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

Oct282012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bigby’s Rack-A-Bye Baby Ribs Giveaway During Centrio Ayala Mall Opening

Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Food, Reviews

Just recently, I was commissioned to write a Cagayan de Oro travel piece. I was also asked to include top 5 things to try or eat in CDO. I just had to include Bigby's Restaurant, a homegrown brand, and also had to include one of their bestsellers - the Bigby's Rack-A-Bye Baby Ribs. I personally find the baby ribs at Bigby's tasty, succulent and very tender. So tender that the meat actually falls off the bone! I also like the barbecue sauce/gravy that comes along with the ribs. The Bigby's baby ribs will definitely delight any meat lover. Now you have the chance to try Bigby's Rack-A-Bye Baby Ribs...for FREE! Just join the "Who Ate My Ribs?" mystery game. It's a game launched by Bigby's Restaurant via their official Facebook Page. Join Bigby’s in solving the mystery and get the cha...

Oct282012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Missy BonBon Centrio Ayala Mall Offers Free Gelato @AyalaCentrio

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Food

Here's a fun reason for you to be the very first in line when Centrio Ayala Mall opens on November 9, 2012. Missy BonBon Breadshop Centrio Ayala Mall is bringing back the exciting Golden Ticket contest! The Missy BonBon Golden Ticket contest entitles the winners free supplies of yummy gelato :) Missy BonBon Centrio is offering the very first customer of the day a 1 year supply of free delicious Gelato at the Missy Bonbon breadshop. The second customer on the day of the opening will get a 6 months supply of free Gelato while the 3rd to 100th customer of the day will get month-long supplies of free Missy BonBon Gelato. For you to join the Missy BonBon Grab the Golden Ticket promo, however, a minimum purchase of Php200 is required. So are you ready to be at the opening of Ayala Centr...

Oct252012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Apply Here: The US Embassy Wants To Send Mindanaoans To The USA

America, Mindanaoan Update, United States of America

As you guys may know, this Mindanao blogger was sent to the USA early this year as an International Visitor Leadership Program participant. The IVLP is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State for U.S. Embassy-nominated potential global leaders. It's a special program that one cannot apply to, unfortunately. However, I come bearing good news :) I just received an email from the U.S. Embassy in Manila and guess what --- they want to send Mindanaoans to the USA! Please read the details below and let me know if you're interested. Contact me and don't forget to send your email address. I will email you the necessary forms :) It would also be great if you let me know a little something about yourself :) You can read all about Mindanaoan's trip to the U.S. here Please feel fr...

Oct252012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

My thoughts: Duterte offers 5 Million bounty for suspected car theft syndicate leader

Blogging, Controversial, Davao City, Government, Musings, News, Opinion, Politics

I am a Dabawenya. Born and raised in Davao City. Anybody who knows me can attest to how much I love my hometown and how much I respect the government officials voted by the people. Anybody who has also been reading this Mindanaoan blog for a while now would know that I consider the Dutertes as not only powerful but efficient public officials. Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte (who's running virtually unopposed for Davao City mayor in the May 2013 elections) has done a lot for Davao City. I'm pretty sure a lot of people would agree with me. He runs the city with an iron fist and his style of governance works well for a city like Davao. Under his leadership (and his daughter's, incumbent Mayor Sara), Davao became a smoke-free, firecracker-free and non-biodegradable plastics and...

Oct252012 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

Centrio Ayala Mall CDO Set To Open On November 9, 2012

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

The long wait is finally over! Centrio Ayala Mall CDO is set to open on November 9, 2012 (Friday), 10 AM. Who's excited for the opening of Ayala Mall Centrio? This Php 4.5 Billion project is said to be the biggest mall in the region. Located at Corrales Avenue corner CM Recto Avenue (yep, right across Gaisano City and near Capitol University along Corrales Extension), Centrio Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro will host roughly 200 brands including Coffee Dream, Spruce, Sperry, Rockport, Top-Sider, Etude House, Bigby's, Army Navy, Flawless, Lay Bare and Sbarro. Mindanaoan will post the complete list of shops in Centrio Ayala Mall as soon as I get the go-signal to do so :) Mindanaoan will also feature the interiors of the mall during a special tour this weekend. Stay tuned for that :) ...

