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

May72024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Attending the 3rd National Investigative Journalism conference Philippines 2024 #IJPH2024

Advocacy, Events, Features, Journalism, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

The 3rd National Investigative Journalism Conference in the Philippines for 2024 was held from April 30 to May 2, 2024 in Quezon City and was hosted by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). The conference aimed to provide a learning, sharing, and capacity-building venue for participants to appreciate the importance of investigative journalism and watchdog journalism in the face of increasingly challenging political and information environments. I feel absolutely honored and inspired to have been a part of the 3rd National #IJPH2024 100 journalists. 46 speakers. 3 plenary sessions. 12 breakout sessions. Topics were extremely relevant and urgent including artificial intelligence, deep fakes, social media for news and public engagement, 2025 elections (!!!), collab...

Apr162024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

WATCH: the amazing Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra LIVE in Bukidnon

Advocacy, Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Music

The world-class Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, recently performed live in Bukidnon. A very first in the Province of Bukidnon, considered the food basket of the country. The two live performances, one at 2 PM and another at 7 PM of April 12, 2024, were made possible by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and the Cultural Center of the Philippines in celebration of the inauguration of the Bukidnon Center for Culture and the Arts, located at the new Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City. I was able to attend both performances, thanks to my dear friend Senate President Migz Zubiri. Daghang salamat, SP! I was also given all access passes for other events that weekend, which I will soon share on th...

Feb212024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao Tour: Top 8 Destinations for Beach Lovers

Beauty, Camiguin, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Dipolog, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Surigao del Sur, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Tourism, Travel

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our Mindanao Tour, showcasing the top 8 beach destinations that are essential inclusions in any Philippine tour package. These pristine locations offer a diverse array of experiences, from serene retreats to adventurous water sports, all set in the stunning natural beauty of the Philippines. Dako Island, Siargao Nestled in the surfing capital of the Philippines, Dako Island stands out with its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. A haven for both relaxation and water sports enthusiasts, the island offers an idyllic beach escape. Visitors can indulge in the simple island life, savoring fresh seafood and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Tandu Beach, Sulu Tandu Beach, a hidden gem in the archipelago of Sulu, is known for ...

Jan312024 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

When in CDO: Visit Cogon Night Market

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism

Here's something you might want to do when you're in Cagayan de Oro - visit the Cogon Night Market! From buying vegetables to used clothing ("ukay-ukay"), electronics, cellphone cases etc to checking out an entire street full of food cart vendors, the Cogon Night Market in CDO is a bustling destination you might want to check out. In fact, the local government of Cagayan de Oro has been exerting efforts to turn the Cogon Night Market into a tourist destination of sorts. My friends and I visited the food market along Guillermo Street and as expected, there was a throng of people as early as 6 PM. Check out this brief video I made during our visit: https://youtube.com/shorts/aaI5U_knMCQ?si=D4LPVDFj_c2mg3kv Some fast facts about the Cagayan de Oro Night Market: Vendor...

Jan232024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Big Bad Wolf to bring world’s largest book sale to Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features

Fellow bookworms, rejoice! Big Bad Wolf will take the world’s largest book sale to Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. This is truly groundbreaking as this marks the first time Big Bad Wolf will bring its world-famous collection of books to CDO. There was a press conference a few days ago but I was in Cebu City (look at what I've been up to!) so I wasn't able to attend. However, I'm pleased to share information about this much-awaited book sale! Big Bad Wolf CDO will be a testament to BBW's never-ending commitment to spreading the joy of reading. As a book lover myself, I can say that Big Bad Wolf Cagayan de Oro will help foster a deeper appreciation for literature and support the ever-expanding community of avid readers. Big Bad Wolf CDO will take place from February 2 to 18, 2024 at ...

Jan222024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

lyf Cebu, a colorful coliving space, is now open!

Business, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel, Visayas

lyf Cebu City is now officially open and I was there during the grand launch! lyf Cebu officially swung open its doors on January 16, 2024 ushering in a new chapter of co-living and community-centric service. This colorful, comfortable and value-for-money property is developed by Cebu Landmasters INC., a Visayas-based firm, alongside Citadines Cebu City, Citadines Bacolod City, and Citadines Paragon Davao. Check out this video I made when I attended the grand launch of lyf Cebu: * You can also view the video here: Instagram: lyf Cebu TikTok: lyf Cebu Facebook: lyf Cebu https://youtube.com/shorts/maOr4wsCo_A?si=tMsgZnuimabbc-Z6 Strategically located at Tower 3, Base Line, lyf Cebu City serves as the perfect launchpad for guests to effortlessly explore the vibrant Qu...

