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

Jul112017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cheap eats New York: Where I found the BEST, super affordable roast pork, BBQ

Hello again from New York! All right - here's the lowdown. Living here in New York can be expensive (especially for folks like us who want to discover a lot of things here in the Big Apple all at once!) but that doesn't mean there aren't cheap, great places to get absolutely delicious food from. Cheap eats in New York is real, people! Hallelujah! Just recently, I found the best char siu (Cantonese-style sweet barbecued meat) shop in Chinatown Manhattan New York that sells the BEST roast pork, roast chicken, roast duck, barbecue pork etc. Wah Fung NYC is a tourist favorite but is definitely not a tourist trap. Wah Fung New York sells el cheapo food without compromising quality. Located in Chinatown Manhattan (just so you know - there are Chinatowns in New York: one in Flushing, one...

Jul82017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tips For A Trip To Lisbon

Tourism, Travel

When I talk to people about travel ambitions or experiences in Europe, I always feel that Portugal gets left out. There are countless incredible destinations in Europe, to be sure, and even geographically speaking Portugal can seem like a sort of an add-on. It’s hanging onto Spain, which tends to be very high on people’s travel lists, and can wind up being an afterthought. The truth is that Portugal is a stunning place to visit in its own right, and the capital city of Lisbon in particular has a lot to offer. Here are some tips for things to fit in if you happen to make it there one day. Visit Torre de Belém Portugal is home to some incredible, ancient architecture, and Torre de Belém may be the best example of both. It’s a tower that more or less functioned as a small fortress gu...

Jul12017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Times Square New York tour and the crazy things you see

America, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

This blog post about Times Square New York is actually several days in the making. I thought I could come up with content for this Times Square NY tour post after just one visit but the truth of the matter is, there's just too many things to do, see, hear, discover, eat (!!!), smell (???) and film at one of New York City's super popular tourist attractions. So let's start with the basics and I'll update this blog post often with more links, videos, photos and (hopefully) more fun tips for you to help make your New York City trip one for the books. Times Square, per se, is actually technically not a square in the geometric sense of the word. Instead, what's called as "The Crossroads of the World" is more of a bowtie shape if you take it from 45th Street (where 7 Av intersects Broadway). Th...

Jun182017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Rivermaya releases new single “Manila” (LSS alert)

Announcements, Entertainment, Features, Music, Reviews, Society

Anybody who knows me know that I constantly sing praises for premier band Rivermaya, considered to this day as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands in the Philippines. This is because not only am I a huge fan but also because I consider them as really great friends. I have had the many opportunities to travel with them, hang out with them and even go island hopping with them! Trust me, they’re the funniest, most genuine and coolest. WATCH: Davao island hopping with Rivermaya And guess what? My cool friends have just released their new single, “Manila.” The song will be included in their upcoming album with Star Music Philippines, “Sa Kabila Nang Lahat.” The new album will feature all-original songs and will signal the band’s 23rd anniversary. What’s also v...

Jun152017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom expands public WiFi service, Davao hospital included

Davao City, Technology

GoWiFi, Globe Telecom’s premium public WiFi service has expanded to 1,000 more new locations and 10,000 access points in the Philippines including a prominent Davao City hospital. This, in an effort to give more Globe Telecom customers access to fast and reliable hotspots in high-traffic locations around the country. Globe GoWiFi is available in Davao Doctors Hospital, located along Quirino Avenue. The service is also available in Manila hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, The Medical City, Cardinal Santos Hospital, and Philippine General Hospital. This developed as Globe partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the EDSA WIFI project which aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity throughout the 24-kilometer stretch of EDSA. D...

Jun132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Seven Seas Waterpark CDO throws shade at Cartoon Network and Six Flags theme parks

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

It's inarguably the most anticipated and most talked about tourist spot in all of Mindanao - Seven Seas Waterpark. Located technically at Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental, people tend to still associate it with Cagayan de Oro especially since it's just literally a few moments away from the Opol/Bulua boundary. Seven Seas Waterpark is owned by Elpidio "Elpie" Paras, the same visionary who runs Dahilayan Adventure Park a.k.a. the home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline. According to a Facebook post on the Seven Seas Waterpark page, the theme park is now on the final stages of construction. The post says painting of the pools now underway, pathways and landscaping now taking shape, perimeter fence is almost done, detailing of the galleon arcade is almost finished, and the rotunda is done. T...

