Blog - Page 44 of 92 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Mar232013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Apo View Hotel Davao celebrates 65th anniversary

Announcements, Business, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Hotels, Leisure, Travel

Did you know that the second longest running hotel in the Philippines can be found in Davao City? Yes, that's Apo View Hotel, which this year is celebrating its 65th founding anniversary! Apo View Hotel Davao is celebrating its 65th glorious year by showcasing the rich history and colorful, diverse heritage of Davao. My warmest congratulations to the Pamintuan family especially to my handsome classmate Chris, who now happens to be the CEO / President of Apo View Hotel. Here's to more amazing years! And to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Apo View Hotel Davao City, 3 well-known artists who all started their careers at this Davao hotel will have a homecoming of sorts. Jay Durias of South Border, Jinky Vidal of Freestyle and jazz artist Angel Balbin will be at Apo View today, Ma...

Mar222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Earth Hour 2013 – How You Can Participate

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events

In order to raise awareness about climate change and the various measures that we all should take in order to address such problem, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been organizing yearly Earth Hour events around the world. This year, Earth Hour 2013 will be a little more participatory and based on citizen initiative as WWF wants to encourage communities to start their own campaigns against climate change. Earth Hour 2013 is no longer just about asking people around the world to turn off non-essential lights for an hour. It's now about urging people to come up with more long-term solutions in order to combat climate change and further protect Mother Earth. Earth Hour 2013 will be held around the world on March 23, 2013, 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time. So where will YOU be at that...

Mar212013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

PARFOIS opens Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro branch

Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Journalism, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Style

PARFOIS, Europe's leading fashion accessories brand, finally opened its Ayala Centrio Mall CDO branch and Mindanaoan was not only there to attend the opening...I was also asked to bring blogger-friends and friends from the CDO media community :) Thankfully, many came and I'm really very thankful! Salamat, salamat! PARFOIS (pronounced as "Par-fwa" which means "sometimes"), founded in 1994 by Manuela de Medeiros, originated in Portugal. They sell jewelry, handbags, hair accessories, belts, scarves, sunglasses, watches, wallets, hats and purses. PARFOIS Centrio CDO is now among 330 Parfois boutiques worldwide. Thank you so much PARFOIS for the invitation and for the trust and confidence :) All of the bloggers and the members of the trad media community who came truly enjoyed the opening...

Mar202013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Singapore Math Learning Festival in Davao City

Campus, Corporate, Davao City, Events, News, Society

The methods of teaching these days have really changed. Gone are the days of traditional ways of teaching subjects - especially those that most students do not particularly like. Take Math, for instance. Back when I was still in school, I could only probably count with one hand the people in my batch who liked it. These days, though, with newer, fresher and more unique ways of teaching Math, kids will understand it, love it and appreciate it a thousand times more than I did. One of the novel methods of teaching Math nowadays is Singapore Math. The Ministry of Education in Singapore developed a Math curriculum and framework that has resulted in top ranking results of Singapore students in various examinations. Because of the great results, Singapore Math is now also taught in the Philipp...

Mar122013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Rivermaya Live At Ayala Center Cebu for new album tour

Cebu City, Entertainment, Events, Music

It's been a while since my "crazed avid fan" days. My friends know I'm a huge South Border fan and supporter and I went gaga when Color Me Badd came. I've watched and worked with so many artists (local and foreign) already but yes, it's been a while since I truly, madly, absolutely got impressed. That changed when I watched Rivermaya last weekend. Actually, I didn't just watch them perform. I was at their dinner-after-the-show which later turned out to not only be a super fun after-party but a chance for me to see a different side of the band. I must say this - I never expected them to be that accommodating, friendly and fun! My only regret now is that I didn't get to produce or organize any of their concerts before. The closest I got to work with them was during an ABS CBN Kapamilya sh...

Mar122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering the Team UNA rally in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Commentary, Events, Government, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Photos, Politics

It was a really long, tiring day. Woke up at 6 AM, which I rarely do, to start on the tasks. My hardworking staff members were still asleep, having only returned from their overnight propaganda tasks at 5 in the morning! Anyways, after hours of preparation, this was what happened the evening of March 2, 2013. Tens of thousands of people were already gathered at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. I have to say, though - the Team UNA campaign rally in Bukidnon was a concert-slash-rally-slash-fireworks-display event. Since it was the Kaamulan Festival 2013, there was a telecom-sponsored concert that night (topbilled by Itchyworms and Tanya Markova) plus the much-awaited grand fireworks display. Yes, there were people who came to hear the Team UNA senatorial candidates speak ...

