Personal Archives - Page 9 of 11 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jul22009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanao vice mayor incurs 99 absences out of 100 council sessions

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Society, Weird

The banner story of a Mindanao regional newspaper yesterday, July 1, 2009, may have been surprising for many (shocking even) but for a Mindanao journalist like me who has been working around politicians for quite a while, it was really nothing new. The same thing, although probably not as "worse," has been happening not only in the local city councils but also even down to barangay councils and even in the Senate and Congress. According to Mindanao Gold Star Daily, Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Vicente Emano has reportedly incurred 99 absences out of 100 council sessions. That means Emano has presided only ONCE since assuming office. Emano reportedly only attended the inauguration of the present Cagayan de Oro City council and that was it. And as if to really add "more color" to...

Jun302009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Disappointed with two Davao City taxi drivers

Consumer, Controversial, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Tourism

So I was in Davao City over the weekend for their Philippine Councilors' League gig. Since I'm a certified Dabawenya (born and raised in Davao City!), I was the self-appointed "tour guide" of sorts during our two-day stay in the largest city in the world. Now what I'm about to share is NOT to lambast anyone. Instead, I'm hoping that somehow this could serve as a wake-up call not only for the City Tourism Office of Davao City but also for the hundreds of taxi drivers in Davao City as well. You see, on our first night in Davao, our group, composed of five people, caught two taxis from Matina Town Square (MTS). Ches and I rode in one taxi while the other three rode in the other one. I won't name the taxi company anymore. Suffice it to say that it may take me a while before I flag down o...

Jun262009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Who was Michael Jackson to you?

Advocacy, Arts, Blogging, Consumer, Controversial, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Society

Please feel free to share your thoughts! I would love to hear from you...WHO WAS MICHAEL JACKSON TO YOU? Who was Michael Jackson, the renowned "Gloved One," the "King of Pop," to you? How did his life, talents, skills and accomplishments affect you? When he died, how did you feel? What were your thoughts? Today, June 26, 2009 (June 25, 2009 in the U.S.), the world awakens to the sad news of Michael Jackson's death. The Los Angeles coroner confirmed that at roughly 2:26 PM of June 25, 2009 (U.S. time), MJ passed away. Michael Jackson, despite all of the controversies hounding him, will undoubtedly remain as one of the greatest artists of all time. He was a part of our childhood. His music, talent, grooves, style, love and the capacity to draw people together at least in the spirit...

Jun252009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Michael Jackson dead at 50…is this for real?

Blogging, Commentary, Controversial, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology

Like millions of fans around the world, I woke up today shocked and with tears in my eyes. I woke up to the sound of a CNN report saying that the King of Pop - THE Michael Jackson - has been hospitalized and then went into a deep coma. A few minutes later, L.A. Times, AP and Fox News confirmed that Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50. Interestingly, and even right at this moment as I am blogging this, CNN STILL has not yet confirmed the news that Michael Jackson has died. Which is a good thing because basic journalism ethics state that news should always be verified before you broadcast it, lest you want to create senseless or unreasonable commotion. Right now, at this very moment, tears are rolling down my eyes. In my heart, I am hoping that Michael Jackson is still alive....

Jun152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cheesecake etc Gaisano Mall Davao branch

Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Photos

DAVAO CITY, MINDANAO - Whenever my family and I are back home in Davao City and we happen to visit Gaisano Mall of Davao along Bajada, we often find ourselves having our snack at the cheesecake etc. branch there. Located at the second floor of the said Davao City mall, cheesecake etc. serves pasta, coffee, cakes and other pastries. My brother likes their blueberry cheesecake while I often have the chocolate moist muffins. Yum! :) Top that with a tall glass of their homebrewed iced tea and we're happy Davao foodies! What about you? What's your favorite hangout in Davao City and what do you usually order?

Jun152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

OMG! Mindanaoan has been ratified! Weehee!

