Features Archives - Page 20 of 36 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jul202012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Kagay-an Festival 2012 Cagayan de Oro schedule of activities

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

It's time for the Kagay-an Festival 2012! The Cagayan de Oro City Government has released the schedule of activities for the 2012 Kagay-an Festival. The Kagay-an Festival 2012 or the Cagayan de Oro Festival 2012 will be held in commemoration of the feast of patron Saint Augustine. This year, the Kagay-an Festival activities will be handled by the local government unit unlike in previous years when Promote CDO Foundation handled the task. Accordingly, Promote CDO now wants to focus on other ventures. Nevertheless, I'm sure the Kagay-an Festival this year will be peaceful and successful. I also hope that many of you, my dear readers, would come and visit. Participating in the various activities, purchasing local goods, eating at local restaurants etc during the Kagay-an Festival 2012 w...

Jul192012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Kadayawan Festival 2012 schedule of activities

Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Tourism, Travel

In a previous post, this Mindanao blogger shared with you the Kadayawan Festival 2012 official logo. How did you find the official 2012 Kadayawan Festival logo? I personally liked it :) Anyways, as I previously mentioned, the much-awaited Kadayawan Festival 2012 in Davao City is set to take place from August 17 to 19, 2012! Yes, folks, the King of Festivals is set to take place in just a few weeks. Have you made plans yet? Here's the Kadayawan Festival 2012 schedule of activities: (you can click on the image for a bigger view) The 2012 Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival will feature the theme: "10 Tribes, 1 Vibe" The 10 Davao tribes that truly celebrate the diversity of Davao City's cultures are: Ata Matigsalug Ovu-Manuvo Tagabawa Klata-Djangan Tausog Maguindanao Kagan Mar...

Jul142012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Miss Kagay-an 2012 press presentation set

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

Earlier, I shared with you the list of the official candidates of Miss Kagay-an 2012. Did your bet make it to the list? Now, these lovely ladies will be presented to the media for the 2012 Ms. Kagay-12 press presentation event on July 23, 2012. A press release from the City Tourism Board of Cagayan de Oro says: The CDO City Tourism Board and N Hotel inks an agreement for the highly anticipated Press Presentation of the 12 Official candidates of Ms. Kagay-an 2012 scheduled next week. The candidates will be presented to the media as their first official public appearance. The Darling of the Press winner will be chosen from the Press Presentation. Ms. Gean Cesar, Co-Chair of Ms. Kagay-an 2012 and Chair of Ways and Means, together with CTB Finance Officer Linda Costales signs contract o...

Jul122012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rep. JV Ejercito visits Bukidnon @jvejercito

Blogging, Bukidnon, Controversial, Features, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Politics

I was in Bukidnon when San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito (or Joseph Victor Ejercito Estrada) told me that he was coming for a visit. I readily told Rep. JV Ejercito that I would be glad to assist him especially since I still had tons of media and government contacts in Bukidnon. I was also very curious to see how the people of Bukidnon would react when they see him. After all, JV Ejercito just recently "patched things up" with former Bukidnon congressman (and resigned Senator) Juan Miguel Zubiri (who is obviously very well-loved in Bukidnon) after the latter apologized to JV's dad, former President Erap Estrada. Migs Zubiri used to be a part of the "Spice Boys," a group of young congressmen who pushed for the articles of impeachment against Estrada in 2000. These days, Migs and JV are now both ...

Jul122012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy Manila launches new Mindanao blog

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Education, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, United States of America

The U.S. Embassy in Manila has launched a new blog that focuses on Mindanao as well as on the many partnerships between the United States, the Government of the Philippines, and the people of Mindanao. The new Mindanao blog, entitled "Peace, Prosperity and Partnership in Mindanao," includes information on how to participate in US Embassy programs that are offered in the Island of Mindanao. Peace, Prosperity and Partnership are the main thematic approaches of the U.S. Embassy in diplomatic engagement with Mindanaoans and the Philippine government. Hence, the name. The new US Embassy Manila blog also features conversations with young Mindanao leaders and updates on cultural programs, health initiatives and business innovations that are supported by various U.S. government agencies. US ...

