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

Feb142018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SnippetMEdia introduces blockchain technology in Philippine digital media landscape

Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Technology

SnippetMEdia has come a long way. I first learned about this mobile app (available in both iOS and Android) last year. Now, after a year providing curated content to over 800,000 users, SnippetMEdia has stepped up to take on the challenges plaguing both content creators and advertisers by launching the SnippetMedia Blockchain – the first blockchain media platform in the Philippines. Blockchain is a technology developed to structure data. Blockchain is set to change and improve the way various fields operate -- from network security, to identity authentication, e-commerce, intellectual property protection, and so much more. In partnership with Superiex, a China-based digital asset trading platform, SnippetMEdia will establish a first-of- its-kind ad platform built upon a blockchain. Wha...

Feb142018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom brings back unlimited Internet plans – no-lock up, no data cap, no throttling

Internet, Technology

This is truly great news! As you all know, I'm a longtime Globe Telecom subscriber. However, while I do like all their services (I am most happy with Globe Roaming), I, too, was not happy with the data cap and the throttling concerns. Well, I'm absolutely excited to share with you all that Globe Telecom heard the clamor of its customers and has brought back an upgraded version of its unlimited internet plans through Go Unli! This means we can now avail of unlimited data! Stream video, play music and games without having to worry about lock-up period, data capping, and speed throttling. EXCITING!!! Go Unli works for all legal sites to make sure that Globe and its customers participate in making the internet safe for everyone. “We want all customers to enjoy a superior internet experie...

Feb22018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Club Clio Korean Beauty Brand New York USA opening

America, Beauty, Blogging, Events, Fashion, Korea, New York, Society, Style

Hello from New York! I actually vlogged about the Club Clio Union Square New York reopening first so apologies if this blog is a tad late :D Anyhoo, I was invited to check out the grand reopening of the Club Clio USA Union Square New York branch late last year. It was an invitation I simply cannot turn down! For one, I absolutely love Korean stuff. They're high quality, very cute, fun and definitely value-for-money. Secondly, I have visited Korea and needless to say, I fell in love! It's a beautiful, modern country with amazing food, friendly people and rich culture. Check out my Mindanaoan In Korea travel series. Thirdly, it's a beauty event invitation for me as a blogger in New York! Enough said ;) Anyways, for the uninitiated, Club Clio is a very popular Korean cosmetics line, repres...

Jan262018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Prepping for an Asian Vacation: Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Trip

Korea, Mindanaoan Update, Travel

Traveling halfway across the globe for a vacation is a once in a lifetime experience. There are so many sights, sounds and tastes that you want to try out. Before you head off to the airport, learn how you can prepare for a vacation into Asia. The cultures and beautiful landscapes will capture your imagination. Pick Your Flights and Tours Carefully Regardless of which country you're visiting, Asia itself is incredibly far from the United States. Select a flight that has a few comforts, such as ample leg room or convertible seats. You might bundle the flight with a hotel so that the costs are much cheaper than scheduling them individually. Take a look at various excursions in your chosen country, such as Asia tour packages. Experience the top attractions while receiving a good deal for fo...

Jan232018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Apps that help me become more productive

Blogging, Internet, Technology

Hi, friends! Don’t look now but almost half of the first month of 2018 is over and done with! Wow! Time is really in a hurry, eh? Are you still feeling all the post-holiday stress? What about in terms of work and life balance - how are you doing in that department? If you’re like me, to earn a lot of money this 2018 is part of your grand plan. I have lots of plans this year and I’m pretty excited to apply all the things I’ve learned here in the US and see my strategies in action! But to do this I need to be more productive. If you also want the same thing, check out some of these productivity apps and extensions that I personally use. Strict Workflow This is a Google Chrome web browser extension. According to its developer, the Strict Workflow time management strategy is simple: w...

