Tourism Archives - Page 4 of 17 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr212016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How To Find Cheap Airfare – Tried And Tested Methods

Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Technology, Tourism, Travel

We all know that the key to a real, budget-friendly trip is cheap airfare. Once you snag a good deal on airfare, you will then have a fairly good idea of how much the rest of your budget will be. After all, it’s pretty easy to scour for budget accommodation, reasonably priced food and public transportation. Airfare is the pretty tricky aspect to consider when planning a trip. Let me share with you some of my personal tips on how to find cheap airfare. I practise these very effective methods (and this is why I have lots of domestic and international trips). Do read and please let me know if you find these tips useful as well. Purchase tickets as early as possible. Promo fares are usually offered more than 6 months (even a year prior) before the allowed travel period. You can book ...

Apr172016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LaBoracay 2016: Zoukout Boracay

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

ZoukOut, Asia's definitive annual music festival, is finally heading to the white sands of Boracay Island for the most-awaited LaBoracay 2016 event series. After 15 years in the business, ZoukOut is finally crossing borders and, together with Globe Telecom, will amplify the LaBoracay experience on April 30 and May 1 at Epic and Uptown Beachfront. Adding to the excitement of the music fest, Globe rolled out a poll that allowed Filipinos to pick which home grown talents they want to represent the country at ZoukOut. The race between 4 big names in the Philippine electronic dance music industry was a very close one but in the end, Deuce and Carlo Atendido won. Both officially bagged the opportunity to showcase their talent on the first ever Philippine ZoukOut stage. These Filipino t...

Feb262016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

AirAsia, Davao tourism partner for Visit Davao Fun Sale 2016

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Davao City, Events, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

AirAsia, the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for seven consecutive years, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Davao Tourism that aims to establish Davao as a premiere tourist destination in the Philippines with abundant resources for eco-tourism and available facilities for sports and outdoor competitions. As airline partner, AirAsia is offering low fares for its Manila-Davao flights to encourage more and more tourists to visit and enjoy Davao’s latest attractions. Among the major activities that will happen this year include Visit Davao Fun Sale, Let’s Meet in Davao: MICE Davao program and the 9th Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge. * Philippines AirAsia Commercial Head, Gerard Peñaflor; Visit Davao Fun Sales (VDFS) Vice Chair Fides Bernabe; and Department of Tourism (D...

Feb182016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Where to stay in Cebu: Bayfront Hotel Cebu

Cebu City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Since Cebu is just a hop and skip away, it’s a favorite business and holiday destination for many of us Mindanaoans. Chances are, we have relatives or good friends in Cebu or we source products there or we use Cebu as our jump-off point to other interesting places like Boracay or Palawan. Personally, I visit the Queen City of the South at least two times a year and my recent international flights leave from the Mactan Cebu International Airport. Take my most recent trip to Japan, for instance. I wanted to stay for a few days in Cebu before my flight to Narita (which is an hour away from Tokyo) and just rest. I wanted a hotel that was in the middle of all the hustle and bustle but not too far away from the airport. I also wanted a hotel that offered good facilities, amenities and food bu...

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...

Jan262016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

BREAKING: CDO rafting companies seek rate increase, opening of new routes

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Headline, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism

Want to experience white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro? Better do it real soon as the Oro Association of Rafters or OAR is now set to increase the uniform rates. In a letter-request accompanied by a resolution duly signed by all member rafting outfitters addressed to CDO Vice Mayor Ian Acenas through Tourism Committee Chairman Councilor Candy Darimbang, OAR reasoned that the old rates were established in 2008 and since then, no price increases were implemented. OAR reasoned that there's a need to address the wear and tear of the rafting equipment, which are usually sourced from overseas, and the need to invest more on safety since the LGU released new safety guidelines via Task Force Rapids. OAR also said that there is a need to invest more on the river guides via trainings and...

Dec192015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Kamukura Ramen in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan for yummy, cheap eats

Food, Japan, Kyoto, Leisure, Osaka, Reviews, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel

My brothers and I spent our first evening in Japan in Shibuya, one of Tokyo's special wards. I was really looking forward to spending time in Shibuya especially since it's one of Tokyo's busiest districts. You can read more about our fun Shibuya escapades. Anyway, while my brothers and I roamed around Shibuya, we realized we haven't eaten anything yet after we checked in at Oak Hostel Cabin. As fate would have it, we stumbled upon this ramen restaurant that had an English menu - Kamukura Soup With Noodles. Entering that restaurant was one of the great impromptu decisions we made while in Tokyo :) Because, as it turned out, Kamukura is one of the popular ramen places in Japan that served really good, filling and affordable food! Kamukura Ramen actually has a controversial c...