Oct232012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu City @QuestHotelCebu

Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Hotels, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Your quest for affordable luxury stops right here! Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu, the newest addition to the hotel industry in Cebu City, offers 5-star amenities but at very affordable rates. Before you continue reading, I highly suggest you also read all about the Quest Hotel Cebu Grand Launch Party (dubbed "Odyssey"). Quest Hotel Cebu is a new Cebu City hotel. Quest Hotel Cebu is about half an hour away from the Cebu Mactan International Airport. Its location is a winner - it's right across Ayala Mall Cebu and within the Cebu City business district. Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu is also a sister company of the equally luxurious Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan, which I also had the privilege of visiting :) Watch out for my blog entry about that! BOOK YOUR ROOM ...

Oct232012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Serving as a judge of the TAYO Awards 2012 Mindanao Area Finals

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Events, Features, Journalism, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Society, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga City

It's not everyday that you meet young, socially aware Filipinos who want to help others and spur change in their own communities. That's why when I was invited to be one of the judges of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards 2012 Mindanao Area Finals, it didn't even take me a second to say yes. Besides, I've been writing about and following the TAYO Awards for years - I thought it was about time that I hear all the fascinating and inspiring stories of successful youth groups around Mindanao myself. The 2012 TAYO Awards theme is: Tayo Revolution: Isang Dekada ng Pagbabago The Search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) is now on its 10th year. It is by far the only award-giving program that recognizes the youth organizations that have started poc...

Oct162012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2012 Camiguin Lanzones Festival schedule of activities

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism, Travel

If you love fruits and if you're feeling a little festive these days, then head on down to Camiguin Island and join the Camiguinons as they celebrate the 33rd Lanzones Festival. The 2012 Lanzones Festival in Camiguin Island, Mindanao will be held from October 21 to 28, 2012. It's the yearly festival in Camiguin, which is also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, to celebrate the abundant harvest of the sweetest lanzones in the world. Among the activities this year are the 2012 Lanzones Festival street dancing (October 27, 2012 for inter-agency competition and October 28, 2012 for the Kalanrakas - elementary level), the 22nd Gov. JJ Lanzones Festival Run 2012 and even an eat-all-you-can lanzones event. I will also post updates as they come along. You may want to follow me on Twitter ...

Oct112012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin launch in Cebu

Beauty, Cebu City, Consumer, Events, Fashion, Features, Reviews, Shopping, Style

The thing about trying beauty products for the first time is that you really don't know for sure if they're good for your skin or not. Sometimes, relying on product descriptions may not be enough and may even be risky. Also, even if others give positive feedback about a product, you really can't be sure if you will have the same experience. However, if the manufacturer of the beauty products is Shu Uemura (which, truth be told, does not need any introduction) and if the products have SPF30, rhamnose (known for supporting cell regeneration) and promise better skin in just a few days, would you still have reservations? When I was in Cebu just a few days ago, I attended the launch of the Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin line. Tsuya means "ideal" in Japanese. The Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin line will hel...

Oct112012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu grand launch @QuestHotelCebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Hotels, Leisure, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

What do you do when you receive an invitation to experience quite an "odyssey"? You say YES, my friends. Just say yes! And that's exactly what I did when the wonderful folks from Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu sent over an invitation for me to experience Odyssey - the Grand Launch Party of Quest Hotel Cebu - the newest addition to the hotel industry in Cebu City. The grand opening of Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu was held last September 20, 2012 at the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, Pusô Bistro & Bar. Guests were requested to come in purple or white. As soon as you enter the venue, which was embraced by purple lights, you'd immediately know that the night will be one for the books. Upbeat music was courtesy of Australian DJ Kristian Hernandez. To say t...

Oct22012 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Lynard Allan Bigcas files COC as Bukidnon governor

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Controversial, Events, Features, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Politics, Society

Controversial car dealer Lynard Allan Bigcas or Allan Bigcas has officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) as governor of the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. A native of Talakag, Bukidnon, Allan Bigcas filed his COC today, October 2, 2012 at around 11:30 a.m. at the Bukidnon Provincial Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office. Bigcas said that he is running as Bukidnon governor under the Liberal Party but the certification that was attached to his COC was specifically from Aksyon Demokratiko party. The certification was signed by the party secretary general Ernesto Ramel. Bigcas said that Aksyon Demokratiko was in alliance with the Liberal Party. In a mini press conference, Bigcas, who was initially eyed to gun for the mayoralty seat in Talakag, said that he...

