Mindanaoan Update Archives - Page 14 of 67 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr212017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Missy Bon Bon CDO: New look, new dishes

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

Missy Bon Bon CDO - I've written about them a couple of times but it looks like I won't be stopping anytime soon because they're constantly offering something new! It wasn't so long ago when Missy Bon Bon, a homegrown Cagayan de Oro brand that offers freshly made breads, cakes, desserts, their version of the well-loved Camiguin pasalubong pastel and even gelato, revamped their menu and started serving sexy breakfast choices. Now, after being away from the limelight (quite literally, because of their store renovation hehe!), their Limketkai Center main branch is finally back and ready! They have a new look, a new menu (they now have lunch and dinner options!) and (finally) wait staff who can assist you as you order from your table. Before my flight to the US, Missy Bon Bon invited me ...

Apr192017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Top of the Rock New York (plus a tip on how to save on your ticket)

America, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Photos, Style, Travel, United States of America, Videos

No New York City visit is ever complete without seeing it from the top! And one of the popular places to do that is to go to the Top of the Rock - top of the Rockefeller, that is. To be able to explore unobstructed views of New York's midtown and downtown Manhattan plus the vast Central Park is an experience one can never forget. I should know - I just visited Top of the Rock and it was AWESOME to say the least! At the risk of sounding too mushy, may I just say that this view really made me very happy and thankful to be alive! CityPASS Armed with our CityPASS booklets, my aunt and I went to the Top of the Rock - one of NYC's top tourist attractions. Which reminds me - to buy your CityPASS booklet is the tip I want to share on how to save on your New York tour expenses! CityPASS is...

Apr112017 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

This Bukidnon bus company is getting tons of attention

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Let's face it. Pabama Bus Tours and Transport Bukidnon used to be regarded as the "smallest player" among the 3 bus companies serving the Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro route. Pabama, owned by a family based in the Municipality of Kibawe in Bukidnon, had the smallest fleet compared to Rural Transit Mindanao (formerly Bachelor Express) and Super 5. These days, however, the small fry is now very ready to face the giants. Pabama invaded social media by storm when they introduced their brand new, high-end units made by Chinese firm Zhong Tong. Check out this photo taken by my policeman-cousin Erwin: The new Pabama Bukidnon buses are equipped with mini trays (just like what you see in airplanes), cup holders, comfortable captain chairs and yup, check out the individual tablets! You will...

Mar312017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hello from New York!

America, Announcements, Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Personal, Travel, United States of America, Videos

Hello! I finally have the time to just sit down and blog! It's true - this surely is the city that never sleeps. I'm talking about New York City, USA! Yup, I'M BACKKK!!! Can you tell how excited I am? No? Maybe that's because I'm freaking freezing my a** off LOL :D I arrived here in New York about two days before a big blizzard. Just when I thought winter season was about to close and spring was about to come! I guess winter just wanted to leave with a bang, eh? Although it wasn't my first time to encounter snow, it was my first time to be in the middle of a raging blizzard. But deadma sa blizzard --- pose kung pose! :D Before I inundate you with my America-related blog posts, allow me to share with you my vlog about my flight from Cebu to Incheon (South Korea) and finally to ...

Mar312017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to work on your look

Mindanaoan Update

As hectic as our lives can be, it can seem impossible to maintain the bright eyed and bushy tailed look we’re going for. The products are out there to help us achieve the impossible, though. It’s just a matter of making time to work on our appearance like we deserve. As it turns out, though, it’s easier than it seems. A great way to work on your look is deceptively simple. Get some rest. It’s called “beauty sleep” for a reason, after all. Make sure to get your eight hours of sleep each night. It’s as simple as that. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, some warm tea or milk before bed helps immensely. In addition, modern life poses a new problem for those trying to get their forty winks. The blue-tinted light of the myriad screens in our lives can mess with your internal clock an...

