Arts Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr162024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

WATCH: the amazing Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra LIVE in Bukidnon

Advocacy, Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Music

The world-class Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, recently performed live in Bukidnon. A very first in the Province of Bukidnon, considered the food basket of the country. The two live performances, one at 2 PM and another at 7 PM of April 12, 2024, were made possible by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and the Cultural Center of the Philippines in celebration of the inauguration of the Bukidnon Center for Culture and the Arts, located at the new Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City. I was able to attend both performances, thanks to my dear friend Senate President Migz Zubiri. Daghang salamat, SP! I was also given all access passes for other events that weekend, which I will soon share on th...

Jul152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New CDO must-do: visit Carmen Art District

Advocacy, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update

Here's something new (and a must-do!) you can visit in Cagayan de Oro! Carmen Art District is an artist-run space committed to providing a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase work, engage in critical discourse, and connect with a wider audience. They aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment in our local community that encourages artistic experimentation and innovation. And starting today until August 2023, you can check out Kelly Ramos' "Coming home: Old Paintings," a gathering of art works in a span of 2 decades. This little retrospective provides a rare opportunity to see the paintings together in one place. It is a way to discover the artist’s development over time, and see the narratives she has chosen for her themes throughout the years. The p...

Jan202020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kaamulan Festival 2020 Schedule of Activities

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kaamulan Festival 2020 na! After missing this annual Bukidnon festival for a few years, I am finally going to witness it again. The Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes namely Tigwahanun, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. The Kaamulan Festival is also considered as the only authentic ethnic festival left in the Philippines. By virtue of a provincial resolution authored by Bukidnon District 2 Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is held from March 23 to April 23 every year. The dates are fixed. However, the sitting Bukidnon governor will have the option to change them provided there's a viable reason to do so. Ergo, this year's Kaamulan Festival 2020 will be on March 23 to April 23...

Jul42016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Manila debut of “American Idiot” : Rowdy Visual Candy #Globe9WTAmericanIdiot

America, Arts, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Reviews, Society, Technology

I just spent a few days in crazy busy Manila. I was there to witness first hand the formal announcement of Globe Telecom’s new content partnerships with top global brands Netflix (IKR!!!), Sports Illustrated, Disney, Cartoon Network, Smule, Turner and Astro plus the exciting rise of Globe Studios and Globe Live. Globe Studios aims to produce clips, series and even movies from top directors such as Erik Matti, Paul Soriano, Quark Henares, Dan Villegas, Sigrid Bernardo, Joyce Bernal, and Lav Diaz. I must say, however, that I’m most excited with Globe Live. Globe Live aims to produce, promote and deliver engaging, creative events of international size and quality. Globe will use its wide distribution channels to promote these live events and bring them to the customer wherever he or she...

Feb222016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the HATCH Mastermind Group CDO

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society, Technology

A mastermind group, where participants can freely brainstorm strategies, create goals and implement ideas as well as support each other, has been launched in Cagayan de Oro City. Dubbed “HATCH Mastermind Group CDO,” the free-for-all group also aims to provide a platform whereby participants can share the challenges they currently face and can seek assistance from the collective intelligence of other participants. Active Twitter users Mike of @mikeabonitalla, Vic of @vicmadz and Irene of @mindanaoan, who can also share strategies based on their respective fields of expertise, serve as the lead volunteer organizers of HATCH Mastermind Group CDO. “Cagayan de Oro is a thriving city. There are lots of investments coming in and there are lots of new and possible marketing strategies. With...

