Northern Mindanao Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jul142015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: High Ridge overlooking CDO Philippines

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism

High Ridge CDO offers a panoramic view of the city. High Ridge is where you go when you want that "overlooking CDO" experience. High Ridge CDO actually re-opened last year and the changes are substantial - the place now has a spacious al fresco restaurant, small landscaped areas and airconditioned function rooms. High Ridge CDO reminds me of Jack's Ridge and Shrine Hills in Davao City. Anyway, I was with my family last weekend and we decided to have dinner at High Ridge. This is the kind of view you see from what could be the highest point in urban CDO: Entrance fee, by the way, is Php 100.00 per person. This is consumable at the restaurant. During dinner with family, we ordered the PCM soup (potatoes, carrots, mushrooms). This was Php 99.00. We ordered one for each and we had a...

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!

Oct162012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2012 Camiguin Lanzones Festival schedule of activities

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism, Travel

If you love fruits and if you're feeling a little festive these days, then head on down to Camiguin Island and join the Camiguinons as they celebrate the 33rd Lanzones Festival. The 2012 Lanzones Festival in Camiguin Island, Mindanao will be held from October 21 to 28, 2012. It's the yearly festival in Camiguin, which is also known as the Island Born Out Of Fire, to celebrate the abundant harvest of the sweetest lanzones in the world. Among the activities this year are the 2012 Lanzones Festival street dancing (October 27, 2012 for inter-agency competition and October 28, 2012 for the Kalanrakas - elementary level), the 22nd Gov. JJ Lanzones Festival Run 2012 and even an eat-all-you-can lanzones event. I will also post updates as they come along. You may want to follow me on Twitter ...

May312012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Gingoog City: The city of good luck in Northern Mindanao

Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Travel

Gingoog City is a 74, 400 – hectare chartered city nestled in the northeastern coast of Misamis Oriental. It is a peaceful and simple city that is between two other cities: Cagayan de Oro City (122 kilometers) and Butuan City (74 kilometers). Gingoog City is bounded on the north by the Gingoog Bay; on the east by the municipality of Magsaysay and the province of Bukidnon; and on the south by the municipality of Claveria. The abundant agricultural harvest, favorable climate, thriving industries and warm people of the city are testimonies to how rousing the good luck of the city is. The Manobo tribesmen were the first to settle in the area. They cultivated the land, established a common trading center and set up the early social structure of the area. Later, they grew in number and wid...

Dec172011 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Typhoon Sendong photos – Pulangui River Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Government, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao

A blog reader of mine, Francis Awiten, sent these photos he took of the Pulangui River or Pulangi River, the longest river in the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. Bukidnon was also hit by Typhoon Sendong. Typhoon Sendong's international name is Tropical Storm Washi. The death toll from Typhoon Sendong has reportedly reached 180 with nearly 400 people missing because of flash floods. Most of the victims' bodies were covered in mud. As you can see from the photos of Pulangui River, the water level really rose. Pulangui River Bukidnon has a length of 320 kilometers and traverses through majority of the cities and municipalities of Bukidnon from its source in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

Sep212011 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo Live in CDO – and Mindanaoan.com is an official media partner!

Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

Just got word today. It's a go! Confirmed! Concert King Martin Nievera and Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo will topbill the much-awaited "What Love Is" Cagayan de Oro City concert on Friday, November 4, 2011, 8 PM at the Atrium of Limketkai Center, CDO. Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo Live in CDO is a go, people! And yes, Mindanaoan.com, adjudged as the Best Lifestyle Blog for Mindanao 2010 by the Philippine Blog Awards, is one of the official media partners of the Martin Nievera - Sarah Geronimo What Love Is Cagayan de Oro concert! This event in CDO will definitely be a surefire hit! Expect nothing less than fiery performances from both Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo. Both will surely light up the concert hall with their stream of hits and electrifying dance moves. November 4, 2...

Sep82011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

What do you want to ask Color Me Badd?

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Music, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Society

As you guys may know by now, I am an official media partner of the All 4 One and Color Me Badd Live in CDO concert that's set to happen this Saturday, September 10, 2011 at the Atrium of Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. This means that apart from me being able to scream like a madman (I love, love, love Color Me Badd!) and watch the concert from (hopefully!) the front row, I also get the chance to meet and interview the boys this weekend! :D So for fellow All 4 One and Color Me Badd fans - I'm giving you guys this chance to ask them anything via Mindanaoan.com! I'll make sure to ask your question/s during my day with these vocal superstars :) I'll also try my very best to ask for a couple of autographs and I might give some away through this blog :) By the way, you mi...

