Mindanaoan Update Archives - Page 31 of 67 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun82012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At Zubuchon – declared best pig in the world by Anthony Bourdain

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Visayas

According to Anthony Bourdain, Zubuchon is the home of the best Cebu lechon or in his words, "the best pig...ever!" Zubuchon is where you can get the best lechon in Cebu, according to the No Reservations host and chef. Naturally, being a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, I listened! And listened well I did! During my most recent Cebu City vacation, I visited Zubuchon - a.k.a. the very same Cebu lechon tasted, featured and praised by no other than world renowned chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations. Actually, it wasn't my first time to try Zubuchon. About two years ago, I had my very first taste of this much-talked about lechon Cebu that claims to not have any MSG at all. If you're wondering why it's named Zubuchon - well, "Zubu" is the old name of Cebu and "chon" is...

Jun62012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu dinner buffet – Cafe Marco

Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Visayas

So after our Cebu island hopping adventure with Islands Banca Cruises, what better way to cap off the day (and to celebrate my brother's birthday) but to check out Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu? Cafe Marco is the popular and award-winning signature restaurant of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the only 5 star hotel in Cebu City, Visayas, Philippines. Dubbed as the "Best Buffet Restaurant" by a lifestyle magazine, there's really hardly any wonder why Cafe Marco is one of Cebu City's most favorite buffet restaurants. The well-lighted and tastefully designed restaurant seats 144 guests and has 4 very clean, interactive kitchens that offer Asian, Western, Japanese and Filipino cuisine. Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Cebu also has a salad and cold appetizers bar, a grilling and tempura station and...

Jun52012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cebu island hopping with Islands Banca Cruises

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

Ever wanted to tour Cebu islands in style? Here’s one Cebu adventure you must try! I have always wanted to go on a Cebu island hopping trip. Who hasn’t heard of the beauty of the Pandanon white sandbar as well as the rich and lovely marine life at both Gilutungan and Talima Marine Sanctuaries? Add to that the fact that I absolutely love to swim and snorkel. What best way to do all that but to go on an island hopping adventure in Cebu, right? Fortunately, my wish was granted just a few days ago, much thanks to Islands Banca Cruises. My recent Cebu island hopping adventure aboard Islands Banca Cruises was made possible by the generosity of Islands Group President and Chairman Jay Aldeguer and with the able assistance of Islands Banca Cruises marketing officer Jefferson Cruz. Islands Banca...

Jun12012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to visit the Philippines this June 2012

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Features, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personalities, Politics

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will visit the Philippines this June 2012. Admired by many around the world, it was under the leadership of H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad leadership that Malaysia developed into one of the most prosperous economies in Southeast Asia. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will be in Manila, Philippines come June 10 to 11, 2012. He will be accompanied by his spouse H.E. Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. According to incumbent Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad will have a fairly packed schedule while in the Philippines. Apart from giving a keynote lecture at the University of Santo Tomas (which will be themed loosely on modernization, good governance as well as national development), he will a...

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A big thank you Cebu!

Cebu City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel

I'm back from a truly awesome Cebu vacation! :) My Cebu trip was a long delayed one. I was supposed to be there last year but things just got a little too busy for me. Apart from the Typhoon Sendong relief operations I started in Cagayan de Oro, I was also commissioned to do various social media projects and online publicity work. I was also involved in organizing and promoting some events. I also organized blogging and digital media workshops. And then of course, there was that International Visitor Leadership Program experience :) So I guess you could say that my recently concluded Cebu trip was a much-needed one! Anyways, this blog post will be more of a "thank you" post for all of the wonderful, generous people as well as establishments that made my Cebu trip a really memorable o...

