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

Mar102016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Staycation at Pinegrove Mountain Lodge

Bukidnon, Features, Food, Hotels, Leisure, Northern Mindanao, Resorts, Reviews, Society

When we think of Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, we most likely equate it to Zipzone a.k.a. Asia’s longest dual cable zipline, Dropzone, my favorite Python 3D zipline and the thrilling 8-storey Sky Tower Base Jump. However, the place known as “Mindanao’s playground” also offers something pretty special - a chance to stay at 4,500 feet above sea level, in a log house-inspired manor situated among pine trees and amid chilly, sweater weather. Pinegrove Mountain Lodge, located just a few steps away from the main entrance of Dahilayan Adventure Park, offers value-for-money accommodation, good amenities and delicious food. My family and I recently had a staycation at Pinegrove - and it was a staycation we all loved. We availed of the Family Room. Priced at Php...

Mar102016 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

H&M #CDO – What it will be like to be a part of the team

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

The secret's out. H&M Philippines, which first opened in Västerås in Sweden in 1947 and has become a global fashion company since, is set to open a store in Cagayan de Oro. H&M CDO is definitely one of the most-awaited brands to hit the City of Golden Friendship. Follow the Mindanaoan Facebook Page for H&M CDO updates With 3,900 stores spread across 61 countries, H&M found its first home in the Philippines in the capital city where it opened its doors in October 2014, forever changing the fashion landscape of the country. Now H&M has 13 stores in our beloved archipelago, two of which very recently opened in Cebu City. And very soon - in Cagayan de Oro City! As the retail titan that it is, H&M has around 132,000 dedicated employees who, like many creatives, ...

Mar92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Big Bite 2016 to showcase Northern Mindanaoan food

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Food, Mindanao, Recipes, Society

Find out the delicious "Flavors of Summer" and experience Northern Mindanao food at Centrio Mall from March 11 to 13, 2016! Experience Big Bite 2016: The Northern Mindanao Food Festival. Aside from the chance for you to sample and purchase delicious food (you can eat at the Garden Area of Centrio!), you also get the chance to see the beautiful duo of Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania of the Kapuso show, "Taste Buddies." And guess what? I will be one of the judges for the Lifestyle Writer's Choice Award for this year's Best Dish! There will be two categories - one for mall merchants and another one for outside food exhibitors. I can't wait to sample and judge the food entries! :) Here are the highlights of this year's food festival: March 11, 2016 - Giant Ham Sandwich Ceremony an...

Mar32016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Something unique at Run United #CDO Freedom Run 2016

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Sports

Exceed yourself! This is the challenge given to all interested participants of the much-awaited Run United CDO 2016 Freedom Run. Jointly organized by Circle Productions and ActiveHealth, Run United Freedom Run CDO aims to be THE running event of the year. It will be grand, hip and will even feature one very unique and exciting aspect come race day - which I will tell you more about below. I was invited to the media briefing yesterday of Run United CDO 2016 and I must say, the excitement in the room over this running event was almost palpable. Cagayan de Oro's top race organizer Circle Productions has teamed up with ActiveHealth, which is affiliated with Unilab (makers of Enervon HP, CarbGel, Enervon Activ and a whole lot of other health and wellness products). (L-R) Jeffrey An...

Feb262016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

AirAsia, Davao tourism partner for Visit Davao Fun Sale 2016

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Davao City, Events, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

AirAsia, the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for seven consecutive years, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Davao Tourism that aims to establish Davao as a premiere tourist destination in the Philippines with abundant resources for eco-tourism and available facilities for sports and outdoor competitions. As airline partner, AirAsia is offering low fares for its Manila-Davao flights to encourage more and more tourists to visit and enjoy Davao’s latest attractions. Among the major activities that will happen this year include Visit Davao Fun Sale, Let’s Meet in Davao: MICE Davao program and the 9th Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge. * Philippines AirAsia Commercial Head, Gerard Peñaflor; Visit Davao Fun Sales (VDFS) Vice Chair Fides Bernabe; and Department of Tourism (D...

