mindanao blogger Archives - Page 5 of 22 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun142016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

UPDATE: Yakimix CDO sushi and smokeless grill restaurant opening

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental

I HAVE AN UPDATE about the opening of Yakimix CDO! I first tweeted about Yakimix CDO on our way to the sneak peek of The Nest, a new lifestyle and food hub along Corrales Avenue. We were at a stoplight and the huge "Soon To Open: Yakimix Cagayan de Oro" billboard was just a few steps away from me. Naturally, I took a photo for Twitter (follow Mindanaoan on Twitter) and another one for Snapchat (follow Mindanaoan on Snapchat) A lot of people retweeted it, tagged their friends and asked me all about the opening date etc. Sorry, folks, I don't know the exact opening date yet. Yakimix CDO opened last February 12, 2017 and Mindanaoan.com got invited! I have a video for you all. Check this out: Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel :) What I do know is that the sushi and smokeless gril...

Jun132016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

The Nest CDO: Your slices of France and Italy in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society

Meet Henrik Yu. Many Kagay-anons know that he's one of the owners of homegrown brands Bigby's Cafe and Missy Bon Bon. Let me add something more to describe this amiable, well-traveled and wise entrepreneur - he's quite the risk taker. He often wins, mind you, because he has a vision and passion like no other. So when I heard of his latest venture - The Nest CDO, a new dining and lifestyle destination in Cagayan de Oro - I knew that Henrik will, once more, put his heart, soul and impressive business acumen into effect. In other words, I'm pretty sure he will win again. I had the chance to visit The Nest CDO exactly a week before their supposed "very, very soft opening" (Henrik's words) on June 18, 2016. I was among the very first to try their offerings - and I must tell you...

Jun132016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Calling all Vis-Min schools! Avail of this #DigitalThumbprint Program #WonderfulPH

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Campus, Education, Society, Technology

If there is one thing that the youth of today should really understand and take to heart, it is how they should act safely and responsibly online. I’m sure you’ve seen posts (or two!) by young ones these days that can really raise eyebrows, can disappoint friends and even break the hearts of their own parents and loved ones. It’s undeniable that the youth of today can act careless and can be reckless with their own digital footprints. That's why I'm really glad that Globe Telecom has joined forces with Optus and Singtel in launching Digital Thumbprint, an award winning program that teaches the youth to understand the impact of their online behavior and how to be safe and responsible for their online activities. The local campaign forms part of the digital nation roadmap created by Globe...

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...

May282016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LIV Super Club opening soon in Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Music, Society

The clubbing scene in Cagayan de Oro is about to up its ante with the upcoming opening of LIV Super Club! LIV Super Club, the first branch of which is located at City Time Square in Mantawi Avenue, Tipolo, Mandaue, is Cebu's first and largest luxury club. Soon, they're bringing world-class entertainment to CDO! Expect only great DJs from all over to spin soul-grabbing music at LIV. LIV Super Club CDO will be located along Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center, specifically right behind Pete's Patriots Gastropub. You can plan the perfect evening escapade - have dinner at Pete's Patriots (try their bestsellers!) then head on down to LIV for dancing, raving and meeting new friends. This is also similar to what my friends and I do whenever we go to Cebu - we have dinner at Tokyo Table (just...

May72016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Why Chiz Escudero is my Vice President

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

Chiz Escudero. I first saw him in Congress. He was the fast rising young representative of Sorsogon then. All eyes were on him. Him and his impossibly forever kunot polo barong. Kunot because he’s here, there, everywhere. I remember whenever I observe at the plenary hall, he often stands up, asks questions from the floor, consults other legislators. In my mind, ang kulit din ng kongresistang ito. He wasn’t like many congressmen who’d just sit and wait for their attendance to be called. Siyempre, crush na crush ko siya noon. Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Rotary Golden Wheel Awardee for Political Governance and Legislation and the list goes on and on. Saan ka pa? Young, very smart, articulate, took and passed the bar on the first try and cute...

May12016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

How Native Shoes will make you say YES to the mess!

Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Misamis Oriental, Shopping, Style

I'm the kind of gal who's easy to please especially when it comes to shoes. I love footwear that's easy to pack and bring, comfortable to wear and that's value for money. So when Native Shoes invited me to check out their newly opened store at the 2nd Floor of Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, I just had to go! You see, Native Shoes has always caught my fancy. Their products are hip, original, eye-catching and - here's my most favorite part - they're absolutely light! And by light, I really mean astoundingly light! When you try them on, you'd actually tend to think you aren't wearing any footwear at all. Unisex pairs Their products are also odor-proof, waterproof and washable. This is because they use dual-density EVA technology. Ergo, not only are the shoes co...

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...

Feb212016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering the 1st presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro #CDO

Advocacy, Blogging, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Technology

It's game time. Today, February 21, 2016, all of the presidential candidates for the May 9, 2016 Philippine elections will all converge in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines for the first round of "PiliPinas Debates 2016." And Mindanaoan will be there to observe, comment and cover. I will be one of the only 300 allowed to be inside the debate hall. I will also be among the 25 media observers. I am hoping to harness the power of social media today. May I invite you all to follow me: Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/mindanaoan Facebook - http://www.twitter.com/mindanaoanblogger Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mindanaoan Snapchat - Username is mindanaoan Please follow Bukidnon Blogger @malaybalayan as well. We will both be there. The debate will start at 5 PM and will last for...

Jan92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz Escudero to government: respond to Mindanao’s concerns quickly

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, Basilan, Bislig, Broadcasting, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Compostela Valley, Cotabato, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, General Santos City, Government, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Following the successive bombings of NGCP towers here in Mindanao and even the lack of water (the Zamboanga City Water District has announced water rationing starting January 7, 2016!), I'm glad that Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on the national government to focus its attention and support for the people of Mindanao. “Malacanang should have all hands on-deck with regard to the problems currently besetting Mindanao. The list is getting alarmingly long and there is apparently no end in sight for many of these problems,” said Escudero, the frontrunner in various vice-presidential preference surveys. Foremost among Escudero’s concerns was the successive bombings of towers owned by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) that started in the third quarter of 2015...

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....

Oct152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Migz Zubiri to run for Senate anew, as Poe-Chiz guest candidate

Bukidnon, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Former 3-consecutive term Bukidnon 3rd District Congressman and Senator for 4 years Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator as an independent earlier today, Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at the Commission on Elections main office. He was accompanied by his wife, newspaper lifestyle columnist Audrey Tan-Zubiri. Zubiri, who previously said he was quitting politics, told Mindanaoan.com that he got inspired by his No. 6 ranking in the latest survey of senatorial preferences. In the Sept. 8-14 Pulse Asia Research Inc. survey of senatorial preferences, Zubiri emerged as the sixth most favored by voters. “I’ve been very happy quietly living a private life with Audrey and our three kids, and tending to our small business for more than two years now. ...

Sep272015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My Laduree French macaron Makati visit

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

One of my longtime super favorite blogs to read is Chuvaness, run by Cecile Zamora van Straten. I've been reading it since its LiveJournal days and as much as I possibly can, I try to visit the restaurants or shops that she recommends. One of her recent entries was about the opening of the Manila branch of Laduree, that famous French luxury bakery that opened in 1862 and that's best known for its delicious macarons. Let's get this out of the way first - a macaron is a sweet meringue-based confection made with egg white. Commonly filled with ganache, buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies (or crisp shells), the name "macaron" is derived from the Italian word macarone, maccarone or maccherone, the Italian meringue. (Source: Wikipedia) Yes, it's different from macaroons....

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...

Aug112015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Somalia, Africa and Cabanglasan, Bukidnon sign sister LGU agreement

Announcements, Bukidnon, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update

Cabanglasan, Bukidnon and Bal'ad, Somalia are now sisters! Sister LGUs, that is :) On July 27, 2015, about two weeks before Cabanglasan's founding anniversary, a historic local government unit (LGU) sisterhood agreement was forged between Cabanglasan and Bal'ad in the Shabelle region of Somalia. This town sisterhood pact is truly historic as this is not only the first to be established in the Philippines but within entire Asia as well. Cabanglasan, a third class municipality located at the second district of Bukidnon, is the third foreign LGU to partner with Somalia since 1991, the year the civil war started. Recently, the country formalized sister-city agreements with Istanbul, Turkey and Minneapolis, United States of America. The Cabanglasan - Somalia sisterhood agreement aims to d...

