November 11, 2009
Advocacy, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Soccksargen, Socsksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Weird
Yes, you read that right. A mining company operating in the Municipality of Tampakan has hired Danny Javier of the popular group APO Hiking Society. Javier is now a “strategist” for Sagittarius Mines, Inc., a gold and copper mine.
As a “strategist,” Javier is reportedly supposed to help SMI develop a “better image.” It can be recalled that the said mining company, which has business interests in three large areas in Mindanao namely South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur, has and still is facing strong opposition especially from the Church. A lot of non government organizations which advocate environmental sustainability have also expressed their opposition against the operation of Sagittarius Mines.
What makes this development noteworthy is that Danny Javier of APO Hiking Society is part of a trio that also pushes for many pro-people issues. Javier and his mates Buboy Garovillo and Jim Paredes are known advocates of ecological conservation. They lead a lot of tree planting sessions and they also spread reminders about the environment and how society can help protect nature.
So of course, quite naturally, a lot of people now see Javier’s entry to SMI as being “inconsistent.”
So my question is…can we take this against Danny Javier?
While I’m dismayed that Javier accepted this job even though he’s supposed to be an environmentalist, I can also understand why he accepted the job offer. A job is a job. It provides food on the table. Whether Javier accepted the job for the sake of practicality or because he wanted to face another challenge in his life, I can understand and can cut him some slack. IMHO, we cannot take this against the guy. Again, a job is a job and he may also have “good” intentions. Hopefully.
Javier said that his father used to work in the mining industry so his new job as a “strategist” for Sagittarius Mines isn’t really something new for him. Instead, he’s taking his new role as a challenge.
The APO Hiking Society singer said that he will immerse himself in the communities very soon in order to have a deeper grasp of the Mindanao culture. He was also quoted as saying that he will ensure that the company complies with environmental standards.
How I wish that could be followed and done.
For now, I’ll give Danny Javier benefit of the doubt. Let him work and let him prove that he will really carry the voice of Mindanaoans – especially those from the B’laan tribes and other groups that will be affected by the operations of Sagittarius Mines – and that he will really raise the issues with the company execs.
In the meantime, let’s also take this as a challenge, fellow Mindanaoan. Companies are wiser these days. They can hire just about anyone who can be “the face” of their programs and business dealings. They can now all the more hire popular singers, actors, actresses and even boxers to speak in their behalf. Let’s not be swayed. Instead, let’s observe and listen. Apathy should no longer be a part of our lives.
LikeNovember 10, 2009
Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Weird, northern mindanao
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 discredit the other, you can say that the Zubiris and the Acostas have been, are and most probably will still be bitter enemies. To even see them in one place can probably be the biggest news for the day in Bukidnon. However, with Zubiri reportedly transferring allegiance to Noynoy and Mar, should we now call these two FRENEMIES?
Interestingly, Zubiri reportedly led a 3-day caucus in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao recently and during the mock polls, Liberal Party bets Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas gained the most votes among Bukidnon mayors, vice mayors, councilors and barangay captains. Because of the result, Zubiri now has reportedly urged the local leaders to pledge allegiance to Noynoy and Mar and ultimately to the LP.
As of press time, talks of an induction in Bukidnon are spreading like wildfire.
Interestingly, too, Zubiri has now accused President Gloria Arroyo’s party, LAKAS-CMD-KAMPI, of not being “supportive” of the provinces that have delivered votes for her in the last election. Zubiri said that PGMA’s party has neglected the provinces that have helped her win before. Of course, we can assume that Zubiri wanted to remind the president that he busted his ass campaigning for her in Bukidnon during the last elections and yet Bukidnon (or probably him) hasn’t been generously rewarded.
Another thing that we should also take note of — Zubiri’s son, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri is an official of LAKAS-CMD. Does this mean that Migs will also soon leave PGMA’s side and follow his dad’s transfer to the LP?
August 24, 2009
Advocacy, Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Consumer, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Weird, blogging
Mindanaoan can’t help but blog about this. What happened late last Saturday night at a 24 hour fastfood store located at Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao reminded me of so many things — two of which are the need for Mindanaoans to be more assertive and why I love Mindanao (and why it will always be home for me). Before I go any further, however, I would just like to emphasize that the following are just my personal opinions and are not meant to hit anyone. My post is more like a reminder…an eye-opener, if you will…of the fact that discrimination even among Filipinos (still) exist.
Last Saturday night, right after the Tatak Environmentalist event, I went to a fastfood store at Divisoria. I decided to grab some grub as I waited for my brother to fetch me. As I fell in line at the counter, an irate man approached the cashier and yelled at her. He spoke in Tagalog. Apparently, he ordered siopao and couldn’t understand why it took so long for him to be served. He even showed the cashier his cellular phone — apparently he “timed” the entire thing using his phone’s stopwatch. From the very instant he paid and sat — he said he was “running late” and that “7 minutes” already passed and still no siopao! And then he said:
“Sa Manila, hindi ganito ang service! Mabilis ang buhay dun, Miss. Hindi ako taga-rito, taga-Manila ako at nakakapanghinayang naman na ang pangit ng service dito! Siopao lang, 7 minutes? Hindi to puwede sa Manila”
He then said that he wanted to cancel his order and that he wanted a refund.
The poor female cashier looked at him, a bit stunned. She just listened to the irate customer and then took some cash from the register and gave it to the guy. The guy took the cash and left.
The story doesn’t end there, unfortunately. A few minutes later, the guy came back and spoke to the store manager. His loud voice was hard to miss: “Buti pa magsara na lang kayo. Hindi kayo uubra sa Manila.”
