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

Jun242013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering ABS CBN “Luv U” and “Goin’ Bulilit” press conferences

Blogging, Entertainment, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Television, Videos

So one of the things I did during a recent trip to Manila was attend a press conference at the ABS CBN Channel 2 Dolphy Theater. Attending (and organizing, even!) media briefings aren't new to me but that one was an exception - it was the first entertainment/showbiz press conference I attended in a very long time! It probably was my first ever - I'm not too sure. But I must say, it was a bit intimidating since I'm far more comfortable with politics and news and current affairs-related press gatherings. Still, I was interested to attend since I was curious as to how showbiz presscons were handled and I was also interested to observe entertainment reporters and listen to their questions. A little bit of background, though. I'm pretty familiar with the ABS CBN Manila compound since I worke...

Jun212013 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Rivermaya band Davao radio tour and SM City Davao gig

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Videos

So a day before the big Rivermaya Live At Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao gig that I co-produced, the Rivermaya boys - Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Norby David and Ryan Peralta - performed first at SM City Davao for a pre-Independence Day gig. I was already in Davao City then, comfortably settled in my spacious executive deluxe room at the Apo View Hotel (which had a nice view of the pool, by the way - thanks so much, Apo View!) when I found out that the boys were supposed to have a Davao City radio tour before their scheduled performance at 5 PM at the SM City Davao Annex atrium. So I did what every Rivermaya fan worth her salt should - bug the Rivermaya band manager (hello Raymond! :D) and insist - without any hesitation or shame - that I tag along. Fortunately, Raymond was convinced tha...

Jun212013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Co-producing a Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Davao

Announcements, Arts, Entertainment, Events, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Radio, Society, Videos

Like most things that end up being hands-down epic, my being a co-producer of a recent Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao all started with two phone calls and a Facebook message. Yep. A phone call from the Rivermaya band manager, a phone call to a former classmate in Ateneo and a Facebook message to his cousin (who also happens to be a batchmate). That's all it took. A day and a half later, the Rivermaya Live At Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao City was a go. Things moved pretty quickly. My assistant and I were on the phone, calling a few friends who may want to sponsor the show. Fortunately, everyone we got in touch with all said yes. Who wouldn't? It's RIVERMAYA - the Banda ng Bayan - the very band responsible for the monster hits "Kisapmata," "Umaaraw, Umuulan," "Yo...

Jun202013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Kadayawan Festival 2013 Davao City schedule of activities

BIMP-EAGA, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

It's Kadayawan 2013 time, folks! Mindanao's king of festivals, Kadayawan Festival, is happening this August! The 2013 Kadayawan Festival in Davao City will once again showcase Davao's rich and diverse culture and tradition, thanksgiving of oneness with the Earth and bountiful harvest. The Kadayawan Festival 2013 will also provide the opportunity for the various indigenous tribes such as the Ata Manobo, Ubo Manobo, K’lata, Tagabawa, Matigsalog, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Sama and Kalagan to converge. The term "Kadayawan" comes from the Mandaya word "Madayaw" which means anything good, valuable, bountiful, beautiful. Kadayawan Festival 2013 Davao City Schedule of Activities Follow Mindanaoan on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and Instagram for updates. Kadayawan Festival 201...

Jun182013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Korean fashion brand Basic House opens Ayala Centrio CDO branch

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Shopping

Popular Korean fashion brand Basic House has opened its first store in Mindanao - the Basic House Cagayan de Oro branch. This is Basic House's fourth store in the Philippines. Basic House CDO is among the more than a hundred stores that offer fresh, classic and preppy ready-to-wear garments. Established in Korea in 1996, Basic House currently has 158 stores in Korea. There are stores across Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Russia and the Philippines. Visit Basic House CDO for classic and contemporary wear. You can find shirts, polo shirts, blazers, jackets, chinos, knit wear and even socks at Basic House Cagayan de Oro. Check out the looks you can achieve with some of the pieces you can find at Basic House: Basic House Cagayan de Oro is located at the 2nd floor,...

