Bukidnon Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Feb242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: New Bukidnon viral video highlights province’s breathtaking beauty

Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The office of Bukidnon 2nd District Congressman Atty. John Flores has released a now considered viral video that highlights the Province of Bukidnon's breathtaking beauty. The 2-minute teaser video has racked up over 45,000 views and nearly 3,000 shares in just 15 hours. On his official Facebook page, Flores wrote: "Behold, the breathtaking spell that is - BUKIDNON Where beautiful people, rich culture and a glorious landscape that only a Higher Power can ever create - merge and exist in peace and unity. Where respect, music, dancing and even poetry reverberate in our hearts. You and I may have roamed the world but this is where we always yearn to go back to - our sweet Bukidnon home. Together, you and I - today and always - let's celebrate all of our strengths and uniqueness. Be...

Jul292019 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Spotted: Durian Cacao in Bukidnon Philippines

Advocacy, Agriculture, Bukidnon, Business

I recently accompanied newly minted Congressman Atty. John Flores of the Second District of Bukidnon. We went to Barangay Bantuanon in Lantapan, a municipality known for its rich flora and fauna, natural parks, organic plantations and tribal communities. It was the 29th Araw ng Bantuanon celebration and I was happy to be with my good friend Atty. John again after what was a pretty exciting 2019 election season. I was also happy to discover something pretty fascinating that day, too: DURIAN CACAO. Yep, you read that right. Durian cacao. It looks like a cacao fruit but, as the ladies who manned that particular booth Atty. John and I visited told us, its seeds are actually pungent a.k.a. they smelled like durian! That's durian cacao that John's holding: Here's how i...

Feb172019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Zoo to open, here are the entrance fees and rules

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Features, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City, Tourism

The Province of Bukidnon is finally opening its very own zoo. The Bukidnon Zoo, which is set to open on February 26, 2019 March 5, 2019, is located at the Kaamulan Grounds in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. (Here's how to get to Malaybalay) The Kaamulan Grounds, which underwent extensive renovations and now has a water fountain and a footbridge, is also where the Tulugan cottages are. These are government-owned cottages amid pine trees that anybody can rent through the Bukidnon Tourism Office. With the impending opening of the Bukidnon Zoo, the Kaamulan Grounds will now soon be home of many different animals, picnic facilities, a playground and a snack store. The Bukidnon Zoo will feature various animals such as deer, bear cat, parrot, monkey, crocodile, boar, sna...

Feb92019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

New nesting area for Philippine Eagle identified

Bukidnon, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

Here's good news! A new nesting territory for the mighty monkey-eating Philippine Eagle has been identified...and yes, it's in Mindanao, particularly in the highlands of Bukidnon. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, they have duly verified local reports that indicated the presence of a Philippine Eagle and its offspring in Bukidnon. The said foundation said that they conducted a 2-week expedition and confirmed that there's an eaglet about 10 months old and its parent in the Bukidnon highlands. This is a really positive development especially since there are only about 400 Philippine Eagles left. My friend, Atty. John Flores, who is gunning for the District 2 congressional seat, cautioned that people should be more mindful of the Philippine Eagles' nesting areas. T...

Jan22019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cafe Sa Bukid – thriving in the middle of nowhere

Bukidnon, Business, Cafe, Consumer, Features, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Tourism

I think it was just a matter of time. After all, it sits on a verdant plateau between mountain ranges (so you know fo' sho' you see amazing views everywhere!), the weather is nice, life is chill and the people are cool and friendly. I'm talking about Lantapan, Bukidnon, situated between the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountain ranges, having its first crowd-drawing cafe, Cafe Sa Bukid. This 2-storey hut largely made out of bamboo has become quite a sensation - attracting not only local customers but visitors from just about everywhere. I went home to the Philippines a few weeks ago and Cafe Sa Bukid was one of the places my relatives and I visited. It’s located in Kibangay, Lantapan, about 45 minutes away from the Barangay Aglayan, Malaybalay City junction. You won’t miss it - it’s alon...

