Mindanaoan Update Archives - Page 13 of 67 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Oct272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

#FeelCamiguin

Camiguin, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

By now, I’m hoping you’ve already watched that viral #NoWords promotional video for the Province of Camiguin. That truly has gone viral - so viral that as of this writing, it has now garnered 922,000 views and over 15,000 shares on Facebook alone. This will surely help bring in not only guests but revenue as well especially since the Island Born of Fire is currently celebrating the most awaited Lanzones Festival. Just in case you haven’t seen it, check out the video below. The video begins with a female tourist who tells her friend off for flaking out on their Camiguin trip. The tourist grumbles that she’s now alone in Camiguin Island and that she finds the tiny island boring and quiet...until she meets a local. I’ll stop right there because I don’t want to send out spoilers. Please do ...

Oct132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cool travel apps your phone must have

Mindanaoan Update, Taiwan, Technology, Travel

Hi, fellow avid traveler! Make your next trip extra convenient! I personally use these travel apps. See if these can help you as well. Please don't forget to send me your feedback! :) iTranslate I tried this app and it’s pretty nifty especially for international travelers, I must say. So what happens is, if you’re in an area where there aren’t many English speakers and you need to ask someone something (perhaps a street vendor?), use the app by speaking into your phone. iTranslate will allow you to have that translated to 90 different languages. Choose the language you want. Then ask the non-English speaker to talk into your phone and it automatically translate into the language you chose. Amazing! By the way, this app can also be useful for those who want to learn a new language. Essaye...

Oct112017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Things you can save on when online shopping at ShopBack

Beauty, Consumer, Fashion, Gifts, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Shopping, Style, Travel

While I still like shopping at brick and mortar stores, I have also developed a penchant for online shopping. Not only does it save time and energy, online shopping can also actually help save money. Now, there’s even more good news. Imagine this - the opportunity for you to actually be paid for shopping! Presenting ShopBack. ShopBack is a cashback site that pays you for shopping in more than 500 merchant stores. Cashback site literally means getting cash back - when you spend online through ShopBack, we get a portion of our very own purchase back. That means a lot of extra savings and extra money that we can use for more purchases. I have been a member of ShopBack for quite a while now and you know I only recommend sites that are legitimate and reliable. ShopBack is the top cashback...

Oct72017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Globe customers can now call Jollibee Delivery for FREE via #8-7000

Food, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Now it's easier to satisfy that Chickenjoy craving and can I just say - a really good reason to switch to Globe Telecom or, if you're a subscriber of another network, buy a new Globe LTE sim! Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), the largest fast food chain in the Philippines, recently signed with Globe Business, the enterprise and information and communications technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, to centralize its express delivery service to one convenient number: #8-7000. And Jollibee is not the only brand that they're partnering with. Read on to find out the awesome news! Over 59 million Globe customers will now be able to call #8-7000 for FREE with the use of their mobile device. Not only that, Jollibee’s delivery number also ensures easier access and greater reach for areas th...

Oct72017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

7 helpful tips for safe, enjoyable tropical travel

Mindanaoan Update, Travel

When the autumn breeze hits your arms and legs, your mind starts dreaming of the sand, surf, and sun. While it's tempting to instantly hop on a plane or in a car, safe tropical travel takes a little planning. Here are seven quick yet important tips to get you on those warm beaches faster. Watch Weather Not all paradise coastal towns are at risk of tropical weather. Though, as we've learned worldwide the last ten years or more, you can't be too cautious planning trips around the weather. Look for the months when the highest risk of tropical storms aim for the area you're traveling. Check out long-range forecasts, and make sure you know the emergency evacuation situations once you arrive. Pack Smart You know you're not wearing much more than that swimsuit. Many airlines have adde...

Sep252017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

My Awesome New York Yankee Stadium Delta Sky360 Suite Experience

America, Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, Sports, Travel, United States of America

I may not be a huge baseball fan but I do understand the game and I am familiar with some of the previous and current baseball stars. I think it’s a thrilling game to watch and it’s an easy, fun way to spend several hours. So imagine my joy when I received free VIP passes to the Delta Sky360 Suite at the world-renowned Yankee Stadium here in New York, USA. Not only did the passes allow me to choose which home game to watch (my aunt and I chose the New York Yankees vs Seattle Mariners game last Aug. 26), they also allowed me to gain access to the “sosyal” area :D Claimed our passes at Gate 4 Suite ticket holders use a separate entrance (I told you it's "sosyal") and of course, a separate elevator. I forgot to take photos at the reception area (I was THAT excited). Th...

