photo by IVY MARIE MANGADLAO

With 95 riders from the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, the event showcased the thrill of downhill skateboarding—a sport that combines speed, skill, and pure adrenaline.

Winners
1st - Zak Goodwind (Australia) – ₱100,000
2nd - Eryan Abarico (Philippines) – ₱30,000
3rd - Ealoy Maquirato (Philippines) – ₱20,000
4th - Warren Arnais (Philippines) – ₱10,000

Event director Joseph Falcone said Nasipit’s unique terrain gives it the edge to become a hub for extreme sports and adventure tourism. Plans are already underway to make it an annual international event that could eventually be part of the World Downhill Skateboarding Championship tour. 

Japanese rider Hiroki Endo praised the track, calling it “fast, straight, no braking—very good!” and said he looks forward to returning.

Alongside the skateboarding action, Nasipit also hosted the Mountain Bike Downhill Mayhem, proving that Camagong is ready to be a playground for thrill-seekers. 

With warm hospitality, challenging terrains, and big dreams, Nasipit is carving its name into the adventure tourism map of Mindanao.

If you’ve ever heard travelers talking about Siargao, chances are you’ve come across the phrase “Siargao Curse.” Some say that once you visit this island paradise, you’ll find it hard to leave—or that you’ll always feel the urge to come back. But is it really a curse, or is it simply the magic of Siargao?

Falling in Love with Siargao

It’s no secret why foreigners and locals alike fall in love with Siargao. Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, the island offers some of the best surf spots in Asia. But beyond surfing, Siargao is breathtakingly beautiful—filled with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, palm-lined roads, and island vibes that instantly make you feel at home.

One thing you’ll notice right away is how foreigners seem to blend seamlessly into the island lifestyle. You’ll see them walking barefoot, shirtless, or in simple beach attire, embracing the same carefree culture as the locals. Businesses also adapt to this island way of life—many shops and restaurants encourage you to leave your footwear outside before entering. It’s a small gesture, but one that reflects the laid-back, welcoming nature of Siargao.

The Island’s Pet-Friendly Charm

Another reason Siargao captures so many hearts? It’s incredibly pet-friendly. Dogs wander freely, and most establishments are welcoming to furry friends. Since many foreigners are pet lovers, this aspect makes Siargao feel even more like home for them. Imagine enjoying a sunset session on the beach while dogs run around happily—it’s a simple joy that makes the island atmosphere even warmer.

Explore More: The Famous Tri-Island Tour

Of course, no trip to Siargao is complete without experiencing the Tri-Island Tour. This popular island-hopping adventure takes you to three breathtaking spots:

The tour usually includes a hearty lunch, boat rides, and the company of friendly local tour guides who make the trip seamless and unforgettable.

To make your island-hopping experience hassle-free, you can book with Elcrest Travel and Tours. They arrange tours around top tourist destinations in the Philippines, and Siargao is one of their specialties. For bookings and inquiries, you can reach them at 0961 877 1387 or follow their Facebook page at Elcrest Travel and Tours. They are conveniently located in Cagayan de Oro – Lane 101 Uptown, Upper Carmen.

Beyond Tourism: A Place to Live

Siargao isn’t just for short vacations; it’s also becoming a haven for digital nomads and long-term travelers. With its chill vibe and growing community of online workers, the island is perfect for those who want to work while enjoying a slower pace of life.

Even if you’re not an online worker, opportunities still abound. Resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars are always looking for people to join their teams. This makes Siargao more than just a tourist destination—it’s also a place where you can build a life if you choose to.

So, Is the Siargao Curse Real?

After my recent trip to Siargao, I can confidently say: there’s no curse. What people call the “Siargao Curse” is nothing more than the natural pull of a truly beautiful island. It’s not that Siargao traps you—it’s that it welcomes you, embraces you, and makes you long to return the moment you leave.

For me, I’ll surely be going back—not because of a curse, but because I genuinely fell in love with the island, the people, and the lifestyle that Siargao offers.

If you really want to understand why so many people feel this way, don’t just visit Siargao for a few days. Stay for a month or more. Live like a local, work remotely, or simply embrace the slow island life. And don’t miss the Tri-Island Tour—a must-do that perfectly captures the magic of Siargao.