Jan232018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Festival | 2018 Schedule | Bukidnon Authentic Ethnic Festival Philippines

Bukidnon, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The yearly festival in the Province of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival, will be a month-long celebration again this year. Kaamulan Festival 2018 will be held the entire month of March. An annual gathering of the 7 hill tribes of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival derived its name from the Binukid word "amul," which means "to gather." Hence, Kaamulan is a gathering for a purpose - be it an indigenous wedding ceremony, ethnic sports competition, rituals etc. The Bukidnon 7 hill tribes, by the way, are: Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. A former Tourism Secretary even called it the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines. The Kaamulan Festival activities will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. READ: How to get to Malaybal...

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...

Jan82018 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

3 social media and business trends to look out for in 2018

Blogging, Business, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology, Videos

A few weeks ago, I mentioned here on my blog that I will be a part of the “Go Social: A Digital Marketing Tour Boot Camp.” The boot camp tour, a project of the Iligan Bloggers Society and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Manila, was held in Iligan, Cotabato, Cebu and Baguio. It helped hundreds of entrepreneurs learn how they can maximize the power of digital marketing to grow their micro, small, medium and social enterprises. Since I’m still here in the USA, I only sent a video message whereby I spoke about the future of digital marketing in the Philippines. I'm thinking of releasing that video soon --- maybe when I finally do a webinar on blogging, social media and earning online! What do you think? :) Tweet me if you want me to do that. Anyway, for this blog post, allow me to share so...

Dec172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Huck / Guillermo Diaz of Scandal

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, New York, Personalities, United States of America

Fellow "Scandal" fans - I'm here to make you jealous :P I met someone pretty awesome recently - Guillermo Diaz, the actor who plays “Huck” on the American political thriller TV series “Scandal.” Yes, THAT Huck. The controversial, dark (most of the time) but sweet (at times) Huck we have all come to love. I absolutely love this series! Basically, it evolves around Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) and her crisis management firm. Since I personally do PR (I’ve been doing this for many, many years!), I am quite fascinated with “Scandal.” Anyway, going back to Guillermo Diaz - he was very friendly, smiling and charming, truth be told. A whole lot different from the character that he plays. And to make matters more fascinating, Guillermo is proudly gay in real life so you could jus...

Dec132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to Save Money While Planning a Visit to the Top Vacation Destinations of 2018

America, Society, Travel, United States of America

If dedicating more time to travel in 2018 is topping your list of New Year’s resolutions, this is the year to finally stick to your plans. Whether you are a Filipino traveler traveling overseas or an American who wants to fly across the country to cross a few popular landmarks or destinations off your bucket list, a variety of uncommon adventures are waiting for you. Planning a trip like this can be challenging, especially when it comes to saving money; however, there are ways to save, from finding affordable airfare to finding discounts on hotels and destination restaurants. Make It a Group Adventure One way to offset the cost of traveling to a popular vacation spot during the upcoming year is to plan a group adventure. Splitting the cost of travel, airfare, and other expenses can h...

Dec132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Dermot Mulroney of “My Best Friend’s Wedding”

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, United States of America

I remember the first time I watched “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” That now iconic romantic comedy film made me cry, angry, laugh, irritated but, at the same time, hopeful. Hopeful that even though we don’t get what we want, there’s always a glimmer of hope and great possibilities. That there may be a reason why and that we should always look forward and be optimistic. In that classic movie, Julia Roberts’ character didn’t get her best friend in the end (played by the dashing Dermot Mulroney) but you know somehow that something brighter, possibly even way better, will happen and will come her way. Movie enthusiasts should carry that sense of hope when they catch the handsome Dermot as he stars on Hallmark Channel’s Hall of Fame holiday offering, “The Christmas Train.” Dermot plays a...

