mindanao blogger Archives - Page 5 of 21 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jan92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz Escudero to government: respond to Mindanao’s concerns quickly

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, Basilan, Bislig, Broadcasting, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Compostela Valley, Cotabato, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, General Santos City, Government, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Following the successive bombings of NGCP towers here in Mindanao and even the lack of water (the Zamboanga City Water District has announced water rationing starting January 7, 2016!), I'm glad that Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on the national government to focus its attention and support for the people of Mindanao. “Malacanang should have all hands on-deck with regard to the problems currently besetting Mindanao. The list is getting alarmingly long and there is apparently no end in sight for many of these problems,” said Escudero, the frontrunner in various vice-presidential preference surveys. Foremost among Escudero’s concerns was the successive bombings of towers owned by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) that started in the third quarter of 2015...

Nov22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com shortlisted in 2015 Globe Media Excellence Awards

Announcements, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Technology

A total of 58 entries were shortlisted for various categories of the Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA), the most anticipated premier award-giving body that gives recognition to excellence in journalism in Mindanao. The premier award-giving body which recognizes excellence in journalism from the best breed of scribes in Visayas and Mindanao, the awards gives recognition to print, broadcast, and digital media practitioners who have excelled in their respective fields. Awards night for the GMEA Mindanao leg will be held on November 17. “The number of entries that we received this year is a testament to the commitment of media practitioners to provide exemplary reporting in their respective fields given the vital role of the press in effecting positive societal transformation and nati...

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....

Oct152015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Migz Zubiri to run for Senate anew, as Poe-Chiz guest candidate

Bukidnon, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics

Former 3-consecutive term Bukidnon 3rd District Congressman and Senator for 4 years Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator as an independent earlier today, Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at the Commission on Elections main office. He was accompanied by his wife, newspaper lifestyle columnist Audrey Tan-Zubiri. Zubiri, who previously said he was quitting politics, told Mindanaoan.com that he got inspired by his No. 6 ranking in the latest survey of senatorial preferences. In the Sept. 8-14 Pulse Asia Research Inc. survey of senatorial preferences, Zubiri emerged as the sixth most favored by voters. “I’ve been very happy quietly living a private life with Audrey and our three kids, and tending to our small business for more than two years now. ...

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....

Sep22015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Seeing Daniel Matsunaga and Aliya Parcs

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos

A few weeks ago, I took a quick step back from all the traveling and instead, started attending a couple of local events. Event invitations have been piling up! (Thank you!) The events I attended paved the way for me to see a good friend, meet a new one and see another hunk who apparently still recognizes me ;) Singer, composer, FHM model and my friend Aliya Parcs was in town recently. Dionne Monsanto, an alumnae of Pinoy Big Brother, joined her on this trip. Aliya brought with her wonderful news - she bagged two golds at the recently concluded World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), the same contest Jed Madela won a grand slam in. WCOPA is largely cited as the “Olympics of the Performing Arts” and artists from all around the globe converge in Long Beach, California. Happy for m...

Aug112015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Somalia, Africa and Cabanglasan, Bukidnon sign sister LGU agreement

Announcements, Bukidnon, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update

Cabanglasan, Bukidnon and Bal'ad, Somalia are now sisters! Sister LGUs, that is :) On July 27, 2015, about two weeks before Cabanglasan's founding anniversary, a historic local government unit (LGU) sisterhood agreement was forged between Cabanglasan and Bal'ad in the Shabelle region of Somalia. This town sisterhood pact is truly historic as this is not only the first to be established in the Philippines but within entire Asia as well. Cabanglasan, a third class municipality located at the second district of Bukidnon, is the third foreign LGU to partner with Somalia since 1991, the year the civil war started. Recently, the country formalized sister-city agreements with Istanbul, Turkey and Minneapolis, United States of America. The Cabanglasan - Somalia sisterhood agreement aims to d...

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...

Mar92015 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Malaybalay Bukidnon 2015 Charter Day schedule of activities

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Tourism

Hi, everyone! I will be traveling regularly to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon in the next two weeks to cover the city's 17th Charter Day celebration. Malaybalay is the Province of Bukidnon's capital :) With the theme "Commitment and Integrity in Service," the Malaybalay City Charter Day Celebration will start tomorrow, March 9, 2015 although technically the charter day will really be on March 22. A lot of activities have been scheduled. FREE admission to all of the LGU-sponsored events. If you also want to participate in any of the activities, sign up for free at the city hall. For sports-related events, go to the Grandstand in Sumpong. If you're also planning to visit Malaybalay, please feel free to leave a comment and I'll be happy to guide you. I also have a banner below for recommende...

