Mindanaoan Update Archives - Page 8 of 67 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Aug112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Day trip idea: Fortune Valley and Manalog Falls in Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

During this pandemic, I've been spending more of my time in Bukidnon. This beautiful province is located in Central Mindanao and is recognized as the food basket of Mindanao. I love the absolutely chill vibe of this place and here, I can truly rest, read, do passion projects, do what I like and at the kind of pace I want. It also helps that the prices here are still way cheaper compared to those in the city. The closest city, by the way, is Cagayan de Oro. Anyway, I've been going on road trips as of late and now, my relatives and I are thinking of probably trekking or exploring the mountains and rivers. A Malaybalay resident by the name of Enrico Asentista inspired me to do a day trip in Malaybalay. I didn't even know about these two places! The good news is that these are just very nea...

Jul102020 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Conquering Mangima Road with Ford Ranger Raptor

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Society, Travel

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that I am in the market for a new vehicle and currently weighing options. Aside from budget, comfort level and features, I thought I also needed a vehicle that could fit my busy and adventure-filled lifestyle but can also be formal and practical, preferably one that didn’t really require further modifications. See, I may be a girl but more often than not, I’m not that girly-girl, if you know what I mean. I have my happy-in-a-dress days but I have more makeup-free, slippers-only, super comfortable clothes on days. So, to me, that’s a challenge. Is there a vehicle out there for someone who loves to travel and conquer many adventures but who also loves to take the family, friends and loved ones for fun escapades, lead community projects, volun...

Jun252020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How your Php 100 (US $2) can help buy PPEs for frontliners

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Events, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Society, Technology

I know what you're thinking. That thing experts call "donor fatigue" has kicked in and not many people are interested to donate to COVID-19 related fundraising causes. I was afraid of that, too. However, we all know that this fight isn't over (and won't be for quite a while) and our brave and hardworking medical front liners need all the help so that they can work and treat efficiently. We need to UNITE. So here goes --- how about if we help procure Department of Health-approved medical grade PPEs for our front liners, who, for 3 months running, have been sacrificing for all of us? And guess what --- we can actually do this by donating as low as Php 100 (yes, that's US $2) Join #CreatorsUnitedPH campaign, an effort that seeks to raise funds to procure DOH-approved medical grade P...

Jun242020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Donated earsavers for brave frontliners – JOIN US!

Advocacy, Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Gifts, LifeStyle, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society

Ever since this whole pandemic started, I've led a couple of donation drives, joined information campaigns and contributed to many fundraising efforts. Anybody who really knows me can attest that I'm not exactly the type who likes to post about those but I want to make an exception this time. Firstly, because I am hoping that more people will be inspired. Secondly, because our fight against this global health crisis is far from over and the world needs more volunteers. Thirdly, because this project is really simple, doable and very budget-friendly --- not to mention fun to do! Let me tell you about earsavers. Earsavers protect the ears from chafing or developing skin irritation while you wear a face mask. You can also wear earsavers so the ear loops don't tug your ears and eventuall...

Jun112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Ford offers buy now, pay later, super low monthly plans plus financing with 0 percent interest

Business, Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update

This is big news especially for folks like me who want to purchase a new vehicle soon! Ford Philippines is making it extra easy for all of us to own a spanking brand new Ford vehicle with very special deals. Just how special? How does buy now, pay later, low monthly plans and a financing plan with ZERO percent interest up to 3 years sound to you? This June, Ford Philippines has special deals and promotions for its pick-ups, SUVs, and Ford Transit van. They even have freebies and cash discounts in store. Can you hear my heart beating so fast?! I agree with Ford Philippines Marketing Director Ryan Lorenzo when he said that with these special offers, it’s now easier and more convenient to own a Ford vehicle. Ford Ranger now available for as low as Php 9,999 monthly Still available...

Jun112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Easy cashless payments for BIR, SSS, Pag-ibig etc via PayMaya

Advocacy, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update

Do you prefer paying online for your taxes, SSS contributions and other payments to the government? Are you, like me, an advocate of cashless payments? While it's true that most of the quarantine rules have been relaxed across the country, digital financial services leader PayMaya said it is still safer and more efficient for Filipinos to pay their government dues online and using cashless methods, options which are already available for the convenience and safety of citizens. Government agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Social Security System (SSS) have announced a final extension for tax filing and membership dues, respectively, until June 15, 2020. Citizens can easily pay for their BIR and SSS dues using their PayMaya accounts from the safety and comf...

