Misamis Oriental Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Nov152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Catch the Ayala Centrio Mall CDO Magical Nights of Lights 2023

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism

It's the yearly tradition you and your loved ones don't want to miss! Our favorite mall in Cagayan de Oro, Ayala Centrio Mall CDO, is back with their most-awaited Magical Nights of Lights! This Christmas light show runs daily every 30 minutes starting at 6 PM. Also, this nightly Centrio Mall CDO light show will run until January 6, 2023. It’s a truly festive, beautiful time to create and celebrate traditions with loved ones! Go ahead and visit! This CDO content creator also recommends that you check out the shops and restaurants at Centrio and treat yourself and your loved ones. After all, it's the Christmas holidays! Check out what happened when Ayala Centrio invited me, your friendly Cagayan de Oro influencer, during the launch: (as always, big thanks to Centrio for always remem...

Oct22023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Unleash Your Inner Chef at Nuda CDO: The Ultimate DIY Korean Ramyun Experience

Business, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

If you're in the mood for something warm, comforting and delicious (not to mention very affordable), and you're a ramyeon / ramyun / ramen lover like me, then look no further than Nuda CDO. Nuda is the new (and BEST so far...trust me!) DIY Korean ramyun restaurant in Cagayan de Oro. Nestled just a stone's throw away from the Xavier University gym along Corrales Avenue - right at the heart of downtown Cagayan de Oro City. Nuda is the brainchild of my longtime friend - none other than singer/composer/artist and CDO's very own pride and joy, Titus John "TJ" Monterde, along with his wife, singer KZ Tandingan and their families. How they came up with the name of this business is a cute story. Here's how TJ explained it: https://youtube.com/shorts/fpvedOSTld4?feature=share What s...

Jul182023 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Discover the Future of Luxury Living in Cagayan de Oro: The Midtown and The Montage by Vista Estates

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

Welcome to the vibrant city of Cagayan de Oro, where the allure of modern living meets the tranquil beauty of nature. If you're a prospective real estate investor or property broker searching for the next big opportunity, look no further. Vista Estates is proud to present two upcoming properties that are set to redefine luxury living in this thriving city: The Midtown and The Montage. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GRAND LAUNCH: I was invited to the grand launch of these two properties in Cagayan de Oro (thanks, Vista Estates!) Check out this mini highlights vlog that I made: https://youtube.com/shorts/fluKLy1GZ58?feature=share Unveiling The Midtown at Canitoan: Located in the neighborhood of Canitoan, The Midtown by Vista Estates is a vision of urban elegance. Inspired ...

Jun242023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why you need to catch the culinary offerings of the new Seda Centrio Chef

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Hotels, LifeStyle, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Sulu

I was recently invited to meet the new Executive Sous Chef of Seda Centrio Hotel and try his culinary creations. Chef Benzar Joe Aradani, who hails from Jolo, Sulu and who brings with him a wealth of culinary experience and expertise in various regional cuisines, impressed me and the food served that night was equally impressive! Coming from a Christian-Muslim background with an Indonesian father and Filipino mother, Chef Ben has earned him a reputation for creating unique and creative dishes, proven by the numerous awards he has received throughout his 33-year career. The tuna dish he prepared right before our very eyes that night was undoubtedly so tender and very flavorful. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS POSTED ON THE MINDANAOAN FACEBOOK PAGE In the video I took below, yo...

Mar212023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hulak Cafe at Subida CDO aka the cafe owned by Mark Bautista and family

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Artists, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

Let's face it. When people find out that a celebrity owns a certain business, people have the tendency to flock to it and patronize it. That means publicity, strong recall and of course, strong sales. Great! Unfortunately, this may also work the other way around especially if the products aren't good, the prices are way too expensive or if the business owners themselves don't exercise proper customer service. In the case of Hulak Cafe, however, a business owned by internationally renowned Kagay-anon singer, actor, host and theater actor Mark Bautista, they didn't disappoint! Located at the Subida Complex along the South Diversion Road in Taguanao, Hulak Cafe serves breakfast, mains, vegan-friendly breads, cakes, sandwiches, pastas, coffees and juices. It's a nice, cozy place where...