Dec182015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Nakamise Street for souvenir hunting in #Tokyo #Japan

Arts, Features, Japan, Mindanaoan Update, Tokyo, Travel

Hunting for souvenirs in Tokyo, Japan can be done in the district of Asakusa, which is considered the center of Tokyo's shitamachi ("low city"). In Asakusa, the main attraction is the Sensoji Temple. However, before you reach this very popular Buddhist temple, you need to pass through Nakamise Street. This is where you go souvenir hunting in Tokyo :) Nakamise Street is Tokyo's biggest souvenir market. You can find lots of traditional Japanese items, local snacks, knick knacks etc. My brothers and I tried the local snacks made fresh and right before you! Very delicious, trust me :) By the way, it is PROHIBITED to eat and walk at the same time in Japan. Ergo, you need to consume the food and drinks where you purchased them. Please take note! At the last stretch of the souvenir shops...

Oct282015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LAPIS Para Sa Lumad

Advocacy, Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Music

I am always in awe of Filipino musicians who continue to write meaningful, socially relevant songs. Songs that some may consider "unpopular" but are the very ones that we all need to hear. Songs about human rights, just wages, land reform, proper governance, freedom of speech. Songs that remind us of our responsibilities as citizens. Songs that beseech justice and even anger. I was able to watch some of these talented Filipino musicians - all part of the League of Authors of Public Interest Songs (LAPIS) - as they performed in a show for the benefit of the Lumads (indigenous peoples) in Mindanao. The show, dubbed "LAPIS para sa Lumad," also called for awareness and participation in the fight against the attacks on Lumads and their ancestral domains. Among the performers that night we...

Sep82015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rotary Club of CDO Premier I.D.E.A. 2015 to tackle Bangsamoro Basic Law

ARMM, Arts, Basilan, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Events

The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier, a dynamic group of young professionals dedicated to doing good, is organizing I.D.E.A. 2015 - an Invitational for Debate, Essay and Art on September 11 to 12, 2015 at Liceo de Cagayan University. The theme of this year’s invitational is: “Peace in Mindanao." As a necessary component of the theme, the competition will cover the creation of the Bangsamoro region and the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). I.D.E.A. 2015 is aimed at tackling one of Rotary International’s areas of focus – the promotion of peace and conflict resolution. The event will be a two-day, region-wide high school debate, essay, and art competition aimed at broadening the region’s understanding of the peace process in Mindanao. More specifically, the project aims t...

Aug112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities

Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

The King of Festivals is here once again! Kadayawan Festival 2015 or the 30th Kadayawan sa Dabaw will be held in Davao City from August 17 to 23, 2015. Kadayawan Festival is Davao City's grandest and most colorful celebration that highlights Davao tribes' culture, tradition and everyday lives. Kadayawan is also where we all thank the good Lord for bountiful harvests! :) Here's the Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities (please feel free to SHARE!): It's also a special non-working holiday in Davao City on August 24, 2015 so plan your trip well! Happy Kadayawan Festival! See you in the streets! :)

May172015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Inside the new Limketkai Cinemas CDO

Arts, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment

People have been waiting for it - the re-opening of the newly renovated Limketkai Cinemas! The very first in Mindanao to feature Dolby Atmos, a surround sound technology, the new Limketkai Cinemas opened last April 22, 2015 with a bang when they offered "Avengers: Age of Ultron." Currently, though, only two of the four cinemas are open. The ones currently operating offer the biggest number of seats. A few days after they opened, the Limketkai Mall management invited me for a quick tour inside the cinemas. Check out the photos I took below. By the way, Dolby Atmos offers more depth, richness and power. Speakers are placed along the walls, ceilings (you can find them lined up, some facing the screen, some facing the audience) and even behind the screen. The ticket booth. Yes...

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...

Feb32015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Breathtaking Gyeongbukgung Palace Seoul

Arts, Culture, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Seoul, Tourism, Travel

Built in 1395, the Gyeongbukgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea used to be the seat of power. Also known as Gyeongbok Palace, this palace was made during the Joseon Dynasty and is perhaps the most popular among the 5 palaces in Seoul. Just like what happened when we visited Changdeokgung Palace, we didn't have to pay for the entrance fee. It was Chuseok Festival time (autumn harvest holiday, Seoul's biggest holiday) and all entrance fees to palaces were waived. Spotted these little girls in their hanboks. This is the Keunjeong-jeon. This used to be the royal throne hall and as such, top officials then conducted state affairs here. This is Korea’s largest surviving wooden structure. Inside the Keunjeong-jeon We also caught the changing of the...

