Society Archives - Page 27 of 28 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

May202009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Attention bloggers! You’ll love this — PLCPD announces Call for Entries to the 5th PopDev Media Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Broadcasting, Contests, Internet, Journalism, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

The Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) announces the Call for Entries to the 5th PopDev Media Awards. The contest is open to all print, broadcast, online, photo, and citizen journalists nationwide. Entries must deal with population and human development issues such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), public health (especially reproductive health), reproductive health policy and governance, economic growth and poverty, climate change, housing and urban development, sustainable development, environment, education, gender, maternal health, adolescent reproductive health, family planning, food security, reproductive rights, migration, and population ageing. For the Print and Online...

May202009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

SM General Santos City on the drawing board

Business, Consumer, Corporate, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, SoSCksargen

Although there haven't been any official statements yet from both SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (the corporation behind the SM supermalls around the country) and the Salazar Family of General Santos City (said to be the owners of an 8-hectare property along Santiago Boulevard, GenSan where SM reportedly intends to put up the SM General Santos Supermall), observers believe that it's a done deal. The fact that General Santos Mayor Pedro Acharon already confirmed the signing of a lease between the two concerned parties, then the project already has the green light. SM reportedly intends to lease the Salazar-owned land for 50 years. And we all know that long-term leases mean financial security for the owners. Good for them, yes? SM General Santos City is seen to be the imminent rival to Rob...

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...

Apr222009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the Talk ‘N Text Idol search; Mindanao audition sked here

Announcements, Consumer, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Think you can carry a tune? Do you think you can wow any crowd? Do you think you have a colorful background --- one that could really catch the attention of many? What about winning a whopping P1 Million just by singing your heart out? Then join Talk 'N Text's Search for Talk 'N Text Idol! If you have an interesting story to share or if you have the "diskarte sa tipid-sulit," then you might just be the one that Talk N Text is looking for! There will be nationwide auditions for the Search for the Talk 'N Text Idol. Here are two places in Mindanao where you can audition: - April 25, 2009 (Saturday) Koronadal City, South Cotabato Rizal Park, Bonifacio Street - April 25, 2009 (Saturday) Ipil, Zamboanga Sibuguey Ipil Luis Ruiz Freedom Park Meanwhile, Talk 'N Text will also have ...

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...

Mar262009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Marco Polo Davao offers Holy Week Special for Dabawenyos

Announcements, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Marco Polo Davao has just announced their Holy Week special - and here's the good news for fellow Dabawenyos - this very special offer is exclusive only for us Davao City residents! Marco Polo Davao will only charge P2,888.00 for an overnight stay in a superior room. You will also get to enjoy the following benefits: Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for Two 50% off on Foot Reflexology Treatment and 20% discount on other services at Lazuli Spa 30% discount in all Food and Beverage outlets Two (2) extra pool passes with one month validity If you wish to upgrade your room to deluxe category, just add P500.00. Extra bed is also available at P500.00 net per night. This Marco Polo Davao City promo will be available from April 1 to 15, 2009. Again, please take note --- this offer is exc...

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...

Mar172009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

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.

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...

Feb202009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Survivor Philippines Season 2 to hold auditions in Davao City Mindanao

Announcements, Broadcasting, Davao City, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Society

If you want to be the next Pinoy sole survivor in the second season of Survivor Philippines and you're from Mindanao, well, head on down to Davao City, Mindanao and join the auditions! Who knows, you could just be the next winner of Survivor Philippines Season Two! So far, the only auditions for Survivor Philippines Season 2 here in Mindanao will be at SM Davao on March 18 and 19, 2009. Organizers of Survivor Philippines say that you don't need any documents - just bring your personality and a pen (so that you can fill up the registration form) and count your lucky stars. By the way, you can now download your registration form at the Official Survivor Philippines website. Good luck, Mindanaoan!

Feb152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Healing priest Rev. Fernando Suarez to visit Butuan City, Mindanao on February 17-18, 2009

Announcements, Butuan, Mindanaoan Update, News, Religion, Society

Filipino healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez will be in Mindanao next week for both public and private healing sessions. Father Fernando, a member of the Companions of the Cross Healing Ministry, will be in Butuan City, Mindanao on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. An open-to-the-public healing session will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Urios University Gymnasium in Butuan. Organizers say that the healing session will be open to anybody who needs prayer, guidance and healing. A mass will also take place after the healing session, which will take place in the afternoon of February 18. Fr. Suarez's much-awaited visit is sponsored by the Butuan City Government in coordination with the Office of Butuan City Rep. Jose Aquino III. Born in Taal, Batangas, Fr. Fernando Suarez has b...