Jul102012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Davao City Kadayawan Festival 2012

Announcements, Arts, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

It's time for the King of Festivals again! The much-awaited Kadayawan Festival 2012 in Davao City is set to take place on August 17 to 19, 2012! The 2012 Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival will feature the theme: "10 Tribes, 1 Vibe" The 10 Davao tribes that truly celebrate the diversity of Davao City's cultures are Ata, Matigsalug, Ovu-Manuvo, Tagabawa, Klata-Djangan, Tausog, Maguindanao, Kagan, Maranao and Sama. The term "Kadayawan" is taken from the Mandaya word "madayaw," which is a friendly greeting used to explain something that's good, bountiful, superior or profitable. If you'll be in Davao for the 2012 Kadayawan, you will for sure encounter this word often :) In Davao City, the Kadayawan Festival is the grandest, most colorful festival whereby locals gather and celebrate life, tradi...

Jul92012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Make Your Own Havaianas 2012 CDO leg – come with?

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Style

Make Your Own Havaianas 2012 Cagayan de Oro edition! Yes, it's that time of year again! How fast time flies, eh? The much-awaited Make Your Own Havaianas 2012 CDO Northern Mindanao leg is set to happen on August 17 to 19, 2012, 10 AM onwards at the Rotunda area of Limketkai Mall, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Who wants to come with me? :) I don't know about you but I'm pretty excited about this one! This will be my FOURTH time to join these fun-filled MYOH events. My very first Make Your Own Havaianas event was in 2009. That pair of flip flops is still, to this day, one of my favorite pairs. For the uninitiated, Make Your Own Havaianas events is where you can create or customize your very own pair of Havaianas flip flops :) I also joined the Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 and...

Jul32012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao City plastic ban on

Advocacy, Announcements, Consumer, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

I first shared this info about the proposed plastic ban in Davao City last May 2012. Today, I'm so happy to let you all know that the Davao City plastic ban ordinance is now being implemented! Davao City has started to implemented the ban against non-biodegradable plastics and styrofoam materials. The Davao City plastic ban started last June 28, 2012. The measure is in line with the city's Ecological Solid Waste Management efforts. Not all plastics are banned, however. You can still use BIODEGRADABLE plastics in Davao City. You are also very much welcome to use paper bags and other biodegradable packing materials as well. Although the rules and regulations with regard to the plastic ban in Davao City were finalized in 2010 and the business establishments in Davao City were given t...

Jul32012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: US Ambassador Harry Thomas leads turnover of donations to Bulua

America, Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, United States of America

Like I previously mentioned in this blog, I had the chance of a lifetime to accompany US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas, Jr. for two days. It truly was an honor to be that up close and personal with the American ambassador, who I found to be very smart, direct and friendly. As a part of his party when he visited Cagayan de Oro City for the very first time last week, I got the chance to accompany him in various events. We attended the distribution of HACCP and ISO certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, the roundtable discussion with CIPMYL graduates in Xavier University and the launch of the Cities Development Initiative in CDO. Another event that I got to witness was the turnover of donations to Bulua National High School. The United States Agency for International Develo...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. meets with Mindanaoan youth leaders

America, ARMM, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, United States of America

Here's more about my 2-day task of accompanying US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. around Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Thanks to the folks over at US Embassy Manila, this Mindanao blogger got the chance of a lifetime to experience first hand how it was to officially be a part of an American ambassador's party :) After the awarding of HACCP certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, our next stop was the roundtable discussion with the alumni of the Congressional Internship Program for Mindanao Youth Leaders (CIPYML). The roundtable discussion of these Mindanaoan youth leaders with US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was held at the American Corner at the Xavier University Library. Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was welcomed by Xavier University officials: On our ...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Accompanying US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr.

America, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Singapore, United States of America

Just last week, this humble blogger in Mindanao was granted a chance of a lifetime - to be able to accompany U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. for two days! I was part of US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr.'s party when he visited Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. It was the American ambassador's very first visit to CDO. The two-day adventure with the friendly ambassador started right from the airport - where I experienced first hand how it was to be a part of an official U.S. Ambassador's group. I can't share details but suffice it to say that I felt like I was in a CIA agent film :D Although it was not my first time to accompany an ambassador, it was still a huge thrill! Victoria of the U.S. Embassy Manila introduced me to Ambassador Thomas. He was friendly and had a...

