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

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao fruit shopping with Rivermaya @rivermayaband

Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Tourism

Was scanning my files earlier today and I found these! Very timely - since my Rivermaya band boys are currently in Dubai as of this writing and I miss them :) I will be in Manila in a few days, actually, but I'm not sure if I could watch any of their gigs. Oh well, c'est la vie. Anyway, here's the kuwento behind these photos. Hours before that Rivermaya Live In Davao show I co-produced with Apo View Hotel and The Blue Room not too long ago, Explore Davao treated Rivermaya band members Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Norby David and Ryan Peralta, the Rivermaya band management (led by Raymond) and I to a fun Samal Island trip! The boys looked pretty excited that morning :) Of course, what good is a beach/island outing without baon? Davao Congressman Karlo Nograles and his lovely wife ...

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Travel: Camiguin Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort

Camiguin, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Have you been following my Camiguin Island posts? You may have come across my Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort post where I shared that it's where you can find pools with hot sulfuric flowing water. Now if in Ardent Resort Camiguin you'll find natural hot springs, there's another Camiguin Island tourist spot where you'll find cold springs! Just how cold? Read on. Located in Catarman town, Camiguin, Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort is home to a huge (almost Olympic-sized) pool. That's about 40 meters by 25 meters. What makes this Camiguin resort unique is the cold, clear fresh water. It's so cold that more often than not, first timers who dive into the pool right away usually alight shivering. That's why it's a good idea to check the water temperature first. Best if you can sit on the edge o...

Oct102013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Art at Cha Malaybalay Bukidnon: Where art and tea marry

Arts, Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Food, Malaybalay City, Misamis Oriental

Milk tea and art deco lovers in Bukidnon - rejoice! My friends and I recently discovered this quaint little milk tea cafe called Art at Cha in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Actually, our dear friend Jacquee told us about it. She's a regular customer of a nail lounge just beside this Malaybalay Bukidnon milk tea shop. So after we visited the Monastery of Transfiguration, we all trooped to Art at Cha, located along CM Recto Street, Malaybalay City. The place is fairly new - nice chairs, a nook with a comfortable couch and fancy lighting. Art at Cha is full of art deco stuff, paintings, figurines and ceramic souvenirs and there's even an entire shelf full of art deco stuff for sale. Of course, you can't just go to Art at Cha and not try their milk teas. I had the caramel milk tea (Php 70 f...

Oct102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Travel tip: how to save on hotel expenses

Travel

If you are going on vacation, you will need to know ahead of time where you are staying. While you may be able to enter a hotel and get a room without a reservation, it is going to cost you more per night to stay at that hotel. In addition, you won't have the peace of mind that comes with having a room when you get into town. You should book your hotel accommodations as soon as you know that you are going to be going on a trip. Whether you are going on vacation or heading to a different city for business, you need to take care of that as soon as possible. The best time to go on vacation is during the week or during the winter months when people are mostly at work or school. Savvy vacation planners will use discount sites to help them save money. Discount sites allow you to find hotel...

Oct92013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shop pink at VMV Hypoallergenics, help fight breast cancer

Advocacy, Beauty, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

October is breast cancer awareness month. If you know someone who's undergoing treatment for breast cancer, you know for sure just how physically and emotionally draining it is and just how big a challenge it is not only for the patient but for her family and friends. That's why it's very important to detect the early signs of breast cancer. One of the groups that advocate breast cancer awareness is the ICanServe Foundation, Inc. Ever since its inception, ICanServe has helped so many women through their high impact information campaigns. Did you know that it's easy for you to help ICanServe and their advocacy? Actually, not only will you have the chance to help this group, you will also get a free gift! All you have to do is shop at VMV Hypoallergenics! Buy their "pink" products -...

Oct32013 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Monastery of Transfiguration Malaybalay Bukidnon: 3 things to do

Bukidnon, Culture, Education, Features, Religion, Tourism, Travel

I recently revisited the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, my favorite refuge here in this part of the Philippines. You can read about my recent visit to this Benedictine Monastery here. Have you ever visited? If you have, I'm sure you'd agree with me when I say that it's the loveliest, most ideal place for a spiritual retreat. The Monastery of Transfiguration Bukidnon is where you can pray and commune with the Lord. It's also fast becoming a favorite wedding destination for so many couples around the world. However, apart from praying at this gorgeous cone-shaped chapel (picture below, designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin and considered the centerpiece of the Monastery of Transfiguration), there are 3 other things you can do w...

