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

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...

Jun302009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Disappointed with two Davao City taxi drivers

Consumer, Controversial, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Tourism

So I was in Davao City over the weekend for their Philippine Councilors' League gig. Since I'm a certified Dabawenya (born and raised in Davao City!), I was the self-appointed "tour guide" of sorts during our two-day stay in the largest city in the world. Now what I'm about to share is NOT to lambast anyone. Instead, I'm hoping that somehow this could serve as a wake-up call not only for the City Tourism Office of Davao City but also for the hundreds of taxi drivers in Davao City as well. You see, on our first night in Davao, our group, composed of five people, caught two taxis from Matina Town Square (MTS). Ches and I rode in one taxi while the other three rode in the other one. I won't name the taxi company anymore. Suffice it to say that it may take me a while before I flag down o...

Mar262009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Marco Polo Davao offers Holy Week Special for Dabawenyos

Announcements, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Marco Polo Davao has just announced their Holy Week special - and here's the good news for fellow Dabawenyos - this very special offer is exclusive only for us Davao City residents! Marco Polo Davao will only charge P2,888.00 for an overnight stay in a superior room. You will also get to enjoy the following benefits: Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for Two 50% off on Foot Reflexology Treatment and 20% discount on other services at Lazuli Spa 30% discount in all Food and Beverage outlets Two (2) extra pool passes with one month validity If you wish to upgrade your room to deluxe category, just add P500.00. Extra bed is also available at P500.00 net per night. This Marco Polo Davao City promo will be available from April 1 to 15, 2009. Again, please take note --- this offer is exc...

Feb102009 by Mindanaoan Irene17 Comments

Dabawenya Mindanaoan to compete in Binibining Pilipinas 2009

Beauty, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society

I was pleasantly surprised to see our "Baby South" during the press presentation of the official candidates of this year's Binibining Pilipinas 2009 pageant. "Baby South" refers to Priscilla Mae Navidad, a 17 year old Dabawenya. I met Mae a few years ago in Davao City, Mindanao. I was helping organize the Davao leg of the nationwide "Rainbow Tour" of premiere Filipino band South Border and after the concert, I was also selling copies of their award-winning platinum CD, "Episode III" (yes, I know, major plugging na 'to LOL :D) Anyways, there was this tall girl who kept on asking me if she could meet Jay Durias (South Border's musical director and keyboardist) because, according to her, they were cousins. I must admit, I had reservations at first because after all, there was virtually A M...

Nov72008 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Review: Songs I Grew Up With (Jay Durias solo album)

Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Reviews

Album review written last August 31, 2007 and published by many media outlets. Thank you! The author of this piece (who is also the one behind Mindanaoan.com) is a long-time supporter of award winning Filipino band South Border. She was also cited in the album acknowledgments. Jay Durias, a certified Dabawenyo, is South Border's musical director and keyboardist. Jay's solo album, "Songs I Grew Up With," is a project album. Admit it - you’ve always wondered how South Border keyboardist and musical director Jay Oliver Durias would fare as a solo artist. After all, he’s largely considered as “the main man” behind the highly successful band, having composed and arranged most of South Border’s hits including “Rainbow,” “Love Of My Life” and the favorite of many, “Kahit Kailan,” and h...