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The latest toast of the town: P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery CDO, where traditional meets hip

The latest toast of the town: P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery CDO, where traditional meets hip

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews
These days, more often than not, sales are greatly affected by the millenials or echo boomers. These Generation Y folks are those who like to try new things, check out new places, taste new cuisine and post about their own experiences via social media. They are young, have modern mind sets, have money to spend and have platforms where they can easily share their thoughts and possibly influence others. However, if your business is more of the traditional type, how do you target these millenials? This is the challenge that the owners of P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery proudly faced and by the looks of it, they’re winning! P.O.P.S. or Pinoy Original Paborito Special serves a wide selection of homestyle and traditional Filipino cooking prepared with modern techniques. What makes them unique i...

The best churros in CDO can be found in a bike shop – no, really!

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Restaurant, Reviews, Sports, Style
Yes, Virginia, you read that right. The best churros or fried dough pastry in this side of Northern Mindanao, Philippines can actually be found in a recently opened one stop shop that sells high performance mountain bicycles, gear and accessories - Bike Republic Cafe. Yes, a CDO bike shop would most probably be the last place you’d think of when hunting for the best churros in town. However, Bike Republic Cafe isn’t like any other shop. They’re the exclusive retailer of Trek bicycles in Cagayan de Oro and they also carry Scott products, which apparently were the bikes used by gold medalists during Rio Olympics 2016. Plus they also offer good food, coffee, beer, mouthwatering sandwiches, burgers and, of course, churros con tsokolate (which I’ve been raving about for days!). Add cozy a...

Why Toast Cafe Should Be On Your Must Visit In Cebu List

Cafe, Cebu City, Features, Food, Hotels, Restaurant, Reviews, Taiwan, Tourism, Travel, Visayas
I’m back on Philippine shores! Taiwan was lovely and I can’t wait to share with you all my travel stories. In the meantime, let me share a really cool place I just discovered in Cebu City, where I took my flight to Taiwan from. It’s called Toast Cafe, it’s located at Cuarto Hotel near Fuente Circle, and it’s awesome. Toast Cafe is chic with its brick walls and wooden furniture yet homey with its chalkboards and friendly, attentive staff. Space is limited but is private enough to let you concentrate on your own meal, laptop or book. Tasteful interiors and a great use of space. Plus this may sound peculiar but can I just say that you must use the john (slang for washroom!) while you’re there? Toast Cafe is a nice date place, a place where you can meet your gal pals or have fami...

Hungry In BGC? Try The Hungry Hound

Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews
It was just my luck. Just recently, on the very day that I found myself in Manila, I then heard that creative and skillful cook, TV show host, food blogger and celebrity restaurateur Erwan Heussaff was also in Cagayan de Oro. I’ve always wanted to meet him and ask all about his “The Fat Kid Inside” journey and yet, there I was, basically on the other side of the country. Fortunately, the hosts of my Manila trip, representatives of Globe Telecom, took me to one of Erwan’s food ventures at Bonifacio Global City – The Hungry Hound! It was right beside the Globe Telecom headquarters and just a few steps away from my hotel so it was pretty convenient. The Hungry Hound, inspired by the gastro pub culture founded by The Eagle in London in 1991, is described as “freestyle.” Aside from Er...
Got 4 hours in Cagayan de Oro? Join the Best Of CDO Food Tour

Got 4 hours in Cagayan de Oro? Join the Best Of CDO Food Tour

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism
So okay, you're excited to fly to Cagayan de Oro and experience the sights and sounds of the city - from white water rafting to checking out a nice CDO wine shop that has a really awesome wine library to staying in a modern, spacious CDO hotel room near tourist spots, you feel you're super ready! You have your itinerary down pat and then you just realized - hey, wait a minute, kapeng mainit - you still have a few hours to spare! Worry not, folks! I have a great recommendation for you - why not join the Best of CDO Food Tour? It's a 4-hour, 4-restaurant dining experience I'm sure you'll enjoy bragging to your friends back home about! Get your appetite ready because the next few minutes will be eye candy and will cause your tummy to growl ;) See? I told you. This is sinuglaw and Caga...

