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

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...

Dec42020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan.com lands on Blogmeter top Philippine blogs list

America, Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Technology, United States of America

So excited to share with you all that this humble blog, Mindanaoan, landed on BlogMeterTop's top Philippine blogs list. I'm excited about this because it has been quite a challenge to write this year. So this is such a blessing and a reminder for me to always just power through! Mindanaoan.com landed on 3 categories - on the "Top" overall, on the November 2020 top list and on the November 2020 Travel and Leisure. Mindanaoan.com is among the top 50. BlogmeterTop is a Web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic for all Philippine blogsites. According to BlogmeterTop, they track the user’s activity on the site such as page visits and statistics. BlogmeterTop’s approach is to show the dashboard-type data (as a more in-depth data) report for the casual PH blogsite ow...

Oct242020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Moving to Chicago? Here are helpful tips to know

America, United States of America

Ah, the Windy City. Ever since I started living in New York, I’ve always wanted to visit this beautiful city, too. I even thought of actually moving to Chicago - so much so that I compiled some helpful tips to know in case I do push through with my plan to move to the 3rd largest city in the US. If you’ve thought of packing up your bags and heading to the birthplace of the skyscraper, then these might help you as well. First off, Chicago is a walkable city so for New York dwellers like myself, who are basically so used to walking, this is good news. I like that they have easy-to-follow street grids. Biking is also highly encouraged and there are bike share offers available. The Chicago City government has made possible several protected bike lanes such as those found along Milwaukee Av...

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 ...

Apr252020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Incubus and telling Brandon Boyd what I’ve always wanted to say

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

How do you talk to the members of a band whose songs pretty much filled many, many years of your life? I'm talking about high school, college, yuppie, and even professional stages of your life? Whose songs helped you face pain, sorrow, happiness, excitement, fear? And, as if those aren't scary enough, how in the world do you also face one of your biggest crushes, who happens to be the band's lead vocalist? How do you gather enough intestinal fortitude to even be in the same space with one of the world's sexiest, super talented men? These questions ran through my head for days --- well before THE day. Yes, I'm talking about that very fateful day that I got to meet the members of Incubus and, oh sweet Jesus, THE Brandon Boyd. I had the utmost privilege of meeting them here in New Yor...

Jul82019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to Promote a Restaurant Business in New Jersey?

America, Business, Mindanaoan Update

New Jersey loves food! From sloppy joes to beefsteaks and from shrimp ravioli to cheesecake, we love it all. At the same time, residents of New Jersey are known for their strong opinions. So, pampering their taste buds and providing a pleasing ambiance are critical if you want to become one of the loved restaurants here. But, before we get there, you need to attract as many people as possible to your restaurant. Fortunately, there are several ways in which you can promote your restaurant business in New Jersey. Visual branding is very important for the restaurant industry because it makes an impactful first impression, whether shared via social media or incorporated in banner printing, say experts at New Jersey Banner Stands. Here’s a look at some of the ways in which you can increase ...

Jun142019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Witnessing the fashion show in New York of this Mindanao designer

America, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America

Despite the threat of rain, it was still a great day to witness something special --- a fashion designer friend of mine from Cagayan de Oro, Boogie Musni Rivera, unveiled his lovely collection during the 121st Philippine Independence Day celebration here in New York City, USA. Together with our mutual friend Miss Gean Tulang-Cesar and my aunt, I braved the gloomy weather and went to Madison Square Park, where Boogie presented his beautiful creations. Truth be told, Boogie is already an accomplished CDO fashion designer but it was his very first fashion show in the Big Apple and during the Independence Day event, no less, so I was super proud! While we waited, Miss Gean, my aunt and I roamed around the nearby blocks and checked out the various booths. We chanced upon the alley full...

Mar112019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: DAISO New York Now Open

America, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America, Videos

DAISO Japan has finally opened its very first New York store and my little wasteland nut heart is going crazeballs! Daiso, known for its very wide selection of products at extremely low prices, has opened its doors in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area and I got invited to their grand opening! I also got to meet Mr. Yoshihidae Murata, Senior Vice President of Daiso US Operations, who said that they're confident that "New York residents will be delighted by the Daiso shopping experience that is beloved by many!" Beloved indeed! Personally, I frequent Daiso stores. In Cagayan de Oro, I think I'm at their Centrio Mall branch several times a month! Here in New York, their Daiso Flushing store, located at The Shops at Skyview Center, sells quality and oh-so-kawaii products f...

Jan152019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ways To Reduce Stress

America, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America

I was listening to a podcast the other day and the host said, “There is nothing magical about January 1st.” It’s funny because so often of the time we hear that a new year is coming and we think that everything will automatically refresh and renew for us. If you think this way, let me give you the lowdown: it doesn’t work that way. A specific day does not refresh your life and make things happen (or not happen) for you - you are the only person that can make change happen in your life, so if you are needing to reduce your stress, don’t wait until the new year, or the end of the month. Start today! Let’s talk about why you would want to reduce your stress. The brain undergoes chemical and physical changes when you become stressed and it affects its overall functioning, which is obviou...

