mindanao blogger Archives - Page 19 of 21 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun222010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Events in Mindanao: Yaman Gensan 2010

Announcements, Business, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Technology

Are you a Mindanaoan businessman or an aspiring entrepreneur? Here's your chance to learn more on how to start a business in Mindanao and get to meet other entrepreneurs and perhaps strike a deal or two! Gear up for Yaman Gensan 2010! The annual Yaman Gensan will run from June 23, 2010 to July 22, 2010 in General Santos City, Mindanao. With the theme "Trabaho...Negosyo...Asenso," Yaman Gensan 2010 aims to encourage entrepreneurship and to provide a platform for existing and would-be businessmen not only from SOCSKSARGEN but all around Mindanao to discuss issues and concerns that may affect their industries. Check out the Yaman Gensan 2010 poster below: The Yaman General Santos 2010 event will again feature an Entrepreneurs' Forum, a Franchise Expo, a Jobs Fair plus trade fair ...

Jun82010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanao blogger at TV5’s PO5 (Party on 5)

Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Style

A few weeks ago, this blogger from Mindanao, along with her friends, had the chance to watch the live telecast of PO5 (Party on 5) right inside the studio, thanks to my dear friend Jay Durias of the band South Border. P.O.5 or Party On 5 is TV5's Sunday noontime variety show - their answer to ABS CBN's "ASAP XV" and GMA 7's "Party Pilipinas." The show's hosts include Lucy Torres-Gomez (who's now a congresswoman - not sure if she'll continue her hosting job), John Estrada, Wilma Doesnt, JC de Vera, Alex Gonzaga and Tuesday Vargas. Ryan Agoncillo was still a part of the show when I watched it live from the studio but he later quit in order to attend to wife Judy Ann Santos' pregnancy. Guess who the show's musical director is? Jay, of course! :) (more…)

Jun72010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: Missy Bon Bon breadshop and gelato store

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop is a new breadshop, pastry shop and gelato store in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao. From a humble stall at the 2nd floor of Robinson's Mall CDO, Missy Bonbon now has a second branch - a full, working store along Rosario Drive, Limketkai Mall, CDO. Because this blogger from Mindanao missed the invitation sent out by the owner of Missy Bon Bon for a nice, chillaxin' bloggers day cum breakfast meet-up a few weeks ago , I was all too happy to check their store out as soon as I got back from Manila. I met some fellow bloggers there for an afternoon meeting. I was not disappointed. Well, okay, except for one tiny thing which I'll mention after the jump. In the meantime, check out the delicious array of gelatos (Italian ice cream) found at Missy Bon Bon...

May282010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Gelatissimo in Greenbelt 5

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Thanks to Manila-based Twitter friend Ryan, this blogger from Mindanao got invited to check out the much-talked about Gelatissimo store in Greenbelt 5, Makati City, Philippines. It was an invitation that I immediately accepted especially because I've heard a lot of good feedback about this gelato shop. By the way, Gelatissimo isn't a homegrown brand. Gelatissimo is an Australian brand and they offer yummy gelato that's made fresh every single day, sundaes, chocolates, traditional Italian biscotti and roasted coffee. For the unitiated, gelato is a low fat, creamy alternative to traditional ice cream. It tastes a bit "warmer" than ice cream but nonetheless equally delish! As expected, I found a packed Gelatissimo Greenbelt 5 branch. Believe me, the photo I took below didn't do justi...

May242010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Finally finding No Reservations Anthony Bourdain Cebu lechon – the Zubuchon!

Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Culture, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Society

Apart from attending the Cebu Blog Camp 2010, another reason why I was looking forward to going back to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South, was the fact that I will finally have the chance to try the world-famous Zubuchon - yes, the very same Cebu lechon featured and praised by popular chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of "No Reservations." Ever since Anthony Bourdain featured it in "No Reservations" (one of the very few travel shows that my entire family loves to watch), we agreed to definitely try it once we have the chance to go back to Cebu. As we all know, Cebu lechon is already famous as it is but for a specific Cebu lechon to be featured as the Anthony Bourdain preferred Cebu lechon is another thing. A brief background first for the unitiated - Lechon or fire roas...