Where to eat in CDO: Alavar’s Seafood Restaurant

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Zamboanga City
If you've been to Zamboanga City, Mindanao, have dropped by popular Alavar's Seafood Restaurant and have tried their extraordinary Alavar sauce, then you'd understand why I just had to visit their latest branch - their second in Cagayan de Oro. Located at the Cucina de Oro Compound, Limketkai Drive, Alavar's Seafood and Grill CDO is owned by the very same folks in Zamboanga. The first branch of Alavar's CDO is located along Aluba Road, Macasandig and just a few weeks ago, they opened their branch downtown. Alavar's CDO Limketkai branch is a lot more accessible since it's just a few moments away from Limketkai Mall. Alavar's is best known for its sauce which goes best with rice and various seafood dishes. Because of the popularity of the sauce, Alavar's now sells them in bottl...
The Pacifico Hotel #CDO launches amazing room sale

The Pacifico Hotel #CDO launches amazing room sale

Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews
The Pacifico Boutique Hotel, a major landmark along the annual Higalaay Festival (Kagay-an Festival) parade route, has introduced a mega discounted promo rate for both their standard and deluxe rooms. For only Php 1,499.00 (book and buy basis) and for a minimum of 2-night stay, guests can stay at The Pacifico CDO’s modern and spacious rooms equipped with 12-inch thick mattresses, bamboo silk sheets, blackout curtains, fast and FREE 100 Mbps wireless Internet, 40 inch wide screen cable TV, floor to ceiling view of the city and large bathrooms with hot and cold water running through rainshower heads. Each room also comes with FREE breakfast for two (2). Just a few steps away from the starting point of the 2016 Higalaay Festival Higalas parade of floats and icons (August 27) as well as th...
Hi-Way 43 – Culinary heaven at Kauswagan CDO

Hi-Way 43 – Culinary heaven at Kauswagan CDO

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews
There's a new dining destination in Cagayan de Oro and it's located along Kauswagan Highway, near the Bulua Bus Terminal (where buses heading to Iligan and Zamboanga are) and right where the old Pan de Pugon used to be. Hi-Way 43 is located just a few steps away from Citra Mina and fairly near the newly opened S&R Membership Shopping CDO. The group behind Hi-Way 43 CDO is composed of talented and skillful chefs and experienced entrepreneurs who are devoted to crafting delicious culinary treats and to providing courteous customer service. I was invited to their recently concluded grand opening. I had a nice meal and I can't wait to try the other offers on the menu. I was told that among their bestsellers are the onion bloom, fish fillet with honey mustard sauce, buffalo wings, ...

FrostBites CDO: Singapore-style ice cream sandwiches

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Reviews
If you've been to Singapore, I bet you've seen those "uncles" who have those mobile carts with umbrellas and sell that infamous 1 SGD (roughly 33 Philippine pesos) ice cream. These ice cream sellers are actually all over Singapore especially at places with very high foot traffic - tourist spots, MRT stations, busy street corners etc. During my very first trip to Singapore several years ago, I made sure that I included "buy that 1 SGD ice cream wafer along Orchard Road" in my itinerary. Actually, some of those mobile ice cream carts also sell ice cream by the cones and cups. Some also sell softdrinks, water, juice drinks and energy drinks. But, of course, the main product is still the ice cream sandwich. Now here's good news for people who have been craving for the popular Singapore i...
Greenwich Pizza SM CDO sports new look, launches Bacon Crispy Thins

Greenwich Pizza SM CDO sports new look, launches Bacon Crispy Thins

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Food, Reviews, Videos
Something happened to the Greenwich Pizza restaurant at SM City Cagayan de Oro. A first of its kind in CDO, Greenwich SM CDO has been transformed into a pizzeria, similar to what you can see all over Italy! The new restaurant is now dressed up with wood and brick elements, now has a "balcony" (which can serve as a mini event place) and even has high tables, chairs, bar stools and couches. The new look has a rustic feel - complete with wooden pizza peels, tin buckets as well as colorful ceramics. This young, modern, mid-century industrial neighborhood pizzeria look that Greenwich is taking on will surely attract both loyal Greenwich pizza lovers and curious foodies alike, to be a part of the barkada and savor in the goodness that is truly world-class. During an event last July 5, ...
Manila debut of “American Idiot” : Rowdy Visual Candy #Globe9WTAmericanIdiot

Manila debut of “American Idiot” : Rowdy Visual Candy #Globe9WTAmericanIdiot

America, Arts, Entertainment, Features, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Reviews, Society, Technology
I just spent a few days in crazy busy Manila. I was there to witness first hand the formal announcement of Globe Telecom’s new content partnerships with top global brands Netflix (IKR!!!), Sports Illustrated, Disney, Cartoon Network, Smule, Turner and Astro plus the exciting rise of Globe Studios and Globe Live. Globe Studios aims to produce clips, series and even movies from top directors such as Erik Matti, Paul Soriano, Quark Henares, Dan Villegas, Sigrid Bernardo, Joyce Bernal, and Lav Diaz. I must say, however, that I’m most excited with Globe Live. Globe Live aims to produce, promote and deliver engaging, creative events of international size and quality. Globe will use its wide distribution channels to promote these live events and bring them to the customer wherever he or she...
The Nest CDO: Your slices of France and Italy in Cagayan de Oro

