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

Oct302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Three Things Every Restaurant Owner Needs to Stand Out

Few experiences can be as rewarding as a nice meal. Restaurant owners employ a number of tactics to provide a unique and delicious experience. Tim Love, who is a serious presence on Food Network and a tremendous restaurateur, knows what factors are involved in creating the aura and dishes that make a success dining establishment. Passion, service, and food are all important qualities that creep into every restaurant, and all three are required for a location to develop an identity. The goal is to keep customers coming back, and great restaurants can often take on a life of their own by becoming one of the hot spots in any city or town. Passion One big element that sets restaurant owners apart is passion. Customers can easily spot a facility that is simply going through the motions. In ...

Oct282015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LAPIS Para Sa Lumad

Advocacy, Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Music

I am always in awe of Filipino musicians who continue to write meaningful, socially relevant songs. Songs that some may consider "unpopular" but are the very ones that we all need to hear. Songs about human rights, just wages, land reform, proper governance, freedom of speech. Songs that remind us of our responsibilities as citizens. Songs that beseech justice and even anger. I was able to watch some of these talented Filipino musicians - all part of the League of Authors of Public Interest Songs (LAPIS) - as they performed in a show for the benefit of the Lumads (indigenous peoples) in Mindanao. The show, dubbed "LAPIS para sa Lumad," also called for awareness and participation in the fight against the attacks on Lumads and their ancestral domains. Among the performers that night we...

Oct282015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Churros at Mai Crafts Boutique Cafe CDO

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

Ever since my most recent trip to Manila (where I tried the much-talked about churros at La Lola Churreria), I've been having these crazy cravings for churros. Churros are basically fried-dough pastries dusted in icing sugar and served with rich chocolate dips. These choux-based snacks are really delicious and filling, especially when served piping hot, fresh from the fryer. Best to pair it with your favorite hot beverage. In my case, I like pairing it with real good coffee. Anyway, I've been trying to look for churros and lo and behold, I actually had my fill at a craft store. Nope, I'm not kidding. Mai Crafts Boutique Cafe is located along Velez Street, Cagayan de Oro. What used to be a place where you can find imported home furnishings, knick knacks, crafts, dinnerware, tea cups a...

Oct162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Kaamulan Festival 2015 at Grandstand Malaybalay Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel

I went to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon a few days ago to see the preparations being done in time for the Kaamulan Festival 2015. The Kaamulan is a yearly gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes and the said festival is the biggest and most-awaited in the province. Now, I've been an observer of the Kaamulan Festival for several years now. In fact, there were many instances when I was tasked to handle and cover big, important events. So you could just imagine my disappointment when I saw for myself this year's preparations. The biggest change? The transfer of the bulk of the activities from the Capitol Grounds to the Grandstand area in Malaybalay. For those unfamiliar with the area - the Grandstand is located in an inner location. The soil at that area gets really soft and muddy when it rains....

Oct152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Migz Zubiri to run for Senate anew, as Poe-Chiz guest candidate

Bukidnon, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Former 3-consecutive term Bukidnon 3rd District Congressman and Senator for 4 years Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator as an independent earlier today, Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at the Commission on Elections main office. He was accompanied by his wife, newspaper lifestyle columnist Audrey Tan-Zubiri. Zubiri, who previously said he was quitting politics, told Mindanaoan.com that he got inspired by his No. 6 ranking in the latest survey of senatorial preferences. In the Sept. 8-14 Pulse Asia Research Inc. survey of senatorial preferences, Zubiri emerged as the sixth most favored by voters. “I’ve been very happy quietly living a private life with Audrey and our three kids, and tending to our small business for more than two years now. ...

Oct142015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 tips to make travels in the Philippines more efficient, relaxed

Blogging, Corporate, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Travel

These days, traveling can be such a pain. Not only do you have to deal with flight delays, monster traffic to and fro the airport and even bungled up hotel bookings, you also need to figure out how you can keep yourself entertained during those long, tiresome waiting periods. Are there ways to make travels in the Philippines a little more relaxed, efficient and productive, you wonder? As a frequent traveler, I've had my fair share of traveling woes. Allow me to share 3 tips, which I personally abide by, on how to make your trips in the Philippines bearable and even fun! Be mindful of what and how you pack I'm not just talking about rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save space (I highly recommend this, by the way) but also learning how to pack as light and as complete...

