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

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...

Oct202014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to get into yachting and boating

Sports

Yacht racing is the type of sport that cultivates intense loyalty among its participants. However, both inexperienced and experienced enthusiasts must realize that enthusiasm and previous time on the yacht are not enough to make a race successful. The following tools help to guarantee that your time in the race is safe and comfortable while also providing practical benefits. Important Practical Accessories- One of the factors that will influence how well you do during your yacht race is your ability to handle the yacht and the tools aboard. During a race, having tools that are easy to handle will make an important difference in the outcome. For example, winch handle pockets provide the type of security and protection that you'll need for a successful race. Rope bags are additional essen...

Oct122014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2014 schedule of activities

Announcements, Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Tourism, Travel

October is the BEST time for you to visit Camiguin Island a.k.a. 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. Mark your calendars from October 18 to 26, 2014. The Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2014 schedule of activities can be found below. Highlights of the 2014 Camiguin Lanzones Festival include: October 18 - Walk For A Cause, 4:30 AM, San Nicholas de Tolentino Parish Church October 19 - Grand Opening Ceremonies (Exhibits), 2 PM, PPR Tourism and Sports Complex 7:30 PM, opening night and Mutya ng Buahanan evening gown competition 10 PM Oktob...

Oct92014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Seoul travel tips

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Flights, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Seoul, Shopping, Society, Tourism, Travel

So before I really get down to business with my Mindanaoan in Korea travel series, please allow me to share a few travel tips and tricks that you may find helpful when you travel to Seoul, Korea. I like to be well-prepared whenever I travel and hopefully, these Seoul travel tips can help you, too. 1. Do you already have a valid visa for travel to Korea? Here's how I applied for a Korean tourist visa 2. Check the weather in Korea at the time of your trip. This way, you can bring proper clothes. 3. I suggest that you bring U.S. Dollars (instead of Philippine pesos) and have those changed to Korean won. The exchange rates at the Incheon International Airport are fair but I got the best exchange rates in Myeongdong, the famed shopping district in Seoul. Here's a handy tip: 1,000 KRW i...

Oct92014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Save money shopping online at Nordstrom with these promo coupons

Blogging, Shopping

Back in 2012, when I had the privilege to visit the United States of America under the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, one of the states we went to was Portland. It was a lovely city! It felt like home, truth be told. It had a thriving art and music scene, great food choices and lots of nice, quiet places to hang out in. Fortunately, it wasn’t all just business for me in Portland. I also had the chance to check out the malls including the iconic Lloyd Center, which houses a Nordstrom store. Nordstrom is an American upscale fashion retailer, founded by John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin. I remember on my last day in Portland, I shopped at Nordstrom and was able to buy branded shoes and tops - all at discounted prices! Back then, I wished there was a way for me...

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

How to apply for a Korean visa – requirements for Filipino tourists

Features, Flights, Government, Headline, Korea, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Tourism, Travel

When my friends and relatives first learned that I was set to visit Korea, all of them got really excited. Can't blame them as Korea is one of the favorite travel destinations of many Filipinos these days, thanks to the ever growing popularity of K-Pop, Koreanovelas and continuous visits to the Philippines by popular Korean celebrities. As of this writing, Filipinos still need a visa to enter Korea. Filipino tourists who intend to stay for 59 days or less can apply for a Korean tourist visa FOR FREE. The thing is, though, you must apply at the Korean embassy in Manila for you to avail of the FREE South Korea tourist visa. For people outside Metro Manila (like me and my brother!), the cheaper option is to have an accredited travel agency fix our applications. In our case, since our fligh...

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan in Korea travel series: itinerary, tips and more

Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Features, Flights, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

I have been traveling a lot the past few weeks! One of my recent foreign travel destinations was KOREA :) It was my very first time (and most definitely not the last!) to visit the world's only divided country and my brother (who was my travel companion) and I had the most amazing time! We stayed for a little over a week - just the perfect number of days to explore Seoul, Nami Island and a bit of North Korea (yessir!) I can't wait to share with you more details about our Korea trip! Please follow my humble Mindanaoan in Korea travel series by CLICKING ON THIS FEED and bookmarking/saving the pages :) You may also want to take a look at some of my photos on Instagram. I will share budget travel tips, very helpful travel apps, recommended hostel in Seoul, delicious Korea food finds, videos...

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Always call a criminal attorney for a DUI

Blogging

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you should always consult with a criminal attorney. Many people equate a DUI with a traffic ticket or a misdemeanor that results in a fine, but make no mistake, when charged with a DUI, you are being charged with a serious crime, and the consequences are serious as well. Not having an attorney is a mistake If you have been drinking while driving, it is possible to be punished for the crime in a way that is far worse than many others would have been punished. The reason for this is not having any legal representation. People who are pulled over in their car under the suspicion of driving under the influence will often think of themselves as being stupid, especially if they have not been drinking excessively. They confess to ever...

