Advocacy Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Aug282024 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Helping Mindanao electric cooperatives navigate social media, address online bashing and crisis and foster community engagement

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

In Mindanao, blackouts occur, on average, no less than 10 times per month. More often than not, these blackouts also last for a very long time - sometimes, for hours on end! Needless to say, this is extremely exasperating because not only are households affected but businesses as well. Customers get really irate and the tendency is that they turn to social media and express their anger and disappointment towards the Mindanao electric cooperatives that are expected to provide reliable power to the communities. People post not only complaints online but memes, harsh words and even threats! Electric cooperatives or ECs, on the other hand, fully acknowledge the fact that they need to learn how to address the crisis situations fast. They understand that in this age of social media, they sh...

Aug162024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This Filipina is fake, but her stories are real

Advocacy, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Huwag na nating pagusapan ‘yan. Filipinos have a reputation for sweeping everything under a rug. Call it moral shame, or call it fear, the norm dictates bottling up and carrying on—no matter what the situation. The consequences of such an attitude is staggering. It is not surprising that according to a 2022 Philippine National Survey, roughly 17.5% of women aged 15-49 has experienced violence at the hands of their current or most recent spouses or partners. In a society based on faith and borne of strict societal mores, victims find silence and anonymity to be the only recourse. Fear, normalized violence at home, and victim blaming stop women from talking about their abuse and allow their experience to go unreported. So, how can we act on something that does not exist? Yes, stories ...

May232024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

mWell launches fully-loaded Smart Watches and Rings

Advocacy, Corporate, Events, Features, Health, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

mWell, the digital healthcare arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), recently unveiled a roster of innovative offerings in an impressive digital showcase held at a grand ballroom of a hotel in Bonifacio Global City. The event dubbed “mWell Unboxed” marked the newest milestone in mWell’s history as it goes beyond telemedicine and strengthens its commitment to holistic health. The gathering witnessed the launch of the Mind Health Score feature, new generation mWell Watches, which are fully loaded with health features at a budget-friendly price, and the light yet powerful mWell Rings. Hosted by Iza Calzado and Markki Stroem, mWell Unboxed transported guests to the mWell multiverse, which showcased a full line-up of features and products, milestones, and inspiring testi...

May72024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Attending the 3rd National Investigative Journalism conference Philippines 2024 #IJPH2024

Advocacy, Events, Features, Journalism, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

The 3rd National Investigative Journalism Conference in the Philippines for 2024 was held from April 30 to May 2, 2024 in Quezon City and was hosted by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). The conference aimed to provide a learning, sharing, and capacity-building venue for participants to appreciate the importance of investigative journalism and watchdog journalism in the face of increasingly challenging political and information environments. I feel absolutely honored and inspired to have been a part of the 3rd National #IJPH2024 100 journalists. 46 speakers. 3 plenary sessions. 12 breakout sessions. Topics were extremely relevant and urgent including artificial intelligence, deep fakes, social media for news and public engagement, 2025 elections (!!!), collab...

Apr162024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

WATCH: the amazing Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra LIVE in Bukidnon

Advocacy, Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Music

The world-class Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, recently performed live in Bukidnon. A very first in the Province of Bukidnon, considered the food basket of the country. The two live performances, one at 2 PM and another at 7 PM of April 12, 2024, were made possible by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and the Cultural Center of the Philippines in celebration of the inauguration of the Bukidnon Center for Culture and the Arts, located at the new Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City. I was able to attend both performances, thanks to my dear friend Senate President Migz Zubiri. Daghang salamat, SP! I was also given all access passes for other events that weekend, which I will soon share on th...

Jan162024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe partners with a Cebu biz club for immersive Sinulog 2024 experience

Advocacy, Business, Cebu City

Globe and the We Are Ayala Business Club - Cebu (WAABC-Cebu) have partnered to redefine the Sinulog 2024 experience, providing a platform for festival goers to pursue their passions in art, technology, music and gaming, bringing Globe Passion City to Cebu this week. Located at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu, attendees can enjoy a variety of artistic pursuits from January 19 to 21, 2024. The event is happening under WAABC’s Bisayala, which starts January 16. Globe users will get to access Globe Passion City by making donations with their Globe Rewards via the GlobeOne app. Globe Passion City features the following: Art Mural Co-Lab, a communal mural painting activity Drip Studio, a creative space for figurine customization, and a Claw Machine gaming challenge...

