Feb 10, 2013
Abundance in Cagayan de Oro
Location 
: Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Abundance at the Outset
My first night in CDO, instead of scrambling for a place to stay, I already had a one-night reservation at the iconic Pryce Plaza. This was followed by a stay at the posh Uptown Condotel. The good folks at CDO seem to appreciate what I can do on the web for them. A friend from my New York days suddenly popped-up, and a clothing store owner gifts me a pair of their latest footwear, at the precise time when my shoes fell apart. This positive start gave me a glimpse of the abundance that lay ahead.
my comfy room in Pryce Plaza on my first night at CDO
Pryce Plaza
I'd been to Cagayan de Oro 3 years ago in March of 2009. It was ok, but not memorable. This time, coming from Malaybalay and continuing my exploration within Mindanao, I pass by Cagayan de Oro again. But now, things are very different. Unlike some places where I don't meet business owners who appreciate what I can do for them, here in CDO, I already had replies from some hotels who were willing to see what I'm putting on the table. My first night, instead of scrambling for a place to stay, I already had a one-night reservation at the iconic Pryce Plaza - the only hotel on a hilltop offering a stunning view of the city. At night, the view is even more spectacular. Not surprisingly, the food is also very good. This positive start gave me a glimpse of the abundance that lay ahead.
Uptown Condotel
The following day, I was already checked-in at the exclusive Uptown Condotel near the upscale Xavier Estates. The amenities of this condotel exceeded expectation. The owners went the whole 9 yards on this - 5 gal filtered water with hot/cold dispenser (instead of the usual two 200-ml water), high-definition cable tv with all the channels (instead of simply having cable tv), complete kitchen utilities (including microwave), chiropractic bed (best for support!), etc. The owners saw value in my work and were decisive about it.
Forward-Thinking Owners/Managers
I like dealing with forward-thinking owners and high-level managers. I don't have to sell them on the concept of search engine optimization, user attention span, site traffic analytics, etc. - they already get it. The part they want to know are the performance numbers - actual search engine ranking, site traffic, user retention, etc. And this is where I shine - Google delivers the hard empirical numbers that make me look good.
Oma from the Big Apple
Among other unexpected things, Oma, a good friend from my New York days just popped-up after decades of no communication. We chilled out the 2 days she was here before heading back to the US. It's amazing how things change over the years...for good. Having a friend from 'back in the day' was refreshing. It's like stumbling into your old comfortable shoe that fits perfectly. There wasn't much to reminisce - mostly, we talked about what lay ahead. Having her here gave me a chance to explore CDO with company - checking out Chali Beach, going to the market for tuba, drinking hot baterol tablea, lavishing on Mangosteen, Marang and of course, Durian. We did the barbecue rounds too at Butcher's Best and at the Midnight Cafe. We talked a lot. I'm glad we had a chance to catch up after all these years.
a 1986 picture in autumn, in New York, with Oma
Zsa of Base Camp
As my Merrell shoe fell apart, lo and behold, Zsa of Base Camp (store selling everything you'll ever need for the outdoors) visits CDO to put up more outlets for their brand. I met her through her husband, when they sponsored Survivor Philippines, where I made it as one of the 18 castaways, season 1. We met up for dinner together with her key people at Inilog Grill, and by the time the evening was over, I had 2 Sandugo dry-fit shirts and their latest footwear offering, the Sandugo SH1201 outdoor adventure shoe. Whoa! Now, my socks don't have to get wet with every drizzle. Thank you Zsa!
The Shoe Episode
This shoe episode is a funny thing. When Sandugo signed-up for my service 2 years ago, I got gift certificates. At that point, I didn't need footwear. As a general rule, anything I don't need, no matter how valuable, is simply clutter. So, naturally, I gave it away. I made many friends happy. Now that I've given all the GCs away, my Merrell falls apart. So I had it restitched in Cebu and in Davao City - nearly every place I go to. Now in CDO, it really fell apart. I am forced to buy a new one...and Zsa shows up with a pair for me - both on the same day! I love it when life is toying with me.
Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Repair
Again, as a general rule, I stay away from crass consumerism. I won't replace any of my stuff simply because I can get a new one for cheap (or even free!). I have to keep getting it repaired until it really needs to be retired. Repairing is not just a question of saving up. I'll have a low impact on the landfills, I won't be aiding the mining firms or logging cartels in ravaging the planet to mine for raw ingredients - that's why I'm vehemently opposed to planned obsolescence....ooops I'm now digressing.
Weaving Multiple Pieces of Information on the Net
This has been a stone in my shoe for the longest time and here in CDO, I mean to do something about it. If you go to a new place and Google things to do or things to eat, you get a million results. The links talk about how nice the place or the food is. But they don't tell you where it is located or how to get there. Even if you find the information, it's usually conflicting. Let's consider my Chali Beach example.
Chali Beach Resort
I was looking for best beaches in CDO. I got results and I chose to go to Chali Beach Resort. But I couldn't find a website or info on where it is. I searched on Google Maps and found 5 markers for Chali Beach. Which one is right? Turns out, all of them were wrong! Even if I got the right marker, the next question is how do I get there? When I was given the Chali Beach website, it gave me an error. Finally, through more searches, I found a telephone number. Now, I had to get a landline! After calling them up, I finally got directions. Whew! That ate up a lot of my time. So, what's the lesson here? Provide relevant and comprehensive information. In my travel portal, this is what I put for Chali Beach Resort (even if it's not a client for as long as I've personally been there):
Chali Beach Resort - Cugman CDO, GPS Waypoint: N 08 28.334 E 124 42.097 (copy and paste on Google Map), from Xavier University, take RD jeep and ask to be dropped-off at Chali Beach, P13, 30 mins. P100 consumable. Not for beach-swimming, pool (P100 extra), relaxing sea breeze, good food in resto, chalibeachresort.com (the old domain, www.chalibeach.com does not work anymore)
Cutting-Edge Travel Portal for Cagayan de Oro
I'm a traveler. I'm also a web designer specializing in SEO (search engine optimization), usability and information architecture. Together, I have a unique perspective on what info should be up there for the traveler. I'll develop a more detailed travel portal for CDO that will address all those issues in one website. This is an ambitious task but my motivation is high. I'm willing to go the whole 9 yards in providing CDO all the help it can get in aiding travelers get the info they're looking for. If they find it, there is increased likelihood they'll make the trip to CDO - then all the stakeholders benefit; transportation companies, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, down to the ukay-ukay vendors, etc.
Ending Thoughts
As CDO showers me with its abundance, I also shower it with all the merits I can muster on the internet. I only hope that the other hotel deals push thru to ensure my continued stay here. Without that, I am constrained to move on and the ambitious plan I have for CDO will now be put in limbo. I would really hate for that to happen. I hope to stay just long enough to realize that vision. In the famous words from the movie Casablanca, "This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship"...which just hit me, yes, I am after all, in the City of Golden Friendship.
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
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Sandugo Sandals
Trail-Tested By Mountaineers For Extreme Toughness And Reliability
| Location: | Centrio Ayala Mall, SM, Limketkai Mall |
Uptown Condotel
Exclusivity, luxury and prestige in a full-service residential hotel
| Location: | along Masterson Ave, Xavier Heights (about 1km south of SM) |
| GPS Waypoint: | N 08 26.698 E 124 37.305 |
| Land Line: | +63(88) 851.1800 |
| Fax: | +63(88) 851.5735 |
| Mobile: | +(63) 908.888.1800 / +(63) 917.326.1800 |
| Coconut Insider Website: | Uptown Condotel |
Pryce Plaza
Majectically enthroned on a hilltop overlooking the city
| Location: | Carmen Hill, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, 9000 |
| GPS Waypoint: | N 08 28.420 E 124 37.927 |
| Land Line: | +63(88) 858.4537 / +63(88) 858.3111 |
| Fax: | +63(8822) 726.687 |
| Email: | reservations@pryceplaza.ph |
| Website: | pryceplaza.ph |
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About Cagayan de Oro
About Cagayan de Oro:
Cagayan de Oro, fondly referred to as "City Of Golden Friendship" is the northern gateway to the rest of Mindanao. Because of its stable peace and order situation, commerce is bustling fueled by local and foreign investments.