Sep222017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why the S&R Members Treat event is the BEST time to go Christmas shopping

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

If you love discounts, sales and promos over at S&R Membership Shopping as much as I do, then I have absolutely fab news! S&R CDO and all other S&R Membership Shopping branches in Davao, Cebu and other major areas in the Philippines, are again holding its much-awaited S&R Members' Treat! S&R Members' Treat is our favorite membership shopping chain's way of thanking its loyal, valued patrons by offering amazing discounts and promos. As much as 50% discounts on most products as well as the ultra exciting Buy 1 Take 1 promo. Check out some of the items that will be on sale: READ RELATED POST: Sneak peek inside S&R CDO READ RELATED POST: Helping launch S&R CDO The SnR CDO Members Treat is definitely the best time to go Christmas shopping. Avo...

Sep12017 by Mindanaoan Irene24 Comments

Seven Seas Waterpark CDO rates

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Tourism

The long wait is finally over. The most-anticipated opening of the Seven Seas Waterpark in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental (just moments away from the Bulua, Cagayan de Oro and Opol boundary, in fact) is set to take place this September 2017. Of course, everyone wants to know the Seven Seas CDO ticket prices :) BUY YOUR TICKETS BELOW: Klook.com Owned by Elpidio "Elpie" Paras, the same visionary behind Dahilayan Adventure Park and Parasat Cable TV, Seven Seas Waterpark is also a sister company of Great White Water Rafting CDO. Ergo, it would really be wise to avail of CDO water rafting packages with Great White Rafting since their raft and zipline AND waterpark packages will definitely be unbeatable. Anyway, Seven Seas Water Park CDO will feature various thrilling slides such as...

Aug222017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting a Hollywood celebrity crush: Jesse Metcalfe @jessemetcalfe

America, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, United States of America

I got pretty lucky a few days ago. I MET JESSE METCALFE!!! That's right - I met one of my Hollywood celebrity crushes, Jesse Metcalfe, on a beautiful, sunshiny day {insert googly eyes with, like, a million hearts haha} here in New York! I'm sure you know how this feels - to finally see in person that Hollywood guy you've only watched on TV or in the movies and you don't know what to do first - scream, tell your family and friends all about it, blog, take a video, post a Facebook status, tweet, take a selfie etc. Haha! :) So please forgive me if I sound like a high school girl today. Quick side note: I wrote a little teaser about me meeting him on my newspaper column on Gold Star Daily, Mindanao's largest newspaper Anyways, it happened last August 2, 2017 (yes, every minute det...

Aug172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

You need to stock up on these S&R Membership Shopping items

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society

Do you do the groceries for your home? Picture this: you forgot that you have guests coming in for dinner and your fridge is practically empty or you want your children or husband to have delicious baon for school or office but you want to serve something else than just fried chicken or you want to stock up on perfectly marinated chicken cut-ups but you just don't have the time (or patience) to prepare! If you've ever found yourself in those situations, then I bring good news. S&R Membership Shopping now has ready to cook, marinated chicken cuts in various flavors! Come to think of it - these marinated chicken cuts are the best choice especially when you have special occasions like fiesta, birthday celebrations or just a simple barkada gathering. Remember - these are ready to coo...

Aug52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

List of universities and colleges that will offer FREE tuition starting year 2018

Announcements, Campus, Education, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, News

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has finally signed the free tuition law last Thursday, August 3, 2017. This means that a total of 114 state-run universities, colleges as well as technical-vocational schools will soon provide free tuition subsidy starting 2018. The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which Congress ratified in May and transmitted to the Office of the President on July 5, will provide full tuition subsidies. Here's the list of colleges and universities that will also free tuition in 2018: National Capital Region Eulogio 'Amang' Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology Marikina Polytechnic College Philippine Normal University Philippine State College of Aeronautics Polytechnic University of the Philippines Rizal Technological University ...