Mar302017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Delicious Taiwanese cuisine at Tien Ma’s CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews, Videos

My first visit to Taiwan is still pretty fresh in my mind. Obviously, I really had so much fun in Taipei, Jiufen and other nearby Taiwan areas for me to still remember that oh-so-lovely vacation! Guess what's a big part of those lovely memories? Yup, the FOOD! Taiwanese cuisine is absolutely delicious (and we're not just talking about xiao long bao, people!). This is why I'm thrilled Tien Ma's opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro! Tien Ma's CDO serves Taiwanese cuisine. Founded by a Chinese couple, the first Tien Ma's branch is located in Retiro, Quezon City. The brand's rise to popularity sure is fast - they now have branches in Libis, Makati and now, Cagayan de Oro. By the way, Tien is the family name of the female owner. Ma is for "mother." Ergo, Tien Ma means Mother Tien or Mama...

Mar212017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

IT’S BACK: S&R CDO Buy 1 Take 1 Mega Promo

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update

The first time was a huge success and hey, here's good news - S&R CDO is doing it again! If you missed out on all of the amazing products placed on sale last year, then please see to it that you don't miss this round. S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro is holding its Members' Treat from March 29 to April 2, 2017, 8 AM to 9 PM. In a nutshell - the S&R Cagayan de Oro Members' Treat is where you avail of BIG, BIG savings! That means buy 1 take 1 deals and awesome discounts of up to 50 percent! Time to stock up! There will be a lot of your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery, imported ice cream, frozen, fresh, produce, home items and bakery goods placed on sale. Just like the last time, I will also share with all of you insider tips and ...

Feb282017 by Mindanaoan Irene234 Comments

How to pass your US Embassy tourist B1/B2 visa interview

Advocacy, America, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel, United States of America

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard all the horror stories. Despite bringing land titles, “show money,” proof of vehicle ownership, credit cards, bank statements, letters of financial support from relatives overseas and even wearing tons of jewelry, numerous U.S. visa applicants still got denied. Even well-traveled folks still didn’t get that seemingly elusive U.S. visa. You may have even read or heard testimonies that some American consuls are too strict, don’t listen to your explanations or don’t even bother to check your other credentials and proofs that you can sustain your trip to the USA. I’m sure that those horror stories are the very reasons why you’re either scared or hesitant to apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa. Okay, let me tell you from the get-go: the entire process is VERY SIMPLE, ...

Jan252017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tried and tested: With BackJoy, Say Goodbye to Back Pains

Health, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

Hello! You’re probably reading this while sitting on a chair somewhere. Have you, by any chance, felt pain on your back while sitting? Have you noticed that you have the tendency to slouch? Worried about your posture? Have you been working all day, in front of a computer, sitting on a chair? Even if you’re on a so-called ergonomic chair, there’s still a chance that a part of your lower spine isn’t supported well enough. Well, you’re not alone. I’ve had the same problem for many years. Recently, I discovered a great way to address my posture concerns. For an entire week, I tried BackJoy and based on my personal experience, it works! BackJoy is an orthodontic line of products that improves alignment through active stabilization. This brand came into fruition after Preston Wil...

Jan122017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Places To Visit In The Philippines Even During The Rainy Season

Mindanaoan Update

So, all right, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) guys may have declared the start of the rainy season but hey, who are we kidding? It’s forever summer here in the Philippines! The summer heat will always linger and we will always have that urge to travel even if it’s the rainy season. So for fellow travel aficionados out there, I recommend these 4 places to visit even during the wet season. Just make sure that you prepare for your trip well and always be game for anything! Boracay Island Yes, the island known for summer parties is a great place to escape to during the rainy season for a couple of reasons. First off, the hotels at the island will follow the off-peak season rates. This means you pay a significantly lesser price for...

Jan92017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Akamai: Philippines has marked improvements on Internet connectivity

Government, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Akamai, a leading content delivery network services provider for media, software delivery and cloud security solution, revealed on their 3rd quarter survey that the Philippines has registered significant improvements in terms of connectivity. This prompted National Telecommunications Commission Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios to say that the Philippines' fixed-line broadband speed is set to improve further once the Duterte administration's National Broadband Plan is implemented. Based on Akamai’s Q3 report, the country’s average connection speed (IPv4) for mobile internet has now ranked first in the Asia Pacific region, registering an average speed of 13.9 Mbps up from 8.5 Mbps in the second quarter. On the table presented in the study, the Philippines’ average mobile speed 1...

