Society Archives - Page 5 of 28 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

May242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

(UPDATED) Infographics: What you MUST know about Martial Law in Mindanao

Following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao last May 23, 2017, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) prepared a couple of quick infographics. These are quick facts about what you as a Filipino should know about Martial Law in Mindanao. The declaration has sent a lot of people wondering about our rights and liberties during Martial Law. Below you can find that the declaration: DOES NOT suspend the operation of the Constitution DOES NOT suspend the Judicial and Legislative branches. This means that those branches WILL STILL FUNCTION and will still be headed by civilians You will also see below on these Martial Law in Mindanao infographics your RIGHTS as civilians at CHECKPOINTS. READ: Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao, Phi...

May232017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cat Cafe Cebu | What To Do In Cebu Philippines

Cafe, Cebu City, Features, Society, Videos, Visayas

Before my flight from Cebu to New York, USA, my two brothers, mom and myself went to a cat cafe in Cebu City. It wasn't my first cat cafe experience, though. Along with my brother, who absolutely adores cats (I'm more of a dog person but I don't abhor cats or anything), I already visited a cat cafe in Korea (in the busy district of Hongdae, Seoul) and another one in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan - the Cat Cafe Calico Japan (which was accordingly one of the oldest and more popular ones in Tokyo). I think cat cafes are creative, innovative businesses that gives animal lovers the chance to interact with furry, feline friends. There are dog cafes nowadays, too. I have yet to visit one, though. Anyway, the Cebu cat cafe we went to was...well, Cat Cafe Philippines. From their original spot in Guadal...

May192017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

San Isidro Labrador Fiesta, New York style

America, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Malaybalay City, Musings, New York, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Five creatively decorated booths, contests on “best turon/biko/torta,” amateur and impromptu singing contests, lechon and a whole lotta dancing. These were just some of the highlights of the fiesta celebration in honor of patron saint Senyor San Isidro Labrador by the Association of Bukidnons in America (ABA) here in New York City, USA. Held a day before the actual fiesta (May 15), the gathering was not just to honor Isidore the Farm Laborer and thank him for the abundance of harvest but to also give the ABA officers and members the chance to kick back, relax and just have pure unadulterated fun! Actually, not only did I have the lovely privilege to attend the event, much thanks to my Tita Emilita, but I also had the chance to help design, create and implement my tita’s cluster’s boo...

May192017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 Things Millenials Should Learn To Do Right Now

America, Musings, New York, Personal, Society

Hello again from New York City! Winter’s over and it’s technically spring but the weather’s still biting cold! Interestingly (or odd, depending on how you look at it) enough, I like this kind of weather. My hands are freezing, yes, but my makeup lasts longer! (It’s a girl thing.) Seriously, I think spring is a lovely season and I can’t wait to explore the Big Apple some more. Anyway, I’m celebrating my birthday this week (woo hoo!) and as much as I want to consider myself a millenial, I no longer am. Which is totally fine, by the way. Youth is all but a state of mind! Hence, armed with a little more confidence because I’m, ahem ahem, a teensy weensy bit older, I thought of sharing a few quick thoughts on what millenials should learn to do right about now. With the millenials’ passion to...

May32017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Great Ways To Spend the Summer Outdoors

Society

With the warmer weather approaching, you and your family are probably looking to spend some time outdoors. That is certainly understandably, particularly if you have endured quite a cold winter. There is just something special about getting outside and breathing in the fresh air that rejuvenates the soul. Let us look at four great ways to spend the summer outdoors this coming season. Fishing This is an old pastime that never grows old. With lakes and rivers dotting the landscape of this great country, one is never very far away from a great fishing spot. The great part of this is that you can turn it into a day outing and be back home by nightfall, or go all out and make a weekend out of it. The choice is up to you, jut get ready to reel some big fish in! Rent a Cabin If you have a lon...

