province of bukidnon Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Aug42018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao’s largest drug addiction rehab and mental health center opens in Bukidnon

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Society

It's finally open. The Php 500 Million (roughly US$10 Million) drug rehab, addiction treatment and mental health center which I first wrote about early last year is finally open and no less than Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte led the formal rites held last August 3, 2018. The Northern Mindanao Wellness and Reintegration Center is located at Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City. Malaybalay is the capital of Bukidnon and is about an hour and a half away from Cagayan de Oro and 5 hours away from Davao City. This Bukidnon drug rehab is a product of a public and private partnership. The 5-hectare land along Diversion Road where the addiction treatment and mental health center sits on was donated by the City Government of Malaybalay and the amount was donated by the Friends of the Phil...

Mar122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering the Team UNA rally in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Commentary, Events, Government, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Photos, Politics

It was a really long, tiring day. Woke up at 6 AM, which I rarely do, to start on the tasks. My hardworking staff members were still asleep, having only returned from their overnight propaganda tasks at 5 in the morning! Anyways, after hours of preparation, this was what happened the evening of March 2, 2013. Tens of thousands of people were already gathered at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. I have to say, though - the Team UNA campaign rally in Bukidnon was a concert-slash-rally-slash-fireworks-display event. Since it was the Kaamulan Festival 2013, there was a telecom-sponsored concert that night (topbilled by Itchyworms and Tanya Markova) plus the much-awaited grand fireworks display. Yes, there were people who came to hear the Team UNA senatorial candidates speak ...

Jan252013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

UPDATED: Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 Schedule Of Activities And Tour

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

UPDATE: This is the final and official Kaamulan Festival 2013 Bukidnon schedule of activities! :) Bukidnon's yearly grand ethnic cultural festival and gathering of the 7 hill tribes is finally here! The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is the gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes namely Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon and Tigwahanon tribes. The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is inarguably Bukidnon's grandest festival. The term Kaamulan, derived from the word "amul" which means "to gather," can mean many things - a datuship ritual, a thanksgiving festival, a peace pact or a wedding ceremony. This year, the Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 is all of these :) The Kaamulan 2013 theme is: "Sustaining Culture and Unity Towards Progress and Development" The Kaamulan Fest...

Sep282012 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Creation of Bukidnon 4th District gets Senate OK

Bukidnon, Government, Malaybalay City, News, Northern Mindanao, Politics

The Senate has approved the bill seeking the creation of the Bukidnon 4th District. The Senate has approved on the 3rd and final reading House Bill 5236 which seeks the creation of the Bukidnon Fourth District. The bill was passed September 20, 2012. A total of 12 senators, led by Senator Bongbong Marcos who chairs the Committee on Local Government, OK'd the passage of the Bukidnon 4th District bill. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III still needs to sign the bill first, though, before it becomes a law. If the Bukidnon 4th District bill gets ratified, there will be a need for a congressman who will represent the said district. The proposed Bukidnon 4th District shall be composed of Valencia City, Kalilangan, and Pangantucan. Bukidnon 1st District will then be composed of...

Jul122012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rep. JV Ejercito visits Bukidnon @jvejercito

Blogging, Bukidnon, Controversial, Features, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Politics

I was in Bukidnon when San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito (or Joseph Victor Ejercito Estrada) told me that he was coming for a visit. I readily told Rep. JV Ejercito that I would be glad to assist him especially since I still had tons of media and government contacts in Bukidnon. I was also very curious to see how the people of Bukidnon would react when they see him. After all, JV Ejercito just recently "patched things up" with former Bukidnon congressman (and resigned Senator) Juan Miguel Zubiri (who is obviously very well-loved in Bukidnon) after the latter apologized to JV's dad, former President Erap Estrada. Migs Zubiri used to be a part of the "Spice Boys," a group of young congressmen who pushed for the articles of impeachment against Estrada in 2000. These days, Migs and JV are now both ...

Dec132011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2012 Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon schedule of activities

Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

It's that time of year again! The Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon, once called by former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano as the only authentic ethnic festival left in the Philippines today, will soon take place. The 2012 Kaamulan Festival will start on February 16, 2012 and will end on March 10, 2012, the very same day the Province of Bukidnon celebrates its 95th Foundation Day. The Kaamulan Festival 2012 schedule of activities can be found below. The Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes namely Bukidnon, Talaandig, Manobo, Higaonon, Matigsalug, Tiguahanon and Umayamnon. Among the highlights of the 2012 Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon are: Kaamulan Festival Bukidnon 2012: February 16, 2012 - soft opening of Kaamulan Festival 2012 at Malaybalay Cit...

