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

May72024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Attending the 3rd National Investigative Journalism conference Philippines 2024 #IJPH2024

Advocacy, Events, Features, Journalism, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

The 3rd National Investigative Journalism Conference in the Philippines for 2024 was held from April 30 to May 2, 2024 in Quezon City and was hosted by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). The conference aimed to provide a learning, sharing, and capacity-building venue for participants to appreciate the importance of investigative journalism and watchdog journalism in the face of increasingly challenging political and information environments. I feel absolutely honored and inspired to have been a part of the 3rd National #IJPH2024 100 journalists. 46 speakers. 3 plenary sessions. 12 breakout sessions. Topics were extremely relevant and urgent including artificial intelligence, deep fakes, social media for news and public engagement, 2025 elections (!!!), collab...

Dec42023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Marudori: two thumbs up for this halal-certified, chicken ramen place

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

One of the things I don't mind doing on my own is go on a solo food trip. Enjoying food with family and friends is great, of course, but there are times when you just want peace, quiet and just time for yourself, your thoughts, your plans in life and whatnots. Anyway, one of the places I visited on my own was Marudori, which serves chicken-based ramen. I went to Marudori's newer branch located at Salcedo Village, Makati. Their other branch is located at Rockwell. A sister company of Mendokoro Ramenba, which serves pork-based ramen, Marudori also has an open kitchen where you can observe how they prepare the gyozas and the ramen bowls. To start your meal, you might want to try the tsukune. It’s similar to chicken tocino but you dip it into this egg yolk and special sauce mixture an...

May282023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Trying out Lampara Poblacion with Norby David

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

Lampara is a neo-Filipino bistro located in Poblacion, Makati. As the name suggests, Lampara (“lamp” in Filipino) aims to “shine light” on contemporary Filipino cuisine. Lampara Poblacion Makati features a variety of Filipino dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant is housed in a two-storey building with modern and industrial interiors, with walls adorned with graffiti-style artwork and with mixed-and-matched chairs and some tables made from reclaimed wood. Lampara has a large outdoor patio that's perfect for al fresco dining. That's where Norbs and I sat and enjoyed some of Lampara's small plates. For new readers of this humble blog, Norbs is Norby David, with whom I just marked a decade-long friendship with. I first met Norby in 2013 during a San Miguel Beer-sponsored concert...

Dec92019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

My dreamy room at City of Dreams – Nobu Hotel Manila

Business, Consumer, Hotels, Manila, Mindanaoan Update

Put award-winning Hollywood celebrity Robert de Niro, Japanese celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Hollywood producer Meir Teper together and you know the result is pure magic. So when I was told that I will be flown to Manila for Blogafest 2019 and will be billeted at City of Dreams - Nobu Hotel, the 321-room Japanese-inspired hotel owned by the 3 bigwigs, I was certain that my stay will also be pure magic. Nobu Hotel, located at Aseana Blvd cor. Macapagal Ave, Parañaque, Metro Manila, is a gorgeous hotel that has an in-house casino. Its location is ideal for travelers since it's near Manila Domestic Airport (Terminal 4) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Actually, you can see some of its structures as your airplane lands on the runway and, if your Nobu Hotel room has a city vi...

Feb282019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Direct flights from Manila to Camiguin available starting May 2019

Camiguin, Flights, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

This is great news for Mindanao tourism and just in time for the tailend of summer! If you're coming from Manila and want to visit one of my favorite places in the Philippines, the volcanic island of Camiguin, you can soon do so in just a hop and a skip to the airport. Starting May 2019, Skyjet Airlines will offer direct flights from Manila to Camiguin. According to initial marketing collaterals, rates of the Manila to Camiguin flights will start at Php 3,088++. So from May to June 2019, the flights will be on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Things will be different come July 2019, though. The flights will be held daily! Pretty exciting! For those still unfamiliar with Camiguin Island a.k.a. the Island Born of Fire, it's home of the annual Lanzones Festiva...

