mindanao bloggers Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Mar92015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Re-elected as CDO Bloggers VP for External Affairs

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal

Note: This was published on Mindanao Gold Star Daily newspaper last March 6, 2015 I have just been re-elected as the Vice President for External Affairs of the CDO Bloggers, Inc., a non-profit, SEC-registered group composed of bloggers, online workers and social media practitioners that does not only promote the city and other parts of Northern Mindanao but also the responsible use of the Internet. I’m pretty excited with our group’s upcoming projects including a school tour where we aim to teach kids Internet etiquette, social media activism and online volunteerism as well as blog workshops where attendees can learn how to create their own blogs, draw maximum traffic for their websites and even earn online. And with the elections coming up, we also plan to use our own online mechanisms...

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...

May302013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Investigative journalism seminar for Mindanao bloggers, journalists, citizen media

Announcements, Blogging, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) is inviting Mindanao bloggers, citizen media and journalists to an investigative reporting seminar. This PCIJ investigative reporting seminar will touch on political clans, governance and journalists' safety. This seminar is open to mid-career and senior Filipino journalists, citizen media, bloggers, researchers, anchors, producers, news managers, editors, contributors, freelance reporters, stringers of print, TV, radio and online media. Mindanao bloggers covering public policy issues are also eligible. Application deadline: June 10, 2013. This PCIJ investigative reporting seminar will be held on July 25 to 28, 2013. Seminar topics include: • Media Killings, Political Violence, and Impunity in the Philippines •...

Jul192012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Meet fellow Mindanaoan KZ Tandingan of Digos

Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society

KZ Tandingan. A star is born in Digos, Davao del Sur! I'm sure a lot of you have watched that video of Kristine Zenny "KZ" Tandingan of Digos where she auditioned for "X Factor Philippines." Just in case you haven't, I placed it below. KZ Tandingan is from Digos, Davao del Sur so that makes her a fellow Mindanaoan (person from Mindanao, Philippines). I told you guys time and again, there are a LOT of amazing singers in the Philippines especially in my beloved Mindanao. During her audition for X Factor Philippines, KZ Tandingan sang her very own version of "Over The Rainbow." Her version's so cool that a lot of people now say that she's the Joss Stone of the Philippines. Do you agree? The X Factor Philippines judges Charice, Pilita Corrales, Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano all g...

Dec132011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan is a national finalist in the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, 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, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

I know, I know...this is a super delayed post. My apologies! I've been traveling a whole lot the past few days and I've also been very busy with some projects (more on these later). I do know, however, that I absolutely must write about this, no matter how briefly. My humble blog, Mindanaoan.com, was a NATIONAL FINALIST in the recently concluded 2011 Philippine Blog Awards! YEY! :D After being nominated in the Philippine Blog Awards 2011 - Mindanao, this Mindanao lifestyle blog was also declared as one of the finalists for the lifestyle category - national level. Here's a screenshot from the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards website: YEHEY! :) WOO HOO! :D The awards ceremony was held a few days ago and although I didn't win, it warms my heart so much to know that I was one of the ...

Nov102011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At the beach with the CDO Bloggers – happy 3rd anniversary guys!

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Resorts, Society, Technology

Happy 3rd anniversary to the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers or CDO Bloggers! I've been blessed to have met really great friends through this bloggers group so of course I had to celebrate their big 3rd birthday with them :) Okay, technically I'm not from CDO so technically I'm not supposed to be a part of the group but I'm an "honorary" member and the group members love me so there :P Seriously, I feel very comfortable spending time with this group because I learn a lot from them. I also absolutely love the fact that there's hardly any CDO Bloggers gathering that's not laced with a ton of laughter! These guys are, hands down, truly cool :) So cheers to you CDO Bloggers! Thank you for the fun times! Here's to more years of fun, fab friendship! A bongga jump shot to commemorate the big ...

