News Archives - Page 16 of 17 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec242008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Filipino version of Twilight: Takipsilim is this for real?

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, News

Good Lord, did ABS-CBN Channel 2 really pay US $1 Million (that's roughly 47 million pesos!) to be able to do a so-called "remake" of the hit movie "Twilight"? The Lopez family-owned broadcasting network will reportedly co-produce with Ignite Media a Filipino version of the movie Twilight. Can you seriously, SERIOUSLY imagine Rayver Cruz as Edward Cullen and Shaina Magdayao as Isabella "Bella" Swan? OMG - the Philippines will seriously be the laughing stock of the entire world if this will push through! And get this - the Twilight Pinoy version will be entitled "Takipsilim" (DUH!) The taping will reportedly start by February 2009. The Province of Bukidnon, which recently played host to the cast and crew of the Star Cinema production "Love Me Again (Land Down Under)", will reportedly...

Dec232008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon provincial government employees receive P50,000 Christmas bonus

Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

So how much did you receive as Christmas bonus this year? If you think your ten or twenty thousand pesos is already a big amount, think again. Government employees in Bukidnon received fifty thousand pesos for their bonus this December. Yes, Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) employees received P50,000.00 each (more than a thousand US dollars) this year. Don't be too surprised, though, because the said amount is actually LESSER than what the regular Bukidnon provincial government employees received last year. The year 2007 saw each and every regular provincial government of Bukidnon employee receiving a staggering eighty thousand pesos (P80,000.00) Interestingly, some of my friends working in the PGB said that the P50,000.00 still wasn't enough. They said that they still have to...

Dec162008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Mar Roxas speaks about last Friday’s Anti-Cha Cha rally

Controversial, News

This one's fresh off the pan! Emailed to Mindanaoan by Senator Mar Roxas' media office in the Senate of the Philippines. Privilege Speech of Senator Mar Roxas’ on last Friday’s Anti-Cha-Cha rally (Delivered on Tuesday, December 16, 2008) Mr. President, may I take a moment of the chamber’s time to rise on a matter of personal privilege. Marami nang nasabi mula nang magsalita ako noong rally noong Biyernes. Maraming nabigla sa bugso ng emosyon. May mga nailang o nagalit. May mga nagsasabing mali ang sinabi ko. Binanatan ako ng Malakanyang. Ginamit nila ang kanilang propaganda machine laban sa akin. Una: gaya noong Biyernes, magsasalita ako nang deretsahan ngayon: I AM NOT SORRY. I am not sorry for speaking my mind and telling the truth as I see it to be. I am not sorry for expressi...

Dec82008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

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!

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

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...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

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.

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hotels

News

Here's a list of hotels, inns, lodging houses, pension houses, resorts and other types of lodging places here in Mindanao, Philippines. This list of Mindanao hotels will also include links to Mindanaoan's reviews. Note: Mindanaoan can also review your establishment for free! Just drop me a line HERE DAVAO CITY Aljem's Inn - Rizal Street, Davao City UPCOMING REVIEW: Lispher Inn - Juna Avenue, Juna Subdivision, Davao City CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY Mallberry Suites Hotel - Cagayan de Oro City Casa Crystalla Southwinds Hotel CAMIGUIN ISLAND Camiguin Island Golden Sunset Beach Club - Mambajao, Camiguin UPCOMING REVIEW: Tia's Beach Resort - Mambajao, Camiguin GENERAL SANTOS CITY UPCOMING REVIEW: La Tierra Del Sur Hotel - National Highway, General Santos City

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

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 ...

Dec22008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao Chinatown 168 Mall to open December 6, 2008

Business, Corporate, Davao City, News, Travel

Davao Chinatown will be busier this weekend as the much-awaited Chinatown 168 Mall is set to open this Saturday, December 6, 2008. Davao China Town 168 Mall is within the Uyanguren district of Davao City, near the Magsaysay Park (where most durian vendors are) and Agdao area. Initially, I thought that this was a branch of the famed 168 Mall in Binondo, Manila (and I actually got a bit excited since I always see to it that I drop by 168 Manila during my frequent trips there) but such wasn't the case. Nonetheless, the China Town 168 Mall in Davao City is something to look forward to. See you there, fellow Mindanaoan!

