Blog - Page 51 of 92 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun92012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Official candidates Miss Kagay-an 2012

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

The official candidates of Miss Kagay-an 2012 have finally been revealed. Miss Kagay-an is the annual beauty pageant held every August in Cagayan de Oro City in line with the city fiesta. After weeks of waiting, the Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Board has finally announced the 12 official candidates of the 2012 Miss Kagay-an beauty pageant. The following are the official Miss Kagay-an 2012 candidates: Greanne Trisha T. Mendoza Maria Leslie Angelina P. Ghan Lovely Jane B. Estampa Karla Mae M. Laraga Kris C. Pajaron Emie Lou E. Yamba Queenie C. Bahian Roxinne Jearl D. Monterde Maria Elaine Angelica P. Ghan Juriel Valledor Sidney Taboclaon Laurice Dee O. Inosa The Ms. Kagay-an 2012 official candidates will be presented to the media on July 23, 2012. The swimsuit competiti...

Jun92012 by Mindanaoan Irene27 Comments

Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro Centrio job fair

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro Centrio is going full blast with their job hiring! The latest Ayala Mall CDO job opening announcement has been released. If you're interested to apply for a job at Ayala CDO Centrio mall, then you might want to join the job fair this June 2012. Ayala Mall Centrio Cagayan de Oro is set to open this October 2012. Centrio Mall Ayala Cagayan de Oro has partnered with CDO Mayor Vicente Emano's job fair come June 14 and 15, 2012 at the New Executive Building of the City Hall. Job hiring for Ayala Centrio will begin at 7 AM until 6 PM. Bring your resumes and/or biodata plus a valid ID. Application process at the Ayala Mall CDO job fair: 1. Available positions as well as requirements will be displayed for applicants to choose from 2. Registration ...

Jun92012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

American Idol Live Tour In Manila 2012

Arts, Entertainment, Events, Music

The American Idol Live Tour is coming to Manila, Philippines. The American Idol tour will have a Manila leg later this year. Catch the American Idol Season 11 finalists when they come to Manila on September 21, 2012 for a 2-night concert. The American Idol Live In Manila concert will be held at the Araneta Coliseum. According to a Funfare article, the American Idol Live Tour Manila will be held for 2 nights at the Big Dome. The Manila leg will be part of their 49 date tour. So who's excited to watch American Idol Season 11 Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Hollie Cavanagh, Colton Dixon, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone, DeAndre Brackensick, Erika Van Pelt and Heejun Han? If you're coming to Manila to watch the American Idol Live Tour, you might want to book a hote...

Jun82012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kamias Shake at Zubuchon Cebu

Cebu City, Food, Reviews

I mentioned in my Zubuchon Cebu lechon best pig by Anthony Bourdain post that my brother and I decided to order pritchon or pritong lechon or fried lechon and pair it with kamias shake or cucumber shake. The kamias shake at Zubuchon supposedly balances the richness of the lechon. I couldn't agree more. The Zubuchon Cebu kamias shake was not sour at all. It was actually sweet. The perfect choice to "cleanse" your palate before you enjoy what world renowned chef and No Reservations travel show host Anthony Bourdain calls "the best pig...ever!" Spotted this at Zubuchon: Kamias (cucumber tree) is packed with Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron, and hydrates your body because of its high moisture content. It is used in some villages in India to control obesity and is being studied for its "an...

Jun82012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At Zubuchon – declared best pig in the world by Anthony Bourdain

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Visayas

According to Anthony Bourdain, Zubuchon is the home of the best Cebu lechon or in his words, "the best pig...ever!" Zubuchon is where you can get the best lechon in Cebu, according to the No Reservations host and chef. Naturally, being a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, I listened! And listened well I did! During my most recent Cebu City vacation, I visited Zubuchon - a.k.a. the very same Cebu lechon tasted, featured and praised by no other than world renowned chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations. Actually, it wasn't my first time to try Zubuchon. About two years ago, I had my very first taste of this much-talked about lechon Cebu that claims to not have any MSG at all. If you're wondering why it's named Zubuchon - well, "Zubu" is the old name of Cebu and "chon" is...

