Mindanao Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec32014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

G Rafting CDO offers FREE photos and GoPro video

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Now there's more reason for you to visit Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon! G Rafting, also known as Golden Friendship Rafting, has just released their unbeatable adventure packages! These G Rafting CDO packages allow you to experience the thrill of conquering the CDO white water river rapids and all the rides (including the famous Asia's longest dual cable zipline) at Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon. Golden Friendship Rafting Cagayan de Oro offers two value for money packages: Package A - Basic river rafting (14 rapids) with FREE photos and video taken with a GoPro - Ride all ziplines at Dahilayan Adventure Park, Luge Ride, Forest Putt and Hanging Bridge at Dahilayan Forest Park - Php 1,899.00 per person (minimum of 10) Package B - Basic river rafting with FREE photos and ...

Oct202014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Covering the BIMP-EAGA International Business Leaders Confab and Trade Fair

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Events, Malaysia, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao

Very excited to share with you all that I have just been invited to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Conference in Davao City this October 22 to 25, 2014! This is a very important international event especially in terms of trade, investments and even tourism among ASEAN countries. I feel really very honored especially since I found out that I'm the only media practitioner (from both the traditional and new media/blogging sectors) from Northern Mindanao invited to cover this. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. This highly anticipated event, which will be held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center, is expected to draw at least 800 busine...

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

How to apply for a Korean visa – requirements for Filipino tourists

Features, Flights, Government, Headline, Korea, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Tourism, Travel

When my friends and relatives first learned that I was set to visit Korea, all of them got really excited. Can't blame them as Korea is one of the favorite travel destinations of many Filipinos these days, thanks to the ever growing popularity of K-Pop, Koreanovelas and continuous visits to the Philippines by popular Korean celebrities. As of this writing, Filipinos still need a visa to enter Korea. Filipino tourists who intend to stay for 59 days or less can apply for a Korean tourist visa FOR FREE. The thing is, though, you must apply at the Korean embassy in Manila for you to avail of the FREE South Korea tourist visa. For people outside Metro Manila (like me and my brother!), the cheaper option is to have an accredited travel agency fix our applications. In our case, since our fligh...

Jul152014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Follow the #WonderfulMindaNOW hashtag and see the beauty of #Mindanao

Advocacy, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Consumer, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Television

Mindanao is truly the land of promise. Not only is Mindanao home to rich and diverse culture and traditions, it is also home to so many tourist spots, cool establishments, delicious food and truly amazing, friendly people. In fact, I shared a couple of photos that I felt depicted the awesomeness of Mindanao via my social networking accounts. Did you see them? Here are my social networking accounts: Instagram Twitter Facebook Google Plus Just in case you didn't see all of the photos I took all around Mindanao, though, there's an easier way for you to track them. Just follow the hashtag #WonderfulMindaNOW! And do you know what makes it easy for you to follow the hashtag? With Globe's GOUNLI20PLUS promo, you can be connected anytime, anywhere for only Php 20 a day! You a...

Jul82014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

KCC Mall de Zamboanga – the biggest mall in Zamboanga Peninsula

Fashion, Features, Food, Gifts, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Shopping, Society, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

The biggest shopping, dining and entertainment hub in Zamboanga Peninsula is set to open very soon! KCC Mall de Zamboanga will soon rise along Gov. Camins Avenue, Canelar, Zamboanga City (adjacent to the Zamboanga airport). This new Zamboanga City shopping destination is part of the KCC Malls family which includes KCC Gensan and Veranza Mall. For those interested to apply for job openings at KCC Mall de Zamboanga, you can either go to the construction site at Gov. Camins and submit your resume there or email it to [email protected] Follow Mindanaoan for updates on the opening of KCC Mall de Zamboanga! Twitter Facebook Google Plus Instagram

Jun262014 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Islands Souvenirs launches Limketkai store, names I Heart CDO ambassadors

Advocacy, Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Style

Islands Souvenirs officially launched their Limketkai Mall CDO branch last June 21, 2014 and named their "I Heart CDO" brand ambassadors at the same time. The Cebu-based souvenirs store, known for revolutionizing souvenir shopping in the Philippines by transforming cottage-industry type products and giving them a fresher look, held the launch at their store located at the East Concourse, Limketkai Mall. Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno joined Islands Souvenirs EVP Camille Aldeguer, Limketkai and Sons EVP Albino Limketkai and Miss CDO 2013 Amadea Piatti during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Together with the launch of its Limketkai Branch, Islands Souvenirs also unveiled their I Heart Cagayan de Oro or I Heart CDO campaign, as well as their I Heart Cagayan de Oro Brand Ambassadors:...

