Mindanaoan Update Archives - Page 12 of 67 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jul112018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

How to shop at S&R CDO without a membership card and get a FREE coupon

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping

Not a member of S&R CDO yet? If you aren't an S&R Membership Shopping Cagayan de Oro club member yet, you now have the chance to shop to your heart's content for 3 amazing days PLUS get a FREE gift certificate, too! From July 12 to 15, 2018, S&R CDO will hold its most awaited Open House! This means that even non-members or non-cardholders can shop at S&R on those days from 8 AM to 10 PM. This is the perfect opportunity for you to check out what S&R has to offer and why everyone just loves to shop there. I should know...I frequent S&R to buy my favorite imported goods, small appliances, fresh meat (fast fact: did you know that their meat preparation area is refrigerated 40 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain rigid temperatures?) and even local products. The S...

Jul102018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What to Do In and Around Birmingham

Mindanaoan Update

Birmingham is the most populated city in the state of Alabama, and it has a history dating back to the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era. It’s one of the larger cities in the south, and it surprisingly has some pretty interesting attractions and things to do, whether you’re planning to visit the city or you live there, and you’d like to come up with new activities. The following are some things to do in an around Birmingham. Rock the South According to RV rental site Outdoorsy, Birmingham is home to the Rock the South Music Festival. They describe the event as one of the “biggest annual draws to the area.” It is located in Cullman, which is only about 50 miles from central Birmingham. The event started out as a way to raise money for victims of a tornado, but now it’s a huge countr...

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,...

Jun72018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

5 reasons why you should visit the Philippines

Bukidnon, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental

If you’re a fellow avid traveler, chances are you have a whole bucket list of places you want to visit around the world. Well, I’m about to tell you why you need to add one more incredible place to that list — preferably at the top. Here are five of the many reasons why you should visit the Philippines. 1. The culture The Philippines is very proud of its extremely unique culture and diversity. Did you know, for example, that there are over 170 languages spoken in the Philippines? Due to colonization over the centuries, there are also plenty of different influences in this country — mainly hailing from Spain, the United States, and Asia. These cultures all come together in one mixing pot of diversity, that makes it a real pleasure to visit the Philippines. Some people say it’s a bit...

May22018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Thoughts about royalty free music

Mindanaoan Update

I think that it is worth to write about the fact that the royalty free music epic genre has a great prehistory, which dates back over 200 years ago. Who exactly was the first composer who has written such musical works…probably no one will say. Personally, I think there were several composers who started writing in this genre those early days. This often happens in science - when two scientists being in different countries discover the same law simultaneously, but independently even not knowing each other. So in music, various composers come to their new works independent of each other. We can say with certainty that Wagner is the composer who invested a lot of his skills and soul in the development of epic music and it is thanks to his music that the interest in this genre soared to...

May22018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Explore Islands Philippines tourism expo to be held at Grand Central Terminal New York

America, Events, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal will provide the backdrop to showcase the 7,641 islands that make up the Philippines, which is promoting its vacation destinations. With a launch by the Philippine Tourism Secretary, the Explore Islands Philippines expo will run from May 9, through May 12, 2018. On May 9, Explore Islands Philippines kicks off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo will be joined by Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin Jr., President of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board Cesar Montano, as well as other high-ranking officials from New York State and the Philippines. Speakers from the Philippine Tourism will talk on May...

Apr282018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why Texas Is Still America’s Best Real Estate Market

Mindanaoan Update

The U.S. housing market regained its momentum earlier this year, with half of all the homes in the nation worth as much or more than they were a little over a decade ago. It remains a seller’s market out there, but there still exists places where homes prices have never been lower. Where does such a strange place exist: only in Texas. El Paso Of the homes for sale in El Paso, the average price is just $186,611. In a news release, city officials credited strong job growth, low vacancy rates, affordability, a higher population of young households and the vibrant culture as the factors in its strong ranking. There’s also many outdoor activities available, including a thriving artist community, farmers market and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. San Antonio San Antonio has continued to showc...

Apr162018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Eat and drink all you can for Php 199 (FREE for kids) at this Cagayan de Oro restaurant

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant, Reviews

Being a fast-growing city, Cagayan de Oro is now home to more and more restaurants. In fact, buffets or restaurants that offer eat-all-you-can in Cagayan de Oro are now a dime in a dozen. This is great for consumers like us, of course. The more options, the better! There are a lot of CDO buffet places now! However, let's face it. Not all CDO buffets are the same. Some are expensive, some may have affordable rates but the selection isn't that good or worse, some may seem to have fair prices but when the final bill arrives, you realize that there are hidden charges, service charges etc. That basically ruins what should have been a pleasant gastronomic experience, right? Good thing POPS All Filipino Eatery, which just announced that their eat-and-drink-all-you-can offer is now available eve...

