mindanaoan blogger Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Mar222023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Congress designates prayer room for Muslim members, employees for duration of Ramadan

Government, Muslim Mindanao, Politics, Society

For the very first time in the history of the chamber, a prayer room for Muslim members, employees, and even guests of the House of Representatives has been designated and opened in time for the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Conference Room 6 in the Ramon V. Mitra Building has been set aside and designated as a Muslim prayer room starting Tuesday and until the end of Ramadan next month. The simple opening ceremonies was prepared by the House Committee on Muslim Affairs led by its chair Rep. Khalid Dimaporo and vice chair Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura. Mastura, representative of Maguindanao and Cotabato City’s 1st District, personally made the request for the prayer room to the Speaker in the plenary on the sidelines of the approval on third reading of the P5.268-trilli...

Jan42023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Honored to be elected as the new CDO Bloggers President 2023

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Internet, LifeStyle, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Personal, Personalities, Society

I'm very excited and humbled to share that I have been elected as the NEW PRESIDENT of the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers Network or CDO Bloggers, a 14-year old organization (yep, OG!) that's home to many award-winning and internationally-recognized bloggers, vloggers, influencers, social media practitioners and content creators. The election of officers/annual general membership meeting/Christmas party was held at The Cistern, Xavier Sports and Country Club, Masterson Avenue, Cagayan de Oro. I recommend the venue for small and intimate events, by the way! Here's the list of the 2023 CDO Bloggers Officers: President - Maria Irene Aserios of Mindanaoan.com - Mindanaoan Meets World VP for Membership - Chen Siwagan of Laag & More w/ Awesome ChenS VP for Events - Irene Dayo of...

Jun52022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Ice cream artisan Creamery Studios CDO

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

We all have those days when we just want ice cream, comfort snacks, delicious coffee (yasss) and maybe a drink that resembles the northern lights, right? Because I do! Thankfully, there's a new place in Cagayan de Oro where you and I can indulge in everything good and sweet - Creamery Studios CDO!Try their ice cream artisan specialties, Korean egg drop sandwich, Spanish latte and the Sparkling Aurora (which resembles the breathtaking aurora borealis) The pasta chips and the berry tea fusion are also delicious choices. The Creamery Studios CDO space is also full of unicorn hues. Great for small events! However, aside from the food and drinks and colorful space, what makes Creamery Studios a must-visit is the affable owner, Chino. He is hands-on and passionate about his new venture...and ha...

May62022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

TESDAMAN on PhilHealth rate hike: “Perwisyo kaysa serbisyo”

Mindanaoan Update

Sen. Joel “TESDAMAN” Villanueva urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to answer unresolved issues and controversies as the agency is set to increase contributions this June. “Ngayong magtataas sila ng singil, dapat rin nating singilin ang PhilHealth ng sagot sa mga isyu na natalakay natin noon sa mga hearing sa Senado. Ano ang mga hakbang na ginawa at ginagawa ng PhilHealth upang matugunan ang mga anomalya sa pondo na naungkat natin sa mga nakaraang Senate hearings? Nabayaran na ba ng PhilHealth ang mga utang nito sa ospital nitong pandemya? Dapat may report at accounting sila bago pa man sila magpatupad ng mas mataas na singil,” said Villanueva. In addition, Villanueva said that the mandated increase in PhilHealth contributions starting next month shoul...

Mar162022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Australian yogurt drink specialty shop Koomi opens Cagayan de Oro branch

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Reviews

I’m a certified yogurt fanatic so you can just imagine how excited I was now that Koomi Philippines has opened a branch in Cagayan de Oro! Koomi, a natural yogurt drink specialty shop from The Land Down Under , serves guilt-free yogurt treats. Every cup of Koomi is made FRESH DAILY! I also absolutely enjoyed the Waterberry Wonder Tartness is perfect and the fruits they use are fresh and delicious Not only are these yummy, they’re healthy, too! They use a natural sweetener which is fruit honey and of course, our tumtums love the probiotic yogurt that aids our digestive system. Now that’s what we call #GuiltlessGoodness. Check out Koomi CDO at the G/F of SM CDO Downtown Premier (by the main entrance) or you can order via FoodPanda and GrabFood

Mar32022 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Shopee introduces Marian Rivera as new brand ambassador, to hold March 15 consumer day sale