Mar112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Cebu Pacific Air Cebu to Camiguin flights to start April 2013

Announcements, Business, Camiguin, Cebu City, Consumer, Flights

Come April 2013, it'll be easier to reach majestic Camiguin Island from Cebu City. Cebu Pacific Airlines will soon introduce their Cebu to Camiguin (and Camiguin to Cebu) flights. The said low cost carrier will start these direct flights on April 15, 2013. ATR 72-500 aircrafts will be used for these Camiguin to Cebu and Cebu to Camiguin Island flights. Flight frequency: Cebu to Camiguin flights will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday According to Cebu Pacific Airlines officials, the regular fares for this route will start at Php 588. Just in case you want to know what you can do, eat, buy in Camiguin, I have a couple of Camiguin Island-related posts. You can read them HERE. If you're a backpacker, you might want to read this Backpacking in Camiguin post :) By the way,...

Mar112013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Panagdait Davao – A Benefit Concert for Typhoon Pablo survivors

Advocacy, Announcements, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Music, News

When Typhoon Pablo (international code name: Bopha) struck Mindanao, Philippines last December 2012, a lot of you answered calls for help. However, there are still a lot that needs to be done. With over Php 37 Billion in damages and thousands of lives, homes and livelihood lost, we still have a long way to go to rebuild everything that Typhoon Pablo destroyed. If you want to help and at the same time celebrate original Filipino music, please come and support Panagdait Davao - a benefit concert for the survivors of Typhoon Pablo. This charity concert for Typhoon Pablo victims will be held on March 21, 22 and 23, 2013 at the Open Parking Area of Abreeza Mall, Davao City. Tickets are sold at very affordable prices - Php 300 for Gold and Php 100 for Silver. You can find the schedule o...

Mar102013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Join the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 in Cebu City

Advocacy, Blogging, Cebu City, Events, Internet, Make Money Online, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Technology, Visayas

Are you interested to learn all about the best social media practices in the Philippines from top industry leaders? Do you want to learn how you can maximize social media for your personal or business advancement? Do you want to know how you can promote social media responsibility and help set ethics and standards for social media users? Then join the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 in Cebu City on March 16, 2013 (Saturday). iNewMedia Online in cooperation with Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. (CBSi) is set to stage the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 at JCentre Mall Convention Hall, Mandaue City, Cebu. The event is expected to gather more than 300 social media influencers and users. Maria Ressa, formerly of ABS CBN and now CEO of Rappler.com, will be the keynote speaker. Amo...

Mar82013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

76th Araw ng Dabaw 2013 Schedule Of Activities

Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Tourism, Travel

The 76th Araw ng Dabaw festivities are ongoing! The Kapayapaan or Peace-themed Araw ng Dabaw 2013 will be on March 16, 2013 but a lot of events already kicked off as early as February. The Duaw Dabaw Foundation, one of the City Government of Davao's partners in carrying out events like the Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan, has reportedly set aside Php 5.2 Million for several events including the Mutya ng Dabaw 2013 pageant. Here's the official schedule of activities for the 2013 Araw ng Dabaw: (click on the image for a larger version) Among the highlights of the Araw ng Dabaw 2013 are the Datu Bago Awards Night, Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw, Parada Dabawenya and the much-awaited Pahalipay Concert of the Dutertes. And speaking of Mutya ng Dabaw 2013, the pageant night was held rece...

Mar72013 by Mindanaoan Irene15 Comments

Laguindingan International Airport To Open On April 2013

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Cagayan de Oro City, Flights, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

UPDATE: The opening has been deferred to JUNE 15, 2013 although it must be emphasized that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines - Northern Mindanao office has YET to receive a formal, official order from Malacanan Palace. Finally! The most-awaited opening of the Laguindingan International Airport will finally be held on April 30, 2013. This, according to Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III himself. During Aquino's most recent visit to Northern Mindanao (actually, the very same day Team PNoy visited Alubijid and Cagayan de Oro City to kickstart their Mindanao sorties), he shared the good news - Laguindingan Airport will be operational by April 30, 2013. Not 100 percent operational, however, but it will definitely play host to several flights. The major areas ne...

