mindanao tourism Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

May302011 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Air Philippines launches 100 pesos airfare promo seat sale

Announcements, Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Flights, Internet, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism, Travel

Yes, AirPhil or Air Philippines is launching its special 100 pesos airfare promo seat sale tonight at the strike of midnight! Air Philippines is set to offer its 100 peso seat sale as soon as the clock strikes midnight tonight. This Mindanao blogger already shared this info via Twitter earlier this evening (which should be enough reason for you to follow me on Twitter ;) ) but I'm sharing this again for the benefit of my beloved Mindanaoan.com blog readers. Take note that this Air Philippines seat sale promo will only be available from May 30 to 31, 2011. Pay only 100 pesos* for trips to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao! Definitely the best time for you to explore the Philippines :) Travel period for this promo: August 1 to September 30, 2011 * one way, domestic flights only, ex...

May122011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tiger Airways to offer Manila to Davao City flights by July 2011

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cebu City, Davao City, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The Francisco Bangoy International Airport a.k.a. Davao City International Airport will be doubly busy come July 2011. This, after Tiger Airways recently announced the launch of their Manila to Davao City and vice versa flights. Tiger Airways will also launch their Manila to Cebu and vice versa flights on the same month. There will be 10 daily domestic flights between Manila and Cebu. The Tiger Airways Manila to Cebu flights will start on July 1, 2011. Meanwhile, there will be 6 daily flights between Davao and Manila. The Tiger Airways Davao to Manila flights will start on July 2, 2011. These Tiger Airways Manila to Cebu and Manila to Davao flights are the airlines' first two domestic routes in the Philippines. Tiger Airways flies from Clark, Pampanga to Hong Kong, Singapore and Maca...

May122011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Paris Hilton to visit Davao City Mindanao Philippines soon?

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Commentary, Consumer, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Style, Tourism

I'm pretty sure you've read it all - from Paris Hilton watching the Pacquiao vs Mosley fight ringside to Paris Hilton meeting Jinkee Pacquiao and Manny Pacquiao to Paris Hilton actually tweeting just how much she likes the representative of the lone district of Sarangani to how much she adores the Pacquiao couple and...of course, her plans of coming to the Philippines real soon "for a new and exciting project." Well, okay, she actually tweeted "I'm so excited for my trip to the Philippines. I am really looking forward to my newest business endeavor." There have been a lot of speculations (there was even a buzz that a Paris Hilton Beach Club was in the works) but it's clearer now. I guess this is the reason why Paris Hilton will visit the Philippines soon: (more…)

May12011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sarangani Bay Festival 2011 – Mindanao’s ultimate summer experience!

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

Have you ever been curious about Sarangani Mindanao? I have! I've always wondered what you can do, what you can see, what you can visit/explore/discover and even what you can eat in Sarangani! Admittedly, all I know for sure (so far) about the Sarangani Province are: - it's the district being represented by top Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao - it's where you can experience fun-filled water tubing - it's the home of my former classmate in Ateneo, incumbent Sarangani Provincial Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez Needless to say, this Mindanao blogger needs to explore, smell, taste, feel Sarangani! And what better way to do it but during the most awaited Sarangani Bay Festival 2011! Sarangani Bay Festival or the Sarangani BayFest is Southern Philippines' biggest beach party! From May 19...

Apr122011 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Metro Manila residents pick Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao as top travel destinations

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

According to a recently conducted survey, residents living in Metro Manila chose Davao City, Surigao and Cagayan de Oro City - all Mindanao towns, of course - as some of their top dreamland destinations. Woohoo! Go Mindanao :D According to the survey, money, time, promise of fun and adventure, or plain reclusion, at least for the summer, were cited as major factors that would determine the final destination. Sabagay, who wouldn't want to visit areas like this one in Davao? * Paradise Island, Davao * Or try this one in Cagayan de Oro? (more…)

Jan262011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Philippine Airlines launches Zamboanga to Cagayan de Oro direct flights

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Now this is definitely good news especially for Mindanao tourism and Mindanao trade :) According to this article, Philippine Airlines will start offering Cagayan de Oro - Zamboanga direct flights starting April 1, 2011. So, instead of enduring 10 hours of land travel, passengers may now only have to endure an hour-long flight. PAL has yet to give more details about the upcoming Zamboanga - CdO flights but I must say, this piece of development is exciting! More possibilities for tourism, business deals! Domingo T. Duerme, PAL vice president for Mindanao, also said that PAL will take over Air Philippines Express' Davao - Zamboanga and Davao - Cagayan de Oro routes. He did not state the reason for PAL’s takeover of the two routes, though. The upcoming PAL Zamboanga to Cagayan de Oro Cit...

