living in mindanao Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct242010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Golden Cowrie restaurant at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

Finally had the chance to treat my mom and brothers to the newly opened Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant located at the Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. This Golden Cowrie CDO branch is a franchise and the first outside Cebu, where Golden Cowrie started in 1982. I'm actually a regular customer at the original Golden Cowrie restaurant along Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City (just a few blocks away from Waterfront Lahug) and I often bring my PR clients there for meetings or small press conferences. In fact, a few weeks before the May 2010 elections, I organized mini press briefings there for three senatorial candidates (all of whom were my clients --- I provided public relations, events, media and marketing services to them). Anyways, going back to the Gold...

Oct242010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Pokwang and Richard Poon – Back-to-back Live in Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Iligan City, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Society

Talented comedianne Pokwang and big band crooner Richard Poon, together with special guest Markki Stroem, are set to tickle Kagay-anons' fancy when they perform together live for the very first time ever in “The Crooner and The Comedianne - Richard Poon and Pokwang - Back2Back Live in Cagayan de Oro.” The much-awaited special show will be held on Sunday, December 19th, 2010, 7:30 pm at The Atrium of Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. Filipino-Norwegian hunk Markki Stroem of Pilipinas Got Talent will join Richard Poon and Pokwang. This show, a Joey Pelaez Events Production, will definitely be a certified hit! For tickets, call (088) 8584444 / (0915) 4519429 / (0915) 4988941. You may also send an email to [email protected] BUT HERE'S FABULOUS NEWS FOR R...

Oct222010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Statement of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri on the Cotabato bus bombing incident

Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato, Crime, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, North Cotabato, Society, Tacurong

Yesterday, October 21, 2010, 10 innocent people died when a Rural Transit Mindanao Inc.-owned passenger bus exploded in Dalapitan village, Matalam, North Cotabato, Mindanao. Roughly 30 people sustained injuries, many of whom are still in serious condition because of severe head wounds. The bus came from Cagayan de Oro City and was en route to Tacurong. Authorities believe that alleged extortion group Al Khobar may be behind the explosion. It was a sad day not only for fellow Mindanaoans but for the entire country. Only one question rings in my head --- will Mindanao ever be a peaceful place? A fellow Mindanaoan, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, released a statement about the unfortunate incident today: (more…)

Oct202010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kraft Eden Cheese Keso de Gallo – I’m campaigning for Balingasag, Misamis Oriental!

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Contests, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Musings, News, Personal, Photos, Recipes, Society, Tourism

I've written about this year's Keso de Gallo in an earlier post. This time, though, I'm campaigning for a specific town --- the Municipality of Balingasag in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao :) But before anything else, a little info about the Municipality of Balingasag. The said municipality takes pride in its 195.07 hectare Balingasag Mariculture Park which is a sprawling area for its aquaculture, mangrove area, sea ranching, fish sanctuary and navigational lane. Balingasag, which has a total of 30 barangays, is on its way to becoming the “Bangus Capital” of Northern Mindanao and probably the whole of Mindanao with the rapid increase in bangus harvest. It is home to a number of significant and historical edifices like the Vega Ancestral house located in the poblacion, a well preserved Ph...

Oct162010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Photos of Matt Mullenweg in Wordcamp Philippines 2010

Blogging, Events, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Photos, Technology

This is a follow-up to my earlier post about Wordcamp Philippines 2010, Wordpress founder and lead developer Matt Mullenweg and his video greetings for moi! :D Ch-ch-check out the video greetings here! I'm well aware that keywords such as "Matt Mullenweg photos" and "photos Matt Mullenweg Wordcamp Philippines" have led a lot (and I mean A LOT) of netizens on my humble Mindanaoan blog so as earlier promised, I'm sharing some of the photos I took of Matt. Enjoy ;) More photos after the jump! (more…)

Oct142010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Forever 21 Manila Philippines – my initial loot

Arts, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Reviews, Shopping, Style

Well, it basically took "forever" but the wait is finally over! (Hey, how's that for a rhyme? :D) Forever 21, a popular retail chain, opened its first Philippine branch over at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City last July. Sadly, I wasn't in Manila when the Forever 21 Manila branch opened and I also didn't have the chance to visit it even if I was there last August. Ugh. But well, I was back in Manila for Wordcamp Philippines 2010 and yes, I allocated an entire afternoon just to visit the store (finally!). That was how determined I was to snag at least a few pretty finds! LOL. Besides, it was the afternoon before the big John Mayer Live In Manila gig and I wanted to wear something special! Good thing my fellow bloggers Venus, Jacq and Cherry decided to join me in my quest to scour all of the...

