CagayandeOroBlog

Cotto: I’m ready for Manny

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:19:12 +0000

Miguel Cotto oozed self-belief and poise after making his official arrival at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino where he will defend his WBO welterweight title against Filipino Manny Pacquiao.

The Puerto Rican, 34-1 (27 KOs), is the underdog for Saturday’s scheduled 12-round bout but believes his power will prevail over Pacquiao’s renowned hand speed.

“I’m prepared for the speed of Manny,” Cotto said while sitting on the edge of the MGM Grand ring.

“My hand speed is pretty equal to Manny’s. But can Manny’s power equal Miguel Cotto’s on Saturday night? I am very calm. I have been doing this for many years.”

A former WBO light-welterweight and WBA welterweight champion, Cotto said he had been energised by the success of his Florida training camp under new head trainer, Joe Santiago.

“The training camp we had, that’s going to make the difference,” he added.

Cotto was previously trained by his uncle, Evangelista, but the two fell out after a heated argument, paving the way for the 31-year-old Santiago to take over.

Although Pacquiao’s outspoken trainer Freddie Roach has cast doubt on Santiago’s experience, Cotto feels the change has been a very positive one.

“When you have good communication with all the members of your team, an integrated team, and they put their efforts together to really make Miguel Cotto the best Miguel Cotto he can be, it makes a very comfortable training camp,” he said.

Pacquiao, (49-3-2, 37 KOs), was mobbed by more than 1,000 cheering fans on his arrival at the MGM Grand on Tuesday and is certain to attract most of the support at the 16,000-seat arena on Saturday.

Cotto, however, was unconcerned.

“On fight night it is going to be just Manny, Miguel Cotto and the referee inside the ring,” said the Puerto Rican, who retained his WBO title with a split decision win over Ghana’s Joshua Clottey in June.

“Nobody can come and give anything to Manny.”

Cotto was also unfazed by suggestions he was being underestimated by the Pacquiao camp, which has been touting the possibility of a lucrative bout with undefeated American welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr early next year.

“I’m focused on this fight,” he said. “When I beat him this Saturday, he can think about whatever opponents he wants.”

Reuters

Cagayanon singer poses for Playboy, marries rock star

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:49:48 +0000

Cagayanon Mariqueen Maandig has become a celebrity in the US. Inset, she poses with her husband Trent Reznor, vocalist of the popular rock band Nine Inch Nails.

A CAGAYANON has become a celebrity in the US after she posed for Playboy and subsequently married the vocalist of the popular rock band Nine Inch Nails.

To her credit, Mariqueen Maandig is also a former lead vocalist of the Los Angeles-based rock band “West Indian Girl”.

Maandig, who married Nine Inch Nails vocalist Trent Reznor last Oct. 17, posed for the January edition of the ‘‘Becoming Attraction’’ feature of Playboy.

Maandig is said to be a daughter of Jun Maandig and Lucy Arrabaca, both of Cagayan de Oro.

In one article, Maandig was described as ‘‘exotic’’, ‘‘enigmatic’’ and a ‘‘rising star’’ with a ‘‘sultry voice’’ in the musical world.

Maandig was also recently featured in the San Diego Union Tribune.

‘‘Q’’, as Maandig is fondly called, made some shocking revelations in a Playboy interview––she claimed that she has not been wearing underwear even during her concerts.

“Never,” she nonchalantly told Playboy. “I like to be as aerodynamic as possible.”

Does that pose a problem when she does her thing onstage? “I don’t worry about a wardrobe malfunction,” she continued. “If it happens, it happens. It probably has. But it’s not as if I’m doing high kicks up there.”

With that, Maandig brings a whole new sub-genre in live music performances.

Even though her orientation is female emo––think Hayley Williams and Amy Lee––Maandig’s unique gyrations on stage is as signature as Michael Jackson’s crotch-grabbing moves.

It’s nice to hear an emo vocalist belting out Chemical Brothers-like tracks yet plus her sensually dancing, connecting with the audience in trance-like attitude.

“People have asked me to tone it down,” Q admitted to Playboy, “but I’m not ashamed of my body, and I certainly won’t dress to hide it. My whole family is built this way, with tiny waists. We were corseted by God.”

On top of that, Q has two large tattoos on her back.

Now that’s indeed something. By MARK FRANCISCO – Gold Star Daily News

No military offensive to free Sinnott

cdo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:02:13 +0000

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – The government will not resort to an all-out military offensive against rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who have kidnapped Fr. Michael Sinnott since there are still available diplomatic options to take, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro said here yesterday.
“We will not resort to a military offensive because the government has still other diplomatic options left to free the ailing priest from his abductors. We believe military offensive is not the solution to the problem,” he said.

According to Teodoro, peaceful means of freeing the Irish priest from his kidnappers through all avenues of negotiations still remain as the primordial concern of the government above anything else since it is the belief of the Arroyo administration that continuous communication will prevail over armed conflict.

