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

Sep212020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Delicious Thai food at SIAM Krua

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

One of the "normal" things I miss is dining out. I'm sure you do, too. Actually, it's not just the idea or the act of dining out. It's eating the food you love or the food you've been craving for. And these days, it's authentic Thai food for me! In Cagayan de Oro, I get my Thai cuisine fix at Siam by Krua Thai. It's run by the same Siam by Krua Thai that I go to in Cebu City. From their Gateway Lim Ket Kai location, they've transferred to the 2nd Floor of Lim Ket Kai Mall, just right across Robinson's. Siam Krua Thai CDO had health and safety protocols in place. They had contact tracing forms, alcohol and a temperature check by the door. The server was also pleasant and knew which bestsellers to suggest. Of course, I just had to have Tom Yum Seafood Soup. Don't ...

Sep82020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Gabay Guro partners with PayMaya, provides these amazing features for teachers

Campus, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

Great news for teachers all around the country! Teachers will soon have easier access to a financial account and learning resources in one app as Gabay Guro, the flagship advocacy program for teachers of the PLDT-Smart Foundation, partners with PayMaya for its super app for teachers. Through the Gabay Guro app, teachers can soon easily sign up for a PayMaya account which they can use for various digital financial transactions such as paying for online and in-store purchases, sending money, paying bills, buying load, and paying government fees, among others. This will complement the existing features of the app, which provides them access to research materials, community-wide articles, rewards, as well as online lessons to help improve their teaching skills in the new normal. ...

Aug242020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Easy city to mountain driving aboard the Ford EcoSport

Bukidnon, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Reviews, Society, Style, Travel, Videos

Don’t you just miss bonding with family and friends, going on a road trip, savoring scenic views and delicious food, and just having a great time with those close to your heart? I’m sure this is something all of us miss and look forward to doing. Fortunately, I recently had the opportunity to see some of my friends (whom I haven’t seen since the onset of the pandemic!) and bond with my relatives. That meant driving to the city, to hinterlands, to a farm and to a newly-discovered (an accidental discovery brought about by a call from a dear friend whom I also haven’t seen in a darn long time) area that had a killer view! And so, aboard the Ford EcoSport Titanium, my weekend went off to a great start. My friends and I went to this new cafe uptown and then proceeded to Indah...

Aug182020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The New Ford Territory SUV deserves your attention — check out its jaw-dropping features

Consumer, Features, Society, Style, Technology

Ford Philippines recently launched the all-new Ford Territory, a Ford-engineered and designed SUV which combines a sleek and stylish look, impressive performance, and smart and safe technologies that will offer a new driving experience to young professionals and starting families. Developed by Ford Motor Company and its joint venture partner Jiangling Motors Corporation, the Ford Territory brings to life the Ford DNA in its design, engineering, and capability, following Ford’s highest global quality standards. “The Ford Territory will boost our growing SUV lineup as a new product born out of Ford’s long-standing heritage and expertise in the utility segment,” says PK Umashankar, president and managing director, Ford Philippines. “We are confident that the Ford Territory wil...

Aug182020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Retired? You might want to consider reverse mortgage

Mindanaoan Update

If you are retired, aged 62 and above, and need to supplement your income during your retirement years, you could be a prime candidate for a reverse mortgage. To finally revamp your home, take that dream holiday, or to simply just have more fluid access to cash, a reverse mortgage could be the perfect solution for you. How reverse mortgage works Don't worry – it's simpler than it sounds. A reverse mortgage will let you access a percentage of the overall value of your home in the form of a loan. You might be happy to hear that this money is not taxed - ever - and runs completely independently from your social security and medical benefits. This means that it can never influence either of those two. As if that's not good enough, one of the conditions of the loan is that you ha...

