Mindanao Archives - Page 5 of 14 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct202010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kraft Eden Cheese Keso de Gallo – I’m campaigning for Balingasag, Misamis Oriental!

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Contests, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, News, Personal, Photos, Recipes, Society, Tourism

I've written about this year's Keso de Gallo in an earlier post. This time, though, I'm campaigning for a specific town --- the Municipality of Balingasag in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao :) But before anything else, a little info about the Municipality of Balingasag. The said municipality takes pride in its 195.07 hectare Balingasag Mariculture Park which is a sprawling area for its aquaculture, mangrove area, sea ranching, fish sanctuary and navigational lane. Balingasag, which has a total of 30 barangays, is on its way to becoming the “Bangus Capital” of Northern Mindanao and probably the whole of Mindanao with the rapid increase in bangus harvest. It is home to a number of significant and historical edifices like the Vega Ancestral house located in the poblacion, a well preserved Ph...

Oct202010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

How a Samal Island, Mindanao sari-sari store owner successfully made his debtors pay up!

Davao Del Norte, Humor, Island Garden City of Samal, Mindanaoan Artists

The minute I saw this on my friend Edu's Plurk timeline, I just couldn't help but laugh and be amazed at this sari-sari store owner's ingenuity! Bartolome Malacura, a sari-sari store owner in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), Davao del Norte, Mindanao, probably got fed up with debtors that he posted their names on the facade of his store! As the caption states, the "shame campaign" paid off because from P2,000 (roughly $50.00), the collectibles are now down to P900 (roughly $23.00) It's probably not the preferred method of asking people to pay up but hey, it worked for Bartolome Malacura! (more…)

Oct162010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanao indigenous people decry portrayal of IPs in ABS CBN show “Noah”

Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Commentary, Controversial, Culture, Entertainment, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Society, Television

This caught my attention because it's about a complaint filed against the representation (or misrepresentation) of indigenous peoples or Lumads in the ABS CBN Channel 2 show "Noah" starring Piolo Pascual and Zaijan Jaranilla. Here in Mindanao, the IP community is a highly respected group and as a Mindanaoan, I feel it is my duty to help advocate for their rights and help suppress discrimination, in whatever form it may be. Peace advocacy group Mindanao Peoples Caucus said that the primetime telenovela’s portrayal of Lumads as “monkey-like creatures” is a “blatant violation of the mandate of RA No. 8371 to respect, recognize and protect the right of the ICC’s/IP’s to preserve and protect their culture, traditions and institutions.” The letter-complaint, which was dated October 8...

Oct122010 by Mindanaoan Irene11 Comments

Pacquiao vs Margarito fight on November 13, 2010

Bisaya, Blogging, Events, General Santos City, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, News, Personalities, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Sports

Fellow Mindanaoan, Sarangani Congressman and the world's best pound-for-pound boxer, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, is set to face Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito on November 13, 2010 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium for the World Light Middleweight Championship belt. As expected, this will be another day when Filipinos all around the world will root for our very own Pacman. I bet all Mindanaoans will again feel so proud of Manny Pacquiao, who was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon but who has lived in both General Santos City and Sarangani for several years. For sure, this Pacquiao vs Margarito boxing bout will be another blockbuster! I must admit, I have a few reservations about this Pacquio versus Margarito fight. (more…)

Oct102010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Starbucks Cagayan de Oro and Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Coffee

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Gifts, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews, Shopping, Society

If you're living in Northern Mindanao, chances are you've already heard of the upcoming opening of Starbucks Cagayan de Oro. In fact, I wrote about the much-awaited opening last May, along with a job opening announcement for baristas and store managers. Fast forward a few months later, word's out that Starbucks CDO is set to open in just a few weeks' time. Starbucks CDO is located at Limketkai Mall corner Rosario Drive, right across the Missy Bon Bon gelato and bread store and very near Mc Donald's. As expected, they got an ultra prime location. That area will soon see the rise of an 18-floor hotel and is just a few blocks away from the Regional Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs, a state university and a mixed-use building. So yeah, the Starbucks CDO branch will enjoy heavy fo...

