July 21, 2009
Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is set to be in the Province of Bukidnon today, July 21, 2009. This trip, reportedly her 7th in Mindanao so far this year, could be, in my opinion, quite a controversial one. First of all, she’s supposed to hold a cabinet meeting in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. Why Bukidnon of all places, you ask? Exactly.
Bukidnon is the “political home” of the Zubiris. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri served as congressman in the third district for 9 years. Incumbent Bukidnon governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. is on his last term. Bukidnon 3rd District Congressman Joey Zubiri is Migs’ brother and eldest son of the governor. Malaybalay City Vice Mayor Ignacio “Inaki” Zubiri, nephew of the governor and cousin of the senator, is said to be eyeing the mayoralty post in next year’s elections after incumbent Mayor Florencio Flores, Jr. steps down. Flores is on his last term as the city’s chief executive.
Bukidnon is also home to several controversies including the fact that the governor, who’s said to still be under the LAKAS CMD party, has endorsed different personalities as his next presidential bet. In 2008, he endorsed former Senate President Manny Villar. A few months later, he signified support for Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. Then during the Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration, he called Senator Loren Legarda as “Madame President.” And then just a few weeks ago, during Teodoro’s “carnival-themed” birthday party, Zubiri declared support for Gibo. Yes, it’s THAT confusing so I cannot blame you if you’d blurt out, “ano ba talaga kuya?!” You could just imagine the confusion of Zubiri’s allies in the province as well. If your leader changes his mind as often as he changes his clothes, what will you think, right?
And so there have been talks that many of Zubiri’s political allies in the province are slowly “leaving” his fold. Observers say that not a few mayors, councilors and provincial board members are already keeping their distance.
Is this why the cabinet meeting has to be held in Bukidnon? For the Zubiris to show everyone that they’re still near and dear to the President’s heart?
I can’t help but wonder how PGMA will treat the governor. Will she smile at him? Hug him? Endorse him? A LOT of eyes will be on them today, after all.
To be fair, reports did say that PGMA is also supposed to lead the groundbreaking ceremonies of the Provincial Road Management Project in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. The said project is funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). Still, one can’t help but wonder why a cabinet meeting has to be called in Malaybalay City.
My only hope is that somehow during the course of the meeting, something can be done about the ongoing Mangima Road repair and rehabilitation project which has caused (and still is causing!) so much inconvenience for the riding public.
The cabinet meeting will reportedly be held at the Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (NOMIARC) in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City.
This is one instance when I want to be a fly on the wall!
LikeFebruary 22, 2009
Bukidnon, Commentary, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, kaamulan festival
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 especially during Kaamulan time (second week of February until March 10 of every year) and are made out of indigenous materials. No booths made of aluminum here!
Ever since the “soft opening” last Wednesday, things have been getting busier by the minute – you can tell by the amount of text messages that I receive everyday. Updates from the Bukidnon tourism office, from the local police, from the TransCo coordinator (we need to know if there’ll be scheduled brownouts or if there’s enough power supply), from media practitioners, from fellow event coordinators and from members of bands participating in the much talked about Kaamulan Jam 2009 Lock and Load Battle of the Bands (top plum is P25,000.00 so it’s no surprise that a total of forty six bands -46 (!) – joined) Yup, that’s a LOT of text messages and calls every single day. Some may get peeved but for an event organizer like me, it’s just another day in the office, kumbaga.
The nightly performances at the Capitol have already begun, by the way. So far, the Malaybalay City band, Peacemaker band, Malaybalay Water District band and my favorite so far, the Azura Band, have already performed. Tonight, it’ll be the 29IB band’s turn to regale the crowd.
The Office of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has also confirmed that popular band “Bamboo,” which is best known for the hit singles “Noypi,” “Hallelujah” and “Mr. Clay,” will perform on March 7, 2009. Sen. Migs is the main sponsor of the Bamboo gig. I’m pretty sure thousands of people will again flock at the Capitol Grounds for this event. Last year, I assisted during another one of Senator Miguel’s sponsored shows which featured Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Callalily, John Prats and the Tuko and Eric tandem from Wowowee. I think there were roughly 15,000 people at the Capitol Grounds that night. I will share photos and kuwentos about that experience in future blog entries here in Mindanaoan and in Bukidnon Online.
San Miguel Beer, on the other hand, one of this year’s major Kaamulan sponsors, will sponsor a show to be topbilled by Cebu City’s very own “Urbandub.” The band best known for songs like “Soul Searching” and “A New Tattoo” will perform at the Capitol Stage on March 9, 2009. Last year, San Miguel brought Kamikazee and I also assisted before and during the show. That was really fun! I will also share photos and kuwentos about that in future blog entries. As expected, the Capitol Grounds area was so packed with people and I’m sure the same thing will happen again this year during Urbandub’s performance.
