Leisure Archives - Page 4 of 10 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Nov22013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Review: Fersal Hotel Makati – homey budget inn

Hotels, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel

Looking for accessible, affordable yet very homey hotels in Makati can be quite a challenge. Most Makati hotels within the business district can be pricey and for budget-conscious travelers like myself, it may mean that I can only stay in cheap Makati inns in seedy areas. So I was really very grateful when I had the chance to stay for two nights at Fersal Hotel Makati during my most recent trip to Manila. This comfortable bed and these seriously soft pillows welcomed me. I knew there and then that it was going to be a cozy two night-stay. Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati is just a stone's throw away from Makati Avenue, one of the city's main thoroughfares. Although it is also very near a lot of dining choices, Fersal Hotel also has a cafe near the lobby where you can enjoy sumptuous m...

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins Best Lifestyle Blog in 2013 Mindanao Blog Awards

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Society, Technology, United States of America

My lucky stars truly shone on me during the recently concluded Mindanao Blog Awards 2013. Apart from bagging the Mindanao Blogger of the Year award, Mindanaoan.com also won the Best Lifestyle Blog award :) Thank you so much, daghang salamat to all of my fellow Mindanao bloggers who nominated and voted for me and to all of the judges as well. I am really grateful for this recognition! Such an honor, such an honor. I remember when I won the Best Lifestyle Blog award in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and became a national finalist in the 2011 PBA. Those citations truly inspired me to help more people understand the power of blogging and social media. In just a span of 2 years, I have organized a bloggers group, organized some blogging and mapping workshops, traveled to several a...

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanaoan is 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, America, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, 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, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, 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, United States of America, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

It still feels a bit surreal, truth be told. Winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year award and the Best Lifestyle Blog award during the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 held last October 26, 2013 in Davao City was the farthest thing from my mind. I was there to meet my blogger friends, have a good time, maybe drink a cocktail or two and cheer for other finalists. My mindset that night was (and I actually wrote this days before the finals): Win or lose, you are a champ. What's important is that you did your best in letting more people understand and appreciate the power of social media and blogging in sparking more conversations, making better communities and harnessing better understanding. Social good, folks. Only the good. So when my name was called, you could just imagine my shock. Yup...

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Travel: Camiguin Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort

Camiguin, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Have you been following my Camiguin Island posts? You may have come across my Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort post where I shared that it's where you can find pools with hot sulfuric flowing water. Now if in Ardent Resort Camiguin you'll find natural hot springs, there's another Camiguin Island tourist spot where you'll find cold springs! Just how cold? Read on. Located in Catarman town, Camiguin, Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort is home to a huge (almost Olympic-sized) pool. That's about 40 meters by 25 meters. What makes this Camiguin resort unique is the cold, clear fresh water. It's so cold that more often than not, first timers who dive into the pool right away usually alight shivering. That's why it's a good idea to check the water temperature first. Best if you can sit on the edge o...

Sep72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Legend Palawan Hotel Puerto Princesa

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

So during my recent two-day, all expense paid trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism, (much thanks to the US Embassy Manila) I stayed at The Legend Hotel. I must admit from the get-go, however, that I wasn't able to explore this Palawan hotel that much since we arrived pretty darn late in the evening on the first day and we also had to leave early the next day to go to Brooke's Point, Palawan. And on our second day at The Legend Palawan, the same thing happened - we again arrived in the evening then had to leave early the next morning. C'est la vie. So please just allow me to share a few photos I took of my The Legend Palawan Hotel room. I stayed in an airconditioned standard suite. It had two beds - one queen sized bed and a single...