Oct72010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bacolod: Balay ni Tana Dicang | Bacolod tourist spot you must visit!

Bacolod City, Blogging, Flights, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Reviews, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

So a few weeks ago, I shared with all of you all about the New Bacolod Silay Airport and the two places where my friends and I dined in Bacolod City (Pepe's Grill for the delicious ribs and Calea for the best desserts). Now I'll share a nice tourist spot we visited at Talisay City (about half an hour away from Bacolod City) --- Balay Ni Tana Dicang. Located along Rizal Street, Balay Ni Tana Dicang (Balay means home while tana is shortcut for "kapitana") stands as one of Negros' most preserved ancestral homes. It's so well-preserved, in fact! These days, it's now a museum and occasionally plays host to art exhibits and other mini shows. It was build in 1883 for Don Efigenio Lizares and Dona Enrica Alunan at the later stage of the Spanish era in the Philippines. This bahay na ba...

Sep292010 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Review: Castle Peak Hotel Cebu City | and why I won’t stay in Castle Peak Cebu again

Cebu City, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel, Visayas

Castle Peak Hotel Cebu City is the second Cebu City lodging place that I think I will never patronize ever again. The first one is Paragon Suites along Juana Osmena, Cebu City where I had a rather unpleasant stay early this year. Castle Peak Hotel in Cebu City is now the second one on my "must not try again" list. Before anything else, though, I want to make something clear. I HATE giving negative feedback especially on services or establishments that are related to Philippine tourism but if giving it would serve as a wake-up call for entrepreneurs or managers and if giving it would mean that they'd change and learn to give better service next time around, then I won't hesitate to do so. So here goes. Castle Peak Hotel Cebu is located along F. Cabahug corner President Quezon Streets,...

Sep272010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos taken at the Senate: the day of Sen. Miriam Santiago’s jueteng expose

Controversial, Events, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Photos

Apart from attending the 17th National Public Relations Congress, another thing I did during my recent trip to Manila was visit the Senate of the Philippines. It was supposed to be a quick visit but it turned into an almost 3-hour stay. The reason: Senator Miriam Santiago's jueteng expose. The feisty Ilonggo senator, in her privilege speech, accused several persons including Chavit Singson, Bong Pineda (a known friend of former President Gloria Arroyo), Atong Ang (a known ally of former President Erap Estrada), Tony Santos and Danny Soriano as alleged jueteng lords and even went on to say that the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government are in cahoots. Leave it to Sen. Miriam Santiago to shock and awe everyone. Well, this blogger from Mindanao t...

Sep212010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Off to Manila – and I’m attending the 17th National PR Congress!

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Corporate, Events, Flights, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

It's exactly 5:31 AM. September 21, 2010. I'm bound for Manila today. I'm supposed to be at the airport in a few hours' time but I can't resist this chance to go online and blog in order to share one piece of good, exciting news - Mindanaoan is attending the 17th National Public Relations Congress! WOOT! :) Yes, my earlier post got me a free delegate pass to the country's most prestigious PR event of the year! As a practising publicist, social media consultant, blogger and media practitioner, this opportunity to listen to and learn from top PR and media executives is absolutely a blessing! I am looking forward to all the talks - especially those by Weber Shandwick Asia Pacific Chairman Tim Sutton and Ogilvy Southeast Asia Director Andrew Thomas. (more…)

Sep182010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Make Your Own Havaianas Davao City leg

Davao City, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

The Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 Davao City, Mindanao leg is being held at the Gaisano Mall (GMall) along Bajada Avenue, Davao City. It started last September 16, 2010 and will end tomorrow, September 19, 2010. I was able to visit the MYOH 2010 Davao event on the very first day and by the looks of it, the certified Havaianaticos in this side of the country came in full force! The Davao City leg of Make Your Own Havaianas comes after the highly successful Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 Cagayan de Oro leg, which was held last August 2010 (Mindanaoan was there, too, of course, much thanks to our special friends over at Spruce). Check out more photos after the jump: (more…)

