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

Sep52013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Diyandi Festival 2013 Iligan schedule of activities

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Iligan City, Tourism, Travel

One of the awaited Mindanao festivals this September is Diyandi, a month-long cultural celebration in Iligan City. Diyandi Festival 2013 is celebrated in honor of Iligan City's patron Saint Michael the Archangel. Diyandi Festival culminates every September 29 - this is St. Michael's feast day. Diyandi means "celebrate." And this year, there are lots of reasons to celebrate! The City Government of Iligan has prepared lots of activities including a fun run, beauty pageant, film festival, concerts etc. (speaking of concerts, don't forget to catch Rivermaya on Sept. 29 - I'll post more details about this soon) Check out the Diyandi Festival 2013 schedule of activities (this is still a partial list, for updates please visit the Diyandi Festival FB page): Discover and experience...

Sep42013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking about social media in a US Embassy event in Palawan

Advocacy, America, Arts, Blogging, Education, Features, Government, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism, United States of America, Visayas

This Mindanao blogger received a special invitation not too long ago. The US Embassy Manila folks asked if I wanted to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism in a two-day, all expenses paid eco-tourism workshop in Palawan. As an International Visitor Leadership Program alumnus, I was invited to share my knowledge to outstanding students from various schools in Brooke's Point, Palawan. Who can say no to that kind of invitation? So last August 22, 2013, I flew to Manila from Mindanao and then to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - all on the same day. My flight to Manila got delayed for about 3 hours because of Typhoon Maring. The delayed flight was both boon and bane. Boon because I was able to chat with a city mayor-friend of mine (you know, get the inside juicy stuff I can wr...

Sep22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Good Sunday Lunch buffets at Misto Seda Hotel Centrio CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Hotels, Leisure

Here's how to spend quality time with family and friends in Cagayan de Oro City. Bring them to Seda Hotel Centrio Misto Restaurant for delicious Sunday lunch buffet! For only Php 499.00 per person, you can feast on a delectable buffet of local and international dishes. This special Sunday lunch buffet at Seda Hotel CDO Misto Restaurant runs from 11 AM to 2 PM. Reserve a table! Call (088) 3238888 You can also book a room at Seda Hotel Cagayan de Oro here

Aug142013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Catch the PBA Legends in CDO @vincehizon12

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Sports

The PBA Legends are coming to Cagayan de Oro City! Popular Filipino basketball players Vince Hizon, Jerry Codinera, Marlou Aquino, Noli Locsin, EJ Feihl, Rey Evangelista, Bong Hawkins, Bal David, Rodney Santos and Kenneth Duremdes will comprise the PBA Legends team that will play with CDO Mayor Oscar Moreno, his son Oscar Jr. (Jang) and Team CDO All Stars on August 17, 2013 (Saturday), 6 PM at the Xavier University Gymnasium. This fiesta basketball game is for the benefit of the Xavier University Scholarship Fund and is made possible by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, among others. Check out the other Cagayan de Oro fiesta 2013 events The preliminary game will feature Team CDO and Xavier University at 4 PM. Gates open at 3 PM. Ticket prices: Upper Box Php 250 ...

Aug142013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cagayan de Oro Fiesta 2013 rules: no backpacks, mandatory parking space

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao

With the Cagayan de Oro Fiesta 2013 / Kagay-an Festival 2013 drawing near, authorities in Cagayan de Oro City have emphasized their call for the public to follow certain security measures. These include the readiness to present any valid ID during onsite inspections and mandatory parking space especially during 2013 Kagay-an Festival major events. Wearing sunglasses and caps (during indoor celebrations) and bringing of backpacks will also be discouraged. The Cagayan de Oro Fiesta 2013 schedule of events Please take note of the guidelines below (released by the CDO government): 1. There are public events that require tight security measures. We appeal to the spectators for their cooperation on these security measures. 2. Bringing of backpacks and similar carrying bags in any...