Announcements, Consumer, Corporate, Shopping, Society, Technology

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is set to hold its 3.15 Consumer Day, the first mega sale of the year. Consumer Day, which will be held on March 15, 2022, will bring the excitement of Shopee’s year-end festivals to all users, giving them more reasons to celebrate and reward themselves as they gear up for the year ahead. Shopee is pioneering 3.15 Consumer Day to bring more value and joy to all shoppers, who are now using e-commerce to fulfill their needs all year round. Everyone can be a part of 3.15 Consumer Day which features the widest variety of products, made better with: Free Shipping with Php 0 min. spendPhp 1 Deals10% off daily starting March 3, kicking off the celebration with the 3.3 Consumer Day Adding to the 3.15 celebrations, Sho...

Nov42021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Senator Joel Villanueva: Surge of passport applications in the millions expected as COVID retreats

Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

As the easing of COVID-19 cases prompts OFWs to job-hunt again, the government should open more off-site passport processing centers in malls outside of Metro Manila, Sen. Joel Villanueva said. Villanueva said the move of the Department of Foreign Affairs to open six Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (DFA-TOPS) in NCR last month is “a great solution that should be replicated and scaled up” nationwide. Passport processing, the senator added, is “an important employment assistance not only to OFWs but to first-time job seekers.” “Well, in a sense, you can view it as job generation activity,” Villanueva said. As travel restrictions get rolled back globally, this will open up economies that will take back furloughed workers, many of whom were Filipinos, the chair of the S...

Jun182021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This Panagatan Restaurant bilao treat is a winner

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Food, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Restaurant, Reviews

Allow me to share with you one of my recent favorite food finds - the Panagatan Restaurant bilao treat! I'm referring to the Panagatan Restaurant Bilao D offer in particular. For only Php 950 (less than US $20), you get this whole shebang - grilled tuna belly, calamares, crispy shrimps and seafood kebabs! This was more than enough for my small party of 3 :) The tuna belly was grilled perfectly (the fish was tender and juicy), the calamares rings were not gummy at all (if they are, then that means they're overcooked!) and the crispy shrimps serving was generous. Delicious and truly value for money! Highly recommended! We also capped our meal with the bestselling Panagatan Restaurant Buko Halo halo! So good! This one is a must-order! We were also given a compliment...

Apr242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

ATV buggy ride at Dahilayan Forest Park

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

Dahilayan Forest Park, the property beside Dahilayan Adventure Park (where the popular Zipzone is a.k.a. Asia's longest dual cable zipline) and where I also experienced the 8-storey platform base jump, offers ATV rides or buggy rides. Have you been on one? I absolutely enjoy riding ATVs! I also have a little confession to make - I'm a bit of a speed junkie so I like driving ATVs pretty fast! Although my most recent buggy adventure was a chill one since I was with my cousins and it was their first time driving ATVs. Here's a video I made during our Dahilayan ATV adventure. Check out the trail here: https://youtu.be/h2uTObv2M5o Dahilayan Forest Park offers other amenities and services such as picnic grounds, ponds and lagoons, forest animals playground and rides (luge, t...

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 conclud...

Feb282020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Speaking at Camera Club of Davao’s 37th anniversary

Advocacy, Blogging, Davao City, Events, Features, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology

One of my deepest advocacies is to help share the good news about the power of social media and blogging. I try to do this by volunteering, being generous with my time and sharing my first-hand experience as much as I can. Even when I was still in New York, I had the privilege to share my insights and tips via #GoSocial. Speaking about social media for social good is one of my natural highs. I will always be grateful for each and every opportunity. So you could just imagine how thrilled I was to receive an invitation to be the keynote speaker during the 37th charter anniversary of the Camera Club of Davao, the oldest and most respected photography club in Davao City. It was truly an honor not only because they're THE CCD but also because it meant heading back home to the city I was...

