Mindanaoan Update Archives - Page 17 of 65 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That Amazing Wine-Paired Degustation At Movenpick Resort Cebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Events, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Degustation is a culinary term that means meticulous food tasting of special signature dishes. Usually consisting of several courses, each paired with matching wines that complement each dish, a degustation aims to heighten one’s senses and allows one to appreciate food at its finest. That’s exactly what happened during my recent stay at Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu. I flew via Philippine Airlines and underwent a wine-paired degustation at the Conservatory of the Ibiza Beach Club, led by no other than popular Cebu businessman and passionate sommelier Manuel “Manny” Osmeña. This was how the Ibiza Beach Club looked like that night: Before that, though, Manny O gave me and my fellow media guests a tour of his private wine cellar. Only a handful of people have ever set foot here s...

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Soul Refresh At Movenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

How do you say no to a weekend of flight via Philippine Airlines and 5-star accommodation, gastronomical pleasure and pampering via Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu? It was an invitation I just could not resist. Cool gift from Philippine Airlines @flypal #flypal #aviation #travel A photo posted by Mindanaoan.com Irene (@mindanaoan) on May 16, 2015 at 2:28am PDT Philippine Airlines, which is re-introducing its daily Cagayan de Oro-Cebu flights, recently flew Mindanaoan.com to the Queen City of the South to experience a specific kind of luxury - one that I could only describe as refreshing for one’s soul, mind and heart. It was a short but smooth and comfortable flight, the kind that you can only expect with the country’s flag carrier. I even checked-in online via PAL’s website...

Jun182015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Province of Bukidnon receives bus donation from RTMI

Bukidnon, Corporate, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update

The Province of Bukidnon now has a brand new bus, courtesy of Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. or RTMI. The bus, the cost of which is estimated to be Php 3.9 Million, can accommodate 67 passengers. Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr. met with RTMI representatives and inspected the donated bus together. * Photos courtesy of the Office of Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. You may all remember that RTMI is the same company that owned that bus that exploded last year. A bomb was placed inside one of the red RTMI buses and killed 10, injured 42. The bus exploded near Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon. The school has since disclosed an action plan to address the matter.

Jun162015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

SkinStation SM CDO to open June 2015

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update

SkinStation, a popular clinic chain that offers Painless Diode Laser Hair Removal treatments, will open its 23rd branch in the Philippines at SM City CDO on June 27, 2015. SkinStation CDO will be located at the 2nd Floor of SM CDO. SkinStation is a skin care company that utilizes cutting-edge technology and science to give you the best value in skin and body solutions. Various procedures including anti-acne, anti-aging, whitening, slimming and firming treatments will be made available. SkinStation CDO will also offer the hugely popular painless Diode laser hair removal treatment. The clinic chain has serviced over 25,000 Diode patients so far. SkinStation is a sister company of DERMAX, which also opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro. Follow Mindanaoan for exclusive updates: ...

Jun162015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Eating right, losing weight with NutriFit CGY

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Recipes, Society

Here's something I haven't really extensively shared with you yet - I've been going to the gym, following exercise routines and been trying to eat right. In fact, it'll soon be my second month of following this "lead a healthier lifestyle" challenge. It'll just be my second month but boy do I already consider that as quite a feat! Losing weight, eating right, exercising properly - these are pretty difficult to do especially for someone like me who needs to travel a lot, attend several events in a week and have quite a number of PR and social media clients to take care of. Thankfully, there's NutriFit CGY, a homebased food business that offers Paleo diet meals for people who need healthy, calorie-regulated, delicious food. Paleo, short for "paleolithic," involves eating whole, organic, c...

Jun122015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Google Philippines doodle for Independence Day 2015

Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Google joins the Philippines today in celebrating Independence Day, a national holiday commemorating the country's declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule, by releasing an Independence Day Google doodle depicting the Philippine flag. When people access the search engine today (Google.com.ph), they can see the Philippine flag's colors. The sun and 3 stars also replace one of the "O"s. Clicking on the Google doodle will lead visitors to more information about the Philippine Independence. Today, June 12, 2015, marks the 117th Independence Day. Thank you, Google! Note: Mindanaoan is the lead coordinator of the Google Business Group - Women CDO chapter.

