Society Archives - Page 7 of 28 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Mar292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to consult a Filipino doctor on the phone for only 1 peso

Advocacy, Consumer, Corporate, Fitness, Health, Society, Technology

We've all been there. A medical emergency and we get rattled, don't know what to do and don't know who to call first. Do we go to the clinic? But what if it's in the wee hours in the morning and you don't have your doctor's home phone number? What about if we can't go to the clinic right away and you need to consult a licensed Filipino doctor right there and then? Plus what about the costs? HELLO, first paragraph pa lang, taranta na, di ba? :D Fret no more! KonsultaMD has made it possible for us to call and consult a licensed Filipino doctor round-the-clock, on the phone, for only 1 peso! Did that get your attention? Curious? Read on. We all know that self-medication is a common practice in the Philippines where a large percentage of the population relies on folk medicines, tradit...

Mar292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What to order at Pete’s Patriots Gastro Pub CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

My family and I have a new favorite restaurant in Cagayan de Oro. It's where we share and enjoy the BEST crispy pata in CDO and other bang-for-the-buck meals - Pete's Patriots Filipino Gastropub. Located along Rosario Strip within the Limketkai Center area, Pete's Patriots CDO is a newly launched Filipino Gastropub restaurant - the first of its kind in the Philippines. Pete's Patriots aims to provide Kagay-anons the Manila lifestyle bar and dining experience by providing mouthwatering food, quality service and edgy ambiance. Incidentally, Pete's Patriots is owned and operated by the Red Crab Group of Restaurants - with restaurants such as Seafood Island, Red Crab and other Manila based concepts such as Murray's New Orleans, Clawdaddy, Teddy's Burgers, Johnny Kahuku Hawaiian Shrim...

Mar102016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Staycation at Pinegrove Mountain Lodge

Bukidnon, Features, Food, Hotels, Leisure, Northern Mindanao, Resorts, Reviews, Society

When we think of Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, we most likely equate it to Zipzone a.k.a. Asia’s longest dual cable zipline, Dropzone, my favorite Python 3D zipline and the thrilling 8-storey Sky Tower Base Jump. However, the place known as “Mindanao’s playground” also offers something pretty special - a chance to stay at 4,500 feet above sea level, in a log house-inspired manor situated among pine trees and amid chilly, sweater weather. Pinegrove Mountain Lodge, located just a few steps away from the main entrance of Dahilayan Adventure Park, offers value-for-money accommodation, good amenities and delicious food. My family and I recently had a staycation at Pinegrove - and it was a staycation we all loved. We availed of the Family Room. Priced at Php...

Mar102016 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

H&M #CDO – What it will be like to be a part of the team

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

The secret's out. H&M Philippines, which first opened in Västerås in Sweden in 1947 and has become a global fashion company since, is set to open a store in Cagayan de Oro. H&M CDO is definitely one of the most-awaited brands to hit the City of Golden Friendship. Follow the Mindanaoan Facebook Page for H&M CDO updates With 3,900 stores spread across 61 countries, H&M found its first home in the Philippines in the capital city where it opened its doors in October 2014, forever changing the fashion landscape of the country. Now H&M has 13 stores in our beloved archipelago, two of which very recently opened in Cebu City. And very soon - in Cagayan de Oro City! As the retail titan that it is, H&M has around 132,000 dedicated employees who, like many creatives, ...

Mar92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Big Bite 2016 to showcase Northern Mindanaoan food

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Food, Mindanao, Recipes, Society

Find out the delicious "Flavors of Summer" and experience Northern Mindanao food at Centrio Mall from March 11 to 13, 2016! Experience Big Bite 2016: The Northern Mindanao Food Festival. Aside from the chance for you to sample and purchase delicious food (you can eat at the Garden Area of Centrio!), you also get the chance to see the beautiful duo of Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania of the Kapuso show, "Taste Buddies." And guess what? I will be one of the judges for the Lifestyle Writer's Choice Award for this year's Best Dish! There will be two categories - one for mall merchants and another one for outside food exhibitors. I can't wait to sample and judge the food entries! :) Here are the highlights of this year's food festival: March 11, 2016 - Giant Ham Sandwich Ceremony an...

Feb262016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A call to probe the burning of a Lumad camp in Davao City

Advocacy, Blogging, Controversial, Crime, Culture, Davao City, Headline, Musings, Society

My heart is breaking. Despite the increasing awareness of the attacks against the Lumad (indigenous peoples) communities in Mindanao, there are STILL cases of harassment, threats, killings and, just recently, the burning of an evacuation center in Davao City that hosted hundreds of displaced Lumads. KANUS-A MAN GYUD NI TAWON MOUNDANG?!?! Initial reports showed that five lumads, including two children, were hurt during the fire that broke out in Haran Center, which shelters Manobos from Davao del Norte and Bukidnon who sought safe refuge in the church-run dormitory. Who in his right mind won't be angry? Our Lumad brothers and sisters need to be protected, not driven away from their homes! I agree with Sen. Chiz Escudero, who has also called for a probe. “Those who have less ...

