Travel Archives - Page 5 of 16 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec62015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cheap Way To Travel From Narita To Tokyo

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel

Yes, it's true. Japan is truly an expensive city BUT if you know where to look and how to follow instructions and, more especially, if you have cool travel aficionado friends who generously share tips, then you can certainly still travel to Japan on the cheap. I got this very helpful Japan travel tip from Paula Peralejo! This is for those who want to save on transportation from Narita Airport to Tokyo (and vice versa). A little backgrounder first. While Narita Airport isn't the only airport near Tokyo (there's also Haneda Airport), it's usually where most international flights are serviced. Narita is about an hour away from Tokyo proper so unless you want to stay near the airport for some reason, DO NOT book hotels near Narita. I just had to say that since I've noticed that the hotel...

Dec42015 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

How to apply for Japan visa in the Philippines

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Travel

When I started preparing documents for my Japan tourist visa, I somehow knew what to expect. In fact, the process was pretty similar to getting my tourist visa to Korea except for one major difference, which you'll find out later :) Anyway, here's how to apply for a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines: A Japanese visa is technically FREE of charge. However, the Japanese embassy ONLY entertains visa applications coursed through accredited travel agencies. Since my brothers and I flew from Cebu to Narita, we applied through one of the Japanese embassy's accredited agencies in Cebu. Do note that while there is a Japanese embassy in Cebu, it's only for diplomats. All visa applications will still be processed in Manila. For our agency, we chose Friendship Tours Cebu. My brother, ...

Dec32015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Back from Japan!

Japan, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Travel

I'm back home from a much-needed vacation to Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. I'm still on a natural high, after having spent one glorious week there! I visited three major places in Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. It was an all DIY, budget trip. And, yes, I'll share budget Japan travel tips for y'all! I had a really nice experience in Japan. It was the peak of the Koyo Season (when the colors of the leaves change). Technically, the weather was supposed to be autumn but let me tell you - my brothers and I froze our a**es off! Admittedly, we were underdressed and totally unprepared for WINTER! Yikes OMG. Climate change, hello, is that you? Thankfully, I managed to bring my trusty Gap scarf (a gift from Divine Lee), two H&M sweaters, a knitted wool hat (which I wore in the US)...

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 ...

Nov42015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

5 Ways To Avoid Being A Victim Of “Laglag Bala” “Tanim Bala” Scam

Advocacy, Controversial, Crime, Flights, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

The horror that is the “tanim bala” (bullet planting) or “laglag bala” scam. If you're a frequent traveler like I am, I'm sure you are either worried or angry - or even both! This airport scam in the Philippines surely is a controversial one. "Laglag bala" or "tanim bala" is where innocent travelers fall prey to members of alleged syndicates who “drop” live ammunition in luggage and as a result, either miss their flights or get extorted for huge amounts of money. Take the case of the 60 year old engineer who flew from Manila to Davao. He was found in possession of two bullets at the Davao International Airport. Like most of the victims, he said he did not know how the bullets got into his bags but he was charged for illegal possession of ammunition nonetheless. He was only released when...

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....

Oct142015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 tips to make travels in the Philippines more efficient, relaxed

Blogging, Corporate, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Travel

These days, traveling can be such a pain. Not only do you have to deal with flight delays, monster traffic to and fro the airport and even bungled up hotel bookings, you also need to figure out how you can keep yourself entertained during those long, tiresome waiting periods. Are there ways to make travels in the Philippines a little more relaxed, efficient and productive, you wonder? As a frequent traveler, I've had my fair share of traveling woes. Allow me to share 3 tips, which I personally abide by, on how to make your trips in the Philippines bearable and even fun! Be mindful of what and how you pack I'm not just talking about rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save space (I highly recommend this, by the way) but also learning how to pack as light and as complete...

Aug312015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2015 schedule

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Tourism, Travel

Planning to visit Camiguin Island? Do it on October! October is the BEST time for you to visit what is popularly known as the island of your imagination, the Island Born Of Fire, here in Mindanao, Philippines! Camiguin Island celebrates its annual Lanzones Festival every October - it's a festival that celebrates the bountiful harvest of sweet, fleshly lanzones fruits that the island is best known for. Thanks to Camiguin Congressman Xavier Jesus "XJ" Romualdo, Mindanaoan finally got the Camiguin Lanzones Festival 2015 schedule of activities. Thank you very much, sir!I'm planning to attend at least the major events. Who among you also want to go? :) With the theme, "Kinaiyahan Atong Amping Kalamboan Alang Sa Tanan," the Camiguin Island Lanzones Festival 2015 will formally kick off ...

