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

May242017 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Guide for Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific ticket holders during Martial Law in Mindanao

Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

Following the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao by the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, two of the country's airlines have also released guidelines and statements especially for confirmed ticket holders. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines said that passengers with confirmed bookings from May 24 to June 30, 2017 may rebook, reroute, or refund flight tickets to and from Mindanao until end-July without any penalties. The areas included are: - Butuan - Cagayan de Oro - Cotabato - Dipolog - Davao - General Santos - Ozamiz - Surigao - Zamboanga Passengers with confirmed tickets to and fro these areas are qualified to amend their tickets. Passengers may call the PAL hotline (02) 855-8888 or go to the nearest ticketing office or partner travel agent. Here...

Jul112014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

#WonderfulMindaNOW – Showcasing my love for Mindanao via social media

Mindanaoan Update

Judging by the name of my blog, Mindanaoan, I obviously love, respect and advocate Mindanao. And I'll share more reasons why I love this beautiful island of Mindanao through my social media accounts! For the next few days, I'll be taking a short break from blogging and instead will be more active in Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I will be sharing tourist spots, cool establishments and other cool stuff that you can find here in Mindanao. I will be using the hashtag #WonderfulMindaNOW :) This great #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign is made possible by Globe and their special GOUNLI20PLUS promo! For only Php 20.00, the Globe GOUNLI20PLUS promo offers: * 50 text message to Globe/TM Subscribers * Unlimited calls to Globe/TM Subscribers * Free 10MB Facebook access * Exclusive...

Jun92014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Must-do in Sarangani: White Water Tubing

BIMP-EAGA, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Tourism, Travel

One of the things you MUST do when you're in Sarangani, Mindanao, Philippines - white water tubing. No Sarangani adventure will ever be complete if you don't try white water tubing. It's a fun extreme adventure experience like no other! Now let me make something clear first. If you've tried white water rafting and you think that white water tubing is almost like it, you're wrong. Personally, they offer different kinds of thrill. First off, you ride in rubber boats for river rafting. In water tubing, however, you sit on recycled rubber tubes ("salbabida") with fashioned "handles." You need to grip the handles really well so you don't fall into the water, get swallowed by the rapids or hit the boulders. Okay, I hope that didn't scare you :D Truth be told, tubing might look scary at first ...

May222014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Travel guide: CDO to GenSan by land

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato, General Santos City, Koronadal, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, North Cotabato, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tacurong, Tourism, Travel

When I got that invitation to experience the Sarangani Bay Festival 2014 a few days ago, I was supposed to fly from CDO to Davao (a half hour flight) then take the bus from Davao to General Santos City (a 3-hour ride). Unfortunately, the airline had other plans - they postponed the flight to FOUR days AFTER my supposed arrival (which also meant that the festival already wrapped up by then!) due to "aircraft situation." Ergo, I had no other choice but to take the bus all the way from Cagayan de Oro to GenSan. It was a long and arduous trip but still worth it - I was, after all, heading to Sarangani for the biggest beach festival in Mindanao! I will no longer name the airline but here's a clue - they love playing games. And they played one on me! Anyways, I will share more about my SarBay...

Apr212014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mainit Kasili Resort at Lake Mainit, Surigao del Norte

Advocacy, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Hotels, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Tourism, Travel

Did you know that the deepest lake in the Philippines can be found in Mindanao, Philippines? Lake Mainit, located in Surigao del Norte, is also the fourth largest lake in the Philippines. Lake Mainit has a surface area of 173 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 223 meters. Eight towns can be found around the lake, which is actually "shared" by Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte. If you're fond of eco-tours and photography, Lake Mainit is a splendid place in Mindanao to go to. And if you need to stay overnight or even for a few days, you might want to stay at the government-owned and run Mainit Kasili Legacy Resort. Mainit Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel offers several types of rooms, facilities and amenities. It has a convention center, a restaurant, function hall, s...

Jan62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Benefits of renting a lake cabin in Mindanao and anywhere in the world

Mindanaoan Update

Whether a person is planning a trip with family and friends or prepping for a romantic getaway with a significant other, finding the perfect vacation spot is a must. While the fresh ocean air of the beach may be tempting, vacationing at a lake cabin may prove to be even more satisfying. Here are some of the benefits of renting a lake cabin. Modern conveniences Unlike camping in a tent, a lake cabin furnishes all of the modern necessities that some vacationers crave. Although the lake cabin is surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest, it does not sacrifice comfort. Most lake cabins are outfitted with televisions, stoves, refrigerators, fireplaces, and of course bathrooms. Some even have an outdoor hot tub that boosts the relaxation of the trip. Nature trails For active people ...

