Features Archives - Page 35 of 36 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jul202009 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

The Register and Vote (RV) bus is set to visit Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society, Technology, Travel, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

Next stop: Mindanao! After doing the rounds in Quezon City, Tacloban and Cebu City, the colorful Register and Vote (RV) bus is now set to visit Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao! On July 30, 2009, the RV bus, which symbolizes the Register and Vote (RV) Campaign, will tour around CDO in the hope to draw out around 5 to 9 million Filipino voters for the May 2010 elections. And not only that --- the presence of the RV bus and its "RV drivers" led by Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan will also signal the start of the much-awaited Cagayan de Oro leg of "Rock The Vote" --- a FREE concert featuring various artists. Check out how the RV bus looks like: The RV Campaign aims to empower especially the first-time voters, encourage political participation among disenfranchised Filipinos and stren...

Jul202009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan Maila Mitra reaches WCOPA semi-final round (video inside)

Announcements, Arts, Broadcasting, Contests, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Personalities

Another Mindanaoan has done it again! Although she didn't bag any major prize, we should all still be very proud of fellow Mindanaoan Maila Mitra for reaching the semi final round of the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA). This fellow Dabawenya and Ateneo de Davao University alumnae competed in the semifinals of the prestigious event held at Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles, California, US last July 17, 2009. WCOPA is also dubbed as the "Hollywood Olympics" or "Talent Olympics." In 2005, Jed Madela bagged the Grand Champion Vocalist of the World and Grand Champion Performer of the World awards. In 2006, Filipino singing group the Cercado Sisters then bagged the Grand Champion Group Vocalists of the World award. Congratulations to Maila Manalang-Mitra! Here's a video of ...

Jul182009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Visit us at Kasalan sa Kagay-an 2009

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Weddings

MINDANAO - It's that time of the year once again! Kasalan sa Kagay-an 2009, the Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao leg of the Kasalang Filipino series, is now underway...and guess what? My brother, who's a professional wedding photographer (just like his ate! hehe :D), graphic artist and caricaturist, is one of those who have flyers, leaflets and business cards displayed at the said wedding fair. (please pass through the "main entrance" to the fair and behind it there are tables where you can find flyers of various Cagayan de Oro City wedding photographers...look for the framed picture which screams "fresh. fun. funky photography!" --- that's my brother's area ;) ) Kasalan sa Kagay-an is currently being held at the Rotunda area of Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. The wedding suppliers...

Jul152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Miss US International 2009 Aileen Jan Yap – more pictures inside

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos

Here are two more photos of the newly crowned Miss US International 2009 Aileen Jan Yap, whose parents hail from Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao and Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao. Photos courtesy of Danny Pozon. Once again, a beautiful Mindanaoan has captured a prestigious crown! Thank you to Sir Mike of Kagay-an.com for the heads-up! Check out more details of Aileen Jan "AJ" Yap's victory at the recent Miss United States International 2009 beauty pageant held at Houston, Texas! Aileen Jan Yap, whose parents hail from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, is crowned Miss United States International 2009 at Houston, Texas on July 10. She will represent the US in the Miss International beauty pageant in Macau on November 7. (photo courtesy of Danny Pozon) Miss US Intern...

Jul152009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Miss US International 2009 is daughter of Cagayan de Oro and Balingasag Misamis Oriental couple

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Tourism

MINDANAO NEWS - Thanks to Sir Mike of Kagay-an.com for this great piece of news! The Filipino-American daughter of a couple from Cagayan de Oro City and Balingasag, Misamis Oriental has been crowned the new Miss United States International 2009! Aileen Jan "A.J." Valdehueza Yap, 20, won the title of Miss US-International 2009 during the pageant held July 7-10, 2009 at the Stafford Conference Centre in Houston, Texas. Aileen Jan Yap will represent the US in the 49th Miss International pageant to be held at the Venetian Macao Resort in Macau, China on November 7, 2009. A.J. is the daughter of Dr. Romeo “Boy” Sy Yap of Cagayan de Oro City and Virgincita “Geget” Bautista Valdehueza Yap of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. She is the younger of two siblings and has an older brother, Nathan. ...

