Features Archives - Page 31 of 36 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jul112010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Winning several bucks with PCSO Scratch It!

Consumer, Contests, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

I've always had this belief that I'm a bit lucky with numbers. Not spectacularly lucky...just A BIT lucky. The kind where my winnings can help me buy a pair of shoes or a plane ticket or treat my entire family to a sumptuous dinner. Today, I tried my luck with the PCSO Scratch It! Instant Panalo game cards. These are the ones that are usually sold at a LOTTO outlet. I accompanied someone who placed her LOTTO bets at noon today. Well, because I didn't know how to play LOTTO and didn't want to just stand in a corner and be idle, I bought two Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Scratch Cards. Lo and behold --- my lucky stars shone brightly today! (more…)

Jul102010 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Meet my new toy!

Blogging, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Technology

About three weeks ago, I became a convert. A from-Windows-to-Mac convert, that is. Yes, people, this blogger in Mindanao finally made the big switch from using Windows to Mac! And so --- meet my new toy --- a spanking brand new Macbook :) Buying a Macbook wasn't an easy decision to make, mind you. Apart from the fact that learning how to use the new (and absolutely pretty white laptop - yes, I'm gushing :P) and the Mac OS would take a bit of time (yes, I can be lazy), Macs aren't exactly cheap. Macbook prices are nearly double the price of a Windows laptop. That's why I canvassed for a few days and thanks to my Twitter and Plurk friends, I got great leads as to where you can buy cheap Macbooks in the Philippines. I will share how I got a pretty good deal with my newest purchase in ...

Jul92010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Casting call for the Angat Sa Sining 3rd Cultural Season

Announcements, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Entertainment, Features

The Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts has just announced the audition date for the Angat sa Sining 3rd Cultural Season launching showcase and music video. Interested male and female models, singers and hosts must be at the Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) Little Theater on July 11, 2010. More details below. Check out the poster for the Angat Sa Sining casting call: (more…)

Jul92010 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

Mindanao food: Malunggay pastel! Sweet, healthy twist to Camiguin’s delicacy

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Features, Food

Did you know that malunggay contains more vitamin A than carrots, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more vitamin C than oranges and more potassium than bananas? That's the premise of Malunggay Pastel Bread, which started as a product for a feasibility study for Xavier University students but now looks like a thriving, successful business venture. Malunggay pastel is a healthy twist to the ordinary pastel bread, largely known as Camiguin's delicacy. If you want to order your malunggay pastel bread, check the poster after the jump. You can also call Steffi Dalman, one of the business owners of Malunggay Pastel Bread. Her number's at the bottom part of the poster after the jump! (more…)

Jul22010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Citihardware to open 3rd branch in Cagayan de Oro City

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society

Well, I guess this only goes to show that Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, dubbed the City of Golden Friendship, is really booming and fast becoming "a force to reckon with" in terms of trade and industry. CitiHardware, arguably the largest and fastest growing hardware chain in the country, will open its third branch in CDO. According to a top CitiHardware official, the Cugman branch is currently in its early stages of construction. Citihardware's two existing branches in Cagayan de Oro are located at Bulua and Gusa. If you guys recall, Mindanaoan was hired to handle shared event coordination services during the grand opening of the CitiHardware Bulua branch. As co-event organizer, Mindanaoan was in charge of providing professional lights and sounds, a female professional host, a band ...

Jun302010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Inaugural speech of Noynoy Aquino – English translation

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

Here is the English translation of the inaugural speech of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. The original, Filipino version can be found HERE. My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation. I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen. My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its ful...

Jun292010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Start saving up! Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 is coming your way soon

Announcements, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

Woohoo! I'm absolutely thrilled :) After the huge success of the Make Your Own Havaianas 2009 event, this year's MYOH 2010 event is right around the corner! The Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 event for Northern Mindanao will be held on August 13 to 15, 2010 at the Rotunda area of Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. And guess what? This year marks the 5th year of chic and colorful customization brought to all of us by Havaianas Philippines! This blogger in Mindanao cannot wait to get her hands on my brand new pair! I had so much fun during my first ever Make Your Own Havaianas experience and just like I said, that experience was only the beginning of a long "friendship" with my very own Havs :) So start saving up, Havaianaticos! And see you on August! Special thanks to Spruce De...

