Society Archives - Page 20 of 28 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

May122011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Paris Hilton to visit Davao City Mindanao Philippines soon?

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Commentary, Consumer, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Style, Tourism

I'm pretty sure you've read it all - from Paris Hilton watching the Pacquiao vs Mosley fight ringside to Paris Hilton meeting Jinkee Pacquiao and Manny Pacquiao to Paris Hilton actually tweeting just how much she likes the representative of the lone district of Sarangani to how much she adores the Pacquiao couple and...of course, her plans of coming to the Philippines real soon "for a new and exciting project." Well, okay, she actually tweeted "I'm so excited for my trip to the Philippines. I am really looking forward to my newest business endeavor." There have been a lot of speculations (there was even a buzz that a Paris Hilton Beach Club was in the works) but it's clearer now. I guess this is the reason why Paris Hilton will visit the Philippines soon: (more…)

May112011 by Mindanaoan Irene60 Comments

Starbucks and list of shops at Abreeza Mall Davao City

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News, Shopping, Society, Style, Tourism

So the much-awaited Abreeza Mall will finally open tomorrow, May 12, 2011! Abreeza Mall is the newest shopping mall to open in Davao City, Mindanao. Located along JP Laurel Avenue (or for certified Dabawenyos like myself - Bajada!), in Davao City, Abreeza Davao is the very first Ayala owned mall in Mindanao, Philippines. Technically, Abreeza Mall Davao is owned by the Accendo Commercial Corporation, a joint venture company of Ayala Land and Anflocor. Abreeza Mall Davao City sits on about 25 acres of land. Apart from a mall, the area will also be home to a hotel, a business process outsourcig hub and residential / condominium properties. I'm sure that a lot of fellow Mindanaoans are excited about this project. And yes, Starbucks will finally open a branch in Davao City! It's...

May92011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Exclusive: Atty. Adel Tamano is new Dean of Liceo University, Cagayan de Oro City

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Cotabato, Education, Features, Headline, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

BREAKING NEWS! A first and exclusive right here on Mindanaoan.com! And he even broke the news to this Mindanao blogger himself ;) One of the largest universities in Mindanao now has a high profile lawyer as one of its Deans. Liceo de Cagayan University or LDCU, the first private, non sectarian university in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, just hired the very first Filipino Muslim scholar graduate of Harvard University. Atty. Adel Tamano, former President of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), former spokesperson of the United Opposition (and last year, of the Nacionalista Party) and yes, former senatorial candidate, is now the new Dean of the College of Law of Liceo University. "I've accepted the post of Dean of Liceo in CDO. I'll be there twice a month," was Atty. Adel's te...

May12011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

1st Davao Summerfest 2011

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Society, Sports, Style, Tourism, Travel

Here's another 1st from my hometown Davao City! The City Government of Davao, in cooperation with the Davao Association of Tour Operators and the Davao Tourism Association, will be holding the 1st Davao Summerfest from April 29 to May 29, 2011. The 1st Davao Summerfest was organized to address the need to hold an event during summer in Davao City, a season when the city receives the most number of tourists, as well as to complement the city’s existing major festivals — Araw ng Dabaw and the Kadayawan Festival. This year’s Summerfest will showcase a series of events that will focus on sports, eco-adventure, and entertainment for both visitors and locals to enjoy during the summer season. Blessed with “natural venues” for outdoor sports, the Summerfest will allow visitors to see...

Apr252011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Spruce opens a branch in Valencia City

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Ozamis, Pagadian, Society, Style

As you guys may know, I'm a big supporter and regular customer of Spruce lifestyle boutique. Spruce is one of my favorite boutiques in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. It's where my relatives, friends and I buy original Havaianas, Charcoal, Lacoste and Happy Feet products! And, if you must know, Spruce is also responsible for all those fun Make Your Own Havaianas events in Northern Mindanao! Check out my very own Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 experience here. Owned by Spruce Designer Network Inc., Spruce has a main branch at the 2nd Level West Concourse, Limketkai Mall. It also has branches in Pagadian and Ozamiz. Recently, Spruce opened its newest branch - Spruce Valencia City, Bukidnon. (more…)

Apr252011 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Atoy Martinez Hi Definition Video gets a Helicam!

