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

Jul32012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao City plastic ban on

Advocacy, Announcements, Consumer, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

I first shared this info about the proposed plastic ban in Davao City last May 2012. Today, I'm so happy to let you all know that the Davao City plastic ban ordinance is now being implemented! Davao City has started to implemented the ban against non-biodegradable plastics and styrofoam materials. The Davao City plastic ban started last June 28, 2012. The measure is in line with the city's Ecological Solid Waste Management efforts. Not all plastics are banned, however. You can still use BIODEGRADABLE plastics in Davao City. You are also very much welcome to use paper bags and other biodegradable packing materials as well. Although the rules and regulations with regard to the plastic ban in Davao City were finalized in 2010 and the business establishments in Davao City were given t...

Jul32012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Inside Vjandep pastel factory in Bulua

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Consumer, Corporate, Food, Northern Mindanao, Recipes, Technology

Pastel is a Spanish term for cake. And perhaps the Mindanao business that successfully introduced pastel to the market is Vjandep Pastel. The pastels produced by Vjandep are soft bread buns filled with various fillings such as yema (custard), ube, chocolate, pineapple, durian, bavarian cream etc. From a humble business that originated in Camiguin Island, Mindanao, Philippines, Vjandep Pastel now has turned into a huge corporation. Vjandep pastels are now among the favorite pasalubong delicacies in Northern Mindanao. Just recently, I had the chance to visit the Vjandep Pastel factory at Barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City. According to Vjandep Pastel owner Virgilio Jose, the factory can produce thousands of dozens of pastels every single day. The pastels are distributed not only within C...

Jul32012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: US Ambassador Harry Thomas leads turnover of donations to Bulua

America, Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, United States of America

Like I previously mentioned in this blog, I had the chance of a lifetime to accompany US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas, Jr. for two days. It truly was an honor to be that up close and personal with the American ambassador, who I found to be very smart, direct and friendly. As a part of his party when he visited Cagayan de Oro City for the very first time last week, I got the chance to accompany him in various events. We attended the distribution of HACCP and ISO certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, the roundtable discussion with CIPMYL graduates in Xavier University and the launch of the Cities Development Initiative in CDO. Another event that I got to witness was the turnover of donations to Bulua National High School. The United States Agency for International Develo...

Jul32012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Gun ban in ARMM for 30 days

Announcements, ARMM, Basilan, Cotabato, Government, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula

Please share this important information! There's currently a GUN BAN in ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and this will take effect from July 1 to 23, 2012. The gun ban in ARMM is part of the measures being implemented to maintain peace and order during the general voter's registration in the ARMM. The ARMM voter registration, which will be held from July 9 to 18, 2012, is part of the Commission on Elections' bid to cleanse its electoral records for subsequent polling. The gun ban will cover Basilan Lanao del Sur Sulu Tawi Tawi Maguindanao as well as neighboring areas Cotabato City Isabela City Zamboanga City Lanao del Norte North Cotabato Sultan Kudarat Zamboanga del Sur Only policemen, military personnel and other members of the law enforcement agencies...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

USAID, Cagayan de Oro sign MOU; launch Cities Development Initiative

America, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Politics, Society, United States of America

During his recent visit to Cagayan de Oro, US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cagayan de Oro City LGU. The MOU was for the launch of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)'s Cities Development Initiative. Ambassador Thomas, USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano all signed the MOU last Friday, June 29, 2012 at a local hotel in Cagayan de Oro. The launch of the Cities Development Initiative in CDO is seen to be very beneficial to the LGU. The Cities Development Initiative is an integral part of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG). Launched in November 2011, PFG is helping the Philippines achieve its high growth potential by creating a more tra...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. meets with Mindanaoan youth leaders

America, ARMM, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, United States of America

Here's more about my 2-day task of accompanying US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. around Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Thanks to the folks over at US Embassy Manila, this Mindanao blogger got the chance of a lifetime to experience first hand how it was to officially be a part of an American ambassador's party :) After the awarding of HACCP certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, our next stop was the roundtable discussion with the alumni of the Congressional Internship Program for Mindanao Youth Leaders (CIPYML). The roundtable discussion of these Mindanaoan youth leaders with US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was held at the American Corner at the Xavier University Library. Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was welcomed by Xavier University officials: On our ...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Accompanying US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr.

America, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Singapore, United States of America

Just last week, this humble blogger in Mindanao was granted a chance of a lifetime - to be able to accompany U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. for two days! I was part of US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr.'s party when he visited Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. It was the American ambassador's very first visit to CDO. The two-day adventure with the friendly ambassador started right from the airport - where I experienced first hand how it was to be a part of an official U.S. Ambassador's group. I can't share details but suffice it to say that I felt like I was in a CIA agent film :D Although it was not my first time to accompany an ambassador, it was still a huge thrill! Victoria of the U.S. Embassy Manila introduced me to Ambassador Thomas. He was friendly and had a...

Jun262012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chinese General Consul visits CDO, inspects Sendong homes

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update

The General Consul of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Zhang Wei Guo, (center with corsage) recently visited Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines to inspect the second batch of 150 houses - all imported from China - which the Filipino - Chinese Community in CDO has pledged to donate for Typhoon Sendong victims. The 150 houses that the Chinese General Consul inspected are now in their final stages of completion. The houses are part of the 600 houses that were earlier pledged by the Filipino Chinese Community in Cagayan de Oro for Typhoon Sendong victims. Briefing General Consul Zhang is Mr. Greg Lao (in eyeglasses), the General Secretary of the Filipino Chinese Community who manages the construction of the houses. Also shown in photo together with the entourage are di...

Jun262012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Airphil Express launches Manila – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia flights

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Flights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Manila, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Good news for travel bugs! Airphil Express, the country's fastest growing airline, now has flights from Manila, Philippines to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (and vice versa)! This Airphil Express Manila - Kuala Lumpur flight route is the third international destination of Airphil Express. If you guys remember, this blogger from Mindanao was one of the lucky bloggers who got to join the maiden Airphil Express Cebu to Hong Kong flight last year :) The Airphil Express Kuala Lumpur to Manila flights are scheduled every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with flights departing from Kuala Lumpur at 11:55 pm. The ETA or expected time of arrival is 4:05 am in Manila. Meanwhile, the Airphil Express Manila to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia flights leave at 7:40 pm. The expected time of arrival in KL is 11:25 pm...

Jun262012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Fil-Chinese community donates 160 houses for Sendong victims

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

More houses for the victims of the deadly Typhoon Sendong that hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan last December 2011 have been donated. This time, a total of 160 houses - all imported from China - were donated and duly turned over a few days ago by the Filipino - Chinese community in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The 160 houses only comprises the 1st batch, by the way. More houses will be donated to the Sendong victims. Representatives of the Filipino-Chinese Community of Cagayan de Oro said they pledge to donate 600 houses to the victims of the calamity. Witnessing the milestone turn-over event were CDO Mayor Vicente Y. Emano as well as the project chiefs Messrs. Efren T. Uy, Greg Lao, Antonio Uy, Tomas C. Sia, Dolly Ong and Ricky Go. Also present were Kagawad Juan Sia, Mss...

Jun122012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Islands Stay Hotel Mactan Cebu

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel, Visayas

If you, like me, consider "value for money" as top criterion in choosing hotels, then you will absolutely love Islands Stay Mactan. This Cebu hotel really provides more bang for your buck; hence, Islands Stay Hotel Mactan Cebu easily lands a spot on my list of highly recommended hotels in Cebu. I mean, really, they offer rooms priced as low as Php 850.00 (US $19) - tempting, right? You can even avail of a 15 percent discount! Okay, I'm getting way ahead of myself. Read on...:) Islands Stay operates under the same company that owns Islands Souvenirs and Islands Banca Cruises. And because they do, their rooms are also fashioned in such a way that the signature bright orange and green apple hues are unmistakeable. And just like those cool, nicely designed Islands Souvenirs t-shirts, the ro...