Jul202011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

2011 Kagay-An Festival Core Events | 2011 Cagayan de Oro Fiesta

BIMP-EAGA, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel

The biggest annual event in Cagayan de Oro, Northern Mindanao is set to happen next month! The much-awaited 2011 Kagay-An Festival or the 2011 Cagayan de Oro fiesta is set to take place on the third week of August 2011. The Kagay-An Festival 2011 coincides with the fiesta celebration in honor of patron saint St. Augustine. The lead organizers of this major Cagayan de Oro event are Promote CDO Foundation, Inc., the Department of Tourism Region X and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro. Now if you plan to witness the various 2011 Kagay-an Festival activities, better start planning for your trip! You must also book your lodging as soon as possible as the CDO hotels, CDO hostels and other lodging and accommodation options get fully booked pretty fast. You can book discounted hotel r...

May302011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

A visit to Starbucks CDO – the first Starbucks in Mindanao

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews

My mom, brother and I were in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao last weekend and since I still had 3 beverage coupons (yes, similar to those I gave away last December) from Starbucks (thank you Starbucks Philippines! :D) with me, we decided to use them at Starbucks Cagayan de Oro. Starbucks CDO is the first Starbucks in Mindanao. Dubbed as the 166th store in the Philippines, Starbucks CDO is located at Limketkai Mall corner Rosario Crescent. You can't miss it --- it's just a few steps away from the main entrance of Lim Ket Kai Mall in Cagayan de Oro. It was drizzling by the time we reached Starbucks CDO. Notice the water specks on my camera's lens: There are several chairs and tables outside. The right side facing the main entrance door is the "smoking area." I presented my...

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 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...

Dec132010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Pupil Live in Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao

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

The long wait is over, boys and girls! Here are the most awaited photos taken during the Pupil Live in Cagayan de Oro City special concert! Ely Buendia and the rest of the Pupil band were in CDO recently for the PUMA Archive Uncovered concert series. Thanks to PUMA for bringing the boys over and of course to my favorite boutique Spruce for letting magic happen that night. All photos are taken by my professional photographer-brother Bon. Ready for more? Check out more photos after the jump! And oh if you need a wedding, events, fashion and portrait photographer in Mindanao, please do not hesitate to CONTACT ME. Please refer me and my brother to your friends as well. Cheers and thanks! (more…)

Nov132010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Ely Buendia and the rest of Pupil in Cagayan de Oro on December 8, 2010

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

Thanks to PUMA and one of my most favorite lifestyle specialty boutiques Spruce, loyal Ely Buendia fans like me will have the time of their lives on December 8, 2010 at Club TILT, Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao. Yes, boys and girls, PUPIL will rock Cagayan de Oro on December 8, 2010! PUMA is bringing Ely Buendia and the rest of Pupil in CDO on December 8, 2010! Want to know how you can score entrance passes to the PUPIL Live in CDO event? (more…)

Nov122010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

SM Cagayan de Oro Digital Theater opens today!

Announcements, Business, Corporate, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Movies

Thanks to Kagay-an.com's Mike Banos, I found out that the grand launching of the much-awaited Digital Theater at SM City Cagayan de Oro is set to happen today, November 12, 2010, 5 PM. The SM Digital Theater banners the promise that the movies that will be shown there will be "so clear and so real." At around 6 PM, the blockbuster film "Avatar" will be shown in the brand new SM CdO Digital Theater. Can't help but wonder, though, if they'll show the original "Avatar" or the one that has the extra 8 minute footage. Anyways, the said digital theater isn't the first in Mindanao. Gaisano Mall Davao City already has a digital theater. The one in SM CDO, however, is the first in Northern Mindanao. I've tried watching films in IMAX, 3D and Digital Theaters. And yes, the movies shown in D...

Aug152010 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 MYOH 2010

Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Society, Style

Because my first Make Your Own Havaianas experience last year was absolutely fun, I eagerly awaited the Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 event this year. Plus methinks the pair I meticulously "designed" last year badly needs a "hiatus" especially since I've been lugging it all around the country. Yep, it's a "well-traveled" pair - having been brought to various places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. You see, my first MYOH pair was a staple in my traveling bag during the campaign period (May 2010 national elections) and I guess it's about time that I give it its much-deserved "rest." So just imagine my excitement when I once again received an ultra special VIP invite from our very special friends over at Spruce, the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in northern and western Mindanao. Who cou...

May182010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Havaianas Summer Collection 2010 | Get your pair from Spruce CDO

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

For beach lovers like me, summer is our most favorite season! It's the perfect time to not only get that perfect summer tan but also the chance for one to flaunt that distinct summer style. And what better way to show your summer fashion sense than to wear a pair of Havaianas straight from its 2010 summer collection? The Havaianas summer collection 2010 flip flops are among summer fashion's staples. And swimsuits, bikinis, cover-ups and other types of beach wear can never be complete without that pretty pair of Havaianas slippers. For the ultra hot months of April and May, hit the sandy beaches with these perfect pair of Havaianas flip flops. Check out their new designs that will surely complement the sun, sand and sea. Fashion-forward mavens can look forward to a flip-flops collec...