Feb102009 by Mindanaoan Irene17 Comments

Dabawenya Mindanaoan to compete in Binibining Pilipinas 2009

Beauty, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society

I was pleasantly surprised to see our "Baby South" during the press presentation of the official candidates of this year's Binibining Pilipinas 2009 pageant. "Baby South" refers to Priscilla Mae Navidad, a 17 year old Dabawenya. I met Mae a few years ago in Davao City, Mindanao. I was helping organize the Davao leg of the nationwide "Rainbow Tour" of premiere Filipino band South Border and after the concert, I was also selling copies of their award-winning platinum CD, "Episode III" (yes, I know, major plugging na 'to LOL :D) Anyways, there was this tall girl who kept on asking me if she could meet Jay Durias (South Border's musical director and keyboardist) because, according to her, they were cousins. I must admit, I had reservations at first because after all, there was virtually A M...

Feb62009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mango Outlet opens in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao; woos Mindanaoan fashionistas

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Society

I must admit, I used to be a very strict cheapskate. I have a penchant for saving money (which is a good thing, I should say) but during the past few years, I've slowly realized that treating myself to something nice and pretty and a little bit expensive isn't always a bad thing. One of the things I've recently liked to splurge on are quality clothes - from shirts to cardigans to pretty tops to cargo pants to capris. I also like to buy clothes that I can wear during business meetings but at the same time can still pass off as a nice day-to-evening outfit. And one of the brands I like is Mango. Mango is a Spanish clothing company based in Barcelona. It's the brand being endorsed by actress Penelope Cruz. I first had the chance to buy an item in one of the MNG by Mango stores in Manila a...

Jan302009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

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...

Jan152009 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Review: Bahia Spa and Wellness in MetroLifestyle complex Davao City

Beauty, Consumer, Davao City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society

First of all, let me just stress that this is NOT a sponsored post. I just want to share my very good experience over at the Bahia Spa and Wellness Center in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. Here's hoping that my review of the place could help weary travelers, spa aficionados, health buffs and perhaps Dabawenyos who still have reservations with regard to spas and health centers. Please feel free to share your thoughts :) Bahia Spa and Wellness Center is located along F. Torres Street, Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. It's near the Davao City National High School and can be found within the Metro Lifestyle Complex, which also houses a Bo's Coffee Club franchise, a gym (MetroLifestyle Fitness Center), the Krua Thai restaurant Davao branch and a Dermalife Facial and Slimming center....

Jan92009 by Mindanaoan Irene11 Comments

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 ...

Jan72009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Want to effectively lose weight this new year?

Advocacy, Consumer, Freebies, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Is losing weight part of your "to-do" list this new year 2009? Is weight loss part of your New Year's Resolutions? Want to know how you can effectively lose weight? Try Proactol, a clinically proven daily supplement that absorbs up to 28 percent of the fat in anything you eat. Proactol is clinically proven to reduce excessive body weight and body fat. Proactol has also been proven to effectively bind up to 28 percent of your fat intake. Fat binder Proactol can also help you reduce your food cravings. And the good news for you weight watchers doesn't stop there. Proactol is giving away FREE Proactol and FREE Proactol boxes! Check this out: Now that's a great deal! Purchase Proactol today and be on your way to a new, slimmer you! And if you're interested to earn money on...

Dec122008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tips in finding gifts for men

Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society, Style

Men are not the only ones racking their brains out as to what’s the best gift for the female loved ones this Christmas season, the women are also having a hard time too! Unlike in the past where the easiest gift to pick for men are jackets or pants, women are now challenged with the fact that men are also embarking in the modern age where there’s a lot of things to choose from. Trend expert Vincent Gregoire gave some cool tips for women in what great gifts to give to their male loved ones. He suggested that before scrimping for gifts, women should think of practical and intelligent presents. • USB memory sticks or external hard drives. Men are becoming more tech savvy and providing them additional memory in storing files is a safe bet. • Items that would look good in his pad. Y...

Dec92008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Secret ways to cut down on holiday gift spending

Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society

We definitely love to get a good bargain on great items this coming holiday season, considering that the world is currently facing an economic crisis. A feature on “Good Morning America Weekend” should help you on saving up on holiday gift spending. • Purchase refurbished items: Trustworthy sites such as Sony, Amazon, Apply and Best Buy reportedly offers refurbished products. These are still in very good condition and can be bought at lesser price. The good thing is that these sites offer full refunds and return periods just like when you buy new items. In this case, rely on a reputable retailer rather than those fly-by-night sites. • Buy gifts in bulk: Chances are, you will get a great discount for buying a lot of items in your preferred retail store. Check out the store’s gift pack...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

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...

Nov282008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

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...