Sunday, November 10Multi-awarded Filipina blogger, ocial media specialist, publicist and content creator
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Helping Mindanao electric cooperatives navigate social media, address online bashing and crisis and foster community engagement

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...
Globe Telecom, Hineleban Foundation lead “Rainforestation” and livelihood program for IPs in Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur

Globe Telecom, Hineleban Foundation lead “Rainforestation” and livelihood program for IPs in Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur

Advocacy, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Bukidnon, Business, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Videos
A "rainforestation" program for the 6 mountain ranges in Mindanao as well as livelihood opportunities for indigenous people in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur are underway. Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom is set to donate roughly Php 1.4 Million to Hineleban Foundation. Globe, represented by its SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto, inked an agreement with the foundation together with its thousands of Globe MyLifestyle iPhone 7 customers for a 5-year "rainforestation program," composed of 3 key components, namely: reforestation, sustainable livelihood development and food security. Through Globe’s MyLifestyle Plan which starts at P2,599, clients have the option to contribute in the reforestation of denuded forests, particularly in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinc...
LAPIS Para Sa Lumad

LAPIS Para Sa Lumad

Advocacy, Arts, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Manila, Mindanaoan Artists, Music
I am always in awe of Filipino musicians who continue to write meaningful, socially relevant songs. Songs that some may consider "unpopular" but are the very ones that we all need to hear. Songs about human rights, just wages, land reform, proper governance, freedom of speech. Songs that remind us of our responsibilities as citizens. Songs that beseech justice and even anger. I was able to watch some of these talented Filipino musicians - all part of the League of Authors of Public Interest Songs (LAPIS) - as they performed in a show for the benefit of the Lumads (indigenous peoples) in Mindanao. The show, dubbed "LAPIS para sa Lumad," also called for awareness and participation in the fight against the attacks on Lumads and their ancestral domains. Among the performers that night we...
Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities

Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities

Arts, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Culture, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel
The King of Festivals is here once again! Kadayawan Festival 2015 or the 30th Kadayawan sa Dabaw will be held in Davao City from August 17 to 23, 2015. Kadayawan Festival is Davao City's grandest and most colorful celebration that highlights Davao tribes' culture, tradition and everyday lives. Kadayawan is also where we all thank the good Lord for bountiful harvests! :) Here's the Kadayawan 2015 schedule of activities (please feel free to SHARE!): It's also a special non-working holiday in Davao City on August 24, 2015 so plan your trip well! Happy Kadayawan Festival! See you in the streets! :)

Wao-Maramag road project to be completed by 2016

Announcements, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Bukidnon, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Government, Headline, Lanao del Sur, Travel
A 53-kilometer, Php 485 Million road project stretching from the municipalities of Molundo, Maguing, Bumbaran and Wao, Lanao del Sur, to the municipality of Maramag, Bukidnon is seen to be completed by 2016. Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong, Jr., who lobbied for the completion of this Wao to Maramag road project to President Benigno Aquino III, was quoted as saying that he is "hopeful that the project shall be fully completed by 2016." Adiong said that the said road is expected to enhance business, fair trade and livelihood between Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon, which are both known to be rich in agricultural lands and farms. “Farmers and buyers shall benefit as crops can be sold and bought at cheaper prices,” he added. Currently, 12 out of the 53-kilometer road are...
Thoughts on that peace process forum invitation

Thoughts on that peace process forum invitation

Advocacy, ARMM, Basilan, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Society
Sometimes it fascinates me how certain people especially those who advocate sensitive causes seem to downplay bloggers. These people tend to think that "just because" you write about food, fashion and lifestyle, you don't "contribute" to relevant, important conversations. I think they have this misconception that "just because" bloggers like us hardly write about politics and news and current affairs, we don't at least try to do our part in nation building. Take the case of an invitation sent to me and my fellow bloggers here in Northern Mindanao. This was for a supposed "peace forum" from 8:30 am to 12 noon. "Looking for young lifestyle bloggers, bloggers in general, opinion shapers and writers who want to deploy your skills and influence for the peace process in Mindanao. This is an ...