So, is the Siargao Curse real? Maybe not. But the island’s charm is so strong, it might just feel like one.

Misamis Oriental once again opened its doors to discovery through the Suroy MisOr: A Media Familiarization Tour, bringing together media personalities, bloggers, and vloggers to explore the stunning landscapes and rich culture along Route 955 (Villanueva–Claveria–Gingoog City).

This carefully curated journey showcased the province’s natural wonders, local flavors, and sustainable tourism efforts that truly make Misamis Oriental a one-of-a-kind destination in Northern Mindanao.

Highlights of the Tour

🌿 Municipal Hall of Villanueva – The gateway stop where participants were welcomed and briefed about the town’s growing role in tourism and industry.

🔬 Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) – A hub of innovation, featuring local weaves and textile technologies that reflect the creativity and craftsmanship of Misamisnon artisans.

🌄 Claveria View Deck – A breathtaking stop where rolling hills and panoramic landscapes offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

💦 Villa Cascada – A hidden gem where refreshing waters meet lush greenery, perfect for relaxation and eco-tourism.

☕ Julio’s Café – A cozy stopover serving freshly brewed coffee and local delicacies, giving a true taste of Misamis Oriental’s hospitality.

🌺 Illuminada Garden Resort – A tranquil spot that highlights the province’s dedication to sustainable and family-friendly leisure spaces.

🍃 Oolong Tea Processing Center – A unique experience of learning how locally grown tea is processed, reflecting both agricultural sustainability and community livelihood opportunities.

More Than Just a Tour

The Suroy MisOr Media Familiarization Tour goes beyond sightseeing—it’s about storytelling. Each stop allowed participants to immerse themselves in the Misamisnon way of life, from discovering authentic flavors to experiencing how tourism supports local communities.

This initiative highlights Misamis Oriental not only as a province blessed with natural beauty but also as a gateway to Northern Mindanao’s tourism circuit, ready to welcome both local and international travelers.

Through this immersive experience, our media partners became ambassadors of Misamis Oriental’s treasures—sharing the warmth of the Misamisnon spirit, the richness of local products, and the exciting opportunities tourism creates for our people.

A Word of Thanks

Cagayan de Oro Today joins in thanking all the LGUs, tourism offices, and establishments along Route 955 for their warm hospitality and continued commitment to making Misamis Oriental a vibrant and sustainable destination.

Truly, Misamis Oriental is Uniquely MisOr—a place where nature, culture, and community come together to create unforgettable journeys.

Forget boring book shopping—National Book Store is transforming the hunt for your next read into an epic adventure. Welcome to The National Hunt, a nationwide search where prizes are hidden inside books and on bookshelves, waiting for lucky readers to find them.

This isn't your average book hunt. Leading the charge is the all-new National Book Squad, a dream team of your favorite Gen Z celebrities: Mika Salamanca, Josh Ford, Kira Balinger, Esnyr Ranollo, Will Ashley, and Ralph de Leon. Together, dropping clues across National Book Store branches and hiding special books for you to discover.

Your mission is simple: head to any participating National Book Store and keep an eye out for the exclusive books the National Book Squad has hidden. If you're lucky enough to find one, purchase it—you might just walk away with an incredible prize.

The rewards are anything but ordinary. We're talking major prizes like an Apple iPad, flight vouchers, a DJI Osmo 3, and so much more.

The hunt has already started online! Follow the National Book Squad on their socials for exclusive clues and behind-the-scenes content. Don't miss their videos—your first hint could be waiting there.

Are you ready to turn your next book shopping trip into a treasure hunt? Follow National Book Store on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for all the latest updates. Let the hunt begin!

Globe marks the 10th anniversary of its annual GDay celebration this September with a bold promise to bring joy, rewards, and meaningful experiences closer to customers. What started as a simple thank-you a decade ago has grown into a nationwide movement, bringing together digital innovation, real-world experiences, and heartfelt surprises that celebrate the Filipino spirit.


“At Globe, we believe the most meaningful rewards are the ones that feel personal, those that are made just for you,” said Bianca Wong, Vice President and Head of Feel Valued Tribe at Globe. “This GDay, we’re celebrating in a way that recognizes our customers’ diverse passions and everyday wins. Whether it’s a surprise gift or a chance to win larger than life prizes on the app, or a fan experience you’ve been wishing for, there’s something in store for everyone to enjoy, tailored to what matters most to them.”

