Photos Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr252020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Incubus and telling Brandon Boyd what I’ve always wanted to say

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, New York, Personalities, Photos, United States of America

How do you talk to the members of a band whose songs pretty much filled many, many years of your life? I'm talking about high school, college, yuppie, and even professional stages of your life? Whose songs helped you face pain, sorrow, happiness, excitement, fear? And, as if those aren't scary enough, how in the world do you also face one of your biggest crushes, who happens to be the band's lead vocalist? How do you gather enough intestinal fortitude to even be in the same space with one of the world's sexiest, super talented men? These questions ran through my head for days --- well before THE day. Yes, I'm talking about that very fateful day that I got to meet the members of Incubus and, oh sweet Jesus, THE Brandon Boyd. I had the utmost privilege of meeting them here in New Yor...

Mar202020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Got featured on Philippine Star!

Fashion, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Photos, Style

I'm in my very early 40's and I haven't seen my "original" hair color in a very long time. By that, I mean I've been coloring my hair often for many years now --- turning it blonde, ash gray, pink, red and purple! Currently, my hair is platinum blonde mixed with gray. You can see some of my current photos on my Instagram. Anyway, the reason why I mentioned my age is because, as a professional publicist, social media specialist and blogger, I always receive comments that my hair should also "look" professional. I often think that what they probably meant was that my hair should be the ubiquitous black or brown. Maybe the most extreme would be to have highlights and that's about it. Nothing crazy like pink hair! Alas, I'm not one who conforms just so I can fit in. I have long conclud...

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...

Mar192016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My faves at #BigBiteAtCentrioAyalaMall Northern Mindanao food festival

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Food, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Reviews

March 11 to 13, 2016 sure was a lovely weekend! Big Bite 2016: The Northern Mindanao Food Festival at Centrio Ayala Mall truly showcased not only the flavors of summer but the undeniably skillful cooking talents of Kagay-anons. I had the chance to witness this Mindanao food festival as one of the judges for the Lifestyle Writers' Choice award for this year's Best Dish, much thanks to the Centrio Mall management and Professional Organizers. I tried about 10 dishes for the mall merchants category and about 15 (IKR :D) for outside food exhibitors. Needless to say, I was a very happy camper that weekend ;) Let me share with you some of the photos I took during Big Bite 2016 - The Northern Mindanao Food Festival. These colorful umbrellas were installed at the garden area. As expected, ...

Oct162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Kaamulan Festival 2015 at Grandstand Malaybalay Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel

I went to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon a few days ago to see the preparations being done in time for the Kaamulan Festival 2015. The Kaamulan is a yearly gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes and the said festival is the biggest and most-awaited in the province. Now, I've been an observer of the Kaamulan Festival for several years now. In fact, there were many instances when I was tasked to handle and cover big, important events. So you could just imagine my disappointment when I saw for myself this year's preparations. The biggest change? The transfer of the bulk of the activities from the Capitol Grounds to the Grandstand area in Malaybalay. For those unfamiliar with the area - the Grandstand is located in an inner location. The soil at that area gets really soft and muddy when it rains....

Sep292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SMB Oktoberfest 2015 launch with Rivermaya and Ebe Dancel

Announcements, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was there! And boy, was the SMB Oktoberfest 2015 grand launch a really fun night - not only because of all the merrymaking, pop-up bars, beer shower, celebrities, seemingly bottomless beer everywhere and amazing Pinoy music acts but also because I was there with good friends :) Much thanks to Rivermaya, I had backstage access at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. I rode with the boys. Their call time was at 8 PM but because we all know how bad Friday night traffic in Manila can be, they fetched me at 3:30 PM. I initially groaned at the idea of traveling for 4 hours but well - I was with Rivermaya. That alone would make any OPM fan squeal! Plus since Mark Escueta had to be in Japan to be with wife Jolina Magdangal (who had a show there) and adorable son Pele, Rivermaya requested the gre...

