Features Archives - Page 7 of 36 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Aug222017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting a Hollywood celebrity crush: Jesse Metcalfe @jessemetcalfe

America, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America

I got pretty lucky a few days ago. I MET JESSE METCALFE!!! That's right - I met one of my Hollywood celebrity crushes, Jesse Metcalfe, on a beautiful, sunshiny day {insert googly eyes with, like, a million hearts haha} here in New York! I'm sure you know how this feels - to finally see in person that Hollywood guy you've only watched on TV or in the movies and you don't know what to do first - scream, tell your family and friends all about it, blog, take a video, post a Facebook status, tweet, take a selfie etc. Haha! :) So please forgive me if I sound like a high school girl today. Quick side note: I wrote a little teaser about me meeting him on my newspaper column on Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper Anyways, it happened last August 2, 2017 (yes, every minute det...

Aug172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

You need to stock up on these S&R Membership Shopping items

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

Do you do the groceries for your home? Picture this: you forgot that you have guests coming in for dinner and your fridge is practically empty or you want your children or husband to have delicious baon for school or office but you want to serve something else than just fried chicken or you want to stock up on perfectly marinated chicken cut-ups but you just don't have the time (or patience) to prepare! If you've ever found yourself in those situations, then I bring good news. S&R Membership Shopping now has ready to cook, marinated chicken cuts in various flavors! Come to think of it - these marinated chicken cuts are the best choice especially when you have special occasions like fiesta, birthday celebrations or just a simple barkada gathering. Remember - these are ready to coo...

Aug52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What to do, where to go during Higalaay CDO Fiesta 2017

Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Food, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism

The Higalaay Festival a.k.a. Cagayan de Oro fiesta has kicked off in CDO. The extended Martial Law in Mindanao obviously didn't deter the Cagayan de Oro local government from planning and organizing the Higalaay Festival 2017. In fact, this year's Higalaay CDO Festival 2017 is part of the ongoing #BusinessAsUsual campaign of the CDO government. Anyways, if you have plans of joining the revelries, a list of the core events of the 2017 Kagay-an Festival / CDO Fiesta / Higalaay Festival can be found below. August 3 to 5 - Mindanao Fashion Summit, Rotunda of Limketkai Center August 8 - ASEAN Landmark Lighting, Kiosko Kaawasan, Divisoria August 18 to 20 - Cowboy Festival / Horse Show, CDO Uptown August 18 to 29 - Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair, SM Downtown August 20 - Kagay-an Festival...

Jul252017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

At the Carrie Bradshaw of Sex And The City apartment New York

America, Entertainment, Features, Movies, New York, Society, Style, Television, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

"And there, in the same city where they met as girls, four New York women entered the next phase of their lives, dressed head to toe in love. And that's the one label that never goes out of style." Does this sound familiar? Even more so - do you know those lines by heart? Then, why, hello there, fellow Sex and the City fan! Are you Team Big or Team Aidan? Regardless of who you're rooting for - one thing's for certain. We all know an apartment building in New York with an all too familiar looking stoop, where a girl cried, laughed, sat, fell in love, kissed and talked about her love for shoes! Are you Team Big or Team Aidan? Regardless of who you're rooting for - one thing's for certain. We all know an apartment building in New York with an all too familiar looking stoop, where a girl...

Jul222017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Visiting that “Friends” apartment building in New York City

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

If you're not a fan of the TV series "Friends," then you'd think this is just an ordinary building. However, for certified "Friends" fans like me, my Mama and my three younger brothers (we have virtually watched all seasons including the bloopers millions of times - okay, that's an exaggeration but you get the drift!), HOLY CRAP this almost feels like home. I guess this is what they mean when they say "only fans can understand." Visiting the New York apartment building where Monica (Courtney Cox), Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Joey (Matt LeBlanc) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) (and Ross (David Schwimmer), at one point) lived is like a pilgrimage. READ: I saw David Schwimmer in person!!! In fact, at the risk of sounding like a wuss, I got emotional when I saw the Friends apartment building ...