Dec202023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kagay-anon Sony Music artists return home to hold special Christmas benefit gig

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Music

Catch Cagayan de Oro's very own singer-songwriter Ela Figura and RnB hip-hop band Sulo, both Sony Music acts, as they return home and hold a special Christmas gig that will benefit the "Home for Girls," a residential facility that provides protection, care, treatment and rehabilitation to abused and exploited girls below 18 years old. Ela Figura, the singer-songwriter recently signed with Ricky Ilacad's record label Off The Record under Sony Music Entertainment, is set to host a heartwarming Christmas Benefit Gig in her hometown on December 21, 2023. The event aims to support the "Home for Girls" by providing essential art materials for the residents in need. Joining her is the RnB Hip-Hop band Sulo, part of the esteemed roster of artists signed with Ely Buendia's record label Offs...

Sep152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero wants mandatory insurance coverage for powerline workers

Advocacy, Announcements, Corporate, Government, Society, Technology

Senator Chiz Escudero has recently filed a bill that seeks to provide mandatory insurance coverage and other benefits for all lineworkers in the power utility sector. This is definitely good news especially since I personally know some lineworkers in the power utility sector and most, if not all, of them shared that they barely make enough to purchase insurance not only for themselves but for their loved ones as well. In filing Senate Bill No. 2303, Senator Chiz Escudero said the measure will ensure that the well-being of thousands of lineworkers as well as that of their families are protected. “The continuous and reliable supply of electricity—crucial in sustaining our economic growth and maintaining our way of life—rests on the hands of lineworkers who construct, install, mai...

Jul152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New CDO must-do: visit Carmen Art District

Advocacy, Arts, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update

Here's something new (and a must-do!) you can visit in Cagayan de Oro! Carmen Art District is an artist-run space committed to providing a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase work, engage in critical discourse, and connect with a wider audience. They aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment in our local community that encourages artistic experimentation and innovation. And starting today until August 2023, you can check out Kelly Ramos' "Coming home: Old Paintings," a gathering of art works in a span of 2 decades. This little retrospective provides a rare opportunity to see the paintings together in one place. It is a way to discover the artist’s development over time, and see the narratives she has chosen for her themes throughout the years. The p...

May42023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Get your tissues ready: Ate Alma’s story will pull your heartstrings

Advocacy, Features, Internet, Society, Technology

This is a story of camaraderie and community...and, personally, lots of pure love towards our fellow brothers and sisters. You see, while it's true that technology makes life easier, another one of its advantages is that it helps continue to strengthen connections and foster relationships. Take the case of Ate Alma, a photocopy operator in a university and a family breadwinner, who lost her home due to typhoon flooding. Her story, which I guarantee will definitely pull your heartstrings, was featured in a short film directed by no less than Antoinette Jadaone. Ate Alma's story was included among the tearjerking, heartwarming #GCashStories that prove just how technology not only makes daily transactions easier, but also provides an accessible way to genuinely lend a helping hand. Mo...

Apr142023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kuwarta goals: how BDO helps us to be wiser with our money and finances

Advocacy, Business, Commentary, Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

As the eldest, only girl and the breadwinner in the family, it has basically been my life-long responsibility to be careful with money, finances, savings and expenses. Over the years, I have learned which investment works, where to put my savings, how to pay conveniently (and earn cashback, save energy, time and gas in the process!) and other tricks that could help me be wiser with money. I still have a long way to go to feel absolutely financially comfortable in life but here’s one thing that I’m sure can help all of us in our kuwarta goals: to be champions (and implementers) of financial literacy. Financial literacy is key! Now you might be thinking – but why is financial literacy crucial? Aren’t we just supposed to save and maybe leave everything up to the bank? First off,...

Apr62023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins at Globe Media Excellence Awards GMEA 10

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Headline, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Social Media, Society, Technology

I WON! I am so proud and honored to share that Mindanaoan.com won the award for Digital Storytelling: Best Blog Post during the milestone year of the Globe Media Excellence Awards! On March 31, 2023 in Cebu City, the Globe Group named the winners of GMEA @10, which honors exceptional reporting across platforms in both Visayas and Mindanao. In its milestone year, GMEA embraced the theme #OneDigitalNation, which celebrated stories that captured the impact of Globe-led innovations that uplift lives with compassion, care, and kindness. For the Best Blog Post award, Maria Irene Aserios a.k.a. Mindanaoan won! Days before the awarding ceremony, Globe announced the list of finalists. I was one of the 3 finalists for Best Blog Post (Mindanao). And then last March 31 in Cebu, I was decla...

