Mindanaoan Irene, Author at Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Feb52019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

DC Shoes opens standalone store in Centrio Mall CDO

DC Shoes is back in Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro with a fresh, spanking brand new standalone store. Located at the 2nd Floor of the Ayala Centrio Mall, the new DC Shoes store is ready to cater to everyone (especially skateboarders) who value quality shoes. To mark their return, DC Shoes held a "Go Skate Day" where 30 skateboarders vied for awesome prizes. John Ford won the Longest Gap contest while Mark Joseph Geraga bagged the Best in Swag prize. Representatives of Primer Group of Companies, the company that manages DC and a host of other brands including my favorites Fit Flop and Native including DC Shoes Brand Executive Llander Simon Cham and Edgar Rabino and Norgelyn Bihag of PGC, were onsite to ensure that everyone had fun and also had the chance to check out various D...

Feb12019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cokaliong launches M/V Filipinas Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc. has recently launched its latest passenger vessel, M/V Filipinas Cagayan de Oro. This Cokaliong passenger boat will start operating on February 2, 2019 and will ply the Cagayan de Oro - Cebu City route. M/V Filipinas Cagayan de Oro is the 13th ship owned by Cokaliong and can accommodate 631 passengers. The Cokaliong CDO to Cebu / Cebu to CDO boat leaves at 7 PM and its estimated time of arrival at the port of destination is at 5:30 AM. Schedule: From Cebu to Cagayan de Oro (every Saturday night). From Cagayan de Oro to Cebu (every Monday night). Rates: Economy - Php 1,020.00 Lounge - Php 1,090.00 Tourist - Php 1,125.00 Business Class - Php 1,230.00 Cabins - choices of Php 1,615.00 (room is good for 6), Php 1,720.00 (room is...

Feb12019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home Before Vacationing Out of the Country

Mindanaoan Update

When you go on a vacation, the weeks leading up to it can be absolutely nerve-racking! For one, you’re overly excited about the trip. Two, it seems like time just drags by and that magical day will never come. You experience this type of feeling when you’re traveling from state to state, but when you’re traveling to an entirely different country, the excitement is almost uncontrollable. There’s just something unexplainable about visiting a different country. It’s like they have the same type of thing that you would see anywhere else, but it’s so different. The Disneyland in Hong Kong is so different than the Disneyland in California… they’re so different but similar in so many ways as well. For example, It’s a Small World ride in Hong Kong is totally different than the one Paris, ev...

Jan282019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Men’s Shoes That Draw Women’s Attention

Mindanaoan Update

To determine the social group of a person, it is enough to look at their shoes. Often, shoes are the main style-forming element of the image and a bright red sign of taste and character. So, men who are interested in single women dating should pay special attention to this moment. The most sexual men adhere to strict and noble style, and their shoes are their main weapon (except for manners). So, what shoes you should choose to draw the attention of charming girls? Oxford Shoes When you wear Oxfords, you are a little closer to the image of James Bond. Initially, this shoe was only for students, but over time, Oxfords have turned into number one shoe for any solemn event: social events, weddings or business meetings. Oxfords are easy to determine: these are classical shoes or low...

Jan162019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Wallet-Friendly Wedding Tips for All Engaged Couples

Mindanaoan Update

So, you’re recently engaged (congratulations!) and it’s time to start the wedding planning process. Your budget is a little lower than you’d like and you need to put together a wallet-friendly wedding. No worries at all! Planning a low-budget wedding can actually be really fun because it makes you think creatively, and the finished product is extra special and satisfying. Read on for our wallet-friendly wedding tips for all engaged couples. We talk about dresses, planning, venue, food and the most important aspects to keep your sights on. Find an affordable wedding dress There’s so much pressure around the wedding dress when it comes to being a bride. But the pressure is totally needless. You absolutely do not need to spend thousands on a wedding dress. There are so many incredi...

