mindanaoan blog Archives - Page 3 of 12 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Rustan’s Fresh CDO VIP night (official photos inside)

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Shopping, Society

I previously mentioned here on Mindanaoan that I was involved in a recent 3-day series of events for the Rustan's Fresh CDO opening. Aside from the grand opening, Rustan's Fresh Supermarket Cagayan de Oro City also sponsored a walkathon (in partnership with Xavier EcoVille, wherein all proceeds collected from the registration fees went to the said resettlement project for Typhoon Sendong survivors) and a Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro preview night attended by VIPs, trade partners, concessionaires, traditional media practitioners, bloggers, guests and other local key personalities. Hundreds of people came to get a sneak peek of the 4,186 square meter store and 17th branch in the Philippines. All of those events were huge successes and I would like to wholeheartedly thank each and ...

Jun262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dionne Warwick and the Tavares Live in Davao

Davao City, Events, Music, Society

Dionne Warwick Live in Davao! The singer behind well-loved songs like "I Say A Little Prayer For You," "I'll Never Love This Way Again," "Walk On By," "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" and "What The World Needs Now" will perform live in Davao City on July 21, 2013, 8 PM at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City. The Dionne Warwick Live in Davao City concert will also feature the Tavares, an American R&B, funk and soul music group. Tickets to the Dionne Warwick Davao show are priced at Php 3,000, Php 2,500, Php 2000 and Php 1,000. If you're planning to watch the show, why not stay at the same hotel where the legendary singer will be? Seda Hotel Abreeza Davao is the official residence of Dionne Warwick. Check out the beautiful rooms, amazing amenities...

Jun262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

David Pomeranz Live In Valencia City, Bukidnon

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Music

International multi-platinum award-winning recording artist David Pomeranz will perform in a one-night only concert in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines on July 7, 2013 (Sunday), 8 PM at the San Agustin Institute of Technology (SAIT) Gymnasium, Valencia City, Bukidnon. David Pomeranz, who's responsible for the hits "King and Queen of Hearts," "Got To Believe In Magic," "Born For You" and "On This Day," will be joined by veteran comedienne Giselle Sanchez. The David Pomeranz Live In Bukidnon concert is part of his 2013 Philippine Tour dubbed "You're The Inspiration." Buy your tickets online here Mindanaoan.com will also raffle off some tickets in the next few days. Follow Mindanaoan on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google Plus to be eligible for the raffle! :) Mark your ...

Jun242013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering ABS CBN “Luv U” and “Goin’ Bulilit” press conferences

Blogging, Entertainment, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Television, Videos

So one of the things I did during a recent trip to Manila was attend a press conference at the ABS CBN Channel 2 Dolphy Theater. Attending (and organizing, even!) media briefings aren't new to me but that one was an exception - it was the first entertainment/showbiz press conference I attended in a very long time! It probably was my first ever - I'm not too sure. But I must say, it was a bit intimidating since I'm far more comfortable with politics and news and current affairs-related press gatherings. Still, I was interested to attend since I was curious as to how showbiz presscons were handled and I was also interested to observe entertainment reporters and listen to their questions. A little bit of background, though. I'm pretty familiar with the ABS CBN Manila compound since I worke...

Jun212013 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Rivermaya band Davao radio tour and SM City Davao gig

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Videos

So a day before the big Rivermaya Live At Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao gig that I co-produced, the Rivermaya boys - Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Norby David and Ryan Peralta - performed first at SM City Davao for a pre-Independence Day gig. I was already in Davao City then, comfortably settled in my spacious executive deluxe room at the Apo View Hotel (which had a nice view of the pool, by the way - thanks so much, Apo View!) when I found out that the boys were supposed to have a Davao City radio tour before their scheduled performance at 5 PM at the SM City Davao Annex atrium. So I did what every Rivermaya fan worth her salt should - bug the Rivermaya band manager (hello Raymond! :D) and insist - without any hesitation or shame - that I tag along. Fortunately, Raymond was convinced tha...

