Davao City Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Aug42019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SCHEDULE: 2019 Kadayawan Festival in Davao City

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Festivals, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

All roads once again lead to Davao City for The King of Festivals a.k.a. Kadayawan Festival! The 2019 Kadayawan Festival or the 34th Kadayawan will be held this month, August 2019. Kadayawan Festival is the grandest and most colorful celebration that highlights the tribes of Davao City, their culture, tradition and everyday lives. Kadayawan also allows Dabawenyos to thank Magbabaya for bountiful harvests. Highlights of the Kadayawan Festival 2019 include the Indak Indak sa Kadayawan (street dancing competition), Tunog Kadayawan (songwriting tilt), Pamulak sa Kadayawan and Tambayayong Kadayawan (performances of traditional dances and songs from different Ethno-linguistic groups). Here's the schedule of activities (you can click on the image for a bigger version): Just in ...

May252017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Davao in “hold and secure” state during Martial Law in Mindanao, WHAT THIS MEANS

Announcements, Controversial, Davao City, Government, News, Tourism, Travel

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has announced that the city is currently in a "hold and secure situation" amid the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao. Mayor Inday Sara is the daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who issued the Martial Law in Mindanao declaration last May 23, 2017 in Moscow. READ: Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao READ: Infographics: What you MUST know about Martial Law in Mindanao The Presidential Daughter and Davao Mayor said that the "hold and secure situation" (she initially said the city was in lockdown but has since changed it to hold and secure) is to "prevent violence from entering the city and prevent it from erupting inside the city." In relation to this, the City Government of Davao has released the following guidelines fo...

Feb262016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A call to probe the burning of a Lumad camp in Davao City

Advocacy, Blogging, Controversial, Crime, Culture, Davao City, Headline, Musings, Society

My heart is breaking. Despite the increasing awareness of the attacks against the Lumad (indigenous peoples) communities in Mindanao, there are STILL cases of harassment, threats, killings and, just recently, the burning of an evacuation center in Davao City that hosted hundreds of displaced Lumads. KANUS-A MAN GYUD NI TAWON MOUNDANG?!?! Initial reports showed that five lumads, including two children, were hurt during the fire that broke out in Haran Center, which shelters Manobos from Davao del Norte and Bukidnon who sought safe refuge in the church-run dormitory. Who in his right mind won't be angry? Our Lumad brothers and sisters need to be protected, not driven away from their homes! I agree with Sen. Chiz Escudero, who has also called for a probe. “Those who have less ...

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...

Feb252015 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

TAPS restaurant Davao has a warning for table hoggers

Business, Controversial, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Food

TAPS, a famous local restaurant in Davao City, Philippines best known for their silog meals and is open 24/7, has a warning especially for table hoggers. A table hogger is a person who either spreads his work or bags and other stuff across a table (and therefore discourages other customers to use or share the table) or a person who orders one item (usually the cheapest on the menu even!) and stays at a table practically for several hours! I'm sure everyone has spotted a table hogger at one time or another. I guess TAPS Davao gets a lot of these table hoggers since they're open 24/7. However, the management has apparently decided that enough is enough! Here's a warning posted inside their restaurant: * Photo courtesy of Arvy Francisco Vallejos The text is written in Bisaya but ...

Jan232015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

PHOTOS: Giant Philippine Eagle along BuDa (Bukidnon-Davao border)

Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Traversing the Bukidnon - Davao (BuDa) highway? If you're entering or leaving Davao City via Bukidnon, you might want to watch out for really cool sculptures at Barangay Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao. This huge Philippine Eagle sculpture, crafted by Cotabato-born, fellow Mindanaoan Kublai Millan, is a sight to behold. Just a few steps away from the Philippine Eagle sculpture, there are also sculptures of Mindanao tribesmen and children. The sculptures are reminiscent of the yearly Kadayawan Festival. There's also a "Welcome to Davao" sign :) There is no entrance fee and there are no other fees here. There may be locals who will sell you native handicrafts, though :) I bought some bracelets (Php 10.00 each only!). Nice way to help support the local community. ...

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...

