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

Dec52011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The successful Citihardware 10th anniversary celebration

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society

Here's a quick update to my previous post about the 10th anniversary celebration of Citihardware CDO. I was tapped as the event manager for Citi Hardware Cagayan de Oro 10th Anniversary celebration. That was my second project for Citihardware CDO. The first one was during the opening of its Citihardware Bulua branch. The Citihardware CDO 10th anniversary event was held at its newest and by far the second largest Citihardware outlet in the entire country - Citihardware Tablon (the largest one remains to be its Davao head office). Hundreds of people attended the event including suppliers, partners, local barangay officials and tanods and yep, members of the CDO Bloggers! (Yay, thanks guys for the unwavering support!) The professional lights and sounds system that I commissioned (my ...

Dec52011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO Christmas Bazaar at Magsaysay Park Divisoria

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Food, Gifts, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping

Christmas activities here and there! Have you done your Christmas shopping yet? I've already finished my initial Christmas shopping tasks but you guys know how it is during Christmas --- nothing's ever enough! It's the season for good food, time with family and friends, merriment and loads and loads of shopping trips! This season, why not hunt for bargains in the second “CDO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR – Handog Pamasko sa Kagay-an” at the Magsaysay Park, Divisoria. The Christmas bazaar will formally open on December 9, 2011. The Christmas bazaar, which will kick off with a variety show featuring local talents and artists, is a joint project of the Cagayan de Oro City local government and select students of the School of Business and Management - Xavier University. This CDO Christmas bazaar activit...

Dec12011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Lord Byron’s Back Ribs Grill

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Reviews

Tucked away at Aluba, Upper Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Lord Byron's Back Ribs Grill CDO is the first ever Mindanao branch of this Bacolod restaurant. I'm not sure if setting up shop at Aluba is a good decision (since it's far from the city proper and from the malls i.e. where the "action" usually is) but I'm sure of one thing --- a trip to Lord Byron's Back Ribs Grill Cagayan de Oro is worth your time, effort and money. Along with some friends from the CDO Bloggers group, I paid this CDO restaurant a visit a few days ago. I've heard good feedback about this restaurant so off we went to have dinner there. Looking for the restaurant was a bit of a challenge since it was located in a largely residential area. If you're not from Cagayan de Oro or if you're not familiar wi...

Dec12011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dr. Martens Philippines to open store on Dec 9, 2011

Beauty, Business, Events, Fashion, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

One of the things that model, endorser, blogger, photography enthusiast and entrepreneur Borgy Manotoc and I talked about during his recent visit here in Mindanao was his latest baby --- Dr. Martens Philippines. Borgy's face practically lit up as soon as I asked him about the upcoming opening of Doc Martens Philippines --- you can really tell that he's very excited about his latest project. He was also amused when, upon asking where the new Dr. Martens Philippines concept store would be, I mentioned that area "near that yoghurt place." "Yeah, that one! It's right across it. Of course you'd remember the yoghurt place," he said with a grin. Borgy, along with his partners, is bringing the popular brand over. He currently runs the Bunker Obey store at the Ronac Art Center. And yes,...

Nov302011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Meeting John Lloyd Cruz this weekend

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

It's literally been raining men for me the past few weeks! Not that I'm complaining, of course! ;) First there were the gorgeous and talented men of Color Me Badd and All 4 One, then the funny Martin Nievera, then the confirmation that I will be working with international acts a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees then the tall, charming and handsome Borgy Manotoc and then now, it seems I will meet yet another cutie pie this weekend! Kung ulanin ka nga din naman ng suwerte ;) I'm set to meet whom Yes Magazine once called the Most Beautiful Man in the Philippines --- John Lloyd Cruz. This will actually not be the first time that I'll see John Lloyd Cruz in person, though. I've watched that ABS CBN Sunday show ASAP live a couple of times. Also, about 3 years ago, I was hired to pr...

Nov282011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Grand Ateneo de Davao University alumni homecoming set

Announcements, Campus, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Events, Society

Calling all fellow Ateneo de Davao University alumni! Our Grand Alumni Homecoming is set to happen on December 30, 2011, 6 PM at the Fr. Martinez Sports Center at the Ateneo de Davao University Matina Campus. The event, dubbed "One Big Knight," will be hosted by the ADDU High School Batch '86. So mark your calendars - December 30, 2011! It's going to be "Party Atenista" time! For ticket reservations or inquiries, please contact Mark at 0917 705 6271 or Melvin at 0918 914 3718 See you there, Atenista!

