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

Feb12015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Lotte Mart Seoul

Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Tourism, Travel

Lotte Mart in Seoul, Korea sits on a pretty huge complex. Considered as a hypermarket, Lotte Mart is where you can buy groceries, toys, clothes, electronics and lots of other goods. My brother and I weren't there to shop, though. We went to Lotte Mart to EAT! (and take photos, of course!) The Lotte Outlets is in a building right beside Lotte Mart Should you decide to shop, by the way, and your purchase has reached at least 30,000 KRW (Korean won - roughly US $30.00), you are entitled to Lotte Mart's tax refund service. Before you leave, bring all of your receipts to the tax refund counter at Level 1. We went to the supermarket area. Found this food court. Yum! Lotte Mart Seoul Station 122, 2-ka Bongrae-dong, Seoul, South Korea Store hours: 10 AM to 12 m...

Jan312015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Behold the majestic Mangima Canyon in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon may be usually known for Dahilayan Adventure Park and Del Monte Golf and Country Club (home of really good steaks and bottomless Del Monte juice!) but this Bukidnon town is actually also home to something truly GRAND - the Mangima Canyon. Took the photos of below from the Sitio Angeles view deck. This is in between Barangay Dalirig and Maluko. If you have extra time, you can stay here for a bit, relax and enjoy the scenery. There are a couple of huts with benches made out of steel road barriers. UPDATE: These photos show the Maluko Canyon. The Mangima Canyon can be viewed only in part. Thanks Miss Gina for the info. This is truly a breathtaking view. The Mangima Canyon is incredibly beautiful. You must visit Bukidnon soon :) Want to rent a van t...

Jan302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Salute and rest in peace, Tagaligtas #SAF44

ARMM, Crime, Maguindanao, Mindanao

Today, the Philippines honors the members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) who died following an armed encounter in Maguindanao, Mindanao last Sunday, January 25, 2015. Rest in peace. We are truly grateful for your service. * Photos from the Official Gazette of the Philippines and Rappler Read: FULL TEXT Pres. Benigno Aquino III statement on the Maguindanao Clash

Jan292015 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Lovely Lake Mainit in Mindanao Philippines – Why You Need To Visit

Agusan del Norte, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Resorts, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Lake Mainit is great proof why Mindanao, Philippines is the land of promise. To say that Lake Mainit is breathtaking is actually an understatement. The beauty of Lake Mainit is arresting. It takes you aback. This lovely lake makes you remember just how beautiful life is. It makes you feel grateful. Lake Mainit, which is actually the deepest lake in the Philippines, is "shared" by the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. It plays a vital role in commerce, trade and eco-tourism ventures for both provinces. There are a total of 31 lakeshore barangays around this body of water and you can have good views of the lake from the municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Jabonga and Kitcharao. Took these photos of Lake Mainit from Mainit town. Pardon the quality - only used my phone ...

Jan292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Design tip: here’s a very easy way to spruce up a blank wall

Arts, Beauty, Features, Gifts, Shopping

I just turned one of the bare and boring walls in our home into instant eye candy with the help of wall stickers! Yep, folks, wall stickers. I've been spotting a lot of Pinterest pins about wall decor stickers and I've been wondering where to get them locally when one of my favorite CDO boutiques, Spruce, sent me a set last Christmas 2014! Woohoo! At bilang it's a new year and all, go go go na in decorating paandar! The set I received had two sticker sheets. Each sticker sheet had "leaves" and "branches/stems." Take note that the box I received had no instructions but it did have a sample of a suggested finished look (check out the face of the box). And so, armed with a pair of scissors, a dose of creativity and imagination plus my favorite Spotify playlist blasting in the backgroun...

Jan282015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Park Inn Radisson Davao hotel

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Perhaps two of the advantages of staying at Park Inn by Radisson Davao are the facts that this Davao hotel is right behind SM Lanang Premiere Mall (which houses the SMX Convention Center) and that it's roughly 15 minutes away from Davao International Airport. Hence, if you want extra minutes of sleep before heading to the airport or if you want to catch a movie or shop, then Park Inn Davao is the ideal hotel for you. I stayed at this business hotel in Davao when I was invited to cover the BIMP-EAGA International Business Leaders Conference. Although I was there for work, I truly had restful nights. I mean, really, who wouldn't have comfortable sleep when you get a bed like this? Comfortable bed - check. Clean sheets - check. Soft pillows - check! My room came with a lo...

