Mindanao Archives - Page 2 of 7 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Aug172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

You need to stock up on these S&R Membership Shopping items

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

Do you do the groceries for your home? Picture this: you forgot that you have guests coming in for dinner and your fridge is practically empty or you want your children or husband to have delicious baon for school or office but you want to serve something else than just fried chicken or you want to stock up on perfectly marinated chicken cut-ups but you just don't have the time (or patience) to prepare! If you've ever found yourself in those situations, then I bring good news. S&R Membership Shopping now has ready to cook, marinated chicken cuts in various flavors! Come to think of it - these marinated chicken cuts are the best choice especially when you have special occasions like fiesta, birthday celebrations or just a simple barkada gathering. Remember - these are ready to coo...

Aug52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

List of universities and colleges that will offer FREE tuition starting year 2018

Announcements, Campus, Education, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has finally signed the free tuition law last Thursday, August 3, 2017. This means that a total of 114 state-run universities, colleges as well as technical-vocational schools will soon provide free tuition subsidy starting 2018. The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which Congress ratified in May and transmitted to the Office of the President on July 5, will provide full tuition subsidies. Here's the list of colleges and universities that will also free tuition in 2018: National Capital Region Eulogio 'Amang' Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology Marikina Polytechnic College Philippine Normal University Philippine State College of Aeronautics Polytechnic University of the Philippines Rizal Technological University ...

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...

May242017 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Guide for Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific ticket holders during Martial Law in Mindanao

Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

Following the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao by the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, two of the country's airlines have also released guidelines and statements especially for confirmed ticket holders. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines said that passengers with confirmed bookings from May 24 to June 30, 2017 may rebook, reroute, or refund flight tickets to and from Mindanao until end-July without any penalties. The areas included are: - Butuan - Cagayan de Oro - Cotabato - Dipolog - Davao - General Santos - Ozamiz - Surigao - Zamboanga Passengers with confirmed tickets to and fro these areas are qualified to amend their tickets. Passengers may call the PAL hotline (02) 855-8888 or go to the nearest ticketing office or partner travel agent. Here...

May242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao

ARMM, Crime, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the entire island of Mindanao, Philippines. He issued the declaration last Tuesday, May 23, 2017 PST, from Moscow, where he was on an official visit, after roughly 50 armed men allegedly entered Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The martial law in Mindanao declaration, according to Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella, will be in effect for 60 days and will include Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. Duterte declared Martial Law after members of the radical Islamist organization Maute group clashed with Philippine forces in Marawi. The army said that they were in the area to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of an Islamic State branch in Southeast Asia. Hapilon is on the FBI’s “most wanted terrorist” list, with a $5 mill...

Feb172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

P700M drug rehab center to rise in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao

A drug rehabilitation center is set to rise in Malaybalay City, the capital of the Province of Bukidnon. My dear friend Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri told me today that the Php 700 Million drug rehab center will be put up on a 5 hectare land along Diversion Road, Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City. A non government organization, Friends of the Philippines Foundation, donated the amount. Senator Migs also said that the groundbreaking of the proposed center will be on March 25, 2017, the day of the Kaamulan Festival 2017 Ethnic Street Dancing Competition. The yearly Kaamulan Festival started last February 1 and will end on March 25, 2017. The festival is the gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. READ: Kaamulan Festival 2017 Schedule of Events

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...

Jul162016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Sneak peek inside S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, United States of America

World-class shopping center S&R Membership Shopping will finally open in Cagayan de Oro on July 28, 2016, 9 AM! S&R CDO is a membership-shopping club modeled after the warehouse membership shopping chains introduced in the United States. Located along Kauswagan Highway (across the RTMI garage, before you take a right towards the Bulua Bus Terminal if you're coming from CDO city proper), S&R CDO will offer irresistible promos and discounts on opening day. So be sure to be there! Actually, if you already got your new membership card and have your voucher booklet (with coupons worth as much as Php 65,000!), you can use the red coupons from September 1 to 7, 2016 as well. Anyway, let me take you to a sneak peek of S&R CDO. You can also find store rules, store hours and ot...

Mar92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Big Bite 2016 to showcase Northern Mindanaoan food

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Food, Mindanao, Recipes, Society

Find out the delicious "Flavors of Summer" and experience Northern Mindanao food at Centrio Mall from March 11 to 13, 2016! Experience Big Bite 2016: The Northern Mindanao Food Festival. Aside from the chance for you to sample and purchase delicious food (you can eat at the Garden Area of Centrio!), you also get the chance to see the beautiful duo of Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania of the Kapuso show, "Taste Buddies." And guess what? I will be one of the judges for the Lifestyle Writer's Choice Award for this year's Best Dish! There will be two categories - one for mall merchants and another one for outside food exhibitors. I can't wait to sample and judge the food entries! :) Here are the highlights of this year's food festival: March 11, 2016 - Giant Ham Sandwich Ceremony an...

