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

Jan112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dabawenyo illustrator’s work returns as McDonald’s Happy Meals treat

Arts, Davao City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Personalities

Today, I feel really proud to be Dabawenyo! A fellow Atenista, Mindanaoan (and Davaoeno) Macky Pamintuan has made me remember my beloved hometown Davao City and all its amazing, talented people. For the uninitiated, Macky Pamintuan (yes, of the Pamintuans of Apo View Hotel) is a popular animator, graphic and fine artist. Some of his works include illustrations for the books Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Cupcake Chaos, The Pumpkin Patch Puzzle, Cape Mermaid Mystery, Scream for Ice Cream, Ski School Sneak and Earth Day Escapade and The Night Before Baseball at the Park by the Bay (in partnership with the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants). Today, I just found out that one of the books he illustrated is part of McDonald's Happy Meals in the USA. The book "Flat Stanley Goes Camp...

Nov92014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

BIMP-EAGA trade fair and business gab clinch P8.9 billion in sales, investments

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News

As if to solidify my previous blog entry about the success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA international trade fair, I received word recently that the event actually cornered a total of Php 8.9 billion in sales and investments. Absolutely exciting news! According to event organizer Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the 2014 Brunei - Indonesia - Malaysia - Philippines international trade fair and business conference garnered more than 1,500 participants, cornered P6 billion worth of possible investments during the business-matching sessions, while initial reports from the Philippines and Malaysia indicate a total of 2.9 billion in booked sales from the international trade fair. Other countries that participated in the five-day event that attracted more than 25,000 local and int...

Jul242014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao’s Kadayawan 2014 schedule of activities

Announcements, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kadayawan 2014, the annual festival in Davao City that showcases the city's rich and diverse culture and tradition, is happening from August 11 to 17, 2014. Themed "Kalamboan sa Kinaiyahan: Kadayawan sa Katawhan" (Nature's Flourishing: People's Well Being), the 29th Kadayawan sa Dabaw will also serve as a thanksgiving celebration and will provide the platform for the various indigenous tribes Ata Manobo, Ubo Manobo, K'lata, Matigsalug, Maranao, Tagabawa, Maguindanao, Sama, Tausug and Kalagan to converge. The word "Kadayawan" comes from the Mandaya word "Madayaw" which means anything valuable, good, pleasant, beautiful and bountiful. Kadayawan Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities: July 26 to August 26, 2014 Kadayawan Fair, Agro-Trade Exhibit including Lumadnong Gama (SM Par...

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 ...

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...

Nov72010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

California Berry Davao – frozen yogurt delight in Mindanao

Blogging, Business, Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

I was in Manila during the first wave of the so-called "froyo" or frozen yogurt craze. As a self-proclaimed Mindanaoan foodie, I visited almost every available frozen yogurt store (and yep, basically said adieu to my diet!) and I often wondered when the "froyo" craze would invade Mindanao. Fast forward a few months later, the frozen yogurt trend has finally penetrated Mindanao - there are now frozen yogurt businesses in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City. I'm pretty sure more frozen yogurt businesses will sprout in other Mindanao areas. The froyo outlet I most recently visited was California Berry. Located at the 2nd floor of Gaisano Mall Davao along Bajada, California Berry Davao serves nonfat frozen yogurt. I ordered the seasonal green apple yogurt with, as you can see, three differe...

Sep182010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Make Your Own Havaianas Davao City leg

Davao City, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

The Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 Davao City, Mindanao leg is being held at the Gaisano Mall (GMall) along Bajada Avenue, Davao City. It started last September 16, 2010 and will end tomorrow, September 19, 2010. I was able to visit the MYOH 2010 Davao event on the very first day and by the looks of it, the certified Havaianaticos in this side of the country came in full force! The Davao City leg of Make Your Own Havaianas comes after the highly successful Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 Cagayan de Oro leg, which was held last August 2010 (Mindanaoan was there, too, of course, much thanks to our special friends over at Spruce). Check out more photos after the jump: (more…)

Dec262009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Finally…Mindanaoan meets top RnB singer and fellow Dabawenyo Thor!