Nov282011 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees Live in Manila and Singapore

Announcements, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music

a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees Live In Manila --- and in Singapore! Three of the hottest, most talented acts will perform live in Manila on February 25, 2012 at SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines. Mindanaoan.com first shared the exclusive news about the a1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and Blue Live In Manila concert a few days ago. Then, Mindanaoan.com shared the special video invitation from Jeff Timmons himself! Now, here are two fresh updates --- a1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and Blue will be in Singapore on February 28, 2012 for a show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and that the tickets for the Manila concert are finally out! The Greatest Hits Tour: a1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and Blue LIVE in Manila ticket prices: Patron VIP – Php 5810 ...

Nov242011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dessert All You Can by Monster Kitchen for only Php 250

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Food, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Anybody who knows me can easily attest that I have a big sweet tooth. I love, love, love chocolates, pastries, cakes, cookies, various types of breads etc. I also eat a lot of cupcakes, ice cream and just recently, meringue! So obviously wherever the sweets are, I'm most likely there, too! So you could just imagine how excited I was when I found out that there's a "Dessert All You Can" event on December 3, 2011. For only Php 250.00, you have full access to various types of cakes, cupcakes, breads, cookies, bars, coffee, tea and juice! Yes, folks, December 3, 2011 will be guilty pleasures day! Prepared by the students of Monster Kitchen's Fundamentals in Baking and Pastry Arts (Batch 3), "Dessert All You Can" will be held at Thai Me Up Restaurant, Capistrano-Mabini Sts., Cagayan de...

Nov242011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Managing the Citihardware 10th anniversary celebration in CDO

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Shopping, Society

When my family and I built a new house last year, our contractor only went to one place for all the construction materials, fixtures, tiles and floor covers, electricals etc - CitiHardware. Citihardware is a depot-type of retail outlet and it carries everything that you need for the home. Truth be told, I myself like going to a Citihardware branch even if I don't really need anything immediately. Because believe me, I can and I will find something that I'd end up realizing that I actually need at home! With over 35 stores all across the Philippines, the nearest Citihardware branch isn't difficult to find. And with those many stores across the Philippines, it sure is the fastest growing hardware chain in the country. In Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, alone Citihardware now has 3 br...

Nov212011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

SM Christmas Centerpiece Light Up Ceremony

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update

Along with several CDO Bloggers, I witnessed the launch of the SM ChriSMs campaign and the SM Christmas Centerpiece Light Up Ceremony at SM Cagayan de Oro City last November 12, 2011. This CDO event served as the official launch of the Christmas season in all SM Supermalls around the country. Top regional and local SM officials were on hand to grace the event. Bossa nova singer Sitti Navarro and Mr. Christmas himself - Santa Claus! - were also there. Right after the light up ceremony, a lot of families had their photos taken at the SM CDO centerpiece. I was able to take a video using my trusty Flip mino: Here are some photos during the SM CDO Christmas Light Up Ceremony:

Nov212011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees invites you all to the biggest concert on February 2012

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Style

Well, Mindanaoan.com already gave the exclusive, final confirmation a few days ago about the a1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, Blue Live in Manila, Philippines concert on February 25, 2012, 8 PM at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines. Here's another really exciting update about what a lot are already calling an absolutely amazing gathering of some of the hottest, most talented men in music industry! Here's the gorgeous Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees inviting you all to the a1 Jeff Timmons Blue Live In Manila concert! Check out this very special invitation for all of his fans and of course, for all of the a1 and Blue fans as well! Tickets to this concert go on sale starting November 26, 2011! This is definitely one Manila concert you should not dare miss! Read mor...

Nov212011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Borgy Manotoc and his super sweet and cute video message for me!

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Food, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society, Style, Videos

Borgy Manotoc came and went but this tall and gorgeous human specimen left a super sweet and cute video message for me and my Mindanaoan.com readers! Believe me, it's really *kilig to the bones* :D As always, I will share photos and kuwentos about Borgy Manotoc's bar tour for BenMore Scotch Whisky last Friday (seriously, who knew I'd be BAR HOPPING WITH BORGY MANOTOC?!) but for now, allow me to share this sweet video message from Borgy Manotoc for me and for all of you! Just in case you don't know, Borgy Manotoc or Fernando Martin Marcos Manotoc is a model, endorser, blogger (although he told me he's not a "natural blogger"), photography enthusiast and entrepreneur. He has starred in various ad campaigns for Bench, Swatch, Blue Soda, Fila and of course BenMore Scotch Whisky. Borgy Ma...

