United States of America Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Nov272013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to look for reliable New York City limo service

America, Travel, United States of America

Whether you need to transport your family to the airport, are booking a limo for your wedding, or just want to enjoy a special night out on the town, hiring a good limousine service can really make a huge difference in how your special event unfolds. It is very important to have reliable and professional service any time you invest your hard-earned money into luxury transportation. Here are some tips on how to find a good limousine service. The main thing you want to do is research several different limousine companies so that you can compare them in terms of services offered, rates, experience level and other important criteria. You can find limousine companies in your area by getting recommendations from people you know, consulting your phone book or doing Internet searches online. For ...

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com wins Best Lifestyle Blog in 2013 Mindanao Blog Awards

Announcements, Blogging, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Personal, Society, Technology, United States of America

My lucky stars truly shone on me during the recently concluded Mindanao Blog Awards 2013. Apart from bagging the Mindanao Blogger of the Year award, Mindanaoan.com also won the Best Lifestyle Blog award :) Thank you so much, daghang salamat to all of my fellow Mindanao bloggers who nominated and voted for me and to all of the judges as well. I am really grateful for this recognition! Such an honor, such an honor. I remember when I won the Best Lifestyle Blog award in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards and became a national finalist in the 2011 PBA. Those citations truly inspired me to help more people understand the power of blogging and social media. In just a span of 2 years, I have organized a bloggers group, organized some blogging and mapping workshops, traveled to several a...

Oct312013 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Mindanaoan is 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year

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It still feels a bit surreal, truth be told. Winning the 2013 Mindanao Blogger Of The Year award and the Best Lifestyle Blog award during the Mindanao Blog Awards 2013 held last October 26, 2013 in Davao City was the farthest thing from my mind. I was there to meet my blogger friends, have a good time, maybe drink a cocktail or two and cheer for other finalists. My mindset that night was (and I actually wrote this days before the finals): Win or lose, you are a champ. What's important is that you did your best in letting more people understand and appreciate the power of social media and blogging in sparking more conversations, making better communities and harnessing better understanding. Social good, folks. Only the good. So when my name was called, you could just imagine my shock. Yup...

Sep42013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking about social media in a US Embassy event in Palawan

Advocacy, America, Arts, Blogging, Education, Features, Government, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Technology, Tourism, United States of America, Visayas

This Mindanao blogger received a special invitation not too long ago. The US Embassy Manila folks asked if I wanted to speak about social media, blogging and citizen journalism in a two-day, all expenses paid eco-tourism workshop in Palawan. As an International Visitor Leadership Program alumnus, I was invited to share my knowledge to outstanding students from various schools in Brooke's Point, Palawan. Who can say no to that kind of invitation? So last August 22, 2013, I flew to Manila from Mindanao and then to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - all on the same day. My flight to Manila got delayed for about 3 hours because of Typhoon Maring. The delayed flight was both boon and bane. Boon because I was able to chat with a city mayor-friend of mine (you know, get the inside juicy stuff I can wr...

Aug92013 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Will be part of Sugar Ray Smash Mouth Gin Blossoms Live In Manila #SugarSmashGin

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Headline, Internet, Leisure, Manila, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Musings, News, Personal, Personalities, Society, United States of America

Hold your breath, folks. Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth AND Gin Blossoms are heading to Manila this October 21, 2013! Yes, Mindanaoan.com can exclusively confirm that popular 90's bands Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms will headline a very special 3-in-1 concert #SugarSmashGin on October 21, 2013, Araneta Coliseum, Manila! Actually, I first shared the good news in an earlier blog post but only Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth were the confirmed acts then :) And I am also very excited to let you guys know that, thanks to my amazing friends over at Random Minds Production, I will be with Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms when they arrive in Manila! That means I will frequently be dishing out updates, exclusive photos and videos! Stoked :D So are you ready for #SugarSmashGin? I...

Jun272013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to plan your New York City trip

America, United States of America

The great recession that started in 2008 affected tourism industries across the country. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, New York, was especially impacted by reduced travel and spending. Good news came in 2012 when an Oxford Economics study showed that tourism rose 6.2 percent over the previous year. In total, tourism spending in the state reached $57 billion in 2012. The majority of this tourism money goes to New York City, but the rest of the state saw great improvements as well. Buffalo gets a lot of attention because of its proximity to Niagara falls, and many upstate destinations are known for having beautiful organic farms, majestic lakes and serene mountain landscapes. New York City, however, is still the main attraction. Now that the economy is impro...

Dec282012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Family Holidays 2013: What to Expect from your Florida Getaway

America, Travel, United States of America

For those of you who have been following this Mindanao lifestyle and travel blog, you may know that I was sent to the U.S. earlier this year to participate in a U.S. State Department fellowship. One of the U.S. cities that I visited was Orlando, Florida. Now if you're thinking of bringing your family there soon, this article will be useful for you. Read on... Low cost family holidays are the ticket to oversee adventures and quality time with your nearest and dearest. When it comes to your first time travelling abroad, short haul destinations such as holidays in Turkey, Majorca or the Greek Islands are an excellent choice. Spreading your wings a little further afield, holidays Florida style are bound to be the trip of a lifetime for you and your youngsters. Known as the ultimate holid...