Jun112017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting the cast of “The Mummy” in New York City

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

So, okay, let’s face the elephant in the room head on. The reviews of the latest Tom Cruise-starrer, “The Mummy,” aren’t exactly ideal (fine, a lot of them are brutally bad...like seriously) but those obviously didn’t stop me from attending an event which allowed me to see some of the cast members. Besides, just like many other Hollywood films, a movie like this is for the fans! In fact, the fans made their voices heard. Despite the absolutely devastating reviews on "The Mummy," it was still able to recoup its US $125 Million and so far, has earned US $151 Million. Not exactly a runaway hit, yes, but I have a feeling it will still earn a huge chunka money especially when you factor in all the merchandise sales and all that jazz. Anyways, a few days ago, I had the lovely opportunity to m...

Jun62017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy now asks for your social media accounts

America, Mindanaoan Update, New York, News, Society, Technology, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

The US government has now approved plans to ask US visa applicants for their social media accounts. Just recently, the Trump administration has started conducting background checks on the social media usage of visa applicants going back 5 years ago via a new questionnaire. The development now also allows consular officers to request email addresses, phone numbers as well as 15 years of biographical information from visa applicants, should a "more rigorous national security setting vetting" is needed. This may definitely make visa applications more difficult for lots of people. READ: How to pass your US Embassy visa interview The new questionnaire has a section where you need to write your usernames for any websites or applications you may have used to create or share content (p...

May302017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Stay within your travel budget with this one-stop booking app

Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Reviews, Technology, Travel

Travel makes my soul very happy. Traveling brings a different kind of joy and excitement. Discovering (and even getting lost - but that’s where the thrill is!) new places, meeting fascinating people, immersing in a different culture, celebrating over delicious food - sigh! Do you feel the same way? Because if you do then I’m sure that you would also grab each and every opportunity to travel faster than the speed of lightning. Alas, such is easier said than done. With travel comes expenses and more often than not, it’s a challenge to stick to our travel budget. * Took this photo at a place overlooking Lake Taal in Tagaytay, Philippines. It's breathtaking * Me at Central Park, New York, USA Fortunately, there’s a one-stop booking app that allows us to stick within our ...

May292017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

No truth to Iligan City lockdown…for now

Announcements, Government, Iligan City

A lot of people got stir crazy yesterday because of an announcement na kesyo Iligan City is on lockdown. Apparently that announcement was prematurely released and it was retracted right away. Now, in an effort to help clear things, let me share with you all the announcement from the City Government of Iligan. This is culled verbatim from the Iligan Facebook page. Regarding on the FB Post circulating about "lockdown". Be informed that only CONTAINMENT ACTION is being implemented thru STRONG CHECKPOINTS and SEVERAL MOBILE CHECKPOINTS at the Heart of the City including Police Visibility to negate the occurrence of same incident at Marawi City. Anybody can get in and out of the City provided that they have not violated any law or caught carrying contraband, firearms, explosives, etc as eve...

May252017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Davao in “hold and secure” state during Martial Law in Mindanao, WHAT THIS MEANS

Announcements, Controversial, Davao City, Government, News, Tourism, Travel

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has announced that the city is currently in a "hold and secure situation" amid the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao. Mayor Inday Sara is the daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who issued the Martial Law in Mindanao declaration last May 23, 2017 in Moscow. READ: Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao READ: Infographics: What you MUST know about Martial Law in Mindanao The Presidential Daughter and Davao Mayor said that the "hold and secure situation" (she initially said the city was in lockdown but has since changed it to hold and secure) is to "prevent violence from entering the city and prevent it from erupting inside the city." In relation to this, the City Government of Davao has released the following guidelines fo...