Aug162020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

IT’S OFFICIAL! The Mindanaoan Blog now has an Android app

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Style, Technology, Travel

I'm very excited to officially announce that this humble Mindanaoan blog finally has its own Android app! Now, it's easier for us to stay connected :) You can download the Official Mindanaoan Android App here. It's a very light app, only needs 4.52 MB of your Android phone space. Just click the link above, click on the Mindanaoan v1.0 . apk file and just please follow the next easy instructions. As soon as you finish installing the Mindanaoan app, you'll see a native headdress as the logo of the app on your phone screen :) >>> DOWNLOAD THE MINDANAOAN ANDROID APP HERE <<< Thank you so much for your support! About Mindanaoan Irene, the one behind Mindanaoan.com, is a USA-trained, USA-experienced seasoned social media specialist, publicist, multi-awar...

Aug122020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Head to POPS CDO for the best, sulit buffet in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

I don't know about you but it seems like buffets in Cagayan de Oro have become a dime in a dozen. So many CDO buffets to choose from! However, when it comes to sulit, absolutely value for money eat AND drink all you can choices, POPS CDO All Filipino Eatery still tops my list. For only Php 250 (US $5) per person, you get to access a wide array of Filipino comfort food - complete from soup to rice (plain or fried...what do you prefer?) to various viands (meat, fish, vegetables etc) to dessert (fruits, kakanin, fruit salad etc) to bottomless drinks! Indulge to your heart's content! For now, two of the POPS CDO branches offer this unbeatable buffet. If you plan to bring a large group of family and friends, their Corrales Avenue branch would be the best choice. It's just be...

Aug112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Day trip idea: Fortune Valley and Manalog Falls in Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

During this pandemic, I've been spending more of my time in Bukidnon. This beautiful province is located in Central Mindanao and is recognized as the food basket of Mindanao. I love the absolutely chill vibe of this place and here, I can truly rest, read, do passion projects, do what I like and at the kind of pace I want. It also helps that the prices here are still way cheaper compared to those in the city. The closest city, by the way, is Cagayan de Oro. Anyway, I've been going on road trips as of late and now, my relatives and I are thinking of probably trekking or exploring the mountains and rivers. A Malaybalay resident by the name of Enrico Asentista inspired me to do a day trip in Malaybalay. I didn't even know about these two places! The good news is that these are just very ne...

Aug72020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao schools Ateneo de Davao, Malayan, UIC etc go cashless with PayMaya

Advocacy, Campus, Davao City, Technology

I'm glad that PayMaya is empowering over 40 schools nationwide with cashless payment solutions online and in-school and that includes schools in Mindanao! Major learning institutions in Mindanao such as my alma mater Ateneo De Davao University, Malayan Colleges Mindanao and the University of Immaculate Conception are among the schools that have begun to adopt PayMaya’s end-to-end digital payment solutions such as the PayMaya’s Online payment gateway for their online channels and the One by PayMaya Point of Sale (POS) device for school cashiers. These steps definitely provide students a safer and more convenient way to pay for enrollment fees and other educational expenses. “As we prepare to open another school year, ensuring that health and safety measures are implemented ac...

Jul292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Matigsalug – Manobo tribes get new tribal hall in Kitaotao

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Culture, Government, Mindanao, Society

Two of Mindanao's tribes now have a new tribal hall complete with sleeping quarters. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribes in Kitaotao, Bukidnon recently received a new tribal hall with sleeping quarters. The new tribal hall, located at Brgy. Sagundanon, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, was inaugurated on July 24, 2020. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribal hall was funded under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Kalahi-CIDSS and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process under its PAyapa and MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) framework. PAMANA is the government's peace and development framework that aims to strengthen peacebuilding, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas. DSWD says that PAMANA has reportedly expanded to include the funding of projects for IPs ...

Jul132020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Pay government dues online with PayMaya (here’s Php 100 to get you started)

Consumer, Government, Technology

I've been there. We need to settle bills and government dues but ever since this global health crisis, heading out and paying these bills became a challenge. Good thing we already have eWallets or electronic wallets just like PayMaya. During the quarantine period, eWallets like PayMaya has helped millions of Filipinos pay for their utility bills from the comfort of their homes. However, did you know that aside from paying for water, electricity, and postpaid plans, PayMaya is also a safe and convenient option to settle your government dues? 09055885378 You can pay your PAG-IBIG loan, your passport processing fee to the DFA, or pay your taxes to the BIR online. With just a few taps on your smartphone, and without the need of heading out of your home, you can easily transact with the ...

