Northern Mindanao Archives - Page 3 of 13 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz asks: hasten probe on ABS CBN TV crew ambush in Marawi

ARMM, Crime, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero condemned in the strongest terms the ambush of a three-member ABS-CBN News team in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Dec. 26, as he called on authorities to speed up the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Escudero said the assassination attempt on reporter Ronnie Enderes, cameraman Emelito Balansag and driver Garry Montecillo was “a serious attack against press freedom.” “There is no doubt that the ambush was work-related. Although no one was seriously injured, it is important that authorities go after those responsible for the incident and put them behind bars, otherwise there will be no end to the culture of impunity against journalists,” Escudero said. The Iligan City-based news crew was in Marawi to gather updates on the Dec. 24 b...

Dec292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy Manila YSEALI Anniversary in Bukidnon #YOUnified

Advocacy, America, Bukidnon, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, United States of America

If you remember, I wrote about me planning to join the Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) 2nd anniversary celebration in Bukidnon a few days ago. I mentioned that as a very proud alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a US State Department-sponsored professional exchange program for global emerging leaders, I am always more than happy to support events especially those that help shape young leaders. * My super comfortable wide leg pants are from ZIYA (they have several stores across the Philippines - check more details about ZIYA here) Well, that event, which was held last December 12, 2015, was a huge success! I joined some members of the US Government alumni - Bukidnon Chapter, Bukidnon State University student council leaders and severa...

Nov42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From Me To You: Get FREE Php 939 Airbnb credit

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Society, Travel

Traveling but don't want to spend too much on hotels? Want to stay in condos, hostels, inns or even rooms for rent? Want to experience first-hand hospitality from homeowners themselves? Airbnb can address that! Airbnb is a website for people to list, find, and rent lodging. It has over 1,500,000 listings in 34,000 cities and 190+ countries. And, yes, there are numerous listings in the Philippines! In fact, I found interesting listings - from a cabin in the woods to a fully furnished studio right in the middle of a bustling city to a family-friendly place complete with pool! Are you ready to experience Airbnb? If you are, I have great news for you! Mindanaoan.com wants to give you FREE Php 939.00 (roughly US $23.00) Airbnb credit! What is Airbnb credit? You can use this to book ...

Oct162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Kaamulan Festival 2015 at Grandstand Malaybalay Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Society, Tourism, Travel

I went to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon a few days ago to see the preparations being done in time for the Kaamulan Festival 2015. The Kaamulan is a yearly gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes and the said festival is the biggest and most-awaited in the province. Now, I've been an observer of the Kaamulan Festival for several years now. In fact, there were many instances when I was tasked to handle and cover big, important events. So you could just imagine my disappointment when I saw for myself this year's preparations. The biggest change? The transfer of the bulk of the activities from the Capitol Grounds to the Grandstand area in Malaybalay. For those unfamiliar with the area - the Grandstand is located in an inner location. The soil at that area gets really soft and muddy when it rains....

Oct72015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

6Cyclemind, Banda Ni Kleggy For SMB Kaamulan Festival 2015

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao

Good news for fans of 6Cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy bands. Both acts are set to perform during the San Miguel Beer (SMB) Night of the Kaamulan Festival 2015 in Bukidnon. 6Cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy will perform at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City on October 24, 2015. 6Cyclemind, led by Tutti Caringal (who participated in the first season of "Your Face Sounds Familiar"), is the band behind the hits "Aaminin," "Dadalhin," "Sandalan" and "Sige." Banda Ni Kleggy, on the other hand, is the band behind "Discolamon." San Miguel Beer products will be available at the venue. All products will be sold at SRP. Check out the Kaamulan Festival 2015 schedule of activities here. I've also included some travel tips so I hope you check that out :) Mindanaoan.com will be there...

