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

Apr282012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees Live In Manila

Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

If you're one of my regular readers here on Mindanaoan.com, chances are you'd know that I helped out during the highly successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue Live In Manila concert last February 2012 in Manila, Philippines. I helped promote it not only through this site but in other sites as well including via social networking websites. (which reminds me, if you're not following me yet, please do so! Here are my Twitter, Pinterest, PicLyf, Instagram and YouTube accounts :) ) I also launched my very own online contest whereby the prizes were tickets to the show. I know I should have shared the photos I took of the boys before, during and after the event but you all know it's been a very hectic time as of late :) So to all of the fans of a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue, please don't worry. No...

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Camiguin Island zipline now operational

Advocacy, Beauty, Camiguin, Entertainment, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Tourism, Travel

Good news for Mindanao tourism! Don't look now but guess where the latest zipline will be? At none other than the Island Born Out Of Fire - Camiguin! Camiguin Island is the latest Mindanao area that now has a zipline. The Camiguin Zipline is located at Taguines Lagoon, Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin. According to the Camiguin Tourism Office, the Camiguin Island zipline fee is only Php 400.00 (roughly US $10.00) for 2 rounds. Not bad, right? Check this out: Book your next Camiguin Island adventure now! I highly recommend you look for discounted Camiguin hotel rooms here: Should you be interested, I wrote some reviews of various hotels HERE

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: How folks in Virginia USA cast their votes (photos)

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

In America, they have this day called Super Tuesday which refers to "the Tuesday in February or March of a presidential election year when the greatest number of states hold primary elections to select delegates to national conventions at which each party's presidential candidates are officially nominated." Super Tuesday is a very important day especially since more delegates can be won on that day more than any other single day included in the primary calendar. Hence, political parties and the candidates themselves scramble to make a mark and win during Super Tuesday. I was in Virginia, USA for Super Tuesday 2012 (March 6, 2012). All eyes were on Virginia that day especially because only 2 out of 4 names of Republican candidates were on the ballots. Only the names of former Massachu...

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Around Washington DC

America, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, United States of America

If I was asked to name at least 5 cities in the U.S. that I may want to live in, Washington D.C. would be one of them. I found Washington DC charming and interesting - despite the fact that politics plays a huge role there. I guess for those who abhor politics and all the scandals, flipfloppin', highs and lows that come with it, they won't feel comfortable in Washington DC. For people like me who get a natural high with fast-changing political strategies, however, Washington is the place to be. The day after I arrived in Washington D.C. USA for the start of my 3-week International Visitor Leadership Program, my fellow participants and I were toured around the city. I remember that day oh-so-well --- it was freezing cold but because we were supposed to have nice pictures taken for our...

Apr222012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees says hello to Mindanaoan.com

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Videos

If you're one of the regular readers of Mindanaoan.com, you'd probably know that I was one of those who heavily helped promote the recently concluded a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons concert in Manila. I campaigned for the show not only through this lifestyle and entertainment blog but through various accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, PicLyf etc. I also launched a contest whereby the winner received two tickets to the show! The concert was a huge success, by the way! Congratulations to Wilbros Live, Drake World Entertainment and of course, to a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. I have yet to share with you all some of the photos I took from the backstage of Araneta Coliseum and during the show. Sorry about the delays! Don't worry, folks, the wait will be worth it ;) For now, ...

Apr222012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: The River Inn Washington DC USA hotel

America, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel, United States of America

My fellow IVLP 2012 delegates and I were billeted at The River Inn during the Washington D.C. leg of our 3-week stay in America. The River Inn is a downtown Washington DC hotel that's located just 2 blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. This affordable Washington DC inn is also within walking distance from Georgetown a.k.a. the historic commercial and entertainment district in northwest Washington. Georgetown is also where you can find (quite obviously) Georgetown University and yes, the original branch of Georgetown Cupcakes, the shop that gave birth to the hit reality TV show "DC Cupcakes." (I visited the shop, by the way! I'll share with you some of the photos I took there ;) ) Location wise, The River Inn does get a lot of plus points especially since it's just a few blocks...

Apr212012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

I’m home!