Sep292012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Glamourbox Philippines – get beauty samples monthly @GlamourboxPH

Beauty, Blogging, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Fashion, Gifts, Shopping, Style

Want to receive 5 deluxe beauty samples monthly? Try carefully selected beauty products before you buy the full sizes. This is essentially the service provided by Glamourbox Philippines. Glamourbox is a premium online beauty subscription service in the Philippines. Here’s how Glamourbox Philippines works: Once you subscribe, you will receive an elegant box with five deluxe beauty samples from premium, boutique and niche brands delivered to your doorstep EVERY MONTH. Each box will contain carefully curated items. Glamourbox Philippines will make sure that each box will contain worthwhile items. Then, if subscribers end up liking any of the products, they can visit Glamourbox's online boutique to purchase the full-size of the beauty finds - be they makeup, skincare, bath and body, h...

Sep282012 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Creation of Bukidnon 4th District gets Senate OK

Bukidnon, Government, Malaybalay City, News, Northern Mindanao, Politics

The Senate has approved the bill seeking the creation of the Bukidnon 4th District. The Senate has approved on the 3rd and final reading House Bill 5236 which seeks the creation of the Bukidnon Fourth District. The bill was passed September 20, 2012. A total of 12 senators, led by Senator Bongbong Marcos who chairs the Committee on Local Government, OK'd the passage of the Bukidnon 4th District bill. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III still needs to sign the bill first, though, before it becomes a law. If the Bukidnon 4th District bill gets ratified, there will be a need for a congressman who will represent the said district. The proposed Bukidnon 4th District shall be composed of Valencia City, Kalilangan, and Pangantucan. Bukidnon 1st District will then be composed of...

Sep282012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bosch automotive festival in Davao City

Business, Corporate, Davao City, Events, Technology

Hi to all my fellow Dabawenyos! You might want to drop by NCCC Mall Davao on September 29 and 30, 2012 for the Bosch Automotive Festival! :) Internationally renowned automotive parts supplier Robert Bosch Philippines will hold the Davao City leg of the Bosch Automotive Festival at the NCCC Mall Davao Parking Area B on September 29-30, 2012. Incidentally, the Davao City leg is also the last leg of this nationwide caravan. The Bosch Automotive Festival Davao aims to reach out to the country’s motorists, car enthusiasts and spectators alike, and give them a chance to experience first-class automotive services and learn about Bosch parts and Bosch diagnostic test equipment. During the Davao City leg of the Bosch Automotive Festival, there will be activities onsite and exclusive perks ...

Sep182012 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Practical shooting at NMPSA Firing Range CDO

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews, Society, Sports, Tourism

This year 2012 has been a year of many firsts for this Mindanao blogger. For the very first time, I was sent to the USA by the US Embassy in Manila for a really special leadership program. I was also given the chance to accompany US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas when he visited Mindanao last July. And on a less formal (but still very exciting) opportunity, I met a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons. I also have a new sport this year - boxing! Yup! Who knew I'd fall in love with boxing? :) And now I have fallen in love with another sport - practical shooting. Practical shooting is a sport which "challenges an individual's ability to shoot rapidly and accurately with a full-power handgun, rifle, or shotgun." Yes, folks, practical shooting is shooting with real guns and real bullets! ...

Sep182012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pawpalooza Pet Festival at BTC Cebu

Advocacy, Announcements, Cebu City, Events, Features, Society, Visayas

If you're a pet lover (like me!) and you're in Cebu or bound for Cebu (like me again! Woohoo!), then you must visit the PAWPALOOZA Pet Festival at Banilad Town Centre, Cebu City on September 22, 2012 (Saturday) from 1 PM to 7 PM. The PAWPALOOZA Pet Festival at pet-friendly mall Banilad Town Centre (BTC Cebu) is a fab time for you to bond with your precious pets :) The PAWPALOOZA Pet Festival also aims to promote responsible pet ownership, foster camaraderie among pet owners and just provide both pet owners and their pets an overall fantastic, "pawsome" time! (I know, I know, so cute!) Registration of pets will begin at 1 p.m. Activities during the Pawpalooza Pet Festival Cebu: - free veterinary and grooming services that include anti-rabies vaccination, deworming and nail t...