Dec122017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Top 10 Winter Destinations for Couples

Travel

Who needs a summer fling when you can have a winter love affair? If you and your sweetheart want to experience a beautifully snowy vacation, here are just 10 places that will get the job done. 1. Nagano, Japan The best thing about Nagano isn't the snow. It's the natural hot springs that are hidden in the snowy mountains and tended by resort owners who are always on hand with towels, tea and tatami mats. If you're looking for a place to cozy up with your lover on a cold winter evening, consider the hot springs of Nagano. 2. Fairbanks, U.S.A. Alaska is known for its freezing temperatures, but what some people fail to realize is that the local population has embraced the cold. They don't hide in their houses all winter; they host dog-sled races and ice-sculpting competitions. If y...

Dec42017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Travel to the Majestic Sights of the Sahara is Easier than Ever

Leisure, Travel

If you really want to plan the ultimate sightseeing vacation, try Morocco. Home to the legendary Sahara desert, this vibrant African nation has even more to offer than you may at first suspect. Of course, everyone remembers the legendary adventure and romance movies that were set in this region of the world. But you are bound to soon discover that a night out in the Sahara has a living romance all its own that no fiction can do justice to. It's up to you to make the trip to beautiful Morocco to see with your own two eyes what this great region of the world has to give. If You've Had Enough of the Ordinary, it's Time to Try Morocco If you really want to treat yourself to a whole new adventure, try visiting the great desert nation of Morocco. There are a number of tour groups, such as ...

Nov292017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Best Water and Amusement Parks in Dubai

Musings, Travel

Too much is never enough for adrenaline junkies. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy roller- coasters and joyrides. Amusements parks can pack a punch even for grown-ups like us, who never want to grow up. I'm also a huge fan of water (hello, Boracay beach lover here, reporting for duty!) Hence, when I do decide (and have the privilege) to finally visit Dubai, I'm sure I will allocate a copious amount of time at the waterparks and amusement parks around the city. Fortunately, there are lots of affordable flights now to Dubai. There are cheap flights from Manila now. There's a ton of options! All I need to do is sort out the itinerary - make a list of the amusement and waterparks I plan to visit in Dubai, and I'll be good to go! Now before I share my shortlist, please feel free to...

Nov162017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At Oyster Bay New York

America, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

A few weeks ago, I went with my New York City-based aunt to Oyster Bay. The easternmost of all the 3 towns in Nassau County, the Town of Oyster Bay is actually still a part of the New York metropolitan area. It's about an hour and a half away from NYC and is the only town in Nassau County that extends from the North Shore to the South Shore of Long Island. Unfortunately, I only had the chance to visit the Waterfront Center at the West End Ave of Oyster Bay. My aunt and her org-mates had a function at the main hall there and since I was only technically "sabit" (hehe), I just basically took my sweet time as well and laid on the grass beside the hall. Just as well - since I needed to just breathe, relax and enjoy the breeze. Anyway, we took the LIRR train to get to Oyster Bay. LIRR sch...

Nov122017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Grand Central Station New York – what to do, see, eat

America, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, United States of America

One of the popular New York tourist spots (and one of my favorite places in NYC to visit, take photos and people watch) is the Grand Central Station. Going to this station is definitely included in the "must-do while in New York City" lists. Grand Central Station is beautiful, has tons of history, majestic and, with over 21 million people visiting it every year, it is one of the largest, busiest train stations in the world. Several years ago, a friend and I took the train here to head to Pittsburgh. A few weeks ago, my aunt and I took the train from Grand Central Station to go apple picking at Dutchess County. And just last week, I accompanied a friend who took pre-nuptial photos of a couple at the Grand Central Terminal. This is where you go when you need to travel on the Metro Nort...

Nov92017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Will speak at #GoSocial: A #DigitalMarketing Tour Boot Camp”

Advocacy, Blogging, Internet, Society, Technology

Are you an entrepreneur? Do you want to learn how you can maximize the power of digital marketing to grow your micro, small, medium and social enterprise? My awesome Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. (IBS) friends have lovely news. Registration is still open for “Go Social: A Digital Marketing Tour Boot Camp,” a project of IBS, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines through its Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to learn all about digital marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, social media ad marketing, email marketing, influencer marketing and a whole lot more! These lessons will truly be beneficial for anybody who wants to incorporate online strategies in order to increase sales and leads, solidify brand recall, gather fans...

