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

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...

Oct112016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2016 schedule

Announcements, Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Society, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin Island is again set to celebrate the Lanzones Festival 2016 in a few days and I have the full Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2016 schedule of events. (much thanks to the Office of Congressman XJ Romualdo!) This annual celebration of bountiful harvest in the Island Born of Fire will feature various activities that will highlight the rich culture, tradition and warmth of Camiguinons. Of course, while you're in Camiguin for the 2016 Lanzones Festival, take advantage of the beautiful tourist spots and the abundant (and cheap!) fleshy lanzones fruits. Interested to visit Camiguin? I have these related resources for you: Camiguin Travel Guide Mantigue Island - A must-visit! White Island, Camiguin - Paradise! Eating sea urchins at White Island, Camiguin Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Camig...

Oct92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom reveals more amazing partnerships, perks during WWG 11

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Last July, I was in Manila to personally witness Globe Telecom executives announce the company's partnerships with some of the world's biggest brands - Netflix, Disney, Astro, Sports Illustrated, Smule, Cartoon Network - as well as the birth of Globe Studios and Globe Live. I was already very impressed then (especially since I'm a longtime Globe subscriber). Just a few days ago, however, I became even more impressed when Globe Telecom again proved that they truly are the leader in digital content through their latest collaborations. At Globe’s 11th quarterly media event dubbed "Wonderful World with Globe" or "WWG11," the company announced its latest milestones and events for the quarter: - activation of more 700 MHz cell sites that registered speeds of up to 80 mbps during rush hour ...

Oct62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CD-R King now has affordable LED light tubes

Features, Technology

Haven't we all tried using fluorescent lights in our homes at least once? What seemed to be a harmless household product later on proved to be harmful in the long run. Years after fluorescent was discovered, it was found out that fluorescent gives off a small amount of ultraviolet light and that 8 hours of exposure under a fluorescent light is already equivalent to an hour of sun exposure. Scary! Some of us may have also later on switched to CFL (which was said to be less harmful) but it still contained fluorescent. Ergo, mercury is still present. Thankfully, the invention of LED has saved us from the long term use of fluorescent. Definitely great news for all consumers! We can now purchase the LED Light Tube. It gives the same high light output of fluorescen...

Oct42016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Improved Philippines ICT performance garner attention from foreign indexes

Announcements, Government, Headline, Internet, Technology

Absolutely great news, Philippines! Even various foreign indexes have now noted an improvement in the state of information and communications technology (ICT) in the country. Such improvement in the ICT sector is being attributed to the innovations made by telecom service providers (telcos) as well as the Philippine government. In the latest survey conducted by the United Nations Public Administration Country Studies (UNPACS) among UN member-countries, the Philippines climbed 24 notches to rank 71st out of 193 countries in "e-government development." The survey uses E-Government Development Index (EGDI) as composite indicator of the willingness and capacity of national governments to utilize ICT in the delivery of public services. * Photo courtesy of InvestPhilippines.org This...

Oct12016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Why Toast Cafe Should Be On Your Must Visit In Cebu List

Cafe, Cebu City, Features, Food, Hotels, Restaurant, Reviews, Taiwan, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

I’m back on Philippine shores! Taiwan was lovely and I can’t wait to share with you all my travel stories. In the meantime, let me share a really cool place I just discovered in Cebu City, where I took my flight to Taiwan from. It’s called Toast Cafe, it’s located at Cuarto Hotel near Fuente Circle, and it’s awesome. Toast Cafe is chic with its brick walls and wooden furniture yet homey with its chalkboards and friendly, attentive staff. Space is limited but is private enough to let you concentrate on your own meal, laptop or book. Tasteful interiors and a great use of space. Plus this may sound peculiar but can I just say that you must use the john (slang for washroom!) while you’re there? Toast Cafe is a nice date place, a place where you can meet your gal pals or have fami...

