mindanaoan blogger Archives - Page 2 of 12 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr82015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Surfing paradise Siargao Island Surigao – How To Get There

Beauty, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Best known as one of the world's most amazing surfing destinations, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines is also home to some of the country's beautiful beaches, natural salt water pools and abundant marine life. And, as you can see below, it's also where you can catch gorgeous sunsets! Since Siargao Island is where you can find the infamous "Cloud 9," or those thick, high, hollow tubes of surf waves, lots of regular surfing competitions (both local and international ones) are held here. For non-surfers or just mere sun worshippers, there are also a couple of islands near Siargao that have clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and that all-around tropical vibe. You can go island hopping in Siargao just like I did! Here's a quick travel guide on how to g...

Dec42014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com supports Bugsay Mindanao 1st Northern Mindanao dragon boat race

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports

I am very proud to announce that Mindanaoan.com is one of the supporters of the most awaited Bugsay Mindanao, the first Northern Mindanao Dragon Boat Race. To be held on December 6, 2014, 7 am to 3 pm, along the Cagayan River, Cagayan de Oro City, Bugsay Mindanao will see the participation of 10 dragon boat teams from outside CDO. Bugsay Mindanao is being held in support of the environmental efforts of Safer River, Life Saver Foundation, Inc. Watch all the action from the viewing deck located at the Liceo University main campus. Catch Bugsay Mindanao on December 6, 2014 and don't forget to support the sponsors as well :) Liempo King - http://www.facebook.com/liempoking Mindanaoan - http://www.facebook.com/mindanaoanblogger Bourbon St. Bistro - http://www.facebook.com/...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Deoksugung Palace changing of guards

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Seoul, Travel

Since we arrived late in the evening in Seoul, Korea, my brother and I decided to start the first day of our Korea escapade a little late as well. First order of the day was go to the nearest subway station and buy a T-Money card. As I mentioned in my earlier Seoul, Korea travel tips post, T-Money is a "reloadable" card that you can use to buy subway tickets, bus fares or even to buy stuff at convenience stores. After buying our T-Money card, we took the train to go to Deoksugung Palace, one of the "5 Grand Palaces" built by the kings of Joseon Dynasty. How to get to Deoksugung Palace: Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 2 to reach City Hall Station. Take Exit 2. You will see scenes like these: Walk for about 100 meters to your left. A good landmark is a Dunkin' Donuts store (th...

Jul82014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

KCC Mall de Zamboanga – the biggest mall in Zamboanga Peninsula

Fashion, Features, Food, Gifts, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Shopping, Society, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

The biggest shopping, dining and entertainment hub in Zamboanga Peninsula is set to open very soon! KCC Mall de Zamboanga will soon rise along Gov. Camins Avenue, Canelar, Zamboanga City (adjacent to the Zamboanga airport). This new Zamboanga City shopping destination is part of the KCC Malls family which includes KCC Gensan and Veranza Mall. For those interested to apply for job openings at KCC Mall de Zamboanga, you can either go to the construction site at Gov. Camins and submit your resume there or email it to [email protected] Follow Mindanaoan for updates on the opening of KCC Mall de Zamboanga! Twitter Facebook Google Plus Instagram

Jun262014 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Islands Souvenirs launches Limketkai store, names I Heart CDO ambassadors

Advocacy, Announcements, Beauty, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Shopping, Society, Style

Islands Souvenirs officially launched their Limketkai Mall CDO branch last June 21, 2014 and named their "I Heart CDO" brand ambassadors at the same time. The Cebu-based souvenirs store, known for revolutionizing souvenir shopping in the Philippines by transforming cottage-industry type products and giving them a fresher look, held the launch at their store located at the East Concourse, Limketkai Mall. Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno joined Islands Souvenirs EVP Camille Aldeguer, Limketkai and Sons EVP Albino Limketkai and Miss CDO 2013 Amadea Piatti during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Together with the launch of its Limketkai Branch, Islands Souvenirs also unveiled their I Heart Cagayan de Oro or I Heart CDO campaign, as well as their I Heart Cagayan de Oro Brand Ambassadors:...