Sep22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Good Sunday Lunch buffets at Misto Seda Hotel Centrio CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Hotels, Leisure

Here's how to spend quality time with family and friends in Cagayan de Oro City. Bring them to Seda Hotel Centrio Misto Restaurant for delicious Sunday lunch buffet! For only Php 499.00 per person, you can feast on a delectable buffet of local and international dishes. This special Sunday lunch buffet at Seda Hotel CDO Misto Restaurant runs from 11 AM to 2 PM. Reserve a table! Call (088) 3238888 You can also book a room at Seda Hotel Cagayan de Oro here

Aug122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visit Resorts World Manila for the 105-day Thrillathon

Blogging, Corporate, Hotels, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Shopping, Society

Resorts World Manila will always be special to me. Not only did my first few articles about Resorts World Manila garnered so many views from people all over the world (one of them was the most read article back in 2010), I also had one ultra lucky night there. It was so lucky that I was able to bring my mother and three younger brothers to Singapore and Hong Kong :) That's why I try my best to visit Resorts World whenever I'm in Manila. And now I actually have more reason to visit again because Resorts World Manila has prepared an exciting mix of events and surprises for everyone - from foodies to concertgoers, movie fans, bookworms, shopaholics, photo hobbyists, jetsetters, toy enthusiasts, gamers and sportsmen! They're calling it "Thrillathon - Non Stop Events, Shows And Pulse Poundin...

Aug92013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Will be part of Sugar Ray Smash Mouth Gin Blossoms Live In Manila #SugarSmashGin

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Hold your breath, folks. Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth AND Gin Blossoms are heading to Manila this October 21, 2013! Yes, Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that popular 90's bands Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will headline a very special 3-in-1 concert #SugarSmashGin on October 21, 2013, Araneta Coliseum, Manila! Actually, I first shared the good news in an earlier blog post but only Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth were the confirmed acts then :) And I am also very excited to let you guys know that, thanks to my amazing friends over at Random Minds Production, I will be with Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms when they arrive in Manila! That means I will frequently be dishing out updates, exclusive photos and videos! Stoked :D So are you ready for #SugarSmashGin? I...

Aug52013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel, Weird

Yes, you read that right. There's a Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island and although many people might find it a little creepy, this Camiguin tourist spot is actually a popular diving and snorkeling spot. Located at Barangay Bonbon, Municipality of Catarman, Camiguin Island, the Sunken Cemetery came about after Mt. Vulcan's series of eruptions from 1871 to 1875. As a result, some areas in Bonbon subsided including the town's cemetery. The cemetery sank below sea level. In 1982, the local government of Camiguin erected a cross on the site. For those of you wondering whether or not there are still dead bodies at the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin Island, the human remains have already been exhumed and buried in another location. Besides, it's been more than 100 years - I guess you can spot...

Aug12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Not many people know that Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born Of Fire is home to two beautiful waterfalls. One of them is actually a favorite destination of many tourists and locals alike and is, almost often than not, included in Camiguin Island tour packages. Katibawasan Falls is located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong, Barangay Upper Pandan, Municipality of Mambajao, Camiguin Island. From Mambajao proper, Katibawasan Falls is located about 5 kilometers southeast. From the top of the falls, a clear stream of water drops 250 feet or about 70 meters to a plunge pool. And you know what makes Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island a must-visit? The water that’s almost as cold as ice! Yep, plunging into the water without testing the temperature can actually be a test that could separate the men ...

Jul212013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

The Paradise That Is White Island Camiguin

Beauty, Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I think no trip to Camiguin Island will ever be complete without a visit to the popular, uninhabited sand bar called White Island. It is nothing but paradise! Crystal clear water, white sand and lovely view of Mt. Hibok Hibok. Located about 10 minutes away from the shore of Barangay Yumbing (or Barangay Agoho), Camiguin Island, White Island is generally horseshoe-shaped but it usually gets reshaped because of the tides. And because the sand at White Island is very precious, the Camiguin government has issued this warning. My family and I paid White Island a visit during a recent trip to Camiguin Island. I must say, it was one of the highlights of our trip. My brothers and I (and even our Mom) are all beach babies and any opportunity for us to go and spend time in the water is most ap...

Jul152013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

So after our fun Mantigue Island escapade, my family and I then proceeded to Ardent Hot Spring Resort in Camiguin Island. Since it's been a few years since our last Camiguin Island trip, we didn't know that this Camiguin tourist spot has been renamed. Apparently, it's now called Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort and it's now being run by the local government of Camiguin. Ardent is a natural hot springs resort. The fresh and hot sulfuric flowing water comes from Mt. Hibok Hibok and its temperature can reach as much as 40 degrees Centrigrade. Sulfur in water has therapeutic effects. It can help address health concerns like skin diseases, asthma and rheumatism. There are a few pools at Ardent. The water temperature in each pool also varies. This one below is the main pool. Sometimes,...

