Cagayan de Oro, officially the City of Cagayan de Oro, or simply referred to as Cagayan de Oro City, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 675,950 people. It is a chartered city and capital of the province of Misamis Oriental where governance is independent and separate from the province. It also serves as the regional center and business hub of Northern Mindanao, and part of the growing Metropolitan Cagayan de Oro area, which includes the city of El Salvador, the towns of Opol, Alubijid, Laguindingan, Gitagum at the western side, and the towns of Tagoloan, Villanueva, Jasaan, Claveria at the eastern side. The City of Cagayan de Oro is located along the north central coast of Mindanao island facing Macajalar Bay and is bordered by the municipalities of Opol to the west, Tagoloan to the east, and the provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte to the south of the city. According to the 2015 census, the city has a population of 675,950, making it the 10th most populous city in the Philippines.
Cagayan de Oro, the capital city of the province of Misamis Oriental, Philippines, has been tagged as the adventure capital in Mindanao due to its adventure and leisure venues that tourists can avail when in the city. Also called The City of Golden Friendship, the city is proud of being included to the latest list of Top 10 Next Wave Cities in the country.
There are a lot of beautiful places to go and fun things to do in Cagayan de oro City. This are the list of tourist spot in Cagyan de oro City (by: Jeff Badal)
St. Augustine Cathedral
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Cagayan de Oro’s St. Augustine Cathedral hails at the heart of the city, situated near the Cagayan de Oro River beside Gaston Park. It is the most known worship venue in the city with its gothic style architecture and that is adorned with stained glass given by the New York Sacred Heart chapel.
The cathedral was built in 1624 by Fray Agustin San Pedro who was called El Padre Capitan that time by the residents. Later in 1778, it was burned down together with the convent. With the help of Fray Pedro de Santa Barbara and with some generous Cagayanons, the cathedral’s ruins were built anew in 1780. But didn’t last long until 1831. Ten years later, in 1841, the church was rebuilt but this time, using concrete materials. Beautiful paintings of the four evangelists were adorned to the church, even had a pipe organ. Notice the wooden cross which stands up until today in front of the cathedral? It was erected in 1888. Until in 1946, the Cathedral and the Convent was rebuilt by Archbishop James Hayes, SJ.
Gaston Park
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A favorite venue after Sunday masses held at St. Augustine Cathedral is Cagayan de Oro’s Gaston Park. It does now have musical fountain with lights installed just last year’s December entertaining frequent visitors and passers-by. Gaston Park was once the main plaza of Cagayan de Misamis during the Spanish colonial period which served as a training ground for local patriots in the course of the Philippine-American War. Later, it became the site of the Battle of Cagayan de Misamis which occurred in April 7, 1900. And in 2000, a National Historical Institute marker was placed in the park.
Vicente de Lara Park
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Formerly known as MacArthur Park honoring General Douglas MacArthur who landed in Cagayan de Oro after escaping from Corregidor enroute to Australia, this one of the many parks around the city is now called Vicente de Lara Park. This redeveloped park was named after a provincial governor, Vicente de Lara. Currently, it houses a Press Freedom Monument and the Heritage Monument of Misamis Oriental that were designed by national artist Eduardo Castrillo.
It is located in front of the Provincial Capitol of Misamis Oriental building surrounded with huge mahogany trees that shade the whole place. Since before, it has became a favorite place among people who do morning jogs or even evening strolls. Also, it’s a venue for dating couples. Mostly, it’s a place for groups who practice dance choreographies, chess matches and zumba activities.
Plaza Divisoria (Golden Friendship Park)
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The very place which Cagayan de Oro was known for and where most Kagay-anons flock during Fridays and Saturdays for Night Cafe is the Plaza Divisoria, but that was before. Now, this place follows rules pertaining to crossing the roads via pedestrian lanes, well, strictly or else you’ll get sanctioned by paying a specific fine and the Night Cafe doesn’t exist anymore. But still, it is a place of commerce and does what a usual park can offer.
Plaza Divisoria, sometimes called the Golden Friendship Park, was built in the early 1900’s as a town divider (Divisoria) or fire breaker. This was realized when a great fire occurred that almost burned down the entire town. Now, it is comprised of several parks dedicated to local and national heroes such as Andres Bonifacio, Dr. Jose Rizal, President Ramon Magsaysay and former Cagayan de Oro Mayor Borja. One of the parks in this Plaza Divisoria is the Bonifacio Park where most of the local soldiers who died during the 1900’s Philippine-American War were buried beneath the monument.
There can also be found a huge LED screen in the Divisoria where visitors and passers-by can watch news, movies and telenovelas. At the Divisoria Kiosk, the heart of the Plaza Divisoria, is where most of the events happen like last year’s Carnival Parade, and among others.
City Museum of Cagayan de Oro
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Used as a water tank tower before, now used as a home of the city’s historical treasures. This City Museum of Cagayan de Oro can be located at the left of the St. Augustine Cathedral and at the back of the Gaston Park.
Built in 1921, it was the town’s water source when the tower was still tapping water from Malasag. It even endured the bombings during the past wars and until now, it is still standing proudly. And in 2008 under Mayor Constantino Jaraula, the city government received funding to renovate the said tower converting it from an old water tower into what is now, the City Museum.
The museum is consisted of three floors, all containing old photographs of events and famous Cagayanons with historical significance to the city. There are also artifacts, antiques, old paintings around, and an interesting old Ostrich egg which is believed to be centuries old. You can take pictures on the ground floor except on the second and third floors. The City Museum of Cagayan de Oro is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM during weekdays, and closed during weekends and holidays with an entrance fee of P20 per person.
Museum of Three Cultures
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Opened to the public in 2008, the Museum of Three Cultures in Capitol University houses galleries, artifacts, arts and crafts of tribal cultures,and treasures that displays stories of the past.
The museum showcases collections of rare arts and crafts, musical instruments, jewelry, weapons, furniture, archeological dug outs from Butuan, galleries suah as of Maranao antiques from Tugaya, Lanao del Sur and of Cagayan de Oro ethnohistory and rare antiquities from the prehistoric and early Christian lowland tribes, Muslim, Higaonon and Manobo tribes. And to promote local visual arts of Mindanao, there is an art gallery and coffee shop in the said museum.
White Water Rafting
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One of the things that Cagayan de Oro is known for is its challenging water rafting adventure which made the city tagged as the white water rafting capital of the Philippines. Like when dropping by the city, one should try white water rafting.
Many foreign and local tourists have already flocked to Cagayan de Oro to try taming the Cagayan de Oro river through water rafting. With the river’s challenging rapids that quickly follow one after another, just enough to bring an adrenaline rush to rafters. Especially for the first timers, the experience would be unforgettable. Must say the first scare was worth it. And the wild river lets you discover your inner strength and endurance.
Mapawa Nature Park
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For those who prefer nature, Cagayan de Oro is also blessed with a beautiful forest reserve namely the Mapawa Nature Park, just a few kilometers away from the city proper.
The said park is 2,500 hectare land located within the mountains of Malasag which was used as a private ranch by the Pelaez family before. And now, it was converted into a park open for the public but still, the family focuses for the preservation of its amazing scenic views, breathtaking waterfalls and abundant flora and animal wildlife.
Fun activities and attractions await for visitors of Mapawa Nature Park such as the alluring waterfalls, horse-back riding, zip-line courses, cliff jumping, canyoneering, water slide, and forest and river trekking. It is advised by the management to wear hiking shoes, loose, long pants or jogging pants and clothing that are easy to move in for those who want to enjoy the mentioned outdoor activities. There’s also the Mapawa camping grounds where visitors can spend the night, with a minimum of 12 persons.
Macahambus Adventure Park
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Just a few kilometers uptown in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro is the Macahambus Adventure Park where you can experience crossing a 150-feet high hanging bridge, 120-meter long zipline and more than a hundred feet rappelling.
What they call as the Sky Bridge is a 135m-long hanging bridge suspended 150 feet from the ground. It lets you see the beautiful greens around. There’s also a zipline course which is 120 meters long. It is also called the Bouncing Zipline because the facilitators shakes the cable making the zipline course to bounce. Then there’s rappelling. It lets you rappel down from a height of more than a hundred feet.
Macahambus Gorge
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Along the Macahambus Adventure Park is the Macahambus Gorge that is easily accessible by going down a steel stairs of over a hundred steps. It was believed that a big cave existed 200 years ago which collapsed then created what is now this gorge. Just last 2010, this Macahambus Gorge became a heritage site by the city government of Cagayan de Oro.
Macahambus Cave
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One of the historical sites tourists frequently visit in Cagayan de Oro is the Macahambus Cave that is located in Barangay Bayanga. It is also called a thru cave since there’s another opening at the end of the cave.
The cave is consisted of 3 chambers. The first chamber can only be entered by kids because the route is very narrow. Connected to it is the second chamber where a big boulder can be seen at the dead end, formed like a bed. It was believed to be the specific spot where Cruz Taal’s family stayed and rested after the “Battle of Macahambus”. The third chamber has an exit from the cave where the Cagayan River can be seen. The ideal time to visit the cave is during 10:00 AM, then is usually off limits by late afternoon for visitors.
Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village
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A place where tribal houses are being displayed amidst nature trails is the Gardens of malasag Eco-Tourism Village which is owned and managed by the city government of Cagayan de Oro. It features a vast land abundant of diverse wildlife that are endemic to the mountains of Malasag, has botanical gardens and other recreational accommodations and amenities. The village also shares Mapawa Nature Park’s natural forest reserve.
The said venue was established to promote awareness, teaching about the lives and rich culture of the ethnic groups settled in Northern Mindanao. For visitors who would like to visit the village, there’s an entrance fee. For every guest, a map of the entire village will be given making it easier to wander around. There’s also the village’s Alfresco Restaurant where you can enjoy a wide selection of tasty Filipino cuisines. Cold breeze, soothing and calm ambiance and amazing view of the bay and the Malasag hills are just some of the things you will get to enjoy at the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village.
