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

Jun162010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Eyelash extensions now a big hit in the Philippines | My eyelash extensions

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Style

Ever heard of eyelash extensions? These are different from fake eyelashes, mind you. Eyelash extensions add thickness, length and fullness to natural eyelashes. Compared to fake eyelashes, eyelash extensions appear more "natural." The synthetic single fiber polyester thread-like materials are applied lash by lash (compared to fake eyelashes where an entire strip of lashes are glued to one's eyelid) and eyelash extensions are usually semi-permanent. These days, eyelash extension salons are sprouting like mushrooms all over Manila. Although no eyelash extension shop has opened in Mindanao (yet), I bet one will open very soon. So here's the deal...one of the things that I treated myself with during my most recent trip to Manila was...well, you guessed that right...getting eyelash extens...

Jun162010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Movie review: Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan

Arts, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Reviews

I must admit, I initially did not want to watch Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith (Will Smith's son) and Jackie Chan on the big screen. I figured that I wanted to preserve my memories of the original Karate Kid (starring the crush-ng-bayan at the time, Ralph Macchio) and the now infamous "crane kick." I also figured I can always wait for the DVD version and spend my P160.00 (price set for Cinema 2 Digital Theater of SM Megamall) somewhere else. Boy did I think wrong. This newest Karate Kid movie topbilled by Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, is one very heartwarming, fun, believable, wonderfully written, action-filled movie you should not miss. (more…)

Jun132010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan.com Exclusive: Interview with incoming Bukidnon 2nd District Congressman Florencio T. Flores, Jr.

Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Politics

"If there's just one thing that I'm worried about, it's the pressure that will come from the people of Bukidnon." Such was the statement from incoming Bukidnon Second District Congressman Florencio T. Flores, Jr. In an exclusive interview with this writer from Mindanao, Flores, who finished three terms as Malaybalay City Mayor and who recently bagged the coveted Bukidnon 2nd District congressional seat, said that although he doesn't feel pressured at all at the moment, he knows that it will be a "different, most likely interesting" road ahead. "The people in the second district of Bukidnon will have expectations and as much as I want to strive hard to meet those expectations, we know that we can't satisfy all the needs. That is why we need to prioritize," he said. Flores' distr...

Jun82010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanao blogger at TV5’s PO5 (Party on 5)

Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Style

A few weeks ago, this blogger from Mindanao, along with her friends, had the chance to watch the live telecast of PO5 (Party on 5) right inside the studio, thanks to my dear friend Jay Durias of the band South Border. P.O.5 or Party On 5 is TV5's Sunday noontime variety show - their answer to ABS CBN's "ASAP XV" and GMA 7's "Party Pilipinas." The show's hosts include Lucy Torres-Gomez (who's now a congresswoman - not sure if she'll continue her hosting job), John Estrada, Wilma Doesnt, JC de Vera, Alex Gonzaga and Tuesday Vargas. Ryan Agoncillo was still a part of the show when I watched it live from the studio but he later quit in order to attend to wife Judy Ann Santos' pregnancy. Guess who the show's musical director is? Jay, of course! :) (more…)

Jun72010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: Missy Bon Bon breadshop and gelato store

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop is a new breadshop, pastry shop and gelato store in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao. From a humble stall at the 2nd floor of Robinson's Mall CDO, Missy Bonbon now has a second branch - a full, working store along Rosario Drive, Limketkai Mall, CDO. Because this blogger from Mindanao missed the invitation sent out by the owner of Missy Bon Bon for a nice, chillaxin' bloggers day cum breakfast meet-up a few weeks ago , I was all too happy to check their store out as soon as I got back from Manila. I met some fellow bloggers there for an afternoon meeting. I was not disappointed. Well, okay, except for one tiny thing which I'll mention after the jump. In the meantime, check out the delicious array of gelatos (Italian ice cream) found at Missy Bon Bon...

Jun42010 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone Bukidnon zipline – longest dual cable zipline in Asia

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Resorts, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

So, YES, finally! Mindanaoan, her brother and mom finally got to visit Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon - home of ZipZone Bukidnon zipline, reportedly the longest dual cable zipline in all of Asia! We finally managed to visit this Mindanao tourist destination, which is fast becoming a favorite of thrill and adventure seekers, in time for my brother's birthday. Actually, we've been looking forward to trying out this Bukidnon zipline adventure for months but we only had the chance this most recent weekend. Also, quite unfortunately, my two other brothers couldn't come with us so it was just me, my brother and my mom. Nonetheless, my brother and I were so excited to try the much-talked about 840 meter zipline, considered the longest dual cable zipline in Asia. Apart ...

