Features Archives - Page 11 of 36 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

May302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Surviving Crazy, Beautiful Boracay

Features, Flights, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Society, Style, Technology, Travel

When I was asked if I wanted to experience Labor Day 2015 in Boracay Island (no less), of course my answer was a resounding YES! Although it wasn’t my first time in an island recognized as one of the world’s finest, it was my first LaBoracay trip and the mere idea of partying with a sea of people piqued my curiosity. And so, armed with my travel essentials, I took two plane rides, a bus ride and a boat outrigger ride to reach the famed Boracay. The agenda was very simple: take over summer! Enjoy the island and what it brings! I was given 3 days to basically immerse myself in the excitement of it all - to a hilt! However, I faced quite a predicament: where and how to begin? Let me tell you, it wasn’t difficult to find things to do. What was difficult was how to do as many things a...

May242015 by Mindanaoan Irene13 Comments

How I Use Globe GCash MasterCard As Easy As 1-2-3

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Gifts, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, News, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Technology

If, like me, you're the type of person who likes the convenience of shopping or paying bills (online or offline) using a debit or credit card BUT requires an easy-to-understand way to keep track of all the spending OR if you need a credit card sans the hassle, then you will love the new Globe GCash MasterCard. I learned the beauty of this baby just a few weeks ago during a trip to the gorgeous, world-famous Boracay Island, where I experienced the whole LaBoracay 2015 madness. I was in Boracay not only to bask in the sun or for the unbeatable, high-energy beach parties hosted by Globe Telecom but for this other important mission as well: To take over summer and be a #SwipeAholic with the help of the new Globe GCash MasterCard. The Globe Cash MasterCard is a GCash Car...

May172015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Emerald Suites – Budget friendly hotel in CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Here's good news for fellow budget conscious travelers and folks who love staycations like myself. Emerald Suites CDO is now open for business! Emerald Suites Cagayan de Oro is the latest budget hotel to open in the City of Golden Friendship and they do not only offer friendly rates, they offer a great location as well! Situated along Jose Agudo Street, Barangay 24, Emerald Suites CDO is just a stone's throw away from the major malls. From the garden area of Ayala Centrio Mall, this new CDO budget hotel is just a few meters away. It is also several steps away from Gaisano Mall, Limketkai complex (where the Limketkai Mall is) and the currently being constructed SM CDO Premiere 2. The reception area at the second floor: Rates: Standard single - Php 899...

May162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

AirAsia Hot Meals – Gastronomic Delights At 35,000 Feet

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Reviews, Travel

I consider myself a budget conscious traveler who doesn’t mind spending extra if it means getting something better. Take airplane food, for instance. Unless I’m truly famished or I want to try something for the first time, I stay away from food sold and served aboard an aircraft. Not only are these airline meals (more often than not) expensive, they’re hardly filling and tasty. The choices are very limited as well (so limited that I think a cup of instant noodles has become the “default” order by weary, hungry passengers). However, let me say this: I always make an exception when I take flights via AirAsia. Even before I got invited to Cebu a few days ago for the exclusive AirAsia Hot Meals media launch, I have already been an avid fan of their in-flight meals. Real, flavorful food sold...

May52015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Treasures You Find At The Uratex CDO Showroom

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Shopping, Style

Admit it. Whenever we think of Uratex, we think foam, beds and monobloc chairs. Yes, while this is true, you might be surprised to know that Uratex also produces the foam for well-known cars, motorcycles, bus seat pads, headrests, door trims, furniture seat pads and yes, even gaming pad armrests! Now if you think that's pretty cool, wait til I share you this tidbit: Uratex Foam CDO also produced the wall panels for the spanking brand new Limketkai Cinemas :) Cool, huh? With all the international, world-class brands putting their utmost trust on Uratex, we can all be sure that their products are indeed of top quality. So it's really good news that there's now a Uratex foam factory and showroom in Cagayan de Oro City! The new Uratex CDO plant and showroom affirm RGC Group of Companies' (t...

Apr182015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Finally jumped off the 8-storey Dahilayan Skyjump tower

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel, Videos

I finally did it! I jumped off the 8-storey Dahilayan Skyjump Base Jump Tower, the Philippines' tallest parajump platform. I did this just a few days before my birthday this month of April and it was one of the most exhilarating things I ever did! I previously wrote about the Dahilayan Skytower Base Jump and that post has been shared over 10,000 times on Facebook alone. You might want to read that :) The Dahilayan Skyjump is the latest attraction at Dahilayan Adventure Park, located at Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. The park is about an hour away from Cagayan de Oro city proper. When you arrive at the park, look for the ticket station on your right. If you only want to do the Skyjump, price is Php 400. If you'll buy passes to other rides, the Skyjump fee will only t...