Oct252012 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Apply Here: The US Embassy Wants To Send Mindanaoans To The USA

America, Mindanaoan Update, United States of America

As you guys may know, this Mindanao blogger was sent to the USA early this year as an International Visitor Leadership Program participant. The IVLP is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State for U.S. Embassy-nominated potential global leaders. It's a special program that one cannot apply to, unfortunately. However, I come bearing good news :) I just received an email from the U.S. Embassy in Manila and guess what --- they want to send Mindanaoans to the USA! Please read the details below and let me know if you're interested. Contact me and don't forget to send your email address. I will email you the necessary forms :) It would also be great if you let me know a little something about yourself :) You can read all about Mindanaoan's trip to the U.S. here Please feel fr...

Sep62012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Let’s tour the US Ambassador to the Philippines Baguio residence

America, Blogging, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, United States of America, Videos

If you're as curious as I am as to where foreign dignitaries stay while they're stationed in the Philippines, then we're in luck. The US Embassy in Manila has released this brief video featuring the historic and special Baguio residence of the US Ambassador to the Philippines. Special because the US Ambassador's Baguio residence was recently included in the U.S. Secretary of State's Register of Culturally Significant Property. This virtual tour of the US Ambassador's residence in Baguio City is hosted by Manila historian and cultural activist Carlos Celdran. Carlos, in his suit and bow tie, takes us around the historical house and shows the famed "Yamashita Room." You have to watch the video to learn why General Tomoyuki Yamashita chose that particular room. You also have to watch the v...

Aug22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: More Washington DC photos

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

I first shared some of my Washington DC USA photos awhile back. A lot of you have been asking me for more photos taken around the capital of the United States of America. Well, I'm here to please :) The photos below were taken during our Washington DC day tour, which took place a day after my fellow International Visitor Leadership Program 2012 delegates and I arrived in the USA. Like I previously mentioned, never mind if it was freezing cold that day. We were all stoked that we finally set foot in the land of milk and honey! By the way, here's the reason why I was in the States for about a month :) Yep, I was the only Filipino in the group and the only female :) I will share all about my USA and IVLP adventure using the America category. I have previously written about my trip from ...

Jul122012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

US Embassy Manila launches new Mindanao blog

Advocacy, America, Announcements, Blogging, Education, Features, Headline, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology, United States of America

The U.S. Embassy in Manila has launched a new blog that focuses on Mindanao as well as on the many partnerships between the United States, the Government of the Philippines, and the people of Mindanao. The new Mindanao blog, entitled "Peace, Prosperity and Partnership in Mindanao," includes information on how to participate in US Embassy programs that are offered in the Island of Mindanao. Peace, Prosperity and Partnership are the main thematic approaches of the U.S. Embassy in diplomatic engagement with Mindanaoans and the Philippine government. Hence, the name. The new US Embassy Manila blog also features conversations with young Mindanao leaders and updates on cultural programs, health initiatives and business innovations that are supported by various U.S. government agencies. US ...

Jul32012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Photos: US Ambassador Harry Thomas leads turnover of donations to Bulua

America, Announcements, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Education, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Photos, Society, United States of America

Like I previously mentioned in this blog, I had the chance of a lifetime to accompany US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas, Jr. for two days. It truly was an honor to be that up close and personal with the American ambassador, who I found to be very smart, direct and friendly. As a part of his party when he visited Cagayan de Oro City for the very first time last week, I got the chance to accompany him in various events. We attended the distribution of HACCP and ISO certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, the roundtable discussion with CIPMYL graduates in Xavier University and the launch of the Cities Development Initiative in CDO. Another event that I got to witness was the turnover of donations to Bulua National High School. The United States Agency for International Develo...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

USAID, Cagayan de Oro sign MOU; launch Cities Development Initiative

America, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Politics, Society, United States of America

During his recent visit to Cagayan de Oro, US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cagayan de Oro City LGU. The MOU was for the launch of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)'s Cities Development Initiative. Ambassador Thomas, USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano all signed the MOU last Friday, June 29, 2012 at a local hotel in Cagayan de Oro. The launch of the Cities Development Initiative in CDO is seen to be very beneficial to the LGU. The Cities Development Initiative is an integral part of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG). Launched in November 2011, PFG is helping the Philippines achieve its high growth potential by creating a more tra...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. meets with Mindanaoan youth leaders

America, ARMM, Blogging, Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Features, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, United States of America

Here's more about my 2-day task of accompanying US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. around Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. Thanks to the folks over at US Embassy Manila, this Mindanao blogger got the chance of a lifetime to experience first hand how it was to officially be a part of an American ambassador's party :) After the awarding of HACCP certificates to 10 Mindanao companies, our next stop was the roundtable discussion with the alumni of the Congressional Internship Program for Mindanao Youth Leaders (CIPYML). The roundtable discussion of these Mindanaoan youth leaders with US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was held at the American Corner at the Xavier University Library. Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. was welcomed by Xavier University officials: On our ...

