mindanaoan Archives - Page 30 of 50 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct122010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Fan mode: Mr. WordPress Matt Mullenweg’s video messages

Blogging, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Technology, Videos

And so Wordcamp Philippines 2010 came and went. It was my very first time to attend a Wordcamp and I must say, the event was worth my time, money and energy! The organizers, Avatar Media, did a fabulous job putting the event together. Congratulations to the organizers, volunteers and speakers of Wordcamp Philippines 2010! And of course, congratulations to all of my fellow campers as well ;) I'm sure everyone had fun and learned a lot :) Let's not forget Wordpress founder and lead developer Matthew Charles Mullenweg's challenge to us, yes? Let's advocate the use of Wordpress here in the Philippines! Are you up for the challenge? Because I am! :) For non-bloggers, just in case you're curious as to why Wordcamp Philippines 2010 was such a big deal especially for bloggers who use Wordpres...

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...

Oct92010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Of skydiving, bungee and my Bacolod City to Cebu City aerial shots

Bacolod City, Cebu City, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Photos

I'll let you in on a secret. One of the things included in my bucket list is to take photos while I glide through the air after I jump out of an airplane! Is that weird or too much of a dream? I've always wanted to try skydiving (but I have yet to find a reliable company that provides this type of extreme adventure in the Philippines --- if you know of one, please let me know!) and hopefully someday soon I'll try the bungee jump at AJ Hackett Macau Tower (I did manage to visit the tower all right but only to try their 360 degrees revolving restaurant LOL). In the meantime, I have to be contented with just taking aerial shots while well within the confines of an airplane. Anyhoo, here are some aerial shots I took during my recent Bacolod to Cebu City flight. All photos taken with a Pa...

Oct72010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bacolod: Balay ni Tana Dicang | Bacolod tourist spot you must visit!

Bacolod City, Blogging, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Reviews, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

So a few weeks ago, I shared with all of you all about the New Bacolod Silay Airport and the two places where my friends and I dined in Bacolod City (Pepe's Grill for the delicious ribs and Calea for the best desserts). Now I'll share a nice tourist spot we visited at Talisay City (about half an hour away from Bacolod City) --- Balay Ni Tana Dicang. Located along Rizal Street, Balay Ni Tana Dicang (Balay means home while tana is shortcut for "kapitana") stands as one of Negros' most preserved ancestral homes. It's so well-preserved, in fact! These days, it's now a museum and occasionally plays host to art exhibits and other mini shows. It was build in 1883 for Don Efigenio Lizares and Dona Enrica Alunan at the later stage of the Spanish era in the Philippines. This bahay na ba...

Oct72010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Pres. Noynoy Aquino first 100 days report speech – full text Noynoy 100 days report

Announcements, Blogging, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

Full text of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III 's message on the first 100 days of his administration. President Noynoy Aquino delivered his First 100 Days Report earlier today, October 7, 2010 at La Consolacion College, Manila. Read below: Message of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III President of the Philippines On The First Hundred Days of his Administration [October 7, 2010, La Consolacion College, Manila] Isandaang araw po ang nakalipas, nagpanata ako sa taumbayan: Hindi ko tatalikuran ang tiwalang kaloob ninyo sa akin. Ang nakalipas na isandaang araw ang magsisilbing tanda ng ating paninindigan. Malalim at malawak po ang mga problemang minana natin. Nag-ugat ito sa isang gobyernong parang tatlong matsing na nagbingi-bingihan, nagbulag-bulagan, at gumawa ng sariling ...

Oct62010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

John Mayer Live In Manila – that oh-so-wonderful experience!

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Personalities, Photos, Reviews

This is a follow-up to my earlier post! John Mayer Live In Manila. October 1, 2010. SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. It was one memorable date I will never forget. Firstly, because it was THE John Mayer...the love of my life! Secondly, because the entire country has waited for this moment for years (and a few months more...especially after this gig was postponed from May to October!). And thirdly, because I've never attended a concert in the middle of a typhoon! (But what the heck - it was John Mayer for chrissakes!) So my gal pal Crissa and I arrived at the concert venue just in time (and I mean REALLY JUST IN TIME!) for John's very first song. I was clad in my newly bought Forever 21 top, walking shorts, Rudy Project biker jacket and ever dependable Fitflops (I know, it wasn't the wor...

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...

Sep302010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao job alert: laboratory assistant needed

Announcements, Cotabato, Jobs, South Cotabato

Thanks to a reader of this blog, this blogger from Mindanao got a hold of this job opportunity. I surmise that the company, Tateh Premium Feeds Corp., is based in Polomolok, South Cotabato, Mindanao. However, please note that if you do get hired, you must be willing to be trained in Calumpit, Bulacan. Tateh Premium Feeds Corp. needs a Laboratory Analyst. Qualifications: Female 21- 30 years old preferably single Graduate of BS Chemistry or Microbiology With at least 1 year experience in Laboratory works but fresh graduates are welcome to apply Computer Literate Analytical minded Willing to be trained in Calumpit, Bulacan Interested applicants may submit their Resume, Application Letter, and Transcript of Records to the email address found after the jump! In ...

