Blog - Page 27 of 92 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec92015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

EXODUS anime show now airing on Animax

Exodus anime series is now airing on Animax Asia, the premium cable television network dedicated to bringing you the best anime shows straight from Japan! Peace has finally returned to the island of Tatsumiyajima where the battles occurred. However, how long will this peace last? Amidst the uncertainly, there is the existence of two special girls, one who can understand the Festum and the other who is protected by the Festum. When the two girls cross paths, a new world is about to unfold. Exodus started airing last December 8, 2015. Catch 2 episodes back to back at 10:00pm Mondays-Tuesdays. First and exclusive on Animax. Animax is seen on SKYCable Channel 46, Cignal Digital TV Channel 34 and Dream Channel 7. Photo courtesy of Animax Asia.

Dec92015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Where To Stay In Tokyo #Japan : Oak Hostel Cabin #travel

Hotels, Japan, Kyoto, Mindanaoan Update, Osaka, Tokyo, Travel

For many travelers like myself, Japan can be quite an expensive place to visit. However, this does not mean that there aren't any ways for us to save especially on accommodations. There are actually many cheap hotels in Japan that you can choose from. You can stay in a stylish place that has a comfortable lounge, a popular budget hotel just 3 minutes away from Shinjuku or if you're feeling a little bit adventurous just like me and my brothers, you may want to stay in a capsule room in Tokyo! Located just 7 minutes away from Suitengumae Subway Station (Hanzomon Line) and in the Chuo-ku area, Oak Hostel Cabin is a good choice if you're looking for a place to stay in Tokyo, Japan. Fairly new, Oak Hostel Cabin Tokyo offers dormitories (male, female, mixed) that have capsule style rooms. Oak...

Dec62015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cheap Way To Travel From Narita To Tokyo

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel

Yes, it's true. Japan is truly an expensive city BUT if you know where to look and how to follow instructions and, more especially, if you have cool travel aficionado friends who generously share tips, then you can certainly still travel to Japan on the cheap. I got this very helpful Japan travel tip from Paula Peralejo! This is for those who want to save on transportation from Narita Airport to Tokyo (and vice versa). A little backgrounder first. While Narita Airport isn't the only airport near Tokyo (there's also Haneda Airport), it's usually where most international flights are serviced. Narita is about an hour away from Tokyo proper so unless you want to stay near the airport for some reason, DO NOT book hotels near Narita. I just had to say that since I've noticed that the hotel...

Dec42015 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

How to apply for Japan visa in the Philippines

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Travel

When I started preparing documents for my Japan tourist visa, I somehow knew what to expect. In fact, the process was pretty similar to getting my tourist visa to Korea except for one major difference, which you'll find out later :) Anyway, here's how to apply for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines: A Japanese visa is technically FREE of charge. However, the Japanese embassy ONLY entertains visa applications coursed through accredited travel agencies. Since my brothers and I flew from Cebu to Narita, we applied through one of the Japanese embassy's accredited agencies in Cebu. Do note that while there is a Japanese embassy in Cebu, it's only for diplomats. All visa applications will still be processed in Manila. For our agency, we chose Friendship Tours Cebu. My brother, ...

Dec32015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Back from Japan!

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Travel

I'm back home from a much-needed vacation to Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. I'm still on a natural high, after having spent one glorious week there! I visited three major places in Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. It was an all DIY, budget trip. And, yes, I'll share budget Japan travel tips for y'all! I had a really nice experience in Japan. It was the peak of the Koyo Season (when the colors of the leaves change). Technically, the weather was supposed to be autumn but let me tell you - my brothers and I froze our a**es off! Admittedly, we were underdressed and totally unprepared for WINTER! Yikes OMG. Climate change, hello, is that you? Thankfully, I managed to bring my trusty Gap scarf (a gift from Divine Lee), two H&M sweaters, a knitted wool hat (which I wore in the US)...