Feb52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Where to eat at NAIA 3 Manila airport

Flights, Food, Manila, Restaurant, Reviews, Travel

I’ll let you in on a secret. Whenever I fly out of NAIA 3 Manila airport, I head there extra early. Like 3 hours early. I’m not kidding! Before, I just make sure I’m at the airport with an hour or so to spare. Now, I’m there really early. I have one very good - no, delicious! - reason: gourmet ramen! Ramen Nagi, hailed as one of the best in Tokyo, Japan (it has fetched top awards in the National Ramen of the Year Competitions in 2011 and 2012), has opened a branch at the Food Hall, located at the 4th Floor of NAIA 3. Now, it’s more convenient for travelers to have a taste of the popular Butao, its signature ramen, and incidentally, the name of the Ramen Nagi franchise in Hong Kong as well. So far, I just settle for the Original King Butao (Php 390) and a Tamago (Php 50). I t...

Sep292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What To Expect During The Big S&R Members Treat (list of sale items inside)

Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

Here’s something that you will only get to read first and exclusive here on Mindanaoan. I have a list of some of the items that will be on sale come September 30 to October 2, 2016 when S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro holds its Members’ Treat! Excited yet? I know I am! The S&R Members’ Treat means amazing buy 1, take 1 offers as well as up to 50 percent discounts. It’s the perfect time for you to stock up on all your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery items, imported ice cream (woohoo!), frozen and fresh produce, home items as well as bakery treats. So bring your S&R membership card, head on down to S&R CDO and watch out for these items: Tresemme keratin smooth, Pantene hair spray, Dial body wash for men, Suave 2-in-1 ...

Sep62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hungry In BGC? Try The Hungry Hound

Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

It was just my luck. Just recently, on the very day that I found myself in Manila, I then heard that creative and skillful cook, TV show host, food blogger and celebrity restaurateur Erwan Heussaff was also in Cagayan de Oro. I’ve always wanted to meet him and ask all about his “The Fat Kid Inside” journey and yet, there I was, basically on the other side of the country. Fortunately, the hosts of my Manila trip, representatives of Globe Telecom, took me to one of Erwan’s food ventures at Bonifacio Global City – The Hungry Hound! It was right beside the Globe Telecom headquarters and just a few steps away from my hotel so it was pretty convenient. The Hungry Hound, inspired by the gastro pub culture founded by The Eagle in London in 1991, is described as “freestyle.” Aside from Er...

Aug32016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

7 fun things about The Chainsmokers (and how to win tickets to their Manila concert)

Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Music

Are the songs "Roses," "Don't Let Me Down" and "Closer" on your playlist? Why, hello there, fellow Chainsmokers fan! From groundbreaking performances, to their wild acts, and now a world tour running, our Chainsmokers boys have really been very busy! I bet you also know that they're bringing the party here in the Philippines. Now before we catch them live, check out these 7 fun facts about our favorite duo and a few of their hit tracks! 1. The Chainsmokers pre-performance ritual - Before getting onto the stage, some artists have vocal warm ups and some sweat it out, but for this duo, it’s a different scenario. Imagine them having a few drinks (or a lot in a number of shows) before they turn the stage upside down, or punch each other in the face just to hype the party monsters in them. T...

Jul112016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The new Globe Telecom content partners – absolutely exciting!

Announcements, Blogging, Broadcasting, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Music, Musings, News, Personalities, Society, Style, Technology, Television

A few days ago, Globe Telecom flew me to Manila (the only blogger from Mindanao!) to witness very special events – the Manila debut of the Tony Award-winning musical, “American Idiot,” (which they co-produced), the announcement of their new international content partners and the creation of Globe Studios and Globe Live (which are designed to produce original shows, exciting live events and engaging world-class content). And I must tell you – if you’re a Globe subscriber, there’s so much to look forward to! The hashtags used during the Globe event were #WWGX and #TheNextAttraction The hosts that day were Xian Lim and Coleen Garcia Aside from their partnerships with Spotify, HOOQ and NBA, Globe is also the first mobile and broadband Philippine ...

Jul42016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Manila debut of “American Idiot” : Rowdy Visual Candy #Globe9WTAmericanIdiot

America, Arts, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Reviews, Society, Technology

I just spent a few days in crazy busy Manila. I was there to witness first hand the formal announcement of Globe Telecom’s new content partnerships with top global brands Netflix (IKR!!!), Sports Illustrated, Disney, Cartoon Network, Smule, Turner and Astro plus the exciting rise of Globe Studios and Globe Live. Globe Studios aims to produce clips, series and even movies from top directors such as Erik Matti, Paul Soriano, Quark Henares, Dan Villegas, Sigrid Bernardo, Joyce Bernal, and Lav Diaz. I must say, however, that I’m most excited with Globe Live. Globe Live aims to produce, promote and deliver engaging, creative events of international size and quality. Globe will use its wide distribution channels to promote these live events and bring them to the customer wherever he or she...

