Blog - Page 41 of 92 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kagay-an CDO Fiesta 2013 schedule of events

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism

Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of activities. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar "Oca" Moreno has said that the 2013 CDO Fiesta will push through this year. This, despite the recent news about the bombing incident at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The Kagay-an Festival 2013, which is celebrated in honor of patron Saint Augustine, will hold the theme "Higalaay: The Kagay-an Festival 2013." Higalaay means "friendly gathering/friendly atmosphere." Check out this Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of events: KUMBIRA: Aug 14-31, 2013 Limketkai Mall Atrium (Kumbira is a professional and student culinary show and live competition. It is the largest culinary event in Mindanao. Check out what happened during Kumbira 2012) GARDEN SHOW: August 15-31...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Judging at ABS CBN’s Barangay Gwapo 2013

Announcements, Beauty, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Society

How do you help find the fairest of them all? Well I'm about to find out when I'm set to become one of the judges during the finals night of Barangay Gwapo 2013, an ABS CBN Northern Mindanao-organized and produced men's pageant. Yes, folks, Mindanaoan Irene got invited to be one of the Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finals night judges on August 17, 2013, 6 PM at the Capitol University Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro City. This should be fun ;) * photo by my friend Mark Edson Valledor Pagaspas The Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finalists are Joseph Ryan Mar (Patag), Paul James Pagalan (Bulua), Phillip John Mamac (Iponan), Marc Paul Adame (Kauswagan), Michael James Cheshire (Macasandig), Val Anthony Araneta (Balulang), Lloyd Sacala (Bugo), Elpidio Murillo, Jr. (Kauswagan), Jethro Noel Danos (Patag...

Aug92013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Will be part of Sugar Ray Smash Mouth Gin Blossoms Live In Manila #SugarSmashGin

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Hold your breath, folks. Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth AND Gin Blossoms are heading to Manila this October 21, 2013! Yes, Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that popular 90's bands Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will headline a very special 3-in-1 concert #SugarSmashGin on October 21, 2013, Araneta Coliseum, Manila! Actually, I first shared the good news in an earlier blog post but only Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth were the confirmed acts then :) And I am also very excited to let you guys know that, thanks to my amazing friends over at Random Minds Production, I will be with Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms when they arrive in Manila! That means I will frequently be dishing out updates, exclusive photos and videos! Stoked :D So are you ready for #SugarSmashGin? I...

Aug72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Korean stars in Davao to shoot “No Breathing” movie

Mindanaoan Update

Here's proof that Davao City is indeed safe and picturesque! Korean stars Lee Jong-Suk, Seo In-Guk and Park Jeong Cheol as well as South Korean film producers and crew are currently in my hometown Davao City to shoot a film entitled "No Breathing." The local government of Davao even threw a welcome party for these popular South Korean actors. Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato said in this article (originally written by my friend Rudolph of the PIA) that Davao City was the film producers' FIRST CHOICE! They visited Manila, Cebu and Davao. Apparently, the film producers were impressed by Davao City's cleanliness and the abundance of natural resources plus the hospitality of the Dabawenyos. Woohoo! Davao City will have about 15 minutes of exposure in "No Breathing." I ...

Aug62013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kumbira 2013 to showcase Mindanao’s finest chefs, bartenders

Cagayan de Oro City, Festivals, Fiesta, Food, Mindanaoan Update

Kumbira 2013 time! What's considered as Mindanao's largest premiere culinary show and competition is set to happen on August 14 to 16, 2013 at the Limketkai Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City. Organized by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA), this annual culinary festival aims to showcase the best culinary creations of the region while incorporating the latest culinary trends. Kumbira 2013, which is now on its 17th year, also aims to promote healthy competition and camaraderie among different hotels, culinary schools and restaurants. Among the activities during this 3-day event are live competitions for professionals and students; interactive booth allowing visitors to listen to short demo and do hands-on activities; seminars on food, beverage, and hospitalit...

