Northern Mindanao Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec202020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Beautiful reunions and a fun cafe hop

Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that one of the sad, challenging repercussions of this global health pandemic was that we can’t easily, freely travel and see our family and friends. We had no choice but to be contented with virtual “kamustahans.” Siyempre, it’s still different to physically be with your loved ones, to bond with them and strengthen family ties. So when the travel restrictions started to get eased out, I hatched a plan: to reunite my Mama with her older sister whom she hasn’t seen in more than a year! Thankfully, I had a reliable partner in Ford Philippines. They gave me the chance to drive the all-new Ford Territory, currently the most celebrated vehicle in the compact crossover segment. My plan for a beautiful reunion between sisters was off to a great st...

Aug242020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Easy city to mountain driving aboard the Ford EcoSport

Bukidnon, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Reviews, Society, Style, Travel, Videos

Don’t you just miss bonding with family and friends, going on a road trip, savoring scenic views and delicious food, and just having a great time with those close to your heart? I’m sure this is something all of us miss and look forward to doing. Fortunately, I recently had the opportunity to see some of my friends (whom I haven’t seen since the onset of the pandemic!) and bond with my relatives. That meant driving to the city, to hinterlands, to a farm and to a newly-discovered (an accidental discovery brought about by a call from a dear friend whom I also haven’t seen in a darn long time) area that had a killer view! And so, aboard the Ford EcoSport Titanium, my weekend went off to a great start. My friends and I went to this new cafe uptown and then proceeded to Indah...

Aug122020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Head to POPS CDO for the best, sulit buffet in Cagayan de Oro

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

I don't know about you but it seems like buffets in Cagayan de Oro have become a dime in a dozen. So many CDO buffets to choose from! However, when it comes to sulit, absolutely value for money eat AND drink all you can choices, POPS CDO All Filipino Eatery still tops my list. For only Php 250 (US $5) per person, you get to access a wide array of Filipino comfort food - complete from soup to rice (plain or fried...what do you prefer?) to various viands (meat, fish, vegetables etc) to dessert (fruits, kakanin, fruit salad etc) to bottomless drinks! Indulge to your heart's content! For now, two of the POPS CDO branches offer this unbeatable buffet. If you plan to bring a large group of family and friends, their Corrales Avenue branch would be the best choice. It's just be...

Jul102020 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Conquering Mangima Road with Ford Ranger Raptor

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Society, Travel

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that I am in the market for a new vehicle and currently weighing options. Aside from budget, comfort level and features, I thought I also needed a vehicle that could fit my busy and adventure-filled lifestyle but can also be formal and practical, preferably one that didn’t really require further modifications. See, I may be a girl but more often than not, I’m not that girly-girl, if you know what I mean. I have my happy-in-a-dress days but I have more makeup-free, slippers-only, super comfortable clothes on days. So, to me, that’s a challenge. Is there a vehicle out there for someone who loves to travel and conquer many adventures but who also loves to take the family, friends and loved ones for fun escapades, lead community projects, volu...

May292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

POPS CDO Filipino restaurant reopens, adapts to new normal

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Restaurant

As the world slowly eases back to its "new normal" amidst this current health scare, restaurants are also slowly but surely adapting to new guidelines and implementing them well so as to protect consumers. Cagayan de Oro's P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery, best known as CDO's most popular eat-and-drink-all-you-can place, is nothing different. After nearly 2 months of temporary closure due to quarantine guidelines set by the government, POPS CDO is now back and ready to serve customers. Although dine-in is still not allowed as of this writing, POPS CDO is geared up and ready to offer pickup, takeout and delivery! Moreover, the POPS Cagayan de Oro management is also taking into consideration the possible changes such as reduced capacity of dine-in customers, heightened health and safety pro...

Jan202020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kaamulan Festival 2020 Schedule of Activities

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kaamulan Festival 2020 na! After missing this annual Bukidnon festival for a few years, I am finally going to witness it again. The Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes namely Tigwahanun, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. The Kaamulan Festival is also considered as the only authentic ethnic festival left in the Philippines. By virtue of a provincial resolution authored by Bukidnon District 2 Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is held from March 23 to April 23 every year. The dates are fixed. However, the sitting Bukidnon governor will have the option to change them provided there's a viable reason to do so. Ergo, this year's Kaamulan Festival 2020 will be on March 23 to April 23...

Oct112019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: GINAMA pasalubong center in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Tourism

I am a big fan of supporting local products. I believe that when you buy from local small and medium enterprises, you don't just help create livelihood. You also help foster peace and development, a sense of responsibility and respect. You help build a community of hardworking citizens. In Cagayan de Oro, we now have the chance to support these local SMEs by visiting GINAMÂ (that's an A with caret at the last or an A-circumflex). Ginama means something made with great care and attention. This is also the name of the pasalubong center in CDO, which is the result of joint cooperation among the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, the Department of Trade and Industry and CDO's local community of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs). Ginama is the stage that this group of tireless ...

