Features Archives - Page 13 of 36 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Nov142014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

EXCLUSIVE: BonChon Cagayan de Oro branch opening date CONFIRMED

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao

Mindanaoan.com is the very first to break the news --- BonChon Chicken, the company behind the global Korean-style fried chicken craze, is set to open their Cagayan de Oro City branch on November 28, 2014 at the First Level, Garden Area, Centrio Mall! I received this exciting update from the franchisees themselves :) BonChon, which means "my hometown" in Korean, will open their very first branch in Northern Mindanao this month. They first entered the Mindanao market when they set up shop in Davao about two years ago then later in General Santos City. BonChon Philippines Managing Director Scott Tan himself will be in CDO for the launch. And here's more good news - be among the very first customers and be qualified to receive FREEBIES! There will be a private function in the morning...

Nov132014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Bobson opens first ever Philippine boutique in Cagayan de Oro Mindanao

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Style

Japanese brand Bobson has opened its first ever Philippine boutique in Mindanao, Philippines. Located at the First Level, West Concourse, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro, the Bobson flagship store also has its own tailor shop inside its premises. Known for its array of quality unisex Japanese denim jeans and shirts, Bobson uses the unique left-hand twill weaving technique, making their jeans more durable and comfortable. Bobson's top officials, who were recently in CDO, said that they chose the city as the location of their flagship store in the Philippines primarily because of the Limketkai family's generous show of support. "Dealing with the mall owners has always been smooth and positive. That's why we didn't hesitate to invest here. Plus this is a great and exciting market ...

Oct292014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That honest, taray Davao taxi driver story and things I learned when a post gets viral

Announcements, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

Hello, world. Yes, that was me. The person who posted that "taray Davao taxi driver" story on Facebook that got viral --- no, really, really viral --- was me. Google "Davao taxi driver," "taray Davao taxi driver" or "honest Davao taxi driver," chances are, most of the hits on the first page and Google images are about my post. (this is what SEO folks would die for!) And, like anybody whose post unknowingly attracted thousands of "likes," shares, retweets, reposts and comments from people around the world, I now have my own story to tell. I also learned a couple of lessons, both good and bad. Well, I want to focus on the good so trust me, there were more good than bad. Did I mention, though, that as a result, I received several TV and radio interview requests and hundreds of friend reque...

Oct272014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA International Trade Fair #EAGAIMT2014

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Food, Government, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News, Recipes, Society

Thanks to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I was able to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Business Leaders' Conference last October 22 to 25, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang in Davao City, Philippines. I've always wanted to witness a BIMP-EAGA event and I'm glad that I finally had the opportunity to do so. BIMP-EAGA events are important international functions especially in terms of trade, investments, tourism and even each of the participating countries' roles in the upcoming ASEAN Integration. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT means Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. Now on its 20th year, the BIMP-EAGA is considered as a key strategy to accelerate social as well as...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Cheonggyecheon Stream

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel

After visiting Deoksugung Palace and witnessing the changing of the royal guards ceremony, my brother and I then proceeded to Cheonggyecheong Stream, an 8.4 kilometer long stream that flows west to east through downtown Seoul. What used to be a neglected overpass in the 70's was restored as a massive urban renewal project worth $900 Million in 2005 and is now one of the popular tourist destinations in Seoul, South Korea. Actually, even locals love hanging out here as well. From Deoksugung Palace, we walked for about 250 meters to Cheonggyecheong Stream. If you're at Deoksugung Palace facing the Seoul City Hall, Cheonggyecheong Stream is on your left. Just go straight and look for Chongye Plaza or this cone/shell sculpture. This signifies that you're at the mouth of the stream :) ...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Deoksugung Palace changing of guards

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Seoul, Travel

Since we arrived late in the evening in Seoul, Korea, my brother and I decided to start the first day of our Korea escapade a little late as well. First order of the day was go to the nearest subway station and buy a T-Money card. As I mentioned in my earlier Seoul, Korea travel tips post, T-Money is a "reloadable" card that you can use to buy subway tickets, bus fares or even to buy stuff at convenience stores. After buying our T-Money card, we took the train to go to Deoksugung Palace, one of the "5 Grand Palaces" built by the kings of Joseon Dynasty. How to get to Deoksugung Palace: Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 2 to reach City Hall Station. Take Exit 2. You will see scenes like these: Walk for about 100 meters to your left. A good landmark is a Dunkin' Donuts store (th...

