Society Archives - Page 11 of 28 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanaoan is 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year

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

It still feels a bit surreal, truth be told. Winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year award and the Best Lifestyle Blog award during the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 held last October 26, 2013 in Davao City was the farthest thing from my mind. I was there to meet my blogger friends, have a good time, maybe drink a cocktail or two and cheer for other finalists. My mindset that night was (and I actually wrote this days before the finals): Win or lose, you are a champ. What's important is that you did your best in letting more people understand and appreciate the power of social media and blogging in sparking more conversations, making better communities and harnessing better understanding. Social good, folks. Only the good. So when my name was called, you could just imagine my shock. Yup...

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Excited to meet Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms! #SugarSmashGin

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Music, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Society

Just a few days more and I'll finally meet and be with popular and iconic 90's bands Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms in Manila! Yes, I am officially stoked for the #SugarSmashGin concert! Woohoo! :D I previously shared with you all that I will play a little role in the staging of the much-awaited SugarSmashGin Live In Manila concert on October 21, 2013 at the Araneta Coliseum. Yup, that's just a few days away! WHO AMONG YOU ARE COMING TO WATCH? :) Did you see Sugar Ray lead singer Mark McGrath's tweet to me in this article? :) Very sweet, right? That tweet alone was enough to send me on my little merry way for days! :D By the way, since that blog entry, the official Gin Blossoms Twitter account has followed me on Twitter, Scott Hessel of Gin Blossoms has also followed me and ...

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao fruit shopping with Rivermaya @rivermayaband

Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Tourism

Was scanning my files earlier today and I found these! Very timely - since my Rivermaya band boys are currently in Dubai as of this writing and I miss them :) I will be in Manila in a few days, actually, but I'm not sure if I could watch any of their gigs. Oh well, c'est la vie. Anyway, here's the kuwento behind these photos. Hours before that Rivermaya Live In Davao show I co-produced with Apo View Hotel and The Blue Room not too long ago, Explore Davao treated Rivermaya band members Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Norby David and Ryan Peralta, the Rivermaya band management (led by Raymond) and I to a fun Samal Island trip! The boys looked pretty excited that morning :) Of course, what good is a beach/island outing without baon? Davao Congressman Karlo Nograles and his lovely wife ...

Oct22013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Revisiting the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Beauty, Bukidnon, Culture, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel, Weddings

I had the chance to revisit the Monastery of Transfiguration last weekend. Located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the Monastery of Transfiguration, also known as the Benedictine Transfiguration Monastery, is my most favorite spiritual refuge. It's an ideal place to visit in Mindanao, Philippines if you want to go on a spiritual retreat. The centerpiece of the Monastery of Transfiguration is this popular cone-shaped chapel, designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin. There's a dress code that you need to follow before you enter the chapel, please. If you find yourself alone in the church, consider yourself very lucky. It's when I'm alone inside this beautiful chapel that I can truly meditate and speak with the Lord. The well-manicured garden ...

Oct12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan.com is a finalist in the 2013 Mindanao Blog Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Technology

Hi everyone! So excited to share with you all a piece of good news. My humble blog, Mindanaoan, has officially been recognized as a finalist in the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 (MBA 2013)! Woot woot! Mindanaoan.com is one of the Best Lifestyle Blog 2013 finalists :) You can find the official announcement here. Thank you so much, daghang salamat gyud kaayo to everyone who voted in order for Mindanaoan to be among the finalists. There will still be a final round of voting (I hope I can still count on your support ;) ) but win or lose, I am already extremely proud and grateful! Thank you :) I remember when I won the Best Lifestyle Blog award in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and became a national finalist in the 2011 leg. The recognitions truly inspired me to help more people understa...

Sep262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Krispy Kreme CDO: 7 things you will like #KrispyKremeCDO

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Musings, Shopping, Society

Who doesn't have a love relationship with Krispy Kreme? It's the home of my favorite Original Glazed Doughnuts, good signature coffee and delicious chilled drinks. In other words, Krispy Kreme is the home of good stuff and good vibes. And for people in Cagayan de Oro, the good stuff and the good vibes are heading their way real soon! Krispy Kreme CDO will soon open a stand-alone store at Rosario Crescent, Lim Ket Kai Mall, Lapasan! Krispy Kreme at Limketkai Cagayan de Oro is set to open its doors and light their "Fresh Doughnuts Here" sign come mid-November. Are you excited? I know I am! During a bloggers conference with Krispy Kreme Philippines Marketing Manager Mark Gamboa and Assistant Marketing Manager for Visayas and Mindanao Nadia Shami, I found out a couple of things about...

