Blogging Archives - Page 2 of 18 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

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...

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,...

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...

Jan232018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Apps that help me become more productive

Blogging, Internet, Technology

Hi, friends! Don’t look now but almost half of the first month of 2018 is over and done with! Wow! Time is really in a hurry, eh? Are you still feeling all the post-holiday stress? What about in terms of work and life balance - how are you doing in that department? If you’re like me, to earn a lot of money this 2018 is part of your grand plan. I have lots of plans this year and I’m pretty excited to apply all the things I’ve learned here in the US and see my strategies in action! But to do this I need to be more productive. If you also want the same thing, check out some of these productivity apps and extensions that I personally use. Strict Workflow This is a Google Chrome web browser extension. According to its developer, the Strict Workflow time management strategy is simple: w...

Jan82018 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

3 social media and business trends to look out for in 2018

Blogging, Business, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology, Videos

A few weeks ago, I mentioned here on my blog that I will be a part of the “Go Social: A Digital Marketing Tour Boot Camp.” The boot camp tour, a project of the Iligan Bloggers Society and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Manila, was held in Iligan, Cotabato, Cebu and Baguio. It helped hundreds of entrepreneurs learn how they can maximize the power of digital marketing to grow their micro, small, medium and social enterprises. Since I’m still here in the USA, I only sent a video message whereby I spoke about the future of digital marketing in the Philippines. I'm thinking of releasing that video soon --- maybe when I finally do a webinar on blogging, social media and earning online! What do you think? :) Tweet me if you want me to do that. Anyway, for this blog post, allow me to share so...

Nov92017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Will speak at #GoSocial: A #DigitalMarketing Tour Boot Camp”

Advocacy, Blogging, Internet, Society, Technology

Are you an entrepreneur? Do you want to learn how you can maximize the power of digital marketing to grow your micro, small, medium and social enterprise? My awesome Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. (IBS) friends have lovely news. Registration is still open for “Go Social: A Digital Marketing Tour Boot Camp,” a project of IBS, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines through its Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to learn all about digital marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, social media ad marketing, email marketing, influencer marketing and a whole lot more! These lessons will truly be beneficial for anybody who wants to incorporate online strategies in order to increase sales and leads, solidify brand recall, gather fans...

Sep252017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My Awesome New York Yankee Stadium Delta Sky360 Suite Experience

America, Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, Sports, Travel, United States of America

I may not be a huge baseball fan but I do understand the game and I am familiar with some of the previous and current baseball stars. I think it’s a thrilling game to watch and it’s an easy, fun way to spend several hours. So imagine my joy when I received free VIP passes to the Delta Sky360 Suite at the world-renowned Yankee Stadium here in New York, USA. Not only did the passes allow me to choose which home game to watch (my aunt and I chose the New York Yankees vs Seattle Mariners game last Aug. 26), they also allowed me to gain access to the “sosyal” area :D Claimed our passes at Gate 4 Suite ticket holders use a separate entrance (I told you it's "sosyal") and of course, a separate elevator. I forgot to take photos at the reception area (I was THAT excited). Th...

Aug222017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting a Hollywood celebrity crush: Jesse Metcalfe @jessemetcalfe

America, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America

I got pretty lucky a few days ago. I MET JESSE METCALFE!!! That's right - I met one of my Hollywood celebrity crushes, Jesse Metcalfe, on a beautiful, sunshiny day {insert googly eyes with, like, a million hearts haha} here in New York! I'm sure you know how this feels - to finally see in person that Hollywood guy you've only watched on TV or in the movies and you don't know what to do first - scream, tell your family and friends all about it, blog, take a video, post a Facebook status, tweet, take a selfie etc. Haha! :) So please forgive me if I sound like a high school girl today. Quick side note: I wrote a little teaser about me meeting him on my newspaper column on Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper Anyways, it happened last August 2, 2017 (yes, every minute det...

Mar312017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hello from New York!

