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Helping Mindanao electric cooperatives navigate social media, address online bashing and crisis and foster community engagement

Helping Mindanao electric cooperatives navigate social media, address online bashing and crisis and foster community engagement

Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Consumer, Corporate, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
In Mindanao, blackouts occur, on average, no less than 10 times per month. More often than not, these blackouts also last for a very long time - sometimes, for hours on end! Needless to say, this is extremely exasperating because not only are households affected but businesses as well. Customers get really irate and the tendency is that they turn to social media and express their anger and disappointment towards the Mindanao electric cooperatives that are expected to provide reliable power to the communities. People post not only complaints online but memes, harsh words and even threats! Electric cooperatives or ECs, on the other hand, fully acknowledge the fact that they need to learn how to address the crisis situations fast. They understand that in this age of social media, they sh...
This Filipina is fake, but her stories are real

This Filipina is fake, but her stories are real

Advocacy, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
Huwag na nating pagusapan ‘yan. Filipinos have a reputation for sweeping everything under a rug. Call it moral shame, or call it fear, the norm dictates bottling up and carrying on—no matter what the situation. The consequences of such an attitude is staggering. It is not surprising that according to a 2022 Philippine National Survey, roughly 17.5% of women aged 15-49 has experienced violence at the hands of their current or most recent spouses or partners. In a society based on faith and borne of strict societal mores, victims find silence and anonymity to be the only recourse. Fear, normalized violence at home, and victim blaming stop women from talking about their abuse and allow their experience to go unreported. So, how can we act on something that does not exist? Yes, stories ...
GrabTaxi launched in General Santos City

GrabTaxi launched in General Santos City

Announcements, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Society, SoSCksargen, Technology
Grab Philippines introduces its digital mobility solutions in General Santos City with the official launch of GrabTaxi last June 24, 2024. The leading superapp supports and uplifts the taxi sector in General Santos City by enhancing safety, reliability, and fare transparency for passengers, championing an elevated commuting experience for the citizens of GenSan. Passengers from the north of Nopol and the eastern portion of Buayan, extending all the way down to Tambler, can now effortlessly book a GrabTaxi ride through the Grab app. “Grab Philippines is proud to partner with the City of General Santos in introducing a digital and more efficient means of hailing a taxi for both locals and tourists,” CJ Lacsican, Grab Philippines Head of Cities Operations, said during the joint ann...
Traveloka partners with Cebu Pacific Airlines to boost travel in Southeast Asia to Philippines

Traveloka partners with Cebu Pacific Airlines to boost travel in Southeast Asia to Philippines

Features, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, Tourism, Travel
Traveloka, the leading travel platform in Southeast Asia, has announced a strategic partnership with Filipino low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) to attract more foreign tourists to visit the Philippines by implementing an application programming interface that will allow inbound travelers to explore CEB flights through the travel app. Aligned with Traveloka’s commitment to helping the tourism industry in Southeast Asia recover from the pandemic, this initiative is expected to positively contribute to the growth of Philippine tourism by making it easier for foreign tourists to explore the country's exciting destinations. The Philippines's tourism sector continues to perform strongly year after year. The Philippine Department of Tourism recorded more than 5.4 million foreign traveler...
mWell launches fully-loaded Smart Watches and Rings

mWell launches fully-loaded Smart Watches and Rings

Advocacy, Corporate, Events, Features, Health, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology
mWell, the digital healthcare arm of Metro Pacific  Investments Corporation (MPIC), recently unveiled a roster of innovative offerings in an impressive digital showcase held at a grand ballroom of a hotel in Bonifacio Global City. The event dubbed “mWell Unboxed” marked the newest milestone in mWell’s history as it goes beyond telemedicine and strengthens its commitment to holistic health. The gathering witnessed the launch of the Mind Health Score feature, new generation mWell Watches, which are fully loaded with health features at a budget-friendly price, and the light yet powerful mWell Rings.  Hosted by Iza Calzado and Markki Stroem, mWell Unboxed transported guests to the mWell multiverse, which showcased a full line-up of features and products, milestones, and  inspiring testi...
Attending the 3rd National Investigative Journalism conference Philippines 2024 #IJPH2024

Attending the 3rd National Investigative Journalism conference Philippines 2024 #IJPH2024

