Mindanaoan Irene, Author at Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec252024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

CDO barangay captain Kikang Uy grants kids’ wishes to watch Euro Xtreme Circus

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Entertainment, Events, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Society

For several weeks, Cagayan de Oro was alive with joy and excitement as world-class Euro Xtreme Circus captivated audiences with thrilling stunts and breathtaking acts from Europe and America. Euro Xtreme Circus CDO ran until December 1, 2024, and the world-class show promised a memorable experience for everyone. Naturally, it was a lot of children's wish to watch the circus live. Recently, 40 preschoolers from Barangay Carmen enjoyed this spectacle, thanks to the generosity of Barangay Carmen Captain Joaquin “Kikang” Uy. Accompanied by their parents and teacher, Ms. Chona, the children experienced awe-inspiring acrobatics, thrilling stunts, and vibrant performances— all of them for the very first time. Kap. Kikang’s thoughtful gesture highlights his dedication to enriching the lives...

Dec252024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

DepEd, BDO Network Bank help teachers reach financial goals

Advocacy, Campus, Society, Technology

Public school teachers stand to benefit from the continued support from the Department of Education (DepEd) and BDO Network Bank (BDONB), particularly in equipping them with financial knowledge to help them achieve their personal goals. For many teachers, gaining financial literacy helps them practice financial discipline and make informed decisions on budgeting, saving, and debt management. On the importance of practical budgeting in particular, knowing where their money goes every month has taken so much stress off teachers’ shoulders already loaded with the daily grind of teaching. This knowledge assists in avoiding debt traps as they are able to manage and prioritize their expenses better. Saving for future goals also gives teachers tools to start building funds for their imminent ...

Nov112024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Living high and living it up in Altafina by Vista Land

Mindanaoan Update

South Cotabato: Here, bounty and beauty come together Perched majestically on the coastline that hugs Sarangani Bay, General Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, exudes a more dynamic and progressive vibe. With an economy anchored primarily on the agriculture and fishing industries, GenSan, as it is affectionately called, also covers much ground in tourism. The land formerly known as Dadiangas, and now named for General Paulino Santos, who brought over Christians from Luzon and the Visayas to settle in the area, boasts the largest airport in Mindanao as well as the Makar Wharf, one of the country's most modern international seaports. The city also earned itself the nickname Boom City of the South, owing to its vast exports and the influx of manufacturing and business pr...

Nov52024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The circus is here! EuroXtreme Circus brings world-class entertainment to Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society

I watched them first in Davao City during the Kadayawan season and now it's your turn, Cagayan de Oro! For the first time since 1993 when its precursor, the Royal London Circus was here, the EuroXtreme Circus is bringing its world-class spectacle to Paseo del Rio, Rodelsa Circle, Barangay Nazareth. Known for thrilling audiences across Davao, General Santos, and Tagum, the EuroXtreme Circus is ready to enchant CDO with extraordinary performances under its unique Red & White BIG TOP—an air-conditioned tent that seats 2,000 people, the only one of its kind in the Philippines. A Lineup of Unmissable International Acts Featuring performers from Europe and Latin America, the EuroXtreme Circus brings an exciting variety of acts that promise to leave audiences spellbound: Wheel of S...

Oct302024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Vista Land Unveils Sandera, The Newest Master Planned Development in Davao

Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Vista Land continues to expand its footprint in the southern regions of the Philippines with a strategic focus on master planned developments that anticipate the evolving aspirations of its residents. Through its collection called Vista Estates, the company is creating unique, superior, and sustainable lifescapes that combine a premium quality of life with long-term real estate investment opportunities. Each development, set within premier destinations across the country, showcases themed residential enclaves designed to reflect the character of the estate, offering a unique and engaging living experience. Davao City: A Gateway to the dynamic Mindanao landscape Positioned at the center of the Asia-Pacific Rim, Davao City serves as a vital link between the Eastern and Western hemisph...