Jun252014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan is an Islands Souvenirs I heart CDO brand ambassador

Advocacy, Beauty, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update

As someone who has been very contented working behind the scenes for more than a decade, to ever be offered the opportunity to model and help endorse something is the farthest on my mind. Never have I thought that a brand - a very well-known one at that - would even consider me to be one of their brand ambassadors. So you could just imagine how honored I felt when Islands Souvenirs, through their head honcho Jay Aldeguer (one of the very few people I truly admire!), chose me as one of their "I heart CDO" Islands Souvenirs brand ambassadors. It was something I could never say no to. I mean, really --- apart from the fact that it was THE Jay Aldeguer who asked me, I also truly believe in the Islands Souvenirs brand. I am a fan of their advocacies - which are to revolutionize souvenir ...

May222014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Video: Jay Durias congratulates me for winning 2013 Mindanao Blogger of the Year

Blogging, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society, Technology

Being a huge fan of South Border and Jay Durias, this brief but cute video of Jay congratulating me for winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger of the Year award means a lot to me! I've been friends with South Border for more than 10 years now and to this day, I still get really kilig whenever I get messages like these or when I watch them perform onstage (never mind if it's a big concert or a bar gig - I still scream like a crazy fan girl each and every time!) Check out this video of Jay. Those are Vince Alaras and new South Border saxophonist Edward Picache at the back :D Thank you so much South Border - love you guys! You might also like to subscribe to the Mindanaoan YouTube Channel :) I have LOTS of exclusive videos there!

Feb132014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Got invited to speak at the Malaysia Social Media Summit 2014

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Events, Internet, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Society, Technology

Very excited to share that I will be in Malaysia in a few days for the 2014 Malaysia Social Media Week! I will be one of the speakers during the World Bloggers and Social Media Summit at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 24 to March 1, 2014. It's truly a huge honor and opportunity and I am looking forward to meeting the other speakers from all over the world. I will be one of the only two speakers from the Philippines (the other one is Anton Diaz, the very amiable guy behind the popular Our Awesome Planet :) ) With the theme "Engage, Educate and Entertain," the 2014 Malaysia Social Media Summit, organized by the Malaysia Social Media Chambers, aims to reflect the "role of social media as a catalyst in stirring the cultural, political, economic and s...

Dec262013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Merry Christmas from Bamboo and Mindanaoan.com

Announcements, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Merry Christmas to all of my dear Mindanaoan.com readers, subscribers, followers! I sincerely hope that you had a meaningful and blessed Christmas. For me, Christmas is when you realize that you have so many things to be thankful for and that there are many things money simply cannot buy. Christmas is a great reminder that the basic things in life are truly the most important. What about you? What does Christmas mean to you? :) I also have an extra thing to be thankful for this Christmas. Someone I admire sent me a very sweet video message congratulating me for my recent win as Mindanao Blogger of the Year 2013 and Best Lifestyle Blog awardee ! Hi Bamboo :) [yes, my face is a little beet red right now *blush*] Bamboo made this cute fan sign, too! Super special thanks to ...

Nov22013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Review: Fersal Hotel Makati – homey budget inn

Hotels, Leisure, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel

Looking for accessible, affordable yet very homey hotels in Makati can be quite a challenge. Most Makati hotels within the business district can be pricey and for budget-conscious travelers like myself, it may mean that I can only stay in cheap Makati inns in seedy areas. So I was really very grateful when I had the chance to stay for two nights at Fersal Hotel Makati during my most recent trip to Manila. This comfortable bed and these seriously soft pillows welcomed me. I knew there and then that it was going to be a cozy two night-stay. Fersal Hotel Neptune Makati is just a stone's throw away from Makati Avenue, one of the city's main thoroughfares. Although it is also very near a lot of dining choices, Fersal Hotel also has a cafe near the lobby where you can enjoy sumptuous m...

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanaoan is 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, America, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, United States of America, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

It still feels a bit surreal, truth be told. Winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year award and the Best Lifestyle Blog award during the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 held last October 26, 2013 in Davao City was the farthest thing from my mind. I was there to meet my blogger friends, have a good time, maybe drink a cocktail or two and cheer for other finalists. My mindset that night was (and I actually wrote this days before the finals): Win or lose, you are a champ. What's important is that you did your best in letting more people understand and appreciate the power of social media and blogging in sparking more conversations, making better communities and harnessing better understanding. Social good, folks. Only the good. So when my name was called, you could just imagine my shock. Yup...