Cagayan de Oro in a nutshell
- Economy - business hub of Northern Mindanao region with its economy largely based on industry, commerce, trade, services and tourism
- Climate - no typhoons all year round, tropical climate with an average temperature whole year round of 280C (820F)
- Tourist attractions - white water rafting and river trekking, Monigue Cave, Malasag Eco-tourism Village, Macahambus Adventure Park, F.s. Catanico Falls, McArthur Park, Xavier Museum
- Land area - 488 square kilometers
- Geography - located in northern Mindanao, along a narrow coastal plain with its south flanked by the plateaus and mountains of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte.
- Religion - 87% of the population are Roman Catholic
- Education - it is home to 3 private universities, Capitol University, Liceo de Cagayan University and Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan and considered the educational capital of the region
- Language - the main language is Cebuano with English used primarily for business and in the academe. Tagalog is also spoken.
- Shopping - Night Cafe And Market, Limketkai Mall Center, SM City, Robinsons, Gaisano City Mall, Market City, Centrio Ayala Mall and (soon to open) Paseo Mall
- Population - 621,000 in 2010
- Transportation - one can easily roam around the city by any means of land transportation
- Medical Facilities - there are eight major well-equipped private and government-run hospitals
Google Map of Cagayan de Oro
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
How to get to Cagayan de Oro
How to Get to Cagayan de Oro by Air
Cagayan de Oro is major destination in the Philippines and all major airline companies have flights to Cagayan de Oro. CDO arrival is at Lumbia Airport. To get to the city, you can ride a cab (~P300) or take a Carmen-bound jeep (30 mins, P17)
- PAL Express - has flights to CDO coming from Manila and Davao
- Cebu Pacific - has flights to CDO coming from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao and Zamboanga
- Philippine Airlines - has flights to CDO coming from Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Davao
- TIP: unlike GenSan or Busuanga where you are forced to take a cab or van from the airport, in CDO, you can just walk out of the airport and cross the street and flag down a jeep that will take you straight to downtown CDO, to Cogon Market or Carmen. 45 mins (because they stay long on nearly every major stop, waiting for more passengers), less than P20.
How to Get to Cagayan de Oro by Land- Philtranco - Manila (Pasay) to Cagayan de Oro, 42 hours, non-aircon, departs Manila 10:30am daily
- Bus - from Malaybalay, P375, aircon 6.5 hours (some road repair)
How to Get to Cagayan de Oro by Sea- Super Ferry 2Go Travel - Manila to CDO, 33 hours
- Accommodation and Rates (as of Mar 2013)
- Mega Value Class - Php 1500
- Tourist Class - Php 1350
- Stateroom for 2 - Php 2400
- Manila to CDO schedule
- Negros Navigation - Manila to CDO, 33 hours, Manila (02)554.8777, CDO (088) 856.9114
- Accommodation (as of Mar 2013)
- Suite Room Accommodation
- Admiral Cabin Accommodation
- Business Class Accommodation
- Tourist Class Accommodation
- Tatami Economy Class Accommodation
- Budget Class Accommodation
- Schedule of St. Micheal the Archangel (as of Mar 2013)
- depart Manila Mondays at 3:00 p.m. - arrive Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday 4:30 a.m.
- depart Manila Thursdays at 11:59 p.m. - arrive Cagayan de Oro City on Saturday 9:00 a.m.