Arts, Bisaya, Blogging, Broadcasting, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society

I'm pretty psyched up with this not only because Atoy is a dear friend and I'm a fan of his work but also because my younger brother is a part of his team :) Fellow Mindanaoan Atoy Martinez, a Cagayan de Oro City-based professional videographer (a very talented wedding videographer, I must add!), just added a new baby to his Atoy Martinez Hi-Definition Video team - a cool and sexy Helicam! For the uninitiated, a Helicam is a remote-controlled mini helicopter that can be used to take aerial pictures or motion images using video, still or motion film cameras. A helicam is remotely controlled and can allow pan, tilt and roll movements. A wireless onboard video transmitter then "downlinks" the live signal to the camera operator. Images taken by the Helicam can either be recorded onboard or ...

Apr222011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Cagayan de Oro – Dahilayan Mindanao Ultra Marathon 55K formally launched

Announcements, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Artists, Society, Sports

And so it's formally confirmed! The home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline will also be the home of the much-awaited CDO - Dahilayan Trail 55k Ultra Marathon on July 9, 2011. Dahilayan Adventure Park will be the end point of what's believed to be the first ever mega marathon of this kind in Mindanao. Runners will follow the picture-perfect CDO - Dahilayan trail which covers one city (Cagayan de Oro) and two Bukidnon towns (the Municipalities of Libona and Manolo Fortich). From Rodelsa Circle in Cagayan de Oro City, the participants of the race, which will begin at 4 a.m., will then proceed to Barangay Indahag then to Barangay Kiliog. After that, the racers will enter a part of the Del Monte pineapple plantation. The remaining kilometers will cover the road towards Barangay Dahilayan,...

Apr112011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan beauty bags Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2011 title

Beauty, Davao City, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

A Mindanaoan beauty from General Santos City bagged the Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2011 title during the pageant Sunday. Shamcey Supsup, beauty and brains combined, was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Universe. Another Mindanaoan was declared Bb. Pilipinas 2011 2nd runner-up, Mary Jean Lastimosa of my hometown Davao City. Supsup was the topnotcher of the June 2010 architect licensure exam. This General Santos beauty queen was also a magna cum laude graduate from University of the Philippines - Diliman. General Supsup (General Santos City citizens are called "generals" ;) ), 24 years old and a 5 feet 71/4 inch stunner, will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe Pageant to be held in September in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The other winners of the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 pageant were:...

Apr22011 by Mindanaoan Irene201 Comments

Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro CENTRIO announces job openings

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Headline, Jobs, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Shopping, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Everyone in Mindanao has been talking about it for months now --- the much-awaited opening of what's believed to be the biggest mall in Mindanao --- Ayala Malls' CENTRIO (UPDATE: Another Ayala-owned mall in Mindanao, ABREEZA, is the largest mall so far. Abreeza Mall is located in Davao). This Mindanaoan blogger first wrote about the upcoming Ayala Mall CDO last year and these days, it's fast becoming a reality especially with the recent announcement of job opportunities at Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro. Cagayan De Oro Gateway, Corp., a subsidiary of Ayala Land, Inc. and the owner and developer of Centrio, has posted these job openings for Ayala Mall CDO: HR / Purchasing Assistant Financial Analyst General Cashier Finance and Control Officer Operations Manager Operations Assistan...

Mar302011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao to host 55K ultra marathon

Announcements, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Artists, Society, Sports

I'm perfectly aware that a lot of Filipinos are into running these days but I still can't help but wonder exactly how many can take on this challenge --- a total of 55 kilometers! Well, we're about to find out who's the "matira ang matibay" during the 55K Ultra Marathon which will be held on July 9, 2011. Runners will follow the CDO - Dahilayan trail or the Cagayan de Oro City to Bukidnon trail. This running event in the Philippines has a total of a whopping 55 kilometers! Think you can finish the race? Check out the official poster of the 55K Ultra Marathon below: As you guys may notice, my humble blog is one of the official media partners of this event in Mindanao! This Northern Mindanao 55K Ultra Marathon is, if I'm not mistaken, the very first in this Mindanao region. ...

Mar202011 by Mindanaoan Irene18 Comments

Keeping up with the fun, funky familia!

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Bukidnon, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Kaamulan Festival, Leisure, Macau, Malaysia, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Politics, Society, Technology, Tourism, Travel

Let's take a breather from my Singapore Chronicles series of blog entries, shall we? Right now, at this very minute, I'm actually taking a break myself. Taking a break from packing my clothes, preparing my documents and checking (and re-checking) my to-do list. And for some reason, amid all the chaos, I am now rather becoming a little bit sentimental. I can't help it. I become mushy whenever I think of my beloved fun and funky family :) Come to think of it - in the past year alone, so many things have happened to me and my family. First off, we finally moved to our new home! It's smaller than the previous one we lived in for years but at least this one's ours! Woohoo! :D I was so excited that I shouldered the special landscaping for our front yard. Never mind if it shaved a lot off m...