Apr272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why you should spend Labor Day weekend with #GlobeBoracay

Entertainment, Events, Features, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society

The last time I spent Labor Day weekend in Boracay was two years ago but I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was the perfect Labor Day escapade - fabulous beach, beautiful people and crazy LaBoracay parties! This 2017, expect the same fun and sizzle courtesy of Globe Telecom! Globe is pulling out all the stops for #GlobeBoracay, a weekend of revelry with local and international DJs from April 28 to May 1, 2017! Trust me, lots of reasons to make Boracay your ground zero for everything hot and exciting! Here's why you should spend Labor Day weekend with #GlobeBoracay in, well, lovely Boracay Island, Philippines! Globe is set to heat it up with #GlobeSunkissed, a three-day party headlined by Matthew Koma, who collaborated with Zedd for the hit songs “Clarity” and “Spectrum.” T...

Feb192017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Teaching blogging and social media 101 in Manolo Fortich

Blogging, Bukidnon, Campus, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Society

Last February 9, 2017, I was invited as a speaker on social media and blogging at the Northern Bukidnon Community College in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. I spoke before roughly 160 3rd year Elementary Education students. It was an extra special day, too, because I got to spend it with my Mama, who is an awarded blogger herself and whose introduction of me was so touching I think it pulled a lot of the students’ heartstrings! Anyway, I have to say - I have spoken in several events here and abroad but that NBCC seminar-workshop was something else. It had the most enthusiastic crowd. As soon as I started sharing my digital life journey, all pairs of eyes were on me and everyone looked very eager to learn. So eager that right there and then, a lot of them immediately registered their own blog ...

Feb52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao’s Parasat Cable TV boosts service with Globe Business

Broadcasting, Business, Consumer, Internet, Society, Technology

Parasat Cable Television (PARASAT), Mindanao's only digital television system provider, further boosts its services with connectivity solutions from Globe Business, the information and communications technology arm of Globe Telecom, in response to high demand for broadband internet in the region. PARASAT has signed up for Globe Business’ Direct Internet which allows the company to offer its customers fast and reliable internet access supported by a robust and broad international and domestic network. Elpidio Paras, Chairman of PARASAT said, “We continuously improve our operations to achieve a level of excellence that is vastly superior to all others in the industry. Thus, we put our trust in Globe Business to help us strengthen our leadership in state-of-the-art cable TV and broadban...

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! ...

Jan232017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Helping launch S&R CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Shopping, Society

(This article first appeared on my regular column, "Mindanaoan Meets World," on Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper. My column appears every Friday). Have you visited the recently opened S&R Membership Shopping along Kauswagan Highway, Cagayan de Oro yet? If you haven’t, you really must! It’s undeniably the current toast of the town and everyone’s excited not only to check out the quality, imported products (sold at low, wholesale prices) but to try the famous New York Style pizzas, Blue Bunny ice cream, bavarian filled churros and the yummy clam chowder. Shopping at S&R is quite an experience, trust me. Read related post: S&R CDO media rounds I have to say – it still feels a bit surreal to see so many people at S&R, the giant warehouse club that I helped...

Jan142017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2017 schedule of events

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Malaybalay City, Society, Tourism, Travel

The largest festival in the Province of Bukidnon will be held from February 1 to March 25, 2017. Here's the Kaamulan Festival 2017 schedule of activities. This annual Bukidnon festival, recognized by a former Tourism Secretary as the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines, is an event that gathers the 7 hill tribes of the Province of Bukidnon. The Bukidnon ethnic hill tribes are Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanun, Higaonon, Umayamnun and Bukidnon. Meanwhile, Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term for “gathering” for any purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. Need a place to stay in Bukidnon? CLICK HERE > BOOK A DISCOUNTED BUKIDNON HOTEL ROOM Activities ...