Nov262008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Links

News

This is Mindanaoan's Link Exchange Page. You are welcome to request for a link exchange provided that you also place a reciprocal link (and perhaps a quick review or a good word or two ;) ) to www.Mindanaoan.com on your page/website/blog. You may use our contact form or you may leave a comment on any of my entries. Thank you! AUTOMATIC UPDATES STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX! ~o0o~ Bukidnon Online All About Publicity and Public Relations Citi Hardware Blog

Nov252008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

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) ...

Nov232008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Iligan City to host 1st ICT Summit

Events, News, Technology

The Iligan City Government in coordination with the Iligan Information Communication Technology and E-commerce Council is organizing the 1st ICT Councils/Foundations/Organizations Summit on November 25 to 26, 2008 at the Ma. Cristina Hotel Sky Room, Iligan City, Mindanao, Philippines. The keynote speaker during the event is Hon. Joseph A. Santiago, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT. Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz and the Department of Trade and Industry Region X Director Alicia Eusena will also grace the event. The summit's goal is to bring together the organized ICT Councils and ICT stakeholders/players who are concerned in the development of Information Technology in the country. This affair is envisioned to serve as an opportunity to share the various ICT initiatives by...

Nov132008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero proposes 20 years imprisonment for criminally negligent bus drivers

Bukidnon, Government, News

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero has proposed that bus drivers who commit criminal negligence in road mishaps should face twenty (20) years of imprisonment. This, in the wake of a lot of vehicular accidents as of late. The senator from Sorsogon, who currently chairs both the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, introduced Senate Bill Number 2701 (SBN 2701) which aims to provide more teeth to existing preventive policies to achieve safety benefits. SBN 2701 penalizes criminal negligence committed by common carriers with reclusion temporal, or twelve (12) years to twenty (20) years in prison, in case of death. Common carriers' criminal liability is found in Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code, Criminal Negligence, which provides as p...

Nov122008 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

A Mindanaoan clinches “Project Runway Philippines” title

Beauty, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personal

It's official. 26-year old Aries Lagat has won the Project Runway Philippines competition. Aries is from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao so obviously that makes him a certified Mindanaoan. While I'm not exactly a fan especially when he said that Mindanao people didn't know fashion (besides I liked Phillip Tampus' collection better; I also loved Veejay Floresca's clothes - I thought they were sellable and were easy to wear) I am pretty glad that someone from Mindanao won the competition. Let's just hope that Aries learns to speak more highly of Mindanao and its people next time. Aries Lagat, by the way, also won the 2006 Mega Young Designers Competition (Mega YDC), an annual competition for Filipino novice fashion designers sponsored by Mega magazine. He was also a former scholar ...

Nov92008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Immunizers company launches travel shots contest

Contests, News, Photos, Travel

Are you a budding photographer like Mindanaoan? Or do you have lots of fun photos? Why don't you consider joining The Immunizers Travel Shots Digital Photo Competition? Submit your best images in three categories and your photos may just pull in P10,000.00! The categories you can submit your photos to are: 1. Extreme Adventure (best action shot) 2. Food Trip (best eating shot) 3. Little Jetsetters (best shot of a traveling child/children) For details on each category, check this page. You can send your entries via email (send to [email protected]) or by joining the Immunizers Flickr group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/immunizers) Deadline for submission is on November 24, 2008, 11:59 PM. The competition is open to all residents of the Philippines. By the way...

Nov72008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Bukidnon to host Mindanao confab of provincial board members

Bukidnon, News

The Province of Bukidnon is set to host the 8th Mindanao Island Conference of the The Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines. The event, themed "One Island, One Mindanao, Give Peace a Chance," will be held at the Kaamulan Open Theater, Malaybalay City from November 12 to 14, 2008. Bukidnon 2nd District Board Member Atty. Nemesio Beltran, Jr. said that the conference will see the attendance of hundreds of provincial legislators from all over Mindanao. Beltran also said that Bukidnon's very own, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, is expected to attend the event. Zubiri, who previously served as Bukidnon 3rd District Congressman, is set to deliver the keynote speech. Bukidnon Board Member Ben Pancrudo will act as lead convener.

