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

Jul292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Matigsalug – Manobo tribes get new tribal hall in Kitaotao

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Culture, Government, Mindanao, Society

Two of Mindanao's tribes now have a new tribal hall complete with sleeping quarters. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribes in Kitaotao, Bukidnon recently received a new tribal hall with sleeping quarters. The new tribal hall, located at Brgy. Sagundanon, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, was inaugurated on July 24, 2020. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribal hall was funded under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Kalahi-CIDSS and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process under its PAyapa and MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) framework. PAMANA is the government's peace and development framework that aims to strengthen peacebuilding, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas. DSWD says that PAMANA has reportedly expanded to include the funding of projects for IPs ...

Dec62018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao will be home to the largest inflatable playground in the Philippines

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update

First, it was the longest dual cable zipline, next was the thrilling Dropzone, then the absolutely exhilarating Skyjump (I have tried all 3 and they're all major fun!), now Mindanao's most favorite extreme adventure park is back at it again! Dahilayan Adventure Park will soon unveil the largest inflatable playground in the entire Philippines! By the looks of it, the upcoming inflatable playground at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will have bounce houses, jump and slides, stages (26 of them!) and obstacle courses. The entire playground will have a total length of 250 meters or a quarter of a kilometer. Sounds really exciting especially for kids, toddlers, the young ones and, okay, the young once! ;) Who's excited for this? As of this writing, th...

Oct272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

#FeelCamiguin

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

By now, I’m hoping you’ve already watched that viral #NoWords promotional video for the Province of Camiguin. That truly has gone viral - so viral that as of this writing, it has now garnered 922,000 views and over 15,000 shares on Facebook alone. This will surely help bring in not only guests but revenue as well especially since the Island Born of Fire is currently celebrating the most awaited Lanzones Festival. Just in case you haven’t seen it, check out the video below. The video begins with a female tourist who tells her friend off for flaking out on their Camiguin trip. The tourist grumbles that she’s now alone in Camiguin Island and that she finds the tiny island boring and quiet...until she meets a local. I’ll stop right there because I don’t want to send out spoilers. Please do ...

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...

May242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao

ARMM, Crime, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the entire island of Mindanao, Philippines. He issued the declaration last Tuesday, May 23, 2017 PST, from Moscow, where he was on an official visit, after roughly 50 armed men allegedly entered Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The martial law in Mindanao declaration, according to Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella, will be in effect for 60 days and will include Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. Duterte declared Martial Law after members of the radical Islamist organization Maute group clashed with Philippine forces in Marawi. The army said that they were in the area to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of an Islamic State branch in Southeast Asia. Hapilon is on the FBI’s “most wanted terrorist” list, with a $5 mill...

Apr112017 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

This Bukidnon bus company is getting tons of attention

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Let's face it. Pabama Bus Tours and Transport Bukidnon used to be regarded as the "smallest player" among the 3 bus companies serving the Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro route. Pabama, owned by a family based in the Municipality of Kibawe in Bukidnon, had the smallest fleet compared to Rural Transit Mindanao (formerly Bachelor Express) and Super 5. These days, however, the small fry is now very ready to face the giants. Pabama invaded social media by storm when they introduced their brand new, high-end units made by Chinese firm Zhong Tong. Check out this photo taken by my policeman-cousin Erwin: The new Pabama Bukidnon buses are equipped with mini trays (just like what you see in airplanes), cup holders, comfortable captain chairs and yup, check out the individual tablets! You will...

Jan142017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2017 schedule of events

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Malaybalay City, Society, Tourism, Travel

The largest festival in the Province of Bukidnon will be held from February 1 to March 25, 2017. Here's the Kaamulan Festival 2017 schedule of activities. This annual Bukidnon festival, recognized by a former Tourism Secretary as the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines, is an event that gathers the 7 hill tribes of the Province of Bukidnon. The Bukidnon ethnic hill tribes are Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanun, Higaonon, Umayamnun and Bukidnon. Meanwhile, Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term for “gathering” for any purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. Need a place to stay in Bukidnon? CLICK HERE > BOOK A DISCOUNTED BUKIDNON HOTEL ROOM Activities ...

Sep42016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Where to eat in CDO: Alavar’s Seafood Restaurant

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Zamboanga City

If you've been to Zamboanga City, Mindanao, have dropped by popular Alavar's Seafood Restaurant and have tried their extraordinary Alavar sauce, then you'd understand why I just had to visit their latest branch - their second in Cagayan de Oro. Located at the Cucina de Oro Compound, Limketkai Drive, Alavar's Seafood and Grill CDO is owned by the very same folks in Zamboanga. The first branch of Alavar's CDO is located along Aluba Road, Macasandig and just a few weeks ago, they opened their branch downtown. Alavar's CDO Limketkai branch is a lot more accessible since it's just a few moments away from Limketkai Mall. Alavar's is best known for its sauce which goes best with rice and various seafood dishes. Because of the popularity of the sauce, Alavar's now sells them in bottl...

