mindanaoan Archives - Page 10 of 49 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct32013 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Monastery of Transfiguration Malaybalay Bukidnon: 3 things to do

Bukidnon, Culture, Education, Features, Religion, Tourism, Travel

I recently revisited the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, my favorite refuge here in this part of the Philippines. You can read about my recent visit to this Benedictine Monastery here. Have you ever visited? If you have, I'm sure you'd agree with me when I say that it's the loveliest, most ideal place for a spiritual retreat. The Monastery of Transfiguration Bukidnon is where you can pray and commune with the Lord. It's also fast becoming a favorite wedding destination for so many couples around the world. However, apart from praying at this gorgeous cone-shaped chapel (picture below, designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin and considered the centerpiece of the Monastery of Transfiguration), there are 3 other things you can do w...

Oct22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why I’m promoting Britney Spears’ new Work Bitch video

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Personal, Technology, Videos

So have you watched the "Work Bitch" new video of Britney Spears? It was launched today, October 2, 2013 (October 1 in the U.S.) You can watch the video below :) So let me make this quick. Let me give you 5 quick reasons as to why I'm helping promote Britney Spears' new music video for her new song "Work Bitch." 1. Because I think she's a talented, amazing pop superstar! Regardless of those "dark episodes" in her life (don't we all have those anyway?), she has sold millions of albums, filled so many stadiums around the world and made all of us dance! 2. Because I used to do Britney Spears-related stuff (fortunately, not related to song and dance ;) )! You see, back when I was still starting out as an online worker, I wrote Britney Spears-related content. I can't divulge the specif...

Oct12013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan.com is a finalist in the 2013 Mindanao Blog Awards

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Technology

Hi everyone! So excited to share with you all a piece of good news. My humble blog, Mindanaoan, has officially been recognized as a finalist in the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 (MBA 2013)! Woot woot! Mindanaoan.com is one of the Best Lifestyle Blog 2013 finalists :) You can find the official announcement here. Thank you so much, daghang salamat gyud kaayo to everyone who voted in order for Mindanaoan to be among the finalists. There will still be a final round of voting (I hope I can still count on your support ;) ) but win or lose, I am already extremely proud and grateful! Thank you :) I remember when I won the Best Lifestyle Blog award in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and became a national finalist in the 2011 leg. The recognitions truly inspired me to help more people understa...

Sep262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Krispy Kreme CDO: 7 things you will like #KrispyKremeCDO

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Musings, Shopping, Society

Who doesn't have a love relationship with Krispy Kreme? It's the home of my favorite Original Glazed Doughnuts, good signature coffee and delicious chilled drinks. In other words, Krispy Kreme is the home of good stuff and good vibes. And for people in Cagayan de Oro, the good stuff and the good vibes are heading their way real soon! Krispy Kreme CDO will soon open a stand-alone store at Rosario Crescent, Lim Ket Kai Mall, Lapasan! Krispy Kreme at Limketkai Cagayan de Oro is set to open its doors and light their "Fresh Doughnuts Here" sign come mid-November. Are you excited? I know I am! During a bloggers conference with Krispy Kreme Philippines Marketing Manager Mark Gamboa and Assistant Marketing Manager for Visayas and Mindanao Nadia Shami, I found out a couple of things about...

Sep192013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shop at Ayala Malls and see the world via the Travel Asia promo

Contests

Do you frequently shop at an Ayala Mall in the Philippines? Why not turn your most recent visit into a FREE trip not only to local destinations but also to top Asian countries? Join the Shop Ayala Malls Travel Asia promo! All you have to do is shop, collect and present receipts dated July 1 to September 30, 2013 at the Ayala Mall concierge where the purchase/s was made. Every Php 500.00 spent entitles you to one contest entry. If you use your BPI Ayala Malls Amore VISA Card, you can also double your entries! There are two Ayala Malls in Mindanao - Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro and Abreeza Mall in Davao City. Prizes at stake include trips to top local destinations Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Palawan and to breathtaking Asian countries Japan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore...