Jan162024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe partners with a Cebu biz club for immersive Sinulog 2024 experience

Advocacy, Business, Cebu City

Globe and the We Are Ayala Business Club - Cebu (WAABC-Cebu) have partnered to redefine the Sinulog 2024 experience, providing a platform for festival goers to pursue their passions in art, technology, music and gaming, bringing Globe Passion City to Cebu this week. Located at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu, attendees can enjoy a variety of artistic pursuits from January 19 to 21, 2024. The event is happening under WAABC’s Bisayala, which starts January 16. Globe users will get to access Globe Passion City by making donations with their Globe Rewards via the GlobeOne app. Globe Passion City features the following: Art Mural Co-Lab, a communal mural painting activity Drip Studio, a creative space for figurine customization, and a Claw Machine gaming challenge...

Dec202023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kagay-anon Sony Music artists return home to hold special Christmas benefit gig

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Music

Catch Cagayan de Oro's very own singer-songwriter Ela Figura and RnB hip-hop band Sulo, both Sony Music acts, as they return home and hold a special Christmas gig that will benefit the "Home for Girls," a residential facility that provides protection, care, treatment and rehabilitation to abused and exploited girls below 18 years old. Ela Figura, the singer-songwriter recently signed with Ricky Ilacad's record label Off The Record under Sony Music Entertainment, is set to host a heartwarming Christmas Benefit Gig in her hometown on December 21, 2023. The event aims to support the "Home for Girls" by providing essential art materials for the residents in need. Joining her is the RnB Hip-Hop band Sulo, part of the esteemed roster of artists signed with Ely Buendia's record label Offs...

Dec42023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Marudori: two thumbs up for this halal-certified, chicken ramen place

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

One of the things I don't mind doing on my own is go on a solo food trip. Enjoying food with family and friends is great, of course, but there are times when you just want peace, quiet and just time for yourself, your thoughts, your plans in life and whatnots. Anyway, one of the places I visited on my own was Marudori, which serves chicken-based ramen. I went to Marudori's newer branch located at Salcedo Village, Makati. Their other branch is located at Rockwell. A sister company of Mendokoro Ramenba, which serves pork-based ramen, Marudori also has an open kitchen where you can observe how they prepare the gyozas and the ramen bowls. To start your meal, you might want to try the tsukune. It’s similar to chicken tocino but you dip it into this egg yolk and special sauce mixture an...

Nov152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Catch the Ayala Centrio Mall CDO Magical Nights of Lights 2023

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism

It's the yearly tradition you and your loved ones don't want to miss! Our favorite mall in Cagayan de Oro, Ayala Centrio Mall CDO, is back with their most-awaited Magical Nights of Lights! This Christmas light show runs daily every 30 minutes starting at 6 PM. Also, this nightly Centrio Mall CDO light show will run until January 6, 2023. It’s a truly festive, beautiful time to create and celebrate traditions with loved ones! Go ahead and visit! This CDO content creator also recommends that you check out the shops and restaurants at Centrio and treat yourself and your loved ones. After all, it's the Christmas holidays! Check out what happened when Ayala Centrio invited me, your friendly Cagayan de Oro influencer, during the launch: (as always, big thanks to Centrio for always remem...

Nov72023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This Mintal, Davao hitoan serves good ol’ deep fried crispy catfish

Davao City, Food, Reviews

It may look like a humble eatery from the outside but this hitoan in Mintal, Davao serves really delicious good ol' deep fried crispy catfish...and did I mention that the price is very affordable? Aside from the mouthwatering crispy catfish (hito), they also serve native chicken tinola and vegetable dishes and their bestselling buko-melon halo-halo but, of course, you come here for the hito. Trust me, with all the many vehicles parked outside Dendave Ihaw-Ihaw and Hitoan, they've already mastered the crispy deep fried catfish dish. For a kilo of already cooked hito (4 pieces), I only paid Php 310.00 (US $6). I don't know about you but to me that's a steal! We try to drop by Dendave hitoan Mintal whenever we travel from either Cagayan de Oro or Bukidnon to Davao or vice versa. Servi...

