Blog - Page 47 of 92 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Nov32012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Marriott Hotel Cebu City Philippines hotel @MarriottCebu

Cebu City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

My family and I only stayed at Marriott Cebu Hotel for less than 12 hours (yep) but from the very moment I stepped inside our Cebu City Marriott Hotel room, I knew for sure it was going to be a lovely stay. Located within the Cebu Business Park, Marriott Hotel Cebu offers the same 5-star Marriott service known the world over. Cebu City Marriott is just beside Ayala Mall and a few steps away from The Terraces, where lots of lifestyle and wellness shops, coffee shops, bars and restaurants can be found. This Cebu hotel is one of the city's most loved - it's a favorite of many prominent personalities, foreign tourists and celebrities. Marriott Hotel Cebu City has 301 guestrooms which includes 22 suites and 19 executive level rooms. My family and I were given two deluxe rooms. Each room w...

Nov22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I had my photo taken inside a coffin

Musings, Personal, Weird

I never thought I could do it. I never thought I'd have enough intestinal fortitude to push through with it. But I did it and it made me realize my capacity to conquer fear. Yes, I went inside a coffin...and even had my photo taken while I was inside it! It all happened last November 1, 2012 at a local cemetery. My relatives and I decided to visit the cemetery in the afternoon. At the entrance of the cemetery, my cousin and I saw this life insurance company's booth. We were curious why there was a pink coffin there. Apparently, it was part of the company's gimmick. They then told us that we can have our photos taken while inside the coffin. My cousin readily said yes (what a brave soul!) and then it was my turn. Let's just say that it took the company agent and my cousin a few minutes t...

Oct312012 by Mindanaoan Irene34 Comments

Centrio Ayala Mall CDO fun facts and photos

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping

My Mindanaoan blog has been attracting solid traffic ever since I started posting news and updates about Centrio Ayala Mall CDO. And now that this new Cagayan de Oro mall is set to open in a few days, I thought I owed it to my loyal subscribers and readers to show what's inside Centrio. And so I, along with several members of the CDO Bloggers, Bukidnon Bloggers and Iligan Bloggers, requested for a sneak peek of the soon-to-open Centrio Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro. We asked for a special, exclusive tour and the Centrio Ayala CDO marketing and leasing folks granted the request. Thank you very much :) Presenting - fun, fast facts and photos of Ayala Mall Centrio Centrio Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro is a 3-storey mall located at Corrales Avenue corner CM Recto Avenue. It's right ac...

Oct302012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Coffee Dream Name That Mystery Drink Contest @CoffeeDreamCo

Cebu City, Contests, Features, Freebies, Internet, Recipes, Society

Who knew that an afternoon of coffee and conversation would result to this? During my trip to Cebu City a few weeks back, I, along with my brother Nathaniel of Tennis Guru and my friend Johnn of Focal Glass, visited the I.T. Park branch of Coffee Dream. Coffee Dream is one of my favorite coffee chains in the country. And with over 35 stores nationwide, it's easy to locate one nearest you. I also wanted to meet and chit chat with Coffee Dream owner (and Cebu provincial vice gubernatorial candidate, too!) Glenn Soco. It wasn't my first time to meet him, though. I've already met up with him and Anna a few times. If you want to know more about Sir Glenn, check out his official Facebook profile or his The Dream Online blog. Anyways, what was initially planned to be a brief meeting turn...

Oct282012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bigby’s Rack-A-Bye Baby Ribs Giveaway During Centrio Ayala Mall Opening

Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Food, Reviews

Just recently, I was commissioned to write a Cagayan de Oro travel piece. I was also asked to include top 5 things to try or eat in CDO. I just had to include Bigby's Restaurant, a homegrown brand, and also had to include one of their bestsellers - the Bigby's Rack-A-Bye Baby Ribs. I personally find the baby ribs at Bigby's tasty, succulent and very tender. So tender that the meat actually falls off the bone! I also like the barbecue sauce/gravy that comes along with the ribs. The Bigby's baby ribs will definitely delight any meat lover. Now you have the chance to try Bigby's Rack-A-Bye Baby Ribs...for FREE! Just join the "Who Ate My Ribs?" mystery game. It's a game launched by Bigby's Restaurant via their official Facebook Page. Join Bigby’s in solving the mystery and get the cha...

