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

Aug82023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

First ever Tourist Rest Area in Mindanao now open

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

The first ever Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Mindanao is now open! The said TRA has been inaugurated in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, which is about an hour away from Cagayan de Oro, and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco even graced the event. Tourists traveling to Bukidnon and neighboring provinces can now make a safe and comfortable stopover at the said TRA. A flagship project of the DOT to provide convenience and comfort to tourists, this Mindanao tourist rest area is a convergence point that foreign and local travelers could approach to get information on tourism sites and attractions, activities, and accommodations, and to report concerns related to safety and security. According to the DOT, the construction of TRAs in strategic locations all over the country is a f...

Jul182023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Discover the Future of Luxury Living in Cagayan de Oro: The Midtown and The Montage by Vista Estates

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

Welcome to the vibrant city of Cagayan de Oro, where the allure of modern living meets the tranquil beauty of nature. If you're a prospective real estate investor or property broker searching for the next big opportunity, look no further. Vista Estates is proud to present two upcoming properties that are set to redefine luxury living in this thriving city: The Midtown and The Montage. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GRAND LAUNCH: I was invited to the grand launch of these two properties in Cagayan de Oro (thanks, Vista Estates!) Check out this mini highlights vlog that I made: https://youtube.com/shorts/fluKLy1GZ58?feature=share Unveiling The Midtown at Canitoan: Located in the neighborhood of Canitoan, The Midtown by Vista Estates is a vision of urban elegance. Inspired ...

Jun242023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why you need to catch the culinary offerings of the new Seda Centrio Chef

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Hotels, LifeStyle, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Sulu

I was recently invited to meet the new Executive Sous Chef of Seda Centrio Hotel and try his culinary creations. Chef Benzar Joe Aradani, who hails from Jolo, Sulu and who brings with him a wealth of culinary experience and expertise in various regional cuisines, impressed me and the food served that night was equally impressive! Coming from a Christian-Muslim background with an Indonesian father and Filipino mother, Chef Ben has earned him a reputation for creating unique and creative dishes, proven by the numerous awards he has received throughout his 33-year career. The tuna dish he prepared right before our very eyes that night was undoubtedly so tender and very flavorful. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS POSTED ON THE MINDANAOAN FACEBOOK PAGE In the video I took below, yo...

Apr62023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins at Globe Media Excellence Awards GMEA 10

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Headline, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Social Media, Society, Technology

I WON! I am so proud and honored to share that Mindanaoan.com won the award for Digital Storytelling: Best Blog Post during the milestone year of the Globe Media Excellence Awards! On March 31, 2023 in Cebu City, the Globe Group named the winners of GMEA @10, which honors exceptional reporting across platforms in both Visayas and Mindanao. In its milestone year, GMEA embraced the theme #OneDigitalNation, which celebrated stories that captured the impact of Globe-led innovations that uplift lives with compassion, care, and kindness. For the Best Blog Post award, Maria Irene Aserios a.k.a. Mindanaoan won! Days before the awarding ceremony, Globe announced the list of finalists. I was one of the 3 finalists for Best Blog Post (Mindanao). And then last March 31 in Cebu, I was decla...

Nov282022 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Teaching social media and digital marketing in 8 towns around Mindanao (during the pandemic!)

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Education, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

When the pandemic hit, we all know that the entrepreneurs were among those who got affected the most. Some businesses went to a screeching halt, some were forced to pivot just to survive and some tried to continue operations but with owners, very sadly, feeling they were running around like headless chickens. I should know because I heard numerous of these stories from business owners themselves. Yes, it was heartbreaking to listen to them but you know what? I still held on to that spark of optimism. I knew that somehow, each and every one of us can help these businesses. After all, you and I know very well that the success of just about anything never depends on the hands of only one man. Instead, it has always rested on the collective shoulders of many. I wanted to help esp...

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 ...

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...

Mar142021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: these savory Mindanao heritage dishes at Cucina Higala

Advocacy, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update

What better way to reconnect with and celebrate our heritage but through food? With Cucina Higala's help, it's now easier to indulge in good, savory, rich, colorful, absolutely delicious food that's uniquely Mindanao. You see, Cucina Higala now offers another set of Mindanao Heritage dishes, 3 years after the first set's release in 2018. For their 2021 salvo, they have 5 new dishes - all of which I had the opportunity to try. And I must say - you simply should never miss these gastronomic delights! Before I proceed, I would like to sincerely thank the Cucina Higala team for the warm hospitality. Thank you Sir Jan, Miss Maggie, Sir Joe Jake and Miss Donna and staff for taking good care of me, Nicole Abas-Datayan, Narz Moria and Sir Mike Banos. Daghang salamat! Let me give...