Jun92012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Official candidates Miss Kagay-an 2012

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

The official candidates of Miss Kagay-an 2012 have finally been revealed. Miss Kagay-an is the annual beauty pageant held every August in Cagayan de Oro City in line with the city fiesta. After weeks of waiting, the Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Board has finally announced the 12 official candidates of the 2012 Miss Kagay-an beauty pageant. The following are the official Miss Kagay-an 2012 candidates: Greanne Trisha T. Mendoza Maria Leslie Angelina P. Ghan Lovely Jane B. Estampa Karla Mae M. Laraga Kris C. Pajaron Emie Lou E. Yamba Queenie C. Bahian Roxinne Jearl D. Monterde Maria Elaine Angelica P. Ghan Juriel Valledor Sidney Taboclaon Laurice Dee O. Inosa The Ms. Kagay-an 2012 official candidates will be presented to the media on July 23, 2012. The swimsuit competiti...

Jun92012 by Mindanaoan Irene27 Comments

Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro Centrio job fair

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro Centrio is going full blast with their job hiring! The latest Ayala Mall CDO job opening announcement has been released. If you're interested to apply for a job at Ayala CDO Centrio mall, then you might want to join the job fair this June 2012. Ayala Mall Centrio Cagayan de Oro is set to open this October 2012. Centrio Mall Ayala Cagayan de Oro has partnered with CDO Mayor Vicente Emano's job fair come June 14 and 15, 2012 at the New Executive Building of the City Hall. Job hiring for Ayala Centrio will begin at 7 AM until 6 PM. Bring your resumes and/or biodata plus a valid ID. Application process at the Ayala Mall CDO job fair: 1. Available positions as well as requirements will be displayed for applicants to choose from 2. Registration ...

Jun92012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

American Idol Live Tour In Manila 2012

Arts, Entertainment, Events, Music

The American Idol Live Tour is coming to Manila, Philippines. The American Idol tour will have a Manila leg later this year. Catch the American Idol Season 11 finalists when they come to Manila on September 21, 2012 for a 2-night concert. The American Idol Live In Manila concert will be held at the Araneta Coliseum. According to a Funfare article, the American Idol Live Tour Manila will be held for 2 nights at the Big Dome. The Manila leg will be part of their 49 date tour. So who's excited to watch American Idol Season 11 Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Hollie Cavanagh, Colton Dixon, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone, DeAndre Brackensick, Erika Van Pelt and Heejun Han? If you're coming to Manila to watch the American Idol Live Tour, you might want to book a hote...

Jun82012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kamias Shake at Zubuchon Cebu

Cebu City, Food, Reviews

I mentioned in my Zubuchon Cebu lechon best pig by Anthony Bourdain post that my brother and I decided to order pritchon or pritong lechon or fried lechon and pair it with kamias shake or cucumber shake. The kamias shake at Zubuchon supposedly balances the richness of the lechon. I couldn't agree more. The Zubuchon Cebu kamias shake was not sour at all. It was actually sweet. The perfect choice to "cleanse" your palate before you enjoy what world renowned chef and No Reservations travel show host Anthony Bourdain calls "the best pig...ever!" Spotted this at Zubuchon: Kamias (cucumber tree) is packed with Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron, and hydrates your body because of its high moisture content. It is used in some villages in India to control obesity and is being studied for its "an...

Jun82012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At Zubuchon – declared best pig in the world by Anthony Bourdain

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Visayas

According to Anthony Bourdain, Zubuchon is the home of the best Cebu lechon or in his words, "the best pig...ever!" Zubuchon is where you can get the best lechon in Cebu, according to the No Reservations host and chef. Naturally, being a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, I listened! And listened well I did! During my most recent Cebu City vacation, I visited Zubuchon - a.k.a. the very same Cebu lechon tasted, featured and praised by no other than world renowned chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations. Actually, it wasn't my first time to try Zubuchon. About two years ago, I had my very first taste of this much-talked about lechon Cebu that claims to not have any MSG at all. If you're wondering why it's named Zubuchon - well, "Zubu" is the old name of Cebu and "chon" is...

