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

Jun62019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

8 Reasons To Tour Scotland in Your Lifetime

Scotland is home to beauty, mystery and centuries of history. The country is full of beautiful scenery to immerse yourself into. The culture is interesting and charming. While many tourists go for fantasy, here are ten reasons everyone should take a trip to Scotland. Castles Many Scotland tours take a trip to the many castles dotting the land. Stirling Castle may still carry the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots. In fact, you can even stay in many castles as several are hotels now. From the famous Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands to Floors Castle near the Scottish border, the country has many to explore and soak in the history of the country. Crags Scotland is known for its wildness and the many crags provide an opportunity for tourists to test their mettle. ...

Jun62019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How often should I perform Brand Tracking?

Business, Mindanaoan Update

A brand tracker is something which allows you to get a snapshot of the positioning of your current brand. In terms of both the market your brand is associated with and key competitors, too. This snapshot can be brilliant at giving you insights that other forms of more basic information can’t provide, such as sales figures. Many companies find this sort of information vital. Something that is an invaluable source of information. The trickier question for some companies is how regular this information needs to be refreshed. In this article, we will look at what some of the options are. Then from this, we can look at what factors might make you choose one timeframe over another.In terms of time scale there are three basic options: AnnualQuarterlyMonthly An annual brand tracker can be us...

May242019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From Compostela Valley to Davao de Oro

Compostela Valley, Government, Mindanaoan Update

It's the only province in the Davao Region that does not have "Davao" in its name. That will soon change, though. Compostela Valley, created in 1998 through Republic Act 8470 that divided the Province of Davao del Norte, will soon be named "Davao de Oro." President Rodrigo Duterte has signed R.A. 11297 on April 17 allowing a plebiscite that will be conducted and supervised by the Commission on Elections. The change to "Davao de Oro" will be subject to ratification by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters during the said plebiscite. Compostela Valley Vice Governor-elect Maricar Zamora said that the new law is "a good day" for the province. "We will soon be named DAVAO DE ORO! Thank you President Rodrigo Duterte for approving our bill... now it is Republic Act No. ...

Apr292019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Popular CDO buffet POPS All Filipino Eatery opens SM CDO Downtown branch

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update

The most preferred and arguably the best eat and drink all you can place in Cagayan de Oro has opened its latest branch! POPS All Filipino Eatery has just opened their newest branch at the 2nd floor of SM CDO Downtown Premier. POPS All Filipino Eatery started with their 2-storey restaurant along Corrales Avenue (beside 7/11). Then they opened an Ayala Centrio outlet. This SM CDO Downtown Premier branch is obviously their third and it seems they're not slowing down anytime soon. POPS CDO buffet is available everyday (lunch, merienda and dinner). Rates: Weekdays (Monday to Friday) Adult - Php 250.00, Children - Php 150.00, Senior Citizen - Php 200.00 Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) Adult - Php 299.00, Kids - Php 175.00, Senior Citizen - Php 239.20 Merienda (E...

Apr212019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Discover the joy of halal food at Babu Kwan CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

I don't remember exactly when I first had it but I do have a fond memory of an encounter with halal food. It was during a political campaign stop in Cotabato City. My political client and the other males were in a separate room and I, being the only female in our political team at the time, was led to a room full of lovely, graceful Muslim ladies and several children all happily playing with each other. I remember they all had smiles for me and the room smelled of absolutely delicious home cooking, spices, goodness and joy. It was a beautiful memory. Since then, I have always made it a point to eat halal food when given the chance. During my travels to Malaysia and Singapore, halal food was always part of my diet. And I'm glad that in Cagayan de Oro, there's now a restaurant where you ...

Apr202019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

John Lloyd Cruz surprises diners at POPS All Filipino Eatery CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Food

Earlier this week, he was spotted at Wao, Lanao del Sur visiting a friend. This time, blockbuster king John Lloyd Cruz was spotted dining at popular Cagayan de Oro buffet place, P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery during Good Friday. And based on the photos, Lloydie seemed to have a good time and gamely posed for photos with fellow diners and fans. POPS All Filipino Eatery, located along Corrales Street (beside 7/11) and across Chavez, is one of, if not the most popular and preferred eat-all-you-can restaurants in Cagayan de Oro. This CDO buffet place has surely experienced quite a meteoric rise. Despite the many buffet places, POPS All Filipino Eatery has remained as a force to reckon with --- not only because of its super affordable price (Php 199 is difficult to beat!) but also...

Apr182019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Things to Do in Fort Myers

Mindanaoan Update

Florida has been a popular vacation destination for many years. With its sandy beaches, theme parks or entertaining night life, there is something for everyone. Located in the southwest part of Florida, Fort Myers has it all. It is home to beautiful beaches, fun dining and shopping experiences and Cayo Costa State Park. You and your family will never be bored with all that Fort Myers has to offer. Here are some things you should definitely try during your stay. Go to the Beach If you are vacationing in Florida, you will definitely want to get some beach time in. Fort Myers is known for its amazing array of seashells. It even celebrates National Seashell Day in June. Make sure to pick one up off the beach to take home with you as a free souvenir Once you've walked the beautiful ...

Apr102019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

No covered court? No problem! Mindanao school gets creative

Mindanaoan Update

Are Filipinos creative or what?! These photos taken during the recent graduation ceremony at Binuangan Central Elementary School in Binuangan, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines truly show just how creative, practical and, quite frankly, tolerant we can be. Creative because, as you can see, they used umbrellas and covered seats instead of letting the graduates suffer under the searing heat of the sun. Apparently, this happened because the school didn't have a covered court (where graduation ceremonies in many public schools are usually held). Practical because they made do with cost-effective, available or easy-to-source materials. The potted plants along the "path" where the graduates, guests and school officials were supposed to walk on also added a nice little touch. ...