Jan112019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

New York Locations Made Famous on the Big Screen and in Television

America, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Travel, United States of America

Hollywood has had a long-running, on again-off again relationship with the state of New York. I say that in the sense of plenty of TV shows and movies have been filmed there, but there are also plenty of other locations around the world where television shows and movies have been filmed as well, so Hollywood may stray away from New York for a little while, but it always comes back and has created movies and some of television’s most notable shows that are still relevant today! There are certain TV shows and movies that immediately come to mind when you think of New York. For example, Seinfeld, Friends, and Sex and the City are big ones that come to mind. Although some of these shows were filmed as early as the late 80s, they can still be seen on television today… that just goes to show ...

Dec32018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

5 Coffee Shops in the West Village NYC You Need to Try

America, Cafe, Food, New York

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely latte, quick pick me up or a cafe to grab a coffee and breakfast, there are hundreds of coffee shops to choose from in NYC. Sometimes your local Starbucks just doesn’t cut it, so here are 5 coffee shops in West Village you must try whether you’re a resident or visiting. 1. Rebel Coffee - Location: 19 8th Ave. Rebel Coffee is a specialty coffee shop serving baked goods from local artisan bakers with fresh ingredients. This cozy shop is the perfect place to stop by for a cortado or mocha. You’ll fall in love with the atmosphere just as much as the coffee in your hand. Grab your go-to coffee of choice, take a seat by the windows and enjoy everything Rebel Coffee offers. 2. Birch Coffee - Location: 56 7th Ave. Birch Coffee began as two individ...

Aug252018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I Joined A Sex and the City Tour in New York

America, Fashion, Features, New York, Tourism, United States of America

“And there, in the same city where they met as girls, four New York women entered the next phase of their lives…dressed head to toe in love. And that’s the one label that never goes out of style.” - Carrie Bradshaw Does this sound familiar? I actually used that in a previous blog post! Now, I'm using it again because this time, I just didn't visit the apartment of Carrie Bradshaw, I got to tour other Sex and the City hotspots! Hi and hello, fellow Sex and the City fans! Would you believe that our favorite SATC series is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year? Sex and the City first aired on June 6, 1998 --- time flies so fast my, sadly, non-Manolo Blahnik shoes can't keep up. I can't help but wonder --- how many of you still watch old Sex and the City episodes? Can you sti...

Jun242018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Starting a new blog – see you there!

America, Blogging, Technology, United States of America

Hi, friends! I'll make this short and sweet. This is all still a work in progress but I do hope that you accept my invitation to please check out my new blog - Lifestyle + Travels. And before someone asks - NO, I won't abandon Mindanaoan.com. Most definitely not! The Lifestyle + Travels blog is a new passion project that will be more about my international escapades, (mis)adventures especially here in New York, USA (my new home!), product reviews, celebrity encounters and interviews (woohoo!), event coverages around the world and more for a global audience as opposed to Mindanaoan that oftentimes still focuses on Philippine-centric issues. I have a lot of really great plans for my new blog (including more vlogs!) so please do check it out. I would also be super grateful if you can su...

Jun242018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan.com lands on Top 30 New York Blogs list

America, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Style, Travel, United States of America

I'm very excited to share with all of you that this humble blog, Mindanaoan.com, has landed on the number 6 spot in a coveted “Top New York Blogs To Follow” list. Mindanaoan.com was declared among The Big Apple’s best when my travel and lifestyle blog nabbed the number 6 spot in Feedspot's Top 30 Best New York Lifestyle Blogs list. Accordingly, the list was derived from thousands of carefully selected and tested New York Lifestyle blogs using search and social metrics. I'm pretty stoked about this especially because I have the honor to be in the same list as Tracy Kaler (one of my longtime favorite New York bloggers!) and other NYC Blogging biggies :) The blogs in the said list were ranked based on Google reputation, Google search ranking, influence and popularity on Facebook,...

May22018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Explore Islands Philippines tourism expo to be held at Grand Central Terminal New York

America, Events, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal will provide the backdrop to showcase the 7,641 islands that make up the Philippines, which is promoting its vacation destinations. With a launch by the Philippine Tourism Secretary, the Explore Islands Philippines expo will run from May 9, through May 12, 2018. On May 9, Explore Islands Philippines kicks off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo will be joined by Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin Jr., President of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board Cesar Montano, as well as other high-ranking officials from New York State and the Philippines. Speakers from the Philippine Tourism will talk on May...

