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

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...

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...