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

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Gingoog City: The city of good luck in Northern Mindanao

Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Travel

Gingoog City is a 74, 400 – hectare chartered city nestled in the northeastern coast of Misamis Oriental. It is a peaceful and simple city that is between two other cities: Cagayan de Oro City (122 kilometers) and Butuan City (74 kilometers). Gingoog City is bounded on the north by the Gingoog Bay; on the east by the municipality of Magsaysay and the province of Bukidnon; and on the south by the municipality of Claveria. The abundant agricultural harvest, favorable climate, thriving industries and warm people of the city are testimonies to how rousing the good luck of the city is. The Manobo tribesmen were the first to settle in the area. They cultivated the land, established a common trading center and set up the early social structure of the area. Later, they grew in number and wid...

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Nicki Minaj Manila Philippines concert this July 2012

Mindanaoan Update

Nicki Minaj Live In Manila, Philippines this July 2012! Yes, folks, the current muse of the hip hop industry, Nicki Minaj, is set to stage a concert in Manila on July 2012. Who's excited for the Nicki Minaj Manila concert? I bet all the Barbz and the Kenz are all excited to watch Nicki Minaj live in concert! The Manila concert of Nicki Minaj will be produced by Wilbros Live, the same producers of the hugely successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue Greatest Hits Tour. Nicki Minaj Live In Manila will be held on July 11, 2012 at the SM MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. Nicki Minaj, by the way, is the one behind the mega hits "Superbass" and "Starships." Interestingly, things were still supposed to be kept under wraps but I guess Nicki Minaj wanted her fans to be the first to know an...

May252012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cayman Islands In My Mind

Cebu City, Travel

I’m currently in Cebu City for a mini vacation. One that I feel I truly need and somehow deserve. I’ll tell you all more about my Cebu vacation but let me give you a little sneak peek: through the kind assistance of Cebu’s one and only Queen, Jude B., I’m doing an amazing hotel hop – Marco Polo Plaza, Waterfront Hotel and Casino Lahug, Radisson Blu Cebu, Islands Stay Cebu and Maribago Bluewater Resort Mactan. Exciting, huh? :) Although I do remember that someone sent me a message a few days ago. He asked that if I wasn’t in Cebu, where would I want to spend a vacation in and why? My quick answer? Cayman Islands. Yes, I know that to visit Cayman Islands and see the wonderful Cayman Islands Attractions sound a little bit far-fetched (for now!) but hey, a girl can dream, yes? :) I me...

May252012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Miss Kagay-an 2012 audition, screening dates

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists

How fast time flies! Remember my Miss Kagay-an 2011 post? It seems just like yesterday! Before we know it, it's time for the Search for Miss Kagay-an 2012. Are you interested to join the Miss Kagay-an 2012 pageant? Want to be the next Miss Cagayan de Oro City 2012 queen? Interested Kagay-anon ladies are encouraged to attend the screening of the next Miss Kagayan on May 19 at Rhapsody Suites along Hayes-Lt. Guillermo Streets in Cogon; May 26 at Hotel Koresco and on June 2 at Rodelsa Hall of Liceo de Cagayan University. As you can see, you have 3 audition dates for the 2012 Miss Kagay-an pageant. Screening time on all dates is from 1 PM to 6 PM. Registration forms are available at the Cagayan de Oro Tourism and Cultural Office at the City Hall and at the City Tourism booth in Diviso...

May222012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Senator Koko Pimentel confirms separation from wife