Jun32010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Usher in Manila concert – Mindanaoan desperately needs to watch this!

Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Personal

OH. MY. GOD. THIS IS MAJAH!!! So it's now finally confirmed - Usher Raymond - multi-awarded, super talented, R&B sensation and one of Mindanaoan's crushes since time immemorial - yes, THE Usher will hold a concert in Manila, Philippines! BE STILL, MY HEART!!! The Usher Live in Manila concert will be held at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on July 9, 2010, Friday. Who has the heart of gold out there who can sponsor my airplane fare, hotel and concert tickets? I know it's wishful thinking but who knows? Someone generous (and considerate of this blogger from Mindanao who has held a candle for Usher since time immemorial LOL) might get to read this desperate plea and let me watch Usher live in Manila! OMG just the thought sends excited chills down my spine! *bounces up and do...

May312010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Freebies alert – Giving away Mindanaoan.com keychains!

Announcements, Blogging, Contests, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update

Hello everyone, I'm giving away several Mindanaoan.com keychains :) Simple yet useful keychains for all of the valued readers of my humble blog about Mindanao and life in Mindanao! It's super easy to receive a FREE Mindanaoan.com keychain. All you have to do is SUBSCRIBE TO MINDANAOAN (CLICK, CLICK!) :) Yes, yes, it's THAT easy for you to get this freebie :) After you click the link leading you to the SUBSCRIPTION PAGE, please just leave a valid email address and don't forget to verify your email address by clicking on the URL that will be sent to you via email. Subscribe NOW because I will start shipping these keychains out by June 15, 2010! NOTE: Existing subscribers of Mindanaoan.com need not fret because all of you will also be included in this mini keychain-giveaway thingi...

May312010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan does pre-nup, pre-wedding photography in Manila

Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Weddings

Barely two days before the May 2010 elections, Mindanaoan met up with my brother Bon for a pre-nuptial photo shoot in Manila. The game plan was supposed to be simple - two days for the pre- wedding photoshoot and another two days for another wedding photography gig in Tagaytay. Alas, I had to fly back to Mindanao to exercise my right to suffrage (just a fancy way of saying that I needed to vote :D) plus I also had to monitor the standings of my political client-candidates (as you may or may not know, Mindanaoan is a political publicist. Check here for my other activities) And so, I was only able to serve as second photographer for my brother for a day. Still, I had major fun shooting and assisting my brother, who's a professional wedding photographer in Cagayan de Oro. The theme of t...

May312010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PBB Big Five on a Bench billboard

Beauty, Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society, Style

The members of the Pinoy Big Brother Big Five or PBB Big 5 (two of whom are from Mindanao and are therefore certified Mindanaoans) are part of the Bench family! Bench is a lifestyle store chain owned by the indefatigable Ben Chan. For years, a lot of big named Filipino actors, actresses, singers and other artists have graced various Bench campaigns including Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Kim Chiu, Richard Gutierrez, Georgina Wilson, Enchong Dee, Gerald Anderson, Angelica Panganiban and even F4 star Jerry Yan. And the latest members to be part of the Bench family are Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Tibo Jumalon, Johan Santos and Paul Jake Castillo - collectively known as the PBB Big Five. As we all know, Melai is from General Santos City, Mindanao while Tibo is from Cagayan de ...

May292010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanao job alert: GLOBE Telecoms territory sales head for Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bukidnon

Announcements, Camiguin, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental

Here's another Mindanao job alert for all of you who need a job in Mindanao or for those who want a career change. Globe Telecom, Inc. is in need of a territory sales head for Misamis Oriental, Camiguin and Bukidnon areas. Responsibilities of the territory sales head: * 1. Plan for sales blitzes,secures approval,manages ingress/egress (where required),does pre-work (permits,etc.),recommends and executes sales programs (AUR / DTS / sales activities) * 2. Monitors network (GBB & mobile) – demand investigation,facilities augmentation,quality,DP/DJ plotting,checking of facilities,nomination of wireless cell-sites * 3. Recruits,trains,monitors,motivates and supports i-/TPAs * 4. Manages the daily deployment and field monitoring of i-/TPAs * 5. Monitors call slip reports of...