Dec12015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ladybag Centrio CDO: For the love of bags

Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Style

What is it with women and their love for bags? Trust me, I’ve heard that question a million times over and to this day, I still don’t have the proper answer. I’m a so-called “late bloomer” in terms of loving fashion, makeup, bags and shoes, you see. I do have several theories, though: the smell and feel of brand new bags cheer a woman’s insides up (like the line in a Friends’ episode: “I think my uterus just skipped a beat!”), bags are little treats for various personal achievements and, let’s face it, women like to “compete” with one another and the bags they carry can say a lot about them, their stories, their goals and their flair for fashion and style. Perhaps my theories are the same ones that Ladybag believes in. Ladybag is the newest store at Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro that cate...

Nov102015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

ZIYA For Easy Breezy Dressing

Mindanaoan Update

As a frequent traveler, I need clothes that do not only highlight my personal sense of style but also those that are also affordable, easy to wear, easy to pack and easy to clean. This is why I prefer resort wear clothes. Also called “easywear,” resort wear clothes are generally made from materials that are breathable and lightweight. Clothes that are made of soft, wrinkle-free fabric (so you can easily roll them and place inside your suitcase), that have pretty styles, colors and designs and that are casual yet very fashionable. These are the very reasons why I just love Ziya. Derived from the Arabic word meaning “splendor, glow, light,” Ziya is a chain of boutiques in the Philippines that aims to cater to the global woman who is proud of her distinct personal style. I’ve been a ...

Nov102015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SMART iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus offers

Technology

Smart Communications has announced its plans for the much anticipated iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, the most advanced iPhones ever, with super-sized data offers and awesome perks aimed at giving you the Smart Life experience. As a special offer from November 6 until December 31, you can get the iPhone 6s FREE on Plan 2000 under a 30-month contract, inclusive of a super-sized 10GB data allowance for all your videos, music and games; plus All-Month Surf, which gives you access to all your favorite websites and apps like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and chat apps like Viber, Whatsapp, Line and Messenger, among many others, throughout the 30-month period. As part of the limited offer, you can also get the iPhone 6s Plus FREE on Plan 2499 under a 30-month term, inclusive of super-size...

Nov42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From Me To You: Get FREE Php 939 Airbnb credit

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Society, Travel

Traveling but don't want to spend too much on hotels? Want to stay in condos, hostels, inns or even rooms for rent? Want to experience first-hand hospitality from homeowners themselves? Airbnb can address that! Airbnb is a website for people to list, find, and rent lodging. It has over 1,500,000 listings in 34,000 cities and 190+ countries. And, yes, there are numerous listings in the Philippines! In fact, I found interesting listings - from a cabin in the woods to a fully furnished studio right in the middle of a bustling city to a family-friendly place complete with pool! Are you ready to experience Airbnb? If you are, I have great news for you! Mindanaoan.com wants to give you FREE Php 939.00 (roughly US $23.00) Airbnb credit! What is Airbnb credit? You can use this to book ...

Nov42015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

5 Ways To Avoid Being A Victim Of “Laglag Bala” “Tanim Bala” Scam

Advocacy, Controversial, Crime, Flights, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

The horror that is the “tanim bala” (bullet planting) or “laglag bala” scam. If you're a frequent traveler like I am, I'm sure you are either worried or angry - or even both! This airport scam in the Philippines surely is a controversial one. "Laglag bala" or "tanim bala" is where innocent travelers fall prey to members of alleged syndicates who “drop” live ammunition in luggage and as a result, either miss their flights or get extorted for huge amounts of money. Take the case of the 60 year old engineer who flew from Manila to Davao. He was found in possession of two bullets at the Davao International Airport. Like most of the victims, he said he did not know how the bullets got into his bags but he was charged for illegal possession of ammunition nonetheless. He was only released when...

Nov22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com shortlisted in 2015 Globe Media Excellence Awards

Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Technology

A total of 58 entries were shortlisted for various categories of the Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA), the most anticipated premier award-giving body that gives recognition to excellence in journalism in Mindanao. The premier award-giving body which recognizes excellence in journalism from the best breed of scribes in Visayas and Mindanao, the awards gives recognition to print, broadcast, and digital media practitioners who have excelled in their respective fields. Awards night for the GMEA Mindanao leg will be held on November 17. “The number of entries that we received this year is a testament to the commitment of media practitioners to provide exemplary reporting in their respective fields given the vital role of the press in effecting positive societal transformation and nati...

