mindanaoan Archives - Page 46 of 49 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Feb92009 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Davao City soon to have a wakeboard park

I simply couldn't contain my utter excitement when I found out about this yesterday - and via Facebook, no less. Apparently, Davao City will soon have a wakeboard park! Construction of the Davao Wakeboard Park is allegedly underway and it's set to be completed on April 2009. The grand opening of this new Davao City tourist attraction is slated for May 2009. Just in time for the tail end of summer 2009! As a certified water sports aficionado, I simply cannot wait to visit this complex soon! For the uninitiated, wakeboarding is a surface water sport wherein a person uses a wakeboard (this one's smaller than a surfboard but a little bit bigger than a skateboard) over the surface of a body of water. This sport was reportedly developed via a combination of water skiing, surfing and snowboard...

Feb82009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Be bakunado! Top reasons why you need to protect yourself against flu

Advocacy, Announcements, Internet, Mindanaoan Update

Contrary to popular belief, influenza or flu is not just a simple disease. Truth be told, it does not just come in the most common forms such as cough and colds. Flu can also come in avian, human and pandemic forms (the latter being the scariest form, IMO) - hence, it is very important that you as well as the members of your family get vaccinated. Good thing there's now a website that helps you understand flu, its forms, consequences and vaccinations that could help fight it. Check out the Bakunado sa Flu Official Website (a banner may be found at the header of the Mindanaoan website) In case the banner doesn't show, click here. The Bakunado sa Flu website will help you realize that vaccination is one important step to not only a healthier lifestyle but to a less stressful atmospher...

Feb62009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mango Outlet opens in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao; woos Mindanaoan fashionistas

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Society

I must admit, I used to be a very strict cheapskate. I have a penchant for saving money (which is a good thing, I should say) but during the past few years, I've slowly realized that treating myself to something nice and pretty and a little bit expensive isn't always a bad thing. One of the things I've recently liked to splurge on are quality clothes - from shirts to cardigans to pretty tops to cargo pants to capris. I also like to buy clothes that I can wear during business meetings but at the same time can still pass off as a nice day-to-evening outfit. And one of the brands I like is Mango. Mango is a Spanish clothing company based in Barcelona. It's the brand being endorsed by actress Penelope Cruz. I first had the chance to buy an item in one of the MNG by Mango stores in Manila a...

Feb12009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A Mindanaoan won the first Project Runway Philippines title – will the next one be YOU?

Arts, Events, Fashion, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Style

Aries Lagat of Iligan City, Mindanao won the very first Project Runway Philippines title. Will the next one be YOU? The second season of Project Runway Philippines is set to air very soon and they're now on the lookout for the next contenders. Get ready to be a part of Project Runway Philippines history, fellow Mindanaoan! A casting call for those who live in Davao City and other nearby areas in Mindanao will be held on February 8, 2009, 1 to 6 pm at the SM Davao Event Center. So if you are a fashion designer here in Mindanao, 21 years of age and above, and would like to try out for a chance to become the next top Filipino fashion designer, go and make us all of your fellow Mindanaoans proud! Don't forget to pre-register, though! Send your resume and some sample images of your design...

Feb12009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Was Mindanaoan Gary Granada ripped off by GMA Kapuso?

Advocacy, Controversial, Crime, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Opinion, Personal, Personalities

Don't we just hate it when people, especially fellow Mindanaoans, are deprived of what's rightfully due them? And don't we just hate it when someone denies that a wrong has been done even when it's so blatant? Just take this case of Mindanaoan artist Gary Granada who alleges that GMA Kapuso Foundation took advantage of his work. GMA Kapuso Foundation allegedly used his work without proper recognition and more importantly, payment or royalties. According to Gary, who was born in Maco, Davao (Compostela Valley), GMA Kapuso Foundation took advantage of his work and the said foundation's lawyer even had the audacity to say that he merely changed a word or two. Worse, the camp of GMA 7 alleged that they don't owe Gary anything since the end product was a result of "collective work." A legal ...

Jan302009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rep. Klarex Uy invitational airsoft tourney in CDO to welcome VisMin airsoft aficionados

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Sports

Airsoft aficionados from both Visayas and Mindanao are very welcome to join the Congressman Klarex Uy Invitational Airsoft Tournament - “Tactical Breach: Mission Compromised" event slated this March 7-8, 2009 at the Pueblo de Oro grounds, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. This, according to Kenneth Marlowe Tan, one of the organizers of the said airsoft event. The invitational airsoft tournament will adopt an 18 - Man Team setup with no limit on the number of reserved players. The said Cagayan de Oro event will have 16 Teams and that will be on a first come, first served basis. The tournament fee is pegged at P900.00 per player, which shall cover the cost for the meals, souvenir t-shirt and help defray costs for the fellowship night. Organizers say that the upcoming airsoft competition a...

Jan292009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Avail of the 50 percent discount on a DTI permit, Mindanaoan!

Advocacy, Announcements, Business, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

Got laid off? Have you been toying with the idea of launching a business? Want to concentrate on being self-employed this time around? Well, now's a great time to do it and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is doing its share of making that plan of yours easier on the pocket. According to a press release sent to me (Mindanaoan) by the Department of Trade and Industry, the DTI has reportedly slashed its business name registration and renewal fees to half. Yes, you read that right. A fifty percent discount on that much-needed DTI business permit. This, in accordance to a department order issued by DTI Secretary Peter Favila. Instead of the standard P300.00 fee for business name registration, DTI will now only collect P150.00 per business name registration and renewal transaction....

