Blogging Archives - Page 7 of 18 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

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 ...

Jul122012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy Manila launches new Mindanao blog

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Education, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, United States of America

The U.S. Embassy in Manila has launched a new blog that focuses on Mindanao as well as on the many partnerships between the United States, the Government of the Philippines, and the people of Mindanao. The new Mindanao blog, entitled "Peace, Prosperity and Partnership in Mindanao," includes information on how to participate in US Embassy programs that are offered in the Island of Mindanao. Peace, Prosperity and Partnership are the main thematic approaches of the U.S. Embassy in diplomatic engagement with Mindanaoans and the Philippine government. Hence, the name. The new US Embassy Manila blog also features conversations with young Mindanao leaders and updates on cultural programs, health initiatives and business innovations that are supported by various U.S. government agencies. US ...

Jul92012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Better ARMM starts today, July 9, 2012 #ARMMGenReg

Advocacy, Announcements, ARMM, Blogging, Muslim Mindanao, News

Today is a promising day in ARMM. Today, July 9, 2012, is the start of change in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM. Today, some 1 million Filipino voters are expected to register - or "re-register" - after the Commission on Elections through Resolution No. 9443, aims to purge hundreds of thousands of "fictitious voters" with the nullification of the voters' list in Lanao del Sur as well as in 4 other provinces in the ARMM. COMELEC officials say that after this ARMM general registration, the previous list of ARMM voters of at least 1.7 Million will be trimmed down to just about 300,000. The ARMM general registration, which will take place in various schools, will start today and will end on July 18, 2012. In line with this, a 30-day gun ban in ARMM is also being enforced. ...

Jul32012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: US Ambassador Harry Thomas leads turnover of donations to Bulua

America, Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, United States of America

Like I previously mentioned in this blog, I had the chance of a lifetime to accompany US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas, Jr. for two days. It truly was an honor to be that up close and personal with the American ambassador, who I found to be very smart, direct and friendly. As a part of his party when he visited Cagayan de Oro City for the very first time last week, I got the chance to accompany him in various events. We attended the distribution of HACCP and ISO certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, the roundtable discussion with CIPMYL graduates in Xavier University and the launch of the Cities Development Initiative in CDO. Another event that I got to witness was the turnover of donations to Bulua National High School. The United States Agency for International Develo...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

USAID, Cagayan de Oro sign MOU; launch Cities Development Initiative

America, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Politics, Society, United States of America

During his recent visit to Cagayan de Oro, US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cagayan de Oro City LGU. The MOU was for the launch of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)'s Cities Development Initiative. Ambassador Thomas, USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano all signed the MOU last Friday, June 29, 2012 at a local hotel in Cagayan de Oro. The launch of the Cities Development Initiative in CDO is seen to be very beneficial to the LGU. The Cities Development Initiative is an integral part of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG). Launched in November 2011, PFG is helping the Philippines achieve its high growth potential by creating a more tra...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. meets with Mindanaoan youth leaders

America, ARMM, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, United States of America

Here's more about my 2-day task of accompanying US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. around Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Thanks to the folks over at US Embassy Manila, this Mindanao blogger got the chance of a lifetime to experience first hand how it was to officially be a part of an American ambassador's party :) After the awarding of HACCP certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, our next stop was the roundtable discussion with the alumni of the Congressional Internship Program for Mindanao Youth Leaders (CIPYML). The roundtable discussion of these Mindanaoan youth leaders with US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was held at the American Corner at the Xavier University Library. Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was welcomed by Xavier University officials: On our ...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Accompanying US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr.

America, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Singapore, United States of America

Just last week, this humble blogger in Mindanao was granted a chance of a lifetime - to be able to accompany U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. for two days! I was part of US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr.'s party when he visited Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. It was the American ambassador's very first visit to CDO. The two-day adventure with the friendly ambassador started right from the airport - where I experienced first hand how it was to be a part of an official U.S. Ambassador's group. I can't share details but suffice it to say that I felt like I was in a CIA agent film :D Although it was not my first time to accompany an ambassador, it was still a huge thrill! Victoria of the U.S. Embassy Manila introduced me to Ambassador Thomas. He was friendly and had a...

Jun262012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chinese General Consul visits CDO, inspects Sendong homes

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update

The General Consul of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Zhang Wei Guo, (center with corsage) recently visited Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines to inspect the second batch of 150 houses - all imported from China - which the Filipino - Chinese Community in CDO has pledged to donate for Typhoon Sendong victims. The 150 houses that the Chinese General Consul inspected are now in their final stages of completion. The houses are part of the 600 houses that were earlier pledged by the Filipino Chinese Community in Cagayan de Oro for Typhoon Sendong victims. Briefing General Consul Zhang is Mr. Greg Lao (in eyeglasses), the General Secretary of the Filipino Chinese Community who manages the construction of the houses. Also shown in photo together with the entourage are di...