Oct72015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

6Cyclemind, Banda Ni Kleggy For SMB Kaamulan Festival 2015

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao

Good news for fans of 6Cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy bands. Both acts are set to perform during the San Miguel Beer (SMB) Night of the Kaamulan Festival 2015 in Bukidnon. 6Cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy will perform at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City on October 24, 2015. 6Cyclemind, led by Tutti Caringal (who participated in the first season of "Your Face Sounds Familiar"), is the band behind the hits "Aaminin," "Dadalhin," "Sandalan" and "Sige." Banda Ni Kleggy, on the other hand, is the band behind "Discolamon." San Miguel Beer products will be available at the venue. All products will be sold at SRP. Check out the Kaamulan Festival 2015 schedule of activities here. I've also included some travel tips so I hope you check that out :) Mindanaoan.com will be there...

Oct72015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

4,000 likes on Facebook! Join my simple giveaway

Announcements, Blogging, Freebies, Gifts, Shopping, Technology

Hi, everyone! Just discovered something pretty exciting today! My humble Facebook page has reached 4,000 likes! :) Well, technically, it's nearing 4,100 likes now so I'm really very thrilled! Daghang salamat, thank you very much for the support. Are we Facebook friends yet? If we aren't yet, please do join me here: http://www.facebook.com/mindanaoanblogger Now to celebrate, I'm giving away a couple of items in the next few weeks! :) Let me start with these :) Two winners will receive a PagBAG-o Project tote bag plus two pieces of Chorvita mini notepads by Tahanan Books each. The PagBAG-o Project bags are made by female Typhoon Sendong survivors who now live at Xavier Ecoville. Read more about these bags and how buying them can help the livelihood of many women survivors ...

Oct42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting the new US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs

America, Events, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Society, United States of America

A few days ago, I attended a special event in Manila. It was a reception in honor of the new US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs Carolyn Glassman. The intimate event, which was organized by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States of America, Michael S. Klecheski, gathered select embassy friends from various sectors of society including the media. Truly honored to be invited and to meet Miss Glassman :) Note: Mindanaoan is a proud International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnae. The IVLP is the US State Department's premier professional exchange program for the world's emerging leaders. * Photos courtesy of Miss Noemi. Thank you! :) By the way, a few years ago I also met the then Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs in Cebu. It was quite a...

Oct42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Luxurious Cabin Living Vacations Now Available Online

Mindanaoan Update

For countless numbers of vacationers and travelers, having a place of destination that fulfills the call of the wild, without leaving behind too many modern day amenities, has now become a reality. Where at one time only a person of means could plan their vacation in such a splendid and relaxing surrounding, today, the dream becomes a reality at affordable prices with the most luxurious amenities being offered. Lighting-fast dynamics of the Internet make superior, quality booking web sites, such as the Beavers Bend Broken Bow cabins site, a place to not only get the finest in reservation services, but the best place to actually sit down with a cup of coffee and plan your vacation with comfortable ease. Many of these magnificent camp sites and lodging areas come fully furnished inc...

Sep292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SMB Oktoberfest 2015 launch with Rivermaya and Ebe Dancel

Announcements, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was there! And boy, was the SMB Oktoberfest 2015 grand launch a really fun night - not only because of all the merrymaking, pop-up bars, beer shower, celebrities, seemingly bottomless beer everywhere and amazing Pinoy music acts but also because I was there with good friends :) Much thanks to Rivermaya, I had backstage access at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. I rode with the boys. Their call time was at 8 PM but because we all know how bad Friday night traffic in Manila can be, they fetched me at 3:30 PM. I initially groaned at the idea of traveling for 4 hours but well - I was with Rivermaya. That alone would make any OPM fan squeal! Plus since Mark Escueta had to be in Japan to be with wife Jolina Magdangal (who had a show there) and adorable son Pele, Rivermaya requested the gre...