Mar112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Cebu Pacific Air Cebu to Camiguin flights to start April 2013

Announcements, Business, Camiguin, Cebu City, Consumer, Flights

Come April 2013, it'll be easier to reach majestic Camiguin Island from Cebu City. Cebu Pacific Airlines will soon introduce their Cebu to Camiguin (and Camiguin to Cebu) flights. The said low cost carrier will start these direct flights on April 15, 2013. ATR 72-500 aircrafts will be used for these Camiguin to Cebu and Cebu to Camiguin Island flights. Flight frequency: Cebu to Camiguin flights will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday According to Cebu Pacific Airlines officials, the regular fares for this route will start at Php 588. Just in case you want to know what you can do, eat, buy in Camiguin, I have a couple of Camiguin Island-related posts. You can read them HERE. If you're a backpacker, you might want to read this Backpacking in Camiguin post :) By the way,...

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...

Mar222012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Are you ready for Sarangani Bay Fest 2012?

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

It is considered the biggest and funnest beach festival in Mindanao, Philippines! The Sarangani Bay Festival 2012 is set to happen on May 18 - 19, 2012. The 2012 Sarangani Bay Fest must be your ultimate summer and beach adventure! Last year, the 2011 Sarangani Bay Festival had lots of activities. This year, the Provincial Government of Sarangani led by Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez will surely deliver! Just look at some of the activities lined up for the Sarangani Bay Fest 2012: May 18, 2012 - Sarangani Run, Swim Across the Bay, Beach Dance Marathon, Sarangani Swim Challenge, Sand Sculpture, Sayaw Sarangani, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, Skim Boarding, Bay Bodies etc May 19, 2012 - Bancarera (this is really fun!), Coastal Clean Up, Poi and Zip Clinic, Zumba Party, Concert ...

Oct152011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2011 schedule of activities

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Broadcasting, Business, Camiguin, Consumer, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Resorts, Society, Tourism, Travel

How fast time flies! It's now October and that means one thing --- it's Lanzones Festival time! Lanzones Festival is celebrated yearly in the beautiful island paradise that is Camiguin Island, Mindanao, Philippines! This year, the Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2011 celebration will kick off on October 16, 2011. The Camiguin Island Lanzones Festival 2011 schedule of activities can be found below. Thank you to the Camiguin Island Tourism Office for the information! Camiguin Island remains to be one of my most favorite places to go in Mindanao --- heck, it's one of my most favorite places to go period! It's a pretty island that has a lot of flora and fauna and of course, Mantigue Island and White Island are just amazing. Blue green waters, white sand, barely anyone else on the island......

Sep262011 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Exclusive: All 4 One and Color Me Badd thank the Philippines!

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, Weird, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

It's been more than 2 weeks since their highly successful Cagayan de Oro, Philippines show but this Filipina travel and lifestyle blogger is still buzzin'! Yes, folks, I'm still on a high! :D As you guys may know, Mindanaoan.com was an official media partner of the All 4 One and Color Me Badd back-to-back concert last September 10, 2011 at the Atrium of the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. It was a major thing for a certified fan like myself --- not only did I get to meet the boys up close and personal (OMG!!!), spend time with them and see their real, offstage personas, I also had the chance to gather autographs, take lots of photos and...*drum roll please*...meet them again in Manila before they flew out for Los Angeles! *cartwheels* I will share with...

Jun262011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Singapore

Features, Photos, Singapore, Tourism, Travel

Apart from the Sri Mariamman Temple, another favorite tourist attraction in Chinatown District, Singapore is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Founded in 2002 by Venerable Shi Fa Zhao, the temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha, which means ‘The Compassionate One" or "The Future Buddha." The temple is really majestic and the reason for this is that the lead designer, along with the local and overseas consultants who were part of the design team, incorporated the best of the Tang Dynasty (largely considered as a very important era in Chinese history) as well as the Buddhist Mandala. It is said that the details of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Singapore were researched really well in order to ensure authenticity. Admission to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and ...

Jun262011 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore

Features, Photos, Singapore, Tourism, Travel

If you're bound for Singapore soon and you want to take great photos, visit the Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown, Singapore. The Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Ever since it was constructed, the Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore serves as a refuge especially for new South Indian Tamil Hindu immigrants. The temple is considered an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style in 1827. It was founded by Naraina Pillai, 8 years after the British East India Company started a trading settlement in Singapore. Apart from providing worship and other religious services, the Sri Mariamman Temple also highlights cultural, educational as well as social activities for Hindus in Singapore. The temple is managed by the Hindu Endowments Board. The Sri Mariamman Temple i...