Sep72010 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Surigao: Siargao International Surfing Cup on

Announcements, Events, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sports, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism

Despite the alleged pull-out of Billabong as sponsor, the Siargao International Surfing Competition is still a go. The said surfing cup, Siargao, Surigao del Norte's biggest annual event, will start on September 24, 2010 at Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao, Mindanao. The Siargao International Surfing Cup will take place for 6 days and will reportedly see the participation of at least 32 international surfers. There will also be 12 Pinoy surfers who will join the said international surfing competition. Siargao is, as we all know, largely considered as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Philippine Surfing Federation Secretary General Zeny Pallugna said that the competition will follow the invitational format. “This invitational format, along with the allure of the wave at C...

Jul252010 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

How to renew your DTI permit | Tips for an entrepreneur in Mindanao

Advocacy, Business, Corporate, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

Apart from renewing my Philippine passport and applying for a new e-passport, another thing that I did this week was renew my Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) permit. I've had mine for 5 years (how fast time flies, eh?) and it's now time for me to renew it and ensure that the name of my business as well as my services are duly registered and legally recognized by the DTI. Actually, a lot of newbie or aspiring entrepreneurs I know are hesitant to get a DTI permit for fear that it'll be too time consuming or that there will be a lot of requirements. Based on what I know about getting a DTI permit and based on my own experience, it's absolutely easy to apply for one. In fact, there's now a DTI resolution that makes DTI permit applications and renewals easier for Pinoy businessmen....

Jul242010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Review: Citi Park Hotel Cebu City | Hotels in Cebu City

Business, Consumer, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

Nestled along Cabahug Street, Panagdait, Mabolo Cebu City is a relatively new but not too expensive hotel in the Queen City of the South. Citi Park Hotel is conveniently located between Cebu City proper and Mandaue City, making travel time to and fro Cebu International Airport easy. I had the chance to stay at Citi Park Hotel Cebu during the recent electoral campaigns/sorties. I was with one of the senatorial candidates that I did PR/media relations for and we stayed for two nights at Citi Park Cebu. Here's a look at their lobby cum lounge. I arranged for a mini press conference here with some of my Cebu media friends: Here's the restaurant at this hotel in Cebu City. We took our breakfast here. They serve it buffet style: A photo of one of the hotel rooms in Citi Park Hotel after...

Jul182010 by Mindanaoan Irene20 Comments

How to renew your Philippine passport | How to get a Philippine e-passport

Advocacy, Announcements, Consumer, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Personal

I just applied for the renewal of my Philippine passport. I used to have the regular green passport but since the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has now required that all new Philippine passports and renewed ones must be e-passports, I applied for a Philippine e-passport. Before the e-passport, the DFA issued machine readable passports. That's now kaput. The e-passport accordingly is a lot more secure since it contains this special chip of sorts. The Philippine e-passport is also known as the biometric passport since you no longer need a passport photo along with your passport renewal application form. Your photo, thumbprints and digital signatures will be taken during your passport renewal appointment. See more below the steps on how to renew your Philippine passport and how to...

Jul182010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Yummy Sunday birthday lunch at Kagay-anon Restaurant

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Personal

My family and I recently celebrated my brother Ben's birthday by sharing one delicious, special birthday lunch on a Sunday at Kagay-anon Restaurant. One of our brothers, Nathaniel, wasn't around, though, since he's already based in Cebu City but we called him several times all throughout the day so we still strongly felt his presence. For that special Sunday birthday lunch, we had camaron rebosado and calamares: We also had another family favorite which is lato seafood. Check out the lato serving at this restaurant in Cagayan de Oro City after the jump! (more…)

Jul22010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Citihardware to open 3rd branch in Cagayan de Oro City

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society

Well, I guess this only goes to show that Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, dubbed the City of Golden Friendship, is really booming and fast becoming "a force to reckon with" in terms of trade and industry. CitiHardware, arguably the largest and fastest growing hardware chain in the country, will open its third branch in CDO. According to a top CitiHardware official, the Cugman branch is currently in its early stages of construction. Citihardware's two existing branches in Cagayan de Oro are located at Bulua and Gusa. If you guys recall, Mindanaoan was hired to handle shared event coordination services during the grand opening of the CitiHardware Bulua branch. As co-event organizer, Mindanaoan was in charge of providing professional lights and sounds, a female professional host, a band ...

