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

Aug122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visit Resorts World Manila for the 105-day Thrillathon

Blogging, Corporate, Hotels, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Shopping, Society

Resorts World Manila will always be special to me. Not only did my first few articles about Resorts World Manila garnered so many views from people all over the world (one of them was the most read article back in 2010), I also had one ultra lucky night there. It was so lucky that I was able to bring my mother and three younger brothers to Singapore and Hong Kong :) That's why I try my best to visit Resorts World whenever I'm in Manila. And now I actually have more reason to visit again because Resorts World Manila has prepared an exciting mix of events and surprises for everyone - from foodies to concertgoers, movie fans, bookworms, shopaholics, photo hobbyists, jetsetters, toy enthusiasts, gamers and sportsmen! They're calling it "Thrillathon - Non Stop Events, Shows And Pulse Poundin...

May192011 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

KLutched designer bags, totes and satchels now in the Philippines

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Style

I very well know that Filipinas are silent bag hags. Bags are oftentimes that guilty pleasure we simply cannot let go. So you could just imagine how excited I was when I recently got wind of a piece of exciting news! So here you go ---Good news to all Filipino fans of bags, totes and satchels! KLutched, one of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's most talked about brand, is finally here in the Philippines! Yes, yes, yes! KLutched is finally available in the Philippines! Created by the young and very talented Ung Yiu Lin, who also owns the brands ShoesShoesShoes and Idylinn, KLutched promises gorgeous bags - from slouches to totes to miniaudieres to satchels and yes, to clutches! (KLutched...clutched...get it? Plus the "KL" can also mean Kuala Lumpur! Cool branding, huh?) - made of exotic skins and ...

Jun32010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Usher in Manila concert – Mindanaoan desperately needs to watch this!

Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Personal

OH. MY. GOD. THIS IS MAJAH!!! So it's now finally confirmed - Usher Raymond - multi-awarded, super talented, R&B sensation and one of Mindanaoan's crushes since time immemorial - yes, THE Usher will hold a concert in Manila, Philippines! BE STILL, MY HEART!!! The Usher Live in Manila concert will be held at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on July 9, 2010, Friday. Who has the heart of gold out there who can sponsor my airplane fare, hotel and concert tickets? I know it's wishful thinking but who knows? Someone generous (and considerate of this blogger from Mindanao who has held a candle for Usher since time immemorial LOL) might get to read this desperate plea and let me watch Usher live in Manila! OMG just the thought sends excited chills down my spine! *bounces up and do...

Dec252009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Christmas is in the air at SM Mall of Asia

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Gifts, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society, Style, Travel

So yes, Mindanaoan was in Metro Manila for two days. Hence, the obvious lull here in my humble blog. My two-day Manila trip was a surprise Christmas gift from two very special friends whom you'll learn more about in the next few days. Needless to say, the trip was the most expensive one I received this year...and the sweetest impromptu gift, I must admit. For now, I'd like to share some of the shots I took last December 23, 2009 at SM Mall of Asia, considered the 3rd largest mall in the world. Truly, the festive Christmas spirit can be felt at MOA! I did a little bit of Christmas shopping there, watched "Avatar" at IMAX 3D theater, ate at a relatively new restaurant and bought Krispy Kreme for pasalubong. I wanted to visit Trinoma, too, but 2 days just isn't enough! Anyways, he...

Oct52009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Nescafe 3in1 Soundskool 2009 Mindanao regional finals winners declared

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Iligan City, Journalism, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Northern Mindanao

The winners of the Nescafe 3in1 Soundskool 2009 Mindanao regional finals were declared last Saturday, October 3, 2009 via an afternoon-long musical event held at The Atrium of the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao. Little School House of Xavier University, EEVEE of Philippine Women's College Davao City and Disco, Disco, Disco of St. Michael's College were declared the winners of the Mindanao eliminations. Each of the winning college bands received P25,000.00 and the chance to compete in the national finals to be held in Manila. Prizes at stake at the national finals include P250,000.00 in cash, P100,000.00 worth of band equipment for the school the band represents and an exclusive record contract with Sony Philippines. The Nescafe 3in1 Soundskool is an ...

