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

Mar122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering the Team UNA rally in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Commentary, Events, Government, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Photos, Politics

It was a really long, tiring day. Woke up at 6 AM, which I rarely do, to start on the tasks. My hardworking staff members were still asleep, having only returned from their overnight propaganda tasks at 5 in the morning! Anyways, after hours of preparation, this was what happened the evening of March 2, 2013. Tens of thousands of people were already gathered at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. I have to say, though - the Team UNA campaign rally in Bukidnon was a concert-slash-rally-slash-fireworks-display event. Since it was the Kaamulan Festival 2013, there was a telecom-sponsored concert that night (topbilled by Itchyworms and Tanya Markova) plus the much-awaited grand fireworks display. Yes, there were people who came to hear the Team UNA senatorial candidates speak ...

Mar112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Cebu Pacific Air Cebu to Camiguin flights to start April 2013

Announcements, Business, Camiguin, Cebu City, Consumer, Flights

Come April 2013, it'll be easier to reach majestic Camiguin Island from Cebu City. Cebu Pacific Airlines will soon introduce their Cebu to Camiguin (and Camiguin to Cebu) flights. The said low cost carrier will start these direct flights on April 15, 2013. ATR 72-500 aircrafts will be used for these Camiguin to Cebu and Cebu to Camiguin Island flights. Flight frequency: Cebu to Camiguin flights will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday According to Cebu Pacific Airlines officials, the regular fares for this route will start at Php 588. Just in case you want to know what you can do, eat, buy in Camiguin, I have a couple of Camiguin Island-related posts. You can read them HERE. If you're a backpacker, you might want to read this Backpacking in Camiguin post :) By the way,...

Mar112013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Panagdait Davao – A Benefit Concert for Typhoon Pablo survivors

Advocacy, Announcements, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Music, News

When Typhoon Pablo (international code name: Bopha) struck Mindanao, Philippines last December 2012, a lot of you answered calls for help. However, there are still a lot that needs to be done. With over Php 37 Billion in damages and thousands of lives, homes and livelihood lost, we still have a long way to go to rebuild everything that Typhoon Pablo destroyed. If you want to help and at the same time celebrate original Filipino music, please come and support Panagdait Davao - a benefit concert for the survivors of Typhoon Pablo. This charity concert for Typhoon Pablo victims will be held on March 21, 22 and 23, 2013 at the Open Parking Area of Abreeza Mall, Davao City. Tickets are sold at very affordable prices - Php 300 for Gold and Php 100 for Silver. You can find the schedule o...

Mar102013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Join the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 in Cebu City

Advocacy, Blogging, Cebu City, Events, Internet, Make Money Online, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Technology, Visayas

Are you interested to learn all about the best social media practices in the Philippines from top industry leaders? Do you want to learn how you can maximize social media for your personal or business advancement? Do you want to know how you can promote social media responsibility and help set ethics and standards for social media users? Then join the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 in Cebu City on March 16, 2013 (Saturday). iNewMedia Online in cooperation with Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. (CBSi) is set to stage the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 at JCentre Mall Convention Hall, Mandaue City, Cebu. The event is expected to gather more than 300 social media influencers and users. Maria Ressa, formerly of ABS CBN and now CEO of Rappler.com, will be the keynote speaker. Amo...

Mar82013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

76th Araw ng Dabaw 2013 Schedule Of Activities

Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Tourism, Travel

The 76th Araw ng Dabaw festivities are ongoing! The Kapayapaan or Peace-themed Araw ng Dabaw 2013 will be on March 16, 2013 but a lot of events already kicked off as early as February. The Duaw Dabaw Foundation, one of the City Government of Davao's partners in carrying out events like the Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan, has reportedly set aside Php 5.2 Million for several events including the Mutya ng Dabaw 2013 pageant. Here's the official schedule of activities for the 2013 Araw ng Dabaw: (click on the image for a larger version) Among the highlights of the Araw ng Dabaw 2013 are the Datu Bago Awards Night, Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw, Parada Dabawenya and the much-awaited Pahalipay Concert of the Dutertes. And speaking of Mutya ng Dabaw 2013, the pageant night was held rece...