Mar92023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Foundever™ Donates Over 8000 Books to Nationwide Library Program

Advocacy

Foundever™ shows its commitment in making education inclusive and accessible to every Filipino by raising 8,400 books via its Big MAX Book Drive for the Library Renewal Partnership (LRP), a non-profit organization that aims to provide communities with a safe space where people can come together to learn, find livelihood, and support those in need. The donated books, a mix of fiction and non-fiction covering a wide variety of topics, will benefit 100,000 learners in areas that include NCR, Baguio, Naga, and Puerto Princesa. "Through our CSR Big MAX Book Drive, we help enable Filipinos to dream and empower them to pursue it," Foundever™ Senior Manager for HR Organization Development Hiroki Revereza says. "It's very important for us to give our employees a platform to achieve their ...

Feb232023 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Coca-Cola has this program that allows collection and recycling of plastic bottles during fiestas

Advocacy, Cebu City, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of the company in the country, activated Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo! pop-up booths in Cebu and Iloilo and collected over 400 kilograms of post-consumer clear PET plastic bottles, toward helping hold waste-free festival celebrations. Tapon to Ipon is Coca Cola's nationwide collection program for post-consumer PET plastic bottles, with bottles from any brand accepted as long as they are clear. The company deployed pop-up booths at the Sinulog and Dinagyang Festivals. “We maximize every opportunity to bring Tapon to Ipon to more communities across the Philippines. We bring our Tapon to Ipon program where we can and integrate them with our selling activities. As our consumers enjoy our refreshing beverages and cele...

Jan42023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Honored to be elected as the new CDO Bloggers President 2023

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Society

I'm very excited and humbled to share that I have been elected as the NEW PRESIDENT of the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers Network or CDO Bloggers, a 14-year old organization (yep, OG!) that's home to many award-winning and internationally-recognized bloggers, vloggers, influencers, social media practitioners and content creators. The election of officers/annual general membership meeting/Christmas party was held at The Cistern, Xavier Sports and Country Club, Masterson Avenue, Cagayan de Oro. I recommend the venue for small and intimate events, by the way! Here's the list of the 2023 CDO Bloggers Officers: President - Maria Irene Aserios of Mindanaoan.com - Mindanaoan Meets World VP for Membership - Chen Siwagan of Laag & More w/ Awesome ChenS VP for Events - Irene Dayo of...

Nov282022 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Teaching social media and digital marketing in 8 towns around Mindanao (during the pandemic!)

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Education, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

When the pandemic hit, we all know that the entrepreneurs were among those who got affected the most. Some businesses went to a screeching halt, some were forced to pivot just to survive and some tried to continue operations but with owners, very sadly, feeling they were running around like headless chickens. I should know because I heard numerous of these stories from business owners themselves. Yes, it was heartbreaking to listen to them but you know what? I still held on to that spark of optimism. I knew that somehow, each and every one of us can help these businesses. After all, you and I know very well that the success of just about anything never depends on the hands of only one man. Instead, it has always rested on the collective shoulders of many. I wanted to help esp...

Sep162022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tips on stock picking in times of high inflation

Advocacy, Business

Inflation concerns persist but stock market investors are advised not to be disheartened by this scenario. Inflation slowed to 6.3% in August (from 6.4% in July) due to easing oil prices and slower increases in food prices. Inflation now averaged 4.9% year-to-date and BDO Securities expects it to settle at 5.3% for this fiscal year assuming inflation will peak this quarter. However, the Philippines remains vulnerable to inflation risks given its status as a food and energy importer. “Philippine inflation basket is more sensitive to food and energy commodities (oil, coal, rice). While commodity price trends have softened as of late (due to slowing global growth concerns), we think domestic factors (i.e. tight food supply) are set to become the primary drivers of inflation going forward,...

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 overwhe...

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 strugg...

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

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. ...

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...