cdo blog Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec32018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 best reasons why you need to treat yourself with Native Shoes

Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

I like recommending products that I personally buy and wear. One of the brands that I have grown to trust and love is Native Shoes. I have written about them first here and then here plus I post several photos of me wearing my Native Shoes just about anywhere. In fact, I wore them the first time I went to Taiwan then during my trips back to Malaysia and Singapore with the rest of my family. I also brought my favorite Native Shoes pair to New York! Just recently, I ordered two new pairs and I can't wait to receive them in the mail. Back in Cagayan de Oro, Native Shoes (located at the 2nd Floor of Centrio Mall) launched its newest collection a few days ago. And trust me --- you need to check it out! Here are 3 amazing reasons why you must treat yourself with a new pair (or two or three...

Nov222018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The fun Cirque de Globe CDO Globe Telecom party and my very special prize

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Technology

I haven't written about it yet (although if you do follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you'd have an idea) but, yes, I went home to the Philippines for about 3 weeks. It was a long-awaited, much-needed trip not only because I had to have my new US work visa stamped on my passport (let me know in the comments section if you want me to write about this, by the way!) but also because I have deeply missed my family, relatives, friends, clients (YASSS) and fellow bloggers! My trip was apparently very timely. Globe Telecom wanted to hold their media and bloggers appreciation party pretty early this year (they usually send out invitations either end of November or December) and the date fell on one of my "relax/chill" days. The theme of the party was "circus" and there was supposed to...

Aug222018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Higalaay Festival CDO fiesta 2018 schedule of activities

Cagayan de Oro City, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

I may miss it this year since I'm still in New York, USA but I know that a lot of you will have a good time celebrating Higalaay Festival 2018 in Cagayan de Oro. Higalaay Festival a.k.a. the yearly CDO fiesta a.k.a. celebrating the Feast Day of St. Augustine a.k.a. the celebration that used to be known as Kagay-an Festival. Here, you'll find the official schedule of activities. Do you need help booking your airplane tickets or hotel rooms? I highly recommend Aera Global Travel Services CDO for warm, personalized customer service. They will help you fix any trip anywhere in the world and make it easy and hassle-free. Aera Global Travel CDO offers value-for-money travel packages and they also specialize in quick and efficient airline ticketing and hotel booking. CALL: 0917 525 5564 or 094...

Sep222017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why the S&R Members Treat event is the BEST time to go Christmas shopping

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

If you love discounts, sales and promos over at S&R Membership Shopping as much as I do, then I have absolutely fab news! S&R CDO and all other S&R Membership Shopping branches in Davao, Cebu and other major areas in the Philippines, are again holding its much-awaited S&R Members' Treat! S&R Members' Treat is our favorite membership shopping chain's way of thanking its loyal, valued patrons by offering amazing discounts and promos. As much as 50% discounts on most products as well as the ultra exciting Buy 1 Take 1 promo. Check out some of the items that will be on sale: READ RELATED POST: Sneak peek inside S&R CDO READ RELATED POST: Helping launch S&R CDO The SnR CDO Members Treat is definitely the best time to go Christmas shopping. Avo...

Feb202017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom to deploy more 700 MHz LTE sites, target increase is 300%

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Davao City, Technology

This is really exciting news especially for Globe Telecom subscribers like myself! Globe Telecom will continue to ramp up deployment of the 700 megahertz (MHz) band, with a target to increase utilization of the spectrum by more than 300%, in support of its bid to improve internet experience of its customers. Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu said the company plans to roll out within the year the LTE 700 in close to 1,800 sites, more than three-fold increase from the 500 sites that it was able to deploy last year. “We continue to maximize the use of the previously unutilized 700 MHz because at the end of the day, our basic product is still the network. Globe has consistently delivered superior mobile services and as the country’s network of choice by smartphone users, we want to be ab...

Jan122017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

S&R CDO Media Rounds

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Features, Misamis Oriental, Personalities, Shopping

(This article first appeared on my regular newspaper column on Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper. My column, dubbed "Mindanaoan Meets World," appears every Friday). Everyone’s so excited about the impending opening of S&R Membership Shopping at Zone 5, Kauswagan Highway, Cagayan de Oro that it’s practically the talk of the town. I mean, there’s really good reason. After all, S&R CDO sits on a massive property, has a parking space good for a little over 300 vehicles, a tire center where members can have their tires fixed and replaced for free, lots of quality imported goods all at amazingly low prices, lots of buy 1 take 1 deals, freshly delivered quality meats (they have steaks!), freshly made breads and cakes (anybody up for cheesecakes?) and of course, churros, ice...