Jun212016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

LOOK: The iconic motorela of Cagayan de Oro Philippines

Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Society

Did you know that the motorela, the Cagayan de Oro version of the iconic Philippine tricycle, was first invented and subsequently registered in 1964? The CDO motorela was invented by Rafael D. Floirendo, Sr., who also filed a patent registration. The patent number was "2243." Fast forward 2016, "2243" is now "2243: Moving Forward," a contemporary exhibit featuring the iconic motorela. The exhibit, recently held at Ayala Centrio Mall, coincided with Cagayan de Oro's 66th Charter Day. A group named Siete Pesos, composed of 7 artists (Nicholas Aca Jr., Errol Balcos, Michael Bacol, Michelle Hollanes Lua, Jericho Valjusto Vamenta, Ma. Rosalie Zerrudo and Oscar Floirendo, the son of the inventor), organized the exhibit that showcased the remodeled version of the original motorela. Inter...

Mar292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What to order at Pete’s Patriots Gastro Pub CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

My family and I have a new favorite restaurant in Cagayan de Oro. It's where we share and enjoy the BEST crispy pata in CDO and other bang-for-the-buck meals - Pete's Patriots Filipino Gastropub. Located along Rosario Strip within the Limketkai Center area, Pete's Patriots CDO is a newly launched Filipino Gastropub restaurant - the first of its kind in the Philippines. Pete's Patriots aims to provide Kagay-anons the Manila lifestyle bar and dining experience by providing mouthwatering food, quality service and edgy ambiance. Incidentally, Pete's Patriots is owned and operated by the Red Crab Group of Restaurants - with restaurants such as Seafood Island, Red Crab and other Manila based concepts such as Murray's New Orleans, Clawdaddy, Teddy's Burgers, Johnny Kahuku Hawaiian Shrim...

Nov102015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

ZIYA For Easy Breezy Dressing

Mindanaoan Update

As a frequent traveler, I need clothes that do not only highlight my personal sense of style but also those that are also affordable, easy to wear, easy to pack and easy to clean. This is why I prefer resort wear clothes. Also called “easywear,” resort wear clothes are generally made from materials that are breathable and lightweight. Clothes that are made of soft, wrinkle-free fabric (so you can easily roll them and place inside your suitcase), that have pretty styles, colors and designs and that are casual yet very fashionable. These are the very reasons why I just love Ziya. Derived from the Arabic word meaning “splendor, glow, light,” Ziya is a chain of boutiques in the Philippines that aims to cater to the global woman who is proud of her distinct personal style. I’ve been a ...

Jul142015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Wao-Maramag road project to be completed by 2016

Announcements, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Bukidnon, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Government, Headline, Lanao del Sur, Travel

A 53-kilometer, Php 485 Million road project stretching from the municipalities of Molundo, Maguing, Bumbaran and Wao, Lanao del Sur, to the municipality of Maramag, Bukidnon is seen to be completed by 2016. Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong, Jr., who lobbied for the completion of this Wao to Maramag road project to President Benigno Aquino III, was quoted as saying that he is "hopeful that the project shall be fully completed by 2016." Adiong said that the said road is expected to enhance business, fair trade and livelihood between Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon, which are both known to be rich in agricultural lands and farms. “Farmers and buyers shall benefit as crops can be sold and bought at cheaper prices,” he added. Currently, 12 out of the 53-kilometer road are...

Jul142015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: High Ridge overlooking CDO Philippines

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism

High Ridge CDO offers a panoramic view of the city. High Ridge is where you go when you want that "overlooking CDO" experience. High Ridge CDO actually re-opened last year and the changes are substantial - the place now has a spacious al fresco restaurant, small landscaped areas and airconditioned function rooms. High Ridge CDO reminds me of Jack's Ridge and Shrine Hills in Davao City. Anyway, I was with my family last weekend and we decided to have dinner at High Ridge. This is the kind of view you see from what could be the highest point in urban CDO: Entrance fee, by the way, is Php 100.00 per person. This is consumable at the restaurant. During dinner with family, we ordered the PCM soup (potatoes, carrots, mushrooms). This was Php 99.00. We ordered one for each and we had a...

Jun242015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Thoughts on that peace process forum invitation

Advocacy, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Society

Sometimes it fascinates me how certain people especially those who advocate sensitive causes seem to downplay bloggers. These people tend to think that "just because" you write about food, fashion and lifestyle, you don't "contribute" to relevant, important conversations. I think they have this misconception that "just because" bloggers like us hardly write about politics and news and current affairs, we don't at least try to do our part in nation building. Take the case of an invitation sent to me and my fellow bloggers here in Northern Mindanao. This was for a supposed "peace forum" from 8:30 am to 12 noon. "Looking for young lifestyle bloggers, bloggers in general, opinion shapers and writers who want to deploy your skills and influence for the peace process in Mindanao. This is an ...