Feb262016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A call to probe the burning of a Lumad camp in Davao City

Advocacy, Blogging, Controversial, Crime, Culture, Davao City, Headline, Musings, Society

My heart is breaking. Despite the increasing awareness of the attacks against the Lumad (indigenous peoples) communities in Mindanao, there are STILL cases of harassment, threats, killings and, just recently, the burning of an evacuation center in Davao City that hosted hundreds of displaced Lumads. KANUS-A MAN GYUD NI TAWON MOUNDANG?!?! Initial reports showed that five lumads, including two children, were hurt during the fire that broke out in Haran Center, which shelters Manobos from Davao del Norte and Bukidnon who sought safe refuge in the church-run dormitory. Who in his right mind won't be angry? Our Lumad brothers and sisters need to be protected, not driven away from their homes! I agree with Sen. Chiz Escudero, who has also called for a probe. “Those who have less ...

Feb222016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the HATCH Mastermind Group CDO

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society, Technology

A mastermind group, where participants can freely brainstorm strategies, create goals and implement ideas as well as support each other, has been launched in Cagayan de Oro City. Dubbed “HATCH Mastermind Group CDO,” the free-for-all group also aims to provide a platform whereby participants can share the challenges they currently face and can seek assistance from the collective intelligence of other participants. Active Twitter users Mike of @mikeabonitalla, Vic of @vicmadz and Irene of @mindanaoan, who can also share strategies based on their respective fields of expertise, serve as the lead volunteer organizers of HATCH Mastermind Group CDO. “Cagayan de Oro is a thriving city. There are lots of investments coming in and there are lots of new and possible marketing strategies. With...

Feb212016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering the 1st presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro #CDO

Advocacy, Blogging, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Technology

It's game time. Today, February 21, 2016, all of the presidential candidates for the May 9, 2016 Philippine elections will all converge in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines for the first round of "PiliPinas Debates 2016." And Mindanaoan will be there to observe, comment and cover. I will be one of the only 300 allowed to be inside the debate hall. I will also be among the 25 media observers. I am hoping to harness the power of social media today. May I invite you all to follow me: Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/mindanaoan Facebook - http://www.twitter.com/mindanaoanblogger Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mindanaoan Snapchat - Username is mindanaoan Please follow Bukidnon Blogger @malaybalayan as well. We will both be there. The debate will start at 5 PM and will last for...

Feb182016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Where to stay in Cebu: Bayfront Hotel Cebu

Cebu City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Since Cebu is just a hop and skip away, it’s a favorite business and holiday destination for many of us Mindanaoans. Chances are, we have relatives or good friends in Cebu or we source products there or we use Cebu as our jump-off point to other interesting places like Boracay or Palawan. Personally, I visit the Queen City of the South at least two times a year and my recent international flights leave from the Mactan Cebu International Airport. Take my most recent trip to Japan, for instance. I wanted to stay for a few days in Cebu before my flight to Narita (which is an hour away from Tokyo) and just rest. I wanted a hotel that was in the middle of all the hustle and bustle but not too far away from the airport. I also wanted a hotel that offered good facilities, amenities and food bu...

Feb162016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Paloma-look alike Janice Adams tries CDO rafting

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Society, Tourism, Travel

Fifteen year old Janice Adams, a.k.a. the twin of Coco Martin's character in "Ang Probinsyano," Paloma Picache, recently tried white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. And she experienced the thrilling CDO rafting adventure with the most reliable outfitter in the city - Great White Water Tours. Best known as the only CDO water rafting outfitter that guarantees TWO river guides per raft (safety is their utmost priority) and the only one that offers the cheapest raft + ziplines (at Dahilayan Adventure Park) packages, Great White Water Tours is the top choice of personalities, celebrities and foreign tourists from all over the world. Visit the Great White Water Tours Facebook page for more photos and information Here's a little trivia: the river where the rafting trips are done is actu...

Feb152016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

CDO press club to boycott Feb. 21 presidential debate?

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Society

The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) has released a statement of indignation where they cried foul over alleged discrimination in the media coverage for the first presidential debate set on February 21, 2016. The debate is the first in a series organized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) alongside various media companies. Please read and share the full statement of the COPC on why the call for BOYCOTT. I also shared a few personal thoughts below. Statement of Indignation Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Inc. 14 February 2016 Respect the local press community We, members of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club Inc., express our serious concerns over what appears to be an attempt to bar the provincial press from covering the first Presidential debate scheduled at the Capitol University...