Aug122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visit Resorts World Manila for the 105-day Thrillathon

Blogging, Corporate, Hotels, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Shopping, Society

Resorts World Manila will always be special to me. Not only did my first few articles about Resorts World Manila garnered so many views from people all over the world (one of them was the most read article back in 2010), I also had one ultra lucky night there. It was so lucky that I was able to bring my mother and three younger brothers to Singapore and Hong Kong :) That's why I try my best to visit Resorts World whenever I'm in Manila. And now I actually have more reason to visit again because Resorts World Manila has prepared an exciting mix of events and surprises for everyone - from foodies to concertgoers, movie fans, bookworms, shopaholics, photo hobbyists, jetsetters, toy enthusiasts, gamers and sportsmen! They're calling it "Thrillathon - Non Stop Events, Shows And Pulse Poundin...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kagay-an CDO Fiesta 2013 schedule of events

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism

Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of activities. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar "Oca" Moreno has said that the 2013 CDO Fiesta will push through this year. This, despite the recent news about the bombing incident at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The Kagay-an Festival 2013, which is celebrated in honor of patron Saint Augustine, will hold the theme "Higalaay: The Kagay-an Festival 2013." Higalaay means "friendly gathering/friendly atmosphere." Check out this Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of events: KUMBIRA: Aug 14-31, 2013 Limketkai Mall Atrium (Kumbira is a professional and student culinary show and live competition. It is the largest culinary event in Mindanao. Check out what happened during Kumbira 2012) GARDEN SHOW: August 15-31...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Judging at ABS CBN’s Barangay Gwapo 2013

Announcements, Beauty, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Society

How do you help find the fairest of them all? Well I'm about to find out when I'm set to become one of the judges during the finals night of Barangay Gwapo 2013, an ABS CBN Northern Mindanao-organized and produced men's pageant. Yes, folks, Mindanaoan Irene got invited to be one of the Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finals night judges on August 17, 2013, 6 PM at the Capitol University Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro City. This should be fun ;) * photo by my friend Mark Edson Valledor Pagaspas The Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finalists are Joseph Ryan Mar (Patag), Paul James Pagalan (Bulua), Phillip John Mamac (Iponan), Marc Paul Adame (Kauswagan), Michael James Cheshire (Macasandig), Val Anthony Araneta (Balulang), Lloyd Sacala (Bugo), Elpidio Murillo, Jr. (Kauswagan), Jethro Noel Danos (Patag...

Aug92013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Will be part of Sugar Ray Smash Mouth Gin Blossoms Live In Manila #SugarSmashGin

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Hold your breath, folks. Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth AND Gin Blossoms are heading to Manila this October 21, 2013! Yes, Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that popular 90's bands Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will headline a very special 3-in-1 concert #SugarSmashGin on October 21, 2013, Araneta Coliseum, Manila! Actually, I first shared the good news in an earlier blog post but only Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth were the confirmed acts then :) And I am also very excited to let you guys know that, thanks to my amazing friends over at Random Minds Production, I will be with Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms when they arrive in Manila! That means I will frequently be dishing out updates, exclusive photos and videos! Stoked :D So are you ready for #SugarSmashGin? I...

Aug72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Korean stars in Davao to shoot “No Breathing” movie

Mindanaoan Update

Here's proof that Davao City is indeed safe and picturesque! Korean stars Lee Jong-Suk, Seo In-Guk and Park Jeong Cheol as well as South Korean film producers and crew are currently in my hometown Davao City to shoot a film entitled "No Breathing." The local government of Davao even threw a welcome party for these popular South Korean actors. Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato said in this article (originally written by my friend Rudolph of the PIA) that Davao City was the film producers' FIRST CHOICE! They visited Manila, Cebu and Davao. Apparently, the film producers were impressed by Davao City's cleanliness and the abundance of natural resources plus the hospitality of the Dabawenyos. Woohoo! Davao City will have about 15 minutes of exposure in "No Breathing." I ...

Aug62013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kumbira 2013 to showcase Mindanao’s finest chefs, bartenders

Cagayan de Oro City, Festivals, Fiesta, Food, Mindanaoan Update

Kumbira 2013 time! What's considered as Mindanao's largest premiere culinary show and competition is set to happen on August 14 to 16, 2013 at the Limketkai Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City. Organized by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA), this annual culinary festival aims to showcase the best culinary creations of the region while incorporating the latest culinary trends. Kumbira 2013, which is now on its 17th year, also aims to promote healthy competition and camaraderie among different hotels, culinary schools and restaurants. Among the activities during this 3-day event are live competitions for professionals and students; interactive booth allowing visitors to listen to short demo and do hands-on activities; seminars on food, beverage, and hospitalit...

