Blogging Archives - Page 15 of 19 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jul162010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

The big Spruce 5th anniversary sale and my oh-so-precious loot!

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Style

So the first day of the much-awaited and much talked about 5th Anniversary Sale of SPRUCE was an absolute success! Hundreds of Spruce loyalists came and bought...nay, HOARDED...a lot of stuff! I personally overheard a lady who, after she already bought a lot of items, told her husband that she wanted to stay overnight in Cagayan de Oro City (the family was, apparently, from Marawi City) just because the Spruce personnel told her that more stocks were coming. I also saw a guy who already had 4 pairs of PUMA shoes in his shopping basket but was still checking out yet another pair! (Who says guys can't be shopaholics?) As soon as the mall opened, a long line of eager shoppers was already outside the Spruce store. That type of scene was inevitable, truth be told. Spruce, in celeb...

Jul142010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

From Mindanao media to PNoy’s communications group – an appeal

Advocacy, Blogging, Broadcasting, Commentary, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Politics

So it's somehow final now. The Office of the Press Secretary is no longer. New Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III or PNoy will reorganize it and will rename it to the Presidential Communications Office. The latest buzz is that ANC broadcaster Ricky Carandang and "The Explainer" Manolo Quezon III will join the communications team and will play vital roles. I am, quite frankly, happy to know that Carandang and Quezon will be part of the team. For sure, these brilliant minds will bring with them their years of experience and they will definitely be fab assets to the Aquino administration. No doubt about that. My concern, therefore, is more about the treatment towards Mindanao journalists now that Aquino has made it clear that the public is his "BOSS" and now that he has tw...

Jul112010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Spruce CDO to offer a whopping 50 percent discount during 5th anniversary sale!

Announcements, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Style

SPRUCE Boutique, one of my favorite shops in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, is celebrating its 5th anniversary with a sale like no other! Spruce CDO is set to offer a whopping 50 percent discount for at least 5 items purchased during their much talked about 5-day sale! The Spruce 5-day anniversary sale, which is their way of saying thank you to all their loyal customers, will run from July 14 to July 18, 2010. Check out this photo of their window display (this blogger from Mindanao took this today): More ABSOLUTELY EXCITING details after the jump! (more…)

Jul102010 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Meet my new toy!

Blogging, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Technology

About three weeks ago, I became a convert. A from-Windows-to-Mac convert, that is. Yes, people, this blogger in Mindanao finally made the big switch from using Windows to Mac! And so --- meet my new toy --- a spanking brand new Macbook :) Buying a Macbook wasn't an easy decision to make, mind you. Apart from the fact that learning how to use the new (and absolutely pretty white laptop - yes, I'm gushing :P) and the Mac OS would take a bit of time (yes, I can be lazy), Macs aren't exactly cheap. Macbook prices are nearly double the price of a Windows laptop. That's why I canvassed for a few days and thanks to my Twitter and Plurk friends, I got great leads as to where you can buy cheap Macbooks in the Philippines. I will share how I got a pretty good deal with my newest purchase in ...

Jul32010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

One-day seminar/workshop on Managing a Family-Owned Business

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Family owned businesses account for more than 60% of all businesses in the world and it has been the backbone of the world economy. One, if not the most important factor that determines the success of family businesses is the ability of the family members to create a balance between a happy, united family and a well-run family enterprise. However, the question remains: how do you attain harmony and growth while managing a family-owned business? The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) Cagayan de Oro East Chapter is pleased to invite to you to a one-day seminar/workshop on: “Managing a Family-Owned Business: Attaining Harmony and Growth by Balancing Family and Business”. This seminar is designed to help you attain an effective and amicable family enterprise...

Jun302010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Inaugural speech of Noynoy Aquino – English translation

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

Here is the English translation of the inaugural speech of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. The original, Filipino version can be found HERE. My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation. I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen. My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its ful...

