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

Jul112010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Winning several bucks with PCSO Scratch It!

Consumer, Contests, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

I've always had this belief that I'm a bit lucky with numbers. Not spectacularly lucky...just A BIT lucky. The kind where my winnings can help me buy a pair of shoes or a plane ticket or treat my entire family to a sumptuous dinner. Today, I tried my luck with the PCSO Scratch It! Instant Panalo game cards. These are the ones that are usually sold at a LOTTO outlet. I accompanied someone who placed her LOTTO bets at noon today. Well, because I didn't know how to play LOTTO and didn't want to just stand in a corner and be idle, I bought two Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Scratch Cards. Lo and behold --- my lucky stars shone brightly today! (more…)

Jul102010 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Meet my new toy!

Blogging, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Technology

About three weeks ago, I became a convert. A from-Windows-to-Mac convert, that is. Yes, people, this blogger in Mindanao finally made the big switch from using Windows to Mac! And so --- meet my new toy --- a spanking brand new Macbook :) Buying a Macbook wasn't an easy decision to make, mind you. Apart from the fact that learning how to use the new (and absolutely pretty white laptop - yes, I'm gushing :P) and the Mac OS would take a bit of time (yes, I can be lazy), Macs aren't exactly cheap. Macbook prices are nearly double the price of a Windows laptop. That's why I canvassed for a few days and thanks to my Twitter and Plurk friends, I got great leads as to where you can buy cheap Macbooks in the Philippines. I will share how I got a pretty good deal with my newest purchase in ...

Jul102010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the Chooks to Go VIP Membership Club for FREE

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update

Want a FREE Chooks to Go t-shirt? Then join the Chooks to Go VIP Membership Club FOR FREE! Chooks to Go, which uses Bounty Fresh chicken, has recently launched its membership club and loyal members can get freebies and access to special events and promos. With over 700 stores all over the Philippines including a whole lot here in Mindanao, it will be easy for you to pile up points and get those freebies! Chooks to Go sells oven-roasted chicken, liempo, chicken hotdog, chicken nuggets and corned chicken. Bounty Fresh's newest endorser is none other than world-class singer Lea Salonga. Check out their newest ad: (more…)

Jul92010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Casting call for the Angat Sa Sining 3rd Cultural Season

Announcements, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Entertainment, Features

The Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts has just announced the audition date for the Angat sa Sining 3rd Cultural Season launching showcase and music video. Interested male and female models, singers and hosts must be at the Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) Little Theater on July 11, 2010. More details below. Check out the poster for the Angat Sa Sining casting call: (more…)

Jul92010 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

Mindanao food: Malunggay pastel! Sweet, healthy twist to Camiguin’s delicacy

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Features, Food

Did you know that malunggay contains more vitamin A than carrots, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more vitamin C than oranges and more potassium than bananas? That's the premise of Malunggay Pastel Bread, which started as a product for a feasibility study for Xavier University students but now looks like a thriving, successful business venture. Malunggay pastel is a healthy twist to the ordinary pastel bread, largely known as Camiguin's delicacy. If you want to order your malunggay pastel bread, check the poster after the jump. You can also call Steffi Dalman, one of the business owners of Malunggay Pastel Bread. Her number's at the bottom part of the poster after the jump! (more…)

Jul72010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanao event alert: 1/8 mile night drag race in Davao City

Announcements, Contests, Davao City, Events

Hey race car fanatics! Here's an event in Davao City, Mindanao that may interest you guys. All drag racers and car enthusiasts are invited to the "2nd Speed City 1/8 Mile Night Drag Race” drag racing event. This will be held on July 31, 2010 (Saturday) at Speed City, River Front Drive, Corporate City, Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City on July 31, 2010. More details after the jump! (more…)

Jul32010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

One-day seminar/workshop on Managing a Family-Owned Business

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

Family owned businesses account for more than 60% of all businesses in the world and it has been the backbone of the world economy. One, if not the most important factor that determines the success of family businesses is the ability of the family members to create a balance between a happy, united family and a well-run family enterprise. However, the question remains: how do you attain harmony and growth while managing a family-owned business? The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) Cagayan de Oro East Chapter is pleased to invite to you to a one-day seminar/workshop on: “Managing a Family-Owned Business: Attaining Harmony and Growth by Balancing Family and Business”. This seminar is designed to help you attain an effective and amicable family enterprise...

Jul22010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Citihardware to open 3rd branch in Cagayan de Oro City

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society

Well, I guess this only goes to show that Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, dubbed the City of Golden Friendship, is really booming and fast becoming "a force to reckon with" in terms of trade and industry. CitiHardware, arguably the largest and fastest growing hardware chain in the country, will open its third branch in CDO. According to a top CitiHardware official, the Cugman branch is currently in its early stages of construction. Citihardware's two existing branches in Cagayan de Oro are located at Bulua and Gusa. If you guys recall, Mindanaoan was hired to handle shared event coordination services during the grand opening of the CitiHardware Bulua branch. As co-event organizer, Mindanaoan was in charge of providing professional lights and sounds, a female professional host, a band ...