Jun72015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Personalized Lockets by CharmiFy CDO

Advocacy, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

How does this sound? Create your own special, personalized locket with charms that depict your lifestyle, interests and passions, your preferred design and your preferred chain. And all of that at a very affordable price. Sounds good? This is exactly what you get over at Lockets By CharmiFy, a homebased business in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Lockets By CharmiFy sells cute, very affordable, customizable lockets. Wearing one is like being able to keep memories and things that you truly love close to your heart...everywhere you go! You can choose which charms to place inside. Aren't these precious? Price for each charm starts at Php 35.00! Some of the lockets. You can wear them as bracelets or necklaces. Your choice! I actually have my ow...

Jun62015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Join Freedom Run 2015 CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Sports

Get ready for Freedom Run 2015 CDO! Our friends over at Circle Productions, Inc. are bringing back Freedom Run CDO and apart from the cash prizes, they're also raffling off 3 cool mountain bikes. Celebrate Independence Day this year by joining this CDO running event! I will be joining the 5K run so I hope to see you all there :) When: June 14, 2015 – Sunday Where: South Concourse, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City Race categories and corresponding fees (all affordable, as you can see!): 21 Km – Php 900 with jersey, race bib with timing chip, finisher’s jersey and medal 5 Km – Php 350 with jersey, race bib 3 Km – Php 350 with jersey, race bib 21Km – Assembly Time: 3:30 AM, Start Time: 4 AM 5Km – Assembly Time: 5 AM, Start Time: 5:30 AM 3Km – Assembly Time: 5 AM, St...

Jun32015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

ABS CBN Barangay Gwapo 2015 search on

Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Television

The yearly (and most awaited, mind you) pageant for men in Northern Mindanao is now on! Barangay Gwapo, an ABS CBN Northern Mindanao-produced and organized men's pageant, has even expanded the search - from what started out as just for Cagayan de Oro residents is now open for residents of Gingoog, Butuan, Iligan, Bukidnon and other parts of Misamis Oriental. Barangay Gwapo 2015 is open to all single males, aged 16 to 26 years old. Audition will be on June 13, 2015, 10 AM to 5 PM at Loreto's Grill and Restaurant (Tomas Saco Street/Nazareth, CDO). Prepare a 2-minute presentation that would truly showcase your talent/skill! And, yes, I also served as one of the judges of a previous Barangay Gwapo search :) So do you know someone who fits the bill? Share this post with him now!

Jun22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A Guide On Casinos In Davao

Davao City, Entertainment, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update

While passenger traffic in Davao may not be as busy as other holiday destinations such as Boracay and Puerto Princesa, the Mindanao city is a wonderful place that offers culture and entertainment, and one of the most fascinating things you'll discover in Davao is the cultural diversity of people. The ethnic structure of Davao is quite interesting with Visayans and mix of smaller cultural groups like the Aeta. Foreigners residing in Davao include Koreans, Chinese and Americans, but the Japanese make up a huge chunk of this demographic, which is not at all surprising given our history with Japan. Though Tokyo may consist of luxuries that one simply cannot have living in Davao, one of the draws of Mindanao's most populous city is legalized gambling. The Japanese government is currently rev...

May302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Make Your Own Havaianas 2015 CDO #MYOHCDO2015

Beauty, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Shopping, Style

The Make Your Own Havaianas 2015 CDO leg was one of the fashion events I looked forward to attending this year. I just love attending MYOH events since I like customizing my very own Havaianas by choosing my preferred straps, soles and special pins. Held last May 6, 2015 at All Flip Flops SM City Cagayan de Oro, the MYOH CDO 2015 event gathered fellow Havaianaticos (read: avid fans of Havaianas) for the special 10th year of Make Your Own Havaianas! Check out this absolutely cool invitation I got from my friends over at Spruce (the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in northern and western Mindanao): That was awesome, no? :) I also shared the same photo on my Instagram account Mindanaoan Anyway, here are some photos taken during MYOH CDO 2015: ...

