mindanao blogger Archives - Page 7 of 22 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Nov282013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Buy a #BangonPilipinas shirt and help typhoon Haiyan victims

Advocacy, Blogging, Cebu City, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Headline, Society, Style, Visayas

If you've been following me on Twitter or Facebook (I hope you are :) I would love to connect with you there!), you'd know that I just came back from a 6-day trip to the Visayas. I flew to Cebu City first. My trip was mainly because I wanted to volunteer in various Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) relief/donation efforts and to turnover some cash donations that I received. I will share more about that trip in succeeding blog posts. In the meantime, please allow me to share a great fundraising drive that I hope you will also support :) The Islands Group, the company that runs Islands Souvenirs and Islands Pasalubong outlets, has released special #BangonPilipinas shirts. What's so special about these t-shirts? ALL OF THE PROCEEDS of these Bangon Pilipinas t-shirts will be dona...

Nov192013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray at ABS CBN ASAP

Entertainment, Events, Headline, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

One of the highlights of my October 2013 was meeting Mark McGrath and the rest of Sugar Ray band and playing a role in the staging of the SugarSmashGin concert in Manila. Anybody who knows me can attest that I am one very big Mark McGrath fan and that I have a big crush on him. So meeting him in person, having the chance to hang out with him, having the chance to talk to him and discuss so many things and getting lots of hugs and kisses in the process is like my heaven on earth! :) Since I know that my kuwentos related to Mark McGrath, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will require several blog posts, for now, let me start by sharing some of the photos I took when Mark went to ABS CBN to promote the concert at ASAP, a Sunday variety show. I went along. Needless to say, he was the ...

Nov22013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Review: Fersal Hotel Makati – homey budget inn

Hotels, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel

Looking for accessible, affordable yet very homey hotels in Makati can be quite a challenge. Most Makati hotels within the business district can be pricey and for budget-conscious travelers like myself, it may mean that I can only stay in cheap Makati inns in seedy areas. So I was really very grateful when I had the chance to stay for two nights at Fersal Hotel Makati during my most recent trip to Manila. This comfortable bed and these seriously soft pillows welcomed me. I knew there and then that it was going to be a cozy two night-stay. Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati is just a stone's throw away from Makati Avenue, one of the city's main thoroughfares. Although it is also very near a lot of dining choices, Fersal Hotel also has a cafe near the lobby where you can enjoy sumptuous m...

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins Best Lifestyle Blog in 2013 Mindanao Blog Awards

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Society, Technology, United States of America

My lucky stars truly shone on me during the recently concluded Mindanao Blog Awards 2013. Apart from bagging the Mindanao Blogger of the Year award, Mindanaoan.com also won the Best Lifestyle Blog award :) Thank you so much, daghang salamat to all of my fellow Mindanao bloggers who nominated and voted for me and to all of the judges as well. I am really grateful for this recognition! Such an honor, such an honor. I remember when I won the Best Lifestyle Blog award in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and became a national finalist in the 2011 PBA. Those citations truly inspired me to help more people understand the power of blogging and social media. In just a span of 2 years, I have organized a bloggers group, organized some blogging and mapping workshops, traveled to several a...

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanaoan is 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, America, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, United States of America, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

It still feels a bit surreal, truth be told. Winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year award and the Best Lifestyle Blog award during the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 held last October 26, 2013 in Davao City was the farthest thing from my mind. I was there to meet my blogger friends, have a good time, maybe drink a cocktail or two and cheer for other finalists. My mindset that night was (and I actually wrote this days before the finals): Win or lose, you are a champ. What's important is that you did your best in letting more people understand and appreciate the power of social media and blogging in sparking more conversations, making better communities and harnessing better understanding. Social good, folks. Only the good. So when my name was called, you could just imagine my shock. Yup...

Oct92013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shop pink at VMV Hypoallergenics, help fight breast cancer

Advocacy, Beauty, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

October is breast cancer awareness month. If you know someone who's undergoing treatment for breast cancer, you know for sure just how physically and emotionally draining it is and just how big a challenge it is not only for the patient but for her family and friends. That's why it's very important to detect the early signs of breast cancer. One of the groups that advocate breast cancer awareness is the ICanServe Foundation, Inc. Ever since its inception, ICanServe has helped so many women through their high impact information campaigns. Did you know that it's easy for you to help ICanServe and their advocacy? Actually, not only will you have the chance to help this group, you will also get a free gift! All you have to do is shop at VMV Hypoallergenics! Buy their "pink" products -...

