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

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 ...

Mar162017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Meaningful Ways to Give Back to Your Community

Advocacy, America, United States of America

From monetary donations to social media awareness campaigns, there are many ways that you can help charities without even leaving your chair. But what if you're interested in something a little more substantial than that? What if you want to affect real-world change in your community? Here are just four meaningful ways to make a difference. 1. Get Personal Find a cause that matters to you. Join an organization that inspires feelings of love, passion, excitement and righteousness. It doesn't matter if it's saving elephants in Kenya or exposing more children to the arts with street pianos in New York; the most important thing is that you care and that you're willing to take action based on that feeling. Obligation will only take you so far. 2. Go for the Grassroots While ever...

Mar62017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Win a luxury Tagaytay vacation for 15 people

Announcements, Contests, Features, Freebies, Gifts

Here's a cool idea: How about treating a maximum of 15 of your family members or friends to a grand Tagaytay getaway? Here's your chance to win a Tagaytay vacation with NO purchase necessary. It's very easy to join the grand #SnippetSquadcation promo! Two lucky groups will get a chance to WIN a night of LUXURY at Raffi’s Way designer villa in Tagaytay, a posh four-bedroom designer villa with a breathtaking view of the scenic Taal Volcano, a private swimming pool and garden by the lake. Winners will also get Php 5,000 cash allowance! So just wine, dine and everything will be fine. Definitely a once in a lifetime summer vacation you don’t want to miss! Contest runs from March 1 – 30, 2017. What are you waiting for? Join now and tag your friends! Terms and conditions apply. Please...

Feb282017 by Mindanaoan Irene234 Comments

How to pass your US Embassy tourist B1/B2 visa interview

Advocacy, America, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel, United States of America

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard all the horror stories. Despite bringing land titles, “show money,” proof of vehicle ownership, credit cards, bank statements, letters of financial support from relatives overseas and even wearing tons of jewelry, numerous U.S. visa applicants still got denied. Even well-traveled folks still didn’t get that seemingly elusive U.S. visa. You may have even read or heard testimonies that some American consuls are too strict, don’t listen to your explanations or don’t even bother to check your other credentials and proofs that you can sustain your trip to the USA. I’m sure that those horror stories are the very reasons why you’re either scared or hesitant to apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa. Okay, let me tell you from the get-go: the entire process is VERY SIMPLE, ...

Feb202017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom to deploy more 700 MHz LTE sites, target increase is 300%

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Davao City, Technology

This is really exciting news especially for Globe Telecom subscribers like myself! Globe Telecom will continue to ramp up deployment of the 700 megahertz (MHz) band, with a target to increase utilization of the spectrum by more than 300%, in support of its bid to improve internet experience of its customers. Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu said the company plans to roll out within the year the LTE 700 in close to 1,800 sites, more than three-fold increase from the 500 sites that it was able to deploy last year. “We continue to maximize the use of the previously unutilized 700 MHz because at the end of the day, our basic product is still the network. Globe has consistently delivered superior mobile services and as the country’s network of choice by smartphone users, we want to be ab...

Feb202017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Myra products you must try right now

Beauty, Features, Reviews

I will be celebrating my birthday real soon (April is my birth month!) and you know what that means - another reminder that YES we all have to care for our skin! Unfortunately for me, I only started with this whole skin care regimen thing pretty late. On the other hand, I'm also fortunate because these days, there are tons of skin care products that can help us in our quest of looking good no matter what our age is. One of the brands that we're all familiar with is Myra. And guess what? They released products like facial wash, moisturizer and lotion. I made it a point to try these products for at least a week before I share my thoughts. First off - let me just say that I've been taking the Myra Vitamin E capsules for years so obviously I recommend those :) We ladies need regular dose...

Feb192017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Teaching blogging and social media 101 in Manolo Fortich

Blogging, Bukidnon, Campus, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Society

Last February 9, 2017, I was invited as a speaker on social media and blogging at the Northern Bukidnon Community College in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. I spoke before roughly 160 3rd year Elementary Education students. It was an extra special day, too, because I got to spend it with my Mama, who is an awarded blogger herself and whose introduction of me was so touching I think it pulled a lot of the students’ heartstrings! Anyway, I have to say - I have spoken in several events here and abroad but that NBCC seminar-workshop was something else. It had the most enthusiastic crowd. As soon as I started sharing my digital life journey, all pairs of eyes were on me and everyone looked very eager to learn. So eager that right there and then, a lot of them immediately registered their own blog ...

Feb172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

P700M drug rehab center to rise in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao

A drug rehabilitation center is set to rise in Malaybalay City, the capital of the Province of Bukidnon. My dear friend Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri told me today that the Php 700 Million drug rehab center will be put up on a 5 hectare land along Diversion Road, Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City. A non government organization, Friends of the Philippines Foundation, donated the amount. Senator Migs also said that the groundbreaking of the proposed center will be on March 25, 2017, the day of the Kaamulan Festival 2017 Ethnic Street Dancing Competition. The yearly Kaamulan Festival started last February 1 and will end on March 25, 2017. The festival is the gathering of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. READ: Kaamulan Festival 2017 Schedule of Events

Feb162017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe Telecom extends help to Surigao quake victims

Announcements, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Technology

Surigao Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. (center) and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) Head Ramon Gotinga (2nd from left) receive Globe Telecom call cards and SIM cards from Jeffrey Guitche, Globe Area Sales Head (2nd from right) and Kim Trinidad, Globe Territory Sales Head (right). The cards will supplement the communication requirements of PDRRMC field officers who are currently monitoring areas hit by the 6.7-magnitude earthquake in the evening of February 10. At the same time, Globe added another Libreng Tawag and Charging station in San Francisco Municipal Hall, Surigao del Norte which will be open from 9 am to 9 pm daily until power is restored in the area. Earlier, Globe set up Libreng Tawag and Charging booths at the Luneta Park and t...