Mar122018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

OFFICIAL LIST: Sale, buy 1 take 1 items during S&R CDO Members Treat

Announcements, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update, Shopping, Style

Let me cut to the chase - I'm very excited to let you all know that S&R CDO and all other S&R Membership Shopping branches nationwide will again offer its most awaited, super amazing S&R Members' Treat! From March 14 to 18, 2018, our favorite membership shopping warehouse will offer Buy 1, Take 1 offers as well as up to 50 percent discounts. That means big, big, BIG savings for all! Related: What to expect during the big S&R Members' Treat event 2016 (this post received 610 shares!) The S&R Members' Treat is the perfect time for you to stock up on all your favorite health and beauty products, imported snacks, imported grocery items, kids' toys, gadgets, beverages, liquor, small appliances, home furnishings, frozen and fresh produce, apparel, laundry products, hardwa...

Jun112017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting the cast of “The Mummy” in New York City

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Society, United States of America

So, okay, let’s face the elephant in the room head on. The reviews of the latest Tom Cruise-starrer, “The Mummy,” aren’t exactly ideal (fine, a lot of them are brutally bad...like seriously) but those obviously didn’t stop me from attending an event which allowed me to see some of the cast members. Besides, just like many other Hollywood films, a movie like this is for the fans! In fact, the fans made their voices heard. Despite the absolutely devastating reviews on "The Mummy," it was still able to recoup its US $125 Million and so far, has earned US $151 Million. Not exactly a runaway hit, yes, but I have a feeling it will still earn a huge chunka money especially when you factor in all the merchandise sales and all that jazz. Anyways, a few days ago, I had the lovely opportunity to m...

Nov22016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

I’m heading to Blogapalooza 2016

Blogging, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

I'm pretty stoked to be in Manila this weekend for Blogapalooza 2016! Blogapalooza is the Philippines' first and largest B2B: Business-to-Blogger networking and marketing event and this year, it will be held on November 5, 2016, 10 AM to 8 PM at Novotela Manila Araneta Center, Quezon City. Themed "Charting the Uncharted: Horizons 2.0," Blogapalooza 2016 is extra special this year because several representatives from Visayas and Mindanao blogging communities will also be in attendance. If you're a Filipino blogger, I highly recommend that you sign up for Blogapalooza. It's totally FREE! For business owners, you will also benefit from this event as it will allow you to connect to bloggers directly. You can increase your profit with the help of rich content from bloggers and you can ...

Oct142016 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

BREAKING: H&M To Open First Store In Cagayan de Oro

Announcements, Beauty, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Fashion, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Shopping, Society, Style

I first wrote about H&M (Hennes & Mauritz, Inc.) CDO and about what it will be like to be a part of their team months ago. Now, H&M CDO is finally opening! The Cagayan de Oro H&M store is part of their continuous expansion in the southern part of Philippine shores and will serve as its 18th store in the country. Are you excited yet? Because you bet I am! The over 1,500 square meter, 2-story store will welcome shoppers on October 27, 2016, 11 AM at Centrio Mall at CM Recto Avenue corner Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro. Follow my Facebook page and Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates! “The response from our Mindanao customers, after we opened our 1 st store in Davao just last month, has been incredible! We look forward to catering to even more of the same vibran...

May72016 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Why Chiz Escudero is my Vice President

Advocacy, Announcements, Blogging, Features, Government, Headline, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Society

Chiz Escudero. I first saw him in Congress. He was the fast rising young representative of Sorsogon then. All eyes were on him. Him and his impossibly forever kunot polo barong. Kunot because he’s here, there, everywhere. I remember whenever I observe at the plenary hall, he often stands up, asks questions from the floor, consults other legislators. In my mind, ang kulit din ng kongresistang ito. He wasn’t like many congressmen who’d just sit and wait for their attendance to be called. Siyempre, crush na crush ko siya noon. Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Rotary Golden Wheel Awardee for Political Governance and Legislation and the list goes on and on. Saan ka pa? Young, very smart, articulate, took and passed the bar on the first try and cute...

Feb212016 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Covering the 1st presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro #CDO

Advocacy, Blogging, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Society, Technology

It's game time. Today, February 21, 2016, all of the presidential candidates for the May 9, 2016 Philippine elections will all converge in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines for the first round of "PiliPinas Debates 2016." And Mindanaoan will be there to observe, comment and cover. I will be one of the only 300 allowed to be inside the debate hall. I will also be among the 25 media observers. I am hoping to harness the power of social media today. May I invite you all to follow me: Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/mindanaoan Facebook - http://www.twitter.com/mindanaoanblogger Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mindanaoan Snapchat - Username is mindanaoan Please follow Bukidnon Blogger @malaybalayan as well. We will both be there. The debate will start at 5 PM and will last for...