Aug62013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Old Church Ruins in Camiguin Island Mindanao

Mindanaoan Update

Have you been following my series of Camiguin Island posts? Here's another historical place you should not miss when you visit the Island Born Of Fire. The Old Church Ruins, also known as Gui-ob Church, features the remains of an old Spanish church. Gui-ob Church was destroyed and partly submerged during the series of eruptions of Mt. Vulcan from 1871 to 1875 (see my Sunken Cemetery post). At this Camiguin tourist spot, you can see the remains of a pre-Spanish era church, what used to be its magnificent adobe walls, convent and belfry. There used to be a small chapel there, too, but on my most recent visit to this Camiguin Island attraction, it seemed like it caught fire :( Still, I recommend that you visit the Old Church Ruins. Nice place to have a feel of what Camiguin was like during...

Aug52013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel, Weird

Yes, you read that right. There's a Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island and although many people might find it a little creepy, this Camiguin tourist spot is actually a popular diving and snorkeling spot. Located at Barangay Bonbon, Municipality of Catarman, Camiguin Island, the Sunken Cemetery came about after Mt. Vulcan's series of eruptions from 1871 to 1875. As a result, some areas in Bonbon subsided including the town's cemetery. The cemetery sank below sea level. In 1982, the local government of Camiguin erected a cross on the site. For those of you wondering whether or not there are still dead bodies at the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin Island, the human remains have already been exhumed and buried in another location. Besides, it's been more than 100 years - I guess you can spot...

Aug52013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Video: Jericho Rosales marriage proposal to Kim Jones

Mindanaoan Update

Please allow me to be all mushy and cheesy and romantic today. This video of Jericho Rosales proposing marriage to Filipino-British host/model Kim Jones made me cry. I think it's awfully sweet for someone to propose marriage in front of his religious congregation and amidst family and friends. Jericho Rosales is a popular Filipino actor, singer and songwriter. He was discovered via the Eat Bulaga segment "Mr. Pogi" in 1996. Jericho Rosales gained so much popularity when he landed the lead role in the telenovela "Pangako Sa 'Yo" alongside Kristine Hermosa. A lot of my friends in Malaysia (where the series was also shown) even became fans of Echo :) Congratulations Echo and Kim! For more wedding stories, wedding tips and bridal gowns, visit Weddings In The Philippines

Aug12013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

TAYO Awards 2013 application period extended

Advocacy

Good news to all youth organizations in the Philippines! The organizers of the annual Search of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards are extending the deadline of applications to August 15, 2013! So if you belong to a youth organization in the Philippines, urge your officers to apply now to the 11th TAYO Awards. The search grants Php 50,000 to the 10 organizations to be named winners at the National Finals. Last year, I served as one of the Mindanao Area Finals judges (TAYO Awards 10 or TAYO Awards 2012). I met truly inspiring young, socially aware Filipinos last year :) Take note that representatives from all over the Philippines are flown and housed for free to the venues of the Area and National Finals. Through the course of the search, representatives are tra...

Aug12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Not many people know that Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born Of Fire is home to two beautiful waterfalls. One of them is actually a favorite destination of many tourists and locals alike and is, almost often than not, included in Camiguin Island tour packages. Katibawasan Falls is located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong, Barangay Upper Pandan, Municipality of Mambajao, Camiguin Island. From Mambajao proper, Katibawasan Falls is located about 5 kilometers southeast. From the top of the falls, a clear stream of water drops 250 feet or about 70 meters to a plunge pool. And you know what makes Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island a must-visit? The water that’s almost as cold as ice! Yep, plunging into the water without testing the temperature can actually be a test that could separate the men ...

Jul262013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

CONFIRMED: Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth in Manila on October 2013

Announcements, Manila, Music

UPDATED (as of August 9, 2013) - another band will join the already stellar lineup! GIN BLOSSOMS will also be in this show! Stay tuned for more details! Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth Live in Manila! Yes, folks, it's CONFIRMED! Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that popular 90's bands Smash Mouth and Sugar Ray are heading to Manila on October 2013! This is definitely a Manila concert you should not dare miss! Smash Mouth is best known as the one behind the monster hits "Walkin' on the Sun" (1997) and "All Star" (1999). Their covers of popular songs also became favorites - The Monkees' "I'm a Believer" (featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Shrek"), War's "Why Can't We Be Friends?", Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)" and Question Mark & the Mysterians's "Can't ...