Aug242011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cueshe band Live in Bukidnon and CDO this August

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao

Cueshe, the band responsible for the hit songs "Ulan," "Sorry," "Stay," "Borrowed Time," "Can't Let You Go" and "Pasensya Na," is heading to Mindanao in a few days! Cueshe will be in Valencia City, Bukidnon on August 25, 2011 and in Cagayan de Oro City on August 26, 2011. Cueshe will headline San Miguel Beer events in both cities. Cueshe band is composed of Jay Justiniani, Ruben Caballero, Jhunjie Dosdos, Mike Manaloto, Jovan Mabini and Fritz Labrado. Cueshe will be in Valencia City for the city's 60th patronal fiesta in honor of Saint Augustine. For the Valencia City Fiesta 2011 Schedule of Activities, please read this page. The band will then go to CDO for a Kagay-an Festival 2011 related event. Here's the 2011 Kagay-an Festival schedule of activities. I might go and cover these ev...

Apr222011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Cagayan de Oro – Dahilayan Mindanao Ultra Marathon 55K formally launched

Announcements, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Artists, Society, Sports

And so it's formally confirmed! The home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline will also be the home of the much-awaited CDO - Dahilayan Trail 55k Ultra Marathon on July 9, 2011. Dahilayan Adventure Park will be the end point of what's believed to be the first ever mega marathon of this kind in Mindanao. Runners will follow the picture-perfect CDO - Dahilayan trail which covers one city (Cagayan de Oro) and two Bukidnon towns (the Municipalities of Libona and Manolo Fortich). From Rodelsa Circle in Cagayan de Oro City, the participants of the race, which will begin at 4 a.m., will then proceed to Barangay Indahag then to Barangay Kiliog. After that, the racers will enter a part of the Del Monte pineapple plantation. The remaining kilometers will cover the road towards Barangay Dahilayan,...

Jun42010 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone Bukidnon zipline – longest dual cable zipline in Asia

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Resorts, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

So, YES, finally! Mindanaoan, her brother and mom finally got to visit Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon - home of ZipZone Bukidnon zipline, reportedly the longest dual cable zipline in all of Asia! We finally managed to visit this Mindanao tourist destination, which is fast becoming a favorite of thrill and adventure seekers, in time for my brother's birthday. Actually, we've been looking forward to trying out this Bukidnon zipline adventure for months but we only had the chance this most recent weekend. Also, quite unfortunately, my two other brothers couldn't come with us so it was just me, my brother and my mom. Nonetheless, my brother and I were so excited to try the much-talked about 840 meter zipline, considered the longest dual cable zipline in Asia. Apart ...

May62010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Are you from Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao and Misamis?

Advocacy, Announcements, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Government, Internet, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Society, Technology, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Because if you are, then we need you to help map out precincts! Google Philippines, through its representative Aileen Apolo, is asking us to please help map precincts in certain regions in Mindanao. A website called Find Your Precinct has been set up and its goal is to help every Filipino find the location of the voting center for their precinct. The locations found in the said website are contributed by volunteer mappers and it's about time that Mindanaoans join forces and help not only one another but the rest of our fellow countrymen. According to Aileen, there's still need to map out precincts in Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao and Misamis. Help now by logging on to Find Your Precinct. Alternatively, and to make things more fun, you can spearhead a mapping party and...

May52010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon governor embroiled in a scandal with ex PBB teen

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Entertainment, Government, Headline, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

First off, a lot of people in Bukidnon, Mindanao claim that this isn't exactly fresh news. However, I guess this issue involving Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. and ex-Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen housemate Claire Cabeguin (who's from Bukidnon herself) will continue to be controversial and will forever be circulated unless, most probably, if one of them either speaks up against or confirms the issue. Before I continue, a brief backgrounder first. Zubiri is on his third term as the governor of Bukidnon and is currently gunning for the vice gubernatorial seat. He used to be an active member of LAKAS CMD KAMPI until he recently surprised not a few when he endorsed Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manny Villar. Zubiri is the father of Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Cabegu...

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...

Nov102009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Zubiri and Acosta, enemies yesterday, friends today and tomorrow?

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Weird

Ang politics nga naman! Mindanaoan was a bit shocked - nay, very, very shocked - when I found out that last-termer Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. and political archrival JR Nereus "Neric" Acosta MAY soon sing sweet music together. This, after Zubiri is reportedly eyeing a "transfer" to the Liberal Party from LAKAS-CMD-KAMPI. Acosta will run for Senator under the LP. What's so interesting about this is that these former political allies have burned a lot of bridges over the years and have become bitter political enemies. Zubiri has accused Acosta of graft and corruption. Acosta, on the other hand, tried to run for Bukidnon governor in the last elections but lost to Zubiri by a very large margin. From mudslinging to accusations of one trying to kill the other to one trying to discredi...

