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

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...

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 ...