Jul212013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

The Paradise That Is White Island Camiguin

Beauty, Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I think no trip to Camiguin Island will ever be complete without a visit to the popular, uninhabited sand bar called White Island. It is nothing but paradise! Crystal clear water, white sand and lovely view of Mt. Hibok Hibok. Located about 10 minutes away from the shore of Barangay Yumbing (or Barangay Agoho), Camiguin Island, White Island is generally horseshoe-shaped but it usually gets reshaped because of the tides. And because the sand at White Island is very precious, the Camiguin government has issued this warning. My family and I paid White Island a visit during a recent trip to Camiguin Island. I must say, it was one of the highlights of our trip. My brothers and I (and even our Mom) are all beach babies and any opportunity for us to go and spend time in the water is most ap...

Jul212013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Make Your Own Havaianas 2013 Northern Mindanao leg #MYOHCDO2013

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Style

The most awaited annual event of every Havaianatico (read: big fan of Havaianas) is finally here! The Make Your Own Havaianas 2013 Northern Mindanao event, which lets you customize your very own pair of Havaianas, will be held on August 17 and 18, 2013 at the Activity Center of Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. Spruce Designer Network, which runs the Spruce and All Flip Flops stores, will again spearhead the #MYOHCDO2013 event. They're the same cool folks who made the MYOH CDO 2012, MYOH CDO 2011 and MYOH CDO 2010 events possible! In each of those events, I was able to customize my own Havaianas by choosing my preferred straps, soles and special pins. So are you guys ready for this year's MYOH? Save up, save up and make your calendars. August 17 and 18, 2013! Don't forget to b...

Jul172013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kilalanin si Ana Shell

Advocacy

May isang pangalan na kailangan ninyong kilalanin. Ana Shell. Kung maaalala ninyo, ibinahagi ko sa inyo kamakailan lamang ang tungkol sa posibilidad ng pagkakaroon ng clean, reliable and most importantly, low cost electricity dito sa Pilipinas via gasification technology at kasama ang tulong ng isang kumpanyang naka-base sa Singapore na socially conscious at science driven - ang NRGLab Pte. Ltd. Naibahagi ko sa inyo na ang NRGLab (www.nrglab.asia) ay may kakayanan sa pag-generate ng elektrisidad gamit ang mga bago at modified na teknolohiya. Gamit ang mga environmentally friendly na generators, nagkakaroon ng kapasidad ang NRGLab na i-process ang uling, natural na ga-as, rice husks at maging APG at gawin into fuel. Hindi ba't kay galing ng posibilidad na ito? Ngayon, kilalanin an...

Jul152013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

So after our fun Mantigue Island escapade, my family and I then proceeded to Ardent Hot Spring Resort in Camiguin Island. Since it's been a few years since our last Camiguin Island trip, we didn't know that this Camiguin tourist spot has been renamed. Apparently, it's now called Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort and it's now being run by the local government of Camiguin. Ardent is a natural hot springs resort. The fresh and hot sulfuric flowing water comes from Mt. Hibok Hibok and its temperature can reach as much as 40 degrees Centrigrade. Sulfur in water has therapeutic effects. It can help address health concerns like skin diseases, asthma and rheumatism. There are a few pools at Ardent. The water temperature in each pool also varies. This one below is the main pool. Sometimes,...

Jul152013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

South Border Band Back To The Roots 20th Anniversary

Announcements, Davao City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music

Anybody who truly knows me knows that my most favorite Filipino band is South Border. I love, love, LOVE them! Not only do I admire them as talented artists but I also appreciate them as humble, wonderful people. They're also fun to work with. Very professional and really know their craft. And for that, I have the highest respect for them. Even when Jay Durias did his special solo project, I still fully supported them. They've already become my friends. In a few days, I will be on enthusiastic South Border fan mode again as the band celebrates its 20th anniversary in the music industry. Can you believe it? It's been 20 long years! Wow :) To celebrate their two amazing decades as premiere Filipino artists of our time, South Border will hold a special 8-venue bar tour starting thi...