Oct92014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Seoul travel tips

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Flights, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Seoul, Shopping, Society, Tourism, Travel

So before I really get down to business with my Mindanaoan in Korea travel series, please allow me to share a few travel tips and tricks that you may find helpful when you travel to Seoul, Korea. I like to be well-prepared whenever I travel and hopefully, these Seoul travel tips can help you, too. 1. Do you already have a valid visa for travel to Korea? Here's how I applied for a Korean tourist visa 2. Check the weather in Korea at the time of your trip. This way, you can bring proper clothes. 3. I suggest that you bring U.S. Dollars (instead of Philippine pesos) and have those changed to Korean won. The exchange rates at the Incheon International Airport are fair but I got the best exchange rates in Myeongdong, the famed shopping district in Seoul. Here's a handy tip: 1,000 KRW i...

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

How to apply for a Korean visa – requirements for Filipino tourists

Features, Flights, Government, Headline, Korea, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Tourism, Travel

When my friends and relatives first learned that I was set to visit Korea, all of them got really excited. Can't blame them as Korea is one of the favorite travel destinations of many Filipinos these days, thanks to the ever growing popularity of K-Pop, Koreanovelas and continuous visits to the Philippines by popular Korean celebrities. As of this writing, Filipinos still need a visa to enter Korea. Filipino tourists who intend to stay for 59 days or less can apply for a Korean tourist visa FOR FREE. The thing is, though, you must apply at the Korean embassy in Manila for you to avail of the FREE South Korea tourist visa. For people outside Metro Manila (like me and my brother!), the cheaper option is to have an accredited travel agency fix our applications. In our case, since our fligh...

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan in Korea travel series: itinerary, tips and more

Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Features, Flights, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

I have been traveling a lot the past few weeks! One of my recent foreign travel destinations was KOREA :) It was my very first time (and most definitely not the last!) to visit the world's only divided country and my brother (who was my travel companion) and I had the most amazing time! We stayed for a little over a week - just the perfect number of days to explore Seoul, Nami Island and a bit of North Korea (yessir!) I can't wait to share with you more details about our Korea trip! Please follow my humble Mindanaoan in Korea travel series by CLICKING ON THIS FEED and bookmarking/saving the pages :) You may also want to take a look at some of my photos on Instagram. I will share budget travel tips, very helpful travel apps, recommended hostel in Seoul, delicious Korea food finds, videos...

Sep172014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: It’s Showtime host Jhong Hilario thrills a fan in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Photos

"It's Showtime" hurado Jhong Hilario was one of the celebrities who visited Bukidnon for the 2014 Kaamulan Festival, the yearly gathering of the Province of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. Jhong Hilario joined Kamikazee for the SMART sponsored night held last August 31, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City. Thank you very much to Talk 'N Text for giving Mindanaoan and several Bukidnon Bloggers Group members VIP access! Here are some of the photos I took:

Sep172014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Kapuso celebrities during Kaamulan Festival 2014 in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update

If ABS CBN brought in Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla for Kaamulan Festival 2014 (Bukidnon's yearly gathering of 7 hill tribes), GMA 7 brought in 4 of their celebrities. During the Kapuso Night held last August 30, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City, Yasmien Kurdi, JC Tiuseco, Enzo Pineda and Jeric Gonzales performed before a crowd composed of tens of thousands. Congratulations to GMA 7 for the successful event! And thank you very much for the VIP access :) For other Kaamulan Festival 2014 updates and photos, like the Kaamulan Festival page See how happy this fellow is? :)

Sep22014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Kaamulan Festival 2014 Ethnic Street Dancing And Float Competition