May242017 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Guide for Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific ticket holders during Martial Law in Mindanao

Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

Following the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao by the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, two of the country's airlines have also released guidelines and statements especially for confirmed ticket holders. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines said that passengers with confirmed bookings from May 24 to June 30, 2017 may rebook, reroute, or refund flight tickets to and from Mindanao until end-July without any penalties. The areas included are: - Butuan - Cagayan de Oro - Cotabato - Dipolog - Davao - General Santos - Ozamiz - Surigao - Zamboanga Passengers with confirmed tickets to and fro these areas are qualified to amend their tickets. Passengers may call the PAL hotline (02) 855-8888 or go to the nearest ticketing office or partner travel agent. Here...

May242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

(UPDATED) Infographics: What you MUST know about Martial Law in Mindanao

Announcements, Government, Society

Following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao last May 23, 2017, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) prepared a couple of quick infographics. These are quick facts about what you as a Filipino should know about Martial Law in Mindanao. The declaration has sent a lot of people wondering about our rights and liberties during Martial Law. Below you can find that the declaration: DOES NOT suspend the operation of the Constitution DOES NOT suspend the Judicial and Legislative branches. This means that those branches WILL STILL FUNCTION and will still be headed by civilians You will also see below on these Martial Law in Mindanao infographics your RIGHTS as civilians at CHECKPOINTS. READ: Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao, Phi...

May242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao

ARMM, Crime, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the entire island of Mindanao, Philippines. He issued the declaration last Tuesday, May 23, 2017 PST, from Moscow, where he was on an official visit, after roughly 50 armed men allegedly entered Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The martial law in Mindanao declaration, according to Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella, will be in effect for 60 days and will include Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. Duterte declared Martial Law after members of the radical Islamist organization Maute group clashed with Philippine forces in Marawi. The army said that they were in the area to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of an Islamic State branch in Southeast Asia. Hapilon is on the FBI’s “most wanted terrorist” list, with a $5 mill...

May232017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cat Cafe Cebu | What To Do In Cebu Philippines

Cafe, Cebu City, Features, Society, Videos, Visayas

Before my flight from Cebu to New York, USA, my two brothers, mom and myself went to a cat cafe in Cebu City. It wasn't my first cat cafe experience, though. Along with my brother, who absolutely adores cats (I'm more of a dog person but I don't abhor cats or anything), I already visited a cat cafe in Korea (in the busy district of Hongdae, Seoul) and another one in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan - the Cat Cafe Calico Japan (which was accordingly one of the oldest and more popular ones in Tokyo). I think cat cafes are creative, innovative businesses that gives animal lovers the chance to interact with furry, feline friends. There are dog cafes nowadays, too. I have yet to visit one, though. Anyway, the Cebu cat cafe we went to was...well, Cat Cafe Philippines. From their original spot in Guadal...

May192017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

San Isidro Labrador Fiesta, New York style

America, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Leisure, Malaybalay City, Musings, New York, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Five creatively decorated booths, contests on “best turon/biko/torta,” amateur and impromptu singing contests, lechon and a whole lotta dancing. These were just some of the highlights of the fiesta celebration in honor of patron saint Senyor San Isidro Labrador by the Association of Bukidnons in America (ABA) here in New York City, USA. Held a day before the actual fiesta (May 15), the gathering was not just to honor Isidore the Farm Laborer and thank him for the abundance of harvest but to also give the ABA officers and members the chance to kick back, relax and just have pure unadulterated fun! Actually, not only did I have the lovely privilege to attend the event, much thanks to my Tita Emilita, but I also had the chance to help design, create and implement my tita’s cluster’s boo...

May192017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 Things Millenials Should Learn To Do Right Now

America, Musings, New York, Personal, Society

Hello again from New York City! Winter’s over and it’s technically spring but the weather’s still biting cold! Interestingly (or odd, depending on how you look at it) enough, I like this kind of weather. My hands are freezing, yes, but my makeup lasts longer! (It’s a girl thing.) Seriously, I think spring is a lovely season and I can’t wait to explore the Big Apple some more. Anyway, I’m celebrating my birthday this week (woo hoo!) and as much as I want to consider myself a millenial, I no longer am. Which is totally fine, by the way. Youth is all but a state of mind! Hence, armed with a little more confidence because I’m, ahem ahem, a teensy weensy bit older, I thought of sharing a few quick thoughts on what millenials should learn to do right about now. With the millenials’ passion to...

