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

Jan72017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan

Entertainment, Features, Japan, Leisure, Shopping, Style, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel

It’s the most frantic pedestrian crossing in the entire world. Movies like “The Fast and the Furious” and “Lost in Translation” have featured this very busy, famous intersection. The Shibuya Crossing, also referred to as “The Scramble,” is located in Shibuya, one of Tokyo, Japan’s special wards. The Shibuya Crossing is where pedestrians cross from virtually every direction all at the same time. It’s a crazy scene at this busy junction, I tell you! As soon as the traffic lights turn red, hundreds upon hundreds of people cross. Mind you, however, while everything looks busy and disorderly, you won’t see chaos. In fact, what you’ll see is “well organized, well choreographed chaos,” if you know what I mean. If you’re wondering why so many people cross this junction, it’s because it’s in ...

Jan72017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Take a helicopter ride and see Dahilayan Bukidnon from the sky

Bukidnon, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Barangay Dahilayan, one of the 22 barangays of the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, has truly evolved into Mindanao's favorite playground. From being the home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline to being the place where you can experience the 8-storey platform base jump to now offering helicopter rides! Dahilayan Forest Park, the property beside Dahilayan Adventure Park (where the popular Zipzone is), now offers helicopter rides. According to the Dahilayan Forest Park management, they forged a tie-up with Lion Air for the chopper rides. They're hoping the helicopter service will stay all year round. Currently, the Dahilayan helicopter ride rate is Php 1,200 per person. Aside from the helicopter ride, Dahilayan Forest Park also offers other amenities and servic...

Dec302016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

When In CDO: Check out The Oak Room whisky bar

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews, Society

I first wrote about The Oak Room CDO a few weeks back. That post got shared by hundreds of people - proof that the idea of a whisky bar that also has an amazing selection of vodka, tequila, brandy, cognac, scotch, champagne and many more in the middle of bustling Cagayan de Oro is what people have been waiting for. Together with my blogger friends Mike of CDO Places and Vic of Wow CDO (who also happen to be my co-founders of business group Hatch Mastermind), I attended the grand opening of The Oak Room CDO. Located within the compound of The Nest along Corrales Avenue, The Oak Room Cagayan de Oro is a cozy, comfortable gentleman's lounge that has an unparalleled whisky collection. From Ballantine to Famous Grouse to Jameson to Maker's Mark to the likes of Johnnie Walker, Chiva...

Dec292016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Five Qualities Most Travelers Look for in a Hotel

Mindanaoan Update

Today, most travelers book their hotel rooms weeks or even months before they leave home. The Internet makes it possible to conduct thorough research on practically any hotel in the country. Consider five qualities that most travelers look for before booking a hotel room. A Helpful Staff Whether they stay for two weeks or a single weekend, most travelers appreciate a helpful, courteous hotel staff. Helpful staff members are ready to assist with room issues as well as answer questions about local restaurants or shops. In short, hotel guests like to know they can rely on a knowledgeable, polite staff. A Well-Equipped Kitchen Not all travelers like to dine out when they stay in a hotel. This is why a well-equipped kitchen is so high on the list of qualities travelers look for in a...

Dec162016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GOOD NEWS: NTC breaches 2016 collection target by P 34.5 M

Announcements, Broadcasting, Consumer, Government, Media, Society, Technology

With barely 3 weeks left in 2016 to collect Administrative Fees, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), an agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology responsible for the supervision, adjudication and control over all telecommunications services throughout the country, has already breached its P 4.835 Billion target for the year. Reports say that the NTC's collections have amounted to P 4.870B to-date. The P 4.835B target was set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) composed of the Department of Budget Management (DBM), the Department of Finance (DOF) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). The achievement came from the NTC’s concerted efforts to strictly enforce stakeholders’ compliance in remitting administr...

Dec132016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Globe Telecom, Hineleban Foundation lead “Rainforestation” and livelihood program for IPs in Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur

Advocacy, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Bukidnon, Business, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Videos

A "rainforestation" program for the 6 mountain ranges in Mindanao as well as livelihood opportunities for indigenous people in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur are underway. Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom is set to donate roughly Php 1.4 Million to Hineleban Foundation. Globe, represented by its SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto, inked an agreement with the foundation together with its thousands of Globe MyLifestyle iPhone 7 customers for a 5-year "rainforestation program," composed of 3 key components, namely: reforestation, sustainable livelihood development and food security. Through Globe’s MyLifestyle Plan which starts at P2,599, clients have the option to contribute in the reforestation of denuded forests, particularly in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinc...