Sep302010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

John Mayer in Manila, Philippines – and I’m watching!

Arts, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personal, Personalities

John Mayer and his songs are a big part of my life. I used to think that most, if not all, of his songs were fit for certain phases of my life. Sure, he may be known these days as one notorious chick magnet (he only managed to catch Jennifer Aniston lang naman), a kiss-and-tell boyfriend (read: Jessica Simpson) and one sorry fool who thought he could "intellectualize an emotionally filled" racist term but I guess we can't deny that John Clayton Mayer has produced great, chart-topping songs. This John Mayer song below, entitled "Daughters," for instance, gave me goosebumps the very first time I heard it. I felt he was singing this song especially for me: This one below, on the other hand, entitled "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room" is a hands-down sexy song: I also love "Say"...

Sep292010 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Review: Castle Peak Hotel Cebu City | and why I won’t stay in Castle Peak Cebu again

Cebu City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

Castle Peak Hotel Cebu City is the second Cebu City lodging place that I think I will never patronize ever again. The first one is Paragon Suites along Juana Osmena, Cebu City where I had a rather unpleasant stay early this year. Castle Peak Hotel in Cebu City is now the second one on my "must not try again" list. Before anything else, though, I want to make something clear. I HATE giving negative feedback especially on services or establishments that are related to Philippine tourism but if giving it would serve as a wake-up call for entrepreneurs or managers and if giving it would mean that they'd change and learn to give better service next time around, then I won't hesitate to do so. So here goes. Castle Peak Hotel Cebu is located along F. Cabahug corner President Quezon Streets,...

Sep272010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

RJ Ledesma’s special video message for me and a friend

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Journalism, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Videos

If you were born in the 80's (or even late 70's), chances are you know who RJ Ledesma is. He's the lovable "Joey" in that popular Royal Tru Orange series of TV commercials. Here's one below (this one's entitled "Teacher's Pet") Here's another classic RJ Ledesma as "Joey" commercial (this one's entitled "Kuya"): Well, fast forward several years later and no longer the "Joey" we used to know, RJ Ledesma is now a grown man --- UNO Magazine's Editor In Chief, newspaper columnist, book author, uber talented host and proud dad! So you could just imagine how happy I was to finally see him in the flesh (after years of just seeing him as "Joey" on TV!) during the recently concluded 17th National Public Relations Congress. RJ was the host of the 2-day confab and he did an amazing jo...

Sep272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Certificates of candidacy for SK Chairman and Kagawad

Advocacy, Announcements, Events, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Thanks to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, this blogger from Mindanao got a hold of the official certificates of candidacy for those interested to run for Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman or SK Kagawad. Please feel free to direct anyone you know who may be interested to run this coming SK Elections to this page. The certificate of candidacy for SK Kagawad can be found after the jump... (more…)

Sep272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos taken at the Senate: the day of Sen. Miriam Santiago’s jueteng expose

Controversial, Events, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos

Apart from attending the 17th National Public Relations Congress, another thing I did during my recent trip to Manila was visit the Senate of the Philippines. It was supposed to be a quick visit but it turned into an almost 3-hour stay. The reason: Senator Miriam Santiago's jueteng expose. The feisty Ilonggo senator, in her privilege speech, accused several persons including Chavit Singson, Bong Pineda (a known friend of former President Gloria Arroyo), Atong Ang (a known ally of former President Erap Estrada), Tony Santos and Danny Soriano as alleged jueteng lords and even went on to say that the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government are in cahoots. Leave it to Sen. Miriam Santiago to shock and awe everyone. Well, this blogger from Mindanao t...

Sep262010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Inverted Philippine flag snafu at ASEAN-US meeting

BIMP-EAGA, Broadcasting, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Politics, Weird

It was an honest mistake, according to Rebecca Thompson of the US Embassy. Still, the damage has been done. Now what I'm just hoping for is that the person/s responsible for this fiasco be dealt with accordingly. You see, during the recently concluded 2nd ASEAN-US Leaders' Meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York, USA, the Philippine flag was surprisingly inverted (!). Instead of the blue band atop the red band, the red band can be seen as the one atop the blue one --- and we all know what this means --- it suggests that we're "AT WAR." "This was an honest mistake. The U.S. treasures its close relationship and close partnership with the Philippines which were demonstrated tis past week during President Aquino's trip to the U.S., with the signing of the ...

Sep242010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Resorts World Manila celebrates Mooncake Festival

Announcements, Features, Festivals, Food, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Tourism

If you're here in Manila (like me! - I'm currently attending the 17th National Public Relations Congress) then you still have time to catch the Mooncake Festival at Resorts World Manila! Celebrate the Mid-Autumn together with Resorts World Manila (RWM) with its Mooncake Festival! This September, Resorts World Manila has prepared the indispensable delicacy, known as the mooncake, for family and friends to share. The mooncake is a delicious tradition rich in history. The festival is strongly associated with the Moon Goddess of Immortality. It also represents the time of the year when the moon is at its fullest and marks the end of the harvest. It is traditionally celebrated with dances, moon viewing parties, and of course, partaking of mooncakes. If you're a slot player like me (I on...