Sep22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Seeing Daniel Matsunaga and Aliya Parcs

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos

A few weeks ago, I took a quick step back from all the traveling and instead, started attending a couple of local events. Event invitations have been piling up! (Thank you!) The events I attended paved the way for me to see a good friend, meet a new one and see another hunk who apparently still recognizes me ;) Singer, composer, FHM model and my friend Aliya Parcs was in town recently. Dionne Monsanto, an alumnae of Pinoy Big Brother, joined her on this trip. Aliya brought with her wonderful news - she bagged two golds at the recently concluded World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), the same contest Jed Madela won a grand slam in. WCOPA is largely cited as the “Olympics of the Performing Arts” and artists from all around the globe converge in Long Beach, California. Happy for m...

Mar232015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

With Daddy’s Home of X Factor Philippines

Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Malaybalay City, Music, Personalities, Photos

From a breakfast meeting in Cagayan de Oro to several errands here and there to a 3-hour journey to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon just to catch friends - it was all super worth it! Very happy to see Daddy's Home again. This vocal group bagged the 2nd runner-up title during the first run of X Factor Philippines and they performed in one of the Malaybalay City Charter Day 2015 events last March 20, 2015 at Freedom Park. To say that they brought the house down is actually an understatement. The guys really gave their all - it was such a treat to watch them perform live and wow the crowd! I know brothers Ebet and Allan Silonga back when E was still busy with K24/7. Allan - wow, you have to hear this man sing. Ebet - I wasn't used to see him without his guitar but I was pleasantly surpris...

Mar152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Pele Magdangal Escueta first birthday party

Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was invited to the first birthday party of Pele Iñigo Magdangal Escueta, the firstborn of celebrity couple Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta. I felt truly honored and happy to be there to witness Pele's very special day. It was a Saturday and I left Makati about half an hour before the scheduled start of the party, which was held in Quezon City. Boy, was I really no longer used to Manila traffic! My GrabTaxi ride took me about 50 minutes to reach QC and then when I reached the gate, the guards took about 20 minutes to verify if I was indeed invited :P Good thing I brought the invitation but that still didn't convince the guards haha! I even had to call Rivermaya's manager Raymond to tell him about the situation. It was all cool, though. The cab driver was nice and he was so excited to...

Mar42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tagging Along With The New Rivermaya

Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos, Society

Spent some time with the new Rivermaya during my most recent Manila trip. In case you still can't tell by now, I am a huge supporter of this premier Filipino rock band, considered to this day as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands in the Philippines. I always make it a point to attend their gigs not only because I'm a fan of their music but more importantly, because they're really cool guys to hang out with :) Just look at my Cebu Oktoberfest with Rivermaya photos and you'll most definitely agree! The photos here were taken during the Rivermaya Live at Adamson University and Energy FM gigs - both held in one day. Truth be told, I almost couldn't attend. Both gigs were held in the heart of Manila and I figured it might be difficult to commute. Luckily, Raymond, the ...

Feb112015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PHOTOS: Vice Ganda Joins Kaamulan Bukidnon celebration

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

Took these photos of Vice Ganda during the 2014 Kaamulan Festival slash 100th Founding Anniversary of Bukidnon. Just like the print on Vice Ganda's shirt, "Sorry I'm bad" because I only shared these now :D Anyway, Vice performed right after Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla (KathNiel loveteam). I also have photos of the KathNiel loveteam HERE. The show happened last September 1, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Aside from Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, host and club owner Tim Yap was also there. I was granted VIP access so was able to take these shots. Thank you to Tim, Direk Javi and to Senator Migs Zubiri! * Used my trusty Nikon D40 DSLR with 18-200mm lens. Yes, I know, I need a new cam! ...