Feb12023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Now open: POPS Seaside in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental

Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

POPS All Filipino Eatery, known for their eat-and-drink-all-you-can offers at affordable prices, has opened their 5th branch. This time, in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, just across the Asia Brewery, Inc. El Salvador plant. It's a great pitstop if you're heading to the Laguindingan Airport or if you just like to chill in a place at the outskirts of CDO and enjoy the sea breeze! For now, they don't offer buffets at the El Salvador branch but who knows, they might do so soon! So please follow their page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/popsseasideelsalvador You can also visit their page to see their menu (I highly recommend you try the seafood boil!) In front of Asia Brewery, Inc. El Salvador plant Operating hours: 10 AM to 10 PM Please call (0917) 716 7200 for in...

Jun52022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Ice cream artisan Creamery Studios CDO

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

We all have those days when we just want ice cream, comfort snacks, delicious coffee (yasss) and maybe a drink that resembles the northern lights, right? Because I do! Thankfully, there's a new place in Cagayan de Oro where you and I can indulge in everything good and sweet - Creamery Studios CDO!Try their ice cream artisan specialties, Korean egg drop sandwich, Spanish latte and the Sparkling Aurora (which resembles the breathtaking aurora borealis) The pasta chips and the berry tea fusion are also delicious choices. The Creamery Studios CDO space is also full of unicorn hues. Great for small events! However, aside from the food and drinks and colorful space, what makes Creamery Studios a must-visit is the affable owner, Chino. He is hands-on and passionate about his new venture...and ha...

Mar162022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Australian yogurt drink specialty shop Koomi opens Cagayan de Oro branch

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

I’m a certified yogurt fanatic so you can just imagine how excited I was now that Koomi Philippines has opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro! Koomi, a natural yogurt drink specialty shop from The Land Down Under , serves guilt-free yogurt treats. Every cup of Koomi is made FRESH DAILY! I also absolutely enjoyed the Waterberry Wonder Tartness is perfect and the fruits they use are fresh and delicious Not only are these yummy, they’re healthy, too! They use a natural sweetener which is fruit honey and of course, our tumtums love the probiotic yogurt that aids our digestive system. Now that’s what we call #GuiltlessGoodness. Check out Koomi CDO at the G/F of SM CDO Downtown Premier (by the main entrance) or you can order via FoodPanda and GrabFood

Jan262022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Mura Bora (“Like Boracay”) Initao white sand beach

Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel

It's named "Mura Bora," shortcut for "Murag Boracay" or "Like Boracay" and it's my family and I's new fave white sand beach getaway. I suppose not a lot of people have really discovered the place yet (it's either that or the owner isn't in a hurry to develop Mura Bora) because as of this writing, this white sand beach property just has a couple of huts under coconut trees, a few friendly dogs who have seemingly been trained to melt your heart with their eyes so you can share your food and a rudimentary bathroom and shower area. I know this description doesn't sound much but for my family and I, we liked Mura Bora and its rawness. Like a virgin beach spot. Mura Bora is located at Initao, Misamis Oriental, about an hour and a half from either Cagayan de Oro City or Iligan City. It's ...

Sep232021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Panagatan Restaurant Opol now offers breakfast

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

Breakfast with a view? How about breakfast by the sea? Yes, please! Panagatan Restaurant, considered as Northern Mindanao's culinary gem and everyone's favorite seafood restaurant in this side of Northern Mindanao, Philippines, now offers breakfast and now opens at 6:30 AM (closes at 9 PM). For only Php 150 (US $3.00), your main viand (choose from bacon, corned beef, beef tapa, crispy danggit or daing na bangus) comes with 2 eggs and rice (or toasted bread). Value for money! There are also other breakfast options on their menu so go ahead and try this Cagayan de Oro breakfast place. Enjoy your breakfast by the bay! Panagatan Opol is atop the water so you can enjoy the morning sea breeze with delicious breakfast. Want to reserve tables or have inquiries? Just call Panagatan Resta...