Jun62012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu dinner buffet – Cafe Marco

Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Visayas

So after our Cebu island hopping adventure with Islands Banca Cruises, what better way to cap off the day (and to celebrate my brother's birthday) but to check out Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu? Cafe Marco is the popular and award-winning signature restaurant of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the only 5 star hotel in Cebu City, Visayas, Philippines. Dubbed as the "Best Buffet Restaurant" by a lifestyle magazine, there's really hardly any wonder why Cafe Marco is one of Cebu City's most favorite buffet restaurants. The well-lighted and tastefully designed restaurant seats 144 guests and has 4 very clean, interactive kitchens that offer Asian, Western, Japanese and Filipino cuisine. Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Cebu also has a salad and cold appetizers bar, a grilling and tempura station and...

Jun52012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cebu island hopping with Islands Banca Cruises

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

Ever wanted to tour Cebu islands in style? Here’s one Cebu adventure you must try! I have always wanted to go on a Cebu island hopping trip. Who hasn’t heard of the beauty of the Pandanon white sandbar as well as the rich and lovely marine life at both Gilutungan and Talima Marine Sanctuaries? Add to that the fact that I absolutely love to swim and snorkel. What best way to do all that but to go on an island hopping adventure in Cebu, right? Fortunately, my wish was granted just a few days ago, much thanks to Islands Banca Cruises. My recent Cebu island hopping adventure aboard Islands Banca Cruises was made possible by the generosity of Islands Group President and Chairman Jay Aldeguer and with the able assistance of Islands Banca Cruises marketing officer Jefferson Cruz. Islands Banca...

Jun32012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Compostela Valley Mindanao to have 1.5 km zipline

Business, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Features

Move over, Dahilayan Adventure Park. Another Mindanao area will soon have the longest zipline in all of Asia. Compostela Valley, Mindanao will soon be home to a whopping 1.5 kilometer zipline at Camp Manual Yan in Mawab. Yup, you read that right. One and a half kilometers! Holy cow! This new Mindanao extreme adventure will be much longer than the Bukidnon zipline. The longest zipline in Bukidnon is only 840 meters. That means that the Compostela Valley zipline will be almost double that! Dahilayan Adventure Park, which can be found in Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, is currently the home of the longest dual cable zipline in all of Asia. The zipline in Compostela Valley will reportedly be worth Php 3 Million. The provincial government of Compostela Valley will be the ...

Jun12012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Senator Chiz Escudero thumbs down Manila Times headline story

Announcements, Politics

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero sent this official statement on the Manila Times headline story "Chiz: Carpio may face impeach raps." You can read the story here: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/24021-chiz-carpio-may-face-impeach-rap (this is not an active, working link, sorry) Read below the official statement of Senator Chiz Escudero: Let me correct the banner story of Manila Times today (June 1, 2012) which quoted me as warning of a fresh impeachment proceeding if President Benigno Aquino III appoints Associate Justice Antonio Carpio as the next Chief Justice. The report is baseless and I categorically deny the same. Let me clarify and put in proper context the statements I have made in response to questions thrown at me as the Senate representative to ...

Jun12012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to visit the Philippines this June 2012

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Features, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personalities, Politics

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will visit the Philippines this June 2012. Admired by many around the world, it was under the leadership of H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad leadership that Malaysia developed into one of the most prosperous economies in Southeast Asia. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will be in Manila, Philippines come June 10 to 11, 2012. He will be accompanied by his spouse H.E. Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. According to incumbent Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will have a fairly packed schedule while in the Philippines. Apart from giving a keynote lecture at the University of Santo Tomas (which will be themed loosely on modernization, good governance as well as national development), he will a...

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A big thank you Cebu!

Cebu City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel

I'm back from a truly awesome Cebu vacation! :) My Cebu trip was a long delayed one. I was supposed to be there last year but things just got a little too busy for me. Apart from the Typhoon Sendong relief operations I started in Cagayan de Oro, I was also commissioned to do various social media projects and online publicity work. I was also involved in organizing and promoting some events. I also organized blogging and digital media workshops. And then of course, there was that International Visitor Leadership Program experience :) So I guess you could say that my recently concluded Cebu trip was a much-needed one! Anyways, this blog post will be more of a "thank you" post for all of the wonderful, generous people as well as establishments that made my Cebu trip a really memorable o...

