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

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 Irene4 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...

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...

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...

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...

Dec42020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

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...

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...

Nov12020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Free to register: premier cybersecurity conference set – DECODE PH 2020

Blogging, Business, Cebu City, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

A 3-day conference, which will feature various industry experts from different parts of the globe to speak about the latest developments in the cyber world, will be held on November 10 to 12, 2020 and here's the best news: it's FREE to register! DECODE, an annual conference organized by Trend Micro, Inc., a global leader in cybersecurity, aims to present an immense opportunity for IT professionals to network, learn and share knowledge among their peers. DECODE will have more than 40 virtual breakout sessions during the event’s three-day run and a panel discussion of threat experts, where participants learn about various latest global trends on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Protection and Privacy, Cybercrime and Incident Response, among others. The conference, wh...

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...

Oct112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Blogging and being an influencer amidst a pandemic

Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

This current global health crisis has definitely changed both influencer and blogging landscapes. For bloggers like myself, I had to face a number of challenges. Let me share a few. First off, because of limitations in terms of travel and movement, I can’t easily attend and cover events. That meant declining famtours or familiarization tours, launches, press conferences, hotel stays etc. I miss those terribly, especially since I love to travel and discover new things. Additionally, we all have to be extra careful in all of our actions - from proper handwashing to wearing face masks and face shields to social distancing. Secondly, it has also been a challenge to produce content. It isn’t only because of lack of events and travel restrictions. It’s primarily also because we’...

Sep282020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Wild week with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Travel, Videos

So I just had a realization. After taking the Ford Ranger Raptor for a spin a few weeks ago, I realized that I LOVE driving pick-up trucks! The Ford Raptor, for instance, is huge but oh what a joy it is to drive! This love for pick-up vehicles was again solidified when I had a fun, wild week with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak (yasss)! Don’t you just love how versatile it looks? The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a workhorse for sure (built for tough!) but you can also easily take it to easy breezy picnics, to the beach and to the mountains for memorable hang-outs with family and relatives at a cozy cabin (which I did!). Muscular yet feminine. Does that make sense? I brought the Ford Ranger Wildtrak to so many places around Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon (Malaybalay City and Dahilayan...

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...

Aug112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Day trip idea: Fortune Valley and Manalog Falls in Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

During this pandemic, I've been spending more of my time in Bukidnon. This beautiful province is located in Central Mindanao and is recognized as the food basket of Mindanao. I love the absolutely chill vibe of this place and here, I can truly rest, read, do passion projects, do what I like and at the kind of pace I want. It also helps that the prices here are still way cheaper compared to those in the city. The closest city, by the way, is Cagayan de Oro. Anyway, I've been going on road trips as of late and now, my relatives and I are thinking of probably trekking or exploring the mountains and rivers. A Malaybalay resident by the name of Enrico Asentista inspired me to do a day trip in Malaybalay. I didn't even know about these two places! The good news is that these are just very ne...

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 ...

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...

May242020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Get paid using your phone | Negosyo app lets you receive online, QR payments

Blogging, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

As more and more businesses turn to digital means in order to cope with the current pandemic, the need for innovative mobile payment measures is also on the rise. Good thing our friends over at PayMaya know how to help entrepreneurs and they even make it extra easy! PayMaya recently unveiled its latest mobile payment innovation - the all-new PayMaya Negosyo app. This app allows merchants - from our kapitbahay who just started selling kakanin to small business owners and even to the veteran trade bigwigs - to easily and quickly accept online payments and payments via QR code within just 1 to 2 days. If you ask me, this is absolutely helpful because not only do customers prefer easy, convenient and online ways to pay for purchases, contactless payments are now highly encouraged, give...

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...

Dec22019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Seda Hotel CDO Christmas Tree Lighting and Centrio Mall Lights and Sounds Show

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Videos

Don't you just love how hotels are dressed up during the holidays? What for the majority of the year are just lodging places, business travel pitstops or staycation venues for many of us, turn into bright, colorful, shiny, shimmering, splendid (!!!) "extensions" of our homes during Christmas. I just LOVE staying at hotels during Christmas and New Year! There's just something magical when you visit certain hotels during the holidays, don't you think? :) Seda Hotel Centrio CDO (book your room here) is no exception this year. This well-loved Cagayan de Oro hotel (which I helped launch in 2012, by the way!) held a lighting ceremony of their Christmas tree and it was such an oh-so-lovely event! Complete with great food, ballet dancers, fun music, chorale and lots of familiar, friendly faces...

Dec72018 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

3 Ways To Make A Living While Traveling The World

Blogging, Internet, Travel

Being stuck in one place, doing the same menial job day in and day out is so last century. With the advent of the internet, an entirely new market has emerged in the last two decades. No longer are the perspective and entrepreneurial-minded stuck in a specific demographic, there is freedom in working remotely, or even starting your own online business, blog, website, etc. Frankly, one is only limited by their imagination and their resources. With cheap airfare, a solid internet connection, and a decent laptop, the world is now your office. To give you an idea of where to start, let’s talk about some ways to work from anywhere in the world. 1 - Freelance Work and the Gig Economy Often, the hardest part of working remotely is getting started. People may ask “How can I find work ...

Nov222018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The fun Cirque de Globe CDO Globe Telecom party and my very special prize

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Technology

I haven't written about it yet (although if you do follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you'd have an idea) but, yes, I went home to the Philippines for about 3 weeks. It was a long-awaited, much-needed trip not only because I had to have my new US work visa stamped on my passport (let me know in the comments section if you want me to write about this, by the way!) but also because I have deeply missed my family, relatives, friends, clients (YASSS) and fellow bloggers! My trip was apparently very timely. Globe Telecom wanted to hold their media and bloggers appreciation party pretty early this year (they usually send out invitations either end of November or December) and the date fell on one of my "relax/chill" days. The theme of the party was "circus" and there was supposed to...