Mar72013 by Mindanaoan Irene15 Comments

Laguindingan International Airport To Open On April 2013

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Cagayan de Oro City, Flights, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

UPDATE: The opening has been deferred to JUNE 15, 2013 although it must be emphasized that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines - Northern Mindanao office has YET to receive a formal, official order from Malacanan Palace. Finally! The most-awaited opening of the Laguindingan International Airport will finally be held on April 30, 2013. This, according to Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III himself. During Aquino's most recent visit to Northern Mindanao (actually, the very same day Team PNoy visited Alubijid and Cagayan de Oro City to kickstart their Mindanao sorties), he shared the good news - Laguindingan Airport will be operational by April 30, 2013. Not 100 percent operational, however, but it will definitely play host to several flights. The major areas ne...

Mar72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to wear goodness around your wrist and help Davao artisans

Advocacy, Arts, Beauty, Consumer, Davao City, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

Yes, you read that right. You can wear goodness around your wrist and help trained artisans from Davao City, Mindanao at the same time! All of that is possible with Kaayo wristlets. These special, handmade Kaayo wristlets are results of a livelihood program that aims to empower individuals through productive diligence. Kaayo is the Visayan word for goodness, beauty and generosity. And with every Kaayo wristlet bought and worn, not only are you reminded of the power of generosity and goodness but you're also supporting trained artisans of the 1st District of Davao City. The Dabawenyo artisans were trained under the mentorship of Adorno designer Cuy Legazpi. Look at this super pretty Kaayo wristlet sent to me by Marga, the beautiful better half of Davao City First District Congressm...

Feb152013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Join the VSO Bahaginan 2013 Volunteering Expo

Announcements, Blogging, Society

You and I know how powerful volunteerism is. When Typhoon Ondoy struck the Philippines almost 4 years ago, we saw so many private citizens volunteer their time, money, effort, homes to help others in need. When Typhoon Sendong struck Mindanao Sendong struck Mindanao in December 2011, a lot of volunteers also shared their time and started donation drives, fundraising campaigns, feeding programs and the like. I also started humble relief drives and donation drives myself but those would not have prospered at all without the many volunteers who understood and answered the need for helping hands. Knowing how needed, powerful and valued volunteers around the world are, what type of future do we want for volunteering? What are the reasons that compel people to continue volunteering? How can p...

Feb152013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanao auditions for “The Voice Philippines”

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Music, Society, Zamboanga City

The local version of "The Voice" will soon hit TV and ABS CBN wants to invite interested Mindanaoans to audition for "The Voice of the Philippines." You can audition for this singing competition at these areas in Mindanao: March 2, 2013 General Santos City Zamboanga City Cagayan de Oro City Davao City Get in touch with the local ABS CBN stations in those areas for more details. There will also be other auditions in these areas - Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban, and Cebu on February 23 and in Palawan, Laoag, Naga, Legazpi, Baguio, Dagupan, and Manila on March 9. You can also audition online. Log-on to www.thevoice.abs-cbn.com. Upload a video of yourself singing a capella until February 19. Auditionees must have Filipino ancestry and must be 16 years of age by June 2013. No minus...

Feb102013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Enter the “Balwarte” of the Jalosjos clan – Zamboanga

Announcements, Controversial, Government, Media, Mindanao, Politics, Television, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

A few weeks ago, I joined a Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) - organized workshop. Media practitioners from all over Mindanao attended it. I think Mindanaoan was the only one from the "non-traditional" or online media community. Anyways, I met some Zamboanga-based journalists and they all shared the current political landscape in their area. They said that the May 2013 elections will be another show of force by the popular Jalosjos clan. I wanted to know more about how the members of the Jalosjos clan practically lorded over Zamboanga del Norte / Zamboanga Peninsula for many years and how, as my Zamboanga journalist friends would say, a "blessing" from someone like Romeo Jalosjos would spell a "sure win." Fortunately, TV5 recently visited Zamboanga and in...

Feb92013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Got invited to speak by Xavier University – JFINEX

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Technology

One of the things that I just love to do is to share whatever knowledge I have on blogging, social media, Internet marketing, online publicity and how to earn money online. This is the reason why I organize blogging communities, social media clubs and various workshops. I must emphasize, however, that I also still have a lot to learn. The Internet is an ever-changing medium and if you want to maximize its power, it is but important for you to constantly learn the tricks of the trade. So when I received an invitation to speak on Internet etiquette from the Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan School of Business and Management - Junior Financial Executives (JFINEX), I thought why not - it's the perfect opportunity for me and the students to remind ourselves of the importance of following...