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Gingoog City: The city of good luck in Northern Mindanao

Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Travel

Gingoog City is a 74, 400 – hectare chartered city nestled in the northeastern coast of Misamis Oriental. It is a peaceful and simple city that is between two other cities: Cagayan de Oro City (122 kilometers) and Butuan City (74 kilometers). Gingoog City is bounded on the north by the Gingoog Bay; on the east by the municipality of Magsaysay and the province of Bukidnon; and on the south by the municipality of Claveria. The abundant agricultural harvest, favorable climate, thriving industries and warm people of the city are testimonies to how rousing the good luck of the city is. The Manobo tribesmen were the first to settle in the area. They cultivated the land, established a common trading center and set up the early social structure of the area. Later, they grew in number and wid...

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Nicki Minaj Manila Philippines concert this July 2012

Mindanaoan Update

Nicki Minaj Live In Manila, Philippines this July 2012! Yes, folks, the current muse of the hip hop industry, Nicki Minaj, is set to stage a concert in Manila on July 2012. Who's excited for the Nicki Minaj Manila concert? I bet all the Barbz and the Kenz are all excited to watch Nicki Minaj live in concert! The Manila concert of Nicki Minaj will be produced by Wilbros Live, the same producers of the hugely successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue Greatest Hits Tour. Nicki Minaj Live In Manila will be held on July 11, 2012 at the SM MOA Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. Nicki Minaj, by the way, is the one behind the mega hits "Superbass" and "Starships." Interestingly, things were still supposed to be kept under wraps but I guess Nicki Minaj wanted her fans to be the first to know an...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Perks of Living in Mindanao

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, 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, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, 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, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

If you listen to the news on Mindanao, the most likely reaction is that you’ll hesitate to come here. Much less choose to live here. But given the direness of the news on the peace and order situation here, have you ever wondered if there are perks to living in Mindanao? Actually, what’s so terrible in the news is merely a microcosm of Mindanao society. Given the largeness of the island and the number of regions, cities, and cultures that are found in Mindanao, you might want to take the news with a grain of salt the next time. Mindanao is generally a peaceful place. The members of the populace are satisfied with their lives, and commerce and trade are smoothly moving along. The economics show a due representation from the filthy rich to poverty level poor, but people manage to get by. ...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Washington DC Metro Subway photos, tips

Advocacy, America, Blogging, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Photos, Technology, Travel, United States of America

This is a continuation of my "Mindanaoan In America" blog series :) You can read more about my escapades in the USA when I was a 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program delegate HERE. The first state that we stayed in was Washington DC. Like many states in America, Washington has its own subway or railway system. They call it the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit or simply - Metro. I found the Metro Washington DC subway easy to understand although my group and I did have to be guided by our ELO Alan especially when we already had to buy our very first fare cards or train tickets :) You can find below a photo of the farecards and passes machines - you can buy tickets there or you can always approach a friendly Metro employee. Here are some easy to follow tips on how to ...

May92012 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Davao City bans plastic bags, styrofoam starting June 28, 2012

Advocacy, Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Food, Government, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personal, Society, Technology

YEY! I am so, so, sooo happy with this development! Congratulations Davao City! What an awesome move! I'm so proud of my hometown Davao City for finally, FINALLY deciding to put a ban against non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam! Points for Mother Nature, environment and the start of the use of eco-friendly products :) I wonder, though, how the fastfood chains and other business establishments that use plastic bags and styrofoam will cope when the ban takes effect on June 28, 2012. Hmm. What do you think? Anyways, here's the news report from SunStar Davao: Non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food and beverage containers will no longer be allowed in this city starting June 28, this year. Polystyrene foam is more commonly referred to as Styrof...

May82012 by Mindanaoan Irene14 Comments

Latest Ayala Mall CDO Centrio job openings

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

Okay, I know that a lot of you have been waiting for this --- the latest job openings in Ayala Mall Centrio Cagayan de Oro! Since my last post about Ayala Mall Centrio job openings, many of you have sent requests for updates. Our friends over at MisOrJobs and a contact from the Ayala Mall Centrio operations unit have confirmed these job openings. Centrio, by the way, is set to open this October 2012. One vacant position you can apply for is: MARKETING ASSISTANT Responsibilities: Hired candidate will assist in the implementation of the mall events and promotion of other marketing related activities. Requirements: Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s/College Degree in Business Studies/Administration/Management, Commerce, Economics, Marketing or equivalent; At...