Sep172014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: It’s Showtime host Jhong Hilario thrills a fan in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Photos

"It's Showtime" hurado Jhong Hilario was one of the celebrities who visited Bukidnon for the 2014 Kaamulan Festival, the yearly gathering of the Province of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. Jhong Hilario joined Kamikazee for the SMART sponsored night held last August 31, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City. Thank you very much to Talk 'N Text for giving Mindanaoan and several Bukidnon Bloggers Group members VIP access! Here are some of the photos I took:

Sep172014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Kapuso celebrities during Kaamulan Festival 2014 in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update

If ABS CBN brought in Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla for Kaamulan Festival 2014 (Bukidnon's yearly gathering of 7 hill tribes), GMA 7 brought in 4 of their celebrities. During the Kapuso Night held last August 30, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City, Yasmien Kurdi, JC Tiuseco, Enzo Pineda and Jeric Gonzales performed before a crowd composed of tens of thousands. Congratulations to GMA 7 for the successful event! And thank you very much for the VIP access :) For other Kaamulan Festival 2014 updates and photos, like the Kaamulan Festival page See how happy this fellow is? :)

Sep62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo in Bukidnon #KathNiel

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Personalities, Photos

The Province of Bukidnon just finished celebrating its 100th founding anniversary last September 1, 2014. The province capped the celebration with a pyromusical display and a special concert featuring popular comedian Vice Ganda and top loveteam KathNiel - Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. An estimated 300,000 strong crowd gathered at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City. This Mindanao blogger got lucky to have had VIP access, much thanks to Tim Yap and Direk Javi Martinez. Thank you so much! Here are just some of the photos I took that night: More photos of KathNiel in Bukidnon

Sep22014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Kaamulan Festival 2014 Ethnic Street Dancing And Float Competition

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Tourism

KAAMULAN FESTIVAL 2014 - The Kaamulan Festival 2014 street dancing and float competition is one of the major highlights of Bukidnon's yearly gathering of its 7 hill tribes. This year, the much-awaited event was held for two days - August 30 and 31, 2014 - at Malaybalay City. All Bukidnon cities and municipalities were asked to join the competition this Kaamulan Festival 2014 in line with the province's 100th founding anniversary (Bukidnon Centennial). In previous years, only between 7 and 10 contingents join the competition due to budget constraints. Sharing with you some of the photos taken by Mindanaoan's Kaamulan 2014 team during the Kaamulan Festival 2014 ethnic street dancing and float competition:

Aug302014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Roxas, Binay to attend the Bukidnon Centennial celebration

Mindanaoan Update

Incumbent Vice President Jejomar Binay and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas will both be in Malaybalay City on September 1, 2014 for the 100th founding anniversary of the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. Both Binay and Roxas are presumed standard bearers of their respective political parties for the 2016 presidential elections. Binay is a leader of the United Nationalist Alliance while Roxas is from the Liberal Party. The Bukidnon Centennial celebration also coincides with the month-long Kaamulan Festival, a yearly gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes.

Aug282014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Bukidnon cowboys at Kaamulan Festival 2014 rodeo

Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Sports

Not many know this but the Province of Bukidnon is home to the Philippines' finest cowboys. In the municipality of Impasugong alone, a lot of Bukidnon cowboys (and cowgirls!) live the cowboy lifestyle ala Marlboro Country. The rolling hills, vast landscape and several ranches make it possible for these cowboys to live this kind of lifestyle in Bukidnon. And every year, the public gets to see these Bukidnon cowboys showcase their skills via the yearly Kaamulan Festival Rodeo. The Kaamulan Festival 2014 rodeo is no different. This year, the Bukidnon cowboys got to show the public how cattle wrestling is done. Locally called "Karambola," cattle wrestling is where a bovine is released from the pen and then the cowboys try to subdue or lord over these bulls. The Kaamulan Festival 2014 rod...

Aug262014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Centennial concert to feature Vice Ganda, KathNiel, Tim Yap

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Society

Visiting the Province of Bukidnon for the Kaamulan Festival and for its 100th founding anniversary? Here's more reason for you to come! The provincial government of Bukidnon is bringing in popular comedian Vice Ganda and today's hottest loveteam KathNiel - Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla as well as TV host Tim Yap for the Bukidnon Centennial concert on September 1, 2014, 7 PM at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City. FREE admission. Expect thousands of other spectators so better come early! There will also be a fireworks display. See you all there! Follow Mindanaoan on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates and photos :) My username in all those social networking sites - @mindanaoan The updated Kaamulan Festival 2014 schedule of activities

Aug252014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Very first Make Your Own Havaianas event in Butuan

Beauty, Butuan, Caraga, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

The biggest flipflops customization event in the Philippines is finally heading to Butuan! The very first Make Your Own Havaianas - Butuan or #MYOHButuan2014 event is happening on September 26 to 28, 2014 at the Main Atrium of Robinsons Place, Butuan City. A Make Your Own Havaianas event is where you can build/create/design your very own pair (or pairs!) of Havaianas. You can choose the type and color of sole, pins and straps! Moreover, there are special pins and sole designs that can only be found and bought during Make Your Own Havaianas events. I'm a regular MYOH supporter - my very first Make Your Own Havaianas experience was way back in 2009! Since then, I've been sharing my MYOH experiences regularly through this blog :) Make Your Own Havaianas - Butuan will be led by li...