Feb32015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Changdeokgung Palace

Arts, Culture, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Seoul, Tourism, Travel

Changdeokgung Palace, a 600-year old UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the very first palace we visited in Seoul, South Korea. Changdeokgung Palace is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the Joseon Dynasty kings. Located at Jongno-gu district, this is a beautiful palace complex to roam around in and take photos of. We picked a good day to visit this Seoul palace. It was Chuseok Festival, Seoul's biggest festival, and entrance fees to all palaces were waived. This is the Injeongjeon (Main Hall) These seemingly stone markers were placed so that officials knew where to stand. The premises are very well-kept and well-maintained, as you can see in the photos. I can already imagine how pretty this area would be during fall or...

Feb22015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Scenes in vibrant Hongdae Seoul

Fashion, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Seoul, Tourism, Travel

Hongdae is a busy and very vibrant area in Seoul, South Korea. Known for its numerous cafes, clubs and shops, Hongdae is undoubtedly one of Seoul's must-visit areas especially if you like to immerse yourself in Korean urban culture, music, fashion and arts. Hongdae is actually the Korean abbreviation of Hongik University (Hong-ik Dae-hak-kyo), which is best known for its Fine Arts and Design programs. When in Hongdae, you can't miss the Hongik University rectangular arch. I consider Hongdae as one of those places that you simply can't stop taking photographs of. There's just so much to get inspiration from, so much to see, so much to hear and so many things you want to try! And, if you're curious or interested about anything Korea, you will enjoy Hongdae. Th...

Jan292015 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Lovely Lake Mainit in Mindanao Philippines – Why You Need To Visit

Agusan del Norte, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Resorts, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Lake Mainit is great proof why Mindanao, Philippines is the land of promise. To say that Lake Mainit is breathtaking is actually an understatement. The beauty of Lake Mainit is arresting. It takes you aback. This lovely lake makes you remember just how beautiful life is. It makes you feel grateful. Lake Mainit, which is actually the deepest lake in the Philippines, is "shared" by the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. It plays a vital role in commerce, trade and eco-tourism ventures for both provinces. There are a total of 31 lakeshore barangays around this body of water and you can have good views of the lake from the municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Jabonga and Kitcharao. Took these photos of Lake Mainit from Mainit town. Pardon the quality - only used my phone ...

Jan182015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PHOTOS: Catching Up With Rivermaya band in Cebu

Cebu City, Entertainment, Music, Musings, Personalities, Photos

I will let you in on a secret: Rivermaya band, despite the multi-platinum record selling success, thousands of successful concerts here and abroad and millions of fans, is actually composed of very friendly, down-to-earth, kulit guys. (so kulit you have to be on your toes whenever they have sheepish looks on their faces :D) When you're around them, they make you feel welcome. And when they're around you, they're just themselves - no rockstar attitude at all. This is why, apart from being a fan of their songs, I love hanging out with them. Offstage, the Rivermaya guys - Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Norby David and Ryan Peralta - are just regular, funny and cool guys. Let me prove that by sharing some of my photos with Rivermaya in Cebu :) Spent two days with some of my favorite guys. Enj...

Sep172014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: It’s Showtime host Jhong Hilario thrills a fan in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Photos

"It's Showtime" hurado Jhong Hilario was one of the celebrities who visited Bukidnon for the 2014 Kaamulan Festival, the yearly gathering of the Province of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. Jhong Hilario joined Kamikazee for the SMART sponsored night held last August 31, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City. Thank you very much to Talk 'N Text for giving Mindanaoan and several Bukidnon Bloggers Group members VIP access! Here are some of the photos I took:

Sep62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo in Bukidnon #KathNiel

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Personalities, Photos

The Province of Bukidnon just finished celebrating its 100th founding anniversary last September 1, 2014. The province capped the celebration with a pyromusical display and a special concert featuring popular comedian Vice Ganda and top loveteam KathNiel - Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. An estimated 300,000 strong crowd gathered at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City. This Mindanao blogger got lucky to have had VIP access, much thanks to Tim Yap and Direk Javi Martinez. Thank you so much! Here are just some of the photos I took that night: More photos of KathNiel in Bukidnon