Apr132015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Must-try cafe in CDO: Kafe Al Fresco

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

Have you ever gone out of your way just to check out a cafe or restaurant simply because you've grown curious of all the seemingly mouthwatering photos they post on social media? That's exactly what I did on a Friday when I went to try Kafe Al Fresco CDO. I often see food shots taken from this unassuming little cafe in Sta. Cecilia Subdivision, Gusa, Cagayan de Oro (which is a good half an hour away from my place) and since I like trying out new places and sharing the experience with a friend, I invited Em. Fortunately, she was game to tag along. And off we went to Kafe Al Fresco. Kafe Al Fresco CDO is actually a makeshift structure turned into a quaint cafe of sorts. It's located within a compound that also has a row of apartments owned by the Hojas family. And, yes, it's in ...

Apr82015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Surfing paradise Siargao Island Surigao – How To Get There

Beauty, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Best known as one of the world's most amazing surfing destinations, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines is also home to some of the country's beautiful beaches, natural salt water pools and abundant marine life. And, as you can see below, it's also where you can catch gorgeous sunsets! Since Siargao Island is where you can find the infamous "Cloud 9," or those thick, high, hollow tubes of surf waves, lots of regular surfing competitions (both local and international ones) are held here. For non-surfers or just mere sun worshippers, there are also a couple of islands near Siargao that have clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and that all-around tropical vibe. You can go island hopping in Siargao just like I did! Here's a quick travel guide on how to g...

Mar232015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

With Daddy’s Home of X Factor Philippines

Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Malaybalay City, Music, Personalities, Photos

From a breakfast meeting in Cagayan de Oro to several errands here and there to a 3-hour journey to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon just to catch friends - it was all super worth it! Very happy to see Daddy's Home again. This vocal group bagged the 2nd runner-up title during the first run of X Factor Philippines and they performed in one of the Malaybalay City Charter Day 2015 events last March 20, 2015 at Freedom Park. To say that they brought the house down is actually an understatement. The guys really gave their all - it was such a treat to watch them perform live and wow the crowd! I know brothers Ebet and Allan Silonga back when E was still busy with K24/7. Allan - wow, you have to hear this man sing. Ebet - I wasn't used to see him without his guitar but I was pleasantly surpris...

Mar162015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Enchanted River Surigao del Sur travel guide

Caraga, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Surigao, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Yes, the rumors are true. The Enchanted River is truly a breathtaking sight. The Enchanted River, also called the Hinatuan River, is testament to Mother Nature's awesome glory. You can't help but be at a loss for words when you see this majestic river that has crystal clear water and a riverbed that seems to be an abyss. The truly enchanting Hinatuan River is located in Barangay Cambatong, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines. It flows through Hinatuan Bay, which is about half a kilometer away. Interestingly, though, it's not clear if the water at the Enchanted River comes from the sea or if it emanates from a spring. I wonder if there really is a definite answer. Enchanted River is THIS gorgeous. No photo editing needed! Due to the increasing number of Enchanted R...

Mar152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Pele Magdangal Escueta first birthday party

Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was invited to the first birthday party of Pele Iñigo Magdangal Escueta, the firstborn of celebrity couple Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta. I felt truly honored and happy to be there to witness Pele's very special day. It was a Saturday and I left Makati about half an hour before the scheduled start of the party, which was held in Quezon City. Boy, was I really no longer used to Manila traffic! My GrabTaxi ride took me about 50 minutes to reach QC and then when I reached the gate, the guards took about 20 minutes to verify if I was indeed invited :P Good thing I brought the invitation but that still didn't convince the guards haha! I even had to call Rivermaya's manager Raymond to tell him about the situation. It was all cool, though. The cab driver was nice and he was so excited to...

Mar122015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Prepaid’s Explore Race On Challenge In CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

After the successful launch of #WonderfulMindaNOW last year, Globe Prepaid is now giving Mindanaoans more reasons to explore and discover the beauty of Mindanao as it recently conducted the fun-filled "ExploreRACEOn" in Cagayan de Oro City. Using their mobile phones, more than 50 teams comprised of 3 Globe Prepaid customers each took the challenge of exploring the city and sharing what’s wonderful in every corner of CDO real-time via Globe Prepaid’s newest Mindanao-exclusive offer GoCall30Plus. With GoCall30Plus, Ka-Globe Mindanaoans can enjoy unlimited calls to Globe/TM for 3 days plus 30MB of all-day surfing for only P30. ExploreRACEOn participants went on an epic adventure with exciting activities and challenges in 11 interesting pit stops within the city. After hours o...

Mar122015 by Mindanaoan Irene14 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park opens highest base jump tower in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon is at it again! After introducing Asia's longest dual cable zipline, Dahilayan has now opened the Skytower Base Jump, the Philippines' tallest parajump platform. How high is the base jump tower? Oh, just 8 storeys high! Basejumpers will be fitted with safety harnesses and a helmet and will need to walk along a see-thru plank. Then, the moment of truth. Once you jump, you will experience free fall (pretty quick, don't worry), then gradual descent and finally slow landing. All these in less than 10 seconds. Check out these photos taken by Engr. Elpie Paras, the owner of Dahilayan and PARASAT Cable TV: I've tried all of the rides at Dahilayan Adventure Park so I can really say that they're all safe. All of the personnel are also courteous ...

