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

Aug42016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hi-Way 43 – Culinary heaven at Kauswagan CDO

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

There's a new dining destination in Cagayan de Oro and it's located along Kauswagan Highway, near the Bulua Bus Terminal (where buses heading to Iligan and Zamboanga are) and right where the old Pan de Pugon used to be. Hi-Way 43 is located just a few steps away from Citra Mina and fairly near the newly opened S&R Membership Shopping CDO. The group behind Hi-Way 43 CDO is composed of talented and skillful chefs and experienced entrepreneurs who are devoted to crafting delicious culinary treats and to providing courteous customer service. I was invited to their recently concluded grand opening. I had a nice meal and I can't wait to try the other offers on the menu. I was told that among their bestsellers are the onion bloom, fish fillet with honey mustard sauce, buffalo wings, ...

Aug32016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

7 fun things about The Chainsmokers (and how to win tickets to their Manila concert)

Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Music

Are the songs "Roses," "Don't Let Me Down" and "Closer" on your playlist? Why, hello there, fellow Chainsmokers fan! From groundbreaking performances, to their wild acts, and now a world tour running, our Chainsmokers boys have really been very busy! I bet you also know that they're bringing the party here in the Philippines. Now before we catch them live, check out these 7 fun facts about our favorite duo and a few of their hit tracks! 1. The Chainsmokers pre-performance ritual - Before getting onto the stage, some artists have vocal warm ups and some sweat it out, but for this duo, it’s a different scenario. Imagine them having a few drinks (or a lot in a number of shows) before they turn the stage upside down, or punch each other in the face just to hype the party monsters in them. T...

Jul172016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe partners with Netflix in the Philippines

Announcements, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, Television

Leave it to Globe Telecom to come up with the most exciting content partnerships with global brands to further strengthen their offers to customers. Just recently, Globe announced their partnership with Netflix, the world’s leading Internet television network with over 81 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments. Actually, way back in January, I already started checking out Netflix. I caught up with some episodes of "Jane The Virgin" and "Elementary." Also, back in January, while ne...

Jul162016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Sneak peek inside S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro

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

World-class shopping center S&R Membership Shopping will finally open in Cagayan de Oro on July 28, 2016, 9 AM! S&R CDO is a membership-shopping club modeled after the warehouse membership shopping chains introduced in the United States. Located along Kauswagan Highway (across the RTMI garage, before you take a right towards the Bulua Bus Terminal if you're coming from CDO city proper), S&R CDO will offer irresistible promos and discounts on opening day. So be sure to be there! Actually, if you already got your new membership card and have your voucher booklet (with coupons worth as much as Php 65,000!), you can use the red coupons from September 1 to 7, 2016 as well. Anyway, let me take you to a sneak peek of S&R CDO. You can also find store rules, store hours and ot...

Jul132016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

FrostBites CDO: Singapore-style ice cream sandwiches

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Reviews

If you've been to Singapore, I bet you've seen those "uncles" who have those mobile carts with umbrellas and sell that infamous 1 SGD (roughly 33 Philippine pesos) ice cream. These ice cream sellers are actually all over Singapore especially at places with very high foot traffic - tourist spots, MRT stations, busy street corners etc. During my very first trip to Singapore several years ago, I made sure that I included "buy that 1 SGD ice cream wafer along Orchard Road" in my itinerary. Actually, some of those mobile ice cream carts also sell ice cream by the cones and cups. Some also sell softdrinks, water, juice drinks and energy drinks. But, of course, the main product is still the ice cream sandwich. Now here's good news for people who have been craving for the popular Singapore i...

Jul112016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The new Globe Telecom content partners – absolutely exciting!

Announcements, Blogging, Broadcasting, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Music, Musings, News, Personalities, Society, Style, Technology, Television

A few days ago, Globe Telecom flew me to Manila (the only blogger from Mindanao!) to witness very special events – the Manila debut of the Tony Award-winning musical, “American Idiot,” (which they co-produced), the announcement of their new international content partners and the creation of Globe Studios and Globe Live (which are designed to produce original shows, exciting live events and engaging world-class content). And I must tell you – if you’re a Globe subscriber, there’s so much to look forward to! The hashtags used during the Globe event were #WWGX and #TheNextAttraction The hosts that day were Xian Lim and Coleen Garcia Aside from their partnerships with Spotify, HOOQ and NBA, Globe is also the first mobile and broadband Philippine ...

