Tourism Archives - Page 12 of 17 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun22011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Young Filipino wedding photographers from Mindanao included among world’s best

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, 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, 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, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

A group composed of Mindanaoan Filipino visual artists turned destination wedding photographers, One Happy Story, was recently included in a list composed of the best engagement and most creative wedding photographers in the world. One Happy Story, a group of young Filipino wedding photographers, was recently included in Love Olio, a hand-selected listing that features only what they call “the most groundbreaking wedding photographers in the world.” Love Olio showcased some of One Happy Story’s best engagement and wedding images. “We are extremely proud and delighted. Our inclusion in Love Olio is an affirmation of our commitment to capture real and happy moments as they happen for two people in love,” said Bon, Creative Director of One Happy Story. “Each couple has a unique story...

May302011 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Air Philippines launches 100 pesos airfare promo seat sale

Announcements, Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Flights, Internet, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism, Travel

Yes, AirPhil or Air Philippines is launching its special 100 pesos airfare promo seat sale tonight at the strike of midnight! Air Philippines is set to offer its 100 peso seat sale as soon as the clock strikes midnight tonight. This Mindanao blogger already shared this info via Twitter earlier this evening (which should be enough reason for you to follow me on Twitter ;) ) but I'm sharing this again for the benefit of my beloved Mindanaoan.com blog readers. Take note that this Air Philippines seat sale promo will only be available from May 30 to 31, 2011. Pay only 100 pesos* for trips to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao! Definitely the best time for you to explore the Philippines :) Travel period for this promo: August 1 to September 30, 2011 * one way, domestic flights only, ex...

May192011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Zest Air launches Manila to Cagayan de Oro, Manila to Zamboanga, Manila to Davao flights

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Flights, Leisure, Manila, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Zest Air Philippines, formerly Asian Spirit, will soon offer Manila to Cagayan de Oro (and vv), Manila to Zamboanga (and vv) as well as Manila to Davao City (and vv) flights! While this sounds promising especially for Mindanao tourism, I'm not sure if the dissatisfied customers of Zest Airways will be excited about this. Remember what happened to fellow bloggers Winston (a.k.a. Batang Yagit) and Conrad Miguel? Their horrible, horrible experiences with Zest Air airlines has left a really bad taste in the mouth and I have tried so hard to avoid booking Zest Air flights like the plague! I would rather pay extra than avail of Zest Air promo flights and undergo a mind numbing 16 hour delay!!! BUT!!! if only to let you guys know that yes, Zest Air airways will soon land on Mindanao soil and (...

May182011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sarangani Bay Bodies 2011 this Sarangani Bay Fest season

Beauty, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Style, Tourism, Travel

If there is one thing I can never pull off, then that is to wear a two piece bikini and strut my stuff along the catwalk. This is why I have so much respect for people who have the intestinal fortitude to join bikini contests and flaunt their shapely bodies before thousands of people. Sabagay, who wouldn't want to flaunt their assets if you have bodies like these two? These are the previous winners of the Sarangani Bay Bodies contest - one of the much-awaited events during the Sarangani Bay Festival in Sarangani, Mindanao, Philippines. Cute muscled guy - check! Pretty sexy lady - check! And guess what? You'll see more toned bodies this year during the 2011 Sarangani Bay Bodies event! (more…)

May122011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tiger Airways to offer Manila to Davao City flights by July 2011

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cebu City, Davao City, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The Francisco Bangoy International Airport a.k.a. Davao City International Airport will be doubly busy come July 2011. This, after Tiger Airways recently announced the launch of their Manila to Davao City and vice versa flights. Tiger Airways will also launch their Manila to Cebu and vice versa flights on the same month. There will be 10 daily domestic flights between Manila and Cebu. The Tiger Airways Manila to Cebu flights will start on July 1, 2011. Meanwhile, there will be 6 daily flights between Davao and Manila. The Tiger Airways Davao to Manila flights will start on July 2, 2011. These Tiger Airways Manila to Cebu and Manila to Davao flights are the airlines' first two domestic routes in the Philippines. Tiger Airways flies from Clark, Pampanga to Hong Kong, Singapore and Maca...

