Features Archives - Page 5 of 36 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Feb142020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Try Mardoney’s Bakeshop CDO ube cheese pandesal

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update

This entire ube cheese pandesal or ube cheese desal craze has got me pretty curious so of course I had to try! Luckily, my friend Miki brought some to a recent meeting and he said he bought them from Mardoney's Bakeshop and Restaurant. They were delicious! I immediately ordered two dozens the very next day. Mardoney's CDO is a brand very familiar to me. They actually started in Davao City, where I was born and raised. Mardoney's is a portmanteau or combination of the names of the owner-siblings --- Mark, Don and Honey. Mardoney's ube cheese pandesal is sold for only Php 8.00 per piece. Absolutely value for money! The freshness of the bread, the quality of the ingredients (they make and use their own ube halaya, people!) and the taste --- definitely 5 stars! Interested to order?...

Feb112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

UPDATED: Kaamulan Festival 2020 in Bukidnon now canceled

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

UPDATE: Less than a day after the Bukidnon provincial board decided to push through with the Kaamulan Festival 2020, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. has now canceled the annual gathering altogether. Despite an advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the ongoing threat of the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon will push through. This, according to Bukidnon Second District Board Member Atty. Nemesio "Jun" Beltran. The DOH advisory, duly signed by Secretary Francisco Duque, urged the public to "avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees." The health department also recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice. "The governor con...

Jan202020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kaamulan Festival 2020 Schedule of Activities

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kaamulan Festival 2020 na! After missing this annual Bukidnon festival for a few years, I am finally going to witness it again. The Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes namely Tigwahanun, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. The Kaamulan Festival is also considered as the only authentic ethnic festival left in the Philippines. By virtue of a provincial resolution authored by Bukidnon District 2 Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is held from March 23 to April 23 every year. The dates are fixed. However, the sitting Bukidnon governor will have the option to change them provided there's a viable reason to do so. Ergo, this year's Kaamulan Festival 2020 will be on March 23 to April 23...

Jan132020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Robinsons Appliances made me do these fun 60-second challenges

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Freebies, Gifts, Society

Robinsons Appliances' Race To A Minute: A 60-Second Challenge is back on its 3rd year and this time around, I finally got to join! This was made possible because Robinsons Appliances, one of the country's leading appliances and consumer electronics retailers, decided to bring Race To A Minute: A 60-Second Challenge to local communities. What started as a shopping spree event in 2017 has now become bigger and definitely more exciting. This year, Race To A Minute featured 12 participating brands namely Fujidenzo, Haier, JBL, LG, Sharp, TCL, Skyworth, American Home, Realme, Devant, Whirlpool and Grand Videoke. Each brand had a booth and a corresponding 60-second challenge that customers needed to complete so they can avail of exclusive discounts or receive FREEBIES! Robinsons...

Jan52020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to make Gin Calamansi

Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Society

One of the things I've become pretty fascinated with the past few years is preparing cocktails. I like the idea of mixing various ingredients in order to come up with something refreshing and delicious --- very much like cooking! My little dream of becoming a bartender of sorts even for a few minutes came true during the recently concluded Blogafest 2019. There, not only was I taught how to prepare calamansi gin, I even got interviewed by CNN! That was fun! So anyway, YES, I learned how to make gin calamansi. It's budget-friendly, super refreshing, delicious and easy to make. The ingredients for this drink are also very easy to source - starting with the very affordable Ginebra Premium Gin. The Ginebra folks actually call this drink "Calamansi Surprise." WATCH BELOW: Clic...

Dec162019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Buy With Me: Very affordable, high-value insurance

Announcements, Features, Musings, Society, Technology, Videos

Did you have the chance to watch my vlog about this low-cost, high-value insurance? If you haven't, please do click the subscribe link below and don't forget to hit the notification bell so you can be updated with new, exclusive content from me! Please subscribe to my Mindanaoan Vlog (it only takes 2 seconds, trust me!) Thank you so much for your support! So let me ask you this --- do you already have an insurance policy? I know, I know. Buying insurance is a sensitive issue especially for folks who live paycheck to paycheck, don't have enough savings or consider insurance as "luxury." Truth be told, insurance is something that we need but, more often than not, can be tedious, confusing, time-consuming and EXPENSIVE to buy. I DO HAVE GOOD NEWS, THOUGH! In my vlog below, I...