Oct22013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

SM Store taps British supermodel David Gandy as new endorser

Business, Consumer, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update

SM Store has tapped British supermodel David Gandy as their newest image model for SM Men's Fashion and this hunk is coming to Manila! In my opinion, to get David Gandy is a very bold and wise move on the part of SM, especially since this 6'3" blue-eyed hunk was voted 3rd most successful model in the world by Forbes magazine in 2009 and continues to make waves in the fashion industry. And, yes, ladies, David Gandy is that hottie in the Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue campaign: Just how stylish is SM Store's newest endorser? During the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, David Gandy was the only male to walk the catwalk featuring British fashions and alongside female supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. David Gandy also modeled for so many well-known global brands. Th...

Oct22013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Revisiting the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Beauty, Bukidnon, Culture, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel, Weddings

I had the chance to revisit the Monastery of Transfiguration last weekend. Located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the Monastery of Transfiguration, also known as the Benedictine Transfiguration Monastery, is my most favorite spiritual refuge. It's an ideal place to visit in Mindanao, Philippines if you want to go on a spiritual retreat. The centerpiece of the Monastery of Transfiguration is this popular cone-shaped chapel, designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin. There's a dress code that you need to follow before you enter the chapel, please. If you find yourself alone in the church, consider yourself very lucky. It's when I'm alone inside this beautiful chapel that I can truly meditate and speak with the Lord. The well-manicured garden ...

Oct22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why I’m promoting Britney Spears’ new Work Bitch video

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Personal, Technology, Videos

So have you watched the "Work Bitch" new video of Britney Spears? It was launched today, October 2, 2013 (October 1 in the U.S.) You can watch the video below :) So let me make this quick. Let me give you 5 quick reasons as to why I'm helping promote Britney Spears' new music video for her new song "Work Bitch." 1. Because I think she's a talented, amazing pop superstar! Regardless of those "dark episodes" in her life (don't we all have those anyway?), she has sold millions of albums, filled so many stadiums around the world and made all of us dance! 2. Because I used to do Britney Spears-related stuff (fortunately, not related to song and dance ;) )! You see, back when I was still starting out as an online worker, I wrote Britney Spears-related content. I can't divulge the specif...

Oct12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan.com is a finalist in the 2013 Mindanao Blog Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Technology

Hi everyone! So excited to share with you all a piece of good news. My humble blog, Mindanaoan, has officially been recognized as a finalist in the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 (MBA 2013)! Woot woot! Mindanaoan.com is one of the Best Lifestyle Blog 2013 finalists :) You can find the official announcement here. Thank you so much, daghang salamat gyud kaayo to everyone who voted in order for Mindanaoan to be among the finalists. There will still be a final round of voting (I hope I can still count on your support ;) ) but win or lose, I am already extremely proud and grateful! Thank you :) I remember when I won the Best Lifestyle Blog award in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and became a national finalist in the 2011 leg. The recognitions truly inspired me to help more people understa...

Sep262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Krispy Kreme CDO: 7 things you will like #KrispyKremeCDO

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Musings, Shopping, Society

Who doesn't have a love relationship with Krispy Kreme? It's the home of my favorite Original Glazed Doughnuts, good signature coffee and delicious chilled drinks. In other words, Krispy Kreme is the home of good stuff and good vibes. And for people in Cagayan de Oro, the good stuff and the good vibes are heading their way real soon! Krispy Kreme CDO will soon open a stand-alone store at Rosario Crescent, Lim Ket Kai Mall, Lapasan! Krispy Kreme at Limketkai Cagayan de Oro is set to open its doors and light their "Fresh Doughnuts Here" sign come mid-November. Are you excited? I know I am! During a bloggers conference with Krispy Kreme Philippines Marketing Manager Mark Gamboa and Assistant Marketing Manager for Visayas and Mindanao Nadia Shami, I found out a couple of things about...

