mindanao blog Archives - Page 2 of 15 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jan82017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Proudly Made In Iligan: Deliciosa Ice Cream

Business, Consumer, Food, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

I love patronizing homegrown products. I think they ought to be patronized especially since these are only produced on a limited scale (attention to quality - check!). In Iligan City, an old name has pretty much resurfaced and is now making waves again. Deliciosa Ice Cream, founded in 2009, was put on hold for a bit. As fate would have it, however, the owner met a marketing expert years after. Both of them then decided to give the business its much-needed “shot in the arm.” Fast forward 2016, Deliciosa Ice Cream is back, better than ever and they now even have an ice cream center! The store, which was officially launched back in April 15, is located at the main entrance of Floraville Subdivision, along the road going to Upper Luinab, particularly at Purok 3-A. Currently, Delic...

Oct292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO rafting rate increase now approved – see the new fees here

Announcements, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

IT'S OFFICIAL. The Oro Association of Rafters (OAR) will now implement new and increased rates for white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. These new CDO rafting rates will actually help the industry. Please read on so we may all understand :) Back in January, I first wrote about the rate increase proposal. Now, I learned that the new CDO rafting rates have already been duly approved and that all of the rafting outfitters have started implementing them last October 1, 2016. The new rates are as follows: * Celebrities Aga Muhlach and Rowell Santiago try CDO rafting with Great White Water Tours Basic rafting course / Lower section (2-3 hours) - Php 1,200 per person. Plus Php 200 if you want the package to include snack, lunch (or dinner). This is optional. Advance rafting co...

Oct142016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

BREAKING: H&M To Open First Store In Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

I first wrote about H&M (Hennes & Mauritz, Inc.) CDO and about what it will be like to be a part of their team months ago. Now, H&M CDO is finally opening! The Cagayan de Oro H&M store is part of their continuous expansion in the southern part of Philippine shores and will serve as its 18th store in the country. Are you excited yet? Because you bet I am! The over 1,500 square meter, 2-story store will welcome shoppers on October 27, 2016, 11 AM at Centrio Mall at CM Recto Avenue corner Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro. Follow my Facebook page and Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates! “The response from our Mindanao customers, after we opened our 1 st store in Davao just last month, has been incredible! We look forward to catering to even more of the same vibran...

Oct112016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2016 schedule

Announcements, Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Society, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin Island is again set to celebrate the Lanzones Festival 2016 in a few days and I have the full Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2016 schedule of events. (much thanks to the Office of Congressman XJ Romualdo!) This annual celebration of bountiful harvest in the Island Born of Fire will feature various activities that will highlight the rich culture, tradition and warmth of Camiguinons. Of course, while you're in Camiguin for the 2016 Lanzones Festival, take advantage of the beautiful tourist spots and the abundant (and cheap!) fleshy lanzones fruits. Interested to visit Camiguin? I have these related resources for you: Camiguin Travel Guide Mantigue Island - A must-visit! White Island, Camiguin - Paradise! Eating sea urchins at White Island, Camiguin Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Camig...

Jul42016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Touring the Coca Cola Misamis Oriental Philippines plant

Business, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Freebies, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel, Videos

I first had the chance to tour a Coca-Cola plant in Davao City many, many moons ago. I was still studying at the Ateneo de Davao University and Ateneans had regular field trips at the Coca-Cola plant in Ulas. I remember being given ice cold Coke fresh off the bottling line. Best part? We were allowed to drink as much as we can and we were also given freebies at the end of the tour. For any kid, that was truly quite a fun experience. Fast forward 2016, I was again recently given the opportunity to trace the "journey of the Coca-Cola bottle." I was invited to tour the Coca Cola Misamis Oriental Plant located at the Municipality of Villanueva, about half an hour away from Cagayan de Oro City. Built from the ground up and inaugurated in 2011, the Coca-Cola FEMSA Misamis Oriental Plant is...