Sep272015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My Laduree French macaron Makati visit

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

One of my longtime super favorite blogs to read is Chuvaness, run by Cecile Zamora van Straten. I've been reading it since its LiveJournal days and as much as I possibly can, I try to visit the restaurants or shops that she recommends. One of her recent entries was about the opening of the Manila branch of Laduree, that famous French luxury bakery that opened in 1862 and that's best known for its delicious macarons. Let's get this out of the way first - a macaron is a sweet meringue-based confection made with egg white. Commonly filled with ganache, buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies (or crisp shells), the name "macaron" is derived from the Italian word macarone, maccarone or maccherone, the Italian meringue. (Source: Wikipedia) Yes, it's different from macaroons....

Sep252015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Churreria La Lola Rockwell Powerplant

Food, Manila, Reviews

So I finally had the chance to try the famous Churreria La Lola churros at Powerplant Mall, Rockwell. I've been eager to visit since a lot of my Instagram friends have been posting and raving about their giant churros. So of course the girl from Mindanao had to see what the fuss was all about! The long queue at La Lola Churreria really got me convinced that they're serving delicious food here: The menu was simple and easy to understand. Although my mission that day was to try the Churros Clasicos (medium, 6 pieces, Php 110) plus the chocolate dip (medium, Php 60), I want to try the stuffed churros (with a choice of nutella, dulce de leche, strawberry or peanut butter) or the churros dipped in dark chocolate the next time I'm in town (which is next week LOL). YUM! Just typing ...

Sep252015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

BonChon Centrio CDO delivery service

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

Aren't there just days when you want your favorite food delivered right at your doorstep? How about instances when you have unexpected guests and you want to serve something good, familiar and delicious? Thankfully, one of our favorite brands, BonChon, now offers food delivery! BonChon CDO can now deliver your favorite BonChon goodies anywhere around Cagayan de Oro City. Just a few days ago, BonChon Centrio CDO sent me a feast! I couldn’t help but give in when a friendly staff member delivered 24 pieces of real good, piping hot chicken and fries right at my doorstep! Trust me, it was an offer that was so difficult to turn down! It was a Friday so BonChon sent me the "Wings and Fries Friday" feast. It is the BEST chicken and fries deal! I tried the new crunchy garlic var...

Sep122015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

Mindanaoan Update

To help prevent skin damage and skin cancer, sun protection is essential. Health studies and statistics show that 85 percent of melanomas, skin cancers, are associated with exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun. Take at some things you can do to protect yourself from skin damage. Sunscreen Sunscreens are products made with ingredients that help prevent ultraviolet rays (UV) from penetrating your skin. All sunscreens have an SPF rating (Sun Protection Factor) that measures the ability of the sunscreen to prevent harmful UV rays from damaging the skin. In most cases, an SPF 15 or higher will be adequate to protect your skin, but an SPF 30 will protect you longer. Here's how an SPF rating works: If it takes 30 minutes for your skin to start turning red in the sun, a sunscreen with an...

Sep82015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rotary Club of CDO Premier I.D.E.A. 2015 to tackle Bangsamoro Basic Law

ARMM, Arts, Basilan, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Events

The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier, a dynamic group of young professionals dedicated to doing good, is organizing I.D.E.A. 2015 - an Invitational for Debate, Essay and Art on September 11 to 12, 2015 at Liceo de Cagayan University. The theme of this year’s invitational is: “Peace in Mindanao." As a necessary component of the theme, the competition will cover the creation of the Bangsamoro region and the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). I.D.E.A. 2015 is aimed at tackling one of Rotary International’s areas of focus – the promotion of peace and conflict resolution. The event will be a two-day, region-wide high school debate, essay, and art competition aimed at broadening the region’s understanding of the peace process in Mindanao. More specifically, the project aims t...

Sep22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Seeing Daniel Matsunaga and Aliya Parcs

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos

A few weeks ago, I took a quick step back from all the traveling and instead, started attending a couple of local events. Event invitations have been piling up! (Thank you!) The events I attended paved the way for me to see a good friend, meet a new one and see another hunk who apparently still recognizes me ;) Singer, composer, FHM model and my friend Aliya Parcs was in town recently. Dionne Monsanto, an alumnae of Pinoy Big Brother, joined her on this trip. Aliya brought with her wonderful news - she bagged two golds at the recently concluded World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), the same contest Jed Madela won a grand slam in. WCOPA is largely cited as the “Olympics of the Performing Arts” and artists from all around the globe converge in Long Beach, California. Happy for m...

