Leisure Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jan262022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Mura Bora (“Like Boracay”) Initao white sand beach

Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel

It's named "Mura Bora," shortcut for "Murag Boracay" or "Like Boracay" and it's my family and I's new fave white sand beach getaway. I suppose not a lot of people have really discovered the place yet (it's either that or the owner isn't in a hurry to develop Mura Bora) because as of this writing, this white sand beach property just has a couple of huts under coconut trees, a few friendly dogs who have seemingly been trained to melt your heart with their eyes so you can share your food and a rudimentary bathroom and shower area. I know this description doesn't sound much but for my family and I, we liked Mura Bora and its rawness. Like a virgin beach spot. Mura Bora is located at Initao, Misamis Oriental, about an hour and a half from either Cagayan de Oro City or Iligan City. It's ...

May72021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Check this out: Bukidnon countryside diner El Paso Lantapan

Bukidnon, Features, Food, Leisure, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

I may be an avid beach lover but sometimes, there's just something about the countryside that we all can't help but love. Laidback. Lovely gentle breeze. Beautiful trees. Glorious landscape. Clean air. Take the case of the Municipality of Lantapan in Bukidnon. Roughly a 3-hour drive from Cagayan de Oro, it's fast becoming home to many quaint cafes and diners like Cafe Sa Bukid, Chukoohills and now, El Paso. Located at Songco, Lantapan, El Paso is a rustic restaurant that also has a spacious al fresco area. And by al fresco I do mean tables and chairs/benches (and tents when it's a rainy day) surrounded by lots of tall falcata trees. There's also an event stage and a bonfire area. It's a great place to hang out with family and friends. I made a quick TikTok video of our most rec...

Apr242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

ATV buggy ride at Dahilayan Forest Park

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

Dahilayan Forest Park, the property beside Dahilayan Adventure Park (where the popular Zipzone is a.k.a. Asia's longest dual cable zipline) and where I also experienced the 8-storey platform base jump, offers ATV rides or buggy rides. Have you been on one? I absolutely enjoy riding ATVs! I also have a little confession to make - I'm a bit of a speed junkie so I like driving ATVs pretty fast! Although my most recent buggy adventure was a chill one since I was with my cousins and it was their first time driving ATVs. Here's a video I made during our Dahilayan ATV adventure. Check out the trail here: https://youtu.be/h2uTObv2M5o Dahilayan Forest Park offers other amenities and services such as picnic grounds, ponds and lagoons, forest animals playground and rides (luge, t...

Dec202020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Beautiful reunions and a fun cafe hop

Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that one of the sad, challenging repercussions of this global health pandemic was that we can’t easily, freely travel and see our family and friends. We had no choice but to be contented with virtual “kamustahans.” Siyempre, it’s still different to physically be with your loved ones, to bond with them and strengthen family ties. So when the travel restrictions started to get eased out, I hatched a plan: to reunite my Mama with her older sister whom she hasn’t seen in more than a year! Thankfully, I had a reliable partner in Ford Philippines. They gave me the chance to drive the all-new Ford Territory, currently the most celebrated vehicle in the compact crossover segment. My plan for a beautiful reunion between sisters was off to a great st...

Jul102020 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Conquering Mangima Road with Ford Ranger Raptor

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Society, Travel

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that I am in the market for a new vehicle and currently weighing options. Aside from budget, comfort level and features, I thought I also needed a vehicle that could fit my busy and adventure-filled lifestyle but can also be formal and practical, preferably one that didn’t really require further modifications. See, I may be a girl but more often than not, I’m not that girly-girl, if you know what I mean. I have my happy-in-a-dress days but I have more makeup-free, slippers-only, super comfortable clothes on days. So, to me, that’s a challenge. Is there a vehicle out there for someone who loves to travel and conquer many adventures but who also loves to take the family, friends and loved ones for fun escapades, lead community projects, volu...

May82020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mother’s Day gifts you can easily pay and get online

Beauty, Business, Consumer, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Internet, Leisure, LifeStyle, Restaurant, Shopping, Society, Style, Technology

With Mother’s Day drawing near and we're all still supposed to stay at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can actually still make the most important woman in our lives feel very special on the very day of the year that's meant for her! The best option? Do cashless transactions with many of the businesses that offer takeout/to-go, pickup or delivery options. Chances are, your favorite business establishments offer one or all of those options! With cashless transactions, getting those Mother's Day gifts will definitely be a breeze and safer! For the movie junkie mom If your mom loves movies, why not give her access to all her favorite films and series with a Netflix subscription? You can even set up a movie night for the entire family complete with your go-to snacks. Su...