May162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

AirAsia Hot Meals – Gastronomic Delights At 35,000 Feet

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Reviews, Travel

I consider myself a budget conscious traveler who doesn’t mind spending extra if it means getting something better. Take airplane food, for instance. Unless I’m truly famished or I want to try something for the first time, I stay away from food sold and served aboard an aircraft. Not only are these airline meals (more often than not) expensive, they’re hardly filling and tasty. The choices are very limited as well (so limited that I think a cup of instant noodles has become the “default” order by weary, hungry passengers). However, let me say this: I always make an exception when I take flights via AirAsia. Even before I got invited to Cebu a few days ago for the exclusive AirAsia Hot Meals media launch, I have already been an avid fan of their in-flight meals. Real, flavorful food sold...

Mar92015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Malaybalay Bukidnon 2015 Charter Day schedule of activities

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism

Hi, everyone! I will be traveling regularly to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon in the next two weeks to cover the city's 17th Charter Day celebration. Malaybalay is the Province of Bukidnon's capital :) With the theme "Commitment and Integrity in Service," the Malaybalay City Charter Day Celebration will start tomorrow, March 9, 2015 although technically the charter day will really be on March 22. A lot of activities have been scheduled. FREE admission to all of the LGU-sponsored events. If you also want to participate in any of the activities, sign up for free at the city hall. For sports-related events, go to the Grandstand in Sumpong. If you're also planning to visit Malaybalay, please feel free to leave a comment and I'll be happy to guide you. I also have a banner below for recommende...

Feb12015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Seoul City Hall

Government, Korea, Leisure, Seoul, Tourism, Travel

The Seoul Korea City Hall is one of the world's eco and energy efficient buildings. It's also a pretty cool building to look at! Just check out the photos I took of the Seoul City Hall. Located at Taepyeongno, Jung-gu, which is basically the heart of Seoul, the City Hall is right across the Deoksugung Palace and just a few minutes away on foot from the Cheonggyecheon Stream. How to get to Seoul City Hall: Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 2 to reach City Hall Station. Take Exit 2. Found this cute little thing on the right side of the City Hall :) Want to follow more of my Korea trip? Click on Mindanaoan In Korea How to apply for a Korean tourist visa Very helpful Seoul, Korea Travel Tips Cheonggyecheon Stream Deoksugung Palace Changing Of Guards More Korea post...

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 :)

Dec182014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan.com declared top CDO blog by ICT Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Society, Technology

It is with utmost humility that I announce that Mindanaoan.com has just been declared as a "Top CDO Blog" in the recently concluded 2014 ICT Awards held at the Activity Center, Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The ICT Awards, organized by the CDO ICT Business Council, Cagayan de Oro's main information and communications technology organization, recognizes websites, individuals and organizations involved in the city's IT industry. The citation reads: "The 2014 ICT Awards, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Telecommunications and Communications, Department of Science and Technology - ICTO and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, presents this Top CDO Blog Award to www.Mindanaoan.com for the creation and maintenance of an exceptional b...

Dec132014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Globe to unveil world-class, Tim Kobe-designed Gen3 store in CDO

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Technology

Globe Telecom is strengthening its business and operations in Cagayan de Oro with the opening of its world-class retail store dubbed as “Generation 3” Store in Limketkai Mall on December 15, 2014. The Globe Store in Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro is the second Globe retail store to undergo major renovation, paving the way for one of the biggest milestones in telco retail around the world. And to usher in the new Globe Limketkai store, a launch party will be held at 6 PM at the North Concourse of Limketkai Mall. The new Globe “Generation 3” store promises a fresh experience for its customers, boasting of a unique retail concept that is a first of its kind in the Philippines, designed by Tim Kobe, founder and CEO of Eight, Inc. whose brainchild is the iconic Apple store in New...