filipino blogger Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

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...

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 ...

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...

Sep292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SMB Oktoberfest 2015 launch with Rivermaya and Ebe Dancel

Announcements, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was there! And boy, was the SMB Oktoberfest 2015 grand launch a really fun night - not only because of all the merrymaking, pop-up bars, beer shower, celebrities, seemingly bottomless beer everywhere and amazing Pinoy music acts but also because I was there with good friends :) Much thanks to Rivermaya, I had backstage access at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. I rode with the boys. Their call time was at 8 PM but because we all know how bad Friday night traffic in Manila can be, they fetched me at 3:30 PM. I initially groaned at the idea of traveling for 4 hours but well - I was with Rivermaya. That alone would make any OPM fan squeal! Plus since Mark Escueta had to be in Japan to be with wife Jolina Magdangal (who had a show there) and adorable son Pele, Rivermaya requested the gre...

Dec262013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Merry Christmas from Bamboo and Mindanaoan.com

Announcements, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Merry Christmas to all of my dear Mindanaoan.com readers, subscribers, followers! I sincerely hope that you had a meaningful and blessed Christmas. For me, Christmas is when you realize that you have so many things to be thankful for and that there are many things money simply cannot buy. Christmas is a great reminder that the basic things in life are truly the most important. What about you? What does Christmas mean to you? :) I also have an extra thing to be thankful for this Christmas. Someone I admire sent me a very sweet video message congratulating me for my recent win as Mindanao Blogger of the Year 2013 and Best Lifestyle Blog awardee ! Hi Bamboo :) [yes, my face is a little beet red right now *blush*] Bamboo made this cute fan sign, too! Super special thanks to ...

Nov192013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray at ABS CBN ASAP

Entertainment, Events, Headline, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

One of the highlights of my October 2013 was meeting Mark McGrath and the rest of Sugar Ray band and playing a role in the staging of the SugarSmashGin concert in Manila. Anybody who knows me can attest that I am one very big Mark McGrath fan and that I have a big crush on him. So meeting him in person, having the chance to hang out with him, having the chance to talk to him and discuss so many things and getting lots of hugs and kisses in the process is like my heaven on earth! :) Since I know that my kuwentos related to Mark McGrath, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will require several blog posts, for now, let me start by sharing some of the photos I took when Mark went to ABS CBN to promote the concert at ASAP, a Sunday variety show. I went along. Needless to say, he was the ...

Jul252012 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Miss Kagay-an 2012 candidates photos

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Photos, Society, Style

Miss Kagay-an 2012 update! Here are the photos of the official candidates of the Miss Kagay-an 2012 pageant. I know a lot of you have been asking me for the Miss Kagay-an 2012 photos so here they are. This Filipino blogger was able to attend the press presentation of these lovely Miss Kagayan Festival 2012 candidates last Monday, July 23, 2012 and the organizing committee released these photos. I will also upload these photos on my Pinterest account. You might want to follow the Mindanaoan Pinterest account here. If you may notice, there are now only 11 official candidates instead of 12. The 11 lovely official candidates are: Lovely Jane Estampa, a legal analyst at Development Bank of the Philippines Sydney Taboclaon, born in Germany and taking up BS HRM at Tagoloan Community Col...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Butuan City: Timber City of the South

Agusan del Norte, Butuan, Caraga, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Butuan City is known for its booming logging industry and for its abundance of timbers; no wonder why migrants from other sides of the Philippines and from abroad settled in this highly urbanized city to seek for good fortune and agricultural profits. But more than just being the Timber City of the South, Butuan is a place where rich history, preserved culture, kind-hearted people and active economy thrive. Butuan City is the provincial capital of the Agusan del Norte province and the regional center of the Caraga Region in the northeastern part of Mindanao. It sprawls near the mouth of the Agusan River, the deepest, widest and longest navigable river in Mindanao. On the north, it is bounded by several municipalities of Agusan del Norte; on the east by the Agusan del Sur province; and o...

May152012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Nurturing nature in Galapagos Islands

Internet

Are you a lover of nature? Ever wanted to be an environmental activist? If you’re like me who has always wanted to do something that could help preserve and nurture nature, then you might want to also go on a “nature tour” aboard Galapagos Cruises. Located in the Pacific Ocean, 1000 kilometers or roughly 600 miles off the west coast of South America, the Galapagos Islands are comprised of more than sixty islands as well as islets. Galapagos is also one of the largest protected areas in the world. The entire island area measures about 138,000 km2. I’ve read that the Galapagos Islands have fascinated a lot of explorers as well as environmentalists for a very long time now. And because joining Galapagos Cruises is now a part of my bucket list, I did a little research and found a website...