Feb22018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Club Clio Korean Beauty Brand New York USA opening

America, Beauty, Blogging, Events, Fashion, Korea, New York, Society, Style

Hello from New York! I actually vlogged about the Club Clio Union Square New York reopening first so apologies if this blog is a tad late :D Anyhoo, I was invited to check out the grand reopening of the Club Clio USA Union Square New York branch late last year. It was an invitation I simply cannot turn down! For one, I absolutely love Korean stuff. They're high quality, very cute, fun and definitely value-for-money. Secondly, I have visited Korea and needless to say, I fell in love! It's a beautiful, modern country with amazing food, friendly people and rich culture. Check out my Mindanaoan In Korea travel series. Thirdly, it's a beauty event invitation for me as a blogger in New York! Enough said ;) Anyways, for the uninitiated, Club Clio is a very popular Korean cosmetics line, repres...

Dec172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Huck / Guillermo Diaz of Scandal

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

Fellow "Scandal" fans - I'm here to make you jealous :P I met someone pretty awesome recently - Guillermo Diaz, the actor who plays “Huck” on the American political thriller TV series “Scandal.” Yes, THAT Huck. The controversial, dark (most of the time) but sweet (at times) Huck we have all come to love. I absolutely love this series! Basically, it evolves around Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) and her crisis management firm. Since I personally do PR (I’ve been doing this for many, many years!), I am quite fascinated with “Scandal.” Anyway, going back to Guillermo Diaz - he was very friendly, smiling and charming, truth be told. A whole lot different from the character that he plays. And to make matters more fascinating, Guillermo is proudly gay in real life so you could jus...

Dec132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to Save Money While Planning a Visit to the Top Vacation Destinations of 2018

America, Society, Travel, United States of America

If dedicating more time to travel in 2018 is topping your list of New Year’s resolutions, this is the year to finally stick to your plans. Whether you are a Filipino traveler traveling overseas or an American who wants to fly across the country to cross a few popular landmarks or destinations off your bucket list, a variety of uncommon adventures are waiting for you. Planning a trip like this can be challenging, especially when it comes to saving money; however, there are ways to save, from finding affordable airfare to finding discounts on hotels and destination restaurants. Make It a Group Adventure One way to offset the cost of traveling to a popular vacation spot during the upcoming year is to plan a group adventure. Splitting the cost of travel, airfare, and other expenses can h...

Dec132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Dermot Mulroney of “My Best Friend’s Wedding”

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, United States of America

I remember the first time I watched “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” That now iconic romantic comedy film made me cry, angry, laugh, irritated but, at the same time, hopeful. Hopeful that even though we don’t get what we want, there’s always a glimmer of hope and great possibilities. That there may be a reason why and that we should always look forward and be optimistic. In that classic movie, Julia Roberts’ character didn’t get her best friend in the end (played by the dashing Dermot Mulroney) but you know somehow that something brighter, possibly even way better, will happen and will come her way. Movie enthusiasts should carry that sense of hope when they catch the handsome Dermot as he stars on Hallmark Channel’s Hall of Fame holiday offering, “The Christmas Train.” Dermot plays a...

Nov162017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At Oyster Bay New York

America, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

A few weeks ago, I went with my New York City-based aunt to Oyster Bay. The easternmost of all the 3 towns in Nassau County, the Town of Oyster Bay is actually still a part of the New York metropolitan area. It's about an hour and a half away from NYC and is the only town in Nassau County that extends from the North Shore to the South Shore of Long Island. Unfortunately, I only had the chance to visit the Waterfront Center at the West End Ave of Oyster Bay. My aunt and her org-mates had a function at the main hall there and since I was only technically "sabit" (hehe), I just basically took my sweet time as well and laid on the grass beside the hall. Just as well - since I needed to just breathe, relax and enjoy the breeze. Anyway, we took the LIRR train to get to Oyster Bay. LIRR sch...

Nov122017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Grand Central Station New York – what to do, see, eat

America, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, United States of America

One of the popular New York tourist spots (and one of my favorite places in NYC to visit, take photos and people watch) is the Grand Central Station. Going to this station is definitely included in the "must-do while in New York City" lists. Grand Central Station is beautiful, has tons of history, majestic and, with over 21 million people visiting it every year, it is one of the largest, busiest train stations in the world. Several years ago, a friend and I took the train here to head to Pittsburgh. A few weeks ago, my aunt and I took the train from Grand Central Station to go apple picking at Dutchess County. And just last week, I accompanied a friend who took pre-nuptial photos of a couple at the Grand Central Terminal. This is where you go when you need to travel on the Metro Nort...

Oct242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Stay at these Palm Springs luxury villas during Coachella Festival and be cool

America, Hotels, Leisure, Travel, United States of America

Have you ever wanted to attend the famed Coachella Festival in California but tend to stop with all the planning when you feel dazed, confused, lost and disheartened when you simply cannot find houses for rent in Palm Springs? I know the feeling. I have a solution, too. Hear me out. These days, there’s a construction boom in this sunny and lovely Sonoran desert town of Palm Springs which was a favorite escape for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bob Hope and currently is for the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio, Robert Downey, Jr. and even former US President Barack Obama. And there’s reason for this. Palm Springs boasts of iconic mid-century architecture, hipster bars, great restaurants, lavish Hollywood history and of course, it’s the home of the famous and always well-attend...