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

May282023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Trying out Lampara Poblacion with Norby David

Features, Food, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

Lampara is a neo-Filipino bistro located in Poblacion, Makati. As the name suggests, Lampara (“lamp” in Filipino) aims to “shine light” on contemporary Filipino cuisine. Lampara Poblacion Makati features a variety of Filipino dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant is housed in a two-storey building with modern and industrial interiors, with walls adorned with graffiti-style artwork and with mixed-and-matched chairs and some tables made from reclaimed wood. Lampara has a large outdoor patio that's perfect for al fresco dining. That's where Norbs and I sat and enjoyed some of Lampara's small plates. For new readers of this humble blog, Norbs is Norby David, with whom I just marked a decade-long friendship with. I first met Norby in 2013 during a San Miguel Beer-sponsored concert...

May192023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

POPS Buffet at SM CDO Downtown now offers expanded menu, now with new Asian flavors

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Society

POPS Buffet a.k.a. POPS All Filipino Eatery, the most preferred and most affordable eat-and-drink-all-you-can restaurant inside a mall in Cagayan de Oro (SM CDO Downtown Premiere) now offers an expanded menu that includes new Asian flavors! Aside from their staples, POPS Buffet now adds Asian treats such as bulgogi, gyudon, mafo tofu, pad thai, Vietnamese spring roll and more. I highly recommend that you call them beforehand to check which Asian flavors they will have on the day that you plan to visit. Check out the photos I took during a recent visit to POPS Buffet at SM CDO Downtown Premiere: The buffet is available everyday during mall hours. Please call 0917 873 0800 for inquiries and/or table reservations. POPS All Filipino Eatery is a homeg...

May42023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Get your tissues ready: Ate Alma’s story will pull your heartstrings

Advocacy, Features, Internet, Society, Technology

This is a story of camaraderie and community...and, personally, lots of pure love towards our fellow brothers and sisters. You see, while it's true that technology makes life easier, another one of its advantages is that it helps continue to strengthen connections and foster relationships. Take the case of Ate Alma, a photocopy operator in a university and a family breadwinner, who lost her home due to typhoon flooding. Her story, which I guarantee will definitely pull your heartstrings, was featured in a short film directed by no less than Antoinette Jadaone. Ate Alma's story was included among the tearjerking, heartwarming #GCashStories that prove just how technology not only makes daily transactions easier, but also provides an accessible way to genuinely lend a helping hand. Mo...

Apr62023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins at Globe Media Excellence Awards GMEA 10

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Headline, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Social Media, Society, Technology

I WON! I am so proud and honored to share that Mindanaoan.com won the award for Digital Storytelling: Best Blog Post during the milestone year of the Globe Media Excellence Awards! On March 31, 2023 in Cebu City, the Globe Group named the winners of GMEA @10, which honors exceptional reporting across platforms in both Visayas and Mindanao. In its milestone year, GMEA embraced the theme #OneDigitalNation, which celebrated stories that captured the impact of Globe-led innovations that uplift lives with compassion, care, and kindness. For the Best Blog Post award, Maria Irene Aserios a.k.a. Mindanaoan won! Days before the awarding ceremony, Globe announced the list of finalists. I was one of the 3 finalists for Best Blog Post (Mindanao). And then last March 31 in Cebu, I was decla...

Mar222023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

GCash now in the United States, enables Filipinos to sign up with US numbers

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Korea, Malaysia, New York, Singapore, Society, Technology, United States of America

GCash Overseas has officially landed in the United States, allowing the first 1,000 Filipinos there to sign up for the Philippines’ number one financial app by using their US mobile numbers. This is definitely good news especially for those who frequently send money back home. Filipinos in the US can begin signing up for GCash regardless of their SIM cards and start supporting their families back home by sending money for FREE (GCash to GCash), paying bills, and buying them prepaid load credits. GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon said that they are also preparing for a full launch later this year. Earlier this month, GCash received the green light from the BSP to start the initial launch of its overseas service which allowed Filipinos in Japan, Australia, and Italy to use GCas...

