Reviews Archives - Page 4 of 11 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Sep272015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My Laduree French macaron Makati visit

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

One of my longtime super favorite blogs to read is Chuvaness, run by Cecile Zamora van Straten. I've been reading it since its LiveJournal days and as much as I possibly can, I try to visit the restaurants or shops that she recommends. One of her recent entries was about the opening of the Manila branch of Laduree, that famous French luxury bakery that opened in 1862 and that's best known for its delicious macarons. Let's get this out of the way first - a macaron is a sweet meringue-based confection made with egg white. Commonly filled with ganache, buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies (or crisp shells), the name "macaron" is derived from the Italian word macarone, maccarone or maccherone, the Italian meringue. (Source: Wikipedia) Yes, it's different from macaroons....

Sep252015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Churreria La Lola Rockwell Powerplant

Food, Manila, Reviews

So I finally had the chance to try the famous Churreria La Lola churros at Powerplant Mall, Rockwell. I've been eager to visit since a lot of my Instagram friends have been posting and raving about their giant churros. So of course the girl from Mindanao had to see what the fuss was all about! The long queue at La Lola Churreria really got me convinced that they're serving delicious food here: The menu was simple and easy to understand. Although my mission that day was to try the Churros Clasicos (medium, 6 pieces, Php 110) plus the chocolate dip (medium, Php 60), I want to try the stuffed churros (with a choice of nutella, dulce de leche, strawberry or peanut butter) or the churros dipped in dark chocolate the next time I'm in town (which is next week LOL). YUM! Just typing ...

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...

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That Amazing Wine-Paired Degustation At Movenpick Resort Cebu

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Events, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

Degustation is a culinary term that means meticulous food tasting of special signature dishes. Usually consisting of several courses, each paired with matching wines that complement each dish, a degustation aims to heighten one’s senses and allows one to appreciate food at its finest. That’s exactly what happened during my recent stay at Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu. I flew via Philippine Airlines and underwent a wine-paired degustation at the Conservatory of the Ibiza Beach Club, led by no other than popular Cebu businessman and passionate sommelier Manuel “Manny” Osmeña. This was how the Ibiza Beach Club looked like that night: Before that, though, Manny O gave me and my fellow media guests a tour of his private wine cellar. Only a handful of people have ever set foot here s...

Jun192015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Soul Refresh At Movenpick Hotel Mactan Cebu

Blogging, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

How do you say no to a weekend of flight via Philippine Airlines and 5-star accommodation, gastronomical pleasure and pampering via Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu? It was an invitation I just could not resist. Cool gift from Philippine Airlines @flypal #flypal #aviation #travel A photo posted by Mindanaoan.com Irene (@mindanaoan) on May 16, 2015 at 2:28am PDT Philippine Airlines, which is re-introducing its daily Cagayan de Oro-Cebu flights, recently flew Mindanaoan.com to the Queen City of the South to experience a specific kind of luxury - one that I could only describe as refreshing for one’s soul, mind and heart. It was a short but smooth and comfortable flight, the kind that you can only expect with the country’s flag carrier. I even checked-in online via PAL’s website...

May302015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Surviving Crazy, Beautiful Boracay

Features, Flights, Leisure, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Society, Style, Technology, Travel

When I was asked if I wanted to experience Labor Day 2015 in Boracay Island (no less), of course my answer was a resounding YES! Although it wasn’t my first time in an island recognized as one of the world’s finest, it was my first LaBoracay trip and the mere idea of partying with a sea of people piqued my curiosity. And so, armed with my travel essentials, I took two plane rides, a bus ride and a boat outrigger ride to reach the famed Boracay. The agenda was very simple: take over summer! Enjoy the island and what it brings! I was given 3 days to basically immerse myself in the excitement of it all - to a hilt! However, I faced quite a predicament: where and how to begin? Let me tell you, it wasn’t difficult to find things to do. What was difficult was how to do as many things a...

May242015 by Mindanaoan Irene13 Comments

How I Use Globe GCash MasterCard As Easy As 1-2-3

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Gifts, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, News, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Technology

If, like me, you're the type of person who likes the convenience of shopping or paying bills (online or offline) using a debit or credit card BUT requires an easy-to-understand way to keep track of all the spending OR if you need a credit card sans the hassle, then you will love the new Globe GCash MasterCard. I learned the beauty of this baby just a few weeks ago during a trip to the gorgeous, world-famous Boracay Island, where I experienced the whole LaBoracay 2015 madness. I was in Boracay not only to bask in the sun or for the unbeatable, high-energy beach parties hosted by Globe Telecom but for this other important mission as well: To take over summer and be a #SwipeAholic with the help of the new Globe GCash MasterCard. The Globe Cash MasterCard is a GCash Car...

