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When in CDO: Visit Cogon Night Market

When in CDO: Visit Cogon Night Market

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism
Here's something you might want to do when you're in Cagayan de Oro - visit the Cogon Night Market! From buying vegetables to used clothing ("ukay-ukay"), electronics, cellphone cases etc to checking out an entire street full of food cart vendors, the Cogon Night Market in CDO is a bustling destination you might want to check out. In fact, the local government of Cagayan de Oro has been exerting efforts to turn the Cogon Night Market into a tourist destination of sorts. My friends and I visited the food market along Guillermo Street and as expected, there was a throng of people as early as 6 PM. Check out this brief video I made during our visit: https://youtube.com/shorts/aaI5U_knMCQ?si=D4LPVDFj_c2mg3kv Some fast facts about the Cagayan de Oro Night Market: Vendor...
Big Bad Wolf to bring world’s largest book sale to Cagayan de Oro

Big Bad Wolf to bring world’s largest book sale to Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features
Fellow bookworms, rejoice! Big Bad Wolf will take the world’s largest book sale to Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. This is truly groundbreaking as this marks the first time Big Bad Wolf will bring its world-famous collection of books to CDO. There was a press conference a few days ago but I was in Cebu City (look at what I've been up to!) so I wasn't able to attend. However, I'm pleased to share information about this much-awaited book sale! Big Bad Wolf CDO will be a testament to BBW's never-ending commitment to spreading the joy of reading. As a book lover myself, I can say that Big Bad Wolf Cagayan de Oro will help foster a deeper appreciation for literature and support the ever-expanding community of avid readers. Big Bad Wolf CDO will take place from February 2 to 18, 2024 at ...
lyf Cebu, a colorful coliving space, is now open!

lyf Cebu, a colorful coliving space, is now open!

Business, Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel, Visayas
lyf Cebu City is now officially open and I was there during the grand launch! lyf Cebu officially swung open its doors on January 16, 2024 ushering in a new chapter of co-living and community-centric service. This colorful, comfortable and value-for-money property is developed by Cebu Landmasters INC., a Visayas-based firm, alongside Citadines Cebu City, Citadines Bacolod City, and Citadines Paragon Davao. Check out this video I made when I attended the grand launch of lyf Cebu: * You can also view the video here: Instagram: lyf Cebu TikTok: lyf Cebu Facebook: lyf Cebu https://youtube.com/shorts/maOr4wsCo_A?si=tMsgZnuimabbc-Z6 Strategically located at Tower 3, Base Line, lyf Cebu City serves as the perfect launchpad for guests to effortlessly explore the vibrant Qu...
Kagay-anon Sony Music artists return home to hold special Christmas benefit gig

Kagay-anon Sony Music artists return home to hold special Christmas benefit gig

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Music
Catch Cagayan de Oro's very own singer-songwriter Ela Figura and RnB hip-hop band Sulo, both Sony Music acts, as they return home and hold a special Christmas gig that will benefit the "Home for Girls," a residential facility that provides protection, care, treatment and rehabilitation to abused and exploited girls below 18 years old. Ela Figura, the singer-songwriter recently signed with Ricky Ilacad's record label Off The Record under Sony Music Entertainment, is set to host a heartwarming Christmas Benefit Gig in her hometown on December 21, 2023. The event aims to support the "Home for Girls" by providing essential art materials for the residents in need.  Joining her is the RnB Hip-Hop band Sulo, part of the esteemed roster of artists signed with Ely Buendia's record label Offs...
Marudori: two thumbs up for this halal-certified, chicken ramen place

Marudori: two thumbs up for this halal-certified, chicken ramen place

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews
One of the things I don't mind doing on my own is go on a solo food trip. Enjoying food with family and friends is great, of course, but there are times when you just want peace, quiet and just time for yourself, your thoughts, your plans in life and whatnots. Anyway, one of the places I visited on my own was Marudori, which serves chicken-based ramen. I went to Marudori's newer branch located at Salcedo Village, Makati. Their other branch is located at Rockwell. A sister company of Mendokoro Ramenba, which serves pork-based ramen, Marudori also has an open kitchen where you can observe how they prepare the gyozas and the ramen bowls. To start your meal, you might want to try the tsukune. It’s similar to chicken tocino but you dip it into this egg yolk and special sauce mixture an...
Catch the Ayala Centrio Mall CDO Magical Nights of Lights 2023