May282010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Review: The Maxwell Hotel Cebu | Budget hotel Cebu

Business, Consumer, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

The Maxwell Hotel Cebu is located along N. Escario Street, Cebu City, Philippines - a prime location in the Queen City of the South. It's a fairly new hotel in Cebu City and can be considered a Cebu budget hotel. Mindanaoan stayed at the Maxwell Hotel Cebu for two nights during my recent 4-day escapade at Cebu to attend the first ever Cebu Blog Camp 2010. The first two nights were spent at my Cebu City-based brother's apartment. My brother is also a blogger, by the way, and he accompanied me at the Cebu Blog Camp. He blogs about tennis here. Since he often lacked sleep because of the uber warm Cebu weather as of late, I, as the dutiful "ate" (ahem, ahem), decided to check-in at The Maxwell Hotel Cebu and treat him to two days of rest, sleep and an absolutely relaxing massage (more about...

May282010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Gelatissimo in Greenbelt 5

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

Thanks to Manila-based Twitter friend Ryan, this blogger from Mindanao got invited to check out the much-talked about Gelatissimo store in Greenbelt 5, Makati City, Philippines. It was an invitation that I immediately accepted especially because I've heard a lot of good feedback about this gelato shop. By the way, Gelatissimo isn't a homegrown brand. Gelatissimo is an Australian brand and they offer yummy gelato that's made fresh every single day, sundaes, chocolates, traditional Italian biscotti and roasted coffee. For the unitiated, gelato is a low fat, creamy alternative to traditional ice cream. It tastes a bit "warmer" than ice cream but nonetheless equally delish! As expected, I found a packed Gelatissimo Greenbelt 5 branch. Believe me, the photo I took below didn't do justi...

May272010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The first Soccsksargen summer safari | Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Events, Food, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, SoSCksargen, Tourism, Travel

Taking its cue from the very successful Davao Food Appreciation Tour a.k.a. DFAT (which is now on its third round, by the way!), this now famous bloggers-go-on-a-major-food-trip tour has now expanded and has now turned into the Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour (MFAT)! This doesn't mean that DFAT has seen the last of its glory days, though. On the contrary, it has now paved the way for a bigger, larger and definitely more exciting food appreciation tour for bloggers in Mindanao! The first Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour 2010 will be held late this month and will be participated in by Davao Bloggers, CDO Bloggers and SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers. Check out the poster below for some of the generous partners of this most awaited food safari!

May262010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan at the first ever Cebu Blog Camp 2010

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Events, Internet, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Technology

So I'm finally back from a 4-day escapade in Cebu City, the Queen City of the South. The primary reason as to why Mindanaoan was in Cebu was to attend the first ever Cebu Blog Camp 2010. The event, which held the theme "Blogging, Expressions and Opportunities," gathered more than a hundred bloggers from all over the Philippines. The Cebu Blog Camp provided a platform whereby bloggers, IT experts and experienced new media practitioners discussed various issues concerning the blogosphere including online journalism, blogging ethics, marketing yourself as a blogger, blog marketing and earning money online. I learned a lot from the speakers (thanks Hans Koch for the very helpful WP plugins and big thanks to Tonyo Cruz for reminding me why I shifted to online media after 8 long years as a...

May242010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Finally finding No Reservations Anthony Bourdain Cebu lechon – the Zubuchon!

Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Culture, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Society

Apart from attending the Cebu Blog Camp 2010, another reason why I was looking forward to going back to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South, was the fact that I will finally have the chance to try the world-famous Zubuchon - yes, the very same Cebu lechon featured and praised by popular chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of "No Reservations." Ever since Anthony Bourdain featured it in "No Reservations" (one of the very few travel shows that my entire family loves to watch), we agreed to definitely try it once we have the chance to go back to Cebu. As we all know, Cebu lechon is already famous as it is but for a specific Cebu lechon to be featured as the Anthony Bourdain preferred Cebu lechon is another thing. A brief background first for the unitiated - Lechon or fire roas...

