mindanaoan Archives - Page 17 of 50 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jul202012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Kagay-an Festival 2012 Cagayan de Oro schedule of activities

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

It's time for the Kagay-an Festival 2012! The Cagayan de Oro City Government has released the schedule of activities for the 2012 Kagay-an Festival. The Kagay-an Festival 2012 or the Cagayan de Oro Festival 2012 will be held in commemoration of the feast of patron Saint Augustine. This year, the Kagay-an Festival activities will be handled by the local government unit unlike in previous years when Promote CDO Foundation handled the task. Accordingly, Promote CDO now wants to focus on other ventures. Nevertheless, I'm sure the Kagay-an Festival this year will be peaceful and successful. I also hope that many of you, my dear readers, would come and visit. Participating in the various activities, purchasing local goods, eating at local restaurants etc during the Kagay-an Festival 2012 w...

Jul192012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Kadayawan Festival 2012 schedule of activities

Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Tourism, Travel

In a previous post, this Mindanao blogger shared with you the Kadayawan Festival 2012 official logo. How did you find the official 2012 Kadayawan Festival logo? I personally liked it :) Anyways, as I previously mentioned, the much-awaited Kadayawan Festival 2012 in Davao City is set to take place from August 17 to 19, 2012! Yes, folks, the King of Festivals is set to take place in just a few weeks. Have you made plans yet? Here's the Kadayawan Festival 2012 schedule of activities: (you can click on the image for a bigger view) The 2012 Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival will feature the theme: "10 Tribes, 1 Vibe" The 10 Davao tribes that truly celebrate the diversity of Davao City's cultures are: Ata Matigsalug Ovu-Manuvo Tagabawa Klata-Djangan Tausog Maguindanao Kagan Mar...

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...

Jul142012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Multiply goes to CDO

Blogging, Business, Consumer, Technology

Before the big Facebook takeover and during those days when Friendster put a limit to the number of photos you can upload, everyone was at Multiply. Back then, Multiply was where you can find your friends' photos (tons of them!), favorite videos and blog entries. Multiply was also where you can practice simple HTML skills - change the font size, place your "welcome greeting" on the center etc. Multiply also allowed users to see who already "viewed" their sites so unless a person kept his or her account totally private, it was a bit of challenge for everyone to upload comment-worthy or "view-worthy" entries. And yes, Multiply was also the home of so many budding Filipino entrepreneurs - all who maximized Multiply's site features to sell everything from shoes to bags to homemade pastries....

Jul122012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rep. JV Ejercito visits Bukidnon @jvejercito

Blogging, Bukidnon, Controversial, Features, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Politics

I was in Bukidnon when San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito (or Joseph Victor Ejercito Estrada) told me that he was coming for a visit. I readily told Rep. JV Ejercito that I would be glad to assist him especially since I still had tons of media and government contacts in Bukidnon. I was also very curious to see how the people of Bukidnon would react when they see him. After all, JV Ejercito just recently "patched things up" with former Bukidnon congressman (and resigned Senator) Juan Miguel Zubiri (who is obviously very well-loved in Bukidnon) after the latter apologized to JV's dad, former President Erap Estrada. Migs Zubiri used to be a part of the "Spice Boys," a group of young congressmen who pushed for the articles of impeachment against Estrada in 2000. These days, Migs and JV are now both ...

Jul122012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy Manila launches new Mindanao blog

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Education, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, United States of America

The U.S. Embassy in Manila has launched a new blog that focuses on Mindanao as well as on the many partnerships between the United States, the Government of the Philippines, and the people of Mindanao. The new Mindanao blog, entitled "Peace, Prosperity and Partnership in Mindanao," includes information on how to participate in US Embassy programs that are offered in the Island of Mindanao. Peace, Prosperity and Partnership are the main thematic approaches of the U.S. Embassy in diplomatic engagement with Mindanaoans and the Philippine government. Hence, the name. The new US Embassy Manila blog also features conversations with young Mindanao leaders and updates on cultural programs, health initiatives and business innovations that are supported by various U.S. government agencies. US ...

