Blogging Archives - Page 4 of 19 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Dec102014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Be a part of the CDO Bloggers Christmas outreach project

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Technology

In 2011, the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers trekked to the city's farthest barangay. It's so far that it would take you 2 to 3 hours of land travel aboard a dump truck, with the possibility of sharing that ride with animals, vegetables and other produce and lots of other people. The dump truck transpo also only operates once a week. In other words, it can be quite an experience to travel to Besigan, Barangay Cadayunan, CDO, where there's no electricity, no paved roads, lots of school children who barely have school supplies and families who would most likely be very thrilled to receive Noche Buena packs this Christmas. Would you like to be a Santa Claus this year and help out? We can bring your gifts for them on your behalf. Mindanaoan (who is currently the Vice President for External Affairs ...

Nov252014 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

How to continue helping Typhoon Sendong survivors

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Society, Style

Any project that can help Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) survivors always interest me. You see, my family and I were also victims of the typhoon. We faced business losses, yes, but all of us were safe and still had so much to be thankful for. That was the reason why my family and I launched donation drives and relief goods distribution. That was also when I experienced first hand the power of social media. Because of my social media posts, lots of help came in from all over the world (not to mention lots of interview requests from national and international media outlets including BBC and CNN!) and our humble garage became a makeshift donation area, where people can leave donations, where volunteers can come repack and even join us when we distribute the items to various areas...

Nov242014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join this CDO Bloggers-led blogging and social media workshop

Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Technology

Blogging has truly evolved. From just sharing your personal thoughts on your online diary or journal, blogging has now turned into a very viable communication medium and even an opportunity to earn money. More and more people (and businesses) now want to learn how to start a blog and how to maximize the power of social media. Now if you're interested to join the blogging world, the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers, Inc. will hold a workshop on November 29, 2014, 2 to 5 PM at Jia Cha Cafe, Ground Floor, Divisoria Arcade, Pabayo - T. Neri Streets. This is the perfect time for you to learn how to start your very own blog and maximize the power of social media! Register now at the official CDO Bloggers website. Please note that a very minimal fee of Php 200.00 will be collected to cover snacks an...

Nov122014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Join the 2nd GDays Google Days event in Northern Mindanao

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Events, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Technology

Are you a budding or existing entrepreneur? Did you know that you can actually use Google's technologies to help start or boost your business? And did you know that you can learn how you can do just that FOR FREE? Join GDays 2014 on November 23, 2014 in Cagayan de Oro City! Be one of the early registrants. REGISTER NOW! Mindanaoan.com is the Google Business Group - Women CDO lead convenor :) Want to know what happened during the first GDays? Read THIS See you at the 2nd GDays Google Days Cagayan de Oro!

Oct272014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

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...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Cheonggyecheon Stream

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel

After visiting Deoksugung Palace and witnessing the changing of the royal guards ceremony, my brother and I then proceeded to Cheonggyecheong Stream, an 8.4 kilometer long stream that flows west to east through downtown Seoul. What used to be a neglected overpass in the 70's was restored as a massive urban renewal project worth $900 Million in 2005 and is now one of the popular tourist destinations in Seoul, South Korea. Actually, even locals love hanging out here as well. From Deoksugung Palace, we walked for about 250 meters to Cheonggyecheong Stream. If you're at Deoksugung Palace facing the Seoul City Hall, Cheonggyecheong Stream is on your left. Just go straight and look for Chongye Plaza or this cone/shell sculpture. This signifies that you're at the mouth of the stream :) ...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Deoksugung Palace changing of guards

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Seoul, Travel

Since we arrived late in the evening in Seoul, Korea, my brother and I decided to start the first day of our Korea escapade a little late as well. First order of the day was go to the nearest subway station and buy a T-Money card. As I mentioned in my earlier Seoul, Korea travel tips post, T-Money is a "reloadable" card that you can use to buy subway tickets, bus fares or even to buy stuff at convenience stores. After buying our T-Money card, we took the train to go to Deoksugung Palace, one of the "5 Grand Palaces" built by the kings of Joseon Dynasty. How to get to Deoksugung Palace: Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 2 to reach City Hall Station. Take Exit 2. You will see scenes like these: Walk for about 100 meters to your left. A good landmark is a Dunkin' Donuts store (th...

Oct202014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

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...

Oct92014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Seoul travel tips

Blogging, Entertainment, Features, Flights, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Seoul, Shopping, Society, Tourism, Travel

So before I really get down to business with my Mindanaoan in Korea travel series, please allow me to share a few travel tips and tricks that you may find helpful when you travel to Seoul, Korea. I like to be well-prepared whenever I travel and hopefully, these Seoul travel tips can help you, too. 1. Do you already have a valid visa for travel to Korea? Here's how I applied for a Korean tourist visa 2. Check the weather in Korea at the time of your trip. This way, you can bring proper clothes. 3. I suggest that you bring U.S. Dollars (instead of Philippine pesos) and have those changed to Korean won. The exchange rates at the Incheon International Airport are fair but I got the best exchange rates in Myeongdong, the famed shopping district in Seoul. Here's a handy tip: 1,000 KRW i...