Bisaya, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personal, Society

So finally, Mindanaoan has met Ettore "Thor" Dulay! Thor, a fellow Dabawenyo (and so of course is also a fellow Mindanaoan), is one of the country's most talented vocalists. From starting out in a Davao City vocal group to recording an album with a hit single entitled "Wonderland" (this song held the number spot at Wave 89.1's show "Soul Review" for 5 straight weeks) to recording a song for the 2003 Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Fantastic Man" to basically being one of the most sought after singers in Metro Manila today, Thor has definitely gone a long way. So okay, here's the lowdown --- even before our unplanned, fateful meeting last December 22, 2009 (right in the middle of the OTG gig of RnB band K24/7), Thor and I have been in touch through online and SMS. I have heard of hi...

Nov102009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

PAGCOR Davao – Casino Filipino Davao City – What to expect and what to do (Part 2)

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism

This is part 2 of my Casino Filipino Davao City - What to expect and what to do blog post series. Like I previously mentioned, Mindanaoan thought of writing this series because I know that there are still a lot of Pinoys out there who shun from casinos and betting stations. I DO NOT, however, advocate gambling. I just want to share with you all how life is inside a 24/7 casino, what you can see in PAGCOR Davao, what you can do in a Casino Filipino branch and how you can avail of freebies be they be food, bets, chips, tokens, concert tickets etc. So are you now curious about what’s going on inside this 24-hour casino in Davao City, Mindanao? Now that you already have your Casino Filipino Privilege Card, the next step would be to check out the various areas inside this casino. You can ...

Nov52009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PAGCOR Davao – Casino Filipino Davao City – What to expect and what to do (Part 1)

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism

Have you ever been to PAGCOR Davao? Curious about what's going on inside this 24-hour casino in Davao City, Mindanao? If you haven't yet, then allow this little write-up series to be your friendly, handy little guide of sorts to Casino Filipino Davao. Mindanaoan thought of writing this series because I know that there are still a lot of Pinoys out there who shun from casinos and betting stations. I am, however, in no means advocating gambling. I just want to share with you all how life is inside a casino, what you can see in PAGCOR Davao, what you can do in a Casino Filipino branch and how you can avail of freebies be they be food, bets, chips, tokens, concert tickets etc. First of all, a little backgrounder. PAGCOR or the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation operates 13 PAGC...

Feb152009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Are you a Havaianas fan? Write and join Isla Havaianatico in Samal, Davao, Mindanao

Davao City, Events, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update

Listen up, all you Havaianas fans! There's a day-long treat in store for all of you in a Havaianas Beach Resort and Spa somewhere in Samal (or should I say Island Garden City of Samal - IGaCOS) Davao City, Mindanao...but only if you write a one-page essay stating why you love your Havaianas. You must email that essay along with three creative photos of you wearing your Havaianas pair/s to [email protected] and if you're lucky, you get to spend a whole day Havaianas adventure in Samal on March 21, 2009 (Saturday). Deadline for submission of entries is on March 14, 2009. By the way, winners, their friends and VIP media guests will be grouped into teams during the island event and the champion team will receive P20,000.00 cash. Exclusive Havaianas items will also be given away as mi...

Feb122009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Spend Valentine’s Day at Pepper and Peppers Restaurant Davao City

Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you should already have an idea by now as to where you can bring your loved one for that special, romantic dinner. However, with just so many choices especially in Davao City, Mindanao, deciding where to go can be quite a challenge. Good thing there's Pepper and Peppers Restaurant which promises nothing but exquisite food, exclusive dining and elegant ambiance. Located at The Site, Central Convenience Store Compound, Jacinto Extension corner Mapa Street, Davao City, Pepper and Peppers Restaurant is best known for their killer (and I mean absolutely delish!) Iberian chicken, Chilean shrimp pasta and (my favorite) Sizzling Blackened Chicken. And come Valentine's Day, they've prepared two Valentine Set menus for you to choose from. The "Hopel...