May102010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Two Mindanaoan senatorial candidates get my vote

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Features, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Politics

With just a few hours before May 10, 2010 - the very day the Philippines is set to hold its first ever automated elections - I, Mindanaoan, would like to share to you two choices I've already made. I'm set to vote for these two senatorial candidates and I'm proud to let you know that both of them are from Mindanao. Both Mindanaoans and both I've had the utmost honor to work with. I'm voting for Adel Tamano (#54 on the ballot) and Neric Acosta (#1 on the ballot). Before I delve into the finer details as to why I'm voting for these senatoriables from Mindanao, let me quote something from respected columnist Manolo Quezon III (my idol!): "The job of a senator is not just about legislation, it’s about oversight, with the latter being more relevant and required than the former. The House...

May62010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Are you from Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao and Misamis?

Advocacy, Announcements, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Government, Internet, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Society, Technology, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Because if you are, then we need you to help map out precincts! Google Philippines, through its representative Aileen Apolo, is asking us to please help map precincts in certain regions in Mindanao. A website called Find Your Precinct has been set up and its goal is to help every Filipino find the location of the voting center for their precinct. The locations found in the said website are contributed by volunteer mappers and it's about time that Mindanaoans join forces and help not only one another but the rest of our fellow countrymen. According to Aileen, there's still need to map out precincts in Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao and Misamis. Help now by logging on to Find Your Precinct. Alternatively, and to make things more fun, you can spearhead a mapping party and...

Apr232010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

NUJP Davao to Agra: Thank You Sir!

Announcements, Controversial, Crime, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal

Thank you, Secretary Alberto Agra for confirming the truth that the Filipinos—thirsty for justice—can never expect anything from the Arroyo Administration. You just dignified the growing distrust of the Filipino people on the government when you saw Zaldy Ampatuan and his cousin, Akmad, as innocent over the gruesome slaughter on November 23 of 58 civilians—32 of them our fellow journalists—even in the absence of due process. When you wanted the two Ampatuans, who, according to witnesses were behind the killing of the 58 civilians, out of jail when murder charges were already filed and a commitment order was already issued, it showed how offensive and obscene you and the Arroyo administration can really get. Thank you for allowing the world to see what we have long been crying out ...

Apr222010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Does this political TV ad for Mindanao by Villar, Pimentel and Tamano work?

Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Commentary, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Technology, Videos

Nacionalista Party standard bearer Senator Manny Villar has released (yet another) political TV ad. This time, he's speaking in Bisaya and it's an ad specifically for Mindanao. In this political ad, he appears with NP senatorial candidates Gwen Pimentel and Atty. Adel Tamano. As we all know, Pimentel and Tamano are Mindanaoans. Pimentel is the daughter of Senator Aquilino Pimentel and the sister of Atty. Koko Pimentel, who lost in the previous elections to Mindanaoan and Bukidnon senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Adel Tamano, on the other hand, is from Marawi City and is the first Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School. In this political TV ad, Villar, Tamano and Pimentel raised the 8-hour brownout currently plaguing Mindanao (actually, a lot of areas around the island even...

Apr202010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan Laarni Lozada gets a cool makeover

Beauty, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Style, Sultan Kudarat

Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao's pride and the Pinoy Dream Academy grand dreamer Laarni Lozada sure has gone a long way from singing in a choir to financing her own studies to winning the big prize at ABS-CBN's talent-reality show PDA. Laarni Lozada, a fellow Mindanaoan, counts Sitti, Lea Salonga and Whitney Houston as among her singing idols. And now that she's a singing idol herself, Laarni of course has a new look. From this simple looking lass: to this diva: (more…)

Apr22010 by Mindanaoan Irene18 Comments

Resorts World Manila – what to see, what to do

Arts, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Style

So this blogger from Mindanao finally had the chance to visit the much-talked about Resorts World Manila, a luxurious, fun-filled entertainment destination in Newport City, which is located just right across the new Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 (NAIA 3). I often caught ads about this new entertainment hub on TV so naturally my curiosity got piqued. Resorts World Manila sits on a vast 7.8 hectare lot in Pasay, particularly at 100 Andrews Avenue, Newport, Cybertourism Zone, 1309 Pasay City. The product of a collaboration between Alliance Global Group, Inc. (reportedly a Philippine conglomerate) and Star Cruises, Resorts World Manila is just a few blocks behind the Star Cruises headquarters. Resorts World Manila is in a pretty large complex so I doubt that you'd miss it ;) Here'...