Blogging, Features, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Travel, United States of America

So I am finally back from the U.S. I'm home, I'm home! :) *waves* I stayed in America for more than a month. I was there because I was chosen to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program, a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program. Technically, my IVLP 2012 experience only lasted for 3 weeks. However, I chose to fly to New York City, savor the sights and sounds of the Big Apple and spend my birthday there! (more on this later) I stayed in NYC for 2 weeks. I also had the chance to visit Connecticut specifically Yale University for a day. Anyway, the IVLP program that I participated in led me to Washington D.C. (and in some parts of nearby Virginia and Maryland), Orlando, Florida, Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. I was the only female in the group an...

Apr192012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

1 summer fun, 1 Davao lineup of activities

Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Events, Fiesta, Island Garden City of Samal, News, Resorts, Sports, Tourism

Make my beloved Mindanao, Philippines your ultimate summer destination this year! And to kick off your summer tour in the southern part of the Philippines, why not pay Davao province a visit? The Department of Tourism Xl, along with other local tourism units around the Davao province, has launched the "1 Summerfun Davao" project. The "1 Summer Fun Davao - One Region. One For Fun" project aims to feature all the summer activities around Davao and package these as one. Among the 1 Summerfun Davao activities are the Davao Wakeboard Championship, Davao Summer Kitefest, Pista Sa Kinaiyahan at the Municipal Hall of Mt. Apo, Davao del Sur, Cross Channel Fun Swim in the Island Garden City of Samal, 4th Earth Festival in Tagum City and the Beach Fest in Compostela Valley. Check out ...

Apr132012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Where to buy original Sperry Top-sider in Mindanao

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Style

Want to know where to buy original Sperry Top-sider shoes in Mindanao, Philippines? Look no further! The World’s First Boat Shoe can now be bought in one of Mindanao's best lifestyle stores (and one of my personal favorites, I might add!) - Spruce. The Sperry Top-Sider story is an example of the American knack for ingenuity and innovation. It also represents a love of sun, surf and soul of the ocean...something that the brand coins a "Passion for the Sea". In 1935, Paul Sperry, an avid sailor and outdoorsman, discovered a long- sought solution to a problem that had long troubled the sailing community: the fact that traditional shoes performed “like roller skates” on a wet deck. As Paul Sperry described it, his new shoes "stuck like a barnacle". Sperry Top-siders are known to ...

Apr132012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Razzle Dazzle 3 photography workshop registration ongoing

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, Style, Tourism

How fast time flies! Back in 2010, I was still pitching possible names for a photography workshop to my super talented brother (who happens to be an awarded and very in-demand professional wedding photographer). He liked what I offered - "Razzle Dazzle." According to the dictionary, razzle dazzle means dazzling excitement or extravagant display of technique. Not long after that, he named his very first photography workshop "Razzle Dazzle Photography Workshop." Fast forward two years later, Razzle Dazzle Photography Workshop is now on its 3rd cycle! This photography workshop in Mindanao is set to take place on May 5 to 6, 2012 in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. Don't you want to spend two days of summer learning new photography techniques? This CDO photography worksh...

Apr82012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Airphil Express has special Easter promo – ZERO base fare!

Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Happy Easter, folks! And to celebrate Easter the special way - why not book your next big adventure? Avail of the latest promo fare being offered by the Philippines' fastest growing carrier, Airphil Express Airphil Express has a special Easter airline promo! This is an express sale so better avail of this ASAP! Selling period for this Airphil Express promo fare is from April 8 to 10, 2012. Travel period is for July 1 to September 30, 2012 and February 1 to 28, 2013. The zero fare promo by Airphil Express is only for domestic destinations. Please note that all flights are priced one way from original to destination or vice versa. Remember also that Airphil Express offers 10 kilograms FREE baggage allowance (absolutely great value!) So are you ready to book your n...

Mar222012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Are you ready for Sarangani Bay Fest 2012?

