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

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...

Jul122013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mantigue Island Camiguin – what to see and why you should go

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

The last time my family and I went to Mantigue Island in Camiguin was almost 5 years ago. Yes, it took me that long to come back. A pity, really, since Mantigue Island Camiguin has all the makings of being the next Mindanao tourist spot to watch out for. I haven't forgotten just how beautiful it was there. Crystal clear water, white sand, rich marine sanctuary and the feeling of an uninhabited island. I say "feeling" because in truth, several families do live in the island but since that controversy between the settlers and the local government started, they've now been relocated to the other side of Mantigue Island. Also known as Magsaysay Island, Mantigue is about 6 hectares big. A former fishing village, the local government of Camiguin has now transformed it into "Mantigue Is...

Jul112013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

About Ana Shell and why you should remember her name

Advocacy

Here’s a name you should take note of and remember very well. Ana Shell. A few weeks back, I shared with you the possibility of having clean, reliable and most importantly, low cost electricity in the Philippines via gasification technology with the help of a socially conscious, science-driven company based in Singapore called NRGLab Pte. Ltd. NRGLab (www.nrglab.asia) is capable of producing environmentally friendly generators and uses new and modified technologies to process coal, natural gas, rice husks and even APG into fuel. The result? Better efficiency rate and lower costs. Interesting, right? Now meet the young unsung hero behind this dynamic company - Ana Shell. Since 2007, she has made investing in projects that protect the environment (but produce better alternatives...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Hotel: Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle

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

So on a recent trip to Camiguin Island, my family and I stayed in a different resort in Camiguin this time (we've already stayed at Tia's Beach Resort, Golden Sunset Camiguin etc) After a little bit of research and getting recommendations from friends, I booked a family suite at Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle Camiguin. I chose Villa Paraiso Resort Camiguin because it was located in Mambajao, the capital town of Camiguin, because they offered a 20 percent discount (off-season rate), because their resort had a pool (I figured my family and I would like to go on a night swimming session), because their room rates came with free continental breakfast (read: toasted bread and eggs) and free unlimited coffee (cool!) and, most importantly, the one who took care of my room reservation, Bern...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Camiguin Island travel guide: How to get there

Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel

One of my favorite tourist destinations in the Philippines is Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born of Fire. Located in Northern Mindanao, Camiguin is the second smallest province in the Philippines. Apart from its historic sites, beautiful coastline and environmental tourism areas, visitors just love the crystal clear water. Who wouldn't want to visit a place as beautiful as this? Last weekend, my entire family and I went to Camiguin for a 3-day, 2-night escapade. Being the one fond of researching, preparing itineraries and following budgets, I took it upon myself to plan the entire trip to Camiguin Island. It's not my family's first time to visit the island. However, we try to discover new things and stay in a different place every time we visit. Now if you want to visit the i...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Barangay and SK Elections 2013 – important dates, requirements

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Consumer, Education, Events, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2013 are drawing near. Have you registered as a voter yet? Or are you interested to run in the 2013 Barangay and SK elections? Here are the important Barangay and SK Elections 2013 Philippines dates to remember, voter registration requirements and transfer of voter registration records requirements. Please exercise your right to suffrage! For SK: 15 to below 18 years old - please bring birth certificate or baptismal certificate or school records For Barangay: at least 18 years old or older, bring valid ID Voter qualifications: To vote in the barangay elections, you must be at least 18 years old on election day (October 28, 2013), a Filipino citizen, a resident of the Philippines for at least 1 year, a resident of the place...

Jul92013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kasalang Filipino 2013 Davao City leg

Announcements, Davao City, Events, Weddings

Getting married soon? If your wedding will be held in Davao City and nearby areas, you might want to check out the 2013 Kasalang Filipino - 8th Philippine Wedding and Tourism Fair Road Show on July 19 to 21, 2013, 10 AM to 9 PM at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall. At the Kasalang Filipino 2013 Davao City leg, you will meet various wedding suppliers and wedding coordinators. This wedding fair in Davao City is open to all. FREE admission. Just in case you're looking for a Davao wedding photographer, please do check out One Happy Story Photography. Let my very talented brother and his team share your love story :)

Jul32013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meet the 2013 Miss Cagayan de Oro candidates