Jul62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Greenwich Pizza SM CDO sports new look, launches Bacon Crispy Thins

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Food, Reviews, Videos

Something happened to the Greenwich Pizza restaurant at SM City Cagayan de Oro. A first of its kind in CDO, Greenwich SM CDO has been transformed into a pizzeria, similar to what you can see all over Italy! The new restaurant is now dressed up with wood and brick elements, now has a "balcony" (which can serve as a mini event place) and even has high tables, chairs, bar stools and couches. The new look has a rustic feel - complete with wooden pizza peels, tin buckets as well as colorful ceramics. This young, modern, mid-century industrial neighborhood pizzeria look that Greenwich is taking on will surely attract both loyal Greenwich pizza lovers and curious foodies alike, to be a part of the barkada and savor in the goodness that is truly world-class. During an event last July 5, ...

Jul52016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Breastfeeding and cloth diapering advocate? Join #HakabNaCDO 2016

Advocacy, Announcements, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

Are you a mother who advocates breastfeeding, babywearing and cloth diapering? Are you a stay-at-home mom, working mom, obstetrician, pediatrician or advocate of families, then do join "Hakab Na CDO 2016." The event, led by the Modern Nanays of Mindanao (MNM), a group of mothers who advocate breastfeeding, babywearing and cloth-diapering, will be part of the Global Big Latch On. The Global Big Latch On or Hakab Na encourages and supports communities to make breastfeeding a normal part of day-to- day life and identifies opportunities to provide on-going support for all families. It is the most amazing, fun, global event and a local community-based celebration of families held every August during World Breastfeeding Week. Hakab Na CDO 2016 is scheduled on August 6, 2016 at Limketkai...

Jul42016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Manila debut of “American Idiot” : Rowdy Visual Candy #Globe9WTAmericanIdiot

America, Arts, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Reviews, Society, Technology

I just spent a few days in crazy busy Manila. I was there to witness first hand the formal announcement of Globe Telecom’s new content partnerships with top global brands Netflix (IKR!!!), Sports Illustrated, Disney, Cartoon Network, Smule, Turner and Astro plus the exciting rise of Globe Studios and Globe Live. Globe Studios aims to produce clips, series and even movies from top directors such as Erik Matti, Paul Soriano, Quark Henares, Dan Villegas, Sigrid Bernardo, Joyce Bernal, and Lav Diaz. I must say, however, that I’m most excited with Globe Live. Globe Live aims to produce, promote and deliver engaging, creative events of international size and quality. Globe will use its wide distribution channels to promote these live events and bring them to the customer wherever he or she...

Jul42016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Touring the Coca Cola Misamis Oriental Philippines plant

Business, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Freebies, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel, Videos

I first had the chance to tour a Coca-Cola plant in Davao City many, many moons ago. I was still studying at the Ateneo de Davao University and Ateneans had regular field trips at the Coca-Cola plant in Ulas. I remember being given ice cold Coke fresh off the bottling line. Best part? We were allowed to drink as much as we can and we were also given freebies at the end of the tour. For any kid, that was truly quite a fun experience. Fast forward 2016, I was again recently given the opportunity to trace the "journey of the Coca-Cola bottle." I was invited to tour the Coca Cola Misamis Oriental Plant located at the Municipality of Villanueva, about half an hour away from Cagayan de Oro City. Built from the ground up and inaugurated in 2011, the Coca-Cola FEMSA Misamis Oriental Plant is...

Jun212016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kumbira 2016 culinary show in Mindanao

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Food

Organized yearly by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA), Kumbira, considered the largest culinary competition in all of Mindanao, is set to take place on August 17 to 19, 2016 at the Atrium of Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. Like all previous Kumbira events, Kumbira 2016 will be as grand - perhaps even grander! Kumbira is an annual professional and student category culinary competition and trade show. It aims to showcase the best culinary creations of the region while incorporating the latest culinary trends. Kumbira, by the way, is a Visayan word that means "feast." Kumbira 2016 will carry the theme, "Cook Local, Taste Global." This August, all roads lead to CDO not only for Kumbira but for the annual Kagay-an Festival a...