Mar252019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to name your own tree in the Philippines

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Society, Technology

You can now name a tree in the Philippines and it will hardly cost you anything! Actually, this will be extra easy if you're a Globe Prepaid, Postpaid, and TM customer. Why? Because if you are, then you have a chance to not only name your own tree but you can also help restore the Philippines’ primary rainforest cover when you donate your Globe Rewards points to Hineleban Foundation by March 31, 2019. Hineleban (He-ne-leu-ban) is a Sacred Binukid term literally meaning “Mother Tree of the rainforest that sustains the cycle of all life." Hineleban Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organisation based in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Their vision is to ensure the nation’s water, food and human security by reforesting the mountain ranges of Mindanao, home to the country’s last watersheds. These ...

Mar112019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: DAISO New York Now Open

America, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America, Videos

DAISO Japan has finally opened its very first New York store and my little wasteland nut heart is going crazeballs! Daiso, known for its very wide selection of products at extremely low prices, has opened its doors in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area and I got invited to their grand opening! I also got to meet Mr. Yoshihidae Murata, Senior Vice President of Daiso US Operations, who said that they're confident that "New York residents will be delighted by the Daiso shopping experience that is beloved by many!" Beloved indeed! Personally, I frequent Daiso stores. In Cagayan de Oro, I think I'm at their Centrio Mall branch several times a month! Here in New York, their Daiso Flushing store, located at The Shops at Skyview Center, sells quality and oh-so-kawaii products fo...

Feb282019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Direct flights from Manila to Camiguin available starting May 2019

Camiguin, Flights, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

This is great news for Mindanao tourism and just in time for the tailend of summer! If you're coming from Manila and want to visit one of my favorite places in the Philippines, the volcanic island of Camiguin, you can soon do so in just a hop and a skip to the airport. Starting May 2019, Skyjet Airlines will offer direct flights from Manila to Camiguin. According to initial marketing collaterals, rates of the Manila to Camiguin flights will start at Php 3,088++. So from May to June 2019, the flights will be on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Things will be different come July 2019, though. The flights will be held daily! Pretty exciting! For those still unfamiliar with Camiguin Island a.k.a. the Island Born of Fire, it's home of the annual Lanzones Festival...

Feb172019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Zoo to open, here are the entrance fees and rules

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Features, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City, Tourism

The Province of Bukidnon is finally opening its very own zoo. The Bukidnon Zoo, which is set to open on February 26, 2019 March 5, 2019, is located at the Kaamulan Grounds in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. (Here's how to get to Malaybalay) The Kaamulan Grounds, which underwent extensive renovations and now has a water fountain and a footbridge, is also where the Tulugan cottages are. These are government-owned cottages amid pine trees that anybody can rent through the Bukidnon Tourism Office. With the impending opening of the Bukidnon Zoo, the Kaamulan Grounds will now soon be home of many different animals, picnic facilities, a playground and a snack store. The Bukidnon Zoo will feature various animals such as deer, bear cat, parrot, monkey, crocodile, boar, snak...

Feb172019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Millennial Streaming Habits 101

Mindanaoan Update

Many companies, services, and products are being marketed to the generation called Millennials. They are set to take over the population of Boomers as their number explodes to 73 million, compared to the declining 72-strong of Baby Boomers. Millennial is a term used to generally describe an age group that spans between the year 1981 to 1996. For some, millennials are head-strong individuals that prioritizes experience than anything else. And they even say it’s the “me-generation”, because of the selfie phenomenon. But above anything else, millennials are known to be innovative, and game changers in many aspects of the society. From business to education, even in the entertainment industry. Millennials have different habits than any other generations. And that is how businesses would ...

Feb112019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to save as a business owner

Mindanaoan Update

If you are a business owner, you have learned that it takes a lot of hard work, time, money, and effort to keep everything running smoothly. In fact, statistically, most businesses fail within the first five years because the owner is just not cut out for the job (nobody prepares you beforehand!) or they run out of money. I want to help you all avoid this and instead, I want to help you succeed at your businesses. Because of that, today, I want to chat with you about how to save as a business owner. You will always have costs, but you need to make sure you are saving, without cutting corners, whenever possible. Why? Because you are trying to keep as much money as possible within the business. Now, of course, this does not mean to skimp on paying your employees, or lower the quality of y...

Feb92019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

New nesting area for Philippine Eagle identified

Bukidnon, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

Here's good news! A new nesting territory for the mighty monkey-eating Philippine Eagle has been identified...and yes, it's in Mindanao, particularly in the highlands of Bukidnon. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, they have duly verified local reports that indicated the presence of a Philippine Eagle and its offspring in Bukidnon. The said foundation said that they conducted a 2-week expedition and confirmed that there's an eaglet about 10 months old and its parent in the Bukidnon highlands. This is a really positive development especially since there are only about 400 Philippine Eagles left. My friend, Atty. John Flores, who is gunning for the District 2 congressional seat, cautioned that people should be more mindful of the Philippine Eagles' nesting areas. Th...

Feb52019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

DC Shoes opens standalone store in Centrio Mall CDO

Mindanaoan Update

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 DC...

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, eve...

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 incredib...

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...