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

Jan42016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cat Cafe Calico in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Advocacy, Entertainment, Japan, Leisure, Tokyo, Travel

During our trip to Japan, we just had to visit a cat cafe. To visit at least one cat cafe was definitely a part of our Japan itinerary. We chose Calico Cat Cafe, one of the most popular cat cafes (I read somewhere it's the oldest, too) in Tokyo, Japan. You see, my entire family loves animals. We have a family dog, whom we absolutely adore, but if one of my brothers had his way, he'd also want our family to have pet cats. I like cats as well but not as much as he does! Before anything else, by the way, allow me to share a few things about cat cafes. A cat cafe is where you can enjoy drinks like coffee, tea, juices and shakes and get to interact with various breeds of cats. Cat cafes have become pretty popular since lots of apartments don't allow pets. Anyway, to make my brother hap...

Dec302015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Finding the Godzilla themed hotel in Tokyo Japan

Entertainment, Features, Hotels, Japan, Leisure, Tokyo, Travel

We found Godzilla! Yup, my brothers and I found Godzilla in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan! A Godzilla-themed hotel, that is :) Even though it was really pretty cold that night, I asked my brothers if they wanted to look for Hotel Gracery in the Kabukicho District in Shinjuku. It's the hotel famous for its really cool Godzilla-themed guest rooms. According to reports, the Godzilla Room on the hotel’s top floor features a life-sized Godzilla claw looming above the beds. The other Godzilla View rooms, on the other hand, let guests overlook the life-size replica of the celebrated mutant dinosaur's head. Hotel Gracery Tokyo also offers Godzilla-themed desserts and merchandise. That night, however, my brothers and I could only afford to see the Godzilla head from the outside. Maybe one day we'll ...

Dec302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz asks: hasten probe on ABS CBN TV crew ambush in Marawi

ARMM, Crime, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero condemned in the strongest terms the ambush of a three-member ABS-CBN News team in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Dec. 26, as he called on authorities to speed up the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Escudero said the assassination attempt on reporter Ronnie Enderes, cameraman Emelito Balansag and driver Garry Montecillo was “a serious attack against press freedom.” “There is no doubt that the ambush was work-related. Although no one was seriously injured, it is important that authorities go after those responsible for the incident and put them behind bars, otherwise there will be no end to the culture of impunity against journalists,” Escudero said. The Iligan City-based news crew was in Marawi to gather updates on the Dec. 24 b...

Dec292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy Manila YSEALI Anniversary in Bukidnon #YOUnified

Advocacy, America, Bukidnon, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, United States of America

If you remember, I wrote about me planning to join the Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) 2nd anniversary celebration in Bukidnon a few days ago. I mentioned that as a very proud alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a US State Department-sponsored professional exchange program for global emerging leaders, I am always more than happy to support events especially those that help shape young leaders. * My super comfortable wide leg pants are from ZIYA (they have several stores across the Philippines - check more details about ZIYA here) Well, that event, which was held last December 12, 2015, was a huge success! I joined some members of the US Government alumni - Bukidnon Chapter, Bukidnon State University student council leaders and severa...

Dec212015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach bags #MissUniverse2015 crown

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society

The new Miss Universe 2015 is Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the Filipino-German stunner who considers Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines her second home. The road towards being Miss Universe 2015 wasn't easy for Pia Wurtzbach. She had to join the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageants three times before she bagged the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title, which eventually allowed her to represent the Philippines to the Miss Universe pageant. Although she was born in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the 26 year old beauty queen stayed for many years in both Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. In CDO, she attended kindergarten at Kong Hua School and primary school at Corpus Christi. Now, Pia has bagged the Miss Universe 2015 title. This makes her the third Filipina to bag the crown. Hmm. Which ma...

Dec192015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Kamukura Ramen in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan for yummy, cheap eats

Food, Japan, Kyoto, Leisure, Osaka, Reviews, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel

My brothers and I spent our first evening in Japan in Shibuya, one of Tokyo's special wards. I was really looking forward to spending time in Shibuya especially since it's one of Tokyo's busiest districts. You can read more about our fun Shibuya escapades. Anyway, while my brothers and I roamed around Shibuya, we realized we haven't eaten anything yet after we checked in at Oak Hostel Cabin. As fate would have it, we stumbled upon this ramen restaurant that had an English menu - Kamukura Soup With Noodles. Entering that restaurant was one of the great impromptu decisions we made while in Tokyo :) Because, as it turned out, Kamukura is one of the popular ramen places in Japan that served really good, filling and affordable food! Kamukura Ramen actually has a controversial c...

