Advocacy Archives - Page 2 of 14 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Nov62020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

3 smart ways to protect yourself online

Advocacy, Blogging, Events, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

So here's a true story. I personally know someone who fell for a bad online scam. And by bad I mean really bad. My friend fell for one of those Nigerian catfish love scams. All along, she thought she was involved in a long-distance relationship that was about to lead to marriage. Because she was, well, naive, she sent her lover money, love emails, gifts etc. Long story short, not only did she lose who she thought was her future husband, she also lost a huge chunk of her savings. My friend is now over the whole fiasco (thankfully) but certainly, there is a big lesson to learn from this. And that is to always be extra wary of your online activities and to know how you can protect yourself online. First and foremost, always be mindful of the people you accept into your online network...

Oct192020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Cash Agad: Your partner for recovery

Advocacy, Announcements, Banks, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

This current global health crisis has caused severe effects on families and communities in the country not only because of the fear over COVID-19 but also because of how it disrupted their livelihoods. Many businesses shut down, causing widespread loss of jobs. For those who still had some incomeleft, they could not so easily access their cash at banks and ATMs because public transportation was shut down during the lockdown and quarantine periods. Fortunately, there were Cash Agad partner agents in their communities who were ready to provide banking services even amid the pandemic. While Cash Agad partner agents were also affected by the restrictions of the community quarantine, they were still able to help their respective barangays and are now bouncing back and continuing with their ...

Oct112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

BaiCon Infest 2020 set

Advocacy, Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

Creators and influencers in the Philippines are set to gather virtually via BaiCon InFest 2020. With the theme "The Space Invasion," BaiCon InFest 2020 will be a two-day (October 23-24) virtual event that will be held throughout various digital platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Zoom. During a digital press conference held last October 7, 2020, the panel talked about various initiatives like the founding of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP), its advocacy drive #CreatorsUnitedPH, CICP’s Spotlight Awards, BaiCon’s partnership with the Philippine Public School Teachers’ Association, and the significance of BaiCon in taking the Digital Entertainment Industry in the country to the next level. The digital presscon was hosted by Ace Gapuz of Blogapalooza and wa...

Oct12020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

FCash Global Lending license canceled

Advocacy, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has canceled the certificate of authority (CA) of FCash Global Lending, Inc. to operate as a lending company for its unfair debt collection practices. In an order dated August 25, the SEC Corporate Governance and Finance Department (CGFD) found FCash liable for multiple violations of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019 (SEC MC 18), which provides for the Prohibition on Unfair Debt Collection Practices of Financing Companies and Lending Companies. The company, which operates online lending platforms Fast Cash and Fast Cash Loan, has made multiple attempts to collect loan payments by contacting or threatening persons other than those that the borrower has identified as guarantors or co-makers, according to the CGFD. FCash has ...

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...

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 ...

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

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...

May112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: TanodCOVID, an SMS-based platform to trace suspected COVID-19 cases

Advocacy, Announcements, Internet, Technology

Here's an interesting platform that aims to help effective trace suspected COVID-19 cases. Through its innovative developer group Globe Labs, Globe Telecom is once again taking new steps by partnering with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) for the implementation of a new online platform called TanodCOVID. TanodCOVID is an SMS-based self-reporting platform and aims to improve the country’s capacity to trace suspected COVID-19 cases. A program funded by DOST-PCHRD, TanodCOVID was developed by Ateneo Center for Computing Competency and Research (ACCCRe) of Ateneo de Manila University, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Manila - National Telehealth Center (UP-NTHC) and the DOH-Epidemiology B...

Mar252020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe turns over P14M to PGH for medical supplies, PPE

Advocacy, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

Globe successfully raised and turned over P14M to the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc. (PGH-MFI). The amount was gathered through the joint efforts of loyal Globe customers who donated over P9M via their Rewards points, and the company’s initial pledge of P5M in cash donation. This is part of the telco’s comprehensive efforts in providing immediate aid to medical frontliners at PGH, which is now a designated exclusive COVID-19 hospital by the Department of Health (DOH). The funds were utilized by PGH-MFI to purchase much-needed test kits, alcohol, and complete sets of personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as surgical masks, face shields, and surgical gowns. Globe also turned over 50 mobile phones preloaded with unlimited calls and texts to all networks valid for 30 days to serve th...

Feb292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Spreading peace through social media (The day I spoke before Marawi kids)

Advocacy, ARMM, Blogging, Education, Events, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology

The Philippines is among the world's top social media users. In this global social media research study, it says that the Philippines is the top country that uses Facebook. We're the fifth that uses YouTube and fifth that uses Twitter. And young Filipinos comprise the largest chunk of those social media users from the country. This is why it's really crucial for all of us to continue collaborating with the youth. Aside from the fact that they're the most avid users of social media, they're also avid content creators. They have vlogs, blogs, TikToks, IG stories etc. And what better content is there for them to help create but good, responsible ones that promote peace and dialogue? Last February 12, 2020, I had the lovely chance to meet roughly 70 Meranao students and teachers from Ma...