So there…just a few updates about the ongoing Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration. I will post more updates in the next few days. Also, please don’t hesitate to check Bukidnon Online for news, photos and updates since I’ll be writing there often, too.
Ciao for now 
February 3, 2009
Announcements, Bukidnon, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music
How would you like to bag P25,000.00 cash? If your band has no recording contract yet or has not released any commercial CDs, then the KAAMULAN JAM 2009 “LOCK AND LOAD Battle of the Bands” might just be the exposure that you and your band needs! The much-awaited Kaamulan Jam 2009 is part of the Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. And, yes, just in case you’re wondering – this is the same Kaamulan Festival where Ara and Migo met – the character played by Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual, respectively, in the recent Star Cinema offering, “Love Me Again (Land Down Under)”
Back to Kaamulan Jam 2009 Battle of the Bands – all genres are welcome! Bands will vie for the following amazing prizes:
Top plum: P25,000.00 cash
Second prize: P15,000.00 cash
Third prize: P10,000.00 cash
Two consolation prizes of P5,000.00 cash each
plus, of course, bragging rights and the distinction of being the best band during the Kaamulan Festival 2009
The competition, by the way, IS OPEN TO EVERYONE. It doesn’t matter whether you’re from Bukidnon or from nearby areas (or even from Visayas and Mindanao) – as long as you can register on time and meet the qualifications, you’re eligible to compete.
Elimination nights: February 23 to 27, 2009
* One qualified band will be chosen per night and will receive P1,000.00 cash and will move on to the finals *
Grand finals: February 28, 2009
One week of powerful band performances all at the Capitol Stage, Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Malaybalay City is the province’s capital and the Capitol Stage is right smack within the Capitol Grounds where thousands converge every single day during the almost 3-week Kaamulan 2009 Festival celebration.
To enter, just download a copy of the registration form from:
or get forms from Parasat Cable TV, Rey’s Grill and BBQ and JRS Express Malaybalay
Deadline of submission of duly accomplished forms: February. 13, 2009
Personal submission of forms is REQUIRED. Interested participants will be required to prepare five (5) songs although only three (3) of those will be sung during the competition. The other two choices are for leeway purposes only.
Names of the qualified bands will be revealed by February 17, 2009
NO REGISTRATION FEES!
For inquiries, call (0919) 238 6575 or visit http://www.BukidnonOnline.com
“KAAMULAN JAM 2009 LOCK AND LOAD BATTLE OF THE BANDS” is made possible by the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, San Miguel Beer, Engr. Bobby Azura, BukidnonOnline.com, Parasat Cable TV, Valencia Cable TV and ASTERISK Events and Communications
January 31, 2009
Announcements, Bukidnon, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel, kaamulan festival
The official schedule of the Province of Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration is finally out! This Kaamulan 2009 celebration sked was furnished by the Bukidnon Tourism Office of the Provincial Government of Bukidnon.
The Kaamulan Festival is the largest festival in Bukidnon and is largely recognized 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.
Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival, which began in the year 1977, is an ethnic festival featuring the province of Bukidnon’s seven (7) hill tribes namely Tala-andig, Higaonon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tigwahanon, Matigsalug and Bukidnon.
Important note: If you want to repost this Kaamulan Festival 2009 official schedule of activities in your own website or blog, please cite www.BukidnonOnline.com as your source of information. A direct link to Bukidnon Online is very much appreciated. Thanks!
February 18, 2009 (Wednesday)
8 am Soft opening
(Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar Agri-Fair, Live Stock Show) Capitol Grounds
7 pm Performance by Peacemaker Band Capitol Grounds
February 19, 2009 (Thursday)
8 am Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-Fair, Live Stock Show Capitol Grounds
7 pm Performance by Malaybalay Water District Band Capitol Grounds
February 20, 2009 (Friday)
8 am Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-Fair, Live Stock Show Capitol Grounds
7 pm Performance by Azura Band Capitol Grounds
February 21, 2009 (Saturday)
8 am Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-Fair, Live Stock Show Capitol Grounds
7 pm Performance by Malaybalay City Band Capitol Grounds
February 22, 2009 (Sunday)
8 am Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-Fair, Live Stock Show Capitol Grounds
7 pm Kaamulan Jam 2009 Capitol Grounds
February 23, 2009 (Monday)
8 am Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-Fair, Live Stock Show Capitol Grounds
7 pm Elimination Night (Kaamulan Jam 2009 Battle of the Bands / made possible by the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, San Miguel Beer, Engr. Bobby Azura and ASTERISK Events and Communications)
Venue: Capitol Grounds / Capitol Stage
February 24 (Tuesday)
8 am Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-Fair, Live Stock Show Capitol Grounds
7 pm Elimination Night (Kaamulan Jam 2009 Battle of the Bands / made possible by the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, San Miguel Beer, Engr. Bobby Azura and ASTERISK Events and Communications)
Venue: Capitol Grounds / Capitol Stage
February 25, 2009 (Wednesday)
8 am Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, Agri-Fair, Live Stock Show Capitol Grounds
7 pm Elimination Night (Kaamulan Jam 2009 Battle of the Bands / made possible by the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, San Miguel Beer, Engr. Bobby Azura and ASTERISK Events and Communications)
Venue: Capitol Grounds / Capitol Stage
REST OF THE SCHEDULE CAN BE VIEWED HERE
Mindanaoan will be at the Kaamulan Festival 2009! So if you want to be updated with the latest photos, news, features and other schedules during this year’s Kaamulan 2009 celebration, SUBSCRIBE with Mindanaoan. Just leave your email address in the box provided for down below.