Oct92014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Save money shopping online at Nordstrom with these promo coupons

Blogging, Shopping

Back in 2012, when I had the privilege to visit the United States of America under the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, one of the states we went to was Portland. It was a lovely city! It felt like home, truth be told. It had a thriving art and music scene, great food choices and lots of nice, quiet places to hang out in. Fortunately, it wasn’t all just business for me in Portland. I also had the chance to check out the malls including the iconic Lloyd Center, which houses a Nordstrom store. Nordstrom is an American upscale fashion retailer, founded by John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin. I remember on my last day in Portland, I shopped at Nordstrom and was able to buy branded shoes and tops - all at discounted prices! Back then, I wished there was a way for me...

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan in Korea travel series: itinerary, tips and more

Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Features, Flights, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Style, Tourism, Travel

I have been traveling a lot the past few weeks! One of my recent foreign travel destinations was KOREA :) It was my very first time (and most definitely not the last!) to visit the world's only divided country and my brother (who was my travel companion) and I had the most amazing time! We stayed for a little over a week - just the perfect number of days to explore Seoul, Nami Island and a bit of North Korea (yessir!) I can't wait to share with you more details about our Korea trip! Please follow my humble Mindanaoan in Korea travel series by CLICKING ON THIS FEED and bookmarking/saving the pages :) You may also want to take a look at some of my photos on Instagram. I will share budget travel tips, very helpful travel apps, recommended hostel in Seoul, delicious Korea food finds, videos...

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Always call a criminal attorney for a DUI

Blogging

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you should always consult with a criminal attorney. Many people equate a DUI with a traffic ticket or a misdemeanor that results in a fine, but make no mistake, when charged with a DUI, you are being charged with a serious crime, and the consequences are serious as well. Not having an attorney is a mistake If you have been drinking while driving, it is possible to be punished for the crime in a way that is far worse than many others would have been punished. The reason for this is not having any legal representation. People who are pulled over in their car under the suspicion of driving under the influence will often think of themselves as being stupid, especially if they have not been drinking excessively. They confess to ever...

Jul172014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Islands Souvenirs CDO Centrio grand launch set

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society

Following the launch of its Limketkai Mall branch, Islands Souvenirs CDO is now ready to launch its new store at Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City on July 19, 2014, 4PM at the Centrio Activity Center. Along with the opening of the new store, Islands Souvenirs will also formally introduce to the public the "I Heart CDO" campaign which focuses on promoting the city and tourism as well as the brand ambassadors of the said campaign. The July 19, 2014 launch event will kick off with a special Fashion Show that will put the brand’s bestselling shirts under the spotlight. The show will feature the city’s hottest models dressed in different Islands Souvenirs shirts and looks from casual to glam, sports to street and everything in between. The "I Heart CDO" campaign as well as the ...

Jul32014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

First CDO Startup Weekend Set

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Contests, Education, Internet, Technology

Cagayan de Oro will play host to its first ever Startup Weekend on July 11, 12, and 13, 2014 at Capitol University. Startup Weekend is like a crash course in creating a business. For 54 hours, managers, developers, designers, leaders, product managers, students, and anyone with entrepreneurial goals will gather in one venue to pitch ideas, form teams, and develop and launch startups. The 3-day event is open to both aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs. What Should Participants Expect in a Startup Weekend? The Startup Weekend is a concept-to-launch event that follows one model. On the first day, participants will be given time to pitch their ideas (usually 60 seconds or less) without visual aids or any other supporting material. Each participant is then given the opportunity to ...

Jun252014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan is an Islands Souvenirs I heart CDO brand ambassador

Advocacy, Beauty, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Fashion, Features, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update

As someone who has been very contented working behind the scenes for more than a decade, to ever be offered the opportunity to model and help endorse something is the farthest on my mind. Never have I thought that a brand - a very well-known one at that - would even consider me to be one of their brand ambassadors. So you could just imagine how honored I felt when Islands Souvenirs, through their head honcho Jay Aldeguer (one of the very few people I truly admire!), chose me as one of their "I heart CDO" Islands Souvenirs brand ambassadors. It was something I could never say no to. I mean, really --- apart from the fact that it was THE Jay Aldeguer who asked me, I also truly believe in the Islands Souvenirs brand. I am a fan of their advocacies - which are to revolutionize souvenir ...

May222014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Video: Jay Durias congratulates me for winning 2013 Mindanao Blogger of the Year

Blogging, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Society, Technology

Being a huge fan of South Border and Jay Durias, this brief but cute video of Jay congratulating me for winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger of the Year award means a lot to me! I've been friends with South Border for more than 10 years now and to this day, I still get really kilig whenever I get messages like these or when I watch them perform onstage (never mind if it's a big concert or a bar gig - I still scream like a crazy fan girl each and every time!) Check out this video of Jay. Those are Vince Alaras and new South Border saxophonist Edward Picache at the back :D Thank you so much South Border - love you guys! You might also like to subscribe to the Mindanaoan YouTube Channel :) I have LOTS of exclusive videos there!