May82012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Congressmen use own money for Sendong homes

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Government, Iligan City, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Politics, Society

Back when the deadly Typhoon Sendong (International name: Washi) hit Northern Mindanao in December 2011, I started a small Typhoon Sendong volunteer campaign and donation drive. What I initially envisioned to be a small and private donation drive grew bigger and bigger by the minute, thanks to the power of Twitter, Facebook, blogging and other online media tools. Suddenly, my photos became viral, my tweets about Sendong were retweeted, shared and replied to and my calls for help were heard. Government agencies, public officials, NGOs and even international news agencies followed me on Twitter, Facebook and through this blog, shared the infos I sent out and sent donations (which I am and will always be thankful for). Two of these public servants who started following me and engaging w...

May22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Blue Live In Manila

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Photos

Here are the much awaited photos of BLUE a.k.a. the fine looking boys from the U.K. Okay, ladies, breathe in, breathe out :) Blue, composed of Duncan James, Simon Webbe, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan, was recently in Manila, Philippines for the Greatest Hits Tour featuring a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. I was fortunate to have met and worked around the guys :) Yes, yes, I'm a very lucky girl ;) I found Jeff Timmons, a1 and of course, Blue, to be very warm, down to earth, talented and very approachable. Anyways, the photos here of Duncan James, Antony Costa, Simon Webbe and Lee Ryan were taken during the radio tour, some backstage and during the show. Which of these photos are your favorites? :) Let me know below at the comment section :) By the way, here are the photos...

May12012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Photos: a1 Live in Manila

Entertainment, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Personalities, Photos

Okay, after sharing with you the photos I took of former 98 Degrees founder Jeff Timmons during the hugely successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue concert held last February 2012 in Manila, Philippines, it's now time for me to share the much-awaited photos I took of the boys of a1. Are those excited screams I hear?! :D For the uninitiated, a1 is a very popular British-Norwegian pop group. Originally composed of 4 members, the newly reunited a1 is now made up of Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read and Ben Adams. Ever since they decided to reunite in August 2009, they've released hit songs like "Don't Wanna Lose You Again" and "Waiting for Daylight," which has so far managed to top a lot of charts not only in the Philippines but around Asia as well. I must say - there are a TON of avid a...

Apr302012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Why Manny Pacquiao cried

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

Manny Pacquiao cried. He may be the world's best boxer to date. He may have toppled the likes of Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez. He may have mansions in the Philippines and abroad but Filipino boxing champion and Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao recently cried. Yup. Manny Pacquiao cried because he can't join the Sarangani Bay Festival 2012. My fellow Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao will have to sit out on this year's SarBay Fest and because of this, he cried. Don't believe me? Watch the video below: The 2012 Sarangani Bay Festival is considered the biggest, grandest and most colorful beach festival in Mindanao, Philippines. Sarangani Bay Festival 2012 schedule of activities

Apr282012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees Live In Manila

Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

If you're one of my regular readers here on Mindanaoan.com, chances are you'd know that I helped out during the highly successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue Live In Manila concert last February 2012 in Manila, Philippines. I helped promote it not only through this site but in other sites as well including via social networking websites. (which reminds me, if you're not following me yet, please do so! Here are my Twitter, Pinterest, PicLyf, Instagram and YouTube accounts :) ) I also launched my very own online contest whereby the prizes were tickets to the show. I know I should have shared the photos I took of the boys before, during and after the event but you all know it's been a very hectic time as of late :) So to all of the fans of a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue, please don't worry. No...