Apr262016 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

New Iligan City tourist spot: Paseo de Santiago

Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Leisure, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Iligan City has a new popular attraction - Paseo de Santiago. Located near Talipapa (Santiago Market), Paseo de Santiago is a privately owned area that has been turned into a seaside complex with open seating, several food stalls, a mini stage for nightly events, a wide view of the Iligan Bay, lots of benches where you can watch the sunset and two huge "Iligan City" and "Philippines" signs. Yup, Paseo de Santiago is where you can take cool selfies, groufies, wefies (what other terms are there, millenials? :D)! Entrance fee to Paseo de Santiago is Php 20 per person. There are corkage fees, by the way. Please take note. There are vintage Japanese-style bicycles for rent, just in case you're keen. And, as you can see, there's spacious parking space. It was almost dusk when my fri...

Nov22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com shortlisted in 2015 Globe Media Excellence Awards

Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Technology

A total of 58 entries were shortlisted for various categories of the Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA), the most anticipated premier award-giving body that gives recognition to excellence in journalism in Mindanao. The premier award-giving body which recognizes excellence in journalism from the best breed of scribes in Visayas and Mindanao, the awards gives recognition to print, broadcast, and digital media practitioners who have excelled in their respective fields. Awards night for the GMEA Mindanao leg will be held on November 17. “The number of entries that we received this year is a testament to the commitment of media practitioners to provide exemplary reporting in their respective fields given the vital role of the press in effecting positive societal transformation and nati...

Oct162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Kaamulan Festival 2015 at Grandstand Malaybalay Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel

I went to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon a few days ago to see the preparations being done in time for the Kaamulan Festival 2015. The Kaamulan is a yearly gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes and the said festival is the biggest and most-awaited in the province. Now, I've been an observer of the Kaamulan Festival for several years now. In fact, there were many instances when I was tasked to handle and cover big, important events. So you could just imagine my disappointment when I saw for myself this year's preparations. The biggest change? The transfer of the bulk of the activities from the Capitol Grounds to the Grandstand area in Malaybalay. For those unfamiliar with the area - the Grandstand is located in an inner location. The soil at that area gets really soft and muddy when it rains....

Sep22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Seeing Daniel Matsunaga and Aliya Parcs

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos

A few weeks ago, I took a quick step back from all the traveling and instead, started attending a couple of local events. Event invitations have been piling up! (Thank you!) The events I attended paved the way for me to see a good friend, meet a new one and see another hunk who apparently still recognizes me ;) Singer, composer, FHM model and my friend Aliya Parcs was in town recently. Dionne Monsanto, an alumnae of Pinoy Big Brother, joined her on this trip. Aliya brought with her wonderful news - she bagged two golds at the recently concluded World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), the same contest Jed Madela won a grand slam in. WCOPA is largely cited as the “Olympics of the Performing Arts” and artists from all around the globe converge in Long Beach, California. Happy for m...

Dec232014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Becoming Filipino Kyle Jennermann has a message for Mindanaoan.com readers

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Personalities, Society, Technology

A lot of my readers have been asking me about Kyle Jennermann, the 27 year old Canadian who wants to become Filipino. Yes, you read that right. Kyle, who apparently has fallen madly in love with our country, has been chronicling his fun and happy escapades as he tries to become Pinoy via his popular "Becoming Filipino" videos on YouTube. Click HERE to visit his YouTube channel. I have a lot of things to say about my friend but I think it is but proper that I write a lengthier post next time. For now, he has a message for all of you. Thanks so much for following my humble blog - enjoy Christmas with your loved ones :)

Dec42014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com supports Bugsay Mindanao 1st Northern Mindanao dragon boat race

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports

I am very proud to announce that Mindanaoan.com is one of the supporters of the most awaited Bugsay Mindanao, the first Northern Mindanao Dragon Boat Race. To be held on December 6, 2014, 7 am to 3 pm, along the Cagayan River, Cagayan de Oro City, Bugsay Mindanao will see the participation of 10 dragon boat teams from outside CDO. Bugsay Mindanao is being held in support of the environmental efforts of Safer River, Life Saver Foundation, Inc. Watch all the action from the viewing deck located at the Liceo University main campus. Catch Bugsay Mindanao on December 6, 2014 and don't forget to support the sponsors as well :) Liempo King - http://www.facebook.com/liempoking Mindanaoan - http://www.facebook.com/mindanaoanblogger Bourbon St. Bistro - http://www.facebook.com/...