Catch the Ayala Centrio Mall CDO Magical Nights of Lights 2023

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Society, Tourism
It's the yearly tradition you and your loved ones don't want to miss! Our favorite mall in Cagayan de Oro, Ayala Centrio Mall CDO, is back with their most-awaited Magical Nights of Lights! This Christmas light show runs daily every 30 minutes starting at 6 PM. Also, this nightly Centrio Mall CDO light show will run until January 6, 2023. It’s a truly festive, beautiful time to create and celebrate traditions with loved ones! Go ahead and visit! This CDO content creator also recommends that you check out the shops and restaurants at Centrio and treat yourself and your loved ones. After all, it's the Christmas holidays! Check out what happened when Ayala Centrio invited me, your friendly Cagayan de Oro influencer, during the launch: (as always, big thanks to Centrio for always remem...
Earn EXTRAAAA cash when you travel this 10.10

Earn EXTRAAAA cash when you travel this 10.10

Consumer, Contests, Features, Shopping
Revenge travel is real! I'm sure you know someone who has traveled as soon as the restrictions have been lifted. Given the chance, I'm also pretty sure you have a long list of destinations you also want to discover. However, let's admit it - we always need to have a budget in mind.  The best travel deals This is why I am happy that I can get cashback on my favorite travel apps and websites via ShopBack! Did you know that you can get cashback from your hotel bookings, airlines, and even activities? Here are some of the deals that they have this 10.10! You can get cashback from Agoda, Booking.com, Klook, and more! For a P10,000 hotel booking for example - you can get P750 cashback! You can also get cashback from airlines! Singapore Airlines, Etihad, Emirates, and AirAsia are ju...
Unleash Your Inner Chef at Nuda CDO: The Ultimate DIY Korean Ramyun Experience

Unleash Your Inner Chef at Nuda CDO: The Ultimate DIY Korean Ramyun Experience

Business, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews
If you're in the mood for something warm, comforting and delicious (not to mention very affordable), and you're a ramyeon / ramyun / ramen lover like me, then look no further than Nuda CDO. Nuda is the new (and BEST so far...trust me!) DIY Korean ramyun restaurant in Cagayan de Oro. Nestled just a stone's throw away from the Xavier University gym along Corrales Avenue - right at the heart of downtown Cagayan de Oro City. Nuda is the brainchild of my longtime friend - none other than singer/composer/artist and CDO's very own pride and joy, Titus John "TJ" Monterde, along with his wife, singer KZ Tandingan and their families. How they came up with the name of this business is a cute story. Here's how TJ explained it: https://youtube.com/shorts/fpvedOSTld4?feature=share What s...
My fave discounted finds at the S&R Members Fest 2023 – lots of Buy 1 Take 1 deals

My fave discounted finds at the S&R Members Fest 2023 – lots of Buy 1 Take 1 deals

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping
It's officially one of my super favorite days of the year! I'm talking about the great S&R Members Fest 2023! For the whole month of September, our favorite warehouse shopping center is offering a shopping extravaganza like no other. Lots of Buy 1 Take 1 deals, up to 50% off and lots of big, big savings! The weekly deals are really something --- just check out some of my amazing finds during my numerous visits at S&R. From food to household items to kitchenware to pet supplies to snacks to even alcoholic drinks --- the deals are just incredible. Perfect time for you to be a member of S&R if you still aren't! Also, keep in mind that being an S&R member also gets you access to their tire center, where I myself availed of many freebies, letting me save thousands! Don't...
GCash, Fuse Lending now offers Sakto Loan

GCash, Fuse Lending now offers Sakto Loan

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
GCash, together with Fuse Lending Inc., recently introduced GCash Sakto Loans, a nano loan offer that enables GCash users to easily borrow small amounts as ‘pambale,’ as it seeks to provide more Filipinos with access to fair, easy and inclusive loan options without the need for bureaucratic paperwork. This is definitely good news for folks who needs a little "breather" from financial obligations and with just the right amount, something that the borrower knows he or she can comfortably pay back in time. A GCash study found that nine out of 10 Filipinos have to borrow money to make ends meet. But with the rigorous loan application process set by formal institutions and banks, more than half resort to borrowing from informal lenders with high interest rates and sometimes abusive colle...
Coca-Cola Zamboanga plant marks 56 years of service

Coca-Cola Zamboanga plant marks 56 years of service

Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur
Did you know that Coca Cola Zamboanga is half of Coca Cola Philippines' age? You see, Coke Philippines was established in the country 111 years ago. This year, Coke Zamboanga marks its 56th year! Cool, huh? Since its establishment in the Philippines 111 years ago, Coca-Cola has upheld its mission of providing happy refreshing moments to Filipinos across the country and making a difference to local communities. The company has been consistently implementing sustainability efforts and undertakes programs for the communities that it operates in - a way of giving back to the Filipinos that have opened their homes to Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola Zamboanga Plant, which celebrates its 56th anniversary this year, is one of the leading examples of the company’s operational philosophy. Located in...
First ever Tourist Rest Area in Mindanao now open