May172015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Emerald Suites – Budget friendly hotel in CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

Here's good news for fellow budget conscious travelers and folks who love staycations like myself. Emerald Suites CDO is now open for business! Emerald Suites Cagayan de Oro is the latest budget hotel to open in the City of Golden Friendship and they do not only offer friendly rates, they offer a great location as well! Situated along Jose Agudo Street, Barangay 24, Emerald Suites CDO is just a stone's throw away from the major malls. From the garden area of Ayala Centrio Mall, this new CDO budget hotel is just a few meters away. It is also several steps away from Gaisano Mall, Limketkai complex (where the Limketkai Mall is) and the currently being constructed SM CDO Premiere 2. The reception area at the second floor: Rates: Standard single - Php 899...

May162015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

AirAsia Hot Meals – Gastronomic Delights At 35,000 Feet

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Features, Flights, Food, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Reviews, Travel

I consider myself a budget conscious traveler who doesn’t mind spending extra if it means getting something better. Take airplane food, for instance. Unless I’m truly famished or I want to try something for the first time, I stay away from food sold and served aboard an aircraft. Not only are these airline meals (more often than not) expensive, they’re hardly filling and tasty. The choices are very limited as well (so limited that I think a cup of instant noodles has become the “default” order by weary, hungry passengers). However, let me say this: I always make an exception when I take flights via AirAsia. Even before I got invited to Cebu a few days ago for the exclusive AirAsia Hot Meals media launch, I have already been an avid fan of their in-flight meals. Real, flavorful food sold...

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...

Apr132015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Must-try cafe in CDO: Kafe Al Fresco

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

Have you ever gone out of your way just to check out a cafe or restaurant simply because you've grown curious of all the seemingly mouthwatering photos they post on social media? That's exactly what I did on a Friday when I went to try Kafe Al Fresco CDO. I often see food shots taken from this unassuming little cafe in Sta. Cecilia Subdivision, Gusa, Cagayan de Oro (which is a good half an hour away from my place) and since I like trying out new places and sharing the experience with a friend, I invited Em. Fortunately, she was game to tag along. And off we went to Kafe Al Fresco. Kafe Al Fresco CDO is actually a makeshift structure turned into a quaint cafe of sorts. It's located within a compound that also has a row of apartments owned by the Hojas family. And, yes, it's in ...

Apr92015 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Chicken678 from Korea opens first Philippine branch in Mindanao

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Korea, Reviews, Seoul

During my most recent visit to Korea, I noticed so many chicken and beer food places. I later found out that eating chicken and beer (maekju) is a very big part of the Korean food culture. Hence, the many chimaek or (chicken+maek) restaurants all over Korea. In popular Seoul tourist spots like Myeongdong alone, you'll probably spot a number of chimaeks along every street. So when I learned that Chicken 678, one of Korea's popular chimaeks, is set to open a branch in the Philippines, I was pretty interested. Perfect time to reminisce all about my trip to Korea! I was all the more interested when I found out that their first ever Philippine branch will be in Mindanao! How cool is that? Chicken 678, owned by well-known Korean MC and comedian Kang Ho-Dong, has opened a branch at the Grou...

Mar282015 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Secret Garden for good Korean food in Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Food, Korea, Reviews

Ever since I first visited Korea, I've fallen madly in love with Korean food. I love how healthy and clean-tasting (i.e. not oily, very flavorful) Korean dishes are. So I'm pretty happy to know that there's a restaurant in Cagayan de Oro that serves good and pretty affordable authentic Korean food. Located along Masterson Avenue, Secret Garden Restaurant is owned and managed by a friendly Korean, who even had a big smile on his face as my friends and I entered the place to have dinner. There were tables and chairs at an open space but there were also smaller, airconditioned rooms. My friends and I opted to stay outside. The huge overhead fan was enough to keep us comfortable. We were served complimentary kimchi, pickled vegetables and spiced tofu. Oh, how I miss kimchi! And how I ...

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...

Feb282015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At Tim Ho Wan Manila Michelin Star Restaurant

Business, Consumer, Food, Manila, Reviews

So I've finally visited TIM HO WAN Manila! I've been seeing a lot of photos of Tim Ho Wan's Manila restaurants plus their uber popular baked buns with pork BBQ (char siu) filling. At bilang fan na fan ako ng dim sum, I knew I just had to include Tim Ho Wan in my must-visit list next time I'm in Manila. Tim Ho Wan, which originated in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, is recognized as HK's most famous Michelin star restaurant. Actually, Tim Ho Wan is the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant! And you know how it is if a restaurant is awarded a Michelin star. It means you simply have to visit. The Tim Ho Wan Manila franchise, a result of a partnership between Felix Ang of Cats Motors and Ricky Dee of Mesa and Todd English Food Hall, is less than a year old but based on a lot of posts and pho...