Feb222016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the HATCH Mastermind Group CDO

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society, Technology

A mastermind group, where participants can freely brainstorm strategies, create goals and implement ideas as well as support each other, has been launched in Cagayan de Oro City. Dubbed “HATCH Mastermind Group CDO,” the free-for-all group also aims to provide a platform whereby participants can share the challenges they currently face and can seek assistance from the collective intelligence of other participants. Active Twitter users Mike of @mikeabonitalla, Vic of @vicmadz and Irene of @mindanaoan, who can also share strategies based on their respective fields of expertise, serve as the lead volunteer organizers of HATCH Mastermind Group CDO. “Cagayan de Oro is a thriving city. There are lots of investments coming in and there are lots of new and possible marketing strategies. With...

Feb212016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering the 1st presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro #CDO

Advocacy, Blogging, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Technology

It's game time. Today, February 21, 2016, all of the presidential candidates for the May 9, 2016 Philippine elections will all converge in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines for the first round of "PiliPinas Debates 2016." And Mindanaoan will be there to observe, comment and cover. I will be one of the only 300 allowed to be inside the debate hall. I will also be among the 25 media observers. I am hoping to harness the power of social media today. May I invite you all to follow me: Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/mindanaoan Facebook - http://www.twitter.com/mindanaoanblogger Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mindanaoan Snapchat - Username is mindanaoan Please follow Bukidnon Blogger @malaybalayan as well. We will both be there. The debate will start at 5 PM and will last for...

Feb162016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Paloma-look alike Janice Adams tries CDO rafting

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Society, Tourism, Travel

Fifteen year old Janice Adams, a.k.a. the twin of Coco Martin's character in "Ang Probinsyano," Paloma Picache, recently tried white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. And she experienced the thrilling CDO rafting adventure with the most reliable outfitter in the city - Great White Water Tours. Best known as the only CDO water rafting outfitter that guarantees TWO river guides per raft (safety is their utmost priority) and the only one that offers the cheapest raft + ziplines (at Dahilayan Adventure Park) packages, Great White Water Tours is the top choice of personalities, celebrities and foreign tourists from all over the world. Visit the Great White Water Tours Facebook page for more photos and information Here's a little trivia: the river where the rafting trips are done is actu...

Feb152016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

CDO press club to boycott Feb. 21 presidential debate?

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Society

The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) has released a statement of indignation where they cried foul over alleged discrimination in the media coverage for the first presidential debate set on February 21, 2016. The debate is the first in a series organized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) alongside various media companies. Please read and share the full statement of the COPC on why the call for BOYCOTT. I also shared a few personal thoughts below. Statement of Indignation Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Inc. 14 February 2016 Respect the local press community We, members of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club Inc., express our serious concerns over what appears to be an attempt to bar the provincial press from covering the first Presidential debate scheduled at the Capitol University...

Feb92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why parents should send their kids to Galileo Learning Center CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

Let's face it. More often than not, English and Math are two of the subjects that most kids have difficulty on. The curriculum has evolved, is now advanced and is served fast-paced. There's a constant need for the children to absorb, catch up and even implement the learnings in real life. Parents also either find it difficult to teach their kids or they do not have the luxury of time to do so. Add that to the innate interest of children to excel in school (who doesn't want to receive a medal and praise from classmates?) and things can be quite a challenge for both parents and child. Fortunately, parents now have a partner in Galileo Enrichment Learning Program. Galileo CDO, which recently opened another branch in Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro (the first one is along Tomas Saco Street), w...

Jan92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to subscribe to Netflix in Philippines without credit card

Announcements, Corporate, Entertainment, Features, Internet, Media, Society, Television, Videos

Everyone's talking about Netflix and thankfully, it's finally available in the Philippines! Netflix is a popular Internet television network that provides online streaming of your favorite movies and TV shows. You can watch over 100 million hours of TV shows and movies (including original series, documentaries and feature films) via your Internet-connected smart TV, game console, PC, Mac, mobile, tablet and more! Another beauty of Netflix is that you can play, pause and resume watching - all without commercials or commitments. Pretty cool, right? Morever, Netflix Philippines is even offering a FREE one-month trial so Filipinos can now experience the joy of binge-watching their favorite movies and TV shows. The succeeding subscription rates then start as low as Php 370 a month. But ho...

Jan92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz Escudero to government: respond to Mindanao’s concerns quickly

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, Basilan, Bislig, Broadcasting, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Compostela Valley, Cotabato, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, General Santos City, Government, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Following the successive bombings of NGCP towers here in Mindanao and even the lack of water (the Zamboanga City Water District has announced water rationing starting January 7, 2016!), I'm glad that Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on the national government to focus its attention and support for the people of Mindanao. “Malacanang should have all hands on-deck with regard to the problems currently besetting Mindanao. The list is getting alarmingly long and there is apparently no end in sight for many of these problems,” said Escudero, the frontrunner in various vice-presidential preference surveys. Foremost among Escudero’s concerns was the successive bombings of towers owned by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) that started in the third quarter of 2015...