Jan92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz Escudero to government: respond to Mindanao’s concerns quickly

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, Basilan, Bislig, Broadcasting, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Compostela Valley, Cotabato, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, General Santos City, Government, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Following the successive bombings of NGCP towers here in Mindanao and even the lack of water (the Zamboanga City Water District has announced water rationing starting January 7, 2016!), I'm glad that Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on the national government to focus its attention and support for the people of Mindanao. “Malacanang should have all hands on-deck with regard to the problems currently besetting Mindanao. The list is getting alarmingly long and there is apparently no end in sight for many of these problems,” said Escudero, the frontrunner in various vice-presidential preference surveys. Foremost among Escudero’s concerns was the successive bombings of towers owned by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) that started in the third quarter of 2015...

Dec302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz asks: hasten probe on ABS CBN TV crew ambush in Marawi

ARMM, Crime, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero condemned in the strongest terms the ambush of a three-member ABS-CBN News team in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Dec. 26, as he called on authorities to speed up the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Escudero said the assassination attempt on reporter Ronnie Enderes, cameraman Emelito Balansag and driver Garry Montecillo was “a serious attack against press freedom.” “There is no doubt that the ambush was work-related. Although no one was seriously injured, it is important that authorities go after those responsible for the incident and put them behind bars, otherwise there will be no end to the culture of impunity against journalists,” Escudero said. The Iligan City-based news crew was in Marawi to gather updates on the Dec. 24 b...

Nov42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From Me To You: Get FREE Php 939 Airbnb credit

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Society, Travel

Traveling but don't want to spend too much on hotels? Want to stay in condos, hostels, inns or even rooms for rent? Want to experience first-hand hospitality from homeowners themselves? Airbnb can address that! Airbnb is a website for people to list, find, and rent lodging. It has over 1,500,000 listings in 34,000 cities and 190+ countries. And, yes, there are numerous listings in the Philippines! In fact, I found interesting listings - from a cabin in the woods to a fully furnished studio right in the middle of a bustling city to a family-friendly place complete with pool! Are you ready to experience Airbnb? If you are, I have great news for you! Mindanaoan.com wants to give you FREE Php 939.00 (roughly US $23.00) Airbnb credit! What is Airbnb credit? You can use this to book ...

Oct142015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 tips to make travels in the Philippines more efficient, relaxed

Blogging, Corporate, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Travel

These days, traveling can be such a pain. Not only do you have to deal with flight delays, monster traffic to and fro the airport and even bungled up hotel bookings, you also need to figure out how you can keep yourself entertained during those long, tiresome waiting periods. Are there ways to make travels in the Philippines a little more relaxed, efficient and productive, you wonder? As a frequent traveler, I've had my fair share of traveling woes. Allow me to share 3 tips, which I personally abide by, on how to make your trips in the Philippines bearable and even fun! Be mindful of what and how you pack I'm not just talking about rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save space (I highly recommend this, by the way) but also learning how to pack as light and as complete...

Jul142015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: High Ridge overlooking CDO Philippines

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism

High Ridge CDO offers a panoramic view of the city. High Ridge is where you go when you want that "overlooking CDO" experience. High Ridge CDO actually re-opened last year and the changes are substantial - the place now has a spacious al fresco restaurant, small landscaped areas and airconditioned function rooms. High Ridge CDO reminds me of Jack's Ridge and Shrine Hills in Davao City. Anyway, I was with my family last weekend and we decided to have dinner at High Ridge. This is the kind of view you see from what could be the highest point in urban CDO: Entrance fee, by the way, is Php 100.00 per person. This is consumable at the restaurant. During dinner with family, we ordered the PCM soup (potatoes, carrots, mushrooms). This was Php 99.00. We ordered one for each and we had a...

Mar252015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Breathtaking Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur

Bislig, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Tinuy-An Falls will truly take your breath away. Located in CARAGA, Mindanao, Tinuy-an Falls is dubbed as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines.” Actually, this majestic falls really lives up to its name - it's truly "tuyuonon" (road towards it can be tricky or a bit of a challenge). However, once you see this natural masterpiece, everything will all be worth it, trust me! Entrance fee to the falls is Php 50.00 per person. There are also huts and tables for rent. You would need a life jacket if you want to go beneath the mighty falls. Locals will offer the use of a raft and guide you towards it. In order to reach Tinuy-an Falls, go to Bislig, take a habal-habal from there (Php 400.00 for the entire motorcycle, roundtrip). A habal-habal can take in two passengers. You might also wa...

