mindanao blog Archives - Page 11 of 15 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Sep192010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kraft Eden Cheese launches Keso de Gallo – vote for Mindanao cities!

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Contests, Events, Food, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism

100 towns. 100 days. 100 unique dishes. 1 Grand Yuletide celebration. Yes, Kraft Eden, the very same company that ignited the joy and faith of Filipinos nationwide in last year's Keso de Gallo, is back once again to bring the warmest and tastiest Christmas. If last year they toured around 9 different cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, in 9 different churches with 9 carefully selected Pinoy recipes for a total of 9 mornings (whew!), this year Kraft Eden will make things grander - 100 participating towns, 100 unique dishes to be showcased for a total of 100 days! Now that's what you call pushing food tourism to a whole new level! The Keso de Gallo this year has started last September 4 and will end until the first Sunday of January 2011. Through this "100 Days of Christma...

Sep182010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Make Your Own Havaianas Davao City leg

Davao City, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

The Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 Davao City, Mindanao leg is being held at the Gaisano Mall (GMall) along Bajada Avenue, Davao City. It started last September 16, 2010 and will end tomorrow, September 19, 2010. I was able to visit the MYOH 2010 Davao event on the very first day and by the looks of it, the certified Havaianaticos in this side of the country came in full force! The Davao City leg of Make Your Own Havaianas comes after the highly successful Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 Cagayan de Oro leg, which was held last August 2010 (Mindanaoan was there, too, of course, much thanks to our special friends over at Spruce). Check out more photos after the jump: (more…)

Sep182010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Bacolod: Calea for the best desserts!

Bacolod City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Recipes, Reviews, Visayas

I was told that one's Bacolod City escapade will never be complete without visiting Calea, a famous homegrown cake shop...and it was easy to understand why. Calea Bacolod produces the best cakes, pastries and desserts this side of the world. Calea is Bacolod's answer to Manila's cake shops and bakeries but with better choices and lesser prices. This Mindanao blogger's recent trip to the Visayas was made sweeter when my friends and I stopped by Calea (the branch along Lacson Street, just a few blocks away from Sorrento Piazza, where my friends and I had a sumptuous dinner at Pepe's Grill!). This Calea branch is supposedly the first ever. These days, this cake shop has two other branches - one at Robinson's Place and another one at East Block. And just in case you're wondering about the h...

Sep142010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bacolod: Pepe’s Grill | Where to eat in Bacolod

Bacolod City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Negros Occidental, Reviews, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

So to continue my kuwento about my great big Negros Occidental adventure with three amazing friends, we had dinner at Pepe's Grill, known to be one of Bacolod City's finest restaurants. Located at Sorrento Piazza along Lacson Street (the main thoroughfare in Bacolod City), Pepe's Grill is almost always packed. Lucky for us, there was a spare table good for the four of us when we arrived! A lot of yuppies go to Pepe's Grill for dinner before heading off to a bar for a night of booze and dancing with friends. Families and barkadas also go to Pepe's Grill for weekend lunches and dinners. In fact, when we arrived, there were several parents enjoying meals with their kids. So judging by the many satisfied customers, one can surmise that this Bacolod restaurant is doing something right! Oh...

Sep112010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Help me attend PR 2.0: 17th National Public Relations Congress

Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Corporate, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Society

The 17th National Public Relations Congress will be held on September 23 and 24, 2010 at the Grand Ballroom, InterContinental Manila, Makati City, Philippines with the theme “PR2.0 Build. Engage. Deliver.” and I absolutely want to attend! I may have been in the public relations/media/marketing/advertising/events industry for several years now and I may own a small public relations agency in the Philippines but I have yet to attend a national conference led by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. Methinks attending this PR congress will help me as a Filipino publicist and I have a couple of reasons why: 1. I am one who actively incorporates blogging and other forms of social and new media in my work. While I still practise public relations the "traditional" way, I have starte...