Aug272009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao peace and development hostaged to politics

Commentary, Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Politics

Senator (and rumored presidentiable) Francis "Chiz" Escudero has said it and I agree --- the peace and development here in Mindanao is hostaged to politics. The kind of politics that run in "Imperial Manila." One of the things that the next president should do is bring together all stakeholders in Mindanao to craft a development agenda --- one that's doable, cost efficient and worth all of our time and efforts --- that will not be hostaged to any change in administration. “Only an all-stakeholders approach will lead to the long-sought peace and meaningful development in this region, not Imperial Manila’s “urong-sulong, atras abante” approach since we gained independence,” Escudero said. The 39-year old lawmaker said the country’s development will greatly be accelerated if authorit...

Aug242009 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

“Sa Manila, hindi ganito ang service…”

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Consumer, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Weird

Mindanaoan can't help but blog about this. What happened late last Saturday night at a 24 hour fastfood store located at Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao reminded me of so many things --- two of which are the need for Mindanaoans to be more assertive and why I love Mindanao (and why it will always be home for me). Before I go any further, however, I would just like to emphasize that the following are just my personal opinions and are not meant to hit anyone. My post is more like a reminder...an eye-opener, if you will...of the fact that discrimination even among Filipinos (still) exist. Last Saturday night, right after the Tatak Environmentalist event, I went to a fastfood store at Divisoria. I decided to grab some grub as I waited for my brother to fetch me. As I fell in line a...

Feb102009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Discover Region 12 and ARMM in Intramuros – until Feb. 16 only!

Announcements, ARMM, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

Curious as to what Region XII, Mindanao and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) can offer? Head on down to the Intramuros History Town and discover the beauty of these two Mindanao areas. The said exhibit will go on an extended run until Feb. 16, 2009 only so you better hurry up! Better yet, why not make that visit your Valentine's Day celebration? From what I gathered from Sen. Richard Gordon, the Region XII and ARMM showcase in Intramuros History Town has so far been drawing roughly 6,000 visitors daily. Not bad, eh? I wonder how many of those 6,000 are certified Mindanaoans who just happen to be in Manila? :) This Intramuros History Town project, conceived by Senator Gordon, is pretty interesting and can really help boost tourism especially for the Island of Mindanao. Espe...

Jan192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Is Mindanao really RP’s “Wild West”?

Advocacy, Commentary, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion

This got me thinking when I received a press release from the Office of Sen. Richard Gordon recently. The PR read: "Turn around Mindanao’s image as RP’s ‘Wild West’ – Gordon" The senator said that Mindanao has "gained a negative reputation in the international media as the country’s “Wild, Wild West” due to the continued spate of kidnappings, sporadic bombings, and the poor peace and order situation." Is our beloved island Mindanao really the Philippines' version of the so-called "Wild West"? In a meeting with the Regional Development Council of Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Gordon challenged Mindanao executives to turn around Mindanao's negative image from being the “Wild West of the Philippines ” into a premier tourist destination with its unique history and ...

Nov192008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Back from my 5-day Manila trip

Mindanaoan Update, Personal

I'm finally back home! After staying for 5 days in busy, dusty Metro Manila, Mindanaoan is back on track. I have so many things to share with y'all! Here's a quick teaser: Da Spooftacular Showdown featuring Jon Santos, Candy Pangilinan, John "Sweet" Lapus and Pohkwang Manila Ocean Park (my most recent visit was my third, though!) Grand Kapamilya Negosyo Fair at the World Trade Center (sponsored by ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs) My new digital toy! My new photography stuff! Meeting one of the people behind Nuffnang! (who happens to be a friend of a friend! Truly a small world, eh?) and for the biggest scoop as of late...Mindanaoan has exclusive shots taken during the Senate revamp last Monday (Senator Manny Villar was replaced by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in a coup) As...

Oct72008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Rihanna and Chris Brown to perform in Manila

Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Music

So a friend of mine who’s one of the people behind the much-talked about Rihanna – Chris Brown concert in Manila confirmed last weekend that yes, the uber talented duo (and rumored lovers!) will indeed hold a concert in Manila on November 16, 2008. So yes, it’s true! Rihanna and Chris Brown will indeed be in Manila very soon! IT'S CONFIRMED! This is very good news, indeed! And guess who already booked a flight to Manila? Why, ME, of course! I wouldn’t want to pass up on this chance to watch these two perform live! Problem is, it looks like the venue for the show may be a bit of a problem. (more…)