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Technology

HOLY SMOKES am I so happy today or what?! I was just mindlessly surfing a few minutes ago and I happened to stumble upon the Ratified website. God knows I've been trying to get Mindanaoan and a couple of my other websites Ratified but lo and behold, I finally spotted my humble blog in the Ratified directory TODAY --- just when it was so darn unexpected! Check out my Ratified button: I know a Ratified rank of 320 isn't so much to be proud of but hey, at least, right?! Right?! LOL Yes, I'm excited obviously! For the uninitiated, Ratified.org measures measures the top 100 blogs of the Philippine blogosphere. Ratified uses a site's Technorati rank, Feedburner rank, Google and Alexa stats to figure out your rank. Come on, people, congratulate me by SUBSCRIBING TO MINDANAOAN! Go, g...

Jun142009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Conquering the Xcelerator – the longest speed zip line in Asia

Commentary, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Photos, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

MINDANAO - A few weeks ago, my family and I celebrated our brother's birthday by trying the most talked about Xcelerator over at Outland Adventure, Davao City, Mindanao. The Outland Adventure Xcelerator is said to be the longest speed zip line in all of Asia! Cool, right? We arrived at Outland Adventure Davao City half an hour before noon. As it turned out, we missed the "cut-off" time so we had to wait until they re-opened at roughly 1:30 pm. The more than an hour wait was all right --- we just kept ourselves busy taking photos. By 1:30 pm, all of the "zip liners" for the afternoon were asked to sign waivers. Then we proceeded to the area where we put on the harnesses, helmets and other safety gear. My brothers and I were made to choose if we wanted the "Superman" option or the ordi...

Jun72009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan Manny “Pink Lips” Pacquiao for Nikon Coolpix

Business, Controversial, General Santos City, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, Weird

Before anything else, let me make this clear. I love Manny Pacquiao. I have the utmost respect for the man. He has brought pride and glory to the Philippines and Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao really is one of the world's best athletes of all time. Plus he's a certified Mindanaoan! So of course I'm proud of him! However...I cannot help but be tickled pink with my fellow Mindanaoan's new ad for Nikon Coolpix: Is it just me or are Manny's lips PINK?! What the smokes was the stylist/make-up artist thinking?! EGAD! Now this is one "UN-COOLPIX" :(

Jun52009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Waiting for my Google Adsense check…it’s a week late!

Business, Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

Don't you just hate to wait? Especially if you're waiting for some moolah? I'm supposed to receive a Google Adsense check but it's been a week and I haven't received anything in the mail yet. I checked my Adsense account and it was stated that a check was issued last April 28, 2009 (which means that given 4 weeks delivery time, it should have arrived last May 28, 2009!) This is exactly why I can hardly trust the Philippine Post Office anymore! To make matters worse, I did a little research a few hours ago and found a blog post about this guy who complained that his Google Adsense check was encashed by a stranger! Holy smokes %^$#&% I hope that doesn't happen to me! So now I want to know...has anybody out there received their Google Adsense check via standard delivery? How long di...

May282009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Looking forward to trying the Xcelerator!

Business, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel

Experience some atmosFEAR! Now who wouldn't be curious with that? I am really, really looking forward to trying the Xcelerator zip line over at Davao City's Outland Adventure this weekend! The Outland Adventure Xcelerator is supposedly the longest speed zipline in all of Asia! Cool, eh? The Xcelerator is open everyday from 8am to 5 pm. Groups reservations available for weekdays. Fee is P300.00 per adult. They grant a 50 percent discount for small children if they're riding in tandem with an adult. Outland Adventure is right across the GAP Farm along the Diversion Road in Ma-a, Davao City, Mindanao. Check out this video:

May92009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Basic photography workshop/tutorial for a great cause

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personal, Society

Two members of Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao-based TEAM ORO, a group composed of fine photographers, videographers, stylists and graphic designers, met a very serious car accident just this week. Aye Navarro and Cocong Ohashi sustained serious injuries, burns and bruises. Aye’s car was totally wrecked and Cocong underwent an operation for internal bleeding. Both will have to stay at the hospital until they are fully recovered. In line with this, TEAM ORO will have a Portrait for a Cause and Basic Photography Workshop/Tutorial. All proceeds will go to Aye and Cocong's medications and hospital bills. Please...if you're interested to join or help in any way, please do not hesitate to leave your contact details HERE or you can also leave a comment under this entry. We will need all the...

