Headline Archives - Page 2 of 9 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct62014 by Mindanaoan Irene10 Comments

How to apply for a Korean visa – requirements for Filipino tourists

Features, Flights, Government, Headline, Korea, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Tourism, Travel

When my friends and relatives first learned that I was set to visit Korea, all of them got really excited. Can't blame them as Korea is one of the favorite travel destinations of many Filipinos these days, thanks to the ever growing popularity of K-Pop, Koreanovelas and continuous visits to the Philippines by popular Korean celebrities. As of this writing, Filipinos still need a visa to enter Korea. Filipino tourists who intend to stay for 59 days or less can apply for a Korean tourist visa FOR FREE. The thing is, though, you must apply at the Korean embassy in Manila for you to avail of the FREE South Korea tourist visa. For people outside Metro Manila (like me and my brother!), the cheaper option is to have an accredited travel agency fix our applications. In our case, since our fligh...

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...

Nov192013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Photos: Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray at ABS CBN ASAP

Entertainment, Events, Headline, Manila, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Personalities, Photos

One of the highlights of my October 2013 was meeting Mark McGrath and the rest of Sugar Ray band and playing a role in the staging of the SugarSmashGin concert in Manila. Anybody who knows me can attest that I am one very big Mark McGrath fan and that I have a big crush on him. So meeting him in person, having the chance to hang out with him, having the chance to talk to him and discuss so many things and getting lots of hugs and kisses in the process is like my heaven on earth! :) Since I know that my kuwentos related to Mark McGrath, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will require several blog posts, for now, let me start by sharing some of the photos I took when Mark went to ABS CBN to promote the concert at ASAP, a Sunday variety show. I went along. Needless to say, he was the ...

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...

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanaoan is 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year

Advocacy, Agriculture, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, America, Announcements, ARMM, Arts, Bacolod City, Banks, Basilan, Beauty, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Bislig, Blogging, Broadcasting, Bukidnon, Business, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Campus, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Flights, Food, Freebies, General Santos City, Gifts, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Hotels, Humor, Iligan City, Internet, Island Garden City of Samal, Jobs, Journalism, Kaamulan Festival, Koronadal, Kuala Lumpur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Macau, Maguindanao, Make Money Online, Malaybalay City, Malaysia, Manila, Marawi City, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Movies, Music, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Personalities, Photos, Politics, Radio, Recipes, Religion, Resorts, Reviews, Sarangani, Shenzhen, Shopping, Sindangan, Singapore, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sports, Style, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Television, Tourism, Travel, United States of America, Videos, Visayas, Weddings, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

It still feels a bit surreal, truth be told. Winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year award and the Best Lifestyle Blog award during the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 held last October 26, 2013 in Davao City was the farthest thing from my mind. I was there to meet my blogger friends, have a good time, maybe drink a cocktail or two and cheer for other finalists. My mindset that night was (and I actually wrote this days before the finals): Win or lose, you are a champ. What's important is that you did your best in letting more people understand and appreciate the power of social media and blogging in sparking more conversations, making better communities and harnessing better understanding. Social good, folks. Only the good. So when my name was called, you could just imagine my shock. Yup...

Oct22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why I’m promoting Britney Spears’ new Work Bitch video

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Personal, Technology, Videos

So have you watched the "Work Bitch" new video of Britney Spears? It was launched today, October 2, 2013 (October 1 in the U.S.) You can watch the video below :) So let me make this quick. Let me give you 5 quick reasons as to why I'm helping promote Britney Spears' new music video for her new song "Work Bitch." 1. Because I think she's a talented, amazing pop superstar! Regardless of those "dark episodes" in her life (don't we all have those anyway?), she has sold millions of albums, filled so many stadiums around the world and made all of us dance! 2. Because I used to do Britney Spears-related stuff (fortunately, not related to song and dance ;) )! You see, back when I was still starting out as an online worker, I wrote Britney Spears-related content. I can't divulge the specif...