Jul22010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Spruce CDO celebrates 5th anniversary, announces sale

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Style

One of Mindanaoan's favorite specialty and boutique shops in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao will celebrate its 5th anniversary in a few days and they've announced a much-awaited SALE! Spruce Designer Network, Inc., which operates Spruce Boutique and All Flipflops, will hold a 5-day sale starting July 14 to 18, 2010. Yep, it's their way of thanking their loyal customers all throughout Northern Mindanao! Spruce Cagayan de Oro, located at the 2nd floor of Limketkai Mall, is the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in Northern Mindanao. Spruce also carries the following brands: Aranaz, Lacoste, Charcoal, Puma, Cole Vintage and Happy Feet. (more…)

Jun302010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Inaugural speech of Noynoy Aquino – English translation

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

Here is the English translation of the inaugural speech of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. The original, Filipino version can be found HERE. My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation. I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen. My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its ful...

Jun302010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Inaugural speech of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III | Full text inaugural speech of Noynoy Aquino

Announcements, Blogging, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics

Thanks to the Noynoy Aquino Media Bureau, this blogger from Mindanao got a hold of the full text of the inaugural speech of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. This inaugural speech was delivered largely in Filipino and was delivered by Noynoy himself today, June 30, 2010, during the inauguration rites held at Quirino Grandstand, Manila, Philippines. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is the Philippines' newest President. The new vice president is Jejomar "Jojo" Binay. If you missed the inauguration rites today, here's a copy of the inaugural speech of Noynoy Aquino (full text). The English translation of Aquino's inaugural speech can be found HERE. His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and membe...

Jun292010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Start saving up! Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 is coming your way soon

Announcements, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

Woohoo! I'm absolutely thrilled :) After the huge success of the Make Your Own Havaianas 2009 event, this year's MYOH 2010 event is right around the corner! The Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 event for Northern Mindanao will be held on August 13 to 15, 2010 at the Rotunda area of Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. And guess what? This year marks the 5th year of chic and colorful customization brought to all of us by Havaianas Philippines! This blogger in Mindanao cannot wait to get her hands on my brand new pair! I had so much fun during my first ever Make Your Own Havaianas experience and just like I said, that experience was only the beginning of a long "friendship" with my very own Havs :) So start saving up, Havaianaticos! And see you on August! Special thanks to Spruce De...

Jun282010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

A Mindanaoan blog worth checking out – Ganda Ever So Much!

Advocacy, Blogging, General Santos City, Humor, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, SoSCksargen

One of the things that this blogger in Mindanao loves about blogging is the fact that I get to meet other people who are as passionate about writing and sharing stuff as I am. Through blogs and activities related to blogging such as blog camps, bloggers day, bloggers summits, and online media briefings, I get to meet not only virtual friends but interesting people and friends in real life. Take the case of a fellow Mindanaoan named Orman who's behind a Mindanaoan blog that's worth checking out - GandaEverSoMuch.com! I first learned about Ganda Ever So Much through Avel, the man behind the award-winning Bariles Republic. Avel and Orman are brothers. I've been visiting Bariles Republic/GenSantos.com a few times before and I've been noticing Orman's name. He didn't have a blog then but ...

Jun282010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

T’nalak Festival 2010 Schedule of Activities | South Cotabato’s 44th Foundation Day

Announcements, Culture, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

Koronadal's yearly T'nalak Festival is here once again. For tourists and local Mindanaoans who want to witness this colorful festival, check out the Tinalak Festival 2010 Schedule of Activities below. The theme for T'nalak 2010 is “One Dynamic People; One Vibrant Spirit." T'nalak Festival is celebrated in South Cotabato, Mindanao. Incidentally, this year also marks the 44th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato. DATE JULY TIME EVENT VENUE (within Koronadal City) 13 Tuesday 4:00 PM Interfaith Thanksgiving Services South Cotabato Gym 6:00 PM Releasing of Flying Lanterns So.Cot Sports Complex 6:30 PM Ceremonial Opening: * Regional Trade Expo 2010 Protech Center * Agri Fair 2010 Rizal Park 14 Wednesday 7:...

Jun262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Stylistas 2010 go-see

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Style

Are you a fashionista? Are you a model? Or do you at least aspire to walk down the ramp? A go-see for models / Stylistas 2010 interested participants will be held on July 11, 2010, 2PM at the SM Cagayan de Oro Atrium. The search will be in line with the upcoming Stylistas fashion show. The Stylistas 2010 fashion show will be held on July 18, 2010. If you're 16 to 24 years old, have a fun personality and a unique fashion sense, then check out this poster: Good luck, Mindanaoan!