Jun302010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Inaugural speech of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III | Full text inaugural speech of Noynoy Aquino

Announcements, Blogging, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics

Thanks to the Noynoy Aquino Media Bureau, this blogger from Mindanao got a hold of the full text of the inaugural speech of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. This inaugural speech was delivered largely in Filipino and was delivered by Noynoy himself today, June 30, 2010, during the inauguration rites held at Quirino Grandstand, Manila, Philippines. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is the Philippines' newest President. The new vice president is Jejomar "Jojo" Binay. If you missed the inauguration rites today, here's a copy of the inaugural speech of Noynoy Aquino (full text). The English translation of Aquino's inaugural speech can be found HERE. His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and membe...

Jun292010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Start saving up! Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 is coming your way soon

Announcements, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

Woohoo! I'm absolutely thrilled :) After the huge success of the Make Your Own Havaianas 2009 event, this year's MYOH 2010 event is right around the corner! The Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 event for Northern Mindanao will be held on August 13 to 15, 2010 at the Rotunda area of Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. And guess what? This year marks the 5th year of chic and colorful customization brought to all of us by Havaianas Philippines! This blogger in Mindanao cannot wait to get her hands on my brand new pair! I had so much fun during my first ever Make Your Own Havaianas experience and just like I said, that experience was only the beginning of a long "friendship" with my very own Havs :) So start saving up, Havaianaticos! And see you on August! Special thanks to Spruce De...

Jun282010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

A Mindanaoan blog worth checking out – Ganda Ever So Much!

Advocacy, Blogging, General Santos City, Humor, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, SoSCksargen

One of the things that this blogger in Mindanao loves about blogging is the fact that I get to meet other people who are as passionate about writing and sharing stuff as I am. Through blogs and activities related to blogging such as blog camps, bloggers day, bloggers summits, and online media briefings, I get to meet not only virtual friends but interesting people and friends in real life. Take the case of a fellow Mindanaoan named Orman who's behind a Mindanaoan blog that's worth checking out - GandaEverSoMuch.com! I first learned about Ganda Ever So Much through Avel, the man behind the award-winning Bariles Republic. Avel and Orman are brothers. I've been visiting Bariles Republic/GenSantos.com a few times before and I've been noticing Orman's name. He didn't have a blog then but ...

Jun172010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Going on a zipline adventure? Here’s a guide on what to bring and wear

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports

Zipline parks are now mushrooming all over Mindanao (and the rest of the country). Truth be told, a zipline is now also fast becoming part of the norm for adventure or extreme sports parks. In Mindanao alone, we have Asia's longest dual cable zipline and the longest speed zipline in Asia. The longest dual cable zipline in Asia is found in Bukidnon while the longest speed zipline in Asia is in Davao City. This blogger in Mindanao has personally tried both ziplines and in an effort to help other thrill seekers, I'm sharing a simple guide on what to wear and what to bring if you choose to have a zipline adventure real soon. But first - allow me to share with you again this checklist that I found over at Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone - the home of the longest dual cable zipline in ...

Jun162010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Eyelash extensions now a big hit in the Philippines | My eyelash extensions

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Style

Ever heard of eyelash extensions? These are different from fake eyelashes, mind you. Eyelash extensions add thickness, length and fullness to natural eyelashes. Compared to fake eyelashes, eyelash extensions appear more "natural." The synthetic single fiber polyester thread-like materials are applied lash by lash (compared to fake eyelashes where an entire strip of lashes are glued to one's eyelid) and eyelash extensions are usually semi-permanent. These days, eyelash extension salons are sprouting like mushrooms all over Manila. Although no eyelash extension shop has opened in Mindanao (yet), I bet one will open very soon. So here's the deal...one of the things that I treated myself with during my most recent trip to Manila was...well, you guessed that right...getting eyelash extens...

Jun132010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan.com Exclusive: Interview with incoming Bukidnon 2nd District Congressman Florencio T. Flores, Jr.

Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Politics

"If there's just one thing that I'm worried about, it's the pressure that will come from the people of Bukidnon." Such was the statement from incoming Bukidnon Second District Congressman Florencio T. Flores, Jr. In an exclusive interview with this writer from Mindanao, Flores, who finished three terms as Malaybalay City Mayor and who recently bagged the coveted Bukidnon 2nd District congressional seat, said that although he doesn't feel pressured at all at the moment, he knows that it will be a "different, most likely interesting" road ahead. "The people in the second district of Bukidnon will have expectations and as much as I want to strive hard to meet those expectations, we know that we can't satisfy all the needs. That is why we need to prioritize," he said. Flores' distr...