Jul102020 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Conquering Mangima Road with Ford Ranger Raptor

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Society, Travel

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that I am in the market for a new vehicle and currently weighing options. Aside from budget, comfort level and features, I thought I also needed a vehicle that could fit my busy and adventure-filled lifestyle but can also be formal and practical, preferably one that didn’t really require further modifications. See, I may be a girl but more often than not, I’m not that girly-girl, if you know what I mean. I have my happy-in-a-dress days but I have more makeup-free, slippers-only, super comfortable clothes on days. So, to me, that’s a challenge. Is there a vehicle out there for someone who loves to travel and conquer many adventures but who also loves to take the family, friends and loved ones for fun escapades, lead community projects, volu...

Jul32020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Investment scheme Forsage is illegal, says SEC

Advocacy, Announcements, Features, News, Technology

The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a stern warning against Forsage, an investment scheme headed by a certain Lado Okhotnikov. Forsage is NOT duly registered with the SEC and lacks the necessary license to solicit, accept or take investments from the public or issue investment contracts and other forms of securities. On June 30, 2020, the Commission said that Forsage is illegally engaging in investment activities in the guise of cryptocurrency trading. SEC Cagayan de Oro Director Atty. Renato Egypto said that many from Region X have engaged with Forsage already. “SEC Cagayan de Oro Extension Office has received numerous reports as well through email and direct messages inquiring about the legality of Forsage. This really concerns us and so we continuously remind...

Jun252020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How your Php 100 (US $2) can help buy PPEs for frontliners

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Events, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Society, Technology

I know what you're thinking. That thing experts call "donor fatigue" has kicked in and not many people are interested to donate to COVID-19 related fundraising causes. I was afraid of that, too. However, we all know that this fight isn't over (and won't be for quite a while) and our brave and hardworking medical front liners need all the help so that they can work and treat efficiently. We need to UNITE. So here goes --- how about if we help procure Department of Health-approved medical grade PPEs for our front liners, who, for 3 months running, have been sacrificing for all of us? And guess what --- we can actually do this by donating as low as Php 100 (yes, that's US $2) Join #CreatorsUnitedPH campaign, an effort that seeks to raise funds to procure DOH-approved medical grade ...

Jun252020 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Why cashless ecosystems are critical as Philippines speeds up digital push

Advocacy, Technology

Given this COVID-19 pandemic that we are all facing right now, providing a complete and inclusive way for Filipinos to transact with the government online through ‘cashless’ ecosystems is CRITICAL. This, as the government accelerates its digital push, an executive from digital financial services PayMaya said recently. “Everything is going online, including government services, but we have to ensure that every Filipino is able to continue transacting with government and receive much-needed aid through cashless ecosystems that are pervasive and at the same time inclusive,” said Orlando B. Vea, Founder and CEO of PayMaya, during the BusinessWorld Insights Forum which discussed digital payments acceptance for LGUs held on Tuesday. Vea said this means enabling the government to acc...

Jun242020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Donated earsavers for brave frontliners – JOIN US!

Advocacy, Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Gifts, LifeStyle, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society

Ever since this whole pandemic started, I've led a couple of donation drives, joined information campaigns and contributed to many fundraising efforts. Anybody who really knows me can attest that I'm not exactly the type who likes to post about those but I want to make an exception this time. Firstly, because I am hoping that more people will be inspired. Secondly, because our fight against this global health crisis is far from over and the world needs more volunteers. Thirdly, because this project is really simple, doable and very budget-friendly --- not to mention fun to do! Let me tell you about earsavers. Earsavers protect the ears from chafing or developing skin irritation while you wear a face mask. You can also wear earsavers so the ear loops don't tug your ears and eventual...