Sep22014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Kaamulan Festival 2014 Ethnic Street Dancing And Float Competition

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Tourism

KAAMULAN FESTIVAL 2014 - The Kaamulan Festival 2014 street dancing and float competition is one of the major highlights of Bukidnon's yearly gathering of its 7 hill tribes. This year, the much-awaited event was held for two days - August 30 and 31, 2014 - at Malaybalay City. All Bukidnon cities and municipalities were asked to join the competition this Kaamulan Festival 2014 in line with the province's 100th founding anniversary (Bukidnon Centennial). In previous years, only between 7 and 10 contingents join the competition due to budget constraints. Sharing with you some of the photos taken by Mindanaoan's Kaamulan 2014 team during the Kaamulan Festival 2014 ethnic street dancing and float competition:

Aug162014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Sponge Cola and Up Dharma Down for Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

Aside from Sarah Geronimo, popular Filipino bands Sponge Cola and Up Dharma Down also rocked the stage during the recently concluded Globe Wonderful MindaNOW awards night. The Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign aimed to find the coolest spots around Mindanao and to encourage Globe users to share cool things via social media and live in the NOW. Thank you very much to Globe for the front row seats and for the several VIP tickets that I got to share with Mindanaoan.com readers and followers (woot!) Sharing with you some of the photos I took of Up Dharma Down and Sponge Cola. Only used a Canon EOS mirrorless point and shoot camera so apologies if I don't have close-up pictures :) For photos I took of Sarah Geronimo, please visit THIS. Th...

Aug152014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Photos: Sarah Geronimo for Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW @JustSarahG

Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

After she graced the ceremonial turnover of the first mobile laboratory to a public school in Mindanao, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo then headlined the awards night of the Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign held last August 8, 2014 at the Limketkai Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City. She sang a few songs and also gave the award for the coolest spot in Mindanao. Thanks to the top honchos of Globe Telecom, my friends and I managed to snag front row seats! Globe also gave me several VIP tickets to give away to my Mindanaoan.com readers and followers :) Thank you Globe! Sharing with you some of the photos I took that night. I only used a Canon EOS mirrorless point and shoot camera so apologies if I don't have close-up pictures! By the way, I also took photos using my phone ...

May52014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Gerald Anderson and Star Magic Basketball team in CDO @hashtagprod11

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, Sports

The stars descended on Cagayan de Oro last May 4, 2014 for the much-awaited Star Magic Basketball Game! Captain Gerald Anderson and the rest of the Star Magic Basketball Team did not only make the ladies swoon but they also impressed the guys with their good basketball skills. So good were their basketball skills that the Star Magic team won 82 - 78 against local team Corpus Christi Knights. Aside from Gerald Anderson, the other Star Magic basketball players included Rayver Cruz, Japoy Lizardo, Carlo Aquino, Matt Evans, Ejay Falcon, Jerome Ponce, Gerard Acao, Young JV and Jon Lucas. You can read my previous post about this HERE. Congratulations to Hashtag Productions, to the staff and crew, to the sponsors (special mention to Shopwise CDO, Liempo King, Great White Water Rafting and B...

Nov192013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray at ABS CBN ASAP

Entertainment, Events, Headline, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

One of the highlights of my October 2013 was meeting Mark McGrath and the rest of Sugar Ray band and playing a role in the staging of the SugarSmashGin concert in Manila. Anybody who knows me can attest that I am one very big Mark McGrath fan and that I have a big crush on him. So meeting him in person, having the chance to hang out with him, having the chance to talk to him and discuss so many things and getting lots of hugs and kisses in the process is like my heaven on earth! :) Since I know that my kuwentos related to Mark McGrath, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will require several blog posts, for now, let me start by sharing some of the photos I took when Mark went to ABS CBN to promote the concert at ASAP, a Sunday variety show. I went along. Needless to say, he was the ...