Sep252015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

BonChon Centrio CDO delivery service

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

Aren't there just days when you want your favorite food delivered right at your doorstep? How about instances when you have unexpected guests and you want to serve something good, familiar and delicious? Thankfully, one of our favorite brands, BonChon, now offers food delivery! BonChon CDO can now deliver your favorite BonChon goodies anywhere around Cagayan de Oro City. Just a few days ago, BonChon Centrio CDO sent me a feast! I couldn’t help but give in when a friendly staff member delivered 24 pieces of real good, piping hot chicken and fries right at my doorstep! Trust me, it was an offer that was so difficult to turn down! It was a Friday so BonChon sent me the "Wings and Fries Friday" feast. It is the BEST chicken and fries deal! I tried the new crunchy garlic var...

Jul302015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Wine Cellar CDO brings back drink-all-you-can wine nights

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Style

Fond of wines? In Cagayan de Oro, the only place to indulge in bestselling fine wines is at The Wine Cellar. Located at Door 6, Great Spot Arcade, JR Borja Extension, The Wine Cellar is considered a must-visit in CDO. Not only is The Wine Cellar CDO stocked with fine wines from all over the world (prices start at Php 390 per bottle), they also exclusively carry imported beers (including 1906, voted the best beer in 2014) as well as spirits. And, with the Kagay-an Festival 2015 drawing near, this CDO wine bar has come up with various special promos. This weekend, they're offering a DRINK-ALL-YOU-CAN red and white wines treat! For only Php 249.00, customers will be served with unlimited red and white wines plus FREE pizza slices courtesy of Oliver's Pizza next door. The promo will be o...

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...

Jul42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Miss Cagayan de Oro 2015 bets go water rafting with Great White

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

The Miss Cagayan de Oro 2015 candidates recently made the wise choice of going white water rafting with Great White Water Tours. The lovely Miss CDO 2015 candidates had the best time with the said top CDO rafting outfit. Great White Water Tours is the only CDO water rafting outfit that guarantees two professional river guides per raft (safety is their main concern), 100% clean record (no deaths), high quality gear and equipment, free snack and lunch, available photo and GoPro video coverage services and countless celebrities and notable personalities as regular and satisfied customers. Great White Water Tours is also a sister company of Dahilayan Adventure Park, home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline and the exciting 8-storey Skyjump base jump platform. As such, they offer the che...

Jun242015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Thoughts on that peace process forum invitation

Advocacy, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Society

Sometimes it fascinates me how certain people especially those who advocate sensitive causes seem to downplay bloggers. These people tend to think that "just because" you write about food, fashion and lifestyle, you don't "contribute" to relevant, important conversations. I think they have this misconception that "just because" bloggers like us hardly write about politics and news and current affairs, we don't at least try to do our part in nation building. Take the case of an invitation sent to me and my fellow bloggers here in Northern Mindanao. This was for a supposed "peace forum" from 8:30 am to 12 noon. "Looking for young lifestyle bloggers, bloggers in general, opinion shapers and writers who want to deploy your skills and influence for the peace process in Mindanao. This is an ...

Jun212015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Surviving my first ever fun run – Freedom Run 2015 CDO

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Fitness, Health, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Sports

It's probably not just mere coincidence that my first ever fun run in my entire life was dubbed "Freedom Run 2015." In a way, me joining Freedom Run CDO 2015 does depict freedom --- freedom or breaking free from taking my health for granted, from thinking that crash and fancy diets work and even from a silly plan to just save up and undergo lipo procedures in the future. This may even sound curious but after years of promoting running events on a few of my blogs, it was only this time that I've finally, FINALLY resolved to join one. Of course, my recent interest in doing weights, going to the gym and doing CrossFit has something to do with this, too. So, yes, Freedom Run 2015 CDO really did, in many ways than one, mean freedom for me and my "new lease in life." Through the gen...