Jan152019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ways To Reduce Stress

America, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America

I was listening to a podcast the other day and the host said, “There is nothing magical about January 1st.” It’s funny because so often of the time we hear that a new year is coming and we think that everything will automatically refresh and renew for us. If you think this way, let me give you the lowdown: it doesn’t work that way. A specific day does not refresh your life and make things happen (or not happen) for you - you are the only person that can make change happen in your life, so if you are needing to reduce your stress, don’t wait until the new year, or the end of the month. Start today! Let’s talk about why you would want to reduce your stress. The brain undergoes chemical and physical changes when you become stressed and it affects its overall functioning, which is obviou...

Jan142019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Iligan to Bukidnon road now ready, travel time reduced by 2 hours

Bukidnon, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Do you frequently travel from Bukidnon to Iligan City? Here's good news! Travel time between these two major Mindanao areas is now reduced by roughly 2 hours because of the Sta. Felomina - Bonbonon - Digkilaan - Rogongon route. Traditionally, travelers need to pass through Cagayan de Oro. However, because of this new Iligan to Bukidnon road, travelers now have an alternative route - a time-saving option. Technically, this road serves between Iligan City and Talakag town in Bukidnon. This 60.40 km road section in Iligan City is part of the Mindanao East-West Lateral Road that involves opening and concreting of roads with cross drainage, safety road improvements and lined canal, according to DPWH. Do take note, though, that some parts of this route remain unfinished. Stil...

Jan112019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

New York Locations Made Famous on the Big Screen and in Television

America, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Travel, United States of America

Hollywood has had a long-running, on again-off again relationship with the state of New York. I say that in the sense of plenty of TV shows and movies have been filmed there, but there are also plenty of other locations around the world where television shows and movies have been filmed as well, so Hollywood may stray away from New York for a little while, but it always comes back and has created movies and some of television’s most notable shows that are still relevant today! There are certain TV shows and movies that immediately come to mind when you think of New York. For example, Seinfeld, Friends, and Sex and the City are big ones that come to mind. Although some of these shows were filmed as early as the late 80s, they can still be seen on television today… that just goes to show ...

Jan32019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Simple Ways To Get More Exercise In The New Year

Mindanaoan Update

Welcome, 2019! How is it already a new year again - time sure is flying by. Last year, one of my goals and resolutions was to get more exercise, get healthier, and maybe lose a few pounds. Like most, I didn’t do a great job on executing those goals. I had every intention to do so and then life got in the way like it typically does. But, this year, I am committed and that’s why I wanted to think of some simple ways to get more exercise. You don’t need to workout 24/7 to lose weight - you just have to find simple ways to get exercise in each and every day. Here are a few ways: Travel Traveling is an extremely simple way to get exercise without even thinking about it. For example, in Florence, Italy, you can climb up the Duomo, you can walk in Boboli Gardens, and you can just walk around ...

Jan22019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cafe Sa Bukid – thriving in the middle of nowhere

Bukidnon, Business, Cafe, Consumer, Features, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Tourism

I think it was just a matter of time. After all, it sits on a verdant plateau between mountain ranges (so you know fo' sho' you see amazing views everywhere!), the weather is nice, life is chill and the people are cool and friendly. I'm talking about Lantapan, Bukidnon, situated between the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountain ranges, having its first crowd-drawing cafe, Cafe Sa Bukid. This 2-storey hut largely made out of bamboo has become quite a sensation - attracting not only local customers but visitors from just about everywhere. I went home to the Philippines a few weeks ago and Cafe Sa Bukid was one of the places my relatives and I visited. It’s located in Kibangay, Lantapan, about 45 minutes away from the Barangay Aglayan, Malaybalay City junction. You won’t miss it - it’s alon...

Dec192018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

How to actually enjoy your vacation to the max!

Mindanaoan Update

A while back, I planned a trip with a group of friends and we were all so excited to travel, de-stress, and have fun together. Once we arrived at our destination, even though we were greeted by blue skies and perfect weather, everything seemed off. Somehow, in those seven days away, I couldn’t help but realize that we didn’t have nearly as much fun as we’d had sitting at our house doing nothing. On our way home, I remember saying: "Well, I guess you just can't plan for fun. Too bad!” My sense of being let down by my vacation is not unique: There’s research to show that people are happiest when they’re looking forward to a trip away—not when they’re actually vacationing, but I 100% think that this needs to change. I mean, we pay so much money to travel and we spend so much time planning ...