Jun182013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Korean fashion brand Basic House opens Ayala Centrio CDO branch

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Shopping

Popular Korean fashion brand Basic House has opened its first store in Mindanao - the Basic House Cagayan de Oro branch. This is Basic House's fourth store in the Philippines. Basic House CDO is among the more than a hundred stores that offer fresh, classic and preppy ready-to-wear garments. Established in Korea in 1996, Basic House currently has 158 stores in Korea. There are stores across Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Russia and the Philippines. Visit Basic House CDO for classic and contemporary wear. You can find shirts, polo shirts, blazers, jackets, chinos, knit wear and even socks at Basic House Cagayan de Oro. Check out the looks you can achieve with some of the pieces you can find at Basic House: Basic House Cagayan de Oro is located at the 2nd floor,...

May302013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Julia Barretto at Style Origin 2013 Ayala Centrio CDO

Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Style

ABS-CBN Star Magic talent Julia Barretto truly wowed the crowd during the Style Origin 2013 fashion and style show held last May 25, 2013 at the Ayala Centrio Mall. Not that it was unexpected. She was, after all, a Barretto beauty. The charming Julia Barretto, who wore clothes from Bench, received very loud cheers from ardent fans and even from members of the audience who immediately got smitten with the fresh-faced Barretto beauty. The Style Origin 2013 fashion show aimed to re-affirm that style begins at Ayala Malls. And based on what I saw that day (I had a great view, thanks to the front row seats given to me and my blogger-friends by Centrio Mall - thank you very much!), they succeeded in achieving that goal. The fashion show, which was hosted by model and TV personality Phoemela B...

May302013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Investigative journalism seminar for Mindanao bloggers, journalists, citizen media

Announcements, Blogging, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) is inviting Mindanao bloggers, citizen media and journalists to an investigative reporting seminar. This PCIJ investigative reporting seminar will touch on political clans, governance and journalists' safety. This seminar is open to mid-career and senior Filipino journalists, citizen media, bloggers, researchers, anchors, producers, news managers, editors, contributors, freelance reporters, stringers of print, TV, radio and online media. Mindanao bloggers covering public policy issues are also eligible. Application deadline: June 10, 2013. This PCIJ investigative reporting seminar will be held on July 25 to 28, 2013. Seminar topics include: • Media Killings, Political Violence, and Impunity in the Philippines •...

May162013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How Rustan’s Fresh CDO may look like

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao

Rustan's Fresh CDO - the very first Rustan's in Mindanao and the BIGGEST Rustan's in the entire Philippines - is finally opening on May 17, 2013 (Friday), 9 AM at Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. I don't know about you but one look at this much space and variety excites me! Check out how the other Rustan's Supermarkets look like: Homemakers will love the sight of this Of course, the boys will love the wide variety of wine, liquors and beer Welcome to a cleaner, fresher, more comfortable version of our friendly neighborhood palengke :) Of course, these aren't actual photos taken inside Rustan's Fresh CDO (since it has yet to open) but you now have an idea of what you will see inside this most-awaited supermarket! :) Rustan's Su...

May102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

‘Fatwa’ against Senator Chiz Escudero withdrawn

Announcements, Muslim Mindanao, Politics

Sheikh Jamil Yahya, chairman of the Bangsamoro Supreme Council of Ulama (BSCU) and Grand Imam of the Mindanao Grand Mosque in Marawi City, announced that they had withdrawn the “fatwa” or Islamic legal pronouncement against Senator Chiz Escudero. “After listening to his explanation, I issued a statement withdrawing our fatwa against Sen. Escudero and I request Muslims all over the Philippines to vote for him,” Yahya said. The religious leader had earlier issued the fatwa against Escudero, claiming he was “anti-Muslim.” He called on Filipino Muslims not to vote for the re-electionist senator. The pronouncement was based on the senator’s alleged criticism of the meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim last April i...

