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

Sep92021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join this year’s Virtual European Higher Education Fair 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has given us many challenges but this does not mean that the pursuit of higher education should stop. In fact, let's go higher with the EU! The European Union Delegation to the Philippines in collaboration with the EU Member States’ Embassies, education services and Institutes, will hold again this year the “Virtual European Higher Education Fair 2021” from 1 to 2 October. Since last year, the Fair has embraced the digital transformation by staging the most exciting higher education fair online. This makes the event more accessible to Filipino students, academicians, researchers and university officials from across the country. This year’s theme, “Go Higher with EU” puts the spotlight into the EU as the Fair beco...

Sep92021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My guaranteed stress-buster: Free browser-based online games

Mindanaoan Update

The world has changed so much. Many, if not all, of the people I know have had to change their lifestyles, their places of work, their livelihood, and even their family dynamics in order to deal with the challenges of today. This pandemic has also forced all of us to undergo quarantine and look for many, various ways to deal with the stress that goes along with this. In my case, I also faced a lot of challenges and had to look for “positive” methods that could help me beat mental stress. One of my tried-and-tested ways is to take breaks in between work and indulge in my favorite online games. I treat this as a “prize” for successfully accomplishing some tasks and errands. Luckily, I recently discovered a site that offered free browser-based online games. Plays.org is perfect – not on...

Jul82021 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Galanong-lanog ang pagdayeg sa BDO

Bisaya, Consumer, Corporate, Mindanaoan Update

Dili lalim ang gina-agian nato karon hilabina nga panahon sa pandemya. Apan kinahanglan pud siguro nato matagaan ug bili ang mga negosyo nga padayon lang gihapon sa pagserbisyo. Isa na diha ang BDO. Galanog-lanog ang pag-dayeg sa BDO karong mga panahuna. Ang BDO bank ang pinakadakong bangko sa tibuok Pilipina. Daghang financial ug banking solutions alang sa mga Pilipino ug langyaw nga naa diri sa atong nasud ang gina-offer sa BDO. Kung inyong namatikdan, gihupot na sa BDO ang kanhing One Network Bank nga ubay-ubay pud ang mga branches sa tibuok nasud. Paspas gyud ang pagtubo sa BDO. Good news ni siya hilabina kay mas daghan na pud dayon ang maserbisyohan sa maong bangko bisan pa naay pandemya. Susama na lamang sa pagpadayon sa serbisyo sa maong bangko bisan pa nagkadaghan ang mg...

Jul52021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How Globe Business forges SMEs to proceed fearlessly into the digital future

Advocacy, Business, Television

Every business that has survived and beaten the pandemic odds carries an inspiring story of creativity, grit, and resilience worthy of recognition. By capturing and telling these stories, Globe Business honors the local micro, small and medium business owners through this year’s Saludo SMEs campaign, cheering them on with the message “Through The Changing Times, Tuloy Tayo!”, and supporting them as a trusted partner does so that they can confidently move their business forward. The ‘Saludo SMEs’ campaign is Globe Business’ annual initiative to recognize the contribution to sustainable economic development made by micro, small and medium businesses. It was first launched in 2019 to shine a spotlight on SME challenges and successes and inspire other entrepreneurs facing similar struggl...

Jul52021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao-based Hineleban Foundation launches healthy, creative cooking group “Lutu Lutu Kuy Ra”

Bukidnon, Consumer, Contests, Features, Fitness, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Society

Mindanao-based reforestation NGO Hineleban Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization, has launched “Lutu Lutu Kuy Ra,” a Facebook group that aims to feature easy, healthy, creative cooking demos and recipes and promote the consumption of local crops, backyard gardening and easy-to-replicate garden-to-table food preparation. The Facebook group, which can be accessed via http://www.facebook.com/groups/lutulutukuyra, will highlight tips and tricks from local cooks and videos from guest chefs. There will be live cooking demos of budget-friendly and healthy meals. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey published in December 2020 indicated that the average hunger rate for 2020 in the Philippines is double the average of 9.3 percent for 2019. The highest hunger rate in 202...