Jun62012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu dinner buffet – Cafe Marco

Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Visayas

So after our Cebu island hopping adventure with Islands Banca Cruises, what better way to cap off the day (and to celebrate my brother's birthday) but to check out Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu? Cafe Marco is the popular and award-winning signature restaurant of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the only 5 star hotel in Cebu City, Visayas, Philippines. Dubbed as the "Best Buffet Restaurant" by a lifestyle magazine, there's really hardly any wonder why Cafe Marco is one of Cebu City's most favorite buffet restaurants. The well-lighted and tastefully designed restaurant seats 144 guests and has 4 very clean, interactive kitchens that offer Asian, Western, Japanese and Filipino cuisine. Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Cebu also has a salad and cold appetizers bar, a grilling and tempura station and...

Jun52012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cebu island hopping with Islands Banca Cruises

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

Ever wanted to tour Cebu islands in style? Here’s one Cebu adventure you must try! I have always wanted to go on a Cebu island hopping trip. Who hasn’t heard of the beauty of the Pandanon white sandbar as well as the rich and lovely marine life at both Gilutungan and Talima Marine Sanctuaries? Add to that the fact that I absolutely love to swim and snorkel. What best way to do all that but to go on an island hopping adventure in Cebu, right? Fortunately, my wish was granted just a few days ago, much thanks to Islands Banca Cruises. My recent Cebu island hopping adventure aboard Islands Banca Cruises was made possible by the generosity of Islands Group President and Chairman Jay Aldeguer and with the able assistance of Islands Banca Cruises marketing officer Jefferson Cruz. Islands Banca...

Jun32012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Compostela Valley Mindanao to have 1.5 km zipline

Business, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Features

Move over, Dahilayan Adventure Park. Another Mindanao area will soon have the longest zipline in all of Asia. Compostela Valley, Mindanao will soon be home to a whopping 1.5 kilometer zipline at Camp Manual Yan in Mawab. Yup, you read that right. One and a half kilometers! Holy cow! This new Mindanao extreme adventure will be much longer than the Bukidnon zipline. The longest zipline in Bukidnon is only 840 meters. That means that the Compostela Valley zipline will be almost double that! Dahilayan Adventure Park, which can be found in Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, is currently the home of the longest dual cable zipline in all of Asia. The zipline in Compostela Valley will reportedly be worth Php 3 Million. The provincial government of Compostela Valley will be the ...

Jun12012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Senator Chiz Escudero thumbs down Manila Times headline story

Announcements, Politics

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero sent this official statement on the Manila Times headline story "Chiz: Carpio may face impeach raps." You can read the story here: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/24021-chiz-carpio-may-face-impeach-rap (this is not an active, working link, sorry) Read below the official statement of Senator Chiz Escudero: Let me correct the banner story of Manila Times today (June 1, 2012) which quoted me as warning of a fresh impeachment proceeding if President Benigno Aquino III appoints Associate Justice Antonio Carpio as the next Chief Justice. The report is baseless and I categorically deny the same. Let me clarify and put in proper context the statements I have made in response to questions thrown at me as the Senate representative to ...

Jun12012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to visit the Philippines this June 2012

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Features, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personalities, Politics

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will visit the Philippines this June 2012. Admired by many around the world, it was under the leadership of H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad leadership that Malaysia developed into one of the most prosperous economies in Southeast Asia. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will be in Manila, Philippines come June 10 to 11, 2012. He will be accompanied by his spouse H.E. Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. According to incumbent Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will have a fairly packed schedule while in the Philippines. Apart from giving a keynote lecture at the University of Santo Tomas (which will be themed loosely on modernization, good governance as well as national development), he will a...

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A big thank you Cebu!

Cebu City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel

I'm back from a truly awesome Cebu vacation! :) My Cebu trip was a long delayed one. I was supposed to be there last year but things just got a little too busy for me. Apart from the Typhoon Sendong relief operations I started in Cagayan de Oro, I was also commissioned to do various social media projects and online publicity work. I was also involved in organizing and promoting some events. I also organized blogging and digital media workshops. And then of course, there was that International Visitor Leadership Program experience :) So I guess you could say that my recently concluded Cebu trip was a much-needed one! Anyways, this blog post will be more of a "thank you" post for all of the wonderful, generous people as well as establishments that made my Cebu trip a really memorable o...