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Gingoog City: The city of good luck in Northern Mindanao

Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Travel

Gingoog City is a 74, 400 – hectare chartered city nestled in the northeastern coast of Misamis Oriental. It is a peaceful and simple city that is between two other cities: Cagayan de Oro City (122 kilometers) and Butuan City (74 kilometers). Gingoog City is bounded on the north by the Gingoog Bay; on the east by the municipality of Magsaysay and the province of Bukidnon; and on the south by the municipality of Claveria. The abundant agricultural harvest, favorable climate, thriving industries and warm people of the city are testimonies to how rousing the good luck of the city is. The Manobo tribesmen were the first to settle in the area. They cultivated the land, established a common trading center and set up the early social structure of the area. Later, they grew in number and wid...

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Nicki Minaj Manila Philippines concert this July 2012

Mindanaoan Update

Nicki Minaj Live In Manila, Philippines this July 2012! Yes, folks, the current muse of the hip hop industry, Nicki Minaj, is set to stage a concert in Manila on July 2012. Who's excited for the Nicki Minaj Manila concert? I bet all the Barbz and the Kenz are all excited to watch Nicki Minaj live in concert! The Manila concert of Nicki Minaj will be produced by Wilbros Live, the same producers of the hugely successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue Greatest Hits Tour. Nicki Minaj Live In Manila will be held on July 11, 2012 at the SM MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. Nicki Minaj, by the way, is the one behind the mega hits "Superbass" and "Starships." Interestingly, things were still supposed to be kept under wraps but I guess Nicki Minaj wanted her fans to be the first to know an...

May252012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cayman Islands In My Mind

Cebu City, Travel

I’m currently in Cebu City for a mini vacation. One that I feel I truly need and somehow deserve. I’ll tell you all more about my Cebu vacation but let me give you a little sneak peek: through the kind assistance of Cebu’s one and only Queen, Jude B., I’m doing an amazing hotel hop – Marco Polo Plaza, Waterfront Hotel and Casino Lahug, Radisson Blu Cebu, Islands Stay Cebu and Maribago Bluewater Resort Mactan. Exciting, huh? :) Although I do remember that someone sent me a message a few days ago. He asked that if I wasn’t in Cebu, where would I want to spend a vacation in and why? My quick answer? Cayman Islands. Yes, I know that to visit Cayman Islands and see the wonderful Cayman Islands Attractions sound a little bit far-fetched (for now!) but hey, a girl can dream, yes? :) I me...

May252012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Miss Kagay-an 2012 audition, screening dates

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists

How fast time flies! Remember my Miss Kagay-an 2011 post? It seems just like yesterday! Before we know it, it's time for the Search for Miss Kagay-an 2012. Are you interested to join the Miss Kagay-an 2012 pageant? Want to be the next Miss Cagayan de Oro City 2012 queen? Interested Kagay-anon ladies are encouraged to attend the screening of the next Miss Kagayan on May 19 at Rhapsody Suites along Hayes-Lt. Guillermo Streets in Cogon; May 26 at Hotel Koresco and on June 2 at Rodelsa Hall of Liceo de Cagayan University. As you can see, you have 3 audition dates for the 2012 Miss Kagay-an pageant. Screening time on all dates is from 1 PM to 6 PM. Registration forms are available at the Cagayan de Oro Tourism and Cultural Office at the City Hall and at the City Tourism booth in Diviso...

May222012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Senator Koko Pimentel confirms separation from wife

Cagayan de Oro City, Personalities, Politics

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III has confirmed that he and his wife of almost 12 years, Jewel May Lobaton, have separated. Senator Koko Pimentel, a fellow Mindanaoan, said on Tuesday that he and his wife Jewel May Lobaton, a former beauty queen (she's a Binibining Pilipinas-Universe titleholder), have been living separately since November 2011. Here's the official statement from Senator Koko Pimentel on his separation from his wife: This may well be the most difficult public pronouncement I will ever be making in my entire life. And painful too, as every separation involves a certain degree of pain. I confirm my separation from my wife of close to 12 years, Jewel May Lobaton. We have been living separately since November 2011. I tried my best to resolve our differences fo...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Backpacking in Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin, also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, is an island one passes by on a boat ride between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City. This small island has seven volcanoes, several waterfalls, and hot and cold springs. People visit Camiguin to primarily enjoy the water spots, but there’s more to the island than testing its waters. Also known as the island of fire because of its many volcanoes, Camiguin is rumored to one day simply sink should there be a terrible eruption. But before that happens (and hopefully not), its best you know that Mt. Hibok-Hibok – the most active among the seven volcanoes – has been dormant since it erupted last 1951. Scientists are monitoring the volcanoes as well, as a cautionary measure and for study. You can either fly in Camiguin or take the ferry. Most ...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Perks of Living in Mindanao