Mar312010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Learn how to create fresh, fun, funky photographs! Join the Razzle Dazzle photography workshop

Announcements, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society

According to the good ol' Webster Dictionary, the term "razzle dazzle" means: raz•zle-daz•zle (r z l-d z l) n. Informal 1. Dazzling excitement. 2. Extravagant or showy display, as of technique Inspired by the meaning of this term, Mindanaoan suggested this to my youngest brother, who happens to be a professional photographer. Hence, the birth of the "Razzle Dazzle Photography Workshop"! Summer is fast approaching! Instead of lazing around all day and being perfectly useless till June, why not enhance your artistic skills? As soon as June kicks in, you're swagging your new photo skills! Everyone can snap a photo, but can you do it the FRESH FUN FUNKY WAY? (more…)

Mar272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan at the Cotabato City proclamation rally for local candidates

Cotabato, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics

Yes, you read that right. Mindanaoan had the privilege of witnessing the proclamation rally of local candidates in Cotabato City, Mindanao. The Cotabato City proclamation rally was held today, March 26, 2010 at the city plaza. As you all know, March 26 marks the very first day of official local campaigns. Along with senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano (first ever Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School, former spokesman of the Genuine Opposition, currently the spokesperson of the Nacionalista Party, former lawyer of Fernando Poe, Jr. and currently a senatorial candidate under the banner of the NP), I arrived in Cotabato City at around noon. After participating in a "kanduli" (thanksgiving occasion), I then went to the Cotabato City Hall. Here's a look at their majestic...

Mar142010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Hot Hunks including gorgeous Brazilian-Jap Akihiro Sato sizzle in Mindanao!

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos

Sizzle mah schizzle! Saturday, March 13, 2010 was an uber special day for ladies! In celebration of Women's Week, SM City Cagayan de Oro, along with top retail brands Penshoppe, Mint, Folded and Hung, Maldita and Bossini, hosted the "Hot Hunks Fashion Show" featuring no less than the current toast of the local fashion world, Brazilian-Japanese (Brapanese) hottie Akihiro Sato. For the uninitiated, Akihiro Macieira Sato is a 6 ft 1 inch stunner born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He used to model in Thailand but now he has decided to grace the Philippine shores with his amazing looks and pleasing disposition and has decided to live here for good! Be still my heart! So of course, who wouldn't want to go to SM City CDO to catch this cutie? So along with some friends, Mindanaoan went ...

Mar132010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Havaianas Happy Soles – time for happy souls to travel to Brazil!

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Hello, fellow Mindanaoans! Are you ready to flip-flop your way to a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Brazil? If you're a Havaianatico (i.e. a person who loves Havaianas and the Havaianas lifestyle) then do read on! The answer to my earlier question better be a resounding YES as world-famous fashion brand Havaianas kicks off its new Happy Soles campaign for Havaianaticos 18 and above. This campaign celebrates the fact that Havaianas has been both a witness and a reminder of Filipinos’ happiest moments. A constant companion on everything from beach trips to food trips, Havaianas has trekked up mountains, walked down wedding aisles and danced under the pale moonlight. For many happy soles, Havaianas is a daily reminder of moments spent with friends and filled with laughter – moments that d...

Mar132010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Nacionalista Party’s Grand Cebu City “Wowowillie” rally

Commentary, Controversial, Entertainment, Events, Features, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos, Society

Mindanaoan had the chance to cover the uber grand "Wowowillie meets Manny Villar" rally in Cebu City recently. Yes, it was "Wowowee" and popular host Willie Revillame meet Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manny Villar, vice presidential candidate Loren Legarda and senatorial bets Atty. Adel Tamano, Gilbert Remulla, Bongbong Marcos, among others. I was personally curious as to how the show would go. Of course, it was obviously a political affair in the guise of a variety show. However, and I say this with all fairness, you could sense during the show that because Willie Revillame is an avid supporter of Manny Villar, the show had "heart" (Willie spoke spontaneously as he rallied support for Villar, Legarda and the senatorial candidates, he shared personal experiences, personal thoughts...

