Cagayan de Oro City Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec152025 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Oro Shawarma: A Foodie’s Delight in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update

Shawarma, a beloved street food that has captured the hearts and palates of many, has its roots deeply embedded in Middle Eastern cuisine. The term "shawarma" is derived from the Arabic word "??????," which refers to the method of cooking meat on a vertical rotisserie. This technique dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was popularized as a way to prepare lamb, chicken, and beef. Over the years, shawarma has evolved, with various regions adding their unique twists to the dish. Oro Shawarma, in particular, stands out as a simple yet modern interpretation that pays homage to these rich traditions while infusing flavors that locals love. The result - not only is Oro Shawarma delicious, but it also offers health benefits, making it a nutritious choice for those looking for a quick bit...

Nov102025 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Panagatan Restaurant SM City Uptown CDO branch moves to North Wing, introduces New Function Rooms

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews, Society

The restaurant that's been part of numerous families' stories for generations has opened a brand new branch at SM City Uptown CDO North Wing. From their branch inside the main mall, Panagatan Restaurant has moved to the North Wing and it's actually a strategic move especially since the brand new restaurant is way more spacious and it even has 3 function rooms! Located conveniently at the Ground Floor of SM City Uptown CDO North Wing, the new Panagatan Restaurant SM Uptown offers private function rooms that are ideal spaces for various occasions such as a long-awaited family reunion, a milestone birthday celebration, a graduation party, an anniversary dinner or even a corporate event. The Panagatan CDO function rooms are fully air-conditioned to ensure that you and your guests stay c...

Sep182025 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mad Cafe CDO: Encanto-themed cafe Uptown Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Restaurant, Reviews

If I'm not mistaken, Mad Cafe CDO, an Encanto-inspired family café nestled in the heart of Uptown Cagayan de Oro, has been operating for about a year. However, it was my first time to visit this Uptown CDO cafe a few days ago. Located along Masterson Avenue near Xavier Estates Phase 4 gate, Mad Cafe is a favorite gathering spot for families and food enthusiasts alike. For those unfamiliar, Encanto tells the heartwarming story of the Madrigals, a magical Colombian family where each member possesses unique gifts, except for protagonist Mirabel. The 2021 animated musical celebrates family bonds, self-acceptance, and the magic found in everyday love. Mad Cafe CDO aims to capture this enchanting Encanto atmosphere. The café features a kids' play area, making it the perfect spot for fami...

Aug42025 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Traveling to Bukidnon? Buy from Sumilao Bayongs

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Mindanaoan Artists, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

If you're heading to Bukidnon and you happen to pass by the Municipality of Sumilao, please support a really nice cause. Support the women of Sumilao, Bukidnon by purchasing these durable, versatile, vibrant and truly pretty Sumilao Bayongs! I traveled the CDO-Bukidnon route recently and saw these handwoven bags sold at the Sumilao Public Market (by the pay toilets). These bayong bags are crafted by women organized under the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) livelihood program and these products have provided the group vital source of income. Please do support them! I believe the prices of these pretty bayongs start at around Php 500+. There are also handpainted versions. You can also inquire and/or purchase online via their Facebook page. Hope you can help spread the word!

Apr262025 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mercato Centrale, College of Saint Benilde Launch Micro-Certification Program to Upskill MSMEs in Food Sector

Announcements, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Food

Mercato Centrale Group, the country’s premier food and lifestyle market, has partnered with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) to roll out micro-certification courses aimed at strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food industry. The program will offer short courses covering food business management, marketing strategies, financial literacy, and culinary innovation. Developed through the collaboration of Mercato Centrale’s entrepreneurship platform and CSB’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM), the courses aim to equip both aspiring and existing food entrepreneurs with the tools to build sustainable, growth-oriented businesses. The program is expected to launch in the coming months and will be open to h...

Dec252024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO barangay captain Kikang Uy grants kids’ wishes to watch Euro Xtreme Circus

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Entertainment, Events, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Society

For several weeks, Cagayan de Oro was alive with joy and excitement as world-class Euro Xtreme Circus captivated audiences with thrilling stunts and breathtaking acts from Europe and America. Euro Xtreme Circus CDO ran until December 1, 2024, and the world-class show promised a memorable experience for everyone. Naturally, it was a lot of children's wish to watch the circus live. Recently, 40 preschoolers from Barangay Carmen enjoyed this spectacle, thanks to the generosity of Barangay Carmen Captain Joaquin “Kikang” Uy. Accompanied by their parents and teacher, Ms. Chona, the children experienced awe-inspiring acrobatics, thrilling stunts, and vibrant performances— all of them for the very first time. Kap. Kikang’s thoughtful gesture highlights his dedication to enriching the lives ...