Jul42021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Unsaon pag-pilde sa mga loan payment scammers

Bisaya, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Ubay-ubay na pud ang mga nabiktima sa mga "loan payment scammers." Mao ni sila ang mga magpaila nga kuno konektado sila sa mga bangko or lending organizations ug kuno makatabang sila aron mapadali ang pag-proseso sa mga loans. Apan ang mga payments o bayad kay mupaadto na man hinuon sa scammer ug dili sa bangko o lender. Pildeha ang mga "loan payment scammers" pinaagi sa mga nagsunod: Pagbayad lang kanunay sa angay nga bank channels Lakip niini ang over the counter sa branch sa imong bangko o dili ba kaha automatic debit arrangement. Buhata kini para sa imong car loans, home loans o business loans. I-maximize ang auto debit payments Pangutana lamang sa imohang bangko mahitungod sa auto debit payment kay kini ang pinaka-secure ug kombenyente nga option. Sa BDO pananglitan, ...

Jul22021 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Himig 11th Edition grand winner receives Lumina Homes house and lot

Bukidnon, Butuan, Compostela Valley, Cotabato, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Pagadian, Society, South Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur

ABS-CBN’s Himig 11th Edition winning song Marupok delivered empowering lyrics and performer KZ Tandingan’s great musicality, which blended beautifully with Filipino ethnic music. And behind this refreshing song is composer Daniella Anne Balagtas, who received a brand-new house and lot from Lumina Homes, as part of the competition’s grand plum. Lumina Homes is one with the annual songwriting contest in celebrating OPM Music as well as supporting composers, singers and all the music artists who are affected by the pandemic. For years, it has been sponsoring television contests, giving away any Filipino’s top dream—a safe and secure home that one can call his own. Balagtas won an Aimee house and lot, Lumina Homes’ best-selling rowhouse which has 22-sqm. floor area, 36-sqm. lot, and ...

Jul12021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My practical home extension tips

Mindanaoan Update

And so it finally happened! One of the things that kept me preoccupied the last few weeks was my small home extension project. Our family home has been aching for lots of attention over the years so this is a project that's been a long time coming. I'm the eldest (and the only girl, by the way) and the breadwinner so I took it upon myself to just finally initiate this much-needed home project. Doing real estate projects like this amid the COVID-19 pandemic may not be the most logical idea for many but I found that if one comes up with a solid plan especially in terms of finances, then achieving that dream space may just be smooth and easy, after all. So allow me to share a few practical home extension tips. These may come in handy if you're thinking of renovating your home and exte...

Jun222021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The BTS Meal

Features, Food, Korea, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Recipes, Reviews

Hello, fellow BTS Army! Yes, I'm a proud and loud BTS Army! My ultimate bias is Kim Taehyung (I love you, V!) but ever since I watched Jimin in "Blood Sweat and Tears" and Jungkook in "Butter," my heart has been subdivided :D Now for the uninitiated, BTS is a 7-member South Korean group that's responsible for the mega hits "Dynamite," "Boy In Luv" (my favorite!) and "Anpanman," among many others. BTS Army, on the other hand, is the official fandom of the Bangtan boys. A few days ago, McDonald's launched The BTS Meal and of course, I had to get my share! The BTS Meal is composed of 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries and soft drinks. It's actually the same McDonald's Chicken McNuggets we all love but this time, you get two limited-time special sauces picked by BTS themselves - ...

Jun182021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This Panagatan Restaurant bilao treat is a winner

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

Allow me to share with you one of my recent favorite food finds - the Panagatan Restaurant bilao treat! I'm referring to the Panagatan Restaurant Bilao D offer in particular. For only Php 950 (less than US $20), you get this whole shebang - grilled tuna belly, calamares, crispy shrimps and seafood kebabs! This was more than enough for my small party of 3 :) The tuna belly was grilled perfectly (the fish was tender and juicy), the calamares rings were not gummy at all (if they are, then that means they're overcooked!) and the crispy shrimps serving was generous. Delicious and truly value for money! Highly recommended! We also capped our meal with the bestselling Panagatan Restaurant Buko Halo halo! So good! This one is a must-order! We were also given a complimenta...