Mindanaoan shines at ADB project management training in Malaysia

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Mindanaoan Update
A Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) development management officer was recently cited for excellent performance in the “Regional Training on Project Management” for BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT held recently at the Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang, Malaysia. Gemma Dagaas received special recognition for ‘Best Project Proposal’ along with her five team members who presented during the training conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under its Advancing Regional Cooperation and Integration through the BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, while IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Area. The two sub-regional groupings were formed with the goals of promoting trade, investment, and ...
I Am Again A Newspaper Columnist

I Am Again A Newspaper Columnist

Announcements, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel
Very, very thrilled to share that I am (again) a newspaper columnist! Starting February 20, 2015, I will be one of the columnists at Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper. I have named my column "Mindanaoan Meets World" as I plan to write about lifestyle, music, a little bit of politics and showbiz and travel not only within the Philippines but around the world, too! My first stint as newspaper correspondent, columnist and part-time editor started way, way back. Like eons of light years ago haha! But life happened, I took a career detour and eventually, was already happy and contented to just work with the traditional media practitioners instead :) With this new development, though, I guess this is not only trying my hand again at writing for a daily newspaper but also my way of...
BIMP-EAGA trade fair and business gab clinch P8.9 billion in sales, investments

BIMP-EAGA trade fair and business gab clinch P8.9 billion in sales, investments

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Consumer, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News
As if to solidify my previous blog entry about the success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA international trade fair, I received word recently that the event actually cornered a total of Php 8.9 billion in sales and investments. Absolutely exciting news! According to event organizer Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the 2014 Brunei - Indonesia - Malaysia - Philippines international trade fair and business conference garnered more than 1,500 participants, cornered P6 billion worth of possible investments during the business-matching sessions, while initial reports from the Philippines and Malaysia indicate a total of 2.9 billion in booked sales from the international trade fair. Other countries that participated in the five-day event that attracted more than 25,000 local and int...
Success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA International Trade Fair #EAGAIMT2014

Success stories at the 2nd BIMP-EAGA International Trade Fair #EAGAIMT2014

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Culture, Davao City, Events, Features, Food, Government, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, News, Recipes, Society
Thanks to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), I was able to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Business Leaders' Conference last October 22 to 25, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang in Davao City, Philippines. I've always wanted to witness a BIMP-EAGA event and I'm glad that I finally had the opportunity to do so. BIMP-EAGA events are important international functions especially in terms of trade, investments, tourism and even each of the participating countries' roles in the upcoming ASEAN Integration. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT means Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. Now on its 20th year, the BIMP-EAGA is considered as a key strategy to accelerate social as well as...
Covering the BIMP-EAGA International Business Leaders Confab and Trade Fair

Covering the BIMP-EAGA International Business Leaders Confab and Trade Fair

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Events, Malaysia, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao
Very excited to share with you all that I have just been invited to cover the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT International Trade Fair and Conference in Davao City this October 22 to 25, 2014! This is a very important international event especially in terms of trade, investments and even tourism among ASEAN countries. I feel really very honored especially since I found out that I'm the only media practitioner (from both the traditional and new media/blogging sectors) from Northern Mindanao invited to cover this. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle. This highly anticipated event, which will be held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center, is expected to draw at least 800 busine...
Follow the #WonderfulMindaNOW hashtag and see the beauty of #Mindanao

Follow the #WonderfulMindaNOW hashtag and see the beauty of #Mindanao

Advocacy, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Consumer, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Television
Mindanao is truly the land of promise. Not only is Mindanao home to rich and diverse culture and traditions, it is also home to so many tourist spots, cool establishments, delicious food and truly amazing, friendly people. In fact, I shared a couple of photos that I felt depicted the awesomeness of Mindanao via my social networking accounts. Did you see them? Here are my social networking accounts: Instagram Twitter Facebook Google Plus Just in case you didn't see all of the photos I took all around Mindanao, though, there's an easier way for you to track them. Just follow the hashtag #WonderfulMindaNOW! And do you know what makes it easy for you to follow the hashtag? With Globe's GOUNLI20PLUS promo, you can be connected anytime, anywhere for only Php 20 a day! You a...
Must-do in Sarangani: White Water Tubing