Feb32013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Review: STK Ta Bai Sa Paolito’s Seafood House Cebu

Business, Cebu City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Visayas

My family and I spent Christmas 2012 in Cebu City. If you've been following my Mindanaoan blog for a while, you may have noticed that my family and I regularly go to the Queen City of the South - not only because one of my brothers is now based there but also because we have business connections and plainly because we just love Cebu! :) And whenever we're in town, I always see to it that we do, eat, try, discover something new. This time around, I heard about a homey, family-run restaurant located at the Cebu Capitol area that accordingly served reasonably priced sutukil. SuTuKil or STK stands for Sinugba (grilled), Tinola (soup) and Kinilaw (ceviche). So off we went to STK Ta Bai at Paolito's Seafood House along Orchid Street for dinner to see what the fuss was all about. STK Ta Bai...

Jan262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Etude House Centrio Mall CDO For Cute Korean Cosmetics

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Freebies, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Style

A lot of Filipinas love Korean beauty brands. Not only are they of very good quality but these Korean beauty products come in cute, eye-catching packaging and they're affordable. So it's pretty good news that one of the world's well-known Korean cosmetics brands has opened not just one but two (!) branches in Northern Mindanao. Etude House recently opened their Cagayan de Oro City branches - the first was at Centrio Mall along Corrales Avenue and the second at SM City CDO - to the delight of so many ladies here in Mindanao. Etude House is a global beauty brand and Etude House Centrio CDO and Etude House SM CDO are just two of their over 550 stores worldwide. Etude House invited Mindanaoan to check out their new Ayala Centrio Mall store. I was also asked to bring along several of m...

Jan252013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

UPDATED: Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 Schedule Of Activities And Tour

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

UPDATE: This is the final and official Kaamulan Festival 2013 Bukidnon schedule of activities! :) Bukidnon's yearly grand ethnic cultural festival and gathering of the 7 hill tribes is finally here! The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is the gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes namely Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon and Tigwahanon tribes. The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is inarguably Bukidnon's grandest festival. The term Kaamulan, derived from the word "amul" which means "to gather," can mean many things - a datuship ritual, a thanksgiving festival, a peace pact or a wedding ceremony. This year, the Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 is all of these :) The Kaamulan 2013 theme is: "Sustaining Culture and Unity Towards Progress and Development" The Kaamulan Fest...

Jan252013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Foot Notes Socks From Mark Bautista

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Style

When this Mindanao lifestyle blogger first shared the news about Foot Notes Socks several days ago, I received a lot of inquiries and a lot of comments from people who wanted to order their own pair of Foot Notes Socks by Mark Bautista, a popular singer and actor, a son of Cagayan de Oro City and yes, a fellow Mindanaoan. I must say - it's a really good decision if you buy your Foot Notes Socks! I received this special limited edition box with 7 pairs of Foot Notes Socks and the products are of top quality! This is the Instagram photo I shared a few days back: (if you haven't yet, follow me on Instagram @mindanaoan) The Foot Notes Socks I received had inspirational lines like "Never Quit," "Every Failure Is A Necessary Step To Success" and "Sometimes You Have To Step Backward To ...

Jan242013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Warrant of arrest out for ex-Bukidnon rep Neric Acosta, mom Coring

Announcements, Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Headline, News, Northern Mindanao, Politics

I received a phone call about two hours ago. It was a tip. Apparently, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has issued a warrant of arrest for former Bukidnon First District Congressman Juan Romeo Nereus "Neric" Acosta and his mother, former Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon mayor Socorro "Coring" Acosta. The warrant of arrest was made in connection with a perjury case filed against the Acostas. I was a bit surprised when I heard the news, actually. Especially since last I heard, the complainant, Fr. Venancio Balansag, Jr., has already withdrawn his complaint and has issued an affidavit of desistance. A brief backgrounder - graft and corruption charges as well as charges for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials were filed against Neric Acosta and his mother. Th...