Jun252014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan is an Islands Souvenirs I heart CDO brand ambassador

Advocacy, Beauty, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update

As someone who has been very contented working behind the scenes for more than a decade, to ever be offered the opportunity to model and help endorse something is the farthest on my mind. Never have I thought that a brand - a very well-known one at that - would even consider me to be one of their brand ambassadors. So you could just imagine how honored I felt when Islands Souvenirs, through their head honcho Jay Aldeguer (one of the very few people I truly admire!), chose me as one of their "I heart CDO" Islands Souvenirs brand ambassadors. It was something I could never say no to. I mean, really --- apart from the fact that it was THE Jay Aldeguer who asked me, I also truly believe in the Islands Souvenirs brand. I am a fan of their advocacies - which are to revolutionize souvenir ...

May62014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Kaamulan Festival 2014 Bukidnon schedule of activities

Advocacy, Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kaamulan Festival 2014 - The Philippines' only ethnic cultural festival is happening real soon! The Kaamulan Festival 2014 will take place the entire month of August and will culminate on September 1, 2014. The Kaamulan Festival 2014 Bukidnon is a yearly gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. You can read more about the Kaamulan Festival here. Below is the Kaamulan Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities - please SHARE this :) Thank you! For more Kaamulan 2014 festival updates, "like" the Kaamulan Festival Facebook Page If you have Twitter, you can also follow the Bukidnon Online Twitter account and for Facebook users, please follow the Bukidnon Online Facebook Page. * photo owned by Mindanaoan.com If you own a business and you want to make your presence felt during the Kaa...

Apr212014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mainit Kasili Resort at Lake Mainit, Surigao del Norte

Advocacy, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Hotels, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Tourism, Travel

Did you know that the deepest lake in the Philippines can be found in Mindanao, Philippines? Lake Mainit, located in Surigao del Norte, is also the fourth largest lake in the Philippines. Lake Mainit has a surface area of 173 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 223 meters. Eight towns can be found around the lake, which is actually "shared" by Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte. If you're fond of eco-tours and photography, Lake Mainit is a splendid place in Mindanao to go to. And if you need to stay overnight or even for a few days, you might want to stay at the government-owned and run Mainit Kasili Legacy Resort. Mainit Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel offers several types of rooms, facilities and amenities. It has a convention center, a restaurant, function hall, s...

Feb182014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Why you should visit Tsinoy’s Pares and Mami House CDO

ARMM, Banks, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Consumer, Dipolog, Fashion, Features, Food, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Resorts, Reviews

I love Filipino food. I love Chinese food. Sometimes I crave for a little bit of both and then want something interesting that I don't get to try everyday. Did that confuse you? Let me put it this way - don't we have days when we just want both Chinese and Filipino food - and then maybe something that could remind us of our memorable Asian trips - all in one table? Good thing Michelle of Tsinoy's Pares and Mami House CDO recently invited me, my mom and Emma to try out their fare. It was the perfect way to satisfy cravings! Nestled at Tiano - Mabini Streets, Cagayan de Oro, Tsinoy's CDO is a 7-month old restaurant that's fast gaining fans and loyal customers. Of course, judging by their establishment's name alone, we know that they serve Chinese and Filipino food. However, Tsinoy'...

Jan152014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to enjoy coffee and help reforest Mindanao

Bukidnon, Consumer, Culture, Features, Food, Gifts, Mindanao

I just love receiving (and later on, buying for myself) gifts that I know support a local community, especially an indigenous tribe. I love supporting groups that have products made especially by indigenous people in Mindanao. One of the products that I now fervently support and promote is Hineleban Coffee. I first received it as a corporate gift last Christmas 2013 from Centrio Ayala Mall. Look at the Instagram photo I posted. You can also see the card that featured Jaime Zobel de Ayala's photos. Anyway, the gift I got came in a 500 gram (half kilo) bag of 100% highland premium arabica coffee produced by Hineleban Foundation. Now what makes Hineleban Coffee truly special, you ask? It's coffee that doesn't only taste good, it also helps reforest Mindanao! You see, Hinel...