Jun42010 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone Bukidnon zipline – longest dual cable zipline in Asia

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Resorts, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

So, YES, finally! Mindanaoan, her brother and mom finally got to visit Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon - home of ZipZone Bukidnon zipline, reportedly the longest dual cable zipline in all of Asia! We finally managed to visit this Mindanao tourist destination, which is fast becoming a favorite of thrill and adventure seekers, in time for my brother's birthday. Actually, we've been looking forward to trying out this Bukidnon zipline adventure for months but we only had the chance this most recent weekend. Also, quite unfortunately, my two other brothers couldn't come with us so it was just me, my brother and my mom. Nonetheless, my brother and I were so excited to try the much-talked about 840 meter zipline, considered the longest dual cable zipline in Asia. Apart ...

Feb72010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Review: Lamar Inn Cagayan de Oro | Budget hotel in Cagayan de Oro Mindanao

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Hello fellow Mindanawans! Planning a trip to CDO soon? Here's a budget hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao that you might be interested in. Lamar Inn, located at the corner of JR Borja and Velez Streets (just a few blocks away from Divisoria, the heart of the city), is a downtown hotel that offers value for money. Conveniently located at the central business district of the City of Golden Friendship and owned and operated by VIP Hotel (which is located just right across the street), Lamar Inn CDO offers reasonably priced rooms and good amenities. They have 14 tourist type rooms (P750.00 per night), 8 business type rooms (P850.00 per night) and two suites (P1,300.00 per night). The business type room that we stayed in recently was air conditioned, had cable television, had a tel...

Jan282010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan plays wedding photographer in Camiguin Island Mindanao

Beauty, Blogging, Camiguin, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Photos, Weddings

Hi guys! Thanks for visiting my humble blog about Mindanao and Mindanaoans :) I know I haven't been posting much the past few weeks...and I have good reason! Mindanaoan has been traveling here and there and more often than not, I end up being so tired to even lift a finger let alone write about my escapades. Thankfully, this blogger from Mindanao is home (at least for the next few days) and I'm back to sharing with you all the sights and sounds of Mindanao. One of the things that I got to do last week was travel to Camiguin Island, Mindanao. Along with my professional photographer-brother Bon and his assistant Gary, we covered a simple yet very romantic wedding in Camiguin, also known as the "Island Born of Fire." It was the wedding of Erwin and Karen. Erwin's from Bukidnon and Karen...

Jan112010 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Road trip Mindanao – From Cagayan de Oro City to Ozamis City

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Mindanao, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Tourism, Travel

When my professional wedding photographer-brother Bon told me that I was to serve as one of his 2nd photographers in a wedding to be held in Ozamiz City, I need not think twice. I haven't been to Ozamis City yet and I've always wanted to visit the place. For one, I've always been curious of the place and of the many things I've heard about it. Secondly, any road trip around Mindanao is always a welcome thought for me. And thirdly, any chance for me to be a wedding photographer is always great news. Together with fellow photographer Onat, the video coverage team members and Bon, we left Cagayan de Oro City for Ozamis City last January 7, 2010. From CDO, we traveled towards Iligan City (2 hours from CDO) and then onwards to Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte (about an hour after Iligan). In K...

Dec152009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

New hangout in Cagayan de Oro City to open this Friday – Are you ready to TILT?

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Tourism

A new club will open in the City of Golden Friendship, Cagayan de Oro City, very soon! CLUB TILT, the newest, hippest hangout in this side of Northern Mindanao will open on Friday, December 18, 2009. Located along Velez Street, TILT offers "a different level of partying." Another facet about TILT that may interest you guys will be the interior design. See for yourself how the designer made use of the space and depicted tilted furniture and tilted counters. Don't forget to check out the beautiful lighting, too! Mindanaoan will be there to celebrate the opening of this new bar in CDO. Spinning on that night will be DJ Manolet Santos. DJs from HYPE will also weave their funky beats into the night. Hope to see you all there! Don't forget to have your pictures taken by members of Te...

