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

Jul112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Here’s an Italian restaurant amidst Bukidnon mountains

Bukidnon, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Food, Tourism

If, like me, you often traverse the Davao to Bukidnon highway, chances are, you've also spotted this quaint, unassuming place at Barangay BuDa (Bukidnon - Davao border), Marilog District. Marked by an Italian flag proudly swaying along with the wind, La Toscana Il Cielo is an authentic Italian restaurant run and owned by the Lucarini couple. Apart from the fact that this Italian restaurant is located in the middle of lush vegetation, mountainous area in Bukidnon and at the outskirts of a small, quiet town, La Toscana Il Cielo BuDa's other beauty is the fact that they only use ingredients straight from Italy and the herbs and vegetables come from their 3-hectare farm right there at BuDa. Click here to see the menu By the way, "La Toscana" means "the Tuscan" whi...

Jul92015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Why SkinStation CDO rocks

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Style

SkinStation CDO is finally open! The popular skin care, slimming and firming treatments clinic chain, opened its 23rd branch in the Philippines at the 2nd Floor of SM CDO last June 27, 2015. SkinStation CDO is a sister company of Dermax Laser Center CDO, located at Ayala Centrio. I was invited to the opening and blessing of SkinStation Cagayan de Oro. A mini press conference was held prior and there, I again met SkinStation founder, CEO and award-winning chemist Fred Reyes, his wife Carleen, son Gedric, and SkinStation's amiable PR Nardene Garcia. I met them just a few months ago during Dermax CDO's opening. I also met the clinic chain's latest celebrity endorser, Julian Flores (model and Binibining Pilipinas 2014 semi-finalist). According to Mr. Reyes, various procedures includi...

Jul42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Miss Cagayan de Oro 2015 bets go water rafting with Great White

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

The Miss Cagayan de Oro 2015 candidates recently made the wise choice of going white water rafting with Great White Water Tours. The lovely Miss CDO 2015 candidates had the best time with the said top CDO rafting outfit. Great White Water Tours is the only CDO water rafting outfit that guarantees two professional river guides per raft (safety is their main concern), 100% clean record (no deaths), high quality gear and equipment, free snack and lunch, available photo and GoPro video coverage services and countless celebrities and notable personalities as regular and satisfied customers. Great White Water Tours is also a sister company of Dahilayan Adventure Park, home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline and the exciting 8-storey Skyjump base jump platform. As such, they offer the che...

Jul42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to spot fake rice

Business, Consumer, Controversial, Crime, Food

This fake rice controversy is really very alarming. News reports have so far stated that these alleged fake rice grains entered the Philippine market from China. Although there have been no reports of death, authorities say that people who may have digested these plastic rice grains may experience dizziness, stomach ache and vomiting. Hence, it's really important that we all be extra careful when we buy rice these days. Here are some tips on how to spot fake rice: 1. Regular and well-milled rice are white and long-grained 2. Fake rice looks too shiny, too round and are uniform in shape and size 3. Real rice does not smell like plastic 4. Fake rice may weigh less than the usual at a certain volume 5. Real rice have "bran streaks" Please buy from National Food Authority-lice...

Jun262015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Must See Places in Rome that Are Uncommon for Visitors

Tourism, Travel

Italy is home to some of the most influential people and artwork throughout thousands of years of history. It is an ancient location as remnants of the past tell stories of events that have shaped humankind today. Rome is full of locations that everyone wants to experience for themselves. However, there may be some that are uncommon that you must see in order to appreciate the multiple facets of historical Italy. In addition to Hipmunk's guide to Rome, you can get more out of the experience by exploring places you never knew existed. Largo di Torre Argentina Site of an ancient series of temples and believed Theater of Pompey, Largo Argentina also hosts one of Rome's more humanitarian aspects. Hundreds of cats find these ruins as shelter as a no-kill area for homeless felines. Operato...