Aug212014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hot Nights 2 – a must-attend #HigalaayCDO CDO fiesta show

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society

Come join me as I live loud this Cagayan de Oro fiesta 2014! Come and party at the most-awaited "LIVE LOUD - Hot Nights 2" on August 27, 2014, 8 PM at the Limketkai Mall Parking Lot D, CDO! Fueled by Petrol Jeans and presented by CDO's most dynamic high school batches - Lourdes College High School 1990 and Xavier University High School 1990 - "Hot Nights 2" will feature some of the country's best music masters! DJ Ace Ramos, DJ Ron Poe and the lovely Zombettes (DJ Sanya Smith and DJ Ornussa Cadness) will share the stage with homegrown talents DJ RB (my fellow Islands Souvenirs ambassador! Woot Woot!), DJ Kyle and DJ Bookee. Buganda Tambol will also provide the loudest beats! Yes, folks, these lovely models-turned-DJs will be there! Sexy Petrol models and ambassadors will a...

Aug212014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Excited to be a part of US Ambassador Goldberg’s first ever webchat

Advocacy, America, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, United States of America

So I just arrived at my office yesterday, still feeling a bit blah because of the really warm weather when a friend who works for the U.S. Embassy Manila invited me to join a really special event tomorrow - the first ever webchat of U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg! Dubbed "Ask The Ambassador Google+ Hangout," Ambassador Goldberg's first ever webchat will be held on August 22, 2014 from 11:00am - 11:30am. Ambassador Goldberg will answer questions about the U.S. Embassy, U.S. foreign policy objectives, or the U.S. government. Do you have anything you want to ask him? Join the event page by clicking the link below: https://plus.google.com/+USEmbassyManila/posts/gbL9Vnaeo9R You can also follow the event via the hashtag #AskAmbassador or by following U.S. Emb...

Aug182014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Miss Bukidnon Centennial or Laga Ta Bukidnon 2014 winners

Beauty, Bukidnon, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City

A Filipino-American beauty bagged the Laga Ta Bukidnon 2014 crown last night, August 17, 2014 during the Miss Bukidnon Centennial coronation night held at the Kaamulan Open Theater in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Miss Malaybalay 2014 Marah Smith won the Laga Ta Bukidnon 2014 title. Smith, a student of Central Mindanao University and who also won the Miss CMU Palaro crown, is half-Filipino, half-American. Her mother is from Malaybalay City while her father is African-American. During the talent night, she sang. Here are photos taken during the Laga Ta Bukidnon talent night. The other winners of Miss Bukidnon 2014: 1st Runner Up - Miss Talakag 2nd Runner Up - Miss Libona 3rd Runner Up - Miss Manolo Fortich 4th Runner Up - Miss Malitbog GMA 7 Kapuso star Benjamin Alves also se...

Aug162014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Sponge Cola and Up Dharma Down for Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

Aside from Sarah Geronimo, popular Filipino bands Sponge Cola and Up Dharma Down also rocked the stage during the recently concluded Globe Wonderful MindaNOW awards night. The Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign aimed to find the coolest spots around Mindanao and to encourage Globe users to share cool things via social media and live in the NOW. Thank you very much to Globe for the front row seats and for the several VIP tickets that I got to share with Mindanaoan.com readers and followers (woot!) Sharing with you some of the photos I took of Up Dharma Down and Sponge Cola. Only used a Canon EOS mirrorless point and shoot camera so apologies if I don't have close-up pictures :) For photos I took of Sarah Geronimo, please visit THIS. Th...

Aug152014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Photos: Sarah Geronimo for Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW @JustSarahG

Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

After she graced the ceremonial turnover of the first mobile laboratory to a public school in Mindanao, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo then headlined the awards night of the Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign held last August 8, 2014 at the Limketkai Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City. She sang a few songs and also gave the award for the coolest spot in Mindanao. Thanks to the top honchos of Globe Telecom, my friends and I managed to snag front row seats! Globe also gave me several VIP tickets to give away to my Mindanaoan.com readers and followers :) Thank you Globe! Sharing with you some of the photos I took that night. I only used a Canon EOS mirrorless point and shoot camera so apologies if I don't have close-up pictures! By the way, I also took photos using my phone ...