Important note: If you want to repost this Kaamulan Festival 2009 official schedule of activities in your own website or blog, please cite www.BukidnonOnline.com as your source of information. A direct link to Bukidnon Online is very much appreciated. Thanks!
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Meet Mindanao’s richest governors and mayors
October 22, 2009
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Who says we here in Mindanao don’t have multimillionaires? The Island of Mindanao may still look rural to many but we have a lot of silent (and otherwise) multimillionaires here, mind you…and some of them are in office! Seriously. Meet Mindanao’s richest governors and mayors.
According to a Mindanews report, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario is STILL (meaning he was the richest last year) the richest governor in Mindanao with networth P408.94 million while Oroquieta City Mayor Jorge Almonte is the richest city mayor with networth P54.71 million as of yearend 2007, according to their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
Here are the top 15 richest Mindanao provincial governors:
1. Davao del Norte’s Rodolfo del Rosario …………P408.94 million
2. Bukidnon’s Jose Ma. Zubiri…………………………. 103.42 M
3. Zamboanga Sibugay’s George Hover ……………100.63 M
4. Zamboanga del Norte’ Rolando Yebes…………… 43.18 M
5. Surigao del Norte’s Robert Ace Barbers………… 36.84 M
6. Camiguin’s Jurdin Jesus Romualdo………………… 32.25 M
7. North Cotabato’s Jesus Sacdalan…………………… 31.48 M
8. Surigao del Sur’s Vicente Pimentel…………………..29.96 M
9. Dinagat Island’s Glenda Ecleo…………………………..23.21 M
10. Sultan Kudarat’s Suharto Mangudadatu…………….21.06 M
11. Maguindanao’s Andal Ampatuan……………………… 18.50 M
12. Zamboanga del Sur’s Aurora Cerilles…………….……13.13 M
13. Misamis Oriental’s Oscar Moreno………………………..11.99 M
14. Agusan del Norte’s Erlpe John Amante …………… 5.04 M
15. Sarangani’s Miguel Rene Dominguez……………… .. 4.97 M
Meanwhile, here are the top 24 richest Mindanao city mayors:
1. Tagum’s Rey Uy …………………….……………..P 66.93 M;
2. Zamboanga’s Celso Lobregat………………………. 49.64 M
3. Oroquieta’s Jorge Almonte…………………………. 40.15 M
4. Dipolog’s Evelyn Uy……………………………….. 29.39 M
5. Isabela’s Cherrylyn Akbar………………………….. 17.00 M
6. Tangub’s Philip Tan…………………………………. 14. 42 M
7. General Santos’ Pedro Acharon…………………….. 12.78 M
8. Davao’s Rodrigo Duterete…………………………… 9.68 M:
9. Lamitan’s Roderick Furigay…………………………. 8.60 M
10. El Salvador’s Emelita Almirante…………………….. 7.60 M
11. Mati’s Michelle Marie Denise Rabat………………… 7.56 M
12. Pagadian’s Samuel Co………………………………… 7.46 M;
13. Bislig’s Alberto Tan……………………………………6.76 M
14. Gingoog’s Ruth Guingona……………………………. 5.77 M
15. Iligan’s Lawrence Cruz………………………………..4.92 M;
16. Koronadal’s Fernando Miguel…………………………4.40 M;
17. Kidapawan’s Rodolfo Gantuangco……………………4.26 M
18. Tandag’s Alexander Pimentel………………………….3.13 M
19. Malaybalay’s Florencio Flores…………………………3.00 M
20. Tacurong’s Lino Montilla………………………………2.76 M
21. Cabadbaran’s Dale Corvera…………………………….2.09 M
22. Panabo’s Jose Silvosa……………………………………1:34 M;
23. Samals’ Aniano Antalan…………………………………1.10 M
24. Valencia’s Leandro Jose Catarata ……………………..1.02 M
Interestingly, six Mindanao governors allegedly didn’t have SALN records with the Ombudsman in Mindanao. They are Davao Oriental’s Corazon Malanyaon; Basilan’s Jum Jainuddin Akbar; Lanao del Norte’s Khalid Dimaporo; Lanao del Sur’s Mamintal Adiong, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and Tawi-tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali.