Mindanaoan Update Archives - Page 7 of 65 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr252020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Meeting Incubus and telling Brandon Boyd what I’ve always wanted to say

America, Entertainment, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Music, New York, Personalities, Photos, United States of America

How do you talk to the members of a band whose songs pretty much filled many, many years of your life? I'm talking about high school, college, yuppie, and even professional stages of your life? Whose songs helped you face pain, sorrow, happiness, excitement, fear? And, as if those aren't scary enough, how in the world do you also face one of your biggest crushes, who happens to be the band's lead vocalist? How do you gather enough intestinal fortitude to even be in the same space with one of the world's sexiest, super talented men? These questions ran through my head for days --- well before THE day. Yes, I'm talking about that very fateful day that I got to meet the members of Incubus and, oh sweet Jesus, THE Brandon Boyd. I had the utmost privilege of meeting them here in New Yor...

Apr242020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Simple Ways to Introduce Your Child to Jesus

Mindanaoan Update

As a Christian parent, it is inevitable that you will introduce God to your child. Psalm 111:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Therefore, it is crucial to be affectionate and respectful towards Jesus while being at His mercy. If you are searching for ‘churches near me’, spiritual workers at Omega Fire Ministries Houston believe that the words of God build a child’s character and guide him/her on the path to righteousness. They are of the opinion that children should not be left behind in church activities. So, if you are a resident of Texas, you must visit black churches in Houston to expose your child to God. Here are a few other effective methods to do so. Baptism This is a ceremony in which one accepts Jesus as real. By believing Him as a reinca...

Apr212020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao gets 6,000 COVID-19 test kits from Senator Migs Zubiri

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Cotabato, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Surigao, Surigao del Norte

The Senator from Mindanao, my friend Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri, is stepping up and helping the country in its continuing battle against the deadly coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. Following his initial donation of COVID-19 test kits to the Philippine General Hospital through the University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health early April 2020, he now has donated 6,000 COVID-19 antibody diagnostic kits to hospitals around Mindanao. Two thousand (2,000) kits will go to the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center in Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Another two thousand (2,000 kits) to Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental; 1,000 test kits to Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao, Surigao del Norte; And, finally, one thousan...

Apr62020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Snorkeling At Camiguin Giant Clam Sanctuary

Camiguin, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism, Travel

Camiguin Island, located in Mindanao, Philippines, is inarguably one of my most favorite places. How can you not love the Island Born of Fire? It's home to a breathtaking white island (where you can eat sea urchins, by the way), a sunken cemetery that's an interesting diving spot, a spring resort with the coldest water and very near another island that has a rich marine sanctuary. Yes, Camiguin Island is definitely a must-visit and, as if those reasons aren't enough, here's another reason why you should include Camiguin in your #travelgoals --- a giant clam sanctuary! At the Camiguin Island giant clam sanctuary, you don't just learn all about various clam species and the local conservation efforts. You can even snorkel and see these fascinating giant clams as well as other marine life...

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...

Mar282020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

4 Reasons Why Recent College Graduates Should Travel

Campus, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Style

So, you’ve completed your degree and you have an idea of what kind of work you want to go into. But you feel worn out after all those years of hard work and study. You dream about closing the books for a couple of months and exploring new countries. If so, know that you’re not alone! Taking time out to travel after graduation is becoming more and more common and it’s certainly something you don’t need to feel worried about in terms of damaging your career. In fact, in some ways, traveling post-graduation can actually help your long-term career prospects. Here are five reasons why you should consider packing your backpack (or suitcase) and hitting the road whilst the ink is still fresh on your graduation certificate. Things Can Wait This is probably the most important one. So many gr...

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...

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...

Mar192020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Cagayan de Oro now placed under community quarantine – here are the guidelines

Mindanaoan Update

Fresh off the press! Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno has finally signed Executive Order Number 049-2020 placing entire CDO under community quarantine. This, in an effort to help prevent, limit and control exposure to the deadly Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19. The said EO takes effect immediately. The salient points in this executive order include: - all people in Cagayan de Oro are strongly directed to restrict his or her movements and remain in his or her residence especially folks who are at high risk of being infected by the virus (e.g. those 60 years old and above, those who are immunocompromised and pregnant women) - flexible work arrangements shall be encouraged in the private sector - movement of all types of cargoes within, to and from Cagayan de Oro s...

Mar182020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

At Sorsogon Capitol With Chiz Escudero

Events, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

I have a confession. This post is awfully delayed but you know how it is. Life happened. And although this Sorsogon trip happened some 4 months ago, I still wanted to share this on the blog because it was a happy time. And the Lord knows I need a cheerer-upper today. Let's just say I cried buckets of tears this morning. I was invited to Sorsogon to become one of the judges of the Miss Kasanggayahan 2019 pageant. More on that on another post. It was truly a fun experience! My biggest thanks to Former Senator now Sorsogon Governor Francis "Chiz" Escudero, to the Sorsogon Tourism officials and Miss Malu for taking very good care of me. For now, let me talk about that day when we visited Sir Chiz at the Capitol of Sorsogon. But first! Do check out this video I made below. May I also inv...

Mar72020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bratpack opens first Bukidnon store

Mindanaoan Update

Bratpack, a lifestyle and travel store that offers a wide range of international bags, footwear, and apparel brands, has finally opened its first foray in the Province of Bukidnon. The first Bratpack Bukidnon store opened at the Ground Floor of Robinsons Place Valencia located at Hagkol, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Bratpack Valencia Bukidnon is near the main entrance (turn left). I'm grateful to be invited to witness the opening last March 5, 2020. You see, not only do I try to cover as many events as I can, I actually patronize their products. It's very easy to promote something that we believe in and that we splurge our hard-earned money on, right? Ergo, I can truly attest that when I say they have quality products, they really do have quality products. I created a quick video taken ...

Mar32020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Solon calls on Balik-Scientists, vets to face off African Swine Fever in the Philippines

Announcements, Food, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Politics

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri urged Malacañang to call on Balik-Scientists, veterans to face off African Swine Fever or ASF in the Philippines. "We have to save the livelihood of our hog raisers, both large-scale and backyard; especially the backyard hog raisers. For many years, we have had the lowest hoof and mouth disease. We controlled Avian Flu and it failed to decimate our poultry industry. We are one of the preferred sources of pork and poultry by countries that had high standards like Japan," the senator from Mindanao said. "That's why I'm aghast at how ASF is destroying our hog raisers. Together with the Agriculture Committee chaired by Sen. Villar, I have warned that the importation of pork meat, offals, and processed products should stop. Evidently, the...

Feb292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Spreading peace through social media (The day I spoke before Marawi kids)

Advocacy, ARMM, Blogging, Education, Events, Marawi City, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology

The Philippines is among the world's top social media users. In this global social media research study, it says that the Philippines is the top country that uses Facebook. We're the fifth that uses YouTube and fifth that uses Twitter. And young Filipinos comprise the largest chunk of those social media users from the country. This is why it's really crucial for all of us to continue collaborating with the youth. Aside from the fact that they're the most avid users of social media, they're also avid content creators. They have vlogs, blogs, TikToks, IG stories etc. And what better content is there for them to help create but good, responsible ones that promote peace and dialogue? Last February 12, 2020, I had the lovely chance to meet roughly 70 Meranao students and teachers from Ma...

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...

Feb272020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Choosing The Right Flooring For Your Business

Mindanaoan Update

If your business is moving to a new location or you are thinking it needs a new face list, adding a new type of flooring can help you make or break your space. While there are many options to help you make a decision, there also can be many questions to help make the final decision on what you want to go with. Below are a few helpful steps and guidelines to assist you in this decision. Certain Styles Make All The Difference Before you look at any flooring materials it’s important to have an understanding of what your business and the style you are going for. There are several questions to think and ask before you look at the materials. Some include the durability of the flooring. Another could be what type of impressions are you wanting to create within your space for ...

Feb182020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Essential Questions To Ask A Roofing Company

Mindanaoan Update

If something goes wrong with your roof because of a bad storm the implications can be very scary. The average roof can cost you thousands of dollars and with high-end roofing costing an upward of up to 30,000 in some cases. Replacement of roofs can be anything from poor maintenance, a bad storm or the overall age of the roof itself. If you need to replace your roof or are in need of some major repair, you’ll want to hire the right person to handle the job for you. How do you find a quality roofer? Are there specific questions to ask a roofer before hiring them? Below are a few questions that you’ll want to be sure to have answers for before you get the job done. Replace Vs Repair - To begin with, you’ll need to know if your roof needs to be replaced or repaired. This i...

Feb142020 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

I’m a Founding Director of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines

Advocacy, Announcements, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Social Media, Technology

I've been blogging for a good 15 years and I've seen, heard and experienced the good, the bad, the ugly, the controversial. Content creators, bloggers, vloggers and influencers behaving badly. Brands not understanding the value of good content and what influencers can do for their businesses. Marketing agencies underpaying creators. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Isn't it about time that we do something to help protect all stakeholders? Presenting - CICP or the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines, an organization that aims to establish the Philippines' influencer marketing ecosystem to empower creators, influencers, brands and marketing professionals and creative, media and digital agencies in meeting their marketing and business objectives. Grounded in its vi...

Feb142020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Try Mardoney’s Bakeshop CDO ube cheese pandesal

Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Food, Mindanaoan Update

This entire ube cheese pandesal or ube cheese desal craze has got me pretty curious so of course I had to try! Luckily, my friend Miki brought some to a recent meeting and he said he bought them from Mardoney's Bakeshop and Restaurant. They were delicious! I immediately ordered two dozens the very next day. Mardoney's CDO is a brand very familiar to me. They actually started in Davao City, where I was born and raised. Mardoney's is a portmanteau or combination of the names of the owner-siblings --- Mark, Don and Honey. Mardoney's ube cheese pandesal is sold for only Php 8.00 per piece. Absolutely value for money! The freshness of the bread, the quality of the ingredients (they make and use their own ube halaya, people!) and the taste --- definitely 5 stars! Interested to order?...

Feb132020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Benefits of basement remodeling

Mindanaoan Update

When you first purchase a home, it can be so exciting to decorate the rooms for you and your growing family. As your home continues to get larger, one way to help add more value and space to your home is by remodeling your basement. Having a remodeled or finished basement is something everyone should consider doing at some point in their homeowner schedule. The basement can be an area where your kids can play with their friends, have extra shelf space to add new life to your home, a second den or living area for guests or family members or even an office for you to use if you work from home. Many homeowners choose to remodel their basement every year and there are a few incredible benefits to choosing this route. Extra Space - The biggest value and benefit to having your b...

Feb112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

UPDATED: Kaamulan Festival 2020 in Bukidnon now canceled

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

UPDATE: Less than a day after the Bukidnon provincial board decided to push through with the Kaamulan Festival 2020, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. has now canceled the annual gathering altogether. Despite an advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the ongoing threat of the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon will push through. This, according to Bukidnon Second District Board Member Atty. Nemesio "Jun" Beltran. The DOH advisory, duly signed by Secretary Francisco Duque, urged the public to "avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees." The health department also recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice. "The governor con...

Feb32020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

3rd Ayala Centrio Art Tents to showcase Filipino global talents, raise funds for tent city

Mindanaoan Update

February is National Arts Month and in keeping with tradition of being the home of the local arts and creative community, Ayala Centrio will again host “Art Tents” from February 7 to 12, 2020 at the Activity Center. Art Tents is a 5-day affair whereby Ayala Centrio turns its grounds into spaces for painters, animators, designers, poets, writers, performers and visual artists to share their work and expertise and where mall-goers indulge in various artistic experiences. Now on its 3rd run, the event this year will also take a major leap as it will not only showcase the unique craft of well-experienced, global artists but will also aim to raise funds for a tent city. “What started as a community project has now certainly evolved into a colorful, safe and exciti...

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...