Nov52024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The circus is here! EuroXtreme Circus brings world-class entertainment to Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society

I watched them first in Davao City during the Kadayawan season and now it's your turn, Cagayan de Oro! For the first time since 1993 when its precursor, the Royal London Circus was here, the EuroXtreme Circus is bringing its world-class spectacle to Paseo del Rio, Rodelsa Circle, Barangay Nazareth. Known for thrilling audiences across Davao, General Santos, and Tagum, the EuroXtreme Circus is ready to enchant CDO with extraordinary performances under its unique Red & White BIG TOP—an air-conditioned tent that seats 2,000 people, the only one of its kind in the Philippines. A Lineup of Unmissable International Acts Featuring performers from Europe and Latin America, the EuroXtreme Circus brings an exciting variety of acts that promise to leave audiences spellbound: Wheel of Su...

Sep132024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Must-try in Cagayan de Oro: Steak Paraiso

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Restaurant, Reviews

My friends Miki, Mike, Vic and I had an awesome steak dinner in Cagayan de Oro just recently. It was to welcome Vic home as he has been living in the UK with his family for several years now. We went to Steak Paraiso, located in Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro. I met the owner of this popular steakhouse during the pandemic, when he still ran a wagyu place in Malaybalay City. At the time, I was with my Bukidnon-based friends including Roger, an Australian friend of mine, who ended up praising the owner because we were served top quality Kitayama Wagyu and other meats. Mind you, Australians know their roast beef and steaks so for Roger to only have compliments is a big deal. Anyway, because I had a great experience then, I knew Miki, Mike and Vic would also love it at Steak Paraiso CDO. I was right...

May132024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Went to Japanese restaurant chain Botejyu as they opened their 86th branch in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Japan, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

Botejyu CDO at Ayala Centrio Mall is NOW OPEN! The 86th branch of BOTEJYU Philippines is NOW OPEN at the Garden Corte (garden area, ground floor) of Ayala Malls Centrio Cagayan de Oro! Absolutely good news for Japanese cuisine lovers like me. Went during their opening and Botejyu’s dishes truly took me back to my happy days in Japan! I liked their open kitchen --- you can see how they prepare your food. I also liked that their staff members were courteous and helpful and --- this is important to me --- knowledgeable about their menu. I thoroughly enjoyed the tonkotsu ramen with char siu, okonomiyaki (Botejyu isn't Japan's pioneer okonomiyaki specialty restaurant chain for nothing!), assorted sushi, skewers (your kids will like these!) and their delicious takoyaki! Related posts: ...

Jan312024 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

When in CDO: Visit Cogon Night Market

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism

Here's something you might want to do when you're in Cagayan de Oro - visit the Cogon Night Market! From buying vegetables to used clothing ("ukay-ukay"), electronics, cellphone cases etc to checking out an entire street full of food cart vendors, the Cogon Night Market in CDO is a bustling destination you might want to check out. In fact, the local government of Cagayan de Oro has been exerting efforts to turn the Cogon Night Market into a tourist destination of sorts. My friends and I visited the food market along Guillermo Street and as expected, there was a throng of people as early as 6 PM. Check out this brief video I made during our visit: https://youtube.com/shorts/aaI5U_knMCQ?si=D4LPVDFj_c2mg3kv Some fast facts about the Cagayan de Oro Night Market: Vendors...

Jan232024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Big Bad Wolf to bring world’s largest book sale to Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features

Fellow bookworms, rejoice! Big Bad Wolf will take the world’s largest book sale to Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. This is truly groundbreaking as this marks the first time Big Bad Wolf will bring its world-famous collection of books to CDO. There was a press conference a few days ago but I was in Cebu City (look at what I've been up to!) so I wasn't able to attend. However, I'm pleased to share information about this much-awaited book sale! Big Bad Wolf CDO will be a testament to BBW's never-ending commitment to spreading the joy of reading. As a book lover myself, I can say that Big Bad Wolf Cagayan de Oro will help foster a deeper appreciation for literature and support the ever-expanding community of avid readers. Big Bad Wolf CDO will take place from February 2 to 18, 2024 at S...