Oct282012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Missy BonBon Centrio Ayala Mall Offers Free Gelato @AyalaCentrio

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Food

Here's a fun reason for you to be the very first in line when Centrio Ayala Mall opens on November 9, 2012. Missy BonBon Breadshop Centrio Ayala Mall is bringing back the exciting Golden Ticket contest! The Missy BonBon Golden Ticket contest entitles the winners free supplies of yummy gelato :) Missy BonBon Centrio is offering the very first customer of the day a 1 year supply of free delicious Gelato at the Missy Bonbon breadshop. The second customer on the day of the opening will get a 6 months supply of free Gelato while the 3rd to 100th customer of the day will get month-long supplies of free Missy BonBon Gelato. For you to join the Missy BonBon Grab the Golden Ticket promo, however, a minimum purchase of Php200 is required. So are you ready to be at the opening of Ayala Centr...

Oct252012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Apply Here: The US Embassy Wants To Send Mindanaoans To The USA

America, Mindanaoan Update, United States of America

As you guys may know, this Mindanao blogger was sent to the USA early this year as an International Visitor Leadership Program participant. The IVLP is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State for U.S. Embassy-nominated potential global leaders. It's a special program that one cannot apply to, unfortunately. However, I come bearing good news :) I just received an email from the U.S. Embassy in Manila and guess what --- they want to send Mindanaoans to the USA! Please read the details below and let me know if you're interested. Contact me and don't forget to send your email address. I will email you the necessary forms :) It would also be great if you let me know a little something about yourself :) You can read all about Mindanaoan's trip to the U.S. here Please feel fr...

Oct252012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

My thoughts: Duterte offers 5 Million bounty for suspected car theft syndicate leader

Blogging, Controversial, Davao City, Government, Musings, News, Opinion, Politics

I am a Dabawenya. Born and raised in Davao City. Anybody who knows me can attest to how much I love my hometown and how much I respect the government officials voted by the people. Anybody who has also been reading this Mindanaoan blog for a while now would know that I consider the Dutertes as not only powerful but efficient public officials. Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte (who's running virtually unopposed for Davao City mayor in the May 2013 elections) has done a lot for Davao City. I'm pretty sure a lot of people would agree with me. He runs the city with an iron fist and his style of governance works well for a city like Davao. Under his leadership (and his daughter's, incumbent Mayor Sara), Davao became a smoke-free, firecracker-free and non-biodegradable plastics and...

Oct252012 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

Centrio Ayala Mall CDO Set To Open On November 9, 2012

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

The long wait is finally over! Centrio Ayala Mall CDO is set to open on November 9, 2012 (Friday), 10 AM. Who's excited for the opening of Ayala Mall Centrio? This Php 4.5 Billion project is said to be the biggest mall in the region. Located at Corrales Avenue corner CM Recto Avenue (yep, right across Gaisano City and near Capitol University along Corrales Extension), Centrio Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro will host roughly 200 brands including Coffee Dream, Spruce, Sperry, Rockport, Top-Sider, Etude House, Bigby's, Army Navy, Flawless, Lay Bare and Sbarro. Mindanaoan will post the complete list of shops in Centrio Ayala Mall as soon as I get the go-signal to do so :) Mindanaoan will also feature the interiors of the mall during a special tour this weekend. Stay tuned for that :) ...

Oct232012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu City @QuestHotelCebu

Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Hotels, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Your quest for affordable luxury stops right here! Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu, the newest addition to the hotel industry in Cebu City, offers 5-star amenities but at very affordable rates. Before you continue reading, I highly suggest you also read all about the Quest Hotel Cebu Grand Launch Party (dubbed "Odyssey"). Quest Hotel Cebu is a new Cebu City hotel. Quest Hotel Cebu is about half an hour away from the Cebu Mactan International Airport. Its location is a winner - it's right across Ayala Mall Cebu and within the Cebu City business district. Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu is also a sister company of the equally luxurious Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan, which I also had the privilege of visiting :) Watch out for my blog entry about that! BOOK YOUR ROOM ...

Oct232012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Serving as a judge of the TAYO Awards 2012 Mindanao Area Finals

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Events, Features, Journalism, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Society, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga City

It's not everyday that you meet young, socially aware Filipinos who want to help others and spur change in their own communities. That's why when I was invited to be one of the judges of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards 2012 Mindanao Area Finals, it didn't even take me a second to say yes. Besides, I've been writing about and following the TAYO Awards for years - I thought it was about time that I hear all the fascinating and inspiring stories of successful youth groups around Mindanao myself. The 2012 TAYO Awards theme is: Tayo Revolution: Isang Dekada ng Pagbabago The Search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) is now on its 10th year. It is by far the only award-giving program that recognizes the youth organizations that have started poc...