Jul122013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mantigue Island Camiguin – what to see and why you should go

Beauty, Camiguin, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The last time my family and I went to Mantigue Island in Camiguin was almost 5 years ago. Yes, it took me that long to come back. A pity, really, since Mantigue Island Camiguin has all the makings of being the next Mindanao tourist spot to watch out for. I haven't forgotten just how beautiful it was there. Crystal clear water, white sand, rich marine sanctuary and the feeling of an uninhabited island. I say "feeling" because in truth, several families do live in the island but since that controversy between the settlers and the local government started, they've now been relocated to the other side of Mantigue Island. Also known as Magsaysay Island, Mantigue is about 6 hectares big. A former fishing village, the local government of Camiguin has now transformed it into "Mantigue Is...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Hotel: Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle

Camiguin, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

So on a recent trip to Camiguin Island, my family and I stayed in a different resort in Camiguin this time (we've already stayed at Tia's Beach Resort, Golden Sunset Camiguin etc) After a little bit of research and getting recommendations from friends, I booked a family suite at Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle Camiguin. I chose Villa Paraiso Resort Camiguin because it was located in Mambajao, the capital town of Camiguin, because they offered a 20 percent discount (off-season rate), because their resort had a pool (I figured my family and I would like to go on a night swimming session), because their room rates came with free continental breakfast (read: toasted bread and eggs) and free unlimited coffee (cool!) and, most importantly, the one who took care of my room reservation, Bern...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Camiguin Island travel guide: How to get there

Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel

One of my favorite tourist destinations in the Philippines is Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born of Fire. Located in Northern Mindanao, Camiguin is the second smallest province in the Philippines. Apart from its historic sites, beautiful coastline and environmental tourism areas, visitors just love the crystal clear water. Who wouldn't want to visit a place as beautiful as this? Last weekend, my entire family and I went to Camiguin for a 3-day, 2-night escapade. Being the one fond of researching, preparing itineraries and following budgets, I took it upon myself to plan the entire trip to Camiguin Island. It's not my family's first time to visit the island. However, we try to discover new things and stay in a different place every time we visit. Now if you want to visit the i...

Jun212013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Co-producing a Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Davao

Announcements, Arts, Entertainment, Events, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Radio, Society, Videos

Like most things that end up being hands-down epic, my being a co-producer of a recent Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao all started with two phone calls and a Facebook message. Yep. A phone call from the Rivermaya band manager, a phone call to a former classmate in Ateneo and a Facebook message to his cousin (who also happens to be a batchmate). That's all it took. A day and a half later, the Rivermaya Live At Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao City was a go. Things moved pretty quickly. My assistant and I were on the phone, calling a few friends who may want to sponsor the show. Fortunately, everyone we got in touch with all said yes. Who wouldn't? It's RIVERMAYA - the Banda ng Bayan - the very band responsible for the monster hits "Kisapmata," "Umaaraw, Umuulan," "Yo...

Jun142013 by Mindanaoan Irene17 Comments

New Laguindingan Airport Misamis Oriental – what to know, how to get there

Announcements, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Flights, Government, Headline, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis

Laguindingan Airport CDO - A lot of you have been asking me all about the new Laguindingan Airport Misamis Oriental that's set to open on June 15, 2013 via my Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus accounts (thank you for the trust!) and via this Laguindingan Airport article I wrote earlier. So I decided to pool all the infos that I know. I hope that this simple Laguindingan Airport travel blog entry can help you guys :) Please help spread this information by posting the link to this article on your social networking profiles - thank you very much! Repost this Laguindingan Airport tips article via Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus. First off, Laguindingan Airport is NOT within Cagayan de Oro City proper. So if you've been taking flights to and fro Lumbia Airport CDO, be ready to add at leas...

