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Mindanaoan Update

Cebu Pacific Air adds more Mindanao-bound flights

Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism, Travel
Cebu Pacific Air just announced that they've added new services and more flights from Cebu City to Mindanao areas and to other parts of Visayas. Starting January 10, 2009, Cebu Pacific Air will fly three times weekly between Cebu and Cotabato, with a year-round "Go Lite" fare of only Php 888 (roughly US $18) one way. On January 12, 2009, on the other hand, the airline will also begin their thrice-weekly service between Cebu and Siargao (dubbed the surfing capital of Mindanao). "Go Fares" for this route begins at P888.00 as well. I must admit, these are pretty good travel deals especially for us Filipinos. It's definitely high time for us to go see the rest of beautiful Philippines!

Jewels in times of crisis – The cosmic powers of a young man’s artworks

Arts, Business, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style
He walks into a room and one would think he is just another guitar-toting, carefree boy next door. But far from that image is how this young man actually views life and the powers beyond an ordinary human’s comprehension. This young man, in fact, cares so much for his fellow that he has devoted much of his life to helping people out through his cosmic jewelries. Born and raised in Israel, David Weitzman is far from being typical. Through his Ka Jewelry, Weitzman has labeled himself a cosmic jeweler who comes up with designs that have more than what meets the eyes. “I deal with universal symbols that are not only religious but are also related to the cosmos,” Weitzman explains. “Ka, in fact, means life force. It is something that is universal and exists in all cultures, like the Hindu...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

The Red X Jonathan Neri photography Xperience

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society, Tourism
Team Oro, a Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao-based group composed of very talented photographers, stylists, visual artists and graphic designers, is currently presenting an event dubbed "Red X: The Jonathan Neri Photography Xperience" at the Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Showhouse, Divisoria. The exhibit, which will run from November 27 to December 27, 2008, will showcase Onat Neri's artisty, passion and "eye" for beauty and detail. Check out the poster in this page. The poster for this event in Mindanao, Philippines is designed by Team Oro member Bon. Pretty neat, huh? If you need to commission Bon for any design work, graphic work, caricatures/drawings, layout and even for photography services, do contact (+63) 919 238 6575. You may also send an email to asteriskEC (at) gmail (dot) com TE...

Pinoy Dream Academy stars to hold show in NCCC Mall Davao City

Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music
Six Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 scholars will hold a Christmas Mall Show on December 6, 2008 at the Activity Center of the NCCC Mall in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. The show, which will start at 4 pm, will feature PDA Grand Star Dreamer Laarni (who's a certified Mindanaoan, by the way!), Bugoy, Cris, Van, Liezel and Miguel. Check out the poster below:

Top 5 tips on Christmas gift shopping

Advocacy, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Musings
A U.S. survey recently revealed that the consumers are setting aside an average of $832 just for Christmas shopping this year. However, due to the global financial crisis, the said amount may seem too expensive or steep. Financial experts say that one doesn’t have to overspend this holiday season. Seriously, there's no need to overspend on perfect presents! Here are the top 5 tips I can share on Christmas gift shopping: 1. Make a written plan: Be realistic when it comes to how much you can spend for the holiday gifts. As much as possible, don't allot more than you can afford! 2. Spend on sentimental gifts: Gifts such as picture frames with memorable photos will be for sure more valuable for the recipient. A personalized scrapbook highlighting your travel photos for this year will ...

Mindanaoan now accepts link exchange requests

Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
Okay, so just a very quick update before I bid beddy-bye. Mindanaoan now accepts requests for link exchange. Due to the numerous requests that I've been receiving as of late, I finally set up a LINKS page. You are welcome to request for a link exchange provided that you also place a reciprocal link (and, yes, perhaps a quick review of this blog or a good word or two =D) to www.Mindanaoan.com (an active/clickable link please!) on your page/website/blog. Please note that not all link exchange requests will be accommodated. I reserve the right to reject certain requests. To forward your request, you may use this contact form or you may leave a comment on any of my entries. Salamat po! (Thank you!)

Pictures taken during the Senate Nov. 17, 2008 revamp

Broadcasting, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Photos
What supposed to be was a simple, routinary visit to the Senate of the Philippines last November 17, 2008 turned out to be one very controversial occasion. It was the day when the Senate coup happened. It was the day when the Senate revamp occured. It was the day when Senate President Manny Villar got ousted by his fellow senators and was replaced by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. And yes, it was also the day when Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri got appointed as Acting Majority Floor Leader. Although I've been receiving some tips via text messages that something "big" and "major" would occur in the next few days, I never thought that IT would happen that day, a seemingly innocent Monday. Anyways, here are the photos I took that day: (CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS) ...

New in Mindanaoan: Job Board!