Jun212016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

LOOK: The iconic motorela of Cagayan de Oro Philippines

Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Society

Did you know that the motorela, the Cagayan de Oro version of the iconic Philippine tricycle, was first invented and subsequently registered in 1964? The CDO motorela was invented by Rafael D. Floirendo, Sr., who also filed a patent registration. The patent number was "2243." Fast forward 2016, "2243" is now "2243: Moving Forward," a contemporary exhibit featuring the iconic motorela. The exhibit, recently held at Ayala Centrio Mall, coincided with Cagayan de Oro's 66th Charter Day. A group named Siete Pesos, composed of 7 artists (Nicholas Aca Jr., Errol Balcos, Michael Bacol, Michelle Hollanes Lua, Jericho Valjusto Vamenta, Ma. Rosalie Zerrudo and Oscar Floirendo, the son of the inventor), organized the exhibit that showcased the remodeled version of the original motorela. Inter...

Jun202016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What Sunburst Fried Chicken CDO needs

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food

My family and I like dining out. We have favorite restaurants - one of which is Sunburst Fried Chicken. We've been fans of the brand for so long - I remember first trying their famous fried chicken back in the 80's! Since then, my family and I frequently patronize Sunburst. Even when we're traveling and we see a Sunburst branch in that city, more often than not, we make sure we visit that, too. My family and I even have favorite orders - Sunduo (2 piece chicken), extra rice, extra coleslaw, pansit molo and their popular Chick N Crackers. Sometimes I also order the fried livers. Whenever we're at Sunburst, walang diet! And so because we like the food at Sunburst Fried Chicken, we somehow expect that the people who prepare it are also in good spirits as they work, right? Well, ma...

Jun192016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My tweet landed on Gizmodo

Blogging, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

A few days ago, a Twitter friend of mine tagged me in a tweet. I thought it was just an interesting article. Turns out it was an article published in one of the world's most popular, high traffic technology and design blog, Gizmodo --- and apparently I was in it! Well, technically, my tweet was :) My tweet got cited in an article about a recent gaffe committed by Facebook. You see, they greeted us Filipinos Happy Independence Day but the flag that came along with it was inverted. Highly unintentional, I'm sure, which was exactly why my tweet didn't sound angry or anything. I even professed my love for them hehe! Check out the full Gizmodo article where my tweet was included (1 of the only 2 tweets cited!) Thank you, Angela! :) Do follow me on Twitter - I love exchanging thou...

Jun142016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

UPDATE: Yakimix CDO sushi and smokeless grill restaurant opening

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental

I HAVE AN UPDATE about the opening of Yakimix CDO! I first tweeted about Yakimix CDO on our way to the sneak peek of The Nest, a new lifestyle and food hub along Corrales Avenue. We were at a stoplight and the huge "Soon To Open: Yakimix Cagayan de Oro" billboard was just a few steps away from me. Naturally, I took a photo for Twitter (follow Mindanaoan on Twitter) and another one for Snapchat (follow Mindanaoan on Snapchat) A lot of people retweeted it, tagged their friends and asked me all about the opening date etc. Sorry, folks, I don't know the exact opening date yet. Yakimix CDO opened last February 12, 2017 and Mindanaoan.com got invited! I have a video for you all. Check this out: Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel :) What I do know is that the sushi and smokeless gril...

Jun132016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Achieve wellness goals with new fitness app KFIT (discount code here!)

Announcements, Beauty, Features, Fitness, Internet, Leisure, Society, Technology

Ever wanted to hit the gym, have a foot reflexology session, look for the nearest Crossfit studio or go to a yoga class but you just don’t know where to go or you feel that you don’t have the time? Are you like me who travels frequently and wants to have an easy way to check out gyms, salons, spas or activities near your hotel? You can say goodbye to those moments because the solution is just between your fingertips and your mobile phone! Presenting - the new fitness app, KFit! KFit helps you discover, plan, and reserve fitness, beauty and wellness activities near you, anytime. Once you have the app on your device (like me! Downloaded it days ago), it automatically gives you access to a huge variety of activities that suit your needs, whether you want to have your nails done at a nearby...