Feb92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why parents should send their kids to Galileo Learning Center CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

Let's face it. More often than not, English and Math are two of the subjects that most kids have difficulty on. The curriculum has evolved, is now advanced and is served fast-paced. There's a constant need for the children to absorb, catch up and even implement the learnings in real life. Parents also either find it difficult to teach their kids or they do not have the luxury of time to do so. Add that to the innate interest of children to excel in school (who doesn't want to receive a medal and praise from classmates?) and things can be quite a challenge for both parents and child. Fortunately, parents now have a partner in Galileo Enrichment Learning Program. Galileo CDO, which recently opened another branch in Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro (the first one is along Tomas Saco Street), w...

Feb52016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Piolo Pascual and son Inigo celebrate Financial Freedom in Davao

Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

Popular Filipino heartthrob Piolo Pascual and his equally handsome son, Inigo Pascual, made a stop in Davao City recently to celebrate financial freedom! The two Pinoy hunks headlined the #LiveFreePH Freedom Tour in Davao City, where my fellow Dabawenyos were treated to educational booths, exciting promos, and a free concert. Beginning the journey A string of activities guided participants to begin their own #LiveFreePH journey. In a bold move, they declared their vision of financial freedom with the “Live Free Freedom Wall.” Then they looked at their current situation, shared their outlook about the future, and pledged support to a community in need through BLISS or “Brighter Life Index: Social Sentiment.” And by joining the “Sun CeleBright” promo, they won free trips to their c...

Feb52016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

KINGS Deli and Bakery CDO – Cagayan de Oro’s Best Kept Secret

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

KINGS International Delicatessen and Bakery is arguably Cagayan de Oro’s best kept secret. KINGS’ main branch, tucked in front of Kingston Lodge along Masterson Avenue, just a few meters past the Xavier Estates gate, has long been attracting a legion of loyal clientele including foreigners, tourists and employees of nearby offices. With so many customers, you’d wish they’d open a store downtown, yes? Thankfully, KINGS listened and they now finally have a branch along the busy JR Borja Extension. KINGS International Delicatessen and Bakery recently opened at Door 4, Great Spot Arcade (same building where The Wine Cellar and Oliver's Pizza are), serving filling and delicious meals as well as fresh breads and pastries as early as 7 AM. Unlike their main branch, their new store h...

Feb22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Challenge to MILF: help secure the NGCP towers in Mindanao

ARMM, Cotabato, Muslim Mindanao, News, North Cotabato

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) should play an active role to ensure the coming May 2016 elections will push through in Mindanao by helping secure the transmission towers of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) that have been the subject of at least 17 bomb attacks since last year. If you recall, the latest NGCP tower bombing occurred in Cotabato just a few weeks ago. “There can be no better time for the MILF to show good faith and sincerity than now when the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) is under consideration in the legislature,” said Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the leading vice-presidential candidate in the May polls. Escudero said that while the NGCP has issued urgent appeals to the military, police and local residents to help secure its towers, the MI...

Jan272016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Traveling? A checklist before choosing parking services

Mindanaoan Update

Traveling? A checklist before choosing parking services Are you traveling soon but prefer to leave your car at the airport and use it when you get back from your trip? Do you often avail of private parking services like those offered by parking eye, United Kingdom’s biggest private parking company? Have you had an unpleasant experience with a parking service company before and now you want to make sure that you enjoy a seamless and stress-free parking experience? Here’s a helpful checklist! First off, make sure that you do your research. Do a quick check on the history and background of a parking service company. Do they have an accident-free or incident-free history? Do their drivers hold the proper licenses and that the licenses are current? Have there been unpleasant customer revi...

Jan262016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

BREAKING: CDO rafting companies seek rate increase, opening of new routes

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Headline, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism

Want to experience white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro? Better do it real soon as the Oro Association of Rafters or OAR is now set to increase the uniform rates. In a letter-request accompanied by a resolution duly signed by all member rafting outfitters addressed to CDO Vice Mayor Ian Acenas through Tourism Committee Chairman Councilor Candy Darimbang, OAR reasoned that the old rates were established in 2008 and since then, no price increases were implemented. OAR reasoned that there's a need to address the wear and tear of the rafting equipment, which are usually sourced from overseas, and the need to invest more on safety since the LGU released new safety guidelines via Task Force Rapids. OAR also said that there is a need to invest more on the river guides via trainings and...