America, Announcements, Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Personal, Travel, United States of America, Videos

Hello! I finally have the time to just sit down and blog! It's true - this surely is the city that never sleeps. I'm talking about New York City, USA! Yup, I'M BACKKK!!! Can you tell how excited I am? No? Maybe that's because I'm freaking freezing my a** off LOL :D I arrived here in New York about two days before a big blizzard. Just when I thought winter season was about to close and spring was about to come! I guess winter just wanted to leave with a bang, eh? Although it wasn't my first time to encounter snow, it was my first time to be in the middle of a raging blizzard. But deadma sa blizzard --- pose kung pose! :D Before I inundate you with my America-related blog posts, allow me to share with you my vlog about my flight from Cebu to Incheon (South Korea) and finally to ...

Mar212017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

IT’S BACK: S&R CDO Buy 1 Take 1 Mega Promo

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update

The first time was a huge success and hey, here's good news - S&R CDO is doing it again! If you missed out on all of the amazing products placed on sale last year, then please see to it that you don't miss this round. S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro is holding its Members' Treat from March 29 to April 2, 2017, 8 AM to 9 PM. In a nutshell - the S&R Cagayan de Oro Members' Treat is where you avail of BIG, BIG savings! That means buy 1 take 1 deals and awesome discounts of up to 50 percent! Time to stock up! There will be a lot of your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery, imported ice cream, frozen, fresh, produce, home items and bakery goods placed on sale. Just like the last time, I will also share with all of you insider tips and ...

Feb192017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Teaching blogging and social media 101 in Manolo Fortich

Blogging, Bukidnon, Campus, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Artists, Society

Last February 9, 2017, I was invited as a speaker on social media and blogging at the Northern Bukidnon Community College in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. I spoke before roughly 160 3rd year Elementary Education students. It was an extra special day, too, because I got to spend it with my Mama, who is an awarded blogger herself and whose introduction of me was so touching I think it pulled a lot of the students’ heartstrings! Anyway, I have to say - I have spoken in several events here and abroad but that NBCC seminar-workshop was something else. It had the most enthusiastic crowd. As soon as I started sharing my digital life journey, all pairs of eyes were on me and everyone looked very eager to learn. So eager that right there and then, a lot of them immediately registered their own blog ...

Nov22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I’m heading to Blogapalooza 2016

Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

I'm pretty stoked to be in Manila this weekend for Blogapalooza 2016! Blogapalooza is the Philippines' first and largest B2B: Business-to-Blogger networking and marketing event and this year, it will be held on November 5, 2016, 10 AM to 8 PM at Novotela Manila Araneta Center, Quezon City. Themed "Charting the Uncharted: Horizons 2.0," Blogapalooza 2016 is extra special this year because several representatives from Visayas and Mindanao blogging communities will also be in attendance. If you're a Filipino blogger, I highly recommend that you sign up for Blogapalooza. It's totally FREE! For business owners, you will also benefit from this event as it will allow you to connect to bloggers directly. You can increase your profit with the help of rich content from bloggers and you can ...

Sep52016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Got 4 hours in Cagayan de Oro? Join the Best Of CDO Food Tour

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Tourism

So okay, you're excited to fly to Cagayan de Oro and experience the sights and sounds of the city - from white water rafting to checking out a nice CDO wine shop that has a really awesome wine library to staying in a modern, spacious CDO hotel room near tourist spots, you feel you're super ready! You have your itinerary down pat and then you just realized - hey, wait a minute, kapeng mainit - you still have a few hours to spare! Worry not, folks! I have a great recommendation for you - why not join the Best of CDO Food Tour? It's a 4-hour, 4-restaurant dining experience I'm sure you'll enjoy bragging to your friends back home about! Get your appetite ready because the next few minutes will be eye candy and will cause your tummy to growl ;) See? I told you. This is sinuglaw and Caga...

Jul112016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The new Globe Telecom content partners – absolutely exciting!

Announcements, Blogging, Broadcasting, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Entertainment, Events, Features, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Movies, Music, Musings, News, Personalities, Society, Style, Technology, Television

A few days ago, Globe Telecom flew me to Manila (the only blogger from Mindanao!) to witness very special events – the Manila debut of the Tony Award-winning musical, “American Idiot,” (which they co-produced), the announcement of their new international content partners and the creation of Globe Studios and Globe Live (which are designed to produce original shows, exciting live events and engaging world-class content). And I must tell you – if you’re a Globe subscriber, there’s so much to look forward to! The hashtags used during the Globe event were #WWGX and #TheNextAttraction The hosts that day were Xian Lim and Coleen Garcia Aside from their partnerships with Spotify, HOOQ and NBA, Globe is also the first mobile and broadband Philippine ...