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Tourism

KAAMULAN FESTIVAL 2014 - The Kaamulan Festival 2014 street dancing and float competition is one of the major highlights of Bukidnon's yearly gathering of its 7 hill tribes. This year, the much-awaited event was held for two days - August 30 and 31, 2014 - at Malaybalay City. All Bukidnon cities and municipalities were asked to join the competition this Kaamulan Festival 2014 in line with the province's 100th founding anniversary (Bukidnon Centennial). In previous years, only between 7 and 10 contingents join the competition due to budget constraints. Sharing with you some of the photos taken by Mindanaoan's Kaamulan 2014 team during the Kaamulan Festival 2014 ethnic street dancing and float competition:

Aug262014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Centennial concert to feature Vice Ganda, KathNiel, Tim Yap

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Society

Visiting the Province of Bukidnon for the Kaamulan Festival and for its 100th founding anniversary? Here's more reason for you to come! The provincial government of Bukidnon is bringing in popular comedian Vice Ganda and today's hottest loveteam KathNiel - Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla as well as TV host Tim Yap for the Bukidnon Centennial concert on September 1, 2014, 7 PM at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City. FREE admission. Expect thousands of other spectators so better come early! There will also be a fireworks display. See you all there! Follow Mindanaoan on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates and photos :) My username in all those social networking sites - @mindanaoan The updated Kaamulan Festival 2014 schedule of activities

Aug252014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Very first Make Your Own Havaianas event in Butuan

Beauty, Butuan, Caraga, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

The biggest flipflops customization event in the Philippines is finally heading to Butuan! The very first Make Your Own Havaianas - Butuan or #MYOHButuan2014 event is happening on September 26 to 28, 2014 at the Main Atrium of Robinsons Place, Butuan City. A Make Your Own Havaianas event is where you can build/create/design your very own pair (or pairs!) of Havaianas. You can choose the type and color of sole, pins and straps! Moreover, there are special pins and sole designs that can only be found and bought during Make Your Own Havaianas events. I'm a regular MYOH supporter - my very first Make Your Own Havaianas experience was way back in 2009! Since then, I've been sharing my MYOH experiences regularly through this blog :) Make Your Own Havaianas - Butuan will be led by li...

Aug212014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hot Nights 2 – a must-attend #HigalaayCDO CDO fiesta show

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society

Come join me as I live loud this Cagayan de Oro fiesta 2014! Come and party at the most-awaited "LIVE LOUD - Hot Nights 2" on August 27, 2014, 8 PM at the Limketkai Mall Parking Lot D, CDO! Fueled by Petrol Jeans and presented by CDO's most dynamic high school batches - Lourdes College High School 1990 and Xavier University High School 1990 - "Hot Nights 2" will feature some of the country's best music masters! DJ Ace Ramos, DJ Ron Poe and the lovely Zombettes (DJ Sanya Smith and DJ Ornussa Cadness) will share the stage with homegrown talents DJ RB (my fellow Islands Souvenirs ambassador! Woot Woot!), DJ Kyle and DJ Bookee. Buganda Tambol will also provide the loudest beats! Yes, folks, these lovely models-turned-DJs will be there! Sexy Petrol models and ambassadors will a...

Aug182014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Miss Bukidnon Centennial or Laga Ta Bukidnon 2014 winners

Beauty, Bukidnon, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City

A Filipino-American beauty bagged the Laga Ta Bukidnon 2014 crown last night, August 17, 2014 during the Miss Bukidnon Centennial coronation night held at the Kaamulan Open Theater in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Miss Malaybalay 2014 Marah Smith won the Laga Ta Bukidnon 2014 title. Smith, a student of Central Mindanao University and who also won the Miss CMU Palaro crown, is half-Filipino, half-American. Her mother is from Malaybalay City while her father is African-American. During the talent night, she sang. Here are photos taken during the Laga Ta Bukidnon talent night. The other winners of Miss Bukidnon 2014: 1st Runner Up - Miss Talakag 2nd Runner Up - Miss Libona 3rd Runner Up - Miss Manolo Fortich 4th Runner Up - Miss Malitbog GMA 7 Kapuso star Benjamin Alves also se...

