travel mindanao Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

May242017 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Guide for Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific ticket holders during Martial Law in Mindanao

Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

Following the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao by the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, two of the country's airlines have also released guidelines and statements especially for confirmed ticket holders. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines said that passengers with confirmed bookings from May 24 to June 30, 2017 may rebook, reroute, or refund flight tickets to and from Mindanao until end-July without any penalties. The areas included are: - Butuan - Cagayan de Oro - Cotabato - Dipolog - Davao - General Santos - Ozamiz - Surigao - Zamboanga Passengers with confirmed tickets to and fro these areas are qualified to amend their tickets. Passengers may call the PAL hotline (02) 855-8888 or go to the nearest ticketing office or partner travel agent. Here...

Apr112017 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

This Bukidnon bus company is getting tons of attention

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Let's face it. Pabama Bus Tours and Transport Bukidnon used to be regarded as the "smallest player" among the 3 bus companies serving the Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro route. Pabama, owned by a family based in the Municipality of Kibawe in Bukidnon, had the smallest fleet compared to Rural Transit Mindanao (formerly Bachelor Express) and Super 5. These days, however, the small fry is now very ready to face the giants. Pabama invaded social media by storm when they introduced their brand new, high-end units made by Chinese firm Zhong Tong. Check out this photo taken by my policeman-cousin Erwin: The new Pabama Bukidnon buses are equipped with mini trays (just like what you see in airplanes), cup holders, comfortable captain chairs and yup, check out the individual tablets! You will...

Jul102014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tigerair Philippines opens Manila to CDO route

Mindanaoan Update

Another budget airline is set to offer Manila to CDO (and vice versa) flights. Tigerair Philippines will launch their Manila to Cagayan de Oro and CDO to Manila routes in a few days and Mindanaoan will be there to cover the ceremony. Tigerair Philippines has formed an alliance with Cebu Pacific Airlines. This is why you can actually book your Tigerair flights via the Cebu Pacific official website. Also, don't be surprised if you see blue airplane indicators whenever you book flights via the Cebu Pacific website. The blue airplane indicators only mean that those specific flights will be handled by Tigerair. *photo courtesy of PhilippineFlightNetwork Just in case you're wondering, Tigerair uses the NAIA Terminal 4 (this is the old Manila Domestic Airport). Take note of this espe...

May222014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Travel guide: CDO to GenSan by land

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato, General Santos City, Koronadal, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, North Cotabato, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tacurong, Tourism, Travel

When I got that invitation to experience the Sarangani Bay Festival 2014 a few days ago, I was supposed to fly from CDO to Davao (a half hour flight) then take the bus from Davao to General Santos City (a 3-hour ride). Unfortunately, the airline had other plans - they postponed the flight to FOUR days AFTER my supposed arrival (which also meant that the festival already wrapped up by then!) due to "aircraft situation." Ergo, I had no other choice but to take the bus all the way from Cagayan de Oro to GenSan. It was a long and arduous trip but still worth it - I was, after all, heading to Sarangani for the biggest beach festival in Mindanao! I will no longer name the airline but here's a clue - they love playing games. And they played one on me! Anyways, I will share more about my SarBay...

Aug12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island

Camiguin, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Not many people know that Camiguin Island a.k.a. The Island Born Of Fire is home to two beautiful waterfalls. One of them is actually a favorite destination of many tourists and locals alike and is, almost often than not, included in Camiguin Island tour packages. Katibawasan Falls is located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong, Barangay Upper Pandan, Municipality of Mambajao, Camiguin Island. From Mambajao proper, Katibawasan Falls is located about 5 kilometers southeast. From the top of the falls, a clear stream of water drops 250 feet or about 70 meters to a plunge pool. And you know what makes Katibawasan Falls Camiguin Island a must-visit? The water that’s almost as cold as ice! Yep, plunging into the water without testing the temperature can actually be a test that could separate the men ...

Mar112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Cebu Pacific Air Cebu to Camiguin flights to start April 2013

Announcements, Business, Camiguin, Cebu City, Consumer, Flights

Come April 2013, it'll be easier to reach majestic Camiguin Island from Cebu City. Cebu Pacific Airlines will soon introduce their Cebu to Camiguin (and Camiguin to Cebu) flights. The said low cost carrier will start these direct flights on April 15, 2013. ATR 72-500 aircrafts will be used for these Camiguin to Cebu and Cebu to Camiguin Island flights. Flight frequency: Cebu to Camiguin flights will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday According to Cebu Pacific Airlines officials, the regular fares for this route will start at Php 588. Just in case you want to know what you can do, eat, buy in Camiguin, I have a couple of Camiguin Island-related posts. You can read them HERE. If you're a backpacker, you might want to read this Backpacking in Camiguin post :) By the way,...

