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

Apr282013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rihanna Diamonds Tour coming to Manila September 2013

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Music

Rihanna is coming back to the Philippines and she's bringing her Diamonds World Tour to Manila. The Rihanna Diamonds Tour Manila 2013 will take place on September 19, 2013 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City. Tickets are now available at the SMTickets website. The Rihanna Live In Manila 2013 concert is part of the ongoing Rihanna Diamonds world tour. The song "Diamonds" is her fastest-rising single to date and the first single to be released from Unapologetic, her seventh studio album for Island Def Jam in just seven years. Rihanna first made waves in 2005 with her catchy debut single Pon de Replay, showcasing her Barbadian, dance-pop and R&B influences. Her next big hit was the 2006 SOS from her second album A Girl Like Me. 2007 saw the release of Good Girl Gone Bad to critical acc...

Apr272013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4th Hotcarz Overdrive Cagayan de Oro International Motor Show

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports

Considered the biggest and most prestigious motoring event in Northern Mindanao, the 4th Cagayan de Oro International Motor Show Hotcarz Overdrive is set to take place on May 3 to 5, 2013 at Diversion Road, Igpit, Opol, Misamis Oriental. A non profit fundraiser in partnership with 1111 Motor Corp. to support the projects of ElmerFrancisco.org including Sendongpreneur (livelihood projects for Typhoon Sendong survivors) and Isang Litrong Liwanag Project (in collaboration with MyShelter Foundation and Illac Diaz), Hotcarz Overdrive 2013 will also feature the first ever professionally organized quarter mile bracket drag racing in Northern Mindanao. A car/bike show, exhibits by manufacturers such as Peugeot, Kia and BMW plus European Mobile Media Association (EMMA) audio competition will ...

Apr262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan sent to Thailand for WHO-backed global summit #CRVS #everylife

Mindanaoan Update

Mindanao-based blogger Mindanaoan was recently sent to Bangkok, Thailand for the World Health Organisation (WHO) - backed Global Summit on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics. The blogger behind Mindanaoan was the only Filipino multi-media practitioner invited to cover the event, which was the first of its kind. The Global Summit on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) was held last April 18-19, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. Sponsored by the WHO and the Health Metrics Network in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Global Summit on CRVS held the theme: "Moving Forward to Make Every Life Count." The summit followed regional meetings in Africa, Asia and Eastern Mediterranean on regional platforms, innovations and ...

Apr262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao Summerfest 2013 schedule of activities

Announcements, Davao City, Education, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, News, Society, Sports

The much-awaited Davao Summerfest 2013 is set to officially kick off today, April 26, 2013. The opening program of the 2013 Davao Summer Fest, a festival of arts, culture and sports, is set to take place at the People's Park, right beside Apo View Hotel Davao. At least 1 Million pesos has been set aside as budget for this year's Davao Summerfest 2013. Various sports competitions, sports camps, clinics as well as musical events will comprise the Davao Summerfest 2013 schedule of activities. The summerfest is scheduled to go on until May 5, 2013. Click on the poster below for the official Davao Summerfest 2013 schedule of activities: (highlights include the 36th National Duckpin Bowling Tournament, football clinics, Ritmo Dabawenyo (music) and Mindana0-wide Cheerdance contest) ...

Apr242013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Announcement: Rivermaya band denies inclusion in Davao April 27, 2013 concert

Announcements, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Music

You all know that I'm a big Rivermaya band fan and supporter. That's why I got pretty sad, disappointed and a bit angry, really, when I found out about this. Apparently, there are several tarps all around my hometown Davao City announcing Rivermaya's alleged inclusion in what's supposed to be a concert, purportedly dubbed as "Metro Davao Summer Slam," at the Davao Crocodile Park in Ma-a on April 27, 2013. As you can see from this poster below, the event even cited the inclusion of other popular bands like Parokya Ni Edgar, Chicosci, Typecast and Hilera. I did a quick scan of related announcements online and found out that the event has been heavily promoted online and even through Davao Crocodile Park's Facebook Page and through this Davao Crocodile Park-created Event Page. (please see ...