Oct302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Reconnected with ASEAN astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor

Features, Headline, Malaysia, Musings, Personal, Personalities

I'm too excited not to share this! Four years ago, I met Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a Malaysian and the first ever ASEAN astronaut. I met him through the former Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad, and his lovely wife, Dato Zainab Kader. Apart from being the first ever ASEAN cosmonaut (he was selected from a whopping 11,435 candidates!), Dato Sheikh is also an orthopaedic surgeon, motivational speaker, model, endorser (yes, he is THAT amazing) and proud family man. (Yes, yes, I can hear the millions of hearts breaking right now haha) When I first met him, though, he was still single. Do I really need to tell you why tens of thousands of ladies find him charming? Anyway, I just want to share that today, after 4 long years, we finally got reconn...

Oct302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Three Things Every Restaurant Owner Needs to Stand Out

Mindanaoan Update

Few experiences can be as rewarding as a nice meal. Restaurant owners employ a number of tactics to provide a unique and delicious experience. Tim Love, who is a serious presence on Food Network and a tremendous restaurateur, knows what factors are involved in creating the aura and dishes that make a success dining establishment. Passion, service, and food are all important qualities that creep into every restaurant, and all three are required for a location to develop an identity. The goal is to keep customers coming back, and great restaurants can often take on a life of their own by becoming one of the hot spots in any city or town. Passion One big element that sets restaurant owners apart is passion. Customers can easily spot a facility that is simply going through the motions. In ...

Oct282015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LAPIS Para Sa Lumad

Advocacy, Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Music

I am always in awe of Filipino musicians who continue to write meaningful, socially relevant songs. Songs that some may consider "unpopular" but are the very ones that we all need to hear. Songs about human rights, just wages, land reform, proper governance, freedom of speech. Songs that remind us of our responsibilities as citizens. Songs that beseech justice and even anger. I was able to watch some of these talented Filipino musicians - all part of the League of Authors of Public Interest Songs (LAPIS) - as they performed in a show for the benefit of the Lumads (indigenous peoples) in Mindanao. The show, dubbed "LAPIS para sa Lumad," also called for awareness and participation in the fight against the attacks on Lumads and their ancestral domains. Among the performers that night we...

Oct282015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Churros at Mai Crafts Boutique Cafe CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

Ever since my most recent trip to Manila (where I tried the much-talked about churros at La Lola Churreria), I've been having these crazy cravings for churros. Churros are basically fried-dough pastries dusted in icing sugar and served with rich chocolate dips. These choux-based snacks are really delicious and filling, especially when served piping hot, fresh from the fryer. Best to pair it with your favorite hot beverage. In my case, I like pairing it with real good coffee. Anyway, I've been trying to look for churros and lo and behold, I actually had my fill at a craft store. Nope, I'm not kidding. Mai Crafts Boutique Cafe is located along Velez Street, Cagayan de Oro. What used to be a place where you can find imported home furnishings, knick knacks, crafts, dinnerware, tea cups a...

Oct162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Kaamulan Festival 2015 at Grandstand Malaybalay Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel

I went to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon a few days ago to see the preparations being done in time for the Kaamulan Festival 2015. The Kaamulan is a yearly gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes and the said festival is the biggest and most-awaited in the province. Now, I've been an observer of the Kaamulan Festival for several years now. In fact, there were many instances when I was tasked to handle and cover big, important events. So you could just imagine my disappointment when I saw for myself this year's preparations. The biggest change? The transfer of the bulk of the activities from the Capitol Grounds to the Grandstand area in Malaybalay. For those unfamiliar with the area - the Grandstand is located in an inner location. The soil at that area gets really soft and muddy when it rains....