Aug112015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities

Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

The King of Festivals is here once again! Kadayawan Festival 2015 or the 30th Kadayawan sa Dabaw will be held in Davao City from August 17 to 23, 2015. Kadayawan Festival is Davao City's grandest and most colorful celebration that highlights Davao tribes' culture, tradition and everyday lives. Kadayawan is also where we all thank the good Lord for bountiful harvests! :) Here's the Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities (please feel free to SHARE!): It's also a special non-working holiday in Davao City on August 24, 2015 so plan your trip well! Happy Kadayawan Festival! See you in the streets! :)

Jul142015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Wao-Maramag road project to be completed by 2016

Announcements, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Bukidnon, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Government, Headline, Lanao del Sur, Travel

A 53-kilometer, Php 485 Million road project stretching from the municipalities of Molundo, Maguing, Bumbaran and Wao, Lanao del Sur, to the municipality of Maramag, Bukidnon is seen to be completed by 2016. Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong, Jr., who lobbied for the completion of this Wao to Maramag road project to President Benigno Aquino III, was quoted as saying that he is "hopeful that the project shall be fully completed by 2016." Adiong said that the said road is expected to enhance business, fair trade and livelihood between Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon, which are both known to be rich in agricultural lands and farms. “Farmers and buyers shall benefit as crops can be sold and bought at cheaper prices,” he added. Currently, 12 out of the 53-kilometer road are...

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...

Jun262015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Must See Places in Rome that Are Uncommon for Visitors

Tourism, Travel

Italy is home to some of the most influential people and artwork throughout thousands of years of history. It is an ancient location as remnants of the past tell stories of events that have shaped humankind today. Rome is full of locations that everyone wants to experience for themselves. However, there may be some that are uncommon that you must see in order to appreciate the multiple facets of historical Italy. In addition to Hipmunk's guide to Rome, you can get more out of the experience by exploring places you never knew existed. Largo di Torre Argentina Site of an ancient series of temples and believed Theater of Pompey, Largo Argentina also hosts one of Rome's more humanitarian aspects. Hundreds of cats find these ruins as shelter as a no-kill area for homeless felines. Operato...

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 IreneNo Comments

New place for prayer and reflection in Malaybalay City Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, Religion, Tourism, Travel

There's a new place ideal for prayer and reflection in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. Q Park II, located at Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, boasts of a lovely manicured lawn, a gorgeous view of the Bukidnon mountain ranges and Malaybalay's signature cool breeze. It's a nice place to commune with the Lord. An alternative to the Monastery of Transfiguration, which is also located in Malaybalay. Admission to Q Park II is FREE and this park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays. There are several huts you can use. You can't miss Q Park II. It's located along Sayre Highway and about half a kilometer away from the road leading towards the Carmelites. By the way, should you want to also visit the Monastery of Transfiguration, there's a dress code

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...

Apr212015 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

White sand at Isidro’s Beach, Initao, Misamis Oriental

Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel

So aside from jumping off an 8-storey base jump platform tower, I also celebrated my birthday this year at my happy place - THE BEACH! I am a certified beach baby :) Since it was my Cebu-based brother's last day in town, my family and I decided to just forego our Camiguin Island or Siargao Island plans and just look for a nearby municipality that had white sand beaches. In Misamis Oriental, the nearest one we could think of was Initao. Initao is about a little over an hour away from Cagayan de Oro and about 45 minutes away from Iligan City. Apart from white sand beaches, Initao is also known for the Initao National Park, which is a 57 hectare natural forest with diverse flora and fauna. Anyway, it wasn't our first time at an Initao white sand beach but it was our first time to go dur...

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...

Apr82015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Surfing paradise Siargao Island Surigao – How To Get There

Beauty, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Best known as one of the world's most amazing surfing destinations, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines is also home to some of the country's beautiful beaches, natural salt water pools and abundant marine life. And, as you can see below, it's also where you can catch gorgeous sunsets! Since Siargao Island is where you can find the infamous "Cloud 9," or those thick, high, hollow tubes of surf waves, lots of regular surfing competitions (both local and international ones) are held here. For non-surfers or just mere sun worshippers, there are also a couple of islands near Siargao that have clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and that all-around tropical vibe. You can go island hopping in Siargao just like I did! Here's a quick travel guide on how to g...

Mar312015 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Siargao Island Hopping: Guyam, Daku, Naked Islands

Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Siargao Island is a tear drop shaped island located at Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines. Although it has carved quite a name worldwide as a surfing destination, Siargao Island also offers other fun activities for non-surfers. One of these is island hopping. Siargao island hopping is surely a must-do! Off the coast of Poblacion, General Luna (formerly known as Cabuntog), Siargao, there are 3 islands that you can visit - Guyam, Daku and Naked islands. General Luna is at the southern part of the island and is where you can find "Cloud 9" or those thick, high, hollow surfing waves. My family and I started our Siargao island hopping adventure at around 10 in the morning. We were supposed to start early but we thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast and needed time to just relax :D (read:...

Mar252015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Breathtaking Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur

Bislig, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Tinuy-An Falls will truly take your breath away. Located in CARAGA, Mindanao, Tinuy-an Falls is dubbed as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines.” Actually, this majestic falls really lives up to its name - it's truly "tuyuonon" (road towards it can be tricky or a bit of a challenge). However, once you see this natural masterpiece, everything will all be worth it, trust me! Entrance fee to the falls is Php 50.00 per person. There are also huts and tables for rent. You would need a life jacket if you want to go beneath the mighty falls. Locals will offer the use of a raft and guide you towards it. In order to reach Tinuy-an Falls, go to Bislig, take a habal-habal from there (Php 400.00 for the entire motorcycle, roundtrip). A habal-habal can take in two passengers. You might also wa...