Feb72010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Review: Lamar Inn Cagayan de Oro | Budget hotel in Cagayan de Oro Mindanao

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Hello fellow Mindanawans! Planning a trip to CDO soon? Here's a budget hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao that you might be interested in. Lamar Inn, located at the corner of JR Borja and Velez Streets (just a few blocks away from Divisoria, the heart of the city), is a downtown hotel that offers value for money. Conveniently located at the central business district of the City of Golden Friendship and owned and operated by VIP Hotel (which is located just right across the street), Lamar Inn CDO offers reasonably priced rooms and good amenities. They have 14 tourist type rooms (P750.00 per night), 8 business type rooms (P850.00 per night) and two suites (P1,300.00 per night). The business type room that we stayed in recently was air conditioned, had cable television, had a tel...

Jan282010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Region 10 becoming Mindanao’s dominant regional economy

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Commentary, Consumer, Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Technology, Travel

Hi guys, the following is a pretty interesting read. This guest blog entry is from Mindanaoan's friend, Mike Banos, a respected journalist based in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Read, read, read :) Since Iligan City and Lanao del Norte were integrated back into Northern Mindanao (Region 10) in 2002, the resulting region has remained Mindanao’s biggest economy. Recent years indicate it is now pulling away to attain a position of dominance among the island’s regional economies. A quick look at the economic accounts of the island’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) shows that before the realignment of regions in 2002, Region 10 trailed the Davao Region (Region 11) in GRDP. However, since Iligan and Lanao del Norte rejoined Region 10 and some parts of the Davao region were re-align...

Jan152010 by Mindanaoan Irene28 Comments

Ayala Mall CDO – said to be the biggest mall in Mindanao

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism

It looks like Cagayan de Oro City is now, more than ever, THE next place to watch out for here in Mindanao. Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is set to build the biggest mall in Mindanao - the Ayala Mall CDO - and is set to allot a total of P4.5 Billion for the said project. Ayala Mall CDO will be a shopping and recreation haven and will reportedly be right smack in the heart of the city. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula was quoted as saying that the Ayala Mall Cagayan de Oro "would make the city the major shopping destination in Mindanao as this will be the biggest mall in the region and will further boost our beloved city as a haven for investment." Ayala Mall CDO will even be larger than the P3 Billion Ayala Mall Davao City, reports say. Ayala Mall CDO will occupy a large s...

Jan132010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Pilipinas Got Talent regional auditions on January 29, 30

Announcements, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Entertainment, Events, Features, Music, Personalities, Society, Style

Expect a lot of people to flock to Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao on January 29 and 30, 2010. The regional auditions for the reality talent search, "Pilipinas Got Talent," will be held at CU and the 2-day audition will see the presence of "Pilipinas Got Talent" hosts Billy Crawford and Luis Manzano as well as PGT judges Kris Aquino and former ABS-CBN President Frederico Garcia. Mindanaoan learned that the tickets to these two shows will be given out for free but I highly suggest that you get yours this early. Do call ABS CBN CDO to ask how you can avail of a ticket. Mindanaoan will watch and take photos so do stay tuned :) "Pilipinas Got Talent" held initial screenings at CDO late last year. PGT will air over ABS CBN Channel 2 starting February.

Oct52009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Nescafe 3in1 Soundskool 2009 Mindanao regional finals winners declared

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Iligan City, Journalism, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Northern Mindanao

The winners of the Nescafe 3in1 Soundskool 2009 Mindanao regional finals were declared last Saturday, October 3, 2009 via an afternoon-long musical event held at The Atrium of the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao. Little School House of Xavier University, EEVEE of Philippine Women's College Davao City and Disco, Disco, Disco of St. Michael's College were declared the winners of the Mindanao eliminations. Each of the winning college bands received P25,000.00 and the chance to compete in the national finals to be held in Manila. Prizes at stake at the national finals include P250,000.00 in cash, P100,000.00 worth of band equipment for the school the band represents and an exclusive record contract with Sony Philippines. The Nescafe 3in1 Soundskool is an ...

Oct12009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2009 Schedule

Announcements, Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Interested to visit Camiguin Island for this month's Lanzones Festival 2009? Check out the Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2009 schedule below. The 30th Lanzones Festival of the Island of Camiguin aims to give tribute to...well, what else...but the delicious lanzones fruit. If you haven't tried lanzones from Camiguin, Mindanao yet, you're missing a lot! Camiguin lanzones are best known for their sweet taste. If you're heading on down to Camiguin Island, don't forget to bring your camera, lots of suntan lotion (Mindanaoan highly recommends that you visit both Mantigue Island and White Island), swimwear and other travel essentials...just don't bring sand, please! There are funny (but cute!) things to see in the place dubbed as "Island Born of Fire." By the way, if you're looking for a hotel...