Nov282019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

LOOK: Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Museum

Announcements, Bukidnon, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism

During the recent Bukidnon Poverty Summit, Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri delivered updates with regard to the soon-to-rise Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex. The 13-hectare property, which will be located in Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City, will feature a grandstand, a track and field oval, a gymnasium, an aquatic center, a fencing court, a museum, and a dormitory. "Once completed, Bukidnon will be capable of hosting national and regional sports competitions, theater and cultural performances. This will promote sports and cultural activities among our youth and people and bring them away from vices and other unproductive activities," the senator said. The Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex is a joint project of the Provincial Government of Bukidnon and Senator Migz Z...

Nov192019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

KABIT now for sale

Announcements, Bukidnon, Features, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update

In Tagalog, kabit means attach, fasten or connect. In Bisaya, kabit is the usual term for mistress, male lover or someone you get entangled in an illicit affair with. The KABIT that's now for sale? It's neither ;) I'm talking about KABIT (tear-jerker) salt and pepper crunchy chili garlic made by Christine, a friendly entrepreneur I met in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon! So, yes, you could say that kabits are being produced right from Bukidnon, considered the food basket of Mindanao ;) I first met Christine a few weeks ago. Apparently she has been following my blogs! A few days later, my mother and I met with her personally. We also met another Bukidnon entrepreneur that day, Paula, who made delicious pineapple jam, pineapple cider vinegar and pineapple filled muffins. They we...

Oct312019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue to hold concert in CDO

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music

Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue are two of the most in demand Filipino bands these days. They're the ones responsible for the monster hits "Kung 'Di Rin Lang Ikaw," "Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig," "Bulong," "Pasensya Ka Na," "Sa'yo," "Meron Nang Iba" and "Kundiman." These songs have caused LSS among numerous folks! If you're one of their avid fans, then I have good news --- Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue will hold a concert in Cagayan de Oro! Mark your calendars for the "hugot" concert of the year! Mindanaoan.com is a proud media partner of "Silent Avenue - Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue Concert in CDO" on November 15, 2019, 8PM at the Limketkai Center Atrium. Tickets are selling pretty fast! In fact, only the SVIP and Silver tickets are left. All other sections are now so...

Oct112019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: GINAMA pasalubong center in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Tourism

I am a big fan of supporting local products. I believe that when you buy from local small and medium enterprises, you don't just help create livelihood. You also help foster peace and development, a sense of responsibility and respect. You help build a community of hardworking citizens. In Cagayan de Oro, we now have the chance to support these local SMEs by visiting GINAMÂ (that's an A with caret at the last or an A-circumflex). Ginama means something made with great care and attention. This is also the name of the pasalubong center in CDO, which is the result of joint cooperation among the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, the Department of Trade and Industry and CDO's local community of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs). Ginama is the stage that this group of tireless ...

Sep22019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Heading to GenSan for Tuna Festival 2019 – let’s experience new flavors!

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, SoSCksargen, Tourism

I'm excited to experience new flavors in beautiful General Santos City! I'm heading to the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” as it celebrates the 21st Tuna Festival, the biggest industry-based festival in the country happening from August 30 to September 5, 2019. This is in celebration of the city’s 51st inauguration anniversary and their event tagline is "Experience New Flavors." Together with a few Mindanao bloggers, I will be GenSan to witness how the Generals give honor to the integral elements of the tuna industry, which is definitely the main economic driving force of the city. See new sights Expect vibrant and gaudy visuals all over town. From this year’s logo to social media engagements, various "Instragrammable" art installations, festival locations, and program perf...