Oct62023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Earn EXTRAAAA cash when you travel this 10.10

Consumer, Contests, Features, Shopping

Revenge travel is real! I'm sure you know someone who has traveled as soon as the restrictions have been lifted. Given the chance, I'm also pretty sure you have a long list of destinations you also want to discover. However, let's admit it - we always need to have a budget in mind. The best travel deals This is why I am happy that I can get cashback on my favorite travel apps and websites via ShopBack! Did you know that you can get cashback from your hotel bookings, airlines, and even activities? Here are some of the deals that they have this 10.10! You can get cashback from Agoda, Booking.com, Klook, and more! For a P10,000 hotel booking for example - you can get P750 cashback! You can also get cashback from airlines! Singapore Airlines, Etihad, Emirates, and AirAsia are ju...

Oct22023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Unleash Your Inner Chef at Nuda CDO: The Ultimate DIY Korean Ramyun Experience

Business, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

If you're in the mood for something warm, comforting and delicious (not to mention very affordable), and you're a ramyeon / ramyun / ramen lover like me, then look no further than Nuda CDO. Nuda is the new (and BEST so far...trust me!) DIY Korean ramyun restaurant in Cagayan de Oro. Nestled just a stone's throw away from the Xavier University gym along Corrales Avenue - right at the heart of downtown Cagayan de Oro City. Nuda is the brainchild of my longtime friend - none other than singer/composer/artist and CDO's very own pride and joy, Titus John "TJ" Monterde, along with his wife, singer KZ Tandingan and their families. How they came up with the name of this business is a cute story. Here's how TJ explained it: https://youtube.com/shorts/fpvedOSTld4?feature=share What s...

Sep262023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My fave discounted finds at the S&R Members Fest 2023 – lots of Buy 1 Take 1 deals

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

It's officially one of my super favorite days of the year! I'm talking about the great S&R Members Fest 2023! For the whole month of September, our favorite warehouse shopping center is offering a shopping extravaganza like no other. Lots of Buy 1 Take 1 deals, up to 50% off and lots of big, big savings! The weekly deals are really something --- just check out some of my amazing finds during my numerous visits at S&R. From food to household items to kitchenware to pet supplies to snacks to even alcoholic drinks --- the deals are just incredible. Perfect time for you to be a member of S&R if you still aren't! Also, keep in mind that being an S&R member also gets you access to their tire center, where I myself availed of many freebies, letting me save thousands! Don't...

Sep152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero wants mandatory insurance coverage for powerline workers

Advocacy, Announcements, Corporate, Government, Society, Technology

Senator Chiz Escudero has recently filed a bill that seeks to provide mandatory insurance coverage and other benefits for all lineworkers in the power utility sector. This is definitely good news especially since I personally know some lineworkers in the power utility sector and most, if not all, of them shared that they barely make enough to purchase insurance not only for themselves but for their loved ones as well. In filing Senate Bill No. 2303, Senator Chiz Escudero said the measure will ensure that the well-being of thousands of lineworkers as well as that of their families are protected. “The continuous and reliable supply of electricity—crucial in sustaining our economic growth and maintaining our way of life—rests on the hands of lineworkers who construct, install, mai...

Sep42023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GCash, Fuse Lending now offers Sakto Loan

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

GCash, together with Fuse Lending Inc., recently introduced GCash Sakto Loans, a nano loan offer that enables GCash users to easily borrow small amounts as ‘pambale,’ as it seeks to provide more Filipinos with access to fair, easy and inclusive loan options without the need for bureaucratic paperwork. This is definitely good news for folks who needs a little "breather" from financial obligations and with just the right amount, something that the borrower knows he or she can comfortably pay back in time. A GCash study found that nine out of 10 Filipinos have to borrow money to make ends meet. But with the rigorous loan application process set by formal institutions and banks, more than half resort to borrowing from informal lenders with high interest rates and sometimes abusive colle...