Jan82017 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Where to stay in Camiguin Island: HillTop Camiguin

Camiguin, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I have said it time and again. Camiguin Island remains to be one of my super favorite destinations in the Philippines. Camiguin is like a refuge - where I can enjoy peace, quiet, sun, sand, sea, surf. And recently, whenever I'm in the Island Born of Fire, I stay at HillTop Camiguin! HillTop Camiguin is a mansion nestled on a hill in Barangay Agoho overlooking the world-famous White Island. It now offers a few rooms for people to stay in and have a different kind of Camiguin experience – away from the usual hotel/resort vibe. The prices are very affordable – prices start at Php 1,750 only (already good for two and inclusive of breakfast). (Related: Book your HillTop Camiguin room now) Each room, which is good for two, comes with a king sized bed, jaw droppingly spacious (trust me ...

Jan72017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Take a helicopter ride and see Dahilayan Bukidnon from the sky

Bukidnon, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Barangay Dahilayan, one of the 22 barangays of the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, has truly evolved into Mindanao's favorite playground. From being the home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline to being the place where you can experience the 8-storey platform base jump to now offering helicopter rides! Dahilayan Forest Park, the property beside Dahilayan Adventure Park (where the popular Zipzone is), now offers helicopter rides. According to the Dahilayan Forest Park management, they forged a tie-up with Lion Air for the chopper rides. They're hoping the helicopter service will stay all year round. Currently, the Dahilayan helicopter ride rate is Php 1,200 per person. Aside from the helicopter ride, Dahilayan Forest Park also offers other amenities and servic...

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...

Dec292016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Five Qualities Most Travelers Look for in a Hotel

Mindanaoan Update

Today, most travelers book their hotel rooms weeks or even months before they leave home. The Internet makes it possible to conduct thorough research on practically any hotel in the country. Consider five qualities that most travelers look for before booking a hotel room. A Helpful Staff Whether they stay for two weeks or a single weekend, most travelers appreciate a helpful, courteous hotel staff. Helpful staff members are ready to assist with room issues as well as answer questions about local restaurants or shops. In short, hotel guests like to know they can rely on a knowledgeable, polite staff. A Well-Equipped Kitchen Not all travelers like to dine out when they stay in a hotel. This is why a well-equipped kitchen is so high on the list of qualities travelers look for in a...

Dec62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New in CDO: 6-minute lights and sounds show at Centrio Mall @MyJaps

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism

It was truly a magical night of lights last December 1, 2016 as the Centrio Mall management unveiled the lights and sounds show at the Garden area. It was a 6-minute show reminiscent of what you can also see at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Kapuso star Julie Ann San Jose regaled the crowd with a few songs before she joined Centrio Mall general manager Natalie Mae Crisostomo and CDO City Tourism Consultant Dorothy Pabayo at the ceremonial switch-on. By the way, major thanks to all of the MyJaps fans who retweeted, reshared and reposted the content I produced that night. A lot of them patiently watched my snaps, IG stories and my Facebook live video! You guys are awesome and Julie Ann is very lucky to have fans like you :) Here's the Facebook Live vi...

Dec62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That awesome Limketkai Luxe Hotel weekend themed buffet

Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

A few days ago, I got to try the new and improved weekend themed buffet over at Kave Restaurant, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro's luxury hotel. It was a superb lunch. How good? Let's just say that Santa Claus had major belly competition that day LOL. I also had a realization of sorts at the time (yep, satisfying lunches cause this sometimes!). That in order for you to fully enjoy the Limketkai Luxe Hotel CDO buffet more, you have to be with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. Just like what happened when I went. I was with great friends whom I shared lively conversations with! BOOK A ROOM AT LIMKETKAI LUXE HOTEL CDO Anyway, the theme that Saturday I went was "Oriental Style." Here's the Limketkai Hotel CDO buffet schedule: Every Friday (6PM to 10PM) - the theme is ...