Sep22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Joining the Google Translate marathon in CDO

Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Technology

I recently attended a pretty exciting event here in Cagayan de Oro. I took part in a Google Translate-a-thon, where volunteers like myself translated phrases and sentences from English to Tagalog, Tagalog to English and English to Cebuano. Together with 7 other volunteers, I had fun translating phrases like “mamahalin kita nang walang hanggan,” (IKR, #WhoGoat hehe) “asa man ang balay nilang Tasyo” and even interesting, challenging lines like, “ang kapal ng mukha mo!” I found that challenging because if I translated it quite literally, I felt that the “essence” of the phrase would diminish! How would you translate that, though? :) We also came across a lot of “hugot lines” so that was pretty fun. We did the translations for Google Translate, Google’s free online language translation s...

Aug312015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why you’ll love Havaianas Origine

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Style

Are you a fellow Havaianatico? (avid fan of Havaianas) I have fab news for you! Havaianas is once again changing the game of footwear! With the new Soul Collection, Havaianas is once again stepping up its versatility. Perfect for the free-spirited and young ones like you and me ;) The new Havaianas Soul Collection features the Origine Espadrilles, Sneakers and Ballerina. The collection features a rainbow of happy colors and innovative designs preserving the brand's DNA - authenticity and simplicity. And guess what? The insoles of the Havaianas Soul Collection are made from the same buttery soft sole of the world famous flip-flops. Its unique design also shows a different take on how one can rock an urban look packed with attitude. Get your very own Havaianas Origine now from a...

Aug312015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2015 schedule

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism, Travel

Planning to visit Camiguin Island? Do it on October! October is the BEST time for you to visit what is popularly known as the island of your imagination, the Island Born Of Fire, here in Mindanao, Philippines! Camiguin Island celebrates its annual Lanzones Festival every October - it's a festival that celebrates the bountiful harvest of sweet, fleshly lanzones fruits that the island is best known for. Thanks to Camiguin Congressman Xavier Jesus "XJ" Romualdo, Mindanaoan finally got the Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2015 schedule of activities. Thank you very much, sir!I'm planning to attend at least the major events. Who among you also want to go? :) With the theme, "Kinaiyahan Atong Amping Kalamboan Alang Sa Tanan," the Camiguin Island Lanzones Festival 2015 will formally kick off ...

Aug272015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom declared 2015 Mobile Service Provider

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Technology

Globe Telecom was honored as Telecom Service Provider of the Year and Mobile Service Provider of the Year for 2015 by Frost and Sullivan Philippines following a remarkable performance due to efforts and initiatives in the past year. Globe Telecom, coming from its extensive transformation posted outstanding results by end 2014. It figured prominently in revenue growth, market share growth, product introduction and innovation, consumer acquisition, growth in subscriber base and business/market strategy. These resulted to Globe catapulting to leadership in the Philippine telecommunications industry. “We have established ourselves as the preferred telco brand in the country as manifested by impressive business gains across all business segments and expansion of both mobile and broadband....

Aug272015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Giveaway: Islands Souvenirs Higalaay Festival and “I Heart CDO” shirts

Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Corporate, Festivals, Fiesta, Freebies, Style

UPDATE: WINNERS ANNOUNCED BELOW :) Let me make this short and sweet :) With the help of our generous friends over at Islands Souvenirs, I'm giving away several Higalaay Festival and "I Heart CDO" shirts! The Higalaay Festival shirts come in all-new designs and lovely colors! Trust Islands Souvenirs to come up with cool shirts for that ultimate festival vibe! The shirts come in various sizes (there are even shirts that fit little tots!) and prices start at only Php 199.75 Read more about the Islands Souvenirs Higalaay shirts. Get your very own Higalaay Kagay-an Festival shirts at Islands Souvenirs stores located at 2/F Centrio Mall, East Concourse Limketkai Mall and Laguindingan Airport. Now for a little treat for my valued readers and followers - I'm giving away three (...