Dec42020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan.com lands on Blogmeter top Philippine blogs list

America, Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Technology, United States of America

So excited to share with you all that this humble blog, Mindanaoan, landed on BlogMeterTop's top Philippine blogs list. I'm excited about this because it has been quite a challenge to write this year. So this is such a blessing and a reminder for me to always just power through! Mindanaoan.com landed on 3 categories - on the "Top" overall, on the November 2020 top list and on the November 2020 Travel and Leisure. Mindanaoan.com is among the top 50. BlogmeterTop is a Web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic for all Philippine blogsites. According to BlogmeterTop, they track the user’s activity on the site such as page visits and statistics. BlogmeterTop’s approach is to show the dashboard-type data (as a more in-depth data) report for the casual PH blogsite ow...

Nov172020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanao-based Hineleban Foundation urges corporations to support IP communities

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Features, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, Society

Mindanao-based Hineleban Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization in Bukidnon, is urging corporations to support Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities to not only help secure food and water for them but to also help restore the last virgin forests and ample river flow requirements of all water users in the country. Hineleban’s vision is to ensure the nation’s water, food and human security by reforesting the mountain ranges of Mindanao. These ranges are inhabited by the IP communities. On their official website, Hineleban Foundation explained that by supporting IPs through food security, followed by sustainable livelihood and finally, reforestation, they also play a more active role in the protection of the remaining primary forests in the Philippines. Currently, Hinele...

Aug162020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

IT’S OFFICIAL! The Mindanaoan Blog now has an Android app

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Style, Technology, Travel

I'm very excited to officially announce that this humble Mindanaoan blog finally has its own Android app! Now, it's easier for us to stay connected :) You can download the Official Mindanaoan Android App here. It's a very light app, only needs 4.52 MB of your Android phone space. Just click the link above, click on the Mindanaoan v1.0 . apk file and just please follow the next easy instructions. As soon as you finish installing the Mindanaoan app, you'll see a native headdress as the logo of the app on your phone screen :) >>> DOWNLOAD THE MINDANAOAN ANDROID APP HERE <<< Thank you so much for your support! About Mindanaoan Irene, the one behind Mindanaoan.com, is a USA-trained, USA-experienced seasoned social media specialist, publicist, multi-awar...

Jul292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Matigsalug – Manobo tribes get new tribal hall in Kitaotao

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Culture, Government, Mindanao, Society

Two of Mindanao's tribes now have a new tribal hall complete with sleeping quarters. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribes in Kitaotao, Bukidnon recently received a new tribal hall with sleeping quarters. The new tribal hall, located at Brgy. Sagundanon, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, was inaugurated on July 24, 2020. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribal hall was funded under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Kalahi-CIDSS and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process under its PAyapa and MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) framework. PAMANA is the government's peace and development framework that aims to strengthen peacebuilding, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas. DSWD says that PAMANA has reportedly expanded to include the funding of projects for IPs ...

Apr62020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Snorkeling At Camiguin Giant Clam Sanctuary

Camiguin, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin Island, located in Mindanao, Philippines, is inarguably one of my most favorite places. How can you not love the Island Born of Fire? It's home to a breathtaking white island (where you can eat sea urchins, by the way), a sunken cemetery that's an interesting diving spot, a spring resort with the coldest water and very near another island that has a rich marine sanctuary. Yes, Camiguin Island is definitely a must-visit and, as if those reasons aren't enough, here's another reason why you should include Camiguin in your #travelgoals --- a giant clam sanctuary! At the Camiguin Island giant clam sanctuary, you don't just learn all about various clam species and the local conservation efforts. You can even snorkel and see these fascinating giant clams as well as other marine life...

Jan202020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kaamulan Festival 2020 Schedule of Activities

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kaamulan Festival 2020 na! After missing this annual Bukidnon festival for a few years, I am finally going to witness it again. The Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes namely Tigwahanun, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. The Kaamulan Festival is also considered as the only authentic ethnic festival left in the Philippines. By virtue of a provincial resolution authored by Bukidnon District 2 Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is held from March 23 to April 23 every year. The dates are fixed. However, the sitting Bukidnon governor will have the option to change them provided there's a viable reason to do so. Ergo, this year's Kaamulan Festival 2020 will be on March 23 to April 23...

Nov282019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

LOOK: Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Museum

Announcements, Bukidnon, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism

During the recent Bukidnon Poverty Summit, Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri delivered updates with regard to the soon-to-rise Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex. The 13-hectare property, which will be located in Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City, will feature a grandstand, a track and field oval, a gymnasium, an aquatic center, a fencing court, a museum, and a dormitory. "Once completed, Bukidnon will be capable of hosting national and regional sports competitions, theater and cultural performances. This will promote sports and cultural activities among our youth and people and bring them away from vices and other unproductive activities," the senator said. The Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex is a joint project of the Provincial Government of Bukidnon and Senator Migz Z...

