mindanaoan Archives - Page 5 of 49 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

May242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao

ARMM, Crime, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the entire island of Mindanao, Philippines. He issued the declaration last Tuesday, May 23, 2017 PST, from Moscow, where he was on an official visit, after roughly 50 armed men allegedly entered Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The martial law in Mindanao declaration, according to Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella, will be in effect for 60 days and will include Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. Duterte declared Martial Law after members of the radical Islamist organization Maute group clashed with Philippine forces in Marawi. The army said that they were in the area to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of an Islamic State branch in Southeast Asia. Hapilon is on the FBI’s “most wanted terrorist” list, with a $5 mill...

Apr212017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Missy Bon Bon CDO: New look, new dishes

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

Missy Bon Bon CDO - I've written about them a couple of times but it looks like I won't be stopping anytime soon because they're constantly offering something new! It wasn't so long ago when Missy Bon Bon, a homegrown Cagayan de Oro brand that offers freshly made breads, cakes, desserts, their version of the well-loved Camiguin pasalubong pastel and even gelato, revamped their menu and started serving sexy breakfast choices. Now, after being away from the limelight (quite literally, because of their store renovation hehe!), their Limketkai Center main branch is finally back and ready! They have a new look, a new menu (they now have lunch and dinner options!) and (finally) wait staff who can assist you as you order from your table. Before my flight to the US, Missy Bon Bon invited me ...

Mar312017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hello from New York!

America, Announcements, Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Personal, Travel, United States of America, Videos

Hello! I finally have the time to just sit down and blog! It's true - this surely is the city that never sleeps. I'm talking about New York City, USA! Yup, I'M BACKKK!!! Can you tell how excited I am? No? Maybe that's because I'm freaking freezing my a** off LOL :D I arrived here in New York about two days before a big blizzard. Just when I thought winter season was about to close and spring was about to come! I guess winter just wanted to leave with a bang, eh? Although it wasn't my first time to encounter snow, it was my first time to be in the middle of a raging blizzard. But deadma sa blizzard --- pose kung pose! :D Before I inundate you with my America-related blog posts, allow me to share with you my vlog about my flight from Cebu to Incheon (South Korea) and finally to ...

Nov22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I’m heading to Blogapalooza 2016

Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

I'm pretty stoked to be in Manila this weekend for Blogapalooza 2016! Blogapalooza is the Philippines' first and largest B2B: Business-to-Blogger networking and marketing event and this year, it will be held on November 5, 2016, 10 AM to 8 PM at Novotela Manila Araneta Center, Quezon City. Themed "Charting the Uncharted: Horizons 2.0," Blogapalooza 2016 is extra special this year because several representatives from Visayas and Mindanao blogging communities will also be in attendance. If you're a Filipino blogger, I highly recommend that you sign up for Blogapalooza. It's totally FREE! For business owners, you will also benefit from this event as it will allow you to connect to bloggers directly. You can increase your profit with the help of rich content from bloggers and you can ...

Oct292016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO rafting rate increase now approved – see the new fees here

Announcements, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

IT'S OFFICIAL. The Oro Association of Rafters (OAR) will now implement new and increased rates for white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. These new CDO rafting rates will actually help the industry. Please read on so we may all understand :) Back in January, I first wrote about the rate increase proposal. Now, I learned that the new CDO rafting rates have already been duly approved and that all of the rafting outfitters have started implementing them last October 1, 2016. The new rates are as follows: * Celebrities Aga Muhlach and Rowell Santiago try CDO rafting with Great White Water Tours Basic rafting course / Lower section (2-3 hours) - Php 1,200 per person. Plus Php 200 if you want the package to include snack, lunch (or dinner). This is optional. Advance rafting co...

Oct92016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom reveals more amazing partnerships, perks during WWG 11

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Last July, I was in Manila to personally witness Globe Telecom executives announce the company's partnerships with some of the world's biggest brands - Netflix, Disney, Astro, Sports Illustrated, Smule, Cartoon Network - as well as the birth of Globe Studios and Globe Live. I was already very impressed then (especially since I'm a longtime Globe subscriber). Just a few days ago, however, I became even more impressed when Globe Telecom again proved that they truly are the leader in digital content through their latest collaborations. At Globe’s 11th quarterly media event dubbed "Wonderful World with Globe" or "WWG11," the company announced its latest milestones and events for the quarter: - activation of more 700 MHz cell sites that registered speeds of up to 80 mbps during rush hour ...