Dec62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New in CDO: 6-minute lights and sounds show at Centrio Mall @MyJaps

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism

It was truly a magical night of lights last December 1, 2016 as the Centrio Mall management unveiled the lights and sounds show at the Garden area. It was a 6-minute show reminiscent of what you can also see at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Kapuso star Julie Ann San Jose regaled the crowd with a few songs before she joined Centrio Mall general manager Natalie Mae Crisostomo and CDO City Tourism Consultant Dorothy Pabayo at the ceremonial switch-on. By the way, major thanks to all of the MyJaps fans who retweeted, reshared and reposted the content I produced that night. A lot of them patiently watched my snaps, IG stories and my Facebook live video! You guys are awesome and Julie Ann is very lucky to have fans like you :) Here's the Facebook Live vi...

Dec62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That awesome Limketkai Luxe Hotel weekend themed buffet

Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

A few days ago, I got to try the new and improved weekend themed buffet over at Kave Restaurant, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro's luxury hotel. It was a superb lunch. How good? Let's just say that Santa Claus had major belly competition that day LOL. I also had a realization of sorts at the time (yep, satisfying lunches cause this sometimes!). That in order for you to fully enjoy the Limketkai Luxe Hotel CDO buffet more, you have to be with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. Just like what happened when I went. I was with great friends whom I shared lively conversations with! BOOK A ROOM AT LIMKETKAI LUXE HOTEL CDO Anyway, the theme that Saturday I went was "Oriental Style." Here's the Limketkai Hotel CDO buffet schedule: Every Friday (6PM to 10PM) - the theme is ...

Dec22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Here’s a Bigby’s buffet offer you should not miss on December 8! (offer is good in all branches nationwide!)

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Davao City, Food, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update

These days, given stiffer and more aggressive competition, it's really pretty cool if you see a business withstand the test of time. One of the brands that has really proven that they're worth their salt is Bigby's. My family and I have long been fans of this brand. In fact, I raved about their pork steak, boomerang shrimps and caramel cheesecake back in 2008! (OMG :D) Now on their 18th year, Bigby's has truly captured the hearts of many diners in both Visayas and Mindanao. To celebrate this awesome milestone, Bigby's will be holding what they're calling the "Super 18th Anniversary Buffet" on December 8, 2016. And, yes, the anniversary buffet will be available in ALL OF THEIR BRANCHES: Ayala Centrio Mall and SM City (Cagayan de Oro), Ayala Center Mall Cebu, SM City Cebu, Abreeza Mall...

Dec22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Aruga Aesthetic Center CDO launches holiday campaigns

Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

Aruga Aesthetic Center, known for their luxurious yet affordable beauty and wellness services in Cagayan de Oro City, recently launched their holiday beauty campaigns. Dubbed "Party Ready Beauty," the first campaign focuses on helping us with our busy social calendars come the holiday season. This campaign offers us a way to make it to each social engagement feeling confident, and with eyelashes and eyebrows on fleek. Aruga will have promos on eyelash extensions and iBrow services. The second campaign, “Light and White Christmas,” offers a "white" Christmas. Valued clients will get a chance to unleash their inner glow - with promotions for their glutathione, Beauty Fusion, and other skin brightening services. The third holiday beauty campaign is the Aruga Christmas tre...

Nov252016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The latest toast of the town: P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery CDO, where traditional meets hip

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

These days, more often than not, sales are greatly affected by the millenials or echo boomers. These Generation Y folks are those who like to try new things, check out new places, taste new cuisine and post about their own experiences via social media. They are young, have modern mind sets, have money to spend and have platforms where they can easily share their thoughts and possibly influence others. However, if your business is more of the traditional type, how do you target these millenials? This is the challenge that the owners of P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery proudly faced and by the looks of it, they’re winning! P.O.P.S. or Pinoy Original Paborito Special serves a wide selection of homestyle and traditional Filipino cooking prepared with modern techniques. What makes them unique i...