Oct62010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Atty. Adel Tamano and Atty. Aquil Tamano endorse Mindanaoan.com!

Blogging, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Personalities, Videos

What do you do when two very handsome and smart lawyers (and celebrities in their own right, I must say!) endorse your humble blog? a) you blush and get *gigil* b) you scream, jump for joy and thank the high heavens c) you blog about it! Well, in my case, I did all of the above! :D Atty. Adel Tamano and his younger brother Atty. Aquil Tamano gave this uber *kakakilig* video message endorsing this humble blog, www.Mindanaoan.com, and the blogger behind it ;) Imagine - two Mindanaoans endorsing Mindanaoan.com! I think that's cool. Don't you think so? :) I must admit, I've played this message again and again and still - I can't help but feel warmth on my cheeks :P Thank you to Sir Adel and to Sir Aquil for this! I really, really appreciate it :) Atty. Adel Tamano and...

Sep142010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bacolod: Pepe’s Grill | Where to eat in Bacolod

Bacolod City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Negros Occidental, Reviews, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

So to continue my kuwento about my great big Negros Occidental adventure with three amazing friends, we had dinner at Pepe's Grill, known to be one of Bacolod City's finest restaurants. Located at Sorrento Piazza along Lacson Street (the main thoroughfare in Bacolod City), Pepe's Grill is almost always packed. Lucky for us, there was a spare table good for the four of us when we arrived! A lot of yuppies go to Pepe's Grill for dinner before heading off to a bar for a night of booze and dancing with friends. Families and barkadas also go to Pepe's Grill for weekend lunches and dinners. In fact, when we arrived, there were several parents enjoying meals with their kids. So judging by the many satisfied customers, one can surmise that this Bacolod restaurant is doing something right! Oh...

Sep102010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

DL8 Pure Herbal Tea – Caffeine free herbal tea that I recommend

Advocacy, Agriculture, Announcements, Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Freebies, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Reviews, Shopping

Anybody who knows me would say that I'm not exactly the biggest fan of tea except probably when it's iced. And anybody who knows me would also say that I'm also not exactly the biggest fan of so-called herbal teas. Apart from the fact that I'm more of a coffee person and that it's very rare that I don't start my day without coffee, I usually stay away from herbal teas that offer a million and one health benefits. Yes, you could say that I was a skeptic and a cynic. And yes, I used the word "WAS." You see, things changed when a friend of mine introduced me to DL8 Pure Herbal Tea - a caffeine free tea that aims to cleanse, alkalize, revitalize and enrich the body. For the first time in a very long time, I saw myself drinking herbal tea and actually loving it! I enjoyed drinking DL8 Pure H...

Sep92010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Davao City to hold Asia’s first regional bird conservation fair

Advocacy, Announcements, Davao City, Events, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News

Birdwatch, the official site of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, just announced that my beloved hometown Davao City, Mindanao will play host to Asia's first regional bird conservation fair! Check out the press release below: Birdwatchers, conservationists and eco-tourism promoters from all over Asia and elsewhere have their eyes on the Philippines, which is hosting Asia's first-ever region-wide bird festival. The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines said the First Asian Bird Fair will be held in Davao City from 24-26 September 2010, tandem with the 6thPhilippine Bird Festival, the country's premier avian conservation and eco-tourism event. The milestone event is co-hosted by the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Davao City government. The First Asian Bird Fair-themed “Nurtu...

Aug272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cebu: Big breakfast at Ilaputi, Asiatown IT Park

Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Visayas

My brother, who runs the uber famous Philippine-based tennis blog, Tennis Guru, has been raving about this 24-hour place at Asiatown IT Park, Cebu City called ilaputi. He regularly eats breakfast at this Cebu restaurant and eventually, he has managed to convince a lot of his friends to try ilaputi Cebu as well. Well, since I'm in the Queen City of the South for a few days, I decided to ask him to take me there as well. So on a bright and sunny Thursday morning, we visited ilaputi's Asiatown IT Park branch and ordered ilaputi's "Big Breakfast." I was not disappointed. Not at all. Ilaputi Cebu Asian and fusion restaurant's big breakfast was a real treat - yummy chorizo, bacon with garlic fried rice, two (!) eggs and marinated pork with rich sauce. The delicious meal was served on a ...