Feb182014 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Why you should visit Tsinoy’s Pares and Mami House CDO

ARMM, Banks, Beauty, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Consumer, Dipolog, Fashion, Features, Food, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Resorts, Reviews

I love Filipino food. I love Chinese food. Sometimes I crave for a little bit of both and then want something interesting that I don't get to try everyday. Did that confuse you? Let me put it this way - don't we have days when we just want both Chinese and Filipino food - and then maybe something that could remind us of our memorable Asian trips - all in one table? Good thing Michelle of Tsinoy's Pares and Mami House CDO recently invited me, my mom and Emma to try out their fare. It was the perfect way to satisfy cravings! Nestled at Tiano - Mabini Streets, Cagayan de Oro, Tsinoy's CDO is a 7-month old restaurant that's fast gaining fans and loyal customers. Of course, judging by their establishment's name alone, we know that they serve Chinese and Filipino food. However, Tsinoy'...

Feb132014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Got invited to speak at the Malaysia Social Media Summit 2014

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Events, Internet, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Society, Technology

Very excited to share that I will be in Malaysia in a few days for the 2014 Malaysia Social Media Week! I will be one of the speakers during the World Bloggers and Social Media Summit at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 24 to March 1, 2014. It's truly a huge honor and opportunity and I am looking forward to meeting the other speakers from all over the world. I will be one of the only two speakers from the Philippines (the other one is Anton Diaz, the very amiable guy behind the popular Our Awesome Planet :) ) With the theme "Engage, Educate and Entertain," the 2014 Malaysia Social Media Summit, organized by the Malaysia Social Media Chambers, aims to reflect the "role of social media as a catalyst in stirring the cultural, political, economic and s...

Dec302013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Mindanaoan.com wins at CDO Bloggers Awards 2013

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Education, Events, Features, Internet, Make Money Online, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

The year 2013 has truly been a good year for me, especially in terms of my passion for blogging and social media. Aside from being tapped as a resource speaker during social media day, national social media summits, Google events like GDayX and the like, I also garnered some awards. Last October 2013, this Mindanao blogger bagged not only the Best Lifestyle Blog award but the most coveted Mindanao Blogger of the Year 2013 recognition! And just last night, December 29, 2013, luck was again on my side. During the CDO Bloggers Awards 2013, I received two awards including the Most Active CDO Bloggers Member of the Year plaque! Thank you very much to my CDO Bloggers family! Truly honored and grateful! Daghang salamat :)

Dec152013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Travel: New way to explore Davao and Samal Island beaches

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Features, Island Garden City of Samal, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Tourism, Travel

One of the many joys of living in Davao City is that it is just several minutes away (a 15-minute ferry ride away, in fact) from Samal Island (Island Garden City of Samal or IGACOS), home of white sand beaches, great resorts, clear water, healthy marine life and dive spots. A lot of tourists usually go to just one resort in Samal Island but did you know that there's now a new, fun way to explore Davao and the beaches around Samal? Why not go island hopping aboard Explore Davao? Explore Davao is an outrigger boat (bangka) complete with an expanded sun deck, bean bags, iPod dock and a cooler. Explore Davao island hopping banca even has its own comfort room and a nifty trapdoor! To show you just how comfortable Davao island hopping aboard Explore Davao is, here are my cool friends an...

Nov282013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Buy a #BangonPilipinas shirt and help typhoon Haiyan victims

Advocacy, Blogging, Cebu City, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Headline, Society, Style, Visayas

If you've been following me on Twitter or Facebook (I hope you are :) I would love to connect with you there!), you'd know that I just came back from a 6-day trip to the Visayas. I flew to Cebu City first. My trip was mainly because I wanted to volunteer in various Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) relief/donation efforts and to turnover some cash donations that I received. I will share more about that trip in succeeding blog posts. In the meantime, please allow me to share a great fundraising drive that I hope you will also support :) The Islands Group, the company that runs Islands Souvenirs and Islands Pasalubong outlets, has released special #BangonPilipinas shirts. What's so special about these t-shirts? ALL OF THE PROCEEDS of these Bangon Pilipinas t-shirts will be dona...

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins Best Lifestyle Blog in 2013 Mindanao Blog Awards

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Society, Technology, United States of America

My lucky stars truly shone on me during the recently concluded Mindanao Blog Awards 2013. Apart from bagging the Mindanao Blogger of the Year award, Mindanaoan.com also won the Best Lifestyle Blog award :) Thank you so much, daghang salamat to all of my fellow Mindanao bloggers who nominated and voted for me and to all of the judges as well. I am really grateful for this recognition! Such an honor, such an honor. I remember when I won the Best Lifestyle Blog award in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and became a national finalist in the 2011 PBA. Those citations truly inspired me to help more people understand the power of blogging and social media. In just a span of 2 years, I have organized a bloggers group, organized some blogging and mapping workshops, traveled to several a...