Feb32015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Changdeokgung Palace

Arts, Culture, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Seoul, Tourism, Travel

Changdeokgung Palace, a 600-year old UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the very first palace we visited in Seoul, South Korea. Changdeokgung Palace is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the Joseon Dynasty kings. Located at Jongno-gu district, this is a beautiful palace complex to roam around in and take photos of. We picked a good day to visit this Seoul palace. It was Chuseok Festival, Seoul's biggest festival, and entrance fees to all palaces were waived. This is the Injeongjeon (Main Hall) These seemingly stone markers were placed so that officials knew where to stand. The premises are very well-kept and well-maintained, as you can see in the photos. I can already imagine how pretty this area would be during fall or...

Jan292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Design tip: here’s a very easy way to spruce up a blank wall

Arts, Beauty, Features, Gifts, Shopping

I just turned one of the bare and boring walls in our home into instant eye candy with the help of wall stickers! Yep, folks, wall stickers. I've been spotting a lot of Pinterest pins about wall decor stickers and I've been wondering where to get them locally when one of my favorite CDO boutiques, Spruce, sent me a set last Christmas 2014! Woohoo! At bilang it's a new year and all, go go go na in decorating paandar! The set I received had two sticker sheets. Each sticker sheet had "leaves" and "branches/stems." Take note that the box I received had no instructions but it did have a sample of a suggested finished look (check out the face of the box). And so, armed with a pair of scissors, a dose of creativity and imagination plus my favorite Spotify playlist blasting in the backgroun...

Jan232015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PHOTOS: Giant Philippine Eagle along BuDa (Bukidnon-Davao border)

Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Traversing the Bukidnon - Davao (BuDa) highway? If you're entering or leaving Davao City via Bukidnon, you might want to watch out for really cool sculptures at Barangay Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao. This huge Philippine Eagle sculpture, crafted by Cotabato-born, fellow Mindanaoan Kublai Millan, is a sight to behold. Just a few steps away from the Philippine Eagle sculpture, there are also sculptures of Mindanao tribesmen and children. The sculptures are reminiscent of the yearly Kadayawan Festival. There's also a "Welcome to Davao" sign :) There is no entrance fee and there are no other fees here. There may be locals who will sell you native handicrafts, though :) I bought some bracelets (Php 10.00 each only!). Nice way to help support the local community. ...

Jan172015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visayas Symphony Orchestra to join Liceo University Diamond Jubilee celebration

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music

To help celebrate Liceo University's 60th (Diamond) Jubilee, the Visayas Symphony Orchestra will perform in a special gala concert at Rodelsa Hall on February 28, 2015. Under the baton of world-class Filipino artist Rudolf Pelaez Golez with pianist Jose Velez Malferrari as featured soloist, the much-awaited event aims to bring classical music closer to local music aficionados as a way of cultural appreciation and arts development in the locality. The Visayas Symphony Orchestra in CDO event will also coincide with the National Arts Month celebration. The Visayas Symphony Orchestra will be performing pieces from the world’s greatest classical composers namely, Emperor Waltz of Strauss, Symphony in g minor No. 40 of Mozart and Piano Concerto in c minor No. 3 of Ludwig van Beethoven. Th...

Jan112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dabawenyo illustrator’s work returns as McDonald’s Happy Meals treat

Arts, Davao City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Personalities

Today, I feel really proud to be Dabawenyo! A fellow Atenista, Mindanaoan (and Davaoeno) Macky Pamintuan has made me remember my beloved hometown Davao City and all its amazing, talented people. For the uninitiated, Macky Pamintuan (yes, of the Pamintuans of Apo View Hotel) is a popular animator, graphic and fine artist. Some of his works include illustrations for the books Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Cupcake Chaos, The Pumpkin Patch Puzzle, Cape Mermaid Mystery, Scream for Ice Cream, Ski School Sneak and Earth Day Escapade and The Night Before Baseball at the Park by the Bay (in partnership with the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants). Today, I just found out that one of the books he illustrated is part of McDonald's Happy Meals in the USA. The book "Flat Stanley Goes Camp...