Sep252013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Seda Hotel CDO to offer buffet, unlimited beer for Oktoberfest

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Food, Hotels, Society

How does a buffet of Bavarian dishes, music from a live band and UNLIMITED BEER sound to you? Because that's exactly what you'll get when you celebrate Oktoberfest at Seda Hotel Centrio Cagayan de Oro! Mindanaoan.com can also exclusively confirm that Seda Hotel CDO will go all-out in making the guests feel how it truly is to celebrate the popular German beer festival. Check out what's part of the Seda Hotel CDO Oktoberfest 2013 menu: Schweinshaxe (Bavarian style pork knuckles) Beef Sauerbraten Different kinds of sausages (Frankfurter, Hungarian, Veal Chipolata, Veal Bratwurst) Hotdogs etc. And yes, free-flowing beer! I don't know about you but doesn't this sound like a really, really good deal? So celebrate Oktoberfest 2013 at Seda Centrio! Choose your day - Octobe...

Sep252013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

CONFIRMED: Shopwise Cagayan de Oro to open this November

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Gifts, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Recipes, Shopping, Society

AND IT'S OFFICIAL, FOLKS! SHOPWISE, a member of the Rustan's Group of Companies (yes, the same owners of Rustan's Cagayan de Oro), is set to open this November 2013. Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that Shopwise CDO will open on November 16, 2013, Saturday, at the East Wing Expansion of Lim Ket Kai Mall, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. If you're familiar with the area where Starbucks Limketkai is (a.k.a. the main entrance of Limketkai Center), right across that is where Shopwise CDO will be. Mindanaoan can also confirm that preparations for the opening of Shopwise Cagayan de Oro are on full blast. Shopwise representatives from Manila were even in town early this week. I will be posting more exclusive updates in the next few days so stay tuned by SUBSCRIBING VIA EMAIL (click, click!...

Sep192013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hear my voice over at Bubbly

Mindanaoan Update

I'm a bit enamored with a phone app these days. It's called Bubbly and it lets you share your voice with the world. Although I know a few folks who have been using it for a while now (like the kulit boys of Rivermaya band), I only just listen to their voice blogs. I finally decided to download the app and use it last week. And my first try? Me singing "If I Believe," inspired by the Patti Austin - Lea Salonga duet on The Voice Philippines several nights back :) Did you listen? I'd be happy if you could leave comments below. Be kind though :D :P And I got a bit lucky, by the way! One of Bubbly's accounts, @BubblyPicks, chose me (@mindanaoan) for their #FollowFriday mention :) Pretty cool, right? :) I'm tickled pink ;) (Thanks Bubbly!) Here are my two other voice blog posts via ...

Sep192013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shop at Ayala Malls and see the world via the Travel Asia promo

Contests

Do you frequently shop at an Ayala Mall in the Philippines? Why not turn your most recent visit into a FREE trip not only to local destinations but also to top Asian countries? Join the Shop Ayala Malls Travel Asia promo! All you have to do is shop, collect and present receipts dated July 1 to September 30, 2013 at the Ayala Mall concierge where the purchase/s was made. Every Php 500.00 spent entitles you to one contest entry. If you use your BPI Ayala Malls Amore VISA Card, you can also double your entries! There are two Ayala Malls in Mindanao - Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro and Abreeza Mall in Davao City. Prizes at stake include trips to top local destinations Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Palawan and to breathtaking Asian countries Japan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore...

Sep172013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte to close movie houses without adequate security

Crime, Davao City, Government, Headline, News

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is bent to close movie houses that do not have enough security. This, after blasts in two Davao City cinemas, which Duterte called "terrorism," left at least 5 people hurt Monday night. "Movie houses should have adequate security. The local government can't provide policemen and military just to guard that. You have to invest. If you can't provide, I will close your movie house," Duterte said. The Davao City mayor's warning came after two improvised explosive devices went off inside Cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall and Cinema 1 of SM City. No one was injured in the SM Davao blast but 5 people were hurt in the Gaisano Mall explosion. The victims complained of ear pain. "The military and police told me that they already gave warnings to SM,...

Sep172013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Historic: Bananas exported to America from Mindanao

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Food, Misamis Oriental

This is truly something not only Mindanaoans but all Filipinos around the world should be proud of! The Philippines has finally completed its first ever shipment of highland cavendish bananas to the USA, making it the first Asian country to do so. And yes, these bananas, which will be marketed under the Sweetio brand, are from Bukidnon, Mindanao! :) Here's more - the Bukidnon bananas were shipped last August 20, 2013 from the Mindanao International Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao! The Philippine Embassy said that the maiden shipment, composed of 7.047 metric tons Bukidnon cavendish bananas, arrived at the Port of Long Beach near Los Angeles last September 9, 2013. This will be the first of an estimated 3,000 metric tons that the US hopes to import from the ...