Dec292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy Manila YSEALI Anniversary in Bukidnon #YOUnified

Advocacy, America, Bukidnon, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, United States of America

If you remember, I wrote about me planning to join the Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) 2nd anniversary celebration in Bukidnon a few days ago. I mentioned that as a very proud alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a US State Department-sponsored professional exchange program for global emerging leaders, I am always more than happy to support events especially those that help shape young leaders. * My super comfortable wide leg pants are from ZIYA (they have several stores across the Philippines - check more details about ZIYA here) Well, that event, which was held last December 12, 2015, was a huge success! I joined some members of the US Government alumni - Bukidnon Chapter, Bukidnon State University student council leaders and severa...

Dec212015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach bags #MissUniverse2015 crown

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society

The new Miss Universe 2015 is Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the Filipino-German stunner who considers Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines her second home. The road towards being Miss Universe 2015 wasn't easy for Pia Wurtzbach. She had to join the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageants three times before she bagged the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title, which eventually allowed her to represent the Philippines to the Miss Universe pageant. Although she was born in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the 26 year old beauty queen stayed for many years in both Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. In CDO, she attended kindergarten at Kong Hua School and primary school at Corpus Christi. Now, Pia has bagged the Miss Universe 2015 title. This makes her the third Filipina to bag the crown. Hmm. Which ma...

Nov42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From Me To You: Get FREE Php 939 Airbnb credit

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Society, Travel

Traveling but don't want to spend too much on hotels? Want to stay in condos, hostels, inns or even rooms for rent? Want to experience first-hand hospitality from homeowners themselves? Airbnb can address that! Airbnb is a website for people to list, find, and rent lodging. It has over 1,500,000 listings in 34,000 cities and 190+ countries. And, yes, there are numerous listings in the Philippines! In fact, I found interesting listings - from a cabin in the woods to a fully furnished studio right in the middle of a bustling city to a family-friendly place complete with pool! Are you ready to experience Airbnb? If you are, I have great news for you! Mindanaoan.com wants to give you FREE Php 939.00 (roughly US $23.00) Airbnb credit! What is Airbnb credit? You can use this to book ...

Nov42015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

5 Ways To Avoid Being A Victim Of “Laglag Bala” “Tanim Bala” Scam

Advocacy, Controversial, Crime, Flights, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

The horror that is the “tanim bala” (bullet planting) or “laglag bala” scam. If you're a frequent traveler like I am, I'm sure you are either worried or angry - or even both! This airport scam in the Philippines surely is a controversial one. "Laglag bala" or "tanim bala" is where innocent travelers fall prey to members of alleged syndicates who “drop” live ammunition in luggage and as a result, either miss their flights or get extorted for huge amounts of money. Take the case of the 60 year old engineer who flew from Manila to Davao. He was found in possession of two bullets at the Davao International Airport. Like most of the victims, he said he did not know how the bullets got into his bags but he was charged for illegal possession of ammunition nonetheless. He was only released when...

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....

Oct142015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 tips to make travels in the Philippines more efficient, relaxed

Blogging, Corporate, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Travel

These days, traveling can be such a pain. Not only do you have to deal with flight delays, monster traffic to and fro the airport and even bungled up hotel bookings, you also need to figure out how you can keep yourself entertained during those long, tiresome waiting periods. Are there ways to make travels in the Philippines a little more relaxed, efficient and productive, you wonder? As a frequent traveler, I've had my fair share of traveling woes. Allow me to share 3 tips, which I personally abide by, on how to make your trips in the Philippines bearable and even fun! Be mindful of what and how you pack I'm not just talking about rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save space (I highly recommend this, by the way) but also learning how to pack as light and as complete...

Oct42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting the new US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs

America, Events, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Society, United States of America

A few days ago, I attended a special event in Manila. It was a reception in honor of the new US Embassy Manila Counselor for Public Affairs Carolyn Glassman. The intimate event, which was organized by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States of America, Michael S. Klecheski, gathered select embassy friends from various sectors of society including the media. Truly honored to be invited and to meet Miss Glassman :) Note: Mindanaoan is a proud International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnae. The IVLP is the US State Department's premier professional exchange program for the world's emerging leaders. * Photos courtesy of Miss Noemi. Thank you! :) By the way, a few years ago I also met the then Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs in Cebu. It was quite a...

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...

Aug212015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Cool, affordable Higalaay Festival shirts from Islands Souvenirs

Advocacy, Bisaya, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Freebies, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

Looking for Higalaay Festival Kagay-an Festival shirts? Islands Souvenirs CDO has them! Plus they're offering irresistible discounts for all of you! Islands Souvenirs joins in on the Cagayan de Oro fiesta / Higalaay Festival 2015 festivities with a lot of exciting in-store promos and activities. Shoppers can look forward to a whole line of limited edition Higalaay Festival 2015 shirts with all-new designs and colors for that ultimate festival #selfie and #ootd. Grab these exclusive tees today and feel the festival vibe with your friends and family. Prices of these shirts start at only Php 199.75! As a special treat, GET A WHOPPING 50% discount on all regular coloured shirts and 20% off on all special effects and regular black & white shirts! Islands Souvenirs is als...