Oct272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

#FeelCamiguin

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

By now, I’m hoping you’ve already watched that viral #NoWords promotional video for the Province of Camiguin. That truly has gone viral - so viral that as of this writing, it has now garnered 922,000 views and over 15,000 shares on Facebook alone. This will surely help bring in not only guests but revenue as well especially since the Island Born of Fire is currently celebrating the most awaited Lanzones Festival. Just in case you haven’t seen it, check out the video below. The video begins with a female tourist who tells her friend off for flaking out on their Camiguin trip. The tourist grumbles that she’s now alone in Camiguin Island and that she finds the tiny island boring and quiet...until she meets a local. I’ll stop right there because I don’t want to send out spoilers. Please do ...

Oct242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Stay at these Palm Springs luxury villas during Coachella Festival and be cool

America, Hotels, Leisure, Travel, United States of America

Have you ever wanted to attend the famed Coachella Festival in California but tend to stop with all the planning when you feel dazed, confused, lost and disheartened when you simply cannot find houses for rent in Palm Springs? I know the feeling. I have a solution, too. Hear me out. These days, there’s a construction boom in this sunny and lovely Sonoran desert town of Palm Springs which was a favorite escape for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bob Hope and currently is for the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio, Robert Downey, Jr. and even former US President Barack Obama. And there’s reason for this. Palm Springs boasts of iconic mid-century architecture, hipster bars, great restaurants, lavish Hollywood history and of course, it’s the home of the famous and always well-attend...

Oct172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New Cagayan de Oro travel agency ready for “Bring Home A Friend” program

Announcements, Tourism, Travel

A new travel agency in Cagayan de Oro says they’re ready to accommodate the multitudes of foreign tourists expected to visit the Philippines amid the recent launch of a government-led tourism initiative. The Bring Home A Friend (BHAF) program aims to tap the network of overseas Filipinos to invite their foreign friends to visit the Philippines. Incidentally, BHAF was introduced originally in 1994 and ran until 1997 but it has now been relaunched under the Duterte administration. “We’re very upbeat about this program since this is a great way for local businesses like ours to shine. Our kababayans can refer their foreign friends to travel agencies like ours and we will make sure that their friends have the best memories in tourist-favorite areas like Boracay, Bohol, Palawan and of cou...

Oct132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cool travel apps your phone must have

Mindanaoan Update, Taiwan, Technology, Travel

Hi, fellow avid traveler! Make your next trip extra convenient! I personally use these travel apps. See if these can help you as well. Please don't forget to send me your feedback! :) iTranslate I tried this app and it’s pretty nifty especially for international travelers, I must say. So what happens is, if you’re in an area where there aren’t many English speakers and you need to ask someone something (perhaps a street vendor?), use the app by speaking into your phone. iTranslate will allow you to have that translated to 90 different languages. Choose the language you want. Then ask the non-English speaker to talk into your phone and it automatically translate into the language you chose. Amazing! By the way, this app can also be useful for those who want to learn a new language. Essaye...

Oct112017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Things you can save on when online shopping at ShopBack

Beauty, Consumer, Fashion, Gifts, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Style, Travel

While I still like shopping at brick and mortar stores, I have also developed a penchant for online shopping. Not only does it save time and energy, online shopping can also actually help save money. Now, there’s even more good news. Imagine this - the opportunity for you to actually be paid for shopping! Presenting ShopBack. ShopBack is a cashback site that pays you for shopping in more than 500 merchant stores. Cashback site literally means getting cash back - when you spend online through ShopBack, we get a portion of our very own purchase back. That means a lot of extra savings and extra money that we can use for more purchases. I have been a member of ShopBack for quite a while now and you know I only recommend sites that are legitimate and reliable. ShopBack is the top cashback...