Aug162014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Sponge Cola and Up Dharma Down for Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

Aside from Sarah Geronimo, popular Filipino bands Sponge Cola and Up Dharma Down also rocked the stage during the recently concluded Globe Wonderful MindaNOW awards night. The Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign aimed to find the coolest spots around Mindanao and to encourage Globe users to share cool things via social media and live in the NOW. Thank you very much to Globe for the front row seats and for the several VIP tickets that I got to share with Mindanaoan.com readers and followers (woot!) Sharing with you some of the photos I took of Up Dharma Down and Sponge Cola. Only used a Canon EOS mirrorless point and shoot camera so apologies if I don't have close-up pictures :) For photos I took of Sarah Geronimo, please visit THIS. Th...

Aug152014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Photos: Sarah Geronimo for Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW @JustSarahG

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

After she graced the ceremonial turnover of the first mobile laboratory to a public school in Mindanao, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo then headlined the awards night of the Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign held last August 8, 2014 at the Limketkai Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City. She sang a few songs and also gave the award for the coolest spot in Mindanao. Thanks to the top honchos of Globe Telecom, my friends and I managed to snag front row seats! Globe also gave me several VIP tickets to give away to my Mindanaoan.com readers and followers :) Thank you Globe! Sharing with you some of the photos I took that night. I only used a Canon EOS mirrorless point and shoot camera so apologies if I don't have close-up pictures! By the way, I also took photos using my phone ...

Aug142014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Islands Souvenirs CDO holds fashion show, introduces brand ambassadors

Advocacy, Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Style

Kagay-anons were in for a treat as Islands Souvenirs recently brought the house down on Centrio Mall with the launch of the ‘I Heart Cagayan De Oro’ campaign. The ‘I Heart CDO’ line, which includes a wide variety of personalised shirts and other products, focuses on love and pride of place. The campaign also highlights the things that make CDO a great tourist destination - whether it’s the food, the adventures, the sights, the people, the vibe, the views and everything under the sun. Through the ‘I Heart’ concept, locals are empowered and encouraged to “Show your love, Show your pride” for the city that they call home. ‘I Heart Cagayan De Oro’ Fashion Show The brand’s bestselling shirts, apparel and accessories were thrust into the spotlight in a grand and festive Fash...

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...

Aug62014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Catch world-class Filipino pianist Rudolf Golez in concert

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Entertainment, Events, Features, Music, Personalities, Society

Internationally acclaimed Filipino virtuoso pianist Rudolf Golez, the sole prize winner at the 1st ASEAN Chopin International Piano Competition held in Malaysia, will showcase his amazing talent via a special concert on August 9, 2014, 7 PM at the Rodelsa Hall of Liceo de Cagayan University, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Golez, who attended the world-renowned Juilliard School in New York City under the tutelage of Seymour Lipkin, will play the timeless music of the great genius Frederic Chopin. Through this concert, Golez will prove exactly why he won the competition in Malaysia and why his exceptional talent has brought him to many areas around the world including the US, Asia and Europe. For seat reservations, call (088) 858 4093 to 95 local 109. You may also call (0917)...

Jul272014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the search for Miss Iligan 2014

Beauty, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Iligan City, Style

The search for the new Miss Iligan 2014 has begun! If you want to join the Miss Iligan 2014 beauty pageant, then attend the screening sessions on July 27 and on August 3, 9 and 10, 2014, 1:30 PM to 4 PM at the Golden Pot Restaurant, 2nd floor function room, Quezon Avenue ext Pala-o, Iligan City. Interested ladies must meet the following qualifications: - at least 5'3" in height - between 17 and 25 years of age - at least high school graduate - must be a resident of Iligan for at least 6 months - with good moral character Don't forget to bring your birth certificate as well as your cocktail outfit and swimwear. The Miss Iligan 2014 beauty pageant is one of the highlights during the annual Diyandi Festival.