Oct162012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2012 Camiguin Lanzones Festival schedule of activities

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism, Travel

If you love fruits and if you're feeling a little festive these days, then head on down to Camiguin Island and join the Camiguinons as they celebrate the 33rd Lanzones Festival. The 2012 Lanzones Festival in Camiguin Island, Mindanao will be held from October 21 to 28, 2012. It's the yearly festival in Camiguin, which is also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, to celebrate the abundant harvest of the sweetest lanzones in the world. Among the activities this year are the 2012 Lanzones Festival street dancing (October 27, 2012 for inter-agency competition and October 28, 2012 for the Kalanrakas - elementary level), the 22nd Gov. JJ Lanzones Festival Run 2012 and even an eat-all-you-can lanzones event. I will also post updates as they come along. You may want to follow me on Twitter ...

Oct112012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin launch in Cebu

Beauty, Cebu City, Consumer, Events, Fashion, Features, Reviews, Shopping, Style

The thing about trying beauty products for the first time is that you really don't know for sure if they're good for your skin or not. Sometimes, relying on product descriptions may not be enough and may even be risky. Also, even if others give positive feedback about a product, you really can't be sure if you will have the same experience. However, if the manufacturer of the beauty products is Shu Uemura (which, truth be told, does not need any introduction) and if the products have SPF30, rhamnose (known for supporting cell regeneration) and promise better skin in just a few days, would you still have reservations? When I was in Cebu just a few days ago, I attended the launch of the Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin line. Tsuya means "ideal" in Japanese. The Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin line will hel...

Oct112012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu grand launch @QuestHotelCebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Hotels, Leisure, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

What do you do when you receive an invitation to experience quite an "odyssey"? You say YES, my friends. Just say yes! And that's exactly what I did when the wonderful folks from Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu sent over an invitation for me to experience Odyssey - the Grand Launch Party of Quest Hotel Cebu - the newest addition to the hotel industry in Cebu City. The grand opening of Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu was held last September 20, 2012 at the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, Pusô Bistro & Bar. Guests were requested to come in purple or white. As soon as you enter the venue, which was embraced by purple lights, you'd immediately know that the night will be one for the books. Upbeat music was courtesy of Australian DJ Kristian Hernandez. To say t...

Oct22012 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Lynard Allan Bigcas files COC as Bukidnon governor

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Controversial, Events, Features, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Politics, Society

Controversial car dealer Lynard Allan Bigcas or Allan Bigcas has officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) as governor of the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. A native of Talakag, Bukidnon, Allan Bigcas filed his COC today, October 2, 2012 at around 11:30 a.m. at the Bukidnon Provincial Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office. Bigcas said that he is running as Bukidnon governor under the Liberal Party but the certification that was attached to his COC was specifically from Aksyon Demokratiko party. The certification was signed by the party secretary general Ernesto Ramel. Bigcas said that Aksyon Demokratiko was in alliance with the Liberal Party. In a mini press conference, Bigcas, who was initially eyed to gun for the mayoralty seat in Talakag, said that he...

Sep292012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Glamourbox Philippines – get beauty samples monthly @GlamourboxPH

Beauty, Blogging, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Fashion, Gifts, Shopping, Style

Want to receive 5 deluxe beauty samples monthly? Try carefully selected beauty products before you buy the full sizes. This is essentially the service provided by Glamourbox Philippines. Glamourbox is a premium online beauty subscription service in the Philippines. Here’s how Glamourbox Philippines works: Once you subscribe, you will receive an elegant box with five deluxe beauty samples from premium, boutique and niche brands delivered to your doorstep EVERY MONTH. Each box will contain carefully curated items. Glamourbox Philippines will make sure that each box will contain worthwhile items. Then, if subscribers end up liking any of the products, they can visit Glamourbox's online boutique to purchase the full-size of the beauty finds - be they makeup, skincare, bath and body, h...