Feb232023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Coca-Cola has this program that allows collection and recycling of plastic bottles during fiestas

Advocacy, Cebu City, Features, Mindanaoan Update

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of the company in the country, activated Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo! pop-up booths in Cebu and Iloilo and collected over 400 kilograms of post-consumer clear PET plastic bottles, toward helping hold waste-free festival celebrations. Tapon to Ipon is Coca Cola's nationwide collection program for post-consumer PET plastic bottles, with bottles from any brand accepted as long as they are clear. The company deployed pop-up booths at the Sinulog and Dinagyang Festivals. “We maximize every opportunity to bring Tapon to Ipon to more communities across the Philippines. We bring our Tapon to Ipon program where we can and integrate them with our selling activities. As our consumers enjoy our refreshing beverages and cele...

Feb12023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Now open: POPS Seaside in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental

Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

POPS All Filipino Eatery, known for their eat-and-drink-all-you-can offers at affordable prices, has opened their 5th branch. This time, in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, just across the Asia Brewery, Inc. El Salvador plant. It's a great pitstop if you're heading to the Laguindingan Airport or if you just like to chill in a place at the outskirts of CDO and enjoy the sea breeze! For now, they don't offer buffets at the El Salvador branch but who knows, they might do so soon! So please follow their page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/popsseasideelsalvador You can also visit their page to see their menu (I highly recommend you try the seafood boil!) In front of Asia Brewery, Inc. El Salvador plant Operating hours: 10 AM to 10 PM Please call (0917) 716 7200 for inquir...

Jan312023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

They’re back! What to eat at Del Monte Golf Clubhouse Bukidnon (menu inside)

Bukidnon, Business, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Tourism

The Del Monte Golf Clubhouse in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines is a golf club that is located within the vast Del Monte Pineapple Plantation. It was built in the 1950s and has served as a center of social and recreational activities for the employees and guests of Del Monte Philippines, Inc. During the pandemic, they operated but only offered takeouts. These days, they've reopened with fresher interiors and menu. Are you planning to visit this famed Bukidnon tourist spot? Read on and don't forget to share this with your friends, family and colleagues! My family and I often visit this place before the pandemic. We often ordered the delicious and generously portioned steaks (which are infamous for being derived from pineapple-fed cattle). This time, however, my Mom and I or...

Jan162023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Schedule: Kaamulan Festival 2023 in Bukidnon (only authentic ethnic fest in the Philippines)

Bukidnon, Events, Features, Festivals, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the Province of Bukidnon's 7 hill tribes. A former Tourism Secretary called it the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines and I must say, there's nothing like it! It's colorful, vibrant, loud, warm, heartwarming and just full of energy, culture and tradition. This year, the Kaamulan Festival 2023 is happening! The Bukidnon festival was suspended for 2 years during the pandemic. The Kaamulan Festival 2022 happened but it was toned down to just a few events. Hopefully, this Kaamulan 2023, the festivities will be back in full force and everyone can really feel the vibrancy of this amazing ethnic festival. The Kaamulan Festival is a yearly gathering of the Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Higaonon, Manolo, Matigsalug, Umayamnun and Bukidno...

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 Irene5 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...

Nov202022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

REVIEW: Testing the narzo 50i prime super affordable smartphone during a flight

Features, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Technology

Does the narzo brand sound a little new to you? I can't blame you. The narzo brand is a new, standalone brand (officially launched in the Philippines just last July 2022!) borne out of the realme ecosystem. However, trust me, narzo is fast (and I mean FAST) gaining fans not only because of their really affordable price points but also because the smartphones are, hands down, value for money. Just take the case of the narzo 50i Prime. The fact that their units sold out in a record-breaking time of under 3 minutes at their Shopee store is saying something! Priced at less than Php 4,000 (around US $75 --- yes, you read that right) and with a remarkable product rating of 4.9/5 on Shopee, the narzo 50i Prime really is a quality sulit smartphone. Just recently, I took this gamechanger ou...

