Features Archives - Page 5 of 36 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr252020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Incubus and telling Brandon Boyd what I’ve always wanted to say

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, New York, Personalities, Photos, United States of America

How do you talk to the members of a band whose songs pretty much filled many, many years of your life? I'm talking about high school, college, yuppie, and even professional stages of your life? Whose songs helped you face pain, sorrow, happiness, excitement, fear? And, as if those aren't scary enough, how in the world do you also face one of your biggest crushes, who happens to be the band's lead vocalist? How do you gather enough intestinal fortitude to even be in the same space with one of the world's sexiest, super talented men? These questions ran through my head for days --- well before THE day. Yes, I'm talking about that very fateful day that I got to meet the members of Incubus and, oh sweet Jesus, THE Brandon Boyd. I had the utmost privilege of meeting them here in New Yor...

Mar312020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I was a Miss Kasanggayahan pageant judge

Beauty, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Style, Videos

In an earlier post, I shared all about my fun visit to Sorsogon Capitol to see my dear friend (and ok, sige na nga, super crush!) former Senator now Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero. I was in Sorsogon, the name of which means "to trace a river upstream," because Sir Chiz, Miss Malu and the Sorsogon Tourism Office invited me for a fun and exciting task - to be one of the judges of the most-awaited annual beauty pageant of the province, Miss Kasanggayahan! I was so thrilled and readily accepted the invitation. It was my chance to see lovely Sorsogon, see old friends and meet new ones and of course, to observe Sir Chiz in his turf. As expected, he was so chill as he roamed around, drove his own vehicle and hosted us for lunch and dinner. By the way, he was so excited to share his...

Mar282020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Reasons Why Recent College Graduates Should Travel

Campus, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

So, you’ve completed your degree and you have an idea of what kind of work you want to go into. But you feel worn out after all those years of hard work and study. You dream about closing the books for a couple of months and exploring new countries. If so, know that you’re not alone! Taking time out to travel after graduation is becoming more and more common and it’s certainly something you don’t need to feel worried about in terms of damaging your career. In fact, in some ways, traveling post-graduation can actually help your long-term career prospects. Here are five reasons why you should consider packing your backpack (or suitcase) and hitting the road whilst the ink is still fresh on your graduation certificate. Things Can Wait This is probably the most important one. So many gr...

Mar252020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe turns over P14M to PGH for medical supplies, PPE

Advocacy, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

Globe successfully raised and turned over P14M to the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc. (PGH-MFI). The amount was gathered through the joint efforts of loyal Globe customers who donated over P9M via their Rewards points, and the company’s initial pledge of P5M in cash donation. This is part of the telco’s comprehensive efforts in providing immediate aid to medical frontliners at PGH, which is now a designated exclusive COVID-19 hospital by the Department of Health (DOH). The funds were utilized by PGH-MFI to purchase much-needed test kits, alcohol, and complete sets of personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as surgical masks, face shields, and surgical gowns. Globe also turned over 50 mobile phones preloaded with unlimited calls and texts to all networks valid for 30 days to serve th...

Mar202020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Got featured on Philippine Star!

Fashion, Features, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Photos, Style

I'm in my very early 40's and I haven't seen my "original" hair color in a very long time. By that, I mean I've been coloring my hair often for many years now --- turning it blonde, ash gray, pink, red and purple! Currently, my hair is platinum blonde mixed with gray. You can see some of my current photos on my Instagram. Anyway, the reason why I mentioned my age is because, as a professional publicist, social media specialist and blogger, I always receive comments that my hair should also "look" professional. I often think that what they probably meant was that my hair should be the ubiquitous black or brown. Maybe the most extreme would be to have highlights and that's about it. Nothing crazy like pink hair! Alas, I'm not one who conforms just so I can fit in. I have long conclud...

