mindanawan Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

May192011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Zest Air launches Manila to Cagayan de Oro, Manila to Zamboanga, Manila to Davao flights

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Flights, Leisure, Manila, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Zest Air Philippines, formerly Asian Spirit, will soon offer Manila to Cagayan de Oro (and vv), Manila to Zamboanga (and vv) as well as Manila to Davao City (and vv) flights! While this sounds promising especially for Mindanao tourism, I'm not sure if the dissatisfied customers of Zest Airways will be excited about this. Remember what happened to fellow bloggers Winston (a.k.a. Batang Yagit) and Conrad Miguel? Their horrible, horrible experiences with Zest Air airlines has left a really bad taste in the mouth and I have tried so hard to avoid booking Zest Air flights like the plague! I would rather pay extra than avail of Zest Air promo flights and undergo a mind numbing 16 hour delay!!! BUT!!! if only to let you guys know that yes, Zest Air airways will soon land on Mindanao soil and (...

May122011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tiger Airways to offer Manila to Davao City flights by July 2011

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cebu City, Davao City, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The Francisco Bangoy International Airport a.k.a. Davao City International Airport will be doubly busy come July 2011. This, after Tiger Airways recently announced the launch of their Manila to Davao City and vice versa flights. Tiger Airways will also launch their Manila to Cebu and vice versa flights on the same month. There will be 10 daily domestic flights between Manila and Cebu. The Tiger Airways Manila to Cebu flights will start on July 1, 2011. Meanwhile, there will be 6 daily flights between Davao and Manila. The Tiger Airways Davao to Manila flights will start on July 2, 2011. These Tiger Airways Manila to Cebu and Manila to Davao flights are the airlines' first two domestic routes in the Philippines. Tiger Airways flies from Clark, Pampanga to Hong Kong, Singapore and Maca...

May112011 by Mindanaoan Irene60 Comments

Starbucks and list of shops at Abreeza Mall Davao City

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, News, Shopping, Society, Style, Tourism

So the much-awaited Abreeza Mall will finally open tomorrow, May 12, 2011! Abreeza Mall is the newest shopping mall to open in Davao City, Mindanao. Located along JP Laurel Avenue (or for certified Dabawenyos like myself - Bajada!), in Davao City, Abreeza Davao is the very first Ayala owned mall in Mindanao, Philippines. Technically, Abreeza Mall Davao is owned by the Accendo Commercial Corporation, a joint venture company of Ayala Land and Anflocor. Abreeza Mall Davao City sits on about 25 acres of land. Apart from a mall, the area will also be home to a hotel, a business process outsourcig hub and residential / condominium properties. I'm sure that a lot of fellow Mindanaoans are excited about this project. And yes, Starbucks will finally open a branch in Davao City! It's...

May22011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao vs Sugar Shane Mosley livestream

Bukidnon, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani, Sports

Who isn't excited about the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley fight? I'm pretty sure that my fellow Filipinos are not the only ones who are looking forward to this Manny Pacquiao versus Sugar Shane Mosley fight for the 2011 World Welterweight Championship belt. Bet the rest of the world is also eager to know who will reign supreme in this boxing match. I also think that a lot are looking forward to the Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley fight livestream! The Pacquiao vs Mosley fight will be held on May 7, 2011 (May 8, 2011 Manila time) at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Are YOU as excited as I am? :) Manny Pacquiao, as many of you may already know, is a fellow Mindanaoan. He was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Mindanao but his family later moved to Davao City then General Santos C...

May22011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Video: US President Barack Obama speech on Osama Bin Laden death

Announcements, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Politics, Videos

Like you, I was one of the hundreds of millions of people around the world who got a bit stunned when the news of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden's death broke out today. Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 bombings, was killed by U.S. forces in a mansion Abbottabad, north of Islamad, capital of Pakistan. This, after nearly 10 years (!) after the 9/11 attacks. Reportedly, some of Bin Laden's relatives were also killed during the military operation. I must admit, the news of the death of Osama Bin Laden, one of, if not THE most wanted person in the world, was the last thing on my mind. After all, haven't there been so much going on in the world as of late? The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the beatification of Pope John Paul II and locally, the resig...