Jun42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2015 Northern Mindanao pageant

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Northern Mindanao, Society, Style

The search for the next Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 is on and the Northern Mindanao leg will be held in Cagayan de Oro! The Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 Northern Mindanao regional search will be held on June 7, 2015, 4 PM at the Centrio Mall Activity Center. There will be a pre-screening of interested candidates, though, on June 6, 2015, 9 AM at N Hotel. The reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 Eva Patalinhug, Brazilian-Japanese model/actor Fabio Ide and Mags Boutique CEO Mags Cue will be at the pageant. The event on Sunday is open to the public. The candidates will also get to wear the fab creations of popular local fashion designers including my friends Boogie Musni-Rivera and Mavy Cooper de Leon, Benjie Manuel and Mark Yaranon. Mindanaoan will cover the event on June 7, 2015. Fol...

Dec82014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Samsung offers huge discounts with Galaxy of Christmas Wishes promo

Consumer, Corporate, Features, Freebies, Technology

Perfect money saving news from Samsung! Samsung gives Pinoys more reasons to love the holidays with their Galaxy of Christmas Wishes promo! Starting today until December 31, 2014, customers can get a chance to take home their favorite Samsung device at a lower cost by visiting participating Samsung Experience Shops and authorized dealers nationwide. At Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes, customers can avail of their very own Samsung devices for as low as Php 7,000 less than the original selling price or get a special item from Samsung upon purchase. Rhinn Piczon, Product Marketing Head for Mobile of Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation, said that they "listened to what our customers want and we’re thrilled to be able to give it to them this Christmas.” Included in the pro...

Jul152014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Follow the #WonderfulMindaNOW hashtag and see the beauty of #Mindanao

Advocacy, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Consumer, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Television

Mindanao is truly the land of promise. Not only is Mindanao home to rich and diverse culture and traditions, it is also home to so many tourist spots, cool establishments, delicious food and truly amazing, friendly people. In fact, I shared a couple of photos that I felt depicted the awesomeness of Mindanao via my social networking accounts. Did you see them? Here are my social networking accounts: Instagram Twitter Facebook Google Plus Just in case you didn't see all of the photos I took all around Mindanao, though, there's an easier way for you to track them. Just follow the hashtag #WonderfulMindaNOW! And do you know what makes it easy for you to follow the hashtag? With Globe's GOUNLI20PLUS promo, you can be connected anytime, anywhere for only Php 20 a day! You a...

Jul112014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

#WonderfulMindaNOW – Showcasing my love for Mindanao via social media

Mindanaoan Update

Judging by the name of my blog, Mindanaoan, I obviously love, respect and advocate Mindanao. And I'll share more reasons why I love this beautiful island of Mindanao through my social media accounts! For the next few days, I'll be taking a short break from blogging and instead will be more active in Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I will be sharing tourist spots, cool establishments and other cool stuff that you can find here in Mindanao. I will be using the hashtag #WonderfulMindaNOW :) This great #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign is made possible by Globe and their special GOUNLI20PLUS promo! For only Php 20.00, the Globe GOUNLI20PLUS promo offers: * 50 text message to Globe/TM Subscribers * Unlimited calls to Globe/TM Subscribers * Free 10MB Facebook access * Exclusive...

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 ...

Jan142014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Festival 2014 in Bukidnon moved

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Tourism

The Kaamulan Festival 2014 in Bukidnon will now be celebrated the entire month of August. In the past few years, Bukidnon celebrates Kaamulan Festival every end of February to March 10, supposedly the day the province celebrates its founding anniversary. However, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon has recently passed a resolution stating that the founding anniversary should be celebrated every September. To clarify, however, Kaamulan Festival has been celebrated every August before. So I guess this development is more like a "homecoming" (to the original date!) of sorts :) The culmination of the 2014 Kaamulan Festival will be held on September 1. Highlight during that day will be the streetdancing competition, where all 20 municipalities and 2 cities of Bukidnon will send continge...

Jan62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Benefits of renting a lake cabin in Mindanao and anywhere in the world

Mindanaoan Update

Whether a person is planning a trip with family and friends or prepping for a romantic getaway with a significant other, finding the perfect vacation spot is a must. While the fresh ocean air of the beach may be tempting, vacationing at a lake cabin may prove to be even more satisfying. Here are some of the benefits of renting a lake cabin. Modern conveniences Unlike camping in a tent, a lake cabin furnishes all of the modern necessities that some vacationers crave. Although the lake cabin is surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest, it does not sacrifice comfort. Most lake cabins are outfitted with televisions, stoves, refrigerators, fireplaces, and of course bathrooms. Some even have an outdoor hot tub that boosts the relaxation of the trip. Nature trails For active people ...

Oct292013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mercato Centrale introduces CDO version – Mercato De Oro

Mindanaoan Update

One of the things I usually do whenever I visit Manila is check out food markets and one of those that my friends and I usually go to is Mercato Centrale at the Bonifacio Global City. There, you can find a great selection of interesting food choices - from donut burgers (yep) to oversized isaw (chicken intestine) to really delicious bagnet (and bagnet bacon!) You can also find fresh fruits, seafood, pastries and cakes, organic products and even arts and crafts. Mercato Centrale is really a must-visit especially when you're in Manila. Good thing the guys behind Mercato Centrale, food blogger Anton Diaz and popular TV host and columnist RJ Ledesma (known as Joey in the Royal Tru-Orange series back in the 80's!), are bringing the popular food market to Mindanao. Dubbed "Mercato de Oro,"...