Sep252013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Seda Hotel CDO to offer buffet, unlimited beer for Oktoberfest

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Food, Hotels, Society

How does a buffet of Bavarian dishes, music from a live band and UNLIMITED BEER sound to you? Because that's exactly what you'll get when you celebrate Oktoberfest at Seda Hotel Centrio Cagayan de Oro! Mindanaoan.com can also exclusively confirm that Seda Hotel CDO will go all-out in making the guests feel how it truly is to celebrate the popular German beer festival. Check out what's part of the Seda Hotel CDO Oktoberfest 2013 menu: Schweinshaxe (Bavarian style pork knuckles) Beef Sauerbraten Different kinds of sausages (Frankfurter, Hungarian, Veal Chipolata, Veal Bratwurst) Hotdogs etc. And yes, free-flowing beer! I don't know about you but doesn't this sound like a really, really good deal? So celebrate Oktoberfest 2013 at Seda Centrio! Choose your day - Octobe...

Sep252013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

CONFIRMED: Shopwise Cagayan de Oro to open this November

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Gifts, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Recipes, Shopping, Society

AND IT'S OFFICIAL, FOLKS! SHOPWISE, a member of the Rustan's Group of Companies (yes, the same owners of Rustan's Cagayan de Oro), is set to open this November 2013. Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that Shopwise CDO will open on November 16, 2013, Saturday, at the East Wing Expansion of Lim Ket Kai Mall, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. If you're familiar with the area where Starbucks Limketkai is (a.k.a. the main entrance of Limketkai Center), right across that is where Shopwise CDO will be. Mindanaoan can also confirm that preparations for the opening of Shopwise Cagayan de Oro are on full blast. Shopwise representatives from Manila were even in town early this week. I will be posting more exclusive updates in the next few days so stay tuned by SUBSCRIBING VIA EMAIL (click, click!...

Sep122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Getting married? Here’s how to win a FREE engagement shoot

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Bacolod City, Beauty, Bislig, Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Caraga, Cebu City, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Cotabato, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Features, Freebies, General Santos City, Hongkong, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Journalism, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Macau, Maguindanao, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Pagadian, Photos, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Getting hitched soon? Here's a great way for you to save on your wedding preparation expenses! Just visit the One Happy Story Photography booth during the Kasalang Filipino 2013 bridal fair at Centrio Ayala Mall, Cagayan de Oro City from September 13 to 15, 2013. Not only do you get to avail of a special 10 percent discount #OHSWeddingPromo when you book with them, you also stand the chance to win one of the 2 FREE engagement (pre-nup) shoots! And you know what that means - significant savings! Now you have the choice to use that as additional funds for your romantic honeymoon :) Visit the prime, WiFi-ready One Happy Story Photography booth near the entrance of the Centrio Activity Center (just across Starbucks) and marvel at their lovely photos. You will understand why so many bride...

Sep42013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking about social media in a US Embassy event in Palawan

Advocacy, America, Arts, Blogging, Education, Features, Government, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism, United States of America, Visayas

This Mindanao blogger received a special invitation not too long ago. The US Embassy Manila folks asked if I wanted to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism in a two-day, all expenses paid eco-tourism workshop in Palawan. As an International Visitor Leadership Program alumnus, I was invited to share my knowledge to outstanding students from various schools in Brooke's Point, Palawan. Who can say no to that kind of invitation? So last August 22, 2013, I flew to Manila from Mindanao and then to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - all on the same day. My flight to Manila got delayed for about 3 hours because of Typhoon Maring. The delayed flight was both boon and bane. Boon because I was able to chat with a city mayor-friend of mine (you know, get the inside juicy stuff I can wr...