Dec182008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Giant Christmas Tree at People’s Park Davao City

Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Tourism

I got the chance to snap a couple of photos of the giant Christmas tree within the vicinity of People's Park, Davao City. The Christmas tree was adorned with a lot of trimmings and lights and can be found between the huge Durian dome and the fountain area. You won't miss it! This Christmas tree is also near the benches. Go to People's Park (right beside the Apo View Hotel along Camus Street) and check out this pretty Christmas tree. Better if you go there at night. Don't forget to take pictures! :)

Dec102008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Will Davao have its own airline soon?

Business, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I've been receiving buzz from various businessmen around Mindanao and in Manila that Davao City is supposedly set to have its "own airline" very soon. By own airline, I reckon they mean an entire fleet with "Davao" in its name somewhere and that it will serve as Davao City's very own answer to Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines. I asked a few well-placed personalities in Davao if they've heard of this and most of them did confirm that there are "movements" on this plan. If ever this will push through, this will definitely give Mindanao travel and tourism a big boost. I wonder, though, if the planes of this alleged fleet are as small as those of Mindanao Express' (Beechcraft 1900C)? Or if the planes are basically those of Mindanao Express' and then they'd just change the name? Is t...

Dec92008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sony Philippines sets up display exhibits in CDO, Davao

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

All right, so because Mindanaoan has really been (and is still is!) overwhelmed by the massive traffic to THIS POST about her first Sony experience (DAGHANG SALAMAT! Many thanks!), she's also inspired to share another round of good news to all of you Mindanaoans who want to buy Sony products or gadgets for your loved ones this Christmas. By the way, NO is the answer to the question if I got a VIP invitation to the recently concluded Sony Expo in SM Mall of Asia. So, NO, my entry wasn't one of the 50 shortlisted entries. I reckon I missed the deadline. Nevertheless, I had fun sharing with you all my first Sony experience and that's all that matters :) So on to the good news...Sony Philippines will hold exhibits in various areas in Mindanao this month of December! Check out the schedule: ...

Dec22008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao Chinatown 168 Mall to open December 6, 2008

Business, Corporate, Davao City, News, Travel

Davao Chinatown will be busier this weekend as the much-awaited Chinatown 168 Mall is set to open this Saturday, December 6, 2008. Davao China Town 168 Mall is within the Uyanguren district of Davao City, near the Magsaysay Park (where most durian vendors are) and Agdao area. Initially, I thought that this was a branch of the famed 168 Mall in Binondo, Manila (and I actually got a bit excited since I always see to it that I drop by 168 Manila during my frequent trips there) but such wasn't the case. Nonetheless, the China Town 168 Mall in Davao City is something to look forward to. See you there, fellow Mindanaoan!

Dec12008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Things to do in Davao City: Charity Bingo every Sunday

Advocacy, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update

This post is the first for Mindanaoan's "Things To Do [in a particular Mindanao city or Mindanao province]" series. Naturally, as a certified Dabawenya, the first entry is about my beloved hometown :) So here's one thing you can do in Davao City on a Sunday - play bingo and help others at the same time! The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) - Davao branch is regularly hosting a Charity Bingo event every Sunday, 1-4PM at the Entertainment Area of Casino Filipino - Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. Each ticket only costs P300.00 (roughly US$8.00) and that entitles you to 4 bingo cards which you can use for ten (10) games (you also have the option to buy extra cards from the game marshals around the area). There are also special games like the Super 6 Bingo, Super ...