Jul112017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Raising $35 Million In An Hour | Red Nose Day New York 2017

America, Entertainment, Events, Features, New York, Society, United States of America

I had the honor of witnessing the Red Nose Day 2017 live show here in New York City, USA. If you’re as uninitiated like I was, Red Nose Day is a fundraising campaign run by the nonprofit organization Comic Relief Inc. Launched in 2015, the campaign has raised $60 Million so far and guess what? That night when I was at Rockefeller Plaza, where the hour-long show was aired live, a whopping $35 Million was raised! What makes Red Nose Day pretty special is that the money it raises supports programs that ensure children in need are safe, healthy and educated, both in the United States and in some of the poorest communities around the world. The grants go to groups including Save the Children, The Global Fund, Children’s Health Fund and more. I know that Save the Children has multiple program...

Jul12017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Times Square New York tour and the crazy things you see

America, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

This blog post about Times Square New York is actually several days in the making. I thought I could come up with content for this Times Square NY tour post after just one visit but the truth of the matter is, there's just too many things to do, see, hear, discover, eat (!!!), smell (???) and film at one of New York City's super popular tourist attractions. So let's start with the basics and I'll update this blog post often with more links, videos, photos and (hopefully) more fun tips for you to help make your New York City trip one for the books. Times Square, per se, is actually technically not a square in the geometric sense of the word. Instead, what's called as "The Crossroads of the World" is more of a bowtie shape if you take it from 45th Street (where 7 Av intersects Broadway). Th...

Jun182017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rivermaya releases new single “Manila” (LSS alert)

Announcements, Entertainment, Features, Music, Reviews, Society

Anybody who knows me know that I constantly sing praises for premier band Rivermaya, considered to this day as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands in the Philippines. This is because not only am I a huge fan but also because I consider them as really great friends. I have had the many opportunities to travel with them, hang out with them and even go island hopping with them! Trust me, they’re the funniest, most genuine and coolest. WATCH: Davao island hopping with Rivermaya And guess what? My cool friends have just released their new single, “Manila.” The song will be included in their upcoming album with Star Music Philippines, “Sa Kabila Nang Lahat.” The new album will feature all-original songs and will signal the band’s 23rd anniversary. What’s also v...

Jun132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Seven Seas Waterpark CDO throws shade at Cartoon Network and Six Flags theme parks

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

It's inarguably the most anticipated and most talked about tourist spot in all of Mindanao - Seven Seas Waterpark. Located technically at Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental, people tend to still associate it with Cagayan de Oro especially since it's just literally a few moments away from the Opol/Bulua boundary. Seven Seas Waterpark is owned by Elpidio "Elpie" Paras, the same visionary who runs Dahilayan Adventure Park a.k.a. the home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline. According to a Facebook post on the Seven Seas Waterpark page, the theme park is now on the final stages of construction. The post says painting of the pools now underway, pathways and landscaping now taking shape, perimeter fence is almost done, detailing of the galleon arcade is almost finished, and the rotunda is done. T...

Jun112017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting the cast of “The Mummy” in New York City

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, United States of America

So, okay, let’s face the elephant in the room head on. The reviews of the latest Tom Cruise-starrer, “The Mummy,” aren’t exactly ideal (fine, a lot of them are brutally bad...like seriously) but those obviously didn’t stop me from attending an event which allowed me to see some of the cast members. Besides, just like many other Hollywood films, a movie like this is for the fans! In fact, the fans made their voices heard. Despite the absolutely devastating reviews on "The Mummy," it was still able to recoup its US $125 Million and so far, has earned US $151 Million. Not exactly a runaway hit, yes, but I have a feeling it will still earn a huge chunka money especially when you factor in all the merchandise sales and all that jazz. Anyways, a few days ago, I had the lovely opportunity to m...

May232017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cat Cafe Cebu | What To Do In Cebu Philippines

Cafe, Cebu City, Features, Society, Videos, Visayas

Before my flight from Cebu to New York, USA, my two brothers, mom and myself went to a cat cafe in Cebu City. It wasn't my first cat cafe experience, though. Along with my brother, who absolutely adores cats (I'm more of a dog person but I don't abhor cats or anything), I already visited a cat cafe in Korea (in the busy district of Hongdae, Seoul) and another one in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan - the Cat Cafe Calico Japan (which was accordingly one of the oldest and more popular ones in Tokyo). I think cat cafes are creative, innovative businesses that gives animal lovers the chance to interact with furry, feline friends. There are dog cafes nowadays, too. I have yet to visit one, though. Anyway, the Cebu cat cafe we went to was...well, Cat Cafe Philippines. From their original spot in Guadal...