Mar182020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

At Sorsogon Capitol With Chiz Escudero

Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I have a confession. This post is awfully delayed but you know how it is. Life happened. And although this Sorsogon trip happened some 4 months ago, I still wanted to share this on the blog because it was a happy time. And the Lord knows I need a cheerer-upper today. Let's just say I cried buckets of tears this morning. I was invited to Sorsogon to become one of the judges of the Miss Kasanggayahan 2019 pageant. More on that on another post. It was truly a fun experience! My biggest thanks to Former Senator now Sorsogon Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero, to the Sorsogon Tourism officials and Miss Malu for taking very good care of me. For now, let me talk about that day when we visited Sir Chiz at the Capitol of Sorsogon. But first! Do check out this video I made below. May I also inv...

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...

Feb232020 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Bratpack to open in Robinsons Place Valencia

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Shopping

One of my favorite travel and lifestyle stores is finally opening a branch in Bukidnon! Bratpack, a lifestyle store offering the widest range of international bag, footwear, and apparel brands, will open at the Ground Floor of Robinsons Place Valencia located at Hagkol, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Watch out for the soft opening on March 5, 2020! I hear that there will be cool discounts in-store plus awesome music and entertainment! I'll keep you all in the loop. Join me on Facebook for updates! The Bratpack store in Robinsons Place Valencia Bukidnon is near the main entrance (turn left). I can't wait for their first Bukidnon branch! It will most probably look just like their Centrio Mall branch: The Bratpack Bukidnon store will feature these brands: Jans...

Feb142020 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

I’m a Founding Director of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines

Advocacy, Announcements, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology

I've been blogging for a good 15 years and I've seen, heard and experienced the good, the bad, the ugly, the controversial. Content creators, bloggers, vloggers and influencers behaving badly. Brands not understanding the value of good content and what influencers can do for their businesses. Marketing agencies underpaying creators. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Isn't it about time that we do something to help protect all stakeholders? Presenting - CICP or the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines, an organization that aims to establish the Philippines' influencer marketing ecosystem to empower creators, influencers, brands and marketing professionals and creative, media and digital agencies in meeting their marketing and business objectives. Grounded in its vi...

Feb142020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Try Mardoney’s Bakeshop CDO ube cheese pandesal

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update

This entire ube cheese pandesal or ube cheese desal craze has got me pretty curious so of course I had to try! Luckily, my friend Miki brought some to a recent meeting and he said he bought them from Mardoney's Bakeshop and Restaurant. They were delicious! I immediately ordered two dozens the very next day. Mardoney's CDO is a brand very familiar to me. They actually started in Davao City, where I was born and raised. Mardoney's is a portmanteau or combination of the names of the owner-siblings --- Mark, Don and Honey. Mardoney's ube cheese pandesal is sold for only Php 8.00 per piece. Absolutely value for money! The freshness of the bread, the quality of the ingredients (they make and use their own ube halaya, people!) and the taste --- definitely 5 stars! Interested to order?...

Feb112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

UPDATED: Kaamulan Festival 2020 in Bukidnon now canceled

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

UPDATE: Less than a day after the Bukidnon provincial board decided to push through with the Kaamulan Festival 2020, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. has now canceled the annual gathering altogether. Despite an advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the ongoing threat of the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon will push through. This, according to Bukidnon Second District Board Member Atty. Nemesio "Jun" Beltran. The DOH advisory, duly signed by Secretary Francisco Duque, urged the public to "avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees." The health department also recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice. "The governor con...

Jan202020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kaamulan Festival 2020 Schedule of Activities

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kaamulan Festival 2020 na! After missing this annual Bukidnon festival for a few years, I am finally going to witness it again. The Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes namely Tigwahanun, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. The Kaamulan Festival is also considered as the only authentic ethnic festival left in the Philippines. By virtue of a provincial resolution authored by Bukidnon District 2 Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is held from March 23 to April 23 every year. The dates are fixed. However, the sitting Bukidnon governor will have the option to change them provided there's a viable reason to do so. Ergo, this year's Kaamulan Festival 2020 will be on March 23 to April 23...