The defense official believes the MILF is now under pressure to release the captive unhurt, considering intelligence reports that six of its top commanders are behind the abduction of the Irish priest.

“We will not buckle down on the threats of the MILF leaders that they will back out of the peace process because of the sweeping allegation that they are the ones behind the kidnapping. It must be proven that they are not involved in the abduction of the sickly priest,” he added, claiming that they should work hard for the release of the priest as part of the confidence-building measure for the continuation of the peace process.

Teodoro disclosed the local crisis management committee remains in full control of the situation with the able support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), thus, there is no need to rush the matter because all aspects of the kidnapping are being seriously studied and given appropriate solutions. www.tempo.com.ph

Showcasing Filipino inventions

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:08:18 +0000

My association with Filipino inventors dates back many years ago. I am referring to my friends – members of the Filipino Inventors Society (FIS), an entity registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 28, 1953. Today, FIS has a total of eighty-eight (88) members.

Filipino Inventors Society

On November 23-27, 2009, FIS will be hosting the National Inventors Week (NIW) at the Taguig City University Auditorium with the theme: “Inventors Geared to Resolve Climate Change, A Survival Issue.” The 5-day affair will highlight students invention contest, showcase Filipino inventions, render product demonstrations and trade, give lectures, seminars and symposia, with fora for the various fields of technologies that will align with the needs of business, industry and government.

FIS has gained international recognition for the country. For one, it is a voting member of the International Federation of Inventors Association (IFIA). FIS has also been a recipient of numerous grants from both the United Nations (UN) and IFIA to participate in international exhibits. FIS also takes pride for being featured in a commemorative stamp issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation on November 30, 1993 to commemorate FIS’s 50 years anniversary.

For its commitment to continue the yearly hosting of the National Inventors Week, let me take this opportunity to congratulate the FIS officers and directors, as follows: Gil M. Chua, National President; Manny R. Corleto, Vice President for Luzon; Jun V. Navarro, Vice President for Visayas; Jun B. Gonzales, Vice President for Mindanao; Julius F. Villanueva, National Secretary; Rudy B. Biescas, National Treasurer; Manny R. Dono, National Auditor; Dante U. Ursua, Public Relation Officer; Erdie M. Evangelista, Public Relation Officer; Rod B. Evano, Sgt. At Arms; Jun P. Deauna II, Sgt. At Arms; Dr. Benjamin S. Santos, Ph.D, National Chairman of the Board; Ray G. Ferrera, National Director; Ferdinand D. Crisologo, National Director; Meland G. Dilodilo, National Director.

Here are some inventions of some of the FIS members:

• COINBANK – being used by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in its Tulong Barya Para sa Eskwela. Invented by Jun Gonzales who also invented the Coin Sorter-Dispenser;

• Pressure Cooker with special features invented by Manny Malonzo;

• Safety Device for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) invented by Julius Villanueva;

• Ironmatic (electric iron) that has electricity saver feature;

• A specially-designed thrash cart for garbage collection for street sweepers. Invented by Jun Chua;

• King Bamboo Flute invented by Dante Ursua;

• Strengthened reinforced steel bars. Invented by Ben Yao;

• Voca CDX101, a stereo amplifier described as the “only amplifier in the world that can accurately reproduce live surround sound as perfectly as it was originally recorded. Invented by Carlos Casas;

• Personalized Flash Cards used in schools invented by Rod Evano;

• Additive Pertua Motor Oil being used by helicopters in US. Invented by Jun Simon;

• Recycled Oil invented by Ben Santos;

• Griller with special features invented by Manny Dono;

Inventors-members of FIS are a special breed indeed. They are patient and persevering. Never complaining even if the incentives that come their way cannot match those of other groups. Their open curious minds to see beyond what is known are not hampered or blurred by the lack of funding for product development and research. They are steadfast in their commitment that they can make a difference in the lives of others. And lastly, they never lost hope that they will soon have that long-awaited breakthrough.

The above-mentioned traits of inventors of the FIS including my good friend, 72-year-old Cesar Sanvictores who recently joined our Lord are heartening to note. To this date, I can still see the beaming face of Cesar Sanvictores passionately sharing with me what FIS is doing for the country. The last time I saw him in my office was about two (2) months before he died. It was very obvious as I listen to Cesar Sanvictores talk about FIS that his mission in life was to keep FIS moving forward.

Have a joyful day!

By NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE/ mb.com.ph

Quiet ‘Undas’, police say

Sun.Star — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:31:15 +0000

All Soul’s Day at Oro Garden's, Cagayan de Oro City

TUESDAY’S traditional observance of All Soul’s Day was generally peaceful, police authorities said, even as thousands of people flocked to cemeteries to remember their dearly departed loved ones. The local police set up inspection stations at cemetery entrances which yielded a host of confiscated prohibited objects and items such as bladed weapons, sharp instruments and alcoholic drinks.

Acting city police director Noel Armilla said All Souls’ Day turned out better than anticipated although police still received reports of petty crimes in all cemeteries in the city.

