Reviews Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Sep282020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Wild week with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Travel, Videos

So I just had a realization. After taking the Ford Ranger Raptor for a spin a few weeks ago, I realized that I LOVE driving pick-up trucks! The Ford Raptor, for instance, is huge but oh what a joy it is to drive! This love for pick-up vehicles was again solidified when I had a fun, wild week with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak (yasss)! Don’t you just love how versatile it looks? The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a workhorse for sure (built for tough!) but you can also easily take it to easy breezy picnics, to the beach and to the mountains for memorable hang-outs with family and relatives at a cozy cabin (which I did!). Muscular yet feminine. Does that make sense? I brought the Ford Ranger Wildtrak to so many places around Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon (Malaybalay City and Dahilayan...

Sep212020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Delicious Thai food at SIAM Krua

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

One of the "normal" things I miss is dining out. I'm sure you do, too. Actually, it's not just the idea or the act of dining out. It's eating the food you love or the food you've been craving for. And these days, it's authentic Thai food for me! In Cagayan de Oro, I get my Thai cuisine fix at Siam by Krua Thai. It's run by the same Siam by Krua Thai that I go to in Cebu City. From their Gateway Lim Ket Kai location, they've transferred to the 2nd Floor of Lim Ket Kai Mall, just right across Robinson's. Siam Krua Thai CDO had health and safety protocols in place. They had contact tracing forms, alcohol and a temperature check by the door. The server was also pleasant and knew which bestsellers to suggest. Of course, I just had to have Tom Yum Seafood Soup. Don't ...

Aug242020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Easy city to mountain driving aboard the Ford EcoSport

Bukidnon, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Reviews, Society, Style, Travel, Videos

Don’t you just miss bonding with family and friends, going on a road trip, savoring scenic views and delicious food, and just having a great time with those close to your heart? I’m sure this is something all of us miss and look forward to doing. Fortunately, I recently had the opportunity to see some of my friends (whom I haven’t seen since the onset of the pandemic!) and bond with my relatives. That meant driving to the city, to hinterlands, to a farm and to a newly-discovered (an accidental discovery brought about by a call from a dear friend whom I also haven’t seen in a darn long time) area that had a killer view! And so, aboard the Ford EcoSport Titanium, my weekend went off to a great start. My friends and I went to this new cafe uptown and then proceeded to Indah...

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...

Jul302019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Returning to Bayfront Hotel Cebu

Business, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews, Visayas

Frequent travelers like myself have various reasons as to why we return and stay again at a certain hotel. We rebook a hotel room in Cebu, for instance, because we love the features of the room and the amenities. And the price, as well as the location, are perfect. Swak sa budget, 'ika nga. Just a few days ago, I found myself back at Bayfront Hotel Cebu. Straight from New York to Cebu, I needed a Cebu hotel where I can just rest, rest, and yes, REST. Aside from all the reasons I previously mentioned, what made me return to Bayfront Hotel Cebu City is the exceptional service, courteousness and professionalism of the staff. Let me cite some examples. First, as soon as I arrived, the staff immediately helped me with my luggage. They then secured my bags, waited for me to check-in...

Nov142018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How I keep 90 cans of soda, beer (and wine bottles) deliciously COLD

Freebies, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping

This is something I've been SUPER excited to share with all of you before my big mini vacation trip back to the Philippines. Alas, that trip kept me so busy that I knew I could only break the good news once I'm back in New York. Anyhoo...here it is: I finally have the sleek, black NewAir AB-850 beverage fridge! AAHHH!!! :D This means I can now keep up to 90 cans of my favorite sodas and beers as well as lots of water and wine bottles all deliciously cold, conveniently all at the same time inside a very compact cooler/refrigerator. The NewAir AB-850B Black 90-Can Beverage/Beer Fridge is so compact it can actually fit almost anywhere. At home, I keep mine, not at the kitchen, but actually at a place accessible from both the living room and the dining area. This way, there's no need...