Jun182013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

A must-try in Davao City: Wine quartet at the Apo View Hotel

Business, Consumer, Davao City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

As part of the Apo View Hotel Davao's 65th year of operations and a first of its kind in Davao City, the Philippines' second longest operating hotel has launched the unique Wine Quartet, whereby diners can savor a set of 4 carefully and thoughtfully selected wines to match their favorite dishes at Entree, Apo View Hotel Davao City's buffet restaurant. Definitely a great way to match good food with good wine! Under the Entree Wine Quartet promo, you get 4 glasses of wines for only Php 250.00. You can taste 4 different wine varietals: two white wines (Torrontes-Sauvignon Blanc and Macabeo) and two reds (Tahuna Pinot Noir from New Zealand and Castillo de Almansa from Spain). The wine choices will be changed every month but the price will remain the same. The Apo View Davao Entree Wine Q...

Jun142013 by Mindanaoan Irene17 Comments

New Laguindingan Airport Misamis Oriental – what to know, how to get there

Announcements, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Flights, Government, Headline, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis

Laguindingan Airport CDO - A lot of you have been asking me all about the new Laguindingan Airport Misamis Oriental that's set to open on June 15, 2013 via my Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus accounts (thank you for the trust!) and via this Laguindingan Airport article I wrote earlier. So I decided to pool all the infos that I know. I hope that this simple Laguindingan Airport travel blog entry can help you guys :) Please help spread this information by posting the link to this article on your social networking profiles - thank you very much! Repost this Laguindingan Airport tips article via Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus. First off, Laguindingan Airport is NOT within Cagayan de Oro City proper. So if you've been taking flights to and fro Lumbia Airport CDO, be ready to add at leas...

Jun12013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Independence Music Fest at Tiendesitas

Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities

I'm heading to Manila tomorrow and will stay there for about a week. Whenever I'm in Manila, apart from business meetings, attending events and catching up with dear friends, I always see to it that I also allot some of my time watching my favorite musician-friends play. One of the events I'm eager to catch is the week-long Independence Music Fest 2013 at Tiendesitas Activity Center, Ortigas, Pasig. Together with my friends, I plan to catch the Oktaves (featuring Ely Buendia), K.A. Antonio and Rivermaya (woohoo!) on June 4, 2013 and Freestyle, Paolo Santos (whom I've had the chance to work with not too long ago) and my super favorite Jay Durias of South Border on June 5, 2013. Speaking of Jay Durias, this music fest is the only reason why I had to MOVE my Manila trip haha! I was suppose...

May302013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Julia Barretto at Style Origin 2013 Ayala Centrio CDO

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Style

ABS-CBN Star Magic talent Julia Barretto truly wowed the crowd during the Style Origin 2013 fashion and style show held last May 25, 2013 at the Ayala Centrio Mall. Not that it was unexpected. She was, after all, a Barretto beauty. The charming Julia Barretto, who wore clothes from Bench, received very loud cheers from ardent fans and even from members of the audience who immediately got smitten with the fresh-faced Barretto beauty. The Style Origin 2013 fashion show aimed to re-affirm that style begins at Ayala Malls. And based on what I saw that day (I had a great view, thanks to the front row seats given to me and my blogger-friends by Centrio Mall - thank you very much!), they succeeded in achieving that goal. The fashion show, which was hosted by model and TV personality Phoemela B...

May302013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Investigative journalism seminar for Mindanao bloggers, journalists, citizen media

Announcements, Blogging, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) is inviting Mindanao bloggers, citizen media and journalists to an investigative reporting seminar. This PCIJ investigative reporting seminar will touch on political clans, governance and journalists' safety. This seminar is open to mid-career and senior Filipino journalists, citizen media, bloggers, researchers, anchors, producers, news managers, editors, contributors, freelance reporters, stringers of print, TV, radio and online media. Mindanao bloggers covering public policy issues are also eligible. Application deadline: June 10, 2013. This PCIJ investigative reporting seminar will be held on July 25 to 28, 2013. Seminar topics include: • Media Killings, Political Violence, and Impunity in the Philippines •...

May302013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Seda Centrio Hotel’s starry, starry night on June 15, 2013

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Hotels, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Style

I am involved in a new project and I'm really, really excited about this! I've been trying to keep this under wraps for a while now but now it can be told. Seda Centrio Hotel, the newest luxury hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines, is set to hold a very special event on June 15, 2013. It's so special that Seda Hotel Centrio CDO folks are flying in celebrities, artists and even national media friends. I can't divulge more details but suffice it to say that this will be the must-have invite of the year! :) Do follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google Plus for updates on this starry, starry event ;) For the uninitiated, Seda Centrio CDO is the latest boutique-business hotel owned and managed by Ayala Land. This Cagayan de Oro downtown hotel features top-...