Sep292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What To Expect During The Big S&R Members Treat (list of sale items inside)

Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

Here’s something that you will only get to read first and exclusive here on Mindanaoan. I have a list of some of the items that will be on sale come September 30 to October 2, 2016 when S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro holds its Members’ Treat! Excited yet? I know I am! The S&R Members’ Treat means amazing buy 1, take 1 offers as well as up to 50 percent discounts. It’s the perfect time for you to stock up on all your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery items, imported ice cream (woohoo!), frozen and fresh produce, home items as well as bakery treats. So bring your S&R membership card, head on down to S&R CDO and watch out for these items: Tresemme keratin smooth, Pantene hair spray, Dial body wash for men, Suave 2-in-1 ...

Sep282016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe, Davao government set up 0917 Duterte

Announcements, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Education, Government, News, Society, Technology

Globe Telecom and the Davao City government are collaborating to help improve the peace and order situation in the city by putting in a place a hotline, 0917-Duterte (0917-3883783), to receive calls and texts relating to security concerns in the city. Specifically, 0917-Duterte will serve as a special and dedicated mobile number for calls and texts from Davaoenos who will report possible leads to catch the perpetrators of the recent bombing incident in Davao. “With the hotline number, Globe is able to help public officials and residents of Davao City in strengthening peace and order in the city by putting in place an easy to remember and accessible number where they can report leads and information that can help catch perpetrators of the recent bombing incident,” Globe General Counsel ...

Sep242016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Envizion opens 1st Philippines branch in CDO, needs 250 tutors

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Jobs, Misamis Oriental, Society

Envizion, the leader in providing online English tutorial services to Japanese students, has opened its first branch in the Philippines and it's here in Mindanao! Envizion CDO recently opened and they're in need of tutors. Envizion's expansion in Cagayan de Oro aims to extend opportunities to Mindanao and to provide a certain level of commitment to its existing and potential clients. Present during the grand opening were founders of Envizion owner RareJob Japan, Tomohisa Kato, and Gaku Nakamura; one of RareJob’s directors, Takeshi Shimomata, and CEO of Envizion, Yasushi Nishijo. Here they are with CDO City Mayor Oscar Moreno (middle). Being the “Gateway to Northern Mindanao,” Envizion Philippines saw a promising pool of skilled individuals and developing reliable infrastructure f...

Sep182016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Columbia sponsors Trail Masters Off Road Duathlon CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Northern Mindanao, Sports

Biking and running enthusiasts, rejoice! Columbia Sportswear is bringing back the Trail Masters Off Road Duathlon series this September 25, 2016 (Sunday), 6 AM at High Ridge, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City. The Columbia Trail Masters Duathlon event aims to bring newbie and expert runners as well as RunnerClick aficionados and bikers together and highlight the importance of an active lifestyle. The race route will consist of a 6K run then 20K mountain bike race and then a 3K run. Categories: Age Group (Male) • 18 to 24 year old • 25 to 29 year old • 30 to 34 year old • 35 to 39 year old • 40 to 44 year old • 45 to 49 year old • 50 and above Age Group (Female) • 18 to 29 year old • 30 to 39 year old • 40 and above Relay (Two Man Team) Registration Fees: Early Bird ...

Sep162016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe 0917 Giveaway – Just share your Globe throwbacks and WIN!

Announcements, Contests, Corporate, Features, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

I've been a Globe Telecom subscriber for decades! I remember my first phone was a humongous Nokia 10, subscribed to a Globe line. It was such a big deal to have a cellular phone at the time. Never mind if the phone only allowed me to type and view up to two lines of text. If you had a Globe line (I believe the subscription plan I had then was unlimited call and text to fellow Globe users), you were IN! I can actually still recite my very first Globe number. It started with 0917. Then, when I moved to Globe prepaid a few years later, I had a different number but it still started with 0917. A few years after that, I acquired a new number (STILL 0917!) and retained that up to this day. I also have another line and it's still 0917. Needless to say, I'm a loyal Globe Telecom subscriber. ...