Feb282010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Paragon Suites in Cebu City, Visayas | Budget hotel in Cebu

Business, Consumer, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Reviews

HOTEL REVIEWS - Paragon Suites Cebu City is located along Juana Osmena Street, Cebu. Roughly a 10-minute walk away from bustling Mango Avenue (where there's a lot of videoke places, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and Internet cafe stations), Paragon Suites is ideal for people who want cheap accommodations in Cebu City. One can classify Paragon Suites Cebu as a budget hotel, a budget pension house or a cheap inn with the basic amenities. I stayed at Paragon Suites Cebu City just a few days ago. I stayed for a total of 3 days and truth be told, I didn't quite enjoy my stay and therefore will never find myself staying at Paragon Suites Cebu ever again. But more on that after the jump. Here's a look at my superior room (rate was P1,380.00 per night): My room was fully carpeted and fu...

Feb262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From the campaign trail – Mindanaoan will post exclusive photos, kuwentos etc

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Broadcasting, Commentary, Controversial, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Politics

Hello everyone! How is everyone doing? It's been quite a while and I really hope all of you are in good health. Mindanaoan has been very busy as of late and this is due to the start of the nationwide campaign sorties. As you all know, the campaign period for the national positions began last February 9, 2010 and political parties have been so busy visiting various areas around the country. Mindanaoan is a part of these nationwide tours. This has actually got me thinking --- perhaps it's best if I also share my own experience straight from the campaign trail. What do you guys think? I was thinking of sharing exclusive photos, videos, kuwentos and other things that may prove to be interesting somehow for all of my readers. I was thinking of sharing behind-the-scenes stuff. What do ...

Feb262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan’s new Swatch Vancouver 2010 watch

Consumer, Fashion, Musings, Personal, Style

I must admit, I'm not much of a fan of watches - maybe because I grew up in an average income family and because receiving and giving gifts especially expensive watches is considered quite a luxury. I think I only had one or two "real" watches when I was younger. Real meaning it was either given as a gift or that I saved my allowance for. Most of the other watches I had were "hand me downs" from my parents. And so I grew up not really seeing the need of having a funky watch. I guess I managed to just really be time conscious and prompt at almost everything that I felt a watch would just be an accessory and nothing else. Fast forward many years --- here I am earning my own keep and finally having extra money to spend on things that I like, want and need. One of the things that I bo...

Feb242010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Highway 21 Hotel in Iloilo City, Visayas

Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

My first night in Iloilo City was spent in Highway 21. Classified as a pension house, I actually thought that this nice place located right in the heart of Iloilo City was more of a hotel. The perfect choice for budget conscious tourists, Highway 21 Iloilo City is located along the busy General Luna Street. Highway 21 is actually right beside the Sarrabia Manor, a well-known hotel in Iloilo. Compared to Sarrabia, though, Highway 21's rates are way cheaper. I stayed at the new wing of Highway 21. The rooms found at the new wing are slightly higher than those found on the annex area but I thought the added expense was worth it. The new wing had an elevator while the annex didn't have one. Plus all the rooms at the new wing had free, fast wireless Internet connection. That was impor...

Jan282010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan plays wedding photographer in Camiguin Island Mindanao

Beauty, Blogging, Camiguin, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Photos, Weddings

Hi guys! Thanks for visiting my humble blog about Mindanao and Mindanaoans :) I know I haven't been posting much the past few weeks...and I have good reason! Mindanaoan has been traveling here and there and more often than not, I end up being so tired to even lift a finger let alone write about my escapades. Thankfully, this blogger from Mindanao is home (at least for the next few days) and I'm back to sharing with you all the sights and sounds of Mindanao. One of the things that I got to do last week was travel to Camiguin Island, Mindanao. Along with my professional photographer-brother Bon and his assistant Gary, we covered a simple yet very romantic wedding in Camiguin, also known as the "Island Born of Fire." It was the wedding of Erwin and Karen. Erwin's from Bukidnon and Karen...

Jan282010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Region 10 becoming Mindanao’s dominant regional economy

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Commentary, Consumer, Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Technology, Travel

Hi guys, the following is a pretty interesting read. This guest blog entry is from Mindanaoan's friend, Mike Banos, a respected journalist based in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Read, read, read :) Since Iligan City and Lanao del Norte were integrated back into Northern Mindanao (Region 10) in 2002, the resulting region has remained Mindanao’s biggest economy. Recent years indicate it is now pulling away to attain a position of dominance among the island’s regional economies. A quick look at the economic accounts of the island’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) shows that before the realignment of regions in 2002, Region 10 trailed the Davao Region (Region 11) in GRDP. However, since Iligan and Lanao del Norte rejoined Region 10 and some parts of the Davao region were re-align...