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

Dec82014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Three Ways an Airport Shuttle Bus Guarantees a Smooth Trip

Anytime you travel it takes much planning and budgeting to ensure the trip will go smoothly. Whether you are planning a “once-in-a-lifetime” vacation or your boss is sending you to a conference across the country, it can feel like a punch in the solar plexus when you tally up the total cost. It is the small services like taxi rides and airport parking fees that really increase the cost of any trip. One way to avoid some of these sneaky budget busters is to use an airport transfer service. Most airports are utilising this service to provide convenient, safe and comfortable transportation for their consumers in an attempt to alleviate unnecessary stress and to help create budget friendly travel experiences. What makes transfer services better than taxis or vehicle storage? Listed below are t...

Dec42014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com supports Bugsay Mindanao 1st Northern Mindanao dragon boat race

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports

I am very proud to announce that Mindanaoan.com is one of the supporters of the most awaited Bugsay Mindanao, the first Northern Mindanao Dragon Boat Race. To be held on December 6, 2014, 7 am to 3 pm, along the Cagayan River, Cagayan de Oro City, Bugsay Mindanao will see the participation of 10 dragon boat teams from outside CDO. Bugsay Mindanao is being held in support of the environmental efforts of Safer River, Life Saver Foundation, Inc. Watch all the action from the viewing deck located at the Liceo University main campus. Catch Bugsay Mindanao on December 6, 2014 and don't forget to support the sponsors as well :) Liempo King - http://www.facebook.com/liempoking Mindanaoan - http://www.facebook.com/mindanaoanblogger Bourbon St. Bistro - http://www.facebook.com/...

Dec32014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

G Rafting CDO offers FREE photos and GoPro video

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

Now there's more reason for you to visit Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon! G Rafting, also known as Golden Friendship Rafting, has just released their unbeatable adventure packages! These G Rafting CDO packages allow you to experience the thrill of conquering the CDO white water river rapids and all the rides (including the famous Asia's longest dual cable zipline) at Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon. Golden Friendship Rafting Cagayan de Oro offers two value for money packages: Package A - Basic river rafting (14 rapids) with FREE photos and video taken with a GoPro - Ride all ziplines at Dahilayan Adventure Park, Luge Ride, Forest Putt and Hanging Bridge at Dahilayan Forest Park - Php 1,899.00 per person (minimum of 10) Package B - Basic river rafting with FREE photos and ...

Nov262014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Milk teas and wok specials at Jia Cha Cafe CDO

Mindanaoan Update

Tucked inside the Divisoria Arcade along R.N. Abejuela Street is a treasure - a quaint cafe that specializes in freshly brewed teas, milkshakes, pasta and sandwiches, special mix milk teas and budget-friendly wok specials. Jia Cha Cafe is the product of owner Joy Lim's passion for cooking. Her love for cooking is so great that she decided to quit her job, enroll in renowned Chef Heny Sison's workshops and, with the blessing of her dad, opened Jia Cha Cafe. Joy told Mindanaoan.com that she personally takes care of everything at the cafe - from sourcing ingredients, designing the interiors and developing more delicious, budget-friendly meals. A good example of Jia Cha Cafe's flavorful but affordable food is the Hokkian spare ribs meal (photo below). A steal at only Php 85.00! Pair i...

Nov262014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dulaang Atenista XU’s Sa North Diversion Road play

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

When I received an invitation from Shaun to watch Dulaang Atenista - Xavier University's "Sa North Diversion Road" play, I honestly threw all expectations out of the window. That strategy apparently worked well for me because for someone who doesn't get impressed so easily, Dulaang Atenista's version of the award-winning play was so worth my time I felt it would have almost been a sin should I have missed it. Directed by Jay Rey Alovera, Dulaang Atenista's version of the play starred Maria Mercedes Batar and Client Ray Cosin, both of whom gave emotional, stellar performances way beyond what's most probably expected of their age. "Sa North Diversion Road" is composed of 10 brief stories of 10 different couples as they drive along the North Diversion Road in the Philippines. The common...

