Events Archives - Page 2 of 25 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Mar182020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

At Sorsogon Capitol With Chiz Escudero

Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I have a confession. This post is awfully delayed but you know how it is. Life happened. And although this Sorsogon trip happened some 4 months ago, I still wanted to share this on the blog because it was a happy time. And the Lord knows I need a cheerer-upper today. Let's just say I cried buckets of tears this morning. I was invited to Sorsogon to become one of the judges of the Miss Kasanggayahan 2019 pageant. More on that on another post. It was truly a fun experience! My biggest thanks to Former Senator now Sorsogon Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero, to the Sorsogon Tourism officials and Miss Malu for taking very good care of me. For now, let me talk about that day when we visited Sir Chiz at the Capitol of Sorsogon. But first! Do check out this video I made below. May I also inv...

Feb292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Spreading peace through social media (The day I spoke before Marawi kids)

Advocacy, ARMM, Blogging, Education, Events, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology

The Philippines is among the world's top social media users. In this global social media research study, it says that the Philippines is the top country that uses Facebook. We're the fifth that uses YouTube and fifth that uses Twitter. And young Filipinos comprise the largest chunk of those social media users from the country. This is why it's really crucial for all of us to continue collaborating with the youth. Aside from the fact that they're the most avid users of social media, they're also avid content creators. They have vlogs, blogs, TikToks, IG stories etc. And what better content is there for them to help create but good, responsible ones that promote peace and dialogue? Last February 12, 2020, I had the lovely chance to meet roughly 70 Meranao students and teachers from Ma...

Feb282020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking at Camera Club of Davao’s 37th anniversary

Advocacy, Blogging, Davao City, Events, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology

One of my deepest advocacies is to help share the good news about the power of social media and blogging. I try to do this by volunteering, being generous with my time and sharing my first-hand experience as much as I can. Even when I was still in New York, I had the privilege to share my insights and tips via #GoSocial. Speaking about social media for social good is one of my natural highs. I will always be grateful for each and every opportunity. So you could just imagine how thrilled I was to receive an invitation to be the keynote speaker during the 37th charter anniversary of the Camera Club of Davao, the oldest and most respected photography club in Davao City. It was truly an honor not only because they're THE CCD but also because it meant heading back home to the city I was...

Feb112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

UPDATED: Kaamulan Festival 2020 in Bukidnon now canceled

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

UPDATE: Less than a day after the Bukidnon provincial board decided to push through with the Kaamulan Festival 2020, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. has now canceled the annual gathering altogether. Despite an advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the ongoing threat of the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon will push through. This, according to Bukidnon Second District Board Member Atty. Nemesio "Jun" Beltran. The DOH advisory, duly signed by Secretary Francisco Duque, urged the public to "avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees." The health department also recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice. "The governor con...

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...

Jan132020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Robinsons Appliances made me do these fun 60-second challenges

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Freebies, Gifts, Society

Robinsons Appliances' Race To A Minute: A 60-Second Challenge is back on its 3rd year and this time around, I finally got to join! This was made possible because Robinsons Appliances, one of the country's leading appliances and consumer electronics retailers, decided to bring Race To A Minute: A 60-Second Challenge to local communities. What started as a shopping spree event in 2017 has now become bigger and definitely more exciting. This year, Race To A Minute featured 12 participating brands namely Fujidenzo, Haier, JBL, LG, Sharp, TCL, Skyworth, American Home, Realme, Devant, Whirlpool and Grand Videoke. Each brand had a booth and a corresponding 60-second challenge that customers needed to complete so they can avail of exclusive discounts or receive FREEBIES! Robinsons...

