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

Apr62022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GCash now offers fast, secure ways to buy crypto

Business, Corporate, Internet, Technology

To provide Filipinos more convenient, secure and innovative digital financial solutions amid the ever-evolving digital age, GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet, now enables users to conveniently buy cryptocurrency or crypto, a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, at very affordable rates across popular crypto exchanges such as Binance, Philippine Digital Assets Exchange (PDAX), and Paxful, with many more to be added soon. “With the continued expansion of the digital age, it’s vital for financial institutions like GCash to keep up with the trends and customers’ preferences, like cryptocurrency. And at GCash, we are doing just that to further enhance the customers' experience and enable them to power up their finances for better lives. GCash will also contin...

Mar212022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Chiz Escudero: Deploy more doctors to the barrios, health resources for Universal Health Care in Mindanao

Agusan del Sur, Basilan, Cotabato, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte

Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero said the country’s implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act will be useless if it does not benefit the poorest provinces, especially in Mindanao. Escudero, who is running for senator, said local government units (LGUs) in the south tend to be neglected when it comes to support for infrastructure development and health care, which explains why the municipalities and provinces there remain the poorest in the Philippines. “You cannot have a healthy economy without a healthy constituency. And there can be no true UHC if the people in Mindanao continue to have little or no access to quality health care. That requires adequate supply of medicines, health equipment and health workers,” Escudero said. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) d...

Mar192022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Migz Zubiri: Strengthen alternative fuels such as Biofuels and E-Vehicles

Mindanaoan Update

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri is pushing to suspend fuel excise tax, in the midst of skyrocketing fuel prices sparked by Russia’s war on Ukraine. Further, he is calling for stronger implementation of the Biofuels Act, as an option for alternative fuels. “With these prices, we should consider the temporary suspension of the fuel excise tax to give our people some welcome respite from the weekly increase of fuel,” said Zubiri. “Especially PUV operators and drivers, who are still trying to recover from the pandemic.” “Just when the economy is beginning to open back up and they finally have a chance to recoup, here comes an oil price surge to kill their momentum. “But suspending excise tax is a short-term solution. We need to think long-term, to avoid coming to another sit...

Mar172022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Help spark the energy with multivitamins and minerals (Berocca performance)

Mindanaoan Update

As we continue to stay productive and power through the humdrum of our hybrid work schedules,we’re also finding ways to address the inevitable burnouts and daily energy gaps. Sometimes all ittakes to relieve that stress is a quick breather away from our work desks to refocus or to stepoutside for a change of scenery or to try something completely new so we can push the pace oncemore and bounce back. Giving you your much-needed boost of positivity to help you feel at your best, one effervescenttablet of Multivitamins and Minerals (Berocca Performance) helps enhance your physical energyand mental sharpness, so you can #SparkTheEnergy in whatever you need to do! With B Vitamins,Ascorbic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc, a glass of Multivitamins and Minerals (BeroccaPerformance) is clinica...

Mar172022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Does The IQ Battery Meet Your Needs?

Mindanaoan Update

In addition to its microinverters, Enphase also produces solar batteries. In 2006, Enphase was established in California, as well as the first microinverter system was developed in 2008. Although Enphase has seen its good days and bad days, the firm hasn't looked back since late 2017. Its market capitalization was $6.39 billion at the end of February 2020. Enphase backup battery models A few things to bear in mind if you're contemplating Enphase's IQ battery versions are as strong as they are: First and foremost, you'll need to use many IQ cells to operate heavy-duty equipment like that of an air conditioner since the batteries' output is lower than typical. Alternatively, you might use a more powerful battery like the Kohler Power Reserve. Solar systems utilizing Enphase microinv...