Jul62018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Fifty indigenous families to be affected by Bukidnon airport project

Bukidnon, Culture, Society

Some 50 Indigenous People (IP) families will apparently be affected by the Bukidnon airport project. And in exchange for pulling them out of the area in Don Carlos, Bukidnon, where the airport will be, they will be given Php 5 Million. This would mean that each indigenous family will receive Php 100,000. Which makes me think --- is Php 100,000 enough? Granted that the families themselves, led by Datu Teodoro Andil of the Unified Ancestral Domain of Manobo Kirenteken, reportedly asked for the Php 5 Million, is this just? Is this fair? Have other government agencies and NGOs perhaps helped them figure out if this amount can help them long-term? The Php 5 Million will reportedly be used to purchase a 50-hectare relocation site in Pangantucan. Fifty homes will be built there, one for ...

Mar202018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Beautiful Bukidnon tribal dance at the Kaamulan Festival 2018

Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City

As I am writing this, the yearly Kaamulan Festival is currently ongoing in the Province of Bukidnon, Philippines. The Kaamulan Festival 2018 celebration will last until March 24, 2018, on which day the main highlight, the Ethnic Street Dancing Competition, will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. If you're heading there, you may want to check one of my other blogs, the longest-standing one about the province, Bukidnon Online. You can also find the Kaamulan 2018 schedule of activities there. Anyway, full disclosure --- I am still here in New York, USA (legally, if I may add) and obviously, I'm thousands of miles away from Bukidnon. Fortunately, I have an awesome brother, Ben, and an awesome cousin, Daniel, and they're both covering the events for my blogs! Yes, I'm very ...

Jan232018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Festival | 2018 Schedule | Bukidnon Authentic Ethnic Festival Philippines

Bukidnon, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The yearly festival in the Province of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival, will be a month-long celebration again this year. Kaamulan Festival 2018 will be held the entire month of March. An annual gathering of the 7 hill tribes of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival derived its name from the Binukid word "amul," which means "to gather." Hence, Kaamulan is a gathering for a purpose - be it an indigenous wedding ceremony, ethnic sports competition, rituals etc. The Bukidnon 7 hill tribes, by the way, are: Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. A former Tourism Secretary even called it the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines. The Kaamulan Festival activities will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. READ: How to get to Malaybal...

Apr112017 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

This Bukidnon bus company is getting tons of attention

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Let's face it. Pabama Bus Tours and Transport Bukidnon used to be regarded as the "smallest player" among the 3 bus companies serving the Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro route. Pabama, owned by a family based in the Municipality of Kibawe in Bukidnon, had the smallest fleet compared to Rural Transit Mindanao (formerly Bachelor Express) and Super 5. These days, however, the small fry is now very ready to face the giants. Pabama invaded social media by storm when they introduced their brand new, high-end units made by Chinese firm Zhong Tong. Check out this photo taken by my policeman-cousin Erwin: The new Pabama Bukidnon buses are equipped with mini trays (just like what you see in airplanes), cup holders, comfortable captain chairs and yup, check out the individual tablets! You will...

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 ...

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 ...

Jan72017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Take a helicopter ride and see Dahilayan Bukidnon from the sky

Bukidnon, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Barangay Dahilayan, one of the 22 barangays of the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, has truly evolved into Mindanao's favorite playground. From being the home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline to being the place where you can experience the 8-storey platform base jump to now offering helicopter rides! Dahilayan Forest Park, the property beside Dahilayan Adventure Park (where the popular Zipzone is), now offers helicopter rides. According to the Dahilayan Forest Park management, they forged a tie-up with Lion Air for the chopper rides. They're hoping the helicopter service will stay all year round. Currently, the Dahilayan helicopter ride rate is Php 1,200 per person. Aside from the helicopter ride, Dahilayan Forest Park also offers other amenities and servic...