Cagayan de Oro City, Personalities, Politics

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III has confirmed that he and his wife of almost 12 years, Jewel May Lobaton, have separated. Senator Koko Pimentel, a fellow Mindanaoan, said on Tuesday that he and his wife Jewel May Lobaton, a former beauty queen (she's a Binibining Pilipinas-Universe titleholder), have been living separately since November 2011. Here's the official statement from Senator Koko Pimentel on his separation from his wife: This may well be the most difficult public pronouncement I will ever be making in my entire life. And painful too, as every separation involves a certain degree of pain. I confirm my separation from my wife of close to 12 years, Jewel May Lobaton. We have been living separately since November 2011. I tried my best to resolve our differences fo...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Backpacking in Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin, also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, is an island one passes by on a boat ride between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City. This small island has seven volcanoes, several waterfalls, and hot and cold springs. People visit Camiguin to primarily enjoy the water spots, but there’s more to the island than testing its waters. Also known as the island of fire because of its many volcanoes, Camiguin is rumored to one day simply sink should there be a terrible eruption. But before that happens (and hopefully not), its best you know that Mt. Hibok-Hibok – the most active among the seven volcanoes – has been dormant since it erupted last 1951. Scientists are monitoring the volcanoes as well, as a cautionary measure and for study. You can either fly in Camiguin or take the ferry. Most ...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Perks of Living in Mindanao

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

If you listen to the news on Mindanao, the most likely reaction is that you’ll hesitate to come here. Much less choose to live here. But given the direness of the news on the peace and order situation here, have you ever wondered if there are perks to living in Mindanao? Actually, what’s so terrible in the news is merely a microcosm of Mindanao society. Given the largeness of the island and the number of regions, cities, and cultures that are found in Mindanao, you might want to take the news with a grain of salt the next time. Mindanao is generally a peaceful place. The members of the populace are satisfied with their lives, and commerce and trade are smoothly moving along. The economics show a due representation from the filthy rich to poverty level poor, but people manage to get by. ...

May162012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Island Garden City of Samal: Bidding for the moniker “Island of Festivals”

Island Garden City of Samal, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

The Island Garden City of Samal is the kind of place you don’t want to miss in your lifetime. White sand beaches, pristine waters, majestic waterfalls, fascinating caves and panoramic views are plenty in the city. Its amenities and several exciting activities have added more vibrancy to the Island Garden City of Samal, making it a major tourist destination in Southern Philippines. In fact, the city is hyping up its well-celebrated festivals to earn the moniker “Island of Festivals” and to draw more tourists to its naturally beautiful land. The Island Garden City of Samal is a group of islands that is centrally located in Davao Gulf in the southeastern part of Mindanao. It is a second class city in the Davao del Norte province which is politically subdivided into 46 barangays. Presently,...

May162012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Finding Spain in the heart of Zamboanga City

BIMP-EAGA, Mindanao, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

If you set foot in the lands of Zamboanga City, one of the first things that get into your mind is the feeling that you’re in some other part of the world, perhaps in Spain or in Latin America. But don’t be deceived, you’re not in any city in the west; you are actually in a more beautiful and alluring city called Zamboanga. Often called as “Philippines’ little Spain” and “Asia’s Latin City,” Zamboanga City is a highly urbanized city that lies in the southernmost tip of Region IX in northwestern Mindanao. The sixth largest city in the Philippines and among the few cities independent of any province, Zamboanga City is bounded to the north by land masses and to the other directions by water formations that include the Sulu Sea (west), Moro Gulf (east), Basilan Straight (south) and Celebes ...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ozamiz City: The enviable destination of northwestern Mindanao

Mindanao, Ozamis, Tourism, Travel

The city of Ozamiz is a second class city that stretches out along Panguil Bay in the northwestern part of Mindanao, Philippines. Although it is only a chartered city and not the capital of the Misamis Occidental province, Ozamiz is a prospering city that is the provincial center for health, transportation, education and commerce. With the city’s convenient setting, it has become a historical, cultural and pilgrimage destination in this part of the country. Currently, several projects are underway to boost the development of the city and to make it an even more anticipated destination in the south. Ozamiz City was formerly called Misamis by the early settlers composed mostly of the native Subanons, Jesuit missionaries and other Spaniards. Later, a steady influx of settlers from nearb...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Butuan City: Timber City of the South

Agusan del Norte, Butuan, Caraga, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Butuan City is known for its booming logging industry and for its abundance of timbers; no wonder why migrants from other sides of the Philippines and from abroad settled in this highly urbanized city to seek for good fortune and agricultural profits. But more than just being the Timber City of the South, Butuan is a place where rich history, preserved culture, kind-hearted people and active economy thrive. Butuan City is the provincial capital of the Agusan del Norte province and the regional center of the Caraga Region in the northeastern part of Mindanao. It sprawls near the mouth of the Agusan River, the deepest, widest and longest navigable river in Mindanao. On the north, it is bounded by several municipalities of Agusan del Norte; on the east by the Agusan del Sur province; and o...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Washington DC Metro Subway photos, tips