Feb92019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

New nesting area for Philippine Eagle identified

Bukidnon, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

Here's good news! A new nesting territory for the mighty monkey-eating Philippine Eagle has been identified...and yes, it's in Mindanao, particularly in the highlands of Bukidnon. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, they have duly verified local reports that indicated the presence of a Philippine Eagle and its offspring in Bukidnon. The said foundation said that they conducted a 2-week expedition and confirmed that there's an eaglet about 10 months old and its parent in the Bukidnon highlands. This is a really positive development especially since there are only about 400 Philippine Eagles left. My friend, Atty. John Flores, who is gunning for the District 2 congressional seat, cautioned that people should be more mindful of the Philippine Eagles' nesting areas. T...

Jan142019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Iligan to Bukidnon road now ready, travel time reduced by 2 hours

Bukidnon, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Do you frequently travel from Bukidnon to Iligan City? Here's good news! Travel time between these two major Mindanao areas is now reduced by roughly 2 hours because of the Sta. Felomina - Bonbonon - Digkilaan - Rogongon route. Traditionally, travelers need to pass through Cagayan de Oro. However, because of this new Iligan to Bukidnon road, travelers now have an alternative route - a time-saving option. Technically, this road serves between Iligan City and Talakag town in Bukidnon. This 60.40 km road section in Iligan City is part of the Mindanao East-West Lateral Road that involves opening and concreting of roads with cross drainage, safety road improvements and lined canal, according to DPWH. Do take note, though, that some parts of this route remain unfinished. Stil...

Aug222018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Higalaay Festival CDO fiesta 2018 schedule of activities

Cagayan de Oro City, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

I may miss it this year since I'm still in New York, USA but I know that a lot of you will have a good time celebrating Higalaay Festival 2018 in Cagayan de Oro. Higalaay Festival a.k.a. the yearly CDO fiesta a.k.a. celebrating the Feast Day of St. Augustine a.k.a. the celebration that used to be known as Kagay-an Festival. Here, you'll find the official schedule of activities. Do you need help booking your airplane tickets or hotel rooms? I highly recommend Aera Global Travel Services CDO for warm, personalized customer service. They will help you fix any trip anywhere in the world and make it easy and hassle-free. Aera Global Travel CDO offers value-for-money travel packages and they also specialize in quick and efficient airline ticketing and hotel booking. CALL: 0917 525 5564 or 094...

Jun42018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon to host Mindanao parliamentary debate championship

Bukidnon, Campus, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

Confirmed: the Province of Bukidnon will be the venue for the much-anticipated Mindanao Parliamentary Debate Championship, a bi-annual debate tournament that gathers the most prestigious and most competitive debate organizations from universities all over Mindanao, Philippines. Organized by the Bukidnon State University Debate Varsity (BukSU DV) and the Bukidnon Debate Union (BDU), in partnership with the Mindanao Parliamentary Debate Union (MPDU), the debate will be held on September 21 to 23, 2018 at the Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City, the capital of the Province of Bukidnon. "As we live in the post-truth era where truth is negotiable, it is imperative to continually cultivate a critical mass. Debating, as we stand, is a positive energy geared in putting the post-trut...

Jan92018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon Mindanao airport construction starts this 2018

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Flights, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

After decades of waiting, the Province of Bukidnon, my mother's hometown and where I lived for a few years, will finally soon see a fully functioning airport! Not only will the proposed Bukidnon airport be beneficial for the people in the province but for folks from neighboring areas like North Cotabato, Agusan del Norte and Lanao del Sur. The last functioning airport in the Province of Bukidnon was in Malaybalay City (more like a small airport strip) and with all the changes and developments, the once outside-city-proper airport is actually now full of residential houses and pretty much considered well within city limits. Unfortunately, the new Bukidnon airport will not be in the capital of the province, which is Malaybalay. It will be about 60 miles or 98 kilometers away - in Maray Ma...

Aug172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

You need to stock up on these S&R Membership Shopping items

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

Do you do the groceries for your home? Picture this: you forgot that you have guests coming in for dinner and your fridge is practically empty or you want your children or husband to have delicious baon for school or office but you want to serve something else than just fried chicken or you want to stock up on perfectly marinated chicken cut-ups but you just don't have the time (or patience) to prepare! If you've ever found yourself in those situations, then I bring good news. S&R Membership Shopping now has ready to cook, marinated chicken cuts in various flavors! Come to think of it - these marinated chicken cuts are the best choice especially when you have special occasions like fiesta, birthday celebrations or just a simple barkada gathering. Remember - these are ready to coo...

Aug52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What to do, where to go during Higalaay CDO Fiesta 2017

Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Food, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism

The Higalaay Festival a.k.a. Cagayan de Oro fiesta has kicked off in CDO. The extended Martial Law in Mindanao obviously didn't deter the Cagayan de Oro local government from planning and organizing the Higalaay Festival 2017. In fact, this year's Higalaay CDO Festival 2017 is part of the ongoing #BusinessAsUsual campaign of the CDO government. Anyways, if you have plans of joining the revelries, a list of the core events of the 2017 Kagay-an Festival / CDO Fiesta / Higalaay Festival can be found below. August 3 to 5 - Mindanao Fashion Summit, Rotunda of Limketkai Center August 8 - ASEAN Landmark Lighting, Kiosko Kaawasan, Divisoria August 18 to 20 - Cowboy Festival / Horse Show, CDO Uptown August 18 to 29 - Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair, SM Downtown August 20 - Kagay-an Festival...