Dec182015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Nakamise Street for souvenir hunting in #Tokyo #Japan

Arts, Features, Japan, Mindanaoan Update, Tokyo, Travel

Hunting for souvenirs in Tokyo, Japan can be done in the district of Asakusa, which is considered the center of Tokyo's shitamachi ("low city"). In Asakusa, the main attraction is the Sensoji Temple. However, before you reach this very popular Buddhist temple, you need to pass through Nakamise Street. This is where you go souvenir hunting in Tokyo :) Nakamise Street is Tokyo's biggest souvenir market. You can find lots of traditional Japanese items, local snacks, knick knacks etc. My brothers and I tried the local snacks made fresh and right before you! Very delicious, trust me :) By the way, it is PROHIBITED to eat and walk at the same time in Japan. Ergo, you need to consume the food and drinks where you purchased them. Please take note! At the last stretch of the souvenir shops...

Dec112015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Joining the US Embassy Manila YOUnified celebration

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Bukidnon, Events, Misamis Oriental, United States of America

I'm a proud alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program, a U.S. State Department-sponsored program for global emerging leaders. The IVLP is the Department of State's premiere professional exchange program and - I have said this before and will not hesitate to say it again and again - that experience of being sent to America changed my life and inspired me in so many ways. This is why whenever I have the opportunity to inspire others especially the youth and help them become leaders, I really find time. This weekend, I will be a part of the YOUnified Bukidnon celebration! YOUnified is the 2nd anniversary of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). Bukidnon will be one of the 20 communities across the Philippines that will simultaneously celebrate YSEALI's ann...

Dec112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hair thinning or hair loss? Gary V has a tip

Beauty, Fashion, Features, Fitness, Health, Mindanaoan Update

Known for his moniker, "Mr. Pure Energy," Gary Valenciano or Gary V is the very image of youthful vibrance, whether onstage or not. That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he values the way he looks the same way that he values the core of who he is: a prayerful, faithful husband and dependable father. Part of what makes Gary stay young looking is his head of hair. What many people don’t know is that, like all other men his age, Gary once worried about hair thinning and hair loss. “I first noticed the hair loss in the shower, after I toweled my hair dry. Then one day, my team of hairstylists noticed that my hair was thinning, too. That’s when they told me to look for the product that Fanny Serrano was using, a product called NOVUHAIR,” remarked Gary. NOVUHAIR is a topic...

Dec92015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Superb Cebu buffet: Why Tokyo Table is a must-visit

Cebu City, Features, Food, Reviews, Visayas

I'm still on a Japan high! So high that I'm already planning my next trip there! I actually did something that had a touch of Japan even before I actually went to Japan! I visited a superb, much-talked about Yakiniku buffet restaurant in Cebu and savored okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), lots of ramen (yum!) and grilled squid and salmon (the Japanese love their seafood!). I went to Tokyo Table, one of the best buffet restaurants in Cebu. Located at City Time Square, Mantawi Avenue, Tipolo, Mandaue City, Tokyo Table Cebu eat all you can restaurant serves an impressive array of food choices – from seafood-all-you-can and raw meats that you can grill on your own or with the able assistance of the restaurant’s friendly staff (each table has a grill plate) to a sushi and dimsum station to ...

Dec92015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

EXODUS anime show now airing on Animax

Entertainment, Features, Television

Exodus anime series is now airing on Animax Asia, the premium cable television network dedicated to bringing you the best anime shows straight from Japan! Peace has finally returned to the island of Tatsumiyajima where the battles occurred. However, how long will this peace last? Amidst the uncertainly, there is the existence of two special girls, one who can understand the Festum and the other who is protected by the Festum. When the two girls cross paths, a new world is about to unfold. Exodus started airing last December 8, 2015. Catch 2 episodes back to back at 10:00pm Mondays-Tuesdays. First and exclusive on Animax. Animax is seen on SKYCable Channel 46, Cignal Digital TV Channel 34 and Dream Channel 7. Photo courtesy of Animax Asia.

