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

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 Apparently that announcement was prematurely released and it was retracted right away.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 ...

Apr192017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Top of the Rock New York (plus a tip on how to save on your ticket)

America, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Photos, Style, Travel, United States of America, Videos

No New York City visit is ever complete without seeing it from the top! And one of the popular places to do that is to go to the Top of the Rock - top of the Rockefeller, that is. To be able to explore unobstructed views of New York's midtown and downtown Manhattan plus the vast Central Park is an experience one can never forget. I should know - I just visited Top of the Rock and it was AWESOME to say the least! At the risk of sounding too mushy, may I just say that this view really made me very happy and thankful to be alive! CityPASS Armed with our CityPASS booklets, my aunt and I went to the Top of the Rock - one of NYC's top tourist attractions. Which reminds me - to buy your CityPASS booklet is the tip I want to share on how to save on your New York tour expenses! CityPASS is...

Apr112017 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

This Bukidnon bus company is getting tons of attention

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Let's face it. Pabama Bus Tours and Transport Bukidnon used to be regarded as the "smallest player" among the 3 bus companies serving the Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro route. Pabama, owned by a family based in the Municipality of Kibawe in Bukidnon, had the smallest fleet compared to Rural Transit Mindanao (formerly Bachelor Express) and Super 5. These days, however, the small fry is now very ready to face the giants. Pabama invaded social media by storm when they introduced their brand new, high-end units made by Chinese firm Zhong Tong. Check out this photo taken by my policeman-cousin Erwin: The new Pabama Bukidnon buses are equipped with mini trays (just like what you see in airplanes), cup holders, comfortable captain chairs and yup, check out the individual tablets! You will...

Mar312017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hello from New York!

America, Announcements, Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Personal, Travel, United States of America, Videos

Hello! I finally have the time to just sit down and blog! It's true - this surely is the city that never sleeps. I'm talking about New York City, USA! Yup, I'M BACKKK!!! Can you tell how excited I am? No? Maybe that's because I'm freaking freezing my a** off LOL :D I arrived here in New York about two days before a big blizzard. Just when I thought winter season was about to close and spring was about to come! I guess winter just wanted to leave with a bang, eh? Although it wasn't my first time to encounter snow, it was my first time to be in the middle of a raging blizzard. But deadma sa blizzard --- pose kung pose! :D Before I inundate you with my America-related blog posts, allow me to share with you my vlog about my flight from Cebu to Incheon (South Korea) and finally to ...

Mar312017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to work on your look

Mindanaoan Update

As hectic as our lives can be, it can seem impossible to maintain the bright eyed and bushy tailed look we’re going for. The products are out there to help us achieve the impossible, though. It’s just a matter of making time to work on our appearance like we deserve. As it turns out, though, it’s easier than it seems. A great way to work on your look is deceptively simple. Get some rest. It’s called “beauty sleep” for a reason, after all. Make sure to get your eight hours of sleep each night. It’s as simple as that. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, some warm tea or milk before bed helps immensely. In addition, modern life poses a new problem for those trying to get their forty winks. The blue-tinted light of the myriad screens in our lives can mess with your internal clock an...

Mar302017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Delicious Taiwanese cuisine at Tien Ma’s CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews, Videos

My first visit to Taiwan is still pretty fresh in my mind. Obviously, I really had so much fun in Taipei, Jiufen and other nearby Taiwan areas for me to still remember that oh-so-lovely vacation! Guess what's a big part of those lovely memories? Yup, the FOOD! Taiwanese cuisine is absolutely delicious (and we're not just talking about xiao long bao, people!). This is why I'm thrilled Tien Ma's opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro! Tien Ma's CDO serves Taiwanese cuisine. Founded by a Chinese couple, the first Tien Ma's branch is located in Retiro, Quezon City. The brand's rise to popularity sure is fast - they now have branches in Libis, Makati and now, Cagayan de Oro. By the way, Tien is the family name of the female owner. Ma is for "mother." Ergo, Tien Ma means Mother Tien or Mama...

Mar272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom lands SEA-US submarine cable system in Davao City

Announcements, Davao City, Technology

Globe Telecom successfully landed over the weekend the Southeast Asia-United States (SEA-US) submarine cable system, bringing the company one step closer towards the provision of richer and enhanced international connectivity to businesses in Davao and the rest of the country. “We are excited over this development since it won’t take long before we can finally address the rising demand for internet services from businesses in the Philippines,” said Mike Frausing, Globe Business Senior Advisor. “We are very near commercial operations. Once it commences, the cable system will be able to provide greater route flexibility and better future support for bandwidth-dependent applications and services consistent with the growing trend of companies shifting their business critical operations to d...

Mar212017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

IT’S BACK: S&R CDO Buy 1 Take 1 Mega Promo

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update

The first time was a huge success and hey, here's good news - S&R CDO is doing it again! If you missed out on all of the amazing products placed on sale last year, then please see to it that you don't miss this round. S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro is holding its Members' Treat from March 29 to April 2, 2017, 8 AM to 9 PM. In a nutshell - the S&R Cagayan de Oro Members' Treat is where you avail of BIG, BIG savings! That means buy 1 take 1 deals and awesome discounts of up to 50 percent! Time to stock up! There will be a lot of your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery, imported ice cream, frozen, fresh, produce, home items and bakery goods placed on sale. Just like the last time, I will also share with all of you insider tips and ...