Feb12015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea Travel Series: Seoul City Hall

Government, Korea, Leisure, Seoul, Tourism, Travel

The Seoul Korea City Hall is one of the world's eco and energy efficient buildings. It's also a pretty cool building to look at! Just check out the photos I took of the Seoul City Hall. Located at Taepyeongno, Jung-gu, which is basically the heart of Seoul, the City Hall is right across the Deoksugung Palace and just a few minutes away on foot from the Cheonggyecheon Stream. How to get to Seoul City Hall: Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 2 to reach City Hall Station. Take Exit 2. Found this cute little thing on the right side of the City Hall :) Want to follow more of my Korea trip? Click on Mindanaoan In Korea How to apply for a Korean tourist visa Very helpful Seoul, Korea Travel Tips Cheonggyecheon Stream Deoksugung Palace Changing Of Guards More Korea post...

Dec232014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Becoming Filipino Kyle Jennermann has a message for Mindanaoan.com readers

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Personalities, Society, Technology

A lot of my readers have been asking me about Kyle Jennermann, the 27 year old Canadian who wants to become Filipino. Yes, you read that right. Kyle, who apparently has fallen madly in love with our country, has been chronicling his fun and happy escapades as he tries to become Pinoy via his popular "Becoming Filipino" videos on YouTube. Click HERE to visit his YouTube channel. I have a lot of things to say about my friend but I think it is but proper that I write a lengthier post next time. For now, he has a message for all of you. Thanks so much for following my humble blog - enjoy Christmas with your loved ones :)

Dec182014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan.com declared top CDO blog by ICT Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Society, Technology

It is with utmost humility that I announce that Mindanaoan.com has just been declared as a "Top CDO Blog" in the recently concluded 2014 ICT Awards held at the Activity Center, Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The ICT Awards, organized by the CDO ICT Business Council, Cagayan de Oro's main information and communications technology organization, recognizes websites, individuals and organizations involved in the city's IT industry. The citation reads: "The 2014 ICT Awards, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Telecommunications and Communications, Department of Science and Technology - ICTO and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, presents this Top CDO Blog Award to www.Mindanaoan.com for the creation and maintenance of an exceptional b...

Dec132014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Globe to unveil world-class, Tim Kobe-designed Gen3 store in CDO

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Technology

Globe Telecom is strengthening its business and operations in Cagayan de Oro with the opening of its world-class retail store dubbed as “Generation 3” Store in Limketkai Mall on December 15, 2014. The Globe Store in Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro is the second Globe retail store to undergo major renovation, paving the way for one of the biggest milestones in telco retail around the world. And to usher in the new Globe Limketkai store, a launch party will be held at 6 PM at the North Concourse of Limketkai Mall. The new Globe “Generation 3” store promises a fresh experience for its customers, boasting of a unique retail concept that is a first of its kind in the Philippines, designed by Tim Kobe, founder and CEO of Eight, Inc. whose brainchild is the iconic Apple store in New...

Dec82014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Samsung offers huge discounts with Galaxy of Christmas Wishes promo

Consumer, Corporate, Features, Freebies, Technology

Perfect money saving news from Samsung! Samsung gives Pinoys more reasons to love the holidays with their Galaxy of Christmas Wishes promo! Starting today until December 31, 2014, customers can get a chance to take home their favorite Samsung device at a lower cost by visiting participating Samsung Experience Shops and authorized dealers nationwide. At Samsung’s Galaxy of Christmas Wishes, customers can avail of their very own Samsung devices for as low as Php 7,000 less than the original selling price or get a special item from Samsung upon purchase. Rhinn Piczon, Product Marketing Head for Mobile of Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation, said that they "listened to what our customers want and we’re thrilled to be able to give it to them this Christmas.” Included in the pro...

Nov242014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join this CDO Bloggers-led blogging and social media workshop

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Technology

Blogging has truly evolved. From just sharing your personal thoughts on your online diary or journal, blogging has now turned into a very viable communication medium and even an opportunity to earn money. More and more people (and businesses) now want to learn how to start a blog and how to maximize the power of social media. Now if you're interested to join the blogging world, the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers, Inc. will hold a workshop on November 29, 2014, 2 to 5 PM at Jia Cha Cafe, Ground Floor, Divisoria Arcade, Pabayo - T. Neri Streets. This is the perfect time for you to learn how to start your very own blog and maximize the power of social media! Register now at the official CDO Bloggers website. Please note that a very minimal fee of Php 200.00 will be collected to cover snacks an...

Nov142014 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

EXCLUSIVE: BonChon Cagayan de Oro branch opening date CONFIRMED

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao

Mindanaoan.com is the very first to break the news --- BonChon Chicken, the company behind the global Korean-style fried chicken craze, is set to open their Cagayan de Oro City branch on November 28, 2014 at the First Level, Garden Area, Centrio Mall! I received this exciting update from the franchisees themselves :) BonChon, which means "my hometown" in Korean, will open their very first branch in Northern Mindanao this month. They first entered the Mindanao market when they set up shop in Davao about two years ago then later in General Santos City. BonChon Philippines Managing Director Scott Tan himself will be in CDO for the launch. And here's more good news - be among the very first customers and be qualified to receive FREEBIES! There will be a private function in the morning...