Advocacy, America, Blogging, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Photos, Technology, Travel, United States of America

This is a continuation of my "Mindanaoan In America" blog series :) You can read more about my escapades in the USA when I was a 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program delegate HERE. The first state that we stayed in was Washington DC. Like many states in America, Washington has its own subway or railway system. They call it the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit or simply - Metro. I found the Metro Washington DC subway easy to understand although my group and I did have to be guided by our ELO Alan especially when we already had to buy our very first fare cards or train tickets :) You can find below a photo of the farecards and passes machines - you can buy tickets there or you can always approach a friendly Metro employee. Here are some easy to follow tips on how to ...

May152012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Nurturing nature in Galapagos Islands

Internet

Are you a lover of nature? Ever wanted to be an environmental activist? If you’re like me who has always wanted to do something that could help preserve and nurture nature, then you might want to also go on a “nature tour” aboard Galapagos Cruises. Located in the Pacific Ocean, 1000 kilometers or roughly 600 miles off the west coast of South America, the Galapagos Islands are comprised of more than sixty islands as well as islets. Galapagos is also one of the largest protected areas in the world. The entire island area measures about 138,000 km2. I’ve read that the Galapagos Islands have fascinated a lot of explorers as well as environmentalists for a very long time now. And because joining Galapagos Cruises is now a part of my bucket list, I did a little research and found a website...

May92012 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Davao City bans plastic bags, styrofoam starting June 28, 2012

Advocacy, Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Food, Government, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personal, Society, Technology

YEY! I am so, so, sooo happy with this development! Congratulations Davao City! What an awesome move! I'm so proud of my hometown Davao City for finally, FINALLY deciding to put a ban against non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam! Points for Mother Nature, environment and the start of the use of eco-friendly products :) I wonder, though, how the fastfood chains and other business establishments that use plastic bags and styrofoam will cope when the ban takes effect on June 28, 2012. Hmm. What do you think? Anyways, here's the news report from SunStar Davao: Non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food and beverage containers will no longer be allowed in this city starting June 28, this year. Polystyrene foam is more commonly referred to as Styrof...

May92012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dreaming of Fiji

Reviews, Travel

I have itchy feet. That means I love to travel. I find traveling exhilarating. There’s something about traveling that excites me. And one of the very beautiful and mysterious places that I hope I can visit someday is Fiji. Fiji is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Fiji’s closest neighbors include Vanuatu (a little detour - I once had a client based in Vanuatu and he said that his decision to move there for good was the best decision he has ever made!), New Caledonia, Kermadec, Tonga and Tuvalu. As you can see from the photo below, Fiji boasts of scenic views, clear blue waters and a lot of great Fiji resorts and spas. If you’re like me and you’re dreaming of a Fiji holiday ...

May92012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Review: Annebisyosa in Cagayan de Oro concert

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Reviews

Thanks to our super generous and lovely friends over at Airphil Express, I had the chance to watch the Annebisyosa in Cagayan de Oro concert a.k.a. Anne Curtis Live in CDO show last May 5, 2012. Fresh from witnessing first hand the signing of MOU between these congressmen and GK as well as the actual building of the homes for Typhoon Sendong victims (the congressmen used their own money for the homes, by the way! :) ), I, along with a few other blogger-friends, was treated to the Annebisyosa concert in CDO by Airphil Express, the fastest growing airline in the Philippines. The Annebisyosa in Cagayan de Oro City concert featured Anne Curtis (of course) and her guests Luis Manzano, Rachelle Ann Go and one of my favorite comedians Jon Santos! Now I must be honest - I was a bit ap...