Aug72010 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

If New York has yellow cabs, Davao City has violet taxis

Davao City, Features, Festivals, Society

Before anything else, let me emphasize that this isn't exactly breaking news. I've seen these types of taxis roam around Davao City but it's only over the weekend that I was able to take a photo. So here it is. One of the conspicuous violet taxis plying all around Davao City, Mindanao: If the Big Apple - New York - has yellow cabs, Dabaw has violet ones. Can't help but wonder if this will set a trend of some sort. Violet isn't a really bad choice, really. It represents vibrancy and violet is the color of some varieties of orchids (Davao is where a lot of flowers and orchids are in bloom especially this time of year!) (more…)

Aug72010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

6th Mindanao Film Festival – a call for entries

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Broadcasting, Davao City, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

The Mindanao Film Festival 2010 is calling for submissions for feature-length films, short films, and documentaries made by Mindanawon filmmakers or films about, related to, or shot in Mindanao. Students may also participate by submitting their films in the Student Short Film Category (High School & College) or the Student Documentary Category. All genres are welcome including comedy, drama, experimental, and animation, as long as the film has been completed anytime within October 2009 to September 2010, and has not been screened in the previous Mindanao Film Festival. Those interested must submit the following: (more…)

Jul302010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 very simple changes I want to see in government under PNoy’s leadership

Commentary, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion

1. That government employees and officials punch their own bundy cards and that appropriate punishment be given to those who ask someone else to punch their bundy cards in their behalf. Let this be most applicable to regular government employees who have the gall to bully job order/contractual employees to doing what their apparently lazy asses don't want or can't do. I have personally seen government employees who think that just because they have tenure, they have the option to come to work after 8 in the morning. However, they don't want their salaries deducted so they bully job order employees and demand that these poor contractual workers punch their cards in. 2. That government employees and officials do not leave their offices/desks for reasons other than work-related. Exactly...

Jul212010 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

Mindanao’s first ever wavepool to open in Davao City very soon!

Announcements, Business, Davao City, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism, Travel

Mindanao now has its first ever wavepool! Not only does Mindanao have fabulous beaches, it now boasts of its first ever and so far the only wave pool in this side of the Philippines. A beach resort in Davao City, Mindanao is set to open its wavepool to the public via a grand event on July 25, 2010 (Sunday), 6 PM. Check out the poster below: The event will also showcase some of Davao City's models, dance groups, fire dancers and local celebrities. (more…)

Jul182010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Yummy Sunday birthday lunch at Kagay-anon Restaurant

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

My family and I recently celebrated my brother Ben's birthday by sharing one delicious, special birthday lunch on a Sunday at Kagay-anon Restaurant. One of our brothers, Nathaniel, wasn't around, though, since he's already based in Cebu City but we called him several times all throughout the day so we still strongly felt his presence. For that special Sunday birthday lunch, we had camaron rebosado and calamares: We also had another family favorite which is lato seafood. Check out the lato serving at this restaurant in Cagayan de Oro City after the jump! (more…)

Jul142010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

From Mindanao media to PNoy’s communications group – an appeal

Advocacy, Blogging, Broadcasting, Commentary, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Politics

So it's somehow final now. The Office of the Press Secretary is no longer. New Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III or PNoy will reorganize it and will rename it to the Presidential Communications Office. The latest buzz is that ANC broadcaster Ricky Carandang and "The Explainer" Manolo Quezon III will join the communications team and will play vital roles. I am, quite frankly, happy to know that Carandang and Quezon will be part of the team. For sure, these brilliant minds will bring with them their years of experience and they will definitely be fab assets to the Aquino administration. No doubt about that. My concern, therefore, is more about the treatment towards Mindanao journalists now that Aquino has made it clear that the public is his "BOSS" and now that he has tw...