Oct292014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That honest, taray Davao taxi driver story and things I learned when a post gets viral

Announcements, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

Hello, world. Yes, that was me. The person who posted that "taray Davao taxi driver" story on Facebook that got viral --- no, really, really viral --- was me. Google "Davao taxi driver," "taray Davao taxi driver" or "honest Davao taxi driver," chances are, most of the hits on the first page and Google images are about my post. (this is what SEO folks would die for!) And, like anybody whose post unknowingly attracted thousands of "likes," shares, retweets, reposts and comments from people around the world, I now have my own story to tell. I also learned a couple of lessons, both good and bad. Well, I want to focus on the good so trust me, there were more good than bad. Did I mention, though, that as a result, I received several TV and radio interview requests and hundreds of friend reque...

Oct272014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA International Trade Fair #EAGAIMT2014

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Food, Government, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News, Recipes, Society

Thanks to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I was able to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Business Leaders' Conference last October 22 to 25, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang in Davao City, Philippines. I've always wanted to witness a BIMP-EAGA event and I'm glad that I finally had the opportunity to do so. BIMP-EAGA events are important international functions especially in terms of trade, investments, tourism and even each of the participating countries' roles in the upcoming ASEAN Integration. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT means Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. Now on its 20th year, the BIMP-EAGA is considered as a key strategy to accelerate social as well as...

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...

Feb182014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Big Davao Fun Sale – up to 80 percent off!

Consumer, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Shopping, Society, Tourism, Travel

There are two great reasons for you to visit Davao City soon! March 16, 2014 is Araw ng Davao 2014. You can witness cultural presentations, socio-civic activities, trade fairs and the like. And from March 14 to April 16, 2014, the Big Davao Fun Sale 2014 a.k.a. the Philippines' first CITYWIDE SALE will be held. You can avail of up to 80 percent savings! The biggest city in the world, with the biggest sale in the country. Visit on these dates to avail of the biggest sale: - March 14 and 15: General Sale - March 16 to 23: Healthy and Beauty - March 24 to 30: Electronics and Gadgets - March 31- April 6: Home and Travel - April 7 to 16: Fashion Active Lifestlye For more updates about the 2014 Big Davao Fun Sale, check them out on Facebook For places to stay, restaurants to ...

Dec152013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Travel: New way to explore Davao and Samal Island beaches

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

One of the many joys of living in Davao City is that it is just several minutes away (a 15-minute ferry ride away, in fact) from Samal Island (Island Garden City of Samal or IGACOS), home of white sand beaches, great resorts, clear water, healthy marine life and dive spots. A lot of tourists usually go to just one resort in Samal Island but did you know that there's now a new, fun way to explore Davao and the beaches around Samal? Why not go island hopping aboard Explore Davao? Explore Davao is an outrigger boat (bangka) complete with an expanded sun deck, bean bags, iPod dock and a cooler. Explore Davao island hopping banca even has its own comfort room and a nifty trapdoor! To show you just how comfortable Davao island hopping aboard Explore Davao is, here are my cool friends an...

Sep172013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte to close movie houses without adequate security

Crime, Davao City, Government, Headline, News

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is bent to close movie houses that do not have enough security. This, after blasts in two Davao City cinemas, which Duterte called "terrorism," left at least 5 people hurt Monday night. "Movie houses should have adequate security. The local government can't provide policemen and military just to guard that. You have to invest. If you can't provide, I will close your movie house," Duterte said. The Davao City mayor's warning came after two improvised explosive devices went off inside Cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall and Cinema 1 of SM City. No one was injured in the SM Davao blast but 5 people were hurt in the Gaisano Mall explosion. The victims complained of ear pain. "The military and police told me that they already gave warnings to SM,...

Aug72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Korean stars in Davao to shoot “No Breathing” movie

Mindanaoan Update

Here's proof that Davao City is indeed safe and picturesque! Korean stars Lee Jong-Suk, Seo In-Guk and Park Jeong Cheol as well as South Korean film producers and crew are currently in my hometown Davao City to shoot a film entitled "No Breathing." The local government of Davao even threw a welcome party for these popular South Korean actors. Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato said in this article (originally written by my friend Rudolph of the PIA) that Davao City was the film producers' FIRST CHOICE! They visited Manila, Cebu and Davao. Apparently, the film producers were impressed by Davao City's cleanliness and the abundance of natural resources plus the hospitality of the Dabawenyos. Woohoo! Davao City will have about 15 minutes of exposure in "No Breathing." I ...

