mindanaoan Archives - Page 8 of 50 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That Amazing Wine-Paired Degustation At Movenpick Resort Cebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Events, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Degustation is a culinary term that means meticulous food tasting of special signature dishes. Usually consisting of several courses, each paired with matching wines that complement each dish, a degustation aims to heighten one’s senses and allows one to appreciate food at its finest. That’s exactly what happened during my recent stay at Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu. I flew via Philippine Airlines and underwent a wine-paired degustation at the Conservatory of the Ibiza Beach Club, led by no other than popular Cebu businessman and passionate sommelier Manuel “Manny” Osmeña. This was how the Ibiza Beach Club looked like that night: Before that, though, Manny O gave me and my fellow media guests a tour of his private wine cellar. Only a handful of people have ever set foot here s...

Jun62015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Join Freedom Run 2015 CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Sports

Get ready for Freedom Run 2015 CDO! Our friends over at Circle Productions, Inc. are bringing back Freedom Run CDO and apart from the cash prizes, they're also raffling off 3 cool mountain bikes. Celebrate Independence Day this year by joining this CDO running event! I will be joining the 5K run so I hope to see you all there :) When: June 14, 2015 – Sunday Where: South Concourse, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City Race categories and corresponding fees (all affordable, as you can see!): 21 Km – Php 900 with jersey, race bib with timing chip, finisher’s jersey and medal 5 Km – Php 350 with jersey, race bib 3 Km – Php 350 with jersey, race bib 21Km – Assembly Time: 3:30 AM, Start Time: 4 AM 5Km – Assembly Time: 5 AM, Start Time: 5:30 AM 3Km – Assembly Time: 5 AM, St...

Jun42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2015 Northern Mindanao pageant

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Northern Mindanao, Society, Style

The search for the next Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 is on and the Northern Mindanao leg will be held in Cagayan de Oro! The Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 Northern Mindanao regional search will be held on June 7, 2015, 4 PM at the Centrio Mall Activity Center. There will be a pre-screening of interested candidates, though, on June 6, 2015, 9 AM at N Hotel. The reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 Eva Patalinhug, Brazilian-Japanese model/actor Fabio Ide and Mags Boutique CEO Mags Cue will be at the pageant. The event on Sunday is open to the public. The candidates will also get to wear the fab creations of popular local fashion designers including my friends Boogie Musni-Rivera and Mavy Cooper de Leon, Benjie Manuel and Mark Yaranon. Mindanaoan will cover the event on June 7, 2015. Fol...

Jun32015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

ABS CBN Barangay Gwapo 2015 search on

Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Television

The yearly (and most awaited, mind you) pageant for men in Northern Mindanao is now on! Barangay Gwapo, an ABS CBN Northern Mindanao-produced and organized men's pageant, has even expanded the search - from what started out as just for Cagayan de Oro residents is now open for residents of Gingoog, Butuan, Iligan, Bukidnon and other parts of Misamis Oriental. Barangay Gwapo 2015 is open to all single males, aged 16 to 26 years old. Audition will be on June 13, 2015, 10 AM to 5 PM at Loreto's Grill and Restaurant (Tomas Saco Street/Nazareth, CDO). Prepare a 2-minute presentation that would truly showcase your talent/skill! And, yes, I also served as one of the judges of a previous Barangay Gwapo search :) So do you know someone who fits the bill? Share this post with him now!

May172015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Emerald Suites – Budget friendly hotel in CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Here's good news for fellow budget conscious travelers and folks who love staycations like myself. Emerald Suites CDO is now open for business! Emerald Suites Cagayan de Oro is the latest budget hotel to open in the City of Golden Friendship and they do not only offer friendly rates, they offer a great location as well! Situated along Jose Agudo Street, Barangay 24, Emerald Suites CDO is just a stone's throw away from the major malls. From the garden area of Ayala Centrio Mall, this new CDO budget hotel is just a few meters away. It is also several steps away from Gaisano Mall, Limketkai complex (where the Limketkai Mall is) and the currently being constructed SM CDO Premiere 2. The reception area at the second floor: Rates: Standard single - Php 899...

