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Sara Duterte declared as the next mayor of Davao City

Controversial, Davao City, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personalities, Photos
MINDANAO - Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte is bequeathing his thrown throne (thanks for pointing out this typo, Sir Mike! Ayayay!) And his daughter, Davao City Vice Mayor Sara "Inday Sara" Duterte is, naturally, next in line. Recently, I was  in my hometown Davao City for a Philippine Councilors League gig. The boys provided the live band entertainment the night the closing ceremonies was held (June 27 at Grand Regal Hotel Ballroom, Lanang) and there were roughly a thousand councilors from all over the Philippines present. The night's guest speaker was no other than Inday Sara. Actually, while the boys and I were waiting for the program to begin, you could hear the buzz. A lot of councilors were curious about her --- how she looked like (how come she didn't look like her fath...

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?

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...

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" :(

Review: Goodnews Traveller’s Inn, Capt. V. Roa Street, Cagayan de Oro City

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Reviews, Tourism, Travel
Here's another Mindanao Hotels review. Goodnews Traveller's Inn is located along Capt. Vicente Roa Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines. It's near the busy Cogon Market and is accessible by public utility vehicles (taxi, jeepney, trisikad and motorela) This lodging house in Cagayan de Oro City is also just a few steps away from the Cagayan de Oro City fire station. Truth be told, Goodnews Travellers Inn was my last...okay, ONLY choice at the time I was in CDO because all of the other hotels in Cagayan de Oro were fully booked. So with my hopes up, I checked in and got a double room. I paid P950.00 for the double airconditioned room. My room was at the third floor, which was a major bummer. Apart from the fact that I'm not a fan of using the stairs (Goodnews Travele...

After Altis taxis, Cagayan de Oro City now has videoke taxis

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society, Style
I could still remember those days when the taxis (cabs) of Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao were the talk of the town...and of other areas in the country, truth be told. Kagay-anons were so elated when Toyota Altis taxis started to roam around the city (and basically snubbed the "old" taxis) and people from other areas started to hope that they, too, can see "sosyal" public utility cabs in their own places. I also remember the many times when the drivers of "old" taxis would just heave a heavy sigh and wish that they, too, can drive a spanking new Toyota Altis taxi soon. After all, just how many passengers have these "old" taxis lost to these shiny new Altis cabs? Well, taxi operators that still own "old" taxi models in Cagayan de Oro City should really keep up with the pace especially now...

Tuesday Vargas and her tattoos (pix inside)

Arts, Beauty, Bukidnon, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos
Talented comedian, singer and actress Tuesday Vargas may be known for her hit single "Babae Po Ako" but there's another thing that she's pretty famous for --- her artsy, beautiful and pretty interesting tattoos. For those who still don't know, Tuesday also performs in a band so her tattoos (found on her back) can really add to her "visual" appeal especially on stage. Check out some of the photos I took of Tuesday Vargas and her tattoos: (I took these photos after the Talk 'N Text Gaaniversary activity in Valencia City, Bukidnon Oval last Saturday, April 25, 2009...she performed alongside funny man Vhong Navarro and Rufa Mae Quinto...I served as one of the official photographers of the event, thanks to Talk 'N Text and SMART of course :))

Is Senator Francis Chiz Escudero a datu?

Announcements, Arts, Culture, Davao City, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Society
Apparently he now is! The once spokesperson of former President Erap Estrada (the late Fernando Poe, Jr.) and now opposition senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was recently "adopted" as a Datu. Chiz Escudero is now also known as "Datu Matansub" (meaning approachable and wise). The adoption of Chiz as a datu was held last March 14, 2009 in Davao City, Mindanao during a meeting with tribal leaders. The meeting was held in line with the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for People and Development. Check out the photo provided to Mindanaoan by the Office of Senator Francis Escudero below. Photo by Bambam Luneta. BY THE WAY --- please --- if you have plans of reposting this entry or reusing this photo, please have the courtesy to cite the source. Thank you.

Sen. Chiz Escudero crowns new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada

Announcements, Contests, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Style
Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was one of the special guests during the coronation night of the Mutya ng Davao last March 14, 2009. Escudero, a frequent visitor of my hometown Davao City, was tasked to crown the new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 winner, Resa Angeli Rizada. The new Mutya ng Dabaw winner, by the way, is a nursing graduate of San Pedro College. Check out this photo of Sir Chiz along with Davao City Vice Mayor Sara "Inday Sara" Duterte and Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada. Also in the photo is Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Mary Jane Lastimosa (3rd from right) Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Francis Escudero. Photo by Bambam Luneta. The Mutya ng Dabaw pageant is part of the annual Araw ng Davao celebration.