Sep172013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte to close movie houses without adequate security

Crime, Davao City, Government, Headline, News

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is bent to close movie houses that do not have enough security. This, after blasts in two Davao City cinemas, which Duterte called "terrorism," left at least 5 people hurt Monday night. "Movie houses should have adequate security. The local government can't provide policemen and military just to guard that. You have to invest. If you can't provide, I will close your movie house," Duterte said. The Davao City mayor's warning came after two improvised explosive devices went off inside Cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall and Cinema 1 of SM City. No one was injured in the SM Davao blast but 5 people were hurt in the Gaisano Mall explosion. The victims complained of ear pain. "The military and police told me that they already gave warnings to SM,...

Sep42013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking about social media in a US Embassy event in Palawan

Advocacy, America, Arts, Blogging, Education, Features, Government, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism, United States of America, Visayas

This Mindanao blogger received a special invitation not too long ago. The US Embassy Manila folks asked if I wanted to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism in a two-day, all expenses paid eco-tourism workshop in Palawan. As an International Visitor Leadership Program alumnus, I was invited to share my knowledge to outstanding students from various schools in Brooke's Point, Palawan. Who can say no to that kind of invitation? So last August 22, 2013, I flew to Manila from Mindanao and then to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - all on the same day. My flight to Manila got delayed for about 3 hours because of Typhoon Maring. The delayed flight was both boon and bane. Boon because I was able to chat with a city mayor-friend of mine (you know, get the inside juicy stuff I can wr...

Aug92013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Will be part of Sugar Ray Smash Mouth Gin Blossoms Live In Manila #SugarSmashGin

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Hold your breath, folks. Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth AND Gin Blossoms are heading to Manila this October 21, 2013! Yes, Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that popular 90's bands Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will headline a very special 3-in-1 concert #SugarSmashGin on October 21, 2013, Araneta Coliseum, Manila! Actually, I first shared the good news in an earlier blog post but only Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth were the confirmed acts then :) And I am also very excited to let you guys know that, thanks to my amazing friends over at Random Minds Production, I will be with Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms when they arrive in Manila! That means I will frequently be dishing out updates, exclusive photos and videos! Stoked :D So are you ready for #SugarSmashGin? I...

Jul102013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Barangay and SK Elections 2013 – important dates, requirements

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Consumer, Education, Events, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2013 are drawing near. Have you registered as a voter yet? Or are you interested to run in the 2013 Barangay and SK elections? Here are the important Barangay and SK Elections 2013 Philippines dates to remember, voter registration requirements and transfer of voter registration records requirements. Please exercise your right to suffrage! For SK: 15 to below 18 years old - please bring birth certificate or baptismal certificate or school records For Barangay: at least 18 years old or older, bring valid ID Voter qualifications: To vote in the barangay elections, you must be at least 18 years old on election day (October 28, 2013), a Filipino citizen, a resident of the Philippines for at least 1 year, a resident of the place...

Jul22013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Speaking during Social Media Day 2013

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Northern Mindanao, Personal, Society, Technology

I was invited to be the keynote speaker during a Social Media Day 2013 event held at SM City Cagayan de Oro last Sunday, June 30, 2013. The said Social Media Day or SMDay event was just one of the hundreds being celebrated all over the world that day. I immediately said yes, since this is part of my ongoing advocacy as IVLP alumnae. Social Media Day is an annual international event that recognizes the digital revolution happening around the world. It is a global celebration (in more than 487 cities) of the technological advancements that have given rise to the connected generation. The CDO Bloggers group invited me to speak about responsible social media as well as social media for social good. I also shared some tips on how to use social media to spread positive vibes, encourage vol...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Rustan’s Fresh CDO VIP night (official photos inside)

Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Shopping, Society

I previously mentioned here on Mindanaoan that I was involved in a recent 3-day series of events for the Rustan's Fresh CDO opening. Aside from the grand opening, Rustan's Fresh Supermarket Cagayan de Oro City also sponsored a walkathon (in partnership with Xavier EcoVille, wherein all proceeds collected from the registration fees went to the said resettlement project for Typhoon Sendong survivors) and a Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro preview night attended by VIPs, trade partners, concessionaires, traditional media practitioners, bloggers, guests and other local key personalities. Hundreds of people came to get a sneak peek of the 4,186 square meter store and 17th branch in the Philippines. All of those events were huge successes and I would like to wholeheartedly thank each and ...