Jul302010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cute vector depiction of the Island of Mindanao

Arts, Blogging, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

Now this is absolutely too cute to pass up! Thanks to my Twitter friend Thysz, this blogger in Mindanao got wind of this cute vectorized map of the Island of Mindanao made by one very talented artist named Renan Barco. Check this out: Methinks it's a nice depiction of Mindanao :) Congratulations, Renan! Fab job! For those of you who want to follow more of Renan's work, check his Tumblr site. (more…)

Jun82010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanao blogger at TV5’s PO5 (Party on 5)

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

A few weeks ago, this blogger from Mindanao, along with her friends, had the chance to watch the live telecast of PO5 (Party on 5) right inside the studio, thanks to my dear friend Jay Durias of the band South Border. P.O.5 or Party On 5 is TV5's Sunday noontime variety show - their answer to ABS CBN's "ASAP XV" and GMA 7's "Party Pilipinas." The show's hosts include Lucy Torres-Gomez (who's now a congresswoman - not sure if she'll continue her hosting job), John Estrada, Wilma Doesnt, JC de Vera, Alex Gonzaga and Tuesday Vargas. Ryan Agoncillo was still a part of the show when I watched it live from the studio but he later quit in order to attend to wife Judy Ann Santos' pregnancy. Guess who the show's musical director is? Jay, of course! :) (more…)

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 ...

May282010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Gelatissimo in Greenbelt 5

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Thanks to Manila-based Twitter friend Ryan, this blogger from Mindanao got invited to check out the much-talked about Gelatissimo store in Greenbelt 5, Makati City, Philippines. It was an invitation that I immediately accepted especially because I've heard a lot of good feedback about this gelato shop. By the way, Gelatissimo isn't a homegrown brand. Gelatissimo is an Australian brand and they offer yummy gelato that's made fresh every single day, sundaes, chocolates, traditional Italian biscotti and roasted coffee. For the unitiated, gelato is a low fat, creamy alternative to traditional ice cream. It tastes a bit "warmer" than ice cream but nonetheless equally delish! As expected, I found a packed Gelatissimo Greenbelt 5 branch. Believe me, the photo I took below didn't do justi...

May242010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Finally finding No Reservations Anthony Bourdain Cebu lechon – the Zubuchon!

Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Culture, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Society

Apart from attending the Cebu Blog Camp 2010, another reason why I was looking forward to going back to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South, was the fact that I will finally have the chance to try the world-famous Zubuchon - yes, the very same Cebu lechon featured and praised by popular chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain of "No Reservations." Ever since Anthony Bourdain featured it in "No Reservations" (one of the very few travel shows that my entire family loves to watch), we agreed to definitely try it once we have the chance to go back to Cebu. As we all know, Cebu lechon is already famous as it is but for a specific Cebu lechon to be featured as the Anthony Bourdain preferred Cebu lechon is another thing. A brief background first for the unitiated - Lechon or fire roas...

May122010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Apo Hiking Society to hold farewell show in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music

One of the most respected Filipino artist-groups will hold a farewell concert in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao very soon. The APO Hiking Society, composed of Jim Paredes, Buboy Garovillo and Danny Javier, will hold a farewell show in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday, May 21, 2010, 8PM at the Atrium of the Limketkai Center. The concert, dubbed "Daghang Salamat...Paalam nAPO Cagayan de Oro," is their last concert as a group. If you're a fan not only of the APO but of amazing Filipino talent and artistry at its best, then you must not miss this show. The band Peryodiko will be the opening act. Tickets are priced at P2000, 1500, 1000, 700 and 300. This APO Hiking Society farewell concert is for the benefit of the community projects of JCI Kagayhaan Gold. The APO Hiking Society first...

May62010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Are you from Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao and Misamis?