Oct302024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Philippines pride, Jan Francis Alinsonorin, shines at Karaoke World Championships 2024 World Finals in Finland

Mindanaoan Update

Upcoming Filipino singing sensation Jan Francis Alinsonorin brought pride to the Philippines as he clinched a Top 11 finish at the prestigious Karaoke World Championships (KWC) World Finals held in Logomo Turku, Finland, from October 7 to 12, 2024. The Karaoke World Championships has long been a prestigious platform for discovering raw talent, and the 2024 edition in Turku was no exception. Participants from different cultures and nations gathered not only to compete but also to show their amazing talents to the world and to give the audience an unforgettable experience. Each performance reflected the diversity and uniqueness of each country, turning the stage into a vibrant melting pot of global talent. The week-long event kicked off with a Parade and Welcome Party on October ...

Sep262024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Gabay Guro Celebrates Teachers with Back-to-Back Grand Tribute Events

Mindanaoan Update

Honoring its commitment to continuously uplift the lives of Filipino teachers as they mold the Filipino youth for excellence in the global arena, Gabay Guro will hold a back-to-back Teachers’ Tribute events for this year’s celebration of National Teachers’ Month and World Teachers Day. In cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) and with the generous support of steadfast partners – Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), PLDT Inc. (PLDT), and mWell through Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) – Gabay Guro will stage its annual Grand Gathering on September 29, 2024, Sunday, at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. With the theme “Teachers Inspiring Change, Building the Country’s Future,” the Grand Gathering will fe...

Sep192024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Invest in a condo in Caraga: Soleia by Vista Manors, a Frontrunner

Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Caraga, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Sitting in the region of spirits folk, the vast lands of Butuan City in Agusan del Norte are some of the oldest settlements in the Philippines, with history, culture, and arts tracing back to the fourth century. A first-class, highly urbanized city in Region Xll that evolved from an ancient trading site, Butuan stretches across the Agusan River, the widest, deepest, and longest navigable river in Mindanao. The city is rife with archeological finds on display at the Butuan Regional Museum, including stoneware, metal crafts, wood crafts, pottery, gold smithing, burial coffins, and other archeological treasures pointing to Butuan's prehistoric existence and rich cultural heritage. Caraga, where Butuan City is located, comes from Kalagan, the original language of the peo...

Sep132024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Must-try in Cagayan de Oro: Steak Paraiso

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Restaurant, Reviews

My friends Miki, Mike, Vic and I had an awesome steak dinner in Cagayan de Oro just recently. It was to welcome Vic home as he has been living in the UK with his family for several years now. We went to Steak Paraiso, located in Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro. I met the owner of this popular steakhouse during the pandemic, when he still ran a wagyu place in Malaybalay City. At the time, I was with my Bukidnon-based friends including Roger, an Australian friend of mine, who ended up praising the owner because we were served top quality Kitayama Wagyu and other meats. Mind you, Australians know their roast beef and steaks so for Roger to only have compliments is a big deal. Anyway, because I had a great experience then, I knew Miki, Mike and Vic would also love it at Steak Paraiso CDO. I was righ...

Aug282024 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Helping Mindanao electric cooperatives navigate social media, address online bashing and crisis and foster community engagement

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

In Mindanao, blackouts occur, on average, no less than 10 times per month. More often than not, these blackouts also last for a very long time - sometimes, for hours on end! Needless to say, this is extremely exasperating because not only are households affected but businesses as well. Customers get really irate and the tendency is that they turn to social media and express their anger and disappointment towards the Mindanao electric cooperatives that are expected to provide reliable power to the communities. People post not only complaints online but memes, harsh words and even threats! Electric cooperatives or ECs, on the other hand, fully acknowledge the fact that they need to learn how to address the crisis situations fast. They understand that in this age of social media, they sh...

Aug272024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Avoiding Galvanic Corrosion in Mixed Metal Fasteners

Mindanaoan Update

When you’re dealing with fasteners, the last thing you want is a hidden enemy causing havoc behind the scenes. Galvanic corrosion is that sneaky troublemaker, especially when you mix different metals. You might think of nuts and bolts as straightforward components, but there’s more going on beneath the surface than you might realize. Understanding Galvanic Corrosion Imagine you’ve just replaced some old, rusted fasteners with shiny new ones. You’re feeling pretty good about your handiwork, but in a few months, you notice something disturbing: the new fasteners are corroding faster than you'd expect. What’s happening here? This is the sneaky work of galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, such as wat...