May102013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Let’s walk towards the first Rustan’s Supermarket in Mindanao

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Leisure, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Sports, Style

Step up to a healthier living on May 18, 2013 Saturday and join the walkathon towards the first Rustan’s Supermarket in Mindanao at the Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. The event is to celebrate the opening of the country’s premium supermarket most trusted in freshness, quality and customer service. The first activity of its kind in the city, this exciting fun walk for the whole family will begin and end at the Centrio Mall, CM Recto Avenue. Assembly time is at 5 a.m. with the five kilometer (5k) walk starting at 5:35 a.m. and the three kilometer (3k) distance at 5:45 a.m. Registration is ongoing at the La Cabana Spa and the designated booth at the Centrio Mall CM Recto lobby with limited slots available. Fees for the 3K and 5K distances are at P200 and P300 respectively inclus...

Apr122013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Blue Room bar At Apo View Hotel Davao re-launch

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Food, Leisure, Music, Shopping, Society, Tourism

After their grand 65th anniversary celebration, Apo View Hotel Davao City wants to introduce something new. The Blue Room, a favorite hangout of many Dabawenyos and tourists alike, will have a new look come Saturday, April 13, 2013, 9 PM. The Blue Room at Apo View Hotel Davao will also offer new cocktails and new menu. And to help herald the fresh look of The Blue Room bar, tribal house trio DJ Elmer Dado + Gruppo Tribale will perform and weave their infectious blend of electronic dance music coupled with live percussions. Join the party! No door charge. Plus here's great news - local beers start at only Php 50.00! Don't forget to visit The Blue Room at Apo View Hotel Davao City! You can also book a room at Apo View Hotel Davao here.

Mar232013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Apo View Hotel Davao celebrates 65th anniversary

Announcements, Business, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Hotels, Leisure, Travel

Did you know that the second longest running hotel in the Philippines can be found in Davao City? Yes, that's Apo View Hotel, which this year is celebrating its 65th founding anniversary! Apo View Hotel Davao is celebrating its 65th glorious year by showcasing the rich history and colorful, diverse heritage of Davao. My warmest congratulations to the Pamintuan family especially to my handsome classmate Chris, who now happens to be the CEO / President of Apo View Hotel. Here's to more amazing years! And to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Apo View Hotel Davao City, 3 well-known artists who all started their careers at this Davao hotel will have a homecoming of sorts. Jay Durias of South Border, Jinky Vidal of Freestyle and jazz artist Angel Balbin will be at Apo View today, Ma...

Mar82013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

76th Araw ng Dabaw 2013 Schedule Of Activities

Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Tourism, Travel

The 76th Araw ng Dabaw festivities are ongoing! The Kapayapaan or Peace-themed Araw ng Dabaw 2013 will be on March 16, 2013 but a lot of events already kicked off as early as February. The Duaw Dabaw Foundation, one of the City Government of Davao's partners in carrying out events like the Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan, has reportedly set aside Php 5.2 Million for several events including the Mutya ng Dabaw 2013 pageant. Here's the official schedule of activities for the 2013 Araw ng Dabaw: (click on the image for a larger version) Among the highlights of the Araw ng Dabaw 2013 are the Datu Bago Awards Night, Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw, Parada Dabawenya and the much-awaited Pahalipay Concert of the Dutertes. And speaking of Mutya ng Dabaw 2013, the pageant night was held rece...

Nov182012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

YogaHub Cebu Offers 21 Day Yoga Challenge

Cebu City, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports

Calling all yoga enthusiasts in Cebu City! YogaHub Cebu, the premier yoga studio in Cebu City, is launching its 21 Day Yoga Challenge. The YogaHub Cebu 21 Day Yoga Challenge aims to urge participants to make (and follow!) a promise - a promise to practice yoga for a certain amount of time each day and just doing it. The challenge also urges participants to set realistic expectation and commit to a goal that pushes them. "Whatever you commit to, do it for 21 days and you will drastically improve your chances of turning your yoga practice into a habit." - YogaHub Cebu (www.yogahub.ph) So are you ready to take on the challenge? Mechanics of the YogaHub Cebu 21 Day Yoga Challenge: 1. Sign up at the YogaHub Cebu reception before November 19,2012 2. Begin the challenge on November...