Mar162022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Australian yogurt drink specialty shop Koomi opens Cagayan de Oro branch

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

I’m a certified yogurt fanatic so you can just imagine how excited I was now that Koomi Philippines has opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro! Koomi, a natural yogurt drink specialty shop from The Land Down Under , serves guilt-free yogurt treats. Every cup of Koomi is made FRESH DAILY! I also absolutely enjoyed the Waterberry Wonder Tartness is perfect and the fruits they use are fresh and delicious Not only are these yummy, they’re healthy, too! They use a natural sweetener which is fruit honey and of course, our tumtums love the probiotic yogurt that aids our digestive system. Now that’s what we call #GuiltlessGoodness. Check out Koomi CDO at the G/F of SM CDO Downtown Premier (by the main entrance) or you can order via FoodPanda and GrabFood

Mar32022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shopee introduces Marian Rivera as new brand ambassador, to hold March 15 consumer day sale

Announcements, Consumer, Corporate, Shopping, Society, Technology

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is set to hold its 3.15 Consumer Day, the first mega sale of the year. Consumer Day, which will be held on March 15, 2022, will bring the excitement of Shopee’s year-end festivals to all users, giving them more reasons to celebrate and reward themselves as they gear up for the year ahead. Shopee is pioneering 3.15 Consumer Day to bring more value and joy to all shoppers, who are now using e-commerce to fulfill their needs all year round. Everyone can be a part of 3.15 Consumer Day which features the widest variety of products, made better with: Free Shipping with Php 0 min. spendPhp 1 Deals10% off daily starting March 3, kicking off the celebration with the 3.3 Consumer Day Adding to the 3.15 celebrations, Shop...

Jan262022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Mura Bora (“Like Boracay”) Initao white sand beach

Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel

It's named "Mura Bora," shortcut for "Murag Boracay" or "Like Boracay" and it's my family and I's new fave white sand beach getaway. I suppose not a lot of people have really discovered the place yet (it's either that or the owner isn't in a hurry to develop Mura Bora) because as of this writing, this white sand beach property just has a couple of huts under coconut trees, a few friendly dogs who have seemingly been trained to melt your heart with their eyes so you can share your food and a rudimentary bathroom and shower area. I know this description doesn't sound much but for my family and I, we liked Mura Bora and its rawness. Like a virgin beach spot. Mura Bora is located at Initao, Misamis Oriental, about an hour and a half from either Cagayan de Oro City or Iligan City. It's a...

Jan172022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Live Safe with Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol

Features, Health, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

Here's a brand of isopropyl alcohol that my family and I have been using for months now - Defensil! With many establishments slowly re-opening and allowing people to resume their pre-pandemic lifestyles, Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol encourages Filipinos to live safe. With the nationwide vaccination program in full force, Filipinos can slowly enjoy various activities such as more dining options as well as doing physical activities by going to the gym. However, health experts continue to remind everyone to not let their guards down even as we gradually go back to normal. As there are reports of new and potentially more contagious variants, everyone must remain vigilant through following established health protocols and getting vaccinated so we can all continue to live safe and prevent t...

Dec212021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hot Tips for Hiring a Pop Band for a Special Event

Music

Choosing the appropriate live dance band for your event may make or break it. Your guests will be dancing to the music all night long if you choose the perfect live dance band, and your event will be one to remember. Finding the appropriate dancing band necessitates more than just musical taste; it also necessitates a skill for anticipating what your guests will enjoy and dance to. You may be a major Thad Jones/Mel Lewis lover, but if your guests can't dance to jazz, the dancing portion of the event could be a flop. Read on for tips for hiring a pop band for a special event. Music Genre When considering hiring a live band, it's critical to select the ideal musicians for the project. Consider what type of music would be appropriate for the occasion you're hosting. A corporate gatheri...

Dec182021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Loop by Power Mac Center arrives in General Santos City

Features, General Santos City, Technology

Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) opened its first store in General Santos City last November 26, 2021 to bring fans in the region even closer to Apple technology. The expansion is a continuation of Power Mac Center’s goal of increasing its geographic footprint across the nation to serve more people through its retail stores, service centers, and training centers. “New beginnings are always good. Despite the difficulties of the current situation, it’s important for us to power through the challenges and be there for our customers in the different channels they prefer. With our inaugural store in General Santos City, we hope to help more people in the south in their need to access Apple technology for their day-to-day lives, especially amid the shift to digital for productivit...

