Leisure Archives - Page 8 of 10 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Sep22010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cebu: IMAX Theater at SM City Cebu – plus a contest you can join!

Arts, Business, Corporate, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Reviews, Society

One of the things I did during my most recent trip to Cebu City was watch a movie at the brand new IMAX Theater in SM City Cebu. It just opened last July 2010 - much to the excitement of Cebuanos and tourists alike. The IMAX Theater at SM Cebu is, after all, a major project - one that's been much-awaited for years now. Although the SM Cebu IMAX theater failed to open just in time for the first round of showing of the movie Avatar (this James Cameron masterpiece will be re-released, with additional 8 minutes of footage, according to reports) or Toy Story 3, this didn't dampen Cebuano moviegoers' spirits. My brother, who works in Cebu City (and who's also a blogger! He owns Tennis Guru), managed to get a couple of freebies during the first few days since the opening of the SM Cebu IMAX Th...

Aug152010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 MYOH 2010

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society, Style

Because my first Make Your Own Havaianas experience last year was absolutely fun, I eagerly awaited the Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 event this year. Plus methinks the pair I meticulously "designed" last year badly needs a "hiatus" especially since I've been lugging it all around the country. Yep, it's a "well-traveled" pair - having been brought to various places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. You see, my first MYOH pair was a staple in my traveling bag during the campaign period (May 2010 national elections) and I guess it's about time that I give it its much-deserved "rest." So just imagine my excitement when I once again received an ultra special VIP invite from our very special friends over at Spruce, the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in northern and western Mindanao. Who cou...

Jul242010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Citi Park Hotel Cebu City | Hotels in Cebu City

Business, Consumer, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Nestled along Cabahug Street, Panagdait, Mabolo Cebu City is a relatively new but not too expensive hotel in the Queen City of the South. Citi Park Hotel is conveniently located between Cebu City proper and Mandaue City, making travel time to and fro Cebu International Airport easy. I had the chance to stay at Citi Park Hotel Cebu during the recent electoral campaigns/sorties. I was with one of the senatorial candidates that I did PR/media relations for and we stayed for two nights at Citi Park Cebu. Here's a look at their lobby cum lounge. I arranged for a mini press conference here with some of my Cebu media friends: Here's the restaurant at this hotel in Cebu City. We took our breakfast here. They serve it buffet style: A photo of one of the hotel rooms in Citi Park Hotel after...

Jul212010 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

Mindanao’s first ever wavepool to open in Davao City very soon!

Announcements, Business, Davao City, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism, Travel

Mindanao now has its first ever wavepool! Not only does Mindanao have fabulous beaches, it now boasts of its first ever and so far the only wave pool in this side of the Philippines. A beach resort in Davao City, Mindanao is set to open its wavepool to the public via a grand event on July 25, 2010 (Sunday), 6 PM. Check out the poster below: The event will also showcase some of Davao City's models, dance groups, fire dancers and local celebrities. (more…)

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...

Jun212010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Pearl Farm Resort Davao City tempting offer!

Announcements, Business, Davao City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is one of the premiere tourist destinations in my hometown Davao City, Mindanao. Now managed by Fuego Hotels, Pearl Farm Davao City brings back so many memories and I cannot wait to go back. Luckily, this Mindanao blogger found this Island Escapades promo flyer. Apparently, Pearl Farm Beach Resort Davao has a great offer from June 1 to September 30, 2010 for local residents and expatriates! Check out these discounted rates: (more…)

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 ...

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 ...

May262010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan at the first ever Cebu Blog Camp 2010

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Events, Internet, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Technology

So I'm finally back from a 4-day escapade in Cebu City, the Queen City of the South. The primary reason as to why Mindanaoan was in Cebu was to attend the first ever Cebu Blog Camp 2010. The event, which held the theme "Blogging, Expressions and Opportunities," gathered more than a hundred bloggers from all over the Philippines. The Cebu Blog Camp provided a platform whereby bloggers, IT experts and experienced new media practitioners discussed various issues concerning the blogosphere including online journalism, blogging ethics, marketing yourself as a blogger, blog marketing and earning money online. I learned a lot from the speakers (thanks Hans Koch for the very helpful WP plugins and big thanks to Tonyo Cruz for reminding me why I shifted to online media after 8 long years as a...

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...

