Consumer Archives - Page 17 of 18 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun22009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Is a zip line adventure in the offing in Cagayan de Oro City?

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Sports

So I'm back from a very brief visit to my hometown, Davao City, Mindanao. While it felt refreshing to be back home, my stay was a painfully short one so it was still really BITIN. My mother, brothers and I were in Wadab town to celebrate one my younger brothers' birthday. Anyways, the highlight of my Davao City trip was the much-awaited Xcelerator adventure. I have so much to share about my Outland Adventure Xcelerator adventure (I'll also share some photos!) - I'll write more about that tomorrow. In the meantime, I'd just like to share with you all a little bit of info that I got while we were at Outland Adventure. One of the staff members talked to me and told me that a zip line ala Xcelerator might be put up in Cagayan de Oro City (which is roughly 6 hours away from Davao City by bus...

Jun22009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Reload via SMART Money and get additional 10 percent bonus airtime

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

Good news for the many Mindanao-based SMART Money users! Beginning May 15, 2009, SMART subscribers will enjoy bonus airtime, whenever they reload their own or another Smart Buddy prepaid account using Smart Money. Now for entrepreneurs like me, this is definitely good news especially since I regularly send out payments and other types of transactions through SMART Money. Load denominations ranging from P15 to P1,000 purchased via Smart Money will entitle account holders to an additional 10 percent of the reloaded amount. For example, a Smart Money account holder will get P110 worth of load for a personal airtime purchase of P100. Also, if the account holder opts to purchase airtime for a friend or loved one, the load recipient will get the corresponding 10% bonus load. That’s 10% wor...

May282009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Looking forward to trying the Xcelerator!

Business, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel

Experience some atmosFEAR! Now who wouldn't be curious with that? I am really, really looking forward to trying the Xcelerator zip line over at Davao City's Outland Adventure this weekend! The Outland Adventure Xcelerator is supposedly the longest speed zipline in all of Asia! Cool, eh? The Xcelerator is open everyday from 8am to 5 pm. Groups reservations available for weekdays. Fee is P300.00 per adult. They grant a 50 percent discount for small children if they're riding in tandem with an adult. Outland Adventure is right across the GAP Farm along the Diversion Road in Ma-a, Davao City, Mindanao. Check out this video:

May252009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Teriyaki Boy now open in SM Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society

Seems like the City of Golden Friendship is fast becoming the new city of major developments! Cagayan de Oro City is the newest home of a Teriyaki Boy branch. Teriyaki Boy is a fast-casual Japanese dining restaurant here in the Philippines and yes, I often make it a point to drop by one of their branches in Manila (I also like Tokyo Tokyo, another fast-casual Japanese-style dining restaurant chain which has a couple of branches in Manila). Thankfully, Teriyaki Boy now have an outlet in CDO --- in SM City CDO along Masterson Avenue, to be exact. *picture taken using only my Motorola Krzr Is it just me or has Teriyaki Boy changed their corporate look? Their logo used to have red and black, yes?...now I noticed that they prominently used yellow. Or does this look only apply in th...

May202009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

SM General Santos City on the drawing board

Business, Consumer, Corporate, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, SoSCksargen

Although there haven't been any official statements yet from both SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (the corporation behind the SM supermalls around the country) and the Salazar Family of General Santos City (said to be the owners of an 8-hectare property along Santiago Boulevard, GenSan where SM reportedly intends to put up the SM General Santos Supermall), observers believe that it's a done deal. The fact that General Santos Mayor Pedro Acharon already confirmed the signing of a lease between the two concerned parties, then the project already has the green light. SM reportedly intends to lease the Salazar-owned land for 50 years. And we all know that long-term leases mean financial security for the owners. Good for them, yes? SM General Santos City is seen to be the imminent rival to Rob...

