Blog - Page 31 of 92 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr82015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Surfing paradise Siargao Island Surigao – How To Get There

Beauty, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Best known as one of the world's most amazing surfing destinations, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines is also home to some of the country's beautiful beaches, natural salt water pools and abundant marine life. And, as you can see below, it's also where you can catch gorgeous sunsets! Since Siargao Island is where you can find the infamous "Cloud 9," or those thick, high, hollow tubes of surf waves, lots of regular surfing competitions (both local and international ones) are held here. For non-surfers or just mere sun worshippers, there are also a couple of islands near Siargao that have clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and that all-around tropical vibe. You can go island hopping in Siargao just like I did! Here's a quick travel guide on how to g...

Mar312015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Siargao Island Hopping: Guyam, Daku, Naked Islands

Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Siargao Island is a tear drop shaped island located at Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines. Although it has carved quite a name worldwide as a surfing destination, Siargao Island also offers other fun activities for non-surfers. One of these is island hopping. Siargao island hopping is surely a must-do! Off the coast of Poblacion, General Luna (formerly known as Cabuntog), Siargao, there are 3 islands that you can visit - Guyam, Daku and Naked islands. General Luna is at the southern part of the island and is where you can find "Cloud 9" or those thick, high, hollow surfing waves. My family and I started our Siargao island hopping adventure at around 10 in the morning. We were supposed to start early but we thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast and needed time to just relax :D (read:...

Mar282015 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Secret Garden for good Korean food in Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Food, Korea, Reviews

Ever since I first visited Korea, I've fallen madly in love with Korean food. I love how healthy and clean-tasting (i.e. not oily, very flavorful) Korean dishes are. So I'm pretty happy to know that there's a restaurant in Cagayan de Oro that serves good and pretty affordable authentic Korean food. Located along Masterson Avenue, Secret Garden Restaurant is owned and managed by a friendly Korean, who even had a big smile on his face as my friends and I entered the place to have dinner. There were tables and chairs at an open space but there were also smaller, airconditioned rooms. My friends and I opted to stay outside. The huge overhead fan was enough to keep us comfortable. We were served complimentary kimchi, pickled vegetables and spiced tofu. Oh, how I miss kimchi! And how I ...

Mar252015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Breathtaking Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur

Bislig, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Tinuy-An Falls will truly take your breath away. Located in CARAGA, Mindanao, Tinuy-an Falls is dubbed as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines.” Actually, this majestic falls really lives up to its name - it's truly "tuyuonon" (road towards it can be tricky or a bit of a challenge). However, once you see this natural masterpiece, everything will all be worth it, trust me! Entrance fee to the falls is Php 50.00 per person. There are also huts and tables for rent. You would need a life jacket if you want to go beneath the mighty falls. Locals will offer the use of a raft and guide you towards it. In order to reach Tinuy-an Falls, go to Bislig, take a habal-habal from there (Php 400.00 for the entire motorcycle, roundtrip). A habal-habal can take in two passengers. You might also wa...

Mar242015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visit Coffeeworks Malaybalay for coffee dates in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

Coffeeworks, a Cagayan de Oro coffee shop brand, has finally opened its Malaybalay City branch in Bukidnon. Coffeeworks Malaybalay is the newest, latest coffee and pastry shop in the capital of Bukidnon. Located at Mandani Arcade along Fortich Street (just a few meters away from Bukidnon State University, see Google map below), Coffeeworks Malaybalay is home to freshly brewed coffee, smoothies, ice blended drinks, "over ice" drinks, teas and pastries. I'm a regular customer of the Coffeeworks Cagayan de Oro branches at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center and Corrales Avenue (right next to the Xavier University gymnasium) so I'm familiar with their menu. So when I was invited to visit Coffeeworks Malaybalay a day before their formal opening, I just had to order my all-time favorit...