Sep212010 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Maxims Hotel Resorts World Manila – only 6 star hotel in the Philippines

Blogging, Consumer, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Tourism, Travel

Remember my first Resorts World Manila blog entry? Apparently that garnered a lot of attention not only from my regular readers but from virtually everyone around the world. That was one of the most viewed posts in my blog! So of course that only means that a lot of people are really curious as to what's happenin' over at Resorts World Manila - the latest entertainment destination in Newport City (which is located right in front of Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 or NAIA 3) Read more about Resorts World Manila here and see why it pays to be a member! (Membership is FREE, by the way :) ) In the meantime, here's a peek of what I'm gonna do later tonight - tour Maxim's Hotel at Resorts World Manila. Maxim's Hotel is the only 6 star hotel in the Philippines! I will join a special to...

Sep212010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Off to Manila – and I’m attending the 17th National PR Congress!

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Corporate, Events, Flights, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

It's exactly 5:31 AM. September 21, 2010. I'm bound for Manila today. I'm supposed to be at the airport in a few hours' time but I can't resist this chance to go online and blog in order to share one piece of good, exciting news - Mindanaoan is attending the 17th National Public Relations Congress! WOOT! :) Yes, my earlier post got me a free delegate pass to the country's most prestigious PR event of the year! As a practising publicist, social media consultant, blogger and media practitioner, this opportunity to listen to and learn from top PR and media executives is absolutely a blessing! I am looking forward to all the talks - especially those by Weber Shandwick Asia Pacific Chairman Tim Sutton and Ogilvy Southeast Asia Director Andrew Thomas. (more…)

Sep192010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Lychee mojitos at Mu Shu

Bacolod City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Visayas

I like mojitos. It's one of my favorite cocktails. In my opinion, it's a pretty friendly drink - delicious, sweet and with just the right amount of "kick." For the uninitiated, a mojito is a traditional Cuban drink. The "regular" mojito is usually made up of 5 ingredients - white rum, sparkling water, mint (mint leaves as garnish), lime and sugar. To product a mojito, lime juice is added to sugar and to mint leaves. The mixture is then mashed. The mint leaves, by the way, should not be too minced or shredded. Instead, they should just be sliced or bruised enough to release the leaves' essential oils. Rum is then added and the entire mixture is stirred in order to dissolve the sugar. Sparkling water is then added. Lime and mint leaves can be used as garnish. Now if you're wondering wh...

Sep192010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kraft Eden Cheese launches Keso de Gallo – vote for Mindanao cities!

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Contests, Events, Food, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism

100 towns. 100 days. 100 unique dishes. 1 Grand Yuletide celebration. Yes, Kraft Eden, the very same company that ignited the joy and faith of Filipinos nationwide in last year's Keso de Gallo, is back once again to bring the warmest and tastiest Christmas. If last year they toured around 9 different cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, in 9 different churches with 9 carefully selected Pinoy recipes for a total of 9 mornings (whew!), this year Kraft Eden will make things grander - 100 participating towns, 100 unique dishes to be showcased for a total of 100 days! Now that's what you call pushing food tourism to a whole new level! The Keso de Gallo this year has started last September 4 and will end until the first Sunday of January 2011. Through this "100 Days of Christma...

Sep182010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Make Your Own Havaianas Davao City leg

Davao City, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

The Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 Davao City, Mindanao leg is being held at the Gaisano Mall (GMall) along Bajada Avenue, Davao City. It started last September 16, 2010 and will end tomorrow, September 19, 2010. I was able to visit the MYOH 2010 Davao event on the very first day and by the looks of it, the certified Havaianaticos in this side of the country came in full force! The Davao City leg of Make Your Own Havaianas comes after the highly successful Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 Cagayan de Oro leg, which was held last August 2010 (Mindanaoan was there, too, of course, much thanks to our special friends over at Spruce). Check out more photos after the jump: (more…)

Sep182010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Bacolod: Calea for the best desserts!

Bacolod City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Recipes, Reviews, Visayas

I was told that one's Bacolod City escapade will never be complete without visiting Calea, a famous homegrown cake shop...and it was easy to understand why. Calea Bacolod produces the best cakes, pastries and desserts this side of the world. Calea is Bacolod's answer to Manila's cake shops and bakeries but with better choices and lesser prices. This Mindanao blogger's recent trip to the Visayas was made sweeter when my friends and I stopped by Calea (the branch along Lacson Street, just a few blocks away from Sorrento Piazza, where my friends and I had a sumptuous dinner at Pepe's Grill!). This Calea branch is supposedly the first ever. These days, this cake shop has two other branches - one at Robinson's Place and another one at East Block. And just in case you're wondering about the h...

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...