- Sulpicio Lines - Manila to CDO, 33 hours
Cagayan de Oro Blogs
2023
2013
2009
Brief History
- 1622 - the Spaniards set foot on Cagayan de Oro initiating the start of Spanish colonization in the area. This started a war with the Moros who didn't appreciate the locals siding with the Spanish priests
- 1739 - moro raids menaced the population of "Little Cagayan" prompting the construction of a fort, Fuerza Real de San Jose
- 1870 - Cagayan de Oro, now the capital of Misamis Province, experiences its golden age of arts and literature
- 1898 - the 333 years of Spanish rule came to an end giving the Cagayanons a brief taste of independence
- 1900 - the Americans arrived and occupied the city thru military might
- 1942 - with WWII in full swing, the occupying Americans surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army
- 1945 - the Americans regain control of Cagayan and the region. WWII ended soon thereafter, with the surrender of the Japanese
- 2011 - Typhoon Sendong sends torrential flood waters from the mountains into the city wreaking havoc and killing hundreds as the Cagayan de Oro river overflowed. The people demonstrated resilience and tenacity with their rebuilding efforts
Cagayan de Oro Attractions
Not to be Missed in CDO:
- Divisoria - visit CDO on a Friday or Saturday and eat varied BBQ offerings at the famous Night Cafe in Divisoria. It's also great for shopping and getting an outdoor massage (full body massage P100)
- River Rafting - see selection below
Dahilayan Adventure Park - 840m zipline, Dropzone (pendulum swing from 120 feet), pedal-ride on a forest canopy, team-building rope course and mountain lodge (read Blog)
Cagayan de Oro Hotels/Hostels/Pension/Inns/Lodging:
Uptown Condotel - Cagayan de Oro's first and only luxury condotel, fully furnished, near SM
Hotel Conchita - central location in Cagayan de Oro, near Ayala Mall, Limketkai Mall and Divisoria
De Luxe Hotel - centrally located and short walk from Centrio Ayala Mall, Limketkai Mall and Divisoria
Cagayan de Oro Outdoor Activities:- Dahilayan Adventure Park - experience Asia's longest dual zipline and warp-speed to 90kph
- Sumalsag Cave - technical caving requiring a submerged dive to exit the cave. Sumilao, Bukidnon
- Sprint Multisport Shop - Corrales corner Ramon Chavez St., 9000 Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
- Jatico Adventures - zipline, big swing, bungee tramp, zorb, boot camp, Sitio Mahayahay, Bayanga
- Macahambus Adventure Park - rafting, zipline, rappeling, skybridge, caves, Barangay Bayanga
Cagayan de Oro Spa:
Iaso Spa - Uptown CDO's refuge for body scrubs, soothing massage, sauna and jacuzzi treat- 3K Thai - Capistrano St., 714.918
- Body Touch - Rosario Strip 856.1519 and Robinsons Mall, Limketkai, 856.3127
- Fai Thai - Velez St., 714.528
- La Cabana - CM Recto Ave., 856.4168
- Nuat Thai - Papa Juanitos Square, Florentino St., 857.5877
- Palm Day - San Agustin St., 857.2862
- Red Fern - Velez-Chaves St., 852.1855
- Sentara - Limketkai Drive, 856.8870
Cagayan de Oro White Water River Rafting Tours:
Great White Rafting Tours - discover pure adrenaline with our professional guides (read Blog)- Bugsay Whitewater Rafting - San Agustin - Velez
- Eco Extreme Rafting Adventure
- Golden Friendship White Water Rafting
- Rafting Adventure Philippines - #86 Jongko Bldg. Arch. Hayes Street, CDO
- Kagay Whitewater Rafting - #21 Pres. Aguinaldo St., Cagayan de Oro City
- Pinoy Whitewater Tubing - by De Oro Mountain Explorers (DOME)
Beaches and Beach Resorts in Cagayan de Oro:- Chali Beach Resort - Cugman CDO, GPS Waypoint: N 08 28.334 E 124 42.097, from Xavier University, take RD jeep and ask to be dropped-off at Chali Beach, P13, 30 mins. P100 consumable. Not for beach-swimming, pool (P100 extra), relaxing sea breeze, good food in resto, www.chalibeachresort.com (the old domain, www.chalibeach.com does not work anymore)