Jun52020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cashless payment for your hirna taxi fare with PayMaya

Butuan, Corporate, Davao City, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Are you among the hirna ride-hailing app users in Davao, Butuan, Iloilo and Bacolod? I have fantastic news for you! Digital financial services leader PayMaya is partnering with hirna and its partner-taxi drivers so that the latter can accept cashless payments in accordance with the government's directive to promote a safer and more convenient commute for the riding public. Soon, users of the hirna ride-hailing app can book rides and pay using PayMaya QR and do away with the need to pay their fares using cash, which is seen to aiding the spread of the virus causing the COVID-19 disease. hirna and its partner-drivers are among the first transportation service providers that PayMaya is empowering with digital payments capabilities in support of t...

Jun42020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I saw Ross of “Friends” a.k.a. David Schwimmer in New York

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

Are you a fellow fan of "Friends"? Because if you are then OH. MY. GOD. (oh that shrilly Janice voice!) Like any "Friends" fan worth her salt, I just HAD to see at least one of the cast members, no? As fate would have it, I saw the amazingly talented David Schwimmer, who played my favorite character, "Ross," first! Maybe I just got lucky because David Schwimmer a.k.a. Ross Geller lives in New York while the other cast members reside in the West Coast. Anyway, that doesn't matter. What matters is --- I SAW ROSS! So of course this post will be - The One With Ross In NYC :D It all happened when I scored priority tickets to "The View," a daily talk show created in 1997 by veteran journalist Barbara Walters. Currently, the show is hosted by women led by Hollywood bigwig Whoopi G...

Jun32020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tips On Being A Condo Owner

Mindanaoan Update

Not many people know the pros and cons of being a condo owner. Living in a condo means that you do have to be responsible within your association. Many of the most common issues are because many people don’t follow even the basics of rules that are listed. If you are renting an apartment or condo or if you're now a certified condo owner, you might have some rights. However, as an owner, there are courtesies, restrictions, and rights for you to be aware of. Being A Good Neighbor Chances are, you’ve grown up around neighbors before but now that you are in a place where you may have the same neighbors for a long time, you want to make sure to be friendly to those on either side of you. A good idea is to be the kind of neighbor that you initially would like to have. This mea...

May292020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

LOOK: The new Ford Everest Sport 2020 (what a beauty)

Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Travel

Are you also keen on buying a new vehicle just like me? I have great news! Ford Philippines has launched the new Ford Everest Sport and it's a certified beauty! Plus - get this - if you reserve a unit before May 31, 2020, you get a FREE 3-year scheduled service plan. Did that capture your attention? Read on. The new Ford Everest Sport 2020 is part of the vehicle maker's SUV portfolio expansion and features an enhanced design and a host of driver-assist technologies that will help widen the appeal of the Ford Everest among customers who appreciate the vehicle’s versatility, safety, and capability. “The new Everest Sport supports the Everest’s position as one of the safest and most capable SUVs in the market today,” shares PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines. Her...

May292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

POPS CDO Filipino restaurant reopens, adapts to new normal

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

As the world slowly eases back to its "new normal" amidst this current health scare, restaurants are also slowly but surely adapting to new guidelines and implementing them well so as to protect consumers. Cagayan de Oro's P.O.P.S. All Filipino Eatery, best known as CDO's most popular eat-and-drink-all-you-can place, is nothing different. After nearly 2 months of temporary closure due to quarantine guidelines set by the government, POPS CDO is now back and ready to serve customers. Although dine-in is still not allowed as of this writing, POPS CDO is geared up and ready to offer pickup, takeout and delivery! Moreover, the POPS Cagayan de Oro management is also taking into consideration the possible changes such as reduced capacity of dine-in customers, heightened health and safety prot...