Jun242015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meet the new Sony Bravia TVs powered by Android

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Internet, Technology, Television

I remember that my family's very first TV set was a Sony. It served us really well. That TV set survived well into my early college years. That alone was testament to just how high the quality of Sony TVs were back then. It's no different these days. In fact, Sony has even taken things to a higher level in terms of sound and home entertainment technology. Meet the new lineup of Sony Bravia TVs - the Sony Bravia 4K and Full HD televisions powered by Android. They're all designed to provide the most immersive and high-resolution cinematic experience for customers. And because these new Sony Bravia units support Google's latest Android TV operating system 5.0 or Lollipop, users can easily stream video, use it as a gaming device, access Google Play or transfer content from mobile devices...

Jun242015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Thoughts on that peace process forum invitation

Advocacy, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Society

Sometimes it fascinates me how certain people especially those who advocate sensitive causes seem to downplay bloggers. These people tend to think that "just because" you write about food, fashion and lifestyle, you don't "contribute" to relevant, important conversations. I think they have this misconception that "just because" bloggers like us hardly write about politics and news and current affairs, we don't at least try to do our part in nation building. Take the case of an invitation sent to me and my fellow bloggers here in Northern Mindanao. This was for a supposed "peace forum" from 8:30 am to 12 noon. "Looking for young lifestyle bloggers, bloggers in general, opinion shapers and writers who want to deploy your skills and influence for the peace process in Mindanao. This is an ...

Jun232015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan shines at ADB project management training in Malaysia

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Mindanaoan Update

A Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) development management officer was recently cited for excellent performance in the “Regional Training on Project Management” for BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT held recently at the Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang, Malaysia. Gemma Dagaas received special recognition for ‘Best Project Proposal’ along with her five team members who presented during the training conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under its Advancing Regional Cooperation and Integration through the BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, while IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Area. The two sub-regional groupings were formed with the goals of promoting trade, investment, and ...

Jun212015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Surviving my first ever fun run – Freedom Run 2015 CDO

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Fitness, Health, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Sports

It's probably not just mere coincidence that my first ever fun run in my entire life was dubbed "Freedom Run 2015." In a way, me joining Freedom Run CDO 2015 does depict freedom --- freedom or breaking free from taking my health for granted, from thinking that crash and fancy diets work and even from a silly plan to just save up and undergo lipo procedures in the future. This may even sound curious but after years of promoting running events on a few of my blogs, it was only this time that I've finally, FINALLY resolved to join one. Of course, my recent interest in doing weights, going to the gym and doing CrossFit has something to do with this, too. So, yes, Freedom Run 2015 CDO really did, in many ways than one, mean freedom for me and my "new lease in life." Through the gen...

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That Amazing Wine-Paired Degustation At Movenpick Resort Cebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Events, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Degustation is a culinary term that means meticulous food tasting of special signature dishes. Usually consisting of several courses, each paired with matching wines that complement each dish, a degustation aims to heighten one’s senses and allows one to appreciate food at its finest. That’s exactly what happened during my recent stay at Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu. I flew via Philippine Airlines and underwent a wine-paired degustation at the Conservatory of the Ibiza Beach Club, led by no other than popular Cebu businessman and passionate sommelier Manuel “Manny” Osmeña. This was how the Ibiza Beach Club looked like that night: Before that, though, Manny O gave me and my fellow media guests a tour of his private wine cellar. Only a handful of people have ever set foot here s...

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Soul Refresh At Movenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

How do you say no to a weekend of flight via Philippine Airlines and 5-star accommodation, gastronomical pleasure and pampering via Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu? It was an invitation I just could not resist. Cool gift from Philippine Airlines @flypal #flypal #aviation #travel A photo posted by Mindanaoan.com Irene (@mindanaoan) on May 16, 2015 at 2:28am PDT Philippine Airlines, which is re-introducing its daily Cagayan de Oro-Cebu flights, recently flew Mindanaoan.com to the Queen City of the South to experience a specific kind of luxury - one that I could only describe as refreshing for one’s soul, mind and heart. It was a short but smooth and comfortable flight, the kind that you can only expect with the country’s flag carrier. I even checked-in online via PAL’s website...