May192017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

San Isidro Labrador Fiesta, New York style

America, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Malaybalay City, Musings, New York, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Five creatively decorated booths, contests on “best turon/biko/torta,” amateur and impromptu singing contests, lechon and a whole lotta dancing. These were just some of the highlights of the fiesta celebration in honor of patron saint Senyor San Isidro Labrador by the Association of Bukidnons in America (ABA) here in New York City, USA. Held a day before the actual fiesta (May 15), the gathering was not just to honor Isidore the Farm Laborer and thank him for the abundance of harvest but to also give the ABA officers and members the chance to kick back, relax and just have pure unadulterated fun! Actually, not only did I have the lovely privilege to attend the event, much thanks to my Tita Emilita, but I also had the chance to help design, create and implement my tita’s cluster’s boo...

Apr272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why you should spend Labor Day weekend with #GlobeBoracay

Entertainment, Events, Features, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society

The last time I spent Labor Day weekend in Boracay was two years ago but I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was the perfect Labor Day escapade - fabulous beach, beautiful people and crazy LaBoracay parties! This 2017, expect the same fun and sizzle courtesy of Globe Telecom! Globe is pulling out all the stops for #GlobeBoracay, a weekend of revelry with local and international DJs from April 28 to May 1, 2017! Trust me, lots of reasons to make Boracay your ground zero for everything hot and exciting! Here's why you should spend Labor Day weekend with #GlobeBoracay in, well, lovely Boracay Island, Philippines! Globe is set to heat it up with #GlobeSunkissed, a three-day party headlined by Matthew Koma, who collaborated with Zedd for the hit songs “Clarity” and “Spectrum.” T...

Apr212017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Missy Bon Bon CDO: New look, new dishes

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

Missy Bon Bon CDO - I've written about them a couple of times but it looks like I won't be stopping anytime soon because they're constantly offering something new! It wasn't so long ago when Missy Bon Bon, a homegrown Cagayan de Oro brand that offers freshly made breads, cakes, desserts, their version of the well-loved Camiguin pasalubong pastel and even gelato, revamped their menu and started serving sexy breakfast choices. Now, after being away from the limelight (quite literally, because of their store renovation hehe!), their Limketkai Center main branch is finally back and ready! They have a new look, a new menu (they now have lunch and dinner options!) and (finally) wait staff who can assist you as you order from your table. Before my flight to the US, Missy Bon Bon invited me ...

Apr112017 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

This Bukidnon bus company is getting tons of attention

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Let's face it. Pabama Bus Tours and Transport Bukidnon used to be regarded as the "smallest player" among the 3 bus companies serving the Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro route. Pabama, owned by a family based in the Municipality of Kibawe in Bukidnon, had the smallest fleet compared to Rural Transit Mindanao (formerly Bachelor Express) and Super 5. These days, however, the small fry is now very ready to face the giants. Pabama invaded social media by storm when they introduced their brand new, high-end units made by Chinese firm Zhong Tong. Check out this photo taken by my policeman-cousin Erwin: The new Pabama Bukidnon buses are equipped with mini trays (just like what you see in airplanes), cup holders, comfortable captain chairs and yup, check out the individual tablets! You will...

Mar212017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

IT’S BACK: S&R CDO Buy 1 Take 1 Mega Promo

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update

The first time was a huge success and hey, here's good news - S&R CDO is doing it again! If you missed out on all of the amazing products placed on sale last year, then please see to it that you don't miss this round. S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro is holding its Members' Treat from March 29 to April 2, 2017, 8 AM to 9 PM. In a nutshell - the S&R Cagayan de Oro Members' Treat is where you avail of BIG, BIG savings! That means buy 1 take 1 deals and awesome discounts of up to 50 percent! Time to stock up! There will be a lot of your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery, imported ice cream, frozen, fresh, produce, home items and bakery goods placed on sale. Just like the last time, I will also share with all of you insider tips and ...

Mar62017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Win a luxury Tagaytay vacation for 15 people

Announcements, Contests, Features, Freebies, Gifts

Here's a cool idea: How about treating a maximum of 15 of your family members or friends to a grand Tagaytay getaway? Here's your chance to win a Tagaytay vacation with NO purchase necessary. It's very easy to join the grand #SnippetSquadcation promo! Two lucky groups will get a chance to WIN a night of LUXURY at Raffi’s Way designer villa in Tagaytay, a posh four-bedroom designer villa with a breathtaking view of the scenic Taal Volcano, a private swimming pool and garden by the lake. Winners will also get Php 5,000 cash allowance! So just wine, dine and everything will be fine. Definitely a once in a lifetime summer vacation you don’t want to miss! Contest runs from March 1 – 30, 2017. What are you waiting for? Join now and tag your friends! Terms and conditions apply. Please...