Mar162011 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

How to prepare a do-it-yourself Singapore and Malaysia trip

BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Davao City, Features, Flights, Hongkong, Hotels, Internet, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Shenzhen, Singapore, Society, Tourism, Travel

A few weeks ago, my mom and I finally had the chance to visit Singapore and Malaysia. Although it wasn't our first trip outside of the country, it was our very first time to visit Singapore and Malaysia and it was also the first time that we followed a DIY or do-it-yourself itinerary. We opted not to avail of the services of a travel agency for a number of reasons including the fact that we didn't want to be led to tourist traps just like what happened during our Hongkong, Shenzhen and Macau trip two years ago. Plus I'm also the type who loves to take on a challenge and preparing for a trip abroad - starting from scratch - can be quite a challenge! Don't be alarmed, though! Preparing a do-it-yourself itinerary can actually be fun, too! Plus it brings a whole lotta meaning to accomplishm...

Feb222011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the first ever webchat on U.S. non-immigrant visas by the US Embassy Manila

Advocacy, Announcements, Features, Headline, Internet, Media, Society, Technology

Has it always been a dream of yours to visit the United States of America but whenever you try to apply for a tourist visa, you often get denied? Do you have questions pertaining to U.S. non-immigrant visas? Have you always wanted to ask a real US Embassy consul what you need to do and what you need to have in order to secure that most wanted U.S. non-immigrant visa? Then here's your perfect chance! On Wednesday, February 23, 2011, from 4 PM to 5 PM, you can join the first ever web chat ever on U.S. non-immigrant visas. This webchat, dubbed "Ask the Consul," is organized by the US Embassy in Manila. Read more details after the jump! (more…)

Feb222011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

King of Acoustic Paolo Santos says hello to Mindanaoan

Arts, Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Society, Videos

The Philippines' King of Acoustic Paolo Santos has a very special video message for this humble blogger from Mindanao :) You see, I was a co-producer and co-event organizer of the "Moonlight Acoustic Serenade by the King of Acoustic Paolo Santos" Valentine's Day show last February 14, 2011. Interestingly, though, I wasn't around during the show itself since I was abroad :D (My assistant and I have done all the work before my trip, though...the only task left was the on-site, on-the-day coordination) So I had to contend with this video message from Paolo Santos himself. Good thing I have a very reliable assistant in the person of Erik Dave :D By the way, if you or someone you know needs events management services anywhere in Mindanao, please do not hesitate to CONTACT ME :) That Valentin...

Feb202011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cute Manny Pacquiao and Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao commercial!

Arts, Bisaya, Blogging, Bukidnon, Davao City, Features, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani, Society

Fellow Mindanaoans Manny Pacquiao and his very own Mum, Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao, have a new, super cute Datu Puti TV commercial! I like the play on the "bumili ka lang ng suka, champion ka na" statement :D Of course, the quotable quote in this TVC is also Manny Pacquiao's "boxing is not for killing." :P In this Datu Puti Manny Pacquiao TVC, a guy who's supposedly playing the role of Coach Freddie (Roach, the Pacman's real-life boxing coach) tells the "true story" behind the Pacman's road to success. Well, of course it's not the real story but this commercial is really funny and clever :) Props to the agency behind this cool Manny Pacquiao TV commercial! By the way, just in case you don't know how Manny Pacquiao and I are fellow Mindanaoans, check this out: (more…)

Feb62011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My second studio visit at TV5 Manila’s PO5 Sunday show

Arts, Broadcasting, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Society, Style

The first time my friends and I watched PO5 (Party on Five) live, we all trooped to a studio in Marikina. During our second visit just a few days ago, my friends and I went to Broadway Centrum along Aurora Boulevard, the same studio complex where the longest noontime show in the Philippines is also aired from Monday to Friday - "Eat Bulaga." PO5 does not use the same studio, though. It uses the one adjacent to the "Eat Bulaga" studio. For the uninitiated, by the way, PO5 is Channel 5's Sunday noontime variety show, their answer to ABS CBN Channel 2's "ASAP" and to GMA 7's "Party Pilipinas." Among its hosts are Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres, John Estrada, Wilma Doesnt, Alex Gonzaga, Danita Paner and...be still my heart...Kean Cipriano :D (more…)

Feb62011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At the wedding reception of the Malaysian ambassador’s daughter

BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Features, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Politics, Society

Ever since I had the utmost privilege to meet the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad and his beautiful wife Datin Seri Dato Zainab Kader, I've become so fascinated with Malaysia, its people, its culture and traditions and even their food! I've also become quite fascinated with certain similarities between the Philippines and Malaysia and the glaring fact that at the end of the day, we really all are connected. So when I received this special invitation to attend the wedding reception of the Malaysian ambassador's daughter Zaireen Ayu Ibrahim and her groom Shazlan Sufian, I knew I just had to go. Not only was it a fabulous chance for me to witness an akad nikah (traditional Malay wedding) but it was also a chance for me to meet and mingle with new Malays...