May242020 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Panagatan Restaurant reopens all branches, offers 30 percent discount

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant

Considered as Northern Mindanao's culinary gem and everyone's favorite seafood restaurant, Panagatan Restaurant is back in business! Panagatan Restaurant is all geared up to cater to pickup, takeout and delivery orders! Plus, here's an amazing deal - 30 percent off on all seafood meals! This offer lasts until May 31, 2020 so I highly recommend that you visit the Panagatan Restaurant branch nearest you. They have 6 branches, folks! Their main one, my favorite, is in Opol. It's atop the water so you can enjoy the sea breeze. They then have branches in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Valencia City, Bukidnon. PLEASE CALL THESE NUMBERS Opol - 0917 713 1436Ayala Malls (Centrio) - 0923 087 2418 / landline 323 1390SM Downtown - 0927 851 6711 / landline 859 1376SM City Uptown - 09...

May242020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Get paid using your phone | Negosyo app lets you receive online, QR payments

Blogging, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

As more and more businesses turn to digital means in order to cope with the current pandemic, the need for innovative mobile payment measures is also on the rise. Good thing our friends over at PayMaya know how to help entrepreneurs and they even make it extra easy! PayMaya recently unveiled its latest mobile payment innovation - the all-new PayMaya Negosyo app. This app allows merchants - from our kapitbahay who just started selling kakanin to small business owners and even to the veteran trade bigwigs - to easily and quickly accept online payments and payments via QR code within just 1 to 2 days. If you ask me, this is absolutely helpful because not only do customers prefer easy, convenient and online ways to pay for purchases, contactless payments are now highly encouraged, given...

May82020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Qualified for the Small Business Wage Subsidy? Receive funds via Paymaya

Business, Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

We all know that many employees have had their livelihoods affected because of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures. In Mindanao, I personally know of several business owners who have been forced to temporarily suspend their operations because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, their employees and workers also had to look for other means to get by. The national government has introduced the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program. Employees and workers affected can see if they qualify for the program through the Social Security System (SSS) or apply for other loans and have the funds disbursed safely and conveniently to their PayMaya account. The application period for this subsidy program has been extended until today, May 8, 2020. PayMaya has partnered with SSS ...

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 York...

Apr242020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Simple Ways to Introduce Your Child to Jesus

Mindanaoan Update

As a Christian parent, it is inevitable that you will introduce God to your child. Psalm 111:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Therefore, it is crucial to be affectionate and respectful towards Jesus while being at His mercy. If you are searching for ‘churches near me’, spiritual workers at Omega Fire Ministries Houston believe that the words of God build a child’s character and guide him/her on the path to righteousness. They are of the opinion that children should not be left behind in church activities. So, if you are a resident of Texas, you must visit black churches in Houston to expose your child to God. Here are a few other effective methods to do so. Baptism This is a ceremony in which one accepts Jesus as real. By believing Him as a reincar...

Apr212020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao gets 6,000 COVID-19 test kits from Senator Migs Zubiri

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Cotabato, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Surigao, Surigao del Norte

The Senator from Mindanao, my friend Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri, is stepping up and helping the country in its continuing battle against the deadly coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. Following his initial donation of COVID-19 test kits to the Philippine General Hospital through the University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health early April 2020, he now has donated 6,000 COVID-19 antibody diagnostic kits to hospitals around Mindanao. Two thousand (2,000) kits will go to the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center in Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Another two thousand (2,000 kits) to Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental; 1,000 test kits to Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao, Surigao del Norte; And, finally, one thousand...

Apr62020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Snorkeling At Camiguin Giant Clam Sanctuary

Camiguin, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin Island, located in Mindanao, Philippines, is inarguably one of my most favorite places. How can you not love the Island Born of Fire? It's home to a breathtaking white island (where you can eat sea urchins, by the way), a sunken cemetery that's an interesting diving spot, a spring resort with the coldest water and very near another island that has a rich marine sanctuary. Yes, Camiguin Island is definitely a must-visit and, as if those reasons aren't enough, here's another reason why you should include Camiguin in your #travelgoals --- a giant clam sanctuary! At the Camiguin Island giant clam sanctuary, you don't just learn all about various clam species and the local conservation efforts. You can even snorkel and see these fascinating giant clams as well as other marine life....

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 gra...

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 the...

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 conclude...