The Nest CDO: Your slices of France and Italy in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society
Meet Henrik Yu. Many Kagay-anons know that he's one of the owners of homegrown brands Bigby's Cafe and Missy Bon Bon. Let me add something more to describe this amiable, well-traveled and wise entrepreneur - he's quite the risk taker. He often wins, mind you, because he has a vision and passion like no other. So when I heard of his latest venture - The Nest CDO, a new dining and lifestyle destination in Cagayan de Oro - I knew that Henrik will, once more, put his heart, soul and impressive business acumen into effect. In other words, I'm pretty sure he will win again. I had the chance to visit The Nest CDO exactly a week before their supposed "very, very soft opening" (Henrik's words) on June 18, 2016. I was among the very first to try their offerings - and I must tell you...
Walking light with my new fave footwear Native Shoes

Walking light with my new fave footwear Native Shoes

Beauty, Freebies, Gifts, Reviews, Shopping, Style
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the opening of the new Native Shoes store at the 2nd Floor of Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro. A few days after I checked out their new store, I received a really nice pair. Aaahh...brand new shoes! <3 Don't you just love it when you have new footwear? Especially if they're as light and as durable as Native Shoes! Look at what I got: I immediately tried them on and trust me, they're astoundingly light! It's as if you aren't wearing shoes at all. I love the design and the color. Very hip and you can easily pair this with other ensembles. Plus this one's easy to pack, use and clean. Native Shoes are also odor-proof, waterproof and washable. They use dual-density EVA technology. Ergo, not only are the shoes very comfortable to wear, t...

Manoy’s Boneless Lechon CDO is every meat lover’s fave

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Society
There are lechon belly shops in Cagayan de Oro and then there's Manoy's Boneless Lechon. Although they opened for business just recently, Manoy's Boneless Lechon CDO is really fast getting everyone's attention - including that of local celebrities, influencers, business and media personalities. The reason for this is because Manoy's lechon promises carefully prepared fresh, quality meat with generous herbs and spices cooked to perfection in that distinct Cebu style. The meat is very tasty and flavorful and the skin guaranteed crispy! And because it's boneless, every kilo is sure to be value for money. Try Manoy's Boneless Lechon today and see why everyone's talking about it! Manoy's Boneless Lechon is truly changing the game in Cagayan de Oro. Try them once and you won't look ...
Topical scalp lotion Novuhair now has 19 natural ingredients

Topical scalp lotion Novuhair now has 19 natural ingredients

Announcements, Beauty, Features, Reviews
Now with 19 natural ingredients, you can truly say goodbye to hair loss and scalp problems with Novuhair! The newly enhanced formula of Novuhair guarantees a more effective solution for hair growth and with 19 natural ingredients, the leading medicated topical scalp lotion is now almost 100% natural. “The Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion used to only have 12 natural ingredients. Its improved formulation has a much better fragrance and a cool and minty feel. It also has anti-dandruff properties, as well as nourishing and moisturizing effects on the hair and scalp,” said Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO of Nutramedica, developer and distributor of Novuhair. Aside from producing a more effective solution for hair growth, the changes were necessary to make the product 100% compliant to the ASEAN Cos...
What to order at Pete’s Patriots Gastro Pub CDO

What to order at Pete’s Patriots Gastro Pub CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society
My family and I have a new favorite restaurant in Cagayan de Oro. It's where we share and enjoy the BEST crispy pata in CDO and other bang-for-the-buck meals - Pete's Patriots Filipino Gastropub. Located along Rosario Strip within the Limketkai Center area, Pete's Patriots CDO is a newly launched Filipino Gastropub restaurant - the first of its kind in the Philippines. Pete's Patriots aims to provide Kagay-anons the Manila lifestyle bar and dining experience by providing mouthwatering food, quality service and edgy ambiance. Incidentally, Pete's Patriots is owned and operated by the Red Crab Group of Restaurants - with restaurants such as Seafood Island, Red Crab and other Manila based concepts such as Murray's New Orleans, Clawdaddy, Teddy's Burgers, Johnny Kahuku Hawaiian Shrim...
My faves at #BigBiteAtCentrioAyalaMall Northern Mindanao food festival

My faves at #BigBiteAtCentrioAyalaMall Northern Mindanao food festival

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Food, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Reviews
March 11 to 13, 2016 sure was a lovely weekend! Big Bite 2016: The Northern Mindanao Food Festival at Centrio Ayala Mall truly showcased not only the flavors of summer but the undeniably skillful cooking talents of Kagay-anons. I had the chance to witness this Mindanao food festival as one of the judges for the Lifestyle Writers' Choice award for this year's Best Dish, much thanks to the Centrio Mall management and Professional Organizers. I tried about 10 dishes for the mall merchants category and about 15 (IKR :D) for outside food exhibitors. Needless to say, I was a very happy camper that weekend ;) Let me share with you some of the photos I took during Big Bite 2016 - The Northern Mindanao Food Festival. These colorful umbrellas were installed at the garden area. As expected, ...
Bukidnon Staycation at Pinegrove Mountain Lodge