Jun182021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This Panagatan Restaurant bilao treat is a winner

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

Allow me to share with you one of my recent favorite food finds - the Panagatan Restaurant bilao treat! I'm referring to the Panagatan Restaurant Bilao D offer in particular. For only Php 950 (less than US $20), you get this whole shebang - grilled tuna belly, calamares, crispy shrimps and seafood kebabs! This was more than enough for my small party of 3 :) The tuna belly was grilled perfectly (the fish was tender and juicy), the calamares rings were not gummy at all (if they are, then that means they're overcooked!) and the crispy shrimps serving was generous. Delicious and truly value for money! Highly recommended! We also capped our meal with the bestselling Panagatan Restaurant Buko Halo halo! So good! This one is a must-order! We were also given a compliment...

Apr172021 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Tips for the best balsa adventure (Laguindingan or Alubijid floating cottage)

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel, Videos

It's summer! And you know what that means - we all need a respite from the scorching heat. One of the surefire ways to cool off is to hit the beach or, in this case, have a balsa adventure! A balsa is basically a floating cottage or raft largely made of bamboo and wood. Balsas have become ubiquitous especially off the shores of Laguindingan and Alubijid in Misamis Oriental (and in Cagayan de Oro City, last I heard!). I'm aware of the issues surrounding the operations of Balsa in Alubijid and Balsa in Laguindingan so I leave it all up to you guys to decide if you want to patronize but I do want to emphasize that I totally support responsible and sustainable local tourism efforts. So anyway...my relatives and I went on a balsa adventure recently and I have a few tips for you before y...

Mar212021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Seda Centrio Hotel CDO breakfast buffet

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

I don't know about you but when it comes to hotels, I'm pretty particular about the food they serve especially during breakfast. I mean, who wouldn't want to wake up to a delicious, glorious breakfast to help kickstart your day? Breakfasts help set the tone for the day! But because we're now living in extraordinary times and we all have to be extra cautious of safety and hygiene measures, we can't help but wonder how hotels adapt and still provide good food and service. For Seda Centrio, a downtown Cagayan de Oro Hotel that features high-quality room and recreational facilities, they're taking a very smart and efficient lead on how hotels can adapt to the new normal. During the relaunch of their breakfast buffet service at Misto, the signature restaurant of Seda Centrio, they made...

Dec202020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Beautiful reunions and a fun cafe hop

Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that one of the sad, challenging repercussions of this global health pandemic was that we can’t easily, freely travel and see our family and friends. We had no choice but to be contented with virtual “kamustahans.” Siyempre, it’s still different to physically be with your loved ones, to bond with them and strengthen family ties. So when the travel restrictions started to get eased out, I hatched a plan: to reunite my Mama with her older sister whom she hasn’t seen in more than a year! Thankfully, I had a reliable partner in Ford Philippines. They gave me the chance to drive the all-new Ford Territory, currently the most celebrated vehicle in the compact crossover segment. My plan for a beautiful reunion between sisters was off to a great st...

Dec42020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

These Mindanao youth groups champion bayanihan during quarantine

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Cotabato, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Surigao del Sur

In the midst of so many challenges this year 2020, I'm so glad that several Mindanao youth groups have taken the initiative to address gaps in social services and collaborated with local government units and NGOs to develop projects that prioritized the survival, health, and livelihood of many of our fellow Filipinos. Here is a list of Mindanaoan youth groups that showed bayanihan during the quarantine: Tabang Sikad Tabang Sikad is a fund-raising initiative for sikad drivers from several barangays in Cagayan de Oro City. The project provided relief packs to sikad drivers whose daily income decreased from Php 300 to Php 80 – Php 100 during the quarantine. Started by a duo, Nekka and Liam, the team expanded their impact to collaborate with the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associa...

Nov172020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanao-based Hineleban Foundation urges corporations to support IP communities

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Features, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, Society

Mindanao-based Hineleban Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization in Bukidnon, is urging corporations to support Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities to not only help secure food and water for them but to also help restore the last virgin forests and ample river flow requirements of all water users in the country. Hineleban’s vision is to ensure the nation’s water, food and human security by reforesting the mountain ranges of Mindanao. These ranges are inhabited by the IP communities. On their official website, Hineleban Foundation explained that by supporting IPs through food security, followed by sustainable livelihood and finally, reforestation, they also play a more active role in the protection of the remaining primary forests in the Philippines. Currently, Hinele...

