Tourism Archives - Page 7 of 17 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao fruit shopping with Rivermaya @rivermayaband

Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Tourism

Was scanning my files earlier today and I found these! Very timely - since my Rivermaya band boys are currently in Dubai as of this writing and I miss them :) I will be in Manila in a few days, actually, but I'm not sure if I could watch any of their gigs. Oh well, c'est la vie. Anyway, here's the kuwento behind these photos. Hours before that Rivermaya Live In Davao show I co-produced with Apo View Hotel and The Blue Room not too long ago, Explore Davao treated Rivermaya band members Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Norby David and Ryan Peralta, the Rivermaya band management (led by Raymond) and I to a fun Samal Island trip! The boys looked pretty excited that morning :) Of course, what good is a beach/island outing without baon? Davao Congressman Karlo Nograles and his lovely wife ...

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Travel: Camiguin Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort

Camiguin, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Have you been following my Camiguin Island posts? You may have come across my Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort post where I shared that it's where you can find pools with hot sulfuric flowing water. Now if in Ardent Resort Camiguin you'll find natural hot springs, there's another Camiguin Island tourist spot where you'll find cold springs! Just how cold? Read on. Located in Catarman town, Camiguin, Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort is home to a huge (almost Olympic-sized) pool. That's about 40 meters by 25 meters. What makes this Camiguin resort unique is the cold, clear fresh water. It's so cold that more often than not, first timers who dive into the pool right away usually alight shivering. That's why it's a good idea to check the water temperature first. Best if you can sit on the edge o...

Oct32013 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Monastery of Transfiguration Malaybalay Bukidnon: 3 things to do

Bukidnon, Culture, Education, Features, Religion, Tourism, Travel

I recently revisited the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, my favorite refuge here in this part of the Philippines. You can read about my recent visit to this Benedictine Monastery here. Have you ever visited? If you have, I'm sure you'd agree with me when I say that it's the loveliest, most ideal place for a spiritual retreat. The Monastery of Transfiguration Bukidnon is where you can pray and commune with the Lord. It's also fast becoming a favorite wedding destination for so many couples around the world. However, apart from praying at this gorgeous cone-shaped chapel (picture below, designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin and considered the centerpiece of the Monastery of Transfiguration), there are 3 other things you can do w...

Oct22013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Revisiting the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Beauty, Bukidnon, Culture, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel, Weddings

I had the chance to revisit the Monastery of Transfiguration last weekend. Located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the Monastery of Transfiguration, also known as the Benedictine Transfiguration Monastery, is my most favorite spiritual refuge. It's an ideal place to visit in Mindanao, Philippines if you want to go on a spiritual retreat. The centerpiece of the Monastery of Transfiguration is this popular cone-shaped chapel, designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin. There's a dress code that you need to follow before you enter the chapel, please. If you find yourself alone in the church, consider yourself very lucky. It's when I'm alone inside this beautiful chapel that I can truly meditate and speak with the Lord. The well-manicured garden ...

Sep72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Legend Palawan Hotel Puerto Princesa

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

So during my recent two-day, all expense paid trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism, (much thanks to the US Embassy Manila) I stayed at The Legend Hotel. I must admit from the get-go, however, that I wasn't able to explore this Palawan hotel that much since we arrived pretty darn late in the evening on the first day and we also had to leave early the next day to go to Brooke's Point, Palawan. And on our second day at The Legend Palawan, the same thing happened - we again arrived in the evening then had to leave early the next morning. C'est la vie. So please just allow me to share a few photos I took of my The Legend Palawan Hotel room. I stayed in an airconditioned standard suite. It had two beds - one queen sized bed and a single...

Sep62013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GenSan 15th Tuna Festival 2013 schedule of activities

Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Sarangani, Tourism

General Santos City, known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and the Home of the Generals, is currently celebrating Tuna Festival 2013! This Mindanao festival, the 15th Tuna Festival, is in celebration of the 45th Charter Anniversary of General Santos City. This year, the festivities started last August 15, 2013 and will last until September 15, 2013. GenSan, led by its Mayor Ronnel Rivera, is home to 6 of the country's 7 tuna canning factories. Lots of metric tons of tuna, including first grade or "sashimi grade" tuna, land on the famous GenSan Fish Port every single day. In 2012, a total of 139,613 metric tons of fish were landed at the General Santos Fish Port. Those tuna then get sent out not only to domestic customers but to foreign markets as well. The tuna industry sure is t...