Jul22009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

“San Mig Rock ‘n Reggae” in Sumilao, Bukidnon tomorrow, July 3, 2009

Announcements, Bukidnon, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Personalities, Society

In celebration of the 53rd Anlaw Ta Sumilao, San Miguel Beer and San Miguel Foods proudly present "SAN MIG ROCK 'N REGGAE" - a live band concert featuring reggae masters Native In Town and a Cagayan de Oro City-based band. This event is happening on Friday, July 3, 2009, 7 PM at the Kisolon Gymnasium, Municipality of Sumilao, Bukidnon. Fun prizes and freebies to be given away! So come one, come all. And oh, this event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! So yup, FREE ENTRANCE! :) Native In Town is best known for their infectious reggae beats and songs. This group is a regular during Bukidnon's Kaamulan Festival and they used to play in various bars in CDO. Their last gig was in Oroquieta City. Meanwhile, if you guys need an events organizer in the CDO / Bukidnon / Iligan / Davao and Butuan a...

Jun262009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Who was Michael Jackson to you?

Advocacy, Arts, Blogging, Consumer, Controversial, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Society

Please feel free to share your thoughts! I would love to hear from you...WHO WAS MICHAEL JACKSON TO YOU? Who was Michael Jackson, the renowned "Gloved One," the "King of Pop," to you? How did his life, talents, skills and accomplishments affect you? When he died, how did you feel? What were your thoughts? Today, June 26, 2009 (June 25, 2009 in the U.S.), the world awakens to the sad news of Michael Jackson's death. The Los Angeles coroner confirmed that at roughly 2:26 PM of June 25, 2009 (U.S. time), MJ passed away. Michael Jackson, despite all of the controversies hounding him, will undoubtedly remain as one of the greatest artists of all time. He was a part of our childhood. His music, talent, grooves, style, love and the capacity to draw people together at least in the spirit...

Jun232009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Miss Kagay-an 2009 requirements

Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

The Search for Miss Kagay-an 2009 is on! This much-awaited yearly search for Cagayan de Oro City's muse is finally open for interested applicants. If you think you can be an ambassadress of goodwill and tourism for Cagayan de Oro City, if you can execute grace and poise, exhibit wit and brilliance under pressure and act in a manner fitting and worthy of the Miss Kagay-an crown, then read on. The Miss Kagay-an 2009 pageant is open to all single ladies between 18 and 25 years old, at least 5 feet and 4 inches in height with a beautiful face and figure, has pleasing personality and of good moral character and can speak fluently in English, Tagalog and Cebuano. If the interested candidate wasn't born in CDO, she must provide proof that her parents or grandparents were born in the city. ...

Jun152009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

OMG! Mindanaoan has been ratified! Weehee!

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Technology

HOLY SMOKES am I so happy today or what?! I was just mindlessly surfing a few minutes ago and I happened to stumble upon the Ratified website. God knows I've been trying to get Mindanaoan and a couple of my other websites Ratified but lo and behold, I finally spotted my humble blog in the Ratified directory TODAY --- just when it was so darn unexpected! Check out my Ratified button: I know a Ratified rank of 320 isn't so much to be proud of but hey, at least, right?! Right?! LOL Yes, I'm excited obviously! For the uninitiated, Ratified.org measures measures the top 100 blogs of the Philippine blogosphere. Ratified uses a site's Technorati rank, Feedburner rank, Google and Alexa stats to figure out your rank. Come on, people, congratulate me by SUBSCRIBING TO MINDANAOAN! Go, g...

Jun142009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Conquering the Xcelerator – the longest speed zip line in Asia

Commentary, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Photos, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

MINDANAO - A few weeks ago, my family and I celebrated our brother's birthday by trying the most talked about Xcelerator over at Outland Adventure, Davao City, Mindanao. The Outland Adventure Xcelerator is said to be the longest speed zip line in all of Asia! Cool, right? We arrived at Outland Adventure Davao City half an hour before noon. As it turned out, we missed the "cut-off" time so we had to wait until they re-opened at roughly 1:30 pm. The more than an hour wait was all right --- we just kept ourselves busy taking photos. By 1:30 pm, all of the "zip liners" for the afternoon were asked to sign waivers. Then we proceeded to the area where we put on the harnesses, helmets and other safety gear. My brothers and I were made to choose if we wanted the "Superman" option or the ordi...

Jun52009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Goodnews Traveller’s Inn, Capt. V. Roa Street, Cagayan de Oro City

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Here's another Mindanao Hotels review. Goodnews Traveller's Inn is located along Capt. Vicente Roa Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines. It's near the busy Cogon Market and is accessible by public utility vehicles (taxi, jeepney, trisikad and motorela) This lodging house in Cagayan de Oro City is also just a few steps away from the Cagayan de Oro City fire station. Truth be told, Goodnews Travellers Inn was my last...okay, ONLY choice at the time I was in CDO because all of the other hotels in Cagayan de Oro were fully booked. So with my hopes up, I checked in and got a double room. I paid P950.00 for the double airconditioned room. My room was at the third floor, which was a major bummer. Apart from the fact that I'm not a fan of using the stairs (Goodnews Travele...