May52013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Join the Rustan’s Fresh CDO Walkathon

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports

I previously told you guys about the upcoming opening of Rustan's Fresh supermarket in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. I'm extremely grateful and proud to be a part of that project (super thanks to J and V for the trust!)! Who wouldn't be? Rustan's Fresh CDO is the first Rustan's supermarket in Mindanao and the BIGGEST in the entire Philippines! Rustan's Fresh supermarket CDO will be located at the ground floor of Ayala Centrio Mall, near the garden area. This time, I have more exciting news for you! Rustan's CDO supermarket is sponsoring a Walkathon! The Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro Walkathon will be held on May 18, 2013, 5 AM, Centrio Mall. There will be two categories - 3K and 5K. Registration fee for the 3K - Php 200.00 while for the 5K - Php 300.00 Your registration fee incl...

Apr282013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Exclusive: Rustan’s Fresh CDO, biggest in Philippines, to open May 17

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

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 ne...

Apr262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan sent to Thailand for WHO-backed global summit #CRVS #everylife

Mindanaoan Update

Mindanao-based blogger Mindanaoan was recently sent to Bangkok, Thailand for the World Health Organisation (WHO) - backed Global Summit on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics. The blogger behind Mindanaoan was the only Filipino multi-media practitioner invited to cover the event, which was the first of its kind. The Global Summit on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) was held last April 18-19, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. Sponsored by the WHO and the Health Metrics Network in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Global Summit on CRVS held the theme: "Moving Forward to Make Every Life Count." The summit followed regional meetings in Africa, Asia and Eastern Mediterranean on regional platforms, innovations and ...

Apr222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full statement of Sen. TG Guingona on his mom Gingoog Mayor Ruthie’s ambush

Announcements, Controversial, Crime, Government, Headline, Misamis Oriental, News

Below is the official statement of Mindanaoan Senator TG Guingona on the recent ambush of his mother, Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie de Lara Guingona. This statement was sent to Mindanaoan: On Saturday night, my mother, Ruthie de Lara-Guingona, who is in her 70s and concluding a third term in office this year as mayor of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, was ambushed on her way home from a fiesta in the city’s outskirts. She was wounded but her driver and security escort did not make it. Brothers Nestor and Bartolome Velasco were killed due to a hail of bullets on board the Hi-Lux pick-up she was riding. The fatalities were loyal employees of long standing in our family’s home in Mindanao. My heart grieves for them and their families. Photo from: http://www.philstar.com/probinsiya...

Mar312013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Speaking at the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cebu City, Education, Events, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, News, Personal, Politics, Society, Technology

The main reason why I was in Cebu City several days ago was to speak at the Social Media Influencers Summit 2013, touted as the largest gathering of social media enthusiasts in the Visayas. It was truly an honor to be one of the speakers especially since the lineup boasted of a lot of prominent online and social media personalities as well as thought leaders like Maria Ressa (CEO of Rappler.com) and Leah Besa-Jimenez (SMART). The Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 was held at J Centre Convention Hall, J Centre Mall, Mandaue City. About 300 social media users attended the summit, which was organized by iNewMedia Online in cooperation with the Cebu Bloggers Society. Topics that day included community social media influencers at work (the stories behind the Iloilo Bloggers Society...

Mar302013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Photos: Rivermaya Band Live Kaamulan 2013 Malaybalay Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Mindanaoan Update

MALAYBALAY CITY | BUKIDNON | KAAMULAN FESTIVAL 2013 - As I previously mentioned, this blogger from Mindanao was in Bukidnon for the Kaamulan Festival 2013, the yearly festival that also serves as the gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. I made sure I attended this year's Kaamulan Festival since I missed it last year, having been sent by the U.S. Embassy to take part in the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program. Not only is the festival a chance for me to witness cultural diversity and rich traditions, it is also a chance for me to be with friends and family. One of the Kaamulan 2013 events I covered was the San Miguel Beer (SMB) Night held at the Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City last March 10, 2013. This year, the SMB Night was topbilled by no less than popu...

Mar282013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How shopping at Spruce can help fight breast cancer

Advocacy, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Gifts, News, Shopping, Society, Style

Did you know that just by shopping at Spruce, you can help raise awareness and help fight breast cancer? Now, shopping for a cause truly has greater meaning! Spruce, one of my favorite lifestyle stores, has forged a partnership with Thrive CDO, a breast cancer awareness advocacy group in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. In order to support Thrive CDO and its campaigns, Spruce has created a very special line of trendy, comfortable and very affordable shoes! The line is called Spruce PINKed and for every purchase of a pair, a portion of the money goes to Thrive CDO. Actually, there's a personal reason behind this Spruce-Thrive CDO partnership. The Tamparong sisters, the amiable trio behind Spruce, found out that their mom Maridel was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. The news pre...