Aug82019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Tea, herb lovers will love this fascinating eco-cultural farm in Bukidnon

Advocacy, Agriculture, Education, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update

New friends, new places...I've been enjoying my downtime so far! One of the new places I visited as of late is an eco-cultural farm in the Province of Bukidnon called Umanika. Umanika or "Uma ni Kalinaw" (Kalinaw is the name of one of the farm founder's children...isn't that so cool or what?) a.k.a. Farm of Peace is located along Diversion Road, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. It's near Ranchers and interestingly, there aren't any signages leading towards this herb and organic farm. There's a fair reason behind that, though. They're busy working in the fields every day and they want to make sure that there's someone who can entertain visitors hence the need for appointments. So on a sunny, beautiful day, along with our new friends Christine, Paula and Dindo (they're awesome entreprene...

Aug42019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SCHEDULE: 2019 Kadayawan Festival in Davao City

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Festivals, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

All roads once again lead to Davao City for The King of Festivals a.k.a. Kadayawan Festival! The 2019 Kadayawan Festival or the 34th Kadayawan will be held this month, August 2019. Kadayawan Festival is the grandest and most colorful celebration that highlights the tribes of Davao City, their culture, tradition and everyday lives. Kadayawan also allows Dabawenyos to thank Magbabaya for bountiful harvests. Highlights of the Kadayawan Festival 2019 include the Indak Indak sa Kadayawan (street dancing competition), Tunog Kadayawan (songwriting tilt), Pamulak sa Kadayawan and Tambayayong Kadayawan (performances of traditional dances and songs from different Ethno-linguistic groups). Here's the schedule of activities (you can click on the image for a bigger version): Just in ...

Jul302019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Returning to Bayfront Hotel Cebu

Business, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews, Visayas

Frequent travelers like myself have various reasons as to why we return and stay again at a certain hotel. We rebook a hotel room in Cebu, for instance, because we love the features of the room and the amenities. And the price, as well as the location, are perfect. Swak sa budget, 'ika nga. Just a few days ago, I found myself back at Bayfront Hotel Cebu. Straight from New York to Cebu, I needed a Cebu hotel where I can just rest, rest, and yes, REST. Aside from all the reasons I previously mentioned, what made me return to Bayfront Hotel Cebu City is the exceptional service, courteousness and professionalism of the staff. Let me cite some examples. First, as soon as I arrived, the staff immediately helped me with my luggage. They then secured my bags, waited for me to check-in...

Jul272019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hello Kitty fans will LOVE this new Herschel Supply collection — see why!

Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Style

Can you believe it's been 45 years of friendship, kindness and KAWAII with Hello Kitty? Our favorite female Gijinka with her notable red bow is celebrating her 45th year of spreading kindness all over the world and to celebrate this, Herschel Supply has released a limited edition Hello Kitty collection! Trust me, the pieces included in this Herschel x Hello Kitty array are so cute! Get ready for eye candies galore: Choose from these designs: The Nova Mini, Nova Small, Nova Mid-Volume, Novel duffle, Cruz crossbody, and the Fifteen hip pack all dressed in smooth white flight satin fabric and feature an EXCLUSIVE tonal heat pressed Hello Kitty all-over print and an interior fabric liner with a magnified print of Hello Kitty. Now THAT will definitely make any Hello Kitty fan...

Jul232019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

These condo and housing projects in Cagayan de Oro offer more for the family

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Have you noticed how bullish the real estate industry has been lately? You're not alone. More and more property developers have become aggressive not only in selling but in producing aesthetically pleasing properties with attractive amenities, facilities and other perks. One of these developers is Cebu Landmasters Inc. A few days ago, I was invited to attend a press conference whereby they discussed their two residential projects valued at a whopping Php1.26 Billion - one is the Casa Mira Towers CDO, a 2-tower condominium offering 986 units, and Velmiro CDO, a 14-hectare gated subdivision offering 396 house and lots. These real estate projects aim to meet the needs of mid and economic-income housing clients, according to CLI. WATCH as CLI Chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III di...

Jun142019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Witnessing the fashion show in New York of this Mindanao designer

America, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America

Despite the threat of rain, it was still a great day to witness something special --- a fashion designer friend of mine from Cagayan de Oro, Boogie Musni Rivera, unveiled his lovely collection during the 121st Philippine Independence Day celebration here in New York City, USA. Together with our mutual friend Miss Gean Tulang-Cesar and my aunt, I braved the gloomy weather and went to Madison Square Park, where Boogie presented his beautiful creations. Truth be told, Boogie is already an accomplished CDO fashion designer but it was his very first fashion show in the Big Apple and during the Independence Day event, no less, so I was super proud! While we waited, Miss Gean, my aunt and I roamed around the nearby blocks and checked out the various booths. We chanced upon the alley full...