Sep172013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte to close movie houses without adequate security

Crime, Davao City, Government, Headline, News

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is bent to close movie houses that do not have enough security. This, after blasts in two Davao City cinemas, which Duterte called "terrorism," left at least 5 people hurt Monday night. "Movie houses should have adequate security. The local government can't provide policemen and military just to guard that. You have to invest. If you can't provide, I will close your movie house," Duterte said. The Davao City mayor's warning came after two improvised explosive devices went off inside Cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall and Cinema 1 of SM City. No one was injured in the SM Davao blast but 5 people were hurt in the Gaisano Mall explosion. The victims complained of ear pain. "The military and police told me that they already gave warnings to SM,...

Sep172013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Historic: Bananas exported to America from Mindanao

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Food, Misamis Oriental

This is truly something not only Mindanaoans but all Filipinos around the world should be proud of! The Philippines has finally completed its first ever shipment of highland cavendish bananas to the USA, making it the first Asian country to do so. And yes, these bananas, which will be marketed under the Sweetio brand, are from Bukidnon, Mindanao! :) Here's more - the Bukidnon bananas were shipped last August 20, 2013 from the Mindanao International Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao! The Philippine Embassy said that the maiden shipment, composed of 7.047 metric tons Bukidnon cavendish bananas, arrived at the Port of Long Beach near Los Angeles last September 9, 2013. This will be the first of an estimated 3,000 metric tons that the US hopes to import from the ...

Sep162013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 2013 in Surigao, Butuan and CDO

Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur

Catch several of the Philippines' top bands and OPM artists as the Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 7 hits Surigao, Butuan and Cagayan de Oro in the next few weeks!Tanduay Rhum First Five 2013 will be in Surigao on September 20, 2013 and in Butuan City on September 21, 2013.Meanwhile, Tanduay Rhum Rockfest 2013 CDO will be held on October 11, 2013. The event will feature Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Rico Blanco, Sponge Cola, Wolfgang, Gloc 9, Chicosci, 6cyclemind, The Dawn, Kitchie Nadal, Ebe Dancel and Siakol.Planning to be in those areas to watch these top Filipino artists? Book your hotel room now!

Sep122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Getting married? Here’s how to win a FREE engagement shoot

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Announcements, ARMM, Bacolod City, Beauty, Bislig, Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Caraga, Cebu City, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Cotabato, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Features, Freebies, General Santos City, Hongkong, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Journalism, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Macau, Maguindanao, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Pagadian, Photos, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Getting hitched soon? Here's a great way for you to save on your wedding preparation expenses! Just visit the One Happy Story Photography booth during the Kasalang Filipino 2013 bridal fair at Centrio Ayala Mall, Cagayan de Oro City from September 13 to 15, 2013. Not only do you get to avail of a special 10 percent discount #OHSWeddingPromo when you book with them, you also stand the chance to win one of the 2 FREE engagement (pre-nup) shoots! And you know what that means - significant savings! Now you have the choice to use that as additional funds for your romantic honeymoon :) Visit the prime, WiFi-ready One Happy Story Photography booth near the entrance of the Centrio Activity Center (just across Starbucks) and marvel at their lovely photos. You will understand why so many bride...

Sep72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Must-visit in Puerto Princesa Palawan: KaLui Restaurant

Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Visayas

Visiting Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines soon? Then you must visit KaLui Restaurant! I did and it was a truly lovely experience. In fact, I even mentioned KaLui Palawan to my cousin who was also set to visit Puerto Princesa days after my trip. She swears it was truly one of the highlights of her own Palawan trip! So on our last evening in Palawan (I was flown there recently by the US Embassy for a speaking engagement), a friend from the embassy and I had dinner at KaLui Restaurant. Located along busy Rizal Avenue and just a few minutes away from where I stayed in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, KaLui is not only a place for good comfort food but a place where you can relax and appreciate art, music, creativity and even your sense of touch! You see, KaLui Palawan requires their patrons t...

Sep72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Legend Palawan Hotel Puerto Princesa

Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

So during my recent two-day, all expense paid trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism, (much thanks to the US Embassy Manila) I stayed at The Legend Hotel. I must admit from the get-go, however, that I wasn't able to explore this Palawan hotel that much since we arrived pretty darn late in the evening on the first day and we also had to leave early the next day to go to Brooke's Point, Palawan. And on our second day at The Legend Palawan, the same thing happened - we again arrived in the evening then had to leave early the next morning. C'est la vie. So please just allow me to share a few photos I took of my The Legend Palawan Hotel room. I stayed in an airconditioned standard suite. It had two beds - one queen sized bed and a single...