Dec92015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Where To Stay In Tokyo #Japan : Oak Hostel Cabin #travel

Hotels, Japan, Kyoto, Mindanaoan Update, Osaka, Tokyo, Travel

For many travelers like myself, Japan can be quite an expensive place to visit. However, this does not mean that there aren't any ways for us to save especially on accommodations. There are actually many cheap hotels in Japan that you can choose from. You can stay in a stylish place that has a comfortable lounge, a popular budget hotel just 3 minutes away from Shinjuku or if you're feeling a little bit adventurous just like me and my brothers, you may want to stay in a capsule room in Tokyo! Located just 7 minutes away from Suitengumae Subway Station (Hanzomon Line) and in the Chuo-ku area, Oak Hostel Cabin is a good choice if you're looking for a place to stay in Tokyo, Japan. Fairly new, Oak Hostel Cabin Tokyo offers dormitories (male, female, mixed) that have capsule style rooms. Oak...

Dec62015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cheap Way To Travel From Narita To Tokyo

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel

Yes, it's true. Japan is truly an expensive city BUT if you know where to look and how to follow instructions and, more especially, if you have cool travel aficionado friends who generously share tips, then you can certainly still travel to Japan on the cheap. I got this very helpful Japan travel tip from Paula Peralejo! This is for those who want to save on transportation from Narita Airport to Tokyo (and vice versa). A little backgrounder first. While Narita Airport isn't the only airport near Tokyo (there's also Haneda Airport), it's usually where most international flights are serviced. Narita is about an hour away from Tokyo proper so unless you want to stay near the airport for some reason, DO NOT book hotels near Narita. I just had to say that since I've noticed that the hotel...

Dec42015 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

How to apply for Japan visa in the Philippines

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Travel

When I started preparing documents for my Japan tourist visa, I somehow knew what to expect. In fact, the process was pretty similar to getting my tourist visa to Korea except for one major difference, which you'll find out later :) Anyway, here's how to apply for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines: A Japanese visa is technically FREE of charge. However, the Japanese embassy ONLY entertains visa applications coursed through accredited travel agencies. Since my brothers and I flew from Cebu to Narita, we applied through one of the Japanese embassy's accredited agencies in Cebu. Do note that while there is a Japanese embassy in Cebu, it's only for diplomats. All visa applications will still be processed in Manila. For our agency, we chose Friendship Tours Cebu. My brother, ...

Dec32015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Back from Japan!

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Travel

I'm back home from a much-needed vacation to Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. I'm still on a natural high, after having spent one glorious week there! I visited three major places in Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. It was an all DIY, budget trip. And, yes, I'll share budget Japan travel tips for y'all! I had a really nice experience in Japan. It was the peak of the Koyo Season (when the colors of the leaves change). Technically, the weather was supposed to be autumn but let me tell you - my brothers and I froze our a**es off! Admittedly, we were underdressed and totally unprepared for WINTER! Yikes OMG. Climate change, hello, is that you? Thankfully, I managed to bring my trusty Gap scarf (a gift from Divine Lee), two H&M sweaters, a knitted wool hat (which I wore in the US)...

Dec12015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ladybag Centrio CDO: For the love of bags

Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Style

What is it with women and their love for bags? Trust me, I’ve heard that question a million times over and to this day, I still don’t have the proper answer. I’m a so-called “late bloomer” in terms of loving fashion, makeup, bags and shoes, you see. I do have several theories, though: the smell and feel of brand new bags cheer a woman’s insides up (like the line in a Friends’ episode: “I think my uterus just skipped a beat!”), bags are little treats for various personal achievements and, let’s face it, women like to “compete” with one another and the bags they carry can say a lot about them, their stories, their goals and their flair for fashion and style. Perhaps my theories are the same ones that Ladybag believes in. Ladybag is the newest store at Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro that cate...