Jun262012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Fil-Chinese community donates 160 houses for Sendong victims

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

More houses for the victims of the deadly Typhoon Sendong that hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan last December 2011 have been donated. This time, a total of 160 houses - all imported from China - were donated and duly turned over a few days ago by the Filipino - Chinese community in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The 160 houses only comprises the 1st batch, by the way. More houses will be donated to the Sendong victims. Representatives of the Filipino-Chinese Community of Cagayan de Oro said they pledge to donate 600 houses to the victims of the calamity. Witnessing the milestone turn-over event were CDO Mayor Vicente Y. Emano as well as the project chiefs Messrs. Efren T. Uy, Greg Lao, Antonio Uy, Tomas C. Sia, Dolly Ong and Ricky Go. Also present were Kagawad Juan Sia, Mss...

Jun122012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Islands Stay Hotel Mactan Cebu

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel, Visayas

If you, like me, consider "value for money" as top criterion in choosing hotels, then you will absolutely love Islands Stay Mactan. This Cebu hotel really provides more bang for your buck; hence, Islands Stay Hotel Mactan Cebu easily lands a spot on my list of highly recommended hotels in Cebu. I mean, really, they offer rooms priced as low as Php 850.00 (US $19) - tempting, right? You can even avail of a 15 percent discount! Okay, I'm getting way ahead of myself. Read on...:) Islands Stay operates under the same company that owns Islands Souvenirs and Islands Banca Cruises. And because they do, their rooms are also fashioned in such a way that the signature bright orange and green apple hues are unmistakeable. And just like those cool, nicely designed Islands Souvenirs t-shirts, the ro...

Jun92012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Official candidates Miss Kagay-an 2012

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

The official candidates of Miss Kagay-an 2012 have finally been revealed. Miss Kagay-an is the annual beauty pageant held every August in Cagayan de Oro City in line with the city fiesta. After weeks of waiting, the Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Board has finally announced the 12 official candidates of the 2012 Miss Kagay-an beauty pageant. The following are the official Miss Kagay-an 2012 candidates: Greanne Trisha T. Mendoza Maria Leslie Angelina P. Ghan Lovely Jane B. Estampa Karla Mae M. Laraga Kris C. Pajaron Emie Lou E. Yamba Queenie C. Bahian Roxinne Jearl D. Monterde Maria Elaine Angelica P. Ghan Juriel Valledor Sidney Taboclaon Laurice Dee O. Inosa The Ms. Kagay-an 2012 official candidates will be presented to the media on July 23, 2012. The swimsuit competiti...

Jun92012 by Mindanaoan Irene27 Comments

Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro Centrio job fair

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro Centrio is going full blast with their job hiring! The latest Ayala Mall CDO job opening announcement has been released. If you're interested to apply for a job at Ayala CDO Centrio mall, then you might want to join the job fair this June 2012. Ayala Mall Centrio Cagayan de Oro is set to open this October 2012. Centrio Mall Ayala Cagayan de Oro has partnered with CDO Mayor Vicente Emano's job fair come June 14 and 15, 2012 at the New Executive Building of the City Hall. Job hiring for Ayala Centrio will begin at 7 AM until 6 PM. Bring your resumes and/or biodata plus a valid ID. Application process at the Ayala Mall CDO job fair: 1. Available positions as well as requirements will be displayed for applicants to choose from 2. Registration ...

Jun82012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At Zubuchon – declared best pig in the world by Anthony Bourdain

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Visayas

According to Anthony Bourdain, Zubuchon is the home of the best Cebu lechon or in his words, "the best pig...ever!" Zubuchon is where you can get the best lechon in Cebu, according to the No Reservations host and chef. Naturally, being a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, I listened! And listened well I did! During my most recent Cebu City vacation, I visited Zubuchon - a.k.a. the very same Cebu lechon tasted, featured and praised by no other than world renowned chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations. Actually, it wasn't my first time to try Zubuchon. About two years ago, I had my very first taste of this much-talked about lechon Cebu that claims to not have any MSG at all. If you're wondering why it's named Zubuchon - well, "Zubu" is the old name of Cebu and "chon" is...