Armilla credited the orderly observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day to the vigilance of police units and the cooperation of different barangay officials and of the public as well.

Armilla cited the help of various non-government organizations (NGOs), volunteer groups, local government units, and other government agencies.

Some 700 policemen from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) were deployed in all public and private cemeteries to provide security and public safety services.

Aside from providing security in the cemeteries, policemen were also tasked to secure bus terminals, sea ports, airports, and residences.

Oro Garden's Chapel, Cagayan de Oro City

City Health Office personnel and barangay health workers were also on hand to give medical assistance to those in need.

Armilla said Cocpo will also be implementing similar preventive security measures in the coming Christmas season. (Annabelle L. Ricalde)

Day of the Dead food is called ofrenda, or offering, because it is set out as a commemorative gift to the deceased relatives who are being honored on this occasion.

cdo — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:22:23 +0000

Offerings (ofrenda) for our dead relatives.

All Souls Day features food in two ritual contexts: (1) placed on gravesites during cemetery vigil, and (2) displayed on home altars.

Day of the Dead food is called ofrenda, or offering, because it is set out as a commemorative gift to the deceased relatives who are being honored on this occasion.

The two most common ofrenda ingredients are candles and fresh flower or flower petals. In fact, these are the only items without which an ofrenda would be considered incomplete and inadequate.

How to kill fastfood boredom while waiting for the liars

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:59:59 +0000

Fastfoods are everywhere in the metro and oftentimes it becomes the favorite meeting place or a place to stay while waiting for somebody. Of course you have to order something while waiting – or else you will look like a “patay-gutom” (totally broke professional) or you will get that get-out-of-here look from the guard.

Most of the time the long wait is oh-so-deadly boring. Most people are so insensitive and don’t even respect other people’s time. These people are liars – saying “Just stay there, I’m on my way” while in fact they just get up from bed.

I admire those who can just stare blankly at nothing while waiting, like a psychotic addict who can see dead people. But I can’t do that, I have to do something.

Here are the things I do to kill boredom at a fastfood while waiting for those liars:* Forward text messages (the forward-this-or-you-will-die type), quotes and jokes to my contacts – I love annoying them.

* Escape the noise by turning my ipod full volume – and swing my head like that silly puppy in a car dashboard. (in jeepneys it is often place beside that gold feng-shui cat, forever waving. – I hate those stuff.)

* Make an ice barbeque – place all those remaining ice tubes on the straw, hang it between cups and watch it melt.

* Play straw pop - trap the air at the center of the straw by simultaneously rolling both ends and let your friend pop it. (maybe I should make a video sometime)

And of course the classic – Play-with-the-leftovers. Like the following pictures. I admire the one who made this:

Happy weekend! Yodz

P100-m transformer in place due to growing power demand in Oro

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:08:27 +0000

Power Shortage / Photo by Archie

By CONG CORRALES – Correspondent Gold Star Daily News
A BRAND new transfor-mer dedicated for the power needs of Cagayan de Oro and its neighboring areas has been installed last Sunday, the head for Mindanao operations and maintenance of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) announced yesterday.

Engr. Emmanuel Abella-nosa said NGCP put on stream a 100 MVA transformer last Sunday which would cover the projected load growth of the area for the next five to seven years.

The power interruptions experienced in some parts of the city early morning yesterday can be attributed to NGCP’s continuing test runs of the new equipment, he said.

“We experienced power interruptions this morning (yesterday) because of the switching. You may call this ‘birth pangs.’ I call on everybody to be patient as it will take as at least a week to stabilize the power transmis-sion of the new transformer,” said Abellanosa.

He said the transformer is a big investment of NGCP—it costs P100 million. He said it would show NGCP’s resolve to complement the dynamic growth of the city. The NGCP is a private corporation responsible for the operation, maintenance and centralized planning of the nationwide power transmis-sion system. It is covered under RA 9136 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (Epira) which has effectively privatized the power industry in the country.

Abellonosa however explained that all transmission assets of National Trans-mission Corp. (Transco) still remain government-owned.

“At the end of the conces-sion period (25 years) all expansion projects will be reverted back to national government,” he said.

Abellanosa also said that as far as power transmission is concerned people in Mindanao can be assured the NGCP would deliver.

“Although, it can’t be denied that generation issues will still have to be resolved. But we may be better off here in Cagayan de Oro because there is the Minergy and Steag to generate additional load should there be a shortage,” he said.

Golden Arirang Korean Restaurant, Claro M. Recto Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City

cdo — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:30:40 +0000

Golden Arirang Korean Restaurant

Located along Claro M. Recto Avenue in Cagayan de Oro City, Golden Arirang Korean Restaurant is a highly efficient food service provider that specializes in Korean dishes. Inside this impressive dining facility, customers can avail either buffet or plate-in accommodations.

Probably the best Korean restaurant in town.

The restaurant is open for reservations and bookings through the telephone number (088)-856527.

NOBODY by SOP Beautiful Girls

cdo — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:44:04 +0000

NOBODY by SOP Beautiful Girls