First ever Tourist Rest Area in Mindanao now open

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel
The first ever Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Mindanao is now open! The said TRA has been inaugurated in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, which is about an hour away from Cagayan de Oro, and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco even graced the event. Tourists traveling to Bukidnon and neighboring provinces can now make a safe and comfortable stopover at the said TRA. A flagship project of the DOT to provide convenience and comfort to tourists, this Mindanao tourist rest area is a convergence point that foreign and local travelers could approach to get information on tourism sites and attractions, activities, and accommodations, and to report concerns related to safety and security. According to the DOT, the construction of TRAs in strategic locations all over the country is a f...
Discover the Future of Luxury Living in Cagayan de Oro: The Midtown and The Montage by Vista Estates

Discover the Future of Luxury Living in Cagayan de Oro: The Midtown and The Montage by Vista Estates

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society
Welcome to the vibrant city of Cagayan de Oro, where the allure of modern living meets the tranquil beauty of nature. If you're a prospective real estate investor or property broker searching for the next big opportunity, look no further. Vista Estates is proud to present two upcoming properties that are set to redefine luxury living in this thriving city: The Midtown and The Montage. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GRAND LAUNCH: I was invited to the grand launch of these two properties in Cagayan de Oro (thanks, Vista Estates!) Check out this mini highlights vlog that I made: https://youtube.com/shorts/fluKLy1GZ58?feature=share Unveiling The Midtown at Canitoan: Located in the neighborhood of Canitoan, The Midtown by Vista Estates is a vision of urban elegance. Inspired ...
Why you need to catch the culinary offerings of the new Seda Centrio Chef

Why you need to catch the culinary offerings of the new Seda Centrio Chef

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Food, Hotels, LifeStyle, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Sulu
I was recently invited to meet the new Executive Sous Chef of Seda Centrio Hotel and try his culinary creations. Chef Benzar Joe Aradani, who hails from Jolo, Sulu and who brings with him a wealth of culinary experience and expertise in various regional cuisines, impressed me and the food served that night was equally impressive! Coming from a Christian-Muslim background with an Indonesian father and Filipino mother, Chef Ben has earned him a reputation for creating unique and creative dishes, proven by the numerous awards he has received throughout his 33-year career. The tuna dish he prepared right before our very eyes that night was undoubtedly so tender and very flavorful. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS POSTED ON THE MINDANAOAN FACEBOOK PAGE In the video I took below, yo...
Are you a fellow breadwinner? This GCash story will pull your heartstrings

Are you a fellow breadwinner? This GCash story will pull your heartstrings

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Internet, Society, Technology
I have been the breadwinner of my family for decades. It's something I take utmost pride of and it's something I enjoy and don't complain about but I must admit, there really are times when it can be physically, emotionally and mentally draining. That's why I can absolutely relate to the recently released GCash Stories episode featuring Turing Quinto, a Filipino drag performer and contestant on the debut season of Drag Race Philippines. As the face of GCash’s “Werk With Pride” advocacy for Pride Month, Turing's story delves into her aspirations and determination to succeed in life while showing the challenges faced by breadwinners striving to make ends meet. Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, the film also celebrates pride by putting a spotlight on GCash's commitment to inclusivity an...
Trying out Lampara Poblacion with Norby David

Trying out Lampara Poblacion with Norby David

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews
Lampara is a neo-Filipino bistro located in Poblacion, Makati. As the name suggests, Lampara (“lamp” in Filipino) aims to “shine light” on contemporary Filipino cuisine. Lampara Poblacion Makati features a variety of Filipino dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant is housed in a two-storey building with modern and industrial interiors, with walls adorned with graffiti-style artwork and with mixed-and-matched chairs and some tables made from reclaimed wood. Lampara has a large outdoor patio that's perfect for al fresco dining. That's where Norbs and I sat and enjoyed some of Lampara's small plates. For new readers of this humble blog, Norbs is Norby David, with whom I just marked a decade-long friendship with. I first met Norby in 2013 during a San Miguel Beer-sponsored concert...
POPS Buffet at SM CDO Downtown now offers expanded menu, now with new Asian flavors

POPS Buffet at SM CDO Downtown now offers expanded menu, now with new Asian flavors