Dec22019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Seda Hotel CDO Christmas Tree Lighting and Centrio Mall Lights and Sounds Show

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Videos

Don't you just love how hotels are dressed up during the holidays? What for the majority of the year are just lodging places, business travel pitstops or staycation venues for many of us, turn into bright, colorful, shiny, shimmering, splendid (!!!) "extensions" of our homes during Christmas. I just LOVE staying at hotels during Christmas and New Year! There's just something magical when you visit certain hotels during the holidays, don't you think? :) Seda Hotel Centrio CDO (book your room here) is no exception this year. This well-loved Cagayan de Oro hotel (which I helped launch in 2012, by the way!) held a lighting ceremony of their Christmas tree and it was such an oh-so-lovely event! Complete with great food, ballet dancers, fun music, chorale and lots of familiar, friendly faces...

Oct312019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue to hold concert in CDO

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music

Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue are two of the most in demand Filipino bands these days. They're the ones responsible for the monster hits "Kung 'Di Rin Lang Ikaw," "Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig," "Bulong," "Pasensya Ka Na," "Sa'yo," "Meron Nang Iba" and "Kundiman." These songs have caused LSS among numerous folks! If you're one of their avid fans, then I have good news --- Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue will hold a concert in Cagayan de Oro! Mark your calendars for the "hugot" concert of the year! Mindanaoan.com is a proud media partner of "Silent Avenue - Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue Concert in CDO" on November 15, 2019, 8PM at the Limketkai Center Atrium. Tickets are selling pretty fast! In fact, only the SVIP and Silver tickets are left. All other sections are now so...

Sep22019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Heading to GenSan for Tuna Festival 2019 – let’s experience new flavors!

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, SoSCksargen, Tourism

I'm excited to experience new flavors in beautiful General Santos City! I'm heading to the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” as it celebrates the 21st Tuna Festival, the biggest industry-based festival in the country happening from August 30 to September 5, 2019. This is in celebration of the city’s 51st inauguration anniversary and their event tagline is "Experience New Flavors." Together with a few Mindanao bloggers, I will be GenSan to witness how the Generals give honor to the integral elements of the tuna industry, which is definitely the main economic driving force of the city. See new sights Expect vibrant and gaudy visuals all over town. From this year’s logo to social media engagements, various "Instragrammable" art installations, festival locations, and program perf...

Jun132019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CHECKLIST: Things to Consider When Participating in a Trade Show

Events, Mindanaoan Update

Participating in a tradeshow is a huge commitment of resources and time. Although tradeshows have gained immense popularity due to the unique opportunities they present, there are several considerations that can influence the returns on investment. Participation needs to be strategically planned and every aspect needs attention to detail, from promoting your participation to designing eye-catching step and repeat backdrop, according to experts at BackDrop Banner Printing. Here’s a list of things to consider if you intend to participate in a tradeshow. Checklist for Tradeshow Participation Goals: You need to be clear about your goals of participating. In other words, be clear about what you’re expecting out of it. Is it brand building, to generate x amount of leads or sell y n...

Mar112019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: DAISO New York Now Open

America, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America, Videos

DAISO Japan has finally opened its very first New York store and my little wasteland nut heart is going crazeballs! Daiso, known for its very wide selection of products at extremely low prices, has opened its doors in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area and I got invited to their grand opening! I also got to meet Mr. Yoshihidae Murata, Senior Vice President of Daiso US Operations, who said that they're confident that "New York residents will be delighted by the Daiso shopping experience that is beloved by many!" Beloved indeed! Personally, I frequent Daiso stores. In Cagayan de Oro, I think I'm at their Centrio Mall branch several times a month! Here in New York, their Daiso Flushing store, located at The Shops at Skyview Center, sells quality and oh-so-kawaii products f...

Nov222018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The fun Cirque de Globe CDO Globe Telecom party and my very special prize

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Technology

I haven't written about it yet (although if you do follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you'd have an idea) but, yes, I went home to the Philippines for about 3 weeks. It was a long-awaited, much-needed trip not only because I had to have my new US work visa stamped on my passport (let me know in the comments section if you want me to write about this, by the way!) but also because I have deeply missed my family, relatives, friends, clients (YASSS) and fellow bloggers! My trip was apparently very timely. Globe Telecom wanted to hold their media and bloggers appreciation party pretty early this year (they usually send out invitations either end of November or December) and the date fell on one of my "relax/chill" days. The theme of the party was "circus" and there was supposed to...