Jun72010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: Missy Bon Bon breadshop and gelato store

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop is a new breadshop, pastry shop and gelato store in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao. From a humble stall at the 2nd floor of Robinson's Mall CDO, Missy Bonbon now has a second branch - a full, working store along Rosario Drive, Limketkai Mall, CDO. Because this blogger from Mindanao missed the invitation sent out by the owner of Missy Bon Bon for a nice, chillaxin' bloggers day cum breakfast meet-up a few weeks ago , I was all too happy to check their store out as soon as I got back from Manila. I met some fellow bloggers there for an afternoon meeting. I was not disappointed. Well, okay, except for one tiny thing which I'll mention after the jump. In the meantime, check out the delicious array of gelatos (Italian ice cream) found at Missy Bon Bon...

Jun42010 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone Bukidnon zipline – longest dual cable zipline in Asia

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Resorts, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

So, YES, finally! Mindanaoan, her brother and mom finally got to visit Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon - home of ZipZone Bukidnon zipline, reportedly the longest dual cable zipline in all of Asia! We finally managed to visit this Mindanao tourist destination, which is fast becoming a favorite of thrill and adventure seekers, in time for my brother's birthday. Actually, we've been looking forward to trying out this Bukidnon zipline adventure for months but we only had the chance this most recent weekend. Also, quite unfortunately, my two other brothers couldn't come with us so it was just me, my brother and my mom. Nonetheless, my brother and I were so excited to try the much-talked about 840 meter zipline, considered the longest dual cable zipline in Asia. Apart ...

May312010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Freebies alert – Giving away Mindanaoan.com keychains!

Announcements, Blogging, Contests, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update

Hello everyone, I'm giving away several Mindanaoan.com keychains :) Simple yet useful keychains for all of the valued readers of my humble blog about Mindanao and life in Mindanao! It's super easy to receive a FREE Mindanaoan.com keychain. All you have to do is SUBSCRIBE TO MINDANAOAN (CLICK, CLICK!) :) Yes, yes, it's THAT easy for you to get this freebie :) After you click the link leading you to the SUBSCRIPTION PAGE, please just leave a valid email address and don't forget to verify your email address by clicking on the URL that will be sent to you via email. Subscribe NOW because I will start shipping these keychains out by June 15, 2010! NOTE: Existing subscribers of Mindanaoan.com need not fret because all of you will also be included in this mini keychain-giveaway thingi...

May282010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Gelatissimo in Greenbelt 5

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Thanks to Manila-based Twitter friend Ryan, this blogger from Mindanao got invited to check out the much-talked about Gelatissimo store in Greenbelt 5, Makati City, Philippines. It was an invitation that I immediately accepted especially because I've heard a lot of good feedback about this gelato shop. By the way, Gelatissimo isn't a homegrown brand. Gelatissimo is an Australian brand and they offer yummy gelato that's made fresh every single day, sundaes, chocolates, traditional Italian biscotti and roasted coffee. For the unitiated, gelato is a low fat, creamy alternative to traditional ice cream. It tastes a bit "warmer" than ice cream but nonetheless equally delish! As expected, I found a packed Gelatissimo Greenbelt 5 branch. Believe me, the photo I took below didn't do justi...

May272010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The first Soccsksargen summer safari | Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Events, Food, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, SoSCksargen, Tourism, Travel

Taking its cue from the very successful Davao Food Appreciation Tour a.k.a. DFAT (which is now on its third round, by the way!), this now famous bloggers-go-on-a-major-food-trip tour has now expanded and has now turned into the Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour (MFAT)! This doesn't mean that DFAT has seen the last of its glory days, though. On the contrary, it has now paved the way for a bigger, larger and definitely more exciting food appreciation tour for bloggers in Mindanao! The first Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour 2010 will be held late this month and will be participated in by Davao Bloggers, CDO Bloggers and SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers. Check out the poster below for some of the generous partners of this most awaited food safari!