Jan132020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Robinsons Appliances made me do these fun 60-second challenges

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Freebies, Gifts, Society

Robinsons Appliances' Race To A Minute: A 60-Second Challenge is back on its 3rd year and this time around, I finally got to join! This was made possible because Robinsons Appliances, one of the country's leading appliances and consumer electronics retailers, decided to bring Race To A Minute: A 60-Second Challenge to local communities. What started as a shopping spree event in 2017 has now become bigger and definitely more exciting. This year, Race To A Minute featured 12 participating brands namely Fujidenzo, Haier, JBL, LG, Sharp, TCL, Skyworth, American Home, Realme, Devant, Whirlpool and Grand Videoke. Each brand had a booth and a corresponding 60-second challenge that customers needed to complete so they can avail of exclusive discounts or receive FREEBIES! Robinsons...

Jan52020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to make Gin Calamansi

Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Society

One of the things I've become pretty fascinated with the past few years is preparing cocktails. I like the idea of mixing various ingredients in order to come up with something refreshing and delicious --- very much like cooking! My little dream of becoming a bartender of sorts even for a few minutes came true during the recently concluded Blogafest 2019. There, not only was I taught how to prepare calamansi gin, I even got interviewed by CNN! That was fun! So anyway, YES, I learned how to make gin calamansi. It's budget-friendly, super refreshing, delicious and easy to make. The ingredients for this drink are also very easy to source - starting with the very affordable Ginebra Premium Gin. The Ginebra folks actually call this drink "Calamansi Surprise." WATCH BELOW: Clic...

Dec162019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Buy With Me: Very affordable, high-value insurance

Announcements, Features, Musings, Society, Technology, Videos

Did you have the chance to watch my vlog about this low-cost, high-value insurance? If you haven't, please do click the subscribe link below and don't forget to hit the notification bell so you can be updated with new, exclusive content from me! Please subscribe to my Mindanaoan Vlog (it only takes 2 seconds, trust me!) Thank you so much for your support! So let me ask you this --- do you already have an insurance policy? I know, I know. Buying insurance is a sensitive issue especially for folks who live paycheck to paycheck, don't have enough savings or consider insurance as "luxury." Truth be told, insurance is something that we need but, more often than not, can be tedious, confusing, time-consuming and EXPENSIVE to buy. I DO HAVE GOOD NEWS, THOUGH! In my vlog below, I...

Nov282019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

LOOK: Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Museum

Announcements, Bukidnon, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism

During the recent Bukidnon Poverty Summit, Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri delivered updates with regard to the soon-to-rise Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex. The 13-hectare property, which will be located in Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City, will feature a grandstand, a track and field oval, a gymnasium, an aquatic center, a fencing court, a museum, and a dormitory. "Once completed, Bukidnon will be capable of hosting national and regional sports competitions, theater and cultural performances. This will promote sports and cultural activities among our youth and people and bring them away from vices and other unproductive activities," the senator said. The Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex is a joint project of the Provincial Government of Bukidnon and Senator Migz Z...

Nov192019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

KABIT now for sale

Announcements, Bukidnon, Features, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update

In Tagalog, kabit means attach, fasten or connect. In Bisaya, kabit is the usual term for mistress, male lover or someone you get entangled in an illicit affair with. The KABIT that's now for sale? It's neither ;) I'm talking about KABIT (tear-jerker) salt and pepper crunchy chili garlic made by Christine, a friendly entrepreneur I met in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon! So, yes, you could say that kabits are being produced right from Bukidnon, considered the food basket of Mindanao ;) I first met Christine a few weeks ago. Apparently she has been following my blogs! A few days later, my mother and I met with her personally. We also met another Bukidnon entrepreneur that day, Paula, who made delicious pineapple jam, pineapple cider vinegar and pineapple filled muffins. They we...