May52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why You Need To Try Online Slots

Mindanaoan Update

I remember the first time I won big in a casino. It was 7 years ago and I toured some friends who were newbies in the big city. I accompanied them to the newest casino in town and they had fun trying their luck out. While I was waiting for them to use up all the stored credits, I also tried my hand at a slot machine. What happened that night was pure luck. I pressed the wrong button. Instead of only placing a minimum bet, I instead mistakenly pressed the maximum bet! It all happened at a split second and my heart fell. However, like I said, my lucky stars were apparently shining so brightly that night because that one wrong press triggered bonus plays after bonus plays after bonus plays! Needless to say, I went home very happy that day. And in case you’re wondering what I used my winnin...

May32017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tried and tested: Thumbs up for Globe Roaming

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Technology, Travel

This is definitely one travel tip I will highly recommend over and over again! The next time you travel outside of the country, PLEASE DO register with Globe Telecom's international roaming services! The Globe Roaming service has never failed me yet! I'm currently here in the USA and not only do I receive my SMS messages on time, I also get to experience seamless Internet service. Whether you need data for surfing the Internet or just access specific apps, you will be able to share your travel experience wherever your destination. For as low as P199, you can ?use Viber and get in touch with family and friends? for 24 hours. Go on that worry-free trip and tick that dream destination off your bucket list. To learn more about the new RoamSurf promos, visit http://www.globe.com.ph/int...

May32017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Great Ways To Spend the Summer Outdoors

Society

With the warmer weather approaching, you and your family are probably looking to spend some time outdoors. That is certainly understandably, particularly if you have endured quite a cold winter. There is just something special about getting outside and breathing in the fresh air that rejuvenates the soul. Let us look at four great ways to spend the summer outdoors this coming season. Fishing This is an old pastime that never grows old. With lakes and rivers dotting the landscape of this great country, one is never very far away from a great fishing spot. The great part of this is that you can turn it into a day outing and be back home by nightfall, or go all out and make a weekend out of it. The choice is up to you, jut get ready to reel some big fish in! Rent a Cabin If you have a lon...

Apr272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why you should spend Labor Day weekend with #GlobeBoracay

Entertainment, Events, Features, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society

The last time I spent Labor Day weekend in Boracay was two years ago but I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was the perfect Labor Day escapade - fabulous beach, beautiful people and crazy LaBoracay parties! This 2017, expect the same fun and sizzle courtesy of Globe Telecom! Globe is pulling out all the stops for #GlobeBoracay, a weekend of revelry with local and international DJs from April 28 to May 1, 2017! Trust me, lots of reasons to make Boracay your ground zero for everything hot and exciting! Here's why you should spend Labor Day weekend with #GlobeBoracay in, well, lovely Boracay Island, Philippines! Globe is set to heat it up with #GlobeSunkissed, a three-day party headlined by Matthew Koma, who collaborated with Zedd for the hit songs “Clarity” and “Spectrum.” T...

Apr212017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Missy Bon Bon CDO: New look, new dishes

Business, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Reviews

Missy Bon Bon CDO - I've written about them a couple of times but it looks like I won't be stopping anytime soon because they're constantly offering something new! It wasn't so long ago when Missy Bon Bon, a homegrown Cagayan de Oro brand that offers freshly made breads, cakes, desserts, their version of the well-loved Camiguin pasalubong pastel and even gelato, revamped their menu and started serving sexy breakfast choices. Now, after being away from the limelight (quite literally, because of their store renovation hehe!), their Limketkai Center main branch is finally back and ready! They have a new look, a new menu (they now have lunch and dinner options!) and (finally) wait staff who can assist you as you order from your table. Before my flight to the US, Missy Bon Bon invited me ...