Mar222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Earth Hour 2013 – How You Can Participate

Advocacy, Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events

In order to raise awareness about climate change and the various measures that we all should take in order to address such problem, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been organizing yearly Earth Hour events around the world. This year, Earth Hour 2013 will be a little more participatory and based on citizen initiative as WWF wants to encourage communities to start their own campaigns against climate change. Earth Hour 2013 is no longer just about asking people around the world to turn off non-essential lights for an hour. It's now about urging people to come up with more long-term solutions in order to combat climate change and further protect Mother Earth. Earth Hour 2013 will be held around the world on March 23, 2013, 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time. So where will YOU be at that...

Mar212013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

PARFOIS opens Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro branch

Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Journalism, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Style

PARFOIS, Europe's leading fashion accessories brand, finally opened its Ayala Centrio Mall CDO branch and Mindanaoan was not only there to attend the opening...I was also asked to bring blogger-friends and friends from the CDO media community :) Thankfully, many came and I'm really very thankful! Salamat, salamat! PARFOIS (pronounced as "Par-fwa" which means "sometimes"), founded in 1994 by Manuela de Medeiros, originated in Portugal. They sell jewelry, handbags, hair accessories, belts, scarves, sunglasses, watches, wallets, hats and purses. PARFOIS Centrio CDO is now among 330 Parfois boutiques worldwide. Thank you so much PARFOIS for the invitation and for the trust and confidence :) All of the bloggers and the members of the trad media community who came truly enjoyed the opening...

Mar122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering the Team UNA rally in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Commentary, Events, Government, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Photos, Politics

It was a really long, tiring day. Woke up at 6 AM, which I rarely do, to start on the tasks. My hardworking staff members were still asleep, having only returned from their overnight propaganda tasks at 5 in the morning! Anyways, after hours of preparation, this was what happened the evening of March 2, 2013. Tens of thousands of people were already gathered at the Capitol Grounds in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. I have to say, though - the Team UNA campaign rally in Bukidnon was a concert-slash-rally-slash-fireworks-display event. Since it was the Kaamulan Festival 2013, there was a telecom-sponsored concert that night (topbilled by Itchyworms and Tanya Markova) plus the much-awaited grand fireworks display. Yes, there were people who came to hear the Team UNA senatorial candidates speak ...

Mar112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Cebu Pacific Air Cebu to Camiguin flights to start April 2013

Announcements, Business, Camiguin, Cebu City, Consumer, Flights

Come April 2013, it'll be easier to reach majestic Camiguin Island from Cebu City. Cebu Pacific Airlines will soon introduce their Cebu to Camiguin (and Camiguin to Cebu) flights. The said low cost carrier will start these direct flights on April 15, 2013. ATR 72-500 aircrafts will be used for these Camiguin to Cebu and Cebu to Camiguin Island flights. Flight frequency: Cebu to Camiguin flights will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday According to Cebu Pacific Airlines officials, the regular fares for this route will start at Php 588. Just in case you want to know what you can do, eat, buy in Camiguin, I have a couple of Camiguin Island-related posts. You can read them HERE. If you're a backpacker, you might want to read this Backpacking in Camiguin post :) By the way,...

Feb92013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Got invited to speak by Xavier University – JFINEX

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Technology

One of the things that I just love to do is to share whatever knowledge I have on blogging, social media, Internet marketing, online publicity and how to earn money online. This is the reason why I organize blogging communities, social media clubs and various workshops. I must emphasize, however, that I also still have a lot to learn. The Internet is an ever-changing medium and if you want to maximize its power, it is but important for you to constantly learn the tricks of the trade. So when I received an invitation to speak on Internet etiquette from the Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan School of Business and Management - Junior Financial Executives (JFINEX), I thought why not - it's the perfect opportunity for me and the students to remind ourselves of the importance of following...