Apr222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sarangani Bay Festival 2013 schedule of activities

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

It's that time of year once again! The biggest beach festival in Mindanao is happening in a few weeks! Are you ready for Sarangani Bay Festival 2013? SarBay Fest 2013 will be held on May 24 and 25, 2013 at Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province, Mindanao. Check out the fun schedule of activities below :) Please feel free to share this post with your friends and start planning your Sarangani adventure! According to the 2013 SarBay Fest organizers, accommodation located near the Main Event Venue are White Haven Beach Resort, Rosal Beach Resort, Coco Beach Resort. You can also bring your tents and stay at the Tent City near the Main Venue. You also have the option to stay in Poblacion, Glan or in accredited SarBay hotels in General Santos City (which is about an hour away). Some accredited...

Apr222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full statement of Sen. TG Guingona on his mom Gingoog Mayor Ruthie’s ambush

Announcements, Controversial, Crime, Government, Headline, Misamis Oriental, News

Below is the official statement of Mindanaoan Senator TG Guingona on the recent ambush of his mother, Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie de Lara Guingona. This statement was sent to Mindanaoan: On Saturday night, my mother, Ruthie de Lara-Guingona, who is in her 70s and concluding a third term in office this year as mayor of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, was ambushed on her way home from a fiesta in the city’s outskirts. She was wounded but her driver and security escort did not make it. Brothers Nestor and Bartolome Velasco were killed due to a hail of bullets on board the Hi-Lux pick-up she was riding. The fatalities were loyal employees of long standing in our family’s home in Mindanao. My heart grieves for them and their families. Photo from: http://www.philstar.com/probinsiya...

Apr122013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Blue Room bar At Apo View Hotel Davao re-launch

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Food, Leisure, Music, Shopping, Society, Tourism

After their grand 65th anniversary celebration, Apo View Hotel Davao City wants to introduce something new. The Blue Room, a favorite hangout of many Dabawenyos and tourists alike, will have a new look come Saturday, April 13, 2013, 9 PM. The Blue Room at Apo View Hotel Davao will also offer new cocktails and new menu. And to help herald the fresh look of The Blue Room bar, tribal house trio DJ Elmer Dado + Gruppo Tribale will perform and weave their infectious blend of electronic dance music coupled with live percussions. Join the party! No door charge. Plus here's great news - local beers start at only Php 50.00! Don't forget to visit The Blue Room at Apo View Hotel Davao City! You can also book a room at Apo View Hotel Davao here.

Apr122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Your photos at Bigby’s can let you win an iPad mini

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Food

If you're a regular diner at a Bigby's restaurant, here's good news. Or if you haven't visited a Bigby's restaurant yet, then here's the perfect reason to do so! Your photos and videos taken at Bigby's can let you win gift certificates and a spanking brand new iPad mini. All you have to do is dine in at any Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant branch and share photos or videos. Remember - these should highlight fun, freshness and happiness. Don't forget to include in the photo the meal/s you ordered at Bigby's. Fifteen monthly winners will receive Bigby's gift certificates. Plus a grand prize winner will receive a brand new iPad mini. May I suggest the Bigby's Rack-a-bye baby ribs, the Singapore Chicken Bowl (one of their latest offerings!), Bigby's Rodeo Chops (one of my favorites) and fo...

Apr72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao to Indonesia RORO vessel to start 2013

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Davao City, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Tourism, Travel

Anybody else as excited as I am? Trips from Mindanao to Indonesia aren't exactly new (there are flights from Davao City to Manado, Indonesia) but I think this new service will be cheaper and more accessible to the public especially to traders. This RORO vessel from Mindanao to Indonesia will use the Davao to General Santos to Bitung route :) Read on. A Philippine roll-on, roll-off (RORO) vessel will start its service to Indonesia in the middle of the year, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said. The project, a first between two members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is expected to improve trade, tourism and connectivity between the Philippines and Indonesia, PCCI said in a statement. This is also said to be the country's first RORO service to an ...

Apr72013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Top job search site Jobstreet to hold career fair in CDO

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Jobs, News, Northern Mindanao

Need a job in Cagayan de Oro? If you're searching for CDO jobs, then you might find the perfect job opening in CDO this month! Join the Jobstreet.com Career Fair 2013 CDO on April 27, 2013, 10AM to 7PM (mall hours) at The Atrium, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. There's great news for early birds, though! Job applicants, job seekers can get in as early as 8AM and be among the first to meet representatives from top companies if you pre-register :) Your Early Bird Pass will be emailed to you 2 - 3 days after registration. Pre-register to the Jobstreet.com Career Fair Cagayan de Oro 2013 here This is the first ever job fair in CDO by top job search website Jobstreet.com and roughly 60 companies will be there! For this Jobstreet.com job fair 2013 CDO, the said job search sit...

