mindanaoan Archives - Page 29 of 50 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Nov32010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Thank you for Filipino family reunions!

Blogging, Contests, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal

If there's one thing that I've been absolutely thankful for in the past few days, it's the fact that we Filipinos like holding family or clan reunions. There's just something fun and magical about Filipino family reunions, don't you agree? More often than not, these traditional Filipino reunions are noisy, crazy, fiesta-like and absolutely full of food and games! So you can just imagine the craziness if it's a grand clan reunion! Two days ago, I attended our grandest clan reunion yet. It was the most-awaited, too, since my aunt, who hasn't been home in nearly 10 years, has flown in from New York with her new husband. * Loving clasp - photo by www.Mindanaoan.com (more…)

Nov22010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Review: Las Casitas Inn | Hotel in Davao City Mindanao

Business, Davao City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

I first stayed at Las Casitas Inn, Davao City, Mindanao during the campaign season for the May 2010 elections. I only stayed at Las Casitas de Angela Inn Davao City overnight then so I barely had the chance to take photos of my room. Hence, when I went back to Davao City for a special event, I decided to check-in at Las Casitas Inn --- which, by the way, is now known as Casitas Hotel. I got a single room at this Davao hotel and only paid P895.00 (roughly US$25.00) Located along JP Rizal Street, Las Casitas de Angela Hotel is considered a "small hotel." This Davao City budget hotel is conveniently located downtown - at the very heart of the city. From the Davao International Airport, it'll most probably take you about half an hour to reach Las Casitas Inn. This cheap Davao hotel...

Oct312010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Marks and Spencer Cagayan de Oro opening

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

So the much-awaited opening of the Cagayan de Oro branch of Marks and Spencer was finally held last Thursday, October 28, 2010. One of UK's leading retailers, Marks and Spencer CDO can be found at the East Concourse of Limketkai Center, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao. And guess who were among the beautiful guests? (more…)

Oct312010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins! Best Lifestyle Blog – Philippine Blog Awards 2010 Mindanao

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, 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, 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, Shopping, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Woke up to sweet and absolutely wonderful piece of news today! This humble blog - www.Mindanaoan.com - won as Best Lifestyle Blog in the recently concluded Philippine Blog Awards 2010 - Mindanao Division! Yebah! Woot woot! :D My warmest, sincerest gratitude to the organizers and sponsors of the Philippine Blog Awards 2010! Thank you for the recognition and may you continue to uplift the blogging community! And of course, my deepest gratitude to all of my readers and followers! Like I previously mentioned, just the thought of you guys sparing a few minutes of your time each day just to come and visit my little online home brings me so much joy and inspiration. I am humbled. Daghang salamat! And to the readers and followers of my two other blogs that were also finalists of the PB...

Oct292010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Thank you Philippine Blog Awards 2010!

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

About two days ago, I received an email from Juned of Philippine Blog Awards 2010 saying that 3 of my blogs (yup, 3!) are finalists of the Philippine Blog Awards - Mindanao Division and that the same 3 blogs are nominees of the PBA - Main Division! How cool is that? YAY! :D Of course, Mindanaoan is one of the 3 :) Woot woot! Thank you to the people behind PBA 2010! Win or lose, I will cherish this moment forever! NAKS :P Thank you also to the people who have endorsed this humble blog. I think I have the most gorgeous endorsers! :D Just check this out and you'll know what I mean :D But most of all, I would like to sincerely thank... (more…)

Oct272010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

My ultra lucky night at Resorts World Manila casino

Blogging, Business, Corporate, Entertainment, Features, Freebies, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Society, Technology, Tourism

Before I do share the AMAZEBALLS and fantabulous thing that happened to me and my lucky stars that night at Resorts World Manila, let me rewind a bit. So remember I recently attended Wordcamp Philippines 2010, right? A few days before my flight from Cagayan de Oro to Manila, I found out that some CDO Bloggers (Jacq, Cherry and Venus) will also stay in the same hotel where I will be billeted...and we will be on the same flight! So that put me at ease somehow. On the day of my our flight, I woke up really early. I had a good 4 hours before boarding time so I decided to laze around the house, surf the web, watch TV...in other words, I became too freakin' lax for my own good. What happened next was a disaster. I was so late for my flight that I was still in the middle of a traffic jam on...