May162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

AirAsia Hot Meals – Gastronomic Delights At 35,000 Feet

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Reviews, Travel

I consider myself a budget conscious traveler who doesn’t mind spending extra if it means getting something better. Take airplane food, for instance. Unless I’m truly famished or I want to try something for the first time, I stay away from food sold and served aboard an aircraft. Not only are these airline meals (more often than not) expensive, they’re hardly filling and tasty. The choices are very limited as well (so limited that I think a cup of instant noodles has become the “default” order by weary, hungry passengers). However, let me say this: I always make an exception when I take flights via AirAsia. Even before I got invited to Cebu a few days ago for the exclusive AirAsia Hot Meals media launch, I have already been an avid fan of their in-flight meals. Real, flavorful food sold...

Apr212015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

White sand at Isidro’s Beach, Initao, Misamis Oriental

Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel

So aside from jumping off an 8-storey base jump platform tower, I also celebrated my birthday this year at my happy place - THE BEACH! I am a certified beach baby :) Since it was my Cebu-based brother's last day in town, my family and I decided to just forego our Camiguin Island or Siargao Island plans and just look for a nearby municipality that had white sand beaches. In Misamis Oriental, the nearest one we could think of was Initao. Initao is about a little over an hour away from Cagayan de Oro and about 45 minutes away from Iligan City. Apart from white sand beaches, Initao is also known for the Initao National Park, which is a 57 hectare natural forest with diverse flora and fauna. Anyway, it wasn't our first time at an Initao white sand beach but it was our first time to go dur...

Mar152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Pele Magdangal Escueta first birthday party

Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society

I was invited to the first birthday party of Pele Iñigo Magdangal Escueta, the firstborn of celebrity couple Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta. I felt truly honored and happy to be there to witness Pele's very special day. It was a Saturday and I left Makati about half an hour before the scheduled start of the party, which was held in Quezon City. Boy, was I really no longer used to Manila traffic! My GrabTaxi ride took me about 50 minutes to reach QC and then when I reached the gate, the guards took about 20 minutes to verify if I was indeed invited :P Good thing I brought the invitation but that still didn't convince the guards haha! I even had to call Rivermaya's manager Raymond to tell him about the situation. It was all cool, though. The cab driver was nice and he was so excited to...

Mar92015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Re-elected as CDO Bloggers VP for External Affairs

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal

Note: This was published on Mindanao Gold Star Daily newspaper last March 6, 2015 I have just been re-elected as the Vice President for External Affairs of the CDO Bloggers, Inc., a non-profit, SEC-registered group composed of bloggers, online workers and social media practitioners that does not only promote the city and other parts of Northern Mindanao but also the responsible use of the Internet. I’m pretty excited with our group’s upcoming projects including a school tour where we aim to teach kids Internet etiquette, social media activism and online volunteerism as well as blog workshops where attendees can learn how to create their own blogs, draw maximum traffic for their websites and even earn online. And with the elections coming up, we also plan to use our own online mechanisms...

Jan112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dabawenyo illustrator’s work returns as McDonald’s Happy Meals treat

Arts, Davao City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Personalities

Today, I feel really proud to be Dabawenyo! A fellow Atenista, Mindanaoan (and Davaoeno) Macky Pamintuan has made me remember my beloved hometown Davao City and all its amazing, talented people. For the uninitiated, Macky Pamintuan (yes, of the Pamintuans of Apo View Hotel) is a popular animator, graphic and fine artist. Some of his works include illustrations for the books Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Cupcake Chaos, The Pumpkin Patch Puzzle, Cape Mermaid Mystery, Scream for Ice Cream, Ski School Sneak and Earth Day Escapade and The Night Before Baseball at the Park by the Bay (in partnership with the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants). Today, I just found out that one of the books he illustrated is part of McDonald's Happy Meals in the USA. The book "Flat Stanley Goes Camp...