Mar122018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

OFFICIAL LIST: Sale, buy 1 take 1 items during S&R CDO Members Treat

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

Let me cut to the chase - I'm very excited to let you all know that S&R CDO and all other S&R Membership Shopping branches nationwide will again offer its most awaited, super amazing S&R Members' Treat! From March 14 to 18, 2018, our favorite membership shopping warehouse will offer Buy 1, Take 1 offers as well as up to 50 percent discounts. That means big, big, BIG savings for all! Related: What to expect during the big S&R Members' Treat event 2016 (this post received 610 shares!) The S&R Members' Treat is the perfect time for you to stock up on all your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery items, kids' toys, gadgets, beverages, liquor, small appliances, home furnishings, frozen and fresh produce, apparel, laundry products, hardwa...

Mar92018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tips for increasing comfort on extended motorcycle rides

Advocacy, Mindanaoan Update

You may love your new motorcycle, but do you know if it is comfortable enough for extended drives? That seat may feel perfect for the first ten minutes, but will it keep you free from aches and pains over several hours? Check out these tips if you need help planning your next cross-country motorcycle drive or simply want to amp up your biking gear. Dress for the Elements If you are too hot, cold or wet, you simply will not be comfortable on your long biking trip. Choose garments that let you move and stretch with ease so that you can stay limber during your drive. During hot weather, try ventilated biking gear. During colder months, use heated motorcycle gear, such as heated grips and heated jackets and gloves. Try Compression Garments If you think that compression socks and garments a...

Feb202018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa Cebu garners Travelers’ Choice 2018 awards

Cebu City, Hotels, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Resorts, Reviews, Society, Visayas

The results of the Travelers’ Choice Awards 2018 are in and it's definitely no surprise that Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa made it to the list. A regular on the roster, Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa is recognized once again in this year’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, winning in three categories: #21 on the Top 25 Small Hotels- Asia, #2 on the Top 25 Small Hotels- Philippines, and #1 on the Top 25 Hotels for Romance- Philippines. Who best to trust with Cebu resorts but TripAdvisor's globetrotting users? :) Located in Mactan Island, Abacá Boutique Resort + Spa is the ideal retreat for travellers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Guests will find themselves tucked away in a tranquil paradise as they relax in the six suites,three villas, and spa that make up the resort. ...

Feb202018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Made in CDO: ACCESS Lifestyle, a gamechanging lifestyle discount and rewards card

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update

If there’s something that I absolutely have so much respect for, it’s a risk taker. I think it takes a whole lot of intestinal fortitude to enter the great unknown, with just your passion, vision and optimism. That’s why when I first heard that a small group of folks in Cagayan de Oro wanted to offer a local lifestyle discount and rewards card that aimed to gather brands that we’re all very familiar with, I wanted to know more. See, ordinarily, whenever we encounter a loyalty or discount card, it’s only for one brand. With ACCESS Lifestyle Card, however, you receive awesome benefits from over 60 establishments (and that number’s growing!). ACCESS Lifestyle Card is the first card of its kind in CDO. Not only do you get to avail of amazing discounts from partner-establishments, you also r...

Feb162018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Quest Cebu Hotel joins Cagayan Travel Exchange, trip to Bali up for grabs

Cebu City, Corporate, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews

How fast time flies! It's been more than 5 years since I got invited to attend the grand launch of one of Cebu's finest hotels - Quest Cebu Hotel and Conference Center. Not only did the lovely folks over at Quest fly me to the Queen City of the South, they also accommodated the rest of my family. It was a grand vacation and we all loved our stay at Quest Hotel Cebu! You can read all about my Quest Hotel Cebu hotel review here. Meanwhile, I have good news! If you represent government agencies or private corporations in Cagayan de Oro or in neighboring areas, you can learn more about Quest Hotel during the Travel Exchange B2B Event on February 22, 2018. Organized by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Cagayan Travel Exchange event will be held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel....

Feb142018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

SnippetMEdia introduces blockchain technology in Philippine digital media landscape

Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, Technology

SnippetMEdia has come a long way. I first learned about this mobile app (available in both iOS and Android) last year. Now, after a year providing curated content to over 800,000 users, SnippetMEdia has stepped up to take on the challenges plaguing both content creators and advertisers by launching the SnippetMedia Blockchain – the first blockchain media platform in the Philippines. Blockchain is a technology developed to structure data. Blockchain is set to change and improve the way various fields operate -- from network security, to identity authentication, e-commerce, intellectual property protection, and so much more. In partnership with Superiex, a China-based digital asset trading platform, SnippetMEdia will establish a first-of- its-kind ad platform built upon a blockchain. Wha...