Jan222013 by Mindanaoan Irene12 Comments

Sign up for a Glamourbox beauty box Philippines

Beauty, Business, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Style

I received something pretty special while I was in the hospital a few days ago. Something that really cheered me up! Presenting my first and very own Glamourbox beauty box! Now before I share with you the contents of this elegant box, a brief backgrounder :) Mindanaoan first shared the news about Glamourbox Philippines via this post. Glamourbox, a premium online beauty subscription service in the Philippines, lets you try carefully selected deluxe beauty products before you buy the full sizes. The goodies are sent every month via courier. And all for only Php 595.00 per month! Pretty nice concept, di ba? I loved the idea of receiving an elegant box with deluxe beauty samples - all carefully curated - every single month. I also liked the fact that one of the founders of ...

Jan212013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

AKTV on IBC airs 2013 Australian Open

Announcements, Sports

Hello fellow tennis fans! I have great news to share. AKTV, the country’s premier sports channel, will once again give sports fans the opportunity to catch the heart-stopping tennis action of the Australian Open starting January 22, 2013. The 2013 Australian Open is being held in Melbourne and it also offers the biggest prize money in the tournament - US$ 2.5 Million each for the men’s and women’s singles champions. The biggest names in tennis have already advanced to the next stages the Australian Open 2013. Defending champion Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer are hitting the hard courts this year. Defending Women’s Singles champion Victoria Azarenka, on the other hand, is hoping to continue her winning streak. Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Svetlana Kusnetsova are also ...

Jan212013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Back from the hospital

Musings, Personal

I first felt sick about a week ago. It all started with what I thought was a slight fever. I slept it off, thinking that I'd feel better when I woke up. I thought wrong. Not only did my fever stay, I also experienced pain all over my body and I also experienced chills. Good thing my mother and I just stayed at home that day so I asked her for some paracetamol and body pain reliever. I could barely sleep that night. The next day, my mother and I did the next best thing we could think of --- (Now don't judge us. We've been doing this all our lives and well, let's just say that we're really not fond of doctors and hospitals) we called for our regular "manghihilot" (a person who practices the ancient art of healing by using long, deep strokes as well as stretching techniques). After the mas...

Jan112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Singer Mark Bautista launches new business Foot Notes Socks

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

These are what Kagay-anon singer and fellow Mindanaoan Mark Bautista says are "inspirational socks." Foot Notes Socks are socks that can serve as "inspiration at your feet." Foot Notes Socks is the latest business venture of Mark Bautista, a son of Cagayan de Oro City and a nationally acclaimed Filipino singer, actor and model. Mark shares this on how he came up with "Foot Notes Socks by Mark Bautista": "Growing up I loved the stage, but it didn't come easy. Stage fright was something that always held me back and I still remember all the emotions, just like it was yesterday. Strangely enough my mom had the perfect solution: She put coins in my socks before one of my competitions, and told me this would help calm me down. That day I went on stage with the coins in my socks and...

Jan42013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Thy Womb in CDO – A Social Media Experiment (plus messages from Nora Aunor and Direk Brillante Mendoza)

Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Northern Mindanao, Society

Ever since I got the chance to watch "Thy Womb," a film starring one of the finest Filipino actors of all time, Nora Aunor, I've been campaigning for others to watch it. Not only is "Thy Womb" a visually appealing film (it is set in beautiful Tawi-Tawi, an area in Mindanao, Philippines that's often misunderstood and ignored - mostly because people think it's laden with seemingly endless violence), it also discusses women's rights, empowerment and how all of these play a role in a community that deeply follows culture and tradition. I like how writer Jessica Zafra said it: "Thy Womb" is respectful of Islamic and Badjao traditions even as it gently raises questions about the rights of women. On Twitter, I started campaigning for the film by saying that people should watch "Thy Womb" becau...

Jan32013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sinulog 2013 Schedule of Activities

Cebu City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism

Finally, it's Sinulog Festival 2013 time! I attended the Sinulog 2010 and 2011 festivities - I only missed this Sinulog 2012 for some reason I no longer remember. Hmm. I think it was because I was already in the thick of preparing for the first ever Islamic Fashion Festival in Manila (I did PR, media and social media work :) ) and the Greatest Hits Tour featuring a1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and Blue. Anyways, I'm pretty excited to attend the Sinulog 2013 festivities this time around. Sinulog is the biggest and grandest festival held annually in Cebu in honor of Patron Saint Santo Nino. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, devotees, tourists and visitors from all over the world come to the Queen City of the South to celebrate. My family and I were actually in Cebu City over the holid...