Dec152018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2 emerging trends that will transform your brand in 2019

Business, Consumer, Internet, Television

2018 was quite a year for international business. While we saw many points of contention, and had world leaders and consumers alike questioning just what in the world big business could possibly be thinking, we also saw some amazing deals finalized, some great annual earnings calls, and had some new developments that will help make our businesses grow in 2019. The world of business has been dealing with new and emerging implications of the Internet forwell over two decades now. Far more than any other development, at least since the Industrial Revolution, the Internet has completely transformed the business world, overhauling not only the way we market and sell our goods and services, but the way we communicate and structure our entire organizations. There’s no reason to expect that ...

Dec72018 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

3 Ways To Make A Living While Traveling The World

Blogging, Internet, Travel

Being stuck in one place, doing the same menial job day in and day out is so last century. With the advent of the internet, an entirely new market has emerged in the last two decades. No longer are the perspective and entrepreneurial-minded stuck in a specific demographic, there is freedom in working remotely, or even starting your own online business, blog, website, etc. Frankly, one is only limited by their imagination and their resources. With cheap airfare, a solid internet connection, and a decent laptop, the world is now your office. To give you an idea of where to start, let’s talk about some ways to work from anywhere in the world. 1 - Freelance Work and the Gig Economy Often, the hardest part of working remotely is getting started. People may ask “How can I find work ...

Dec62018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao will be home to the largest inflatable playground in the Philippines

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update

First, it was the longest dual cable zipline, next was the thrilling Dropzone, then the absolutely exhilarating Skyjump (I have tried all 3 and they're all major fun!), now Mindanao's most favorite extreme adventure park is back at it again! Dahilayan Adventure Park will soon unveil the largest inflatable playground in the entire Philippines! By the looks of it, the upcoming inflatable playground at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will have bounce houses, jump and slides, stages (26 of them!) and obstacle courses. The entire playground will have a total length of 250 meters or a quarter of a kilometer. Sounds really exciting especially for kids, toddlers, the young ones and, okay, the young once! ;) Who's excited for this? As of this writing, th...

Dec32018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

5 Coffee Shops in the West Village NYC You Need to Try

America, Cafe, Food, New York

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely latte, quick pick me up or a cafe to grab a coffee and breakfast, there are hundreds of coffee shops to choose from in NYC. Sometimes your local Starbucks just doesn’t cut it, so here are 5 coffee shops in West Village you must try whether you’re a resident or visiting. 1. Rebel Coffee - Location: 19 8th Ave. Rebel Coffee is a specialty coffee shop serving baked goods from local artisan bakers with fresh ingredients. This cozy shop is the perfect place to stop by for a cortado or mocha. You’ll fall in love with the atmosphere just as much as the coffee in your hand. Grab your go-to coffee of choice, take a seat by the windows and enjoy everything Rebel Coffee offers. 2. Birch Coffee - Location: 56 7th Ave. Birch Coffee began as two individ...

Dec32018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 best reasons why you need to treat yourself with Native Shoes

Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

I like recommending products that I personally buy and wear. One of the brands that I have grown to trust and love is Native Shoes. I have written about them first here and then here plus I post several photos of me wearing my Native Shoes just about anywhere. In fact, I wore them the first time I went to Taiwan then during my trips back to Malaysia and Singapore with the rest of my family. I also brought my favorite Native Shoes pair to New York! Just recently, I ordered two new pairs and I can't wait to receive them in the mail. Back in Cagayan de Oro, Native Shoes (located at the 2nd Floor of Centrio Mall) launched its newest collection a few days ago. And trust me --- you need to check it out! Here are 3 amazing reasons why you must treat yourself with a new pair (or two or three...

Nov222018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The fun Cirque de Globe CDO Globe Telecom party and my very special prize

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Technology

I haven't written about it yet (although if you do follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you'd have an idea) but, yes, I went home to the Philippines for about 3 weeks. It was a long-awaited, much-needed trip not only because I had to have my new US work visa stamped on my passport (let me know in the comments section if you want me to write about this, by the way!) but also because I have deeply missed my family, relatives, friends, clients (YASSS) and fellow bloggers! My trip was apparently very timely. Globe Telecom wanted to hold their media and bloggers appreciation party pretty early this year (they usually send out invitations either end of November or December) and the date fell on one of my "relax/chill" days. The theme of the party was "circus" and there was supposed to...