Apr212019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Discover the joy of halal food at Babu Kwan CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

I don't remember exactly when I first had it but I do have a fond memory of an encounter with halal food. It was during a political campaign stop in Cotabato City. My political client and the other males were in a separate room and I, being the only female in our political team at the time, was led to a room full of lovely, graceful Muslim ladies and several children all happily playing with each other. I remember they all had smiles for me and the room smelled of absolutely delicious home cooking, spices, goodness and joy. It was a beautiful memory. Since then, I have always made it a point to eat halal food when given the chance. During my travels to Malaysia and Singapore, halal food was always part of my diet. And I'm glad that in Cagayan de Oro, there's now a restaurant where you...

Mar112019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: DAISO New York Now Open

America, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America, Videos

DAISO Japan has finally opened its very first New York store and my little wasteland nut heart is going crazeballs! Daiso, known for its very wide selection of products at extremely low prices, has opened its doors in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area and I got invited to their grand opening! I also got to meet Mr. Yoshihidae Murata, Senior Vice President of Daiso US Operations, who said that they're confident that "New York residents will be delighted by the Daiso shopping experience that is beloved by many!" Beloved indeed! Personally, I frequent Daiso stores. In Cagayan de Oro, I think I'm at their Centrio Mall branch several times a month! Here in New York, their Daiso Flushing store, located at The Shops at Skyview Center, sells quality and oh-so-kawaii products f...

Feb172019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Zoo to open, here are the entrance fees and rules

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Features, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City, Tourism

The Province of Bukidnon is finally opening its very own zoo. The Bukidnon Zoo, which is set to open on February 26, 2019 March 5, 2019, is located at the Kaamulan Grounds in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. (Here's how to get to Malaybalay) The Kaamulan Grounds, which underwent extensive renovations and now has a water fountain and a footbridge, is also where the Tulugan cottages are. These are government-owned cottages amid pine trees that anybody can rent through the Bukidnon Tourism Office. With the impending opening of the Bukidnon Zoo, the Kaamulan Grounds will now soon be home of many different animals, picnic facilities, a playground and a snack store. The Bukidnon Zoo will feature various animals such as deer, bear cat, parrot, monkey, crocodile, boar, sna...

Feb92019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

New nesting area for Philippine Eagle identified

Bukidnon, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

Here's good news! A new nesting territory for the mighty monkey-eating Philippine Eagle has been identified...and yes, it's in Mindanao, particularly in the highlands of Bukidnon. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, they have duly verified local reports that indicated the presence of a Philippine Eagle and its offspring in Bukidnon. The said foundation said that they conducted a 2-week expedition and confirmed that there's an eaglet about 10 months old and its parent in the Bukidnon highlands. This is a really positive development especially since there are only about 400 Philippine Eagles left. My friend, Atty. John Flores, who is gunning for the District 2 congressional seat, cautioned that people should be more mindful of the Philippine Eagles' nesting areas. T...

Jan22019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cafe Sa Bukid – thriving in the middle of nowhere

Bukidnon, Business, Cafe, Consumer, Features, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Tourism

I think it was just a matter of time. After all, it sits on a verdant plateau between mountain ranges (so you know fo' sho' you see amazing views everywhere!), the weather is nice, life is chill and the people are cool and friendly. I'm talking about Lantapan, Bukidnon, situated between the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountain ranges, having its first crowd-drawing cafe, Cafe Sa Bukid. This 2-storey hut largely made out of bamboo has become quite a sensation - attracting not only local customers but visitors from just about everywhere. I went home to the Philippines a few weeks ago and Cafe Sa Bukid was one of the places my relatives and I visited. It’s located in Kibangay, Lantapan, about 45 minutes away from the Barangay Aglayan, Malaybalay City junction. You won’t miss it - it’s alon...