Nov42009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Davao Crocodile Park – another must-visit place in Mindanao

Davao City, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Reviews, Tourism

Visiting Davao City, Mindanao soon? My mom, some of her students and I were in my hometown Davao City a few days ago and we visited the Davao Crocodile Park. Located at Riverfront Corporate City, Diversion Road, Ma-a, this popular Davao City tourist spot is a must-visit place in Mindanao. Owned by fellow Dabawenyo Sonny Dizon, Davao Crocodile Park also houses other exotic animals such as bats, monkeys, tigers (yep!), bearcats (super cute!), ostriches, snakes (I stayed as far as possible from the pythons! LOL) and some reptiles. Of course, the crocodiles are the "stars" of the park. There are saltwater and fresh water crocodiles there and then there's Pangil - one very huge (and angry looking, I must say) crocodile. Entrance fee to the Davao Crocodile Park is P100.00 (adults). For c...

Nov32009 by Mindanaoan Irene51 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone in Bukidnon – longest zipline in Asia

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

Bukidnon, Mindanao no longer means just pineapples, cool climate and lush greenery. It's now home to the longest zipline in Asia - Dahilayan Adventure Park's Zipzone! I know that Mindanaoan has featured this piece of news way back in September but ZipZone offers new and exciting adventure that it deserves to be continually promoted, yes? Besides, two of my friends got featured on the front page of Inquirer because of this new Mindanao tourist destination! Say hello to my fellow thrill seekers Moi and Des: (photo courtesy of Inquirer/Cai Panlilio) Located at the verdant Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon (an hour’s drive away from nearby Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao), Asia’s longest Dual Cable Zipline is now open for business. Check out the rates below: (do...

Oct12009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2009 Schedule

Announcements, Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Interested to visit Camiguin Island for this month's Lanzones Festival 2009? Check out the Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2009 schedule below. The 30th Lanzones Festival of the Island of Camiguin aims to give tribute to...well, what else...but the delicious lanzones fruit. If you haven't tried lanzones from Camiguin, Mindanao yet, you're missing a lot! Camiguin lanzones are best known for their sweet taste. If you're heading on down to Camiguin Island, don't forget to bring your camera, lots of suntan lotion (Mindanaoan highly recommends that you visit both Mantigue Island and White Island), swimwear and other travel essentials...just don't bring sand, please! There are funny (but cute!) things to see in the place dubbed as "Island Born of Fire." By the way, if you're looking for a hotel...

Jul292009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Book your PAL Express flights using your ATM card

Announcements, Corporate, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology, Tourism, Travel

MINDANAO TRAVEL - This is very good news especially for Mindanaoans who regularly fly via Philippine Airlines (PAL). Apart from the fact that your PAL Express flights can now earn you miles (sayang ang miles!), you can now also use ATM cards to buy PAL tickets! Good news for those who don't own or use credit cards :) Effective last July 1, 2009, all PAL Express flights automatically earn miles that can be converted to free flights both on Philippine Airlines (PAL) and PAL Express. So if you're a Mabuhay Miles member like myself, this is definitely an advantage! Meanwhile, BancNet ATM cards will soon be accepted as mode of payment for PAL tickets purchased online. This feature will be available next month. As soon as this is online, PAL passengers without credit cards can book and bu...

Jul272009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What will Pres. Arroyo report about Mindanao in her last State of the Nation Address – SONA?

Advocacy, Commentary, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News

Today, July 27, 2009, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will address the nation in her last (or so we believe or made to believe) State of the Nation Address (SONA). So far, Arroyo has made 8 SONAs and today, during her last SONA, I want to know what she will report about Mindanao. Will she say the truth? Will she tell the whole country and the whole world the real score about the ongoing peace talks, movements against terrorism, Mindanao tourism, political controversies etc? Will she say that during her term, more jobs were created for Mindanaoans? Will she say that the level of education became better during her presidency? Will she say that her administration has now struck a balance between population management, human development and social responsibility? What about ...