Dec202023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kagay-anon Sony Music artists return home to hold special Christmas benefit gig

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Music

Catch Cagayan de Oro's very own singer-songwriter Ela Figura and RnB hip-hop band Sulo, both Sony Music acts, as they return home and hold a special Christmas gig that will benefit the "Home for Girls," a residential facility that provides protection, care, treatment and rehabilitation to abused and exploited girls below 18 years old. Ela Figura, the singer-songwriter recently signed with Ricky Ilacad's record label Off The Record under Sony Music Entertainment, is set to host a heartwarming Christmas Benefit Gig in her hometown on December 21, 2023. The event aims to support the "Home for Girls" by providing essential art materials for the residents in need. Joining her is the RnB Hip-Hop band Sulo, part of the esteemed roster of artists signed with Ely Buendia's record label Offsh...

Nov152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Catch the Ayala Centrio Mall CDO Magical Nights of Lights 2023

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism

It's the yearly tradition you and your loved ones don't want to miss! Our favorite mall in Cagayan de Oro, Ayala Centrio Mall CDO, is back with their most-awaited Magical Nights of Lights! This Christmas light show runs daily every 30 minutes starting at 6 PM. Also, this nightly Centrio Mall CDO light show will run until January 6, 2023. It’s a truly festive, beautiful time to create and celebrate traditions with loved ones! Go ahead and visit! This CDO content creator also recommends that you check out the shops and restaurants at Centrio and treat yourself and your loved ones. After all, it's the Christmas holidays! Check out what happened when Ayala Centrio invited me, your friendly Cagayan de Oro influencer, during the launch: (as always, big thanks to Centrio for always rememb...

Sep262023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My fave discounted finds at the S&R Members Fest 2023 – lots of Buy 1 Take 1 deals

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

It's officially one of my super favorite days of the year! I'm talking about the great S&R Members Fest 2023! For the whole month of September, our favorite warehouse shopping center is offering a shopping extravaganza like no other. Lots of Buy 1 Take 1 deals, up to 50% off and lots of big, big savings! The weekly deals are really something --- just check out some of my amazing finds during my numerous visits at S&R. From food to household items to kitchenware to pet supplies to snacks to even alcoholic drinks --- the deals are just incredible. Perfect time for you to be a member of S&R if you still aren't! Also, keep in mind that being an S&R member also gets you access to their tire center, where I myself availed of many freebies, letting me save thousands! Don't ...

Jul182023 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Discover the Future of Luxury Living in Cagayan de Oro: The Midtown and The Montage by Vista Estates

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

Welcome to the vibrant city of Cagayan de Oro, where the allure of modern living meets the tranquil beauty of nature. If you're a prospective real estate investor or property broker searching for the next big opportunity, look no further. Vista Estates is proud to present two upcoming properties that are set to redefine luxury living in this thriving city: The Midtown and The Montage. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GRAND LAUNCH: I was invited to the grand launch of these two properties in Cagayan de Oro (thanks, Vista Estates!) Check out this mini highlights vlog that I made: https://youtube.com/shorts/fluKLy1GZ58?feature=share Unveiling The Midtown at Canitoan: Located in the neighborhood of Canitoan, The Midtown by Vista Estates is a vision of urban elegance. Inspired b...

Jul152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New CDO must-do: visit Carmen Art District

Advocacy, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update

Here's something new (and a must-do!) you can visit in Cagayan de Oro! Carmen Art District is an artist-run space committed to providing a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase work, engage in critical discourse, and connect with a wider audience. They aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment in our local community that encourages artistic experimentation and innovation. And starting today until August 2023, you can check out Kelly Ramos' "Coming home: Old Paintings," a gathering of art works in a span of 2 decades. This little retrospective provides a rare opportunity to see the paintings together in one place. It is a way to discover the artist’s development over time, and see the narratives she has chosen for her themes throughout the years. The pa...

Jun242023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why you need to catch the culinary offerings of the new Seda Centrio Chef

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Hotels, LifeStyle, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Sulu

I was recently invited to meet the new Executive Sous Chef of Seda Centrio Hotel and try his culinary creations. Chef Benzar Joe Aradani, who hails from Jolo, Sulu and who brings with him a wealth of culinary experience and expertise in various regional cuisines, impressed me and the food served that night was equally impressive! Coming from a Christian-Muslim background with an Indonesian father and Filipino mother, Chef Ben has earned him a reputation for creating unique and creative dishes, proven by the numerous awards he has received throughout his 33-year career. The tuna dish he prepared right before our very eyes that night was undoubtedly so tender and very flavorful. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS POSTED ON THE MINDANAOAN FACEBOOK PAGE In the video I took below, you...

