Travel Archives - Page 3 of 16 - 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 ...

Oct242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Stay at these Palm Springs luxury villas during Coachella Festival and be cool

America, Hotels, Leisure, Travel, United States of America

Have you ever wanted to attend the famed Coachella Festival in California but tend to stop with all the planning when you feel dazed, confused, lost and disheartened when you simply cannot find houses for rent in Palm Springs? I know the feeling. I have a solution, too. Hear me out. These days, there’s a construction boom in this sunny and lovely Sonoran desert town of Palm Springs which was a favorite escape for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bob Hope and currently is for the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio, Robert Downey, Jr. and even former US President Barack Obama. And there’s reason for this. Palm Springs boasts of iconic mid-century architecture, hipster bars, great restaurants, lavish Hollywood history and of course, it’s the home of the famous and always well-attend...

Oct172017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

New Cagayan de Oro travel agency ready for “Bring Home A Friend” program

Announcements, Tourism, Travel

A new travel agency in Cagayan de Oro says they’re ready to accommodate the multitudes of foreign tourists expected to visit the Philippines amid the recent launch of a government-led tourism initiative. The Bring Home A Friend (BHAF) program aims to tap the network of overseas Filipinos to invite their foreign friends to visit the Philippines. Incidentally, BHAF was introduced originally in 1994 and ran until 1997 but it has now been relaunched under the Duterte administration. “We’re very upbeat about this program since this is a great way for local businesses like ours to shine. Our kababayans can refer their foreign friends to travel agencies like ours and we will make sure that their friends have the best memories in tourist-favorite areas like Boracay, Bohol, Palawan and of cou...

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

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...

Jul252017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

At the Carrie Bradshaw of Sex And The City apartment New York

America, Entertainment, Features, Movies, New York, Society, Style, Television, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

"And there, in the same city where they met as girls, four New York women entered the next phase of their lives, dressed head to toe in love. And that's the one label that never goes out of style." Does this sound familiar? Even more so - do you know those lines by heart? Then, why, hello there, fellow Sex and the City fan! Are you Team Big or Team Aidan? Regardless of who you're rooting for - one thing's for certain. We all know an apartment building in New York with an all too familiar looking stoop, where a girl cried, laughed, sat, fell in love, kissed and talked about her love for shoes! Are you Team Big or Team Aidan? Regardless of who you're rooting for - one thing's for certain. We all know an apartment building in New York with an all too familiar looking stoop, where a girl...

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 ...

Jul82017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tips For A Trip To Lisbon

Tourism, Travel

When I talk to people about travel ambitions or experiences in Europe, I always feel that Portugal gets left out. There are countless incredible destinations in Europe, to be sure, and even geographically speaking Portugal can seem like a sort of an add-on. It’s hanging onto Spain, which tends to be very high on people’s travel lists, and can wind up being an afterthought. The truth is that Portugal is a stunning place to visit in its own right, and the capital city of Lisbon in particular has a lot to offer. Here are some tips for things to fit in if you happen to make it there one day. Visit Torre de Belém Portugal is home to some incredible, ancient architecture, and Torre de Belém may be the best example of both. It’s a tower that more or less functioned as a small fortress gu...

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...

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 ...

May252017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Davao in “hold and secure” state during Martial Law in Mindanao, WHAT THIS MEANS

Announcements, Controversial, Davao City, Government, News, Tourism, Travel

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has announced that the city is currently in a "hold and secure situation" amid the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao. Mayor Inday Sara is the daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who issued the Martial Law in Mindanao declaration last May 23, 2017 in Moscow. READ: Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao READ: Infographics: What you MUST know about Martial Law in Mindanao The Presidential Daughter and Davao Mayor said that the "hold and secure situation" (she initially said the city was in lockdown but has since changed it to hold and secure) is to "prevent violence from entering the city and prevent it from erupting inside the city." In relation to this, the City Government of Davao has released the following guidelines fo...

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...

May32017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Tried and tested: Thumbs up for Globe Roaming

Business, Consumer, Corporate, Technology, Travel

This is definitely one travel tip I will highly recommend over and over again! The next time you travel outside of the country, PLEASE DO register with Globe Telecom's international roaming services! The Globe Roaming service has never failed me yet! I'm currently here in the USA and not only do I receive my SMS messages on time, I also get to experience seamless Internet service. Whether you need data for surfing the Internet or just access specific apps, you will be able to share your travel experience wherever your destination. For as low as P199, you can ?use Viber and get in touch with family and friends? for 24 hours. Go on that worry-free trip and tick that dream destination off your bucket list. To learn more about the new RoamSurf promos, visit http://www.globe.com.ph/int...