Jun42009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

After Altis taxis, Cagayan de Oro City now has videoke taxis

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Society, Style

I could still remember those days when the taxis (cabs) of Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao were the talk of the town...and of other areas in the country, truth be told. Kagay-anons were so elated when Toyota Altis taxis started to roam around the city (and basically snubbed the "old" taxis) and people from other areas started to hope that they, too, can see "sosyal" public utility cabs in their own places. I also remember the many times when the drivers of "old" taxis would just heave a heavy sigh and wish that they, too, can drive a spanking new Toyota Altis taxi soon. After all, just how many passengers have these "old" taxis lost to these shiny new Altis cabs? Well, taxi operators that still own "old" taxi models in Cagayan de Oro City should really keep up with the pace especially now...

May282009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Looking forward to trying the Xcelerator!

Business, Consumer, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel

Experience some atmosFEAR! Now who wouldn't be curious with that? I am really, really looking forward to trying the Xcelerator zip line over at Davao City's Outland Adventure this weekend! The Outland Adventure Xcelerator is supposedly the longest speed zipline in all of Asia! Cool, eh? The Xcelerator is open everyday from 8am to 5 pm. Groups reservations available for weekdays. Fee is P300.00 per adult. They grant a 50 percent discount for small children if they're riding in tandem with an adult. Outland Adventure is right across the GAP Farm along the Diversion Road in Ma-a, Davao City, Mindanao. Check out this video:

May212009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Dancesport competitions still heavy favorites in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao

Arts, Entertainment, Events, Features, Lanao del Norte, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Sports

I finally "reunited" with my friend Jane, whom I met in Camiguin Island, Mindanao about a year ago. She's also a Mindanao-based events organizer like me and she specializes in events in the Lanao del Norte area. Jane's based in Maranding (a highly urbanized barangay of Lala, the largest municipality in the second district of Lanao del Norte, Mindanao) but she happily told me that she has an upcoming event in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte --- a dancesport competition! I haven't had the chance to organize a dancesport competition YET so it excites me to know that a contest such as this is still a heavy favorite here in Mindanao. (Which makes me think if it's high time for me to organize one!) In a time where band concerts, battle of the bands competitions and even warehouse parties have beco...

Apr282009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Tuesday Vargas and her tattoos (pix inside)

Arts, Beauty, Bukidnon, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

Talented comedian, singer and actress Tuesday Vargas may be known for her hit single "Babae Po Ako" but there's another thing that she's pretty famous for --- her artsy, beautiful and pretty interesting tattoos. For those who still don't know, Tuesday also performs in a band so her tattoos (found on her back) can really add to her "visual" appeal especially on stage. Check out some of the photos I took of Tuesday Vargas and her tattoos: (I took these photos after the Talk 'N Text Gaaniversary activity in Valencia City, Bukidnon Oval last Saturday, April 25, 2009...she performed alongside funny man Vhong Navarro and Rufa Mae Quinto...I served as one of the official photographers of the event, thanks to Talk 'N Text and SMART of course :))

Apr232009 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary in Valencia City, Bukidnon this April 25, 2009

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Freebies, Mindanaoan Update

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON - In commemoration of Talk 'N Text's 9th anniversary, the said prepaid GSM service, considered the Philippines' second largest, will bring its "Gaaniversary" activities to Valencia City, Bukidnon, Mindanao. “We are happy to bring the Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary celebration to Valencia City, and we are excited to continue contributing to the vibrancy of this area,” said Steve Alcoseba, SMART head for sales in the Visayas and Mindanao. The Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary activity is a yearly series of merrymaking held in different places in the country to let hardworking Filipinos and their families take a break and have fun together. This year’s series, dubbed “Talk ‘N Text Gaaniversary: Ikaw ang Bida”, kicked off last March 28, 2009 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. ...