Nov102011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I’m joining Blogfest SOCCSKSARGEN 2011

Announcements, Blogging, Events, General Santos City, Internet, Koronadal, Make Money Online, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Technology

I'm joining the largest gathering of bloggers, online media and social networking enthusiasts in Southern Philippines! I'm pretty excited to join Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 or Sox Blogfest on November 26, 2011 in General Santos City. Who wouldn't look forward to this event when you have this stellar line-up of speakers? By the way, I'm dying to finally meet Manolo Quezon III! Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 will also feature the awards night of the Philippine Blog Awards - Mindanao category. If you remember, Mindanaoan.com won as Best Lifestyle Blog last year :) I also look forward to visiting Sarangani the next day in time for the 2011 Munato Festival. I hope to capture great photos there! Anyone else coming to Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0 / Sox Blogfest?

Oct132011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. Triennial Awards Blogging Contest – for Visayas and Mindanao bloggers

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Contests, Features, Internet, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Technology, Visayas

Here's one event I'm very proud to be a part of! May I all encourage you to please join this blogging contest and please do not hesitate to share this information with all of your friends as well :) To promote the inspiring stories and work of recognized development workers in the Visayas and Mindanao, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) has launched the RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest. Open to individuals between 13 and 35 years old based in the Visayas and Mindanao, this blogging contest highlights the RAFI Triennial Awards, its awardees and finalists. Guided by the theme, “Shaping the big picture of change”, entrants are expected to do background research on the lives and works of RAFI Triennial awardees and finalists nearest their area. The RAFI Triennial Aw...

Sep212011 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo Live in CDO – and Mindanaoan.com is an official media partner!

Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

Just got word today. It's a go! Confirmed! Concert King Martin Nievera and Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo will topbill the much-awaited "What Love Is" Cagayan de Oro City concert on Friday, November 4, 2011, 8 PM at the Atrium of Limketkai Center, CDO. Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo Live in CDO is a go, people! And yes, Mindanaoan.com, adjudged as the Best Lifestyle Blog for Mindanao 2010 by the Philippine Blog Awards, is one of the official media partners of the Martin Nievera - Sarah Geronimo What Love Is Cagayan de Oro concert! This event in CDO will definitely be a surefire hit! Expect nothing less than fiery performances from both Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo. Both will surely light up the concert hall with their stream of hits and electrifying dance moves. November 4, 2...

Sep82011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Diyandi Festival 2011 Iligan City schedule of activities

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Iligan City, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism

I know what you're going to say. Festival na naman?! :D Yup, I told you! Mindanao is the place to be these days. Lots of Mindanao festivals happening at this time of year. As you guys may know, we just had the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, the Kagay-an Festival in Cagayan de Oro City, the Tuna Festival in General Santos City and we also have the Bonok Bonok Festival in Surigao. This time, I want to share with you yet another great piece of news --- the Iliganons (people of Iligan City, Mindanao) are now ready to celebrate the yearly Diyandi Festival. And I have the Diyandi Festival 2011 official schedule of activities! The Iligan City Diyandi Festival 2011 is the official title for the city's month long cultural celebration. If I'm not mistaken, Iligan City is the only city in the ent...

Sep52011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Call for ARMM OIC nominations draws in 341 applicants

ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Government, Headline, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Politics, Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

So since the ARMM Elections 2011 did not push through, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Screening Committee instead called for nominations to various ARMM OIC posts. Mindanaoan.com even posted the call for nominations days ago. Now, we just got the latest update. Apparently, the call for nominations for ARMM positions has lured in a total of 341 applicants! According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), a total of 341 nominations were forwarded to their office. Here's the breakdown: Nominations for ARMM OIC Governor - 51 Nominations for ARMM OIC Vice Governor - 17 Nominations for ARMM OIC Legislative Assembly Members - 272 There were applicants from Basilan, Sulu 1st District, Sulu 2nd District, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and ev...

Sep22011 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

All 4 One and Color Me Badd Live in Cagayan de Oro – and Mindanaoan.com is an official media partner!