Aug302023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Coca-Cola Zamboanga plant marks 56 years of service

Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur

Did you know that Coca Cola Zamboanga is half of Coca Cola Philippines' age? You see, Coke Philippines was established in the country 111 years ago. This year, Coke Zamboanga marks its 56th year! Cool, huh? Since its establishment in the Philippines 111 years ago, Coca-Cola has upheld its mission of providing happy refreshing moments to Filipinos across the country and making a difference to local communities. The company has been consistently implementing sustainability efforts and undertakes programs for the communities that it operates in - a way of giving back to the Filipinos that have opened their homes to Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola Zamboanga Plant, which celebrates its 56th anniversary this year, is one of the leading examples of the company’s operational philosophy. Located in...

Aug92023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New IELTS on Computer lab now open in CDO

Mindanaoan Update

Here's great news for those who need to take the IELTS exam! IDP Philippines and 9.0 Niner IELTS Review Center have partnered up and recently opened the first ever IELTS on Computer Lab in Cagayan de Oro City! This new lab provides test takers the ease and convenience of booking their IELTS test, having access to numerous test preparation and review materials and taking the test itself all in one place. Plus, of course, if you live within CDO and nearby areas, there's no need for you to travel far to take the exam. IELTS on Computer offers a convenient way of completing the Reading, Listening and Writing parts of the test using a computer, together with the Video Call Speaking test with an IELTS examiner, allowing test takers to complete the entire test in only ONE DAY. Test...

Aug82023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

First ever Tourist Rest Area in Mindanao now open

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

The first ever Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Mindanao is now open! The said TRA has been inaugurated in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, which is about an hour away from Cagayan de Oro, and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco even graced the event. Tourists traveling to Bukidnon and neighboring provinces can now make a safe and comfortable stopover at the said TRA. A flagship project of the DOT to provide convenience and comfort to tourists, this Mindanao tourist rest area is a convergence point that foreign and local travelers could approach to get information on tourism sites and attractions, activities, and accommodations, and to report concerns related to safety and security. According to the DOT, the construction of TRAs in strategic locations all over the country is a f...

Jul252023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Single mom’s love and foresight saves daughters after COVID-19 tragedy

Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

Cathy Santos, a courageous single mother, and small business owner, took decisive action to protect her daughters' future amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Her story is a testament to the power of love and thoughtful financial planning in the face of adversity. During a visit to her BDO branch, she was able to talk to a BDO Life Financial Advisor (FA). Cathy sought life insurance policies for her two daughters. Her intention was very specific – she wanted to provide her children a financial head start which they could spend for whatever they needed as they got older. The BDO Life FA noted Cathy’s commitment and sense of responsibility. She asked Cathy a crucial question: “Why not get a life insurance policy for yourself as well? You’re the sole breadwinner of a single-income ho...

Jul182023 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Discover the Future of Luxury Living in Cagayan de Oro: The Midtown and The Montage by Vista Estates

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

Welcome to the vibrant city of Cagayan de Oro, where the allure of modern living meets the tranquil beauty of nature. If you're a prospective real estate investor or property broker searching for the next big opportunity, look no further. Vista Estates is proud to present two upcoming properties that are set to redefine luxury living in this thriving city: The Midtown and The Montage. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GRAND LAUNCH: I was invited to the grand launch of these two properties in Cagayan de Oro (thanks, Vista Estates!) Check out this mini highlights vlog that I made: https://youtube.com/shorts/fluKLy1GZ58?feature=share Unveiling The Midtown at Canitoan: Located in the neighborhood of Canitoan, The Midtown by Vista Estates is a vision of urban elegance. Inspired ...

Jul152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New CDO must-do: visit Carmen Art District

Advocacy, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update

Here's something new (and a must-do!) you can visit in Cagayan de Oro! Carmen Art District is an artist-run space committed to providing a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase work, engage in critical discourse, and connect with a wider audience. They aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment in our local community that encourages artistic experimentation and innovation. And starting today until August 2023, you can check out Kelly Ramos' "Coming home: Old Paintings," a gathering of art works in a span of 2 decades. This little retrospective provides a rare opportunity to see the paintings together in one place. It is a way to discover the artist’s development over time, and see the narratives she has chosen for her themes throughout the years. The p...