Society Archives - Page 3 of 28 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Aug122020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Head to POPS CDO for the best, sulit buffet in Cagayan de Oro

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Reviews, Society

I don't know about you but it seems like buffets in Cagayan de Oro have become a dime in a dozen. So many CDO buffets to choose from! However, when it comes to sulit, absolutely value for money eat AND drink all you can choices, POPS CDO All Filipino Eatery still tops my list. For only Php 250 (US $5) per person, you get to access a wide array of Filipino comfort food - complete from soup to rice (plain or fried...what do you prefer?) to various viands (meat, fish, vegetables etc) to dessert (fruits, kakanin, fruit salad etc) to bottomless drinks! Indulge to your heart's content! For now, two of the POPS CDO branches offer this unbeatable buffet. If you plan to bring a large group of family and friends, their Corrales Avenue branch would be the best choice. It's just be...

Jul292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Matigsalug – Manobo tribes get new tribal hall in Kitaotao

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Culture, Government, Mindanao, Society

Two of Mindanao's tribes now have a new tribal hall complete with sleeping quarters. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribes in Kitaotao, Bukidnon recently received a new tribal hall with sleeping quarters. The new tribal hall, located at Brgy. Sagundanon, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, was inaugurated on July 24, 2020. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribal hall was funded under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Kalahi-CIDSS and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process under its PAyapa and MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) framework. PAMANA is the government's peace and development framework that aims to strengthen peacebuilding, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas. DSWD says that PAMANA has reportedly expanded to include the funding of projects for IPs ...

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, volu...

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 ...

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 eventual...

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, give...

May82020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mother’s Day gifts you can easily pay and get online

Beauty, Business, Consumer, Entertainment, Fashion, Features, Gifts, Internet, Leisure, LifeStyle, Restaurant, Shopping, Society, Style, Technology

With Mother’s Day drawing near and we're all still supposed to stay at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can actually still make the most important woman in our lives feel very special on the very day of the year that's meant for her! The best option? Do cashless transactions with many of the businesses that offer takeout/to-go, pickup or delivery options. Chances are, your favorite business establishments offer one or all of those options! With cashless transactions, getting those Mother's Day gifts will definitely be a breeze and safer! For the movie junkie mom If your mom loves movies, why not give her access to all her favorite films and series with a Netflix subscription? You can even set up a movie night for the entire family complete with your go-to snacks. Su...

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...

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...

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...

Mar252020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Helpful Tips When Visiting Family In Canada

Society, Travel

Having family living in another country like Canada is taxing, but it can be necessary for your loved ones to have a career they love, receive specialized education and much more. There are some things you need to keep in mind when planning to visit Canadian permanent residents or citizens for extended periods such as visas, insurance, and costs as well as all the fun activities and sights you can indulge in during your trip. Visas and Insurance Canada offers special visas and insurance to parents and grandparents of permanent residents which allows them to visit for between one and two years. These are called Super Visas and have different benefits and requirements than other types of visitor visas. For one thing, you will need to purchase a Super Visa insurance plan to cover y...

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...

Oct212019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

UPDATED with more photos: Bukidnon airport to feature pineapple design

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism

The most-awaited Bukidnon airport, located at Maray-Maray, Municipality of Don Carlos, will reportedly feature a lovely pineapple-inspired design. This, according to Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri. In fact, Senator Migs Zubiri, a longtime friend, personally sent to me the design plan! He said that I have the first crack at this Bukidnon airport design plan so for that I'm truly grateful! LOOK: (please subscribe for more exclusive updates --- it will only take 2 seconds, I promise!) https://youtu.be/6FdC_bbzJAY Sir Migs also disclosed that the groundwork is now 80 percent complete and a Php 630 Million bidding for the concretion will be held early November 2019. He also personally told me that he is working on amending the national budget for next y...