Mar82013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

76th Araw ng Dabaw 2013 Schedule Of Activities

Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Tourism, Travel

The 76th Araw ng Dabaw festivities are ongoing! The Kapayapaan or Peace-themed Araw ng Dabaw 2013 will be on March 16, 2013 but a lot of events already kicked off as early as February. The Duaw Dabaw Foundation, one of the City Government of Davao's partners in carrying out events like the Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan, has reportedly set aside Php 5.2 Million for several events including the Mutya ng Dabaw 2013 pageant. Here's the official schedule of activities for the 2013 Araw ng Dabaw: (click on the image for a larger version) Among the highlights of the Araw ng Dabaw 2013 are the Datu Bago Awards Night, Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw, Parada Dabawenya and the much-awaited Pahalipay Concert of the Dutertes. And speaking of Mutya ng Dabaw 2013, the pageant night was held rece...

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 ...

Sep52012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

General Santos Tuna Festival 2012 schedule of activities

BIMP-EAGA, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

It's that time of year again - Tuna Festival 2012 in General Santos City! Actually, not only is it the start of the Tuna Festival 2012 celebrations today, September 5, 2012, but it is also the 44th Charter Day celebration in General Santos City. Today is also a special (non-working) day in General Santos City, according to the General Santos City official Facebook page. The theme for the 2012 Tuna Festival is "Tunafest Tunafun sa Magandang Gensan!" Check out the official 14th GenSan Tuna Festival 2012 schedule of activities below. Just click on the image for a larger view: * Schedule from the General Santos FB Page One of the guests during the Tuna Festival 2012 is Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero. According to info sent to this Mindanao lifestyle blogger, Senator Chiz Escud...

Sep42012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Diyandi 2012 Iligan Festival schedule of activities

Culture, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

After Kadayawan Festival 2012 and Kagay-an Festival 2012, it's now time for the much-awaited Diyandi Festival 2012! The 2012 Diyandi Festival is Iligan City's month-long cultural celebration that culminates on September 29, the feast day of Iligan City's patron saint St. Michael the Archangel. Lots of activities have been prepared for this month-long Mindanao festival - the Diyandi Festival 2012 in Iligan City. Among the highlights are "One For Iligan" motocross competition, Iligan City Fiesta Open Basketball Tournament, Pagana: A Taste of Iligan (food and drink festival), Search for Miss Iligan 2012 and the Bloggers Waterfalling Adventure Tour organized by my fabulous Iligan Bloggers Society friends. Check out the schedule of activities below. Please click on the image for a larg...

Sep32012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cagayan de Oro to Davao flight

Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Travel

I have been meaning to write a mini travel guide for folks who plan to take a Cagayan de Oro to Davao City flight. A lot of readers have been asking me what to expect, what to do etc if and when they do take a CDO to Davao City flight so here it is - a quick and simple guide for travelers. Hope this helps those who will travel from Cagayan de Oro City to Davao City :) Please don't forget to leave a comment below :) The Cagayan de Oro City airport is located in Lumbia (for now - since the Laguindingan International Airport will soon be operational). The CDO airport terminal fee is only Php 30.00 (less than US $1.00). The Davao City domestic airport terminal fee, on the other hand, is Php 200.00 (roughly US $5.00). This is how the CDO airport pre-departure area looks like: The C...

May162012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Island Garden City of Samal: Bidding for the moniker “Island of Festivals”

Island Garden City of Samal, Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

The Island Garden City of Samal is the kind of place you don’t want to miss in your lifetime. White sand beaches, pristine waters, majestic waterfalls, fascinating caves and panoramic views are plenty in the city. Its amenities and several exciting activities have added more vibrancy to the Island Garden City of Samal, making it a major tourist destination in Southern Philippines. In fact, the city is hyping up its well-celebrated festivals to earn the moniker “Island of Festivals” and to draw more tourists to its naturally beautiful land. The Island Garden City of Samal is a group of islands that is centrally located in Davao Gulf in the southeastern part of Mindanao. It is a second class city in the Davao del Norte province which is politically subdivided into 46 barangays. Presently,...

Apr82012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Airphil Express has special Easter promo – ZERO base fare!

Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

Happy Easter, folks! And to celebrate Easter the special way - why not book your next big adventure? Avail of the latest promo fare being offered by the Philippines' fastest growing carrier, Airphil Express Airphil Express has a special Easter airline promo! This is an express sale so better avail of this ASAP! Selling period for this Airphil Express promo fare is from April 8 to 10, 2012. Travel period is for July 1 to September 30, 2012 and February 1 to 28, 2013. The zero fare promo by Airphil Express is only for domestic destinations. Please note that all flights are priced one way from original to destination or vice versa. Remember also that Airphil Express offers 10 kilograms FREE baggage allowance (absolutely great value!) So are you ready to book your n...

Jan62012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New Airphil Express flights from GenSan and Butuan

Announcements, Blogging, Butuan, Cebu City

Here's good news for Butuanons and Generals! Airphil Express, the Philippines' fastest growing carrier, has launched new flights! These flights will be from Butuan to Cebu City (and vice versa), General Santos City to Cebu City (and vice versa) and General Santos City to Iloilo City (and vice versa)! Cool, huh? Absolutely exciting news especially for frequent travelers like me! :) These new Airphil Express flights will start servicing the routes come March 22, 2012. The Cebu to Butuan route will be daily while the Iloilo to GenSan route will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Meanwhile, the Cebu to General Santos route will also be available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please log on to the official Airphil Express website to book your tickets. You can also ch...