Dec62015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cheap Way To Travel From Narita To Tokyo

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel

Yes, it's true. Japan is truly an expensive city BUT if you know where to look and how to follow instructions and, more especially, if you have cool travel aficionado friends who generously share tips, then you can certainly still travel to Japan on the cheap. I got this very helpful Japan travel tip from Paula Peralejo! This is for those who want to save on transportation from Narita Airport to Tokyo (and vice versa). A little backgrounder first. While Narita Airport isn't the only airport near Tokyo (there's also Haneda Airport), it's usually where most international flights are serviced. Narita is about an hour away from Tokyo proper so unless you want to stay near the airport for some reason, DO NOT book hotels near Narita. I just had to say that since I've noticed that the hotel...

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....

Aug312015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2015 schedule

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism, Travel

Planning to visit Camiguin Island? Do it on October! October is the BEST time for you to visit what is popularly known as the island of your imagination, the Island Born Of Fire, here in Mindanao, Philippines! Camiguin Island celebrates its annual Lanzones Festival every October - it's a festival that celebrates the bountiful harvest of sweet, fleshly lanzones fruits that the island is best known for. Thanks to Camiguin Congressman Xavier Jesus "XJ" Romualdo, Mindanaoan finally got the Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2015 schedule of activities. Thank you very much, sir!I'm planning to attend at least the major events. Who among you also want to go? :) With the theme, "Kinaiyahan Atong Amping Kalamboan Alang Sa Tanan," the Camiguin Island Lanzones Festival 2015 will formally kick off ...

Aug112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities

Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

The King of Festivals is here once again! Kadayawan Festival 2015 or the 30th Kadayawan sa Dabaw will be held in Davao City from August 17 to 23, 2015. Kadayawan Festival is Davao City's grandest and most colorful celebration that highlights Davao tribes' culture, tradition and everyday lives. Kadayawan is also where we all thank the good Lord for bountiful harvests! :) Here's the Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities (please feel free to SHARE!): It's also a special non-working holiday in Davao City on August 24, 2015 so plan your trip well! Happy Kadayawan Festival! See you in the streets! :)

Jul182015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

#Come2CDO social media campaign launched

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Technology, Tourism

The Cagayan de Oro Bloggers launched the #Come2CDO social media campaign today, July 18, 2015, in an effort to help promote the city online. The #Come2CDO online campaign, a yearly social media initiative of the CDO Bloggers, Inc. that began in 2013, aims to promote the city's best in terms of adventure destinations, food selections, hotels and other accommodations, tourist spots and ultimately, the warmth of a Kagayanon's friendship. By sharing photos, stories and other posts on social media and by adding the hashtags #Come2CDO and #CDO, the public can help populate the Internet with helpful entries about Cagayan de Oro. These entries can aid would-be and existing visitors as well as investors of this dynamic city. You can monitor the results of this social media campaign on ...

Jul142015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: High Ridge overlooking CDO Philippines

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism

High Ridge CDO offers a panoramic view of the city. High Ridge is where you go when you want that "overlooking CDO" experience. High Ridge CDO actually re-opened last year and the changes are substantial - the place now has a spacious al fresco restaurant, small landscaped areas and airconditioned function rooms. High Ridge CDO reminds me of Jack's Ridge and Shrine Hills in Davao City. Anyway, I was with my family last weekend and we decided to have dinner at High Ridge. This is the kind of view you see from what could be the highest point in urban CDO: Entrance fee, by the way, is Php 100.00 per person. This is consumable at the restaurant. During dinner with family, we ordered the PCM soup (potatoes, carrots, mushrooms). This was Php 99.00. We ordered one for each and we had a...

Jul112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Here’s an Italian restaurant amidst Bukidnon mountains

Bukidnon, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Food, Tourism

If, like me, you often traverse the Davao to Bukidnon highway, chances are, you've also spotted this quaint, unassuming place at Barangay BuDa (Bukidnon - Davao border), Marilog District. Marked by an Italian flag proudly swaying along with the wind, La Toscana Il Cielo is an authentic Italian restaurant run and owned by the Lucarini couple. Apart from the fact that this Italian restaurant is located in the middle of lush vegetation, mountainous area in Bukidnon and at the outskirts of a small, quiet town, La Toscana Il Cielo BuDa's other beauty is the fact that they only use ingredients straight from Italy and the herbs and vegetables come from their 3-hectare farm right there at BuDa. Click here to see the menu By the way, "La Toscana" means "the Tuscan" whi...