May12011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

1st Davao Summerfest 2011

Announcements, Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Society, Sports, Style, Tourism, Travel

Here's another 1st from my hometown Davao City! The City Government of Davao, in cooperation with the Davao Association of Tour Operators and the Davao Tourism Association, will be holding the 1st Davao Summerfest from April 29 to May 29, 2011. The 1st Davao Summerfest was organized to address the need to hold an event during summer in Davao City, a season when the city receives the most number of tourists, as well as to complement the city’s existing major festivals — Araw ng Dabaw and the Kadayawan Festival. This year’s Summerfest will showcase a series of events that will focus on sports, eco-adventure, and entertainment for both visitors and locals to enjoy during the summer season. Blessed with “natural venues” for outdoor sports, the Summerfest will allow visitors to see...

Apr252011 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Spruce opens a branch in Valencia City

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Ozamis, Pagadian, Society, Style

As you guys may know, I'm a big supporter and regular customer of Spruce lifestyle boutique. Spruce is one of my favorite boutiques in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. It's where my relatives, friends and I buy original Havaianas, Charcoal, Lacoste and Happy Feet products! And, if you must know, Spruce is also responsible for all those fun Make Your Own Havaianas events in Northern Mindanao! Check out my very own Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 experience here. Owned by Spruce Designer Network Inc., Spruce has a main branch at the 2nd Level West Concourse, Limketkai Mall. It also has branches in Pagadian and Ozamiz. Recently, Spruce opened its newest branch - Spruce Valencia City, Bukidnon. (more…)

Feb222011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the first ever webchat on U.S. non-immigrant visas by the US Embassy Manila

Advocacy, Announcements, Features, Headline, Internet, Media, Society, Technology

Has it always been a dream of yours to visit the United States of America but whenever you try to apply for a tourist visa, you often get denied? Do you have questions pertaining to U.S. non-immigrant visas? Have you always wanted to ask a real US Embassy consul what you need to do and what you need to have in order to secure that most wanted U.S. non-immigrant visa? Then here's your perfect chance! On Wednesday, February 23, 2011, from 4 PM to 5 PM, you can join the first ever web chat ever on U.S. non-immigrant visas. This webchat, dubbed "Ask the Consul," is organized by the US Embassy in Manila. Read more details after the jump! (more…)

Feb62011 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

At the wedding reception of the Malaysian ambassador’s daughter

BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Features, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Politics, Society

Ever since I had the utmost privilege to meet the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad and his beautiful wife Datin Seri Dato Zainab Kader, I've become so fascinated with Malaysia, its people, its culture and traditions and even their food! I've also become quite fascinated with certain similarities between the Philippines and Malaysia and the glaring fact that at the end of the day, we really all are connected. So when I received this special invitation to attend the wedding reception of the Malaysian ambassador's daughter Zaireen Ayu Ibrahim and her groom Shazlan Sufian, I knew I just had to go. Not only was it a fabulous chance for me to witness an akad nikah (traditional Malay wedding) but it was also a chance for me to meet and mingle with new Malays...

Feb22011 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Review: BonChon chicken – fried twice, twice as good

Food, Mindanaoan Update, Recipes, Reviews

During my most recent trip to Manila, three very good friends and I finally had the chance to visit the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati branch of Bonchon Chicken. Now if you haven't heard of BonChon, this below might give you an idea of what you're supposed to expect: (yes, that's from the New York Times!) BonChon chicken is supposedly one of, if not the best, tasting chicken you can ever taste in your lifetime. And I must say, after that early dinner with friends, I can only agree 110%! Here's why... (more…)

Jan312011 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

Review: GoHotels.ph value hotel in Mandaluyong | budget hotel Manila

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Reviews

For budget conscious Mindanaoans like me who often travel to Manila, it is but imperative to stay in a value hotel that offers not only comfort and safety but an ideal location as well. Although I do put a lot of weight on the price of a hotel room, I don't mind paying extra if I see that I get my money's worth. I also prefer hotels that are near public transportation options. Enter GoHotels.ph - a relatively new hotel located along EDSA Mandaluyong. For the uninitiated, EDSA, formerly known as Highway 54, is the main highway of Metro Manila here in the Philippines. It's also the same circumferential road where the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) passes through. GoHotels is the sister company of budget airline Cebu Pacific. Hence, it's no wonder that the said Manila budget hotel operates the s...