May292013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Clean low cost electricity in Philippines? Yes!

Advocacy, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, ARMM, Bacolod City, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Corporate, Cotabato, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Features, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City, Manila, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Politics, Sarangani, Sindangan, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

I have so much respect for people and organizations that champion alternative sources of energy for clean and reliable electrical power production! Currently, we depend largely on hydropower plants. Some electric cooperatives also use several solar panels to augment their sources of energy (Cagayan de Oro’s CEPALCO has a solar panel area) and we all know about the Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte. But what about production of electricity without doing much harm to the environment? What about affordable electricity brought about by alternative-energy technologies? Gasification is a solution! Gasification is a process of converting organic or carbon-containing matter into synthetic gas or syngas which could be used to generate electricity. I’m particularly interested with this because ...

May222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Celebrate Style At Centrio Ayala Mall Style Origin 2013

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Shopping, Style

Join Ayala Centrio CDO Mall as they celebrate Filipino fashion and style via a fashion show dubbed "Style Origin" this Saturday, May 25, 2013, 5 PM at Centrio Activity Center, Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro. Style Origin 2013 will feature several international retail brands, new and innovative concepts and well-loved homegrown labels. The "Style Origin 2013" fashion show aims to re-affirm that style begins at Ayala Malls. The fashion show, which will be hosted by model and TV personality Phoemela Barranda and directed by ace director Robby Carmona of SAGA Events (Mindanaoan had the chance to work with this very talented director during the first ever Islamic Fashion Festival in Manila last year), will also feature one of Star Magic's latest talents, the fresh-faced Julia Barretto. Thank...

May222013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Sophie Paris Fashion And Beauty Soiree CDO

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Shopping, Society, Style

Sophie Paris, a direct selling and multi level marketing company that sells quality yet reasonably priced bags, shoes, watches and other fashion products, will hold a fashion and beauty soiree in Cagayan de Oro on May 25, 2013 at Mallberry Suites. Tickets will be sold at an affordable price of Php 150.00 apiece. Every ticket comes with a free goodie bag, access to the beauty workshops and to a fashion show featuring Binibining Pilipinas 2012 2nd runner-up Ali Forbes. Every "Sophie-nista" who also registers on the spot gets free Folle de Amour perfume, the first scent released by Sophie Paris Philippines. Thank you Sophie Paris for the VIP invite! :) See you guys there!

May162013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How Rustan’s Fresh CDO may look like

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao

Rustan's Fresh CDO - the very first Rustan's in Mindanao and the BIGGEST Rustan's in the entire Philippines - is finally opening on May 17, 2013 (Friday), 9 AM at Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. I don't know about you but one look at this much space and variety excites me! Check out how the other Rustan's Supermarkets look like: Homemakers will love the sight of this Of course, the boys will love the wide variety of wine, liquors and beer Welcome to a cleaner, fresher, more comfortable version of our friendly neighborhood palengke :) Of course, these aren't actual photos taken inside Rustan's Fresh CDO (since it has yet to open) but you now have an idea of what you will see inside this most-awaited supermarket! :) Rustan's Su...

May102013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Let’s walk towards the first Rustan’s Supermarket in Mindanao

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Leisure, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Sports, Style

Step up to a healthier living on May 18, 2013 Saturday and join the walkathon towards the first Rustan’s Supermarket in Mindanao at the Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. The event is to celebrate the opening of the country’s premium supermarket most trusted in freshness, quality and customer service. The first activity of its kind in the city, this exciting fun walk for the whole family will begin and end at the Centrio Mall, CM Recto Avenue. Assembly time is at 5 a.m. with the five kilometer (5k) walk starting at 5:35 a.m. and the three kilometer (3k) distance at 5:45 a.m. Registration is ongoing at the La Cabana Spa and the designated booth at the Centrio Mall CM Recto lobby with limited slots available. Fees for the 3K and 5K distances are at P200 and P300 respectively inclus...

May102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

‘Fatwa’ against Senator Chiz Escudero withdrawn

Announcements, Muslim Mindanao, Politics

Sheikh Jamil Yahya, chairman of the Bangsamoro Supreme Council of Ulama (BSCU) and Grand Imam of the Mindanao Grand Mosque in Marawi City, announced that they had withdrawn the “fatwa” or Islamic legal pronouncement against Senator Chiz Escudero. “After listening to his explanation, I issued a statement withdrawing our fatwa against Sen. Escudero and I request Muslims all over the Philippines to vote for him,” Yahya said. The religious leader had earlier issued the fatwa against Escudero, claiming he was “anti-Muslim.” He called on Filipino Muslims not to vote for the re-electionist senator. The pronouncement was based on the senator’s alleged criticism of the meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim last April i...

