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

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...

Sep32016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Space CDO: Co-working and having your own office made easier, fun

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Technology

Have you ever heard of co-working? Co-working involves a shared working environment, often an office, and independent activity. Compared to a typical office environment, those who co-work are often freelancers or independent contractors, work-at-home professionals, online workers or people who often travel and need a place with reliable Internet connections, basic office amenities, perhaps some perks like free coffee or tea and a spacious area where they can concentrate and work. A co-working place is ideal for people who are used to working at home but eventually need a place where they can't be distracted. Now here's good news - there's now a co-working space in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines! Aptly called "The Space," it's CDO's finest hub for online professionals or people who just nee...

Aug202016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The ONLY party you should go to this CDO fiesta Higalaay 2016

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Music

A lot of people have been asking me for recommendations on what to do, where to go, where to eat, where to stay etc during the Higalaay Festival 2016 (Cagayan de Oro fiesta). More often than not, my answers would include staying at The Pacifico Hotel (because it's a major landmark that's right along the parade route so it's easier for hotel guests to watch the festivities), eating at Liempo King (the sisig rice and their signature lechon na liempo just win every single time), ordering boneless lechon belly at Manoy's and river rafting with the BEST in the industry, Great White Water Tours. Now, I have another recommendation - to attend the most exciting Higalaay street festival party on August 27, 2016! Fiesta RAVE-o-lution, made possible by XUHS 92 and the leading telecommunications co...

Aug162016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Attend these wealth building seminars in Davao, CDO and Cebu

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Davao City, Education, Headline, Make Money Online, Misamis Oriental, Society, Technology

Want to be wise with your money? If you're in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and even Manila, you may want to join wealth building seminars in your area! These seminars on how to invest wisely will even be led by experts. This way, you can build your wealth the smart and legal way. And guess what - you can even attend for FREE! The Philippines’ most trusted online stockbroker, COL Financial, and the largest Filipino conglomerate, SM Investments Corporation, will be sharing their secrets to investing success in this month’s “SMart Investing – COL’s 2016 Wealth Building Summit for the Filipino Investor.” By joining this FREE summit, Filipinos can increase their financial literacy and find out what it takes to invest your way into financial security and independence. Learn about stock m...

Aug152016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

MusiKagayan Festival 2016 with Up Dharma Down and TJ Monterde (EASY TICKET GIVEAWAY INSIDE)

Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Music

Who's ready for MusiKagayan Festival 2016? It's the biggest and the GRANDEST music festival ever to happen in Cagayan de Oro City! This Higalaay Festival 2016, it is but a MUST for you to catch the most-awaited and much-talked about MusiKagay-an Festival 2016 CDO! MusiKagay-an Festival will be held on August 20, 2016 at Limketkai Center Parking Lot D. Gates will open starting at 11 AM (there will be various activities and concessionaires inside!) and performances will last until the wee hours of the next morning! Aside from headliners Up Dharma Down and CDO's very own, TJ Monterde, MusiKagay-an music festival CDO will also feature local indie bands, DJs and dancers. Ticket prices are as follows: Indie: 375 (with 1 FREE Drink) Halley's: 975 (with 3 FREE DRINKS + VIP lounge acce...

Aug152016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Pacifico Hotel #CDO launches amazing room sale

Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

The Pacifico Boutique Hotel, a major landmark along the annual Higalaay Festival (Kagay-an Festival) parade route, has introduced a mega discounted promo rate for both their standard and deluxe rooms. For only Php 1,499.00 (book and buy basis) and for a minimum of 2-night stay, guests can stay at The Pacifico CDO’s modern and spacious rooms equipped with 12-inch thick mattresses, bamboo silk sheets, blackout curtains, fast and FREE 100 Mbps wireless Internet, 40 inch wide screen cable TV, floor to ceiling view of the city and large bathrooms with hot and cold water running through rainshower heads. Each room also comes with FREE breakfast for two (2). Just a few steps away from the starting point of the 2016 Higalaay Festival Higalas parade of floats and icons (August 27) as well as th...

Aug102016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Action packed Laban MMA fights this Cagayan de Oro fiesta

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Sports

Expect action-packed mixed martial arts fights this month as Guam-based Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC) brings you the provincial developmental league, Laban MMA, in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines! Set to explode on August 27, 2016 at The Atrium of the Limketkai Center, Laban MMA CDO is one of the official events during the city’s Higalaay (Kagay-an) Festival. PXC Laban MMA CDO will treat Kagay-anons to a slam-bang Saturday evening as their very own ‘kababayan,’ 31-year- old Israel B. Gomez of Team MUMMA, goes for win number 4 against dangerous 19-year- old Jerome Pa-ac who’s coming all the way from Baguio City to represent the much-heralded Team Lakay. Sharing co-main event honors is the matchup between another hometown hero, Victor Torre of Team MUMMA/Gladiator MMA, and Marcelo Cabusas o...

Aug72016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Deta Beauty Cosmetics August 2016 launch in CDO Philippines

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Style

Absolutely great news for fellow makeup aficionados! I first shared the news on my beauty and fashion blog, Women Treats, but please allow me to share the news here on Mindanaoan as well! Deta Beauty will launch their pioneering line of quality cosmetics this August 20, 2016 in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines! This will be the pioneer launch of this innovative line of paraben and cruelty-free makeup line. Founded by Chicago, USA-based power couple Saad and Kathleen Maniar, Deta Beauty offers a wide range of quality makeup products such as the very trendy lip lacquers, foundation, eye shadows as well as various palettes for bronzing and contouring. The De Ta Beauty Cosmetics CDO launch will also be a homecoming of sorts for Kathleen, who is a native of Cagayan de Oro. Deta is actually ...