Apr212019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Discover the joy of halal food at Babu Kwan CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

I don't remember exactly when I first had it but I do have a fond memory of an encounter with halal food. It was during a political campaign stop in Cotabato City. My political client and the other males were in a separate room and I, being the only female in our political team at the time, was led to a room full of lovely, graceful Muslim ladies and several children all happily playing with each other. I remember they all had smiles for me and the room smelled of absolutely delicious home cooking, spices, goodness and joy. It was a beautiful memory. Since then, I have always made it a point to eat halal food when given the chance. During my travels to Malaysia and Singapore, halal food was always part of my diet. And I'm glad that in Cagayan de Oro, there's now a restaurant where you...

Mar252019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to name your own tree in the Philippines

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Society, Technology

You can now name a tree in the Philippines and it will hardly cost you anything! Actually, this will be extra easy if you're a Globe Prepaid, Postpaid, and TM customer. Why? Because if you are, then you have a chance to not only name your own tree but you can also help restore the Philippines’ primary rainforest cover when you donate your Globe Rewards points to Hineleban Foundation by March 31, 2019. Hineleban (He-ne-leu-ban) is a Sacred Binukid term literally meaning “Mother Tree of the rainforest that sustains the cycle of all life." Hineleban Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organisation based in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Their vision is to ensure the nation’s water, food and human security by reforesting the mountain ranges of Mindanao, home to the country’s last watersheds. These...

Jan22019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cafe Sa Bukid – thriving in the middle of nowhere

Bukidnon, Business, Cafe, Consumer, Features, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Tourism

I think it was just a matter of time. After all, it sits on a verdant plateau between mountain ranges (so you know fo' sho' you see amazing views everywhere!), the weather is nice, life is chill and the people are cool and friendly. I'm talking about Lantapan, Bukidnon, situated between the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountain ranges, having its first crowd-drawing cafe, Cafe Sa Bukid. This 2-storey hut largely made out of bamboo has become quite a sensation - attracting not only local customers but visitors from just about everywhere. I went home to the Philippines a few weeks ago and Cafe Sa Bukid was one of the places my relatives and I visited. It’s located in Kibangay, Lantapan, about 45 minutes away from the Barangay Aglayan, Malaybalay City junction. You won’t miss it - it’s alon...

Mar262018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival 2018 Ethnic Sports Competition

Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Society

The Kaamulan Festival has truly evolved. From being a simple celebration whereby representatives from Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes would all gather in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon, the annual festival has now turned into quite a spectacle. Despite the many changes, however, I'm glad that there are still events that allowed our indigenous brothers and sisters to showcase their rich, unique and truly colorful culture and tradition. One of these events was the Kaamulan Festival Ethnic Tribal Olympics or Kaamulan Ethnic Sports Competition. In Binukid language, ethnic sports is called "Alu-Alu." Representatives from the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Manobo, Matigsalug, Talaandig, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon tribes challenged each other in at least 18 ethnic sports at the Capitol Grounds i...

Jan232018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Festival | 2018 Schedule | Bukidnon Authentic Ethnic Festival Philippines

Bukidnon, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The yearly festival in the Province of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival, will be a month-long celebration again this year. Kaamulan Festival 2018 will be held the entire month of March. An annual gathering of the 7 hill tribes of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival derived its name from the Binukid word "amul," which means "to gather." Hence, Kaamulan is a gathering for a purpose - be it an indigenous wedding ceremony, ethnic sports competition, rituals etc. The Bukidnon 7 hill tribes, by the way, are: Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. A former Tourism Secretary even called it the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines. The Kaamulan Festival activities will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. READ: How to get to Malaybal...

Jan92018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon Mindanao airport construction starts this 2018

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Flights, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

After decades of waiting, the Province of Bukidnon, my mother's hometown and where I lived for a few years, will finally soon see a fully functioning airport! Not only will the proposed Bukidnon airport be beneficial for the people in the province but for folks from neighboring areas like North Cotabato, Agusan del Norte and Lanao del Sur. The last functioning airport in the Province of Bukidnon was in Malaybalay City (more like a small airport strip) and with all the changes and developments, the once outside-city-proper airport is actually now full of residential houses and pretty much considered well within city limits. Unfortunately, the new Bukidnon airport will not be in the capital of the province, which is Malaybalay. It will be about 60 miles or 98 kilometers away - in Maray Ma...

Oct272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

#FeelCamiguin

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

By now, I’m hoping you’ve already watched that viral #NoWords promotional video for the Province of Camiguin. That truly has gone viral - so viral that as of this writing, it has now garnered 922,000 views and over 15,000 shares on Facebook alone. This will surely help bring in not only guests but revenue as well especially since the Island Born of Fire is currently celebrating the most awaited Lanzones Festival. Just in case you haven’t seen it, check out the video below. The video begins with a female tourist who tells her friend off for flaking out on their Camiguin trip. The tourist grumbles that she’s now alone in Camiguin Island and that she finds the tiny island boring and quiet...until she meets a local. I’ll stop right there because I don’t want to send out spoilers. Please do ...