Jul32012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao City plastic ban on

Advocacy, Announcements, Consumer, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

I first shared this info about the proposed plastic ban in Davao City last May 2012. Today, I'm so happy to let you all know that the Davao City plastic ban ordinance is now being implemented! Davao City has started to implemented the ban against non-biodegradable plastics and styrofoam materials. The Davao City plastic ban started last June 28, 2012. The measure is in line with the city's Ecological Solid Waste Management efforts. Not all plastics are banned, however. You can still use BIODEGRADABLE plastics in Davao City. You are also very much welcome to use paper bags and other biodegradable packing materials as well. Although the rules and regulations with regard to the plastic ban in Davao City were finalized in 2010 and the business establishments in Davao City were given t...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. meets with Mindanaoan youth leaders

America, ARMM, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, United States of America

Here's more about my 2-day task of accompanying US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. around Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Thanks to the folks over at US Embassy Manila, this Mindanao blogger got the chance of a lifetime to experience first hand how it was to officially be a part of an American ambassador's party :) After the awarding of HACCP certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, our next stop was the roundtable discussion with the alumni of the Congressional Internship Program for Mindanao Youth Leaders (CIPYML). The roundtable discussion of these Mindanaoan youth leaders with US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was held at the American Corner at the Xavier University Library. Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was welcomed by Xavier University officials: On our ...

Jun262012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chinese General Consul visits CDO, inspects Sendong homes

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update

The General Consul of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Zhang Wei Guo, (center with corsage) recently visited Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines to inspect the second batch of 150 houses - all imported from China - which the Filipino - Chinese Community in CDO has pledged to donate for Typhoon Sendong victims. The 150 houses that the Chinese General Consul inspected are now in their final stages of completion. The houses are part of the 600 houses that were earlier pledged by the Filipino Chinese Community in Cagayan de Oro for Typhoon Sendong victims. Briefing General Consul Zhang is Mr. Greg Lao (in eyeglasses), the General Secretary of the Filipino Chinese Community who manages the construction of the houses. Also shown in photo together with the entourage are di...

May252012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Miss Kagay-an 2012 audition, screening dates

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists

How fast time flies! Remember my Miss Kagay-an 2011 post? It seems just like yesterday! Before we know it, it's time for the Search for Miss Kagay-an 2012. Are you interested to join the Miss Kagay-an 2012 pageant? Want to be the next Miss Cagayan de Oro City 2012 queen? Interested Kagay-anon ladies are encouraged to attend the screening of the next Miss Kagayan on May 19 at Rhapsody Suites along Hayes-Lt. Guillermo Streets in Cogon; May 26 at Hotel Koresco and on June 2 at Rodelsa Hall of Liceo de Cagayan University. As you can see, you have 3 audition dates for the 2012 Miss Kagay-an pageant. Screening time on all dates is from 1 PM to 6 PM. Registration forms are available at the Cagayan de Oro Tourism and Cultural Office at the City Hall and at the City Tourism booth in Diviso...

May222012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Senator Koko Pimentel confirms separation from wife

Cagayan de Oro City, Personalities, Politics

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III has confirmed that he and his wife of almost 12 years, Jewel May Lobaton, have separated. Senator Koko Pimentel, a fellow Mindanaoan, said on Tuesday that he and his wife Jewel May Lobaton, a former beauty queen (she's a Binibining Pilipinas-Universe titleholder), have been living separately since November 2011. Here's the official statement from Senator Koko Pimentel on his separation from his wife: This may well be the most difficult public pronouncement I will ever be making in my entire life. And painful too, as every separation involves a certain degree of pain. I confirm my separation from my wife of close to 12 years, Jewel May Lobaton. We have been living separately since November 2011. I tried my best to resolve our differences fo...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Backpacking in Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin, also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, is an island one passes by on a boat ride between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City. This small island has seven volcanoes, several waterfalls, and hot and cold springs. People visit Camiguin to primarily enjoy the water spots, but there’s more to the island than testing its waters. Also known as the island of fire because of its many volcanoes, Camiguin is rumored to one day simply sink should there be a terrible eruption. But before that happens (and hopefully not), its best you know that Mt. Hibok-Hibok – the most active among the seven volcanoes – has been dormant since it erupted last 1951. Scientists are monitoring the volcanoes as well, as a cautionary measure and for study. You can either fly in Camiguin or take the ferry. Most ...