Aug62013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Old Church Ruins in Camiguin Island Mindanao

Mindanaoan Update

Have you been following my series of Camiguin Island posts? Here's another historical place you should not miss when you visit the Island Born Of Fire. The Old Church Ruins, also known as Gui-ob Church, features the remains of an old Spanish church. Gui-ob Church was destroyed and partly submerged during the series of eruptions of Mt. Vulcan from 1871 to 1875 (see my Sunken Cemetery post). At this Camiguin tourist spot, you can see the remains of a pre-Spanish era church, what used to be its magnificent adobe walls, convent and belfry. There used to be a small chapel there, too, but on my most recent visit to this Camiguin Island attraction, it seemed like it caught fire :( Still, I recommend that you visit the Old Church Ruins. Nice place to have a feel of what Camiguin was like during...

Aug52013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel, Weird

Yes, you read that right. There's a Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island and although many people might find it a little creepy, this Camiguin tourist spot is actually a popular diving and snorkeling spot. Located at Barangay Bonbon, Municipality of Catarman, Camiguin Island, the Sunken Cemetery came about after Mt. Vulcan's series of eruptions from 1871 to 1875. As a result, some areas in Bonbon subsided including the town's cemetery. The cemetery sank below sea level. In 1982, the local government of Camiguin erected a cross on the site. For those of you wondering whether or not there are still dead bodies at the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin Island, the human remains have already been exhumed and buried in another location. Besides, it's been more than 100 years - I guess you can spot...

Aug52013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Video: Jericho Rosales marriage proposal to Kim Jones

Mindanaoan Update

Please allow me to be all mushy and cheesy and romantic today. This video of Jericho Rosales proposing marriage to Filipino-British host/model Kim Jones made me cry. I think it's awfully sweet for someone to propose marriage in front of his religious congregation and amidst family and friends. Jericho Rosales is a popular Filipino actor, singer and songwriter. He was discovered via the Eat Bulaga segment "Mr. Pogi" in 1996. Jericho Rosales gained so much popularity when he landed the lead role in the telenovela "Pangako Sa 'Yo" alongside Kristine Hermosa. A lot of my friends in Malaysia (where the series was also shown) even became fans of Echo :) Congratulations Echo and Kim! For more wedding stories, wedding tips and bridal gowns, visit Weddings In The Philippines

Aug12013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

TAYO Awards 2013 application period extended

Advocacy

Good news to all youth organizations in the Philippines! The organizers of the annual Search of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards are extending the deadline of applications to August 15, 2013! So if you belong to a youth organization in the Philippines, urge your officers to apply now to the 11th TAYO Awards. The search grants Php 50,000 to the 10 organizations to be named winners at the National Finals. Last year, I served as one of the Mindanao Area Finals judges (TAYO Awards 10 or TAYO Awards 2012). I met truly inspiring young, socially aware Filipinos last year :) Take note that representatives from all over the Philippines are flown and housed for free to the venues of the Area and National Finals. Through the course of the search, representatives are tra...

Aug12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Not many people know that Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born Of Fire is home to two beautiful waterfalls. One of them is actually a favorite destination of many tourists and locals alike and is, almost often than not, included in Camiguin Island tour packages. Katibawasan Falls is located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong, Barangay Upper Pandan, Municipality of Mambajao, Camiguin Island. From Mambajao proper, Katibawasan Falls is located about 5 kilometers southeast. From the top of the falls, a clear stream of water drops 250 feet or about 70 meters to a plunge pool. And you know what makes Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island a must-visit? The water that’s almost as cold as ice! Yep, plunging into the water without testing the temperature can actually be a test that could separate the men ...

Jul262013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

CONFIRMED: Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth in Manila on October 2013

Announcements, Manila, Music

UPDATED (as of August 9, 2013) - another band will join the already stellar lineup! GIN BLOSSOMS will also be in this show! Stay tuned for more details! Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth Live in Manila! Yes, folks, it's CONFIRMED! Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that popular 90's bands Smash Mouth and Sugar Ray are heading to Manila on October 2013! This is definitely a Manila concert you should not dare miss! Smash Mouth is best known as the one behind the monster hits "Walkin' on the Sun" (1997) and "All Star" (1999). Their covers of popular songs also became favorites - The Monkees' "I'm a Believer" (featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Shrek"), War's "Why Can't We Be Friends?", Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)" and Question Mark & the Mysterians's "Can't ...