Must-do in Sarangani: White Water Tubing

BIMP-EAGA, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Tourism, Travel
One of the things you MUST do when you're in Sarangani, Mindanao, Philippines - white water tubing. No Sarangani adventure will ever be complete if you don't try white water tubing. It's a fun extreme adventure experience like no other! Now let me make something clear first. If you've tried white water rafting and you think that white water tubing is almost like it, you're wrong. Personally, they offer different kinds of thrill. First off, you ride in rubber boats for river rafting. In water tubing, however, you sit on recycled rubber tubes ("salbabida") with fashioned "handles." You need to grip the handles really well so you don't fall into the water, get swallowed by the rapids or hit the boulders. Okay, I hope that didn't scare you :D Truth be told, tubing might look scary at first ...
Re-visiting Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia @TourismMalaysia

Re-visiting Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia @TourismMalaysia

BIMP-EAGA, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel
Whenever I'm in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I always seem to find myself at Batu Caves. The first time was with my mother and she and I were toured there (aboard a fancy Hummer, no less!) by a dear Malaysian friend, Zaiful Ibrahim. The second time was with my brother, cousins and a friend and again Zaiful was with us. We took a van at the time. Now during my most recent trip to Kuala Lumpur (to speak at the 2014 Malaysia Social Media Week), I again found myself at Batu Caves - this time with a co-speaker from the Philippines, Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet. He has never visited the place and upon my insisting, we took a taxi from his hotel in Bukit Bintang (cost was roughly RM 25) and reached Batu Caves in about 15 minutes on a humid afternoon. Located about 13 kilometers north of Kual...
Mindanaoan is 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year

Mindanaoan is 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, America, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, United States of America, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay
It still feels a bit surreal, truth be told. Winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year award and the Best Lifestyle Blog award during the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 held last October 26, 2013 in Davao City was the farthest thing from my mind. I was there to meet my blogger friends, have a good time, maybe drink a cocktail or two and cheer for other finalists. My mindset that night was (and I actually wrote this days before the finals): Win or lose, you are a champ. What's important is that you did your best in letting more people understand and appreciate the power of social media and blogging in sparking more conversations, making better communities and harnessing better understanding. Social good, folks. Only the good. So when my name was called, you could just imagine my shock. Yup...
Kagay-an CDO Fiesta 2013 schedule of events

Kagay-an CDO Fiesta 2013 schedule of events

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Tourism
Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of activities. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar "Oca" Moreno has said that the 2013 CDO Fiesta will push through this year. This, despite the recent news about the bombing incident at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. The Kagay-an Festival 2013, which is celebrated in honor of patron Saint Augustine, will hold the theme "Higalaay: The Kagay-an Festival 2013." Higalaay means "friendly gathering/friendly atmosphere." Check out this Kagay-an Festival 2013 schedule of events: KUMBIRA: Aug 14-31, 2013 Limketkai Mall Atrium (Kumbira is a professional and student culinary show and live competition. It is the largest culinary event in Mindanao. Check out what happened during Kumbira 2012) GARDEN SHOW: August 15-31...
Speaking during Social Media Day 2013

Speaking during Social Media Day 2013

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Technology
I was invited to be the keynote speaker during a Social Media Day 2013 event held at SM City Cagayan de Oro last Sunday, June 30, 2013. The said Social Media Day or SMDay event was just one of the hundreds being celebrated all over the world that day. I immediately said yes, since this is part of my ongoing advocacy as IVLP alumnae. Social Media Day is an annual international event that recognizes the digital revolution happening around the world. It is a global celebration (in more than 487 cities) of the technological advancements that have given rise to the connected generation. The CDO Bloggers group invited me to speak about responsible social media as well as social media for social good. I also shared some tips on how to use social media to spread positive vibes, encourage vol...