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...

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...

May12011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sarangani Bay Festival 2011 – Mindanao’s ultimate summer experience!

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

Have you ever been curious about Sarangani Mindanao? I have! I've always wondered what you can do, what you can see, what you can visit/explore/discover and even what you can eat in Sarangani! Admittedly, all I know for sure (so far) about the Sarangani Province are: - it's the district being represented by top Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao - it's where you can experience fun-filled water tubing - it's the home of my former classmate in Ateneo, incumbent Sarangani Provincial Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez Needless to say, this Mindanao blogger needs to explore, smell, taste, feel Sarangani! And what better way to do it but during the most awaited Sarangani Bay Festival 2011! Sarangani Bay Festival or the Sarangani BayFest is Southern Philippines' biggest beach party! From May 19...

Apr122011 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Metro Manila residents pick Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao as top travel destinations

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

According to a recently conducted survey, residents living in Metro Manila chose Davao City, Surigao and Cagayan de Oro City - all Mindanao towns, of course - as some of their top dreamland destinations. Woohoo! Go Mindanao :D According to the survey, money, time, promise of fun and adventure, or plain reclusion, at least for the summer, were cited as major factors that would determine the final destination. Sabagay, who wouldn't want to visit areas like this one in Davao? * Paradise Island, Davao * Or try this one in Cagayan de Oro? (more…)

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...

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 Irene5 Comments

Review: Cebu R Hotel | Cebu City hotel

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

If you're a regular reader of my humble Mindanaoan blog, chances are you'd know that I frequently visit the Queen City of the South - Cebu City. Not only because I like to visit but I also because I need to. You see, I recently expanded my lil public relations, events management and media and marketing business in Cebu :) This means that I can now cater to businesses and individuals based in Cebu and neighboring islands that need PR, media relations, events management and marketing services. Anyhoo, I was recently in Cebu...yet again. Since my mom traveled with me, I thought of booking a room in one of Cebu's many affordable hotels. I also wanted to stay in a Cebu hotel that I haven't stayed in yet (so that I can review it and share my thoughts with y'all, of course! :D). I landed on Ce...

Feb192011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CARAGA Region’s Payanig sa Bislig 2011 schedule of activities

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bislig, Butuan, Caraga, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Thinking of visiting the CARAGA Region here in Mindanao soon? The Caraga Region is where Butuan City is. Caraga, an administrative region, is also the newest region in the Philippines. Composed of 4 provinces namely Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, CARAGA is also home to 3 cities - Surigao, Bislig and Butuan. Now if you want to join a festival here in Mindanao, why not attend the Payanig sa Bislig 2011? From February 22 to 26, 2011, Bislig will be the place to be! Check out the schedule of activities for this year's 2011 Payanig sa Bislig below: (more…)

Feb22011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

How I spent my winnings from the Resorts World Manila casino

Flights, Hongkong, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Singapore, Tourism, Travel

Not too long ago, I had one amazing, ultra lucky night at Resorts World Manila. Actually, if you care to read what happened to me that day, you can see that Lady Luck was on my side from the very beginning. Needless to say, I was and still am very grateful for all the things that happened that one fateful day. Ever since I blogged about my Resorts World Manila casino winnings, a lot of people have asked me what I did with the money. It wasn't much, truth be told. However, it was enough to make me and my entire family happy! I spent my winnings booking flights to Singapore and Hongkong :) My mom and I are set to fly to Singapore (with a day-long sidetrip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) in a few days (we're spending Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day abroad! Cool, huh? :D) while I trea...

Jan262011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Philippine Airlines launches Zamboanga to Cagayan de Oro direct flights

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Now this is definitely good news especially for Mindanao tourism and Mindanao trade :) According to this article, Philippine Airlines will start offering Cagayan de Oro - Zamboanga direct flights starting April 1, 2011. So, instead of enduring 10 hours of land travel, passengers may now only have to endure an hour-long flight. PAL has yet to give more details about the upcoming Zamboanga - CdO flights but I must say, this piece of development is exciting! More possibilities for tourism, business deals! Domingo T. Duerme, PAL vice president for Mindanao, also said that PAL will take over Air Philippines Express' Davao - Zamboanga and Davao - Cagayan de Oro routes. He did not state the reason for PAL’s takeover of the two routes, though. The upcoming PAL Zamboanga to Cagayan de Oro Cit...