Nov252014 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

How to continue helping Typhoon Sendong survivors

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

Any project that can help Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) survivors always interest me. You see, my family and I were also victims of the typhoon. We faced business losses, yes, but all of us were safe and still had so much to be thankful for. That was the reason why my family and I launched donation drives and relief goods distribution. That was also when I experienced first hand the power of social media. Because of my social media posts, lots of help came in from all over the world (not to mention lots of interview requests from national and international media outlets including BBC and CNN!) and our humble garage became a makeshift donation area, where people can leave donations, where volunteers can come repack and even join us when we distribute the items to various areas...

Nov242014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join this CDO Bloggers-led blogging and social media workshop

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Technology

Blogging has truly evolved. From just sharing your personal thoughts on your online diary or journal, blogging has now turned into a very viable communication medium and even an opportunity to earn money. More and more people (and businesses) now want to learn how to start a blog and how to maximize the power of social media. Now if you're interested to join the blogging world, the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers, Inc. will hold a workshop on November 29, 2014, 2 to 5 PM at Jia Cha Cafe, Ground Floor, Divisoria Arcade, Pabayo - T. Neri Streets. This is the perfect time for you to learn how to start your very own blog and maximize the power of social media! Register now at the official CDO Bloggers website. Please note that a very minimal fee of Php 200.00 will be collected to cover snacks an...

Nov192014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Philippines to host Let’s Do It! Regional Conference 2014 for Asia

Advocacy, Cebu City, Events

A number of non-profit organizations, volunteers and delegates from all over Asia will gather in Cebu, Philippines on November 27 to 30, 2014 for the staging of the second Let’s Do It! Regional Conference for Asia. To open the conference on November 27, local cleanup movements, organizations and artists of the EcoArt Exhibit 2014 will be recognized and awarded at the Cebu City Hall, to be participated by more than 50 delegates all over Asia and Europe. Among the topics that will be discussed during the conference are the Let's Do It World experiences from different countries, team building, PR / communication, marketing / finances, logistics and mapping, identity of the project, Zero Waste and waste management in the future. The Regional Conference 2014 for Asia is organized ...

Nov192014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New career exploration tool launched in Cagayan de Oro

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus

The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) recently launched an online career exploration tool, with the aim to help high school students chart their future. Through a career talk dubbed "Life Lessons," PBed launched FutureYou.ph in Cagayan de Oro City last November 7, 2014. Life Lessons is FutureYou.ph’s career advocacy roadshow that seeks to help high school students discover different career opportunities. Around 100 high school students from Cagayan de Oro College, Bayabas National High School, Carmen National High School, Cagayan de Oro National High School, Gusa National High School, Bonbon National High School and Lapasan National High School attended the event held at the Cagayan de Oro College PHINMA. The students listened to successful individuals from different industries w...

Nov142014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

EXCLUSIVE: BonChon Cagayan de Oro branch opening date CONFIRMED

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao

Mindanaoan.com is the very first to break the news --- BonChon Chicken, the company behind the global Korean-style fried chicken craze, is set to open their Cagayan de Oro City branch on November 28, 2014 at the First Level, Garden Area, Centrio Mall! I received this exciting update from the franchisees themselves :) BonChon, which means "my hometown" in Korean, will open their very first branch in Northern Mindanao this month. They first entered the Mindanao market when they set up shop in Davao about two years ago then later in General Santos City. BonChon Philippines Managing Director Scott Tan himself will be in CDO for the launch. And here's more good news - be among the very first customers and be qualified to receive FREEBIES! There will be a private function in the morning...