Oct132019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

How to pay your BIR taxes via Paymaya

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

It is now extra convenient to pay for your taxes through an app. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the government’s lead tax collection agency, is now working with PayMaya to offer digital payment touchpoints that will be made available to all Filipinos nationwide. PayMaya, the digital financial services arm of Voyager Innovations, offers integrated consumer and merchant payment solutions with the widest on-ground branch network. PayMaya provides e-wallets that allow Filipinos to conduct cashless transactions at any time of the day, anywhere in the world, and from any device. As a start, PayMaya account holders will soon be able to remit their tax payments to BIR through the Pay Bills feature of the PayMaya app. PayMaya is also working with BIR to extend digital tax payments to ...

Sep262019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Donate your luggage to first time OFWs and get your dream bags at up to 40% off!

Advocacy, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society

How's this for a great cause? In exchange of your old bags or luggage, you get to buy brand new ones at whopping discounts of as much as 40%. Not only that - you also actually help first-time Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) since your old travel items will be donated to them. No need for our new heroes to borrow money just to buy luggage! Get your dream luggage (think Delsey and World Traveller!) at the BEST prices AND help OFWs - sign me up! Let's support this! Head to Ayala Centrio Mall Activity Center from September 27 to 30, 2019, bring your old bags and luggage and head home with a happy heart (and wallet!). Remember --- ALL bags of ANY brand and in ANY condition are welcome! This is the perfect reason to do your Marie Kondo moves ;) * Thanks to Tom for taking this ph...

Jul272019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hello Kitty fans will LOVE this new Herschel Supply collection — see why!

Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Style

Can you believe it's been 45 years of friendship, kindness and KAWAII with Hello Kitty? Our favorite female Gijinka with her notable red bow is celebrating her 45th year of spreading kindness all over the world and to celebrate this, Herschel Supply has released a limited edition Hello Kitty collection! Trust me, the pieces included in this Herschel x Hello Kitty array are so cute! Get ready for eye candies galore: Choose from these designs: The Nova Mini, Nova Small, Nova Mid-Volume, Novel duffle, Cruz crossbody, and the Fifteen hip pack all dressed in smooth white flight satin fabric and feature an EXCLUSIVE tonal heat pressed Hello Kitty all-over print and an interior fabric liner with a magnified print of Hello Kitty. Now THAT will definitely make any Hello Kitty fan...

Mar252019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to name your own tree in the Philippines

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Society, Technology

You can now name a tree in the Philippines and it will hardly cost you anything! Actually, this will be extra easy if you're a Globe Prepaid, Postpaid, and TM customer. Why? Because if you are, then you have a chance to not only name your own tree but you can also help restore the Philippines’ primary rainforest cover when you donate your Globe Rewards points to Hineleban Foundation by March 31, 2019. Hineleban (He-ne-leu-ban) is a Sacred Binukid term literally meaning “Mother Tree of the rainforest that sustains the cycle of all life." Hineleban Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organisation based in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Their vision is to ensure the nation’s water, food and human security by reforesting the mountain ranges of Mindanao, home to the country’s last watersheds. These...

Feb92019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

New nesting area for Philippine Eagle identified

Bukidnon, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

Here's good news! A new nesting territory for the mighty monkey-eating Philippine Eagle has been identified...and yes, it's in Mindanao, particularly in the highlands of Bukidnon. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, they have duly verified local reports that indicated the presence of a Philippine Eagle and its offspring in Bukidnon. The said foundation said that they conducted a 2-week expedition and confirmed that there's an eaglet about 10 months old and its parent in the Bukidnon highlands. This is a really positive development especially since there are only about 400 Philippine Eagles left. My friend, Atty. John Flores, who is gunning for the District 2 congressional seat, cautioned that people should be more mindful of the Philippine Eagles' nesting areas. T...

Nov222018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

The fun Cirque de Globe CDO Globe Telecom party and my very special prize

Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Society, Technology

I haven't written about it yet (although if you do follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you'd have an idea) but, yes, I went home to the Philippines for about 3 weeks. It was a long-awaited, much-needed trip not only because I had to have my new US work visa stamped on my passport (let me know in the comments section if you want me to write about this, by the way!) but also because I have deeply missed my family, relatives, friends, clients (YASSS) and fellow bloggers! My trip was apparently very timely. Globe Telecom wanted to hold their media and bloggers appreciation party pretty early this year (they usually send out invitations either end of November or December) and the date fell on one of my "relax/chill" days. The theme of the party was "circus" and there was supposed to...