Mar162015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Enchanted River Surigao del Sur travel guide

Caraga, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Surigao, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Yes, the rumors are true. The Enchanted River is truly a breathtaking sight. The Enchanted River, also called the Hinatuan River, is testament to Mother Nature's awesome glory. You can't help but be at a loss for words when you see this majestic river that has crystal clear water and a riverbed that seems to be an abyss. The truly enchanting Hinatuan River is located in Barangay Cambatong, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines. It flows through Hinatuan Bay, which is about half a kilometer away. Interestingly, though, it's not clear if the water at the Enchanted River comes from the sea or if it emanates from a spring. I wonder if there really is a definite answer. Enchanted River is THIS gorgeous. No photo editing needed! Due to the increasing number of Enchanted R...

Mar122015 by Mindanaoan Irene14 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park opens highest base jump tower in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon is at it again! After introducing Asia's longest dual cable zipline, Dahilayan has now opened the Skytower Base Jump, the Philippines' tallest parajump platform. How high is the base jump tower? Oh, just 8 storeys high! Basejumpers will be fitted with safety harnesses and a helmet and will need to walk along a see-thru plank. Then, the moment of truth. Once you jump, you will experience free fall (pretty quick, don't worry), then gradual descent and finally slow landing. All these in less than 10 seconds. Check out these photos taken by Engr. Elpie Paras, the owner of Dahilayan and PARASAT Cable TV: I've tried all of the rides at Dahilayan Adventure Park so I can really say that they're all safe. All of the personnel are also courteous ...

Jan302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Salute and rest in peace, Tagaligtas #SAF44

ARMM, Crime, Maguindanao, Mindanao

Today, the Philippines honors the members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) who died following an armed encounter in Maguindanao, Mindanao last Sunday, January 25, 2015. Rest in peace. We are truly grateful for your service. * Photos from the Official Gazette of the Philippines and Rappler Read: FULL TEXT Pres. Benigno Aquino III statement on the Maguindanao Clash

Jan292015 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Lovely Lake Mainit in Mindanao Philippines – Why You Need To Visit

Agusan del Norte, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Resorts, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Lake Mainit is great proof why Mindanao, Philippines is the land of promise. To say that Lake Mainit is breathtaking is actually an understatement. The beauty of Lake Mainit is arresting. It takes you aback. This lovely lake makes you remember just how beautiful life is. It makes you feel grateful. Lake Mainit, which is actually the deepest lake in the Philippines, is "shared" by the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. It plays a vital role in commerce, trade and eco-tourism ventures for both provinces. There are a total of 31 lakeshore barangays around this body of water and you can have good views of the lake from the municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Jabonga and Kitcharao. Took these photos of Lake Mainit from Mainit town. Pardon the quality - only used my phone ...

Jan152015 by Mindanaoan Irene135 Comments

How to apply and renew your Philippine passport at DFA Centrio CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

A couple of things have changed since I last renewed my Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Cagayan de Oro or DFA CDO. Apart from the fact that DFA CDO has now transferred from Limketkai Center to Ayala Centrio Mall, there isn't any need to call their office for an appointment (IT IS NOW REQUIRED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT...scroll down to find out how) there are now lesser requirements and lesser wait time. Allow me to share with you my experience on how to renew your passport at DFA Centrio CDO. Centrio Mall is located at Corrales Avenue corner CM Recto Avenue. Please scroll down for a MAP and helpful travel instructions. DFA Centrio Ayala is located at the 3rd Floor. DFA Centrio Office hours: Monday to Friday - 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday - 10 AM to 6 ...

Jan72015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

A tour of Globe Telecom’s Gen3 Store at Limketkai CDO

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Internet, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Opinion, Reviews, Technology

When I was in New York City, USA in 2012, one of the things I did was visit the iconic Apple store along 5th Avenue (and have my photo taken in front of the incredible glass cube) and buy my own iPad 2 (it was a big thing then!). My experience at that store was very nice and that was a memory that continued to linger. Back then, I hoped to experience that kind of customer service and perhaps see a similar store in the Philippines. Fast forward 2014, not only did I get to meet Tim Kobe, the very designer of the Apple stores (and of the Nike Concept Stores, Knoll, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Citibank, just to name a few more!) but I also got to see (and experience!) his signature skill and expertise in innovative design when the much-talked about Globe Telecom "Generation 3" or Gen3 stor...

Dec232014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Becoming Filipino Kyle Jennermann has a message for Mindanaoan.com readers

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Personalities, Society, Technology

A lot of my readers have been asking me about Kyle Jennermann, the 27 year old Canadian who wants to become Filipino. Yes, you read that right. Kyle, who apparently has fallen madly in love with our country, has been chronicling his fun and happy escapades as he tries to become Pinoy via his popular "Becoming Filipino" videos on YouTube. Click HERE to visit his YouTube channel. I have a lot of things to say about my friend but I think it is but proper that I write a lengthier post next time. For now, he has a message for all of you. Thanks so much for following my humble blog - enjoy Christmas with your loved ones :)