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

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. ...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Washington DC Metro Subway photos, tips

Advocacy, America, Blogging, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Photos, Technology, Travel, United States of America

This is a continuation of my "Mindanaoan In America" blog series :) You can read more about my escapades in the USA when I was a 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program delegate HERE. The first state that we stayed in was Washington DC. Like many states in America, Washington has its own subway or railway system. They call it the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit or simply - Metro. I found the Metro Washington DC subway easy to understand although my group and I did have to be guided by our ELO Alan especially when we already had to buy our very first fare cards or train tickets :) You can find below a photo of the farecards and passes machines - you can buy tickets there or you can always approach a friendly Metro employee. Here are some easy to follow tips on how to ...

May92012 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Davao City bans plastic bags, styrofoam starting June 28, 2012

Advocacy, Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Food, Government, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personal, Society, Technology

YEY! I am so, so, sooo happy with this development! Congratulations Davao City! What an awesome move! I'm so proud of my hometown Davao City for finally, FINALLY deciding to put a ban against non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam! Points for Mother Nature, environment and the start of the use of eco-friendly products :) I wonder, though, how the fastfood chains and other business establishments that use plastic bags and styrofoam will cope when the ban takes effect on June 28, 2012. Hmm. What do you think? Anyways, here's the news report from SunStar Davao: Non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food and beverage containers will no longer be allowed in this city starting June 28, this year. Polystyrene foam is more commonly referred to as Styrof...

May82012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Congressmen use own money for Sendong homes

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Government, Iligan City, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Politics, Society

Back when the deadly Typhoon Sendong (International name: Washi) hit Northern Mindanao in December 2011, I started a small Typhoon Sendong volunteer campaign and donation drive. What I initially envisioned to be a small and private donation drive grew bigger and bigger by the minute, thanks to the power of Twitter, Facebook, blogging and other online media tools. Suddenly, my photos became viral, my tweets about Sendong were retweeted, shared and replied to and my calls for help were heard. Government agencies, public officials, NGOs and even international news agencies followed me on Twitter, Facebook and through this blog, shared the infos I sent out and sent donations (which I am and will always be thankful for). Two of these public servants who started following me and engaging w...

May22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Blue Live In Manila

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Photos

Here are the much awaited photos of BLUE a.k.a. the fine looking boys from the U.K. Okay, ladies, breathe in, breathe out :) Blue, composed of Duncan James, Simon Webbe, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan, was recently in Manila, Philippines for the Greatest Hits Tour featuring a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. I was fortunate to have met and worked around the guys :) Yes, yes, I'm a very lucky girl ;) I found Jeff Timmons, a1 and of course, Blue, to be very warm, down to earth, talented and very approachable. Anyways, the photos here of Duncan James, Antony Costa, Simon Webbe and Lee Ryan were taken during the radio tour, some backstage and during the show. Which of these photos are your favorites? :) Let me know below at the comment section :) By the way, here are the photos...

May12012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Photos: a1 Live in Manila

Entertainment, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Personalities, Photos

Okay, after sharing with you the photos I took of former 98 Degrees founder Jeff Timmons during the hugely successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue concert held last February 2012 in Manila, Philippines, it's now time for me to share the much-awaited photos I took of the boys of a1. Are those excited screams I hear?! :D For the uninitiated, a1 is a very popular British-Norwegian pop group. Originally composed of 4 members, the newly reunited a1 is now made up of Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read and Ben Adams. Ever since they decided to reunite in August 2009, they've released hit songs like "Don't Wanna Lose You Again" and "Waiting for Daylight," which has so far managed to top a lot of charts not only in the Philippines but around Asia as well. I must say - there are a TON of avid a...

Apr302012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Why Manny Pacquiao cried

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

Manny Pacquiao cried. He may be the world's best boxer to date. He may have toppled the likes of Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez. He may have mansions in the Philippines and abroad but Filipino boxing champion and Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao recently cried. Yup. Manny Pacquiao cried because he can't join the Sarangani Bay Festival 2012. My fellow Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao will have to sit out on this year's SarBay Fest and because of this, he cried. Don't believe me? Watch the video below: The 2012 Sarangani Bay Festival is considered the biggest, grandest and most colorful beach festival in Mindanao, Philippines. Sarangani Bay Festival 2012 schedule of activities