Jan282009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival 2009 to start by February 18, 2009

Bukidnon, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The much-awaited Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines is set to begin on February 18 and I myself cannot wait to join in the festivities! The Kaamulan Festival is the largest festival in Bukidnon and is largely renowned as the only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philipines. Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term for “gathering” for any purpose. It can also mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. I was furnished a tentative schedule of activities for this year's Kaamulan Festival celebration in the Province of Bukidnon by the Bukidnon Tourism Office and although I can say that there aren't that many changes from previous celebrations, there are still a lot of things ...

Jan282009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Are you willing to pay P6,000 to the Philippine government just so you can blog?

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Technology

Because this seems to be the case if ever a proposal dubbed "Guidelines on the Provision of Contents, Information, Applications and Electronic Games" lodged before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) pushes through. Now, how does this affect Mindanaoan bloggers or content providers here in the Philippines, you ask? This controversial proposal, when loosely translated, would mean that the Philippine government wants to require people to hold licenses in order to create or post content online. And, of course, there will be corresponding fees and charges. Under the proposal, a filing fee of P300.00 shall be imposed and an annual registration fee of P6,000.00. There will also reportedly be surcharges for late filings. While the proposal probably has commendable objectives and w...

Jan202009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Want to promote your business during the Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon?

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Events, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update

Budding entrepreneurs, webmasters and companies - hear ye, hear ye! Here's good news for those who want to do business during the much-awaited Kaamulan Festival in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. Will you be one of the many business owners, participating companies or entrepreneurs during the much-awaited Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration in Bukidnon? Or do you intend to promote your website, service or business and let the hundreds of thousands of residents, guests and tourists alike know what you're offering? Let Bukidnon Online help you promote your business venture, website or service in what is largely called the remaining authentic indigenous festival in the Philippines - the Kaamulan Festival! Thousands of people are guaranteed to participate in the almost 3-week long Kaamul...

Jan192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Is Mindanao really RP’s “Wild West”?

Advocacy, Commentary, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion

This got me thinking when I received a press release from the Office of Sen. Richard Gordon recently. The PR read: "Turn around Mindanao’s image as RP’s ‘Wild West’ – Gordon" The senator said that Mindanao has "gained a negative reputation in the international media as the country’s “Wild, Wild West” due to the continued spate of kidnappings, sporadic bombings, and the poor peace and order situation." Is our beloved island Mindanao really the Philippines' version of the so-called "Wild West"? In a meeting with the Regional Development Council of Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Gordon challenged Mindanao executives to turn around Mindanao's negative image from being the “Wild West of the Philippines ” into a premier tourist destination with its unique history and ...

Jan152009 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Review: Bahia Spa and Wellness in MetroLifestyle complex Davao City

Beauty, Consumer, Davao City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society

First of all, let me just stress that this is NOT a sponsored post. I just want to share my very good experience over at the Bahia Spa and Wellness Center in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. Here's hoping that my review of the place could help weary travelers, spa aficionados, health buffs and perhaps Dabawenyos who still have reservations with regard to spas and health centers. Please feel free to share your thoughts :) Bahia Spa and Wellness Center is located along F. Torres Street, Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. It's near the Davao City National High School and can be found within the Metro Lifestyle Complex, which also houses a Bo's Coffee Club franchise, a gym (MetroLifestyle Fitness Center), the Krua Thai restaurant Davao branch and a Dermalife Facial and Slimming center....

Jan152009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Sylvester “Sly” Stallone together in a movie?

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Features, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

Well, this information's straight from Erik Pineda, Manny Pacquiao's business manager, so I guess this one's true! Pacquiao is reportedly set to do a movie with Rambo himself, Sylvester "Sly" Stallone. In fact, the duo reportedly met at Stallone's office in Los Angeles, California last January 6, 2009. During the meeting, Sly even gave the Pacman's two sons, Jimwell and Michael, a pair of boxing gloves which bore the signature of former world light-heavyweight champion Tony Tarver. Still, this piece of development shouldn't be treated as a 100-percent-fully-done-and-waxed type of deal. Everything's still in the planning stage. Erik Pineda was quoted as saying that it's "not a boxing movie but something like ‘Rush Hour’ (a Jacky Chan-Chris Tucker hit." Looks like Manny, who's a certif...

Jan132009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao to have cold weather and rains in next few days

Mindanaoan Update, News

Like a lot of people, I myself also can't stand cold weather. I hate catching colds and to remain stuck at home can somehow be boring. So you can just imagine how disappointed I was today when I learned that Mindanao will continue to see rains and cold weather in the next few days. According to Nathaniel Cruz, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (OMG, I can't remember the last time I said that out loud...hmm), the country is currently plagued with a cold front, which also apparently triggered the rains and unfortunate flashfloods in both Visayas and Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro City has been badly hit by these flashfloods as of late). Which reminds me...I hope this cold front will not dampen the Sinulog 2009 celebration. I'm actually looking ...

Jan122009 by Mindanaoan Irene93 Comments

Should we now close the Philippine Post Office?

Business, Consumer, Government, Mindanaoan Update

I don't know about you but I'm getting more and more disappointed with the Philippine Post Office. A few months ago, I received a very important package from the United Nations and its sides were torn and were deliberately "put back together" by mere use of a transparent packing tape. You could just imagine how insulting that was --- I wonder if an employee or two from the national or local post office thought that there was money inside the large envelope or probably some lucrative contracts? And now, after traveling for two days, I come home and see my mails...and I find out that they were all supposed to be delivered last November and December! One package, for instance, was full of important coupons I could've used to avail of discounts during the Christmas holiday shopping sprees. ...

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 ...

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...

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...