Jan282015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Full text: Pres. Aquino statement on Mamasapano Maguindanao clash

Mindanaoan Update

The following is Philippine President Benigno Aquino III's statement on the controversial Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash. What are your thoughts about this incident? Please share your comments below. Pahayag ng Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III Pangulo ng Pilipinas Ukol sa insidente sa Mamasapano, Maguindanao [Inihayag sa Palasyo ng Malacañan noong ika-28 Enero 2015] Mga kababayan, Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. Humaharap po ako sa inyo ngayon upang iulat ang ating nalalaman ukol sa nangyari sa Mamasapano, Maguindanao, nitong nakaraang Sabado at Linggo. Ginagawa po natin ito hindi upang pangunahan ang board of inquiry na itinalaga upang tuklasin ang buong katotohanan, kundi dahil karapatan ninyong malaman ang alam natin sa puntong ito. Noong Sabado ng gabi, ika-24 ng ...

Jan232015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PHOTOS: Giant Philippine Eagle along BuDa (Bukidnon-Davao border)

Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Traversing the Bukidnon - Davao (BuDa) highway? If you're entering or leaving Davao City via Bukidnon, you might want to watch out for really cool sculptures at Barangay Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao. This huge Philippine Eagle sculpture, crafted by Cotabato-born, fellow Mindanaoan Kublai Millan, is a sight to behold. Just a few steps away from the Philippine Eagle sculpture, there are also sculptures of Mindanao tribesmen and children. The sculptures are reminiscent of the yearly Kadayawan Festival. There's also a "Welcome to Davao" sign :) There is no entrance fee and there are no other fees here. There may be locals who will sell you native handicrafts, though :) I bought some bracelets (Php 10.00 each only!). Nice way to help support the local community. ...

Jan182015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PHOTOS: Catching Up With Rivermaya band in Cebu

Cebu City, Entertainment, Music, Musings, Personalities, Photos

I will let you in on a secret: Rivermaya band, despite the multi-platinum record selling success, thousands of successful concerts here and abroad and millions of fans, is actually composed of very friendly, down-to-earth, kulit guys. (so kulit you have to be on your toes whenever they have sheepish looks on their faces :D) When you're around them, they make you feel welcome. And when they're around you, they're just themselves - no rockstar attitude at all. This is why, apart from being a fan of their songs, I love hanging out with them. Offstage, the Rivermaya guys - Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Norby David and Ryan Peralta - are just regular, funny and cool guys. Let me prove that by sharing some of my photos with Rivermaya in Cebu :) Spent two days with some of my favorite guys. Enj...

Jan172015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Teenage Time Killer New Album to Feature Big Names

Mindanaoan Update

The alternative rock group Corrosion of Conformity spent years on the underground circuit, gaining fans through the band's unique musical skills and their sometimes shocking antics. Though the group broke up in more recent years, several former band members announced plans to form a new group called Teenage Time Killer. Not long after forming that band, Rise Records confirmed that it signed the group to a new record deal. Though some wondered if the band could be a success, Teenage Time Killer grabbed some big names to work on an upcoming album. Dave Grohl Music fans like Jordan Kurland know Dave Grohl as the lead singer for the alternative rock band Foo Fighters. Prior to working with that band, Grohl was in Nirvana with legendary singer Kurt Cobain. After Cobain's shocking suicide ...

Jan172015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visayas Symphony Orchestra to join Liceo University Diamond Jubilee celebration

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music

To help celebrate Liceo University's 60th (Diamond) Jubilee, the Visayas Symphony Orchestra will perform in a special gala concert at Rodelsa Hall on February 28, 2015. Under the baton of world-class Filipino artist Rudolf Pelaez Golez with pianist Jose Velez Malferrari as featured soloist, the much-awaited event aims to bring classical music closer to local music aficionados as a way of cultural appreciation and arts development in the locality. The Visayas Symphony Orchestra in CDO event will also coincide with the National Arts Month celebration. The Visayas Symphony Orchestra will be performing pieces from the world’s greatest classical composers namely, Emperor Waltz of Strauss, Symphony in g minor No. 40 of Mozart and Piano Concerto in c minor No. 3 of Ludwig van Beethoven. Th...