Jun262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dionne Warwick and the Tavares Live in Davao

Davao City, Events, Music, Society

Dionne Warwick Live in Davao! The singer behind well-loved songs like "I Say A Little Prayer For You," "I'll Never Love This Way Again," "Walk On By," "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" and "What The World Needs Now" will perform live in Davao City on July 21, 2013, 8 PM at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City. The Dionne Warwick Live in Davao City concert will also feature the Tavares, an American R&B, funk and soul music group. Tickets to the Dionne Warwick Davao show are priced at Php 3,000, Php 2,500, Php 2000 and Php 1,000. If you're planning to watch the show, why not stay at the same hotel where the legendary singer will be? Seda Hotel Abreeza Davao is the official residence of Dionne Warwick. Check out the beautiful rooms, amazing amenities...

Jun212013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Co-producing a Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Davao

Announcements, Arts, Entertainment, Events, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Radio, Society, Videos

Like most things that end up being hands-down epic, my being a co-producer of a recent Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao all started with two phone calls and a Facebook message. Yep. A phone call from the Rivermaya band manager, a phone call to a former classmate in Ateneo and a Facebook message to his cousin (who also happens to be a batchmate). That's all it took. A day and a half later, the Rivermaya Live At Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao City was a go. Things moved pretty quickly. My assistant and I were on the phone, calling a few friends who may want to sponsor the show. Fortunately, everyone we got in touch with all said yes. Who wouldn't? It's RIVERMAYA - the Banda ng Bayan - the very band responsible for the monster hits "Kisapmata," "Umaaraw, Umuulan," "Yo...

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...

Apr262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao Summerfest 2013 schedule of activities

Announcements, Davao City, Education, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, News, Society, Sports

The much-awaited Davao Summerfest 2013 is set to officially kick off today, April 26, 2013. The opening program of the 2013 Davao Summer Fest, a festival of arts, culture and sports, is set to take place at the People's Park, right beside Apo View Hotel Davao. At least 1 Million pesos has been set aside as budget for this year's Davao Summerfest 2013. Various sports competitions, sports camps, clinics as well as musical events will comprise the Davao Summerfest 2013 schedule of activities. The summerfest is scheduled to go on until May 5, 2013. Click on the poster below for the official Davao Summerfest 2013 schedule of activities: (highlights include the 36th National Duckpin Bowling Tournament, football clinics, Ritmo Dabawenyo (music) and Mindana0-wide Cheerdance contest) ...

Mar202013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Singapore Math Learning Festival in Davao City

Campus, Corporate, Davao City, Events, News, Society

The methods of teaching these days have really changed. Gone are the days of traditional ways of teaching subjects - especially those that most students do not particularly like. Take Math, for instance. Back when I was still in school, I could only probably count with one hand the people in my batch who liked it. These days, though, with newer, fresher and more unique ways of teaching Math, kids will understand it, love it and appreciate it a thousand times more than I did. One of the novel methods of teaching Math nowadays is Singapore Math. The Ministry of Education in Singapore developed a Math curriculum and framework that has resulted in top ranking results of Singapore students in various examinations. Because of the great results, Singapore Math is now also taught in the Philipp...

Dec72012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

What A Girl Wants Davao Young Ambassadors of Style 2012

Beauty, Blogging, Consumer, Davao City, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Style

Young and stylish Dabawenyos will be launched as What A Girl Wants (WAGW) Davao Young Ambassadors of Style 2012 on Saturday, December 8, 2012, 4 PM to 7 PM at the WAGW Ayala Abreeza Mall branch. The Young Ambassadors of Style is an annual selection of Davao City's fresh, new faces and stunning style setters. This year, the WAGW Davao Young Ambassadors of Style are stylish Milen Aquino, Lorenzo Rabat and CCia Ang. Along with the launch, What A Girl Wants Davao will also offer a very special 20 percent discount on all products. The discount will also apply on What A Girl Wants...For Her Man's collections. The discount will only apply on December 8, 4 to 7 PM. Great reason for you to start your Christmas shopping, right? :) Visit the What A Girl Wants (WAGW) boutique at the 2nd L...