Jun262012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Fil-Chinese community donates 160 houses for Sendong victims

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

More houses for the victims of the deadly Typhoon Sendong that hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan last December 2011 have been donated. This time, a total of 160 houses - all imported from China - were donated and duly turned over a few days ago by the Filipino - Chinese community in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The 160 houses only comprises the 1st batch, by the way. More houses will be donated to the Sendong victims. Representatives of the Filipino-Chinese Community of Cagayan de Oro said they pledge to donate 600 houses to the victims of the calamity. Witnessing the milestone turn-over event were CDO Mayor Vicente Y. Emano as well as the project chiefs Messrs. Efren T. Uy, Greg Lao, Antonio Uy, Tomas C. Sia, Dolly Ong and Ricky Go. Also present were Kagawad Juan Sia, Mss...

Jun122012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Islands Stay Hotel Mactan Cebu

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel, Visayas

If you, like me, consider "value for money" as top criterion in choosing hotels, then you will absolutely love Islands Stay Mactan. This Cebu hotel really provides more bang for your buck; hence, Islands Stay Hotel Mactan Cebu easily lands a spot on my list of highly recommended hotels in Cebu. I mean, really, they offer rooms priced as low as Php 850.00 (US $19) - tempting, right? You can even avail of a 15 percent discount! Okay, I'm getting way ahead of myself. Read on...:) Islands Stay operates under the same company that owns Islands Souvenirs and Islands Banca Cruises. And because they do, their rooms are also fashioned in such a way that the signature bright orange and green apple hues are unmistakeable. And just like those cool, nicely designed Islands Souvenirs t-shirts, the ro...

Jun82012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At Zubuchon – declared best pig in the world by Anthony Bourdain

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Visayas

According to Anthony Bourdain, Zubuchon is the home of the best Cebu lechon or in his words, "the best pig...ever!" Zubuchon is where you can get the best lechon in Cebu, according to the No Reservations host and chef. Naturally, being a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, I listened! And listened well I did! During my most recent Cebu City vacation, I visited Zubuchon - a.k.a. the very same Cebu lechon tasted, featured and praised by no other than world renowned chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations. Actually, it wasn't my first time to try Zubuchon. About two years ago, I had my very first taste of this much-talked about lechon Cebu that claims to not have any MSG at all. If you're wondering why it's named Zubuchon - well, "Zubu" is the old name of Cebu and "chon" is...

Jun52012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cebu island hopping with Islands Banca Cruises

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

Ever wanted to tour Cebu islands in style? Here’s one Cebu adventure you must try! I have always wanted to go on a Cebu island hopping trip. Who hasn’t heard of the beauty of the Pandanon white sandbar as well as the rich and lovely marine life at both Gilutungan and Talima Marine Sanctuaries? Add to that the fact that I absolutely love to swim and snorkel. What best way to do all that but to go on an island hopping adventure in Cebu, right? Fortunately, my wish was granted just a few days ago, much thanks to Islands Banca Cruises. My recent Cebu island hopping adventure aboard Islands Banca Cruises was made possible by the generosity of Islands Group President and Chairman Jay Aldeguer and with the able assistance of Islands Banca Cruises marketing officer Jefferson Cruz. Islands Banca...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Perks of Living in Mindanao

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

If you listen to the news on Mindanao, the most likely reaction is that you’ll hesitate to come here. Much less choose to live here. But given the direness of the news on the peace and order situation here, have you ever wondered if there are perks to living in Mindanao? Actually, what’s so terrible in the news is merely a microcosm of Mindanao society. Given the largeness of the island and the number of regions, cities, and cultures that are found in Mindanao, you might want to take the news with a grain of salt the next time. Mindanao is generally a peaceful place. The members of the populace are satisfied with their lives, and commerce and trade are smoothly moving along. The economics show a due representation from the filthy rich to poverty level poor, but people manage to get by. ...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Washington DC Metro Subway photos, tips

Advocacy, America, Blogging, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Photos, Technology, Travel, United States of America

This is a continuation of my "Mindanaoan In America" blog series :) You can read more about my escapades in the USA when I was a 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program delegate HERE. The first state that we stayed in was Washington DC. Like many states in America, Washington has its own subway or railway system. They call it the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit or simply - Metro. I found the Metro Washington DC subway easy to understand although my group and I did have to be guided by our ELO Alan especially when we already had to buy our very first fare cards or train tickets :) You can find below a photo of the farecards and passes machines - you can buy tickets there or you can always approach a friendly Metro employee. Here are some easy to follow tips on how to ...

May92012 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Davao City bans plastic bags, styrofoam starting June 28, 2012

Advocacy, Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Food, Government, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personal, Society, Technology

YEY! I am so, so, sooo happy with this development! Congratulations Davao City! What an awesome move! I'm so proud of my hometown Davao City for finally, FINALLY deciding to put a ban against non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam! Points for Mother Nature, environment and the start of the use of eco-friendly products :) I wonder, though, how the fastfood chains and other business establishments that use plastic bags and styrofoam will cope when the ban takes effect on June 28, 2012. Hmm. What do you think? Anyways, here's the news report from SunStar Davao: Non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food and beverage containers will no longer be allowed in this city starting June 28, this year. Polystyrene foam is more commonly referred to as Styrof...