Jan152015 by Mindanaoan Irene135 Comments

How to apply and renew your Philippine passport at DFA Centrio CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

A couple of things have changed since I last renewed my Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Cagayan de Oro or DFA CDO. Apart from the fact that DFA CDO has now transferred from Limketkai Center to Ayala Centrio Mall, there isn't any need to call their office for an appointment (IT IS NOW REQUIRED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT...scroll down to find out how) there are now lesser requirements and lesser wait time. Allow me to share with you my experience on how to renew your passport at DFA Centrio CDO. Centrio Mall is located at Corrales Avenue corner CM Recto Avenue. Please scroll down for a MAP and helpful travel instructions. DFA Centrio Ayala is located at the 3rd Floor. DFA Centrio Office hours: Monday to Friday - 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday - 10 AM to 6 ...

Jan142015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Smart Telecom offers FREE Twitter for Pope Francis Philippines visit

Technology

SMART Telecom is offering FREE and unlimited access to social networking app Twitter from January 15 to 19, 2015. This, as a public service to all its 69 million prepaid and postpaid subscribers who want to share their Pope Francis / Papal Visit experience online. The free Twitter offer is applicable for all subscribers of Smart, Sun Cellular and Talk ‘N Text. “With this collaboration, Smart and Twitter aim to allow more Filipinos to get involved and immerse in this historic experience with Pope Francis, who our Catholic nation hold very dear to our heart,” said Napoleon L. Nazareno, president and CEO, PLDT and Smart. Text DEARPOPE to 9999 starting January 15 Starting January 15, Smart, Sun Cellular and Talk ‘N Text subscribers nationwide may start their one-time registrati...

Jan132015 by Mindanaoan Irene19 Comments

DERMAX Laser Center opens CDO branch #business #beauty

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

DERMAX CDO is finally open! If you can remember, I first shared with you the good news over the holidays and now, DERMAX Laser Center has finally opened its doors at the 3rd Floor of Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines. Prior to their official opening last January 8, 2015, DERMAX Laser Center CDO held a press conference. One of the speakers was DERMAX Laser Center Founder, Chairman and CEO Fred Reyes, an award-winning chemist himself. A recipient of the 2008 Achievement Award conferred by the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies, Reyes also received the 2011 Outstanding Professional Award in Chemistry from the Professional Regulations Commission. #DERMAX CEO Fred Reyes: "#CDO has impressive purchase power that is why we opened a branch here."...

Jan112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dabawenyo illustrator’s work returns as McDonald’s Happy Meals treat

Arts, Davao City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Personalities

Today, I feel really proud to be Dabawenyo! A fellow Atenista, Mindanaoan (and Davaoeno) Macky Pamintuan has made me remember my beloved hometown Davao City and all its amazing, talented people. For the uninitiated, Macky Pamintuan (yes, of the Pamintuans of Apo View Hotel) is a popular animator, graphic and fine artist. Some of his works include illustrations for the books Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Cupcake Chaos, The Pumpkin Patch Puzzle, Cape Mermaid Mystery, Scream for Ice Cream, Ski School Sneak and Earth Day Escapade and The Night Before Baseball at the Park by the Bay (in partnership with the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants). Today, I just found out that one of the books he illustrated is part of McDonald's Happy Meals in the USA. The book "Flat Stanley Goes Camp...

Jan72015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

A tour of Globe Telecom’s Gen3 Store at Limketkai CDO

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Internet, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Opinion, Reviews, Technology

When I was in New York City, USA in 2012, one of the things I did was visit the iconic Apple store along 5th Avenue (and have my photo taken in front of the incredible glass cube) and buy my own iPad 2 (it was a big thing then!). My experience at that store was very nice and that was a memory that continued to linger. Back then, I hoped to experience that kind of customer service and perhaps see a similar store in the Philippines. Fast forward 2014, not only did I get to meet Tim Kobe, the very designer of the Apple stores (and of the Nike Concept Stores, Knoll, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Citibank, just to name a few more!) but I also got to see (and experience!) his signature skill and expertise in innovative design when the much-talked about Globe Telecom "Generation 3" or Gen3 stor...