May82012 by Mindanaoan Irene14 Comments

Latest Ayala Mall CDO Centrio job openings

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

Okay, I know that a lot of you have been waiting for this --- the latest job openings in Ayala Mall Centrio Cagayan de Oro! Since my last post about Ayala Mall Centrio job openings, many of you have sent requests for updates. Our friends over at MisOrJobs and a contact from the Ayala Mall Centrio operations unit have confirmed these job openings. Centrio, by the way, is set to open this October 2012. One vacant position you can apply for is: MARKETING ASSISTANT Responsibilities: Hired candidate will assist in the implementation of the mall events and promotion of other marketing related activities. Requirements: Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s/College Degree in Business Studies/Administration/Management, Commerce, Economics, Marketing or equivalent; At...

May82012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Design Happy Feet sandals – Cagayan de Oro edition!

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Mindanaoan Artists, Style

Are you a budding designer? Do you dabble in graphic arts? Have you always wanted to design your own sandals? Fond of Happy Feet sandals? Here's your chance to create your very own Happy Feet and earn bragging rights! Our friends over at Spruce shared with us the good news - submit your design and that might just be used for Limited Edition Happy Feet sandals! This is your chance to design fun and funky Happy Feet sandals and show how awesome Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao is! Check out the mechanics of this pretty cool contest below: Remember - the deadline is on May 31, 2012. Email your scanned designs to [email protected] or you can submit them at Spruce, 2nd Level West Concourse, Limketkai Mall, CDO. Good luck and feel free to share this post to your ...

May82012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Congressmen use own money for Sendong homes

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Government, Iligan City, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Politics, Society

Back when the deadly Typhoon Sendong (International name: Washi) hit Northern Mindanao in December 2011, I started a small Typhoon Sendong volunteer campaign and donation drive. What I initially envisioned to be a small and private donation drive grew bigger and bigger by the minute, thanks to the power of Twitter, Facebook, blogging and other online media tools. Suddenly, my photos became viral, my tweets about Sendong were retweeted, shared and replied to and my calls for help were heard. Government agencies, public officials, NGOs and even international news agencies followed me on Twitter, Facebook and through this blog, shared the infos I sent out and sent donations (which I am and will always be thankful for). Two of these public servants who started following me and engaging w...

May22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Blue Live In Manila

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Photos

Here are the much awaited photos of BLUE a.k.a. the fine looking boys from the U.K. Okay, ladies, breathe in, breathe out :) Blue, composed of Duncan James, Simon Webbe, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan, was recently in Manila, Philippines for the Greatest Hits Tour featuring a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. I was fortunate to have met and worked around the guys :) Yes, yes, I'm a very lucky girl ;) I found Jeff Timmons, a1 and of course, Blue, to be very warm, down to earth, talented and very approachable. Anyways, the photos here of Duncan James, Antony Costa, Simon Webbe and Lee Ryan were taken during the radio tour, some backstage and during the show. Which of these photos are your favorites? :) Let me know below at the comment section :) By the way, here are the photos...

May12012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Photos: a1 Live in Manila

Entertainment, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Personalities, Photos

Okay, after sharing with you the photos I took of former 98 Degrees founder Jeff Timmons during the hugely successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue concert held last February 2012 in Manila, Philippines, it's now time for me to share the much-awaited photos I took of the boys of a1. Are those excited screams I hear?! :D For the uninitiated, a1 is a very popular British-Norwegian pop group. Originally composed of 4 members, the newly reunited a1 is now made up of Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read and Ben Adams. Ever since they decided to reunite in August 2009, they've released hit songs like "Don't Wanna Lose You Again" and "Waiting for Daylight," which has so far managed to top a lot of charts not only in the Philippines but around Asia as well. I must say - there are a TON of avid a...

Apr302012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Why Manny Pacquiao cried

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

Manny Pacquiao cried. He may be the world's best boxer to date. He may have toppled the likes of Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez. He may have mansions in the Philippines and abroad but Filipino boxing champion and Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao recently cried. Yup. Manny Pacquiao cried because he can't join the Sarangani Bay Festival 2012. My fellow Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao will have to sit out on this year's SarBay Fest and because of this, he cried. Don't believe me? Watch the video below: The 2012 Sarangani Bay Festival is considered the biggest, grandest and most colorful beach festival in Mindanao, Philippines. Sarangani Bay Festival 2012 schedule of activities