Sep42016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Where to eat in CDO: Alavar’s Seafood Restaurant

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Zamboanga City

If you've been to Zamboanga City, Mindanao, have dropped by popular Alavar's Seafood Restaurant and have tried their extraordinary Alavar sauce, then you'd understand why I just had to visit their latest branch - their second in Cagayan de Oro. Located at the Cucina de Oro Compound, Limketkai Drive, Alavar's Seafood and Grill CDO is owned by the very same folks in Zamboanga. The first branch of Alavar's CDO is located along Aluba Road, Macasandig and just a few weeks ago, they opened their branch downtown. Alavar's CDO Limketkai branch is a lot more accessible since it's just a few moments away from Limketkai Mall. Alavar's is best known for its sauce which goes best with rice and various seafood dishes. Because of the popularity of the sauce, Alavar's now sells them in bottl...

Aug152016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

MusiKagayan Festival 2016 with Up Dharma Down and TJ Monterde (EASY TICKET GIVEAWAY INSIDE)

Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Music

Who's ready for MusiKagayan Festival 2016? It's the biggest and the GRANDEST music festival ever to happen in Cagayan de Oro City! This Higalaay Festival 2016, it is but a MUST for you to catch the most-awaited and much-talked about MusiKagay-an Festival 2016 CDO! MusiKagay-an Festival will be held on August 20, 2016 at Limketkai Center Parking Lot D. Gates will open starting at 11 AM (there will be various activities and concessionaires inside!) and performances will last until the wee hours of the next morning! Aside from headliners Up Dharma Down and CDO's very own, TJ Monterde, MusiKagay-an music festival CDO will also feature local indie bands, DJs and dancers. Ticket prices are as follows: Indie: 375 (with 1 FREE Drink) Halley's: 975 (with 3 FREE DRINKS + VIP lounge acce...

Aug152016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Pacifico Hotel #CDO launches amazing room sale

Cagayan de Oro City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

The Pacifico Boutique Hotel, a major landmark along the annual Higalaay Festival (Kagay-an Festival) parade route, has introduced a mega discounted promo rate for both their standard and deluxe rooms. For only Php 1,499.00 (book and buy basis) and for a minimum of 2-night stay, guests can stay at The Pacifico CDO’s modern and spacious rooms equipped with 12-inch thick mattresses, bamboo silk sheets, blackout curtains, fast and FREE 100 Mbps wireless Internet, 40 inch wide screen cable TV, floor to ceiling view of the city and large bathrooms with hot and cold water running through rainshower heads. Each room also comes with FREE breakfast for two (2). Just a few steps away from the starting point of the 2016 Higalaay Festival Higalas parade of floats and icons (August 27) as well as th...

Jul162016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PHOTOS: Sneak peek inside S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, United States of America

World-class shopping center S&R Membership Shopping will finally open in Cagayan de Oro on July 28, 2016, 9 AM! S&R CDO is a membership-shopping club modeled after the warehouse membership shopping chains introduced in the United States. Located along Kauswagan Highway (across the RTMI garage, before you take a right towards the Bulua Bus Terminal if you're coming from CDO city proper), S&R CDO will offer irresistible promos and discounts on opening day. So be sure to be there! Actually, if you already got your new membership card and have your voucher booklet (with coupons worth as much as Php 65,000!), you can use the red coupons from September 1 to 7, 2016 as well. Anyway, let me take you to a sneak peek of S&R CDO. You can also find store rules, store hours and ot...

Jun212016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kumbira 2016 culinary show in Mindanao

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Food

Organized yearly by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA), Kumbira, considered the largest culinary competition in all of Mindanao, is set to take place on August 17 to 19, 2016 at the Atrium of Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. Like all previous Kumbira events, Kumbira 2016 will be as grand - perhaps even grander! Kumbira is an annual professional and student category culinary competition and trade show. It aims to showcase the best culinary creations of the region while incorporating the latest culinary trends. Kumbira, by the way, is a Visayan word that means "feast." Kumbira 2016 will carry the theme, "Cook Local, Taste Global." This August, all roads lead to CDO not only for Kumbira but for the annual Kagay-an Festival a...