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...

May12011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sarangani Bay Festival 2011 – Mindanao’s ultimate summer experience!

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

Have you ever been curious about Sarangani Mindanao? I have! I've always wondered what you can do, what you can see, what you can visit/explore/discover and even what you can eat in Sarangani! Admittedly, all I know for sure (so far) about the Sarangani Province are: - it's the district being represented by top Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao - it's where you can experience fun-filled water tubing - it's the home of my former classmate in Ateneo, incumbent Sarangani Provincial Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez Needless to say, this Mindanao blogger needs to explore, smell, taste, feel Sarangani! And what better way to do it but during the most awaited Sarangani Bay Festival 2011! Sarangani Bay Festival or the Sarangani BayFest is Southern Philippines' biggest beach party! From May 19...

Jun42010 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone Bukidnon zipline – longest dual cable zipline in Asia

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Resorts, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

So, YES, finally! Mindanaoan, her brother and mom finally got to visit Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon - home of ZipZone Bukidnon zipline, reportedly the longest dual cable zipline in all of Asia! We finally managed to visit this Mindanao tourist destination, which is fast becoming a favorite of thrill and adventure seekers, in time for my brother's birthday. Actually, we've been looking forward to trying out this Bukidnon zipline adventure for months but we only had the chance this most recent weekend. Also, quite unfortunately, my two other brothers couldn't come with us so it was just me, my brother and my mom. Nonetheless, my brother and I were so excited to try the much-talked about 840 meter zipline, considered the longest dual cable zipline in Asia. Apart ...

Feb82010 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Mindanao eats: Mooon Cafe in Robinson’s Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism

Mexican themed restaurant Mooon Cafe is one of my favorite eating places in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Apart from the yummy food, the prices are reasonable and the ambience is pretty laid back. Whenever there's a chance, I also see to it that I bring my mom and brothers to the said restaurant in CDO and we all share fun, family bonding over hearty meals at Mooon Cafe CDO. Mooon Cafe (yes, it has three "O's"!) Cagayan de Oro branch, located at the first floor of Robinsons CDO, is the establishment's first franchised branch outside of Cebu City where they have outlets in I.T. Park and Ayala Terraces, among others. What I usually order (and what I can therefore recommend to all of you) are: for starters - quesadilla uno, campesinos (see the photo in this entry - these are good!), ca...

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...

Jan112010 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Road trip Mindanao – From Cagayan de Oro City to Ozamis City

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Mindanao, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Tourism, Travel

When my professional wedding photographer-brother Bon told me that I was to serve as one of his 2nd photographers in a wedding to be held in Ozamiz City, I need not think twice. I haven't been to Ozamis City yet and I've always wanted to visit the place. For one, I've always been curious of the place and of the many things I've heard about it. Secondly, any road trip around Mindanao is always a welcome thought for me. And thirdly, any chance for me to be a wedding photographer is always great news. Together with fellow photographer Onat, the video coverage team members and Bon, we left Cagayan de Oro City for Ozamis City last January 7, 2010. From CDO, we traveled towards Iligan City (2 hours from CDO) and then onwards to Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte (about an hour after Iligan). In K...

Nov172009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Zest Air back to serving Zamboanga to Sandakan Malaysia route

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Flights, Mindanaoan Artists, Tourism, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Zest Air, formerly Asian Spirit, is now back to serving the Zamboanga-Sandakan route. This is definitely good news for travelers who want a faster way to reach Sandakan, Malaysia...and hopefully a way to discourage people from using the back border. The Zamboanga-Sandakan route is in consonance with the continuing confidence in the potentials of trade, tourism and investment in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Zest Air is now plying the said route three times a week. Check out the photo of the 56-seater MA60 modern ark aircraft below: This Zamboanga to Sandakan, Malaysia route is, I believe, Zest Air's first international flight here in Mindanao. The airline company currently serves flights to Hongkong and soon in Japan, Inch...

Sep62009 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Zipzone – Asia’s longest dual cable zipline in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Mindanao

Announcements, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel

Mindanao is definitely on a roll these days! It's fast becoming the host of so many tourist attractions and exhilarating, unique and uber fun extreme sports and adventures! First there was the Xcelerator, dubbed Asia's longest speed zipline, then there was the Davao City Deca Wakeboard Park, which opened last August 28, 2009, and now, Mindanao will be the location of what's to be the longest dual cable zipline in Asia! ZIPZONE Extreme Zip Line Adventure Philippines will soon be open for business. Located at the verdant Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon (an hour's drive away from nearby Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao), Asia's longest Dual Cable Zipline is currently on a test run. Fast facts about this zipline adventure in Northern Mindanao: - Dual Carryin...