Feb202018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa Cebu garners Travelers’ Choice 2018 awards

Cebu City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Visayas

The results of the Travelers’ Choice Awards 2018 are in and it's definitely no surprise that Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa made it to the list. A regular on the roster, Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa is recognized once again in this year’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, winning in three categories: #21 on the Top 25 Small Hotels- Asia, #2 on the Top 25 Small Hotels- Philippines, and #1 on the Top 25 Hotels for Romance- Philippines. Who best to trust with Cebu resorts but TripAdvisor's globetrotting users? :) Located in Mactan Island, Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa is the ideal retreat for travellers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Guests will find themselves tucked away in a tranquil paradise as they relax in the six suites,three villas, and spa that make up the resort. ...

Dec42017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Travel to the Majestic Sights of the Sahara is Easier than Ever

Leisure, Travel

If you really want to plan the ultimate sightseeing vacation, try Morocco. Home to the legendary Sahara desert, this vibrant African nation has even more to offer than you may at first suspect. Of course, everyone remembers the legendary adventure and romance movies that were set in this region of the world. But you are bound to soon discover that a night out in the Sahara has a living romance all its own that no fiction can do justice to. It's up to you to make the trip to beautiful Morocco to see with your own two eyes what this great region of the world has to give. If You've Had Enough of the Ordinary, it's Time to Try Morocco If you really want to treat yourself to a whole new adventure, try visiting the great desert nation of Morocco. There are a number of tour groups, such as ...

Oct242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Stay at these Palm Springs luxury villas during Coachella Festival and be cool

America, Hotels, Leisure, Travel, United States of America

Have you ever wanted to attend the famed Coachella Festival in California but tend to stop with all the planning when you feel dazed, confused, lost and disheartened when you simply cannot find houses for rent in Palm Springs? I know the feeling. I have a solution, too. Hear me out. These days, there’s a construction boom in this sunny and lovely Sonoran desert town of Palm Springs which was a favorite escape for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bob Hope and currently is for the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio, Robert Downey, Jr. and even former US President Barack Obama. And there’s reason for this. Palm Springs boasts of iconic mid-century architecture, hipster bars, great restaurants, lavish Hollywood history and of course, it’s the home of the famous and always well-attend...

Sep12017 by Mindanaoan Irene24 Comments

Seven Seas Waterpark CDO rates

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism

The long wait is finally over. The most-anticipated opening of the Seven Seas Waterpark in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental (just moments away from the Bulua, Cagayan de Oro and Opol boundary, in fact) is set to take place this September 2017. Of course, everyone wants to know the Seven Seas CDO ticket prices :) BUY YOUR TICKETS BELOW: Klook.com(function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u; p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//cdn.klook.com/affiliate_web/s/dist/desktop/affiliate_base_v3.2.js') Owned by Elpidio "Elpie" Paras, the same visionary behind Dahilayan Adventure Park and Parasat Cable TV, Seven Seas Waterpark is also a sister company of Great White Water Rafting C...

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...

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...

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...

Apr192017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Top of the Rock New York (plus a tip on how to save on your ticket)

America, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Photos, Style, Travel, United States of America, Videos

No New York City visit is ever complete without seeing it from the top! And one of the popular places to do that is to go to the Top of the Rock - top of the Rockefeller, that is. To be able to explore unobstructed views of New York's midtown and downtown Manhattan plus the vast Central Park is an experience one can never forget. I should know - I just visited Top of the Rock and it was AWESOME to say the least! At the risk of sounding too mushy, may I just say that this view really made me very happy and thankful to be alive! CityPASS Armed with our CityPASS booklets, my aunt and I went to the Top of the Rock - one of NYC's top tourist attractions. Which reminds me - to buy your CityPASS booklet is the tip I want to share on how to save on your New York tour expenses! CityPASS is...

Jan232017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New fave Cebu hotel: Cuarto Hotel

Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Leisure, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

Every frequent traveler to Cebu knows this – it’s a continuous challenge to find spacious, well-fitted, affordable, strategically located hotel rooms that offer free delicious buffet breakfast. There will always be something amiss – either the hotel is too far from the city proper or the room may be too small you can barely move around with your luggage. Fortunately, I recently discovered a charming boutique hotel a block away from Fuente Circle Cebu that could easily rival the bigger hotel chains. Cuarto Hotel is just across Robinson’s Cybergate and steps away from a few of Cebu’s biggest hospitals and call centers. Don’t worry, though. While Cuarto Hotel Cebu may be in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life, you will still have the most comfortable stay. I did! ...

Jan72017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan

Entertainment, Features, Japan, Leisure, Shopping, Style, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel

It’s the most frantic pedestrian crossing in the entire world. Movies like “The Fast and the Furious” and “Lost in Translation” have featured this very busy, famous intersection. The Shibuya Crossing, also referred to as “The Scramble,” is located in Shibuya, one of Tokyo, Japan’s special wards. The Shibuya Crossing is where pedestrians cross from virtually every direction all at the same time. It’s a crazy scene at this busy junction, I tell you! As soon as the traffic lights turn red, hundreds upon hundreds of people cross. Mind you, however, while everything looks busy and disorderly, you won’t see chaos. In fact, what you’ll see is “well organized, well choreographed chaos,” if you know what I mean. If you’re wondering why so many people cross this junction, it’s because it’s in ...