Oct112013 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Excited to meet Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms! #SugarSmashGin

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Music, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Society

Just a few days more and I'll finally meet and be with popular and iconic 90's bands Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms in Manila! Yes, I am officially stoked for the #SugarSmashGin concert! Woohoo! :D I previously shared with you all that I will play a little role in the staging of the much-awaited SugarSmashGin Live In Manila concert on October 21, 2013 at the Araneta Coliseum. Yup, that's just a few days away! WHO AMONG YOU ARE COMING TO WATCH? :) Did you see Sugar Ray lead singer Mark McGrath's tweet to me in this article? :) Very sweet, right? That tweet alone was enough to send me on my little merry way for days! :D By the way, since that blog entry, the official Gin Blossoms Twitter account has followed me on Twitter, Scott Hessel of Gin Blossoms has also followed me and ...

Oct92013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shop pink at VMV Hypoallergenics, help fight breast cancer

Advocacy, Beauty, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

October is breast cancer awareness month. If you know someone who's undergoing treatment for breast cancer, you know for sure just how physically and emotionally draining it is and just how big a challenge it is not only for the patient but for her family and friends. That's why it's very important to detect the early signs of breast cancer. One of the groups that advocate breast cancer awareness is the ICanServe Foundation, Inc. Ever since its inception, ICanServe has helped so many women through their high impact information campaigns. Did you know that it's easy for you to help ICanServe and their advocacy? Actually, not only will you have the chance to help this group, you will also get a free gift! All you have to do is shop at VMV Hypoallergenics! Buy their "pink" products -...

Aug112013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kagay-an CDO Fiesta 2013 schedule of events

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism

Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of activities. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar "Oca" Moreno has said that the 2013 CDO Fiesta will push through this year. This, despite the recent news about the bombing incident at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The Kagay-an Festival 2013, which is celebrated in honor of patron Saint Augustine, will hold the theme "Higalaay: The Kagay-an Festival 2013." Higalaay means "friendly gathering/friendly atmosphere." Check out this Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of events: KUMBIRA: Aug 14-31, 2013 Limketkai Mall Atrium (Kumbira is a professional and student culinary show and live competition. It is the largest culinary event in Mindanao. Check out what happened during Kumbira 2012) GARDEN SHOW: August 15-31...

Aug72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Korean stars in Davao to shoot “No Breathing” movie

Mindanaoan Update

Here's proof that Davao City is indeed safe and picturesque! Korean stars Lee Jong-Suk, Seo In-Guk and Park Jeong Cheol as well as South Korean film producers and crew are currently in my hometown Davao City to shoot a film entitled "No Breathing." The local government of Davao even threw a welcome party for these popular South Korean actors. Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato said in this article (originally written by my friend Rudolph of the PIA) that Davao City was the film producers' FIRST CHOICE! They visited Manila, Cebu and Davao. Apparently, the film producers were impressed by Davao City's cleanliness and the abundance of natural resources plus the hospitality of the Dabawenyos. Woohoo! Davao City will have about 15 minutes of exposure in "No Breathing." I ...

Jul22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Speaking during Social Media Day 2013

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Technology

I was invited to be the keynote speaker during a Social Media Day 2013 event held at SM City Cagayan de Oro last Sunday, June 30, 2013. The said Social Media Day or SMDay event was just one of the hundreds being celebrated all over the world that day. I immediately said yes, since this is part of my ongoing advocacy as IVLP alumnae. Social Media Day is an annual international event that recognizes the digital revolution happening around the world. It is a global celebration (in more than 487 cities) of the technological advancements that have given rise to the connected generation. The CDO Bloggers group invited me to speak about responsible social media as well as social media for social good. I also shared some tips on how to use social media to spread positive vibes, encourage vol...