Jan42015 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Php 250 Million Seven Seas Waterpark in Opol, Misamis Oriental

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Mindanao is again setting the bar in terms of tourism. A world-class waterpark will soon open in this Southern part of the Philippines! When finished, the Php 250 Million Seven Seas Waterpark will, undoubtedly, be Mindanao's biggest tourism attraction in recent years. Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort, located at Barangay Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental, is owned by businessman Elpidio Paras of Dahilayan Adventure Park and PARASAT Cable TV fame. In an aerial shot shared by Sir Elpie himself, you can see that the water park facility will be set on a 5 hectare piece of land. Construction of the buildings and pool infrastructure will start on the first quarter of 2015. Seven Seas Water Park and Resort is seen to be completed by the second quarter of 2016. * Photo courtesy of Sir Elpie P...

Dec302014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Seda Centrio CDO Hotel New Year Countdown

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Hotels

Ring in the New Year 2015 at Seda Centrio, Cagayan de Oro's premiere hotel. A special New Year's Eve Countdown Party will be held from 7PM to 2AM and for only Php 1,200 nett per person, you get access to a carefully prepared cocktail buffet, live music (c/o local singers Aizel Ruga, David Mercado, Oreo Vamenta and Kristine de la Pena), sparkling wine and stunning fireworks! And to really make your New Year's Eve experience complete, why not stay in one of Seda Centrio's well-appointed rooms? Book your Seda CDO Hotel room here Seda Centrio CDO is the boutique-business hotel owned and managed by Ayala Land. This Cagayan de Oro downtown hotel features top-class recreational facilities like an outdoor pool, fitness center and a kiddie pool. This CDO hotel also offers high quality ...

Dec302014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Handmade acoustic guitars

Mindanaoan Update

Whether you play guitar for friends or as a professional, great sound quality can make a real difference. Guitar players of all kinds, from folk to bluegrass to jazz, understand the beautiful sounds that can come from acoustic handmade guitars. Those who make acoustic guitars can be true craftsmen. They are generally called luthiers, a word of French derivation for someone who builds stringed instruments of different kinds. When you are looking for good acoustic sound, you can search for local luthiers or find online collections, like those at luthierscollection.com, which represent various builders and allow you to browse different types of guitars. Many players of popular music today enjoy playing on acoustic steel stringed guitars. When you shop online, you can find quality instru...

Dec232014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Becoming Filipino Kyle Jennermann has a message for Mindanaoan.com readers

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Personalities, Society, Technology

A lot of my readers have been asking me about Kyle Jennermann, the 27 year old Canadian who wants to become Filipino. Yes, you read that right. Kyle, who apparently has fallen madly in love with our country, has been chronicling his fun and happy escapades as he tries to become Pinoy via his popular "Becoming Filipino" videos on YouTube. Click HERE to visit his YouTube channel. I have a lot of things to say about my friend but I think it is but proper that I write a lengthier post next time. For now, he has a message for all of you. Thanks so much for following my humble blog - enjoy Christmas with your loved ones :)

Dec202014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

DERMAX Laser Center CDO to open January 2015

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Society, Style

DERMAX Laser Center, known for their innovative, science-based and technology-focused skin care products and procedures such as laser treatments for permanent hair removal and skin discolorations, will open its very first branch in Cagayan de Oro on January 8, 2015 at Level 3, Centrio Mall. The DERMAX Laser Center brand is a follow-up concept to the highly successful chain of SkinStation, which now has 20 branches all over the Philippines. Aside from the state-of-the-art equipment, DERMAX Laser Center CDO will also offer the DERMAX Professional, a skin care product line formulated by award-winning chemist, DERMAX Laser Center and SkinStation Founder, Chairman and CEO Mr. Fred Reyes. He is the recipient of the 2008 Achievement Award conferred by the Philippine Federation of Chemistry ...

Dec202014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pancake House re-opens at Limketkai Mall CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food

Just writing about this is making me swirl with happiness! Pancake House has finally re-opened along the North Concourse of Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City! After a temporary halt in operations a few months ago (due to the expansion of the newly-opened Globe Gen3 store), Pancake House CDO is finally back! What are your favorite Pancake House offerings? Mine are the cheese pancake, caramel banana walnut waffle (with bacon strips on the side, please!), almondigas soup, classic pan chicken and the seafood gambero! And yours? See you at Pancake House CDO!