Feb162017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Why I’m inspired to vlog (plus a quick and easy giveaway!)

Announcements, Contests, Features, Freebies, Personal, Travel, Videos

I'll make this short and sweet :) I'm pretty inspired to vlog (video blog) these days because I'm off to a big trip real soon and I plan to take lots of videos while I'm there. If things go as planned, I will be away for quite a while. Besides, I feel that vlogging can help hone my skills, if any LOL. Anyway, it would really be awesome if you could join me during my big trip by following my Mindanaoan YouTube Channel. I would be so thrilled to see your comments and hear from all of you so please, please subscribe to my YouTube channel :) To really get you inspired to subscribe right now (YAY), I'd like to hold a quick and easy giveaway! I have 8 prizes in store for you. Lookie: Happy with what you saw? I have totes bought in Singapore, coin purses bought in...

Feb52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Where to eat at NAIA 3 Manila airport

Flights, Food, Manila, Restaurant, Reviews, Travel

I’ll let you in on a secret. Whenever I fly out of NAIA 3 Manila airport, I head there extra early. Like 3 hours early. I’m not kidding! Before, I just make sure I’m at the airport with an hour or so to spare. Now, I’m there really early. I have one very good - no, delicious! - reason: gourmet ramen! Ramen Nagi, hailed as one of the best in Tokyo, Japan (it has fetched top awards in the National Ramen of the Year Competitions in 2011 and 2012), has opened a branch at the Food Hall, located at the 4th Floor of NAIA 3. Now, it’s more convenient for travelers to have a taste of the popular Butao, its signature ramen, and incidentally, the name of the Ramen Nagi franchise in Hong Kong as well. So far, I just settle for the Original King Butao (Php 390) and a Tamago (Php 50). I t...

Feb52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao’s Parasat Cable TV boosts service with Globe Business

Broadcasting, Business, Consumer, Internet, Society, Technology

Parasat Cable Television (PARASAT), Mindanao's only digital television system provider, further boosts its services with connectivity solutions from Globe Business, the information and communications technology arm of Globe Telecom, in response to high demand for broadband internet in the region. PARASAT has signed up for Globe Business’ Direct Internet which allows the company to offer its customers fast and reliable internet access supported by a robust and broad international and domestic network. Elpidio Paras, Chairman of PARASAT said, “We continuously improve our operations to achieve a level of excellence that is vastly superior to all others in the industry. Thus, we put our trust in Globe Business to help us strengthen our leadership in state-of-the-art cable TV and broadban...

Feb12017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tried and tested: How I saved big on my CDO hotel with the Traveloka App

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Hotels, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Reviews, Technology, Tourism, Travel

As a frequent traveler, nothing else makes me a happy camper than discovering various ways and means to save money especially on accommodations. We all know that lodging expenses can take a huge chunk off our travel budget so if there’s a way for me to save, I’m game! So when I heard all about this new app, Traveloka, that lets you save not only on hotel rates but also on flights, I just had to give it a whirl! Plus I had a great reason to test this hotel and flight booking platform. My mother and one of my brothers (who are both based outside Cagayan de Oro) were in town and I wanted to treat them to a mini staycation. My hotel of choice - Limketkai Luxe Hotel. Located along CM Recto Avenue, Lapasan, CDO, Limketkai Luxe Hotel is just a few moments away from Limketkai Mall...

Jan252017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tried and tested: With BackJoy, Say Goodbye to Back Pains

Health, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

Hello! You’re probably reading this while sitting on a chair somewhere. Have you, by any chance, felt pain on your back while sitting? Have you noticed that you have the tendency to slouch? Worried about your posture? Have you been working all day, in front of a computer, sitting on a chair? Even if you’re on a so-called ergonomic chair, there’s still a chance that a part of your lower spine isn’t supported well enough. Well, you’re not alone. I’ve had the same problem for many years. Recently, I discovered a great way to address my posture concerns. For an entire week, I tried BackJoy and based on my personal experience, it works! BackJoy is an orthodontic line of products that improves alignment through active stabilization. This brand came into fruition after Preston Wil...

Jan232017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New fave Cebu hotel: Cuarto Hotel

Cebu City, Features, Hotels, Leisure, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

Every frequent traveler to Cebu knows this – it’s a continuous challenge to find spacious, well-fitted, affordable, strategically located hotel rooms that offer free delicious buffet breakfast. There will always be something amiss – either the hotel is too far from the city proper or the room may be too small you can barely move around with your luggage. Fortunately, I recently discovered a charming boutique hotel a block away from Fuente Circle Cebu that could easily rival the bigger hotel chains. Cuarto Hotel is just across Robinson’s Cybergate and steps away from a few of Cebu’s biggest hospitals and call centers. Don’t worry, though. While Cuarto Hotel Cebu may be in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life, you will still have the most comfortable stay. I did! ...

Jan232017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Helping launch S&R CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Shopping, Society

(This article first appeared on my regular column, "Mindanaoan Meets World," on Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper. My column appears every Friday). Have you visited the recently opened S&R Membership Shopping along Kauswagan Highway, Cagayan de Oro yet? If you haven’t, you really must! It’s undeniably the current toast of the town and everyone’s excited not only to check out the quality, imported products (sold at low, wholesale prices) but to try the famous New York Style pizzas, Blue Bunny ice cream, bavarian filled churros and the yummy clam chowder. Shopping at S&R is quite an experience, trust me. Read related post: S&R CDO media rounds I have to say – it still feels a bit surreal to see so many people at S&R, the giant warehouse club that I helped...