Kadayawan Festival 2013 Davao City schedule of activities

BIMP-EAGA, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel
It's Kadayawan 2013 time, folks! Mindanao's king of festivals, Kadayawan Festival, is happening this August! The 2013 Kadayawan Festival in Davao City will once again showcase Davao's rich and diverse culture and tradition, thanksgiving of oneness with the Earth and bountiful harvest. The Kadayawan Festival 2013 will also provide the opportunity for the various indigenous tribes such as the Ata Manobo, Ubo Manobo, K’lata, Tagabawa, Matigsalog, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Sama and Kalagan to converge. The term "Kadayawan" comes from the Mandaya word "Madayaw" which means anything good, valuable, bountiful, beautiful. Kadayawan Festival 2013 Davao City Schedule of Activities Follow Mindanaoan on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and Instagram for updates. Kadayawan Festival 201...

New Laguindingan Airport Misamis Oriental – what to know, how to get there

Announcements, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Flights, Government, Headline, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis
Laguindingan Airport CDO - A lot of you have been asking me all about the new Laguindingan Airport Misamis Oriental that's set to open on June 15, 2013 via my Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus accounts (thank you for the trust!) and via this Laguindingan Airport article I wrote earlier. So I decided to pool all the infos that I know. I hope that this simple Laguindingan Airport travel blog entry can help you guys :) Please help spread this information by posting the link to this article on your social networking profiles - thank you very much! Repost this Laguindingan Airport tips article via Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus. First off, Laguindingan Airport is NOT within Cagayan de Oro City proper. So if you've been taking flights to and fro Lumbia Airport CDO, be ready to add at leas...

Clean low cost electricity in Philippines? Yes!

Advocacy, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, ARMM, Bacolod City, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Corporate, Cotabato, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Features, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City, Manila, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Politics, Sarangani, Sindangan, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay
I have so much respect for people and organizations that champion alternative sources of energy for clean and reliable electrical power production! Currently, we depend largely on hydropower plants. Some electric cooperatives also use several solar panels to augment their sources of energy (Cagayan de Oro’s CEPALCO has a solar panel area) and we all know about the Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte. But what about production of electricity without doing much harm to the environment? What about affordable electricity brought about by alternative-energy technologies? Gasification is a solution! Gasification is a process of converting organic or carbon-containing matter into synthetic gas or syngas which could be used to generate electricity. I’m particularly interested with this because ...

Exclusive: Rustan’s Fresh CDO, biggest in Philippines, to open May 17

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society
It's official, folks! Mindanaoan can exclusively CONFIRM that Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro will open on May 17, 2013! Rustan's Fresh CDO is Rustan's Supermarket's very first foray into Mindanao. And get this - Rustan's Fresh CDO is the BIGGEST in the entire Philippines! Roughly 4,100 sqm to boot! The soon-to-open Rustan's Fresh in Mindanao will be located at Ayala Centrio Mall. Just in case you're wondering why Mindanaoan.com can confirm this piece of great news --- it's because I'm part of this project :) Very honored and grateful to two lovely ladies J and V for the trust and confidence! Mindanaoan.com will post more exclusive updates on the opening of the biggest Rustan's store in the country. Watch out also for a store opening-related event! ;) Will share details in the ne...
Mindanao to Indonesia RORO vessel to start 2013

Mindanao to Indonesia RORO vessel to start 2013

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Davao City, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Tourism, Travel
Anybody else as excited as I am? Trips from Mindanao to Indonesia aren't exactly new (there are flights from Davao City to Manado, Indonesia) but I think this new service will be cheaper and more accessible to the public especially to traders. This RORO vessel from Mindanao to Indonesia will use the Davao to General Santos to Bitung route :) Read on. A Philippine roll-on, roll-off (RORO) vessel will start its service to Indonesia in the middle of the year, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said. The project, a first between two members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is expected to improve trade, tourism and connectivity between the Philippines and Indonesia, PCCI said in a statement. This is also said to be the country's first RORO service to an ...
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