May252021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Webinar alert: Student rights and online distance learning

Campus, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, Visayas

Students, teachers, other stakeholders from the academe and even the general public alike can learn from this online seminar on student rights and online distance learning. A group of sophomore Juris Doctor students from Silliman University — College of Law, in partnership with The NorSUnian and other student organizations, is hosting an online event that will feature one short talk about student rights and a panel discussion with various student government presidents from around the country. The panel will primarily discuss the measures that student communities can undertake in order to safeguard student rights. The online event will be held on June 4, 2021 from 10 AM to 12 noon via Zoom. REGISTER HERE

May242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Zubiri to IATF: Stricter COVID measures needed in Northern Mindanao

Bukidnon, Government, Mindanaoan Update

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has expressed alarm and concern over the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Northern Mindanao, and is calling on the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for their help in controlling the situation. Zubiri, a resident of Northern Mindanao, said that 2 weeks ago, the regional IATF already reported a 300 percent rise in cases in Lanao del Norte. "And this weekend, CDO reported that their numbers have risen to 962, from just 100-plus in March. In Bukidnon, our medical frontliners are struggling to deal with the sudden surge of COVID-19 patients," the solon said. “Our hospitals are already filling up. I know that Bukidnon Provincial Medical Hospital (BPMH) is full, along with some of our private hospitals. And Northern Mindanao Medical Center ...

May142021 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

GCash offers new in-app products and services including insurance and savings

Mindanaoan Update

GCash has new in-app products and services to make finance easy, approachable, and accessible to all Filipinos! From starting out as an e-wallet for making fast and secure online transactions to being the undisputed #1 mobile wallet app in the Philippines, GCash is now transforming itself once again to respond to the call of the times by launching new products and services to further its vision of making Filipino lives better everyday, with finance solutions made for all. GCash as a platform has enabled Filipinos with digital finance which is easily accessible through their phones. With 1 in 3 Filipinos currently using the app after growing its user base from just more than 20 million in January 2020 to over 40 million to date, GCash is going beyond just providing seamless and secure...

May122021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Overlooking Mangima zigzag “bitukang manok” Manolo Fortich Mindanao

Bukidnon, Cafe, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Travel

It was a beautiful Sunday - a great day for a drive. I've always been curious of this grill restaurant that sits atop Mangima zigzag road also known as the "bitukang manok" in Mindanao so off we went to check out Maena's Grill. You can't miss it. If you're driving towards Cagayan de Oro City, traversing Sayre Highway, and you're about to survive Mangima road, Maena's Grill is on your left. Just a few meters away from the last curve. Now if you're driving from Manolo Fortich, it'll be on your right and just a few meters away from where you'll first descend towards Mangima zigzag. They serve lechon kawali, grilled tuna, pansit canton, pares, bulalo, nilaga and pasta dishes. I didn't get to scan their entire menu. We were there for the view. And it was a nice one. We could see the vehic...

May72021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Check this out: Bukidnon countryside diner El Paso Lantapan

Bukidnon, Features, Food, Leisure, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

I may be an avid beach lover but sometimes, there's just something about the countryside that we all can't help but love. Laidback. Lovely gentle breeze. Beautiful trees. Glorious landscape. Clean air. Take the case of the Municipality of Lantapan in Bukidnon. Roughly a 3-hour drive from Cagayan de Oro, it's fast becoming home to many quaint cafes and diners like Cafe Sa Bukid, Chukoohills and now, El Paso. Located at Songco, Lantapan, El Paso is a rustic restaurant that also has a spacious al fresco area. And by al fresco I do mean tables and chairs/benches (and tents when it's a rainy day) surrounded by lots of tall falcata trees. There's also an event stage and a bonfire area. It's a great place to hang out with family and friends. I made a quick TikTok video of our most rece...

May52021 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Overseas Filipinos can now use PayMaya to pay government, utility bills back home

America, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Freebies, Government, LifeStyle, News, Shopping, Society, Technology

Now this is something that's near and dear to my heart especially since I was an overseas Filipino worker myself. Sending money back home was one of my regular tasks and I've always wondered if there was an easy way for me to send money without the need for an international bank account or the need to pay steep rates. Wouldn't it be extra convenient if an OFW can use his or her phone and a local digital platform to send money? Now, it's easier for OFWs or Filipinos abroad to pay for government fees and for their family's utility bills back home with the help of PayMaya! PayMaya opened this service for Filipinos overseas so they can now use their Philippine mobile SIM on roaming to register for a PayMaya account, allowing them to perform transactions such as paying government dues or ...