Jun282010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

T’nalak Festival 2010 Schedule of Activities | South Cotabato’s 44th Foundation Day

Announcements, Culture, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

Koronadal's yearly T'nalak Festival is here once again. For tourists and local Mindanaoans who want to witness this colorful festival, check out the Tinalak Festival 2010 Schedule of Activities below. The theme for T'nalak 2010 is “One Dynamic People; One Vibrant Spirit." T'nalak Festival is celebrated in South Cotabato, Mindanao. Incidentally, this year also marks the 44th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato. DATE JULY TIME EVENT VENUE (within Koronadal City) 13 Tuesday 4:00 PM Interfaith Thanksgiving Services South Cotabato Gym 6:00 PM Releasing of Flying Lanterns So.Cot Sports Complex 6:30 PM Ceremonial Opening: * Regional Trade Expo 2010 Protech Center * Agri Fair 2010 Rizal Park 14 Wednesday 7:...

Jun252010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ampatuan massacre witness killed

Broadcasting, Commentary, Controversial, Crime, Maguindanao, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

Suwaid Upham a.k.a. "Jessie" was shot dead recently. Not only should family and friends of the victims of the Ampatuan massacre be concerned...we Mindanaoans...nay, FILIPINOS...must also be very concerned. We must awfully, most profoundly be worried. Suwaid Upham was a very vital witness to the November 23, 2009 Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre which claimed 58 lives. The same massacre that rocked the entire nation especially since thirty two of the victims were Mindanaoan journalists - who all went in good faith, who all just did their jobs...who all did not have any clue that it would be their last day on earth. That massacre left all of us dumbfounded.Who knew that a beast so heartless, who killed women and innocent journalists, lived in Mindanao? On the other hand, the gruesome...

Jun222010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Events in Mindanao: Yaman Gensan 2010

Announcements, Business, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Technology

Are you a Mindanaoan businessman or an aspiring entrepreneur? Here's your chance to learn more on how to start a business in Mindanao and get to meet other entrepreneurs and perhaps strike a deal or two! Gear up for Yaman Gensan 2010! The annual Yaman Gensan will run from June 23, 2010 to July 22, 2010 in General Santos City, Mindanao. With the theme "Trabaho...Negosyo...Asenso," Yaman Gensan 2010 aims to encourage entrepreneurship and to provide a platform for existing and would-be businessmen not only from SOCSKSARGEN but all around Mindanao to discuss issues and concerns that may affect their industries. Check out the Yaman Gensan 2010 poster below: The Yaman General Santos 2010 event will again feature an Entrepreneurs' Forum, a Franchise Expo, a Jobs Fair plus trade fair ...

Jun172010 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Going on a zipline adventure? Here’s a guide on what to bring and wear

Blogging, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Sports

Zipline parks are now mushrooming all over Mindanao (and the rest of the country). Truth be told, a zipline is now also fast becoming part of the norm for adventure or extreme sports parks. In Mindanao alone, we have Asia's longest dual cable zipline and the longest speed zipline in Asia. The longest dual cable zipline in Asia is found in Bukidnon while the longest speed zipline in Asia is in Davao City. This blogger in Mindanao has personally tried both ziplines and in an effort to help other thrill seekers, I'm sharing a simple guide on what to wear and what to bring if you choose to have a zipline adventure real soon. But first - allow me to share with you again this checklist that I found over at Dahilayan Adventure Park ZipZone - the home of the longest dual cable zipline in ...

Jun32010 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Usher in Manila concert – Mindanaoan desperately needs to watch this!

Entertainment, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, Personal

OH. MY. GOD. THIS IS MAJAH!!! So it's now finally confirmed - Usher Raymond - multi-awarded, super talented, R&B sensation and one of Mindanaoan's crushes since time immemorial - yes, THE Usher will hold a concert in Manila, Philippines! BE STILL, MY HEART!!! The Usher Live in Manila concert will be held at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on July 9, 2010, Friday. Who has the heart of gold out there who can sponsor my airplane fare, hotel and concert tickets? I know it's wishful thinking but who knows? Someone generous (and considerate of this blogger from Mindanao who has held a candle for Usher since time immemorial LOL) might get to read this desperate plea and let me watch Usher live in Manila! OMG just the thought sends excited chills down my spine! *bounces up and do...