Nov242016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Government agencies, telcos deserve praise for swift action in typhoon hit areas

Announcements, Government

There are days when you become frustrated with the goings-on in the country. But there are also days when you see great effort on the part of various government agencies and it is but right and fair to acknowledge them. Take the proactive actions of the government agencies and telecommunication agencies last month during super typhoon "Lawin," for instance. Thanks to their full blast restoration efforts, mobile phone subscribers were able to immediately reconnect with their loved ones in areas hit by the super typhoon. Mobile subscriber Mark Pascua experienced this first hand when he sought the help of the government through the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center and Hotline when he could not reach his relatives in Solana, Cagayan last Oct. 20 in the aftermath of the powerful storm that ha...

Nov112016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why sneakerheads should go visit Sneakpeek

Announcements, Beauty, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports, Style

Are you a sneakerhead or a person who passionately collects, trades and admires sneakers as a hobby? Do you like sporting the latest collectible pair of kicks? Does your heart go a-thump-thump when you see an ad for a very hard-to-find pair? I have great news for you. Apparently, there’s no need for you to go to Manila or order online for that elusive pair of special sneakers anymore. Here in Mindanao, and in Cagayan de Oro specifically, you can now head to a store where exclusive designs and major global brands are available. Earlier this week, I was invited to the grand opening of Sneakpeek, a multi-brand lifestyle store that houses some of the most highly sought-after major global footwear brands. It was also a special “unlock” day because Sneakpeek unveiled the Puma Bla...

Nov102016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Novuhair breaks down hair truths versus myths

Beauty, Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update

I regularly color my hair. I started out with the auburns, deep browns and burgundy shades. These days, however, you can see me sporting light colors (platinum, blonde and the like). In other words, I like experimenting. However, as much as I don't like to admit it, I am putting harmful chemicals on my hair. For others, putting chemicals can result in migraine, nausea and skin rashes. These symptoms may be quickly attributed to stress but if you look closer, the culprit may just be your hair product! Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss, gives us the lowdown on these chemicals. Check out these hair myths versus hair truths. Myth: Shampoo must produce lots of lather in order to properly clean your hair. Truth: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a compound that helps shampoo and ...

Nov22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I’m heading to Blogapalooza 2016

Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

I'm pretty stoked to be in Manila this weekend for Blogapalooza 2016! Blogapalooza is the Philippines' first and largest B2B: Business-to-Blogger networking and marketing event and this year, it will be held on November 5, 2016, 10 AM to 8 PM at Novotela Manila Araneta Center, Quezon City. Themed "Charting the Uncharted: Horizons 2.0," Blogapalooza 2016 is extra special this year because several representatives from Visayas and Mindanao blogging communities will also be in attendance. If you're a Filipino blogger, I highly recommend that you sign up for Blogapalooza. It's totally FREE! For business owners, you will also benefit from this event as it will allow you to connect to bloggers directly. You can increase your profit with the help of rich content from bloggers and you can ...

Oct312016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Whisky bar The Oak Room to open at The Nest CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

A cozy, comfortable lounge offering an unparalleled whisky collection will soon open in Cagayan de Oro. The Oak Room, located at The Nest compound Corrales Avenue, will open its doors this November 2016. Discriminate drinkers will love the whisky choices at The Oak Room CDO. From Ballantine to Famous Grouse to Jameson to Maker's Mark to the likes of Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam - customers will have easy access to quality brands. The Oak Room CDO will also serve scotch, vodka, cognac, brandy, champagne and tequila. Among the brands that they will carry are Dalmore, Highland Park, Glenfiddich, Macallan, Remy Martin, Hennessy, Patron Anejo and more. Moreover, The Oak Room CDO will offer Japanese and Taiwanese faves such as Hakushu, Hibiki, Yamazaki an...

