Mindanaoan Update Archives - Page 21 of 67 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec302014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Handmade acoustic guitars

Whether you play guitar for friends or as a professional, great sound quality can make a real difference. Guitar players of all kinds, from folk to bluegrass to jazz, understand the beautiful sounds that can come from acoustic handmade guitars. Those who make acoustic guitars can be true craftsmen. They are generally called luthiers, a word of French derivation for someone who builds stringed instruments of different kinds. When you are looking for good acoustic sound, you can search for local luthiers or find online collections, like those at luthierscollection.com, which represent various builders and allow you to browse different types of guitars. Many players of popular music today enjoy playing on acoustic steel stringed guitars. When you shop online, you can find quality instru...

Dec182014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan.com declared top CDO blog by ICT Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Society, Technology

It is with utmost humility that I announce that Mindanaoan.com has just been declared as a "Top CDO Blog" in the recently concluded 2014 ICT Awards held at the Activity Center, Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The ICT Awards, organized by the CDO ICT Business Council, Cagayan de Oro's main information and communications technology organization, recognizes websites, individuals and organizations involved in the city's IT industry. The citation reads: "The 2014 ICT Awards, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Telecommunications and Communications, Department of Science and Technology - ICTO and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, presents this Top CDO Blog Award to www.Mindanaoan.com for the creation and maintenance of an exceptional b...

Dec132014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Globe to unveil world-class, Tim Kobe-designed Gen3 store in CDO

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Technology

Globe Telecom is strengthening its business and operations in Cagayan de Oro with the opening of its world-class retail store dubbed as “Generation 3” Store in Limketkai Mall on December 15, 2014. The Globe Store in Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro is the second Globe retail store to undergo major renovation, paving the way for one of the biggest milestones in telco retail around the world. And to usher in the new Globe Limketkai store, a launch party will be held at 6 PM at the North Concourse of Limketkai Mall. The new Globe “Generation 3” store promises a fresh experience for its customers, boasting of a unique retail concept that is a first of its kind in the Philippines, designed by Tim Kobe, founder and CEO of Eight, Inc. whose brainchild is the iconic Apple store in New...

Dec122014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

GBG Women CDO to offer FREE workshop for female entrepreneurs

Advocacy, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Education, Entertainment, Events, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Technology

Fabulous news for women entrepreneurs! Led by the Google Business Group - Women (GBG - Women), a workshop that will teach females interested in business (or who currently run their own businesses) on how to bring their business online using FREE resources will be held on December 17, 2014! This GBG Women CDO led event will be held at Miami Inn, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Learn how you can maximize FREE online resources for your business! Learn how you can establish online presence for your business! Registration is FREE so sign up now as there are limited slots only! REGISTER HERE * EXCLUSIVE FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ONLY * Here's a map of Miami Inn: On a personal note: The blogger behind Mindanaoan.com is the GBG Women lead. I would be thrilled to meet my...

Dec122014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Football star Tim Tebow opens hospital in Davao City Mindanao Philippines

Announcements, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports

American football quarterback Tim Tebow has opened a hospital in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines through the Tim Tebow Foundation. The Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City, Philippines, has received its official operating license and opened its doors this week. Although the official grand opening will take place in the spring of 2015, the hospital is already addressing children with the most critical orthopedic needs who otherwise would not be able to afford treatment. * photo from relevantmagazine.com The hospital, built in partnership with CURE International, is a five-story, 30 bed facility with 3 operating rooms specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgeries. Currently, 17 of the hospital’s 30 beds are available and a team of 54 devoted staff members are ready to provide ca...

Dec82014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Three Ways an Airport Shuttle Bus Guarantees a Smooth Trip

Mindanaoan Update

Anytime you travel it takes much planning and budgeting to ensure the trip will go smoothly. Whether you are planning a “once-in-a-lifetime” vacation or your boss is sending you to a conference across the country, it can feel like a punch in the solar plexus when you tally up the total cost. It is the small services like taxi rides and airport parking fees that really increase the cost of any trip. One way to avoid some of these sneaky budget busters is to use an airport transfer service. Most airports are utilising this service to provide convenient, safe and comfortable transportation for their consumers in an attempt to alleviate unnecessary stress and to help create budget friendly travel experiences. What makes transfer services better than taxis or vehicle storage? Listed below are t...

Nov262014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Milk teas and wok specials at Jia Cha Cafe CDO

Mindanaoan Update

Tucked inside the Divisoria Arcade along R.N. Abejuela Street is a treasure - a quaint cafe that specializes in freshly brewed teas, milkshakes, pasta and sandwiches, special mix milk teas and budget-friendly wok specials. Jia Cha Cafe is the product of owner Joy Lim's passion for cooking. Her love for cooking is so great that she decided to quit her job, enroll in renowned Chef Heny Sison's workshops and, with the blessing of her dad, opened Jia Cha Cafe. Joy told Mindanaoan.com that she personally takes care of everything at the cafe - from sourcing ingredients, designing the interiors and developing more delicious, budget-friendly meals. A good example of Jia Cha Cafe's flavorful but affordable food is the Hokkian spare ribs meal (photo below). A steal at only Php 85.00! Pair i...