Sep152016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

S&R Cagayan de Oro to hold Buy 1 Take 1, 50 percent off promos

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, United States of America

Let me make this fast and simple - S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro is holding its Members' Treat from September 30 to October 2, 2016, 8 AM to 9 PM. That means buy 1 take 1 deals and awesome discounts of up to 50 percent! Big, big, BIG savings! And, hey, look, that's a payday weekend! :D Trust me, the S&R CDO Members' Treat event is the perfect time to hoard on all your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery, imported ice cream, frozen, fresh, produce, home items and bakery goods! And here's a little teaser for you all - why don't you follow Mindanaoan on Facebook so you can have some ideas on which products will go on sale!!! *wink* SHARE this good news with everyone and plan a shopping trip together! See you at S&R CD...

Sep62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hungry In BGC? Try The Hungry Hound

Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

It was just my luck. Just recently, on the very day that I found myself in Manila, I then heard that creative and skillful cook, TV show host, food blogger and celebrity restaurateur Erwan Heussaff was also in Cagayan de Oro. I’ve always wanted to meet him and ask all about his “The Fat Kid Inside” journey and yet, there I was, basically on the other side of the country. Fortunately, the hosts of my Manila trip, representatives of Globe Telecom, took me to one of Erwan’s food ventures at Bonifacio Global City – The Hungry Hound! It was right beside the Globe Telecom headquarters and just a few steps away from my hotel so it was pretty convenient. The Hungry Hound, inspired by the gastro pub culture founded by The Eagle in London in 1991, is described as “freestyle.” Aside from Er...

Sep62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom brings you these wonderful surprises this September

Announcements, Consumer, Features, Freebies, Society, Style, Technology

The signature Globe prefix 917 always had a special bond to most of the company's customers, especially those who are loyal to the service for over 10 years. Brought to life through the actual date, September 17, this month serves as the perfect time to set a wonderful celebration nationwide. Through delightful and rewarding experiences, Globe expresses its gratitude to all its customers for their continued patronage, making it the country’s leading mobile brand. This month, all Globe customers nationwide are in for an exciting line-up of events, treats and exclusive deals from shopping to food and travel. “We have gone through an inspiring and exciting journey with our customers – from milestone services to network upgrades - all bringing us to where we are today. We are grateful to...

Sep52016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Got 4 hours in Cagayan de Oro? Join the Best Of CDO Food Tour

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism

So okay, you're excited to fly to Cagayan de Oro and experience the sights and sounds of the city - from white water rafting to checking out a nice CDO wine shop that has a really awesome wine library to staying in a modern, spacious CDO hotel room near tourist spots, you feel you're super ready! You have your itinerary down pat and then you just realized - hey, wait a minute, kapeng mainit - you still have a few hours to spare! Worry not, folks! I have a great recommendation for you - why not join the Best of CDO Food Tour? It's a 4-hour, 4-restaurant dining experience I'm sure you'll enjoy bragging to your friends back home about! Get your appetite ready because the next few minutes will be eye candy and will cause your tummy to growl ;) See? I told you. This is sinuglaw and Caga...

Sep42016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Where to eat in CDO: Alavar’s Seafood Restaurant

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Zamboanga City

If you've been to Zamboanga City, Mindanao, have dropped by popular Alavar's Seafood Restaurant and have tried their extraordinary Alavar sauce, then you'd understand why I just had to visit their latest branch - their second in Cagayan de Oro. Located at the Cucina de Oro Compound, Limketkai Drive, Alavar's Seafood and Grill CDO is owned by the very same folks in Zamboanga. The first branch of Alavar's CDO is located along Aluba Road, Macasandig and just a few weeks ago, they opened their branch downtown. Alavar's CDO Limketkai branch is a lot more accessible since it's just a few moments away from Limketkai Mall. Alavar's is best known for its sauce which goes best with rice and various seafood dishes. Because of the popularity of the sauce, Alavar's now sells them in bottl...