Jun252010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ampatuan massacre witness killed

Broadcasting, Commentary, Controversial, Crime, Maguindanao, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

Suwaid Upham a.k.a. "Jessie" was shot dead recently. Not only should family and friends of the victims of the Ampatuan massacre be concerned...we Mindanaoans...nay, FILIPINOS...must also be very concerned. We must awfully, most profoundly be worried. Suwaid Upham was a very vital witness to the November 23, 2009 Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre which claimed 58 lives. The same massacre that rocked the entire nation especially since thirty two of the victims were Mindanaoan journalists - who all went in good faith, who all just did their jobs...who all did not have any clue that it would be their last day on earth. That massacre left all of us dumbfounded.Who knew that a beast so heartless, who killed women and innocent journalists, lived in Mindanao? On the other hand, the gruesome...

Jun232010 by Mindanaoan Irene11 Comments

Winners of the FREE Mindanaoan.com keychains!

Announcements, Contests, Freebies

First of all, this blogger in Mindanao would like to wholeheartedly thank each and every one of my loyal readers and subscribers - thank you so much for following this humble blog about Mindanao and about life, culture, news and events and...well...just about anything that I personally think Mindanaoans and Filipinos in general would be interested in. Just recently, I announced that I will be giving away several Mindanaoan.com keychains. These very simple but useful freebies will signal the start of a series of giveaways here in Mindanaoan.com. This blog's second anniversary is coming up real soon and since I failed to celebrate my first blog anniversary with a big bang (blame it on the elections, new clients, lack of sleep, campaign preps and a lot more! Yikes), I intend to celebrate t...

Jun232010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Watching GMA 7 longtime running show Eat Bulaga live in the studio

Arts, Broadcasting, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Photos, Society

Whenever this blogger from Mindanao is in Manila, I always see to it that apart from the usual shopping and lakwatsa, I also look for other "extraordinary" things that I can probably do. Just like my recent visit to the KB Studios in Marikina to watch TV5's Sunday variety show, "P.O.5." where I got to see not only my friend and fellow Dabawenyo Jay Durias of Southborder (who happens to be the show's musical director) but also Lucy Torres-Gomez, John Estrada and my crush Kean Cipriano of Callalily in the flesh. I also attended my first ever movie bloggers event in Manila plus I got to watch the much-talked about Presidentiables Gut Talent comedy show of master impersonator Willie Nepomuceno. And because my mom was also in town, we decided to watch another noontime show live inside the st...

Jun222010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Events in Mindanao: Yaman Gensan 2010

Announcements, Business, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Technology

Are you a Mindanaoan businessman or an aspiring entrepreneur? Here's your chance to learn more on how to start a business in Mindanao and get to meet other entrepreneurs and perhaps strike a deal or two! Gear up for Yaman Gensan 2010! The annual Yaman Gensan will run from June 23, 2010 to July 22, 2010 in General Santos City, Mindanao. With the theme "Trabaho...Negosyo...Asenso," Yaman Gensan 2010 aims to encourage entrepreneurship and to provide a platform for existing and would-be businessmen not only from SOCSKSARGEN but all around Mindanao to discuss issues and concerns that may affect their industries. Check out the Yaman Gensan 2010 poster below: The Yaman General Santos 2010 event will again feature an Entrepreneurs' Forum, a Franchise Expo, a Jobs Fair plus trade fair ...

Jun212010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Pearl Farm Resort Davao City tempting offer!

Announcements, Business, Davao City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is one of the premiere tourist destinations in my hometown Davao City, Mindanao. Now managed by Fuego Hotels, Pearl Farm Davao City brings back so many memories and I cannot wait to go back. Luckily, this Mindanao blogger found this Island Escapades promo flyer. Apparently, Pearl Farm Beach Resort Davao has a great offer from June 1 to September 30, 2010 for local residents and expatriates! Check out these discounted rates: (more…)

Jun172010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kim Atienza becomes Philippine Eagle Champion

Advocacy, Announcements, Broadcasting, Davao City, Features, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society

Great news from Davao City, Mindanao! Look who's the newest champion of the Philippine Eagle! It's none other than Kim Atienza, the son of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and host of educational program "Matanglawin" (aired via ABS CBN Channel 2). The Philippine Eagle Foundation, with head offices in my hometown Davao City, recently announced that Kim Atienza is the newest champion of the endangered national bird. Quite fitting, actually, since Atienza is an environmentalist, an animal lover and of course, the host of "Matanglawin." Kim Atienza is also the "weather dude" in primetime newscast TV Patrol and early morning show Umagang Kay Ganda. Atienza was recently in Davao City to attend the Agila Gala program, where he was installed as the newest champion of the beloved Phili...

Jun172010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Going on a zipline adventure? Here’s a guide on what to bring and wear

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports

Zipline parks are now mushrooming all over Mindanao (and the rest of the country). Truth be told, a zipline is now also fast becoming part of the norm for adventure or extreme sports parks. In Mindanao alone, we have Asia's longest dual cable zipline and the longest speed zipline in Asia. The longest dual cable zipline in Asia is found in Bukidnon while the longest speed zipline in Asia is in Davao City. This blogger in Mindanao has personally tried both ziplines and in an effort to help other thrill seekers, I'm sharing a simple guide on what to wear and what to bring if you choose to have a zipline adventure real soon. But first - allow me to share with you again this checklist that I found over at Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone - the home of the longest dual cable zipline in ...