Oct282015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LAPIS Para Sa Lumad

Advocacy, Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Music

I am always in awe of Filipino musicians who continue to write meaningful, socially relevant songs. Songs that some may consider "unpopular" but are the very ones that we all need to hear. Songs about human rights, just wages, land reform, proper governance, freedom of speech. Songs that remind us of our responsibilities as citizens. Songs that beseech justice and even anger. I was able to watch some of these talented Filipino musicians - all part of the League of Authors of Public Interest Songs (LAPIS) - as they performed in a show for the benefit of the Lumads (indigenous peoples) in Mindanao. The show, dubbed "LAPIS para sa Lumad," also called for awareness and participation in the fight against the attacks on Lumads and their ancestral domains. Among the performers that night we...

Oct42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting the new US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs

America, Events, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Society, United States of America

A few days ago, I attended a special event in Manila. It was a reception in honor of the new US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs Carolyn Glassman. The intimate event, which was organized by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States of America, Michael S. Klecheski, gathered select embassy friends from various sectors of society including the media. Truly honored to be invited and to meet Miss Glassman :) Note: Mindanaoan is a proud International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnae. The IVLP is the US State Department's premier professional exchange program for the world's emerging leaders. * Photos courtesy of Miss Noemi. Thank you! :) By the way, a few years ago I also met the then Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs in Cebu. It was quite a...

Sep292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SMB Oktoberfest 2015 launch with Rivermaya and Ebe Dancel

Announcements, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was there! And boy, was the SMB Oktoberfest 2015 grand launch a really fun night - not only because of all the merrymaking, pop-up bars, beer shower, celebrities, seemingly bottomless beer everywhere and amazing Pinoy music acts but also because I was there with good friends :) Much thanks to Rivermaya, I had backstage access at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. I rode with the boys. Their call time was at 8 PM but because we all know how bad Friday night traffic in Manila can be, they fetched me at 3:30 PM. I initially groaned at the idea of traveling for 4 hours but well - I was with Rivermaya. That alone would make any OPM fan squeal! Plus since Mark Escueta had to be in Japan to be with wife Jolina Magdangal (who had a show there) and adorable son Pele, Rivermaya requested the gre...

Sep272015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My Laduree French macaron Makati visit

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

One of my longtime super favorite blogs to read is Chuvaness, run by Cecile Zamora van Straten. I've been reading it since its LiveJournal days and as much as I possibly can, I try to visit the restaurants or shops that she recommends. One of her recent entries was about the opening of the Manila branch of Laduree, that famous French luxury bakery that opened in 1862 and that's best known for its delicious macarons. Let's get this out of the way first - a macaron is a sweet meringue-based confection made with egg white. Commonly filled with ganache, buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies (or crisp shells), the name "macaron" is derived from the Italian word macarone, maccarone or maccherone, the Italian meringue. (Source: Wikipedia) Yes, it's different from macaroons....

Sep252015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Churreria La Lola Rockwell Powerplant

Food, Manila, Reviews

So I finally had the chance to try the famous Churreria La Lola churros at Powerplant Mall, Rockwell. I've been eager to visit since a lot of my Instagram friends have been posting and raving about their giant churros. So of course the girl from Mindanao had to see what the fuss was all about! The long queue at La Lola Churreria really got me convinced that they're serving delicious food here: The menu was simple and easy to understand. Although my mission that day was to try the Churros Clasicos (medium, 6 pieces, Php 110) plus the chocolate dip (medium, Php 60), I want to try the stuffed churros (with a choice of nutella, dulce de leche, strawberry or peanut butter) or the churros dipped in dark chocolate the next time I'm in town (which is next week LOL). YUM! Just typing ...

Mar152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Pele Magdangal Escueta first birthday party

Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was invited to the first birthday party of Pele Iñigo Magdangal Escueta, the firstborn of celebrity couple Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta. I felt truly honored and happy to be there to witness Pele's very special day. It was a Saturday and I left Makati about half an hour before the scheduled start of the party, which was held in Quezon City. Boy, was I really no longer used to Manila traffic! My GrabTaxi ride took me about 50 minutes to reach QC and then when I reached the gate, the guards took about 20 minutes to verify if I was indeed invited :P Good thing I brought the invitation but that still didn't convince the guards haha! I even had to call Rivermaya's manager Raymond to tell him about the situation. It was all cool, though. The cab driver was nice and he was so excited to...