Dec232014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Becoming Filipino Kyle Jennermann has a message for Mindanaoan.com readers

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Personalities, Society, Technology

A lot of my readers have been asking me about Kyle Jennermann, the 27 year old Canadian who wants to become Filipino. Yes, you read that right. Kyle, who apparently has fallen madly in love with our country, has been chronicling his fun and happy escapades as he tries to become Pinoy via his popular "Becoming Filipino" videos on YouTube. Click HERE to visit his YouTube channel. I have a lot of things to say about my friend but I think it is but proper that I write a lengthier post next time. For now, he has a message for all of you. Thanks so much for following my humble blog - enjoy Christmas with your loved ones :)

Dec182014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan.com declared top CDO blog by ICT Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Society, Technology

It is with utmost humility that I announce that Mindanaoan.com has just been declared as a "Top CDO Blog" in the recently concluded 2014 ICT Awards held at the Activity Center, Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The ICT Awards, organized by the CDO ICT Business Council, Cagayan de Oro's main information and communications technology organization, recognizes websites, individuals and organizations involved in the city's IT industry. The citation reads: "The 2014 ICT Awards, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Telecommunications and Communications, Department of Science and Technology - ICTO and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, presents this Top CDO Blog Award to www.Mindanaoan.com for the creation and maintenance of an exceptional b...

Dec132014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Globe to unveil world-class, Tim Kobe-designed Gen3 store in CDO

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Technology

Globe Telecom is strengthening its business and operations in Cagayan de Oro with the opening of its world-class retail store dubbed as “Generation 3” Store in Limketkai Mall on December 15, 2014. The Globe Store in Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro is the second Globe retail store to undergo major renovation, paving the way for one of the biggest milestones in telco retail around the world. And to usher in the new Globe Limketkai store, a launch party will be held at 6 PM at the North Concourse of Limketkai Mall. The new Globe “Generation 3” store promises a fresh experience for its customers, boasting of a unique retail concept that is a first of its kind in the Philippines, designed by Tim Kobe, founder and CEO of Eight, Inc. whose brainchild is the iconic Apple store in New...

Dec122014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

GBG Women CDO to offer FREE workshop for female entrepreneurs

Advocacy, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Education, Entertainment, Events, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Technology

Fabulous news for women entrepreneurs! Led by the Google Business Group - Women (GBG - Women), a workshop that will teach females interested in business (or who currently run their own businesses) on how to bring their business online using FREE resources will be held on December 17, 2014! This GBG Women CDO led event will be held at Miami Inn, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Learn how you can maximize FREE online resources for your business! Learn how you can establish online presence for your business! Registration is FREE so sign up now as there are limited slots only! REGISTER HERE * EXCLUSIVE FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ONLY * Here's a map of Miami Inn: On a personal note: The blogger behind Mindanaoan.com is the GBG Women lead. I would be thrilled to meet my...

Dec42014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com supports Bugsay Mindanao 1st Northern Mindanao dragon boat race

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports

I am very proud to announce that Mindanaoan.com is one of the supporters of the most awaited Bugsay Mindanao, the first Northern Mindanao Dragon Boat Race. To be held on December 6, 2014, 7 am to 3 pm, along the Cagayan River, Cagayan de Oro City, Bugsay Mindanao will see the participation of 10 dragon boat teams from outside CDO. Bugsay Mindanao is being held in support of the environmental efforts of Safer River, Life Saver Foundation, Inc. Watch all the action from the viewing deck located at the Liceo University main campus. Catch Bugsay Mindanao on December 6, 2014 and don't forget to support the sponsors as well :) Liempo King - http://www.facebook.com/liempoking Mindanaoan - http://www.facebook.com/mindanaoanblogger Bourbon St. Bistro - http://www.facebook.com/...

Nov242014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join this CDO Bloggers-led blogging and social media workshop

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Technology

Blogging has truly evolved. From just sharing your personal thoughts on your online diary or journal, blogging has now turned into a very viable communication medium and even an opportunity to earn money. More and more people (and businesses) now want to learn how to start a blog and how to maximize the power of social media. Now if you're interested to join the blogging world, the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers, Inc. will hold a workshop on November 29, 2014, 2 to 5 PM at Jia Cha Cafe, Ground Floor, Divisoria Arcade, Pabayo - T. Neri Streets. This is the perfect time for you to learn how to start your very own blog and maximize the power of social media! Register now at the official CDO Bloggers website. Please note that a very minimal fee of Php 200.00 will be collected to cover snacks an...