Nov42014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

FineLab offers baking workshops in Davao and Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Davao City, Food

Are you ready for a baking revolution? FineLab, a division under Thermtech Group, Inc., is set to launch the FineBake Bake-olution Caravan, which will visit both Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City. There will be baking workshops in both Mindanao cities, ideal for business owners and individuals. The FineBake Bake-olution’s Cagayan De Oro Swing will be held at the Polymedic Medical Plaza along Kauswagan Highway on November 11 (Tuesday), 9:00am while the Davao City Swing will happen on November 14 (Friday), 9:00am at the Beauchem Building, No. 846 Atis Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina. During the workshops, attendees will learn how to make Vegetarian Pandesal and Specialty Breads, Sweet Dough, Marble Bavarian Cake, Rainbow Mallows Cake, Caramel Duet Cake, Mocha Crunch Cake, Cherry ...

Oct292014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

That honest, taray Davao taxi driver story and things I learned when a post gets viral

Announcements, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings

Hello, world. Yes, that was me. The person who posted that "taray Davao taxi driver" story on Facebook that got viral --- no, really, really viral --- was me. Google "Davao taxi driver," "taray Davao taxi driver" or "honest Davao taxi driver," chances are, most of the hits on the first page and Google images are about my post. (this is what SEO folks would die for!) And, like anybody whose post unknowingly attracted thousands of "likes," shares, retweets, reposts and comments from people around the world, I now have my own story to tell. I also learned a couple of lessons, both good and bad. Well, I want to focus on the good so trust me, there were more good than bad. Did I mention, though, that as a result, I received several TV and radio interview requests and hundreds of friend reque...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Cheonggyecheon Stream

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel

After visiting Deoksugung Palace and witnessing the changing of the royal guards ceremony, my brother and I then proceeded to Cheonggyecheong Stream, an 8.4 kilometer long stream that flows west to east through downtown Seoul. What used to be a neglected overpass in the 70's was restored as a massive urban renewal project worth $900 Million in 2005 and is now one of the popular tourist destinations in Seoul, South Korea. Actually, even locals love hanging out here as well. From Deoksugung Palace, we walked for about 250 meters to Cheonggyecheong Stream. If you're at Deoksugung Palace facing the Seoul City Hall, Cheonggyecheong Stream is on your left. Just go straight and look for Chongye Plaza or this cone/shell sculpture. This signifies that you're at the mouth of the stream :) ...

Oct202014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Covering the BIMP-EAGA International Business Leaders Confab and Trade Fair

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Events, Malaysia, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao

Very excited to share with you all that I have just been invited to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Conference in Davao City this October 22 to 25, 2014! This is a very important international event especially in terms of trade, investments and even tourism among ASEAN countries. I feel really very honored especially since I found out that I'm the only media practitioner (from both the traditional and new media/blogging sectors) from Northern Mindanao invited to cover this. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. This highly anticipated event, which will be held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center, is expected to draw at least 800 busine...

Aug252014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Very first Make Your Own Havaianas event in Butuan

Beauty, Butuan, Caraga, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style

The biggest flipflops customization event in the Philippines is finally heading to Butuan! The very first Make Your Own Havaianas - Butuan or #MYOHButuan2014 event is happening on September 26 to 28, 2014 at the Main Atrium of Robinsons Place, Butuan City. A Make Your Own Havaianas event is where you can build/create/design your very own pair (or pairs!) of Havaianas. You can choose the type and color of sole, pins and straps! Moreover, there are special pins and sole designs that can only be found and bought during Make Your Own Havaianas events. I'm a regular MYOH supporter - my very first Make Your Own Havaianas experience was way back in 2009! Since then, I've been sharing my MYOH experiences regularly through this blog :) Make Your Own Havaianas - Butuan will be led by li...

Aug162014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: Sponge Cola and Up Dharma Down for Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

Aside from Sarah Geronimo, popular Filipino bands Sponge Cola and Up Dharma Down also rocked the stage during the recently concluded Globe Wonderful MindaNOW awards night. The Globe #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign aimed to find the coolest spots around Mindanao and to encourage Globe users to share cool things via social media and live in the NOW. Thank you very much to Globe for the front row seats and for the several VIP tickets that I got to share with Mindanaoan.com readers and followers (woot!) Sharing with you some of the photos I took of Up Dharma Down and Sponge Cola. Only used a Canon EOS mirrorless point and shoot camera so apologies if I don't have close-up pictures :) For photos I took of Sarah Geronimo, please visit THIS. Th...