Dec132016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Globe Telecom, Hineleban Foundation lead “Rainforestation” and livelihood program for IPs in Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur

Advocacy, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Bukidnon, Business, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Videos

A "rainforestation" program for the 6 mountain ranges in Mindanao as well as livelihood opportunities for indigenous people in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur are underway. Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom is set to donate roughly Php 1.4 Million to Hineleban Foundation. Globe, represented by its SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto, inked an agreement with the foundation together with its thousands of Globe MyLifestyle iPhone 7 customers for a 5-year "rainforestation program," composed of 3 key components, namely: reforestation, sustainable livelihood development and food security. Through Globe’s MyLifestyle Plan which starts at P2,599, clients have the option to contribute in the reforestation of denuded forests, particularly in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinc...

Jun52016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering Senator Migs Zubiri’s oathtaking ceremony

Advocacy, Blogging, Bukidnon, Events, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics, Society

What was supposed to be a self-imposed, much-needed vacation last June 4, 2016 in Bukidnon turned into a mini "working holiday" when my good friend Bobby of Rappler told me that he and other Cagayan de Oro media friends were in Malaybalay City to cover the oathtaking of returning Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri. Apparently, I've been living under a rock because I wasn't even aware that Sir Migs was taking his oath that day! Eep. Anyways, I knew I couldn't pass up that chance to witness Sir Migs as he takes his oath as comebacking Senator. Plus I would've missed this scene - Sir Migs as he personally checked his speech and made final touches: READ: Full text of Senator Migs Zubiri's oathtaking speech In 2007, I remember writing the banner headline story of him running for the...

Dec112015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Joining the US Embassy Manila YOUnified celebration

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Bukidnon, Events, Misamis Oriental, United States of America

I'm a proud alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program, a U.S. State Department-sponsored program for global emerging leaders. The IVLP is the Department of State's premiere professional exchange program and - I have said this before and will not hesitate to say it again and again - that experience of being sent to America changed my life and inspired me in so many ways. This is why whenever I have the opportunity to inspire others especially the youth and help them become leaders, I really find time. This weekend, I will be a part of the YOUnified Bukidnon celebration! YOUnified is the 2nd anniversary of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). Bukidnon will be one of the 20 communities across the Philippines that will simultaneously celebrate YSEALI's ann...

Jun22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Malaybalay Bukidnon Foundation Day 2015 schedule

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Music

The capital of Bukidnon is set to celebrate the 138th Araw ng Malaybalay. The Araw ng Malaybalay 2015 / Malaybalay Foundation Day 2015 official schedule of activities has already been released and as you can see, there are lots of reasons for you to go and visit Malaybalay City. Among the activities are sports tournaments (chess, softball, tennis, dart, bowling, basketball, table tennis and sepak takraw), wall climbing challenges and horse and carabao competitions. Click on the image below for a larger view: Top Filipino band Parokya ni Edgar will also topbill a concert on June 13, 2015, 7 PM, at the Malaybalay City Covered Court / Freedom Park. Catch Chito and the rest of the guys as they entertain you with their hit songs including "Buloy," "Bagsakan," "Harana," "Halaga,"...

Apr182015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The 2nd Dahilayan Off Road Duathlon And Trail Run

Announcements, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Sports

IT'S CONFIRMED! Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that the Second Dahilayan Off Road Duathlon and Trail Run will be held at both Dahilayan Adventure Park and Forest Park Dahilayan on May 31, 2015! Organized by ProSport Productions, the said event is expected to gather hundreds of participants and is the most-awaited follow-up of last year's very successful event. Dahilayan Adventure Park and Forest Park Dahilayan are both located in Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, which is roughly 45 minutes away from Cagayan de Oro City. Here's how to get there. The 2nd Dahilayan Off Road Duathlon and Trail Run is organized by ProSport Productions, a multisport event organizing team composed of triathletes themselves. In fact, the race director as well as the technical director ar...