This year, the spotlight turns to everyday moments that feel extraordinary. Across the country, Globe will activate GDay Pop-Up Booths in malls, stores, and neighborhood venues bringing the celebration closer to where customers live, work, and play. These on-ground activations in key cities like Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Naga, Tuguegarao, and CDO, will transform familiar convergent spaces into joyful brand experiences filled with exclusive promos, partner rewards, and surprise giveaways.

Online, the GlobeOne app is the home of GDay. From daily surprise gifts to chances to unlock exciting rewards, customers can explore a seamless and rewarding journey with every tap. Whether it’s vouchers, lifestyle perks, or something bigger, the GDay Surprise Gift is designed to bring a moment of delight to every day.

For fans and music lovers, GDay 2025 adds a spark of excitement with the GDay BINI Fan Meet, happening on September 13 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Over 1,500 Globe customers will get to experience a special afternoon with their beloved P-pop group, complete with live performances, fun interactions, and memorable moments on stage. The chance to get tickets will be made available in the GlobeOne app Redeem Rewards section, keeping the spirit of surprise and accessibility alive.

The celebration continues with the biggest G Raffle Rush, running from September 1 to October 31. Every week, customers can look forward to exciting, larger-than-life prizes, starting with a ₱50,000 grocery shopping spree powered by ShareTreats and ₱100,000 in GCash. Globe is also giving away a dream Japan trip for four with business class seats via All Nippon Airways, a luxury staycation for two at NuStar Cebu complete with Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles, and flagship gadgets from HUAWEI, HONOR, ASUS ROG, and OPPO Philippines. One lucky winner will even take home a BYD Atto 3 Dynamic Battery Electric Vehicle with ₱75,000 worth of charging credits and freebies from ACMobility through their new EVRO app. To top it all off, customers will have the chance to win not just one but two major properties: a Deluxe Studio Condominium unit in Amaia Steps Pasig and a two-bedroom house and lot in Amaia Scapes Trece Martires.

Customers can rush their way to a free raffle entry via the GlobeOne app to join and also use their available Globe Rewards points to earn more raffle entries and look out for the exciting drops of prizes every week.

Globe celebrates you everyday with personalized rewards made just for you. You can count on Globe to make everyday a GDay!

Globe Vice President and Head of Feel Valued Tribe Bianca Wong opens the G Day 2025 Media Launch, marking the 10th year of Globe’s annual celebration of customer loyalty and connection.

Globe Integrated Program Management Manager Raymond Baritua presents the exciting lineup of activities for G Day 2025, including the G Raffle Rush, Provincial GDay Pop-Ups, G Day Surprise Gift, GFair, and the BINI Fan Meet.

Media partners, and content creators join Globe in celebrating 10 years of GDay.

"Our goal with pandapro is to make ordering online more affordable and convenient for our customers," said Pat Jacinto, Growth and Marketing Director of foodpanda Philippines. "PRO Weeks is our way of providing even greater value on the meals and essentials people already love, reinforcing why a pandapro membership is the smartest way to save."

The "PRO Weeks" promotion from foodpanda is designed to showcase the extensive benefits of a pandapro subscription. While pandapro members already enjoy year-round perks like free delivery and exclusive vouchers from thousands of restaurants and stores, this limited-time event takes the savings even further. 

During "PRO Weeks," subscribers will be able to get up to 50% off on select food and grocery vendors, including deliveries from a wide range of restaurants and items from Pandamart. Additionally, shops will feature exclusive discounts, such as a ₱140 discount at Robinsons Supermarket and ₱100 off at Puregold, plus members will have access to exclusive, stackable vouchers and special bundles. 

foodpanda's PRO Weeks campaign is designed to reward existing members and encourage new users to join and unlock instant access to discounts and year-round perks.

For as low as ₱33.30 per month with the 12-month plan, users can subscribe to pandapro in just a few taps: open the foodpanda app, go to the pandapro section, choose a plan, then proceed to checkout to select a payment method and confirm.