Nov102015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

ZIYA For Easy Breezy Dressing

Mindanaoan Update

As a frequent traveler, I need clothes that do not only highlight my personal sense of style but also those that are also affordable, easy to wear, easy to pack and easy to clean. This is why I prefer resort wear clothes. Also called “easywear,” resort wear clothes are generally made from materials that are breathable and lightweight. Clothes that are made of soft, wrinkle-free fabric (so you can easily roll them and place inside your suitcase), that have pretty styles, colors and designs and that are casual yet very fashionable. These are the very reasons why I just love Ziya. Derived from the Arabic word meaning “splendor, glow, light,” Ziya is a chain of boutiques in the Philippines that aims to cater to the global woman who is proud of her distinct personal style. I’ve been a ...

Nov102015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SMART iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus offers

Technology

Smart Communications has announced its plans for the much anticipated iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, the most advanced iPhones ever, with super-sized data offers and awesome perks aimed at giving you the Smart Life experience. As a special offer from November 6 until December 31, you can get the iPhone 6s FREE on Plan 2000 under a 30-month contract, inclusive of a super-sized 10GB data allowance for all your videos, music and games; plus All-Month Surf, which gives you access to all your favorite websites and apps like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and chat apps like Viber, Whatsapp, Line and Messenger, among many others, throughout the 30-month period. As part of the limited offer, you can also get the iPhone 6s Plus FREE on Plan 2499 under a 30-month term, inclusive of super-size...

Nov42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From Me To You: Get FREE Php 939 Airbnb credit

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Society, Travel

Traveling but don't want to spend too much on hotels? Want to stay in condos, hostels, inns or even rooms for rent? Want to experience first-hand hospitality from homeowners themselves? Airbnb can address that! Airbnb is a website for people to list, find, and rent lodging. It has over 1,500,000 listings in 34,000 cities and 190+ countries. And, yes, there are numerous listings in the Philippines! In fact, I found interesting listings - from a cabin in the woods to a fully furnished studio right in the middle of a bustling city to a family-friendly place complete with pool! Are you ready to experience Airbnb? If you are, I have great news for you! Mindanaoan.com wants to give you FREE Php 939.00 (roughly US $23.00) Airbnb credit! What is Airbnb credit? You can use this to book ...

Nov42015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

5 Ways To Avoid Being A Victim Of “Laglag Bala” “Tanim Bala” Scam

Advocacy, Controversial, Crime, Flights, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

The horror that is the “tanim bala” (bullet planting) or “laglag bala” scam. If you're a frequent traveler like I am, I'm sure you are either worried or angry - or even both! This airport scam in the Philippines surely is a controversial one. "Laglag bala" or "tanim bala" is where innocent travelers fall prey to members of alleged syndicates who “drop” live ammunition in luggage and as a result, either miss their flights or get extorted for huge amounts of money. Take the case of the 60 year old engineer who flew from Manila to Davao. He was found in possession of two bullets at the Davao International Airport. Like most of the victims, he said he did not know how the bullets got into his bags but he was charged for illegal possession of ammunition nonetheless. He was only released when...

Nov22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com shortlisted in 2015 Globe Media Excellence Awards

Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Technology

A total of 58 entries were shortlisted for various categories of the Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA), the most anticipated premier award-giving body that gives recognition to excellence in journalism in Mindanao. The premier award-giving body which recognizes excellence in journalism from the best breed of scribes in Visayas and Mindanao, the awards gives recognition to print, broadcast, and digital media practitioners who have excelled in their respective fields. Awards night for the GMEA Mindanao leg will be held on November 17. “The number of entries that we received this year is a testament to the commitment of media practitioners to provide exemplary reporting in their respective fields given the vital role of the press in effecting positive societal transformation and nati...

Oct302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Reconnected with ASEAN astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor

Features, Headline, Malaysia, Musings, Personal, Personalities

I'm too excited not to share this! Four years ago, I met Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a Malaysian and the first ever ASEAN astronaut. I met him through the former Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad, and his lovely wife, Dato Zainab Kader. Apart from being the first ever ASEAN cosmonaut (he was selected from a whopping 11,435 candidates!), Dato Sheikh is also an orthopaedic surgeon, motivational speaker, model, endorser (yes, he is THAT amazing) and proud family man. (Yes, yes, I can hear the millions of hearts breaking right now haha) When I first met him, though, he was still single. Do I really need to tell you why tens of thousands of ladies find him charming? Anyway, I just want to share that today, after 4 long years, we finally got reconn...