Jan262018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Prepping for an Asian Vacation: Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Trip

Korea, Mindanaoan Update, Travel

Traveling halfway across the globe for a vacation is a once in a lifetime experience. There are so many sights, sounds and tastes that you want to try out. Before you head off to the airport, learn how you can prepare for a vacation into Asia. The cultures and beautiful landscapes will capture your imagination. Pick Your Flights and Tours Carefully Regardless of which country you're visiting, Asia itself is incredibly far from the United States. Select a flight that has a few comforts, such as ample leg room or convertible seats. You might bundle the flight with a hotel so that the costs are much cheaper than scheduling them individually. Take a look at various excursions in your chosen country, such as Asia tour packages. Experience the top attractions while receiving a good deal for fo...

Jan232018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Kaamulan Festival | 2018 Schedule | Bukidnon Authentic Ethnic Festival Philippines

Bukidnon, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

The yearly festival in the Province of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival, will be a month-long celebration again this year. Kaamulan Festival 2018 will be held the entire month of March. An annual gathering of the 7 hill tribes of Bukidnon, the Kaamulan Festival derived its name from the Binukid word "amul," which means "to gather." Hence, Kaamulan is a gathering for a purpose - be it an indigenous wedding ceremony, ethnic sports competition, rituals etc. The Bukidnon 7 hill tribes, by the way, are: Talaandig, Tigwahanun, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. A former Tourism Secretary even called it the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines. The Kaamulan Festival activities will be held in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. READ: How to get to Malaybal...

Jan92018 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Bukidnon Mindanao airport construction starts this 2018

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Flights, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism, Travel

After decades of waiting, the Province of Bukidnon, my mother's hometown and where I lived for a few years, will finally soon see a fully functioning airport! Not only will the proposed Bukidnon airport be beneficial for the people in the province but for folks from neighboring areas like North Cotabato, Agusan del Norte and Lanao del Sur. The last functioning airport in the Province of Bukidnon was in Malaybalay City (more like a small airport strip) and with all the changes and developments, the once outside-city-proper airport is actually now full of residential houses and pretty much considered well within city limits. Unfortunately, the new Bukidnon airport will not be in the capital of the province, which is Malaybalay. It will be about 60 miles or 98 kilometers away - in Maray Ma...

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...

Dec172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Huck / Guillermo Diaz of Scandal

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

Fellow "Scandal" fans - I'm here to make you jealous :P I met someone pretty awesome recently - Guillermo Diaz, the actor who plays “Huck” on the American political thriller TV series “Scandal.” Yes, THAT Huck. The controversial, dark (most of the time) but sweet (at times) Huck we have all come to love. I absolutely love this series! Basically, it evolves around Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) and her crisis management firm. Since I personally do PR (I’ve been doing this for many, many years!), I am quite fascinated with “Scandal.” Anyway, going back to Guillermo Diaz - he was very friendly, smiling and charming, truth be told. A whole lot different from the character that he plays. And to make matters more fascinating, Guillermo is proudly gay in real life so you could jus...

Dec132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Dermot Mulroney of “My Best Friend’s Wedding”

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, United States of America

I remember the first time I watched “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” That now iconic romantic comedy film made me cry, angry, laugh, irritated but, at the same time, hopeful. Hopeful that even though we don’t get what we want, there’s always a glimmer of hope and great possibilities. That there may be a reason why and that we should always look forward and be optimistic. In that classic movie, Julia Roberts’ character didn’t get her best friend in the end (played by the dashing Dermot Mulroney) but you know somehow that something brighter, possibly even way better, will happen and will come her way. Movie enthusiasts should carry that sense of hope when they catch the handsome Dermot as he stars on Hallmark Channel’s Hall of Fame holiday offering, “The Christmas Train.” Dermot plays a...

Nov162017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

At Oyster Bay New York

America, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

A few weeks ago, I went with my New York City-based aunt to Oyster Bay. The easternmost of all the 3 towns in Nassau County, the Town of Oyster Bay is actually still a part of the New York metropolitan area. It's about an hour and a half away from NYC and is the only town in Nassau County that extends from the North Shore to the South Shore of Long Island. Unfortunately, I only had the chance to visit the Waterfront Center at the West End Ave of Oyster Bay. My aunt and her org-mates had a function at the main hall there and since I was only technically "sabit" (hehe), I just basically took my sweet time as well and laid on the grass beside the hall. Just as well - since I needed to just breathe, relax and enjoy the breeze. Anyway, we took the LIRR train to get to Oyster Bay. LIRR sch...

Nov122017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Grand Central Station New York – what to do, see, eat

America, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, United States of America

One of the popular New York tourist spots (and one of my favorite places in NYC to visit, take photos and people watch) is the Grand Central Station. Going to this station is definitely included in the "must-do while in New York City" lists. Grand Central Station is beautiful, has tons of history, majestic and, with over 21 million people visiting it every year, it is one of the largest, busiest train stations in the world. Several years ago, a friend and I took the train here to head to Pittsburgh. A few weeks ago, my aunt and I took the train from Grand Central Station to go apple picking at Dutchess County. And just last week, I accompanied a friend who took pre-nuptial photos of a couple at the Grand Central Terminal. This is where you go when you need to travel on the Metro Nort...