Dec62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New in CDO: 6-minute lights and sounds show at Centrio Mall @MyJaps

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism

It was truly a magical night of lights last December 1, 2016 as the Centrio Mall management unveiled the lights and sounds show at the Garden area. It was a 6-minute show reminiscent of what you can also see at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. Kapuso star Julie Ann San Jose regaled the crowd with a few songs before she joined Centrio Mall general manager Natalie Mae Crisostomo and CDO City Tourism Consultant Dorothy Pabayo at the ceremonial switch-on. By the way, major thanks to all of the MyJaps fans who retweeted, reshared and reposted the content I produced that night. A lot of them patiently watched my snaps, IG stories and my Facebook live video! You guys are awesome and Julie Ann is very lucky to have fans like you :) Here's the Facebook Live vi...

Oct292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO rafting rate increase now approved – see the new fees here

Announcements, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

IT'S OFFICIAL. The Oro Association of Rafters (OAR) will now implement new and increased rates for white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. These new CDO rafting rates will actually help the industry. Please read on so we may all understand :) Back in January, I first wrote about the rate increase proposal. Now, I learned that the new CDO rafting rates have already been duly approved and that all of the rafting outfitters have started implementing them last October 1, 2016. The new rates are as follows: * Celebrities Aga Muhlach and Rowell Santiago try CDO rafting with Great White Water Tours Basic rafting course / Lower section (2-3 hours) - Php 1,200 per person. Plus Php 200 if you want the package to include snack, lunch (or dinner). This is optional. Advance rafting co...

Sep152016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

S&R Cagayan de Oro to hold Buy 1 Take 1, 50 percent off promos

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, United States of America

Let me make this fast and simple - S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro is holding its Members' Treat from September 30 to October 2, 2016, 8 AM to 9 PM. That means buy 1 take 1 deals and awesome discounts of up to 50 percent! Big, big, BIG savings! And, hey, look, that's a payday weekend! :D Trust me, the S&R CDO Members' Treat event is the perfect time to hoard on all your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery, imported ice cream, frozen, fresh, produce, home items and bakery goods! And here's a little teaser for you all - why don't you follow Mindanaoan on Facebook so you can have some ideas on which products will go on sale!!! *wink* SHARE this good news with everyone and plan a shopping trip together! See you at S&R CD...

Sep62016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom brings you these wonderful surprises this September

Announcements, Consumer, Features, Freebies, Society, Style, Technology

The signature Globe prefix 917 always had a special bond to most of the company's customers, especially those who are loyal to the service for over 10 years. Brought to life through the actual date, September 17, this month serves as the perfect time to set a wonderful celebration nationwide. Through delightful and rewarding experiences, Globe expresses its gratitude to all its customers for their continued patronage, making it the country’s leading mobile brand. This month, all Globe customers nationwide are in for an exciting line-up of events, treats and exclusive deals from shopping to food and travel. “We have gone through an inspiring and exciting journey with our customers – from milestone services to network upgrades - all bringing us to where we are today. We are grateful to...

Aug202016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The ONLY party you should go to this CDO fiesta Higalaay 2016

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Music

A lot of people have been asking me for recommendations on what to do, where to go, where to eat, where to stay etc during the Higalaay Festival 2016 (Cagayan de Oro fiesta). More often than not, my answers would include staying at The Pacifico Hotel (because it's a major landmark that's right along the parade route so it's easier for hotel guests to watch the festivities), eating at Liempo King (the sisig rice and their signature lechon na liempo just win every single time), ordering boneless lechon belly at Manoy's and river rafting with the BEST in the industry, Great White Water Tours. Now, I have another recommendation - to attend the most exciting Higalaay street festival party on August 27, 2016! Fiesta RAVE-o-lution, made possible by XUHS 92 and the leading telecommunications co...

Aug42016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hi-Way 43 – Culinary heaven at Kauswagan CDO

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

There's a new dining destination in Cagayan de Oro and it's located along Kauswagan Highway, near the Bulua Bus Terminal (where buses heading to Iligan and Zamboanga are) and right where the old Pan de Pugon used to be. Hi-Way 43 is located just a few steps away from Citra Mina and fairly near the newly opened S&R Membership Shopping CDO. The group behind Hi-Way 43 CDO is composed of talented and skillful chefs and experienced entrepreneurs who are devoted to crafting delicious culinary treats and to providing courteous customer service. I was invited to their recently concluded grand opening. I had a nice meal and I can't wait to try the other offers on the menu. I was told that among their bestsellers are the onion bloom, fish fillet with honey mustard sauce, buffalo wings, ...