Sep52013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Diyandi Festival 2013 Iligan schedule of activities

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Iligan City, Tourism, Travel

One of the awaited Mindanao festivals this September is Diyandi, a month-long cultural celebration in Iligan City. Diyandi Festival 2013 is celebrated in honor of Iligan City's patron Saint Michael the Archangel. Diyandi Festival culminates every September 29 - this is St. Michael's feast day. Diyandi means "celebrate." And this year, there are lots of reasons to celebrate! The City Government of Iligan has prepared lots of activities including a fun run, beauty pageant, film festival, concerts etc. (speaking of concerts, don't forget to catch Rivermaya on Sept. 29 - I'll post more details about this soon) Check out the Diyandi Festival 2013 schedule of activities (this is still a partial list, for updates please visit the Diyandi Festival FB page): Discover and experience...

Sep42013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking about social media in a US Embassy event in Palawan

Advocacy, America, Arts, Blogging, Education, Features, Government, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism, United States of America, Visayas

This Mindanao blogger received a special invitation not too long ago. The US Embassy Manila folks asked if I wanted to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism in a two-day, all expenses paid eco-tourism workshop in Palawan. As an International Visitor Leadership Program alumnus, I was invited to share my knowledge to outstanding students from various schools in Brooke's Point, Palawan. Who can say no to that kind of invitation? So last August 22, 2013, I flew to Manila from Mindanao and then to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - all on the same day. My flight to Manila got delayed for about 3 hours because of Typhoon Maring. The delayed flight was both boon and bane. Boon because I was able to chat with a city mayor-friend of mine (you know, get the inside juicy stuff I can wr...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kagay-an CDO Fiesta 2013 schedule of events

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism

Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of activities. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar "Oca" Moreno has said that the 2013 CDO Fiesta will push through this year. This, despite the recent news about the bombing incident at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The Kagay-an Festival 2013, which is celebrated in honor of patron Saint Augustine, will hold the theme "Higalaay: The Kagay-an Festival 2013." Higalaay means "friendly gathering/friendly atmosphere." Check out this Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of events: KUMBIRA: Aug 14-31, 2013 Limketkai Mall Atrium (Kumbira is a professional and student culinary show and live competition. It is the largest culinary event in Mindanao. Check out what happened during Kumbira 2012) GARDEN SHOW: August 15-31...

Aug52013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel, Weird

Yes, you read that right. There's a Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island and although many people might find it a little creepy, this Camiguin tourist spot is actually a popular diving and snorkeling spot. Located at Barangay Bonbon, Municipality of Catarman, Camiguin Island, the Sunken Cemetery came about after Mt. Vulcan's series of eruptions from 1871 to 1875. As a result, some areas in Bonbon subsided including the town's cemetery. The cemetery sank below sea level. In 1982, the local government of Camiguin erected a cross on the site. For those of you wondering whether or not there are still dead bodies at the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin Island, the human remains have already been exhumed and buried in another location. Besides, it's been more than 100 years - I guess you can spot...

Aug12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Not many people know that Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born Of Fire is home to two beautiful waterfalls. One of them is actually a favorite destination of many tourists and locals alike and is, almost often than not, included in Camiguin Island tour packages. Katibawasan Falls is located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong, Barangay Upper Pandan, Municipality of Mambajao, Camiguin Island. From Mambajao proper, Katibawasan Falls is located about 5 kilometers southeast. From the top of the falls, a clear stream of water drops 250 feet or about 70 meters to a plunge pool. And you know what makes Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island a must-visit? The water that’s almost as cold as ice! Yep, plunging into the water without testing the temperature can actually be a test that could separate the men ...