Nov142014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

EXCLUSIVE: BonChon Cagayan de Oro branch opening date CONFIRMED

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao

Mindanaoan.com is the very first to break the news --- BonChon Chicken, the company behind the global Korean-style fried chicken craze, is set to open their Cagayan de Oro City branch on November 28, 2014 at the First Level, Garden Area, Centrio Mall! I received this exciting update from the franchisees themselves :) BonChon, which means "my hometown" in Korean, will open their very first branch in Northern Mindanao this month. They first entered the Mindanao market when they set up shop in Davao about two years ago then later in General Santos City. BonChon Philippines Managing Director Scott Tan himself will be in CDO for the launch. And here's more good news - be among the very first customers and be qualified to receive FREEBIES! There will be a private function in the morning...

Oct292014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That honest, taray Davao taxi driver story and things I learned when a post gets viral

Announcements, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

Hello, world. Yes, that was me. The person who posted that "taray Davao taxi driver" story on Facebook that got viral --- no, really, really viral --- was me. Google "Davao taxi driver," "taray Davao taxi driver" or "honest Davao taxi driver," chances are, most of the hits on the first page and Google images are about my post. (this is what SEO folks would die for!) And, like anybody whose post unknowingly attracted thousands of "likes," shares, retweets, reposts and comments from people around the world, I now have my own story to tell. I also learned a couple of lessons, both good and bad. Well, I want to focus on the good so trust me, there were more good than bad. Did I mention, though, that as a result, I received several TV and radio interview requests and hundreds of friend reque...

Oct272014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA International Trade Fair #EAGAIMT2014

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Food, Government, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News, Recipes, Society

Thanks to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I was able to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Business Leaders' Conference last October 22 to 25, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang in Davao City, Philippines. I've always wanted to witness a BIMP-EAGA event and I'm glad that I finally had the opportunity to do so. BIMP-EAGA events are important international functions especially in terms of trade, investments, tourism and even each of the participating countries' roles in the upcoming ASEAN Integration. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT means Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. Now on its 20th year, the BIMP-EAGA is considered as a key strategy to accelerate social as well as...

Oct202014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Covering the BIMP-EAGA International Business Leaders Confab and Trade Fair

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Events, Malaysia, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao

Very excited to share with you all that I have just been invited to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Conference in Davao City this October 22 to 25, 2014! This is a very important international event especially in terms of trade, investments and even tourism among ASEAN countries. I feel really very honored especially since I found out that I'm the only media practitioner (from both the traditional and new media/blogging sectors) from Northern Mindanao invited to cover this. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. This highly anticipated event, which will be held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center, is expected to draw at least 800 busine...

Sep172014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: It’s Showtime host Jhong Hilario thrills a fan in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Photos

"It's Showtime" hurado Jhong Hilario was one of the celebrities who visited Bukidnon for the 2014 Kaamulan Festival, the yearly gathering of the Province of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. Jhong Hilario joined Kamikazee for the SMART sponsored night held last August 31, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City. Thank you very much to Talk 'N Text for giving Mindanaoan and several Bukidnon Bloggers Group members VIP access! Here are some of the photos I took:

Sep172014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Kapuso celebrities during Kaamulan Festival 2014 in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update

If ABS CBN brought in Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla for Kaamulan Festival 2014 (Bukidnon's yearly gathering of 7 hill tribes), GMA 7 brought in 4 of their celebrities. During the Kapuso Night held last August 30, 2014 at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City, Yasmien Kurdi, JC Tiuseco, Enzo Pineda and Jeric Gonzales performed before a crowd composed of tens of thousands. Congratulations to GMA 7 for the successful event! And thank you very much for the VIP access :) For other Kaamulan Festival 2014 updates and photos, like the Kaamulan Festival page See how happy this fellow is? :)