Oct262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meet Lola Techie at the Teach Lola event, NCCC Mall Davao City

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Broadcasting, Corporate, Davao City, Education, Entertainment, Events, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Technology

Most, if not all, of us know who Lola Techie is, yes? Lola Techie is that Internet-savvy grandma who we all admire. Check out this cute and funny video of her talking to her apo (and warning him that she'll "drop kick" him if he doesn't poke back LOL) over the Internet: Here's a more recent video of Lola Techie standing her ground against Cherie Gil (first watched this during the 17th National PR Congress, which I attended): Undoubtedly, Lola Techie has endeared herself to a lot of people all over the country. Why, she has a lot of fans (including me ;) ) I actually saw her during the 17th National Public Relations Congress but unfortunately didn't have the chance to talk to her or have a photo taken with her. But ah...I may have the chance to do so real soon ;) For fellow...

Oct262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Blackberry Playbook is on my wishlist!

Blogging, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Shopping, Technology

Okay, I know everyone's talking about the Apple iPad these days and I guess that as a relatively new Mac user, I should also (quite naturally) want to get one for myself. However, I've also been a Blackberry user for quite a while now - I've come to love my BB and its features - and Blackberry's coming out with their own tablet pretty soon! Presenting the newest entry to my wishlist - the Blackberry Playbook! Isn't it a BEAUTY? Research In Motion (RIM) has launched the so-called “professional-grade” BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Check out its way, way cool features: (more…)

Oct252010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Did you vote today?

Advocacy, Blogging, Commentary, Events, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personal, Politics

I did. Together with my family, this blogger from Mindanao exercised her right to suffrage today, October 25, 2010 - the day of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Armed with my Panasonic Lumix digital camera, my Flip Mino HD, my Nikon D40, ballpen, voter's ID and ever trusty Blackberry, I went to my polling precinct at around 9:30 a.m. I looked like I was ready for war. As usual, I spotted several odd things during my trip to my polling precinct: 1. There were only a handful of voters. Ergo, low voter turnout. 2. I spotted several candidates only a few meters away from the polling centers. According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), this should not be. Candidates must be at least 100 meters away from polling centers. 3. I didn't spot any policemen or ...

Oct242010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Golden Cowrie restaurant at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

Finally had the chance to treat my mom and brothers to the newly opened Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant located at the Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. This Golden Cowrie CDO branch is a franchise and the first outside Cebu, where Golden Cowrie started in 1982. I'm actually a regular customer at the original Golden Cowrie restaurant along Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City (just a few blocks away from Waterfront Lahug) and I often bring my PR clients there for meetings or small press conferences. In fact, a few weeks before the May 2010 elections, I organized mini press briefings there for three senatorial candidates (all of whom were my clients --- I provided public relations, events, media and marketing services to them). Anyways, going back to the Gold...

Oct242010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pokwang and Richard Poon – Back-to-back Live in Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Iligan City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

Talented comedianne Pokwang and big band crooner Richard Poon, together with special guest Markki Stroem, are set to tickle Kagay-anons' fancy when they perform together live for the very first time ever in “The Crooner and The Comedianne - Richard Poon and Pokwang - Back2Back Live in Cagayan de Oro.” The much-awaited special show will be held on Sunday, December 19th, 2010, 7:30 pm at The Atrium of Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. Filipino-Norwegian hunk Markki Stroem of Pilipinas Got Talent will join Richard Poon and Pokwang. This show, a Joey Pelaez Events Production, will definitely be a certified hit! For tickets, call (088) 8584444 / (0915) 4519429 / (0915) 4988941. You may also send an email to [email protected] BUT HERE'S FABULOUS NEWS FOR R...

Oct222010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Havaianas Design A Smile contest – CDO and Davao legs!

Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Events, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society

Did you know that October is Smile Month? :) Smiles are the truest expression of happiness. And trust Havaianas to commemorate Smile Month this October with very special events that have equally special causes! Havaianas, the world’s favorite flip-flops, is launching the “Design a Smile” campaign to spread cheer and share thousands of smiles with Filipino children! Havaianas is creating a venue for children to heal the broken smiles of other children who have cleft lip and cleft palate deformities. The Havaianas Design A Smile series of contests will give children the chance to show the world their artistic talents and, at the same time, create better futures for the children of Operation Smile, a non-profit, volunteer medical organization that provides reconstructive surgery and hea...