Jul212013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

The Paradise That Is White Island Camiguin

Beauty, Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I think no trip to Camiguin Island will ever be complete without a visit to the popular, uninhabited sand bar called White Island. It is nothing but paradise! Crystal clear water, white sand and lovely view of Mt. Hibok Hibok. Located about 10 minutes away from the shore of Barangay Yumbing (or Barangay Agoho), Camiguin Island, White Island is generally horseshoe-shaped but it usually gets reshaped because of the tides. And because the sand at White Island is very precious, the Camiguin government has issued this warning. My family and I paid White Island a visit during a recent trip to Camiguin Island. I must say, it was one of the highlights of our trip. My brothers and I (and even our Mom) are all beach babies and any opportunity for us to go and spend time in the water is most ap...

Jul152013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Ardent Hibok Hibok Spring Resort Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

So after our fun Mantigue Island escapade, my family and I then proceeded to Ardent Hot Spring Resort in Camiguin Island. Since it's been a few years since our last Camiguin Island trip, we didn't know that this Camiguin tourist spot has been renamed. Apparently, it's now called Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort and it's now being run by the local government of Camiguin. Ardent is a natural hot springs resort. The fresh and hot sulfuric flowing water comes from Mt. Hibok Hibok and its temperature can reach as much as 40 degrees Centrigrade. Sulfur in water has therapeutic effects. It can help address health concerns like skin diseases, asthma and rheumatism. There are a few pools at Ardent. The water temperature in each pool also varies. This one below is the main pool. Sometimes,...

Jul122013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mantigue Island Camiguin – what to see and why you should go

Beauty, Camiguin, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The last time my family and I went to Mantigue Island in Camiguin was almost 5 years ago. Yes, it took me that long to come back. A pity, really, since Mantigue Island Camiguin has all the makings of being the next Mindanao tourist spot to watch out for. I haven't forgotten just how beautiful it was there. Crystal clear water, white sand, rich marine sanctuary and the feeling of an uninhabited island. I say "feeling" because in truth, several families do live in the island but since that controversy between the settlers and the local government started, they've now been relocated to the other side of Mantigue Island. Also known as Magsaysay Island, Mantigue is about 6 hectares big. A former fishing village, the local government of Camiguin has now transformed it into "Mantigue Is...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Hotel: Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle

Camiguin, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

So on a recent trip to Camiguin Island, my family and I stayed in a different resort in Camiguin this time (we've already stayed at Tia's Beach Resort, Golden Sunset Camiguin etc) After a little bit of research and getting recommendations from friends, I booked a family suite at Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle Camiguin. I chose Villa Paraiso Resort Camiguin because it was located in Mambajao, the capital town of Camiguin, because they offered a 20 percent discount (off-season rate), because their resort had a pool (I figured my family and I would like to go on a night swimming session), because their room rates came with free continental breakfast (read: toasted bread and eggs) and free unlimited coffee (cool!) and, most importantly, the one who took care of my room reservation, Bern...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Camiguin Island travel guide: How to get there

Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel

One of my favorite tourist destinations in the Philippines is Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born of Fire. Located in Northern Mindanao, Camiguin is the second smallest province in the Philippines. Apart from its historic sites, beautiful coastline and environmental tourism areas, visitors just love the crystal clear water. Who wouldn't want to visit a place as beautiful as this? Last weekend, my entire family and I went to Camiguin for a 3-day, 2-night escapade. Being the one fond of researching, preparing itineraries and following budgets, I took it upon myself to plan the entire trip to Camiguin Island. It's not my family's first time to visit the island. However, we try to discover new things and stay in a different place every time we visit. Now if you want to visit the i...

Jun202013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Kadayawan Festival 2013 Davao City schedule of activities

BIMP-EAGA, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

It's Kadayawan 2013 time, folks! Mindanao's king of festivals, Kadayawan Festival, is happening this August! The 2013 Kadayawan Festival in Davao City will once again showcase Davao's rich and diverse culture and tradition, thanksgiving of oneness with the Earth and bountiful harvest. The Kadayawan Festival 2013 will also provide the opportunity for the various indigenous tribes such as the Ata Manobo, Ubo Manobo, K’lata, Tagabawa, Matigsalog, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Sama and Kalagan to converge. The term "Kadayawan" comes from the Mandaya word "Madayaw" which means anything good, valuable, bountiful, beautiful. Kadayawan Festival 2013 Davao City Schedule of Activities Follow Mindanaoan on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and Instagram for updates. Kadayawan Festival 201...

