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

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...

Jun242015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meet the new Sony Bravia TVs powered by Android

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Internet, Technology, Television

I remember that my family's very first TV set was a Sony. It served us really well. That TV set survived well into my early college years. That alone was testament to just how high the quality of Sony TVs were back then. It's no different these days. In fact, Sony has even taken things to a higher level in terms of sound and home entertainment technology. Meet the new lineup of Sony Bravia TVs - the Sony Bravia 4K and Full HD televisions powered by Android. They're all designed to provide the most immersive and high-resolution cinematic experience for customers. And because these new Sony Bravia units support Google's latest Android TV operating system 5.0 or Lollipop, users can easily stream video, use it as a gaming device, access Google Play or transfer content from mobile devices...

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That Amazing Wine-Paired Degustation At Movenpick Resort Cebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Events, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Degustation is a culinary term that means meticulous food tasting of special signature dishes. Usually consisting of several courses, each paired with matching wines that complement each dish, a degustation aims to heighten one’s senses and allows one to appreciate food at its finest. That’s exactly what happened during my recent stay at Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu. I flew via Philippine Airlines and underwent a wine-paired degustation at the Conservatory of the Ibiza Beach Club, led by no other than popular Cebu businessman and passionate sommelier Manuel “Manny” Osmeña. This was how the Ibiza Beach Club looked like that night: Before that, though, Manny O gave me and my fellow media guests a tour of his private wine cellar. Only a handful of people have ever set foot here s...

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Soul Refresh At Movenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

How do you say no to a weekend of flight via Philippine Airlines and 5-star accommodation, gastronomical pleasure and pampering via Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu? It was an invitation I just could not resist. Cool gift from Philippine Airlines @flypal #flypal #aviation #travel A photo posted by Mindanaoan.com Irene (@mindanaoan) on May 16, 2015 at 2:28am PDT Philippine Airlines, which is re-introducing its daily Cagayan de Oro-Cebu flights, recently flew Mindanaoan.com to the Queen City of the South to experience a specific kind of luxury - one that I could only describe as refreshing for one’s soul, mind and heart. It was a short but smooth and comfortable flight, the kind that you can only expect with the country’s flag carrier. I even checked-in online via PAL’s website...

May302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Make Your Own Havaianas 2015 CDO #MYOHCDO2015

Beauty, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Shopping, Style

The Make Your Own Havaianas 2015 CDO leg was one of the fashion events I looked forward to attending this year. I just love attending MYOH events since I like customizing my very own Havaianas by choosing my preferred straps, soles and special pins. Held last May 6, 2015 at All Flip Flops SM City Cagayan de Oro, the MYOH CDO 2015 event gathered fellow Havaianaticos (read: avid fans of Havaianas) for the special 10th year of Make Your Own Havaianas! Check out this absolutely cool invitation I got from my friends over at Spruce (the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in northern and western Mindanao): That was awesome, no? :) I also shared the same photo on my Instagram account Mindanaoan Anyway, here are some photos taken during MYOH CDO 2015: ...

Mar152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Pele Magdangal Escueta first birthday party

Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was invited to the first birthday party of Pele Iñigo Magdangal Escueta, the firstborn of celebrity couple Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta. I felt truly honored and happy to be there to witness Pele's very special day. It was a Saturday and I left Makati about half an hour before the scheduled start of the party, which was held in Quezon City. Boy, was I really no longer used to Manila traffic! My GrabTaxi ride took me about 50 minutes to reach QC and then when I reached the gate, the guards took about 20 minutes to verify if I was indeed invited :P Good thing I brought the invitation but that still didn't convince the guards haha! I even had to call Rivermaya's manager Raymond to tell him about the situation. It was all cool, though. The cab driver was nice and he was so excited to...

Feb222015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

I Am Again A Newspaper Columnist

Announcements, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Very, very thrilled to share that I am (again) a newspaper columnist! Starting February 20, 2015, I will be one of the columnists at Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper. I have named my column "Mindanaoan Meets World" as I plan to write about lifestyle, music, a little bit of politics and showbiz and travel not only within the Philippines but around the world, too! My first stint as newspaper correspondent, columnist and part-time editor started way, way back. Like eons of light years ago haha! But life happened, I took a career detour and eventually, was already happy and contented to just work with the traditional media practitioners instead :) With this new development, though, I guess this is not only trying my hand again at writing for a daily newspaper but also my way of...

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...