Jan142016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2 Tricks to Keeping Yourself Alert on the Road

Mindanaoan Update

You can gain loads and loads of truck driving experience, but no matter how many years you’re on the road, staying alert and awake can always feel like a battle that you’ll never learn how to win. It can be difficult to figure out ways to keep yourself awake because even if your eyes are open, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are paying attention. When you decide that becoming an owner-operator would be the best career choice for you, you’ll need to know every tip and trick available on how to stay awake during long trips on the road. Pay Attention to Your Diet Eating healthy is a great way to keep your body in good shape, and help you focus on what’s important during your long rides in the truck. Healthy foods not only improve the quality of sleep you receive, helping you...

Jan142016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Win tickets to Lee Grane CDO bar tour @LeeGrane

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Music

Lee Grane, that acoustic guitar singer who made Bamboo cry during the first season of The Voice Philippines, is coming to Cagayan de Oro. The "Lee Grane Back to the Heart" bar tour will be on January 22 and 23, 2016. The Lee Grane CDO show is made possible by E-Bar. The singer will perform 12 original songs from her first album, "Truth Is My Echo." Lee Grane, during her TVP blind audition, trended worldwide on social media after performing her own soulful version of Freddie Aguilar's "Anak." Then, when she sang "In The Arms Of An Angel," her rendition was so powerful that Coach Bamboo couldn't help but cry. She eventually chose to be a part of Team Kawayan (Bamboo's team). Want to hear Lee Grane sing live? Get your tickets at the E-Bar, The Pacifico Boutique Hotel, Velez corne...

Jan92016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Access Netflix in Philippines With PayMaya virtual VISA card

Entertainment, Internet, Media, Technology

With the recent release of Netflix to more than 130 new countries around the world including the Philippines Filipinos can now enjoy streaming thousands of popular movies and TV shows from Netflix in Philippines such as the Batman Trilogy or How to Get Away with Murder on their devices - even without a credit card. Netflix is an internet TV service that lets you instantly watch unlimited movies and TV show episodes, including original series, documentaries, and feature films, anytime, anywhere, over almost any Internet-connected device without commercials. As per their announcement, there are three plans available, with the minimum at P370 for the Basic Plan, P460 for the Standard Plan and P550 for the Premium Plan. Subscribers get 1 FREE month. Payments for subscriptions, however, c...

Jan92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to subscribe to Netflix in Philippines without credit card

Announcements, Corporate, Entertainment, Features, Internet, Media, Society, Television, Videos

Everyone's talking about Netflix and thankfully, it's finally available in the Philippines! Netflix is a popular Internet television network that provides online streaming of your favorite movies and TV shows. You can watch over 100 million hours of TV shows and movies (including original series, documentaries and feature films) via your Internet-connected smart TV, game console, PC, Mac, mobile, tablet and more! Another beauty of Netflix is that you can play, pause and resume watching - all without commercials or commitments. Pretty cool, right? Morever, Netflix Philippines is even offering a FREE one-month trial so Filipinos can now experience the joy of binge-watching their favorite movies and TV shows. The succeeding subscription rates then start as low as Php 370 a month. But ho...

Jan92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz Escudero to government: respond to Mindanao’s concerns quickly

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, Basilan, Bislig, Broadcasting, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Compostela Valley, Cotabato, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, General Santos City, Government, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Following the successive bombings of NGCP towers here in Mindanao and even the lack of water (the Zamboanga City Water District has announced water rationing starting January 7, 2016!), I'm glad that Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on the national government to focus its attention and support for the people of Mindanao. “Malacanang should have all hands on-deck with regard to the problems currently besetting Mindanao. The list is getting alarmingly long and there is apparently no end in sight for many of these problems,” said Escudero, the frontrunner in various vice-presidential preference surveys. Foremost among Escudero’s concerns was the successive bombings of towers owned by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) that started in the third quarter of 2015...