Aug162024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This Filipina is fake, but her stories are real

Advocacy, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Huwag na nating pagusapan ‘yan. Filipinos have a reputation for sweeping everything under a rug. Call it moral shame, or call it fear, the norm dictates bottling up and carrying on—no matter what the situation. The consequences of such an attitude is staggering. It is not surprising that according to a 2022 Philippine National Survey, roughly 17.5% of women aged 15-49 has experienced violence at the hands of their current or most recent spouses or partners. In a society based on faith and borne of strict societal mores, victims find silence and anonymity to be the only recourse. Fear, normalized violence at home, and victim blaming stop women from talking about their abuse and allow their experience to go unreported. So, how can we act on something that does not exist? Yes, stories ...

Jul262024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Taiwan at the Forefront of Green Economy

Mindanaoan Update

Taiwan is one of the global leaders in innovation and technological advancement, highlighted by its dominance in the semiconductor industry, supplying many giant technology brands, or a robust 68% market share. However, it is not lost on the Taiwan government the importance of protecting Mother Nature amid blazing-speed technological progress. Taiwan is considered a long-standing champion in protecting the environment through various collective and collaborative initiatives within Taiwan- based companies, with its many partners around the world. On June 19, 2024, Taiwan’s leading foreign trade officials, particularly the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), launched the "Go Green with Taiwan" movement, a global init...

Jul102024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GrabCar Officially Launched in Iligan City, Offers Safe, Reliable, and Convenient Rides

Mindanaoan Update

Grab Philippines officially introduces its digital ride-hailing services in Iligan City with the launch of GrabCar – Grab’s flagship mobility solution. GrabCar’s launch revolutionizes the way Iliganons commute, offering them an alternative tech-driven transportation option that is safe, reliable, and convenient. GrabCar now seamlessly connects passengers to and from Laguindingan Airport and extends its coverage through comprehensive and strategic zones within Iligan City. The serviceable area covers northward to Dalipuga, Kiwalan, Acmac; southward to Buruun, Fuentes, Camague; eastward to Suarez, Tipanoy, Tubod; and westward to Poblacion, Tambaca, Hinaplanon. The recent launch is also an expression of Grab's unwavering dedication to being Iligan City's leading partner in its journey ...

Jun252024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GrabTaxi launched in General Santos City

Announcements, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, SoSCksargen, Technology

Grab Philippines introduces its digital mobility solutions in General Santos City with the official launch of GrabTaxi last June 24, 2024. The leading superapp supports and uplifts the taxi sector in General Santos City by enhancing safety, reliability, and fare transparency for passengers, championing an elevated commuting experience for the citizens of GenSan. Passengers from the north of Nopol and the eastern portion of Buayan, extending all the way down to Tambler, can now effortlessly book a GrabTaxi ride through the Grab app. “Grab Philippines is proud to partner with the City of General Santos in introducing a digital and more efficient means of hailing a taxi for both locals and tourists,” CJ Lacsican, Grab Philippines Head of Cities Operations, said during the joint ann...

May272024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The ‘Sleeping Dinosaur’ in Mati, Davao Oriental

Davao City, Davao Oriental, Features, Tourism, Travel

The Sleeping Dinosaur is a popular tourist destination in Mati, Davao Oriental, known for its picturesque view resembling a sleeping dinosaur. This natural landmark is part of Pujada Island and offers stunning vistas of the coastline and the surrounding waters. Contrary to popular belief, however, the Sleeping Dinosaur isn't an island. It is a promontory - an area of land sticking out into the sea. Check out this photo I took from the viewing deck: WATCH: https://youtube.com/shorts/Ga7e-kLqCT0?si=nKM6MPRX3nLPgGsS I went to Mati primarily to visit Dahican, one of its barangays. Dahican is super popular among skimboarders and surfers alike. However, even non-surfers can still enjoy the almost 2 kilometer stretch of fine white sand beach and that's basically what I did...

May242024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Traveloka partners with Cebu Pacific Airlines to boost travel in Southeast Asia to Philippines

Features, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, Tourism, Travel

Traveloka, the leading travel platform in Southeast Asia, has announced a strategic partnership with Filipino low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) to attract more foreign tourists to visit the Philippines by implementing an application programming interface that will allow inbound travelers to explore CEB flights through the travel app. Aligned with Traveloka’s commitment to helping the tourism industry in Southeast Asia recover from the pandemic, this initiative is expected to positively contribute to the growth of Philippine tourism by making it easier for foreign tourists to explore the country's exciting destinations. The Philippines's tourism sector continues to perform strongly year after year. The Philippine Department of Tourism recorded more than 5.4 million foreign traveler...