Dec302016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

When In CDO: Check out The Oak Room whisky bar

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews, Society

I first wrote about The Oak Room CDO a few weeks back. That post got shared by hundreds of people - proof that the idea of a whisky bar that also has an amazing selection of vodka, tequila, brandy, cognac, scotch, champagne and many more in the middle of bustling Cagayan de Oro is what people have been waiting for. Together with my blogger friends Mike of CDO Places and Vic of Wow CDO (who also happen to be my co-founders of business group Hatch Mastermind), I attended the grand opening of The Oak Room CDO. Located within the compound of The Nest along Corrales Avenue, The Oak Room Cagayan de Oro is a cozy, comfortable gentleman's lounge that has an unparalleled whisky collection. From Ballantine to Famous Grouse to Jameson to Maker's Mark to the likes of Johnnie Walker, Chiva...

Dec162016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GOOD NEWS: NTC breaches 2016 collection target by P 34.5 M

Announcements, Broadcasting, Consumer, Government, Media, Society, Technology

With barely 3 weeks left in 2016 to collect Administrative Fees, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), an agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology responsible for the supervision, adjudication and control over all telecommunications services throughout the country, has already breached its P 4.835 Billion target for the year. Reports say that the NTC's collections have amounted to P 4.870B to-date. The P 4.835B target was set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) composed of the Department of Budget Management (DBM), the Department of Finance (DOF) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). The achievement came from the NTC’s concerted efforts to strictly enforce stakeholders’ compliance in remitting administr...

Dec62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New in CDO: 6-minute lights and sounds show at Centrio Mall @MyJaps

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism

It was truly a magical night of lights last December 1, 2016 as the Centrio Mall management unveiled the lights and sounds show at the Garden area. It was a 6-minute show reminiscent of what you can also see at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Kapuso star Julie Ann San Jose regaled the crowd with a few songs before she joined Centrio Mall general manager Natalie Mae Crisostomo and CDO City Tourism Consultant Dorothy Pabayo at the ceremonial switch-on. By the way, major thanks to all of the MyJaps fans who retweeted, reshared and reposted the content I produced that night. A lot of them patiently watched my snaps, IG stories and my Facebook live video! You guys are awesome and Julie Ann is very lucky to have fans like you :) Here's the Facebook Live vi...

Dec22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Aruga Aesthetic Center CDO launches holiday campaigns

Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

Aruga Aesthetic Center, known for their luxurious yet affordable beauty and wellness services in Cagayan de Oro City, recently launched their holiday beauty campaigns. Dubbed "Party Ready Beauty," the first campaign focuses on helping us with our busy social calendars come the holiday season. This campaign offers us a way to make it to each social engagement feeling confident, and with eyelashes and eyebrows on fleek. Aruga will have promos on eyelash extensions and iBrow services. The second campaign, “Light and White Christmas,” offers a "white" Christmas. Valued clients will get a chance to unleash their inner glow - with promotions for their glutathione, Beauty Fusion, and other skin brightening services. The third holiday beauty campaign is the Aruga Christmas tre...

Nov112016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why sneakerheads should go visit Sneakpeek

Announcements, Beauty, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports, Style

Are you a sneakerhead or a person who passionately collects, trades and admires sneakers as a hobby? Do you like sporting the latest collectible pair of kicks? Does your heart go a-thump-thump when you see an ad for a very hard-to-find pair? I have great news for you. Apparently, there’s no need for you to go to Manila or order online for that elusive pair of special sneakers anymore. Here in Mindanao, and in Cagayan de Oro specifically, you can now head to a store where exclusive designs and major global brands are available. Earlier this week, I was invited to the grand opening of Sneakpeek, a multi-brand lifestyle store that houses some of the most highly sought-after major global footwear brands. It was also a special “unlock” day because Sneakpeek unveiled the Puma Bla...

Oct312016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Whisky bar The Oak Room to open at The Nest CDO

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

A cozy, comfortable lounge offering an unparalleled whisky collection will soon open in Cagayan de Oro. The Oak Room, located at The Nest compound Corrales Avenue, will open its doors this November 2016. Discriminate drinkers will love the whisky choices at The Oak Room CDO. From Ballantine to Famous Grouse to Jameson to Maker's Mark to the likes of Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam - customers will have easy access to quality brands. The Oak Room CDO will also serve scotch, vodka, cognac, brandy, champagne and tequila. Among the brands that they will carry are Dalmore, Highland Park, Glenfiddich, Macallan, Remy Martin, Hennessy, Patron Anejo and more. Moreover, The Oak Room CDO will offer Japanese and Taiwanese faves such as Hakushu, Hibiki, Yamazaki an...