Nov32009 by Mindanaoan Irene51 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone in Bukidnon – longest zipline in Asia

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

Bukidnon, Mindanao no longer means just pineapples, cool climate and lush greenery. It's now home to the longest zipline in Asia - Dahilayan Adventure Park's Zipzone! I know that Mindanaoan has featured this piece of news way back in September but ZipZone offers new and exciting adventure that it deserves to be continually promoted, yes? Besides, two of my friends got featured on the front page of Inquirer because of this new Mindanao tourist destination! Say hello to my fellow thrill seekers Moi and Des: (photo courtesy of Inquirer/Cai Panlilio) Located at the verdant Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon (an hour’s drive away from nearby Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao), Asia’s longest Dual Cable Zipline is now open for business. Check out the rates below: (do...

Oct52009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Angel Locsin nominated as Best Actress in International Emmy Awards

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, News, Personalities

BREAKING NEWS! Filipina actress Angel Locsin was nominated for Best Actress in the International Emmy Awards! Locsin is nominated for her title role in the popular ABS CBN Channel 2 series "Lobo" ("The Wolf" in the International Emmys) "Lobo" was Locsin's first TV series under ABS CBN Channel 2, following her controversial departure from GMA 7. Angel Locsin, along with Piolo Pascual, starred in a movie shot in Bukidnon, Mindanao and in Australia. Read more about the tales from the shooting of "Love Me Again" here. Congratulations Angel!

Jul22009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

“San Mig Rock ‘n Reggae” in Sumilao, Bukidnon tomorrow, July 3, 2009

Announcements, Bukidnon, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Society

In celebration of the 53rd Anlaw Ta Sumilao, San Miguel Beer and San Miguel Foods proudly present "SAN MIG ROCK 'N REGGAE" - a live band concert featuring reggae masters Native In Town and a Cagayan de Oro City-based band. This event is happening on Friday, July 3, 2009, 7 PM at the Kisolon Gymnasium, Municipality of Sumilao, Bukidnon. Fun prizes and freebies to be given away! So come one, come all. And oh, this event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! So yup, FREE ENTRANCE! :) Native In Town is best known for their infectious reggae beats and songs. This group is a regular during Bukidnon's Kaamulan Festival and they used to play in various bars in CDO. Their last gig was in Oroquieta City. Meanwhile, if you guys need an events organizer in the CDO / Bukidnon / Iligan / Davao and Butuan a...

Apr282009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Tuesday Vargas and her tattoos (pix inside)

Arts, Beauty, Bukidnon, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

Talented comedian, singer and actress Tuesday Vargas may be known for her hit single "Babae Po Ako" but there's another thing that she's pretty famous for --- her artsy, beautiful and pretty interesting tattoos. For those who still don't know, Tuesday also performs in a band so her tattoos (found on her back) can really add to her "visual" appeal especially on stage. Check out some of the photos I took of Tuesday Vargas and her tattoos: (I took these photos after the Talk 'N Text Gaaniversary activity in Valencia City, Bukidnon Oval last Saturday, April 25, 2009...she performed alongside funny man Vhong Navarro and Rufa Mae Quinto...I served as one of the official photographers of the event, thanks to Talk 'N Text and SMART of course :))

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...

Mar22009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2009 Ethnic Street Dancing competition to have 7 contingents

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel

I learned from the Kaamulan Festival 2009 Chief Coordinator today that a total of seven (7) contingents will compete during the Kaamulan Ethnic Street Dancing competition this Saturday, March 7, 2009. The contingents will represent the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the municipalities of Cabanglasan, Kalilangan, San Fernando, Malitbog and Quezon. I must admit, I was a little bit disappointed with the news. Out of 20 municipalities in Bukidnon and 2 full pledged cities and only 7 will vie for this year's much-awaited event! However, the Kaamulan overall coordinator said that in recent years, the provincial government of Bukidnon has imposed a couple of changes in the way they handle the yearly festival --- and the cutting down of budgets for official streetdancing competitors is o...

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...

Feb142009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon featured in Cebu Pacific’s inflight magazine “Smile”

Announcements, Bukidnon, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

The Province of Bukidnon found in Mindanao, Philippines takes the spotlight in the current issue of the inflight magazine of Cebu Pacific Air, "Smile." The article about Bukidnon entitled "Tribal Pursuits" centers on the province's largest annual festival called the Kaamulan Festival. The Kaamulan festival is the annual gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. For more information and for the complete schedule of activities for this year's Kaamulan 2009 Festival, check this page. Going back to the article found in Cebu Pacific's magazine, I would just like to personally thank the writer, Irwin. I met him last year during the Kaamulan Festival 2008 celebration in Bukidnon. He was very pleasant and friendly. Salamat, Irwin! Thanks for mentioning Bukidnon Online, too ;) The article is re...