Nov172011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Coffee Dream SM Cagayan de Oro is coffee heaven

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Consumer, Davao City, Features, Food, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

I love coffee and I like staying in coffee shops. In Cebu, one of my favorite coffee shops is Coffee Dream. I often stay at their Ayala Cebu branch - the one at the 4th floor -, at their SM Cebu branch - the one within the old mall, fronting VECO - and during recent Cebu City visits, their booth at the Traveler's Lounge, also located at SM. While I know that they have branches in Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and General Santos City), it's just unfortunate that I've never had the chance to visit one. Until a few days ago. Through the kindness and generosity of Sir Glenn and Miss Anna of Coffee Dream, I was able to visit Coffee Dream SM Cagayan de Oro. In fact, I was even able to bring along several blogger-friends, too! We visited the SM CDO branch of Coffee Dream on a Sa...

Nov172011 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Mindanaoan is nominated to the Philippine Blog Awards – Mindanao 2011

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

I have absolutely exciting news! This humble blog, www.Mindanaoan.com, has been nominated to the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards - Mindanao! :D I am really thankful for this nomination! Thank you very much to all of my readers, subscribers, supporters, sponsors and of course to the Philippine Blog Awards for recognizing my efforts :) Daghang salamat! If you guys remember, Mindanaoan.com bagged the Best Lifestyle Blog for Mindanao award last year during the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards :) A lot of people sent in their congratulatory messages at the time including Senator Kiko Pangilinan :) Unfortunately, I was not able to accept my award in person. Let's see if I get lucky this year ;) By the way, because of my nomination to the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards for Mindanao, I now have an invit...

Nov172011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Borgy Manotoc to grace BenMore Scotch Whisky launch in CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

Finally, the BenMore Scotch Whisky bar tour is heading down south to Northern Mindanao! Along with its very handsome, smart and sexy brand ambassador Borgy Manotoc, BenMore Scotch Whisky will be formally introduced in Cagayan de Oro, Northern Mindanao, Philippines tomorrow, Friday, November 18, 2011. After the Manila and Cebu legs, Global Noble International Corp., the distributors of BenMore Scotch Whisky, will bring Borgy Manotoc to CDO for this BenMore bar tour. I've heard a lot of great feedback about this scotch whisky. For only about Php 380.00 (less than US $10), you can enjoy BenMore scotch whisky straight up, on the rocks or paired with cola, soda or iced tea. A lot of my friends swear the iced tea and BenMore Scotch Whisky pair tastes really good so I think I have to try th...

Nov152011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Review: Grilled steak and other dishes at Roadhouse Cafe

Bukidnon, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Religion, Reviews

A few days ago,I accompanied a congressman-friend of mine as he made the rounds around his jurisdiction. It has been quite a while since I've done that --- you know, accompany a politician as he attends events, speak to his constituents, deliver speeches, meet key people etc. I sort of miss it, truth be told. But I digress. What I want to share with you all today are some food shots I took and a small review about Roadhouse Cafe. Forgive the lousy texture of the photos as I merely used a digital camera for these. As you guys know, I'm more comfortable sharing food photos taken with my trusty DSLR. Anyways, Roadhouse Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants in Mindanao. My favorite dishes in Roadhouse Cafe include their baby back ribs and their pumpkin soup. I even wrote a review about ...

Nov132011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Watch Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 free livestreaming online

Advocacy, Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Cotabato, Entertainment, Events, Features, General Santos City, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, Sports

Pacquiao vs Marquez. It's finally the much awaited Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 bout! I'm sure that a lot of you out there also want to watch Pacquiao vs Marquez online live streaming in HD. I'm also sure that a lot of you may go to a place that would air the Manny Pacquiao versus Juan Manuel Marquez livestreaming fight free! The Pacquiao versus Marquez 3 fight will be held on November 12, 2011 (November 13 Manila time) at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. I don't know about you but I, along with many other boxing fans, am looking forward to this Pacquiao vs Marquez Live Streaming | Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 Live Streaming . Who doesn't want to watch this Pacquiao - Marquez III fight? WATCH PACQUIAO VS MARQUEZ 3 ONLINE LIVE STREAMING HERE WATCH PACQUIAO VERSUS MARQUEZ ONLINE LIVESTREAM FR...