Mar312013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Fun after-party with Rivermaya band

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos, Society

So after Rivermaya band's performance at the SMB Night Kaamulan Festival 2013 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, my friends Jojo, Jacquee, Emil and I, including the San Miguel Beer bosses and folks behind St. Jude Distributors, accompanied them for dinner. Artists usually request for food after concerts and frankly, my friends and I became pretty hungry, too haha! Who wouldn't be when Rivermaya gave quite an electrifying performance and we all danced and sang our hearts out that night? In fact, all of us were still on a natural high after the show :) We all trooped to a local restaurant, thinking that all we'd do is eat, accompany the boys, take photos and say our goodbyes. What actually happened was far more than just that. There was laughter - LOTS of it. There was an impromptu jam. There ...

Mar312013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Speaking at the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cebu City, Education, Events, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, News, Personal, Politics, Society, Technology

The main reason why I was in Cebu City several days ago was to speak at the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013, touted as the largest gathering of social media enthusiasts in the Visayas. It was truly an honor to be one of the speakers especially since the lineup boasted of a lot of prominent online and social media personalities as well as thought leaders like Maria Ressa (CEO of Rappler.com) and Leah Besa-Jimenez (SMART). The Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 was held at J Centre Convention Hall, J Centre Mall, Mandaue City. About 300 social media users attended the summit, which was organized by iNewMedia Online in cooperation with the Cebu Bloggers Society. Topics that day included community social media influencers at work (the stories behind the Iloilo Bloggers Society...

Mar302013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Photos: Rivermaya Band Live Kaamulan 2013 Malaybalay Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Mindanaoan Update

MALAYBALAY CITY | BUKIDNON | KAAMULAN FESTIVAL 2013 - As I previously mentioned, this blogger from Mindanao was in Bukidnon for the Kaamulan Festival 2013, the yearly festival that also serves as the gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. I made sure I attended this year's Kaamulan Festival since I missed it last year, having been sent by the U.S. Embassy to take part in the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program. Not only is the festival a chance for me to witness cultural diversity and rich traditions, it is also a chance for me to be with friends and family. One of the Kaamulan 2013 events I covered was the San Miguel Beer (SMB) Night held at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City last March 10, 2013. This year, the SMB Night was topbilled by no less than popu...

Mar282013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How shopping at Spruce can help fight breast cancer

Advocacy, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Gifts, News, Shopping, Society, Style

Did you know that just by shopping at Spruce, you can help raise awareness and help fight breast cancer? Now, shopping for a cause truly has greater meaning! Spruce, one of my favorite lifestyle stores, has forged a partnership with Thrive CDO, a breast cancer awareness advocacy group in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. In order to support Thrive CDO and its campaigns, Spruce has created a very special line of trendy, comfortable and very affordable shoes! The line is called Spruce PINKed and for every purchase of a pair, a portion of the money goes to Thrive CDO. Actually, there's a personal reason behind this Spruce-Thrive CDO partnership. The Tamparong sisters, the amiable trio behind Spruce, found out that their mom Maridel was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. The news pre...

Mar252013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Save Me Hollywood at Bukidnon San Miguel Beer event

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Music, Personalities, Photos, Reviews

Hi everybody! This Mindanao blogger was in the Province of Bukidnon for the Kaamulan Festival, a yearly gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. One of the festival highlights was the much-awaited San Miguel Beer Night or SMB Night, which was held last March 10, 2013 at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City. My dearest friends Jojo and Jacquee invited me and a bunch of other friends to watch the SMB Night concert, which was headlined by no less than iconic Filipino band Rivermaya and up-and-coming pop funk band Save Me Hollywood :) VIP treatment - backstage access - seats nearest the stage (although my friends and I chose to be a part of the moshpit instead!) and here's the coolest part - unlimited San Miguel Beer! :D Thanks so much SMB, Jojo and Jacquee! Allow me to share some of the p...