Apr162018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Eat and drink all you can for Php 199 (FREE for kids) at this Cagayan de Oro restaurant

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

Being a fast-growing city, Cagayan de Oro is now home to more and more restaurants. In fact, buffets or restaurants that offer eat-all-you-can in Cagayan de Oro are now a dime in a dozen. This is great for consumers like us, of course. The more options, the better! There are a lot of CDO buffet places now! However, let's face it. Not all CDO buffets are the same. Some are expensive, some may have affordable rates but the selection isn't that good or worse, some may seem to have fair prices but when the final bill arrives, you realize that there are hidden charges, service charges etc. That basically ruins what should have been a pleasant gastronomic experience, right? Good thing POPS All Filipino Eatery, which just announced that their eat-and-drink-all-you-can offer is now available eve...

Feb202018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa Cebu garners Travelers’ Choice 2018 awards

Cebu City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Visayas

The results of the Travelers’ Choice Awards 2018 are in and it's definitely no surprise that Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa made it to the list. A regular on the roster, Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa is recognized once again in this year’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, winning in three categories: #21 on the Top 25 Small Hotels- Asia, #2 on the Top 25 Small Hotels- Philippines, and #1 on the Top 25 Hotels for Romance- Philippines. Who best to trust with Cebu resorts but TripAdvisor's globetrotting users? :) Located in Mactan Island, Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa is the ideal retreat for travellers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Guests will find themselves tucked away in a tranquil paradise as they relax in the six suites,three villas, and spa that make up the resort. ...

Feb162018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Quest Cebu Hotel joins Cagayan Travel Exchange, trip to Bali up for grabs

Cebu City, Corporate, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

How fast time flies! It's been more than 5 years since I got invited to attend the grand launch of one of Cebu's finest hotels - Quest Cebu Hotel and Conference Center. Not only did the lovely folks over at Quest fly me to the Queen City of the South, they also accommodated the rest of my family. It was a grand vacation and we all loved our stay at Quest Hotel Cebu! You can read all about my Quest Hotel Cebu hotel review here. Meanwhile, I have good news! If you represent government agencies or private corporations in Cagayan de Oro or in neighboring areas, you can learn more about Quest Hotel during the Travel Exchange B2B Event on February 22, 2018. Organized by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Cagayan Travel Exchange event will be held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel....

Oct112017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Things you can save on when online shopping at ShopBack

Beauty, Consumer, Fashion, Gifts, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Style, Travel

While I still like shopping at brick and mortar stores, I have also developed a penchant for online shopping. Not only does it save time and energy, online shopping can also actually help save money. Now, there’s even more good news. Imagine this - the opportunity for you to actually be paid for shopping! Presenting ShopBack. ShopBack is a cashback site that pays you for shopping in more than 500 merchant stores. Cashback site literally means getting cash back - when you spend online through ShopBack, we get a portion of our very own purchase back. That means a lot of extra savings and extra money that we can use for more purchases. I have been a member of ShopBack for quite a while now and you know I only recommend sites that are legitimate and reliable. ShopBack is the top cashback...

Sep302017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Now it’s possible to shave without water – Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel

Beauty, Reviews, Shopping, Style

Hey, busy beauties! We've all been there - we need to shave but we're ladies on the go, who like to travel frequently and who basically just need a showerless shave gel that would allow us to have a smooth surface that your razor easily glides over BUT minus the water. We've tried to dry-shave but it only leaves our skin either chapped or irritated. Worse, you may even get ingrown hairs and razor burn! Yikes! Fortunately, there's now a product that allows you to shave without the need for water and leaves your skin moisturized. Yep, it's now possible to shave without water! With Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel, you can just easily smooth the product all over the area that you want to shave and then shave like normal. NO WATER NEEDED! Hair will collect at the back of your razor fo...

