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

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!

Dec182014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan.com declared top CDO blog by ICT Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Society, Technology

It is with utmost humility that I announce that Mindanaoan.com has just been declared as a "Top CDO Blog" in the recently concluded 2014 ICT Awards held at the Activity Center, Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The ICT Awards, organized by the CDO ICT Business Council, Cagayan de Oro's main information and communications technology organization, recognizes websites, individuals and organizations involved in the city's IT industry. The citation reads: "The 2014 ICT Awards, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Telecommunications and Communications, Department of Science and Technology - ICTO and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, presents this Top CDO Blog Award to www.Mindanaoan.com for the creation and maintenance of an exceptional b...

Dec132014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Globe to unveil world-class, Tim Kobe-designed Gen3 store in CDO

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Technology

Globe Telecom is strengthening its business and operations in Cagayan de Oro with the opening of its world-class retail store dubbed as “Generation 3” Store in Limketkai Mall on December 15, 2014. The Globe Store in Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro is the second Globe retail store to undergo major renovation, paving the way for one of the biggest milestones in telco retail around the world. And to usher in the new Globe Limketkai store, a launch party will be held at 6 PM at the North Concourse of Limketkai Mall. The new Globe “Generation 3” store promises a fresh experience for its customers, boasting of a unique retail concept that is a first of its kind in the Philippines, designed by Tim Kobe, founder and CEO of Eight, Inc. whose brainchild is the iconic Apple store in New...

Dec122014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

GBG Women CDO to offer FREE workshop for female entrepreneurs

Advocacy, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Education, Entertainment, Events, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Technology

Fabulous news for women entrepreneurs! Led by the Google Business Group - Women (GBG - Women), a workshop that will teach females interested in business (or who currently run their own businesses) on how to bring their business online using FREE resources will be held on December 17, 2014! This GBG Women CDO led event will be held at Miami Inn, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Learn how you can maximize FREE online resources for your business! Learn how you can establish online presence for your business! Registration is FREE so sign up now as there are limited slots only! REGISTER HERE * EXCLUSIVE FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ONLY * Here's a map of Miami Inn: On a personal note: The blogger behind Mindanaoan.com is the GBG Women lead. I would be thrilled to meet my...

Dec122014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Football star Tim Tebow opens hospital in Davao City Mindanao Philippines

Announcements, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports

American football quarterback Tim Tebow has opened a hospital in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines through the Tim Tebow Foundation. The Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City, Philippines, has received its official operating license and opened its doors this week. Although the official grand opening will take place in the spring of 2015, the hospital is already addressing children with the most critical orthopedic needs who otherwise would not be able to afford treatment. * photo from relevantmagazine.com The hospital, built in partnership with CURE International, is a five-story, 30 bed facility with 3 operating rooms specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgeries. Currently, 17 of the hospital’s 30 beds are available and a team of 54 devoted staff members are ready to provide ca...

Dec122014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Liempo King CDO opens new stores, expands menu

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Fiesta, Food

A Cagayan de Oro brand known for introducing the special spicy lechon liempo infused with herbs and spices continues to dominate the local market as it opens more stores and expands its menu. Liempo King now has 8 stores all around the city, including their newly redesigned main branch located at Rizal - Hayes Streets, Cagayan de Oro. Now sporting new, fresher interiors plus an expanded menu, the Liempo King main restaurant also offers fast and FREE WiFi Internet - a rare feature among restaurants that offer budget meals. Liempo King CEO Jeffrey Uraya says that the new look, new menu and added features are proofs of their commitment to customer service. "We value our customers and the experience they get when they visit our store," he said, adding "all of our ingredients a...

Dec102014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Be a part of the CDO Bloggers Christmas outreach project

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Technology

In 2011, the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers trekked to the city's farthest barangay. It's so far that it would take you 2 to 3 hours of land travel aboard a dump truck, with the possibility of sharing that ride with animals, vegetables and other produce and lots of other people. The dump truck transpo also only operates once a week. In other words, it can be quite an experience to travel to Besigan, Barangay Cadayunan, CDO, where there's no electricity, no paved roads, lots of school children who barely have school supplies and families who would most likely be very thrilled to receive Noche Buena packs this Christmas. Would you like to be a Santa Claus this year and help out? We can bring your gifts for them on your behalf. Mindanaoan (who is currently the Vice President for External Affairs ...

Dec82014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Samsung offers huge discounts with Galaxy of Christmas Wishes promo

Consumer, Corporate, Features, Freebies, Technology

Perfect money saving news from Samsung! Samsung gives Pinoys more reasons to love the holidays with their Galaxy of Christmas Wishes promo! Starting today until December 31, 2014, customers can get a chance to take home their favorite Samsung device at a lower cost by visiting participating Samsung Experience Shops and authorized dealers nationwide. At Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes, customers can avail of their very own Samsung devices for as low as Php 7,000 less than the original selling price or get a special item from Samsung upon purchase. Rhinn Piczon, Product Marketing Head for Mobile of Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation, said that they "listened to what our customers want and we’re thrilled to be able to give it to them this Christmas.” Included in the pro...