May112009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao is final stop of SMART Buddy Hot Summer Samahan

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personalities

Northern Mindanao's main city, Cagayan de Oro, will once again play host to one of the legs of the SMART Buddy Hot Summer Samahan this year. Dubbed the “Barkada Roadtrip,” which is now on its 4th year, the SMART Buddy Hot Summer Samahan CDO activity will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009. Various activities as well as a concert featuring local CDO talents, PBB celebrity Jon Avila and bands Kamikazee and Hale will take place. Here's good news to all of you who want to take part of this event in the heart of Mindanao --- access to the event is FREE – Smart Buddy subscribers just need to load at least P60, while others need to buy a Smart Buddy SIM then load at least P30, to be able to join the daytime games, the raffle, and the concert. Meanwhile, Smart Buddy subscribers may tak...

Apr302009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PLDT, SMART pledges more support for gov’t manpower dev’t initiatives

Advocacy, Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News

Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of PLDT and SMART, together with Napoleon L. Nazareno, President and CEO of PLDT and SMART, met with Labor Secretary Marianito D. Roque recently to discuss how the telecommunications giant and the nation’s leading wireless services provider could enhance the efforts spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), particularly in the areas of job creation, manpower development, job placement and skills matching. For several years, PLDT and SMART have supported government initiatives by promoting and offering job and livelihood opportunities through various programs like the SMART Entrepreneurial Program, the DBP I-net Negosyo for Overseas Filipino Workers and their beneficiaries, several microfinance programs in the countryside, a series of SMAR...

Apr302009 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Davao to Cagayan de Oro direct flights launched

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Well, after years of waiting for another airline to launch Davao to Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan de Oro to Davao direct flights (the last airline that offered this was Mindanao Air - if memory serves me right - I was able to fly twice), the wait is finally over. Cebu Pacific Airlines has launched a direct thrice-weekly service from Davao to Cagayan de Oro starting May 14, 2009. And here's pretty tempting news for those who want to try this new route --- Cebu Pacific is introducing this Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City, Cagayan de Oro City to Davao City route with a one-way ‘Go Lite’ promo fare of P499 all-in. The seat sale will run from today to April 30, 2009 and is valid for travel from June 1 to August 31, 2009. Promo fare is non-refundable. The flight departs from Davao every Tuesday...

Apr282009 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Made in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao: Energy Plus bar

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update

I discovered something pretty interesting lately. Well, a product made in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, to be exact. It's an energy bar - an all natural, high protein, high fiber and high carbohydrates bar that promises to help you replenish lost energy. "Reload in a bar" - the product says. I'm a huge fan of muesli bars and I also make it a point to visit cereal joints whenever I'm in Manila (which reminds me...when will a similar all-cereal food joint ever open here in Mindanao?) so to find a similar product made here in Mindanao is interesting to me. This Cagayan de Oro Mindanao product is called Energy Plus (Trail Mix Bar) and of course, the picture used for the product label is that of a group of friends going on a white water rafting trip (CDO is known for its white water r...

Apr232009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary in Valencia City, Bukidnon this April 25, 2009

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON - In commemoration of Talk 'N Text's 9th anniversary, the said prepaid GSM service, considered the Philippines' second largest, will bring its "Gaaniversary" activities to Valencia City, Bukidnon, Mindanao. “We are happy to bring the Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary celebration to Valencia City, and we are excited to continue contributing to the vibrancy of this area,” said Steve Alcoseba, SMART head for sales in the Visayas and Mindanao. The Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary activity is a yearly series of merrymaking held in different places in the country to let hardworking Filipinos and their families take a break and have fun together. This year’s series, dubbed “Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary: Ikaw ang Bida”, kicked off last March 28, 2009 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. ...

Apr232009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Over Workshop in Davao City

Announcements, Beauty, Consumer, Davao City, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Style

Attention ladies! Especially those who are mineral makeup aficionados like me! There will be a Jane Iredale Mineral make-over workshop in Davao City, Mindanao this weekend. Davao City store Chimes Specialty Store and Jane Iredale will sponsor this event, which will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2009. First Batch: 1:30pm - 3:30pm (30 participants only) and Second Batch: 4:00pm - 6:00pm (30 participants only) If you're interested to join this mineral make-up workshop, then call Renren at 09209511830 Chimes Specialty Store is located along Governor Sales Street, Davao City. Meanwhile, if you're interested to check out more Treats for Women and other things related to women, check out the Women Treats website. (MINDANAOAN.COM ANNOUNCEMENTS)

Apr222009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the Talk ‘N Text Idol search; Mindanao audition sked here