Oct22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why I’m promoting Britney Spears’ new Work Bitch video

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Personal, Technology, Videos

So have you watched the "Work Bitch" new video of Britney Spears? It was launched today, October 2, 2013 (October 1 in the U.S.) You can watch the video below :) So let me make this quick. Let me give you 5 quick reasons as to why I'm helping promote Britney Spears' new music video for her new song "Work Bitch." 1. Because I think she's a talented, amazing pop superstar! Regardless of those "dark episodes" in her life (don't we all have those anyway?), she has sold millions of albums, filled so many stadiums around the world and made all of us dance! 2. Because I used to do Britney Spears-related stuff (fortunately, not related to song and dance ;) )! You see, back when I was still starting out as an online worker, I wrote Britney Spears-related content. I can't divulge the specif...

Oct12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan.com is a finalist in the 2013 Mindanao Blog Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Technology

Hi everyone! So excited to share with you all a piece of good news. My humble blog, Mindanaoan, has officially been recognized as a finalist in the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 (MBA 2013)! Woot woot! Mindanaoan.com is one of the Best Lifestyle Blog 2013 finalists :) You can find the official announcement here. Thank you so much, daghang salamat gyud kaayo to everyone who voted in order for Mindanaoan to be among the finalists. There will still be a final round of voting (I hope I can still count on your support ;) ) but win or lose, I am already extremely proud and grateful! Thank you :) I remember when I won the Best Lifestyle Blog award in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and became a national finalist in the 2011 leg. The recognitions truly inspired me to help more people understa...

Sep262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Krispy Kreme CDO: 7 things you will like #KrispyKremeCDO

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Musings, Shopping, Society

Who doesn't have a love relationship with Krispy Kreme? It's the home of my favorite Original Glazed Doughnuts, good signature coffee and delicious chilled drinks. In other words, Krispy Kreme is the home of good stuff and good vibes. And for people in Cagayan de Oro, the good stuff and the good vibes are heading their way real soon! Krispy Kreme CDO will soon open a stand-alone store at Rosario Crescent, Lim Ket Kai Mall, Lapasan! Krispy Kreme at Limketkai Cagayan de Oro is set to open its doors and light their "Fresh Doughnuts Here" sign come mid-November. Are you excited? I know I am! During a bloggers conference with Krispy Kreme Philippines Marketing Manager Mark Gamboa and Assistant Marketing Manager for Visayas and Mindanao Nadia Shami, I found out a couple of things about...

Sep252013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Seda Hotel CDO to offer buffet, unlimited beer for Oktoberfest

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Food, Hotels, Society

How does a buffet of Bavarian dishes, music from a live band and UNLIMITED BEER sound to you? Because that's exactly what you'll get when you celebrate Oktoberfest at Seda Hotel Centrio Cagayan de Oro! Mindanaoan.com can also exclusively confirm that Seda Hotel CDO will go all-out in making the guests feel how it truly is to celebrate the popular German beer festival. Check out what's part of the Seda Hotel CDO Oktoberfest 2013 menu: Schweinshaxe (Bavarian style pork knuckles) Beef Sauerbraten Different kinds of sausages (Frankfurter, Hungarian, Veal Chipolata, Veal Bratwurst) Hotdogs etc. And yes, free-flowing beer! I don't know about you but doesn't this sound like a really, really good deal? So celebrate Oktoberfest 2013 at Seda Centrio! Choose your day - Octobe...

Sep252013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

CONFIRMED: Shopwise Cagayan de Oro to open this November

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Gifts, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Recipes, Shopping, Society

AND IT'S OFFICIAL, FOLKS! SHOPWISE, a member of the Rustan's Group of Companies (yes, the same owners of Rustan's Cagayan de Oro), is set to open this November 2013. Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that Shopwise CDO will open on November 16, 2013, Saturday, at the East Wing Expansion of Lim Ket Kai Mall, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. If you're familiar with the area where Starbucks Limketkai is (a.k.a. the main entrance of Limketkai Center), right across that is where Shopwise CDO will be. Mindanaoan can also confirm that preparations for the opening of Shopwise Cagayan de Oro are on full blast. Shopwise representatives from Manila were even in town early this week. I will be posting more exclusive updates in the next few days so stay tuned by SUBSCRIBING VIA EMAIL (click, click!...