Jan312015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Behold the majestic Mangima Canyon in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon may be usually known for Dahilayan Adventure Park and Del Monte Golf and Country Club (home of really good steaks and bottomless Del Monte juice!) but this Bukidnon town is actually also home to something truly GRAND - the Mangima Canyon. Took the photos of below from the Sitio Angeles view deck. This is in between Barangay Dalirig and Maluko. If you have extra time, you can stay here for a bit, relax and enjoy the scenery. There are a couple of huts with benches made out of steel road barriers. UPDATE: These photos show the Maluko Canyon. The Mangima Canyon can be viewed only in part. Thanks Miss Gina for the info. This is truly a breathtaking view. The Mangima Canyon is incredibly beautiful. You must visit Bukidnon soon :) Want to rent a van t...

Sep172014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Kapuso celebrities during Kaamulan Festival 2014 in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update

If ABS CBN brought in Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla for Kaamulan Festival 2014 (Bukidnon's yearly gathering of 7 hill tribes), GMA 7 brought in 4 of their celebrities. During the Kapuso Night held last August 30, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City, Yasmien Kurdi, JC Tiuseco, Enzo Pineda and Jeric Gonzales performed before a crowd composed of tens of thousands. Congratulations to GMA 7 for the successful event! And thank you very much for the VIP access :) For other Kaamulan Festival 2014 updates and photos, like the Kaamulan Festival page See how happy this fellow is? :)

Aug262014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Centennial concert to feature Vice Ganda, KathNiel, Tim Yap

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Society

Visiting the Province of Bukidnon for the Kaamulan Festival and for its 100th founding anniversary? Here's more reason for you to come! The provincial government of Bukidnon is bringing in popular comedian Vice Ganda and today's hottest loveteam KathNiel - Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla as well as TV host Tim Yap for the Bukidnon Centennial concert on September 1, 2014, 7 PM at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City. FREE admission. Expect thousands of other spectators so better come early! There will also be a fireworks display. See you all there! Follow Mindanaoan on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates and photos :) My username in all those social networking sites - @mindanaoan The updated Kaamulan Festival 2014 schedule of activities

Aug182014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Miss Bukidnon Centennial or Laga Ta Bukidnon 2014 winners

Beauty, Bukidnon, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City

A Filipino-American beauty bagged the Laga Ta Bukidnon 2014 crown last night, August 17, 2014 during the Miss Bukidnon Centennial coronation night held at the Kaamulan Open Theater in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Miss Malaybalay 2014 Marah Smith won the Laga Ta Bukidnon 2014 title. Smith, a student of Central Mindanao University and who also won the Miss CMU Palaro crown, is half-Filipino, half-American. Her mother is from Malaybalay City while her father is African-American. During the talent night, she sang. Here are photos taken during the Laga Ta Bukidnon talent night. The other winners of Miss Bukidnon 2014: 1st Runner Up - Miss Talakag 2nd Runner Up - Miss Libona 3rd Runner Up - Miss Manolo Fortich 4th Runner Up - Miss Malitbog GMA 7 Kapuso star Benjamin Alves also se...

Jul272014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Grand opening of Pulse Music Club Malaybalay Bukidnon

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Malaybalay City, Music, Society

Pulse Music Club is perhaps the longest-standing live music venue and dance club in Cagayan de Oro City. So it wasn't much of a surprise that when I started sharing news that Pulse has plans of opening a branch in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (which is about 2 hours away from CDO), a TON of people really got excited over the news. Read: Bukidnon Online - for the latest Bukidnon news Along with friends from the Bukidnon Bloggers, I got invited to the grand opening of Pulse Music Club Malaybalay last July 25, 2014. Located at Tabios Street corner Moreno Street, Pulse Music Club Malaybalay was jampacked that night! There were guest DJs, Pulse house ledge dancers, house DJs and a host who made sure that the crowd was entertained until the wee hours of the night. Thanks so...