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

It is considered the biggest and funnest beach festival in Mindanao, Philippines! The Sarangani Bay Festival 2012 is set to happen on May 18 - 19, 2012. The 2012 Sarangani Bay Fest must be your ultimate summer and beach adventure! Last year, the 2011 Sarangani Bay Festival had lots of activities. This year, the Provincial Government of Sarangani led by Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez will surely deliver! Just look at some of the activities lined up for the Sarangani Bay Fest 2012: May 18, 2012 - Sarangani Run, Swim Across the Bay, Beach Dance Marathon, Sarangani Swim Challenge, Sand Sculpture, Sayaw Sarangani, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, Skim Boarding, Bay Bodies etc May 19, 2012 - Bancarera (this is really fun!), Coastal Clean Up, Poi and Zip Clinic, Zumba Party, Concert ...

Mar192012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Trip from Manila to Washington

America, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Commentary, Education, Features, Headline, Manila, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

This Filipino blogger is currently here in the United States of America to participate in a US Department of State-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). You can read more about my current trip HERE. I'm very proud to let you all know that I'm the only Filipino and the only female in this group :) I will share as much as I can (and as much as I am permitted to) with you all. If you want to follow my U.S. escapades, you may want to SUBSCRIBE TO MINDANAOAN right now (click and please don't forget to verify!) or follow my official Facebook Page. For now, what I want to share with you all in this blog post will be my experience traveling from Manila to Washington, DC - the first stop of my U.S. trip. Hopefully this article will help those of you who will travel the sa...

Feb282012 by Mindanaoan Irene12 Comments

Mindanaoan chosen for the US State Department IVLP program | I am off to the US!

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, Cebu City, 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, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, 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

It's official, folks! :) I have been chosen by the U.S. Department of State to visit the United States of America as a participant in the International Visitor Leadership Program or IVLP. I will leave for the U.S. on March 3, 2012 and will stay there until the first week of April 2012 :) Actually, the program that I will be a part of will only run for 3 weeks but I plan to stay a bit more to savor the sights and sounds of the USA. During the 3-week program, I will visit Washington, Orlando Florida, Salt Lake City Utah and Portland Oregon. I plan to visit New York and Virginia as well :) Do any of you guys out there live in these areas? I would love to meet you! :) Let me know through the comments section below. And oh, did I mention that I'm the ONLY Filipino and the only femal...

Feb282012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Happy Eggs Cagayan de Oro all-day breakfast place now open for business

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, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, 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, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, 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

Hi folks, may I warmly invite you all to visit the newest all-day breakfast place to open for business in Cagayan de Oro City - Happy Eggs CDO! Before anything else, please allow me to quickly offer you guys 3 reasons as to why you should come and visit Happy Eggs CDO: 1. their "silog" meals all have TWO EGGS cooked just the way you like them! (sunny side up, scrambled etc) 2. the price points are really very affordable (their baconsilog, for instance, is only Php 70! Yup, juicy and delicious bacon, a generous serving of rice and two eggs for only Php 70!) 3. they have quite the interesting menu! (where else can you find an eatery that serves dried fish such as pinikas and red sal and even pansit canton? Aaah, we all crave for BULAD sometimes, don't we? :) Plus - talk about bud...

Feb212012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

And the winner of the tickets to the Greatest Hits Tour Manila show is…

Announcements, Contests

First off, I'd like to apologize for the delay in announcing the winner. I'm finally here in Manila for the much-awaited Greatest Hits concert featuring Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, Blue and a1 and as expected, the days have really been very busy! My apologies to everyone who has been waiting for the big verdict. So anyways, without further ado...let me announce the winner of four (4) general admission tickets to the upcoming a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons in Manila concert (February 25, 2012, 8 PM Smart Araneta Coliseum)... *drum roll please* Congratulations to ERLINDA VILLAMIL! :) Please wait for my email. I trust that the email address that you used is still working ha :) Once you receive my email, please send me the Twitter account you used to follow Wilbros and Asian Touring. I also nee...

Feb142012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Missy Bon Bon pastel – new Cagayan de Oro pasalubong

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Missy Bon Bon in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines is no longer just known for their delicious pastries and gelato. These days, the charming Missy Bon Bon breadshop and gelato store is also known as the home of CDO's latest pasalubong delicacy - pastel! Pastel is a soft, sweet filled bun. For many years, pastel became the preferred pasalubong in Northern Mindanao. The entire fascination over this delicious bun started when a family produced yema-filled pastels in Camiguin Island. Word about these delicious buns spread and eventually, tourists began lugging around boxes and boxes of these sweet treats as pasalubong. Fortunately for those in CDO, you need not go to Camiguin Island just to buy these delicious pasalubong delicacies. Missy Bon Bon has finally released their ow...