Nov262014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dulaang Atenista XU’s Sa North Diversion Road play

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

When I received an invitation from Shaun to watch Dulaang Atenista - Xavier University's "Sa North Diversion Road" play, I honestly threw all expectations out of the window. That strategy apparently worked well for me because for someone who doesn't get impressed so easily, Dulaang Atenista's version of the award-winning play was so worth my time I felt it would have almost been a sin should I have missed it. Directed by Jay Rey Alovera, Dulaang Atenista's version of the play starred Maria Mercedes Batar and Client Ray Cosin, both of whom gave emotional, stellar performances way beyond what's most probably expected of their age. "Sa North Diversion Road" is composed of 10 brief stories of 10 different couples as they drive along the North Diversion Road in the Philippines. The common...

Nov252014 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

How to continue helping Typhoon Sendong survivors

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

Any project that can help Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) survivors always interest me. You see, my family and I were also victims of the typhoon. We faced business losses, yes, but all of us were safe and still had so much to be thankful for. That was the reason why my family and I launched donation drives and relief goods distribution. That was also when I experienced first hand the power of social media. Because of my social media posts, lots of help came in from all over the world (not to mention lots of interview requests from national and international media outlets including BBC and CNN!) and our humble garage became a makeshift donation area, where people can leave donations, where volunteers can come repack and even join us when we distribute the items to various areas...

Nov142014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

EXCLUSIVE: BonChon Cagayan de Oro branch opening date CONFIRMED

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao

Mindanaoan.com is the very first to break the news --- BonChon Chicken, the company behind the global Korean-style fried chicken craze, is set to open their Cagayan de Oro City branch on November 28, 2014 at the First Level, Garden Area, Centrio Mall! I received this exciting update from the franchisees themselves :) BonChon, which means "my hometown" in Korean, will open their very first branch in Northern Mindanao this month. They first entered the Mindanao market when they set up shop in Davao about two years ago then later in General Santos City. BonChon Philippines Managing Director Scott Tan himself will be in CDO for the launch. And here's more good news - be among the very first customers and be qualified to receive FREEBIES! There will be a private function in the morning...

Nov132014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Grammy awardee Kimbra to headline MADFest 2014 in Manila Philippines

Mindanaoan Update

She made quite the debut when she sang "Somebody That I Used To Know" with Gotye and eventually bagged awards at the 2013 Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Now, she's ready to dazzle us with her own brand of music! Kimbra, known for her hits "90's Music," "Miracle" and "Settle Down," will perform in the Philippines for the very first time on December 5, 2014, 4 PM at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds as the headliner for Jack TV's MAD Fest, the biggest music + arts + dance festival. Kimbra will join Urbandub, Kjwan, Sandwich, Imago, DJ Ace Ramos, Sinyma, Toni B., Flying Ipis, Autotelic and many more. Get your tickets now at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide and online via www.smtickets.com Mindanaoan.com will be there and will work behind the sc...

Nov132014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Using The Right Boat Lift In Your Boathouse

Mindanaoan Update

Every boat owner or boathouse owner needs to consider how to safely put their boats in the water. These lifts must also be used to make sure the boats are lifted safely out of the water at the end of the day. These lifts needs to be installed properly, but they also need to be strong enough to lift the boats. Every boat owner should click here for more information. The Installation The installation of the unit must be handled by someone who understands how to do the job correctly. Most of these lifts are going to be installed with the help of a boat deck, pier or other solid structure. The lifts are attached to the structure, and they use leverage against the structure to make sure that they can lift each boat properly. When the installation is done properly, the owner of the lift...

Nov122014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the 2nd GDays Google Days event in Northern Mindanao

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Technology

Are you a budding or existing entrepreneur? Did you know that you can actually use Google's technologies to help start or boost your business? And did you know that you can learn how you can do just that FOR FREE? Join GDays 2014 on November 23, 2014 in Cagayan de Oro City! Be one of the early registrants. REGISTER NOW! Mindanaoan.com is the Google Business Group - Women CDO lead convenor :) Want to know what happened during the first GDays? Read THIS See you at the 2nd GDays Google Days Cagayan de Oro!

