Blog - Page 7 of 90 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

May242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Zubiri to IATF: Stricter COVID measures needed in Northern Mindanao

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 secur...

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 vehi...

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 rec...

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 Cit...

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, t...

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 y...

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 fi...

Mar302021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Your Guide to Rocking the Ideal Formal Dress to Any Grand Occasion

Mindanaoan Update

How do you define the ideal formal dress? What makes a piece of clothing stick when it boils down to attending a major event? Kindly note that your dress represents your personality and can make a positive or negative statement. When worn correctly, you could send the right impression to your audience. Add the correct piece of accessories and you become the center of attraction. Clothing is an art, which most people still have a hard time grasping. But no need to worry; this guide shows you everything you need to know about this subject. Creating the Ideal Image with Your Dress Making the right fashion statement comes down to the clothing design, fabric, and body shape. First, your formal dress needs a soft and flowing fabric to achieve the right looks. This texture doesn't only...

Mar292021 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Tesalate Beach Towels – why you must own this best sand-free towel

Beauty, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Society, Travel

I love the water. I love the beach. One of my life goals is to someday live by the beach again (my family and I used to back in the day) and just enjoy life as it comes. But while I wait for that day to come, I try to be near the water as much as possible. Of course, one of our must-haves, when we hit the beach, is to bring a beach towel. Just recently, however, I discovered one of, if not, the best beach towels - Tesalate! I was able to give my Tesalate beach towel a spin (I have the Tesalate Bohemian XL) when my relatives and I had our balsa adventure (video way down below) and I must say, you MUST own one. Let me give you a rundown: Sand-free beach days Tesalate is known for its exclusive AbsorbLite™ fabric which means no sand can ever stay put on your towel. Sand-resi...

Mar212021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Seda Centrio Hotel CDO breakfast buffet

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

I don't know about you but when it comes to hotels, I'm pretty particular about the food they serve especially during breakfast. I mean, who wouldn't want to wake up to a delicious, glorious breakfast to help kickstart your day? Breakfasts help set the tone for the day! But because we're now living in extraordinary times and we all have to be extra cautious of safety and hygiene measures, we can't help but wonder how hotels adapt and still provide good food and service. For Seda Centrio, a downtown Cagayan de Oro Hotel that features high-quality room and recreational facilities, they're taking a very smart and efficient lead on how hotels can adapt to the new normal. During the relaunch of their breakfast buffet service at Misto, the signature restaurant of Seda Centrio, they made...

Mar142021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: these savory Mindanao heritage dishes at Cucina Higala

Advocacy, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update

What better way to reconnect with and celebrate our heritage but through food? With Cucina Higala's help, it's now easier to indulge in good, savory, rich, colorful, absolutely delicious food that's uniquely Mindanao. You see, Cucina Higala now offers another set of Mindanao Heritage dishes, 3 years after the first set's release in 2018. For their 2021 salvo, they have 5 new dishes - all of which I had the opportunity to try. And I must say - you simply should never miss these gastronomic delights! Before I proceed, I would like to sincerely thank the Cucina Higala team for the warm hospitality. Thank you Sir Jan, Miss Maggie, Sir Joe Jake and Miss Donna and staff for taking good care of me, Nicole Abas-Datayan, Narz Moria and Sir Mike Banos. Daghang salamat! Let me give...

Feb242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Portable Air Conditioners – Which Type Is Right for You?

Consumer, Reviews

It's been hot, you've been uncomfortable, and have decided to take the plunge and buy a portable air conditioner. However - how do you know which type to get, to make sure that your requirements are met? The benefits of a portable air con vs split and/or inverter AC In a conventional split air conditioner, there is a part known as a compressor, which shuts off once the temperature you have set is reached. When the temperature rises again, the air con kicks in again and the compressor starts running once more. While this is particularly useful in regulating the temperature, this mode of operation can also be awfully expensive to run. An inverter aircon can be a bit cheaper to run, as it has no need to shut off anything. Instead, the compressor runs constantly, but at a much lower ...