May232024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

mWell launches fully-loaded Smart Watches and Rings

Advocacy, Corporate, Events, Features, Health, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

mWell, the digital healthcare arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), recently unveiled a roster of innovative offerings in an impressive digital showcase held at a grand ballroom of a hotel in Bonifacio Global City. The event dubbed “mWell Unboxed” marked the newest milestone in mWell’s history as it goes beyond telemedicine and strengthens its commitment to holistic health. The gathering witnessed the launch of the Mind Health Score feature, new generation mWell Watches, which are fully loaded with health features at a budget-friendly price, and the light yet powerful mWell Rings. Hosted by Iza Calzado and Markki Stroem, mWell Unboxed transported guests to the mWell multiverse, which showcased a full line-up of features and products, milestones, and inspiring testi...

May152024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Power Mac Center opens first store in Bukidnon

Mindanaoan Update

Fellow Apple users, rejoice! Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center is expanding presence in the Mindanao region with the opening of its first ever store in Bukidnon! Located at the Ground Floor (by the main entrance) of Robinsons Place Valencia, the latest Power Mac Center Bukidnon store offers the widest range of Apple devices such as Macs, Macbooks, iPad Pro, iPad Air, Apple Watches, Apple accessories, and premium partner brands. Here's more good news - they currently offer irresistible discounts and promos so best to visit as soon as possible. They're open from 10 AM to 9 PM. You can also call the store (0917) 107 7812. Check out the photos taken at the Power Mac Center Bukidnon store below (follow me on Facebook also for more exclusive features!) Thanks for openin...

May132024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

7-Eleven opens first Crunch Time dine-in store in Mindanao

Business, Consumer, Features, Food, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update

Quick, filling and very affordable. These are the reasons why I'm a big fan of 7-Eleven’s Crunch Time! I can no longer count the times when I simply had to address hunger pangs and 7-Eleven is right there to the rescue with their delicious Crunch Time choices. Now, 7-Eleven further amplifies the fried chicken love with yet another Crunch Time Dine-In Store as a pit stop forcustomers to power up and enjoy its scrumptious snacks and meals --- and it's the very first store in Mindanao! This General Santos City 7-Eleven store, located at Lot 667-A J. Catolico Sr. Avenue, Lagao, makes history as the first 7-Eleven Crunch Time Dine-In Store in Mindanao and the fourth nationwide. The store was officially launched last April 5 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and store blessing graced...

May132024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Went to Japanese restaurant chain Botejyu as they opened their 86th branch in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Japan, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

Botejyu CDO at Ayala Centrio Mall is NOW OPEN! The 86th branch of BOTEJYU Philippines is NOW OPEN at the Garden Corte (garden area, ground floor) of Ayala Malls Centrio Cagayan de Oro! Absolutely good news for Japanese cuisine lovers like me. Went during their opening and Botejyu’s dishes truly took me back to my happy days in Japan! I liked their open kitchen --- you can see how they prepare your food. I also liked that their staff members were courteous and helpful and --- this is important to me --- knowledgeable about their menu. I thoroughly enjoyed the tonkotsu ramen with char siu, okonomiyaki (Botejyu isn't Japan's pioneer okonomiyaki specialty restaurant chain for nothing!), assorted sushi, skewers (your kids will like these!) and their delicious takoyaki! Related posts:...

May102024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How Pluxee can help create joyful moments this Mother’s Day

Mindanaoan Update

This coming Mother’s Day, we celebrate and honor mothers of all types – those who gave birth, raised, and inspire us every day. But let’s not forget the remarkable mothers and mother figures in the workforce who juggle their professional responsibilities with their families. Pluxee Gifts by Pluxee (formerly known as Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services) allow your company to recognize mothers in your teams with joyful moments on this special day. According to the September 2023 Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), women's labor force participation rate stands at 53.4 percent. This statistic underscores the Philippines' commitment to closing gender gaps and facilitating better access to employment opportunities for all women, particularly mothers ...