Mar232015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

With Daddy’s Home of X Factor Philippines

Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Malaybalay City, Music, Personalities, Photos

From a breakfast meeting in Cagayan de Oro to several errands here and there to a 3-hour journey to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon just to catch friends - it was all super worth it! Very happy to see Daddy's Home again. This vocal group bagged the 2nd runner-up title during the first run of X Factor Philippines and they performed in one of the Malaybalay City Charter Day 2015 events last March 20, 2015 at Freedom Park. To say that they brought the house down is actually an understatement. The guys really gave their all - it was such a treat to watch them perform live and wow the crowd! I know brothers Ebet and Allan Silonga back when E was still busy with K24/7. Allan - wow, you have to hear this man sing. Ebet - I wasn't used to see him without his guitar but I was pleasantly surpris...

Mar162015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Enchanted River Surigao del Sur travel guide

Caraga, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Surigao, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Yes, the rumors are true. The Enchanted River is truly a breathtaking sight. The Enchanted River, also called the Hinatuan River, is testament to Mother Nature's awesome glory. You can't help but be at a loss for words when you see this majestic river that has crystal clear water and a riverbed that seems to be an abyss. The truly enchanting Hinatuan River is located in Barangay Cambatong, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines. It flows through Hinatuan Bay, which is about half a kilometer away. Interestingly, though, it's not clear if the water at the Enchanted River comes from the sea or if it emanates from a spring. I wonder if there really is a definite answer. Enchanted River is THIS gorgeous. No photo editing needed! Due to the increasing number of Enchanted R...

Mar152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Pele Magdangal Escueta first birthday party

Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was invited to the first birthday party of Pele Iñigo Magdangal Escueta, the firstborn of celebrity couple Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta. I felt truly honored and happy to be there to witness Pele's very special day. It was a Saturday and I left Makati about half an hour before the scheduled start of the party, which was held in Quezon City. Boy, was I really no longer used to Manila traffic! My GrabTaxi ride took me about 50 minutes to reach QC and then when I reached the gate, the guards took about 20 minutes to verify if I was indeed invited :P Good thing I brought the invitation but that still didn't convince the guards haha! I even had to call Rivermaya's manager Raymond to tell him about the situation. It was all cool, though. The cab driver was nice and he was so excited to...

Mar122015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Prepaid’s Explore Race On Challenge In CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

After the successful launch of #WonderfulMindaNOW last year, Globe Prepaid is now giving Mindanaoans more reasons to explore and discover the beauty of Mindanao as it recently conducted the fun-filled "ExploreRACEOn" in Cagayan de Oro City. Using their mobile phones, more than 50 teams comprised of 3 Globe Prepaid customers each took the challenge of exploring the city and sharing what’s wonderful in every corner of CDO real-time via Globe Prepaid’s newest Mindanao-exclusive offer GoCall30Plus. With GoCall30Plus, Ka-Globe Mindanaoans can enjoy unlimited calls to Globe/TM for 3 days plus 30MB of all-day surfing for only P30. ExploreRACEOn participants went on an epic adventure with exciting activities and challenges in 11 interesting pit stops within the city. After hours o...

Mar122015 by Mindanaoan Irene14 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park opens highest base jump tower in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon is at it again! After introducing Asia's longest dual cable zipline, Dahilayan has now opened the Skytower Base Jump, the Philippines' tallest parajump platform. How high is the base jump tower? Oh, just 8 storeys high! Basejumpers will be fitted with safety harnesses and a helmet and will need to walk along a see-thru plank. Then, the moment of truth. Once you jump, you will experience free fall (pretty quick, don't worry), then gradual descent and finally slow landing. All these in less than 10 seconds. Check out these photos taken by Engr. Elpie Paras, the owner of Dahilayan and PARASAT Cable TV: I've tried all of the rides at Dahilayan Adventure Park so I can really say that they're all safe. All of the personnel are also courteous ...

Mar122015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SMART bags 18 citations at 2015 Philippine Quill awards

Announcements, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) took home a total of 18 citations at the recently concluded 2015 Philippine Quill Awards. Smart bagged citations for various marketing, human resources, and corporate social responsibility programs. Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators-Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards recognizes excellence in professional communication. Presented with excellence awards in two categories – advertising campaigns and marketing communication – was the launch campaign for SPINNR. The homegrown music service has influenced the music-listening habits of Filipinos by offering affordable streaming packages for as low as P2.50 per day, on top of free radio, exclusive promos, merchandise, meet-and-greet opportunities, and concert events ...