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Camiguin Island zipline now operational

Advocacy, Beauty, Camiguin, Entertainment, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Tourism, Travel

Good news for Mindanao tourism! Don't look now but guess where the latest zipline will be? At none other than the Island Born Out Of Fire - Camiguin! Camiguin Island is the latest Mindanao area that now has a zipline. The Camiguin Zipline is located at Taguines Lagoon, Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin. According to the Camiguin Tourism Office, the Camiguin Island zipline fee is only Php 400.00 (roughly US $10.00) for 2 rounds. Not bad, right? Check this out: Book your next Camiguin Island adventure now! I highly recommend you look for discounted Camiguin hotel rooms here: Should you be interested, I wrote some reviews of various hotels HERE

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: How folks in Virginia USA cast their votes (photos)

Advocacy, America, Blogging, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Technology, United States of America

In America, they have this day called Super Tuesday which refers to "the Tuesday in February or March of a presidential election year when the greatest number of states hold primary elections to select delegates to national conventions at which each party's presidential candidates are officially nominated." Super Tuesday is a very important day especially since more delegates can be won on that day more than any other single day included in the primary calendar. Hence, political parties and the candidates themselves scramble to make a mark and win during Super Tuesday. I was in Virginia, USA for Super Tuesday 2012 (March 6, 2012). All eyes were on Virginia that day especially because only 2 out of 4 names of Republican candidates were on the ballots. Only the names of former Massachu...

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Around Washington DC

America, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, United States of America

If I was asked to name at least 5 cities in the U.S. that I may want to live in, Washington D.C. would be one of them. I found Washington DC charming and interesting - despite the fact that politics plays a huge role there. I guess for those who abhor politics and all the scandals, flipfloppin', highs and lows that come with it, they won't feel comfortable in Washington DC. For people like me who get a natural high with fast-changing political strategies, however, Washington is the place to be. The day after I arrived in Washington D.C. USA for the start of my 3-week International Visitor Leadership Program, my fellow participants and I were toured around the city. I remember that day oh-so-well --- it was freezing cold but because we were supposed to have nice pictures taken for our...

Apr222012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees says hello to Mindanaoan.com

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Videos

If you're one of the regular readers of Mindanaoan.com, you'd probably know that I was one of those who heavily helped promote the recently concluded a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons concert in Manila. I campaigned for the show not only through this lifestyle and entertainment blog but through various accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, PicLyf etc. I also launched a contest whereby the winner received two tickets to the show! The concert was a huge success, by the way! Congratulations to Wilbros Live, Drake World Entertainment and of course, to a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. I have yet to share with you all some of the photos I took from the backstage of Araneta Coliseum and during the show. Sorry about the delays! Don't worry, folks, the wait will be worth it ;) For now, ...

Apr222012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: The River Inn Washington DC USA hotel

America, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel, United States of America

My fellow IVLP 2012 delegates and I were billeted at The River Inn during the Washington D.C. leg of our 3-week stay in America. The River Inn is a downtown Washington DC hotel that's located just 2 blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. This affordable Washington DC inn is also within walking distance from Georgetown a.k.a. the historic commercial and entertainment district in northwest Washington. Georgetown is also where you can find (quite obviously) Georgetown University and yes, the original branch of Georgetown Cupcakes, the shop that gave birth to the hit reality TV show "DC Cupcakes." (I visited the shop, by the way! I'll share with you some of the photos I took there ;) ) Location wise, The River Inn does get a lot of plus points especially since it's just a few blocks...

Apr212012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

I’m home!

Blogging, Features, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Travel, United States of America

So I am finally back from the U.S. I'm home, I'm home! :) *waves* I stayed in America for more than a month. I was there because I was chosen to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program, a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program. Technically, my IVLP 2012 experience only lasted for 3 weeks. However, I chose to fly to New York City, savor the sights and sounds of the Big Apple and spend my birthday there! (more on this later) I stayed in NYC for 2 weeks. I also had the chance to visit Connecticut specifically Yale University for a day. Anyway, the IVLP program that I participated in led me to Washington D.C. (and in some parts of nearby Virginia and Maryland), Orlando, Florida, Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. I was the only female in the group an...