Jun182015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Province of Bukidnon receives bus donation from RTMI

Bukidnon, Corporate, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update

The Province of Bukidnon now has a brand new bus, courtesy of Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. or RTMI. The bus, the cost of which is estimated to be Php 3.9 Million, can accommodate 67 passengers. Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr. met with RTMI representatives and inspected the donated bus together. * Photos courtesy of the Office of Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. You may all remember that RTMI is the same company that owned that bus that exploded last year. A bomb was placed inside one of the red RTMI buses and killed 10, injured 42. The bus exploded near Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon. The school has since disclosed an action plan to address the matter.

Jun162015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

SkinStation SM CDO to open June 2015

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update

SkinStation, a popular clinic chain that offers Painless Diode Laser Hair Removal treatments, will open its 23rd branch in the Philippines at SM City CDO on June 27, 2015. SkinStation CDO will be located at the 2nd Floor of SM CDO. SkinStation is a skin care company that utilizes cutting-edge technology and science to give you the best value in skin and body solutions. Various procedures including anti-acne, anti-aging, whitening, slimming and firming treatments will be made available. SkinStation CDO will also offer the hugely popular painless Diode laser hair removal treatment. The clinic chain has serviced over 25,000 Diode patients so far. SkinStation is a sister company of DERMAX, which also opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro. Follow Mindanaoan for exclusive updates: ...

Jun162015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Eating right, losing weight with NutriFit CGY

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Recipes, Society

Here's something I haven't really extensively shared with you yet - I've been going to the gym, following exercise routines and been trying to eat right. In fact, it'll soon be my second month of following this "lead a healthier lifestyle" challenge. It'll just be my second month but boy do I already consider that as quite a feat! Losing weight, eating right, exercising properly - these are pretty difficult to do especially for someone like me who needs to travel a lot, attend several events in a week and have quite a number of PR and social media clients to take care of. Thankfully, there's NutriFit CGY, a homebased food business that offers Paleo diet meals for people who need healthy, calorie-regulated, delicious food. Paleo, short for "paleolithic," involves eating whole, organic, c...

Jun132015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

How to donate for Philippine Eagle conservation through your cellphone

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Events, Features, Headline

Here's a really worrisome fact: only 400 pairs of the Philippine Eagle are left in the wild. Read that again and I know you will feel chills down your spine...as I did. Because of hunting/poaching and deforestation, the Philippine eagle is declared critically endangered and nearly at the brink of extinction...unless we all do our share to help save our national bird. Yesterday, June 12, 2015, I noticed an event online and got really touched and inspired by it. It was the "#FlyFreePamana" campaign led by the Philippine Eagle Foundation and Globe Business. Pamana is the name of a 5-year old female rescued eagle from Midsaling Creek, Iligan City. When she was found, she was a very weak 8-month old eagle that suffered two gunshot wounds - one on its left breast and another on its left wing....

Jun122015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Google Philippines doodle for Independence Day 2015

Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Google joins the Philippines today in celebrating Independence Day, a national holiday commemorating the country's declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule, by releasing an Independence Day Google doodle depicting the Philippine flag. When people access the search engine today (Google.com.ph), they can see the Philippine flag's colors. The sun and 3 stars also replace one of the "O"s. Clicking on the Google doodle will lead visitors to more information about the Philippine Independence. Today, June 12, 2015, marks the 117th Independence Day. Thank you, Google! Note: Mindanaoan is the lead coordinator of the Google Business Group - Women CDO chapter.

Jun122015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Fun, Fancy Costumes at Smiffy’s

Business, Consumer, Shopping

Looking for fun and fancy costumes and dresses for Halloween, a groovy 60s party or a Hawaiian Luau-themed gathering? Let Smiffy’s be your one-stop shop! Founded in 1894, Smiffy’s has become the leading fancy dress, Halloween and Carnival manufacturing company in the UK and has developed into a global organization with offices and showrooms worldwide. With roughly 1,000 new products introduced every year, you can be sure that Smiffy’s has the right fancy dresses and fun costumes for you. They also make sure that they can serve as many customers as possible. They’re the only UK company to have every child and adult costume available in up to 7 sizes! Now that’s real customer service! From party ponchos to easy to wear luau party garments to attractive stand out suits to fancy dresses ...