Oct142015 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3 tips to make travels in the Philippines more efficient, relaxed

Blogging, Corporate, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personal, Society, Technology, Travel

These days, traveling can be such a pain. Not only do you have to deal with flight delays, monster traffic to and fro the airport and even bungled up hotel bookings, you also need to figure out how you can keep yourself entertained during those long, tiresome waiting periods. Are there ways to make travels in the Philippines a little more relaxed, efficient and productive, you wonder? As a frequent traveler, I've had my fair share of traveling woes. Allow me to share 3 tips, which I personally abide by, on how to make your trips in the Philippines bearable and even fun! Be mindful of what and how you pack I'm not just talking about rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save space (I highly recommend this, by the way) but also learning how to pack as light and as complete...

Jul142015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Review: High Ridge overlooking CDO Philippines

Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Entertainment, Features, Leisure, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism

High Ridge CDO offers a panoramic view of the city. High Ridge is where you go when you want that "overlooking CDO" experience. High Ridge CDO actually re-opened last year and the changes are substantial - the place now has a spacious al fresco restaurant, small landscaped areas and airconditioned function rooms. High Ridge CDO reminds me of Jack's Ridge and Shrine Hills in Davao City. Anyway, I was with my family last weekend and we decided to have dinner at High Ridge. This is the kind of view you see from what could be the highest point in urban CDO: Entrance fee, by the way, is Php 100.00 per person. This is consumable at the restaurant. During dinner with family, we ordered the PCM soup (potatoes, carrots, mushrooms). This was Php 99.00. We ordered one for each and we had a...

Apr82015 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Surfing paradise Siargao Island Surigao – How To Get There

Beauty, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tourism, Travel

Best known as one of the world's most amazing surfing destinations, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines is also home to some of the country's beautiful beaches, natural salt water pools and abundant marine life. And, as you can see below, it's also where you can catch gorgeous sunsets! Since Siargao Island is where you can find the infamous "Cloud 9," or those thick, high, hollow tubes of surf waves, lots of regular surfing competitions (both local and international ones) are held here. For non-surfers or just mere sun worshippers, there are also a couple of islands near Siargao that have clear turquoise water, powdery white sand and that all-around tropical vibe. You can go island hopping in Siargao just like I did! Here's a quick travel guide on how to g...

Dec42014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan.com supports Bugsay Mindanao 1st Northern Mindanao dragon boat race

Cagayan de Oro City, Campus, Leisure, Misamis Oriental, News, Northern Mindanao, Society, Sports

I am very proud to announce that Mindanaoan.com is one of the supporters of the most awaited Bugsay Mindanao, the first Northern Mindanao Dragon Boat Race. To be held on December 6, 2014, 7 am to 3 pm, along the Cagayan River, Cagayan de Oro City, Bugsay Mindanao will see the participation of 10 dragon boat teams from outside CDO. Bugsay Mindanao is being held in support of the environmental efforts of Safer River, Life Saver Foundation, Inc. Watch all the action from the viewing deck located at the Liceo University main campus. Catch Bugsay Mindanao on December 6, 2014 and don't forget to support the sponsors as well :) Liempo King - http://www.facebook.com/liempoking Mindanaoan - http://www.facebook.com/mindanaoanblogger Bourbon St. Bistro - http://www.facebook.com/...

Oct212014 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Mindanaoan In Korea travel series: Deoksugung Palace changing of guards

Blogging, Features, Korea, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Seoul, Travel

Since we arrived late in the evening in Seoul, Korea, my brother and I decided to start the first day of our Korea escapade a little late as well. First order of the day was go to the nearest subway station and buy a T-Money card. As I mentioned in my earlier Seoul, Korea travel tips post, T-Money is a "reloadable" card that you can use to buy subway tickets, bus fares or even to buy stuff at convenience stores. After buying our T-Money card, we took the train to go to Deoksugung Palace, one of the "5 Grand Palaces" built by the kings of Joseon Dynasty. How to get to Deoksugung Palace: Take Seoul Subway Line 1, 2 to reach City Hall Station. Take Exit 2. You will see scenes like these: Walk for about 100 meters to your left. A good landmark is a Dunkin' Donuts store (th...