Dec292013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Havaianas Holiday 2013 Collection

Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Style

As a certified Havaianatico, I always get really excited whenever Havaianas releases new designs. And this Christmas season is no different! Havaianas is bringing more joy and happy memories as they release the new and stylish Havaianas 2013 Holiday Collection! What's also great about this is that Spruce, my favorite go-to place for everything Havaianas, is carrying these styles. Their sister store, All Flip Flops, also has these pretty Havaianas Christmas designs! Brought by inspiration from conventional trends and infused with a modern twist comes the military-inspired Havaianas Camuflada, geometric-styled Havaianas Trend, ever-savvy Havaianas Slim Fresh and the quintessential Havaianas Striped styles. Lovely colors, right? Ready to treat yourself t...

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...

Oct292013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mercato Centrale introduces CDO version – Mercato De Oro

Mindanaoan Update

One of the things I usually do whenever I visit Manila is check out food markets and one of those that my friends and I usually go to is Mercato Centrale at the Bonifacio Global City. There, you can find a great selection of interesting food choices - from donut burgers (yep) to oversized isaw (chicken intestine) to really delicious bagnet (and bagnet bacon!) You can also find fresh fruits, seafood, pastries and cakes, organic products and even arts and crafts. Mercato Centrale is really a must-visit especially when you're in Manila. Good thing the guys behind Mercato Centrale, food blogger Anton Diaz and popular TV host and columnist RJ Ledesma (known as Joey in the Royal Tru-Orange series back in the 80's!), are bringing the popular food market to Mindanao. Dubbed "Mercato de Oro,"...

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...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Rustan’s Fresh CDO VIP night (official photos inside)

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Shopping, Society

I previously mentioned here on Mindanaoan that I was involved in a recent 3-day series of events for the Rustan's Fresh CDO opening. Aside from the grand opening, Rustan's Fresh Supermarket Cagayan de Oro City also sponsored a walkathon (in partnership with Xavier EcoVille, wherein all proceeds collected from the registration fees went to the said resettlement project for Typhoon Sendong survivors) and a Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro preview night attended by VIPs, trade partners, concessionaires, traditional media practitioners, bloggers, guests and other local key personalities. Hundreds of people came to get a sneak peek of the 4,186 square meter store and 17th branch in the Philippines. All of those events were huge successes and I would like to wholeheartedly thank each and ...

May222013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Sophie Paris Fashion And Beauty Soiree CDO

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Shopping, Society, Style

Sophie Paris, a direct selling and multi level marketing company that sells quality yet reasonably priced bags, shoes, watches and other fashion products, will hold a fashion and beauty soiree in Cagayan de Oro on May 25, 2013 at Mallberry Suites. Tickets will be sold at an affordable price of Php 150.00 apiece. Every ticket comes with a free goodie bag, access to the beauty workshops and to a fashion show featuring Binibining Pilipinas 2012 2nd runner-up Ali Forbes. Every "Sophie-nista" who also registers on the spot gets free Folle de Amour perfume, the first scent released by Sophie Paris Philippines. Thank you Sophie Paris for the VIP invite! :) See you guys there!

Mar72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to wear goodness around your wrist and help Davao artisans

Advocacy, Arts, Beauty, Consumer, Davao City, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

Yes, you read that right. You can wear goodness around your wrist and help trained artisans from Davao City, Mindanao at the same time! All of that is possible with Kaayo wristlets. These special, handmade Kaayo wristlets are results of a livelihood program that aims to empower individuals through productive diligence. Kaayo is the Visayan word for goodness, beauty and generosity. And with every Kaayo wristlet bought and worn, not only are you reminded of the power of generosity and goodness but you're also supporting trained artisans of the 1st District of Davao City. The Dabawenyo artisans were trained under the mentorship of Adorno designer Cuy Legazpi. Look at this super pretty Kaayo wristlet sent to me by Marga, the beautiful better half of Davao City First District Congressm...

Jan262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Etude House Centrio Mall CDO For Cute Korean Cosmetics

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Freebies, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Style

A lot of Filipinas love Korean beauty brands. Not only are they of very good quality but these Korean beauty products come in cute, eye-catching packaging and they're affordable. So it's pretty good news that one of the world's well-known Korean cosmetics brands has opened not just one but two (!) branches in Northern Mindanao. Etude House recently opened their Cagayan de Oro City branches - the first was at Centrio Mall along Corrales Avenue and the second at SM City CDO - to the delight of so many ladies here in Mindanao. Etude House is a global beauty brand and Etude House Centrio CDO and Etude House SM CDO are just two of their over 550 stores worldwide. Etude House invited Mindanaoan to check out their new Ayala Centrio Mall store. I was also asked to bring along several of m...