Feb242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: New Bukidnon viral video highlights province’s breathtaking beauty

Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The office of Bukidnon 2nd District Congressman Atty. John Flores has released a now considered viral video that highlights the Province of Bukidnon's breathtaking beauty. The 2-minute teaser video has racked up over 45,000 views and nearly 3,000 shares in just 15 hours. On his official Facebook page, Flores wrote: "Behold, the breathtaking spell that is - BUKIDNON Where beautiful people, rich culture and a glorious landscape that only a Higher Power can ever create - merge and exist in peace and unity. Where respect, music, dancing and even poetry reverberate in our hearts. You and I may have roamed the world but this is where we always yearn to go back to - our sweet Bukidnon home. Together, you and I - today and always - let's celebrate all of our strengths and uniqueness. Be...

Feb202021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: New Coca-Cola manufacturing plant in Davao

Business, Corporate, Davao City, Davao del Sur

Coke has a new manufacturing plant in the Philippines and it's located in Mindanao! Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the Philippines, recently unveiled at its Davao del Sur plant its most advanced manufacturing line for returnable glass bottles (RGB) in the country. The new RGB line has a greater production capacity—further improving on the Company’s service to its customers and contributing to the bid to spur local and national economic recovery. “Our investments in 2020 went into ensuring that we can continue to care for our people, secure jobs, and expand our operations, particularly in the Mindanao region,” said Gareth McGeown, CEO and President of CCBPI during the inauguration. He added, “With this new line, we celebrate a miles...

Jan262021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

PayMaya’s over 200K touchpoints enable cashless transactions for Filipinos

Business, Corporate, Features, Internet, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

Digital financial services leader PayMaya is leading the charge toward financial inclusion as it expands its footprint to reach over 200,000 touchpoints nationwide, the largest network in the country to date. Filipinos can easily pay, add money, cash out, or remit using their PayMaya accounts through these accessible touchpoints that include convenience stores, retail merchants, groceries, department stores, food outlets, pawnshops, and Smart Padala centers, among others. “As PayMaya continues to lead the push towards cashless for all Filipinos, it is important for us to provide them with the most expansive and reliable on-ground channels that allow them to do safe and convenient financial transactions, no matter where they are in the country,” said Shailesh Baidwan, President of P...

Dec202020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Beautiful reunions and a fun cafe hop

Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism, Travel

I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that one of the sad, challenging repercussions of this global health pandemic was that we can’t easily, freely travel and see our family and friends. We had no choice but to be contented with virtual “kamustahans.” Siyempre, it’s still different to physically be with your loved ones, to bond with them and strengthen family ties. So when the travel restrictions started to get eased out, I hatched a plan: to reunite my Mama with her older sister whom she hasn’t seen in more than a year! Thankfully, I had a reliable partner in Ford Philippines. They gave me the chance to drive the all-new Ford Territory, currently the most celebrated vehicle in the compact crossover segment. My plan for a beautiful reunion between sisters was off to a great st...

Dec102020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How you can support rainforestation and combat adverse effects of natural hazards, climate change

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Corporate, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

The location of the Philippines in the Pacific has always made the country vulnerable to strong typhoons. About 20 typhoons pass through the Philippine Area of Responsibility annually, about 8-to-9 of which make landfall. However, over the past years, climate change has brought more violent storms to the country, causing severe damage to lives and properties. While resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness are important during severe weather conditions, nature-based solutions such as rainforestation and watershed conservation also play a vital role in mitigating the adverse effects of these natural phenomena. The Philippines continues to experience the rapid decrease of its primary rainforests from 70% forest cover in the 1990s to only less than 1.8% to date. This rate of e...

Dec42020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

These Mindanao youth groups champion bayanihan during quarantine

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Cotabato, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Surigao del Sur

In the midst of so many challenges this year 2020, I'm so glad that several Mindanao youth groups have taken the initiative to address gaps in social services and collaborated with local government units and NGOs to develop projects that prioritized the survival, health, and livelihood of many of our fellow Filipinos. Here is a list of Mindanaoan youth groups that showed bayanihan during the quarantine: Tabang Sikad Tabang Sikad is a fund-raising initiative for sikad drivers from several barangays in Cagayan de Oro City. The project provided relief packs to sikad drivers whose daily income decreased from Php 300 to Php 80 – Php 100 during the quarantine. Started by a duo, Nekka and Liam, the team expanded their impact to collaborate with the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associa...