Catanico Falls
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Located in Barangay F.S. Catanico is a small narrow falls which is surrounded by magma stone boulders, called the Catanico Falls. Before, the area is a bit isolated with no electricity, potable water and public transportation. Now, the city government has developed the area near the falls with rentable picnic huts, basic toilet facility and viewing area on top of a huge boulder. After all the developments, the natural environment still remained. However, the place could not accommodate more than 50 persons and the parking is only limited for around 6 vehicles. Though, cooking using charcoal is allowed.
Migtugsok Falls
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In the Sitio of Migtugsok in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro hails a falls with five beautiful cascading waters, the Migtugsok Falls. It could be reached via Barangay Indahag accessible by car until Sitio Camacawan where one has to walk for 45 minutes in a winding and descending sloping route with an estimated distance of 400 feet passing along the converging shallow river of Bigaan and Migtugsok that is more or less 20 meters in width. Another 30 minutes trek will be necessary until reaching the falls via the river.
Monigue Cave
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Situated in Barangay Mambuaya is the Monigue Cave where sparkling formations of Calcium Carbonates (CaCo3) or Calcites can be found inside. At the cave entrance is a flowing water coming from an underground stream, which is only a small opening that is too narrow to get through. It requires a claustrophobia-inducing journey with a six inches airspace between the ceiling of the cave and the water that you need to submerge one by one being equipped with a helmet and a waterproof cap lamp. But at the end, you’ll be rewarded with the best of sights.
Found inside are formations of white and brown stalactites and stalagmites showing signs of oxidized materials which take 50 to 60 years to form an inch. There are also formations of flowstone, transparent crystals, terraces and speleothems such as cathedral icons and drapes.
Here are the Top Five Delicacies from Cagayan de Oro (by:Ann Joy Perez)
Cagayan de Oro is popularly known as the “City of Golden Friendship.” It is the capital of Misamis Oriental located in Northern Mindanao. If you’re the type of traveller who loves to explore food delicacies more than anything else, then Cagayan de Oro is one place you should definitely visit. Every year, the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) holds the “Kumbira” festival or food festival. The theme for this year’s food festival is “Eats More Fun in Kumbira 2012.” This celebration is just one of the many indications that the natives of Cagayan de Oro love to eat! Here are the top five delicacies of the city that you shouldn’t miss.
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Cagayan de Oro is famous for its hams which are locally known as Jamon de Cagayan. Also known as leg ham, this product undergoes the long process of salt curing and natural smoking. Once it’s done, it comes out fully cooked and ready to serve. Jamon de Cagayan is even packed in traditional cloth bags called “katcha” which are symbolic of Southern comfort and warmth. This delicacy is being produced by the best local ham makers in the city namely SLERS Ham, Pines Ham (TGO Foods), and Oro Ham.
2. Chicharon
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3. Cashew Nuts
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4. Remember Me
Cagayan de Oro’s crispy fried pork rind or chicharon is one snack you should absolutely try. SLERS’ chicharon in particular are huge! It’s mainly made of pork skin, salt, MSG, and spices. This sinful delicacy perfected the crunchiness and flavour of crispy pork rind. You can munch it as a snack or pair it with rice as a viand. Either way, this chicharon will surely make you crave for more.
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Another famous delicacy in this city is its roasted cashew nuts. Originating mainly from Lumbia district, this product ushered in economic opportunities to its city residents. Lumbia is one of the barangays with abundant cashew trees. Most entrepreneurs export cashew nuts to other countries where there is great demand. The production of roasted cashew nuts in Cagayan de Oro started in 1970.
This is a unique recipe that originated in Cagayan de Oro. It’s composed of internal and reproductive organs of animals, specifically the testicles of cows and horses. This delicacy is said to be an aphrodisiac, making it extremely popular both to tourists and locals. Remember Me is served in many restaurants and even food stalls in Cagayan de Oro so you won’t have difficulty finding this exotic dish.
5. Turones de Mani
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This delicacy is for those of you who love sweets. Turones de Mani is made of caramelized sugar, crushed peanuts coated with honey, wrapped in wafer. This can be easily found in souvenir or “pasalubong” shops. It’s sweet and crunchy combination is simply mouth watering. Your visit to Cagayan de Oro is not complete if you will not take home its famous Turones de Mani.
There are many reasons why you should visit Cagayan de Oro city but one of its main come-ons is their palatable and scrumptious selection of food. From the all-time favorite Jamon de Cagayan to the heavenly fats of SLERS’ chicharon, to the provocative Remember Me, and the traditional pasalubong items like cashew nuts and Turones de Mani—these are just some of sundry of delicacies that the city has to offer. As you tour and stay in the city longer, you will discover more treats for your taste buds!
References
https://www.google.com.ph/destination?q=cagayan+de+oro&rlz=1C1CHBD_enPH756PH756&site=search&output=search&dest_mid=/m/01sntm&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjGiraiuMXZAhXHj5QKHVQmCOUQri4I7AEwHQ
http://aboutcagayandeoro.com/cagayan-de-oro-tourist-spots-cagayan-de-oro/
http://www.incdo.com/2012/07/top-5-delicacies-from-cagayan-de-oro.html