Jan272011 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mass videoconference aims to link Manila and Iligan students

Advocacy, Announcements, Campus, Events, Iligan City, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao

Before anything else, I'd like to say that I'm a proud RockEd volunteer. Rock Ed Philippines, which began in 2005, aims to get Filipinos interested in nation building. Rock Ed links Filipinos from all walks of life with causes that they are interested in. Once you sign up for Rock Ed, you're assigned projects that fit your expertise, interests or skill sets. In my case, I usually volunteer for projects related to blogging, publicity, event management, photography, media and business-related stuff. Now this is where the point of this blog post starts :D You see, I found this project in the Rock Ed Philippines website. It's about a mass videoconference that aims to link at least 2,000 students in Manila to at least 2,000 students in Iligan - yup, that's all the way down here in Mindanao. How...

Jan152011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao job alert: Spruce needs marketing staff

Cagayan de Oro City, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

Here's a job opening in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao that you or someone you know may be interested in. One of the top lifestyle stores in Mindanao, SPRUCE, is in need of new marketing staff members. Check this job opening below: Spruce Designer Network is located at the 2nd Floor, West Concourse, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao. Their boutique and lifestyle store sells Havaianas (they're the accredited store in this neck of the woods), Puma, Get Happy, Happy Feet, Charcoal, Lacoste, Birkenstock, Aranaz, Cole Vintage and a whole lot more. Here's how you can apply at Spruce: (more…)

Dec212010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Pokwang in “The Crooner and The Comedienne” concert

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos

I'd like to share with all of you the photos I took of talented comedienne Marietta Subong a.k.a. Pokwang during the "The Crooner and The Comedienne" concert last December 19, 2010, Limketkai Atrium, CDO. These are all raw photos, by the way. Apart from the watermarks, the photos have not been manipulated in any way. Please feel free to share this page and please leave a comment :) Thank you. Also, as previously promised with you all, I'll share more videos of Richard Poon, Pokwang and Markki Stroem. I still have an exclusive video interview with Markki Stroem! Can't wait to share that with all of you! The former Pilipinas Got Talent finalist was a gentleman --- he was very eloquent, spontaneous, funny and smart. No wonder there are a lot of Markki fans out there! In the meantime, en...

Dec212010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com ‘s exclusive interview with big band crooner Richard Poon

Arts, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Videos

Before his big concert with Pokwang and Markki Stroem last December 19, 2010 at the Atrium of the Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, this blogger in Mindanao got the chance to interview the Big Band Crooner himself, Richard Poon. Just in case you don't know, Mindanaoan.com was one of the proud media sponsors of the successful run of "The Crooner and The Comedienne," which was made possible by Joey Pelaez Events. Mindanaoan.com had the chance to ask Richard Poon about his choice of music genre, how he can be an advocate of music especially among the youth, how he applies the skills he learned as an entrepreneur to his being a musician (he liked the question, by the way! :D) and what keeps him inspired these days *wink, wink* [READ THIS, just in case you think you're kindda out of the...

Dec82010 by Mindanaoan Irene60 Comments

UPDATED: Justin Bieber Live in Manila on May 10, 2011 | Kenny Loggins and Maroon 5 are coming too!

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities

Yes, it's confirmed! Justin Bieber will come to Manila for a much-awaited concert on May 10, 2011 (coincidentally, the very day of the most recently held national elections!). The Justin Bieber Live In Manila concert will be held at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Pasay City, Philippines. Just to be clear - this blogger from Mindanao got hold of this Justin Bieber Manila concert straight from the top honcho of Music Management International - the same firm that brings international acts over. Justin Bieber in Manila is a concert all of you Bieber fans should not miss! Fronting for Justin Bieber is the group called Poreotics. And here's more good news - the Manila concert scene will not only see the arrival of Justin Bieber on May 10 at MOA but it will also see the arrival of well-lo...

Dec52010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Davao City’s musical fountain worth P18M is 1st in Mindanao

Announcements, Arts, Davao City, Features, Government, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

As you guys may or may not know, the local government unit of my hometown Davao City, Mindanao has banned the use and sale of fireworks for years now. So yes, it's been a series of pretty "quiet" Christmases and New Year's Eves in Davao for several years now. Quiet but safe. Now, because fireworks aren't permitted, the Davao City government, led by Mayor Sara Duterte, has come up with the next best thing - an P18 Million dancing, musical fountain! The grand musical fountain, which can be found at the Davao City People's Park (former PTA Grounds, along Camus Street), is said to be the first in Mindanao. The musical fountain in People's Park Davao is also a part of the yearly Pasko Fiesta, which the Davao government holds to usher in the holidays. I don't have a photo of the grand m...