May22021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My GMA 7 TV interview experience

Advocacy, Bisaya, Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Personalities, Society, Television

It was an invitation for a TV interview I simply couldn't resist. Just recently, I was interviewed for a segment of "At Home with GMA Regional TV," a morning TV show aired all over Mindanao, Philippines! I shared a bit about my blogging journey, how and why I started, the places I've been to around the world (I've visited Japan, the two Koreas, Taiwan, Singapore, Hongkong, Malaysia, the United States of America and more), some tips on how to become a responsible social media user and tips for folks who want to start their own blogs/vlogs/podcast etc. I also shared a bit of good news - I landed on the 4th spot on the Top 60 New York Lifestyle Blogs, Influencers and Websites 2021! The interview was aired on: GMA TV 5 Davao, GMA TV 35 Cagayan de Oro, GMA TV 8 General Santos City...

Apr242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

ATV buggy ride at Dahilayan Forest Park

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

Dahilayan Forest Park, the property beside Dahilayan Adventure Park (where the popular Zipzone is a.k.a. Asia's longest dual cable zipline) and where I also experienced the 8-storey platform base jump, offers ATV rides or buggy rides. Have you been on one? I absolutely enjoy riding ATVs! I also have a little confession to make - I'm a bit of a speed junkie so I like driving ATVs pretty fast! Although my most recent buggy adventure was a chill one since I was with my cousins and it was their first time driving ATVs. Here's a video I made during our Dahilayan ATV adventure. Check out the trail here: https://youtu.be/h2uTObv2M5o Dahilayan Forest Park offers other amenities and services such as picnic grounds, ponds and lagoons, forest animals playground and rides (luge, tr...

Apr242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Free Covid-19 insurance, free 24/7 doctor consultation courtesy of Globe At Home

Advocacy, Business, Consumer, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

I bring hopeful news! As the number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise in the Philippines, making sure that you have some sort of safety net in case you - knock on wood - catch the virus has become a real necessity. Here's a reality check - while some may have comprehensive insurance policies and are on the priority list of family physicians, the fact is - not everyone has the means for these. There are also reports that hospital bills may easily rack up to six or seven figures plus the difficulty of securing hospital beds. Which makes us wonder - is there something that regular Filipinos can do to sleep better at night knowing that someone’s got their back in case misfortune strikes? The good news is, there is! And it may be an unlikely solution, but Globe At Home has the answer. ...

Apr172021 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Tips for the best balsa adventure (Laguindingan or Alubijid floating cottage)

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel, Videos

It's summer! And you know what that means - we all need a respite from the scorching heat. One of the surefire ways to cool off is to hit the beach or, in this case, have a balsa adventure! A balsa is basically a floating cottage or raft largely made of bamboo and wood. Balsas have become ubiquitous especially off the shores of Laguindingan and Alubijid in Misamis Oriental (and in Cagayan de Oro City, last I heard!). I'm aware of the issues surrounding the operations of Balsa in Alubijid and Balsa in Laguindingan so I leave it all up to you guys to decide if you want to patronize but I do want to emphasize that I totally support responsible and sustainable local tourism efforts. So anyway...my relatives and I went on a balsa adventure recently and I have a few tips for you before yo...

Apr22021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Real good Japanese food in Bukidnon

Bukidnon, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

I first wrote about them nearly 2 years ago, back when they still had a different name, and when I was on a quick vacation from New York. These days, they're now known as Ukyo Ramen and they're one of my super favorite restaurants in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. New name but definitely still superb quality, delicious Japanese food! Actually, it isn't just their name that changed. Their look, too! From a home-turned-into-rustic-eatery, Ukyo Ramen now sports a spanking brand new look, complete with banners with Japanese characters and all that jazz. But, yes, as I earlier mentioned, they still serve the same delicious Japanese fare - and I daresay it's even better (if that's even possible)! During my most recent visit, I brought along a friend, who happily agreed that, yes, Virginia,...

Apr22021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Beauty brand Orabella introduces Arabella del Rosario as new endorser

Beauty, Features, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

Beauty brand Orabella Philippines recently welcomed teen actress Arabella del Rosario as its new brand ambassador. I joined a virtual press conference whereby the young actress (and reported girlfriend of Jimuel Pacquiao, son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao) was introduced to fellow bloggers and members of the media. “As an up and coming brand, we wanted an endorser who is passionate and promising. We see that in Arabella, and we warmly welcome her into the Orabella family,’ said Anne Acuña, Marketing Manager of Orabella Direct Selling Inc. The young actress, who is also into singing and figure skating, is a member of Star Magic. Arabella has appeared in the ABS-CBN series, Wild Little Love.While she appeared in some commercials in the past, according to Del Rosario, this is the fir...