Jun142013 by Mindanaoan Irene17 Comments

New Laguindingan Airport Misamis Oriental – what to know, how to get there

Announcements, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Consumer, Controversial, Corporate, Flights, Government, Headline, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis

Laguindingan Airport CDO - A lot of you have been asking me all about the new Laguindingan Airport Misamis Oriental that's set to open on June 15, 2013 via my Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus accounts (thank you for the trust!) and via this Laguindingan Airport article I wrote earlier. So I decided to pool all the infos that I know. I hope that this simple Laguindingan Airport travel blog entry can help you guys :) Please help spread this information by posting the link to this article on your social networking profiles - thank you very much! Repost this Laguindingan Airport tips article via Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus. First off, Laguindingan Airport is NOT within Cagayan de Oro City proper. So if you've been taking flights to and fro Lumbia Airport CDO, be ready to add at leas...

May292013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Clean low cost electricity in Philippines? Yes!

Advocacy, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, ARMM, Bacolod City, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Caraga, Cebu City, Commentary, Compostela Valley, Consumer, Corporate, Cotabato, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Dipolog, Education, Features, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Hongkong, Iligan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Koronadal, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Malaybalay City, Manila, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Musings, Muslim Mindanao, Negros Occidental, News, North Cotabato, Northern Mindanao, Ozamis, Pagadian, Personal, Politics, Sarangani, Sindangan, Society, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacurong, Tangub City, Tawi Tawi, Technology, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Sibugay

I have so much respect for people and organizations that champion alternative sources of energy for clean and reliable electrical power production! Currently, we depend largely on hydropower plants. Some electric cooperatives also use several solar panels to augment their sources of energy (Cagayan de Oro’s CEPALCO has a solar panel area) and we all know about the Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte. But what about production of electricity without doing much harm to the environment? What about affordable electricity brought about by alternative-energy technologies? Gasification is a solution! Gasification is a process of converting organic or carbon-containing matter into synthetic gas or syngas which could be used to generate electricity. I’m particularly interested with this because ...

May162013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How Rustan’s Fresh CDO may look like

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao

Rustan's Fresh CDO - the very first Rustan's in Mindanao and the BIGGEST Rustan's in the entire Philippines - is finally opening on May 17, 2013 (Friday), 9 AM at Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines. I don't know about you but one look at this much space and variety excites me! Check out how the other Rustan's Supermarkets look like: Homemakers will love the sight of this Of course, the boys will love the wide variety of wine, liquors and beer Welcome to a cleaner, fresher, more comfortable version of our friendly neighborhood palengke :) Of course, these aren't actual photos taken inside Rustan's Fresh CDO (since it has yet to open) but you now have an idea of what you will see inside this most-awaited supermarket! :) Rustan's Su...

Apr282013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Exclusive: Rustan’s Fresh CDO, biggest in Philippines, to open May 17

Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Corporate, Events, Features, Food, Headline, Mindanao, Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

It's official, folks! Mindanaoan can exclusively CONFIRM that Rustan's Fresh Cagayan de Oro will open on May 17, 2013! Rustan's Fresh CDO is Rustan's Supermarket's very first foray into Mindanao. And get this - Rustan's Fresh CDO is the BIGGEST in the entire Philippines! Roughly 4,100 sqm to boot! The soon-to-open Rustan's Fresh in Mindanao will be located at Ayala Centrio Mall. Just in case you're wondering why Mindanaoan.com can confirm this piece of great news --- it's because I'm part of this project :) Very honored and grateful to two lovely ladies J and V for the trust and confidence! Mindanaoan.com will post more exclusive updates on the opening of the biggest Rustan's store in the country. Watch out also for a store opening-related event! ;) Will share details in the ne...

Apr262013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Davao Summerfest 2013 schedule of activities

Announcements, Davao City, Education, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, News, Society, Sports

The much-awaited Davao Summerfest 2013 is set to officially kick off today, April 26, 2013. The opening program of the 2013 Davao Summer Fest, a festival of arts, culture and sports, is set to take place at the People's Park, right beside Apo View Hotel Davao. At least 1 Million pesos has been set aside as budget for this year's Davao Summerfest 2013. Various sports competitions, sports camps, clinics as well as musical events will comprise the Davao Summerfest 2013 schedule of activities. The summerfest is scheduled to go on until May 5, 2013. Click on the poster below for the official Davao Summerfest 2013 schedule of activities: (highlights include the 36th National Duckpin Bowling Tournament, football clinics, Ritmo Dabawenyo (music) and Mindana0-wide Cheerdance contest) ...