Advocacy, Events, Features, Journalism, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
The 3rd National Investigative Journalism Conference in the Philippines for 2024 was held from April 30 to May 2, 2024 in Quezon City and was hosted by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). The conference aimed to provide a learning, sharing, and capacity-building venue for participants to appreciate the importance of investigative journalism and watchdog journalism in the face of increasingly challenging political and information environments. I feel absolutely honored and inspired to have been a part of the 3rd National #IJPH2024 100 journalists. 46 speakers. 3 plenary sessions. 12 breakout sessions. Topics were extremely relevant and urgent including artificial intelligence, deep fakes, social media for news and public engagement, 2025 elections (!!!), collab...
Sen. Chiz Escudero wants mandatory insurance coverage for powerline workers

Sen. Chiz Escudero wants mandatory insurance coverage for powerline workers

Advocacy, Announcements, Corporate, Government, Society, Technology
Senator Chiz Escudero has recently filed a bill that seeks to provide mandatory insurance coverage and other benefits for all lineworkers in the power utility sector. This is definitely good news especially since I personally know some lineworkers in the power utility sector and most, if not all, of them shared that they barely make enough to purchase insurance not only for themselves but for their loved ones as well. In filing Senate Bill No. 2303, Senator Chiz Escudero said the measure will ensure that the well-being of thousands of lineworkers as well as that of their families are protected. “The continuous and reliable supply of electricity—crucial in sustaining our economic growth and maintaining our way of life—rests on the hands of lineworkers who construct, install, mai...
GCash, Fuse Lending now offers Sakto Loan

GCash, Fuse Lending now offers Sakto Loan

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
GCash, together with Fuse Lending Inc., recently introduced GCash Sakto Loans, a nano loan offer that enables GCash users to easily borrow small amounts as ‘pambale,’ as it seeks to provide more Filipinos with access to fair, easy and inclusive loan options without the need for bureaucratic paperwork. This is definitely good news for folks who needs a little "breather" from financial obligations and with just the right amount, something that the borrower knows he or she can comfortably pay back in time. A GCash study found that nine out of 10 Filipinos have to borrow money to make ends meet. But with the rigorous loan application process set by formal institutions and banks, more than half resort to borrowing from informal lenders with high interest rates and sometimes abusive colle...
Single mom’s love and foresight saves daughters after COVID-19 tragedy

Single mom’s love and foresight saves daughters after COVID-19 tragedy

Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology
Cathy Santos, a courageous single mother, and small business owner, took decisive action to protect her daughters' future amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Her story is a testament to the power of love and thoughtful financial planning in the face of adversity. During a visit to her BDO branch, she was able to talk to a BDO Life Financial Advisor (FA). Cathy sought life insurance policies for her two daughters. Her intention was very specific – she wanted to provide her children a financial head start which they could spend for whatever they needed as they got older. The BDO Life FA noted Cathy’s commitment and sense of responsibility. She asked Cathy a crucial question: “Why not get a life insurance policy for yourself as well? You’re the sole breadwinner of a single-income ho...
Are you a fellow breadwinner? This GCash story will pull your heartstrings

Are you a fellow breadwinner? This GCash story will pull your heartstrings

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Fashion, Features, Internet, Society, Technology
I have been the breadwinner of my family for decades. It's something I take utmost pride of and it's something I enjoy and don't complain about but I must admit, there really are times when it can be physically, emotionally and mentally draining. That's why I can absolutely relate to the recently released GCash Stories episode featuring Turing Quinto, a Filipino drag performer and contestant on the debut season of Drag Race Philippines. As the face of GCash’s “Werk With Pride” advocacy for Pride Month, Turing's story delves into her aspirations and determination to succeed in life while showing the challenges faced by breadwinners striving to make ends meet. Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, the film also celebrates pride by putting a spotlight on GCash's commitment to inclusivity an...
Reader’s Digest recognizes BDO Trust as exceptional brand, awards Gold

Reader’s Digest recognizes BDO Trust as exceptional brand, awards Gold

Consumer, Corporate, Technology
I grew up reading and trusting Reader's Digest. So when they do give out awards or recognize other brands and companies, I know for certain that their decisions are reliable and trustworthy. Just recently, BDO Trust became one of Reader's Digest's awardees! BDO Trust received a Gold Award for Investment Fund Company in the 2023 Reader's Digest Trusted Brand Awards. Meanwhile, BDO Unibank won another Gold for Personal/Consumer Loans and Platinum for Online Banking and Credit Card Issuing Bank. Awesome job, BDO! The 2023 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards recognized exceptional brands that hold the highest level of consumer trust in the market. Catalyst Research independently conducted an online survey among 8,000 respondents from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and ...
Mindanaoan.com continues to land on top Pinoy blogs by worth list