Feb142012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO Bloodletting Day led by GMA 7 CDO and Red Cross

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental

You can help save lives by participating in the Kapuso Bloodletting Day on February 17, 2012. This bloodletting event in CDO is led by GMA Corp. Affairs, GMA Network - Cagayan de Oro in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross - Misamis Oriental/CDO Chapter and Liceo de Cagayan University. The Kapuso Bloodletting Day will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012, 8:30 am to 4 pm at the Liceo de Cagayan University Civic Center. Please participate and help save lives. Thanks and see you there!

Feb132012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Airphil Express launches piso fare sale for Valentine’s Day!

Announcements, Bacolod City, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Ozamis, Pagadian, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tawi Tawi, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Great news for all travel bugs! The Philippines' fastest growing carrier, Airphil Express, will launch a very special PISO FARE sale! Yes, folks, Airphil Express has a peso fare sale just in time for Valentine's Day! This is an express piso promo fare so you better book your tickets as soon as possible! The selling period for Airphil Express promo fare for Valentine's Day will be held from February 14, 2012 to February 16, 2012 Travel period: September 1 to December 15, 2012 The express Airphil piso fare will cover these routes: Cebu to Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Surigao, Tacloban, Zamboanga Davao to Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Zamboanga Zambo...

Feb82012 by Mindanaoan Irene73 Comments

Win tickets to the Greatest Hits Tour Manila featuring a1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and Blue!

Announcements, Blogging, Consumer, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Internet, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Society

Win tickets to the Greatest Hits Tour Manila featuring a1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and Blue! Hi everybody! I'll make this short and simple. I'm giving away four (4) general admission tickets to the upcoming Greatest Hits concert featuring a1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and Blue! The Manila leg will be held on February 25, 2012 (Saturday), 8 PM, Smart Araneta Coliseum. So are you ready to win some tickets for yourself and three of your friends? Read on and share! Contest mechanics: - You must be a subscriber of Mindanaoan.com CLICK HERE to subscribe (don't forget to verify your email address, okay? :) ) - Follow the Official Mindanaoan.com Facebook Page - Follow the Drake World Entertainment Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/asiantouring) - Follow the Wilbros L...

Feb72012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mutya ng Dabaw 2012 pageant

Announcements, Beauty, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

Interested to be the next Davao beauty? You might want to join the Mutya ng Dabaw 2012 pageant. The 2012 Mutya ng Dabaw beauty pageant is open to females who are single and who are between 18 and 25 years of age. MUTYA NG DABAW 2012 GUIDELINES & MECHANICS 1. Candidates must be single and between 18 to 24 years old. 2. Candidates must be, at least, 5 feet 4 inches tall, fit, and with good body proportion. 3. Candidates must be Filipino and a resident of Davao City for no less than 3 years. 4. Candidates must be, at least, a graduate of high school. 5. Candidates must no be a major title holder of any national or regional beauty pageant. 6. Candidates must agree to abide by all the rules and regulations of Mutya ng Dabaw 2012. 7. If candidate passes screening, she must not en...

Feb72012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Dropzone extreme at Dahilayan Adventure Park Bukidnon

BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

Folks, this is one extreme ride that will separate the men from the boys! Looking for one absolutely breathtaking extreme adventure in Mindanao? Why not try the latest extreme ride at Dahilayan Adventure Park - the Dropzone! This extreme adventure ride is the newest feature at Dahilayan Adventure Park a.k.a. the home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline! Dropzone is where the rider gets hoisted at least 120 feet above the ground. The rider then has to pull the ripcord that would allow him or her to take a deep dive and swing akin to a huge pendulum! Want to know how fast the dive would be? Try 50 mph! Mindanaoan and other online media practitioners visited Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon recently. That visit was related to the "Barog, Kagay-anon" series of eve...