Jun282013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

The CompanY to hold a show at Ayala Centrio Mall CDO @AyalaCentrio

Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Music

The quintet known for their impressive vocal harmony will be at Ayala Centrio Mall this weekend! The CompanY, composed of Sweet Plantado (soprano), Annie Quintos (soprano/alto), Cecile Bautista (alto), Jay Marquez (tenor) and Moy Ortiz (tenor2/bass), will be at the Centrio Mall Activity Center on Sunday, June 30, 2013, 6 PM. The event will also serve as the CDO launch of their latest album entitled "LightHearted OPM." Catch The CompanY at Centrio Mall this weekend! See you there :) You can also follow Mindanaoan on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Instagram and YouTube for updates, videos and photos on The CompanY's Centrio CDO show :)

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Rustan’s Fresh CDO VIP night (official photos inside)

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Shopping, Society

I previously mentioned here on Mindanaoan that I was involved in a recent 3-day series of events for the Rustan's Fresh CDO opening. Aside from the grand opening, Rustan's Fresh Supermarket Cagayan de Oro City also sponsored a walkathon (in partnership with Xavier EcoVille, wherein all proceeds collected from the registration fees went to the said resettlement project for Typhoon Sendong survivors) and a Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro preview night attended by VIPs, trade partners, concessionaires, traditional media practitioners, bloggers, guests and other local key personalities. Hundreds of people came to get a sneak peek of the 4,186 square meter store and 17th branch in the Philippines. All of those events were huge successes and I would like to wholeheartedly thank each and ...

Jun262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

David Pomeranz Live In Valencia City, Bukidnon

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Music

International multi-platinum award-winning recording artist David Pomeranz will perform in a one-night only concert in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines on July 7, 2013 (Sunday), 8 PM at the San Agustin Institute of Technology (SAIT) Gymnasium, Valencia City, Bukidnon. David Pomeranz, who's responsible for the hits "King and Queen of Hearts," "Got To Believe In Magic," "Born For You" and "On This Day," will be joined by veteran comedienne Giselle Sanchez. The David Pomeranz Live In Bukidnon concert is part of his 2013 Philippine Tour dubbed "You're The Inspiration." Buy your tickets online here Mindanaoan.com will also raffle off some tickets in the next few days. Follow Mindanaoan on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google Plus to be eligible for the raffle! :) Mark your ...

Jun212013 by Mindanaoan Irene9 Comments

Rivermaya band Davao radio tour and SM City Davao gig

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society, Videos

So a day before the big Rivermaya Live At Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao gig that I co-produced, the Rivermaya boys - Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Norby David and Ryan Peralta - performed first at SM City Davao for a pre-Independence Day gig. I was already in Davao City then, comfortably settled in my spacious executive deluxe room at the Apo View Hotel (which had a nice view of the pool, by the way - thanks so much, Apo View!) when I found out that the boys were supposed to have a Davao City radio tour before their scheduled performance at 5 PM at the SM City Davao Annex atrium. So I did what every Rivermaya fan worth her salt should - bug the Rivermaya band manager (hello Raymond! :D) and insist - without any hesitation or shame - that I tag along. Fortunately, Raymond was convinced tha...

Jun212013 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Co-producing a Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Davao

Announcements, Arts, Entertainment, Events, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Radio, Society, Videos

Like most things that end up being hands-down epic, my being a co-producer of a recent Rivermaya band gig at Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao all started with two phone calls and a Facebook message. Yep. A phone call from the Rivermaya band manager, a phone call to a former classmate in Ateneo and a Facebook message to his cousin (who also happens to be a batchmate). That's all it took. A day and a half later, the Rivermaya Live At Blue Room, Apo View Hotel Davao City was a go. Things moved pretty quickly. My assistant and I were on the phone, calling a few friends who may want to sponsor the show. Fortunately, everyone we got in touch with all said yes. Who wouldn't? It's RIVERMAYA - the Banda ng Bayan - the very band responsible for the monster hits "Kisapmata," "Umaaraw, Umuulan," "Yo...

Jun182013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Korean fashion brand Basic House opens Ayala Centrio CDO branch

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Shopping

Popular Korean fashion brand Basic House has opened its first store in Mindanao - the Basic House Cagayan de Oro branch. This is Basic House's fourth store in the Philippines. Basic House CDO is among the more than a hundred stores that offer fresh, classic and preppy ready-to-wear garments. Established in Korea in 1996, Basic House currently has 158 stores in Korea. There are stores across Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Russia and the Philippines. Visit Basic House CDO for classic and contemporary wear. You can find shirts, polo shirts, blazers, jackets, chinos, knit wear and even socks at Basic House Cagayan de Oro. Check out the looks you can achieve with some of the pieces you can find at Basic House: Basic House Cagayan de Oro is located at the 2nd floor,...