Sep162013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 2013 in Surigao, Butuan and CDO

Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur

Catch several of the Philippines' top bands and OPM artists as the Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 7 hits Surigao, Butuan and Cagayan de Oro in the next few weeks!Tanduay Rhum First Five 2013 will be in Surigao on September 20, 2013 and in Butuan City on September 21, 2013.Meanwhile, Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 2013 CDO will be held on October 11, 2013. The event will feature Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Rico Blanco, Sponge Cola, Wolfgang, Gloc 9, Chicosci, 6cyclemind, The Dawn, Kitchie Nadal, Ebe Dancel and Siakol.Planning to be in those areas to watch these top Filipino artists? Book your hotel room now!

Sep122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Getting married? Here’s how to win a FREE engagement shoot

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Bacolod City, Beauty, Bislig, Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Caraga, Cebu City, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Cotabato, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Features, Freebies, General Santos City, Hongkong, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Journalism, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Macau, Maguindanao, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Pagadian, Photos, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Getting hitched soon? Here's a great way for you to save on your wedding preparation expenses! Just visit the One Happy Story Photography booth during the Kasalang Filipino 2013 bridal fair at Centrio Ayala Mall, Cagayan de Oro City from September 13 to 15, 2013. Not only do you get to avail of a special 10 percent discount #OHSWeddingPromo when you book with them, you also stand the chance to win one of the 2 FREE engagement (pre-nup) shoots! And you know what that means - significant savings! Now you have the choice to use that as additional funds for your romantic honeymoon :) Visit the prime, WiFi-ready One Happy Story Photography booth near the entrance of the Centrio Activity Center (just across Starbucks) and marvel at their lovely photos. You will understand why so many bride...

Sep72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Must-visit in Puerto Princesa Palawan: KaLui Restaurant

Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Visayas

Visiting Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines soon? Then you must visit KaLui Restaurant! I did and it was a truly lovely experience. In fact, I even mentioned KaLui Palawan to my cousin who was also set to visit Puerto Princesa days after my trip. She swears it was truly one of the highlights of her own Palawan trip! So on our last evening in Palawan (I was flown there recently by the US Embassy for a speaking engagement), a friend from the embassy and I had dinner at KaLui Restaurant. Located along busy Rizal Avenue and just a few minutes away from where I stayed in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, KaLui is not only a place for good comfort food but a place where you can relax and appreciate art, music, creativity and even your sense of touch! You see, KaLui Palawan requires their patrons t...

Sep72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Legend Palawan Hotel Puerto Princesa

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

So during my recent two-day, all expense paid trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism, (much thanks to the US Embassy Manila) I stayed at The Legend Hotel. I must admit from the get-go, however, that I wasn't able to explore this Palawan hotel that much since we arrived pretty darn late in the evening on the first day and we also had to leave early the next day to go to Brooke's Point, Palawan. And on our second day at The Legend Palawan, the same thing happened - we again arrived in the evening then had to leave early the next morning. C'est la vie. So please just allow me to share a few photos I took of my The Legend Palawan Hotel room. I stayed in an airconditioned standard suite. It had two beds - one queen sized bed and a single...

Sep62013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GenSan 15th Tuna Festival 2013 schedule of activities

Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Sarangani, Tourism

General Santos City, known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and the Home of the Generals, is currently celebrating Tuna Festival 2013! This Mindanao festival, the 15th Tuna Festival, is in celebration of the 45th Charter Anniversary of General Santos City. This year, the festivities started last August 15, 2013 and will last until September 15, 2013. GenSan, led by its Mayor Ronnel Rivera, is home to 6 of the country's 7 tuna canning factories. Lots of metric tons of tuna, including first grade or "sashimi grade" tuna, land on the famous GenSan Fish Port every single day. In 2012, a total of 139,613 metric tons of fish were landed at the General Santos Fish Port. Those tuna then get sent out not only to domestic customers but to foreign markets as well. The tuna industry sure is t...