Jun112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ford offers buy now, pay later, super low monthly plans plus financing with 0 percent interest

Business, Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update

This is big news especially for folks like me who want to purchase a new vehicle soon! Ford Philippines is making it extra easy for all of us to own a spanking brand new Ford vehicle with very special deals. Just how special? How does buy now, pay later, low monthly plans and a financing plan with ZERO percent interest up to 3 years sound to you? This June, Ford Philippines has special deals and promotions for its pick-ups, SUVs, and Ford Transit van. They even have freebies and cash discounts in store. Can you hear my heart beating so fast?! I agree with Ford Philippines Marketing Director Ryan Lorenzo when he said that with these special offers, it’s now easier and more convenient to own a Ford vehicle. Ford Ranger now available for as low as Php 9,999 monthly Still availabl...

Jun112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Easy cashless payments for BIR, SSS, Pag-ibig etc via PayMaya

Advocacy, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update

Do you prefer paying online for your taxes, SSS contributions and other payments to the government? Are you, like me, an advocate of cashless payments? While it's true that most of the quarantine rules have been relaxed across the country, digital financial services leader PayMaya said it is still safer and more efficient for Filipinos to pay their government dues online and using cashless methods, options which are already available for the convenience and safety of citizens. Government agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Social Security System (SSS) have announced a final extension for tax filing and membership dues, respectively, until June 15, 2020. Citizens can easily pay for their BIR and SSS dues using their PayMaya accounts from the safety and com...

Jun92020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2GO and Trans-Asia resume boat trips (schedules, requirements inside)

Announcements, Government, Travel

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines and 2GO have resumed their boat trips. In the case of Trans-Asia, they have resumed their Cebu - Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan de Oro - Tagbilaran, Cebu - Ozamiz, and Cebu - Iligan trips. For 2GO, on the other hand, they now serve the Manila - Cagayan de Oro, Manila - Butuan, Manila - Iligan, Manila - Ozamiz, Manila - Zamboanga and a host of other routes. Both shipping lines also only cater to Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Authorized Persons Outside Residences (APORs). That means no leisure travels allowed. Both Trans-Asia and 2GO also require passengers to present pertinent documents. Check out the infographics below and don't hesitate to get in touch with both shipping lines if you need assistance: Trans-Asia ...

Jun52020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cashless payment for your hirna taxi fare with PayMaya

Butuan, Corporate, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Are you among the hirna ride-hailing app users in Davao, Butuan, Iloilo and Bacolod? I have fantastic news for you! Digital financial services leader PayMaya is partnering with hirna and its partner-taxi drivers so that the latter can accept cashless payments in accordance with the government's directive to promote a safer and more convenient commute for the riding public. Soon, users of the hirna ride-hailing app can book rides and pay using PayMaya QR and do away with the need to pay their fares using cash, which is seen to aiding the spread of the virus causing the COVID-19 disease. hirna and its partner-drivers are among the first transportation service providers that PayMaya is empowering with digital payments capabilities in support of ...

Jun42020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I saw Ross of “Friends” a.k.a. David Schwimmer in New York

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Personalities, United States of America, Videos

Are you a fellow fan of "Friends"? Because if you are then OH. MY. GOD. (oh that shrilly Janice voice!) Like any "Friends" fan worth her salt, I just HAD to see at least one of the cast members, no? As fate would have it, I saw the amazingly talented David Schwimmer, who played my favorite character, "Ross," first! Maybe I just got lucky because David Schwimmer a.k.a. Ross Geller lives in New York while the other cast members reside in the West Coast. Anyway, that doesn't matter. What matters is --- I SAW ROSS! So of course this post will be - The One With Ross In NYC :D It all happened when I scored priority tickets to "The View," a daily talk show created in 1997 by veteran journalist Barbara Walters. Currently, the show is hosted by women led by Hollywood bigwig Whoopi ...

Jun32020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tips On Being A Condo Owner

Mindanaoan Update

Not many people know the pros and cons of being a condo owner. Living in a condo means that you do have to be responsible within your association. Many of the most common issues are because many people don’t follow even the basics of rules that are listed. If you are renting an apartment or condo or if you're now a certified condo owner, you might have some rights. However, as an owner, there are courtesies, restrictions, and rights for you to be aware of. Being A Good Neighbor Chances are, you’ve grown up around neighbors before but now that you are in a place where you may have the same neighbors for a long time, you want to make sure to be friendly to those on either side of you. A good idea is to be the kind of neighbor that you initially would like to have. This me...