Dec182021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Play classic Solitaire online – no fuss, no hassle, no need to download any app!

Mindanaoan Update

I don't know about you but mental health has become one of my major priorities these days. Ever since the onslaught of this pandemic, I have changed my lifestyle a lot. I have also undergone some kind of shift in perspective. Paradigm shift, if you will. I also try not to stress out too much especially over little, nonsensical things. If I think I can just chill, just let things take their course and don't get angry, then I will. Also, if there are things that I can do that can make me feel at ease, then I'll choose that, too. Life, to me, has become unpredictable because of this pandemic. And, yes, life's too short to fuss over things you don't really need to! One of the ways that has helped me mentally and emotionally is to take small breaks and either eat or drink whatever I want (ne...

Dec142021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Philippine Senate approves Solo Parents Act

Announcements, Government, Headline, News, Personalities, Politics

The Senate of the Philippines approved the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act on third and final reading Monday, December 13, 2021. It amends Republic Act No. 8972, An Act Providing for Benefits and Privileges to Solo Parents and the Children, to improve government services for solo parents. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, co-author and co-sponsor of the bill, said that about 15 million solo-parent families in the Philippines are set to benefit from the Act. "we need to make sure that they are receiving the help that they require in raising healthy, educated children with happy home lives." “I thank and congratulate Sen. Risa Hontiveros for her efforts behind this, as sponsor of the bill. We’re really very excited that this is going forward," Zubiri added. “Parenthood is...

Nov152021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

JOIN FOR FREE! Ford Philippines Brings Driving Skills for Life in Mindanao

Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Ford Philippines is bringing its Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program in Mindanao this month as part of its commitment to create better and safer drivers on the road. With the theme “Safe Driving in the New Normal”, this year’s DSFL will cover timely topics including pandemic car care and maintenance tips, car sanitation and disinfection, and driving techniques during the rainy weather. These are in addition to the existing DSFL training module which covers basic vehicle dynamics and handling, driving in various conditions, anti-distracted driving, and fuel-efficient driving. This year’s DSFL sessions will be conducted virtually in order to foster a safe and physically-distant learning environment. The DSFL is back this year after its postponement in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandem...

Nov82021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to protect your blog from viruses and hackers (writing from personal experience)

Business, Events, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, News, Technology

A few days ago, I shared via an Instagram post that some of my websites recently incurred malware and were down for days. Not a lot of people knew about this and I also didn't really have the energy to share because, at the time, I mostly felt exhausted and disappointed in myself. It was truly a horrible time and I was so downtrodden. Truth be told, the worst part of that entire experience was realizing that the cause of the downtime was actually preventable! If only I spent a minute or two every month to do routinary tasks! Alas, that’s now in the past and I now just consider that an expensive learning experience. Now, I'm extra careful especially when it comes to data privacy, online security and digital protection measures. Cybersecurity threats are real, folks! And it can be financ...

Nov42021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Senator Joel Villanueva: Surge of passport applications in the millions expected as COVID retreats

Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

As the easing of COVID-19 cases prompts OFWs to job-hunt again, the government should open more off-site passport processing centers in malls outside of Metro Manila, Sen. Joel Villanueva said. Villanueva said the move of the Department of Foreign Affairs to open six Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (DFA-TOPS) in NCR last month is “a great solution that should be replicated and scaled up” nationwide. Passport processing, the senator added, is “an important employment assistance not only to OFWs but to first-time job seekers.” “Well, in a sense, you can view it as job generation activity,” Villanueva said. As travel restrictions get rolled back globally, this will open up economies that will take back furloughed workers, many of whom were Filipinos, the chair of the Se...

Nov22021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz joins BDO as financial education champion

Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sports, Technology, Zamboanga City

BDO Unibank has formally welcomed Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic Gold medalist, to its family of brand ambassadors. Three months after ending the country’s nearly 100-year quest for Gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Zamboanga City native joins forces with the Bank to champion financial education, not only for her fellow athletes but also for the unserved and underserved markets including overseas Filipinos. Though unexpected, Hidilyn is thankful for having received a string of incentives and gifts for her historic feat. With this in mind, she sees the golden value of handling these incentives responsibly, which BDO has been espousing through its financial education advocacy. “Importanteng magbukas ng account sa bangko, kahit maliit lang ipon mo sa simula. Par...