Jun212016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

LOOK: The iconic motorela of Cagayan de Oro Philippines

Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Society

Did you know that the motorela, the Cagayan de Oro version of the iconic Philippine tricycle, was first invented and subsequently registered in 1964? The CDO motorela was invented by Rafael D. Floirendo, Sr., who also filed a patent registration. The patent number was "2243." Fast forward 2016, "2243" is now "2243: Moving Forward," a contemporary exhibit featuring the iconic motorela. The exhibit, recently held at Ayala Centrio Mall, coincided with Cagayan de Oro's 66th Charter Day. A group named Siete Pesos, composed of 7 artists (Nicholas Aca Jr., Errol Balcos, Michael Bacol, Michelle Hollanes Lua, Jericho Valjusto Vamenta, Ma. Rosalie Zerrudo and Oscar Floirendo, the son of the inventor), organized the exhibit that showcased the remodeled version of the original motorela. Inter...

Jun192016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My tweet landed on Gizmodo

Blogging, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

A few days ago, a Twitter friend of mine tagged me in a tweet. I thought it was just an interesting article. Turns out it was an article published in one of the world's most popular, high traffic technology and design blog, Gizmodo --- and apparently I was in it! Well, technically, my tweet was :) My tweet got cited in an article about a recent gaffe committed by Facebook. You see, they greeted us Filipinos Happy Independence Day but the flag that came along with it was inverted. Highly unintentional, I'm sure, which was exactly why my tweet didn't sound angry or anything. I even professed my love for them hehe! Check out the full Gizmodo article where my tweet was included (1 of the only 2 tweets cited!) Thank you, Angela! :) Do follow me on Twitter - I love exchanging thou...

Jun132016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

The Nest CDO: Your slices of France and Italy in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society

Meet Henrik Yu. Many Kagay-anons know that he's one of the owners of homegrown brands Bigby's Cafe and Missy Bon Bon. Let me add something more to describe this amiable, well-traveled and wise entrepreneur - he's quite the risk taker. He often wins, mind you, because he has a vision and passion like no other. So when I heard of his latest venture - The Nest CDO, a new dining and lifestyle destination in Cagayan de Oro - I knew that Henrik will, once more, put his heart, soul and impressive business acumen into effect. In other words, I'm pretty sure he will win again. I had the chance to visit The Nest CDO exactly a week before their supposed "very, very soft opening" (Henrik's words) on June 18, 2016. I was among the very first to try their offerings - and I must tell you...

Jun132016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Calling all Vis-Min schools! Avail of this #DigitalThumbprint Program #WonderfulPH

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Campus, Education, Society, Technology

If there is one thing that the youth of today should really understand and take to heart, it is how they should act safely and responsibly online. I’m sure you’ve seen posts (or two!) by young ones these days that can really raise eyebrows, can disappoint friends and even break the hearts of their own parents and loved ones. It’s undeniable that the youth of today can act careless and can be reckless with their own digital footprints. That's why I'm really glad that Globe Telecom has joined forces with Optus and Singtel in launching Digital Thumbprint, an award winning program that teaches the youth to understand the impact of their online behavior and how to be safe and responsible for their online activities. The local campaign forms part of the digital nation roadmap created by Globe...

Jun52016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering Senator Migs Zubiri’s oathtaking ceremony

Advocacy, Blogging, Bukidnon, Events, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics, Society

What was supposed to be a self-imposed, much-needed vacation last June 4, 2016 in Bukidnon turned into a mini "working holiday" when my good friend Bobby of Rappler told me that he and other Cagayan de Oro media friends were in Malaybalay City to cover the oathtaking of returning Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri. Apparently, I've been living under a rock because I wasn't even aware that Sir Migs was taking his oath that day! Eep. Anyways, I knew I couldn't pass up that chance to witness Sir Migs as he takes his oath as comebacking Senator. Plus I would've missed this scene - Sir Migs as he personally checked his speech and made final touches: READ: Full text of Senator Migs Zubiri's oathtaking speech In 2007, I remember writing the banner headline story of him running for the...