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 ...

Apr112017 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

This Bukidnon bus company is getting tons of attention

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Let's face it. Pabama Bus Tours and Transport Bukidnon used to be regarded as the "smallest player" among the 3 bus companies serving the Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro route. Pabama, owned by a family based in the Municipality of Kibawe in Bukidnon, had the smallest fleet compared to Rural Transit Mindanao (formerly Bachelor Express) and Super 5. These days, however, the small fry is now very ready to face the giants. Pabama invaded social media by storm when they introduced their brand new, high-end units made by Chinese firm Zhong Tong. Check out this photo taken by my policeman-cousin Erwin: The new Pabama Bukidnon buses are equipped with mini trays (just like what you see in airplanes), cup holders, comfortable captain chairs and yup, check out the individual tablets! You will...

Feb172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

P700M drug rehab center to rise in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao

A drug rehabilitation center is set to rise in Malaybalay City, the capital of the Province of Bukidnon. My dear friend Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri told me today that the Php 700 Million drug rehab center will be put up on a 5 hectare land along Diversion Road, Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City. A non government organization, Friends of the Philippines Foundation, donated the amount. Senator Migs also said that the groundbreaking of the proposed center will be on March 25, 2017, the day of the Kaamulan Festival 2017 Ethnic Street Dancing Competition. The yearly Kaamulan Festival started last February 1 and will end on March 25, 2017. The festival is the gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. READ: Kaamulan Festival 2017 Schedule of Events

Feb12017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tried and tested: How I saved big on my CDO hotel with the Traveloka App

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Hotels, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Reviews, Technology, Tourism, Travel

As a frequent traveler, nothing else makes me a happy camper than discovering various ways and means to save money especially on accommodations. We all know that lodging expenses can take a huge chunk off our travel budget so if there’s a way for me to save, I’m game! So when I heard all about this new app, Traveloka, that lets you save not only on hotel rates but also on flights, I just had to give it a whirl! Plus I had a great reason to test this hotel and flight booking platform. My mother and one of my brothers (who are both based outside Cagayan de Oro) were in town and I wanted to treat them to a mini staycation. My hotel of choice - Limketkai Luxe Hotel. Located along CM Recto Avenue, Lapasan, CDO, Limketkai Luxe Hotel is just a few moments away from Limketkai Mall...

Dec132016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Globe Telecom, Hineleban Foundation lead “Rainforestation” and livelihood program for IPs in Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur

Advocacy, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Bukidnon, Business, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Videos

A "rainforestation" program for the 6 mountain ranges in Mindanao as well as livelihood opportunities for indigenous people in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur are underway. Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom is set to donate roughly Php 1.4 Million to Hineleban Foundation. Globe, represented by its SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto, inked an agreement with the foundation together with its thousands of Globe MyLifestyle iPhone 7 customers for a 5-year "rainforestation program," composed of 3 key components, namely: reforestation, sustainable livelihood development and food security. Through Globe’s MyLifestyle Plan which starts at P2,599, clients have the option to contribute in the reforestation of denuded forests, particularly in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinc...

Oct312016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Whisky bar The Oak Room to open at The Nest CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society

A cozy, comfortable lounge offering an unparalleled whisky collection will soon open in Cagayan de Oro. The Oak Room, located at The Nest compound Corrales Avenue, will open its doors this November 2016. Discriminate drinkers will love the whisky choices at The Oak Room CDO. From Ballantine to Famous Grouse to Jameson to Maker's Mark to the likes of Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam - customers will have easy access to quality brands. The Oak Room CDO will also serve scotch, vodka, cognac, brandy, champagne and tequila. Among the brands that they will carry are Dalmore, Highland Park, Glenfiddich, Macallan, Remy Martin, Hennessy, Patron Anejo and more. Moreover, The Oak Room CDO will offer Japanese and Taiwanese faves such as Hakushu, Hibiki, Yamazaki an...

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...

Oct142016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

BREAKING: H&M To Open First Store In Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

I first wrote about H&M (Hennes & Mauritz, Inc.) CDO and about what it will be like to be a part of their team months ago. Now, H&M CDO is finally opening! The Cagayan de Oro H&M store is part of their continuous expansion in the southern part of Philippine shores and will serve as its 18th store in the country. Are you excited yet? Because you bet I am! The over 1,500 square meter, 2-story store will welcome shoppers on October 27, 2016, 11 AM at Centrio Mall at CM Recto Avenue corner Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro. Follow my Facebook page and Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates! “The response from our Mindanao customers, after we opened our 1 st store in Davao just last month, has been incredible! We look forward to catering to even more of the same vibran...