Oct262021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New partnership in town: Kenny Rogers Roasters and Coca Cola

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update

A cheerful toast is in order! Kenny Rogers Roasters, one of the country’s largest restaurant chains and one of my personal favorite places for rotisserie-roasted chicken, has partnered with Coca-Cola, the leading beverage company in the country, to deliver perfect dining pairings to Filipinos across the Philippines. After more than a decade, these 2 powerhouse brands reunited for diners to enjoy their favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters meals with their favorite Coca-Cola products. Kenny Rogers Roasters’ unique recipes for rotisserie-roasted chicken, complemented by a rich variety of hot and cold side dishes and beloved corn muffins, are now paired with much-loved Coca-Cola products. The partnership supports the restaurant chain’s commitment to innovating their product offerings and cont...

Oct262021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My personal tips on budgeting

Advocacy, Musings, Personal

I've been there. And I'm still actually here. The whole wide, tricky world of budgeting. It's a task that we don't necessarily want to do but HAVE to do. However, you might be wondering - why do we really need to have a budget? Shouldn't we just take it day by day or enjoy life to the fullest without worrying about money? If only, right? First off, we don't want to fall into the scary trap of overspending and massive debt. I personally know some folks who prefer to just get by. For me, however, I prefer to have savings, some sense of financial security for the future and be able to know what I earn and what I can only spend. Let me tell you right now, however, that budgeting may sound simple but it's not necessarily easy. If you're not used to doing this, you might feel overwhel...

Oct62021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

#Eleksyon2022: Lacson – Sotto officially file COCs

Mindanaoan Update

Senator Ping Lacson has officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president in the upcoming 2022 elections. He was joined by his vice presidential running mate, Senate President Tito Sotto. The Lacson - Sotto tandem filed their COCs today, October 6, 2021. The tandem officially launched their 2022 bid last September 8, presenting themselves as a viable option to ensure that the country would arise from difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their filing officially debunks fake news that has been circulating in the provinces, saying that Lacson and Sotto are backing out of the national elections. To this, Lacson replies, “Laban kung laban, hindi susuko!” In his speech after the filing, Lacson, who earlier declared that the Philippines needs a president that wo...

Sep232021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Coffee at the Abbey

Mindanaoan Update

The Monastery of Transfiguration, located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, also known as the Benedictine Transfiguration Monastery, is my most favorite place for spiritual refuge. It's an ideal place if you want to go on a spiritual retreat. The centerpiece of this Mindanao monastery is a popular cone-shaped chapel, designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin. There are no entrance fees. Just make sure that you're appropriately dressed. They have a dress code. I've written extensively about the monastery and what you can see and do there (READ: Revisiting the Monastery and 3 Things You Can Do At the Monastery of Transfiguration) but there's a new and nice development there. They have a new coffee shop slash gift shop! It's called the Abbey Giftshop and now o...

Sep232021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Panagatan Restaurant Opol now offers breakfast

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

Breakfast with a view? How about breakfast by the sea? Yes, please! Panagatan Restaurant, considered as Northern Mindanao's culinary gem and everyone's favorite seafood restaurant in this side of Northern Mindanao, Philippines, now offers breakfast and now opens at 6:30 AM (closes at 9 PM). For only Php 150 (US $3.00), your main viand (choose from bacon, corned beef, beef tapa, crispy danggit or daing na bangus) comes with 2 eggs and rice (or toasted bread). Value for money! There are also other breakfast options on their menu so go ahead and try this Cagayan de Oro breakfast place. Enjoy your breakfast by the bay! Panagatan Opol is atop the water so you can enjoy the morning sea breeze with delicious breakfast. Want to reserve tables or have inquiries? Just call Panagatan Restau...