May52013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Join the Rustan’s Fresh CDO Walkathon

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports

I previously told you guys about the upcoming opening of Rustan's Fresh supermarket in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. I'm extremely grateful and proud to be a part of that project (super thanks to J and V for the trust!)! Who wouldn't be? Rustan's Fresh CDO is the first Rustan's supermarket in Mindanao and the BIGGEST in the entire Philippines! Rustan's Fresh supermarket CDO will be located at the ground floor of Ayala Centrio Mall, near the garden area. This time, I have more exciting news for you! Rustan's CDO supermarket is sponsoring a Walkathon! The Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro Walkathon will be held on May 18, 2013, 5 AM, Centrio Mall. There will be two categories - 3K and 5K. Registration fee for the 3K - Php 200.00 while for the 5K - Php 300.00 Your registration fee incl...

May52013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pierro’s tuxedo rental

Mindanaoan Update

When you need tuxedo rental Spartanburg SC, trust the team at Pierro’s to assist you. Dedicated professionals, they know how to help you choose the right tux for any special occasion. Whether this is the first time you’ve rented a tux, or you have been wearing tuxedos comfortably for decades, they can help you choose the right one for your particular event. Sizing and Fitting Pierro’s carries an incredible selection of colors, styles and sizes. Their professional team will help you with formal fittings to find the tux that suits your style and looks incredible on you. Unlike a tuxedo that hangs in the closet and has to be altered before you wear it, they can find a tux that will fit you like a glove and make you look incredible. Hot Styles and Name Brands They carry all the largest bran...

May42013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

J.Co to open Ayala Centrio CDO branch May 10

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Food

So the reason why there are super long queues in Eastwood, Ortigas (Manila) is finally invading Mindanao. J.Co Donuts and Coffee is set to open their first Mindanao, Philippines branch at the Ground Floor of Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City on May 10, 2013. J.Co CDO is at the garden area. This means that if you're thinking of a quick perk-me-upper for Mindanaoan, just send me a dozen Al Capones from J.Co CDO! ;) J.Co is actually an Indonesian brand but I heard an American company bought a franchise in order to bring the well-loved brand to the Philippines. Very good move, apparently, since I have never been to a J.Co store in Manila that does not have a queue! I often go to their SM Megamall branch. My friends tell me, though, that the horrifying one-hour-and-a-half lines are usu...

May12013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Kagay-anon TJ Monterde releases “Ikaw At Ako” album, debuts music video

Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Artists, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

I met Titus John Monterde (or TJ Monterde) in Cagayan de Oro several years ago. He was friends with my brother Bon and we had a lot of mutual friends as well. He was already a celebrity in his own right then. A popular local TV host of ABS-CBN regional lifestyle show "Mag TV Northern Mindanao," TJ Monterde already had a following. Which wasn't entirely surprising since I knew TJ's friendly, smart and approachable. What I didn't know then was that the boy could sing as well. Fast forward years later, Teej now has his very own record album entitled "Ikaw At Ako." Released by Galaxy Records and distributed by Polyeast Records, TJ Monterde's album boasts of 6 well-loved OPM hits and 5 originally penned songs, including his own composition "Ikaw At Ako," to which the album was named after...

Apr282013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Exclusive: Rustan’s Fresh CDO, biggest in Philippines, to open May 17

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

It's official, folks! Mindanaoan can exclusively CONFIRM that Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro will open on May 17, 2013! Rustan's Fresh CDO is Rustan's Supermarket's very first foray into Mindanao. And get this - Rustan's Fresh CDO is the BIGGEST in the entire Philippines! Roughly 4,100 sqm to boot! The soon-to-open Rustan's Fresh in Mindanao will be located at Ayala Centrio Mall. Just in case you're wondering why Mindanaoan.com can confirm this piece of great news --- it's because I'm part of this project :) Very honored and grateful to two lovely ladies J and V for the trust and confidence! Mindanaoan.com will post more exclusive updates on the opening of the biggest Rustan's store in the country. Watch out also for a store opening-related event! ;) Will share details in the ne...