Mar92015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Re-elected as CDO Bloggers VP for External Affairs

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal

Note: This was published on Mindanao Gold Star Daily newspaper last March 6, 2015 I have just been re-elected as the Vice President for External Affairs of the CDO Bloggers, Inc., a non-profit, SEC-registered group composed of bloggers, online workers and social media practitioners that does not only promote the city and other parts of Northern Mindanao but also the responsible use of the Internet. I’m pretty excited with our group’s upcoming projects including a school tour where we aim to teach kids Internet etiquette, social media activism and online volunteerism as well as blog workshops where attendees can learn how to create their own blogs, draw maximum traffic for their websites and even earn online. And with the elections coming up, we also plan to use our own online mechanisms...

Mar92015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Malaybalay Bukidnon 2015 Charter Day schedule of activities

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism

Hi, everyone! I will be traveling regularly to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon in the next two weeks to cover the city's 17th Charter Day celebration. Malaybalay is the Province of Bukidnon's capital :) With the theme "Commitment and Integrity in Service," the Malaybalay City Charter Day Celebration will start tomorrow, March 9, 2015 although technically the charter day will really be on March 22. A lot of activities have been scheduled. FREE admission to all of the LGU-sponsored events. If you also want to participate in any of the activities, sign up for free at the city hall. For sports-related events, go to the Grandstand in Sumpong. If you're also planning to visit Malaybalay, please feel free to leave a comment and I'll be happy to guide you. I also have a banner below for recommende...

Mar42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tagging Along With The New Rivermaya

Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos, Society

Spent some time with the new Rivermaya during my most recent Manila trip. In case you still can't tell by now, I am a huge supporter of this premier Filipino rock band, considered to this day as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands in the Philippines. I always make it a point to attend their gigs not only because I'm a fan of their music but more importantly, because they're really cool guys to hang out with :) Just look at my Cebu Oktoberfest with Rivermaya photos and you'll most definitely agree! The photos here were taken during the Rivermaya Live at Adamson University and Energy FM gigs - both held in one day. Truth be told, I almost couldn't attend. Both gigs were held in the heart of Manila and I figured it might be difficult to commute. Luckily, Raymond, the ...

Feb282015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At Tim Ho Wan Manila Michelin Star Restaurant

Business, Consumer, Food, Manila, Reviews

So I've finally visited TIM HO WAN Manila! I've been seeing a lot of photos of Tim Ho Wan's Manila restaurants plus their uber popular baked buns with pork BBQ (char siu) filling. At bilang fan na fan ako ng dim sum, I knew I just had to include Tim Ho Wan in my must-visit list next time I'm in Manila. Tim Ho Wan, which originated in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, is recognized as HK's most famous Michelin star restaurant. Actually, Tim Ho Wan is the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant! And you know how it is if a restaurant is awarded a Michelin star. It means you simply have to visit. The Tim Ho Wan Manila franchise, a result of a partnership between Felix Ang of Cats Motors and Ricky Dee of Mesa and Todd English Food Hall, is less than a year old but based on a lot of posts and pho...

Feb262015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At the Senator Chiz Escudero – Heart Evangelista wedding

Arts, Beauty, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics, Society, Style, Weddings

I attended the Senator Chiz Escudero and Heart Evangelista wedding a few days ago. I have known Senator Chiz ever since he was still a congressman representing Sorsogon (yep, a very long time) so I was really thrilled to know that I was to witness this special, joyous occasion of his life. I know a lot of other media outlets have discussed the nitty gritty details of the Escudero-Ongpauco wedding (Heart’s real name is Love Marie Ongpauco) so I will just share a few thoughts and observations. The event saw lots of notable personalities - from top business leaders to government officials to celebrities, the food and the free flowing drinks were exquisite, venue was breathtaking (the candelabras adorned with white orchids, hydrangeas and snapdragons were absolutely beautiful), the u...