Jul122013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mantigue Island Camiguin – what to see and why you should go

Beauty, Camiguin, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The last time my family and I went to Mantigue Island in Camiguin was almost 5 years ago. Yes, it took me that long to come back. A pity, really, since Mantigue Island Camiguin has all the makings of being the next Mindanao tourist spot to watch out for. I haven't forgotten just how beautiful it was there. Crystal clear water, white sand, rich marine sanctuary and the feeling of an uninhabited island. I say "feeling" because in truth, several families do live in the island but since that controversy between the settlers and the local government started, they've now been relocated to the other side of Mantigue Island. Also known as Magsaysay Island, Mantigue is about 6 hectares big. A former fishing village, the local government of Camiguin has now transformed it into "Mantigue Is...

Jul112013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

About Ana Shell and why you should remember her name

Advocacy

Here’s a name you should take note of and remember very well. Ana Shell. A few weeks back, I shared with you the possibility of having clean, reliable and most importantly, low cost electricity in the Philippines via gasification technology with the help of a socially conscious, science-driven company based in Singapore called NRGLab Pte. Ltd. NRGLab (www.nrglab.asia) is capable of producing environmentally friendly generators and uses new and modified technologies to process coal, natural gas, rice husks and even APG into fuel. The result? Better efficiency rate and lower costs. Interesting, right? Now meet the young unsung hero behind this dynamic company - Ana Shell. Since 2007, she has made investing in projects that protect the environment (but produce better alternatives...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Hotel: Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle

Camiguin, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

So on a recent trip to Camiguin Island, my family and I stayed in a different resort in Camiguin this time (we've already stayed at Tia's Beach Resort, Golden Sunset Camiguin etc) After a little bit of research and getting recommendations from friends, I booked a family suite at Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle Camiguin. I chose Villa Paraiso Resort Camiguin because it was located in Mambajao, the capital town of Camiguin, because they offered a 20 percent discount (off-season rate), because their resort had a pool (I figured my family and I would like to go on a night swimming session), because their room rates came with free continental breakfast (read: toasted bread and eggs) and free unlimited coffee (cool!) and, most importantly, the one who took care of my room reservation, Bern...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Camiguin Island travel guide: How to get there

Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel

One of my favorite tourist destinations in the Philippines is Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born of Fire. Located in Northern Mindanao, Camiguin is the second smallest province in the Philippines. Apart from its historic sites, beautiful coastline and environmental tourism areas, visitors just love the crystal clear water. Who wouldn't want to visit a place as beautiful as this? Last weekend, my entire family and I went to Camiguin for a 3-day, 2-night escapade. Being the one fond of researching, preparing itineraries and following budgets, I took it upon myself to plan the entire trip to Camiguin Island. It's not my family's first time to visit the island. However, we try to discover new things and stay in a different place every time we visit. Now if you want to visit the i...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Barangay and SK Elections 2013 – important dates, requirements

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Consumer, Education, Events, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2013 are drawing near. Have you registered as a voter yet? Or are you interested to run in the 2013 Barangay and SK elections? Here are the important Barangay and SK Elections 2013 Philippines dates to remember, voter registration requirements and transfer of voter registration records requirements. Please exercise your right to suffrage! For SK: 15 to below 18 years old - please bring birth certificate or baptismal certificate or school records For Barangay: at least 18 years old or older, bring valid ID Voter qualifications: To vote in the barangay elections, you must be at least 18 years old on election day (October 28, 2013), a Filipino citizen, a resident of the Philippines for at least 1 year, a resident of the place...

Jul92013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kasalang Filipino 2013 Davao City leg

Announcements, Davao City, Events, Weddings

Getting married soon? If your wedding will be held in Davao City and nearby areas, you might want to check out the 2013 Kasalang Filipino - 8th Philippine Wedding and Tourism Fair Road Show on July 19 to 21, 2013, 10 AM to 9 PM at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall. At the Kasalang Filipino 2013 Davao City leg, you will meet various wedding suppliers and wedding coordinators. This wedding fair in Davao City is open to all. FREE admission. Just in case you're looking for a Davao wedding photographer, please do check out One Happy Story Photography. Let my very talented brother and his team share your love story :)