Aug122020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Head to POPS CDO for the best, sulit buffet in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

I don't know about you but it seems like buffets in Cagayan de Oro have become a dime in a dozen. So many CDO buffets to choose from! However, when it comes to sulit, absolutely value for money eat AND drink all you can choices, POPS CDO All Filipino Eatery still tops my list. For only Php 250 (US $5) per person, you get to access a wide array of Filipino comfort food - complete from soup to rice (plain or fried...what do you prefer?) to various viands (meat, fish, vegetables etc) to dessert (fruits, kakanin, fruit salad etc) to bottomless drinks! Indulge to your heart's content! For now, two of the POPS CDO branches offer this unbeatable buffet. If you plan to bring a large group of family and friends, their Corrales Avenue branch would be the best choice. It's just be...

Jul102020 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Conquering Mangima Road with Ford Ranger Raptor

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Society, Travel

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that I am in the market for a new vehicle and currently weighing options. Aside from budget, comfort level and features, I thought I also needed a vehicle that could fit my busy and adventure-filled lifestyle but can also be formal and practical, preferably one that didn’t really require further modifications. See, I may be a girl but more often than not, I’m not that girly-girl, if you know what I mean. I have my happy-in-a-dress days but I have more makeup-free, slippers-only, super comfortable clothes on days. So, to me, that’s a challenge. Is there a vehicle out there for someone who loves to travel and conquer many adventures but who also loves to take the family, friends and loved ones for fun escapades, lead community projects, volu...

May292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

POPS CDO Filipino restaurant reopens, adapts to new normal

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Restaurant

As the world slowly eases back to its "new normal" amidst this current health scare, restaurants are also slowly but surely adapting to new guidelines and implementing them well so as to protect consumers. Cagayan de Oro's P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery, best known as CDO's most popular eat-and-drink-all-you-can place, is nothing different. After nearly 2 months of temporary closure due to quarantine guidelines set by the government, POPS CDO is now back and ready to serve customers. Although dine-in is still not allowed as of this writing, POPS CDO is geared up and ready to offer pickup, takeout and delivery! Moreover, the POPS Cagayan de Oro management is also taking into consideration the possible changes such as reduced capacity of dine-in customers, heightened health and safety pro...

Apr62020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Snorkeling At Camiguin Giant Clam Sanctuary

Camiguin, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin Island, located in Mindanao, Philippines, is inarguably one of my most favorite places. How can you not love the Island Born of Fire? It's home to a breathtaking white island (where you can eat sea urchins, by the way), a sunken cemetery that's an interesting diving spot, a spring resort with the coldest water and very near another island that has a rich marine sanctuary. Yes, Camiguin Island is definitely a must-visit and, as if those reasons aren't enough, here's another reason why you should include Camiguin in your #travelgoals --- a giant clam sanctuary! At the Camiguin Island giant clam sanctuary, you don't just learn all about various clam species and the local conservation efforts. You can even snorkel and see these fascinating giant clams as well as other marine life...

Nov282019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

LOOK: Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Museum

Announcements, Bukidnon, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism

During the recent Bukidnon Poverty Summit, Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri delivered updates with regard to the soon-to-rise Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex. The 13-hectare property, which will be located in Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City, will feature a grandstand, a track and field oval, a gymnasium, an aquatic center, a fencing court, a museum, and a dormitory. "Once completed, Bukidnon will be capable of hosting national and regional sports competitions, theater and cultural performances. This will promote sports and cultural activities among our youth and people and bring them away from vices and other unproductive activities," the senator said. The Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex is a joint project of the Provincial Government of Bukidnon and Senator Migz Z...

Oct112019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: GINAMA pasalubong center in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Tourism

I am a big fan of supporting local products. I believe that when you buy from local small and medium enterprises, you don't just help create livelihood. You also help foster peace and development, a sense of responsibility and respect. You help build a community of hardworking citizens. In Cagayan de Oro, we now have the chance to support these local SMEs by visiting GINAMÂ (that's an A with caret at the last or an A-circumflex). Ginama means something made with great care and attention. This is also the name of the pasalubong center in CDO, which is the result of joint cooperation among the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, the Department of Trade and Industry and CDO's local community of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs). Ginama is the stage that this group of tireless ...