Jun232010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Watching GMA 7 longtime running show Eat Bulaga live in the studio

Arts, Broadcasting, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Photos, Society

Whenever this blogger from Mindanao is in Manila, I always see to it that apart from the usual shopping and lakwatsa, I also look for other "extraordinary" things that I can probably do. Just like my recent visit to the KB Studios in Marikina to watch TV5's Sunday variety show, "P.O.5." where I got to see not only my friend and fellow Dabawenyo Jay Durias of Southborder (who happens to be the show's musical director) but also Lucy Torres-Gomez, John Estrada and my crush Kean Cipriano of Callalily in the flesh. I also attended my first ever movie bloggers event in Manila plus I got to watch the much-talked about Presidentiables Gut Talent comedy show of master impersonator Willie Nepomuceno. And because my mom was also in town, we decided to watch another noontime show live inside the st...

Jun172010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kim Atienza becomes Philippine Eagle Champion

Advocacy, Announcements, Broadcasting, Davao City, Features, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society

Great news from Davao City, Mindanao! Look who's the newest champion of the Philippine Eagle! It's none other than Kim Atienza, the son of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and host of educational program "Matanglawin" (aired via ABS CBN Channel 2). The Philippine Eagle Foundation, with head offices in my hometown Davao City, recently announced that Kim Atienza is the newest champion of the endangered national bird. Quite fitting, actually, since Atienza is an environmentalist, an animal lover and of course, the host of "Matanglawin." Kim Atienza is also the "weather dude" in primetime newscast TV Patrol and early morning show Umagang Kay Ganda. Atienza was recently in Davao City to attend the Agila Gala program, where he was installed as the newest champion of the beloved Phili...

Jun172010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Going on a zipline adventure? Here’s a guide on what to bring and wear

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports

Zipline parks are now mushrooming all over Mindanao (and the rest of the country). Truth be told, a zipline is now also fast becoming part of the norm for adventure or extreme sports parks. In Mindanao alone, we have Asia's longest dual cable zipline and the longest speed zipline in Asia. The longest dual cable zipline in Asia is found in Bukidnon while the longest speed zipline in Asia is in Davao City. This blogger in Mindanao has personally tried both ziplines and in an effort to help other thrill seekers, I'm sharing a simple guide on what to wear and what to bring if you choose to have a zipline adventure real soon. But first - allow me to share with you again this checklist that I found over at Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone - the home of the longest dual cable zipline in ...

Jun162010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Eyelash extensions now a big hit in the Philippines | My eyelash extensions

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Style

Ever heard of eyelash extensions? These are different from fake eyelashes, mind you. Eyelash extensions add thickness, length and fullness to natural eyelashes. Compared to fake eyelashes, eyelash extensions appear more "natural." The synthetic single fiber polyester thread-like materials are applied lash by lash (compared to fake eyelashes where an entire strip of lashes are glued to one's eyelid) and eyelash extensions are usually semi-permanent. These days, eyelash extension salons are sprouting like mushrooms all over Manila. Although no eyelash extension shop has opened in Mindanao (yet), I bet one will open very soon. So here's the deal...one of the things that I treated myself with during my most recent trip to Manila was...well, you guessed that right...getting eyelash extens...

Jun162010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Movie review: Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan

Arts, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Reviews

I must admit, I initially did not want to watch Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith (Will Smith's son) and Jackie Chan on the big screen. I figured that I wanted to preserve my memories of the original Karate Kid (starring the crush-ng-bayan at the time, Ralph Macchio) and the now infamous "crane kick." I also figured I can always wait for the DVD version and spend my P160.00 (price set for Cinema 2 Digital Theater of SM Megamall) somewhere else. Boy did I think wrong. This newest Karate Kid movie topbilled by Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, is one very heartwarming, fun, believable, wonderfully written, action-filled movie you should not miss. (more…)

Jun132010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan.com Exclusive: Interview with incoming Bukidnon 2nd District Congressman Florencio T. Flores, Jr.

Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Politics

"If there's just one thing that I'm worried about, it's the pressure that will come from the people of Bukidnon." Such was the statement from incoming Bukidnon Second District Congressman Florencio T. Flores, Jr. In an exclusive interview with this writer from Mindanao, Flores, who finished three terms as Malaybalay City Mayor and who recently bagged the coveted Bukidnon 2nd District congressional seat, said that although he doesn't feel pressured at all at the moment, he knows that it will be a "different, most likely interesting" road ahead. "The people in the second district of Bukidnon will have expectations and as much as I want to strive hard to meet those expectations, we know that we can't satisfy all the needs. That is why we need to prioritize," he said. Flores' distr...

Jun82010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanao blogger at TV5’s PO5 (Party on 5)

Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Style

A few weeks ago, this blogger from Mindanao, along with her friends, had the chance to watch the live telecast of PO5 (Party on 5) right inside the studio, thanks to my dear friend Jay Durias of the band South Border. P.O.5 or Party On 5 is TV5's Sunday noontime variety show - their answer to ABS CBN's "ASAP XV" and GMA 7's "Party Pilipinas." The show's hosts include Lucy Torres-Gomez (who's now a congresswoman - not sure if she'll continue her hosting job), John Estrada, Wilma Doesnt, JC de Vera, Alex Gonzaga and Tuesday Vargas. Ryan Agoncillo was still a part of the show when I watched it live from the studio but he later quit in order to attend to wife Judy Ann Santos' pregnancy. Guess who the show's musical director is? Jay, of course! :) (more…)

Jun42010 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone Bukidnon zipline – longest dual cable zipline in Asia

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Resorts, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

So, YES, finally! Mindanaoan, her brother and mom finally got to visit Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon - home of ZipZone Bukidnon zipline, reportedly the longest dual cable zipline in all of Asia! We finally managed to visit this Mindanao tourist destination, which is fast becoming a favorite of thrill and adventure seekers, in time for my brother's birthday. Actually, we've been looking forward to trying out this Bukidnon zipline adventure for months but we only had the chance this most recent weekend. Also, quite unfortunately, my two other brothers couldn't come with us so it was just me, my brother and my mom. Nonetheless, my brother and I were so excited to try the much-talked about 840 meter zipline, considered the longest dual cable zipline in Asia. Apart ...

May312010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PBB Big Five on a Bench billboard

Beauty, Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society, Style

The members of the Pinoy Big Brother Big Five or PBB Big 5 (two of whom are from Mindanao and are therefore certified Mindanaoans) are part of the Bench family! Bench is a lifestyle store chain owned by the indefatigable Ben Chan. For years, a lot of big named Filipino actors, actresses, singers and other artists have graced various Bench campaigns including Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Kim Chiu, Richard Gutierrez, Georgina Wilson, Enchong Dee, Gerald Anderson, Angelica Panganiban and even F4 star Jerry Yan. And the latest members to be part of the Bench family are Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Tibo Jumalon, Johan Santos and Paul Jake Castillo - collectively known as the PBB Big Five. As we all know, Melai is from General Santos City, Mindanao while Tibo is from Cagayan de ...

May242010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Finally finding No Reservations Anthony Bourdain Cebu lechon – the Zubuchon!

Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Culture, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Society

Apart from attending the Cebu Blog Camp 2010, another reason why I was looking forward to going back to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South, was the fact that I will finally have the chance to try the world-famous Zubuchon - yes, the very same Cebu lechon featured and praised by popular chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of "No Reservations." Ever since Anthony Bourdain featured it in "No Reservations" (one of the very few travel shows that my entire family loves to watch), we agreed to definitely try it once we have the chance to go back to Cebu. As we all know, Cebu lechon is already famous as it is but for a specific Cebu lechon to be featured as the Anthony Bourdain preferred Cebu lechon is another thing. A brief background first for the unitiated - Lechon or fire roas...