Apr92009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Warning: don’t bring sand from White Island, Camiguin

Advocacy, Announcements, Camiguin, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism, Travel

CAMIGUIN ISLAND, MINDANAO - The world-renowned White Island in the Province of Camiguin is undoubtedly one of the more famous tourist spots in this side of Mindanao. Thousands of local and foreign tourists flock to this beautiful island year after year. And because it's one of the more preferred tourist destinations in the Island of Camiguin, the local government is doing everything in its power to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the renowned White Island. The Camiguin government has also enforced a couple of rules and regulations that aim to protect and preserve White Island. One of these rules is that visitors are not allowed to bring sand from White Island. Check out the picture I took (the picture that appears in this post). There's a sign that says "Guinadili pagkuha s...

Jan312009 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival 2009 official schedule of activities

Announcements, Bukidnon, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The official schedule of the Province of Bukidnon's Kaamulan Festival 2009 celebration is finally out! This Kaamulan 2009 celebration sked was furnished by the Bukidnon Tourism Office of the Provincial Government of Bukidnon. The Kaamulan Festival is the largest festival in Bukidnon and is largely recognized as the only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philipines. Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term for “'gathering for any purpose.'" It can also mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. Bukidnon's Kaamulan Festival, which began in the year 1977, is an ethnic festival featuring the province of Bukidnon’s seven (7) hill tribes namely Tala-andig, Higaonon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tigwahanon, ...

Jan282009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival 2009 to start by February 18, 2009

Bukidnon, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The much-awaited Kaamulan Festival 2009 in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines is set to begin on February 18 and I myself cannot wait to join in the festivities! The Kaamulan Festival is the largest festival in Bukidnon and is largely renowned as the only remaining authentic ethnic festival in the Philipines. Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term for “gathering” for any purpose. It can also mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. I was furnished a tentative schedule of activities for this year's Kaamulan Festival celebration in the Province of Bukidnon by the Bukidnon Tourism Office and although I can say that there aren't that many changes from previous celebrations, there are still a lot of things ...

Jan192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Is Mindanao really RP’s “Wild West”?

Advocacy, Commentary, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion

This got me thinking when I received a press release from the Office of Sen. Richard Gordon recently. The PR read: "Turn around Mindanao’s image as RP’s ‘Wild West’ – Gordon" The senator said that Mindanao has "gained a negative reputation in the international media as the country’s “Wild, Wild West” due to the continued spate of kidnappings, sporadic bombings, and the poor peace and order situation." Is our beloved island Mindanao really the Philippines' version of the so-called "Wild West"? In a meeting with the Regional Development Council of Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Gordon challenged Mindanao executives to turn around Mindanao's negative image from being the “Wild West of the Philippines ” into a premier tourist destination with its unique history and ...

Dec312008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Review: Southwinds Hotel Cagayan de Oro City near Centrio Mall

Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel

Southwinds Hotel is located along Capt. Vicente Roa Street Extension in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. It is a hotel known for its very strategic location - Southwinds Hotel is right behind the new Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro or the Ayala Centrio Mall, it's just a few meters away from Gaisano Mall Cagayan de Oro (walking distance) and a few blocks away from Robinson's Mall Cagayan de Oro and Lim Ket Kai Mall CDO (you can just ride one of the local trisikads or padyaks for 5 pesos per person) It's also in front of the main branch of Graphic All-In-One (a large chain of stores that sells cellular phones, cellphone accessories and the like). Just this week, my mom, brother and I stayed in Southwinds Hotel. It was my second time to stay there, the first one was during a media t...

Dec172008 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Cotabato to Cebu, Siargao Surigao to Cebu flights for only P500

Business, Consumer, Cotabato, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Tourism, Travel

Want to fly from Siargao, Surigao (the renowned surfing capital of the Philippines) to Cebu or from Cotabato to Cebu for only P500.00? That's now possible but only for a limited period of time! Cebu Pacific Air just announced that they're now offering flights from Cebu to Cotabato and from Cebu to Siargao starting January 1, 2009. To kick things off, the airline company is offering a P500.00 Go Lite All-In fare. The seat sale STARTS NOW until December 19, 2008 only so book your flights ASAP! The seat sale is good for travel from January 1 to March 18, 2009. Meanwhile, starting January 10, 2009, Cebu Pacific will fly three times weekly between Cebu and Cotabato and the Cebu to Siargao flights will be thrice weekly beginning January 30, 2009. This is definitely another reason for you t...