Bukidnon Staycation at Pinegrove Mountain Lodge

Bukidnon, Features, Food, Hotels, Leisure, Northern Mindanao, Resorts, Reviews, Society
When we think of Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, we most likely equate it to Zipzone a.k.a. Asia’s longest dual cable zipline, Dropzone, my favorite Python 3D zipline and the thrilling 8-storey Sky Tower Base Jump. However, the place known as “Mindanao’s playground” also offers something pretty special - a chance to stay at 4,500 feet above sea level, in a log house-inspired manor situated among pine trees and amid chilly, sweater weather. Pinegrove Mountain Lodge, located just a few steps away from the main entrance of Dahilayan Adventure Park, offers value-for-money accommodation, good amenities and delicious food. My family and I recently had a staycation at Pinegrove - and it was a staycation we all loved. We availed of the Family Room. Priced at Php...
KINGS Deli and Bakery CDO – Cagayan de Oro’s Best Kept Secret

KINGS Deli and Bakery CDO – Cagayan de Oro’s Best Kept Secret

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Misamis Oriental, Reviews
KINGS International Delicatessen and Bakery is arguably Cagayan de Oro’s best kept secret. KINGS’ main branch, tucked in front of Kingston Lodge along Masterson Avenue, just a few meters past the Xavier Estates gate, has long been attracting a legion of loyal clientele including foreigners, tourists and employees of nearby offices. With so many customers, you’d wish they’d open a store downtown, yes? Thankfully, KINGS listened and they now finally have a branch along the busy JR Borja Extension. KINGS International Delicatessen and Bakery recently opened at Door 4, Great Spot Arcade (same building where The Wine Cellar and Oliver's Pizza are), serving filling and delicious meals as well as fresh breads and pastries as early as 7 AM. Unlike their main branch, their new store h...
Kamukura Ramen in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan for yummy, cheap eats

Kamukura Ramen in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan for yummy, cheap eats

Food, Japan, Kyoto, Leisure, Osaka, Reviews, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel
My brothers and I spent our first evening in Japan in Shibuya, one of Tokyo's special wards. I was really looking forward to spending time in Shibuya especially since it's one of Tokyo's busiest districts. You can read more about our fun Shibuya escapades. Anyway, while my brothers and I roamed around Shibuya, we realized we haven't eaten anything yet after we checked in at Oak Hostel Cabin. As fate would have it, we stumbled upon this ramen restaurant that had an English menu - Kamukura Soup With Noodles. Entering that restaurant was one of the great impromptu decisions we made while in Tokyo :) Because, as it turned out, Kamukura is one of the popular ramen places in Japan that served really good, filling and affordable food! Kamukura Ramen actually has a controversial c...
Superb Cebu buffet: Why Tokyo Table is a must-visit

Superb Cebu buffet: Why Tokyo Table is a must-visit

Cebu City, Features, Food, Reviews, Visayas
I'm still on a Japan high! So high that I'm already planning my next trip there! I actually did something that had a touch of Japan even before I actually went to Japan! I visited a superb, much-talked about Yakiniku buffet restaurant in Cebu and savored okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), lots of ramen (yum!) and grilled squid and salmon (the Japanese love their seafood!). I went to Tokyo Table, one of the best buffet restaurants in Cebu. Located at City Time Square, Mantawi Avenue, Tipolo, Mandaue City, Tokyo Table Cebu eat all you can restaurant serves an impressive array of food choices – from seafood-all-you-can and raw meats that you can grill on your own or with the able assistance of the restaurant’s friendly staff (each table has a grill plate) to a sushi and dimsum station to ...

Churros at Mai Crafts Boutique Cafe CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Misamis Oriental, Reviews
Ever since my most recent trip to Manila (where I tried the much-talked about churros at La Lola Churreria), I've been having these crazy cravings for churros. Churros are basically fried-dough pastries dusted in icing sugar and served with rich chocolate dips. These choux-based snacks are really delicious and filling, especially when served piping hot, fresh from the fryer. Best to pair it with your favorite hot beverage. In my case, I like pairing it with real good coffee. Anyway, I've been trying to look for churros and lo and behold, I actually had my fill at a craft store. Nope, I'm not kidding. Mai Crafts Boutique Cafe is located along Velez Street, Cagayan de Oro. What used to be a place where you can find imported home furnishings, knick knacks, crafts, dinnerware, tea cups a...
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