Jun192016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My tweet landed on Gizmodo

Blogging, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

A few days ago, a Twitter friend of mine tagged me in a tweet. I thought it was just an interesting article. Turns out it was an article published in one of the world's most popular, high traffic technology and design blog, Gizmodo --- and apparently I was in it! Well, technically, my tweet was :) My tweet got cited in an article about a recent gaffe committed by Facebook. You see, they greeted us Filipinos Happy Independence Day but the flag that came along with it was inverted. Highly unintentional, I'm sure, which was exactly why my tweet didn't sound angry or anything. I even professed my love for them hehe! Check out the full Gizmodo article where my tweet was included (1 of the only 2 tweets cited!) Thank you, Angela! :) Do follow me on Twitter - I love exchanging thou...

Jun132016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Calling all Vis-Min schools! Avail of this #DigitalThumbprint Program #WonderfulPH

Announcements, Blogging, Business, Campus, Education, Society, Technology

If there is one thing that the youth of today should really understand and take to heart, it is how they should act safely and responsibly online. I’m sure you’ve seen posts (or two!) by young ones these days that can really raise eyebrows, can disappoint friends and even break the hearts of their own parents and loved ones. It’s undeniable that the youth of today can act careless and can be reckless with their own digital footprints. That's why I'm really glad that Globe Telecom has joined forces with Optus and Singtel in launching Digital Thumbprint, an award winning program that teaches the youth to understand the impact of their online behavior and how to be safe and responsible for their online activities. The local campaign forms part of the digital nation roadmap created by Globe...

Jun52016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering Senator Migs Zubiri’s oathtaking ceremony

Advocacy, Blogging, Bukidnon, Events, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics, Society

What was supposed to be a self-imposed, much-needed vacation last June 4, 2016 in Bukidnon turned into a mini "working holiday" when my good friend Bobby of Rappler told me that he and other Cagayan de Oro media friends were in Malaybalay City to cover the oathtaking of returning Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri. Apparently, I've been living under a rock because I wasn't even aware that Sir Migs was taking his oath that day! Eep. Anyways, I knew I couldn't pass up that chance to witness Sir Migs as he takes his oath as comebacking Senator. Plus I would've missed this scene - Sir Migs as he personally checked his speech and made final touches: READ: Full text of Senator Migs Zubiri's oathtaking speech In 2007, I remember writing the banner headline story of him running for the...

May72016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Why Chiz Escudero is my Vice President

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

Chiz Escudero. I first saw him in Congress. He was the fast rising young representative of Sorsogon then. All eyes were on him. Him and his impossibly forever kunot polo barong. Kunot because he’s here, there, everywhere. I remember whenever I observe at the plenary hall, he often stands up, asks questions from the floor, consults other legislators. In my mind, ang kulit din ng kongresistang ito. He wasn’t like many congressmen who’d just sit and wait for their attendance to be called. Siyempre, crush na crush ko siya noon. Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Rotary Golden Wheel Awardee for Political Governance and Legislation and the list goes on and on. Saan ka pa? Young, very smart, articulate, took and passed the bar on the first try and cute...

Apr212016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Running For Office? How Social Media Can Help You Win

Announcements, Blogging, Commentary, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Politics, Society, Technology

The official campaign season for the May 9, 2016 presidential polls has finally begun! Soon, the local campaigns will also begin. Are you one of the candidates this 2016 elections? Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie candidate and whether you’re gunning for a national or local seat, you need to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. This includes learning and implementing popular yet often misused and under-utilized social media strategies. For this week’s column, please allow me to deviate from my usual travel-related topics and let me share some tips on how you can use social media to help you win a government seat. These are just some of the things I learned all throughout the years as a publicist, social media strategist and US government leadership program alumnae (where my trips a...