Nov132014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Grammy awardee Kimbra to headline MADFest 2014 in Manila Philippines

Mindanaoan Update

She made quite the debut when she sang "Somebody That I Used To Know" with Gotye and eventually bagged awards at the 2013 Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Now, she's ready to dazzle us with her own brand of music! Kimbra, known for her hits "90's Music," "Miracle" and "Settle Down," will perform in the Philippines for the very first time on December 5, 2014, 4 PM at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds as the headliner for Jack TV's MAD Fest, the biggest music + arts + dance festival. Kimbra will join Urbandub, Kjwan, Sandwich, Imago, DJ Ace Ramos, Sinyma, Toni B., Flying Ipis, Autotelic and many more. Get your tickets now at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide and online via www.smtickets.com Mindanaoan.com will be there and will work behind the sc...

Nov132014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Bobson opens first ever Philippine boutique in Cagayan de Oro Mindanao

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Style

Japanese brand Bobson has opened its first ever Philippine boutique in Mindanao, Philippines. Located at the First Level, West Concourse, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro, the Bobson flagship store also has its own tailor shop inside its premises. Known for its array of quality unisex Japanese denim jeans and shirts, Bobson uses the unique left-hand twill weaving technique, making their jeans more durable and comfortable. Bobson's top officials, who were recently in CDO, said that they chose the city as the location of their flagship store in the Philippines primarily because of the Limketkai family's generous show of support. "Dealing with the mall owners has always been smooth and positive. That's why we didn't hesitate to invest here. Plus this is a great and exciting market ...

Nov132014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Using The Right Boat Lift In Your Boathouse

Mindanaoan Update

Every boat owner or boathouse owner needs to consider how to safely put their boats in the water. These lifts must also be used to make sure the boats are lifted safely out of the water at the end of the day. These lifts needs to be installed properly, but they also need to be strong enough to lift the boats. Every boat owner should click here for more information. The Installation The installation of the unit must be handled by someone who understands how to do the job correctly. Most of these lifts are going to be installed with the help of a boat deck, pier or other solid structure. The lifts are attached to the structure, and they use leverage against the structure to make sure that they can lift each boat properly. When the installation is done properly, the owner of the lift...

Nov122014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the 2nd GDays Google Days event in Northern Mindanao

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Technology

Are you a budding or existing entrepreneur? Did you know that you can actually use Google's technologies to help start or boost your business? And did you know that you can learn how you can do just that FOR FREE? Join GDays 2014 on November 23, 2014 in Cagayan de Oro City! Be one of the early registrants. REGISTER NOW! Mindanaoan.com is the Google Business Group - Women CDO lead convenor :) Want to know what happened during the first GDays? Read THIS See you at the 2nd GDays Google Days Cagayan de Oro!

Nov92014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

BIMP-EAGA trade fair and business gab clinch P8.9 billion in sales, investments

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News

As if to solidify my previous blog entry about the success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA international trade fair, I received word recently that the event actually cornered a total of Php 8.9 billion in sales and investments. Absolutely exciting news! According to event organizer Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the 2014 Brunei - Indonesia - Malaysia - Philippines international trade fair and business conference garnered more than 1,500 participants, cornered P6 billion worth of possible investments during the business-matching sessions, while initial reports from the Philippines and Malaysia indicate a total of 2.9 billion in booked sales from the international trade fair. Other countries that participated in the five-day event that attracted more than 25,000 local and int...

Nov42014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Smart to offer iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Announcements, Technology

Smart Communications, Inc. has announced that it will offer iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the biggest advancements in iPhone history, beginning on Friday, November 14, 2014. Customers can also pre-order iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus beginning on Friday, November 7, 2014. They can access the pre-order page here: www.smart.com.ph/iPhone. For more information on Smart Communications, please visit: www.smart.com.ph. For more information on iPhone, please visit: www.apple.com/iphone.