Advocacy, Announcements, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Government, Internet, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Society, Technology, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Because if you are, then we need you to help map out precincts! Google Philippines, through its representative Aileen Apolo, is asking us to please help map precincts in certain regions in Mindanao. A website called Find Your Precinct has been set up and its goal is to help every Filipino find the location of the voting center for their precinct. The locations found in the said website are contributed by volunteer mappers and it's about time that Mindanaoans join forces and help not only one another but the rest of our fellow countrymen. According to Aileen, there's still need to map out precincts in Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao and Misamis. Help now by logging on to Find Your Precinct. Alternatively, and to make things more fun, you can spearhead a mapping party and...

May52010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon governor embroiled in a scandal with ex PBB teen

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Entertainment, Government, Headline, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

First off, a lot of people in Bukidnon, Mindanao claim that this isn't exactly fresh news. However, I guess this issue involving Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. and ex-Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen housemate Claire Cabeguin (who's from Bukidnon herself) will continue to be controversial and will forever be circulated unless, most probably, if one of them either speaks up against or confirms the issue. Before I continue, a brief backgrounder first. Zubiri is on his third term as the governor of Bukidnon and is currently gunning for the vice gubernatorial seat. He used to be an active member of LAKAS CMD KAMPI until he recently surprised not a few when he endorsed Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manny Villar. Zubiri is the father of Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Cabegu...

Apr202010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan Laarni Lozada gets a cool makeover

Beauty, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Style, Sultan Kudarat

Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao's pride and the Pinoy Dream Academy grand dreamer Laarni Lozada sure has gone a long way from singing in a choir to financing her own studies to winning the big prize at ABS-CBN's talent-reality show PDA. Laarni Lozada, a fellow Mindanaoan, counts Sitti, Lea Salonga and Whitney Houston as among her singing idols. And now that she's a singing idol herself, Laarni of course has a new look. From this simple looking lass: to this diva: (more…)

Mar272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan at the Cotabato City proclamation rally for local candidates

Cotabato, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics

Yes, you read that right. Mindanaoan had the privilege of witnessing the proclamation rally of local candidates in Cotabato City, Mindanao. The Cotabato City proclamation rally was held today, March 26, 2010 at the city plaza. As you all know, March 26 marks the very first day of official local campaigns. Along with senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano (first ever Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School, former spokesman of the Genuine Opposition, currently the spokesperson of the Nacionalista Party, former lawyer of Fernando Poe, Jr. and currently a senatorial candidate under the banner of the NP), I arrived in Cotabato City at around noon. After participating in a "kanduli" (thanksgiving occasion), I then went to the Cotabato City Hall. Here's a look at their majestic...

Mar142010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Hot Hunks including gorgeous Brazilian-Jap Akihiro Sato sizzle in Mindanao!

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos

Sizzle mah schizzle! Saturday, March 13, 2010 was an uber special day for ladies! In celebration of Women's Week, SM City Cagayan de Oro, along with top retail brands Penshoppe, Mint, Folded and Hung, Maldita and Bossini, hosted the "Hot Hunks Fashion Show" featuring no less than the current toast of the local fashion world, Brazilian-Japanese (Brapanese) hottie Akihiro Sato. For the uninitiated, Akihiro Macieira Sato is a 6 ft 1 inch stunner born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He used to model in Thailand but now he has decided to grace the Philippine shores with his amazing looks and pleasing disposition and has decided to live here for good! Be still my heart! So of course, who wouldn't want to go to SM City CDO to catch this cutie? So along with some friends, Mindanaoan went ...

Feb242010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Highway 21 Hotel in Iloilo City, Visayas

Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

My first night in Iloilo City was spent in Highway 21. Classified as a pension house, I actually thought that this nice place located right in the heart of Iloilo City was more of a hotel. The perfect choice for budget conscious tourists, Highway 21 Iloilo City is located along the busy General Luna Street. Highway 21 is actually right beside the Sarrabia Manor, a well-known hotel in Iloilo. Compared to Sarrabia, though, Highway 21's rates are way cheaper. I stayed at the new wing of Highway 21. The rooms found at the new wing are slightly higher than those found on the annex area but I thought the added expense was worth it. The new wing had an elevator while the annex didn't have one. Plus all the rooms at the new wing had free, fast wireless Internet connection. That was impor...