May22018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Explore Islands Philippines tourism expo to be held at Grand Central Terminal New York

America, Events, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal will provide the backdrop to showcase the 7,641 islands that make up the Philippines, which is promoting its vacation destinations. With a launch by the Philippine Tourism Secretary, the Explore Islands Philippines expo will run from May 9, through May 12, 2018. On May 9, Explore Islands Philippines kicks off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo will be joined by Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin Jr., President of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board Cesar Montano, as well as other high-ranking officials from New York State and the Philippines. Speakers from the Philippine Tourism will talk on May...

Mar262018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival 2018 Ethnic Sports Competition

Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Society

The Kaamulan Festival has truly evolved. From being a simple celebration whereby representatives from Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes would all gather in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon, the annual festival has now turned into quite a spectacle. Despite the many changes, however, I'm glad that there are still events that allowed our indigenous brothers and sisters to showcase their rich, unique and truly colorful culture and tradition. One of these events was the Kaamulan Festival Ethnic Tribal Olympics or Kaamulan Ethnic Sports Competition. In Binukid language, ethnic sports is called "Alu-Alu." Representatives from the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Manobo, Matigsalug, Talaandig, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon tribes challenged each other in at least 18 ethnic sports at the Capitol Grounds i...

Mar202018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Beautiful Bukidnon tribal dance at the Kaamulan Festival 2018

Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City

As I am writing this, the yearly Kaamulan Festival is currently ongoing in the Province of Bukidnon, Philippines. The Kaamulan Festival 2018 celebration will last until March 24, 2018, on which day the main highlight, the Ethnic Street Dancing Competition, will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. If you're heading there, you may want to check one of my other blogs, the longest-standing one about the province, Bukidnon Online. You can also find the Kaamulan 2018 schedule of activities there. Anyway, full disclosure --- I am still here in New York, USA (legally, if I may add) and obviously, I'm thousands of miles away from Bukidnon. Fortunately, I have an awesome brother, Ben, and an awesome cousin, Daniel, and they're both covering the events for my blogs! Yes, I'm very ...

Feb22018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Club Clio Korean Beauty Brand New York USA opening

America, Beauty, Blogging, Events, Fashion, Korea, New York, Society, Style

Hello from New York! I actually vlogged about the Club Clio Union Square New York reopening first so apologies if this blog is a tad late :D Anyhoo, I was invited to check out the grand reopening of the Club Clio USA Union Square New York branch late last year. It was an invitation I simply cannot turn down! For one, I absolutely love Korean stuff. They're high quality, very cute, fun and definitely value-for-money. Secondly, I have visited Korea and needless to say, I fell in love! It's a beautiful, modern country with amazing food, friendly people and rich culture. Check out my Mindanaoan In Korea travel series. Thirdly, it's a beauty event invitation for me as a blogger in New York! Enough said ;) Anyways, for the uninitiated, Club Clio is a very popular Korean cosmetics line, repres...

Jan232018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Festival | 2018 Schedule | Bukidnon Authentic Ethnic Festival Philippines

Bukidnon, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The yearly festival in the Province of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival, will be a month-long celebration again this year. Kaamulan Festival 2018 will be held the entire month of March. An annual gathering of the 7 hill tribes of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival derived its name from the Binukid word "amul," which means "to gather." Hence, Kaamulan is a gathering for a purpose - be it an indigenous wedding ceremony, ethnic sports competition, rituals etc. The Bukidnon 7 hill tribes, by the way, are: Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. A former Tourism Secretary even called it the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines. The Kaamulan Festival activities will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. READ: How to get to Malaybal...