Jobs, Mindanaoan Update
I'm beefing up the JOBS category here in Mindanaoan. I will be posting various job opportunities, job-related tips and perhaps success stories in the workplace HERE. The ads will come from various sources - both online and offline. This is one of my ways to help Mindanaoan job seekers and employers. Hopefully through the JOB board, we can help lessen the unemployment rate here in Mindanao. Please note that Mindanaoan only provides this service to assist job seekers/job hunters and/or employers. Although Mindanaoan will also assess each and every ad or company as much as I can, kindly exercise reasonable judgment whenever you apply. It is the sole responsibility of the job seeker/job hunter and/or employer to verify the accuracy of any information found in the ad before taking any act...

Pacman vs. Golden Boy: Pay Per View Or Not?

Events, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Sports
Who's looking forward to the upcoming Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao - Oscar "The Golden Boy" De La Hoya bout as much as my family and I am? Can't wait to watch the exchange of jabs, hooks and upper cuts on December 6, 2008. The event, which will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is dubbed the boxing match of the year! Do you think Oscar will win or will the Kibawe, Bukidnon-born Pacman deliver a knockout? Anyways, as we all know, HBO Pay Per View (PPV) will carry the bout on December 6, 2008. So now I'm a bit confused as to whether or not I should avail of the PPV. The local cable company here in my area is offering its subscribers the PPV service for P700.00 (roughly US$15.50) If I pay on or before November 30, 2008, I only need to shell out P600.00 (roughly US$13.33) Now the big que...

Huge Christmas tree at SM Mall of Asia

Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Tourism
Took this picture of the huge Christmas tree found in what's considered as the third largest shopping mall in the world, SM Mall of Asia (MOA). It's a pretty Christmas tree - it had lots of trimmings such as Christmas balls and stars, large gifts at its foot and loads of Christmas lights. The tree is located right in front of the French Baker branch and right beside the mini castle at the Entertainment Hall section of the Main Mall. I'm not too sure if this Christmas tree is larger than the one in Cubao, though. What do you think of MOA's Christmas tree? By the way, I found it rather interesting to see a lot of families milling around and about MOA that day. You see, we went there on a Tuesday morning, which is supposed to be work day, yes? Makes you hope that the parents went t...

Review: Da Spooftacular Showdown (featuring Jon Santos, John “Sweet” Lapus, Candy Pangilinan and guest Pokwang)

Arts, Entertainment, Humor, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update
It was a chilly Friday night (November 14, 2008) when my mom and I went to watch the ASAP Live-produced and Phillip Lazaro-directed “Da Spooftacular Showdown” comedy show featuring top Filipino comedians Jon Santos, John “Sweet” Lapus, Candy Pangilinan and Pokwang (who was that week’s guest). We arrived at Music Museum, Greenhills two hours early, which was fine since we wanted to have dinner beforehand. We spotted former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition winner Keanna Reeves, by the way. She, along with a much younger guy, stayed in front of the Starbucks joint near the Music Museum entrance. She looked restless and seemed to know that people around her were staring at her and talking about her. Who wouldn’t be when she was wearing a very sexy attire? It was just really amusing when so...

Want a 15 percent discount on your next SEAIR flight?

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel
Thinking of spending a vacation soon in beautiful Boracay or in exciting Kota Kinabalu? What about visiting Busuanga, Basco Batanes or Baler? Then read on because I have truly exciting news for all of you! You can now avail of a whopping 15 percent discount on your next SEAIR flight if you book through Mindanaoan! How cool is that? If you're planning a trip to any of these areas: Manila to Kota Kinabalu, Busuanga, Coron, Palawan, Basco, Batanes, Borongan, Samar, Daet, Tablas, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Manila to Baler and to other exciting SEAIR destinations, then all you have to do is: Book your flight through SEAIR's website Enter Mindanaoan's code in the "Promotional Code (if any)" section: mbdw53ii And voila! You will immediately see the 15 percent discount! Now was th...

Back from my 5-day Manila trip

Mindanaoan Update, Personal
I'm finally back home! After staying for 5 days in busy, dusty Metro Manila, Mindanaoan is back on track. I have so many things to share with y'all! Here's a quick teaser: Da Spooftacular Showdown featuring Jon Santos, Candy Pangilinan, John "Sweet" Lapus and Pohkwang Manila Ocean Park (my most recent visit was my third, though!) Grand Kapamilya Negosyo Fair at the World Trade Center (sponsored by ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs) My new digital toy! My new photography stuff! Meeting one of the people behind Nuffnang! (who happens to be a friend of a friend! Truly a small world, eh?) and for the biggest scoop as of late...Mindanaoan has exclusive shots taken during the Senate revamp last Monday (Senator Manny Villar was replaced by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in a coup) As...
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