May262010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan at the first ever Cebu Blog Camp 2010

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Events, Internet, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Technology

So I'm finally back from a 4-day escapade in Cebu City, the Queen City of the South. The primary reason as to why Mindanaoan was in Cebu was to attend the first ever Cebu Blog Camp 2010. The event, which held the theme "Blogging, Expressions and Opportunities," gathered more than a hundred bloggers from all over the Philippines. The Cebu Blog Camp provided a platform whereby bloggers, IT experts and experienced new media practitioners discussed various issues concerning the blogosphere including online journalism, blogging ethics, marketing yourself as a blogger, blog marketing and earning money online. I learned a lot from the speakers (thanks Hans Koch for the very helpful WP plugins and big thanks to Tonyo Cruz for reminding me why I shifted to online media after 8 long years as a...

May242010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Finally finding No Reservations Anthony Bourdain Cebu lechon – the Zubuchon!

Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Culture, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Society

Apart from attending the Cebu Blog Camp 2010, another reason why I was looking forward to going back to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South, was the fact that I will finally have the chance to try the world-famous Zubuchon - yes, the very same Cebu lechon featured and praised by popular chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of "No Reservations." Ever since Anthony Bourdain featured it in "No Reservations" (one of the very few travel shows that my entire family loves to watch), we agreed to definitely try it once we have the chance to go back to Cebu. As we all know, Cebu lechon is already famous as it is but for a specific Cebu lechon to be featured as the Anthony Bourdain preferred Cebu lechon is another thing. A brief background first for the unitiated - Lechon or fire roas...

May172010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Mindanaoan is attending the Cebu Blog Camp 2010

Blogging, Internet, Make Money Online, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society, Technology, Travel

This blogger from Mindanao is attending the much-awaited Cebu Blog Camp 2010! Yes, folks, I'm off to the Queen City of the South this weekend to join other blogger-friends all over the country. The theme for this year's Cebu Blog Camp is “Blogging, Expressions, and Opportunities" and topics to be discussed include basics of blogging, great sources of content (especially when you're running out of topics to write about!), photoblogging and videoblogging, blogging ethics, blogging in the community and for the community (this is something I can most definitely learn from especially for Bukidnon Online), blog marketing, blogging and citizen's journalism, personal branding through blogging, earning through blogging and many more. (more…)

May122010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Willie Nepomuceno and the “Presidentiables Gut Talent” show

Advocacy, Arts, Blogging, Commentary, Entertainment, Events, Features, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Society, Weird

If there is one thing that I, Mindanaoan, absolutely love to do whenever I'm in Manila then that would be to catch as many comedy shows as I can. I'm not referring to comedy shows on TV or stand-up gigs at comedy bars, mind you. I'm referring to live ones that you get to watch at venues like the Music Museum in Greenhills or at the newer one, Teatrino, at the Promenade (located also at Greenhills). There's just something about live comedy shows that I find so invigorating. Well, obviously, apart from the fact that they do provide a venue for you to escape the daily grind somehow and let you laugh (at least for about two hours), I think comedy shows celebrate the amazing talent Filipino comedians have. Just check out my review on "Da Spooftacular Showdown" featuring Jon Santos, Pokwang, ...

May102010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Two Mindanaoan senatorial candidates get my vote

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Features, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Politics

With just a few hours before May 10, 2010 - the very day the Philippines is set to hold its first ever automated elections - I, Mindanaoan, would like to share to you two choices I've already made. I'm set to vote for these two senatorial candidates and I'm proud to let you know that both of them are from Mindanao. Both Mindanaoans and both I've had the utmost honor to work with. I'm voting for Adel Tamano (#54 on the ballot) and Neric Acosta (#1 on the ballot). Before I delve into the finer details as to why I'm voting for these senatoriables from Mindanao, let me quote something from respected columnist Manolo Quezon III (my idol!): "The job of a senator is not just about legislation, it’s about oversight, with the latter being more relevant and required than the former. The House...