Jun72015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Personalized Lockets by CharmiFy CDO

Advocacy, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

How does this sound? Create your own special, personalized locket with charms that depict your lifestyle, interests and passions, your preferred design and your preferred chain. And all of that at a very affordable price. Sounds good? This is exactly what you get over at Lockets By CharmiFy, a homebased business in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Lockets By CharmiFy sells cute, very affordable, customizable lockets. Wearing one is like being able to keep memories and things that you truly love close to your heart...everywhere you go! You can choose which charms to place inside. Aren't these precious? Price for each charm starts at Php 35.00! Some of the lockets. You can wear them as bracelets or necklaces. Your choice! I actually have my ow...

Jun62015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Join Freedom Run 2015 CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Sports

Get ready for Freedom Run 2015 CDO! Our friends over at Circle Productions, Inc. are bringing back Freedom Run CDO and apart from the cash prizes, they're also raffling off 3 cool mountain bikes. Celebrate Independence Day this year by joining this CDO running event! I will be joining the 5K run so I hope to see you all there :) When: June 14, 2015 – Sunday Where: South Concourse, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City Race categories and corresponding fees (all affordable, as you can see!): 21 Km – Php 900 with jersey, race bib with timing chip, finisher’s jersey and medal 5 Km – Php 350 with jersey, race bib 3 Km – Php 350 with jersey, race bib 21Km – Assembly Time: 3:30 AM, Start Time: 4 AM 5Km – Assembly Time: 5 AM, Start Time: 5:30 AM 3Km – Assembly Time: 5 AM, St...

Jun42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2015 Northern Mindanao pageant

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Northern Mindanao, Society, Style

The search for the next Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 is on and the Northern Mindanao leg will be held in Cagayan de Oro! The Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 Northern Mindanao regional search will be held on June 7, 2015, 4 PM at the Centrio Mall Activity Center. There will be a pre-screening of interested candidates, though, on June 6, 2015, 9 AM at N Hotel. The reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 Eva Patalinhug, Brazilian-Japanese model/actor Fabio Ide and Mags Boutique CEO Mags Cue will be at the pageant. The event on Sunday is open to the public. The candidates will also get to wear the fab creations of popular local fashion designers including my friends Boogie Musni-Rivera and Mavy Cooper de Leon, Benjie Manuel and Mark Yaranon. Mindanaoan will cover the event on June 7, 2015. Fol...

Jun32015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

ABS CBN Barangay Gwapo 2015 search on

Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Television

The yearly (and most awaited, mind you) pageant for men in Northern Mindanao is now on! Barangay Gwapo, an ABS CBN Northern Mindanao-produced and organized men's pageant, has even expanded the search - from what started out as just for Cagayan de Oro residents is now open for residents of Gingoog, Butuan, Iligan, Bukidnon and other parts of Misamis Oriental. Barangay Gwapo 2015 is open to all single males, aged 16 to 26 years old. Audition will be on June 13, 2015, 10 AM to 5 PM at Loreto's Grill and Restaurant (Tomas Saco Street/Nazareth, CDO). Prepare a 2-minute presentation that would truly showcase your talent/skill! And, yes, I also served as one of the judges of a previous Barangay Gwapo search :) So do you know someone who fits the bill? Share this post with him now!

Jun32015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Google My Business CDO event a success

Advocacy, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Government, Make Money Online, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Technology, United States of America

One of the things that I really like doing is helping and supporting small and medium businesses especially local ones. This is the reason why I readily accepted the role of Google Business Group - Women lead coordinator. Being the GBG Women CDO lead allows me to share various strategies and tips especially on how to effectively use the Internet to promote businesses online. GBG Women is under the umbrella of GBG CDO, a community of business professionals helping people explore, learn, share, and discover how Google products can help the local business communities benefit from technology. GBG CDO is a local chapter under Google Business Group - Philippines. One of the recent activities the GBG CDO folks and I got involved in was the Google My Business CDO orientation and sign-up day ...