Oct42022 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Exclusive for Mindanao: Win motorcycles, smartphones, and cash prizes in TNT’s ‘Tuloy Ang Saya’ raffle

Contests, Features, Mindanaoan Update

The Philippines’ leading prepaid telecoms brand, TNT, is bringing nationwidest ‘saya’ in Mindanao as it launches the ‘Tuloy Ang Saya’ Raffle Promo, which gives subscribers a chance to win over Php 4.8 million worth of prizes from Sept. 23 to Nov. 15, 2022. Thirteen lucky TNT subscribers will win grand raffle prizes, including Honda motorcycles, smartphones, LG refrigerators, and Php 25,000 worth of SM grocery vouchers, while up for grabs in the weekly draws are ShopeePay Credits, SM Gift Passes, Huawei Nova 9 SE and Samsung Tablets. All TNT subscribers in Mindanao may join, earn, and accumulate entries to the promo by following these steps: 1. Activate TNT 5G-ready SIM Card. Subscribers may earn five entries by activating a TNT 5G-ready SIM, available at sari-sari stores and accr...

Sep162022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This new, affordable Samsung Galaxy A Series delivers awesome value for awesome moments

Consumer, Features

Holiday season is upon us. And while the pandemic still lingers, the season of ‘ber’ months remains to automatically shift people’s moods into celebration mode. It’s the most ideal time to make awesome memories, especially for Gen Zs who are returning to school for their face-to-face classes and are experiencing festivities outside virtual screens after more than two years of isolation. If the pandemic taught them anything, it’s to make every moment together count. For Gen Zs, this season is an awesome opportunity to make up for lost time with friends, catch up on experiences, and discover their place in the world. More than ever, it’s the time to capture memories and make every moment last. Hence, it’s important to have a reliable companion that can help express oneself freely and imm...

Jun52022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Ice cream artisan Creamery Studios CDO

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant

We all have those days when we just want ice cream, comfort snacks, delicious coffee (yasss) and maybe a drink that resembles the northern lights, right? Because I do! Thankfully, there's a new place in Cagayan de Oro where you and I can indulge in everything good and sweet - Creamery Studios CDO!Try their ice cream artisan specialties, Korean egg drop sandwich, Spanish latte and the Sparkling Aurora (which resembles the breathtaking aurora borealis) The pasta chips and the berry tea fusion are also delicious choices. The Creamery Studios CDO space is also full of unicorn hues. Great for small events! However, aside from the food and drinks and colorful space, what makes Creamery Studios a must-visit is the affable owner, Chino. He is hands-on and passionate about his new venture...and ha...

Mar162022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Australian yogurt drink specialty shop Koomi opens Cagayan de Oro branch

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

I’m a certified yogurt fanatic so you can just imagine how excited I was now that Koomi Philippines has opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro! Koomi, a natural yogurt drink specialty shop from The Land Down Under , serves guilt-free yogurt treats. Every cup of Koomi is made FRESH DAILY! I also absolutely enjoyed the Waterberry Wonder Tartness is perfect and the fruits they use are fresh and delicious Not only are these yummy, they’re healthy, too! They use a natural sweetener which is fruit honey and of course, our tumtums love the probiotic yogurt that aids our digestive system. Now that’s what we call #GuiltlessGoodness. Check out Koomi CDO at the G/F of SM CDO Downtown Premier (by the main entrance) or you can order via FoodPanda and GrabFood

Jan262022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At the Mura Bora (“Like Boracay”) Initao white sand beach

Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism, Travel

It's named "Mura Bora," shortcut for "Murag Boracay" or "Like Boracay" and it's my family and I's new fave white sand beach getaway. I suppose not a lot of people have really discovered the place yet (it's either that or the owner isn't in a hurry to develop Mura Bora) because as of this writing, this white sand beach property just has a couple of huts under coconut trees, a few friendly dogs who have seemingly been trained to melt your heart with their eyes so you can share your food and a rudimentary bathroom and shower area. I know this description doesn't sound much but for my family and I, we liked Mura Bora and its rawness. Like a virgin beach spot. Mura Bora is located at Initao, Misamis Oriental, about an hour and a half from either Cagayan de Oro City or Iligan City. It's ...