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

If you listen to the news on Mindanao, the most likely reaction is that you’ll hesitate to come here. Much less choose to live here. But given the direness of the news on the peace and order situation here, have you ever wondered if there are perks to living in Mindanao? Actually, what’s so terrible in the news is merely a microcosm of Mindanao society. Given the largeness of the island and the number of regions, cities, and cultures that are found in Mindanao, you might want to take the news with a grain of salt the next time. Mindanao is generally a peaceful place. The members of the populace are satisfied with their lives, and commerce and trade are smoothly moving along. The economics show a due representation from the filthy rich to poverty level poor, but people manage to get by. ...

May162012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Island Garden City of Samal: Bidding for the moniker “Island of Festivals”

Island Garden City of Samal, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

The Island Garden City of Samal is the kind of place you don’t want to miss in your lifetime. White sand beaches, pristine waters, majestic waterfalls, fascinating caves and panoramic views are plenty in the city. Its amenities and several exciting activities have added more vibrancy to the Island Garden City of Samal, making it a major tourist destination in Southern Philippines. In fact, the city is hyping up its well-celebrated festivals to earn the moniker “Island of Festivals” and to draw more tourists to its naturally beautiful land. The Island Garden City of Samal is a group of islands that is centrally located in Davao Gulf in the southeastern part of Mindanao. It is a second class city in the Davao del Norte province which is politically subdivided into 46 barangays. Presently,...

May162012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Finding Spain in the heart of Zamboanga City

BIMP-EAGA, Mindanao, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

If you set foot in the lands of Zamboanga City, one of the first things that get into your mind is the feeling that you’re in some other part of the world, perhaps in Spain or in Latin America. But don’t be deceived, you’re not in any city in the west; you are actually in a more beautiful and alluring city called Zamboanga. Often called as “Philippines’ little Spain” and “Asia’s Latin City,” Zamboanga City is a highly urbanized city that lies in the southernmost tip of Region IX in northwestern Mindanao. The sixth largest city in the Philippines and among the few cities independent of any province, Zamboanga City is bounded to the north by land masses and to the other directions by water formations that include the Sulu Sea (west), Moro Gulf (east), Basilan Straight (south) and Celebes ...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ozamiz City: The enviable destination of northwestern Mindanao

Mindanao, Ozamis, Tourism, Travel

The city of Ozamiz is a second class city that stretches out along Panguil Bay in the northwestern part of Mindanao, Philippines. Although it is only a chartered city and not the capital of the Misamis Occidental province, Ozamiz is a prospering city that is the provincial center for health, transportation, education and commerce. With the city’s convenient setting, it has become a historical, cultural and pilgrimage destination in this part of the country. Currently, several projects are underway to boost the development of the city and to make it an even more anticipated destination in the south. Ozamiz City was formerly called Misamis by the early settlers composed mostly of the native Subanons, Jesuit missionaries and other Spaniards. Later, a steady influx of settlers from nearb...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Butuan City: Timber City of the South

Agusan del Norte, Butuan, Caraga, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Butuan City is known for its booming logging industry and for its abundance of timbers; no wonder why migrants from other sides of the Philippines and from abroad settled in this highly urbanized city to seek for good fortune and agricultural profits. But more than just being the Timber City of the South, Butuan is a place where rich history, preserved culture, kind-hearted people and active economy thrive. Butuan City is the provincial capital of the Agusan del Norte province and the regional center of the Caraga Region in the northeastern part of Mindanao. It sprawls near the mouth of the Agusan River, the deepest, widest and longest navigable river in Mindanao. On the north, it is bounded by several municipalities of Agusan del Norte; on the east by the Agusan del Sur province; and o...