Sep62013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GenSan 15th Tuna Festival 2013 schedule of activities

Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Sarangani, Tourism

General Santos City, known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and the Home of the Generals, is currently celebrating Tuna Festival 2013! This Mindanao festival, the 15th Tuna Festival, is in celebration of the 45th Charter Anniversary of General Santos City. This year, the festivities started last August 15, 2013 and will last until September 15, 2013. GenSan, led by its Mayor Ronnel Rivera, is home to 6 of the country's 7 tuna canning factories. Lots of metric tons of tuna, including first grade or "sashimi grade" tuna, land on the famous GenSan Fish Port every single day. In 2012, a total of 139,613 metric tons of fish were landed at the General Santos Fish Port. Those tuna then get sent out not only to domestic customers but to foreign markets as well. The tuna industry sure is t...

Sep52013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Diyandi Festival 2013 Iligan schedule of activities

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Iligan City, Tourism, Travel

One of the awaited Mindanao festivals this September is Diyandi, a month-long cultural celebration in Iligan City. Diyandi Festival 2013 is celebrated in honor of Iligan City's patron Saint Michael the Archangel. Diyandi Festival culminates every September 29 - this is St. Michael's feast day. Diyandi means "celebrate." And this year, there are lots of reasons to celebrate! The City Government of Iligan has prepared lots of activities including a fun run, beauty pageant, film festival, concerts etc. (speaking of concerts, don't forget to catch Rivermaya on Sept. 29 - I'll post more details about this soon) Check out the Diyandi Festival 2013 schedule of activities (this is still a partial list, for updates please visit the Diyandi Festival FB page): Discover and experience...

Sep42013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking about social media in a US Embassy event in Palawan

Advocacy, America, Arts, Blogging, Education, Features, Government, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism, United States of America, Visayas

This Mindanao blogger received a special invitation not too long ago. The US Embassy Manila folks asked if I wanted to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism in a two-day, all expenses paid eco-tourism workshop in Palawan. As an International Visitor Leadership Program alumnus, I was invited to share my knowledge to outstanding students from various schools in Brooke's Point, Palawan. Who can say no to that kind of invitation? So last August 22, 2013, I flew to Manila from Mindanao and then to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - all on the same day. My flight to Manila got delayed for about 3 hours because of Typhoon Maring. The delayed flight was both boon and bane. Boon because I was able to chat with a city mayor-friend of mine (you know, get the inside juicy stuff I can wr...

Sep22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Good Sunday Lunch buffets at Misto Seda Hotel Centrio CDO

Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Hotels, Leisure

Here's how to spend quality time with family and friends in Cagayan de Oro City. Bring them to Seda Hotel Centrio Misto Restaurant for delicious Sunday lunch buffet! For only Php 499.00 per person, you can feast on a delectable buffet of local and international dishes. This special Sunday lunch buffet at Seda Hotel CDO Misto Restaurant runs from 11 AM to 2 PM. Reserve a table! Call (088) 3238888 You can also book a room at Seda Hotel Cagayan de Oro here

Aug142013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Catch the PBA Legends in CDO @vincehizon12

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Sports

The PBA Legends are coming to Cagayan de Oro City! Popular Filipino basketball players Vince Hizon, Jerry Codinera, Marlou Aquino, Noli Locsin, EJ Feihl, Rey Evangelista, Bong Hawkins, Bal David, Rodney Santos and Kenneth Duremdes will comprise the PBA Legends team that will play with CDO Mayor Oscar Moreno, his son Oscar Jr. (Jang) and Team CDO All Stars on August 17, 2013 (Saturday), 6 PM at the Xavier University Gymnasium. This fiesta basketball game is for the benefit of the Xavier University Scholarship Fund and is made possible by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, among others. Check out the other Cagayan de Oro fiesta 2013 events The preliminary game will feature Team CDO and Xavier University at 4 PM. Gates open at 3 PM. Ticket prices: Upper Box Php 250 ...

Aug142013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cagayan de Oro Fiesta 2013 rules: no backpacks, mandatory parking space

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao

With the Cagayan de Oro Fiesta 2013 / Kagay-an Festival 2013 drawing near, authorities in Cagayan de Oro City have emphasized their call for the public to follow certain security measures. These include the readiness to present any valid ID during onsite inspections and mandatory parking space especially during 2013 Kagay-an Festival major events. Wearing sunglasses and caps (during indoor celebrations) and bringing of backpacks will also be discouraged. The Cagayan de Oro Fiesta 2013 schedule of events Please take note of the guidelines below (released by the CDO government): 1. There are public events that require tight security measures. We appeal to the spectators for their cooperation on these security measures. 2. Bringing of backpacks and similar carrying bags in any...