Aug52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

What to do, where to go during Higalaay CDO Fiesta 2017

Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Food, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Tourism

The Higalaay Festival a.k.a. Cagayan de Oro fiesta has kicked off in CDO. The extended Martial Law in Mindanao obviously didn't deter the Cagayan de Oro local government from planning and organizing the Higalaay Festival 2017. In fact, this year's Higalaay CDO Festival 2017 is part of the ongoing #BusinessAsUsual campaign of the CDO government. Anyways, if you have plans of joining the revelries, a list of the core events of the 2017 Kagay-an Festival / CDO Fiesta / Higalaay Festival can be found below. August 3 to 5 - Mindanao Fashion Summit, Rotunda of Limketkai Center August 8 - ASEAN Landmark Lighting, Kiosko Kaawasan, Divisoria August 18 to 20 - Cowboy Festival / Horse Show, CDO Uptown August 18 to 29 - Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair, SM Downtown August 20 - Kagay-an Festival...

Jul222017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Visiting that “Friends” apartment building in New York City

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

If you're not a fan of the TV series "Friends," then you'd think this is just an ordinary building. However, for certified "Friends" fans like me, my Mama and my three younger brothers (we have virtually watched all seasons including the bloopers millions of times - okay, that's an exaggeration but you get the drift!), HOLY CRAP this almost feels like home. I guess this is what they mean when they say "only fans can understand." Visiting the New York apartment building where Monica (Courtney Cox), Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Joey (Matt LeBlanc) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) (and Ross (David Schwimmer), at one point) lived is like a pilgrimage. READ: I saw David Schwimmer in person!!! In fact, at the risk of sounding like a wuss, I got emotional when I saw the Friends apartment building ...

Jul12017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Times Square New York tour and the crazy things you see

America, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

This blog post about Times Square New York is actually several days in the making. I thought I could come up with content for this Times Square NY tour post after just one visit but the truth of the matter is, there's just too many things to do, see, hear, discover, eat (!!!), smell (???) and film at one of New York City's super popular tourist attractions. So let's start with the basics and I'll update this blog post often with more links, videos, photos and (hopefully) more fun tips for you to help make your New York City trip one for the books. Times Square, per se, is actually technically not a square in the geometric sense of the word. Instead, what's called as "The Crossroads of the World" is more of a bowtie shape if you take it from 45th Street (where 7 Av intersects Broadway). Th...

Jun132017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Seven Seas Waterpark CDO throws shade at Cartoon Network and Six Flags theme parks

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

It's inarguably the most anticipated and most talked about tourist spot in all of Mindanao - Seven Seas Waterpark. Located technically at Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental, people tend to still associate it with Cagayan de Oro especially since it's just literally a few moments away from the Opol/Bulua boundary. Seven Seas Waterpark is owned by Elpidio "Elpie" Paras, the same visionary who runs Dahilayan Adventure Park a.k.a. the home of Asia's longest dual cable zipline. According to a Facebook post on the Seven Seas Waterpark page, the theme park is now on the final stages of construction. The post says painting of the pools now underway, pathways and landscaping now taking shape, perimeter fence is almost done, detailing of the galleon arcade is almost finished, and the rotunda is done. T...

Jun112017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting the cast of “The Mummy” in New York City

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

So, okay, let’s face the elephant in the room head on. The reviews of the latest Tom Cruise-starrer, “The Mummy,” aren’t exactly ideal (fine, a lot of them are brutally bad...like seriously) but those obviously didn’t stop me from attending an event which allowed me to see some of the cast members. Besides, just like many other Hollywood films, a movie like this is for the fans! In fact, the fans made their voices heard. Despite the absolutely devastating reviews on "The Mummy," it was still able to recoup its US $125 Million and so far, has earned US $151 Million. Not exactly a runaway hit, yes, but I have a feeling it will still earn a huge chunka money especially when you factor in all the merchandise sales and all that jazz. Anyways, a few days ago, I had the lovely opportunity to m...