Jun42015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2015 Northern Mindanao pageant

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Northern Mindanao, Society, Style

The search for the next Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 is on and the Northern Mindanao leg will be held in Cagayan de Oro! The Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 Northern Mindanao regional search will be held on June 7, 2015, 4 PM at the Centrio Mall Activity Center. There will be a pre-screening of interested candidates, though, on June 6, 2015, 9 AM at N Hotel. The reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 Eva Patalinhug, Brazilian-Japanese model/actor Fabio Ide and Mags Boutique CEO Mags Cue will be at the pageant. The event on Sunday is open to the public. The candidates will also get to wear the fab creations of popular local fashion designers including my friends Boogie Musni-Rivera and Mavy Cooper de Leon, Benjie Manuel and Mark Yaranon. Mindanaoan will cover the event on June 7, 2015. Fol...

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!

Jun32015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Google My Business CDO event a success

Advocacy, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Government, Make Money Online, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Technology, United States of America

One of the things that I really like doing is helping and supporting small and medium businesses especially local ones. This is the reason why I readily accepted the role of Google Business Group - Women lead coordinator. Being the GBG Women CDO lead allows me to share various strategies and tips especially on how to effectively use the Internet to promote businesses online. GBG Women is under the umbrella of GBG CDO, a community of business professionals helping people explore, learn, share, and discover how Google products can help the local business communities benefit from technology. GBG CDO is a local chapter under Google Business Group - Philippines. One of the recent activities the GBG CDO folks and I got involved in was the Google My Business CDO orientation and sign-up day ...

May292015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy Manila donates Gibbons guitar to Liceo de Cagayan

America, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Music, News, Northern Mindanao, United States of America

A school in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao recently became the recipient of a very special, limited edition Billy Gibbons guitar. The U.S. Embassy Manila donated a Billy Gibbons electric guitar to Liceo de Cagayan University College of Music. This CDO university was chosen to receive the guitar because of the University’s commitment to serve their music students through scholarship programs. Representing the U.S. Embassy was Cultural Affairs Officer Kristin Kneedler who officially donated the guitar. William Frederick "Billy" Gibbons is an American musician. Billy Gibbons is best known as the guitarist of the rock band ZZ Top. Gibbons was ranked at number 32 on the 2011 Rolling Stone list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

May52015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Treasures You Find At The Uratex CDO Showroom

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Shopping, Style

Admit it. Whenever we think of Uratex, we think foam, beds and monobloc chairs. Yes, while this is true, you might be surprised to know that Uratex also produces the foam for well-known cars, motorcycles, bus seat pads, headrests, door trims, furniture seat pads and yes, even gaming pad armrests! Now if you think that's pretty cool, wait til I share you this tidbit: Uratex Foam CDO also produced the wall panels for the spanking brand new Limketkai Cinemas :) Cool, huh? With all the international, world-class brands putting their utmost trust on Uratex, we can all be sure that their products are indeed of top quality. So it's really good news that there's now a Uratex foam factory and showroom in Cagayan de Oro City! The new Uratex CDO plant and showroom affirm RGC Group of Companies' (t...

Apr182015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Finally jumped off the 8-storey Dahilayan Skyjump tower

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Reviews, Society, Sports, Tourism, Travel, Videos

I finally did it! I jumped off the 8-storey Dahilayan Skyjump Base Jump Tower, the Philippines' tallest parajump platform. I did this just a few days before my birthday this month of April and it was one of the most exhilarating things I ever did! I previously wrote about the Dahilayan Skytower Base Jump and that post has been shared over 10,000 times on Facebook alone. You might want to read that :) The Dahilayan Skyjump is the latest attraction at Dahilayan Adventure Park, located at Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. The park is about an hour away from Cagayan de Oro city proper. When you arrive at the park, look for the ticket station on your right. If you only want to do the Skyjump, price is Php 400. If you'll buy passes to other rides, the Skyjump fee will only t...