Mar72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to wear goodness around your wrist and help Davao artisans

Advocacy, Arts, Beauty, Consumer, Davao City, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

Yes, you read that right. You can wear goodness around your wrist and help trained artisans from Davao City, Mindanao at the same time! All of that is possible with Kaayo wristlets. These special, handmade Kaayo wristlets are results of a livelihood program that aims to empower individuals through productive diligence. Kaayo is the Visayan word for goodness, beauty and generosity. And with every Kaayo wristlet bought and worn, not only are you reminded of the power of generosity and goodness but you're also supporting trained artisans of the 1st District of Davao City. The Dabawenyo artisans were trained under the mentorship of Adorno designer Cuy Legazpi. Look at this super pretty Kaayo wristlet sent to me by Marga, the beautiful better half of Davao City First District Congressm...

Feb152013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Join the VSO Bahaginan 2013 Volunteering Expo

Announcements, Blogging, Society

You and I know how powerful volunteerism is. When Typhoon Ondoy struck the Philippines almost 4 years ago, we saw so many private citizens volunteer their time, money, effort, homes to help others in need. When Typhoon Sendong struck Mindanao Sendong struck Mindanao in December 2011, a lot of volunteers also shared their time and started donation drives, fundraising campaigns, feeding programs and the like. I also started humble relief drives and donation drives myself but those would not have prospered at all without the many volunteers who understood and answered the need for helping hands. Knowing how needed, powerful and valued volunteers around the world are, what type of future do we want for volunteering? What are the reasons that compel people to continue volunteering? How can p...

Feb152013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanao auditions for “The Voice Philippines”

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Music, Society, Zamboanga City

The local version of "The Voice" will soon hit TV and ABS CBN wants to invite interested Mindanaoans to audition for "The Voice of the Philippines." You can audition for this singing competition at these areas in Mindanao: March 2, 2013 General Santos City Zamboanga City Cagayan de Oro City Davao City Get in touch with the local ABS CBN stations in those areas for more details. There will also be other auditions in these areas - Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban, and Cebu on February 23 and in Palawan, Laoag, Naga, Legazpi, Baguio, Dagupan, and Manila on March 9. You can also audition online. Log-on to www.thevoice.abs-cbn.com. Upload a video of yourself singing a capella until February 19. Auditionees must have Filipino ancestry and must be 16 years of age by June 2013. No minus...

Feb102013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Enter the “Balwarte” of the Jalosjos clan – Zamboanga

Announcements, Controversial, Government, Media, Mindanao, Politics, Television, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

A few weeks ago, I joined a Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) - organized workshop. Media practitioners from all over Mindanao attended it. I think Mindanaoan was the only one from the "non-traditional" or online media community. Anyways, I met some Zamboanga-based journalists and they all shared the current political landscape in their area. They said that the May 2013 elections will be another show of force by the popular Jalosjos clan. I wanted to know more about how the members of the Jalosjos clan practically lorded over Zamboanga del Norte / Zamboanga Peninsula for many years and how, as my Zamboanga journalist friends would say, a "blessing" from someone like Romeo Jalosjos would spell a "sure win." Fortunately, TV5 recently visited Zamboanga and in...

Feb92013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Got invited to speak by Xavier University – JFINEX

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Technology

One of the things that I just love to do is to share whatever knowledge I have on blogging, social media, Internet marketing, online publicity and how to earn money online. This is the reason why I organize blogging communities, social media clubs and various workshops. I must emphasize, however, that I also still have a lot to learn. The Internet is an ever-changing medium and if you want to maximize its power, it is but important for you to constantly learn the tricks of the trade. So when I received an invitation to speak on Internet etiquette from the Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan School of Business and Management - Junior Financial Executives (JFINEX), I thought why not - it's the perfect opportunity for me and the students to remind ourselves of the importance of following...

