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

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...

Jan142017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Bukidnon Kaamulan Festival 2017 schedule of events

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Malaybalay City, Society, Tourism, Travel

The largest festival in the Province of Bukidnon will be held from February 1 to March 25, 2017. Here's the Kaamulan Festival 2017 schedule of activities. This annual Bukidnon festival, recognized by a former Tourism Secretary as the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines, is an event that gathers the 7 hill tribes of the Province of Bukidnon. The Bukidnon ethnic hill tribes are Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanun, Higaonon, Umayamnun and Bukidnon. Meanwhile, Kaamulan is an indigenous Bukidnon term for “gathering” for any purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. Need a place to stay in Bukidnon? CLICK HERE > BOOK A DISCOUNTED BUKIDNON HOTEL ROOM Activities ...

Jan142017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cebu – Camiguin Island route – Two daily flights now

Camiguin, Flights, Tourism, Travel

Traveling to Camiguin Island, a.k.a. Island Born of Fire, will be more convenient - at least starting today until early 2018. In an announcement released by Cebu Pacific Airlines, the airline announced that they will be flying twice a day to and fro Camiguin every Monday, Friday and Sunday starting April 1, 2017. (Hopefully this isn't an April Fools' joke, right? Hehe!) The new flights will be effective until March 24, 2018. Anyway, the additional flights are: Flight No. DG6693 - Cebu to Camiguin, 9:45am-10:30am Flight No. DG6694 - Camiguin to Cebu, 10:50am -11:30am Ready to visit The Island of Camiguin? Start with this travel guide: Camiguin Island Travel Guide Or you can read my other Camiguin-related posts so you can plan your trip properly: Mantigue Isl...

Jan122017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

S&R CDO Media Rounds

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Features, Misamis Oriental, Personalities, Shopping

(This article first appeared on my regular newspaper column on Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper. My column, dubbed "Mindanaoan Meets World," appears every Friday). Everyone’s so excited about the impending opening of S&R Membership Shopping at Zone 5, Kauswagan Highway, Cagayan de Oro that it’s practically the talk of the town. I mean, there’s really good reason. After all, S&R CDO sits on a massive property, has a parking space good for a little over 300 vehicles, a tire center where members can have their tires fixed and replaced for free, lots of quality imported goods all at amazingly low prices, lots of buy 1 take 1 deals, freshly delivered quality meats (they have steaks!), freshly made breads and cakes (anybody up for cheesecakes?) and of course, churros, ice...

Jan122017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Places To Visit In The Philippines Even During The Rainy Season

Mindanaoan Update

So, all right, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) guys may have declared the start of the rainy season but hey, who are we kidding? It’s forever summer here in the Philippines! The summer heat will always linger and we will always have that urge to travel even if it’s the rainy season. So for fellow travel aficionados out there, I recommend these 4 places to visit even during the wet season. Just make sure that you prepare for your trip well and always be game for anything! Boracay Island Yes, the island known for summer parties is a great place to escape to during the rainy season for a couple of reasons. First off, the hotels at the island will follow the off-peak season rates. This means you pay a significantly lesser price for...

Jan92017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Akamai: Philippines has marked improvements on Internet connectivity

Government, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Akamai, a leading content delivery network services provider for media, software delivery and cloud security solution, revealed on their 3rd quarter survey that the Philippines has registered significant improvements in terms of connectivity. This prompted National Telecommunications Commission Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios to say that the Philippines' fixed-line broadband speed is set to improve further once the Duterte administration's National Broadband Plan is implemented. Based on Akamai’s Q3 report, the country’s average connection speed (IPv4) for mobile internet has now ranked first in the Asia Pacific region, registering an average speed of 13.9 Mbps up from 8.5 Mbps in the second quarter. On the table presented in the study, the Philippines’ average mobile speed 1...

Jan82017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Proudly Made In Iligan: Deliciosa Ice Cream

Business, Consumer, Food, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

I love patronizing homegrown products. I think they ought to be patronized especially since these are only produced on a limited scale (attention to quality - check!). In Iligan City, an old name has pretty much resurfaced and is now making waves again. Deliciosa Ice Cream, founded in 2009, was put on hold for a bit. As fate would have it, however, the owner met a marketing expert years after. Both of them then decided to give the business its much-needed “shot in the arm.” Fast forward 2016, Deliciosa Ice Cream is back, better than ever and they now even have an ice cream center! The store, which was officially launched back in April 15, is located at the main entrance of Floraville Subdivision, along the road going to Upper Luinab, particularly at Purok 3-A. Currently, Delic...

Jan82017 by Mindanaoan Irene7 Comments

Where to stay in Camiguin Island: HillTop Camiguin

Camiguin, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I have said it time and again. Camiguin Island remains to be one of my super favorite destinations in the Philippines. Camiguin is like a refuge - where I can enjoy peace, quiet, sun, sand, sea, surf. And recently, whenever I'm in the Island Born of Fire, I stay at HillTop Camiguin! HillTop Camiguin is a mansion nestled on a hill in Barangay Agoho overlooking the world-famous White Island. It now offers a few rooms for people to stay in and have a different kind of Camiguin experience – away from the usual hotel/resort vibe. The prices are very affordable – prices start at Php 1,750 only (already good for two and inclusive of breakfast). (Related: Book your HillTop Camiguin room now) Each room, which is good for two, comes with a king sized bed, jaw droppingly spacious (trust me ...