Mar242013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

MAC Cosmetics Archie’s Girls Collection Launch In Cebu

Beauty, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Events, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Style

I was so excited when I got an invitation to attend the grand launch of MAC Cosmetics Archie's Girls Spring Collection 2013 in Cebu City. The timing was perfect! I was actually in Cebu for the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 and I always welcome additional events to attend especially if time permits it anyway. So I immediately said yes to the invite-only MAC Archie's Girls launch in Cebu! The MAC Archie's Girls makeup collection 2013 Cebu launch was held last March 16, 2013 at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center. The place was packed with so many eager MAC Cosmetics fans! I spotted TV host Bianca Gonzales, celebrity makeup artist Jigs Mayuga and fashion bloggers Kryz Uy and Camille Co. I also met Atty. Christina Garcia-Frasco, the daughter of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and ...

Mar232013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Apo View Hotel Davao celebrates 65th anniversary

Announcements, Business, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Hotels, Leisure, Travel

Did you know that the second longest running hotel in the Philippines can be found in Davao City? Yes, that's Apo View Hotel, which this year is celebrating its 65th founding anniversary! Apo View Hotel Davao is celebrating its 65th glorious year by showcasing the rich history and colorful, diverse heritage of Davao. My warmest congratulations to the Pamintuan family especially to my handsome classmate Chris, who now happens to be the CEO / President of Apo View Hotel. Here's to more amazing years! And to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Apo View Hotel Davao City, 3 well-known artists who all started their careers at this Davao hotel will have a homecoming of sorts. Jay Durias of South Border, Jinky Vidal of Freestyle and jazz artist Angel Balbin will be at Apo View today, Ma...

Mar222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Earth Hour 2013 – How You Can Participate

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events

In order to raise awareness about climate change and the various measures that we all should take in order to address such problem, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been organizing yearly Earth Hour events around the world. This year, Earth Hour 2013 will be a little more participatory and based on citizen initiative as WWF wants to encourage communities to start their own campaigns against climate change. Earth Hour 2013 is no longer just about asking people around the world to turn off non-essential lights for an hour. It's now about urging people to come up with more long-term solutions in order to combat climate change and further protect Mother Earth. Earth Hour 2013 will be held around the world on March 23, 2013, 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time. So where will YOU be at that...

Mar212013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

PARFOIS opens Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro branch

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

PARFOIS, Europe's leading fashion accessories brand, finally opened its Ayala Centrio Mall CDO branch and Mindanaoan was not only there to attend the opening...I was also asked to bring blogger-friends and friends from the CDO media community :) Thankfully, many came and I'm really very thankful! Salamat, salamat! PARFOIS (pronounced as "Par-fwa" which means "sometimes"), founded in 1994 by Manuela de Medeiros, originated in Portugal. They sell jewelry, handbags, hair accessories, belts, scarves, sunglasses, watches, wallets, hats and purses. PARFOIS Centrio CDO is now among 330 Parfois boutiques worldwide. Thank you so much PARFOIS for the invitation and for the trust and confidence :) All of the bloggers and the members of the trad media community who came truly enjoyed the opening...

Mar202013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Singapore Math Learning Festival in Davao City

Campus, Corporate, Davao City, Events, News, Society

The methods of teaching these days have really changed. Gone are the days of traditional ways of teaching subjects - especially those that most students do not particularly like. Take Math, for instance. Back when I was still in school, I could only probably count with one hand the people in my batch who liked it. These days, though, with newer, fresher and more unique ways of teaching Math, kids will understand it, love it and appreciate it a thousand times more than I did. One of the novel methods of teaching Math nowadays is Singapore Math. The Ministry of Education in Singapore developed a Math curriculum and framework that has resulted in top ranking results of Singapore students in various examinations. Because of the great results, Singapore Math is now also taught in the Philipp...

Mar122013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Rivermaya Live At Ayala Center Cebu for new album tour

Cebu City, Entertainment, Events, Music

It's been a while since my "crazed avid fan" days. My friends know I'm a huge South Border fan and supporter and I went gaga when Color Me Badd came. I've watched and worked with so many artists (local and foreign) already but yes, it's been a while since I truly, madly, absolutely got impressed. That changed when I watched Rivermaya last weekend. Actually, I didn't just watch them perform. I was at their dinner-after-the-show which later turned out to not only be a super fun after-party but a chance for me to see a different side of the band. I must say this - I never expected them to be that accommodating, friendly and fun! My only regret now is that I didn't get to produce or organize any of their concerts before. The closest I got to work with them was during an ABS CBN Kapamilya sh...