May302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Surviving Crazy, Beautiful Boracay

Features, Flights, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Society, Style, Technology, Travel

When I was asked if I wanted to experience Labor Day 2015 in Boracay Island (no less), of course my answer was a resounding YES! Although it wasn’t my first time in an island recognized as one of the world’s finest, it was my first LaBoracay trip and the mere idea of partying with a sea of people piqued my curiosity. And so, armed with my travel essentials, I took two plane rides, a bus ride and a boat outrigger ride to reach the famed Boracay. The agenda was very simple: take over summer! Enjoy the island and what it brings! I was given 3 days to basically immerse myself in the excitement of it all - to a hilt! However, I faced quite a predicament: where and how to begin? Let me tell you, it wasn’t difficult to find things to do. What was difficult was how to do as many things a...

May242015 by Mindanaoan Irene13 Comments

How I Use Globe GCash MasterCard As Easy As 1-2-3

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Gifts, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, News, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Technology

If, like me, you're the type of person who likes the convenience of shopping or paying bills (online or offline) using a debit or credit card BUT requires an easy-to-understand way to keep track of all the spending OR if you need a credit card sans the hassle, then you will love the new Globe GCash MasterCard. I learned the beauty of this baby just a few weeks ago during a trip to the gorgeous, world-famous Boracay Island, where I experienced the whole LaBoracay 2015 madness. I was in Boracay not only to bask in the sun or for the unbeatable, high-energy beach parties hosted by Globe Telecom but for this other important mission as well: To take over summer and be a #SwipeAholic with the help of the new Globe GCash MasterCard. The Globe Cash MasterCard is a GCash Car...

May172015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Emerald Suites – Budget friendly hotel in CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Here's good news for fellow budget conscious travelers and folks who love staycations like myself. Emerald Suites CDO is now open for business! Emerald Suites Cagayan de Oro is the latest budget hotel to open in the City of Golden Friendship and they do not only offer friendly rates, they offer a great location as well! Situated along Jose Agudo Street, Barangay 24, Emerald Suites CDO is just a stone's throw away from the major malls. From the garden area of Ayala Centrio Mall, this new CDO budget hotel is just a few meters away. It is also several steps away from Gaisano Mall, Limketkai complex (where the Limketkai Mall is) and the currently being constructed SM CDO Premiere 2. The reception area at the second floor: Rates: Standard single - Php 899...

May162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

AirAsia Hot Meals – Gastronomic Delights At 35,000 Feet

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Reviews, Travel

I consider myself a budget conscious traveler who doesn’t mind spending extra if it means getting something better. Take airplane food, for instance. Unless I’m truly famished or I want to try something for the first time, I stay away from food sold and served aboard an aircraft. Not only are these airline meals (more often than not) expensive, they’re hardly filling and tasty. The choices are very limited as well (so limited that I think a cup of instant noodles has become the “default” order by weary, hungry passengers). However, let me say this: I always make an exception when I take flights via AirAsia. Even before I got invited to Cebu a few days ago for the exclusive AirAsia Hot Meals media launch, I have already been an avid fan of their in-flight meals. Real, flavorful food sold...

May52015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Treasures You Find At The Uratex CDO Showroom

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Shopping, Style

Admit it. Whenever we think of Uratex, we think foam, beds and monobloc chairs. Yes, while this is true, you might be surprised to know that Uratex also produces the foam for well-known cars, motorcycles, bus seat pads, headrests, door trims, furniture seat pads and yes, even gaming pad armrests! Now if you think that's pretty cool, wait til I share you this tidbit: Uratex Foam CDO also produced the wall panels for the spanking brand new Limketkai Cinemas :) Cool, huh? With all the international, world-class brands putting their utmost trust on Uratex, we can all be sure that their products are indeed of top quality. So it's really good news that there's now a Uratex foam factory and showroom in Cagayan de Oro City! The new Uratex CDO plant and showroom affirm RGC Group of Companies' (t...