Feb252015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why You Should Join Amway Nutrilite Health Run 2015 CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Northern Mindanao, Sports

The Amway Nutrilite Health Run 2015 is one of the most awaited fun runs this year. The Manila leg happened a few days ago. Next stop - CDO! Definitely good news for avid runners in Northern Mindanao. The Nutrilite Health Run 2015 CDO event will be held on March 15, 2015 (Sunday) at the Amway Distribution Center along Velez Street. Race categories: 3K, 5K and 8K. Interested to join? Here are a few really good reasons why you should join the Nutrilite Health Run CDO Leg 2015: 1. Registration fee for all categories is a very affordable flat rate of Php 300.00 only! 2. Your registration fee comes with a cool, branded running shirt, race bib with bag tag, finishers kit, Amway expo access stubs and a raffle stub. The access stubs mean FREEBIES like a sling bag, a box of facial tissu...

Feb252015 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

TAPS restaurant Davao has a warning for table hoggers

Business, Controversial, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Food

TAPS, a famous local restaurant in Davao City, Philippines best known for their silog meals and is open 24/7, has a warning especially for table hoggers. A table hogger is a person who either spreads his work or bags and other stuff across a table (and therefore discourages other customers to use or share the table) or a person who orders one item (usually the cheapest on the menu even!) and stays at a table practically for several hours! I'm sure everyone has spotted a table hogger at one time or another. I guess TAPS Davao gets a lot of these table hoggers since they're open 24/7. However, the management has apparently decided that enough is enough! Here's a warning posted inside their restaurant: * Photo courtesy of Arvy Francisco Vallejos The text is written in Bisaya but ...

Feb222015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

I Am Again A Newspaper Columnist

Announcements, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Very, very thrilled to share that I am (again) a newspaper columnist! Starting February 20, 2015, I will be one of the columnists at Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper. I have named my column "Mindanaoan Meets World" as I plan to write about lifestyle, music, a little bit of politics and showbiz and travel not only within the Philippines but around the world, too! My first stint as newspaper correspondent, columnist and part-time editor started way, way back. Like eons of light years ago haha! But life happened, I took a career detour and eventually, was already happy and contented to just work with the traditional media practitioners instead :) With this new development, though, I guess this is not only trying my hand again at writing for a daily newspaper but also my way of...

Feb142015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How To Pay iTunes And App Store With SMART Load

Mindanaoan Update, Technology

It's now possible for all Smart Telecoms users to pay for iTunes, games, apps, music, magazines, books and movies on their Apple devices using their prepaid load or charged on top of their monthly postpaid bill. Dubbed “Pay-With-Mobile,” the new service eliminates the need for a credit card to get paid content and make in-app purchases through the App Store and iTunes. The service will begin on February 16, with full availability by February 18, 2015. According to SMART, the "Pay With Mobile" service works by giving subscribers the ability to sign up for a Pay-With-Mobile number which they can use exclusively with their iTunes accounts. All app downloads, in-app purchases, and digital content bought using Pay-With-Mobile will be deducted from users’ prepaid load, or charged on top of...

Feb112015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PHOTOS: Vice Ganda Joins Kaamulan Bukidnon celebration

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

Took these photos of Vice Ganda during the 2014 Kaamulan Festival slash 100th Founding Anniversary of Bukidnon. Just like the print on Vice Ganda's shirt, "Sorry I'm bad" because I only shared these now :D Anyway, Vice performed right after Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla (KathNiel loveteam). I also have photos of the KathNiel loveteam HERE. The show happened last September 1, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Aside from Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, host and club owner Tim Yap was also there. I was granted VIP access so was able to take these shots. Thank you to Tim, Direk Javi and to Senator Migs Zubiri! * Used my trusty Nikon D40 DSLR with 18-200mm lens. Yes, I know, I need a new cam!

Feb82015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Insadong Seoul

Culture, Features, Food, Korea, Mindanaoan Update, Seoul, Tourism, Travel

Insadong was one of my favorite places during our Seoul, South Korea trip. Also known as Seoul's culture street, Insadong has so many shops selling traditional Korean goods, teas, candies, street food, wooden cooking utensils, crafts, staple food like bottled kimchi and roasted nori sheets (yum!) and souvenirs such as hanbok and hanji. Although there's a main street in Insadong (no vehicles allowed here), don't hesitate to explore the inner streets. There are small but nice tea houses and restaurants that have "English OK" signs (meaning their servers can speak English :) ) along alleyways. Insadong is a safe place to "get lost in." Just go back to the main street and you'll be fine ;) How to get to Insadong: My brother and I took the subway. We rode Seoul Subway Line 3 then took ...