Sep192013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shop at Ayala Malls and see the world via the Travel Asia promo

Contests

Do you frequently shop at an Ayala Mall in the Philippines? Why not turn your most recent visit into a FREE trip not only to local destinations but also to top Asian countries? Join the Shop Ayala Malls Travel Asia promo! All you have to do is shop, collect and present receipts dated July 1 to September 30, 2013 at the Ayala Mall concierge where the purchase/s was made. Every Php 500.00 spent entitles you to one contest entry. If you use your BPI Ayala Malls Amore VISA Card, you can also double your entries! There are two Ayala Malls in Mindanao - Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro and Abreeza Mall in Davao City. Prizes at stake include trips to top local destinations Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Palawan and to breathtaking Asian countries Japan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore...

Sep172013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte to close movie houses without adequate security

Crime, Davao City, Government, Headline, News

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is bent to close movie houses that do not have enough security. This, after blasts in two Davao City cinemas, which Duterte called "terrorism," left at least 5 people hurt Monday night. "Movie houses should have adequate security. The local government can't provide policemen and military just to guard that. You have to invest. If you can't provide, I will close your movie house," Duterte said. The Davao City mayor's warning came after two improvised explosive devices went off inside Cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall and Cinema 1 of SM City. No one was injured in the SM Davao blast but 5 people were hurt in the Gaisano Mall explosion. The victims complained of ear pain. "The military and police told me that they already gave warnings to SM,...

Sep162013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 2013 in Surigao, Butuan and CDO

Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur

Catch several of the Philippines' top bands and OPM artists as the Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 7 hits Surigao, Butuan and Cagayan de Oro in the next few weeks!Tanduay Rhum First Five 2013 will be in Surigao on September 20, 2013 and in Butuan City on September 21, 2013.Meanwhile, Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 2013 CDO will be held on October 11, 2013. The event will feature Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Rico Blanco, Sponge Cola, Wolfgang, Gloc 9, Chicosci, 6cyclemind, The Dawn, Kitchie Nadal, Ebe Dancel and Siakol.Planning to be in those areas to watch these top Filipino artists? Book your hotel room now!

Sep72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Must-visit in Puerto Princesa Palawan: KaLui Restaurant

Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Visayas

Visiting Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines soon? Then you must visit KaLui Restaurant! I did and it was a truly lovely experience. In fact, I even mentioned KaLui Palawan to my cousin who was also set to visit Puerto Princesa days after my trip. She swears it was truly one of the highlights of her own Palawan trip! So on our last evening in Palawan (I was flown there recently by the US Embassy for a speaking engagement), a friend from the embassy and I had dinner at KaLui Restaurant. Located along busy Rizal Avenue and just a few minutes away from where I stayed in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, KaLui is not only a place for good comfort food but a place where you can relax and appreciate art, music, creativity and even your sense of touch! You see, KaLui Palawan requires their patrons t...

Sep62013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GenSan 15th Tuna Festival 2013 schedule of activities

Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Sarangani, Tourism

General Santos City, known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and the Home of the Generals, is currently celebrating Tuna Festival 2013! This Mindanao festival, the 15th Tuna Festival, is in celebration of the 45th Charter Anniversary of General Santos City. This year, the festivities started last August 15, 2013 and will last until September 15, 2013. GenSan, led by its Mayor Ronnel Rivera, is home to 6 of the country's 7 tuna canning factories. Lots of metric tons of tuna, including first grade or "sashimi grade" tuna, land on the famous GenSan Fish Port every single day. In 2012, a total of 139,613 metric tons of fish were landed at the General Santos Fish Port. Those tuna then get sent out not only to domestic customers but to foreign markets as well. The tuna industry sure is t...