Dec32010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Photos: Jay-R at Ayala Terraces

Cebu City, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

If there's one young Filipino singer-composer whom I'm pretty impressed with, then that's no other than the Prince of RnB, Jay-R. I just love his clear, soothing voice! His dance moves aren't bad either and his compositions are really good so yup, I think that Jay-R Sillona is one great Filipino artist :) I had the chance to interview him before and I found him pretty charming, humble and smart. Some friends of mine later seconded my impression of Jay-R. My friends - the members of multi-awarded Filipino band South Border --- attested that Jay-R was indeed very nice, easy to get along with and was one very talented musician. Glad I was right! So when I heard that Jay-R was in town for a mini-concert, I no longer thought twice. I simply had to watch! So here are some photos I took of ...

Dec32010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Why I organized the Bukidnon Bloggers group

Blogging, Bukidnon, Commentary, Events, Internet, Malaybalay City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Technology

A few weeks ago, right before this blogger from Mindanao flew to Cebu City to open a small, humble branch of my PR, events, media and marketing business, I organized an event dubbed "BukidnonOnline.com Bukidnon Blogging 101 and How To Make Money Online Workshop" in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Mindanao. It was a workshop I never expected to be such a huge hit - especially since there were hardly any bloggers in that part of Mindanao. However, more than 40 would-be and newbie bloggers came - and with a lot of help from the CDO Bloggers group, ASTERISK Events and Communications and from generous friends and sponsors - not only was the blogging workshop a major success but it also bore a 10-man Bukidnon Bloggers core group. Needless to say, as event organizer and bloggers myself, I felt abso...

Nov302010 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Aquil Tamano joins the Games and Amusements Board

ARMM, Blogging, Features, Government, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Personalities, Politics, Society, Sports

If you're a regular reader of my humble blog, you'd know that I consider Atty. Aquil Tamano a dear friend. I met him during the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3, which was held in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao in 2009. His brother, former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) President and former senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano, accepted my invitation to grace the said event and deliver a special message. That fateful day was the beginning of what I can proudly call a good friendship. I also later on met Sir Aquil's wife, Inee, who's as equally as nice as he is. She's pregnant, by the way, and their precious one is due on February 2011! :D Anyways, fast forward to November 2010, great opportunities went Sir Aquil's way. First, I heard that he became the lawyer of some GMA 7 artists in...

Nov182010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Should the Maguindanao Massacre trial be made public?

Advocacy, Announcements, Broadcasting, Controversial, Crime, Headline, Maguindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News

This blogger from Mindanao thought about this today after I received a press release from the Office of Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan. Reportedly, Sen. Pangilinan has filed today Resolution No. 186, expressing the sense of the Senate that the Maguindanao massacre trial should be made public through radio and television coverage of the court proceedings. "It would be in the best interest of our judiciary to have transparency in the judicial process, especially in such an unprecedented case of brutality that captured the attention of the international media. The Constitution recognizes the right of the people to public information on matter of public concern," it said. Pangilinan also said that having the proceedings twice a week is the right step. He said that twice-a-week proceed...

Nov122010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Off to Cebu City! Thank you Air Philippines for saving the day

Bisaya, Business, Cebu City, Features, Flights, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Travel

This is already almost too embarrassing to say considering what happened just a few weeks ago but really, my deep gratitude to the staff and crew of Air Philippines - Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao. I was super late for my Cagayan de Oro to Cebu City flight but they still let me board. Now don't be alarmed, though. I wasn't late late. Let's just say that I didn't make the 45 minutes before the flight cut-off. My flight was at 12:50 PM and I arrived at the airport at 12:30 PM. I have a valid reason, though! I was in Bukidnon for the blogging workshop I organized and left a good 4 hours before my scheduled ETD. Unfortunately, the usual 2-hour trip from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon to Cagayan de Oro City became a 3 and a half hour ordeal, no thanks to an 18-wheeler tru...