Aug122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visit Resorts World Manila for the 105-day Thrillathon

Blogging, Corporate, Hotels, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Shopping, Society

Resorts World Manila will always be special to me. Not only did my first few articles about Resorts World Manila garnered so many views from people all over the world (one of them was the most read article back in 2010), I also had one ultra lucky night there. It was so lucky that I was able to bring my mother and three younger brothers to Singapore and Hong Kong :) That's why I try my best to visit Resorts World whenever I'm in Manila. And now I actually have more reason to visit again because Resorts World Manila has prepared an exciting mix of events and surprises for everyone - from foodies to concertgoers, movie fans, bookworms, shopaholics, photo hobbyists, jetsetters, toy enthusiasts, gamers and sportsmen! They're calling it "Thrillathon - Non Stop Events, Shows And Pulse Poundin...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Judging at ABS CBN’s Barangay Gwapo 2013

Announcements, Beauty, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Society

How do you help find the fairest of them all? Well I'm about to find out when I'm set to become one of the judges during the finals night of Barangay Gwapo 2013, an ABS CBN Northern Mindanao-organized and produced men's pageant. Yes, folks, Mindanaoan Irene got invited to be one of the Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finals night judges on August 17, 2013, 6 PM at the Capitol University Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro City. This should be fun ;) * photo by my friend Mark Edson Valledor Pagaspas The Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finalists are Joseph Ryan Mar (Patag), Paul James Pagalan (Bulua), Phillip John Mamac (Iponan), Marc Paul Adame (Kauswagan), Michael James Cheshire (Macasandig), Val Anthony Araneta (Balulang), Lloyd Sacala (Bugo), Elpidio Murillo, Jr. (Kauswagan), Jethro Noel Danos (Patag...

Aug92013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Will be part of Sugar Ray Smash Mouth Gin Blossoms Live In Manila #SugarSmashGin

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Hold your breath, folks. Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth AND Gin Blossoms are heading to Manila this October 21, 2013! Yes, Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that popular 90's bands Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will headline a very special 3-in-1 concert #SugarSmashGin on October 21, 2013, Araneta Coliseum, Manila! Actually, I first shared the good news in an earlier blog post but only Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth were the confirmed acts then :) And I am also very excited to let you guys know that, thanks to my amazing friends over at Random Minds Production, I will be with Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms when they arrive in Manila! That means I will frequently be dishing out updates, exclusive photos and videos! Stoked :D So are you ready for #SugarSmashGin? I...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Barangay and SK Elections 2013 – important dates, requirements

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Consumer, Education, Events, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2013 are drawing near. Have you registered as a voter yet? Or are you interested to run in the 2013 Barangay and SK elections? Here are the important Barangay and SK Elections 2013 Philippines dates to remember, voter registration requirements and transfer of voter registration records requirements. Please exercise your right to suffrage! For SK: 15 to below 18 years old - please bring birth certificate or baptismal certificate or school records For Barangay: at least 18 years old or older, bring valid ID Voter qualifications: To vote in the barangay elections, you must be at least 18 years old on election day (October 28, 2013), a Filipino citizen, a resident of the Philippines for at least 1 year, a resident of the place...

Jul32013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meet the 2013 Miss Cagayan de Oro candidates

Beauty, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Society, Style

It's official, folks! Mindanaoan.com is again a proud Miss Cagayan de Oro beauty pageant media partner! I was a proud media partner last year. The search for the 2013 Miss Kagay-an is one of the core events for this year's most-awaited Kagay-an Festival, which will be held this August. The Cagayan de Oro fiesta is in honor of patron Saint Augustine. Dates to remember: July 13, 2013 4PM - Press and public presentation, Limketkai Rotunda August 2, 2013 6PM - Evening gown competition and MEGA Fashion Show, Ayala Centrio Mall August 10, 2013 4PM - Talent Competition, SM City CDO August 17, 2013 - Swimsuit Competition (by invitation only) August 24, 2013 7PM - Coronation Night, The Atrium, Limketkai Mall Now, meet the 12 lovely official candidates for the search for Miss Cd...

Jul22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Speaking during Social Media Day 2013

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Technology

I was invited to be the keynote speaker during a Social Media Day 2013 event held at SM City Cagayan de Oro last Sunday, June 30, 2013. The said Social Media Day or SMDay event was just one of the hundreds being celebrated all over the world that day. I immediately said yes, since this is part of my ongoing advocacy as IVLP alumnae. Social Media Day is an annual international event that recognizes the digital revolution happening around the world. It is a global celebration (in more than 487 cities) of the technological advancements that have given rise to the connected generation. The CDO Bloggers group invited me to speak about responsible social media as well as social media for social good. I also shared some tips on how to use social media to spread positive vibes, encourage vol...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

GoodX to send a Mindanaoan indigenous student to U.S.