Apr22010 by Mindanaoan Irene18 Comments

Resorts World Manila – what to see, what to do

Arts, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Style

So this blogger from Mindanao finally had the chance to visit the much-talked about Resorts World Manila, a luxurious, fun-filled entertainment destination in Newport City, which is located just right across the new Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 (NAIA 3). I often caught ads about this new entertainment hub on TV so naturally my curiosity got piqued. Resorts World Manila sits on a vast 7.8 hectare lot in Pasay, particularly at 100 Andrews Avenue, Newport, Cybertourism Zone, 1309 Pasay City. The product of a collaboration between Alliance Global Group, Inc. (reportedly a Philippine conglomerate) and Star Cruises, Resorts World Manila is just a few blocks behind the Star Cruises headquarters. Resorts World Manila is in a pretty large complex so I doubt that you'd miss it ;) Here'...

Feb232010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan goes to Iloilo City

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Flights, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Tourism, Travel

Mindanaoan has always been very curious of Iloilo City, the largest province in Panay Island. We've all heard the many stories about this beautiful city - just how malambing Ilonggos are, just how fascinating the tourist sites are, just how delicious their delicacies are, just how booming their business sector is and just how warm and friendly the people in Iloilo are. So when I recently got the chance to travel to this beautiful city located at the Western Visayas Region, I no longer had second thoughts. Off I went to the city formerly called "Irong-Irong." From Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, I took an airplane ride going to Cebu City (roughly 30 minute ride). From there, I took another flight, this time from Cebu to Iloilo (roughly 50 minute flying time). If you're in a bit of a hurry,...

Feb32010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Pre-Valentine treat for Mindanaoans: Sitti – In Love With Bossa show

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

The much-awaited "Sitti: In Love With Bossa" concert will finally be held this weekend! This event in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao will benefit the Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. "Sitti: In Love With Bossa" will feature the country's premiere bossa nova queen, Sitti Navarro, in a concert that will enchant you all before Valentine's Day. This CDO show will be held on February 6, 2010 (Saturday), 7:30 PM, Grand Caprice Ballroom, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Ticket prices are as follows: VIP - P1,000 / Patron A - P800.00 / Patron B - P500.00 / Gen. Admission - P300.00 You can purchase tickets at all Dunkin' Donuts outlets, Udangs Restaurant and at the Grand Caprice. Mindanaoan will be there as one of the sponsors. I'll take lots of photos so stay tuned :) Th...

Jan252010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Lubi Resort Santander Cebu Diving Hotel

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

During Mindanaoan's weeklong Cebu trip, I was fortunate to have had the chance to stay overnight at a Cebu resort that's widely said to be Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia's favorite. Lubi Resort is located at Santander, Cebu Province, a 5th class municipality included in the second district of Cebu. And it's not difficult to understand why Gov. Gwen loves Lubi Resort. It's a homey, quaint refuge at the southernmost part of Cebu. To reach the resort is a bit difficult to do so unless you have a private vehicle. Actually, I think the resort's "exclusivity" is one of its main strengths. For people who just want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just want to enjoy their "me" time, then Lubi Resort in Santander, Cebu is the answer. Lubi Resort, as its...

Jan162010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan is off to Cebu City for Sinulog 2010

Arts, Beauty, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Tourism, Travel

Mindanaoan is off to yet another fun adventure! Mindanaoan will be off to the Queen City of the South - Cebu City - today to take part in this year's colorful Sinulog 2010 or what's dubbed as the Sinulog at 30. Here's hoping that I will have a safe trip today via Philippine Airlines (Mindanaoan's favorite airline as of late). Nay, make that a trip that will push through! I'm a bit worried because it's been rainy the past few days and I heard about the Cebu Pacific Air passengers who got stranded at the CDO airport. Hundreds of passengers who were supposed to be bound for Cebu were reportedly left to fend for themselves as the airline refused to provide food and accommodation because, according to the Cebu Pacific Airlines management, they weren't obliged to provide anything especially i...

Jan112010 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Road trip Mindanao – From Cagayan de Oro City to Ozamis City

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Mindanao, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Tourism, Travel

When my professional wedding photographer-brother Bon told me that I was to serve as one of his 2nd photographers in a wedding to be held in Ozamiz City, I need not think twice. I haven't been to Ozamis City yet and I've always wanted to visit the place. For one, I've always been curious of the place and of the many things I've heard about it. Secondly, any road trip around Mindanao is always a welcome thought for me. And thirdly, any chance for me to be a wedding photographer is always great news. Together with fellow photographer Onat, the video coverage team members and Bon, we left Cagayan de Oro City for Ozamis City last January 7, 2010. From CDO, we traveled towards Iligan City (2 hours from CDO) and then onwards to Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte (about an hour after Iligan). In K...