Apr152009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

The power of luya, salabat and Pei Pa Koa

Advocacy, Commentary, Consumer, Features, Food, Humor, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Weird

So I'm up at 3 o'clock in the morning. I'm set to travel to Koronadal City, Mindanao in a few hours. Terribly excited to see another part of my beloved Island of Mindanao but a bit worried, too. Not about traveling to the place formerly called Marbel but because I lost my voice...literally! I caught nasty cough and colds a few days ago and now I'm paying for the consequence --- I currently have terribly hoarse voice. Two days ago was the worst. I could barely hear myself. I couldn't hear anything when I tried to utter a word! Enter my immediate remedies for this type of emergency --- luya (ginger), salabat (ginger ale) and the ever trusty Pei Pa Koa. Ever since I was a child, my mother always reminded us of the wonders of luya and salabat. And of course, mothers know best. Ginger ...

Mar262009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Marco Polo Davao offers Holy Week Special for Dabawenyos

Announcements, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Marco Polo Davao has just announced their Holy Week special - and here's the good news for fellow Dabawenyos - this very special offer is exclusive only for us Davao City residents! Marco Polo Davao will only charge P2,888.00 for an overnight stay in a superior room. You will also get to enjoy the following benefits: Complimentary Breakfast Buffet for Two 50% off on Foot Reflexology Treatment and 20% discount on other services at Lazuli Spa 30% discount in all Food and Beverage outlets Two (2) extra pool passes with one month validity If you wish to upgrade your room to deluxe category, just add P500.00. Extra bed is also available at P500.00 net per night. This Marco Polo Davao City promo will be available from April 1 to 15, 2009. Again, please take note --- this offer is exc...

Mar162009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero crowns new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada

Announcements, Contests, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos, Style

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was one of the special guests during the coronation night of the Mutya ng Davao last March 14, 2009. Escudero, a frequent visitor of my hometown Davao City, was tasked to crown the new Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 winner, Resa Angeli Rizada. The new Mutya ng Dabaw winner, by the way, is a nursing graduate of San Pedro College. Check out this photo of Sir Chiz along with Davao City Vice Mayor Sara "Inday Sara" Duterte and Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Resa Angeli Rizada. Also in the photo is Mutya ng Dabaw 2009 Mary Jane Lastimosa (3rd from right) Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Francis Escudero. Photo by Bambam Luneta. The Mutya ng Dabaw pageant is part of the annual Araw ng Davao celebration.

Mar152009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Songs of Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City bands in ‘The “Thank You” Girls’ film

Advocacy, Arts, Bisaya, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Music, News

I'm really pleased to know that the songs at least three Mindanawon bands were included in the soundtrack of the independent Visayan film "The 'Thank You' Girls." The bands I'm referring to are Gasulina (a band I had the chance to hire for a gig roughly two years ago...I already fell madly in love with their songs "The Pill" and "Fueled" then --- the very same songs that are included in the indie film), The Superflirts and fellow Atenistas, Lizardchips. I still haven't had the chance to view "The 'Thank You' Girls" movie (if I'm not mistaken, their last screening was at Robinson's Indiesine in Manila last January 2009) but I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on a DVD (original copy, don't worry! ;) ) Hopefully, though, there will be more screenings of this movie because I"...

Mar142009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

So this is how it feels when Piolo Pascual greets you

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Personal, Personalities, Videos

I must admit, I'm kilig to the bones. Although I know by heart every single word Piolo Pascual said in this video greeting that he did (I should because I wrote the words LOL), I still cannot help but feel giddy. Piolo is Piolo! And he has always been very nice to me...so I have nothing but respect and admiration for the man. The last time I spoke to him was when I watched the ASAP show live at ABS-CBN Manila late last year. And I tell you, he really is one charmer! :D Check out the video greeting he did for his "fellow Bukidnons" (he, along with "Love Me Again - Land Down Under" co-star Angel Locsin, is an adopted child of the Province of Bukidnon) in time for the Kaamulan 2009. Piolo's looking dapper in that video, don't you think? Thank you very much to Miss Mariole and Miss Lulu ...

Mar52009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Jam 2009 in Bukidnon, Mindanao Grand Finals photos

Announcements, Blogging, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanaoan Update, Photos

The photos are out! I'd like to share with you some of the photos I took during the grand finals of the Kaamulan Jam 2009 Lock and Load Battle of the Bands which was held last February 28, 2009 at the Capitol Stage, Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The finals night was a successful one - hundreds of people came despite the rain and very chilly weather. A total of five bands performed that night (elimination nights were held from Monday to Friday that week and the winning band had the chance to compete in the finals) and the band called "The Jam" nabbed the top prize of P25,000 cash. By the way, apart from being one of the official photographers of the event, I (well, technically, the agency I own and manage) was also a sponsor and part of the coordinating committee :) C...