May92012 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Davao City bans plastic bags, styrofoam starting June 28, 2012

Advocacy, Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Food, Government, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personal, Society, Technology

YEY! I am so, so, sooo happy with this development! Congratulations Davao City! What an awesome move! I'm so proud of my hometown Davao City for finally, FINALLY deciding to put a ban against non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam! Points for Mother Nature, environment and the start of the use of eco-friendly products :) I wonder, though, how the fastfood chains and other business establishments that use plastic bags and styrofoam will cope when the ban takes effect on June 28, 2012. Hmm. What do you think? Anyways, here's the news report from SunStar Davao: Non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food and beverage containers will no longer be allowed in this city starting June 28, this year. Polystyrene foam is more commonly referred to as Styrof...

Apr282012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees Live In Manila

Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

If you're one of my regular readers here on Mindanaoan.com, chances are you'd know that I helped out during the highly successful a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue Live In Manila concert last February 2012 in Manila, Philippines. I helped promote it not only through this site but in other sites as well including via social networking websites. (which reminds me, if you're not following me yet, please do so! Here are my Twitter, Pinterest, PicLyf, Instagram and YouTube accounts :) ) I also launched my very own online contest whereby the prizes were tickets to the show. I know I should have shared the photos I took of the boys before, during and after the event but you all know it's been a very hectic time as of late :) So to all of the fans of a1, Jeff Timmons and Blue, please don't worry. No...

Apr212012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

I’m home!

Blogging, Features, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Travel, United States of America

So I am finally back from the U.S. I'm home, I'm home! :) *waves* I stayed in America for more than a month. I was there because I was chosen to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program, a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program. Technically, my IVLP 2012 experience only lasted for 3 weeks. However, I chose to fly to New York City, savor the sights and sounds of the Big Apple and spend my birthday there! (more on this later) I stayed in NYC for 2 weeks. I also had the chance to visit Connecticut specifically Yale University for a day. Anyway, the IVLP program that I participated in led me to Washington D.C. (and in some parts of nearby Virginia and Maryland), Orlando, Florida, Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. I was the only female in the group an...

Apr132012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Where to buy original Sperry Top-sider in Mindanao

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Style

Want to know where to buy original Sperry Top-sider shoes in Mindanao, Philippines? Look no further! The World’s First Boat Shoe can now be bought in one of Mindanao's best lifestyle stores (and one of my personal favorites, I might add!) - Spruce. The Sperry Top-Sider story is an example of the American knack for ingenuity and innovation. It also represents a love of sun, surf and soul of the ocean...something that the brand coins a "Passion for the Sea". In 1935, Paul Sperry, an avid sailor and outdoorsman, discovered a long- sought solution to a problem that had long troubled the sailing community: the fact that traditional shoes performed “like roller skates” on a wet deck. As Paul Sperry described it, his new shoes "stuck like a barnacle". Sperry Top-siders are known to ...

Jan122012 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

How and where to buy HELP CDO and ONE FOR ILIGAN shirts

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Headline, Iligan City, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Shopping, Society

You can still help the thousands of victims of the deadly Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) by purchasing these HELP CDO and ONE FOR ILIGAN shirts! The proceeds will help feed 10 people. Some of the proceeds will also go to a charity organization. My family, friends and I already bought several shirts last weekend and they're of really good quality. The HELP CDO and ONE FOR ILIGAN shirts are priced at Php 180.00 (white) and Php 220.00 (black). In Cagayan de Oro City, you may buy the shirts in Missy Bon Bon and Bigby's Cafe (both located at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center). The HELP CDO and ONE FOR ILIGAN shirts will also be available in Cebu City soon. They will be sold in Bigby's Cebu. In Manila, the shirts will be sold on January 19, 2012 during a charity concert at t...

Dec142011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

John Lloyd Cruz and his 5 Ingat years with Biogesic

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society

So I told you guys earlier that I was going to meet John Lloyd Cruz. Like I previously mentioned, it was not my first time to meet John Lloyd Cruz - the man once called by a magazine as The Most Beautiful Man In The Philippines - but it was the very first time that I had a truly unexpected, scary, exciting, scream-inducing, kilig-to-the-bones experience with John Lloyd Cruz. BUT I'm getting ahead of myself! Let's back track a bit. John Lloyd Cruz was in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao last December 3, 2011 for his Grand Fans Day cum 5th Anniversary as endorser of Biogesic. John Lloyd Cruz (or as fans fondly call him, JLC) has been a Biogesic endorser for 5 "Ingat" years and to mark the occasion, they have conducted a nationwide tour, held in cooperation with ABS CBN Mag TV. John Lloyd Cru...

Dec12011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dr. Martens Philippines to open store on Dec 9, 2011

Beauty, Business, Events, Fashion, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

One of the things that model, endorser, blogger, photography enthusiast and entrepreneur Borgy Manotoc and I talked about during his recent visit here in Mindanao was his latest baby --- Dr. Martens Philippines. Borgy's face practically lit up as soon as I asked him about the upcoming opening of Doc Martens Philippines --- you can really tell that he's very excited about his latest project. He was also amused when, upon asking where the new Dr. Martens Philippines concept store would be, I mentioned that area "near that yoghurt place." "Yeah, that one! It's right across it. Of course you'd remember the yoghurt place," he said with a grin. Borgy, along with his partners, is bringing the popular brand over. He currently runs the Bunker Obey store at the Ronac Art Center. And yes,...