Apr182015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The 2nd Dahilayan Off Road Duathlon And Trail Run

Announcements, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Sports

IT'S CONFIRMED! Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that the Second Dahilayan Off Road Duathlon and Trail Run will be held at both Dahilayan Adventure Park and Forest Park Dahilayan on May 31, 2015! Organized by ProSport Productions, the said event is expected to gather hundreds of participants and is the most-awaited follow-up of last year's very successful event. Dahilayan Adventure Park and Forest Park Dahilayan are both located in Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, which is roughly 45 minutes away from Cagayan de Oro City. Here's how to get there. The 2nd Dahilayan Off Road Duathlon and Trail Run is organized by ProSport Productions, a multisport event organizing team composed of triathletes themselves. In fact, the race director as well as the technical director ar...

Mar242015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visit Coffeeworks Malaybalay for coffee dates in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

Coffeeworks, a Cagayan de Oro coffee shop brand, has finally opened its Malaybalay City branch in Bukidnon. Coffeeworks Malaybalay is the newest, latest coffee and pastry shop in the capital of Bukidnon. Located at Mandani Arcade along Fortich Street (just a few meters away from Bukidnon State University, see Google map below), Coffeeworks Malaybalay is home to freshly brewed coffee, smoothies, ice blended drinks, "over ice" drinks, teas and pastries. I'm a regular customer of the Coffeeworks Cagayan de Oro branches at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center and Corrales Avenue (right next to the Xavier University gymnasium) so I'm familiar with their menu. So when I was invited to visit Coffeeworks Malaybalay a day before their formal opening, I just had to order my all-time favorit...

Mar122015 by Mindanaoan Irene14 Comments

Dahilayan Adventure Park opens highest base jump tower in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon is at it again! After introducing Asia's longest dual cable zipline, Dahilayan has now opened the Skytower Base Jump, the Philippines' tallest parajump platform. How high is the base jump tower? Oh, just 8 storeys high! Basejumpers will be fitted with safety harnesses and a helmet and will need to walk along a see-thru plank. Then, the moment of truth. Once you jump, you will experience free fall (pretty quick, don't worry), then gradual descent and finally slow landing. All these in less than 10 seconds. Check out these photos taken by Engr. Elpie Paras, the owner of Dahilayan and PARASAT Cable TV: I've tried all of the rides at Dahilayan Adventure Park so I can really say that they're all safe. All of the personnel are also courteous ...

Feb252015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why You Should Join Amway Nutrilite Health Run 2015 CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Northern Mindanao, Sports

The Amway Nutrilite Health Run 2015 is one of the most awaited fun runs this year. The Manila leg happened a few days ago. Next stop - CDO! Definitely good news for avid runners in Northern Mindanao. The Nutrilite Health Run 2015 CDO event will be held on March 15, 2015 (Sunday) at the Amway Distribution Center along Velez Street. Race categories: 3K, 5K and 8K. Interested to join? Here are a few really good reasons why you should join the Nutrilite Health Run CDO Leg 2015: 1. Registration fee for all categories is a very affordable flat rate of Php 300.00 only! 2. Your registration fee comes with a cool, branded running shirt, race bib with bag tag, finishers kit, Amway expo access stubs and a raffle stub. The access stubs mean FREEBIES like a sling bag, a box of facial tissu...

Jan152015 by Mindanaoan Irene135 Comments

How to apply and renew your Philippine passport at DFA Centrio CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

A couple of things have changed since I last renewed my Philippine passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Cagayan de Oro or DFA CDO. Apart from the fact that DFA CDO has now transferred from Limketkai Center to Ayala Centrio Mall, there isn't any need to call their office for an appointment (IT IS NOW REQUIRED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT...scroll down to find out how) there are now lesser requirements and lesser wait time. Allow me to share with you my experience on how to renew your passport at DFA Centrio CDO. Centrio Mall is located at Corrales Avenue corner CM Recto Avenue. Please scroll down for a MAP and helpful travel instructions. DFA Centrio Ayala is located at the 3rd Floor. DFA Centrio Office hours: Monday to Friday - 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday - 10 AM to 6 ...