May22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Blue Live In Manila

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Photos

Here are the much awaited photos of BLUE a.k.a. the fine looking boys from the U.K. Okay, ladies, breathe in, breathe out :) Blue, composed of Duncan James, Simon Webbe, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan, was recently in Manila, Philippines for the Greatest Hits Tour featuring a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. I was fortunate to have met and worked around the guys :) Yes, yes, I'm a very lucky girl ;) I found Jeff Timmons, a1 and of course, Blue, to be very warm, down to earth, talented and very approachable. Anyways, the photos here of Duncan James, Antony Costa, Simon Webbe and Lee Ryan were taken during the radio tour, some backstage and during the show. Which of these photos are your favorites? :) Let me know below at the comment section :) By the way, here are the photos...

Apr282012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees Live In Manila

Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

If you're one of my regular readers here on Mindanaoan.com, chances are you'd know that I helped out during the highly successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue Live In Manila concert last February 2012 in Manila, Philippines. I helped promote it not only through this site but in other sites as well including via social networking websites. (which reminds me, if you're not following me yet, please do so! Here are my Twitter, Pinterest, PicLyf, Instagram and YouTube accounts :) ) I also launched my very own online contest whereby the prizes were tickets to the show. I know I should have shared the photos I took of the boys before, during and after the event but you all know it's been a very hectic time as of late :) So to all of the fans of a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue, please don't worry. No...

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: How folks in Virginia USA cast their votes (photos)

Advocacy, America, Blogging, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Technology, United States of America

In America, they have this day called Super Tuesday which refers to "the Tuesday in February or March of a presidential election year when the greatest number of states hold primary elections to select delegates to national conventions at which each party's presidential candidates are officially nominated." Super Tuesday is a very important day especially since more delegates can be won on that day more than any other single day included in the primary calendar. Hence, political parties and the candidates themselves scramble to make a mark and win during Super Tuesday. I was in Virginia, USA for Super Tuesday 2012 (March 6, 2012). All eyes were on Virginia that day especially because only 2 out of 4 names of Republican candidates were on the ballots. Only the names of former Massachu...

Apr222012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees says hello to Mindanaoan.com

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Videos

If you're one of the regular readers of Mindanaoan.com, you'd probably know that I was one of those who heavily helped promote the recently concluded a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons concert in Manila. I campaigned for the show not only through this lifestyle and entertainment blog but through various accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, PicLyf etc. I also launched a contest whereby the winner received two tickets to the show! The concert was a huge success, by the way! Congratulations to Wilbros Live, Drake World Entertainment and of course, to a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. I have yet to share with you all some of the photos I took from the backstage of Araneta Coliseum and during the show. Sorry about the delays! Don't worry, folks, the wait will be worth it ;) For now, ...

Apr212012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

I’m home!

Blogging, Features, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Travel, United States of America

So I am finally back from the U.S. I'm home, I'm home! :) *waves* I stayed in America for more than a month. I was there because I was chosen to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program, a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program. Technically, my IVLP 2012 experience only lasted for 3 weeks. However, I chose to fly to New York City, savor the sights and sounds of the Big Apple and spend my birthday there! (more on this later) I stayed in NYC for 2 weeks. I also had the chance to visit Connecticut specifically Yale University for a day. Anyway, the IVLP program that I participated in led me to Washington D.C. (and in some parts of nearby Virginia and Maryland), Orlando, Florida, Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. I was the only female in the group an...

Apr132012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Razzle Dazzle 3 photography workshop registration ongoing

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, Style, Tourism

How fast time flies! Back in 2010, I was still pitching possible names for a photography workshop to my super talented brother (who happens to be an awarded and very in-demand professional wedding photographer). He liked what I offered - "Razzle Dazzle." According to the dictionary, razzle dazzle means dazzling excitement or extravagant display of technique. Not long after that, he named his very first photography workshop "Razzle Dazzle Photography Workshop." Fast forward two years later, Razzle Dazzle Photography Workshop is now on its 3rd cycle! This photography workshop in Mindanao is set to take place on May 5 to 6, 2012 in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. Don't you want to spend two days of summer learning new photography techniques? This CDO photography worksh...

Mar192012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Trip from Manila to Washington

America, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Commentary, Education, Features, Headline, Manila, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

This Filipino blogger is currently here in the United States of America to participate in a US Department of State-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). You can read more about my current trip HERE. I'm very proud to let you all know that I'm the only Filipino and the only female in this group :) I will share as much as I can (and as much as I am permitted to) with you all. If you want to follow my U.S. escapades, you may want to SUBSCRIBE TO MINDANAOAN right now (click and please don't forget to verify!) or follow my official Facebook Page. For now, what I want to share with you all in this blog post will be my experience traveling from Manila to Washington, DC - the first stop of my U.S. trip. Hopefully this article will help those of you who will travel the sa...