Jan252013 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

UPDATED: Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 Schedule Of Activities And Tour

Announcements, Bukidnon, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

UPDATE: This is the final and official Kaamulan Festival 2013 Bukidnon schedule of activities! :) Bukidnon's yearly grand ethnic cultural festival and gathering of the 7 hill tribes is finally here! The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is the gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes namely Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon and Tigwahanon tribes. The Kaamulan Festival 2013 is inarguably Bukidnon's grandest festival. The term Kaamulan, derived from the word "amul" which means "to gather," can mean many things - a datuship ritual, a thanksgiving festival, a peace pact or a wedding ceremony. This year, the Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2013 is all of these :) The Kaamulan 2013 theme is: "Sustaining Culture and Unity Towards Progress and Development" The Kaamulan Fest...

Jan252013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Foot Notes Socks From Mark Bautista

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Style

When this Mindanao lifestyle blogger first shared the news about Foot Notes Socks several days ago, I received a lot of inquiries and a lot of comments from people who wanted to order their own pair of Foot Notes Socks by Mark Bautista, a popular singer and actor, a son of Cagayan de Oro City and yes, a fellow Mindanaoan. I must say - it's a really good decision if you buy your Foot Notes Socks! I received this special limited edition box with 7 pairs of Foot Notes Socks and the products are of top quality! This is the Instagram photo I shared a few days back: (if you haven't yet, follow me on Instagram @mindanaoan) The Foot Notes Socks I received had inspirational lines like "Never Quit," "Every Failure Is A Necessary Step To Success" and "Sometimes You Have To Step Backward To ...

Dec282012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Family Holidays 2013: What to Expect from your Florida Getaway

America, Travel, United States of America

For those of you who have been following this Mindanao lifestyle and travel blog, you may know that I was sent to the U.S. earlier this year to participate in a U.S. State Department fellowship. One of the U.S. cities that I visited was Orlando, Florida. Now if you're thinking of bringing your family there soon, this article will be useful for you. Read on... Low cost family holidays are the ticket to oversee adventures and quality time with your nearest and dearest. When it comes to your first time travelling abroad, short haul destinations such as holidays in Turkey, Majorca or the Greek Islands are an excellent choice. Spreading your wings a little further afield, holidays Florida style are bound to be the trip of a lifetime for you and your youngsters. Known as the ultimate holid...

Nov302012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

UPDATED: Mindanao Fashion Summit 2012 show schedule and designers guide

Announcements, Beauty, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Mindanaoan Artists, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Style

This is your Mindanao Fashion Summit 2012 guide. I previously mentioned to you guys that Mindanaoan is an official media partner of the Mindanao Fashion Summit 2012. Now for those of you who want to catch the 3-day event, here are the Mindanaoan fashion designers who will be featured as well as their collections. The Mindanao Fashion Summit 2012 will be held on December 5 to 7, 2012 January 4, 5 and 6, 2013 at the Rotunda of Lim Ket Kai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. [Note: the event was moved due to Typhoon Pablo] Notable fashion designers, various fashion brands, fashion writers and other prominent guests will be present during this 3-day event that will showcase the global design and fashion forecast for Spring/Summer 2013. December 5, 2012 January 4, 2013 5 PM - Men's Wear B...

Nov292012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan.com is an official media partner of 2012 Mindanao Fashion Summit

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, News, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Style, Tourism, Weddings

The Mindanao Fashion Summit 2012 is happening on December 5 to 7, 2012 at the Rotunda, Limketkai Mall, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The 2012 Mindanao Fashion Summit is a yearly collaboration of both veteran and up-and-coming fashion designers in Mindanao. And this Mindanao lifestyle blogger is so excited to share with you some pretty exciting news - Mindanaoan.com is an official media partner of the Mindanao Fashion Summit 2012! :) The works of Frederick Peralta, Dong Omaga-Diaz, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Roel Rosal, Kiko Domo, Jeffrey Garde, Emi Englis, Oscar Flores, Edgar Buyan, Aztec Barba, Jinky Petalcorin, Dodjie Batu and many more will be featured during the 3-day summit. Directors of the show include my dear friend Dennis Almazan :) The 2012 Mindanao Fashion ...

Nov192012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Yves Rocher Philippines Centrio CDO – why you should visit them today

Beauty, Business, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Style

Yves Rocher is one of the new stores that opened at Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro City and truth be told, from the outside, the store looks "sosyal" and the products seem to be very expensive. Lo and behold, that is NOT the case! The expensive products bit, I mean :) Yes, the store does look sparkling clean, attractive and nice but the products are very affordable - so affordable that there are products that are even priced as low as Php 80.00! Yes, you read that right. And did I mention that the products are all botanical (made from plants) and are all dermatologically tested? So did that catch your attention? :) Here are more reasons why you should pay the Yves Rocher store at Centrio CDO a visit like...right now! ;) Read on... Yves Rocher Philippines is named after the sam...