Nov102011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I’m joining Blogfest SOCCSKSARGEN 2011

Announcements, Blogging, Events, General Santos City, Internet, Koronadal, Make Money Online, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Technology

I'm joining the largest gathering of bloggers, online media and social networking enthusiasts in Southern Philippines! I'm pretty excited to join Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 or Sox Blogfest on November 26, 2011 in General Santos City. Who wouldn't look forward to this event when you have this stellar line-up of speakers? By the way, I'm dying to finally meet Manolo Quezon III! Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 will also feature the awards night of the Philippine Blog Awards - Mindanao category. If you remember, Mindanaoan.com won as Best Lifestyle Blog last year :) I also look forward to visiting Sarangani the next day in time for the 2011 Munato Festival. I hope to capture great photos there! Anyone else coming to Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 / Sox Blogfest?

Nov92011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Munato Festival 2011 in Sarangani

Announcements, Arts, Culture, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

Sarangani Province in Mindanao, Philippines has always fascinated me. First, because it's a haven of rich Filipino culture. Second, because it seems to be a great location for photography enthusiasts like myself. Third, because it has a lot of activities for tourists and fourth, because a former classmate of mine has successfully turned this Mindanao province into one of the busiest and most colorful places in the Philippines. Yup, I'm talking about incumbent Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez. Today, Sarangani is no longer considered just as "that area you pass through" when you traverse the General Santos City - Davao City highway. It's now a tourism and business hub and a place that you really must visit whenever you're in SOCCSKSARGEN. If only you need to take a quick peek at ...

Oct312011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My Public Relations and Blogging speaking engagement

Advocacy, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Internet, Journalism, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society, Technology

I was one of the resource speakers during the recently concluded CDO Bloggers 3rd Blogging Workshop. Held last October 22, 2011, the very successful blogging workshop saw the attendance of several would-be and existing bloggers, SEO specialists, online media practitioners and social media enthusiasts. It was really great to be in the company of like-minded individuals ;) My topic was about public relations and blogging. Like I told the participants, I've been in the PR industry for a decade and in the traditional media for about 5 years. I discovered the beauty of blogging and online media about 5 years ago and I continue to learn a lot about the importance of putting publicity, online media, social media and blogging together. Anyways, I talked about what publicists really do, the d...

Oct312011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 Mindanaoan youth groups shine in 9th TAYO Awards | TAYO 9

Advocacy, Announcements, Contests, Features, Headline, Maguindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

I was to happy to hear the good news from the Office of Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan recently. Three Mindanaoan youth groups were among the winners in the 9th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) this year! The TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth in nation-building. Young Mindanawans Peace Builders, Youth Solidarity for Peace - Peace Advocates Zamboanga and the Association of Locally - Empowered Youth in Northern Mindanao all shone in the recently concluded TAYO 9 Awards. The awarding ceremony of TAYO 9 was held recently at the Heroes' Hall in Malacanang. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, a former youth activist and who conceived the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Search together with the National Youth Commi...

Oct242011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

David Beckham, LA Galaxy in Manila Philippines

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Sports

David Beckham in Manila, Philippines! Be still my heart! Twitter, Facebook, news websites and other social networking sites were abuzz with the news of the upcoming arrival of British football superstar David Beckham and the rest of his team Los Angeles Galaxy or LA Galaxy in the Philippines come December 3, 2011. David Beckham and LA Galaxy will be in Manila for a friendly match against the Philippine national football team Azkals. The news of David Beckham in Philippines was made by Azkals team coordinator Ace Bright via Twitter Saturday night. "LA Galaxy and Azkals, dec 4 rizal stadium :)," Bright wrote. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I absolutely want to watch this and of course, meet David Beckham! No, make that THE GREAT David Beckham! If this Filipino blogger does get to meet h...

Oct132011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Resorts World Manila presents The Sound of Music

Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Resorts, Society

Well if you're a regular reader of this Mindanaoan.com blog, you'd probably know that I'm a frequent visitor of Resorts World Manila, that entertainment, food, shopping destination and luxury hotel complex right across the new Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 (NAIA 3). There are a lot of reasons why I like Resorts World Manila a lot but I guess the best one would be the fact that I had one ultra amazing night there before and the results of that lucky night helped me and my Mom spend our first ever mother-daughter Valentine's Day celebration in Singapore and my entire family (me, my Mom and 3 younger brothers) spend a few glorious days in Hong Kong and Macau :) Yep, I only have fun memories about Resorts World Manila! Now, here's another reason for me (AND YOU!) to love Resort...