Jun192023 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

How to apply as GrabCar driver or operator CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Jobs, Mindanaoan Update

Private hire car hailing service Grab will again operate in Cagayan de Oro! And if you own your own vehicle and want to earn at your own schedule, you may want to apply as a GrabCar driver or operator. You can earn as much as Php 3,000 per day or Php 40,000 per month. GrabCar drivers also enjoy free accident insurance. Download the Grab app here Here's how you can apply: 1. Check if Vehicle / Unit meets the requirements: Unit / Model should not be older than the year 2020 Unit / Model is a non-Honda Brand Unit / Model Vehicle Body Type should be either: Sedan, SUV, MPV / AUV 2. Comply the necessary documents: For PA Requirements 1 Orange Folder for the Documents 4 Copies of Accomplished Verified Application Form - APPLICATION FORM LINK HERE Governmen...

May192023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

POPS Buffet at SM CDO Downtown now offers expanded menu, now with new Asian flavors

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Society

POPS Buffet a.k.a. POPS All Filipino Eatery, the most preferred and most affordable eat-and-drink-all-you-can restaurant inside a mall in Cagayan de Oro (SM CDO Downtown Premiere) now offers an expanded menu that includes new Asian flavors! Aside from their staples, POPS Buffet now adds Asian treats such as bulgogi, gyudon, mafo tofu, pad thai, Vietnamese spring roll and more. I highly recommend that you call them beforehand to check which Asian flavors they will have on the day that you plan to visit. Check out the photos I took during a recent visit to POPS Buffet at SM CDO Downtown Premiere: The buffet is available everyday during mall hours. Please call 0917 873 0800 for inquiries and/or table reservations. POPS All Filipino Eatery is a homegr...

May152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This CDO overlooking cafe serves turon latte

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

As of this writing, Cagayan de Oro is now home to over 200 cafes. Can you imagine that? So many coffee shops to choose from! For the owners of these cafes, however, that means stiffer competition. So what do you do so you can stand out of the crowd? Here's one tried-and-tested way: make your menu really interesting and serve something out of the ordinary. Something that you know your customers might want to purchase again or at least talk about with their friends and loved ones! Take August Cafe, for instance. This cafe, which offers a nice overlooking view of the City of Golden Friendship, is the only one I've visited so far that serves turon latte. Yup, you read that right. Their version of turon latte is basically this: banana milk topped with 2 shots of espresso and, yes, the drink ...

Apr62023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins at Globe Media Excellence Awards GMEA 10

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Headline, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Social Media, Society, Technology

I WON! I am so proud and honored to share that Mindanaoan.com won the award for Digital Storytelling: Best Blog Post during the milestone year of the Globe Media Excellence Awards! On March 31, 2023 in Cebu City, the Globe Group named the winners of GMEA @10, which honors exceptional reporting across platforms in both Visayas and Mindanao. In its milestone year, GMEA embraced the theme #OneDigitalNation, which celebrated stories that captured the impact of Globe-led innovations that uplift lives with compassion, care, and kindness. For the Best Blog Post award, Maria Irene Aserios a.k.a. Mindanaoan won! Days before the awarding ceremony, Globe announced the list of finalists. I was one of the 3 finalists for Best Blog Post (Mindanao). And then last March 31 in Cebu, I was declar...

Mar212023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hulak Cafe at Subida CDO aka the cafe owned by Mark Bautista and family

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Artists, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

Let's face it. When people find out that a celebrity owns a certain business, people have the tendency to flock to it and patronize it. That means publicity, strong recall and of course, strong sales. Great! Unfortunately, this may also work the other way around especially if the products aren't good, the prices are way too expensive or if the business owners themselves don't exercise proper customer service. In the case of Hulak Cafe, however, a business owned by internationally renowned Kagay-anon singer, actor, host and theater actor Mark Bautista, they didn't disappoint! Located at the Subida Complex along the South Diversion Road in Taguanao, Hulak Cafe serves breakfast, mains, vegan-friendly breads, cakes, sandwiches, pastas, coffees and juices. It's a nice, cozy place where ...