May182010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Havaianas Summer Collection 2010 | Get your pair from Spruce CDO

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

For beach lovers like me, summer is our most favorite season! It's the perfect time to not only get that perfect summer tan but also the chance for one to flaunt that distinct summer style. And what better way to show your summer fashion sense than to wear a pair of Havaianas straight from its 2010 summer collection? The Havaianas summer collection 2010 flip flops are among summer fashion's staples. And swimsuits, bikinis, cover-ups and other types of beach wear can never be complete without that pretty pair of Havaianas slippers. For the ultra hot months of April and May, hit the sandy beaches with these perfect pair of Havaianas flip flops. Check out their new designs that will surely complement the sun, sand and sea. Fashion-forward mavens can look forward to a flip-flops collec...

May182010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanao job alert: Baristas, store managers needed for Starbucks Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

And so the much-awaited Starbucks Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao branch is finally a go! In fact, even though they have yet to issue an official press statement or press release about the upcoming Starbucks CDO branch, people have already been taking photos of the proposed site (it's reportedly going to be erected at Limketkai Mall corner Rosario Drive, right across the new Missy Bon Bon gelato store and breadshop, right across McDonald's Limketkai, a few meters away from the newly-finished Gateway Tower 1 and a few meters away from the soon-to-rise 18-storey Limketkai Hotel), talking about it in various online groups and fora and blogging about it! Sabagay, who wouldn't be excited? Starbucks is a popular coffee chain and I'm pretty sure a lot of people will frequent the place a...

May172010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Mindanaoan is attending the Cebu Blog Camp 2010

Blogging, Internet, Make Money Online, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society, Technology, Travel

This blogger from Mindanao is attending the much-awaited Cebu Blog Camp 2010! Yes, folks, I'm off to the Queen City of the South this weekend to join other blogger-friends all over the country. The theme for this year's Cebu Blog Camp is “Blogging, Expressions, and Opportunities" and topics to be discussed include basics of blogging, great sources of content (especially when you're running out of topics to write about!), photoblogging and videoblogging, blogging ethics, blogging in the community and for the community (this is something I can most definitely learn from especially for Bukidnon Online), blog marketing, blogging and citizen's journalism, personal branding through blogging, earning through blogging and many more. (more…)

May122010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Willie Nepomuceno and the “Presidentiables Gut Talent” show

Advocacy, Arts, Blogging, Commentary, Entertainment, Events, Features, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Society, Weird

If there is one thing that I, Mindanaoan, absolutely love to do whenever I'm in Manila then that would be to catch as many comedy shows as I can. I'm not referring to comedy shows on TV or stand-up gigs at comedy bars, mind you. I'm referring to live ones that you get to watch at venues like the Music Museum in Greenhills or at the newer one, Teatrino, at the Promenade (located also at Greenhills). There's just something about live comedy shows that I find so invigorating. Well, obviously, apart from the fact that they do provide a venue for you to escape the daily grind somehow and let you laugh (at least for about two hours), I think comedy shows celebrate the amazing talent Filipino comedians have. Just check out my review on "Da Spooftacular Showdown" featuring Jon Santos, Pokwang, ...

May122010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Apo Hiking Society to hold farewell show in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music

One of the most respected Filipino artist-groups will hold a farewell concert in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao very soon. The APO Hiking Society, composed of Jim Paredes, Buboy Garovillo and Danny Javier, will hold a farewell show in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday, May 21, 2010, 8PM at the Atrium of the Limketkai Center. The concert, dubbed "Daghang Salamat...Paalam nAPO Cagayan de Oro," is their last concert as a group. If you're a fan not only of the APO but of amazing Filipino talent and artistry at its best, then you must not miss this show. The band Peryodiko will be the opening act. Tickets are priced at P2000, 1500, 1000, 700 and 300. This APO Hiking Society farewell concert is for the benefit of the community projects of JCI Kagayhaan Gold. The APO Hiking Society first...

May102010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Two Mindanaoan senatorial candidates get my vote

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Features, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Politics

With just a few hours before May 10, 2010 - the very day the Philippines is set to hold its first ever automated elections - I, Mindanaoan, would like to share to you two choices I've already made. I'm set to vote for these two senatorial candidates and I'm proud to let you know that both of them are from Mindanao. Both Mindanaoans and both I've had the utmost honor to work with. I'm voting for Adel Tamano (#54 on the ballot) and Neric Acosta (#1 on the ballot). Before I delve into the finer details as to why I'm voting for these senatoriables from Mindanao, let me quote something from respected columnist Manolo Quezon III (my idol!): "The job of a senator is not just about legislation, it’s about oversight, with the latter being more relevant and required than the former. The House...