Nov142018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How I keep 90 cans of soda, beer (and wine bottles) deliciously COLD

Freebies, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping

This is something I've been SUPER excited to share with all of you before my big mini vacation trip back to the Philippines. Alas, that trip kept me so busy that I knew I could only break the good news once I'm back in New York. Anyhoo...here it is: I finally have the sleek, black NewAir AB-850 beverage fridge! AAHHH!!! :D This means I can now keep up to 90 cans of my favorite sodas and beers as well as lots of water and wine bottles all deliciously cold, conveniently all at the same time inside a very compact cooler/refrigerator. The NewAir AB-850B Black 90-Can Beverage/Beer Fridge is so compact it can actually fit almost anywhere. At home, I keep mine, not at the kitchen, but actually at a place accessible from both the living room and the dining area. This way, there's no need...

Oct72018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Ultimate Germany Food Guide Bound To Satisfy True Foodies’ Taste Buds

Food, Restaurant

One of the best parts about traveling is getting to experience foods of a different culture. That said, the more touristy destinations tend to downplay their dishes to meet the palate of the masses. If you're a true foodie, your taste buds are far more mature than most and thereby deserve foods that are rich in German flavors and accents. Use this Germany food guide to help you find establishments that serve up such fare. The Table Kevin Fehling, Hamburg This restaurant has three Michelin stars, each of which it earned in its very first year, a testament to its quality. Named after the 39-year-old Chef Kevin Fehling, this restaurant and its founder may be young but its atmosphere and modern European cuisine are for the mature. Diners can enjoy a night of exclusivity at the single, windin...

Sep172018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Big S&R Members’ Treat Is Here! September 26 to 30, 2018 (list of sale items here!)

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society

It's our favorite time of the year! The S&R Members' Treat is always the perfect time to hoard, look for gifts and even prepare for Christmas! The S&R Membership Shopping Members’ Treat means amazing buy 1, take 1 offers as well as up to 50 percent discounts. Lots of great deals guaranteed! ALL S&R branches nationwide will participate. That means that aside from S&R Cagayan de Oro, all these other branches will join the amazing S&R Members' Treat 2018: Alabang • Aseana • BGC • Commonwealth • Congressional • Parañaque • Shaw • Cabanatuan • Imus • Nuvali • Pampanga • Dau • Cebu • Iloilo • CDO • Davao This is truly the perfect time for you to stock up on all your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery items, imported ice cream, froz...

Sep162018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO travel agency opens office within downtown hotel

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Travel

What is the best travel agency in Cagayan de Oro? How would you know if it is the top travel agency in CDO? These are usually the questions we ask when we need to look for a reliable travel agency. Here's mighty good news! A travel services agency in Cagayan de Oro is set to open its brick and mortar office within a popular downtown hotel, making its services more accessible for tourists and guests in what is considered the conference capital of the Philippines and home of world-class white water river rafting. From being a home-based business, Aera Global Travel CDO is set to open its office doors on September 18, 2018 at The Pacifico Boutique Hotel, located along Velez corner Fernandez Streets. Aside from its super spacious rooms, modern facilities as well as being home to the city...

Aug312018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Look at these handmade arm candies fit for lovers of the sea

Beauty, Fashion, Shopping, Style

I am a self-proclaimed beach baby. Everything that has anything to do with the sea, surf, sand, sun gets my attention. Truth be told, one of my goals in life is to own a nice, cozy beach house and live by the beach again. I say again because for several years, my family and I lived along the shore in Davao City. Those were simple but very happy years. So when these lovely handmade nautical bracelets were sent my way, I knew I found my new favorites! Not only are these Wind Passion handmade bracelets certified arm candies, they're also great reminders of the fondest of times in my life and in my family's life. Wind Passion nautical bracelets are handmade, definitely eye-catching, comes in many colors and designs and are made of top quality, durable cord and other marine materials ...