Beauty, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Society, Style

It's official, folks! Mindanaoan.com is again a proud Miss Cagayan de Oro beauty pageant media partner! I was a proud media partner last year. The search for the 2013 Miss Kagay-an is one of the core events for this year's most-awaited Kagay-an Festival, which will be held this August. The Cagayan de Oro fiesta is in honor of patron Saint Augustine. Dates to remember: July 13, 2013 4PM - Press and public presentation, Limketkai Rotunda August 2, 2013 6PM - Evening gown competition and MEGA Fashion Show, Ayala Centrio Mall August 10, 2013 4PM - Talent Competition, SM City CDO August 17, 2013 - Swimsuit Competition (by invitation only) August 24, 2013 7PM - Coronation Night, The Atrium, Limketkai Mall Now, meet the 12 lovely official candidates for the search for Miss Cd...

Jul22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Speaking during Social Media Day 2013

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Technology

I was invited to be the keynote speaker during a Social Media Day 2013 event held at SM City Cagayan de Oro last Sunday, June 30, 2013. The said Social Media Day or SMDay event was just one of the hundreds being celebrated all over the world that day. I immediately said yes, since this is part of my ongoing advocacy as IVLP alumnae. Social Media Day is an annual international event that recognizes the digital revolution happening around the world. It is a global celebration (in more than 487 cities) of the technological advancements that have given rise to the connected generation. The CDO Bloggers group invited me to speak about responsible social media as well as social media for social good. I also shared some tips on how to use social media to spread positive vibes, encourage vol...

Jul22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Stylistas Go See 2013 – Stylistas CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Style

Take the cue from some of CDO's most popular local fashion models. Join the Stylistas 2013 model search! A lot of local Cagayan de Oro / Northern Mindanao models and personalities started their careers with Stylistas. So why not join and see if you have what it takes to be the next model to watch? Be at the 2013 Stylistas go-see! Registration starts July 1, 2013. Get your registration forms from the Marketing Department, Second Floor, SM City Cagayan de Oro. The go-see event will be held on July 6, 2013 at the Event Center of SM CDO. 2013 Stylistas CDO go-see mechanics: 1. Male or Female (at least 16 years old at the time of registration) 2. Sport a denim inspired outfit 3. Ladies are requested to wear flat shoes 4. Present Php 500 worth receipt from any SM CDO te...

Jun282013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

The CompanY to hold a show at Ayala Centrio Mall CDO @AyalaCentrio

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Music

The quintet known for their impressive vocal harmony will be at Ayala Centrio Mall this weekend! The CompanY, composed of Sweet Plantado (soprano), Annie Quintos (soprano/alto), Cecile Bautista (alto), Jay Marquez (tenor) and Moy Ortiz (tenor2/bass), will be at the Centrio Mall Activity Center on Sunday, June 30, 2013, 6 PM. The event will also serve as the CDO launch of their latest album entitled "LightHearted OPM." Catch The CompanY at Centrio Mall this weekend! See you there :) You can also follow Mindanaoan on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Instagram and YouTube for updates, videos and photos on The CompanY's Centrio CDO show :)

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

GoodX to send a Mindanaoan indigenous student to U.S.

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Musings, Society

Last year, this Mindanaoan blogger had the most amazing opportunity to tour the USA courtesy of the US Embassy. I was chosen for the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a program launched in 1940 that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully-designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. This year, a fellow Mindanaoan will have the chance to visit America. This time, to attend an international summer camp in the U.S. called "Camp Up With People." And what's also special about this is that the Mindanaoan is a young indigenous student :) Meet Arjean Marie Belco, who is from the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon, Mindanao. GoodX, a project started by experiential travel advoc...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to plan your New York City trip

America, United States of America

The great recession that started in 2008 affected tourism industries across the country. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, New York, was especially impacted by reduced travel and spending. Good news came in 2012 when an Oxford Economics study showed that tourism rose 6.2 percent over the previous year. In total, tourism spending in the state reached $57 billion in 2012. The majority of this tourism money goes to New York City, but the rest of the state saw great improvements as well. Buffalo gets a lot of attention because of its proximity to Niagara falls, and many upstate destinations are known for having beautiful organic farms, majestic lakes and serene mountain landscapes. New York City, however, is still the main attraction. Now that the economy is impro...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Rustan’s Fresh CDO VIP night (official photos inside)