Dec92013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

South Border, Side A, Freestyle in 1 concert – Yolanda fundraiser

Advocacy, Announcements, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Music, Society

It's been a month since deadly typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) struck the Philippines. The death toll so far - 5,260. Unfortunately, that number is still increasing. Haiyan, a category 5 super typhoon, left thousands of people homeless and hungry. While it's true that billions of dollars in aid have started to pour in, the fight is still not over. Far from it. Hence, every fundraising event, volunteer movement and donation drive really counts. One upcoming fundraising event for typhoon Yolanda survivors, dubbed "Pag-Asa Sa Pag Gising," is close to my heart. I love all of the performers, yes, but one of the bands is my most favorite ever - South Border. I wrote a post earlier about just how much I love them and why they will always have my love and support. Additionally, thi...

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...

Oct22013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Revisiting the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Beauty, Bukidnon, Culture, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel, Weddings

I had the chance to revisit the Monastery of Transfiguration last weekend. Located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the Monastery of Transfiguration, also known as the Benedictine Transfiguration Monastery, is my most favorite spiritual refuge. It's an ideal place to visit in Mindanao, Philippines if you want to go on a spiritual retreat. The centerpiece of the Monastery of Transfiguration is this popular cone-shaped chapel, designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin. There's a dress code that you need to follow before you enter the chapel, please. If you find yourself alone in the church, consider yourself very lucky. It's when I'm alone inside this beautiful chapel that I can truly meditate and speak with the Lord. The well-manicured garden ...

Sep42013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking about social media in a US Embassy event in Palawan

Advocacy, America, Arts, Blogging, Education, Features, Government, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism, United States of America, Visayas

This Mindanao blogger received a special invitation not too long ago. The US Embassy Manila folks asked if I wanted to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism in a two-day, all expenses paid eco-tourism workshop in Palawan. As an International Visitor Leadership Program alumnus, I was invited to share my knowledge to outstanding students from various schools in Brooke's Point, Palawan. Who can say no to that kind of invitation? So last August 22, 2013, I flew to Manila from Mindanao and then to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - all on the same day. My flight to Manila got delayed for about 3 hours because of Typhoon Maring. The delayed flight was both boon and bane. Boon because I was able to chat with a city mayor-friend of mine (you know, get the inside juicy stuff I can wr...

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...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

GoodX to send a Mindanaoan indigenous student to U.S.

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Musings, Society

Last year, this Mindanaoan blogger had the most amazing opportunity to tour the USA courtesy of the US Embassy. I was chosen for the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a program launched in 1940 that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully-designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. This year, a fellow Mindanaoan will have the chance to visit America. This time, to attend an international summer camp in the U.S. called "Camp Up With People." And what's also special about this is that the Mindanaoan is a young indigenous student :) Meet Arjean Marie Belco, who is from the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon, Mindanao. GoodX, a project started by experiential travel advoc...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Rustan’s Fresh CDO VIP night (official photos inside)

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Shopping, Society

I previously mentioned here on Mindanaoan that I was involved in a recent 3-day series of events for the Rustan's Fresh CDO opening. Aside from the grand opening, Rustan's Fresh Supermarket Cagayan de Oro City also sponsored a walkathon (in partnership with Xavier EcoVille, wherein all proceeds collected from the registration fees went to the said resettlement project for Typhoon Sendong survivors) and a Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro preview night attended by VIPs, trade partners, concessionaires, traditional media practitioners, bloggers, guests and other local key personalities. Hundreds of people came to get a sneak peek of the 4,186 square meter store and 17th branch in the Philippines. All of those events were huge successes and I would like to wholeheartedly thank each and ...

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...

Jun202013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Kadayawan Festival 2013 Davao City schedule of activities

BIMP-EAGA, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

It's Kadayawan 2013 time, folks! Mindanao's king of festivals, Kadayawan Festival, is happening this August! The 2013 Kadayawan Festival in Davao City will once again showcase Davao's rich and diverse culture and tradition, thanksgiving of oneness with the Earth and bountiful harvest. The Kadayawan Festival 2013 will also provide the opportunity for the various indigenous tribes such as the Ata Manobo, Ubo Manobo, K’lata, Tagabawa, Matigsalog, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Sama and Kalagan to converge. The term "Kadayawan" comes from the Mandaya word "Madayaw" which means anything good, valuable, bountiful, beautiful. Kadayawan Festival 2013 Davao City Schedule of Activities Follow Mindanaoan on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and Instagram for updates. Kadayawan Festival 201...

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...