Jun62012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu dinner buffet – Cafe Marco

Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Visayas

So after our Cebu island hopping adventure with Islands Banca Cruises, what better way to cap off the day (and to celebrate my brother's birthday) but to check out Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu? Cafe Marco is the popular and award-winning signature restaurant of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the only 5 star hotel in Cebu City, Visayas, Philippines. Dubbed as the "Best Buffet Restaurant" by a lifestyle magazine, there's really hardly any wonder why Cafe Marco is one of Cebu City's most favorite buffet restaurants. The well-lighted and tastefully designed restaurant seats 144 guests and has 4 very clean, interactive kitchens that offer Asian, Western, Japanese and Filipino cuisine. Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Cebu also has a salad and cold appetizers bar, a grilling and tempura station and...

Jun52012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cebu island hopping with Islands Banca Cruises

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

Ever wanted to tour Cebu islands in style? Here’s one Cebu adventure you must try! I have always wanted to go on a Cebu island hopping trip. Who hasn’t heard of the beauty of the Pandanon white sandbar as well as the rich and lovely marine life at both Gilutungan and Talima Marine Sanctuaries? Add to that the fact that I absolutely love to swim and snorkel. What best way to do all that but to go on an island hopping adventure in Cebu, right? Fortunately, my wish was granted just a few days ago, much thanks to Islands Banca Cruises. My recent Cebu island hopping adventure aboard Islands Banca Cruises was made possible by the generosity of Islands Group President and Chairman Jay Aldeguer and with the able assistance of Islands Banca Cruises marketing officer Jefferson Cruz. Islands Banca...

Jun32012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Compostela Valley Mindanao to have 1.5 km zipline

Business, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Features

Move over, Dahilayan Adventure Park. Another Mindanao area will soon have the longest zipline in all of Asia. Compostela Valley, Mindanao will soon be home to a whopping 1.5 kilometer zipline at Camp Manual Yan in Mawab. Yup, you read that right. One and a half kilometers! Holy cow! This new Mindanao extreme adventure will be much longer than the Bukidnon zipline. The longest zipline in Bukidnon is only 840 meters. That means that the Compostela Valley zipline will be almost double that! Dahilayan Adventure Park, which can be found in Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, is currently the home of the longest dual cable zipline in all of Asia. The zipline in Compostela Valley will reportedly be worth Php 3 Million. The provincial government of Compostela Valley will be the ...

Jun12012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to visit the Philippines this June 2012

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Features, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personalities, Politics

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will visit the Philippines this June 2012. Admired by many around the world, it was under the leadership of H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad leadership that Malaysia developed into one of the most prosperous economies in Southeast Asia. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will be in Manila, Philippines come June 10 to 11, 2012. He will be accompanied by his spouse H.E. Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. According to incumbent Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will have a fairly packed schedule while in the Philippines. Apart from giving a keynote lecture at the University of Santo Tomas (which will be themed loosely on modernization, good governance as well as national development), he will a...

May252012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Miss Kagay-an 2012 audition, screening dates

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists

How fast time flies! Remember my Miss Kagay-an 2011 post? It seems just like yesterday! Before we know it, it's time for the Search for Miss Kagay-an 2012. Are you interested to join the Miss Kagay-an 2012 pageant? Want to be the next Miss Cagayan de Oro City 2012 queen? Interested Kagay-anon ladies are encouraged to attend the screening of the next Miss Kagayan on May 19 at Rhapsody Suites along Hayes-Lt. Guillermo Streets in Cogon; May 26 at Hotel Koresco and on June 2 at Rodelsa Hall of Liceo de Cagayan University. As you can see, you have 3 audition dates for the 2012 Miss Kagay-an pageant. Screening time on all dates is from 1 PM to 6 PM. Registration forms are available at the Cagayan de Oro Tourism and Cultural Office at the City Hall and at the City Tourism booth in Diviso...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Perks of Living in Mindanao

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

If you listen to the news on Mindanao, the most likely reaction is that you’ll hesitate to come here. Much less choose to live here. But given the direness of the news on the peace and order situation here, have you ever wondered if there are perks to living in Mindanao? Actually, what’s so terrible in the news is merely a microcosm of Mindanao society. Given the largeness of the island and the number of regions, cities, and cultures that are found in Mindanao, you might want to take the news with a grain of salt the next time. Mindanao is generally a peaceful place. The members of the populace are satisfied with their lives, and commerce and trade are smoothly moving along. The economics show a due representation from the filthy rich to poverty level poor, but people manage to get by. ...