With up to 50% off, free delivery, and exclusive vouchers, this proves that being a pandapro subscriber truly pays off. So whether it’s your favorite fast food, grocery staples, or a midnight snack, don’t just order—order smarter with foodpanda.

Launched earlier this year, the “Ka-CEO” Program offers knowledge about a wide range of tools, strategies, and business methodologies designed to uplift entrepreneurs by fostering innovation, resilience, and global competitiveness across the country.

CVM Pawnshop President Paul Cancio said “We were inspired by the vision of the Department of Trade and Industry to strengthen MSMEs by enhancing their resilience, aligning with national development goals, and driving transformation through digital and regional collaboration”.

Guided by the company’s purpose of Bridging Hope and Prosperity for the Filipino, Cancio emphasized, “We are committed to infusing the same level of dedication and excellence that defines our financial services into the “Ka-CEO” Program, to empower entrepreneurs to thrive and ultimately help build our nation”.

Partners in Advancing the Economy

Aside from serving as a capacity-building initiative, the program series also functions as a valuable networking platform for entrepreneurs across the region. To date, CVM Pawnshop’s “Ka-CEO” Program has reached micro-entrepreneurs in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Lucena City, Lucban, Quezon, Plaridel, Bulacan, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City.

Several partners including those from the national government, local government units, private sector, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, and even individual professionals, have come together to collaborate for the “Ka-CEO” Program to drive inclusive growth and community empowerment.

CVM Pawnshop’s “Ka-CEO” Program partners include the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its Cagayan de Oro City office; the Business Permits and Licensing Office and the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office of Lucena City; BPI, BPI AIA, and BPI Agency Banking. 

Other collaborators include GIPDEX, Alpha Leaders and Builders, Hand & Heart, Jaro Cathedral Office, as well as individual professionals such as Pharmacist, Entrepreneur, and Mental Wellness Coach Zaineb Magbanua, and Chemist and Social Entrepreneur Juanito C. Momo Jr.

Together for Change

At the CVM Pawnshop “Ka-CEO” Program in Lucban, Quezon, Hand and Heart (HH), a social enterprise with a vision to uplift the lives of people who are left behind including Persons with Disability (PWDs), shared their powerful vision of a more inclusive future. HH General Manager Genevieve Diokno, and Business Development Manager Elyse Go emphasized the importance of creating opportunities and spaces where every Filipino is empowered to grow, contribute, and thrive.

Hand and Heart offers a diverse range of services aimed at fostering inclusion and empowering PWDs. These include Sign Language Classes, Disability Sensitivity Awareness Workshops, Job Coaching, Interpreting Services, and Inclusion Workshops.

The said “Ka-CEO” Program featured merchandise by the Heart and Hand Shoppe, a social enterprise that showcases products crafted by PWDs. Proceeds will go directly to funding the creation of a new Hand and Heart School, dedicated to providing education and skills training for community.

Staying true to its core mission of Bridging Hope and Prosperity for the Filipino, CVM Pawnshop employs four regular deaf team members and is set to welcome 11 more Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into its workforce. This milestone was made possible through the invaluable partnership and guidance of Hand and Heart.

Nurturing the Ka-CEO Mindset

Throughout the nationwide capacity building series, topics discussed span a wide range of themes, including entrepreneurship and business development, digital marketing and social media, financial literacy and wellness, operations and productivity, skills training and livelihood, values-driven and people-centered leadership, as well as market access and MSME support.

Solo parents from Muzon, Pavia, Lapaz, Bacolod, and Davao; members of the San Jose Del Monte Business Development Department; small business owners and market vendors; barangay workers; senior citizen officers; Municipal Social Welfare and Development members; and health volunteers were delegates of the “Ka-CEO” program. 

Also present were Nabitasan Elementary School teachers, Dumangas and Bacolod Department of Social Welfare and Development representatives, Auto-Immune Deficiency Disorder Bacolod Chapter, Cosmopolitan Evangelical Church, the Davao Kababaihan Group, Davao Fisherman Group, CDO Fitness Group, real estate professionals, nutritionist scholars, and the CDO Teachers Group.

To know more about CVM Pawnshop’s “Ka-CEO” Program, visit https://www.cvmpawnshops.com/.