Jul112017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cheap eats New York: Where I found the BEST, super affordable roast pork, BBQ

America, Food, New York, Reviews

Hello again from New York! All right - here's the lowdown. Living here in New York can be expensive (especially for folks like us who want to discover a lot of things here in the Big Apple all at once!) but that doesn't mean there aren't cheap, great places to get absolutely delicious food from. Cheap eats in New York is real, people! Hallelujah! Just recently, I found the best char siu (Cantonese-style sweet barbecued meat) shop in Chinatown Manhattan New York that sells the BEST roast pork, roast chicken, roast duck, barbecue pork etc. Wah Fung NYC is a tourist favorite but is definitely not a tourist trap. Wah Fung New York sells el cheapo food without compromising quality. Located in Chinatown Manhattan (just so you know - there are Chinatowns in New York: one in Flushing, one...

Jun182017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rivermaya releases new single “Manila” (LSS alert)

Announcements, Entertainment, Features, Music, Reviews, Society

Anybody who knows me know that I constantly sing praises for premier band Rivermaya, considered to this day as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands in the Philippines. This is because not only am I a huge fan but also because I consider them as really great friends. I have had the many opportunities to travel with them, hang out with them and even go island hopping with them! Trust me, they’re the funniest, most genuine and coolest. WATCH: Davao island hopping with Rivermaya And guess what? My cool friends have just released their new single, “Manila.” The song will be included in their upcoming album with Star Music Philippines, “Sa Kabila Nang Lahat.” The new album will feature all-original songs and will signal the band’s 23rd anniversary. What’s also v...

May302017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Stay within your travel budget with this one-stop booking app

Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Reviews, Technology, Travel

Travel makes my soul very happy. Traveling brings a different kind of joy and excitement. Discovering (and even getting lost - but that’s where the thrill is!) new places, meeting fascinating people, immersing in a different culture, celebrating over delicious food - sigh! Do you feel the same way? Because if you do then I’m sure that you would also grab each and every opportunity to travel faster than the speed of lightning. Alas, such is easier said than done. With travel comes expenses and more often than not, it’s a challenge to stick to our travel budget. * Took this photo at a place overlooking Lake Taal in Tagaytay, Philippines. It's breathtaking * Me at Central Park, New York, USA Fortunately, there’s a one-stop booking app that allows us to stick within our ...

Apr212017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Missy Bon Bon CDO: New look, new dishes

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

Missy Bon Bon CDO - I've written about them a couple of times but it looks like I won't be stopping anytime soon because they're constantly offering something new! It wasn't so long ago when Missy Bon Bon, a homegrown Cagayan de Oro brand that offers freshly made breads, cakes, desserts, their version of the well-loved Camiguin pasalubong pastel and even gelato, revamped their menu and started serving sexy breakfast choices. Now, after being away from the limelight (quite literally, because of their store renovation hehe!), their Limketkai Center main branch is finally back and ready! They have a new look, a new menu (they now have lunch and dinner options!) and (finally) wait staff who can assist you as you order from your table. Before my flight to the US, Missy Bon Bon invited me ...

Mar302017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Delicious Taiwanese cuisine at Tien Ma’s CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews, Videos

My first visit to Taiwan is still pretty fresh in my mind. Obviously, I really had so much fun in Taipei, Jiufen and other nearby Taiwan areas for me to still remember that oh-so-lovely vacation! Guess what's a big part of those lovely memories? Yup, the FOOD! Taiwanese cuisine is absolutely delicious (and we're not just talking about xiao long bao, people!). This is why I'm thrilled Tien Ma's opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro! Tien Ma's CDO serves Taiwanese cuisine. Founded by a Chinese couple, the first Tien Ma's branch is located in Retiro, Quezon City. The brand's rise to popularity sure is fast - they now have branches in Libis, Makati and now, Cagayan de Oro. By the way, Tien is the family name of the female owner. Ma is for "mother." Ergo, Tien Ma means Mother Tien or Mama...