Mindanaoan.com continues to land on top Pinoy blogs by worth list

Blogging, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
Very grateful and absolutely excited to share with you all that this humble blog, Mindanaoan, has continuously landed on BlogMeterTop's top Philippine blogs lists. I think I last posted about this in 2020 but mind you, Mindanaoan.com has consistently landed on their awesome lists all through these years and I can't be more proud! Daghang salamat for all the support! This truly means a whole lot. For the April 2023 lists, Mindanaoan.com landed on the "Top" overall (among the top 50) and on "Travel and Leisure." (among the top 12) I also ranked pretty nicely overall. BlogmeterTop is a Web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic for all Philippine blogsites. According to BlogmeterTop, they track the user’s activity on the site such as page visits and statistic...
Get your tissues ready: Ate Alma’s story will pull your heartstrings

Get your tissues ready: Ate Alma’s story will pull your heartstrings

Advocacy, Features, Internet, Society, Technology
This is a story of camaraderie and community...and, personally, lots of pure love towards our fellow brothers and sisters. You see, while it's true that technology makes life easier, another one of its advantages is that it helps continue to strengthen connections and foster relationships. Take the case of Ate Alma, a photocopy operator in a university and a family breadwinner, who lost her home due to typhoon flooding. Her story, which I guarantee will definitely pull your heartstrings, was featured in a short film directed by no less than Antoinette Jadaone. Ate Alma's story was included among the tearjerking, heartwarming #GCashStories that prove just how technology not only makes daily transactions easier, but also provides an accessible way to genuinely lend a helping hand. Mo...
Kuwarta goals: how BDO helps us to be wiser with our money and finances

Kuwarta goals: how BDO helps us to be wiser with our money and finances

Advocacy, Business, Commentary, Consumer, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
As the eldest, only girl and the breadwinner in the family, it has basically been my life-long responsibility to be careful with money, finances, savings and expenses. Over the years, I have learned which investment works, where to put my savings, how to pay conveniently (and earn cashback, save energy, time and gas in the process!) and other tricks that could help me be wiser with money. I still have a long way to go to feel absolutely financially comfortable in life but here’s one thing that I’m sure can help all of us in our kuwarta goals: to be champions (and implementers) of financial literacy. Financial literacy is key! Now you might be thinking – but why is financial literacy crucial? Aren’t we just supposed to save and maybe leave everything up to the bank? First off,...
Mindanaoan.com wins at Globe Media Excellence Awards GMEA 10

Mindanaoan.com wins at Globe Media Excellence Awards GMEA 10

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Headline, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Social Media, Society, Technology
I WON! I am so proud and honored to share that Mindanaoan.com won the award for Digital Storytelling: Best Blog Post during the milestone year of the Globe Media Excellence Awards! On March 31, 2023 in Cebu City, the Globe Group named the winners of GMEA @10, which honors exceptional reporting across platforms in both Visayas and Mindanao. In its milestone year, GMEA embraced the theme #OneDigitalNation, which celebrated stories that captured the impact of Globe-led innovations that uplift lives with compassion, care, and kindness. For the Best Blog Post award, Maria Irene Aserios a.k.a. Mindanaoan won! Days before the awarding ceremony, Globe announced the list of finalists. I was one of the 3 finalists for Best Blog Post (Mindanao). And then last March 31 in Cebu, I was decla...
<strong>narzo rolls out software updates for 50 Series lineup</strong>

narzo rolls out software updates for 50 Series lineup

Consumer, Technology
narzo Philippines advises the media and the public of its recent rollout of software updates for the narzo 50 Series lineup. These Over-The-Air (OTA) UI updates provide a variety of improvements to the overall narzo smartphone experience, including but not limited to: safety and security features, performance upgrades, interface enhancements, customizations, and bug fixes.  “We stand by our promise of longevity when it comes to supporting all narzo models,” says Elaine Dela Cruz, narzo Brand Representative. “Quality Sulit means that we want our fans to always get the full extent of their money’s worth whenever they trust the narzo brand to be their daily driver, not only in terms of hardware reliability, but also in software and user experience.”  The local rollout of all so...
GCash now in the United States, enables Filipinos to sign up with US numbers