Aug122013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visit Resorts World Manila for the 105-day Thrillathon

Blogging, Corporate, Hotels, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Resorts, Shopping, Society

Resorts World Manila will always be special to me. Not only did my first few articles about Resorts World Manila garnered so many views from people all over the world (one of them was the most read article back in 2010), I also had one ultra lucky night there. It was so lucky that I was able to bring my mother and three younger brothers to Singapore and Hong Kong :) That's why I try my best to visit Resorts World whenever I'm in Manila. And now I actually have more reason to visit again because Resorts World Manila has prepared an exciting mix of events and surprises for everyone - from foodies to concertgoers, movie fans, bookworms, shopaholics, photo hobbyists, jetsetters, toy enthusiasts, gamers and sportsmen! They're calling it "Thrillathon - Non Stop Events, Shows And Pulse Poundin...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kagay-an CDO Fiesta 2013 schedule of events

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism

Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of activities. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar "Oca" Moreno has said that the 2013 CDO Fiesta will push through this year. This, despite the recent news about the bombing incident at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The Kagay-an Festival 2013, which is celebrated in honor of patron Saint Augustine, will hold the theme "Higalaay: The Kagay-an Festival 2013." Higalaay means "friendly gathering/friendly atmosphere." Check out this Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of events: KUMBIRA: Aug 14-31, 2013 Limketkai Mall Atrium (Kumbira is a professional and student culinary show and live competition. It is the largest culinary event in Mindanao. Check out what happened during Kumbira 2012) GARDEN SHOW: August 15-31...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Judging at ABS CBN’s Barangay Gwapo 2013

Announcements, Beauty, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Society

How do you help find the fairest of them all? Well I'm about to find out when I'm set to become one of the judges during the finals night of Barangay Gwapo 2013, an ABS CBN Northern Mindanao-organized and produced men's pageant. Yes, folks, Mindanaoan Irene got invited to be one of the Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finals night judges on August 17, 2013, 6 PM at the Capitol University Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro City. This should be fun ;) * photo by my friend Mark Edson Valledor Pagaspas The Barangay Gwapo 2013 CDO finalists are Joseph Ryan Mar (Patag), Paul James Pagalan (Bulua), Phillip John Mamac (Iponan), Marc Paul Adame (Kauswagan), Michael James Cheshire (Macasandig), Val Anthony Araneta (Balulang), Lloyd Sacala (Bugo), Elpidio Murillo, Jr. (Kauswagan), Jethro Noel Danos (Patag...

Aug92013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Will be part of Sugar Ray Smash Mouth Gin Blossoms Live In Manila #SugarSmashGin

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Hold your breath, folks. Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth AND Gin Blossoms are heading to Manila this October 21, 2013! Yes, Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that popular 90's bands Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will headline a very special 3-in-1 concert #SugarSmashGin on October 21, 2013, Araneta Coliseum, Manila! Actually, I first shared the good news in an earlier blog post but only Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth were the confirmed acts then :) And I am also very excited to let you guys know that, thanks to my amazing friends over at Random Minds Production, I will be with Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms when they arrive in Manila! That means I will frequently be dishing out updates, exclusive photos and videos! Stoked :D So are you ready for #SugarSmashGin? I...

Aug72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Korean stars in Davao to shoot “No Breathing” movie

Mindanaoan Update

Here's proof that Davao City is indeed safe and picturesque! Korean stars Lee Jong-Suk, Seo In-Guk and Park Jeong Cheol as well as South Korean film producers and crew are currently in my hometown Davao City to shoot a film entitled "No Breathing." The local government of Davao even threw a welcome party for these popular South Korean actors. Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato said in this article (originally written by my friend Rudolph of the PIA) that Davao City was the film producers' FIRST CHOICE! They visited Manila, Cebu and Davao. Apparently, the film producers were impressed by Davao City's cleanliness and the abundance of natural resources plus the hospitality of the Dabawenyos. Woohoo! Davao City will have about 15 minutes of exposure in "No Breathing." I ...