Sep52013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Diyandi Festival 2013 Iligan schedule of activities

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Iligan City, Tourism, Travel

One of the awaited Mindanao festivals this September is Diyandi, a month-long cultural celebration in Iligan City. Diyandi Festival 2013 is celebrated in honor of Iligan City's patron Saint Michael the Archangel. Diyandi Festival culminates every September 29 - this is St. Michael's feast day. Diyandi means "celebrate." And this year, there are lots of reasons to celebrate! The City Government of Iligan has prepared lots of activities including a fun run, beauty pageant, film festival, concerts etc. (speaking of concerts, don't forget to catch Rivermaya on Sept. 29 - I'll post more details about this soon) Check out the Diyandi Festival 2013 schedule of activities (this is still a partial list, for updates please visit the Diyandi Festival FB page): Discover and experience...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kagay-an CDO Fiesta 2013 schedule of events

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism

Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of activities. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar "Oca" Moreno has said that the 2013 CDO Fiesta will push through this year. This, despite the recent news about the bombing incident at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The Kagay-an Festival 2013, which is celebrated in honor of patron Saint Augustine, will hold the theme "Higalaay: The Kagay-an Festival 2013." Higalaay means "friendly gathering/friendly atmosphere." Check out this Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of events: KUMBIRA: Aug 14-31, 2013 Limketkai Mall Atrium (Kumbira is a professional and student culinary show and live competition. It is the largest culinary event in Mindanao. Check out what happened during Kumbira 2012) GARDEN SHOW: August 15-31...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Judging at ABS CBN’s Barangay Gwapo 2013

Announcements, Beauty, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Society

How do you help find the fairest of them all? Well I'm about to find out when I'm set to become one of the judges during the finals night of Barangay Gwapo 2013, an ABS CBN Northern Mindanao-organized and produced men's pageant. Yes, folks, Mindanaoan Irene got invited to be one of the Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finals night judges on August 17, 2013, 6 PM at the Capitol University Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro City. This should be fun ;) * photo by my friend Mark Edson Valledor Pagaspas The Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finalists are Joseph Ryan Mar (Patag), Paul James Pagalan (Bulua), Phillip John Mamac (Iponan), Marc Paul Adame (Kauswagan), Michael James Cheshire (Macasandig), Val Anthony Araneta (Balulang), Lloyd Sacala (Bugo), Elpidio Murillo, Jr. (Kauswagan), Jethro Noel Danos (Patag...

Aug52013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Tourism, Travel, Weird

Yes, you read that right. There's a Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island and although many people might find it a little creepy, this Camiguin tourist spot is actually a popular diving and snorkeling spot. Located at Barangay Bonbon, Municipality of Catarman, Camiguin Island, the Sunken Cemetery came about after Mt. Vulcan's series of eruptions from 1871 to 1875. As a result, some areas in Bonbon subsided including the town's cemetery. The cemetery sank below sea level. In 1982, the local government of Camiguin erected a cross on the site. For those of you wondering whether or not there are still dead bodies at the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin Island, the human remains have already been exhumed and buried in another location. Besides, it's been more than 100 years - I guess you can spot...

Jul212013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Make Your Own Havaianas 2013 Northern Mindanao leg #MYOHCDO2013

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Style

The most awaited annual event of every Havaianatico (read: big fan of Havaianas) is finally here! The Make Your Own Havaianas 2013 Northern Mindanao event, which lets you customize your very own pair of Havaianas, will be held on August 17 and 18, 2013 at the Activity Center of Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. Spruce Designer Network, which runs the Spruce and All Flip Flops stores, will again spearhead the #MYOHCDO2013 event. They're the same cool folks who made the MYOH CDO 2012, MYOH CDO 2011 and MYOH CDO 2010 events possible! In each of those events, I was able to customize my own Havaianas by choosing my preferred straps, soles and special pins. So are you guys ready for this year's MYOH? Save up, save up and make your calendars. August 17 and 18, 2013! Don't forget to b...

Jul152013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

South Border Band Back To The Roots 20th Anniversary

Announcements, Davao City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music

Anybody who truly knows me knows that my most favorite Filipino band is South Border. I love, love, LOVE them! Not only do I admire them as talented artists but I also appreciate them as humble, wonderful people. They're also fun to work with. Very professional and really know their craft. And for that, I have the highest respect for them. Even when Jay Durias did his special solo project, I still fully supported them. They've already become my friends. In a few days, I will be on enthusiastic South Border fan mode again as the band celebrates its 20th anniversary in the music industry. Can you believe it? It's been 20 long years! Wow :) To celebrate their two amazing decades as premiere Filipino artists of our time, South Border will hold a special 8-venue bar tour starting thi...