Announcements, Consumer, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Think you can carry a tune? Do you think you can wow any crowd? Do you think you have a colorful background --- one that could really catch the attention of many? What about winning a whopping P1 Million just by singing your heart out? Then join Talk 'N Text's Search for Talk 'N Text Idol! If you have an interesting story to share or if you have the "diskarte sa tipid-sulit," then you might just be the one that Talk N Text is looking for! There will be nationwide auditions for the Search for the Talk 'N Text Idol. Here are two places in Mindanao where you can audition: - April 25, 2009 (Saturday) Koronadal City, South Cotabato Rizal Park, Bonifacio Street - April 25, 2009 (Saturday) Ipil, Zamboanga Sibuguey Ipil Luis Ruiz Freedom Park Meanwhile, Talk 'N Text will also have ...

Apr152009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The power of luya, salabat and Pei Pa Koa

Advocacy, Commentary, Consumer, Features, Food, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Weird

So I'm up at 3 o'clock in the morning. I'm set to travel to Koronadal City, Mindanao in a few hours. Terribly excited to see another part of my beloved Island of Mindanao but a bit worried, too. Not about traveling to the place formerly called Marbel but because I lost my voice...literally! I caught nasty cough and colds a few days ago and now I'm paying for the consequence --- I currently have terribly hoarse voice. Two days ago was the worst. I could barely hear myself. I couldn't hear anything when I tried to utter a word! Enter my immediate remedies for this type of emergency --- luya (ginger), salabat (ginger ale) and the ever trusty Pei Pa Koa. Ever since I was a child, my mother always reminded us of the wonders of luya and salabat. And of course, mothers know best. Ginger ...

Apr82009 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Smart, Talk ‘N Text Mindanao exclusives

Advocacy, Announcements, Business, Consumer, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update

I'm sure that most, if not all, of you have noticed the various billboards, posters, tarps and radio ads about SMART and Talk 'N Text's Mindanao exclusives --- exclusive "unlimited texting" and "unlimited calls" promos meant only for Mindanao subscribers. I have yet to try this type of promo but I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble? You see, many of the people I know who've registered under these so-called Mindanao exclusives promos of SMART and Talk 'N Text have encountered several problems. For one, they claim that they no longer receive messages especially during night time even though the people who sent them those messages swore to the high heavens that they "successfully sent" those SMS notes. Still, these types of promos are very interesting and I would really like to try t...

Mar262009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Marco Polo Davao offers Holy Week Special for Dabawenyos

Announcements, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Marco Polo Davao has just announced their Holy Week special - and here's the good news for fellow Dabawenyos - this very special offer is exclusive only for us Davao City residents! Marco Polo Davao will only charge P2,888.00 for an overnight stay in a superior room. You will also get to enjoy the following benefits: Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for Two 50% off on Foot Reflexology Treatment and 20% discount on other services at Lazuli Spa 30% discount in all Food and Beverage outlets Two (2) extra pool passes with one month validity If you wish to upgrade your room to deluxe category, just add P500.00. Extra bed is also available at P500.00 net per night. This Marco Polo Davao City promo will be available from April 1 to 15, 2009. Again, please take note --- this offer is exc...

Mar32009 by Mindanaoan Irene16 Comments

How long before you get your SSS ID – three months!

Business, Commentary, Consumer, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology

Well, in my case, at least. After a little over three months, I finally received it. I received my Social Security System (SSS) ID in the mail today. My SS card was sent via registered mail and interestingly, the "generic" letter that came with it (which was signed by current SSS Chairman Romulo Neri) was dated February 3, 2009 but the envelope was postmarked February 19, 2009. So I'm thinking the SSS has one really very slow mailing process. Anyways, this post on how long before you get your SSS ID comes three months after my entry on how to get your SSS ID card. In that post, I mentioned that the data capture operator told me that it might take more than two months before my SSS digital ID is sent via registered mail. Well, what do you know? She was right! Not only did it take more th...