Jun232011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: GMA 7 Kapuso Night featuring Dingdong Dantes, Kyla, Moymoy Palaboy

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Iligan City, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, South Cotabato

GMA 7 is really gearing up its efforts to promote their television programs and artists via regional events these days. In fact, I think GMA Channel 7 is keen on holding more and more promotional events not only in key cities but even in smaller towns and municipalities around Mindanao. Proof of this is their string of Kapuso Nights around Mindanao (and yes, in Visayas and Luzon as well). GMA 7 Kapuso Nights have so far been held in General Santos City, Iligan, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, South Cotabato and other areas in Mindanao. More will still be held in the next few weeks. Anyways, here are some photos taken during a GMA 7 Kapuso Night in Mindanao featuring Dingdong Dantes, Kyla and Moymoy Palaboy: Apart from the musical production numbers from the GMA 7 art...

Jun82011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan Exclusive: KC Concepcion greets Mindanao, shares what she loves about Mindanao, invites fans to “Forever And A Day”

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, 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 Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

You heard the theme song. You got intrigued when you heard this - "kaya mo bang mahalin ang isang taong mawawala din sayo?" And, by now, it's likely that you've memorized this line - "Thank you for yesterday. Thank you for today. And if I forget, thank you for tomorrow." Yes, it seems you're ready to fall in love on June 15, 2011. KC Concepcion and Sam Milby will topbill one of the most awaited movies of this year, the Star Cinema offering "Forever And A Day." Truth be told, I think this KC Concepcion and Sam Milby starrer is THE most awaited movie here in Mindanao - primarily because they shot this flick in 3 key areas in Mindanao - Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City (who wouldn't be excited to see familiar places? Plus think about what this film will do for Mindanao tou...

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...

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...

Feb242010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Compostela Valley Mindanao celebrates 12th Bulawan Festival

Announcements, Arts, Compostela Valley, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

With the theme "Compostela Valley Province: Shining at 12. Promising now and beyond...!," Compostela Valley Province, Mindanao will celebrate its 12th founding anniversary on March 3 to 8, 2010 via the renowned Bulawan Festival. Bulawan means gold in the local dialect. Here are the activities that will be held during the 5-day celebration: March 3, 2010 - Motorcade - Opening Program (Guest speakers are Senators Loren Legarda and Juan Miguel Zubiri) - Trade Fair, Barangayanihan, Techno Demo and LGU Night March 4, 2010 - Social Services - Volunteers' Day (Guest speakers are Senator Manuel Villar and senatorial bet Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Nacionalista Party senatorial bet and spokesperson Atty. Adel Tamano will also be there) - Lanog sa Kapitolyo - Concert for Peace (featuri...

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...

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...

Aug112009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Davao City, Mindanao is all set for Kadayawan Festival 2009!

Announcements, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

The City of Davao is geared up for this year’s celebration of the Kadayawan Festival. As city streets have already been adorned with colorful buntings and streamers, the 2009 Kadayawan Festival Executive Committee - headed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte along with private sector co-chair Lorenzo Te, Jr. - has lined up an exciting calendar of events for this year’s celebration. This year’s theme, “Naghiusang Katawhan Nakigdait sa Kalibutan” (“One People in Communion with the Earth”), fittingly responds to the need of the times as Dabawenyos are reminded of their responsibilities towards Mother Earth. As Davao’s indigenous tribes have deemed the earth as the core of their existence, they have also maintained a special connection to the earth which is also the source of the life, livi...

Aug32009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Aboard PAL Express flight Cagayan de Oro to Cebu City

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Flights, Internet, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel

A few hours after the Rock the Vote 2009 Cagayan de Oro leg and after sharing a hearty meal with the members of Team Oro Photo and Video (who generously extended their time and support to the Register and Vote Campaign...thank you, thank you!) as well as the event's hosts, Maxine Monasterio (Miss Teen Philippines 2007 and a CDO native) and Titus "TJ" Monterde (he's the son of Tito Monterde, the station manager of Wild FM CDO) --- (Max and TJ also host the ABS CBN Northern Mindanao Sunday show, Mag TV Na, Ato Ni!), I caught a CDO - Cebu PAL Express flight. PAL Express is owned by Philippine Airlines and is geared towards shorter flights. It was my first time to catch a PAL Express flight. After years of traveling from CDO to Cebu via boats (I've tried Trans Asia Shipping Lines, Superferry...