GCash now in the United States, enables Filipinos to sign up with US numbers

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Korea, Malaysia, New York, Singapore, Society, Technology, United States of America
GCash Overseas has officially landed in the United States, allowing the first 1,000 Filipinos there to sign up for the Philippines’ number one financial app by using their US mobile numbers. This is definitely good news especially for those who frequently send money back home. Filipinos in the US can begin signing up for GCash regardless of their SIM cards and start supporting their families back home by sending money for FREE (GCash to GCash), paying bills, and buying them prepaid load credits. GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon said that they are also preparing for a full launch later this year. Earlier this month, GCash received the green light from the BSP to start the initial launch of its overseas service which allowed Filipinos in Japan, Australia, and Italy to use GCas...
foodpanda is first official online food delivery platform partner of NBA in the Philippines

foodpanda is first official online food delivery platform partner of NBA in the Philippines

Announcements, Food, Society, Sports, Technology
Here's some exciting news for basketball fans! The National Basketball Association (NBA) and foodpanda, a leading online quick commerce digital platform in Asia, has forged a marketing partnership that makes foodpanda the league’s first Official Online Food Delivery Platform Partner in the Philippines. And Mindanaoan was there to witness the formal announcement! The announcement was made Saturday, February 18, 2023, ahead of the 72nd NBA All-Star Game, which aired live in the Philippines across One Sports and NBA TV Philippines. NBA Philippines Senior Director of Global Marketing Partnerships Mae Dichupa and foodpanda Philippines Director for Growth Guilherme Porto made the announcement at an event at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City that featured a shooting contest for ...
Teaching social media and digital marketing in 8 towns around Mindanao (during the pandemic!)

Teaching social media and digital marketing in 8 towns around Mindanao (during the pandemic!)

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Education, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology
When the pandemic hit, we all know that the entrepreneurs were among those who got affected the most. Some businesses went to a screeching halt, some were forced to pivot just to survive and some tried to continue operations but with owners, very sadly, feeling they were running around like headless chickens. I should know because I heard numerous of these stories from business owners themselves. Yes, it was heartbreaking to listen to them but you know what? I still held on to that spark of optimism. I knew that somehow, each and every one of us can help these businesses. After all, you and I know very well that the success of just about anything never depends on the hands of only one man. Instead, it has always rested on the collective shoulders of many. I wanted to help esp...
Tips on how to protect seniors against cybersecurity risks

Tips on how to protect seniors against cybersecurity risks

Events, Mindanaoan Update, Technology
Cyber criminals definitely do not choose their victims. This means that senior citizens or the elderly, especially the non-tech savvy ones, are super prone to online scams, fake news, online identity theft, romance scams and other cybersecurity attacks. In fact, I actually personally know a senior citizen who fell for a bad online scam. Sadly, the elderly are easy targets! This topic is also sensitive to me because my senior citizen Mama blogs and she dabbles in social media so I want to always help protect her from cyber crooks. So how do we make sure that our beloved senior citizens are safe from cybersecurity threats? First off, let's help them with their passwords. They should have strong passwords ideally containing a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. ...
REVIEW: Testing the narzo 50i prime super affordable smartphone during a flight

REVIEW: Testing the narzo 50i prime super affordable smartphone during a flight

Features, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Technology
Does the narzo brand sound a little new to you? I can't blame you. The narzo brand is a new, standalone brand (officially launched in the Philippines just last July 2022!) borne out of the realme ecosystem. However, trust me, narzo is fast (and I mean FAST) gaining fans not only because of their really affordable price points but also because the smartphones are, hands down, value for money. Just take the case of the narzo 50i Prime. The fact that their units sold out in a record-breaking time of under 3 minutes at their Shopee store is saying something! Priced at less than Php 4,000 (around US $75 --- yes, you read that right) and with a remarkable product rating of 4.9/5 on Shopee, the narzo 50i Prime really is a quality sulit smartphone. Just recently, I took this gamechanger ou...
mWell unites hundreds of doctor-volunteers, mental health experts, and health-conscious Filipinos on National mWellness Day

mWell unites hundreds of doctor-volunteers, mental health experts, and health-conscious Filipinos on National mWellness Day

Technology
Last August 27-28, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (PSE: MPI) mWell, the Philippines’ fastest-growing health app, made history by gathering hundreds of doctors, medical specialists, and mental health experts to give free online consultation and sound medical advice to patients and health-conscious Filipinos from all over the country. National mWellness Day, mounted for the 2 nd time since its inception in 2021, has achieved a milestone in its mission to bring quality healthcare to more Filipinos nationwide in the new normal by providing free online consultation to hundreds of patients from all over the country through the mWell PH app. The two-day advocacy event was helmed by hundreds of family doctors and specialists from Metro Manila, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, and Zamboanga w...
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