Apr182015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Finally jumped off the 8-storey Dahilayan Skyjump tower

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel, Videos

I finally did it! I jumped off the 8-storey Dahilayan Skyjump Base Jump Tower, the Philippines' tallest parajump platform. I did this just a few days before my birthday this month of April and it was one of the most exhilarating things I ever did! I previously wrote about the Dahilayan Skytower Base Jump and that post has been shared over 10,000 times on Facebook alone. You might want to read that :) The Dahilayan Skyjump is the latest attraction at Dahilayan Adventure Park, located at Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. The park is about an hour away from Cagayan de Oro city proper. When you arrive at the park, look for the ticket station on your right. If you only want to do the Skyjump, price is Php 400. If you'll buy passes to other rides, the Skyjump fee will only t...

Apr132015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Must-try cafe in CDO: Kafe Al Fresco

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

Have you ever gone out of your way just to check out a cafe or restaurant simply because you've grown curious of all the seemingly mouthwatering photos they post on social media? That's exactly what I did on a Friday when I went to try Kafe Al Fresco CDO. I often see food shots taken from this unassuming little cafe in Sta. Cecilia Subdivision, Gusa, Cagayan de Oro (which is a good half an hour away from my place) and since I like trying out new places and sharing the experience with a friend, I invited Em. Fortunately, she was game to tag along. And off we went to Kafe Al Fresco. Kafe Al Fresco CDO is actually a makeshift structure turned into a quaint cafe of sorts. It's located within a compound that also has a row of apartments owned by the Hojas family. And, yes, it's in ...

Apr82015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Surfing paradise Siargao Island Surigao – How To Get There

Beauty, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Best known as one of the world's most amazing surfing destinations, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines is also home to some of the country's beautiful beaches, natural salt water pools and abundant marine life. And, as you can see below, it's also where you can catch gorgeous sunsets! Since Siargao Island is where you can find the infamous "Cloud 9," or those thick, high, hollow tubes of surf waves, lots of regular surfing competitions (both local and international ones) are held here. For non-surfers or just mere sun worshippers, there are also a couple of islands near Siargao that have clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and that all-around tropical vibe. You can go island hopping in Siargao just like I did! Here's a quick travel guide on how to g...

Mar312015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Siargao Island Hopping: Guyam, Daku, Naked Islands

Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Siargao Island is a tear drop shaped island located at Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines. Although it has carved quite a name worldwide as a surfing destination, Siargao Island also offers other fun activities for non-surfers. One of these is island hopping. Siargao island hopping is surely a must-do! Off the coast of Poblacion, General Luna (formerly known as Cabuntog), Siargao, there are 3 islands that you can visit - Guyam, Daku and Naked islands. General Luna is at the southern part of the island and is where you can find "Cloud 9" or those thick, high, hollow surfing waves. My family and I started our Siargao island hopping adventure at around 10 in the morning. We were supposed to start early but we thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast and needed time to just relax :D (read:...

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...

Mar242015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visit Coffeeworks Malaybalay for coffee dates in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

Coffeeworks, a Cagayan de Oro coffee shop brand, has finally opened its Malaybalay City branch in Bukidnon. Coffeeworks Malaybalay is the newest, latest coffee and pastry shop in the capital of Bukidnon. Located at Mandani Arcade along Fortich Street (just a few meters away from Bukidnon State University, see Google map below), Coffeeworks Malaybalay is home to freshly brewed coffee, smoothies, ice blended drinks, "over ice" drinks, teas and pastries. I'm a regular customer of the Coffeeworks Cagayan de Oro branches at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center and Corrales Avenue (right next to the Xavier University gymnasium) so I'm familiar with their menu. So when I was invited to visit Coffeeworks Malaybalay a day before their formal opening, I just had to order my all-time favorit...