Feb42011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Meeting the Malaysian ambassador and his wife

BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Features, Internet, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Society

I've said it and I'll say it again and again. Blogging, even micro blogging through Twitter or Plurk, does wonders for you and for your life. Not only can you share your thoughts, tips and photos with others (which may help them in the process, without you necessarily knowing about it), earn a bit but more importantly, get to meet new, interesting people and experience new and exciting things. Just take the case of a pretty cool thing that happened to me a few weeks ago. Because of the power of the Internet and micro blogging, I had the ultimate honor to meet the Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad and his beautiful wife Datin Seri Zainab Kader. * credits for photo above goes to Malaysia Tatler Before I continue, let me just say, though, that the...

Jan202011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Paolo Santos Live in Bukidnon on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2011 – buy tickets here!

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Music, News, Personal, Personalities, Society

The one and only King of Acoustic, Paolo Santos, will invade the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao this Valentine's Day! On February 14, 2011, at the beautiful, premiere Bukidnon resort MGM Resort in Dologon, Maramag, Bukidnon, Paolo Santos will topbill a very special Valentine's Day concert dubbed "Moonlight Acoustic Serenade." Paolo Santos is the pioneer of acoustic here in the country and is best known for his soulful renditions of the well-loved "Moonlight Over Paris," "Overjoyed," "Coffee Cup" and "Photograph." Celebrate love, magic, hope and romance with a multi-platinum, multi-awarded artist! And here's good news for you who want to watch Paolo Santos Live in Bukidnon - you may purchase your tickets online right here on Mindanaoan.com! (more…)

Dec292010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Richard Poon, Pokwang and Markki Stroem CDO concert

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, Videos

Hi everyone, how's the holidays (or should I say holiDAZE) so far? I'm still on "vacation mode" hence the lack of updates here. Interestingly, though, this humble Mindanao blog still continues to attract very good traffic every single day and for that I am really thankful. Daghang salamat to all of my regular readers and followers! Thank you so much! Please continue to support Mindanaoan by urging all of your friends to "Like" us on Facebook and to subscribe via email :) This time around, I'd like to share with you some of the photos I took during the recently concluded "The Crooner and The Comedienne" concert featuring Richard Poon and Pokwang with special guest Markki Stroem. I know that a lot of you have been waiting for these...judging by the so many hits on my previous entries: exc...

Dec262010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

And the winner of my simple Starbucks contest is…

Announcements, Contests, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Here it is...finally! The winner of the simple Mindanaoan.com Starbucks beverage coupon contest :) It took me a few days to figure this out since I couldn't chance upon my niece (who was supposed to draw out the lucky winner of two tall Starbucks beverage coupons) and some people who said they joined the contest couldn't see their posts on the official Mindanaoan.com Facebook Page. In fairness to these people, when I did check their Facebook profiles, the requirements were all there and their posts were made public but they still didn't appear on the Mindanaoan FB Page. Ugh. So I'm not sure whether it's a technical glitch or just the universe's way of saying that FB contests may not be a good idea anymore LOL. So, in the spirit of fairness, I'm ditching the manually conducted raffle...

Dec112010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Dinner with the US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Society, Technology, Weird

I was in Cebu City recently to open a small branch of my PR, media, marketing and outsourcing agency and to visit my younger brother at the same time. About a week and a half after I arrived, I received an invitation from fellow blogger and Plurker Jay de Jesus, the Emerging Media Specialist for Public Affairs of the US Embassy, Manila. He asked if I could attend a small, intimate dinner with someone from the US Embassy in Manila and that the dinner was to be held the evening of that very day. I asked him who I was supposed to meet. He said that it was his boss - the Counselor for Public Affairs of the US Embassy in Manila - Richard W. Nelson. I must admit, I immediately had reservations. I checked my watch --- I only had about 3 hours to prepare for what could be a life-changing dinner...