Jun62017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy now asks for your social media accounts

America, Mindanaoan Update, New York, News, Society, Technology, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

The US government has now approved plans to ask US visa applicants for their social media accounts. Just recently, the Trump administration has started conducting background checks on the social media usage of visa applicants going back 5 years ago via a new questionnaire. The development now also allows consular officers to request email addresses, phone numbers as well as 15 years of biographical information from visa applicants, should a "more rigorous national security setting vetting" is needed. This may definitely make visa applications more difficult for lots of people. READ: How to pass your US Embassy visa interview The new questionnaire has a section where you need to write your usernames for any websites or applications you may have used to create or share content (p...

May302017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Stay within your travel budget with this one-stop booking app

Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Reviews, Technology, Travel

Travel makes my soul very happy. Traveling brings a different kind of joy and excitement. Discovering (and even getting lost - but that’s where the thrill is!) new places, meeting fascinating people, immersing in a different culture, celebrating over delicious food - sigh! Do you feel the same way? Because if you do then I’m sure that you would also grab each and every opportunity to travel faster than the speed of lightning. Alas, such is easier said than done. With travel comes expenses and more often than not, it’s a challenge to stick to our travel budget. * Took this photo at a place overlooking Lake Taal in Tagaytay, Philippines. It's breathtaking * Me at Central Park, New York, USA Fortunately, there’s a one-stop booking app that allows us to stick within our ...

May242017 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Guide for Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific ticket holders during Martial Law in Mindanao

Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

Following the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao by the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, two of the country's airlines have also released guidelines and statements especially for confirmed ticket holders. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines said that passengers with confirmed bookings from May 24 to June 30, 2017 may rebook, reroute, or refund flight tickets to and from Mindanao until end-July without any penalties. The areas included are: - Butuan - Cagayan de Oro - Cotabato - Dipolog - Davao - General Santos - Ozamiz - Surigao - Zamboanga Passengers with confirmed tickets to and fro these areas are qualified to amend their tickets. Passengers may call the PAL hotline (02) 855-8888 or go to the nearest ticketing office or partner travel agent. Here...

May242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao

ARMM, Crime, Marawi City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the entire island of Mindanao, Philippines. He issued the declaration last Tuesday, May 23, 2017 PST, from Moscow, where he was on an official visit, after roughly 50 armed men allegedly entered Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The martial law in Mindanao declaration, according to Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella, will be in effect for 60 days and will include Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. Duterte declared Martial Law after members of the radical Islamist organization Maute group clashed with Philippine forces in Marawi. The army said that they were in the area to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of an Islamic State branch in Southeast Asia. Hapilon is on the FBI’s “most wanted terrorist” list, with a $5 mill...

May52017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why You Need To Try Online Slots

Mindanaoan Update

I remember the first time I won big in a casino. It was 7 years ago and I toured some friends who were newbies in the big city. I accompanied them to the newest casino in town and they had fun trying their luck out. While I was waiting for them to use up all the stored credits, I also tried my hand at a slot machine. What happened that night was pure luck. I pressed the wrong button. Instead of only placing a minimum bet, I instead mistakenly pressed the maximum bet! It all happened at a split second and my heart fell. However, like I said, my lucky stars were apparently shining so brightly that night because that one wrong press triggered bonus plays after bonus plays after bonus plays! Needless to say, I went home very happy that day. And in case you’re wondering what I used my winnin...

Apr272017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Why you should spend Labor Day weekend with #GlobeBoracay

Entertainment, Events, Features, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Society

The last time I spent Labor Day weekend in Boracay was two years ago but I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was the perfect Labor Day escapade - fabulous beach, beautiful people and crazy LaBoracay parties! This 2017, expect the same fun and sizzle courtesy of Globe Telecom! Globe is pulling out all the stops for #GlobeBoracay, a weekend of revelry with local and international DJs from April 28 to May 1, 2017! Trust me, lots of reasons to make Boracay your ground zero for everything hot and exciting! Here's why you should spend Labor Day weekend with #GlobeBoracay in, well, lovely Boracay Island, Philippines! Globe is set to heat it up with #GlobeSunkissed, a three-day party headlined by Matthew Koma, who collaborated with Zedd for the hit songs “Clarity” and “Spectrum.” T...