May282016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LIV Super Club opening soon in Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Leisure, Music, Society

The clubbing scene in Cagayan de Oro is about to up its ante with the upcoming opening of LIV Super Club! LIV Super Club, the first branch of which is located at City Time Square in Mantawi Avenue, Tipolo, Mandaue, is Cebu's first and largest luxury club. Soon, they're bringing world-class entertainment to CDO! Expect only great DJs from all over to spin soul-grabbing music at LIV. LIV Super Club CDO will be located along Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center, specifically right behind Pete's Patriots Gastropub. You can plan the perfect evening escapade - have dinner at Pete's Patriots (try their bestsellers!) then head on down to LIV for dancing, raving and meeting new friends. This is also similar to what my friends and I do whenever we go to Cebu - we have dinner at Tokyo Table (just...

May72016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Why Chiz Escudero is my Vice President

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

Chiz Escudero. I first saw him in Congress. He was the fast rising young representative of Sorsogon then. All eyes were on him. Him and his impossibly forever kunot polo barong. Kunot because he’s here, there, everywhere. I remember whenever I observe at the plenary hall, he often stands up, asks questions from the floor, consults other legislators. In my mind, ang kulit din ng kongresistang ito. He wasn’t like many congressmen who’d just sit and wait for their attendance to be called. Siyempre, crush na crush ko siya noon. Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Rotary Golden Wheel Awardee for Political Governance and Legislation and the list goes on and on. Saan ka pa? Young, very smart, articulate, took and passed the bar on the first try and cute...

May22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Manoy’s Boneless Lechon CDO is every meat lover’s fave

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Society

There are lechon belly shops in Cagayan de Oro and then there's Manoy's Boneless Lechon. Although they opened for business just recently, Manoy's Boneless Lechon CDO is really fast getting everyone's attention - including that of local celebrities, influencers, business and media personalities. The reason for this is because Manoy's lechon promises carefully prepared fresh, quality meat with generous herbs and spices cooked to perfection in that distinct Cebu style. The meat is very tasty and flavorful and the skin guaranteed crispy! And because it's boneless, every kilo is sure to be value for money. Try Manoy's Boneless Lechon today and see why everyone's talking about it! Manoy's Boneless Lechon is truly changing the game in Cagayan de Oro. Try them once and you won't look ...

May12016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

How Native Shoes will make you say YES to the mess!

Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Misamis Oriental, Shopping, Style

I'm the kind of gal who's easy to please especially when it comes to shoes. I love footwear that's easy to pack and bring, comfortable to wear and that's value for money. So when Native Shoes invited me to check out their newly opened store at the 2nd Floor of Ayala Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro, I just had to go! You see, Native Shoes has always caught my fancy. Their products are hip, original, eye-catching and - here's my most favorite part - they're absolutely light! And by light, I really mean astoundingly light! When you try them on, you'd actually tend to think you aren't wearing any footwear at all. Unisex pairs Their products are also odor-proof, waterproof and washable. This is because they use dual-density EVA technology. Ergo, not only are the shoes co...

Apr282016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Dare to try the Revolution 15 challenge at Pete’s Patriots CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Food, Freebies, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism

It's the latest craze in Cagayan de Oro and everyone is invited to take the challenge! Do you dare take the Revolution 15 challenge? Named after historical areas during the war era, Pete's Patriots’ Revolution 15 shots honors the heroic acts of our national heroes. All shots are carefully crafted using classic Filipino alcohol as key ingredients to these drinks - Basi Wine, Tuba (!!!), Lambanog, Blue Curacao, among others. These iconic drinks are then mixed with modern flavors such as Jagermeister, Tequila, Vodka and Bacardi 151 in order to produce a drink fit for heroes, and heroes only! I had the chance to introduce Revolution 15 to media friends recently and they all agreed - enjoying Revolution 15 is quite the experience! And here comes the challenge - if you drink all ...

Apr282016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz Escudero sends sympathies, deplores brutal beheading of Canadian in Mindanao

Crime, Island Garden City of Samal, News, Personalities, Politics, Sulu

Sen. Francis “Chiz" Escudero sent his sympathies to the local Canadian community, while at the same time deplored the brutal beheading of Canadian national John Ridsdel. “We condole with the local Canadian community and send our deepest prayers to all Canadians, especially to the family and friends of Mr. John Ridsdel. This act of a terrorist group has no place in a civilized Philippines. We condemn each and all acts of terrorism and violence,” Escudero said. “The Philippines is and will continue to be a welcoming and hospitable destination to all of those who would want to visit us despite the tragedy that fell on Mr. Ridsdel. We understand that agencies of the Philippine government are doing their best to bring to justice all those responsible for this abominable act,” said the ind...