Sep172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Human Nature CDO store opening

Advocacy, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Style

The Human Nature CDO store has re-opened and is now at a new location, making it easier for consumers of organic, chemical-free and 100 percent made in the Philippines products to purchase and to even apply as dealers. The store re-opening of Human Nature Cagayan de Oro was held last Saturday, September 15, 2012 at its new location at Hayes corner Velez Streets, Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Mindanaoan was invited to witness the Human Nature Cagayan de Oro store re-launch. Thank you to Sheilah, Marla and to all the other branch operators for the invitation :) Human Nature is a social enterprise focused on natural and organic products. Human Nature stands by the philosophy of being Pro Philippines, Pro Poor and Pro Environment. Founded in November 2008, Human Na...

Sep172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Alaxan, Puerto locals team up to build Court of Inspiration in CDO

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Sports

Alaxan FR and local residents of Barangay Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao have teamed up to build a "Court of Inspiration," a project that aims to not only to highlight the importance of sports development in a community, the spirit of volunteerism and corporate social responsibility but also to even encourage people to change the way they should look at pain. Under the "Court of Inspiration" project, a community basketball court will be constructed. Alaxan FR will provide the materials while the residents and other volunteers from the barangay will do a "bayanihan" and will work together to build it. The Cagayan de Oro "Court of Inspiration," which will be built at Zone 5, Puerto, will also be built on land donated by the Pagutayao family. The groundbreaking ceremony was he...

Sep132012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Voter registration Philippines requirements and guidelines #ElectionWatch2013

Advocacy, Announcements, Education, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

The 2013 midterm elections is fast approaching. Have you registered as a voter yet for the 2013 Philippine elections? Here are the registration requirements and guidelines for new voters, transferees and existing voters (those whose registrations were deleted and need to be re-activated). Please feel free to share this post with your family, friends and colleagues. Thank you! Fast facts: Filipinos eligible to vote can register at Commission on Elections (COMELEC) offices nationwide until October 31, 2012. You can also register as a voter at off-site locations. For new voters: qualified to vote are those who have not voted and who were born on or before May 13, 1995 For transferees: qualified voters who have voted before or those who have voted elsewhere other than the city/mun...

Sep112012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the Pink Run CDO and help defeat breast cancer

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports

Or shall we say "help d'FEET breast cancer"? :) Here's good news for runners in CDO and neighboring areas. This is also great news for those who want to help support a great advocacy. Join the Pink Run CDO event and help defeat breast cancer! The Pink Run Cagayan de Oro event will be held on October 7, 2012 at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. This CDO event will have 4 running categories: 1K, 3K, 5K and 10K. Registration starts on September 15, 2012 at the Spruce and Puma stores in Limketkai Mall. The Pink Run CDO event is proudly organized by Thrive, a CDO Breast Cancer Awareness Advocacy Group. Please feel free to share this news with all your friends :) Thank you and see you there!

Sep112012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Funny sign at COMELEC Davao

Davao City, Features, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

So I was back home in Davao City a few days ago. I was there to attend a seminar on covering the 2013 elections. Along with carefully chosen journalists all over Mindanao, I was taught how to uncover campaign finance, local power and governance. I will write more about what we learned from that Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism-organized event. Anyways, I just want to quickly share this funny sign that I found at the Commission on Elections - Davao City office. You know how people go to COMELEC to register as voters or fix their voter's registration IDs, right? More often than not, they're asked to place their thumbmarks on official COMELEC documents. Unfortunately, the fingerprint ink can be difficult to wipe off. So guess where some Filipinos "get rid" of the pesky ink......

Sep112012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Siargao International Surfing Cup 2012

Contests, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Sports, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur

If you've always wanted to witness live surfing action in the Philippines, then head on down to Siargao Island at the eastern side of Surigao del Norte, Mindanao for the Siargao 18th International Surfing Cup happening on September 23 to 27, 2012 at Cloud 9, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island. As you can see from the 18th Siargao International Surfing Cup 2012 competition poster below, the total prize money that awaits winners is a cool US $10,000. So expect a lot of really talented surfers from around the world to come and showcase their skills in riding the waves. Siargao is known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines and one of the surfing breaks there is fondly called "Cloud Nine." How to get to Siargao Island - if you're coming from Manila or Cebu, check the Airphil Express websit...