At that point, some customers, myself included, couldn’t help but tell the customer off. An elderly couple remarked that he already got his refund so he was free to leave. For my part, I told him that it was unnecessary to insist that Manila was better.
His comments were unnecessary and uncalled for, IMO.
That Saturday night incident proved a few things — that Mindanaoans can still be courteous and patient, that Mindanaoans know when to acknowledge if they’re at fault (although I think a mere 7 minutes isn’t that big of a deal), that there really are “Manila people” who still insist that life in imperial Manila is still faster and better and that there are “Manila people” who forget that those from outside Manila (Mindanaoans, for instance) are now a big part of the very core that “move” Manila, of the very system that make things happen.
It’s the “probinsiyanos” who move Manila. The “probinsiyanos” who flock to Manila in search of better fortune — they’re the taxi drivers, salesladies in some Mall of Asia stores, MRT ticket sellers, security guards assigned at the House of Representatives (Congress), waiters of accredited caterers at the Senate and many more. They’re the ones who help shape and move Manila.
Sadly, the irate customer failed to remember that the very people who provide the “better service in Manila” are basically the same people whom he hit with his complaints.
Manila may be the capital of the Philippines but that doesn’t mean that it’s the be all and end all, so to speak.
No need to use it as the yardstick and certainly, no need to discriminate. Whether you’re from Manila or not, whether you speak Bisaya or not — we’re all Filipinos. That’s what’s important. That’s what’s necessary. That’s what’s real.
August 1, 2009
Announcements, Entertainment, Features, Humor, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Technology, Weird, blogging
I, Mindanaoan, am off to Mars! Mars as in planet Mars ha? Yup, yup, yup! For real! I just included my name in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology website of NASA. So now my name is one of the many included on a microchip on the Mars Science Laboratory rover heading to Mars in year 2011! Yehey! 
As soon as I keyed in my name, country and zip code, I got a certificate as proof that my name will be in the microchip of the rover that will be off to Mars 2 years from now. Is that cool or what?!
As of recent, only a little over a thousand Filipinos have participated. Why don’t Mindanaoans lead the pack? Let’s join! Go go go!
If you also want to send your name to Mars, just CLICK ON THIS LINK which will lead you to the NASA Mars Science Laboratory website.
“See you” in Mars! 
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Iligan City councilor, a Liberal Party candidate, attacks broadcaster on air
January 15, 2010
Broadcasting, Commentary, Controversial, Crime, Government, Humor, Media, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Politics, Radio, Weird, iligan city, northern mindanao
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This piece of news pretty much made my day today. Mindanaoan thought that what happened between an anchorman of a local radio station in Iligan City and an Iligan City councilor (who’s seeking re-election, no less!) was controversial, wacky, weird, funny, interesting and well…basically a sign of what’s to come in the next few months. Yup, the campaign season really DOES bring out the LOLs!
According to news reports, Iligan City Councilor Chonilo Ruiz, a Liberal Party (LP) candidate, attacked DXRJ anchorman Albert Loyola while the latter was inside the announcer’s booth and was live on air. Ruiz allegedly barged into the station Wednesday morning and punched Loyola.
Ruiz is seeking re-election come May 2010. Ruiz is seeking for a third term.
Amid the commotion, Loyola was allegedly heard shouting repeatedly over the microphone that he was being punched by Ruiz. Meanwhile, Ruiz was also allegedly heard on air saying “salbahe ka, salbahe ka.”
Reports didn’t say if Loyola was rushed to the hospital for medical tests.
Ruiz, however, engaged in an interview with another Iligan City radio station. He claimed that Loyola repeatedly called him “botboton” or liar in Visayan. Ruiz said that he tried to call the station in order to air his side but he was ignored.
Loyola, for his part, explained that he was just “asking” Ruiz how the city council is spending the budget on committee hearings. He claimed that he “wasn’t served snacks” during public hearings even though Ruiz said that part of the expenses included snacks for attendees.
Loyola reportedly said he will file appropriate charges against Ruiz. Ruiz said he will face the charges but also appealed to media practitioners to practice professionalism.
So here are my thoughts about this.
First off, both parties must acknowledge that neither of them come out “victorious” because of this controversy. IMHO, media man Loyola may have his 15 minutes of fame but at the end of the day, he will be remembered as the man who complained because he didn’t get SNACKS and who got punched in his very own lair. I’m not sure if Loyola was even able to retaliate but that does not matter. What people will think of and talk about is the fact that he got whacked inside his very own announcer’s booth.
Secondly, re-electionist Ruiz will now be forced to face a major PR disaster. For someone who’s seeking re-election, this type of publicity is the last thing that he needs. He may have been “hurt” by Loyola’s accusations and he may only be human…but for someone who’s been in politics for at least two terms, shouldn’t he be used to all these by now? Also, people’s minds will now be tickled — why was Ruiz so angry at such a seemingly small accusation? If the council did spend the money wisely during committee hearings and if there really is legal basis for the committees involved to spend a part of the expenses for “snacks,” then what’s there to worry about? Loyola is probably just another media practitioner who wants to magnify things plainly because…well…maybe because that’s what he does and that’s what he needs to do. Plain and simple.
As for Ruiz — sir, my unsolicited advise — extend your patience further. Keep your heart in check. And perhaps you can employ a staff member who will always remind you of PR and media strategies. Remember, media practitioners may be your enemies for now…but at the end of the day, there will come a time when they can be your allies as well.