Oct292014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That honest, taray Davao taxi driver story and things I learned when a post gets viral

Announcements, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

Hello, world. Yes, that was me. The person who posted that "taray Davao taxi driver" story on Facebook that got viral --- no, really, really viral --- was me. Google "Davao taxi driver," "taray Davao taxi driver" or "honest Davao taxi driver," chances are, most of the hits on the first page and Google images are about my post. (this is what SEO folks would die for!) And, like anybody whose post unknowingly attracted thousands of "likes," shares, retweets, reposts and comments from people around the world, I now have my own story to tell. I also learned a couple of lessons, both good and bad. Well, I want to focus on the good so trust me, there were more good than bad. Did I mention, though, that as a result, I received several TV and radio interview requests and hundreds of friend reque...

Oct202014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Covering the BIMP-EAGA International Business Leaders Confab and Trade Fair

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Events, Malaysia, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao

Very excited to share with you all that I have just been invited to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Conference in Davao City this October 22 to 25, 2014! This is a very important international event especially in terms of trade, investments and even tourism among ASEAN countries. I feel really very honored especially since I found out that I'm the only media practitioner (from both the traditional and new media/blogging sectors) from Northern Mindanao invited to cover this. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. This highly anticipated event, which will be held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center, is expected to draw at least 800 busine...

Aug252014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Very first Make Your Own Havaianas event in Butuan

Beauty, Butuan, Caraga, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

The biggest flipflops customization event in the Philippines is finally heading to Butuan! The very first Make Your Own Havaianas - Butuan or #MYOHButuan2014 event is happening on September 26 to 28, 2014 at the Main Atrium of Robinsons Place, Butuan City. A Make Your Own Havaianas event is where you can build/create/design your very own pair (or pairs!) of Havaianas. You can choose the type and color of sole, pins and straps! Moreover, there are special pins and sole designs that can only be found and bought during Make Your Own Havaianas events. I'm a regular MYOH supporter - my very first Make Your Own Havaianas experience was way back in 2009! Since then, I've been sharing my MYOH experiences regularly through this blog :) Make Your Own Havaianas - Butuan will be led by li...

Aug132014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Globe donates first mobile laboratory package to CDO public school

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao

Globe Telecom recently donated a Globe Mobile Laboratory to the City Central School in Cagayan de Oro City, a mobile package that consists of a set of netbooks, printers, mobile projectors as well as sound systems for the use of the said school's homeroom teachers at each grade level. The Globe mobile lab is part of the telecom company's Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program, a long-term education initiative that seeks to transform selected public schools into centers of ICT excellence and innovative teaching methods, in order to set the stage for 21st Century learning. * Photo courtesy of InCDO.com VP for Globe Prepaid Business Issa Cabreira said “As a part of its commitment to nation-building, Globe Prepaid emphasizes the importance of education among Filipino youth by intro...

Jun252014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan is an Islands Souvenirs I heart CDO brand ambassador

Advocacy, Beauty, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update

As someone who has been very contented working behind the scenes for more than a decade, to ever be offered the opportunity to model and help endorse something is the farthest on my mind. Never have I thought that a brand - a very well-known one at that - would even consider me to be one of their brand ambassadors. So you could just imagine how honored I felt when Islands Souvenirs, through their head honcho Jay Aldeguer (one of the very few people I truly admire!), chose me as one of their "I heart CDO" Islands Souvenirs brand ambassadors. It was something I could never say no to. I mean, really --- apart from the fact that it was THE Jay Aldeguer who asked me, I also truly believe in the Islands Souvenirs brand. I am a fan of their advocacies - which are to revolutionize souvenir ...