Jul212013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

The Paradise That Is White Island Camiguin

Beauty, Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I think no trip to Camiguin Island will ever be complete without a visit to the popular, uninhabited sand bar called White Island. It is nothing but paradise! Crystal clear water, white sand and lovely view of Mt. Hibok Hibok. Located about 10 minutes away from the shore of Barangay Yumbing (or Barangay Agoho), Camiguin Island, White Island is generally horseshoe-shaped but it usually gets reshaped because of the tides. And because the sand at White Island is very precious, the Camiguin government has issued this warning. My family and I paid White Island a visit during a recent trip to Camiguin Island. I must say, it was one of the highlights of our trip. My brothers and I (and even our Mom) are all beach babies and any opportunity for us to go and spend time in the water is most ap...

Jul212013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Make Your Own Havaianas 2013 Northern Mindanao leg #MYOHCDO2013

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Style

The most awaited annual event of every Havaianatico (read: big fan of Havaianas) is finally here! The Make Your Own Havaianas 2013 Northern Mindanao event, which lets you customize your very own pair of Havaianas, will be held on August 17 and 18, 2013 at the Activity Center of Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. Spruce Designer Network, which runs the Spruce and All Flip Flops stores, will again spearhead the #MYOHCDO2013 event. They're the same cool folks who made the MYOH CDO 2012, MYOH CDO 2011 and MYOH CDO 2010 events possible! In each of those events, I was able to customize my own Havaianas by choosing my preferred straps, soles and special pins. So are you guys ready for this year's MYOH? Save up, save up and make your calendars. August 17 and 18, 2013! Don't forget to b...

Jul172013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kilalanin si Ana Shell

Advocacy

May isang pangalan na kailangan ninyong kilalanin. Ana Shell. Kung maaalala ninyo, ibinahagi ko sa inyo kamakailan lamang ang tungkol sa posibilidad ng pagkakaroon ng clean, reliable and most importantly, low cost electricity dito sa Pilipinas via gasification technology at kasama ang tulong ng isang kumpanyang naka-base sa Singapore na socially conscious at science driven - ang NRGLab Pte. Ltd. Naibahagi ko sa inyo na ang NRGLab (www.nrglab.asia) ay may kakayanan sa pag-generate ng elektrisidad gamit ang mga bago at modified na teknolohiya. Gamit ang mga environmentally friendly na generators, nagkakaroon ng kapasidad ang NRGLab na i-process ang uling, natural na ga-as, rice husks at maging APG at gawin into fuel. Hindi ba't kay galing ng posibilidad na ito? Ngayon, kilalanin an...

Jul152013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

So after our fun Mantigue Island escapade, my family and I then proceeded to Ardent Hot Spring Resort in Camiguin Island. Since it's been a few years since our last Camiguin Island trip, we didn't know that this Camiguin tourist spot has been renamed. Apparently, it's now called Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort and it's now being run by the local government of Camiguin. Ardent is a natural hot springs resort. The fresh and hot sulfuric flowing water comes from Mt. Hibok Hibok and its temperature can reach as much as 40 degrees Centrigrade. Sulfur in water has therapeutic effects. It can help address health concerns like skin diseases, asthma and rheumatism. There are a few pools at Ardent. The water temperature in each pool also varies. This one below is the main pool. Sometimes,...

Jul152013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

South Border Band Back To The Roots 20th Anniversary

Announcements, Davao City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music

Anybody who truly knows me knows that my most favorite Filipino band is South Border. I love, love, LOVE them! Not only do I admire them as talented artists but I also appreciate them as humble, wonderful people. They're also fun to work with. Very professional and really know their craft. And for that, I have the highest respect for them. Even when Jay Durias did his special solo project, I still fully supported them. They've already become my friends. In a few days, I will be on enthusiastic South Border fan mode again as the band celebrates its 20th anniversary in the music industry. Can you believe it? It's been 20 long years! Wow :) To celebrate their two amazing decades as premiere Filipino artists of our time, South Border will hold a special 8-venue bar tour starting thi...