Nov92014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

BIMP-EAGA trade fair and business gab clinch P8.9 billion in sales, investments

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News

As if to solidify my previous blog entry about the success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA international trade fair, I received word recently that the event actually cornered a total of Php 8.9 billion in sales and investments. Absolutely exciting news! According to event organizer Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the 2014 Brunei - Indonesia - Malaysia - Philippines international trade fair and business conference garnered more than 1,500 participants, cornered P6 billion worth of possible investments during the business-matching sessions, while initial reports from the Philippines and Malaysia indicate a total of 2.9 billion in booked sales from the international trade fair. Other countries that participated in the five-day event that attracted more than 25,000 local and int...

Oct292014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That honest, taray Davao taxi driver story and things I learned when a post gets viral

Announcements, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

Hello, world. Yes, that was me. The person who posted that "taray Davao taxi driver" story on Facebook that got viral --- no, really, really viral --- was me. Google "Davao taxi driver," "taray Davao taxi driver" or "honest Davao taxi driver," chances are, most of the hits on the first page and Google images are about my post. (this is what SEO folks would die for!) And, like anybody whose post unknowingly attracted thousands of "likes," shares, retweets, reposts and comments from people around the world, I now have my own story to tell. I also learned a couple of lessons, both good and bad. Well, I want to focus on the good so trust me, there were more good than bad. Did I mention, though, that as a result, I received several TV and radio interview requests and hundreds of friend reque...

Oct272014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA International Trade Fair #EAGAIMT2014

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Food, Government, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News, Recipes, Society

Thanks to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I was able to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Business Leaders' Conference last October 22 to 25, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang in Davao City, Philippines. I've always wanted to witness a BIMP-EAGA event and I'm glad that I finally had the opportunity to do so. BIMP-EAGA events are important international functions especially in terms of trade, investments, tourism and even each of the participating countries' roles in the upcoming ASEAN Integration. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT means Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. Now on its 20th year, the BIMP-EAGA is considered as a key strategy to accelerate social as well as...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Cheonggyecheon Stream

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel

After visiting Deoksugung Palace and witnessing the changing of the royal guards ceremony, my brother and I then proceeded to Cheonggyecheong Stream, an 8.4 kilometer long stream that flows west to east through downtown Seoul. What used to be a neglected overpass in the 70's was restored as a massive urban renewal project worth $900 Million in 2005 and is now one of the popular tourist destinations in Seoul, South Korea. Actually, even locals love hanging out here as well. From Deoksugung Palace, we walked for about 250 meters to Cheonggyecheong Stream. If you're at Deoksugung Palace facing the Seoul City Hall, Cheonggyecheong Stream is on your left. Just go straight and look for Chongye Plaza or this cone/shell sculpture. This signifies that you're at the mouth of the stream :) ...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Deoksugung Palace changing of guards

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Seoul, Travel

Since we arrived late in the evening in Seoul, Korea, my brother and I decided to start the first day of our Korea escapade a little late as well. First order of the day was go to the nearest subway station and buy a T-Money card. As I mentioned in my earlier Seoul, Korea travel tips post, T-Money is a "reloadable" card that you can use to buy subway tickets, bus fares or even to buy stuff at convenience stores. After buying our T-Money card, we took the train to go to Deoksugung Palace, one of the "5 Grand Palaces" built by the kings of Joseon Dynasty. How to get to Deoksugung Palace: Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 2 to reach City Hall Station. Take Exit 2. You will see scenes like these: Walk for about 100 meters to your left. A good landmark is a Dunkin' Donuts store (th...

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...

Oct92014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Seoul travel tips

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Flights, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Seoul, Shopping, Society, Tourism, Travel

So before I really get down to business with my Mindanaoan in Korea travel series, please allow me to share a few travel tips and tricks that you may find helpful when you travel to Seoul, Korea. I like to be well-prepared whenever I travel and hopefully, these Seoul travel tips can help you, too. 1. Do you already have a valid visa for travel to Korea? Here's how I applied for a Korean tourist visa 2. Check the weather in Korea at the time of your trip. This way, you can bring proper clothes. 3. I suggest that you bring U.S. Dollars (instead of Philippine pesos) and have those changed to Korean won. The exchange rates at the Incheon International Airport are fair but I got the best exchange rates in Myeongdong, the famed shopping district in Seoul. Here's a handy tip: 1,000 KRW i...

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...

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan in Korea travel series: itinerary, tips and more

Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Features, Flights, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

I have been traveling a lot the past few weeks! One of my recent foreign travel destinations was KOREA :) It was my very first time (and most definitely not the last!) to visit the world's only divided country and my brother (who was my travel companion) and I had the most amazing time! We stayed for a little over a week - just the perfect number of days to explore Seoul, Nami Island and a bit of North Korea (yessir!) I can't wait to share with you more details about our Korea trip! Please follow my humble Mindanaoan in Korea travel series by CLICKING ON THIS FEED and bookmarking/saving the pages :) You may also want to take a look at some of my photos on Instagram. I will share budget travel tips, very helpful travel apps, recommended hostel in Seoul, delicious Korea food finds, videos...