Apr222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full statement of Sen. TG Guingona on his mom Gingoog Mayor Ruthie’s ambush

Announcements, Controversial, Crime, Government, Headline, Misamis Oriental, News

Below is the official statement of Mindanaoan Senator TG Guingona on the recent ambush of his mother, Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie de Lara Guingona. This statement was sent to Mindanaoan: On Saturday night, my mother, Ruthie de Lara-Guingona, who is in her 70s and concluding a third term in office this year as mayor of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, was ambushed on her way home from a fiesta in the city’s outskirts. She was wounded but her driver and security escort did not make it. Brothers Nestor and Bartolome Velasco were killed due to a hail of bullets on board the Hi-Lux pick-up she was riding. The fatalities were loyal employees of long standing in our family’s home in Mindanao. My heart grieves for them and their families. Photo from: http://www.philstar.com/probinsiya...

Apr72013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao to Indonesia RORO vessel to start 2013

BIMP-EAGA, Business, Davao City, General Santos City, Government, Headline, Tourism, Travel

Anybody else as excited as I am? Trips from Mindanao to Indonesia aren't exactly new (there are flights from Davao City to Manado, Indonesia) but I think this new service will be cheaper and more accessible to the public especially to traders. This RORO vessel from Mindanao to Indonesia will use the Davao to General Santos to Bitung route :) Read on. A Philippine roll-on, roll-off (RORO) vessel will start its service to Indonesia in the middle of the year, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said. The project, a first between two members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is expected to improve trade, tourism and connectivity between the Philippines and Indonesia, PCCI said in a statement. This is also said to be the country's first RORO service to an ...

Jan242013 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Warrant of arrest out for ex-Bukidnon rep Neric Acosta, mom Coring

Announcements, Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Headline, News, Northern Mindanao, Politics

I received a phone call about two hours ago. It was a tip. Apparently, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has issued a warrant of arrest for former Bukidnon First District Congressman Juan Romeo Nereus "Neric" Acosta and his mother, former Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon mayor Socorro "Coring" Acosta. The warrant of arrest was made in connection with a perjury case filed against the Acostas. I was a bit surprised when I heard the news, actually. Especially since last I heard, the complainant, Fr. Venancio Balansag, Jr., has already withdrawn his complaint and has issued an affidavit of desistance. A brief backgrounder - graft and corruption charges as well as charges for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials were filed against Neric Acosta and his mother. Th...

Oct22012 by Mindanaoan Irene6 Comments

Lynard Allan Bigcas files COC as Bukidnon governor

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Controversial, Events, Features, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Photos, Politics, Society

Controversial car dealer Lynard Allan Bigcas or Allan Bigcas has officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) as governor of the Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. A native of Talakag, Bukidnon, Allan Bigcas filed his COC today, October 2, 2012 at around 11:30 a.m. at the Bukidnon Provincial Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office. Bigcas said that he is running as Bukidnon governor under the Liberal Party but the certification that was attached to his COC was specifically from Aksyon Demokratiko party. The certification was signed by the party secretary general Ernesto Ramel. Bigcas said that Aksyon Demokratiko was in alliance with the Liberal Party. In a mini press conference, Bigcas, who was initially eyed to gun for the mayoralty seat in Talakag, said that he...

Jul122012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy Manila launches new Mindanao blog

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Education, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, United States of America

The U.S. Embassy in Manila has launched a new blog that focuses on Mindanao as well as on the many partnerships between the United States, the Government of the Philippines, and the people of Mindanao. The new Mindanao blog, entitled "Peace, Prosperity and Partnership in Mindanao," includes information on how to participate in US Embassy programs that are offered in the Island of Mindanao. Peace, Prosperity and Partnership are the main thematic approaches of the U.S. Embassy in diplomatic engagement with Mindanaoans and the Philippine government. Hence, the name. The new US Embassy Manila blog also features conversations with young Mindanao leaders and updates on cultural programs, health initiatives and business innovations that are supported by various U.S. government agencies. US ...