Jul22012 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Accompanying US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr.

America, BIMP-EAGA, Bisaya, Blogging, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Personalities, Singapore, United States of America

Just last week, this humble blogger in Mindanao was granted a chance of a lifetime - to be able to accompany U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. for two days! I was part of US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr.'s party when he visited Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao. It was the American ambassador's very first visit to CDO. The two-day adventure with the friendly ambassador started right from the airport - where I experienced first hand how it was to be a part of an official U.S. Ambassador's group. I can't share details but suffice it to say that I felt like I was in a CIA agent film :D Although it was not my first time to accompany an ambassador, it was still a huge thrill! Victoria of the U.S. Embassy Manila introduced me to Ambassador Thomas. He was friendly and had a...

May152012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Washington DC Metro Subway photos, tips

Advocacy, America, Blogging, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Photos, Technology, Travel, United States of America

This is a continuation of my "Mindanaoan In America" blog series :) You can read more about my escapades in the USA when I was a 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program delegate HERE. The first state that we stayed in was Washington DC. Like many states in America, Washington has its own subway or railway system. They call it the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit or simply - Metro. I found the Metro Washington DC subway easy to understand although my group and I did have to be guided by our ELO Alan especially when we already had to buy our very first fare cards or train tickets :) You can find below a photo of the farecards and passes machines - you can buy tickets there or you can always approach a friendly Metro employee. Here are some easy to follow tips on how to ...

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan In America: How folks in Virginia USA cast their votes (photos)

Advocacy, America, Blogging, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, Technology, United States of America

In America, they have this day called Super Tuesday which refers to "the Tuesday in February or March of a presidential election year when the greatest number of states hold primary elections to select delegates to national conventions at which each party's presidential candidates are officially nominated." Super Tuesday is a very important day especially since more delegates can be won on that day more than any other single day included in the primary calendar. Hence, political parties and the candidates themselves scramble to make a mark and win during Super Tuesday. I was in Virginia, USA for Super Tuesday 2012 (March 6, 2012). All eyes were on Virginia that day especially because only 2 out of 4 names of Republican candidates were on the ballots. Only the names of former Massachu...

Apr262012 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Around Washington DC

America, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Photos, United States of America

If I was asked to name at least 5 cities in the U.S. that I may want to live in, Washington D.C. would be one of them. I found Washington DC charming and interesting - despite the fact that politics plays a huge role there. I guess for those who abhor politics and all the scandals, flipfloppin', highs and lows that come with it, they won't feel comfortable in Washington DC. For people like me who get a natural high with fast-changing political strategies, however, Washington is the place to be. The day after I arrived in Washington D.C. USA for the start of my 3-week International Visitor Leadership Program, my fellow participants and I were toured around the city. I remember that day oh-so-well --- it was freezing cold but because we were supposed to have nice pictures taken for our...

Apr222012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: The River Inn Washington DC USA hotel

America, Hotels, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Travel, United States of America

My fellow IVLP 2012 delegates and I were billeted at The River Inn during the Washington D.C. leg of our 3-week stay in America. The River Inn is a downtown Washington DC hotel that's located just 2 blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. This affordable Washington DC inn is also within walking distance from Georgetown a.k.a. the historic commercial and entertainment district in northwest Washington. Georgetown is also where you can find (quite obviously) Georgetown University and yes, the original branch of Georgetown Cupcakes, the shop that gave birth to the hit reality TV show "DC Cupcakes." (I visited the shop, by the way! I'll share with you some of the photos I took there ;) ) Location wise, The River Inn does get a lot of plus points especially since it's just a few blocks...

Apr212012 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

I’m home!

Blogging, Features, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Travel, United States of America

So I am finally back from the U.S. I'm home, I'm home! :) *waves* I stayed in America for more than a month. I was there because I was chosen to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program, a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program. Technically, my IVLP 2012 experience only lasted for 3 weeks. However, I chose to fly to New York City, savor the sights and sounds of the Big Apple and spend my birthday there! (more on this later) I stayed in NYC for 2 weeks. I also had the chance to visit Connecticut specifically Yale University for a day. Anyway, the IVLP program that I participated in led me to Washington D.C. (and in some parts of nearby Virginia and Maryland), Orlando, Florida, Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. I was the only female in the group an...

Mar192012 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Mindanaoan In America: Trip from Manila to Washington

America, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Commentary, Education, Features, Headline, Manila, Media, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Society, Tourism, Travel, United States of America

This Filipino blogger is currently here in the United States of America to participate in a US Department of State-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). You can read more about my current trip HERE. I'm very proud to let you all know that I'm the only Filipino and the only female in this group :) I will share as much as I can (and as much as I am permitted to) with you all. If you want to follow my U.S. escapades, you may want to SUBSCRIBE TO MINDANAOAN right now (click and please don't forget to verify!) or follow my official Facebook Page. For now, what I want to share with you all in this blog post will be my experience traveling from Manila to Washington, DC - the first stop of my U.S. trip. Hopefully this article will help those of you who will travel the sa...