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Shopping, Society

I previously mentioned here on Mindanaoan that I was involved in a recent 3-day series of events for the Rustan's Fresh CDO opening. Aside from the grand opening, Rustan's Fresh Supermarket Cagayan de Oro City also sponsored a walkathon (in partnership with Xavier EcoVille, wherein all proceeds collected from the registration fees went to the said resettlement project for Typhoon Sendong survivors) and a Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro preview night attended by VIPs, trade partners, concessionaires, traditional media practitioners, bloggers, guests and other local key personalities. Hundreds of people came to get a sneak peek of the 4,186 square meter store and 17th branch in the Philippines. All of those events were huge successes and I would like to wholeheartedly thank each and ...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Malinis at murang elektrisidad sa Pilipinas? Posible!

Advocacy

Mataas at matayog ang aking respeto para sa mga tao at organisasyong sumusulong ng mga alternatibong pinagkukunan ng enerhiya para sa malinis at mapagkakatiwalaang produksyon ng “electrical power.” Sa kasalukuyan, umaasa lamang tayo sa mga hydropower plants. May mga electric cooperatives naman na gumagamit ng solar panels upang ipandagdag sa kanilang pinagkukunan ng enerhiya (tulad na lamang ng CEPALCO na makikita sa Cagayan de Oro - mayroon silang solar panel area). Mayroon ding wind farm sa Ilocos Norte na nagngangalang Bangui Wind Farm. Ngunit paano naman ang produksyon ng elektrisidad na hindi nagdudulot ng problema sa Inang Kalikasan? Posible ba ang murang elektrisidad na dulot ng mga alternatibong energy technologies? Ang sagot - gasification! Ang gasification ay isang proseso ...

Jun262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dionne Warwick and the Tavares Live in Davao

Davao City, Events, Music, Society

Dionne Warwick Live in Davao! The singer behind well-loved songs like "I Say A Little Prayer For You," "I'll Never Love This Way Again," "Walk On By," "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" and "What The World Needs Now" will perform live in Davao City on July 21, 2013, 8 PM at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City. The Dionne Warwick Live in Davao City concert will also feature the Tavares, an American R&B, funk and soul music group. Tickets to the Dionne Warwick Davao show are priced at Php 3,000, Php 2,500, Php 2000 and Php 1,000. If you're planning to watch the show, why not stay at the same hotel where the legendary singer will be? Seda Hotel Abreeza Davao is the official residence of Dionne Warwick. Check out the beautiful rooms, amazing amenities...

Jun262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

David Pomeranz Live In Valencia City, Bukidnon

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Music

International multi-platinum award-winning recording artist David Pomeranz will perform in a one-night only concert in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines on July 7, 2013 (Sunday), 8 PM at the San Agustin Institute of Technology (SAIT) Gymnasium, Valencia City, Bukidnon. David Pomeranz, who's responsible for the hits "King and Queen of Hearts," "Got To Believe In Magic," "Born For You" and "On This Day," will be joined by veteran comedienne Giselle Sanchez. The David Pomeranz Live In Bukidnon concert is part of his 2013 Philippine Tour dubbed "You're The Inspiration." Buy your tickets online here Mindanaoan.com will also raffle off some tickets in the next few days. Follow Mindanaoan on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google Plus to be eligible for the raffle! :) Mark your ...

Jun242013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to choose 2013 homecoming dresses

Shopping

DressProm offers a wide assortment of dresses for any girl, body type, body size, skin tone or personality. Whether your daughter is a punk girl with short pink hair or a heavy-set brunette with long, bouncy curls, you'll be able to find a dress she loves and feels comfortable in. Keep in mind while you shop for prom dresses whether your daughter can re-wear the dress. For example, if you opt for a short, black dress with minimal lace, your daughter can re-wear the garment as a cocktail dress later on for business parties or college events. Any shorter dress can typically be re-worn especially to business functions. If your daughter prefers a longer gown, though, consider opting for something modest that could double as a bridesmaid dress or even something she could wear to a funeral. O...