Jun182013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

A must-try in Davao City: Wine quartet at the Apo View Hotel

Business, Consumer, Davao City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

As part of the Apo View Hotel Davao's 65th year of operations and a first of its kind in Davao City, the Philippines' second longest operating hotel has launched the unique Wine Quartet, whereby diners can savor a set of 4 carefully and thoughtfully selected wines to match their favorite dishes at Entree, Apo View Hotel Davao City's buffet restaurant. Definitely a great way to match good food with good wine! Under the Entree Wine Quartet promo, you get 4 glasses of wines for only Php 250.00. You can taste 4 different wine varietals: two white wines (Torrontes-Sauvignon Blanc and Macabeo) and two reds (Tahuna Pinot Noir from New Zealand and Castillo de Almansa from Spain). The wine choices will be changed every month but the price will remain the same. The Apo View Davao Entree Wine Q...

Apr222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sarangani Bay Festival 2013 schedule of activities

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

It's that time of year once again! The biggest beach festival in Mindanao is happening in a few weeks! Are you ready for Sarangani Bay Festival 2013? SarBay Fest 2013 will be held on May 24 and 25, 2013 at Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province, Mindanao. Check out the fun schedule of activities below :) Please feel free to share this post with your friends and start planning your Sarangani adventure! According to the 2013 SarBay Fest organizers, accommodation located near the Main Event Venue are White Haven Beach Resort, Rosal Beach Resort, Coco Beach Resort. You can also bring your tents and stay at the Tent City near the Main Venue. You also have the option to stay in Poblacion, Glan or in accredited SarBay hotels in General Santos City (which is about an hour away). Some accredited...

Apr122013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Blue Room bar At Apo View Hotel Davao re-launch

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Food, Leisure, Music, Shopping, Society, Tourism

After their grand 65th anniversary celebration, Apo View Hotel Davao City wants to introduce something new. The Blue Room, a favorite hangout of many Dabawenyos and tourists alike, will have a new look come Saturday, April 13, 2013, 9 PM. The Blue Room at Apo View Hotel Davao will also offer new cocktails and new menu. And to help herald the fresh look of The Blue Room bar, tribal house trio DJ Elmer Dado + Gruppo Tribale will perform and weave their infectious blend of electronic dance music coupled with live percussions. Join the party! No door charge. Plus here's great news - local beers start at only Php 50.00! Don't forget to visit The Blue Room at Apo View Hotel Davao City! You can also book a room at Apo View Hotel Davao here.

Apr72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao to Indonesia RORO vessel to start 2013

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Davao City, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Tourism, Travel

Anybody else as excited as I am? Trips from Mindanao to Indonesia aren't exactly new (there are flights from Davao City to Manado, Indonesia) but I think this new service will be cheaper and more accessible to the public especially to traders. This RORO vessel from Mindanao to Indonesia will use the Davao to General Santos to Bitung route :) Read on. A Philippine roll-on, roll-off (RORO) vessel will start its service to Indonesia in the middle of the year, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said. The project, a first between two members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is expected to improve trade, tourism and connectivity between the Philippines and Indonesia, PCCI said in a statement. This is also said to be the country's first RORO service to an ...

Mar82013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

76th Araw ng Dabaw 2013 Schedule Of Activities

Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Tourism, Travel

The 76th Araw ng Dabaw festivities are ongoing! The Kapayapaan or Peace-themed Araw ng Dabaw 2013 will be on March 16, 2013 but a lot of events already kicked off as early as February. The Duaw Dabaw Foundation, one of the City Government of Davao's partners in carrying out events like the Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan, has reportedly set aside Php 5.2 Million for several events including the Mutya ng Dabaw 2013 pageant. Here's the official schedule of activities for the 2013 Araw ng Dabaw: (click on the image for a larger version) Among the highlights of the Araw ng Dabaw 2013 are the Datu Bago Awards Night, Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw, Parada Dabawenya and the much-awaited Pahalipay Concert of the Dutertes. And speaking of Mutya ng Dabaw 2013, the pageant night was held rece...