Jan172022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Live Safe with Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol

Features, Health, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

Here's a brand of isopropyl alcohol that my family and I have been using for months now - Defensil! With many establishments slowly re-opening and allowing people to resume their pre-pandemic lifestyles, Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol encourages Filipinos to live safe. With the nationwide vaccination program in full force, Filipinos can slowly enjoy various activities such as more dining options as well as doing physical activities by going to the gym. However, health experts continue to remind everyone to not let their guards down even as we gradually go back to normal. As there are reports of new and potentially more contagious variants, everyone must remain vigilant through following established health protocols and getting vaccinated so we can all continue to live safe and prevent ...

Dec182021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The Loop by Power Mac Center arrives in General Santos City

Features, General Santos City, Technology

Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) opened its first store in General Santos City last November 26, 2021 to bring fans in the region even closer to Apple technology. The expansion is a continuation of Power Mac Center’s goal of increasing its geographic footprint across the nation to serve more people through its retail stores, service centers, and training centers. “New beginnings are always good. Despite the difficulties of the current situation, it’s important for us to power through the challenges and be there for our customers in the different channels they prefer. With our inaugural store in General Santos City, we hope to help more people in the south in their need to access Apple technology for their day-to-day lives, especially amid the shift to digital for productivi...

Nov152021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

JOIN FOR FREE! Ford Philippines Brings Driving Skills for Life in Mindanao

Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Ford Philippines is bringing its Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program in Mindanao this month as part of its commitment to create better and safer drivers on the road. With the theme “Safe Driving in the New Normal”, this year’s DSFL will cover timely topics including pandemic car care and maintenance tips, car sanitation and disinfection, and driving techniques during the rainy weather. These are in addition to the existing DSFL training module which covers basic vehicle dynamics and handling, driving in various conditions, anti-distracted driving, and fuel-efficient driving. This year’s DSFL sessions will be conducted virtually in order to foster a safe and physically-distant learning environment. The DSFL is back this year after its postponement in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pande...

Nov42021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Senator Joel Villanueva: Surge of passport applications in the millions expected as COVID retreats

Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

As the easing of COVID-19 cases prompts OFWs to job-hunt again, the government should open more off-site passport processing centers in malls outside of Metro Manila, Sen. Joel Villanueva said. Villanueva said the move of the Department of Foreign Affairs to open six Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (DFA-TOPS) in NCR last month is “a great solution that should be replicated and scaled up” nationwide. Passport processing, the senator added, is “an important employment assistance not only to OFWs but to first-time job seekers.” “Well, in a sense, you can view it as job generation activity,” Villanueva said. As travel restrictions get rolled back globally, this will open up economies that will take back furloughed workers, many of whom were Filipinos, the chair of the S...

Oct262021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New partnership in town: Kenny Rogers Roasters and Coca Cola

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update

A cheerful toast is in order! Kenny Rogers Roasters, one of the country’s largest restaurant chains and one of my personal favorite places for rotisserie-roasted chicken, has partnered with Coca-Cola, the leading beverage company in the country, to deliver perfect dining pairings to Filipinos across the Philippines. After more than a decade, these 2 powerhouse brands reunited for diners to enjoy their favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters meals with their favorite Coca-Cola products. Kenny Rogers Roasters’ unique recipes for rotisserie-roasted chicken, complemented by a rich variety of hot and cold side dishes and beloved corn muffins, are now paired with much-loved Coca-Cola products. The partnership supports the restaurant chain’s commitment to innovating their product offerings and con...