Nov112011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Presenting the Starbucks Planner 2012 – Philippine edition

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Food

Last year, I was one of the proud owners of a super cool Starbucks Philippines Planner 2011. I loved, loved, loved using it - my Starbucks Planner 2011 went with me almost everywhere! I wrote a lot of ideas, plans, strategies and thoughts on my 2011 Starbucks planner. I even shared a lot of my hopes and dreams in that planner --- and thankfully, a lot came true! So you could just imagine how happy I was to know that the Starbucks Planner 2012 was finally out! Instead of the usual 3 designs, though, Starbucks Philippines has released 5 really pretty designs this year. The Starbucks Planner 2012 - Philippine edition comes in 5 wooden finishes namely Poplar, Bamboo, Cherry, Spruce, and Oak. Each Starbucks 2012 Planner also comes with a free sleeve, a bookmark and 9 different coupons tha...

Nov112011 by Mindanaoan Irene16 Comments

EXCLUSIVE! Confirmed: A1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, Blue Live in Manila February 2012

Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Consumer, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Society

A1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, Blue Live in Manila, Philippines. IT'S CONFIRMED. Mindanaoan.com just got FINAL confirmation from the promoters themselves that the A1, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, Blue Live in Manila, Philippines concert on February 25, 2012 at the Araneta Coliseum is a GO. I don't know about you but this A1, Jeff Timmons, Blue concert in Manila is probably the biggest, grandest and most awaited gathering of some of the hottest men in music industry! Just check out the photos of A1, Blue and Jeff Timmons below and you'll know what I mean :) This is definitely one Manila concert you should not dare miss! A1, which still has a very huge following in Asia, is a popular British-Norwegian band. A1, which is composed of Mark Read, Ben Adams and Christian Ingebrigtsen, is...

Nov102011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At the beach with the CDO Bloggers – happy 3rd anniversary guys!

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Resorts, Society, Technology

Happy 3rd anniversary to the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers or CDO Bloggers! I've been blessed to have met really great friends through this bloggers group so of course I had to celebrate their big 3rd birthday with them :) Okay, technically I'm not from CDO so technically I'm not supposed to be a part of the group but I'm an "honorary" member and the group members love me so there :P Seriously, I feel very comfortable spending time with this group because I learn a lot from them. I also absolutely love the fact that there's hardly any CDO Bloggers gathering that's not laced with a ton of laughter! These guys are, hands down, truly cool :) So cheers to you CDO Bloggers! Thank you for the fun times! Here's to more years of fun, fab friendship! A bongga jump shot to commemorate the big ...

Nov102011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I’m joining Blogfest SOCCSKSARGEN 2011

Announcements, Blogging, Events, General Santos City, Internet, Koronadal, Make Money Online, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Technology

I'm joining the largest gathering of bloggers, online media and social networking enthusiasts in Southern Philippines! I'm pretty excited to join Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 or Sox Blogfest on November 26, 2011 in General Santos City. Who wouldn't look forward to this event when you have this stellar line-up of speakers? By the way, I'm dying to finally meet Manolo Quezon III! Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 will also feature the awards night of the Philippine Blog Awards - Mindanao category. If you remember, Mindanaoan.com won as Best Lifestyle Blog last year :) I also look forward to visiting Sarangani the next day in time for the 2011 Munato Festival. I hope to capture great photos there! Anyone else coming to Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 / Sox Blogfest?

Nov92011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

The sweet surprise

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

I love, love, LOVE chocolates, pastries, sweets and cakes. I have a major, certified sweet tooth. I think I can't last an entire week without eating anything sweet - in fact, I just ate an entire pack of meringue before writing this post! (IKR) So I make it a point to either stock up on sweets or I regularly buy from friends or from my favorite pastry shops. Right before my Public Relations and Blogging speaking engagement in Cagayan de Oro City a few days ago, I chanced upon food photos taken by a fellow blogger, Shailini. She also happens to be an amazing cook/baker! I was practically drooling over these: I think I left comments on most of the photos she posted (I think I wanted to order everything!). Anyways, fast forward after my speaking engagement, you could just imag...