Feb32013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Review: STK Ta Bai Sa Paolito’s Seafood House Cebu

Business, Cebu City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Visayas

My family and I spent Christmas 2012 in Cebu City. If you've been following my Mindanaoan blog for a while, you may have noticed that my family and I regularly go to the Queen City of the South - not only because one of my brothers is now based there but also because we have business connections and plainly because we just love Cebu! :) And whenever we're in town, I always see to it that we do, eat, try, discover something new. This time around, I heard about a homey, family-run restaurant located at the Cebu Capitol area that accordingly served reasonably priced sutukil. SuTuKil or STK stands for Sinugba (grilled), Tinola (soup) and Kinilaw (ceviche). So off we went to STK Ta Bai at Paolito's Seafood House along Orchid Street for dinner to see what the fuss was all about. STK Ta Bai...

Jan262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Etude House Centrio Mall CDO For Cute Korean Cosmetics

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Freebies, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Style

A lot of Filipinas love Korean beauty brands. Not only are they of very good quality but these Korean beauty products come in cute, eye-catching packaging and they're affordable. So it's pretty good news that one of the world's well-known Korean cosmetics brands has opened not just one but two (!) branches in Northern Mindanao. Etude House recently opened their Cagayan de Oro City branches - the first was at Centrio Mall along Corrales Avenue and the second at SM City CDO - to the delight of so many ladies here in Mindanao. Etude House is a global beauty brand and Etude House Centrio CDO and Etude House SM CDO are just two of their over 550 stores worldwide. Etude House invited Mindanaoan to check out their new Ayala Centrio Mall store. I was also asked to bring along several of m...

Jan252013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

UPDATED: Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 Schedule Of Activities And Tour

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

UPDATE: This is the final and official Kaamulan Festival 2013 Bukidnon schedule of activities! :) Bukidnon's yearly grand ethnic cultural festival and gathering of the 7 hill tribes is finally here! The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is the gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes namely Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon and Tigwahanon tribes. The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is inarguably Bukidnon's grandest festival. The term Kaamulan, derived from the word "amul" which means "to gather," can mean many things - a datuship ritual, a thanksgiving festival, a peace pact or a wedding ceremony. This year, the Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 is all of these :) The Kaamulan 2013 theme is: "Sustaining Culture and Unity Towards Progress and Development" The Kaamulan Fest...

Jan252013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Foot Notes Socks From Mark Bautista

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Style

When this Mindanao lifestyle blogger first shared the news about Foot Notes Socks several days ago, I received a lot of inquiries and a lot of comments from people who wanted to order their own pair of Foot Notes Socks by Mark Bautista, a popular singer and actor, a son of Cagayan de Oro City and yes, a fellow Mindanaoan. I must say - it's a really good decision if you buy your Foot Notes Socks! I received this special limited edition box with 7 pairs of Foot Notes Socks and the products are of top quality! This is the Instagram photo I shared a few days back: (if you haven't yet, follow me on Instagram @mindanaoan) The Foot Notes Socks I received had inspirational lines like "Never Quit," "Every Failure Is A Necessary Step To Success" and "Sometimes You Have To Step Backward To ...

Jan242013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Warrant of arrest out for ex-Bukidnon rep Neric Acosta, mom Coring

Announcements, Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Headline, News, Northern Mindanao, Politics

I received a phone call about two hours ago. It was a tip. Apparently, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has issued a warrant of arrest for former Bukidnon First District Congressman Juan Romeo Nereus "Neric" Acosta and his mother, former Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon mayor Socorro "Coring" Acosta. The warrant of arrest was made in connection with a perjury case filed against the Acostas. I was a bit surprised when I heard the news, actually. Especially since last I heard, the complainant, Fr. Venancio Balansag, Jr., has already withdrawn his complaint and has issued an affidavit of desistance. A brief backgrounder - graft and corruption charges as well as charges for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials were filed against Neric Acosta and his mother. Th...

Jan222013 by Mindanaoan Irene12 Comments

Sign up for a Glamourbox beauty box Philippines

Beauty, Business, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Style

I received something pretty special while I was in the hospital a few days ago. Something that really cheered me up! Presenting my first and very own Glamourbox beauty box! Now before I share with you the contents of this elegant box, a brief backgrounder :) Mindanaoan first shared the news about Glamourbox Philippines via this post. Glamourbox, a premium online beauty subscription service in the Philippines, lets you try carefully selected deluxe beauty products before you buy the full sizes. The goodies are sent every month via courier. And all for only Php 595.00 per month! Pretty nice concept, di ba? I loved the idea of receiving an elegant box with deluxe beauty samples - all carefully curated - every single month. I also liked the fact that one of the founders of ...