Jan282015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Park Inn Radisson Davao hotel

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Perhaps two of the advantages of staying at Park Inn by Radisson Davao are the facts that this Davao hotel is right behind SM Lanang Premiere Mall (which houses the SMX Convention Center) and that it's roughly 15 minutes away from Davao International Airport. Hence, if you want extra minutes of sleep before heading to the airport or if you want to catch a movie or shop, then Park Inn Davao is the ideal hotel for you. I stayed at this business hotel in Davao when I was invited to cover the BIMP-EAGA International Business Leaders Conference. Although I was there for work, I truly had restful nights. I mean, really, who wouldn't have comfortable sleep when you get a bed like this? Comfortable bed - check. Clean sheets - check. Soft pillows - check! My room came with a lo...

Jan72015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

A tour of Globe Telecom’s Gen3 Store at Limketkai CDO

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Internet, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Opinion, Reviews, Technology

When I was in New York City, USA in 2012, one of the things I did was visit the iconic Apple store along 5th Avenue (and have my photo taken in front of the incredible glass cube) and buy my own iPad 2 (it was a big thing then!). My experience at that store was very nice and that was a memory that continued to linger. Back then, I hoped to experience that kind of customer service and perhaps see a similar store in the Philippines. Fast forward 2014, not only did I get to meet Tim Kobe, the very designer of the Apple stores (and of the Nike Concept Stores, Knoll, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Citibank, just to name a few more!) but I also got to see (and experience!) his signature skill and expertise in innovative design when the much-talked about Globe Telecom "Generation 3" or Gen3 stor...

Nov262014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dulaang Atenista XU’s Sa North Diversion Road play

Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

When I received an invitation from Shaun to watch Dulaang Atenista - Xavier University's "Sa North Diversion Road" play, I honestly threw all expectations out of the window. That strategy apparently worked well for me because for someone who doesn't get impressed so easily, Dulaang Atenista's version of the award-winning play was so worth my time I felt it would have almost been a sin should I have missed it. Directed by Jay Rey Alovera, Dulaang Atenista's version of the play starred Maria Mercedes Batar and Client Ray Cosin, both of whom gave emotional, stellar performances way beyond what's most probably expected of their age. "Sa North Diversion Road" is composed of 10 brief stories of 10 different couples as they drive along the North Diversion Road in the Philippines. The common...

Aug112014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Bradley Bascon violin concert CDO Philippines

Advocacy, Arts, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Reviews, Society, United States of America

When I was invited to watch a concert featuring a 15 year old violin protege, I knew somehow I was in for a treat. After all, for someone so young, Bradley Bascon has already achieved so much - far more than most lads his age - including winning the Violin Master Class panel finals organized by the Music Teachers Association of California, performing with an orchestra as a featured soloist in Spain and Portugal, performing in the London Olympics in 2012 and participating in festivals in Germany, Austria and Italy. Still, I felt that I had to hold back my cheers and praises until the litmus test - that one-night only concert held last July 31, 2014 at the Rodelsa Hall, Liceo de Cagayan University. Along with collaborating artist Rudolf Golez, who himself is an internationally acclaimed F...

Jul102014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What to order at Tonkatsu by Terazawa CDO @TonkatsuPH

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Society

Tonkatsu by Terazawa is a Japanese Katsu Restaurant by Chef Akinori Terazawa from Nagoya, Japan, locally franchised in the Philippines by The Bistro Group, same owners of Italianni's and T.G.I. Fridays. Here in Mindanao, Tonkatsu by Terazawa opened their first branch at the First Floor, Garden Area of Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. My family and I are regular Tonkatsu by Terazawa customers. We love their katsu meals as well as some side dishes. The Tonkatsu by Terazawa Centrio CDO branch is also comfy albeit small (they share space with Italianni's) - a nice place to bring your loved ones for Sunday lunch, your friends for Saturday get-together or your business partners for power Monday meetings. I also like the hand-painted Japanese characters, lanterns and other accents insi...

Jul72014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

HOT-STAR Philippines: Taiwan’s Large Fried Chicken in Manila @HotStarPH

Features, Food, Manila, Reviews

So if you read somewhere that one of Taiwan's most famous chicken chop places has finally opened a branch in Manila and that for only Php110, you get a fried chicken so large that it's even bigger than your face (!!!), you just have to go try and see for yourself, right? :D That's exactly what my brother and I did when we were in Manila - we satisfied our curiosity and paid Hot-Star Philippines a visit! Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken, located at Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal Avenue corner EDSA, Pasay City, is a fastfood, sit-down restaurant that offers affordable meals. Of course, the "star" of their menu is the large fried chicken - and they weren't kidding when they said "large." Hot-Star's fried chicken is 30 cm long - big enough for 2 to 3 people to share! Placing an order is pr...