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Society
POPS Buffet a.k.a. POPS All Filipino Eatery, the most preferred and most affordable eat-and-drink-all-you-can restaurant inside a mall in Cagayan de Oro (SM CDO Downtown Premiere) now offers an expanded menu that includes new Asian flavors! Aside from their staples, POPS Buffet now adds Asian treats such as bulgogi, gyudon, mafo tofu, pad thai, Vietnamese spring roll and more. I highly recommend that you call them beforehand to check which Asian flavors they will have on the day that you plan to visit. Check out the photos I took during a recent visit to POPS Buffet at SM CDO Downtown Premiere: The buffet is available everyday during mall hours. Please call 0917 873 0800 for inquiries and/or table reservations. POPS All Filipino Eatery is a homeg...
Get your tissues ready: Ate Alma’s story will pull your heartstrings

Get your tissues ready: Ate Alma’s story will pull your heartstrings

Advocacy, Features, Internet, Society, Technology
This is a story of camaraderie and community...and, personally, lots of pure love towards our fellow brothers and sisters. You see, while it's true that technology makes life easier, another one of its advantages is that it helps continue to strengthen connections and foster relationships. Take the case of Ate Alma, a photocopy operator in a university and a family breadwinner, who lost her home due to typhoon flooding. Her story, which I guarantee will definitely pull your heartstrings, was featured in a short film directed by no less than Antoinette Jadaone. Ate Alma's story was included among the tearjerking, heartwarming #GCashStories that prove just how technology not only makes daily transactions easier, but also provides an accessible way to genuinely lend a helping hand. Mo...
Mindanaoan.com wins at Globe Media Excellence Awards GMEA 10

Mindanaoan.com wins at Globe Media Excellence Awards GMEA 10

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Headline, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Social Media, Society, Technology
I WON! I am so proud and honored to share that Mindanaoan.com won the award for Digital Storytelling: Best Blog Post during the milestone year of the Globe Media Excellence Awards! On March 31, 2023 in Cebu City, the Globe Group named the winners of GMEA @10, which honors exceptional reporting across platforms in both Visayas and Mindanao. In its milestone year, GMEA embraced the theme #OneDigitalNation, which celebrated stories that captured the impact of Globe-led innovations that uplift lives with compassion, care, and kindness. For the Best Blog Post award, Maria Irene Aserios a.k.a. Mindanaoan won! Days before the awarding ceremony, Globe announced the list of finalists. I was one of the 3 finalists for Best Blog Post (Mindanao). And then last March 31 in Cebu, I was decla...
GCash now in the United States, enables Filipinos to sign up with US numbers

GCash now in the United States, enables Filipinos to sign up with US numbers

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Korea, Malaysia, New York, Singapore, Society, Technology, United States of America
GCash Overseas has officially landed in the United States, allowing the first 1,000 Filipinos there to sign up for the Philippines’ number one financial app by using their US mobile numbers. This is definitely good news especially for those who frequently send money back home. Filipinos in the US can begin signing up for GCash regardless of their SIM cards and start supporting their families back home by sending money for FREE (GCash to GCash), paying bills, and buying them prepaid load credits. GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon said that they are also preparing for a full launch later this year. Earlier this month, GCash received the green light from the BSP to start the initial launch of its overseas service which allowed Filipinos in Japan, Australia, and Italy to use GCas...
Coca-Cola has this program that allows collection and recycling of plastic bottles during fiestas

Coca-Cola has this program that allows collection and recycling of plastic bottles during fiestas

Advocacy, Cebu City, Features, Mindanaoan Update
Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of the company in the country, activated Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo! pop-up booths in Cebu and Iloilo and collected over 400 kilograms of post-consumer clear PET plastic bottles, toward helping hold waste-free festival celebrations. Tapon to Ipon is Coca Cola's nationwide collection program for post-consumer PET plastic bottles, with bottles from any brand accepted as long as they are clear. The company deployed pop-up booths at the Sinulog and Dinagyang Festivals. “We maximize every opportunity to bring Tapon to Ipon to more communities across the Philippines. We bring our Tapon to Ipon program where we can and integrate them with our selling activities. As our consumers enjoy our refreshing beverages and cele...
Now open: POPS Seaside in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental

Now open: POPS Seaside in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental

Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel
POPS All Filipino Eatery, known for their eat-and-drink-all-you-can offers at affordable prices, has opened their 5th branch. This time, in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, just across the Asia Brewery, Inc. El Salvador plant. It's a great pitstop if you're heading to the Laguindingan Airport or if you just like to chill in a place at the outskirts of CDO and enjoy the sea breeze! For now, they don't offer buffets at the El Salvador branch but who knows, they might do so soon! So please follow their page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/popsseasideelsalvador You can also visit their page to see their menu (I highly recommend you try the seafood boil!) In front of Asia Brewery, Inc. El Salvador plant Operating hours: 10 AM to 10 PM Please call (0917) 716 7200 for in...
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