Nov212008 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Review: Aljem’s Inn Davao budget hotel

Davao City, Hotels, Musings, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Whenever someone asks me to recommend a good, cheap yet clean and affordable inn within downtown Davao City, I often recommend Aljem's Inn along Rizal Street. Single occupancy is only P750.00 while double occupancy is only P875.00. If you prefer the deluxe accommodation, it's just P975.00 and an extra mattress will only cost P300.00. Those are affordable rates, in my opinion. You have hot and cold shower in your room, cable TV, soaps, soft towels and telephone. Local calls are free of charge. Staying at Aljem's Inn Davao City has a couple of advantages. Guests are offered free breakfast (plated - they usually prepare Filipino almusal/breakfast like tapsilog, tosilog, cornsilog and bangsilog). Now if you're not in the mood for Filipino fare in the morning, note that the inn is right smac...

Oct302008 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Good thing Cebu Pacific is bringing Davao-Hongkong, Davao-Singapore back!

Business, Corporate, Davao City, Internet, Tourism, Travel

So I checked out Cebu Pacific Air's website today just to check on my seat reservations (I'm heading to Manila for the Rihanna - Chris Brown concert and to do a lot of other stuff including Christmas shopping, of course!) and to see what's up when I noticed that they're offering Go International Fares for both Davao - Hongkong and Davao - Singapore routes. The "cheaper" Davao - Hongkong airfares will be offered starting December 5, 2008 while for the Davao - Singapore route, the budget airfares will be offered starting December 4, 2008. So does this mean that Cebu Pacific stopped offering the budget airfares for a while? (*Note - I did a mock booking and I found out that the Davao - Hongkong route right now isn't a direct flight - it passes through Manila) I actually availed of the Dava...

Oct282008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jeanette Lomanta drops libel case vs. radio man

Broadcasting, Controversial, Crime, Davao City, Headline, Journalism, Media, News, Opinion, Personalities, Radio

TV personality Jeanette Lomanta has reportedly submitted an affidavit of desistance in relation to the libel case she filed against former radio broadcaster Alexander Adonis. As a result, Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Davao City is set to dismiss the case soon - BUT only if Adonis' other pending cases get settled as well. The libel case against the former journalist is in line with Adonis' series of commentaries over the air in 2001 alleging that Lomanta had a so-called tryst in a Manila hotel with then Davao 1st District Congressman now House Speaker Prospero Nograles. Lomanta reportedly withdrew her complaint after "adhering to the Christian values of forgiveness." Adonis, in a letter dated October 21, 2008, extended his apologies to her. He still has to face a pending libel ca...

Oct232008 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

Meeting other Mindanaoan bloggers

Davao City, Events, Features, Internet, Technology

My brother and I attended the Digital Filipino Club and Bloggers Davao City Networking event last October 21, 2008 at the Pantawan Hall of the Casino Filipino branch at Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang. Although it wasn't really my first time to attend a bloggers event, it was the first time for me to attend one in Mindanao. My brother and I initially planned to attend the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit in General Santos City (I actually exchanged a few emails with lead organizer Avel) but things just got too darn busy that we overlooked the deadline for registration. Sucks, I know. That's why we were glad to learn about the Davao networking event. At least we were able to see several Mindanaoan bloggers who will be in GenSan for the MBS 2 and we were able to personally meet Janette Toral...

Oct82008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bloggers Davao City Networking Event

Davao City, Events

I'm pretty much looking forward to the DigitalFilipino.com Club-led fellowship cum networking event this coming October 21, 2008 (Tuesday) in my hometown Davao City. According to Janette Toral of DigitalFilipino, the event will serve as platform where e-commerce industry players and bloggers can catch up and exchange updates. This October event will be held from 6 pm to 11 pm at the Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City and will be sponsored by PAGCOR. Some of the topics that will be covered include updates on the DigitalFilipino Web Awards 2008, DigitalFilipino.com Club Updates (online workshop and other efforts) as well as Ratified.org Philippines Top 100 Blogs 2008 (blogs that had big moves in 2008) During the event, PAGCOR will also launch an Internet/e-Commerce project. Bl...