May172012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Perks of Living in Mindanao

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, 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, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, 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

If you listen to the news on Mindanao, the most likely reaction is that you’ll hesitate to come here. Much less choose to live here. But given the direness of the news on the peace and order situation here, have you ever wondered if there are perks to living in Mindanao? Actually, what’s so terrible in the news is merely a microcosm of Mindanao society. Given the largeness of the island and the number of regions, cities, and cultures that are found in Mindanao, you might want to take the news with a grain of salt the next time. Mindanao is generally a peaceful place. The members of the populace are satisfied with their lives, and commerce and trade are smoothly moving along. The economics show a due representation from the filthy rich to poverty level poor, but people manage to get by. ...

May162012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Island Garden City of Samal: Bidding for the moniker “Island of Festivals”

Island Garden City of Samal, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

The Island Garden City of Samal is the kind of place you don’t want to miss in your lifetime. White sand beaches, pristine waters, majestic waterfalls, fascinating caves and panoramic views are plenty in the city. Its amenities and several exciting activities have added more vibrancy to the Island Garden City of Samal, making it a major tourist destination in Southern Philippines. In fact, the city is hyping up its well-celebrated festivals to earn the moniker “Island of Festivals” and to draw more tourists to its naturally beautiful land. The Island Garden City of Samal is a group of islands that is centrally located in Davao Gulf in the southeastern part of Mindanao. It is a second class city in the Davao del Norte province which is politically subdivided into 46 barangays. Presently,...

May162012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Finding Spain in the heart of Zamboanga City

BIMP-EAGA, Mindanao, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

If you set foot in the lands of Zamboanga City, one of the first things that get into your mind is the feeling that you’re in some other part of the world, perhaps in Spain or in Latin America. But don’t be deceived, you’re not in any city in the west; you are actually in a more beautiful and alluring city called Zamboanga. Often called as “Philippines’ little Spain” and “Asia’s Latin City,” Zamboanga City is a highly urbanized city that lies in the southernmost tip of Region IX in northwestern Mindanao. The sixth largest city in the Philippines and among the few cities independent of any province, Zamboanga City is bounded to the north by land masses and to the other directions by water formations that include the Sulu Sea (west), Moro Gulf (east), Basilan Straight (south) and Celebes ...

May92012 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Davao City bans plastic bags, styrofoam starting June 28, 2012

Advocacy, Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Food, Government, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personal, Society, Technology

YEY! I am so, so, sooo happy with this development! Congratulations Davao City! What an awesome move! I'm so proud of my hometown Davao City for finally, FINALLY deciding to put a ban against non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam! Points for Mother Nature, environment and the start of the use of eco-friendly products :) I wonder, though, how the fastfood chains and other business establishments that use plastic bags and styrofoam will cope when the ban takes effect on June 28, 2012. Hmm. What do you think? Anyways, here's the news report from SunStar Davao: Non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food and beverage containers will no longer be allowed in this city starting June 28, this year. Polystyrene foam is more commonly referred to as Styrof...

May22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Blue Live In Manila

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Photos

Here are the much awaited photos of BLUE a.k.a. the fine looking boys from the U.K. Okay, ladies, breathe in, breathe out :) Blue, composed of Duncan James, Simon Webbe, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan, was recently in Manila, Philippines for the Greatest Hits Tour featuring a1, Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. I was fortunate to have met and worked around the guys :) Yes, yes, I'm a very lucky girl ;) I found Jeff Timmons, a1 and of course, Blue, to be very warm, down to earth, talented and very approachable. Anyways, the photos here of Duncan James, Antony Costa, Simon Webbe and Lee Ryan were taken during the radio tour, some backstage and during the show. Which of these photos are your favorites? :) Let me know below at the comment section :) By the way, here are the photos...