Feb202017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Myra products you must try right now

Beauty, Features, Reviews

I will be celebrating my birthday real soon (April is my birth month!) and you know what that means - another reminder that YES we all have to care for our skin! Unfortunately for me, I only started with this whole skin care regimen thing pretty late. On the other hand, I'm also fortunate because these days, there are tons of skin care products that can help us in our quest of looking good no matter what our age is. One of the brands that we're all familiar with is Myra. And guess what? They released products like facial wash, moisturizer and lotion. I made it a point to try these products for at least a week before I share my thoughts. First off - let me just say that I've been taking the Myra Vitamin E capsules for years so obviously I recommend those :) We ladies need regular dose...

Feb52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Where to eat at NAIA 3 Manila airport

Flights, Food, Manila, Restaurant, Reviews, Travel

I’ll let you in on a secret. Whenever I fly out of NAIA 3 Manila airport, I head there extra early. Like 3 hours early. I’m not kidding! Before, I just make sure I’m at the airport with an hour or so to spare. Now, I’m there really early. I have one very good - no, delicious! - reason: gourmet ramen! Ramen Nagi, hailed as one of the best in Tokyo, Japan (it has fetched top awards in the National Ramen of the Year Competitions in 2011 and 2012), has opened a branch at the Food Hall, located at the 4th Floor of NAIA 3. Now, it’s more convenient for travelers to have a taste of the popular Butao, its signature ramen, and incidentally, the name of the Ramen Nagi franchise in Hong Kong as well. So far, I just settle for the Original King Butao (Php 390) and a Tamago (Php 50). I t...

Feb12017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tried and tested: How I saved big on my CDO hotel with the Traveloka App

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Hotels, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Reviews, Technology, Tourism, Travel

As a frequent traveler, nothing else makes me a happy camper than discovering various ways and means to save money especially on accommodations. We all know that lodging expenses can take a huge chunk off our travel budget so if there’s a way for me to save, I’m game! So when I heard all about this new app, Traveloka, that lets you save not only on hotel rates but also on flights, I just had to give it a whirl! Plus I had a great reason to test this hotel and flight booking platform. My mother and one of my brothers (who are both based outside Cagayan de Oro) were in town and I wanted to treat them to a mini staycation. My hotel of choice - Limketkai Luxe Hotel. Located along CM Recto Avenue, Lapasan, CDO, Limketkai Luxe Hotel is just a few moments away from Limketkai Mall...

Jan232017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New fave Cebu hotel: Cuarto Hotel

Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Leisure, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

Every frequent traveler to Cebu knows this – it’s a continuous challenge to find spacious, well-fitted, affordable, strategically located hotel rooms that offer free delicious buffet breakfast. There will always be something amiss – either the hotel is too far from the city proper or the room may be too small you can barely move around with your luggage. Fortunately, I recently discovered a charming boutique hotel a block away from Fuente Circle Cebu that could easily rival the bigger hotel chains. Cuarto Hotel is just across Robinson’s Cybergate and steps away from a few of Cebu’s biggest hospitals and call centers. Don’t worry, though. While Cuarto Hotel Cebu may be in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life, you will still have the most comfortable stay. I did! ...

Jan82017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Proudly Made In Iligan: Deliciosa Ice Cream

Business, Consumer, Food, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

I love patronizing homegrown products. I think they ought to be patronized especially since these are only produced on a limited scale (attention to quality - check!). In Iligan City, an old name has pretty much resurfaced and is now making waves again. Deliciosa Ice Cream, founded in 2009, was put on hold for a bit. As fate would have it, however, the owner met a marketing expert years after. Both of them then decided to give the business its much-needed “shot in the arm.” Fast forward 2016, Deliciosa Ice Cream is back, better than ever and they now even have an ice cream center! The store, which was officially launched back in April 15, is located at the main entrance of Floraville Subdivision, along the road going to Upper Luinab, particularly at Purok 3-A. Currently, Delic...