Oct222010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Statement of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri on the Cotabato bus bombing incident

Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato, Crime, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, North Cotabato, Society, Tacurong

Yesterday, October 21, 2010, 10 innocent people died when a Rural Transit Mindanao Inc.-owned passenger bus exploded in Dalapitan village, Matalam, North Cotabato, Mindanao. Roughly 30 people sustained injuries, many of whom are still in serious condition because of severe head wounds. The bus came from Cagayan de Oro City and was en route to Tacurong. Authorities believe that alleged extortion group Al Khobar may be behind the explosion. It was a sad day not only for fellow Mindanaoans but for the entire country. Only one question rings in my head --- will Mindanao ever be a peaceful place? A fellow Mindanaoan, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, released a statement about the unfortunate incident today: (more…)

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…)

Oct202010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Marks and Spencer to open its first Mindanao branch in Cagayan de Oro City

Announcements, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

Over the years, I've learned to shop not only because of the price of the item/s but also because of the quality of the said item/s. If in the past, I was willing to buy stuff because they're cheap and affordable and "somehow look okay," now I take into consideration the quality and the fact that the item may last for at least a few years. The item should also be a classic and not just something that you can wear because it's part of the trend or fad. The item should also be easily paired with just about anything you can get from your closet. Enter Marks and Spencer. It is one of the United Kingdom's leading retailers. Each Marks and Spencer store sells clothing for men and women (and kids, too!), food, underwear, wine, shoes and even home and furniture stuff. The prices of the items...

Oct192010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero wants to put ceiling on credit card interest rates

Consumer, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Usurious interest rates slapped by credit card companies should be regulated to protect consumers from unconscionable hidden charges, Senator Chiz Escudero said. In Senate Bill No. 166 (SBN 166), Escudero seeks to put a ceiling on interest rates and surcharges imposed by credit card companies and prohibit hidden charges that further burden plastic card holders. “While credit cards are deemed as relief for consumers during bad times, woes begin when card companies levy interests and charges which are usually unknown to the users that eventually saddle them with more debts. We want to put a stop to the hidden charges which catch consumers unaware,” Escudero explained. SBN 166 puts a cap of 1 percent per month or 12 percent per annum on the interest rates that credit card companies c...

Oct162010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Photos of Matt Mullenweg in Wordcamp Philippines 2010

Blogging, Events, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Technology

This is a follow-up to my earlier post about Wordcamp Philippines 2010, Wordpress founder and lead developer Matt Mullenweg and his video greetings for moi! :D Ch-ch-check out the video greetings here! I'm well aware that keywords such as "Matt Mullenweg photos" and "photos Matt Mullenweg Wordcamp Philippines" have led a lot (and I mean A LOT) of netizens on my humble Mindanaoan blog so as earlier promised, I'm sharing some of the photos I took of Matt. Enjoy ;) More photos after the jump! (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...

Oct142010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao jobs alert: Butuan Garden Memorial Estate needs a trainer

Announcements, Butuan, Jobs

JOBS IN MINDANAO | JOBS IN BUTUAN CITY | BUTUAN CITY - The Butuan Garden Memorial Estate is in need of a trainer. Uraya Land Development, Inc., which runs the Butuan Garden Memorial Estate, is in need of a Sales and Marketing Trainer. If you're interested to apply for this position, then please read on. Preferably Female ( 22 – 35 yrs. old ) with good personality Graduate of any Business Course Must be knowledgeable in the above stated position 1 to 2 years experience in related field is an advantage Good communication skills Computer Literate If you think you have a shot at this job opening in Butuan, then prepare a comprehensive resume and an application letter. Interested applicants may submit their Application letter, Resume and T.O.R. to [email protected] Goo...

Oct142010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Forever 21 Manila Philippines – my initial loot

Arts, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Shopping, Style

Well, it basically took "forever" but the wait is finally over! (Hey, how's that for a rhyme? :D) Forever 21, a popular retail chain, opened its first Philippine branch over at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City last July. Sadly, I wasn't in Manila when the Forever 21 Manila branch opened and I also didn't have the chance to visit it even if I was there last August. Ugh. But well, I was back in Manila for Wordcamp Philippines 2010 and yes, I allocated an entire afternoon just to visit the store (finally!). That was how determined I was to snag at least a few pretty finds! LOL. Besides, it was the afternoon before the big John Mayer Live In Manila gig and I wanted to wear something special! Good thing my fellow bloggers Venus, Jacq and Cherry decided to join me in my quest to scour all of the...

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…)