Jul132010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Iligan City’s Maria Cristina Falls is now reopened to the public

Announcements, Government, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Good news! The majestic Maria Cristina Falls, one of the major tourist attractions in Iligan City, Mindanao, is now reopened to the public...and it now even has a Nature's Park! Known as the Philippines' second highest waterfalls, the Maria Cristina Falls plays a very vital role in generating power for Mindanao. Maria Cristina Falls powers the National Power Corporation's Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant which is capable of generating as much as 200 MW. A lot of areas around Mindanao depend on the Agus VI. *photo credit: Iligan City What's also exciting about the reopening of the Maria Cristina Falls is that it now also has a nature's park. (more…)

Jul102010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the Chooks to Go VIP Membership Club for FREE

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update

Want a FREE Chooks to Go t-shirt? Then join the Chooks to Go VIP Membership Club FOR FREE! Chooks to Go, which uses Bounty Fresh chicken, has recently launched its membership club and loyal members can get freebies and access to special events and promos. With over 700 stores all over the Philippines including a whole lot here in Mindanao, it will be easy for you to pile up points and get those freebies! Chooks to Go sells oven-roasted chicken, liempo, chicken hotdog, chicken nuggets and corned chicken. Bounty Fresh's newest endorser is none other than world-class singer Lea Salonga. Check out their newest ad: (more…)

Jul22010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Citihardware to open 3rd branch in Cagayan de Oro City

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society

Well, I guess this only goes to show that Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, dubbed the City of Golden Friendship, is really booming and fast becoming "a force to reckon with" in terms of trade and industry. CitiHardware, arguably the largest and fastest growing hardware chain in the country, will open its third branch in CDO. According to a top CitiHardware official, the Cugman branch is currently in its early stages of construction. Citihardware's two existing branches in Cagayan de Oro are located at Bulua and Gusa. If you guys recall, Mindanaoan was hired to handle shared event coordination services during the grand opening of the CitiHardware Bulua branch. As co-event organizer, Mindanaoan was in charge of providing professional lights and sounds, a female professional host, a band ...

Jun282010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

T’nalak Festival 2010 Schedule of Activities | South Cotabato’s 44th Foundation Day

Announcements, Culture, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

Koronadal's yearly T'nalak Festival is here once again. For tourists and local Mindanaoans who want to witness this colorful festival, check out the Tinalak Festival 2010 Schedule of Activities below. The theme for T'nalak 2010 is “One Dynamic People; One Vibrant Spirit." T'nalak Festival is celebrated in South Cotabato, Mindanao. Incidentally, this year also marks the 44th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato. DATE JULY TIME EVENT VENUE (within Koronadal City) 13 Tuesday 4:00 PM Interfaith Thanksgiving Services South Cotabato Gym 6:00 PM Releasing of Flying Lanterns So.Cot Sports Complex 6:30 PM Ceremonial Opening: * Regional Trade Expo 2010 Protech Center * Agri Fair 2010 Rizal Park 14 Wednesday 7:...

Jun222010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Events in Mindanao: Yaman Gensan 2010

Announcements, Business, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Technology

Are you a Mindanaoan businessman or an aspiring entrepreneur? Here's your chance to learn more on how to start a business in Mindanao and get to meet other entrepreneurs and perhaps strike a deal or two! Gear up for Yaman Gensan 2010! The annual Yaman Gensan will run from June 23, 2010 to July 22, 2010 in General Santos City, Mindanao. With the theme "Trabaho...Negosyo...Asenso," Yaman Gensan 2010 aims to encourage entrepreneurship and to provide a platform for existing and would-be businessmen not only from SOCSKSARGEN but all around Mindanao to discuss issues and concerns that may affect their industries. Check out the Yaman Gensan 2010 poster below: The Yaman General Santos 2010 event will again feature an Entrepreneurs' Forum, a Franchise Expo, a Jobs Fair plus trade fair ...

Jun82010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanao blogger at TV5’s PO5 (Party on 5)

Arts, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Style

A few weeks ago, this blogger from Mindanao, along with her friends, had the chance to watch the live telecast of PO5 (Party on 5) right inside the studio, thanks to my dear friend Jay Durias of the band South Border. P.O.5 or Party On 5 is TV5's Sunday noontime variety show - their answer to ABS CBN's "ASAP XV" and GMA 7's "Party Pilipinas." The show's hosts include Lucy Torres-Gomez (who's now a congresswoman - not sure if she'll continue her hosting job), John Estrada, Wilma Doesnt, JC de Vera, Alex Gonzaga and Tuesday Vargas. Ryan Agoncillo was still a part of the show when I watched it live from the studio but he later quit in order to attend to wife Judy Ann Santos' pregnancy. Guess who the show's musical director is? Jay, of course! :) (more…)

May312010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Freebies alert – Giving away Mindanaoan.com keychains!