Jul52016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Breastfeeding and cloth diapering advocate? Join #HakabNaCDO 2016

Advocacy, Announcements, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

Are you a mother who advocates breastfeeding, babywearing and cloth diapering? Are you a stay-at-home mom, working mom, obstetrician, pediatrician or advocate of families, then do join "Hakab Na CDO 2016." The event, led by the Modern Nanays of Mindanao (MNM), a group of mothers who advocate breastfeeding, babywearing and cloth-diapering, will be part of the Global Big Latch On. The Global Big Latch On or Hakab Na encourages and supports communities to make breastfeeding a normal part of day-to- day life and identifies opportunities to provide on-going support for all families. It is the most amazing, fun, global event and a local community-based celebration of families held every August during World Breastfeeding Week. Hakab Na CDO 2016 is scheduled on August 6, 2016 at Limketkai...

Jul42016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Touring the Coca Cola Misamis Oriental Philippines plant

Business, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Freebies, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel, Videos

I first had the chance to tour a Coca-Cola plant in Davao City many, many moons ago. I was still studying at the Ateneo de Davao University and Ateneans had regular field trips at the Coca-Cola plant in Ulas. I remember being given ice cold Coke fresh off the bottling line. Best part? We were allowed to drink as much as we can and we were also given freebies at the end of the tour. For any kid, that was truly quite a fun experience. Fast forward 2016, I was again recently given the opportunity to trace the "journey of the Coca-Cola bottle." I was invited to tour the Coca Cola Misamis Oriental Plant located at the Municipality of Villanueva, about half an hour away from Cagayan de Oro City. Built from the ground up and inaugurated in 2011, the Coca-Cola FEMSA Misamis Oriental Plant is...

Jun212016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

LOOK: The iconic motorela of Cagayan de Oro Philippines

Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Society

Did you know that the motorela, the Cagayan de Oro version of the iconic Philippine tricycle, was first invented and subsequently registered in 1964? The CDO motorela was invented by Rafael D. Floirendo, Sr., who also filed a patent registration. The patent number was "2243." Fast forward 2016, "2243" is now "2243: Moving Forward," a contemporary exhibit featuring the iconic motorela. The exhibit, recently held at Ayala Centrio Mall, coincided with Cagayan de Oro's 66th Charter Day. A group named Siete Pesos, composed of 7 artists (Nicholas Aca Jr., Errol Balcos, Michael Bacol, Michelle Hollanes Lua, Jericho Valjusto Vamenta, Ma. Rosalie Zerrudo and Oscar Floirendo, the son of the inventor), organized the exhibit that showcased the remodeled version of the original motorela. Inter...

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...

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...

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...

Jan142016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Win tickets to Lee Grane CDO bar tour @LeeGrane

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Music

Lee Grane, that acoustic guitar singer who made Bamboo cry during the first season of The Voice Philippines, is coming to Cagayan de Oro. The "Lee Grane Back to the Heart" bar tour will be on January 22 and 23, 2016. The Lee Grane CDO show is made possible by E-Bar. The singer will perform 12 original songs from her first album, "Truth Is My Echo." Lee Grane, during her TVP blind audition, trended worldwide on social media after performing her own soulful version of Freddie Aguilar's "Anak." Then, when she sang "In The Arms Of An Angel," her rendition was so powerful that Coach Bamboo couldn't help but cry. She eventually chose to be a part of Team Kawayan (Bamboo's team). Want to hear Lee Grane sing live? Get your tickets at the E-Bar, The Pacifico Boutique Hotel, Velez corne...

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...

Dec302014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Seda Centrio CDO Hotel New Year Countdown

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Hotels

Ring in the New Year 2015 at Seda Centrio, Cagayan de Oro's premiere hotel. A special New Year's Eve Countdown Party will be held from 7PM to 2AM and for only Php 1,200 nett per person, you get access to a carefully prepared cocktail buffet, live music (c/o local singers Aizel Ruga, David Mercado, Oreo Vamenta and Kristine de la Pena), sparkling wine and stunning fireworks! And to really make your New Year's Eve experience complete, why not stay in one of Seda Centrio's well-appointed rooms? Book your Seda CDO Hotel room here Seda Centrio CDO is the boutique-business hotel owned and managed by Ayala Land. This Cagayan de Oro downtown hotel features top-class recreational facilities like an outdoor pool, fitness center and a kiddie pool. This CDO hotel also offers high quality ...

Dec182014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan.com declared top CDO blog by ICT Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Society, Technology

It is with utmost humility that I announce that Mindanaoan.com has just been declared as a "Top CDO Blog" in the recently concluded 2014 ICT Awards held at the Activity Center, Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The ICT Awards, organized by the CDO ICT Business Council, Cagayan de Oro's main information and communications technology organization, recognizes websites, individuals and organizations involved in the city's IT industry. The citation reads: "The 2014 ICT Awards, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Telecommunications and Communications, Department of Science and Technology - ICTO and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, presents this Top CDO Blog Award to www.Mindanaoan.com for the creation and maintenance of an exceptional b...