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

Oct42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Luxurious Cabin Living Vacations Now Available Online

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 (...

Aug212015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Vacation Ownership Is The Hottest New Travel Trend

Mindanaoan Update

Although the concept of vacation ownership has been known and practiced in the United States since the 1950's, there are a host of new companies that are taking this tried and true concept to a whole new level of accessibility and efficiency. Blue Green Resorts Vacations is only one of many new and innovative companies that offer this exciting new arrangement, and the list of providers is growing by an exponential factor as the 21st century continues to unfold. While other vacation arrangements are slowly falling by the wayside, vacation ownership is becoming more and more the accepted custom for travelers. The Source And Secret Of Vacation Ownership's Long Term Appeal If you have been searching for the source or the secret of the long term appeal of vacation ownership, look no furth...

Aug212015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Cool, affordable Higalaay Festival shirts from Islands Souvenirs

Advocacy, Bisaya, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Freebies, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

Looking for Higalaay Festival Kagay-an Festival shirts? Islands Souvenirs CDO has them! Plus they're offering irresistible discounts for all of you! Islands Souvenirs joins in on the Cagayan de Oro fiesta / Higalaay Festival 2015 festivities with a lot of exciting in-store promos and activities. Shoppers can look forward to a whole line of limited edition Higalaay Festival 2015 shirts with all-new designs and colors for that ultimate festival #selfie and #ootd. Grab these exclusive tees today and feel the festival vibe with your friends and family. Prices of these shirts start at only Php 199.75! As a special treat, GET A WHOPPING 50% discount on all regular coloured shirts and 20% off on all special effects and regular black & white shirts! Islands Souvenirs is als...

Aug152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chef Nadine Tengco in CDO for Marca Leon cooking demo

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Food

U.S. certified fitness nutritionist and the Biggest Loser Philippines' resident food coach Chef Nadine Tengco was in town a few days ago for a Marca Leon-sponsored cooking demo. Chef Nadine Tengco shared some tips on healthy eating, diets and good food preparation. One of my favorite take aways from the event? According to Chef Nadine, avoid eating steaming hot rice if you want to lose weight. Better to eat cold or room temperature rice! Hmm...quite a challenge but pretty doable, don't you think so? She also said that it's best to use Marca Leon corn oil because it's good for the heart :) As you can see in the photos I took, the svelte 48 year old sure does know what she's talking about! She is, after all, the diet coach of top celebrities Anne Curtis, KC Concepcion, Julia Barretto, ...

Aug112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities

Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

The King of Festivals is here once again! Kadayawan Festival 2015 or the 30th Kadayawan sa Dabaw will be held in Davao City from August 17 to 23, 2015. Kadayawan Festival is Davao City's grandest and most colorful celebration that highlights Davao tribes' culture, tradition and everyday lives. Kadayawan is also where we all thank the good Lord for bountiful harvests! :) Here's the Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities (please feel free to SHARE!): It's also a special non-working holiday in Davao City on August 24, 2015 so plan your trip well! Happy Kadayawan Festival! See you in the streets! :)

Aug112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kagay-an Festival Marathon 2015

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fiesta, Misamis Oriental, Sports

Every Northern Mindanao runner worth his or her salt looks forward to this every year - the most-awaited Kagay-an Festival Marathon! This year, the Kagay-an Festival Marathon 2015 will be held on August 23, 2015 at Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. Organized by Circle Productions, the same guys who organized the first ever fun run I joined, the 2015 Kagay-an Festival Marathon will have 4 categories - 3K, 5K, 21K and 42K. Check out the corresponding registration fees: Three mountain bikes will also be raffled off! Register now at Sprint Multisport Shop, Centrio Mall, La Cabana Spa and online via Race.ph * Photo of the medal courtesy of event organizer Circle Productions See you all there! :)

Aug112015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Somalia, Africa and Cabanglasan, Bukidnon sign sister LGU agreement

Announcements, Bukidnon, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update

Cabanglasan, Bukidnon and Bal'ad, Somalia are now sisters! Sister LGUs, that is :) On July 27, 2015, about two weeks before Cabanglasan's founding anniversary, a historic local government unit (LGU) sisterhood agreement was forged between Cabanglasan and Bal'ad in the Shabelle region of Somalia. This town sisterhood pact is truly historic as this is not only the first to be established in the Philippines but within entire Asia as well. Cabanglasan, a third class municipality located at the second district of Bukidnon, is the third foreign LGU to partner with Somalia since 1991, the year the civil war started. Recently, the country formalized sister-city agreements with Istanbul, Turkey and Minneapolis, United States of America. The Cabanglasan - Somalia sisterhood agreement aims to d...

Jul312015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Japan Home Center CDO mini-haul – do you love wastelands, too?

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

I have a confession to make. I love, love, LOVE wastelands. Wasteland as in a place that has a lot of stuff that more often than not you don't need but really want! You can leave me at a wasteland and I'll be fine for several hours. Believe it or not, I get inspired whenever I'm inside one :D In Manila, I have a couple of favorite wastelands but it's difficult to find one here in Mindanao. I guess the closest one I could think of are the 88-peso stores. Like the Japan Home Center at the Ground Floor of Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro or the Daiso store at Ayala Centrio Mall. These stores are akin to the dollar stores in the U.S. (which reminds me - I also frequently visited those dollar stores when I visited America. I'm a certified wasteland nut!) Anyway, if you've been to one of the...

Jul302015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Wine Cellar CDO brings back drink-all-you-can wine nights

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Style

Fond of wines? In Cagayan de Oro, the only place to indulge in bestselling fine wines is at The Wine Cellar. Located at Door 6, Great Spot Arcade, JR Borja Extension, The Wine Cellar is considered a must-visit in CDO. Not only is The Wine Cellar CDO stocked with fine wines from all over the world (prices start at Php 390 per bottle), they also exclusively carry imported beers (including 1906, voted the best beer in 2014) as well as spirits. And, with the Kagay-an Festival 2015 drawing near, this CDO wine bar has come up with various special promos. This weekend, they're offering a DRINK-ALL-YOU-CAN red and white wines treat! For only Php 249.00, customers will be served with unlimited red and white wines plus FREE pizza slices courtesy of Oliver's Pizza next door. The promo will be o...

Jul292015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2015 schedule of activities

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Malaybalay City

The Kaamulan Festival 2015 schedule of activities is finally out. Kaamulan Festival, a yearly festival that aims to gather Bukidnon’s 7 hill tribes, is usually held every March but in 2014, the Kaamulan Festival was held in August so that it would coincide with the Bukidnon Centennial Celebration. This 2015, the Bukidnon government decided to move it to October. The Kaamulan 2015 festival schedule of activities can be found below but please do “like” the Kaamulan Festival Facebook Page to be constantly updated. Need a place to stay in Bukidnon? BOOK YOUR BUKIDNON HOTEL ROOM HERE OCTOBER 1 - GRAND OPENING 6 AM - Opening Ritual (Pamukalag), Grandstand Malaybalay – Motorcade (to be participated by festival sponsors) – School Band parade - Food Fest, Agri Fair, Indigenous Ba...