Announcements, Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Society

Remember my earlier totally fan girl mode blog entry about me wanting oh-so-badly to watch the upcoming All 4 One and Color Me Badd concert (and basically wanting to stalk Color Me Badd)? (A lot of my faithful Mindanaoan.com readers left comments on that blog entry and some also sent me nice, sweet messages through my official Facebook page! Aww :) ) Well, it seemed my lucky stars shone brightly that day and thanks to the positive vibes you guys sent, I have fabulous news to share with all of you! Mindanaoan.com is an official media partner of the All 4 One and Color Me Badd Live in Cagayan de Oro Philippines concert!!! :D (Just imagine that sentence as if it's blinking and there are fireworks behind the words HAHAHA!!! Yup, that's HOW excited I am!!! I already did a lot of cartwheels, ...

Jun242011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Coffee Congress 2011 in General Santos City, Mindanao

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, General Santos City, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato

General Santos City, Mindanao will play host to the 2011 Coffee Congress which will be held on July 11 to 12, 2011 at the KCC Events and Convention Center, KCC Mall of GenSan. This is the perfect event for people who own coffee shops and other coffee-related businesses and for people who have coffee farms or are looking for jobs within the coffee industry. It is also ideal for people who want to venture into the coffee business. This year's Coffee Congress in General Santos is made possible by the GSC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. in cooperation with various sponsors including the Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. Speakers include South Cotabato Congressman and former GenSan City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr., Philippine Coffee Board Chairman Nicholas Matti, author of the book "Barak...

May12011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

1st Davao Summerfest 2011

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Society, Sports, Style, Tourism, Travel

Here's another 1st from my hometown Davao City! The City Government of Davao, in cooperation with the Davao Association of Tour Operators and the Davao Tourism Association, will be holding the 1st Davao Summerfest from April 29 to May 29, 2011. The 1st Davao Summerfest was organized to address the need to hold an event during summer in Davao City, a season when the city receives the most number of tourists, as well as to complement the city’s existing major festivals — Araw ng Dabaw and the Kadayawan Festival. This year’s Summerfest will showcase a series of events that will focus on sports, eco-adventure, and entertainment for both visitors and locals to enjoy during the summer season. Blessed with “natural venues” for outdoor sports, the Summerfest will allow visitors to see...

Feb222011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

King of Acoustic Paolo Santos says hello to Mindanaoan

Arts, Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Society, Videos

The Philippines' King of Acoustic Paolo Santos has a very special video message for this humble blogger from Mindanao :) You see, I was a co-producer and co-event organizer of the "Moonlight Acoustic Serenade by the King of Acoustic Paolo Santos" Valentine's Day show last February 14, 2011. Interestingly, though, I wasn't around during the show itself since I was abroad :D (My assistant and I have done all the work before my trip, though...the only task left was the on-site, on-the-day coordination) So I had to contend with this video message from Paolo Santos himself. Good thing I have a very reliable assistant in the person of Erik Dave :D By the way, if you or someone you know needs events management services anywhere in Mindanao, please do not hesitate to CONTACT ME :) That Valentin...

Feb62011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My second studio visit at TV5 Manila’s PO5 Sunday show

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

The first time my friends and I watched PO5 (Party on Five) live, we all trooped to a studio in Marikina. During our second visit just a few days ago, my friends and I went to Broadway Centrum along Aurora Boulevard, the same studio complex where the longest noontime show in the Philippines is also aired from Monday to Friday - "Eat Bulaga." PO5 does not use the same studio, though. It uses the one adjacent to the "Eat Bulaga" studio. For the uninitiated, by the way, PO5 is Channel 5's Sunday noontime variety show, their answer to ABS CBN Channel 2's "ASAP" and to GMA 7's "Party Pilipinas." Among its hosts are Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres, John Estrada, Wilma Doesnt, Alex Gonzaga, Danita Paner and...be still my heart...Kean Cipriano :D (more…)

Dec32010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Why I organized the Bukidnon Bloggers group

Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Events, Internet, Malaybalay City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Technology

A few weeks ago, right before this blogger from Mindanao flew to Cebu City to open a small, humble branch of my PR, events, media and marketing business, I organized an event dubbed "BukidnonOnline.com Bukidnon Blogging 101 and How To Make Money Online Workshop" in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Mindanao. It was a workshop I never expected to be such a huge hit - especially since there were hardly any bloggers in that part of Mindanao. However, more than 40 would-be and newbie bloggers came - and with a lot of help from the CDO Bloggers group, ASTERISK Events and Communications and from generous friends and sponsors - not only was the blogging workshop a major success but it also bore a 10-man Bukidnon Bloggers core group. Needless to say, as event organizer and bloggers myself, I felt abso...

Nov262010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

SOCCSKSARGEN Blogfest 2010 – registration now open!

Announcements, Blogging, Events, General Santos City, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, SoSCksargen, Technology

If you're a budding blogger in Mindanao and you missed the recent blogging events in Bukidnon and Zamboanga City, then you're in luck! The much-awaited SOCCSKSARGEN BlogFest 2010 is set to take place in a few days' time and yes, registration is now open! The 2010 SOCCSKSARGEN BlogFest will be held on December 11, 2010 at the New Grand Ballroom of East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, General Santos City, Mindanao. Slots are very limited so if you're interested to join this blogging event, register ASAP! A fee of P250/US$6.50[PayPal] (Early Bird P150/US$4, before 01 December) will be collected from each delegate. Deadline for registration is on Friday, November 26, 2010. The fee includes a meal, two snacks, a BlogFest 2010 mini-kit and a raffle ticket. You may pay in adva...

Nov202010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan senator Guingona et al take first step to budget reform

Advocacy, Announcements, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

Senator Teofisto ‘TG" Guingona III, a fellow Mindanaoan, has taken his crusade for a transparent, accountable and participatory budget process a step further. The solon led the signing of the Open Budget Partnership Agreement during a forum on the 2011 National Expenditure Program attended by members and leaders of civil society organizations in Ortigas, Pasig City today. “Today, we are witness to a historic event, when the government and the civil society join hands in safeguarding one of the most important processes in good governance – that is, making sure that the budget process will be truly crafted in the true essence of democracy, one that will benefit the people whose taxes make this country run,” stated Guingona. The Open Budget Partnership is a collaborative initiative amon...

Nov182010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Should the Maguindanao Massacre trial be made public?

Advocacy, Announcements, Broadcasting, Controversial, Crime, Headline, Maguindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News

This blogger from Mindanao thought about this today after I received a press release from the Office of Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan. Reportedly, Sen. Pangilinan has filed today Resolution No. 186, expressing the sense of the Senate that the Maguindanao massacre trial should be made public through radio and television coverage of the court proceedings. "It would be in the best interest of our judiciary to have transparency in the judicial process, especially in such an unprecedented case of brutality that captured the attention of the international media. The Constitution recognizes the right of the people to public information on matter of public concern," it said. Pangilinan also said that having the proceedings twice a week is the right step. He said that twice-a-week proceed...

Nov72010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

California Berry Davao – frozen yogurt delight in Mindanao

Blogging, Business, Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

I was in Manila during the first wave of the so-called "froyo" or frozen yogurt craze. As a self-proclaimed Mindanaoan foodie, I visited almost every available frozen yogurt store (and yep, basically said adieu to my diet!) and I often wondered when the "froyo" craze would invade Mindanao. Fast forward a few months later, the frozen yogurt trend has finally penetrated Mindanao - there are now frozen yogurt businesses in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City. I'm pretty sure more frozen yogurt businesses will sprout in other Mindanao areas. The froyo outlet I most recently visited was California Berry. Located at the 2nd floor of Gaisano Mall Davao along Bajada, California Berry Davao serves nonfat frozen yogurt. I ordered the seasonal green apple yogurt with, as you can see, three differe...

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...