Mar92015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Re-elected as CDO Bloggers VP for External Affairs

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal

Note: This was published on Mindanao Gold Star Daily newspaper last March 6, 2015 I have just been re-elected as the Vice President for External Affairs of the CDO Bloggers, Inc., a non-profit, SEC-registered group composed of bloggers, online workers and social media practitioners that does not only promote the city and other parts of Northern Mindanao but also the responsible use of the Internet. I’m pretty excited with our group’s upcoming projects including a school tour where we aim to teach kids Internet etiquette, social media activism and online volunteerism as well as blog workshops where attendees can learn how to create their own blogs, draw maximum traffic for their websites and even earn online. And with the elections coming up, we also plan to use our own online mechanisms...

Mar42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tagging Along With The New Rivermaya

Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos, Society

Spent some time with the new Rivermaya during my most recent Manila trip. In case you still can't tell by now, I am a huge supporter of this premier Filipino rock band, considered to this day as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands in the Philippines. I always make it a point to attend their gigs not only because I'm a fan of their music but more importantly, because they're really cool guys to hang out with :) Just look at my Cebu Oktoberfest with Rivermaya photos and you'll most definitely agree! The photos here were taken during the Rivermaya Live at Adamson University and Energy FM gigs - both held in one day. Truth be told, I almost couldn't attend. Both gigs were held in the heart of Manila and I figured it might be difficult to commute. Luckily, Raymond, the ...

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...

Feb222015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

I Am Again A Newspaper Columnist

Announcements, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Very, very thrilled to share that I am (again) a newspaper columnist! Starting February 20, 2015, I will be one of the columnists at Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper. I have named my column "Mindanaoan Meets World" as I plan to write about lifestyle, music, a little bit of politics and showbiz and travel not only within the Philippines but around the world, too! My first stint as newspaper correspondent, columnist and part-time editor started way, way back. Like eons of light years ago haha! But life happened, I took a career detour and eventually, was already happy and contented to just work with the traditional media practitioners instead :) With this new development, though, I guess this is not only trying my hand again at writing for a daily newspaper but also my way of...

Feb82015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Insadong Seoul

Culture, Features, Food, Korea, Mindanaoan Update, Seoul, Tourism, Travel

Insadong was one of my favorite places during our Seoul, South Korea trip. Also known as Seoul's culture street, Insadong has so many shops selling traditional Korean goods, teas, candies, street food, wooden cooking utensils, crafts, staple food like bottled kimchi and roasted nori sheets (yum!) and souvenirs such as hanbok and hanji. Although there's a main street in Insadong (no vehicles allowed here), don't hesitate to explore the inner streets. There are small but nice tea houses and restaurants that have "English OK" signs (meaning their servers can speak English :) ) along alleyways. Insadong is a safe place to "get lost in." Just go back to the main street and you'll be fine ;) How to get to Insadong: My brother and I took the subway. We rode Seoul Subway Line 3 then took ...

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...

Feb22015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Scenes in vibrant Hongdae Seoul

Fashion, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Seoul, Tourism, Travel

Hongdae is a busy and very vibrant area in Seoul, South Korea. Known for its numerous cafes, clubs and shops, Hongdae is undoubtedly one of Seoul's must-visit areas especially if you like to immerse yourself in Korean urban culture, music, fashion and arts. Hongdae is actually the Korean abbreviation of Hongik University (Hong-ik Dae-hak-kyo), which is best known for its Fine Arts and Design programs. When in Hongdae, you can't miss the Hongik University rectangular arch. I consider Hongdae as one of those places that you simply can't stop taking photographs of. There's just so much to get inspiration from, so much to see, so much to hear and so many things you want to try! And, if you're curious or interested about anything Korea, you will enjoy Hongdae. Th...

Feb22015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Hello Kitty Cafe and Cats Living Cat Cafe Hongdae

Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

The first shopping district we went to in Seoul, Korea was Hongdae. It's the area where Hongik University is (best known for their Fine Arts and Design programs) and where lots and lots of shops, cafes and clubs are (presumably because it's near a popular university). Click this for more of our Hongdae exploration. One of our discoveries in Hongdae was the infamous Hello Kitty Cafe. (UPDATE: as of November 2014, they're now in a new location, see below) I placed the Hello Kitty Cafe as one of the tourist attractions in Hongdae on my kodigo (cheat sheet) i.e. our TripCase travel app. It wasn't easy to spot, though. It was located in one of the inner streets. New location of Hello Kitty Cafe: (map nicked from their official website) Anyway, a stone's throw away from the ...

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...