mindanaoan Archives - Page 47 of 49 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

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 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

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 IreneNo Comments

Cagayan de Oro City hotel needs a cook

Cagayan de Oro City, Jobs

Here's a chance for you to work in a hotel, fellow Mindanaoan! If you're good at cooking, then read on. A hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao is in need of a cook. Country Village Hotel needs a male cook whose age is not over 35 years old. Preferably with 4 years of experience. Interested parties may submit their application letters and resumes to: The Executive Office Country Village Hotel Villarin Street, Carmen Cagayan de Oro City You may call these numbers for any inquiries you may have: (08822) 71-22-01 or (088) 858-3004 Good luck! :)

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 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! :)

Dec172008 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Cotabato to Cebu, Siargao Surigao to Cebu flights for only P500

Business, Consumer, Cotabato, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Tourism, Travel

Want to fly from Siargao, Surigao (the renowned surfing capital of the Philippines) to Cebu or from Cotabato to Cebu for only P500.00? That's now possible but only for a limited period of time! Cebu Pacific Air just announced that they're now offering flights from Cebu to Cotabato and from Cebu to Siargao starting January 1, 2009. To kick things off, the airline company is offering a P500.00 Go Lite All-In fare. The seat sale STARTS NOW until December 19, 2008 only so book your flights ASAP! The seat sale is good for travel from January 1 to March 18, 2009. Meanwhile, starting January 10, 2009, Cebu Pacific will fly three times weekly between Cebu and Cotabato and the Cebu to Siargao flights will be thrice weekly beginning January 30, 2009. This is definitely another reason for you t...

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...

Dec102008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bingo crazy at Lim Ket Kai Mall Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

This post is the second for Mindanaoan’s “Things To Do [in a particular Mindanao city or Mindanao province]” series. Here's one thing you can do if you've done just about everything in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao (dubbed the City of Golden Friendship) and you need something to keep yourself preoccupied - play bingo! Yup, I've been "bingo crazy" these past few weeks. First, I played at a recent charity bingo event in Casino Filipino, Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City and then a week later, I found myself playing bingo for two days (!) in Lim Ket Kai Mall, CDO. Not that all I did was play bingo, of course. I also shopped in between games, ate and watched "Twilight" (which, in my own humble opinion, by the way, was more of hype and cheesy teenybopper-kilig lines...Robert Pattinson is a bit of a...

Dec92008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sony Philippines sets up display exhibits in CDO, Davao

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

All right, so because Mindanaoan has really been (and is still is!) overwhelmed by the massive traffic to THIS POST about her first Sony experience (DAGHANG SALAMAT! Many thanks!), she's also inspired to share another round of good news to all of you Mindanaoans who want to buy Sony products or gadgets for your loved ones this Christmas. By the way, NO is the answer to the question if I got a VIP invitation to the recently concluded Sony Expo in SM Mall of Asia. So, NO, my entry wasn't one of the 50 shortlisted entries. I reckon I missed the deadline. Nevertheless, I had fun sharing with you all my first Sony experience and that's all that matters :) So on to the good news...Sony Philippines will hold exhibits in various areas in Mindanao this month of December! Check out the schedule: ...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan Rep. Luz Ilagan’s speech on GMA’s rights violations against Mindanaoans

Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News

Here's the full text of Mindanaoan Congresswoman Luz Ilagan's speech in the House of Representatives regarding President Gloria Arroyo's rights violations against us Mindanaoans. Rep. Ilagan used to be a teacher in my alma mater, Ateneo de Davao University. Today, she's a Congresswoman under the Gabriela Women's Party List. Pagsusog sa Reklamo Hinggil sa Pagpapatalsik sa Katungkulan ng Gng. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Pananalita ni Rep. Luzviminda C. Ilagan Kinatawan ng Gabriela Women’s Party sa Pulong ng Komite sa Katarungan Kamara de Representantes Ika-24 ng Nobyembre, 2008 Mr. Chairman, sa Mindanao, kung saan ang kinatawang ito nagmula, daandaang kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao at Konstitusyon ng Pilipinas ang kinasasangkutan ni Gng. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. I. Human Rights Vi...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

My first Sony experience is with my Sony Ericsson K500i

Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Style, Technology, Tourism, Travel

While I consider my father's Sony all-transistor radio my first Sony "encounter," (it was one of his most treasured possessions and when he installed pipe-in sound systems in Jesuit-owned buildings, he'd bring me and his precious all transistor radio along - my role was to belt out songs and he'd test the wirings and quality of sound) I consider my Sony Ericsson k500i mobile phone as my very first Sony experience. In fact, truth be told, my Sony Ericsson k500i cellular phone has been with me through so many "firsts" in my life that it has just been (and still is!) one crazy, amazing, memorable ride. This phone has also played a great part in my quest to find my niche - my very own place under the sun. I bought this Sony product at a time when I felt I badly wanted - nay, needed - a chan...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Sarangani school buildings repair underway

Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Reviews

The repair of school buildings in the Province of Sarangani in Mindanao is reportedly underway. This, following the visit of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Sarangani earlier this week. Teodoro graced the ceremonial start of the repair efforts under the "Laban sa Kahirapan" project of the national government. Here's a photo of Teodoro along with my friend, Mindanaoan and Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez. Photo credit: Cocoy Sexcion of the Sarangani Information Office By the way, all of you Generals should check out GenSan Exchange. It's an informative, interactive website that features the latest news about General Santos City. There's a forum and you can also post free ads over there.