Feb122009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Spend Valentine’s Day at Pepper and Peppers Restaurant Davao City

Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you should already have an idea by now as to where you can bring your loved one for that special, romantic dinner. However, with just so many choices especially in Davao City, Mindanao, deciding where to go can be quite a challenge. Good thing there's Pepper and Peppers Restaurant which promises nothing but exquisite food, exclusive dining and elegant ambiance. Located at The Site, Central Convenience Store Compound, Jacinto Extension corner Mapa Street, Davao City, Pepper and Peppers Restaurant is best known for their killer (and I mean absolutely delish!) Iberian chicken, Chilean shrimp pasta and (my favorite) Sizzling Blackened Chicken. And come Valentine's Day, they've prepared two Valentine Set menus for you to choose from. The "Hopel...

Feb62009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mango Outlet opens in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao; woos Mindanaoan fashionistas

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Society

I must admit, I used to be a very strict cheapskate. I have a penchant for saving money (which is a good thing, I should say) but during the past few years, I've slowly realized that treating myself to something nice and pretty and a little bit expensive isn't always a bad thing. One of the things I've recently liked to splurge on are quality clothes - from shirts to cardigans to pretty tops to cargo pants to capris. I also like to buy clothes that I can wear during business meetings but at the same time can still pass off as a nice day-to-evening outfit. And one of the brands I like is Mango. Mango is a Spanish clothing company based in Barcelona. It's the brand being endorsed by actress Penelope Cruz. I first had the chance to buy an item in one of the MNG by Mango stores in Manila a...

Jan302009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Where there’s construction or repair, there’s Pinoy business

Bisaya, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society

This is really Pinoy ingenuity at work! My family and I were on our way to Davao City when we had to stop at Mangima Road, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. As it turned out, there was an ongoing road repair (I learned that from this huge tarp along the side of the road which prominently featured the face of President Gloria Arroyo instead of the facts and data about the infrastructure project...but ah, that's for another post) and only one lane was open for passage. As we waited for our turn to pass through, I noticed a lot of makeshift shanties. And then I spotted these: Children and their parents offering just about anything to people waiting in their vehicles. From peanuts to steamed corn to "ice tubig," (ice water) children as young as 5 years old would hawk their products, hoping...

Jan282009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Are you willing to pay P6,000 to the Philippine government just so you can blog?

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Technology

Because this seems to be the case if ever a proposal dubbed "Guidelines on the Provision of Contents, Information, Applications and Electronic Games" lodged before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) pushes through. Now, how does this affect Mindanaoan bloggers or content providers here in the Philippines, you ask? This controversial proposal, when loosely translated, would mean that the Philippine government wants to require people to hold licenses in order to create or post content online. And, of course, there will be corresponding fees and charges. Under the proposal, a filing fee of P300.00 shall be imposed and an annual registration fee of P6,000.00. There will also reportedly be surcharges for late filings. While the proposal probably has commendable objectives and w...

Jan202009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Want to promote your business during the Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon?

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Events, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update

Budding entrepreneurs, webmasters and companies - hear ye, hear ye! Here's good news for those who want to do business during the much-awaited Kaamulan Festival in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao. Will you be one of the many business owners, participating companies or entrepreneurs during the much-awaited Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration in Bukidnon? Or do you intend to promote your website, service or business and let the hundreds of thousands of residents, guests and tourists alike know what you're offering? Let Bukidnon Online help you promote your business venture, website or service in what is largely called the remaining authentic indigenous festival in the Philippines - the Kaamulan Festival! Thousands of people are guaranteed to participate in the almost 3-week long Kaamul...

Jan152009 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Review: Bahia Spa and Wellness in MetroLifestyle complex Davao City

Beauty, Consumer, Davao City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society

First of all, let me just stress that this is NOT a sponsored post. I just want to share my very good experience over at the Bahia Spa and Wellness Center in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. Here's hoping that my review of the place could help weary travelers, spa aficionados, health buffs and perhaps Dabawenyos who still have reservations with regard to spas and health centers. Please feel free to share your thoughts :) Bahia Spa and Wellness Center is located along F. Torres Street, Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. It's near the Davao City National High School and can be found within the Metro Lifestyle Complex, which also houses a Bo's Coffee Club franchise, a gym (MetroLifestyle Fitness Center), the Krua Thai restaurant Davao branch and a Dermalife Facial and Slimming center....