Oct152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Migz Zubiri to run for Senate anew, as Poe-Chiz guest candidate

Bukidnon, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Former 3-consecutive term Bukidnon 3rd District Congressman and Senator for 4 years Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator as an independent earlier today, Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at the Commission on Elections main office. He was accompanied by his wife, newspaper lifestyle columnist Audrey Tan-Zubiri. Zubiri, who previously said he was quitting politics, told Mindanaoan.com that he got inspired by his No. 6 ranking in the latest survey of senatorial preferences. In the Sept. 8-14 Pulse Asia Research Inc. survey of senatorial preferences, Zubiri emerged as the sixth most favored by voters. “I’ve been very happy quietly living a private life with Audrey and our three kids, and tending to our small business for more than two years now. ...

Oct142015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 tips to make travels in the Philippines more efficient, relaxed

Blogging, Corporate, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Travel

These days, traveling can be such a pain. Not only do you have to deal with flight delays, monster traffic to and fro the airport and even bungled up hotel bookings, you also need to figure out how you can keep yourself entertained during those long, tiresome waiting periods. Are there ways to make travels in the Philippines a little more relaxed, efficient and productive, you wonder? As a frequent traveler, I've had my fair share of traveling woes. Allow me to share 3 tips, which I personally abide by, on how to make your trips in the Philippines bearable and even fun! Be mindful of what and how you pack I'm not just talking about rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save space (I highly recommend this, by the way) but also learning how to pack as light and as complete...

Oct72015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

6Cyclemind, Banda Ni Kleggy For SMB Kaamulan Festival 2015

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao

Good news for fans of 6Cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy bands. Both acts are set to perform during the San Miguel Beer (SMB) Night of the Kaamulan Festival 2015 in Bukidnon. 6Cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy will perform at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City on October 24, 2015. 6Cyclemind, led by Tutti Caringal (who participated in the first season of "Your Face Sounds Familiar"), is the band behind the hits "Aaminin," "Dadalhin," "Sandalan" and "Sige." Banda Ni Kleggy, on the other hand, is the band behind "Discolamon." San Miguel Beer products will be available at the venue. All products will be sold at SRP. Check out the Kaamulan Festival 2015 schedule of activities here. I've also included some travel tips so I hope you check that out :) Mindanaoan.com will be there...

Oct72015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

4,000 likes on Facebook! Join my simple giveaway

Announcements, Blogging, Freebies, Gifts, Shopping, Technology

Hi, everyone! Just discovered something pretty exciting today! My humble Facebook page has reached 4,000 likes! :) Well, technically, it's nearing 4,100 likes now so I'm really very thrilled! Daghang salamat, thank you very much for the support. Are we Facebook friends yet? If we aren't yet, please do join me here: http://www.facebook.com/mindanaoanblogger Now to celebrate, I'm giving away a couple of items in the next few weeks! :) Let me start with these :) Two winners will receive a PagBAG-o Project tote bag plus two pieces of Chorvita mini notepads by Tahanan Books each. The PagBAG-o Project bags are made by female Typhoon Sendong survivors who now live at Xavier Ecoville. Read more about these bags and how buying them can help the livelihood of many women survivors ...

Oct42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting the new US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs

America, Events, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Society, United States of America

A few days ago, I attended a special event in Manila. It was a reception in honor of the new US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs Carolyn Glassman. The intimate event, which was organized by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States of America, Michael S. Klecheski, gathered select embassy friends from various sectors of society including the media. Truly honored to be invited and to meet Miss Glassman :) Note: Mindanaoan is a proud International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnae. The IVLP is the US State Department's premier professional exchange program for the world's emerging leaders. * Photos courtesy of Miss Noemi. Thank you! :) By the way, a few years ago I also met the then Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs in Cebu. It was quite a...

Oct42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Luxurious Cabin Living Vacations Now Available Online

Mindanaoan Update

For countless numbers of vacationers and travelers, having a place of destination that fulfills the call of the wild, without leaving behind too many modern day amenities, has now become a reality. Where at one time only a person of means could plan their vacation in such a splendid and relaxing surrounding, today, the dream becomes a reality at affordable prices with the most luxurious amenities being offered. Lighting-fast dynamics of the Internet make superior, quality booking web sites, such as the Beavers Bend Broken Bow cabins site, a place to not only get the finest in reservation services, but the best place to actually sit down with a cup of coffee and plan your vacation with comfortable ease. Many of these magnificent camp sites and lodging areas come fully furnished inc...