Kaamulan Jam 2009 in Bukidnon, Mindanao Grand Finals photos

Announcements, Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Photos
The photos are out! I'd like to share with you some of the photos I took during the grand finals of the Kaamulan Jam 2009 Lock and Load Battle of the Bands which was held last February 28, 2009 at the Capitol Stage, Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The finals night was a successful one - hundreds of people came despite the rain and very chilly weather. A total of five bands performed that night (elimination nights were held from Monday to Friday that week and the winning band had the chance to compete in the finals) and the band called "The Jam" nabbed the top prize of P25,000 cash. By the way, apart from being one of the official photographers of the event, I (well, technically, the agency I own and manage) was also a sponsor and part of the coordinating committee :) C...

Where there’s construction or repair, there’s Pinoy business

Bisaya, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society
This is really Pinoy ingenuity at work! My family and I were on our way to Davao City when we had to stop at Mangima Road, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. As it turned out, there was an ongoing road repair (I learned that from this huge tarp along the side of the road which prominently featured the face of President Gloria Arroyo instead of the facts and data about the infrastructure project...but ah, that's for another post) and only one lane was open for passage. As we waited for our turn to pass through, I noticed a lot of makeshift shanties. And then I spotted these: Children and their parents offering just about anything to people waiting in their vehicles. From peanuts to steamed corn to "ice tubig," (ice water) children as young as 5 years old would hawk their products, hoping...

I’m now a wedding photographer here in Mindanao!

Arts, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Davao City, Fashion, General Santos City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Photos, Sarangani, Society, Weddings
So I just produced the photos I took during my very first wedding photography coverage gig. I was one of the photographers (and the only female photographer, I should say) during the Prestenbach Wedding in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao last December 28, 2008. (Yep, I guess I'm now a wedding photographer here in Mindanao! :) ) It was truly a great day - to be able to capture people and moments and to be a part of a nice couple's memorable day. The Prestenbachs, a Germany-based couple, have been together for 15 great years and they're thinking of moving here in the Philippines for good. The Prestenbachs have two lovely children. They also have this magnificent beachfront property in Baloy, Cagayan de Oro. Here are some of my wedding photography photos: * All photos are of low ...

Lighted Christmas tree in Divisoria Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos
I've been so preoccupied during the holiday season that I now only had the chance to post this picture! Well, better late than never, eh? :) Here's a picture that I took of the large Christmas tree found in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. I took this on a Friday, which coincidentally was also "Night Cafe" day in CDO. "Night Cafe" is a regular Friday and Saturday event in the City of Golden Friendship. Most roads within the Divisoria area are closed to traffic and various vendors put up shop along the streets. So without further ado - here's the lighted Christmas tree. Pretty, yes?

Busy Christmas shoppers flock to Gaisano Mall Davao

Consumer, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos
Have you been to Gaisano Mall of Davao lately? Because I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say that you will never think there's a financial crisis going on when you see the throngs of Christmas shoppers in that mall. Actually, the scenes in other malls aren't different either. A lot of Dabawenyo Christmas shoppers are also busy checking out the Christmas sales in SM Davao, Chimes, 168 Mall Davao, NCCC Mall, Times Square and in other shopping centers around Davao City, Mindanao. I also spotted a lot of people along San Pedro Street (does anybody remember Mantex? What about A & M?) Anyways, here are some photos I took over the weekend when my family and I bought some gifts at G-Mall: See? You can't help but wonder, "Crisis? What crisis?" I guess CRISIS-mas isn't "uso" in Pin...

Giant Christmas Tree at People’s Park Davao City

Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Tourism
I got the chance to snap a couple of photos of the giant Christmas tree within the vicinity of People's Park, Davao City. The Christmas tree was adorned with a lot of trimmings and lights and can be found between the huge Durian dome and the fountain area. You won't miss it! This Christmas tree is also near the benches. Go to People's Park (right beside the Apo View Hotel along Camus Street) and check out this pretty Christmas tree. Better if you go there at night. Don't forget to take pictures! :)

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...

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...

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) ...

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...

Scary and weird display at Marcella SM Cagayan de Oro branch

Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Photos, Weird
I'm not a visual display expert but I think this display of wigs over at Marcella SM Cagayan de Oro branch looks weird. Scary even. I was paying for the items I bought at the said store when I saw this area near the cashier. Don't these look as if they came right out of a scene in the cult flick "The Ring"? Or don't these look like as if these are real ladies waiting for their hair to be shampooed? I mean this is just my personal opinion but come on! I appreciate that the Marcella store needs to showcase the wigs and sell them but I seriously think there's a much better way to arrange the display. Apologies for the low quality of the photos. Just took this one with my Motorola Krzr.
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