Oct312016 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

How to pay your Philippine travel taxes online

America, Announcements, Flights, Hongkong, Internet, Japan, Kyoto, Leisure, Macau, Mindanaoan Update, News, Osaka, Seoul, Society, Taiwan, Technology, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

Here in the Philippines, individuals who leave the country need to pay travel taxes. The Philippine travel tax is actually a levy imposed by the government. Filipino citizens, foreign passport holders and non-immigrant foreign passport holders who have stayed in the country for more than one year are usually required to pay full travel taxes when they go abroad. Currently, the Philippine travel tax rates are Php 1,620 for economy passage and Php 2,700 for first class passage. I'm sure frequent travelers like myself will agree that the queues at the travel tax payment booths can be time consuming. To address this, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has launched a system for travelers to pay their Philippine travel tax online. Here's how you do it. ...

Oct292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO rafting rate increase now approved – see the new fees here

Announcements, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

IT'S OFFICIAL. The Oro Association of Rafters (OAR) will now implement new and increased rates for white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. These new CDO rafting rates will actually help the industry. Please read on so we may all understand :) Back in January, I first wrote about the rate increase proposal. Now, I learned that the new CDO rafting rates have already been duly approved and that all of the rafting outfitters have started implementing them last October 1, 2016. The new rates are as follows: * Celebrities Aga Muhlach and Rowell Santiago try CDO rafting with Great White Water Tours Basic rafting course / Lower section (2-3 hours) - Php 1,200 per person. Plus Php 200 if you want the package to include snack, lunch (or dinner). This is optional. Advance rafting co...

Oct142016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

BREAKING: H&M To Open First Store In Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

I first wrote about H&M (Hennes & Mauritz, Inc.) CDO and about what it will be like to be a part of their team months ago. Now, H&M CDO is finally opening! The Cagayan de Oro H&M store is part of their continuous expansion in the southern part of Philippine shores and will serve as its 18th store in the country. Are you excited yet? Because you bet I am! The over 1,500 square meter, 2-story store will welcome shoppers on October 27, 2016, 11 AM at Centrio Mall at CM Recto Avenue corner Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro. Follow my Facebook page and Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates! “The response from our Mindanao customers, after we opened our 1 st store in Davao just last month, has been incredible! We look forward to catering to even more of the same vibran...

Oct112016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2016 schedule

Announcements, Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Society, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin Island is again set to celebrate the Lanzones Festival 2016 in a few days and I have the full Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2016 schedule of events. (much thanks to the Office of Congressman XJ Romualdo!) This annual celebration of bountiful harvest in the Island Born of Fire will feature various activities that will highlight the rich culture, tradition and warmth of Camiguinons. Of course, while you're in Camiguin for the 2016 Lanzones Festival, take advantage of the beautiful tourist spots and the abundant (and cheap!) fleshy lanzones fruits. Interested to visit Camiguin? I have these related resources for you: Camiguin Travel Guide Mantigue Island - A must-visit! White Island, Camiguin - Paradise! Eating sea urchins at White Island, Camiguin Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Camig...

Sep292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What To Expect During The Big S&R Members Treat (list of sale items inside)

Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

Here’s something that you will only get to read first and exclusive here on Mindanaoan. I have a list of some of the items that will be on sale come September 30 to October 2, 2016 when S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro holds its Members’ Treat! Excited yet? I know I am! The S&R Members’ Treat means amazing buy 1, take 1 offers as well as up to 50 percent discounts. It’s the perfect time for you to stock up on all your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery items, imported ice cream (woohoo!), frozen and fresh produce, home items as well as bakery treats. So bring your S&R membership card, head on down to S&R CDO and watch out for these items: Tresemme keratin smooth, Pantene hair spray, Dial body wash for men, Suave 2-in-1 ...