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Around Washington DC

America, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, United States of America

If I was asked to name at least 5 cities in the U.S. that I may want to live in, Washington D.C. would be one of them. I found Washington DC charming and interesting - despite the fact that politics plays a huge role there. I guess for those who abhor politics and all the scandals, flipfloppin', highs and lows that come with it, they won't feel comfortable in Washington DC. For people like me who get a natural high with fast-changing political strategies, however, Washington is the place to be. The day after I arrived in Washington D.C. USA for the start of my 3-week International Visitor Leadership Program, my fellow participants and I were toured around the city. I remember that day oh-so-well --- it was freezing cold but because we were supposed to have nice pictures taken for our...

Apr222012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: The River Inn Washington DC USA hotel

America, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel, United States of America

My fellow IVLP 2012 delegates and I were billeted at The River Inn during the Washington D.C. leg of our 3-week stay in America. The River Inn is a downtown Washington DC hotel that's located just 2 blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. This affordable Washington DC inn is also within walking distance from Georgetown a.k.a. the historic commercial and entertainment district in northwest Washington. Georgetown is also where you can find (quite obviously) Georgetown University and yes, the original branch of Georgetown Cupcakes, the shop that gave birth to the hit reality TV show "DC Cupcakes." (I visited the shop, by the way! I'll share with you some of the photos I took there ;) ) Location wise, The River Inn does get a lot of plus points especially since it's just a few blocks...

Apr192012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

1 summer fun, 1 Davao lineup of activities

Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Events, Fiesta, Island Garden City of Samal, News, Resorts, Sports, Tourism

Make my beloved Mindanao, Philippines your ultimate summer destination this year! And to kick off your summer tour in the southern part of the Philippines, why not pay Davao province a visit? The Department of Tourism Xl, along with other local tourism units around the Davao province, has launched the "1 Summerfun Davao" project. The "1 Summer Fun Davao - One Region. One For Fun" project aims to feature all the summer activities around Davao and package these as one. Among the 1 Summerfun Davao activities are the Davao Wakeboard Championship, Davao Summer Kitefest, Pista Sa Kinaiyahan at the Municipal Hall of Mt. Apo, Davao del Sur, Cross Channel Fun Swim in the Island Garden City of Samal, 4th Earth Festival in Tagum City and the Beach Fest in Compostela Valley. Check out ...

Apr132012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Where to buy original Sperry Top-sider in Mindanao

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Style

Want to know where to buy original Sperry Top-sider shoes in Mindanao, Philippines? Look no further! The World’s First Boat Shoe can now be bought in one of Mindanao's best lifestyle stores (and one of my personal favorites, I might add!) - Spruce. The Sperry Top-Sider story is an example of the American knack for ingenuity and innovation. It also represents a love of sun, surf and soul of the ocean...something that the brand coins a "Passion for the Sea". In 1935, Paul Sperry, an avid sailor and outdoorsman, discovered a long- sought solution to a problem that had long troubled the sailing community: the fact that traditional shoes performed “like roller skates” on a wet deck. As Paul Sperry described it, his new shoes "stuck like a barnacle". Sperry Top-siders are known to ...

Apr132012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Razzle Dazzle 3 photography workshop registration ongoing

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, Style, Tourism

How fast time flies! Back in 2010, I was still pitching possible names for a photography workshop to my super talented brother (who happens to be an awarded and very in-demand professional wedding photographer). He liked what I offered - "Razzle Dazzle." According to the dictionary, razzle dazzle means dazzling excitement or extravagant display of technique. Not long after that, he named his very first photography workshop "Razzle Dazzle Photography Workshop." Fast forward two years later, Razzle Dazzle Photography Workshop is now on its 3rd cycle! This photography workshop in Mindanao is set to take place on May 5 to 6, 2012 in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. Don't you want to spend two days of summer learning new photography techniques? This CDO photography worksh...