Jan72017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Take a helicopter ride and see Dahilayan Bukidnon from the sky

Bukidnon, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Barangay Dahilayan, one of the 22 barangays of the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, has truly evolved into Mindanao's favorite playground. From being the home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline to being the place where you can experience the 8-storey platform base jump to now offering helicopter rides! Dahilayan Forest Park, the property beside Dahilayan Adventure Park (where the popular Zipzone is), now offers helicopter rides. According to the Dahilayan Forest Park management, they forged a tie-up with Lion Air for the chopper rides. They're hoping the helicopter service will stay all year round. Currently, the Dahilayan helicopter ride rate is Php 1,200 per person. Aside from the helicopter ride, Dahilayan Forest Park also offers other amenities and servic...

Dec302016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

When In CDO: Check out The Oak Room whisky bar

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews, Society

I first wrote about The Oak Room CDO a few weeks back. That post got shared by hundreds of people - proof that the idea of a whisky bar that also has an amazing selection of vodka, tequila, brandy, cognac, scotch, champagne and many more in the middle of bustling Cagayan de Oro is what people have been waiting for. Together with my blogger friends Mike of CDO Places and Vic of Wow CDO (who also happen to be my co-founders of business group Hatch Mastermind), I attended the grand opening of The Oak Room CDO. Located within the compound of The Nest along Corrales Avenue, The Oak Room Cagayan de Oro is a cozy, comfortable gentleman's lounge that has an unparalleled whisky collection. From Ballantine to Famous Grouse to Jameson to Maker's Mark to the likes of Johnnie Walker, Chiva...

Dec62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New in CDO: 6-minute lights and sounds show at Centrio Mall @MyJaps

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism

It was truly a magical night of lights last December 1, 2016 as the Centrio Mall management unveiled the lights and sounds show at the Garden area. It was a 6-minute show reminiscent of what you can also see at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Kapuso star Julie Ann San Jose regaled the crowd with a few songs before she joined Centrio Mall general manager Natalie Mae Crisostomo and CDO City Tourism Consultant Dorothy Pabayo at the ceremonial switch-on. By the way, major thanks to all of the MyJaps fans who retweeted, reshared and reposted the content I produced that night. A lot of them patiently watched my snaps, IG stories and my Facebook live video! You guys are awesome and Julie Ann is very lucky to have fans like you :) Here's the Facebook Live vi...

Oct312016 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

How to pay your Philippine travel taxes online

America, Announcements, Flights, Hongkong, Internet, Japan, Kyoto, Leisure, Macau, Mindanaoan Update, News, Osaka, Seoul, Society, Taiwan, Technology, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

Here in the Philippines, individuals who leave the country need to pay travel taxes. The Philippine travel tax is actually a levy imposed by the government. Filipino citizens, foreign passport holders and non-immigrant foreign passport holders who have stayed in the country for more than one year are usually required to pay full travel taxes when they go abroad. Currently, the Philippine travel tax rates are Php 1,620 for economy passage and Php 2,700 for first class passage. I'm sure frequent travelers like myself will agree that the queues at the travel tax payment booths can be time consuming. To address this, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has launched a system for travelers to pay their Philippine travel tax online. Here's how you do it. ...

Oct292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO rafting rate increase now approved – see the new fees here

Announcements, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

IT'S OFFICIAL. The Oro Association of Rafters (OAR) will now implement new and increased rates for white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. These new CDO rafting rates will actually help the industry. Please read on so we may all understand :) Back in January, I first wrote about the rate increase proposal. Now, I learned that the new CDO rafting rates have already been duly approved and that all of the rafting outfitters have started implementing them last October 1, 2016. The new rates are as follows: * Celebrities Aga Muhlach and Rowell Santiago try CDO rafting with Great White Water Tours Basic rafting course / Lower section (2-3 hours) - Php 1,200 per person. Plus Php 200 if you want the package to include snack, lunch (or dinner). This is optional. Advance rafting co...

Aug152016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Pacifico Hotel #CDO launches amazing room sale

Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

The Pacifico Boutique Hotel, a major landmark along the annual Higalaay Festival (Kagay-an Festival) parade route, has introduced a mega discounted promo rate for both their standard and deluxe rooms. For only Php 1,499.00 (book and buy basis) and for a minimum of 2-night stay, guests can stay at The Pacifico CDO’s modern and spacious rooms equipped with 12-inch thick mattresses, bamboo silk sheets, blackout curtains, fast and FREE 100 Mbps wireless Internet, 40 inch wide screen cable TV, floor to ceiling view of the city and large bathrooms with hot and cold water running through rainshower heads. Each room also comes with FREE breakfast for two (2). Just a few steps away from the starting point of the 2016 Higalaay Festival Higalas parade of floats and icons (August 27) as well as th...