Dec262009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

TILT Bar opens in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Style, Tourism

So the opening of the newest and hippest bar in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao was a success! Congratulations to Dennis for the smooth handling of the event and to the owners of Tilt bar! Thank you very much to all who came and partied with us during the opening of CLUB TILT! Thank you very much to my brother Bon and his friends, to fellow HUE Magazine movers Cong and Andrew and of course to my ever reliable CDO Blogger-friends! All of the partyphiles who came that night grooved to the funky beats courtesy of the HYPE DJ's and of DJ Manolet Santos from Manila! TILT is located along Velez Street, Cagayan de Oro City. More about this funky place here. Meanwhile, if you need an event organizer, event stylist, wedding or events photographer anywhere in Mindanao and around the Philip...

Dec252009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Christmas is in the air at SM Mall of Asia

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Gifts, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society, Style, Travel

So yes, Mindanaoan was in Metro Manila for two days. Hence, the obvious lull here in my humble blog. My two-day Manila trip was a surprise Christmas gift from two very special friends whom you'll learn more about in the next few days. Needless to say, the trip was the most expensive one I received this year...and the sweetest impromptu gift, I must admit. For now, I'd like to share some of the shots I took last December 23, 2009 at SM Mall of Asia, considered the 3rd largest mall in the world. Truly, the festive Christmas spirit can be felt at MOA! I did a little bit of Christmas shopping there, watched "Avatar" at IMAX 3D theater, ate at a relatively new restaurant and bought Krispy Kreme for pasalubong. I wanted to visit Trinoma, too, but 2 days just isn't enough! Anyways, he...

Dec152009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

New hangout in Cagayan de Oro City to open this Friday – Are you ready to TILT?

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Tourism

A new club will open in the City of Golden Friendship, Cagayan de Oro City, very soon! CLUB TILT, the newest, hippest hangout in this side of Northern Mindanao will open on Friday, December 18, 2009. Located along Velez Street, TILT offers "a different level of partying." Another facet about TILT that may interest you guys will be the interior design. See for yourself how the designer made use of the space and depicted tilted furniture and tilted counters. Don't forget to check out the beautiful lighting, too! Mindanaoan will be there to celebrate the opening of this new bar in CDO. Spinning on that night will be DJ Manolet Santos. DJs from HYPE will also weave their funky beats into the night. Hope to see you all there! Don't forget to have your pictures taken by members of Te...

Dec72009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Regine Velasquez concert in Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

Here are some photos taken during the Regine...Most Requested concert of Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao last December 4, 2009. These photos were taken by my very talented brother Bon, a professional photographer, illustrator, graphic artist and layout artist. For more samples of my brother Bon's work, please check out his official website. Hire him if you need a wedding photographer --- he's simply amazing! Plus he often gets me as his back-up or 2nd photographer so there's a chance that we'll meet, too! :D Don't forget to let me know that you read my blog post about him, okay? :) Regine Velasquez's concert was held at The Atrium, Limketkai Center, CDO. Musical director of the show was Raul Mitra (Regine's brother in law). Special guests were Jed Ma...

Nov302009 by Mindanaoan Irene11 Comments

Gaisano Mall of Davao Red Carpet cinema equipped with La-Z-Boy seats

Arts, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Musings, Society, Style, Technology, Tourism

Gaisano Mall of Davao, one of the large malls in the world's most livable city, now has a large, spacious cinema equipped with lazyboy (or rather La-Z-Boy) seats! For only P150.00, you can enjoy sitting on a very comfortable, cushiony seat with foot rest at the Red Carpet cinema! The theater is very spacious and you get a lot of extra leg room. What I did notice, however, was that the seats come in two. Meaning if you're going to watch a movie solo, there may be a possibility that someone else will also occupy the adjoining lazyboy seat. So I guess the Gaisano Mall of Davao Red Carpet cinema encourages catching flicks with a friend :) You also have your very own cup holder and extra space for small things (like perhaps your cellphone or car keys). It's not my first time to watch in a...

Nov102009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

PAGCOR Davao – Casino Filipino Davao City – What to expect and what to do (Part 2)

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism

This is part 2 of my Casino Filipino Davao City - What to expect and what to do blog post series. Like I previously mentioned, Mindanaoan thought of writing this series because I know that there are still a lot of Pinoys out there who shun from casinos and betting stations. I DO NOT, however, advocate gambling. I just want to share with you all how life is inside a 24/7 casino, what you can see in PAGCOR Davao, what you can do in a Casino Filipino branch and how you can avail of freebies be they be food, bets, chips, tokens, concert tickets etc. So are you now curious about what’s going on inside this 24-hour casino in Davao City, Mindanao? Now that you already have your Casino Filipino Privilege Card, the next step would be to check out the various areas inside this casino. You can ...