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Musings, Society

Last year, this Mindanaoan blogger had the most amazing opportunity to tour the USA courtesy of the US Embassy. I was chosen for the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a program launched in 1940 that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully-designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. This year, a fellow Mindanaoan will have the chance to visit America. This time, to attend an international summer camp in the U.S. called "Camp Up With People." And what's also special about this is that the Mindanaoan is a young indigenous student :) Meet Arjean Marie Belco, who is from the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon, Mindanao. GoodX, a project started by experiential travel advoc...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Rustan’s Fresh CDO VIP night (official photos inside)

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Shopping, Society

I previously mentioned here on Mindanaoan that I was involved in a recent 3-day series of events for the Rustan's Fresh CDO opening. Aside from the grand opening, Rustan's Fresh Supermarket Cagayan de Oro City also sponsored a walkathon (in partnership with Xavier EcoVille, wherein all proceeds collected from the registration fees went to the said resettlement project for Typhoon Sendong survivors) and a Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro preview night attended by VIPs, trade partners, concessionaires, traditional media practitioners, bloggers, guests and other local key personalities. Hundreds of people came to get a sneak peek of the 4,186 square meter store and 17th branch in the Philippines. All of those events were huge successes and I would like to wholeheartedly thank each and ...

Jun262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dionne Warwick and the Tavares Live in Davao

Davao City, Events, Music, Society

Dionne Warwick Live in Davao! The singer behind well-loved songs like "I Say A Little Prayer For You," "I'll Never Love This Way Again," "Walk On By," "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" and "What The World Needs Now" will perform live in Davao City on July 21, 2013, 8 PM at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City. The Dionne Warwick Live in Davao City concert will also feature the Tavares, an American R&B, funk and soul music group. Tickets to the Dionne Warwick Davao show are priced at Php 3,000, Php 2,500, Php 2000 and Php 1,000. If you're planning to watch the show, why not stay at the same hotel where the legendary singer will be? Seda Hotel Abreeza Davao is the official residence of Dionne Warwick. Check out the beautiful rooms, amazing amenities...

Jun242013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering ABS CBN “Luv U” and “Goin’ Bulilit” press conferences

Blogging, Entertainment, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Television, Videos

So one of the things I did during a recent trip to Manila was attend a press conference at the ABS CBN Channel 2 Dolphy Theater. Attending (and organizing, even!) media briefings aren't new to me but that one was an exception - it was the first entertainment/showbiz press conference I attended in a very long time! It probably was my first ever - I'm not too sure. But I must say, it was a bit intimidating since I'm far more comfortable with politics and news and current affairs-related press gatherings. Still, I was interested to attend since I was curious as to how showbiz presscons were handled and I was also interested to observe entertainment reporters and listen to their questions. A little bit of background, though. I'm pretty familiar with the ABS CBN Manila compound since I worke...

Jun212013 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Rivermaya band Davao radio tour and SM City Davao gig

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Videos

So a day before the big Rivermaya Live At Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao gig that I co-produced, the Rivermaya boys - Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Norby David and Ryan Peralta - performed first at SM City Davao for a pre-Independence Day gig. I was already in Davao City then, comfortably settled in my spacious executive deluxe room at the Apo View Hotel (which had a nice view of the pool, by the way - thanks so much, Apo View!) when I found out that the boys were supposed to have a Davao City radio tour before their scheduled performance at 5 PM at the SM City Davao Annex atrium. So I did what every Rivermaya fan worth her salt should - bug the Rivermaya band manager (hello Raymond! :D) and insist - without any hesitation or shame - that I tag along. Fortunately, Raymond was convinced tha...

Jun212013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Co-producing a Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Davao

Announcements, Arts, Entertainment, Events, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Radio, Society, Videos

Like most things that end up being hands-down epic, my being a co-producer of a recent Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao all started with two phone calls and a Facebook message. Yep. A phone call from the Rivermaya band manager, a phone call to a former classmate in Ateneo and a Facebook message to his cousin (who also happens to be a batchmate). That's all it took. A day and a half later, the Rivermaya Live At Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao City was a go. Things moved pretty quickly. My assistant and I were on the phone, calling a few friends who may want to sponsor the show. Fortunately, everyone we got in touch with all said yes. Who wouldn't? It's RIVERMAYA - the Banda ng Bayan - the very band responsible for the monster hits "Kisapmata," "Umaaraw, Umuulan," "Yo...