Nov62008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Surigao City to host 14th CARAGA BizCon

Business, Events, Headline, News

Surigao City is set to host the 14th CARAGA Business Conference on November 28, 2008 at a local hotel. Themed "Uniting Caraga in These Testing Times," the event aims to bring together Caraganon business executives, political leaders, regional movers and shakes as well as officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). The City Government of Surigao, Provincial Government of Surigao, the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) as well as PCCI are this year's convenors and sponsors. Among the topics to be discussed during the confab are the measures to be undertaken in order to further partnerships in the region during a perceived economic crisis in 2009, tax-related issues with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and measures to further strengthen the business c...

Nov52008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Senator Richard Gordon on Obama’s victory

Headline, News

From the Office of Senator Richard Juico Gordon: “I join the rest of the world in extending our warmest congratulations to US president-elect Barrack Obama for his historic electoral victory. His ascendancy to the most powerful post in the world as the first African-American President signals a political and cultural paradigm shift as it sends a clear and loud message to all peace and freedom-loving nations – CHANGE IS IN OUR HANDS. The impossible has happened. Change has indeed come to America, and it was made possible by the power of the ordinary people." - Sen. Dick Gordon

Oct282008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jeanette Lomanta drops libel case vs. radio man

Broadcasting, Controversial, Crime, Davao City, Headline, Journalism, Media, News, Opinion, Personalities, Radio

TV personality Jeanette Lomanta has reportedly submitted an affidavit of desistance in relation to the libel case she filed against former radio broadcaster Alexander Adonis. As a result, Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Davao City is set to dismiss the case soon - BUT only if Adonis' other pending cases get settled as well. The libel case against the former journalist is in line with Adonis' series of commentaries over the air in 2001 alleging that Lomanta had a so-called tryst in a Manila hotel with then Davao 1st District Congressman now House Speaker Prospero Nograles. Lomanta reportedly withdrew her complaint after "adhering to the Christian values of forgiveness." Adonis, in a letter dated October 21, 2008, extended his apologies to her. He still has to face a pending libel ca...

Oct182008 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Justice for Mantigue Island, Camiguin residents

Camiguin, Controversial, News, Opinion, Resorts

My family and I went to the Island of Camiguin a few months ago. What supposedly was a time to relax and unwind turned out to be work somehow. You see, when we visited the beautiful islet of Mantigue in Camiguin (the "less popular" islet --- tourists usually go to the famous White Island), we learned from the residents there that the local government has started to send them feelers. The residents said that the local government wanted them off the island as soon as possible because they were considered "illegal occupants." The residents opined, however, that most of them have been born in the island. They asserted that they were "natives" there and that they grew up knowing only one home and that is Mantigue. Over the years, they learned how to fish, culture seaweeds and eventually welcom...

Oct172008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

How to know if you have fake Philippine money

Controversial, News

The news item in today's Philippine Daily Inquirer about fake money circulating in Davao del Sur has prompted me to write a few pointers on how to know if you have fake Philippine money. I've actually written about this a few years back in my newspaper column, back when there seemed to have been a massive spread of fake 500 Philippine peso bills. Hopefully these quick pointers can help all of you. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, real currency notes are a bit rough in terms of texture. However, fake bills are smooth to the touch. Real Philippine money bills also have embossed watermarks. You can see the watermark when you expose the bill to a strong source of light (notice that you can find an image on the left side of the bill) Real currency bills have window security t...

Oct112008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full text of Reproductive Health Bill (HB 5043)

Controversial, News, Society

For years, this very controversial bill has been the topic of heated debates. The congressmen-authors, especially Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, have been ridiculed, insulted, castigated upon and questioned. Does this controversial reproductive health bill really promote abortion? Is it true that if this bill gets ratified, couples can only have two children? Does it really affect a Roman Catholic's views and beliefs? I have written numerous stories about and in relation to this bill. I have heard both sides. However, I feel there's still lack of information. People should really see for themselves and decide on whether or not this reproductive health, responsible parenthood and population development bill raises flags. The full text of House Bill 5043 may be found after the jump. Please feel ...