Apr152009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The power of luya, salabat and Pei Pa Koa

Advocacy, Commentary, Consumer, Features, Food, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Weird

So I'm up at 3 o'clock in the morning. I'm set to travel to Koronadal City, Mindanao in a few hours. Terribly excited to see another part of my beloved Island of Mindanao but a bit worried, too. Not about traveling to the place formerly called Marbel but because I lost my voice...literally! I caught nasty cough and colds a few days ago and now I'm paying for the consequence --- I currently have terribly hoarse voice. Two days ago was the worst. I could barely hear myself. I couldn't hear anything when I tried to utter a word! Enter my immediate remedies for this type of emergency --- luya (ginger), salabat (ginger ale) and the ever trusty Pei Pa Koa. Ever since I was a child, my mother always reminded us of the wonders of luya and salabat. And of course, mothers know best. Ginger ...

Apr102009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The presidentiables, senatoriables are now reaching out to Mindanao

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Society

The next Philippine national elections may still be a little over a year away from today but the various personalities believed to be among the "2010 senatoriables" and "2010 presidentiables" have started to make their presence felt here in Mindanao. Just a few days ago, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay paid Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao a visit. He was the guest of honor in an SK-related event, I think. However, sources told me that he also proceeded to the Province of Bukidnon to meet some political allies. Care to guess what they discussed? Senator Mar Roxas, on the other hand, has also been visible around Mindanao as of late. Touted as the Liberal Party's presidential bet, Senator Mar has been doing the rounds here as commencement exercises speaker. Same thing with the solon fro...

Mar242009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Attending my brother’s Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan graduation rites

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society

I attended a very special ceremony at the Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) last weekend. My youngest brother graduated from college last Saturday, March 21, 2009. Yay! I'm really very proud of him. He was one of the graduates who marched and received their diplomas in the afternoon (2nd batch). The afternoon batch was composed of graduates from the colleges of Agriculture, Law, Engineering, Graduate School etc. I haven't attended a graduation ceremony in years so I was a bit worried that it might take a lot of time (I remember my college graduation took about 4 hours!). Thankfully, the Ateneo de Cagayan graduation ceremonies that day started on time (3:30 pm) and ended roughly 2 hours and a half later. The graduation rites were orderly although I was a bit baffled as to...

Mar142009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

So this is how it feels when Piolo Pascual greets you

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Personal, Personalities, Videos

I must admit, I'm kilig to the bones. Although I know by heart every single word Piolo Pascual said in this video greeting that he did (I should because I wrote the words LOL), I still cannot help but feel giddy. Piolo is Piolo! And he has always been very nice to me...so I have nothing but respect and admiration for the man. The last time I spoke to him was when I watched the ASAP show live at ABS-CBN Manila late last year. And I tell you, he really is one charmer! :D Check out the video greeting he did for his "fellow Bukidnons" (he, along with "Love Me Again - Land Down Under" co-star Angel Locsin, is an adopted child of the Province of Bukidnon) in time for the Kaamulan 2009. Piolo's looking dapper in that video, don't you think? Thank you very much to Miss Mariole and Miss Lulu ...

Mar32009 by Mindanaoan Irene16 Comments

How long before you get your SSS ID – three months!

Business, Commentary, Consumer, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology

Well, in my case, at least. After a little over three months, I finally received it. I received my Social Security System (SSS) ID in the mail today. My SS card was sent via registered mail and interestingly, the "generic" letter that came with it (which was signed by current SSS Chairman Romulo Neri) was dated February 3, 2009 but the envelope was postmarked February 19, 2009. So I'm thinking the SSS has one really very slow mailing process. Anyways, this post on how long before you get your SSS ID comes three months after my entry on how to get your SSS ID card. In that post, I mentioned that the data capture operator told me that it might take more than two months before my SSS digital ID is sent via registered mail. Well, what do you know? She was right! Not only did it take more th...