Apr192017 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Top of the Rock New York (plus a tip on how to save on your ticket)

America, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Photos, Style, Travel, United States of America, Videos

No New York City visit is ever complete without seeing it from the top! And one of the popular places to do that is to go to the Top of the Rock - top of the Rockefeller, that is. To be able to explore unobstructed views of New York's midtown and downtown Manhattan plus the vast Central Park is an experience one can never forget. I should know - I just visited Top of the Rock and it was AWESOME to say the least! At the risk of sounding too mushy, may I just say that this view really made me very happy and thankful to be alive! CityPASS Armed with our CityPASS booklets, my aunt and I went to the Top of the Rock - one of NYC's top tourist attractions. Which reminds me - to buy your CityPASS booklet is the tip I want to share on how to save on your New York tour expenses! CityPASS is...

Apr112017 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

This Bukidnon bus company is getting tons of attention

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Let's face it. Pabama Bus Tours and Transport Bukidnon used to be regarded as the "smallest player" among the 3 bus companies serving the Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro route. Pabama, owned by a family based in the Municipality of Kibawe in Bukidnon, had the smallest fleet compared to Rural Transit Mindanao (formerly Bachelor Express) and Super 5. These days, however, the small fry is now very ready to face the giants. Pabama invaded social media by storm when they introduced their brand new, high-end units made by Chinese firm Zhong Tong. Check out this photo taken by my policeman-cousin Erwin: The new Pabama Bukidnon buses are equipped with mini trays (just like what you see in airplanes), cup holders, comfortable captain chairs and yup, check out the individual tablets! You will...

Mar312017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Hello from New York!

America, Announcements, Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, New York, Personal, Travel, United States of America, Videos

Hello! I finally have the time to just sit down and blog! It's true - this surely is the city that never sleeps. I'm talking about New York City, USA! Yup, I'M BACKKK!!! Can you tell how excited I am? No? Maybe that's because I'm freaking freezing my a** off LOL :D I arrived here in New York about two days before a big blizzard. Just when I thought winter season was about to close and spring was about to come! I guess winter just wanted to leave with a bang, eh? Although it wasn't my first time to encounter snow, it was my first time to be in the middle of a raging blizzard. But deadma sa blizzard --- pose kung pose! :D Before I inundate you with my America-related blog posts, allow me to share with you my vlog about my flight from Cebu to Incheon (South Korea) and finally to ...

Feb282017 by Mindanaoan Irene234 Comments

How to pass your US Embassy tourist B1/B2 visa interview

Advocacy, America, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Travel, United States of America

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard all the horror stories. Despite bringing land titles, “show money,” proof of vehicle ownership, credit cards, bank statements, letters of financial support from relatives overseas and even wearing tons of jewelry, numerous U.S. visa applicants still got denied. Even well-traveled folks still didn’t get that seemingly elusive U.S. visa. You may have even read or heard testimonies that some American consuls are too strict, don’t listen to your explanations or don’t even bother to check your other credentials and proofs that you can sustain your trip to the USA. I’m sure that those horror stories are the very reasons why you’re either scared or hesitant to apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa. Okay, let me tell you from the get-go: the entire process is VERY SIMPLE, ...

Feb162017 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Why I’m inspired to vlog (plus a quick and easy giveaway!)

Announcements, Contests, Features, Freebies, Personal, Travel, Videos

I'll make this short and sweet :) I'm pretty inspired to vlog (video blog) these days because I'm off to a big trip real soon and I plan to take lots of videos while I'm there. If things go as planned, I will be away for quite a while. Besides, I feel that vlogging can help hone my skills, if any LOL. Anyway, it would really be awesome if you could join me during my big trip by following my Mindanaoan YouTube Channel. I would be so thrilled to see your comments and hear from all of you so please, please subscribe to my YouTube channel :) To really get you inspired to subscribe right now (YAY), I'd like to hold a quick and easy giveaway! I have 8 prizes in store for you. Lookie: Happy with what you saw? I have totes bought in Singapore, coin purses bought in...