Sep282012 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Creation of Bukidnon 4th District gets Senate OK

Bukidnon, Government, Malaybalay City, News, Northern Mindanao, Politics

The Senate has approved the bill seeking the creation of the Bukidnon 4th District. The Senate has approved on the 3rd and final reading House Bill 5236 which seeks the creation of the Bukidnon Fourth District. The bill was passed September 20, 2012. A total of 12 senators, led by Senator Bongbong Marcos who chairs the Committee on Local Government, OK'd the passage of the Bukidnon 4th District bill. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III still needs to sign the bill first, though, before it becomes a law. If the Bukidnon 4th District bill gets ratified, there will be a need for a congressman who will represent the said district. The proposed Bukidnon 4th District shall be composed of Valencia City, Kalilangan, and Pangantucan. Bukidnon 1st District will then be composed of...

Sep282012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bosch automotive festival in Davao City

Business, Corporate, Davao City, Events, Technology

Hi to all my fellow Dabawenyos! You might want to drop by NCCC Mall Davao on September 29 and 30, 2012 for the Bosch Automotive Festival! :) Internationally renowned automotive parts supplier Robert Bosch Philippines will hold the Davao City leg of the Bosch Automotive Festival at the NCCC Mall Davao Parking Area B on September 29-30, 2012. Incidentally, the Davao City leg is also the last leg of this nationwide caravan. The Bosch Automotive Festival Davao aims to reach out to the country’s motorists, car enthusiasts and spectators alike, and give them a chance to experience first-class automotive services and learn about Bosch parts and Bosch diagnostic test equipment. During the Davao City leg of the Bosch Automotive Festival, there will be activities onsite and exclusive perks ...

Sep182012 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Practical shooting at NMPSA Firing Range CDO

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews, Society, Sports, Tourism

This year 2012 has been a year of many firsts for this Mindanao blogger. For the very first time, I was sent to the USA by the US Embassy in Manila for a really special leadership program. I was also given the chance to accompany US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas when he visited Mindanao last July. And on a less formal (but still very exciting) opportunity, I met a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons. I also have a new sport this year - boxing! Yup! Who knew I'd fall in love with boxing? :) And now I have fallen in love with another sport - practical shooting. Practical shooting is a sport which "challenges an individual's ability to shoot rapidly and accurately with a full-power handgun, rifle, or shotgun." Yes, folks, practical shooting is shooting with real guns and real bullets! ...

Sep182012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pawpalooza Pet Festival at BTC Cebu

Advocacy, Announcements, Cebu City, Events, Features, Society, Visayas

If you're a pet lover (like me!) and you're in Cebu or bound for Cebu (like me again! Woohoo!), then you must visit the PAWPALOOZA Pet Festival at Banilad Town Centre, Cebu City on September 22, 2012 (Saturday) from 1 PM to 7 PM. The PAWPALOOZA Pet Festival at pet-friendly mall Banilad Town Centre (BTC Cebu) is a fab time for you to bond with your precious pets :) The PAWPALOOZA Pet Festival also aims to promote responsible pet ownership, foster camaraderie among pet owners and just provide both pet owners and their pets an overall fantastic, "pawsome" time! (I know, I know, so cute!) Registration of pets will begin at 1 p.m. Activities during the Pawpalooza Pet Festival Cebu: - free veterinary and grooming services that include anti-rabies vaccination, deworming and nail t...

Sep172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Human Nature CDO store opening

Advocacy, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Style

The Human Nature CDO store has re-opened and is now at a new location, making it easier for consumers of organic, chemical-free and 100 percent made in the Philippines products to purchase and to even apply as dealers. The store re-opening of Human Nature Cagayan de Oro was held last Saturday, September 15, 2012 at its new location at Hayes corner Velez Streets, Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Mindanaoan was invited to witness the Human Nature Cagayan de Oro store re-launch. Thank you to Sheilah, Marla and to all the other branch operators for the invitation :) Human Nature is a social enterprise focused on natural and organic products. Human Nature stands by the philosophy of being Pro Philippines, Pro Poor and Pro Environment. Founded in November 2008, Human Na...

Sep172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Alaxan, Puerto locals team up to build Court of Inspiration in CDO

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Sports

Alaxan FR and local residents of Barangay Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao have teamed up to build a "Court of Inspiration," a project that aims to not only to highlight the importance of sports development in a community, the spirit of volunteerism and corporate social responsibility but also to even encourage people to change the way they should look at pain. Under the "Court of Inspiration" project, a community basketball court will be constructed. Alaxan FR will provide the materials while the residents and other volunteers from the barangay will do a "bayanihan" and will work together to build it. The Cagayan de Oro "Court of Inspiration," which will be built at Zone 5, Puerto, will also be built on land donated by the Pagutayao family. The groundbreaking ceremony was he...