Dec22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Here’s a Bigby’s buffet offer you should not miss on December 8! (offer is good in all branches nationwide!)

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Davao City, Food, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update

These days, given stiffer and more aggressive competition, it's really pretty cool if you see a business withstand the test of time. One of the brands that has really proven that they're worth their salt is Bigby's. My family and I have long been fans of this brand. In fact, I raved about their pork steak, boomerang shrimps and caramel cheesecake back in 2008! (OMG :D) Now on their 18th year, Bigby's has truly captured the hearts of many diners in both Visayas and Mindanao. To celebrate this awesome milestone, Bigby's will be holding what they're calling the "Super 18th Anniversary Buffet" on December 8, 2016. And, yes, the anniversary buffet will be available in ALL OF THEIR BRANCHES: Ayala Centrio Mall and SM City (Cagayan de Oro), Ayala Center Mall Cebu, SM City Cebu, Abreeza Mall...

Dec22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Aruga Aesthetic Center CDO launches holiday campaigns

Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

Aruga Aesthetic Center, known for their luxurious yet affordable beauty and wellness services in Cagayan de Oro City, recently launched their holiday beauty campaigns. Dubbed "Party Ready Beauty," the first campaign focuses on helping us with our busy social calendars come the holiday season. This campaign offers us a way to make it to each social engagement feeling confident, and with eyelashes and eyebrows on fleek. Aruga will have promos on eyelash extensions and iBrow services. The second campaign, “Light and White Christmas,” offers a "white" Christmas. Valued clients will get a chance to unleash their inner glow - with promotions for their glutathione, Beauty Fusion, and other skin brightening services. The third holiday beauty campaign is the Aruga Christmas tre...

Nov112016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why sneakerheads should go visit Sneakpeek

Announcements, Beauty, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports, Style

Are you a sneakerhead or a person who passionately collects, trades and admires sneakers as a hobby? Do you like sporting the latest collectible pair of kicks? Does your heart go a-thump-thump when you see an ad for a very hard-to-find pair? I have great news for you. Apparently, there’s no need for you to go to Manila or order online for that elusive pair of special sneakers anymore. Here in Mindanao, and in Cagayan de Oro specifically, you can now head to a store where exclusive designs and major global brands are available. Earlier this week, I was invited to the grand opening of Sneakpeek, a multi-brand lifestyle store that houses some of the most highly sought-after major global footwear brands. It was also a special “unlock” day because Sneakpeek unveiled the Puma Bla...

Nov102016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Novuhair breaks down hair truths versus myths

Beauty, Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update

I regularly color my hair. I started out with the auburns, deep browns and burgundy shades. These days, however, you can see me sporting light colors (platinum, blonde and the like). In other words, I like experimenting. However, as much as I don't like to admit it, I am putting harmful chemicals on my hair. For others, putting chemicals can result in migraine, nausea and skin rashes. These symptoms may be quickly attributed to stress but if you look closer, the culprit may just be your hair product! Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss, gives us the lowdown on these chemicals. Check out these hair myths versus hair truths. Myth: Shampoo must produce lots of lather in order to properly clean your hair. Truth: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a compound that helps shampoo and ...

Nov22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I’m heading to Blogapalooza 2016

Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

I'm pretty stoked to be in Manila this weekend for Blogapalooza 2016! Blogapalooza is the Philippines' first and largest B2B: Business-to-Blogger networking and marketing event and this year, it will be held on November 5, 2016, 10 AM to 8 PM at Novotela Manila Araneta Center, Quezon City. Themed "Charting the Uncharted: Horizons 2.0," Blogapalooza 2016 is extra special this year because several representatives from Visayas and Mindanao blogging communities will also be in attendance. If you're a Filipino blogger, I highly recommend that you sign up for Blogapalooza. It's totally FREE! For business owners, you will also benefit from this event as it will allow you to connect to bloggers directly. You can increase your profit with the help of rich content from bloggers and you can ...