Feb282017 by Mindanaoan Irene234 Comments

How to pass your US Embassy tourist B1/B2 visa interview

Advocacy, America, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel, United States of America

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard all the horror stories. Despite bringing land titles, “show money,” proof of vehicle ownership, credit cards, bank statements, letters of financial support from relatives overseas and even wearing tons of jewelry, numerous U.S. visa applicants still got denied. Even well-traveled folks still didn’t get that seemingly elusive U.S. visa. You may have even read or heard testimonies that some American consuls are too strict, don’t listen to your explanations or don’t even bother to check your other credentials and proofs that you can sustain your trip to the USA. I’m sure that those horror stories are the very reasons why you’re either scared or hesitant to apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa. Okay, let me tell you from the get-go: the entire process is VERY SIMPLE, ...

Feb202017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Myra products you must try right now

Beauty, Features, Reviews

I will be celebrating my birthday real soon (April is my birth month!) and you know what that means - another reminder that YES we all have to care for our skin! Unfortunately for me, I only started with this whole skin care regimen thing pretty late. On the other hand, I'm also fortunate because these days, there are tons of skin care products that can help us in our quest of looking good no matter what our age is. One of the brands that we're all familiar with is Myra. And guess what? They released products like facial wash, moisturizer and lotion. I made it a point to try these products for at least a week before I share my thoughts. First off - let me just say that I've been taking the Myra Vitamin E capsules for years so obviously I recommend those :) We ladies need regular dose...

Feb192017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Teaching blogging and social media 101 in Manolo Fortich

Blogging, Bukidnon, Campus, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Society

Last February 9, 2017, I was invited as a speaker on social media and blogging at the Northern Bukidnon Community College in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. I spoke before roughly 160 3rd year Elementary Education students. It was an extra special day, too, because I got to spend it with my Mama, who is an awarded blogger herself and whose introduction of me was so touching I think it pulled a lot of the students’ heartstrings! Anyway, I have to say - I have spoken in several events here and abroad but that NBCC seminar-workshop was something else. It had the most enthusiastic crowd. As soon as I started sharing my digital life journey, all pairs of eyes were on me and everyone looked very eager to learn. So eager that right there and then, a lot of them immediately registered their own blog ...

Feb162017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Why I’m inspired to vlog (plus a quick and easy giveaway!)

Announcements, Contests, Features, Freebies, Personal, Travel, Videos

I'll make this short and sweet :) I'm pretty inspired to vlog (video blog) these days because I'm off to a big trip real soon and I plan to take lots of videos while I'm there. If things go as planned, I will be away for quite a while. Besides, I feel that vlogging can help hone my skills, if any LOL. Anyway, it would really be awesome if you could join me during my big trip by following my Mindanaoan YouTube Channel. I would be so thrilled to see your comments and hear from all of you so please, please subscribe to my YouTube channel :) To really get you inspired to subscribe right now (YAY), I'd like to hold a quick and easy giveaway! I have 8 prizes in store for you. Lookie: Happy with what you saw? I have totes bought in Singapore, coin purses bought in...

Feb12017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tried and tested: How I saved big on my CDO hotel with the Traveloka App

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Hotels, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Reviews, Technology, Tourism, Travel

As a frequent traveler, nothing else makes me a happy camper than discovering various ways and means to save money especially on accommodations. We all know that lodging expenses can take a huge chunk off our travel budget so if there’s a way for me to save, I’m game! So when I heard all about this new app, Traveloka, that lets you save not only on hotel rates but also on flights, I just had to give it a whirl! Plus I had a great reason to test this hotel and flight booking platform. My mother and one of my brothers (who are both based outside Cagayan de Oro) were in town and I wanted to treat them to a mini staycation. My hotel of choice - Limketkai Luxe Hotel. Located along CM Recto Avenue, Lapasan, CDO, Limketkai Luxe Hotel is just a few moments away from Limketkai Mall...