Jul42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Miss Cagayan de Oro 2015 bets go water rafting with Great White

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

The Miss Cagayan de Oro 2015 candidates recently made the wise choice of going white water rafting with Great White Water Tours. The lovely Miss CDO 2015 candidates had the best time with the said top CDO rafting outfit. Great White Water Tours is the only CDO water rafting outfit that guarantees two professional river guides per raft (safety is their main concern), 100% clean record (no deaths), high quality gear and equipment, free snack and lunch, available photo and GoPro video coverage services and countless celebrities and notable personalities as regular and satisfied customers. Great White Water Tours is also a sister company of Dahilayan Adventure Park, home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline and the exciting 8-storey Skyjump base jump platform. As such, they offer the che...

Jun262015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Must See Places in Rome that Are Uncommon for Visitors

Tourism, Travel

Italy is home to some of the most influential people and artwork throughout thousands of years of history. It is an ancient location as remnants of the past tell stories of events that have shaped humankind today. Rome is full of locations that everyone wants to experience for themselves. However, there may be some that are uncommon that you must see in order to appreciate the multiple facets of historical Italy. In addition to Hipmunk's guide to Rome, you can get more out of the experience by exploring places you never knew existed. Largo di Torre Argentina Site of an ancient series of temples and believed Theater of Pompey, Largo Argentina also hosts one of Rome's more humanitarian aspects. Hundreds of cats find these ruins as shelter as a no-kill area for homeless felines. Operato...

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That Amazing Wine-Paired Degustation At Movenpick Resort Cebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Events, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Degustation is a culinary term that means meticulous food tasting of special signature dishes. Usually consisting of several courses, each paired with matching wines that complement each dish, a degustation aims to heighten one’s senses and allows one to appreciate food at its finest. That’s exactly what happened during my recent stay at Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu. I flew via Philippine Airlines and underwent a wine-paired degustation at the Conservatory of the Ibiza Beach Club, led by no other than popular Cebu businessman and passionate sommelier Manuel “Manny” Osmeña. This was how the Ibiza Beach Club looked like that night: Before that, though, Manny O gave me and my fellow media guests a tour of his private wine cellar. Only a handful of people have ever set foot here s...

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Soul Refresh At Movenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

How do you say no to a weekend of flight via Philippine Airlines and 5-star accommodation, gastronomical pleasure and pampering via Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu? It was an invitation I just could not resist. Cool gift from Philippine Airlines @flypal #flypal #aviation #travel A photo posted by Mindanaoan.com Irene (@mindanaoan) on May 16, 2015 at 2:28am PDT Philippine Airlines, which is re-introducing its daily Cagayan de Oro-Cebu flights, recently flew Mindanaoan.com to the Queen City of the South to experience a specific kind of luxury - one that I could only describe as refreshing for one’s soul, mind and heart. It was a short but smooth and comfortable flight, the kind that you can only expect with the country’s flag carrier. I even checked-in online via PAL’s website...

May242015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New place for prayer and reflection in Malaybalay City Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, Religion, Tourism, Travel

There's a new place ideal for prayer and reflection in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. Q Park II, located at Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, boasts of a lovely manicured lawn, a gorgeous view of the Bukidnon mountain ranges and Malaybalay's signature cool breeze. It's a nice place to commune with the Lord. An alternative to the Monastery of Transfiguration, which is also located in Malaybalay. Admission to Q Park II is FREE and this park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays. There are several huts you can use. You can't miss Q Park II. It's located along Sayre Highway and about half a kilometer away from the road leading towards the Carmelites. By the way, should you want to also visit the Monastery of Transfiguration, there's a dress code

May172015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Emerald Suites – Budget friendly hotel in CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Here's good news for fellow budget conscious travelers and folks who love staycations like myself. Emerald Suites CDO is now open for business! Emerald Suites Cagayan de Oro is the latest budget hotel to open in the City of Golden Friendship and they do not only offer friendly rates, they offer a great location as well! Situated along Jose Agudo Street, Barangay 24, Emerald Suites CDO is just a stone's throw away from the major malls. From the garden area of Ayala Centrio Mall, this new CDO budget hotel is just a few meters away. It is also several steps away from Gaisano Mall, Limketkai complex (where the Limketkai Mall is) and the currently being constructed SM CDO Premiere 2. The reception area at the second floor: Rates: Standard single - Php 899...

Apr212015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

White sand at Isidro’s Beach, Initao, Misamis Oriental

Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel

So aside from jumping off an 8-storey base jump platform tower, I also celebrated my birthday this year at my happy place - THE BEACH! I am a certified beach baby :) Since it was my Cebu-based brother's last day in town, my family and I decided to just forego our Camiguin Island or Siargao Island plans and just look for a nearby municipality that had white sand beaches. In Misamis Oriental, the nearest one we could think of was Initao. Initao is about a little over an hour away from Cagayan de Oro and about 45 minutes away from Iligan City. Apart from white sand beaches, Initao is also known for the Initao National Park, which is a 57 hectare natural forest with diverse flora and fauna. Anyway, it wasn't our first time at an Initao white sand beach but it was our first time to go dur...