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Bukidnon Bloggers network launched

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

The Bukidnon Bloggers social network has finally been launched! So if you're from the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao (it does not matter whether you're a current or previous resident of Bukidnon or if you were born in the province but is in a different country or area right now) and if you have a blog/website (Wordpress, Blogspot, Multiply, Friendster etc and whether it's hosted for free or if you have your own domain or hosting plan), then join the Bukidnon Bloggers network today! The Bukidnon Bloggers network aims to gather all blogging aficionados in Bukidnon and for the group to come up with their own various projects/programs that could not only help foster camaraderie and friendship among members but could also help advocate blogging and the use of the Internet to promote social c...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Finally, an update on Mindanaoan journalist Marlene Esperat’s case

Controversial, Crime, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

I learned from Senator Richard Gordon today that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to revive the investigations into the brutal murder of Mindanaoan journalist Marlene Esperat. Esperat, who exposed an alleged illegal procurement of P432 Million worth of fertilizers, was slain in her own home in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao by an assassin who later on reportedly confessed that he was hired by two officials in the Department of Agriculture - Central Mindanao. What really dismayed me was the fact that she was even gunned down in front of her own children. “This time we will investigate why a resident Ombudsman in the Agriculture Department in Mindanao was killed because she wanted to expose an anomaly. So far, the case has made some progress in courts but the masterminds have ...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero speaks up on his plans for 2010

Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities

If you're curious if Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero is running for President this 2010, then read on. Here's the full text of Sen. Chiz's blog. THOUGHTS? December 2, 2008, 12:29 am Dahil sa mga naglalabasang surveys na kasali ako sa top 5 ng mga presidentiables, marami ang nagtatanong kung nangangarap daw ba akong maging presidente ng Pilipinas sa 2010. Ang masasabi ko lang ay oo. May pangarap ako tulad ng sinumang pulitiko siguro ngayon na humawak ng mas mataas na puwesto. Ang maganda sa pangarap, ito ay libre at hindi kailangang bayaran. Subalit ang mahalaga sa akin ay hindi kung ano ang gusto ko. Gusto ni ganito na tumakbo, gusto ni ganyan na tumakbo. Hindi mahalaga kung ano ang gusto kong takbuhan. Ang mahalaga, ano ba ang gusto ng ating mga kababayan na tatakbuhan ko o gusto ba...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meet my new toy: Hewlett Packard Mini Note 2133

Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Technology

Ever since my Acer Travelmate laptop started acting out a few weeks ago (which was understandable since that baby has served me so well for more than a year), I knew I had to buy a new notebook. This time, however, my "back up" toy should be small enough to bring along during my frequent trips but durable and sleek enough that I can use it during power meetings with clients or if I need to beat a deadline right smack in the Senate session hall or at the gallery section in Congress. So meet Mindanaoan's new toy --- my new Hewlett Packard Mini Note 2133 laptop. I got this baby during my most recent trip to Manila. And for a very good price, too! I got a whopping P4,000.00 discount! (I'm not kidding! And yes, this one's a brand new unit and has a yearlong warranty, just in case you're curio...

Dec22008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao Chinatown 168 Mall to open December 6, 2008

Business, Corporate, Davao City, News, Travel

Davao Chinatown will be busier this weekend as the much-awaited Chinatown 168 Mall is set to open this Saturday, December 6, 2008. Davao China Town 168 Mall is within the Uyanguren district of Davao City, near the Magsaysay Park (where most durian vendors are) and Agdao area. Initially, I thought that this was a branch of the famed 168 Mall in Binondo, Manila (and I actually got a bit excited since I always see to it that I drop by 168 Manila during my frequent trips there) but such wasn't the case. Nonetheless, the China Town 168 Mall in Davao City is something to look forward to. See you there, fellow Mindanaoan!

Dec22008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photography Workshop for a Cause set in Cagayan de Oro City

Arts, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Style

Calling all photography buffs out there! A photography workshop for a cause will take place on Friday, December 5, 2008 in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Beneficiaries of the event will be the street children of Agora, CDO (Agora is where the CDO public market is) Registration fee only costs P500.00 and there will be five speakers - all of whom have proven their skills and talent in the field of visual arts, photography, layout and design. What's also great about this workshop is that an on-the-spot photoshoot along with Cagayan de Oro City's top models will serve as the day-long event's culminating activity. This is because renowned Kagay-an fashion designer Gil Macaibay III will showcase his designs via a fashion show at Ghana Bar and all the workshop participants will be part of t...

Dec12008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Things to do in Davao City: Charity Bingo every Sunday

Advocacy, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update

This post is the first for Mindanaoan's "Things To Do [in a particular Mindanao city or Mindanao province]" series. Naturally, as a certified Dabawenya, the first entry is about my beloved hometown :) So here's one thing you can do in Davao City on a Sunday - play bingo and help others at the same time! The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) - Davao branch is regularly hosting a Charity Bingo event every Sunday, 1-4PM at the Entertainment Area of Casino Filipino - Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. Each ticket only costs P300.00 (roughly US$8.00) and that entitles you to 4 bingo cards which you can use for ten (10) games (you also have the option to buy extra cards from the game marshals around the area). There are also special games like the Super 6 Bingo, Super ...