Nov42014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

FineLab offers baking workshops in Davao and Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Food

Are you ready for a baking revolution? FineLab, a division under Thermtech Group, Inc., is set to launch the FineBake Bake-olution Caravan, which will visit both Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City. There will be baking workshops in both Mindanao cities, ideal for business owners and individuals. The FineBake Bake-olution’s Cagayan De Oro Swing will be held at the Polymedic Medical Plaza along Kauswagan Highway on November 11 (Tuesday), 9:00am while the Davao City Swing will happen on November 14 (Friday), 9:00am at the Beauchem Building, No. 846 Atis Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina. During the workshops, attendees will learn how to make Vegetarian Pandesal and Specialty Breads, Sweet Dough, Marble Bavarian Cake, Rainbow Mallows Cake, Caramel Duet Cake, Mocha Crunch Cake, Cherry ...

Oct292014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That honest, taray Davao taxi driver story and things I learned when a post gets viral

Announcements, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

Hello, world. Yes, that was me. The person who posted that "taray Davao taxi driver" story on Facebook that got viral --- no, really, really viral --- was me. Google "Davao taxi driver," "taray Davao taxi driver" or "honest Davao taxi driver," chances are, most of the hits on the first page and Google images are about my post. (this is what SEO folks would die for!) And, like anybody whose post unknowingly attracted thousands of "likes," shares, retweets, reposts and comments from people around the world, I now have my own story to tell. I also learned a couple of lessons, both good and bad. Well, I want to focus on the good so trust me, there were more good than bad. Did I mention, though, that as a result, I received several TV and radio interview requests and hundreds of friend reque...

Oct272014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA International Trade Fair #EAGAIMT2014

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Food, Government, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News, Recipes, Society

Thanks to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I was able to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Business Leaders' Conference last October 22 to 25, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang in Davao City, Philippines. I've always wanted to witness a BIMP-EAGA event and I'm glad that I finally had the opportunity to do so. BIMP-EAGA events are important international functions especially in terms of trade, investments, tourism and even each of the participating countries' roles in the upcoming ASEAN Integration. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT means Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. Now on its 20th year, the BIMP-EAGA is considered as a key strategy to accelerate social as well as...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Cheonggyecheon Stream

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel

After visiting Deoksugung Palace and witnessing the changing of the royal guards ceremony, my brother and I then proceeded to Cheonggyecheong Stream, an 8.4 kilometer long stream that flows west to east through downtown Seoul. What used to be a neglected overpass in the 70's was restored as a massive urban renewal project worth $900 Million in 2005 and is now one of the popular tourist destinations in Seoul, South Korea. Actually, even locals love hanging out here as well. From Deoksugung Palace, we walked for about 250 meters to Cheonggyecheong Stream. If you're at Deoksugung Palace facing the Seoul City Hall, Cheonggyecheong Stream is on your left. Just go straight and look for Chongye Plaza or this cone/shell sculpture. This signifies that you're at the mouth of the stream :) ...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Deoksugung Palace changing of guards

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Seoul, Travel

Since we arrived late in the evening in Seoul, Korea, my brother and I decided to start the first day of our Korea escapade a little late as well. First order of the day was go to the nearest subway station and buy a T-Money card. As I mentioned in my earlier Seoul, Korea travel tips post, T-Money is a "reloadable" card that you can use to buy subway tickets, bus fares or even to buy stuff at convenience stores. After buying our T-Money card, we took the train to go to Deoksugung Palace, one of the "5 Grand Palaces" built by the kings of Joseon Dynasty. How to get to Deoksugung Palace: Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 2 to reach City Hall Station. Take Exit 2. You will see scenes like these: Walk for about 100 meters to your left. A good landmark is a Dunkin' Donuts store (th...

Oct202014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Covering the BIMP-EAGA International Business Leaders Confab and Trade Fair

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Events, Malaysia, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao

Very excited to share with you all that I have just been invited to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Conference in Davao City this October 22 to 25, 2014! This is a very important international event especially in terms of trade, investments and even tourism among ASEAN countries. I feel really very honored especially since I found out that I'm the only media practitioner (from both the traditional and new media/blogging sectors) from Northern Mindanao invited to cover this. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. This highly anticipated event, which will be held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center, is expected to draw at least 800 busine...