May182010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Havaianas Summer Collection 2010 | Get your pair from Spruce CDO

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

For beach lovers like me, summer is our most favorite season! It's the perfect time to not only get that perfect summer tan but also the chance for one to flaunt that distinct summer style. And what better way to show your summer fashion sense than to wear a pair of Havaianas straight from its 2010 summer collection? The Havaianas summer collection 2010 flip flops are among summer fashion's staples. And swimsuits, bikinis, cover-ups and other types of beach wear can never be complete without that pretty pair of Havaianas slippers. For the ultra hot months of April and May, hit the sandy beaches with these perfect pair of Havaianas flip flops. Check out their new designs that will surely complement the sun, sand and sea. Fashion-forward mavens can look forward to a flip-flops collec...

May122010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Willie Nepomuceno and the “Presidentiables Gut Talent” show

Advocacy, Arts, Blogging, Commentary, Entertainment, Events, Features, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Society, Weird

If there is one thing that I, Mindanaoan, absolutely love to do whenever I'm in Manila then that would be to catch as many comedy shows as I can. I'm not referring to comedy shows on TV or stand-up gigs at comedy bars, mind you. I'm referring to live ones that you get to watch at venues like the Music Museum in Greenhills or at the newer one, Teatrino, at the Promenade (located also at Greenhills). There's just something about live comedy shows that I find so invigorating. Well, obviously, apart from the fact that they do provide a venue for you to escape the daily grind somehow and let you laugh (at least for about two hours), I think comedy shows celebrate the amazing talent Filipino comedians have. Just check out my review on "Da Spooftacular Showdown" featuring Jon Santos, Pokwang, ...

May102010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Two Mindanaoan senatorial candidates get my vote

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Features, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Politics

With just a few hours before May 10, 2010 - the very day the Philippines is set to hold its first ever automated elections - I, Mindanaoan, would like to share to you two choices I've already made. I'm set to vote for these two senatorial candidates and I'm proud to let you know that both of them are from Mindanao. Both Mindanaoans and both I've had the utmost honor to work with. I'm voting for Adel Tamano (#54 on the ballot) and Neric Acosta (#1 on the ballot). Before I delve into the finer details as to why I'm voting for these senatoriables from Mindanao, let me quote something from respected columnist Manolo Quezon III (my idol!): "The job of a senator is not just about legislation, it’s about oversight, with the latter being more relevant and required than the former. The House...

May72010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan movie review: “A Nightmare on Elm Street”

Arts, Consumer, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Reviews

Thanks to Manila-based blogger Azrael, Mindanaoan was given the chance to attend the advance screening of the much-talked about horror flick, "A Nightmare on Elm Street." Made possible by SM Cinemas, the advance screening of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" was also sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures and Magic 89.9. Check out the cool invitation that I received: I arrived at SM Megamall Cinema 6 a little past 7 pm. Thankfully, the moviegoers were still outside the theater so I took that opportunity to buy some popcorn and iced tea. Not long after, a Plurk pal named Erlyn arrived (yep, it was a Plurk meet-up of sorts :) ) and we sat alongside one another - wishing that the movie won't scare us too much! By the way, if you have a Plurk account, please don't hesitate to add me up HER...

Apr262010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

My “Sharon” taping experience. Fun and disappointing at the same time

Arts, Blogging, Broadcasting, Culture, Entertainment, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society, Television

Before you read this, though, have you read my previous entry? You may want to check out Mindanaoan artist Laarni Lozada's cool makeover (saw her in person during the "Sharon" taping). I must say, it's good to see a Mindanaoan singer doing pretty good in her chosen career and that she's doing well in Manila, too, so it seems. Kudos to Laarni! Anyways, on to my kuwento about my "Sharon" taping experience. Thanks to Miss Bing, I got passes enough for 5 people to watch the April 18, 2010 taping of Sharon Cuneta's show. Although it wasn't my first time to watch "Sharon," I still felt excited especially since I towed some of my friends along. I was the self-proclaimed ABS CBN complex tour guide of sorts that day --- we went to the cafeteria (where, during my days working in ABS CBN Manila, a...