May222014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Video: Jay Durias congratulates me for winning 2013 Mindanao Blogger of the Year

Blogging, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society, Technology

Being a huge fan of South Border and Jay Durias, this brief but cute video of Jay congratulating me for winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger of the Year award means a lot to me! I've been friends with South Border for more than 10 years now and to this day, I still get really kilig whenever I get messages like these or when I watch them perform onstage (never mind if it's a big concert or a bar gig - I still scream like a crazy fan girl each and every time!) Check out this video of Jay. Those are Vince Alaras and new South Border saxophonist Edward Picache at the back :D Thank you so much South Border - love you guys! You might also like to subscribe to the Mindanaoan YouTube Channel :) I have LOTS of exclusive videos there!

May52014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Gerald Anderson and Star Magic Basketball team in CDO @hashtagprod11

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, Sports

The stars descended on Cagayan de Oro last May 4, 2014 for the much-awaited Star Magic Basketball Game! Captain Gerald Anderson and the rest of the Star Magic Basketball Team did not only make the ladies swoon but they also impressed the guys with their good basketball skills. So good were their basketball skills that the Star Magic team won 82 - 78 against local team Corpus Christi Knights. Aside from Gerald Anderson, the other Star Magic basketball players included Rayver Cruz, Japoy Lizardo, Carlo Aquino, Matt Evans, Ejay Falcon, Jerome Ponce, Gerard Acao, Young JV and Jon Lucas. You can read my previous post about this HERE. Congratulations to Hashtag Productions, to the staff and crew, to the sponsors (special mention to Shopwise CDO, Liempo King, Great White Water Rafting and B...

Apr262014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com is media partner of Star Magic charity basketball game

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Personalities, Society, Sports

Very excited to share that Mindanaoan.com is an official media partner of the upcoming Star Magic Charity Basketball Game in Cagayan de Oro! The much-awaited charity event will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014, 12 noon (gates open at 8 am), Corpus Christi Gym and will feature the following celebrities: • PBB Teen Edition 3rd Big Placer and “On the Job” actor Gerald Anderson • Actor, dancer, singer, and ASAP mainstay Rayver Cruz • Taekwondo champion, actor, and commercial model Japoy Lizardo • Versatile actor (“Anna Liza”, “Ang TV”, “G-mik”, “Berks”, “Ang Tanging Ina”) Carlo Aquino • “Be Careful With My Heart’s” Jerome Ponce • PBB Teen Edition Plus Big Winner and actor Ejay Falcon • Comedian Gerard Acao • PBB, “Pedro Penduko”, and “The Legal Wife’s” Matt Evans • Star Magic C...

Apr182014 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Eating sea urchins at White Island Camiguin

Camiguin, Food, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Living sea urchins don't look appetizing at all - what with their scary looking spines. But mind you, sea urchins or "tuyom" as they are locally known are actually considered culinary delicacies in many parts of the world. In fact, a kilo of sea urchin roe fetches hundreds of dollars. So when I spotted some fishermen selling fresh sea urchins for sale at White Island, Camiguin, I just had to get some! They were selling them for Php 50.00 (about US$1.50) for 3 pieces. Ate them raw with coco vinegar. Yum! Have you tried eating sea urchins? Let me know in the comments section :) Meanwhile, here are some shots taken at White Island, Camiguin. Planning to visit this beautiful island in Mindanao? Here's a Camiguin Island Travel Guide and here's how to get to White Island Camiguin...

Jan152014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to enjoy coffee and help reforest Mindanao

Bukidnon, Consumer, Culture, Features, Food, Gifts, Mindanao

I just love receiving (and later on, buying for myself) gifts that I know support a local community, especially an indigenous tribe. I love supporting groups that have products made especially by indigenous people in Mindanao. One of the products that I now fervently support and promote is Hineleban Coffee. I first received it as a corporate gift last Christmas 2013 from Centrio Ayala Mall. Look at the Instagram photo I posted. You can also see the card that featured Jaime Zobel de Ayala's photos. Anyway, the gift I got came in a 500 gram (half kilo) bag of 100% highland premium arabica coffee produced by Hineleban Foundation. Now what makes Hineleban Coffee truly special, you ask? It's coffee that doesn't only taste good, it also helps reforest Mindanao! You see, Hinel...

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 ...