Feb282020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking at Camera Club of Davao’s 37th anniversary

Advocacy, Blogging, Davao City, Events, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology

One of my deepest advocacies is to help share the good news about the power of social media and blogging. I try to do this by volunteering, being generous with my time and sharing my first-hand experience as much as I can. Even when I was still in New York, I had the privilege to share my insights and tips via #GoSocial. Speaking about social media for social good is one of my natural highs. I will always be grateful for each and every opportunity. So you could just imagine how thrilled I was to receive an invitation to be the keynote speaker during the 37th charter anniversary of the Camera Club of Davao, the oldest and most respected photography club in Davao City. It was truly an honor not only because they're THE CCD but also because it meant heading back home to the city I was...

Feb142020 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

I’m a Founding Director of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines

Advocacy, Announcements, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology

I've been blogging for a good 15 years and I've seen, heard and experienced the good, the bad, the ugly, the controversial. Content creators, bloggers, vloggers and influencers behaving badly. Brands not understanding the value of good content and what influencers can do for their businesses. Marketing agencies underpaying creators. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Isn't it about time that we do something to help protect all stakeholders? Presenting - CICP or the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines, an organization that aims to establish the Philippines' influencer marketing ecosystem to empower creators, influencers, brands and marketing professionals and creative, media and digital agencies in meeting their marketing and business objectives. Grounded in its vi...

Jan202020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kaamulan Festival 2020 Schedule of Activities

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kaamulan Festival 2020 na! After missing this annual Bukidnon festival for a few years, I am finally going to witness it again. The Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes namely Tigwahanun, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. The Kaamulan Festival is also considered as the only authentic ethnic festival left in the Philippines. By virtue of a provincial resolution authored by Bukidnon District 2 Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is held from March 23 to April 23 every year. The dates are fixed. However, the sitting Bukidnon governor will have the option to change them provided there's a viable reason to do so. Ergo, this year's Kaamulan Festival 2020 will be on March 23 to April 23...

Sep262019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Donate your luggage to first time OFWs and get your dream bags at up to 40% off!

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society

How's this for a great cause? In exchange of your old bags or luggage, you get to buy brand new ones at whopping discounts of as much as 40%. Not only that - you also actually help first-time Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) since your old travel items will be donated to them. No need for our new heroes to borrow money just to buy luggage! Get your dream luggage (think Delsey and World Traveller!) at the BEST prices AND help OFWs - sign me up! Let's support this! Head to Ayala Centrio Mall Activity Center from September 27 to 30, 2019, bring your old bags and luggage and head home with a happy heart (and wallet!). Remember --- ALL bags of ANY brand and in ANY condition are welcome! This is the perfect reason to do your Marie Kondo moves ;) * Thanks to Tom for taking this ph...

Aug82019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Tea, herb lovers will love this fascinating eco-cultural farm in Bukidnon

Advocacy, Agriculture, Education, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update

New friends, new places...I've been enjoying my downtime so far! One of the new places I visited as of late is an eco-cultural farm in the Province of Bukidnon called Umanika. Umanika or "Uma ni Kalinaw" (Kalinaw is the name of one of the farm founder's children...isn't that so cool or what?) a.k.a. Farm of Peace is located along Diversion Road, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. It's near Ranchers and interestingly, there aren't any signages leading towards this herb and organic farm. There's a fair reason behind that, though. They're busy working in the fields every day and they want to make sure that there's someone who can entertain visitors hence the need for appointments. So on a sunny, beautiful day, along with our new friends Christine, Paula and Dindo (they're awesome entreprene...

Jul292019 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Spotted: Durian Cacao in Bukidnon Philippines

Advocacy, Agriculture, Bukidnon, Business

I recently accompanied newly minted Congressman Atty. John Flores of the Second District of Bukidnon. We went to Barangay Bantuanon in Lantapan, a municipality known for its rich flora and fauna, natural parks, organic plantations and tribal communities. It was the 29th Araw ng Bantuanon celebration and I was happy to be with my good friend Atty. John again after what was a pretty exciting 2019 election season. I was also happy to discover something pretty fascinating that day, too: DURIAN CACAO. Yep, you read that right. Durian cacao. It looks like a cacao fruit but, as the ladies who manned that particular booth Atty. John and I visited told us, its seeds are actually pungent a.k.a. they smelled like durian! That's durian cacao that John's holding: Here's how i...

Mar252019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to name your own tree in the Philippines

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Society, Technology

You can now name a tree in the Philippines and it will hardly cost you anything! Actually, this will be extra easy if you're a Globe Prepaid, Postpaid, and TM customer. Why? Because if you are, then you have a chance to not only name your own tree but you can also help restore the Philippines’ primary rainforest cover when you donate your Globe Rewards points to Hineleban Foundation by March 31, 2019. Hineleban (He-ne-leu-ban) is a Sacred Binukid term literally meaning “Mother Tree of the rainforest that sustains the cycle of all life." Hineleban Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organisation based in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Their vision is to ensure the nation’s water, food and human security by reforesting the mountain ranges of Mindanao, home to the country’s last watersheds. These...