Oct312019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue to hold concert in CDO

Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music

Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue are two of the most in demand Filipino bands these days. They're the ones responsible for the monster hits "Kung 'Di Rin Lang Ikaw," "Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig," "Bulong," "Pasensya Ka Na," "Sa'yo," "Meron Nang Iba" and "Kundiman." These songs have caused LSS among numerous folks! If you're one of their avid fans, then I have good news --- Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue will hold a concert in Cagayan de Oro! Mark your calendars for the "hugot" concert of the year! Mindanaoan.com is a proud media partner of "Silent Avenue - Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue Concert in CDO" on November 15, 2019, 8PM at the Limketkai Center Atrium. Tickets are selling pretty fast! In fact, only the SVIP and Silver tickets are left. All other sections are now so...

Oct112019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: GINAMA pasalubong center in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Tourism

I am a big fan of supporting local products. I believe that when you buy from local small and medium enterprises, you don't just help create livelihood. You also help foster peace and development, a sense of responsibility and respect. You help build a community of hardworking citizens. In Cagayan de Oro, we now have the chance to support these local SMEs by visiting GINAMÂ (that's an A with caret at the last or an A-circumflex). Ginama means something made with great care and attention. This is also the name of the pasalubong center in CDO, which is the result of joint cooperation among the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, the Department of Trade and Industry and CDO's local community of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs). Ginama is the stage that this group of tireless ...

Sep22019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Heading to GenSan for Tuna Festival 2019 – let’s experience new flavors!

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, SoSCksargen, Tourism

I'm excited to experience new flavors in beautiful General Santos City! I'm heading to the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” as it celebrates the 21st Tuna Festival, the biggest industry-based festival in the country happening from August 30 to September 5, 2019. This is in celebration of the city’s 51st inauguration anniversary and their event tagline is "Experience New Flavors." Together with a few Mindanao bloggers, I will be GenSan to witness how the Generals give honor to the integral elements of the tuna industry, which is definitely the main economic driving force of the city. See new sights Expect vibrant and gaudy visuals all over town. From this year’s logo to social media engagements, various "Instragrammable" art installations, festival locations, and program perf...

Aug82019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Tea, herb lovers will love this fascinating eco-cultural farm in Bukidnon

Advocacy, Agriculture, Education, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update

New friends, new places...I've been enjoying my downtime so far! One of the new places I visited as of late is an eco-cultural farm in the Province of Bukidnon called Umanika. Umanika or "Uma ni Kalinaw" (Kalinaw is the name of one of the farm founder's children...isn't that so cool or what?) a.k.a. Farm of Peace is located along Diversion Road, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. It's near Ranchers and interestingly, there aren't any signages leading towards this herb and organic farm. There's a fair reason behind that, though. They're busy working in the fields every day and they want to make sure that there's someone who can entertain visitors hence the need for appointments. So on a sunny, beautiful day, along with our new friends Christine, Paula and Dindo (they're awesome entreprene...

Aug42019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SCHEDULE: 2019 Kadayawan Festival in Davao City

Davao City, Davao del Sur, Features, Festivals, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

All roads once again lead to Davao City for The King of Festivals a.k.a. Kadayawan Festival! The 2019 Kadayawan Festival or the 34th Kadayawan will be held this month, August 2019. Kadayawan Festival is the grandest and most colorful celebration that highlights the tribes of Davao City, their culture, tradition and everyday lives. Kadayawan also allows Dabawenyos to thank Magbabaya for bountiful harvests. Highlights of the Kadayawan Festival 2019 include the Indak Indak sa Kadayawan (street dancing competition), Tunog Kadayawan (songwriting tilt), Pamulak sa Kadayawan and Tambayayong Kadayawan (performances of traditional dances and songs from different Ethno-linguistic groups). Here's the schedule of activities (you can click on the image for a bigger version): Just in ...