- Roan Beach Resort - Taboc, Opol, Misamis Oriental, P100 open cottage, P300 big cottage, no entrance fee
- Apple Tree Resort & Hotel - Brgy. Taboc, Cagayan de Oro (formerly : Lauremar Beach Resort)
- Yasay Beach Resort - Opol, Misamis Oriental, consumable entrance fee, 45 mins from CDO proper, P40, beach hut P200
- Marvilla Beach Resort - Opol, Misamis Oriental, consumable entrance fee, 45 mins from CDO proper, P40, beach hut P200
- San Pedro Beach Resort - Opol, Misamis Oriental, consumable entrance fee, 45 mins from CDO proper, P40, beach hut P200
- Duka Bay Resort - Medina, Misamis Oriental, shaded by ancestral trees, 7 villas
- Lyka's Blue Lagoon Beach Resort - Misamis Oriental
- Acuna Beach - Baloy, Cagayan de Oro
- Bonbon Beach - Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro
- White Beach - white sand
- Baagas Beach - Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro
Attractions:- St. Agustine Cathedral and Garden - destroyed several times by fire and bombing, fully rebuilt
- Cagayan de Oro City Museum - located at the converted Water Tower
- Gaston Park - gathering place by locals for social interaction
- Divisoria - popular during Friday and Saturday nights for its Night Cafe alfresco bbq
- Golden Friendship Park - located along the Divisoria stretch
- Macahambus Cave, Hill and Gorge - great outdoor trekking and caving, free
- River Taxi Cruise - starts at Liceo Cagayan University going downstream to the Cagayan de Oro river mouth
Malls:- Ayala Centrio - newest mall to open in CDO; 4 cinemas, C.M Recto Avenue and Corrales Street
- Gaisano Mall - 6 branches, main mall located in CM Recto Ave., affordable shopping
- Limketkai Center - 4 cinemas (1 is under renovation), 66,000 square meters of store space
- SM Cagayan de Oro - 4 cinemas, shopping, restaurants, grocery, etc., located Uptown
Location of Participating Establishments
Essential Links: CDO >> Davao City by bus
CDO has 2 bus stations - West Terminal Bulua and East Terminal Agora. For Davao, you have to take a jeep going to Agora.
- CDO West Terminal (Bulua) - if you came from Iligan, you would be getting off at trhe Bulua West Terminal. Take a jeep to East Terminal (Agora Terminal), 20 mins, PHP 20
- CDO East Terminal (Agora) - take bus going to Davao City, 8 hours, PHP 875. This terminal is open 24 hours and there is always a bus going to Davao - no need to pre-purchase tickets
- Davao Bus Terminal - you'll arrive at the Davao Bus Terminal, close to SM City. From there you can take a cab ride to your hotel. There are many jeeps that will also take you to the Poblacion town center, 15 mins, PHP 12
CDO >> Iligan by bus
CDO has 2 bus stations - West Terminal Bulua and East Terminal Agora. For Iligan, you have to take a jeep going to Bulua West Terminal.
- CDO East Bus Terminal (Agora) - 24 hours, if you came from Davao, you'll be disembarking at the Agora East Terminal. Take a jeep going to West Bus Terminal (Bulua), 30 mins, PHP 20.
- CDO West Terminal (Bulua) - 24 hours, take a bus going to Iligan. Many buses going west (Pagadian, Zamboanga, Plaridel, etc.) will pass by Iligan - just ask the bus conductor. 2 hours (1.5 hours night trip), PHP 200 (SC P160). You will get off at the Tambo Integrated Bus Terminal in Iligan
- Tambo Integrated Bus Terminal - from the terminal, take a jeep to City Proper and it will pass by the Iligan Port, 30 mins, 15 PHP (if you intend to take a boat out of Iligan)
CDO >> Lazi, Siquijor by boat
Cagayan de Oro to Lazi, Siquijor route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early September 2023. Before, going to Lazi from Davao meant going to Iligan after CDO, adding 3 hours on the trip. Now, Iligan can be completely bypassed.
- CDO Port - take Kho Shipping to Lazi, W-F-Sun, 6 hours, CDO departure 5 pm, arrival in Lazi Port 11 pm, economy Pxxxx, tourist Pxxxxxx.
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