Announcements, Blogging, Contests, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update

Hello everyone, I'm giving away several Mindanaoan.com keychains :) Simple yet useful keychains for all of the valued readers of my humble blog about Mindanao and life in Mindanao! It's super easy to receive a FREE Mindanaoan.com keychain. All you have to do is SUBSCRIBE TO MINDANAOAN (CLICK, CLICK!) :) Yes, yes, it's THAT easy for you to get this freebie :) After you click the link leading you to the SUBSCRIPTION PAGE, please just leave a valid email address and don't forget to verify your email address by clicking on the URL that will be sent to you via email. Subscribe NOW because I will start shipping these keychains out by June 15, 2010! NOTE: Existing subscribers of Mindanaoan.com need not fret because all of you will also be included in this mini keychain-giveaway thingi...

May282010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Review: The Maxwell Hotel Cebu | Budget hotel Cebu

Business, Consumer, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

The Maxwell Hotel Cebu is located along N. Escario Street, Cebu City, Philippines - a prime location in the Queen City of the South. It's a fairly new hotel in Cebu City and can be considered a Cebu budget hotel. Mindanaoan stayed at the Maxwell Hotel Cebu for two nights during my recent 4-day escapade at Cebu to attend the first ever Cebu Blog Camp 2010. The first two nights were spent at my Cebu City-based brother's apartment. My brother is also a blogger, by the way, and he accompanied me at the Cebu Blog Camp. He blogs about tennis here. Since he often lacked sleep because of the uber warm Cebu weather as of late, I, as the dutiful "ate" (ahem, ahem), decided to check-in at The Maxwell Hotel Cebu and treat him to two days of rest, sleep and an absolutely relaxing massage (more about...

May282010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Gelatissimo in Greenbelt 5

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Thanks to Manila-based Twitter friend Ryan, this blogger from Mindanao got invited to check out the much-talked about Gelatissimo store in Greenbelt 5, Makati City, Philippines. It was an invitation that I immediately accepted especially because I've heard a lot of good feedback about this gelato shop. By the way, Gelatissimo isn't a homegrown brand. Gelatissimo is an Australian brand and they offer yummy gelato that's made fresh every single day, sundaes, chocolates, traditional Italian biscotti and roasted coffee. For the unitiated, gelato is a low fat, creamy alternative to traditional ice cream. It tastes a bit "warmer" than ice cream but nonetheless equally delish! As expected, I found a packed Gelatissimo Greenbelt 5 branch. Believe me, the photo I took below didn't do justi...

May242010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Finally finding No Reservations Anthony Bourdain Cebu lechon – the Zubuchon!

Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Culture, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Society

Apart from attending the Cebu Blog Camp 2010, another reason why I was looking forward to going back to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South, was the fact that I will finally have the chance to try the world-famous Zubuchon - yes, the very same Cebu lechon featured and praised by popular chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of "No Reservations." Ever since Anthony Bourdain featured it in "No Reservations" (one of the very few travel shows that my entire family loves to watch), we agreed to definitely try it once we have the chance to go back to Cebu. As we all know, Cebu lechon is already famous as it is but for a specific Cebu lechon to be featured as the Anthony Bourdain preferred Cebu lechon is another thing. A brief background first for the unitiated - Lechon or fire roas...

May182010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Havaianas Summer Collection 2010 | Get your pair from Spruce CDO

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

For beach lovers like me, summer is our most favorite season! It's the perfect time to not only get that perfect summer tan but also the chance for one to flaunt that distinct summer style. And what better way to show your summer fashion sense than to wear a pair of Havaianas straight from its 2010 summer collection? The Havaianas summer collection 2010 flip flops are among summer fashion's staples. And swimsuits, bikinis, cover-ups and other types of beach wear can never be complete without that pretty pair of Havaianas slippers. For the ultra hot months of April and May, hit the sandy beaches with these perfect pair of Havaianas flip flops. Check out their new designs that will surely complement the sun, sand and sea. Fashion-forward mavens can look forward to a flip-flops collec...