Jun132016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

The Nest CDO: Your slices of France and Italy in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society

Meet Henrik Yu. Many Kagay-anons know that he's one of the owners of homegrown brands Bigby's Cafe and Missy Bon Bon. Let me add something more to describe this amiable, well-traveled and wise entrepreneur - he's quite the risk taker. He often wins, mind you, because he has a vision and passion like no other. So when I heard of his latest venture - The Nest CDO, a new dining and lifestyle destination in Cagayan de Oro - I knew that Henrik will, once more, put his heart, soul and impressive business acumen into effect. In other words, I'm pretty sure he will win again. I had the chance to visit The Nest CDO exactly a week before their supposed "very, very soft opening" (Henrik's words) on June 18, 2016. I was among the very first to try their offerings - and I must tell you...

Jun132016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Calling all Vis-Min schools! Avail of this #DigitalThumbprint Program #WonderfulPH

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Campus, Education, Society, Technology

If there is one thing that the youth of today should really understand and take to heart, it is how they should act safely and responsibly online. I’m sure you’ve seen posts (or two!) by young ones these days that can really raise eyebrows, can disappoint friends and even break the hearts of their own parents and loved ones. It’s undeniable that the youth of today can act careless and can be reckless with their own digital footprints. That's why I'm really glad that Globe Telecom has joined forces with Optus and Singtel in launching Digital Thumbprint, an award winning program that teaches the youth to understand the impact of their online behavior and how to be safe and responsible for their online activities. The local campaign forms part of the digital nation roadmap created by Globe...

Jun132016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Good news – More Lumad schools established in Mindanao!

Advocacy, Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao

A total of thirty nine (39) schools for our indigenous peoples (IP) or Lumad brothers and sisters have been established in key parts in Northern Mindanao, Philippines and I have never been so happy! I think it's high time that we give importance to our Lumad brothers and sisters. Enough of taking advantage of them and abusing the sanctity of their culture. Enough of using them as "props" during certain festivals that are, in fact, just purely commercial in nature. Enough, please! Twenty three of the schools will be established in Malaybalay City (at Nasuli, Bangcud, to be exact), Valencia City and 10 other Bukidnon municipalities. The remaining sixteen will be found in Iligan, Gingoog, Balingasag and Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Thank you to the Department of Education. This is one...

Jun52016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering Senator Migs Zubiri’s oathtaking ceremony

Advocacy, Blogging, Bukidnon, Events, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics, Society

What was supposed to be a self-imposed, much-needed vacation last June 4, 2016 in Bukidnon turned into a mini "working holiday" when my good friend Bobby of Rappler told me that he and other Cagayan de Oro media friends were in Malaybalay City to cover the oathtaking of returning Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri. Apparently, I've been living under a rock because I wasn't even aware that Sir Migs was taking his oath that day! Eep. Anyways, I knew I couldn't pass up that chance to witness Sir Migs as he takes his oath as comebacking Senator. Plus I would've missed this scene - Sir Migs as he personally checked his speech and made final touches: READ: Full text of Senator Migs Zubiri's oathtaking speech In 2007, I remember writing the banner headline story of him running for the...

Jun22016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Walking light with my new fave footwear Native Shoes

Beauty, Freebies, Gifts, Reviews, Shopping, Style

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the opening of the new Native Shoes store at the 2nd Floor of Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro. A few days after I checked out their new store, I received a really nice pair. Aaahh...brand new shoes! <3 Don't you just love it when you have new footwear? Especially if they're as light and as durable as Native Shoes! Look at what I got: I immediately tried them on and trust me, they're astoundingly light! It's as if you aren't wearing shoes at all. I love the design and the color. Very hip and you can easily pair this with other ensembles. Plus this one's easy to pack, use and clean. Native Shoes are also odor-proof, waterproof and washable. They use dual-density EVA technology. Ergo, not only are the shoes very comfortable to wear, t...

May282016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LIV Super Club opening soon in Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Music, Society

The clubbing scene in Cagayan de Oro is about to up its ante with the upcoming opening of LIV Super Club! LIV Super Club, the first branch of which is located at City Time Square in Mantawi Avenue, Tipolo, Mandaue, is Cebu's first and largest luxury club. Soon, they're bringing world-class entertainment to CDO! Expect only great DJs from all over to spin soul-grabbing music at LIV. LIV Super Club CDO will be located along Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center, specifically right behind Pete's Patriots Gastropub. You can plan the perfect evening escapade - have dinner at Pete's Patriots (try their bestsellers!) then head on down to LIV for dancing, raving and meeting new friends. This is also similar to what my friends and I do whenever we go to Cebu - we have dinner at Tokyo Table (just...