Here's good news for job hunters! Duty Free Philippines - Davao is in need of a POS specialist and cashiers. According to their job announcement, these job openings are urgent requirements so if you think you have the skills and qualifications, read on and send in your applications ASAP. Please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE TO MINDANAOAN as your way of thanking me for posting this Davao City job opening ha? ;) Please also leave a comment. Salamat!

Feb222009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Quick updates: Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Commentary, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal

So today, Sunday, February 22, 2009, is the fifth day since the "soft opening" of the Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration here in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. I'm here because my team and I (meaning my very helpful brothers and I) are in-charge of some Kaamulan 2009 events. We regularly have a lot of responsibilities every Kaamulan time and it's something that we just love to do. There's a different kind of rush whenever you're part of something grand and looked forward to by many. Plus of course it's an honor to be a part of such a huge festival (not to mention the widely recognized only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines!) There are now hundreds of booths at the Capitol Grounds here in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. All of these booths, by the way, are only made ...

Feb182009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Online has a new look – check it out ;)

Bukidnon, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Are you from Bukidnon? Or were you born in Bukidnon but you're now living in a different place? Or do you wish to learn more about the latest in Bukidnon - Bukidnon news, updates, features, photos, events etc? Bukidnon Online might just be the website you're looking for! A little over a year old, Bukidnon Online now sports a different look. Now made with Wordpress, this website about Bukidnon aims to showcase the province's rich culture, various tourist spots, fun-filled events and amazing people. Bukidnon Online will also feature exclusive photos, interviews, profiles of Bukidnon personalities etc. Considered the food basket of Mindanao, Bukidnon is also the home of the only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines - the Kaamulan Festival. Do check out the spanking bra...

Feb152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Healing priest Rev. Fernando Suarez to visit Butuan City, Mindanao on February 17-18, 2009

Announcements, Butuan, Mindanaoan Update, News, Religion, Society

Filipino healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez will be in Mindanao next week for both public and private healing sessions. Father Fernando, a member of the Companions of the Cross Healing Ministry, will be in Butuan City, Mindanao on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. An open-to-the-public healing session will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Urios University Gymnasium in Butuan. Organizers say that the healing session will be open to anybody who needs prayer, guidance and healing. A mass will also take place after the healing session, which will take place in the afternoon of February 18. Fr. Suarez's much-awaited visit is sponsored by the Butuan City Government in coordination with the Office of Butuan City Rep. Jose Aquino III. Born in Taal, Batangas, Fr. Fernando Suarez has b...

Feb122009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Spend Valentine’s Day at Pepper and Peppers Restaurant Davao City

Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you should already have an idea by now as to where you can bring your loved one for that special, romantic dinner. However, with just so many choices especially in Davao City, Mindanao, deciding where to go can be quite a challenge. Good thing there's Pepper and Peppers Restaurant which promises nothing but exquisite food, exclusive dining and elegant ambiance. Located at The Site, Central Convenience Store Compound, Jacinto Extension corner Mapa Street, Davao City, Pepper and Peppers Restaurant is best known for their killer (and I mean absolutely delish!) Iberian chicken, Chilean shrimp pasta and (my favorite) Sizzling Blackened Chicken. And come Valentine's Day, they've prepared two Valentine Set menus for you to choose from. The "Hopel...

Feb102009 by Mindanaoan Irene17 Comments

Dabawenya Mindanaoan to compete in Binibining Pilipinas 2009

Beauty, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society

I was pleasantly surprised to see our "Baby South" during the press presentation of the official candidates of this year's Binibining Pilipinas 2009 pageant. "Baby South" refers to Priscilla Mae Navidad, a 17 year old Dabawenya. I met Mae a few years ago in Davao City, Mindanao. I was helping organize the Davao leg of the nationwide "Rainbow Tour" of premiere Filipino band South Border and after the concert, I was also selling copies of their award-winning platinum CD, "Episode III" (yes, I know, major plugging na 'to LOL :D) Anyways, there was this tall girl who kept on asking me if she could meet Jay Durias (South Border's musical director and keyboardist) because, according to her, they were cousins. I must admit, I had reservations at first because after all, there was virtually A M...

Feb102009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Discover Region 12 and ARMM in Intramuros – until Feb. 16 only!

Announcements, ARMM, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

Curious as to what Region XII, Mindanao and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) can offer? Head on down to the Intramuros History Town and discover the beauty of these two Mindanao areas. The said exhibit will go on an extended run until Feb. 16, 2009 only so you better hurry up! Better yet, why not make that visit your Valentine's Day celebration? From what I gathered from Sen. Richard Gordon, the Region XII and ARMM showcase in Intramuros History Town has so far been drawing roughly 6,000 visitors daily. Not bad, eh? I wonder how many of those 6,000 are certified Mindanaoans who just happen to be in Manila? :) This Intramuros History Town project, conceived by Senator Gordon, is pretty interesting and can really help boost tourism especially for the Island of Mindanao. Espe...