Dec182014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan.com declared top CDO blog by ICT Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Society, Technology

It is with utmost humility that I announce that Mindanaoan.com has just been declared as a "Top CDO Blog" in the recently concluded 2014 ICT Awards held at the Activity Center, Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The ICT Awards, organized by the CDO ICT Business Council, Cagayan de Oro's main information and communications technology organization, recognizes websites, individuals and organizations involved in the city's IT industry. The citation reads: "The 2014 ICT Awards, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Telecommunications and Communications, Department of Science and Technology - ICTO and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, presents this Top CDO Blog Award to www.Mindanaoan.com for the creation and maintenance of an exceptional b...

Nov262014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dulaang Atenista XU’s Sa North Diversion Road play

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

When I received an invitation from Shaun to watch Dulaang Atenista - Xavier University's "Sa North Diversion Road" play, I honestly threw all expectations out of the window. That strategy apparently worked well for me because for someone who doesn't get impressed so easily, Dulaang Atenista's version of the award-winning play was so worth my time I felt it would have almost been a sin should I have missed it. Directed by Jay Rey Alovera, Dulaang Atenista's version of the play starred Maria Mercedes Batar and Client Ray Cosin, both of whom gave emotional, stellar performances way beyond what's most probably expected of their age. "Sa North Diversion Road" is composed of 10 brief stories of 10 different couples as they drive along the North Diversion Road in the Philippines. The common...

Nov252014 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

How to continue helping Typhoon Sendong survivors

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

Any project that can help Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) survivors always interest me. You see, my family and I were also victims of the typhoon. We faced business losses, yes, but all of us were safe and still had so much to be thankful for. That was the reason why my family and I launched donation drives and relief goods distribution. That was also when I experienced first hand the power of social media. Because of my social media posts, lots of help came in from all over the world (not to mention lots of interview requests from national and international media outlets including BBC and CNN!) and our humble garage became a makeshift donation area, where people can leave donations, where volunteers can come repack and even join us when we distribute the items to various areas...

Nov192014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New career exploration tool launched in Cagayan de Oro

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus

The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) recently launched an online career exploration tool, with the aim to help high school students chart their future. Through a career talk dubbed "Life Lessons," PBed launched FutureYou.ph in Cagayan de Oro City last November 7, 2014. Life Lessons is FutureYou.ph’s career advocacy roadshow that seeks to help high school students discover different career opportunities. Around 100 high school students from Cagayan de Oro College, Bayabas National High School, Carmen National High School, Cagayan de Oro National High School, Gusa National High School, Bonbon National High School and Lapasan National High School attended the event held at the Cagayan de Oro College PHINMA. The students listened to successful individuals from different industries w...

Aug112014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Bradley Bascon violin concert CDO Philippines

Advocacy, Arts, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Reviews, Society, United States of America

When I was invited to watch a concert featuring a 15 year old violin protege, I knew somehow I was in for a treat. After all, for someone so young, Bradley Bascon has already achieved so much - far more than most lads his age - including winning the Violin Master Class panel finals organized by the Music Teachers Association of California, performing with an orchestra as a featured soloist in Spain and Portugal, performing in the London Olympics in 2012 and participating in festivals in Germany, Austria and Italy. Still, I felt that I had to hold back my cheers and praises until the litmus test - that one-night only concert held last July 31, 2014 at the Rodelsa Hall, Liceo de Cagayan University. Along with collaborating artist Rudolf Golez, who himself is an internationally acclaimed F...