Dec112010 by Mindanaoan Irene30 Comments

Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa Day Tour | What to do in Cebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Photos, Resorts, Reviews, Style, Tourism, Travel

Yes, the rumors are true. Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa is a beautiful paradise that you just have to visit at least once in your lifetime! :) I finally availed of the much-talked about Shangri-La Mactan day tour recently. I treated my brother so it was the two of us who had a grand time at Shangri-La Mactan Cebu. The Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa Day Tour rate, as of October 2010, is P2,500.00 per person (roughly US $65.00) - a bit expensive for many but I must say, our experience was worth every penny. From Cebu City proper (along Salinas Road, to be exact), we took a metered cab towards Mactan. Travel time was about half an hour, notwithstanding traffic. Fare was around P160 but I paid P200 - just to start the day right :) Here's what greeted us when we arrived at Shangri-La...

Dec72010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanao tourist spot: Alalum Falls in Sumilao Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Tourism, Travel

Let's take a break from all my Cebu and Philippine Blog Awards-related posts :) I'm sharing photos I recently took of a Bukidnon tourist spot - the Alalum Falls found at Kisolon, Sumilao, Bukidnon. This Bukidnon waterfalls is probably the most accessible in the entire province of Bukidnon since it's located along Sayre Highway and just a few meters away from the Municipal Hall of Sumilao, Bukidnon. Alalum Falls is approximately 148 feet. Check out one more shot after the jump! (more…)

Dec62010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Review: Red Box Karaoke Ayala Cebu

Beauty, Business, Cebu City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Reviews, Tourism

I finally had the chance to visit the much-talked about Red Box Karaoke located at G101, Garden Level of The Terraces (below Active Zone, just beside the fountain) at the Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park. I've been hearing a lot of praises about this new Cebu hangout - karaoke place in Cebu so when my Cebu City-based brother finally had one free weekend, we decided to go to Red Box Karaoke Cebu and try their primetime package. The Red Box Ayala Cebu primetime package is available from 7 PM up to 12 midnight. For only P299.00+ per head (P399.00+ on Fridays and Saturdays), you can enjoy TWO FREE drinks (drink choices: iced tea, soda, local beers, mineral water, hot tea and brewed coffee), access to the extensive song library composed of more than 100,000 songs and fully airconditione...

Dec52010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Davao City’s musical fountain worth P18M is 1st in Mindanao

Announcements, Arts, Davao City, Features, Government, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

As you guys may or may not know, the local government unit of my hometown Davao City, Mindanao has banned the use and sale of fireworks for years now. So yes, it's been a series of pretty "quiet" Christmases and New Year's Eves in Davao for several years now. Quiet but safe. Now, because fireworks aren't permitted, the Davao City government, led by Mayor Sara Duterte, has come up with the next best thing - an P18 Million dancing, musical fountain! The grand musical fountain, which can be found at the Davao City People's Park (former PTA Grounds, along Camus Street), is said to be the first in Mindanao. The musical fountain in People's Park Davao is also a part of the yearly Pasko Fiesta, which the Davao government holds to usher in the holidays. I don't have a photo of the grand m...

Nov292010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon: The Philippine Frontier coffee table book released

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

It was a dream project that took five - yes, 5!!! - years to complete. And now it's finally done. Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri presents a copy of "Bukidnon: The Philippine Frontier" to Bukidnon Gov. Alex Calingasan at the launching ceremony recently held at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio Global City. Senator Migs Zubiri said the coffee table book is a dream project that took five years to complete. The 183-page book is written by Rafael "Apa" Ongpin with photographs by Neal Oshima. Photo shows (L-R) Neal Oshima, Apa Ongpin, Senator Migs Zubiri, Gov. Alex Calingasan and Bukidnon Vice Gov. Joe Zubiri (Senator Migs' dad and former three-term Bukidnon governor) at the unveiling ceremony. On a personal note, this blogger from Mindanao received a text message from Senator Migs hims...