Mar22009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2009 Ethnic Street Dancing competition to have 7 contingents

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel

I learned from the Kaamulan Festival 2009 Chief Coordinator today that a total of seven (7) contingents will compete during the Kaamulan Ethnic Street Dancing competition this Saturday, March 7, 2009. The contingents will represent the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the municipalities of Cabanglasan, Kalilangan, San Fernando, Malitbog and Quezon. I must admit, I was a little bit disappointed with the news. Out of 20 municipalities in Bukidnon and 2 full pledged cities and only 7 will vie for this year's much-awaited event! However, the Kaamulan overall coordinator said that in recent years, the provincial government of Bukidnon has imposed a couple of changes in the way they handle the yearly festival --- and the cutting down of budgets for official streetdancing competitors is o...

Feb272009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Angela Batumbakal finally sends a reply and yes, she needs money

Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal

This post is related to an earlier entry about this girl who sent me an email and claimed that she has photos of award-winning Filipino actor Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana. The email sender calls herself "Angela Batumbakal." And since I was intrigued by her email, I sent her a brief reply asking, "and I suppose you're asking for money?" (Well, truth be told, I knew from the get-go that she needed money in exchange for these photos of former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity contestant Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana but admittedly, I was curious and a bit baffled as to how people can go through such lengths just to earn that quick buck) Today, I checked my email and I finally received a short confirmation from "Angela Batumbakal": "ofcourse in exchange for d pictur...

Feb262009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Full statement of former Bukidnon congressman Neric Acosta on graft charges filed against him

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities

Yesterday, February 25, 2009, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez ordered the filing of graft charges against former Bukidnon First District Congressman Neric Acosta, his mother former Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon mayor Socorro Acosta and his aunt Nemia Bornidor (member of the Board of Trustees of the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries, Inc. and JR Nereus Acosta's aunt). The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Fr. Venancio Balansag Jr., Fr. Wilredo Torayno, Vicente N. Abrogueña (now deceased), and Felix Vergara, Jr. representing the Bukidnon Crusade Against Graft and Corruption. The BCAGC alleged that on January 9, 2001, the former Bukidnon congressman and Yale World Fellow and then Mayor Amado Noble of Talakag, Bukidnon executed a Memorandum of Agreement providing for the appropr...

Feb252009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana – caught on camera?

Controversial, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal

I received a rather weird (yet interesting, I must admit) offer via email yesterday. A girl who introduced herself as a certain "Angela Batumbakal" claimed that she has photos of "Jay" indie film lead actor Baron Geisler and another woman (unnamed) smoking marijuana. I found her email "interesting" only because I realize the lengths people go through just so they can either destroy a person or earn that quick buck. This "Angela Batumbakal" wrote: i have 5 clear pictures of baron geisler and a woman smoking marijuana.i found a memory card at an internet cafe and then i opened it and saw baron's pictures on it.if u are interested to have these pictures,u can send me an email.09099758776 [[email protected]] I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who received her so-called "offer," wh...

Feb222009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Quick updates: Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Commentary, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal

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 ...

Feb192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Have YOU registered yet?

Advocacy, Announcements, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personal

Are you Filipino? (It doesn't matter whether you're Mindanaoan - taga Mindanao - or from Luzon or Visayas) Are you at least eighteen (18) years of age and a resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year? Then you might just be qualified to vote in the upcoming May 2010 elections! Also, if you have lived in a certain place in the Philippines for at least 6 months prior to the elections, then you are qualified to vote. PLEASE, PLEASE EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO SUFFRAGE! If you haven't registered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) yet, then please visit the nearest election office in your area. A registration form just like THIS ONE will be needed. If you're a first time vote, you are required to PERSONALLY APPEAR before the election officer in your area. You will be re...