Mar42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tagging Along With The New Rivermaya

Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos, Society

Spent some time with the new Rivermaya during my most recent Manila trip. In case you still can't tell by now, I am a huge supporter of this premier Filipino rock band, considered to this day as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands in the Philippines. I always make it a point to attend their gigs not only because I'm a fan of their music but more importantly, because they're really cool guys to hang out with :) Just look at my Cebu Oktoberfest with Rivermaya photos and you'll most definitely agree! The photos here were taken during the Rivermaya Live at Adamson University and Energy FM gigs - both held in one day. Truth be told, I almost couldn't attend. Both gigs were held in the heart of Manila and I figured it might be difficult to commute. Luckily, Raymond, the ...

Feb282015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At Tim Ho Wan Manila Michelin Star Restaurant

Business, Consumer, Food, Manila, Reviews

So I've finally visited TIM HO WAN Manila! I've been seeing a lot of photos of Tim Ho Wan's Manila restaurants plus their uber popular baked buns with pork BBQ (char siu) filling. At bilang fan na fan ako ng dim sum, I knew I just had to include Tim Ho Wan in my must-visit list next time I'm in Manila. Tim Ho Wan, which originated in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, is recognized as HK's most famous Michelin star restaurant. Actually, Tim Ho Wan is the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant! And you know how it is if a restaurant is awarded a Michelin star. It means you simply have to visit. The Tim Ho Wan Manila franchise, a result of a partnership between Felix Ang of Cats Motors and Ricky Dee of Mesa and Todd English Food Hall, is less than a year old but based on a lot of posts and pho...

Feb262015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At the Senator Chiz Escudero – Heart Evangelista wedding

Arts, Beauty, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics, Society, Style, Weddings

I attended the Senator Chiz Escudero and Heart Evangelista wedding a few days ago. I have known Senator Chiz ever since he was still a congressman representing Sorsogon (yep, a very long time) so I was really thrilled to know that I was to witness this special, joyous occasion of his life. I know a lot of other media outlets have discussed the nitty gritty details of the Escudero-Ongpauco wedding (Heart’s real name is Love Marie Ongpauco) so I will just share a few thoughts and observations. The event saw lots of notable personalities - from top business leaders to government officials to celebrities, the food and the free flowing drinks were exquisite, venue was breathtaking (the candelabras adorned with white orchids, hydrangeas and snapdragons were absolutely beautiful), the u...

Jul242014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

TigerAir launches Manila – CDO flight route, lowest fare at Php 1518

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Flights, Manila, Travel

This Mindanao blogger was at the Tigerair Manila to CDO inaugural flight a few days ago, thanks to the invitation from Tigerair. Tigerair, which formed an alliance with Cebu Pacific Air, is the latest budget airline to offer Manila to Cagayan de Oro and CDO to Manila flights. Utilizing an Airbus A320 aircraft, the Manila to CDO flights will depart from NAIA 4 (take note that this is the old Manila domestic airport) at 10 AM while the CDO to Manila flights will leave at 12:10 PM (Wednesday and Sunday) and at 12:30 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday). According to Tigerair Philippines, for those traveling to and fro CDO before or after the 1st quarter of 2015, they can avail of the lowest year-round fares starting at Php 1,518.00. Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny "...

Jul72014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

HOT-STAR Philippines: Taiwan’s Large Fried Chicken in Manila @HotStarPH

Features, Food, Manila, Reviews

So if you read somewhere that one of Taiwan's most famous chicken chop places has finally opened a branch in Manila and that for only Php110, you get a fried chicken so large that it's even bigger than your face (!!!), you just have to go try and see for yourself, right? :D That's exactly what my brother and I did when we were in Manila - we satisfied our curiosity and paid Hot-Star Philippines a visit! Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken, located at Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal Avenue corner EDSA, Pasay City, is a fastfood, sit-down restaurant that offers affordable meals. Of course, the "star" of their menu is the large fried chicken - and they weren't kidding when they said "large." Hot-Star's fried chicken is 30 cm long - big enough for 2 to 3 people to share! Placing an order is pr...