Oct312016 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

How to pay your Philippine travel taxes online

America, Announcements, Flights, Hongkong, Internet, Japan, Kyoto, Leisure, Macau, Mindanaoan Update, News, Osaka, Seoul, Society, Taiwan, Technology, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

Here in the Philippines, individuals who leave the country need to pay travel taxes. The Philippine travel tax is actually a levy imposed by the government. Filipino citizens, foreign passport holders and non-immigrant foreign passport holders who have stayed in the country for more than one year are usually required to pay full travel taxes when they go abroad. Currently, the Philippine travel tax rates are Php 1,620 for economy passage and Php 2,700 for first class passage. I'm sure frequent travelers like myself will agree that the queues at the travel tax payment booths can be time consuming. To address this, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has launched a system for travelers to pay their Philippine travel tax online. Here's how you do it. ...

Oct292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why You Should Take Maps on Your Travels

Travel

It’s not how it sounds. Having maps is a given for a planned itinerary, but this is for the time when you should ‘intentionally’ get lost on your travels. It’s a very different experience which author Gary Shteyngart describes as having "a look on your face, a humble, peaceful, dreamy, let-that-crow-fly-in-your-mouth look,” and yet it’s good that he wouldn’t have been able to write his last three novels if he hadn’t have got lost somewhere alone the line. Although you can ditch the GPS, it’s still important to have a back-up system for your aimless wandering. You don’t know how it’ll turn out. A lot of people don't like getting lost. Some get nervous, others frustrated, and some just snap altogether. Keep a map within reach, either an actual physical spread out page map or an app on ...

Oct292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Here’s a great reason why you must renew your contract with Globe Telecom for your #iPhone7 and #iPhone7Plus

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

The long wait is over! Globe Telecom has finally announced it will offer iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the best, most advanced iPhone ever, featuring an all-new advanced camera system, dust and water resistant design, stereo speaker system and the A10 Fusion chip which is the most powerful chip on any smartphone while delivering the best battery life ever in an iPhone. One of the two phones I personally use is an iPhone 6s so I'm really stoked to learn about this development! Customers like myself can NOW start reserving their iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus via www.globe.com.ph/iPhone7. The new smartphones will be available through the Globe myLifestyle plans that already come with unlimited texts and calls to Globe/TM, mobile data and free access to content such as Netflix, Disney Channel...

Oct292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO rafting rate increase now approved – see the new fees here

Announcements, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

IT'S OFFICIAL. The Oro Association of Rafters (OAR) will now implement new and increased rates for white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. These new CDO rafting rates will actually help the industry. Please read on so we may all understand :) Back in January, I first wrote about the rate increase proposal. Now, I learned that the new CDO rafting rates have already been duly approved and that all of the rafting outfitters have started implementing them last October 1, 2016. The new rates are as follows: * Celebrities Aga Muhlach and Rowell Santiago try CDO rafting with Great White Water Tours Basic rafting course / Lower section (2-3 hours) - Php 1,200 per person. Plus Php 200 if you want the package to include snack, lunch (or dinner). This is optional. Advance rafting co...

Oct172016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The best churros in CDO can be found in a bike shop – no, really!

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Restaurant, Reviews, Sports, Style

Yes, Virginia, you read that right. The best churros or fried dough pastry in this side of Northern Mindanao, Philippines can actually be found in a recently opened one stop shop that sells high performance mountain bicycles, gear and accessories - Bike Republic Cafe. Yes, a CDO bike shop would most probably be the last place you’d think of when hunting for the best churros in town. However, Bike Republic Cafe isn’t like any other shop. They’re the exclusive retailer of Trek bicycles in Cagayan de Oro and they also carry Scott products, which apparently were the bikes used by gold medalists during Rio Olympics 2016. Plus they also offer good food, coffee, beer, mouthwatering sandwiches, burgers and, of course, churros con tsokolate (which I’ve been raving about for days!). Add cozy a...

Oct142016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

BREAKING: H&M To Open First Store In Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

I first wrote about H&M (Hennes & Mauritz, Inc.) CDO and about what it will be like to be a part of their team months ago. Now, H&M CDO is finally opening! The Cagayan de Oro H&M store is part of their continuous expansion in the southern part of Philippine shores and will serve as its 18th store in the country. Are you excited yet? Because you bet I am! The over 1,500 square meter, 2-story store will welcome shoppers on October 27, 2016, 11 AM at Centrio Mall at CM Recto Avenue corner Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro. Follow my Facebook page and Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates! “The response from our Mindanao customers, after we opened our 1 st store in Davao just last month, has been incredible! We look forward to catering to even more of the same vibran...