Oct272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

#FeelCamiguin

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

By now, I’m hoping you’ve already watched that viral #NoWords promotional video for the Province of Camiguin. That truly has gone viral - so viral that as of this writing, it has now garnered 922,000 views and over 15,000 shares on Facebook alone. This will surely help bring in not only guests but revenue as well especially since the Island Born of Fire is currently celebrating the most awaited Lanzones Festival. Just in case you haven’t seen it, check out the video below. The video begins with a female tourist who tells her friend off for flaking out on their Camiguin trip. The tourist grumbles that she’s now alone in Camiguin Island and that she finds the tiny island boring and quiet...until she meets a local. I’ll stop right there because I don’t want to send out spoilers. Please do ...

Aug222017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting a Hollywood celebrity crush: Jesse Metcalfe @jessemetcalfe

America, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America

I got pretty lucky a few days ago. I MET JESSE METCALFE!!! That's right - I met one of my Hollywood celebrity crushes, Jesse Metcalfe, on a beautiful, sunshiny day {insert googly eyes with, like, a million hearts haha} here in New York! I'm sure you know how this feels - to finally see in person that Hollywood guy you've only watched on TV or in the movies and you don't know what to do first - scream, tell your family and friends all about it, blog, take a video, post a Facebook status, tweet, take a selfie etc. Haha! :) So please forgive me if I sound like a high school girl today. Quick side note: I wrote a little teaser about me meeting him on my newspaper column on Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper Anyways, it happened last August 2, 2017 (yes, every minute det...

Aug52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What to do, where to go during Higalaay CDO Fiesta 2017

Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Food, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism

The Higalaay Festival a.k.a. Cagayan de Oro fiesta has kicked off in CDO. The extended Martial Law in Mindanao obviously didn't deter the Cagayan de Oro local government from planning and organizing the Higalaay Festival 2017. In fact, this year's Higalaay CDO Festival 2017 is part of the ongoing #BusinessAsUsual campaign of the CDO government. Anyways, if you have plans of joining the revelries, a list of the core events of the 2017 Kagay-an Festival / CDO Fiesta / Higalaay Festival can be found below. August 3 to 5 - Mindanao Fashion Summit, Rotunda of Limketkai Center August 8 - ASEAN Landmark Lighting, Kiosko Kaawasan, Divisoria August 18 to 20 - Cowboy Festival / Horse Show, CDO Uptown August 18 to 29 - Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair, SM Downtown August 20 - Kagay-an Festival...

Jul112017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Raising $35 Million In An Hour | Red Nose Day New York 2017

America, Entertainment, Events, Features, New York, Society, United States of America

I had the honor of witnessing the Red Nose Day 2017 live show here in New York City, USA. If you’re as uninitiated like I was, Red Nose Day is a fundraising campaign run by the nonprofit organization Comic Relief Inc. Launched in 2015, the campaign has raised $60 Million so far and guess what? That night when I was at Rockefeller Plaza, where the hour-long show was aired live, a whopping $35 Million was raised! What makes Red Nose Day pretty special is that the money it raises supports programs that ensure children in need are safe, healthy and educated, both in the United States and in some of the poorest communities around the world. The grants go to groups including Save the Children, The Global Fund, Children’s Health Fund and more. I know that Save the Children has multiple program...

May192017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

San Isidro Labrador Fiesta, New York style

America, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Malaybalay City, Musings, New York, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Five creatively decorated booths, contests on “best turon/biko/torta,” amateur and impromptu singing contests, lechon and a whole lotta dancing. These were just some of the highlights of the fiesta celebration in honor of patron saint Senyor San Isidro Labrador by the Association of Bukidnons in America (ABA) here in New York City, USA. Held a day before the actual fiesta (May 15), the gathering was not just to honor Isidore the Farm Laborer and thank him for the abundance of harvest but to also give the ABA officers and members the chance to kick back, relax and just have pure unadulterated fun! Actually, not only did I have the lovely privilege to attend the event, much thanks to my Tita Emilita, but I also had the chance to help design, create and implement my tita’s cluster’s boo...