So the reason why there are super long queues in Eastwood, Ortigas (Manila) is finally invading Mindanao. J.Co Donuts and Coffee is set to open their first Mindanao, Philippines branch at the Ground Floor of Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City on May 10, 2013. J.Co CDO is at the garden area. This means that if you’re thinking of a quick perk-me-upper for Mindanaoan, just send me a dozen Al Capones from J.Co CDO!
J.Co is actually an Indonesian brand but I heard an American company bought a franchise in order to bring the well-loved brand to the Philippines. Very good move, apparently, since I have never been to a J.Co store in Manila that does not have a queue! I often go to their SM Megamall branch. My friends tell me, though, that the horrifying one-hour-and-a-half lines are usually at their Eastwood branch.
Apart from their products, what I also like about J.Co is that you can watch how they prepare the donuts by hand. Yes, you can see how they dip those delicious donuts in gooey chocolate! Yum My all-time favorite is the Al Capone, though. Just imagine white Belgian chocolate mixed with crunchy, toasty almonds on a donut that tastes just right – not too sweet at all. It’s so good I think I can actually finish off a couple of those babies in one sitting. Yikes! I also like the avocado flavored donut. Try it! By the way, you’re encouraged to use a knife and fork when eating your donuts at J.Co
Tip from Mindanaoan.com – best to eat the donuts inside the store. If you need to bring them home or bring them as “pasalubong,” reheat the donuts. Pop them inside the microwave for about 2 minutes and they’re good. I usually reheat them in medium heat.
One dozen J.Co donuts = Php 350.00 but if I’m not mistaken, you get a discount if you buy two dozens Best to try their JCoccino also. It’s their signature drink. Price starts at Php 115.00 (12 oz.)
I met Titus John Monterde (or TJ Monterde) in Cagayan de Oro several years ago. He was friends with my brother Bon and we had a lot of mutual friends as well.
He was already a celebrity in his own right then. A popular local TV host of ABS-CBN regional lifestyle show “Mag TV Northern Mindanao,” TJ Monterde already had a following. Which wasn’t entirely surprising since I knew TJ’s friendly, smart and approachable. What I didn’t know then was that the boy could sing as well.
Fast forward years later, Teej now has his very own record album entitled “Ikaw At Ako.” Released by Galaxy Records and distributed by Polyeast Records, TJ Monterde’s album boasts of 6 well-loved OPM hits and 5 originally penned songs, including his own composition “Ikaw At Ako,” to which the album was named after. “Ikaw at Ako” also served as the official song for the YouTube viral film called “My Super Fan Girl.”
Check out the official music video of “Ikaw At Ako” by TJ Monterde:
Now was that soulful singing or what?
The album, sold nationwide for only Php 200.00 (very affordable, folks!), includes these beautiful OPM hit songs: Cold Summer Nights (Francis Magalona), Hindi Mo Ba Minamahal (Dingdong Avanzado), Iyong-iyo (Big Thing), Mabuti Pa Sila (Gary Granada), Mahal na Mahal (Archie D) and Wag na Lang Kaya (Truefaith).
You can order digital copies of TJ’s album via MyMusicStore (click, click!) and iTunes.
By the way, TJ tells me that there will soon be a grand album launch. I’ll keep you all updated
Congratulations, Teej! I’m proud of you! Remain humble and always value your fans. See you soon!
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It’s official, folks! Mindanaoan can exclusively CONFIRM that Rustan’s Fresh Cagayan de Oro will open on May 17, 2013! Rustan’s Fresh CDO is Rustan’s Supermarket’s very first foray into Mindanao.
And get this – Rustan’s Fresh CDO is the BIGGEST in the entire Philippines! Roughly 4,100 sqm to boot!
The soon-to-open Rustan’s Fresh in Mindanao will be located at Ayala Centrio Mall.
Just in case you’re wondering why Mindanaoan.com can confirm this piece of great news — it’s because I’m part of this project Very honored and grateful to two lovely ladies J and V for the trust and confidence!
Mindanaoan.com will post more exclusive updates on the opening of the biggest Rustan’s store in the country. Watch out also for a store opening-related event! Will share details in the next succeeding blog posts.
My all-time favorite is the Al Capone, though. Just imagine white Belgian chocolate mixed with crunchy, toasty almonds on a donut that tastes just right – not too sweet at all. It’s so good I think I can actually finish off a couple of those babies in one sitting. Yikes! 
I also like the avocado flavored donut. Try it! 
By the way, you’re encouraged to use a knife and fork when eating your donuts at J.Co 
