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These days, one of the most superlative locations to settle in is in the uptown area of Cagayan de Oro City. Living uptown has its share of advantages like protection against seasonal floods and heavy rains. Most of the homes uptown do not get flooded with water due to bad weather, while most houses downtown are the ones that are easily affected by such natural disasters.

Another factor to take into account is the lovely view of the city. Regardless of which subdivision you choose, there is always a spectacular view of Cagayan de Oro, mostly the Macajalar Bay, which is one of the iconic sites in the city. Firsthand experiences of the twilights and daybreaks uptown are like no other.

Moreover, the serenity of the location is something that is not commonly found downtown, as the city proper is a busy place. In addition to this, with rich greenery all around, there is never a worry about pollution.

Three of the most excellent uptown subdivisions in Cagayan de Oro are Alegria Hills, Pueblo de Oro and Teakwood Hills.

Alegria Hills, a private community established by the Ayala Land Premier, is situated on a highland plateau in the city. It has a 360-degree view of the Macajalar Bay, as well as the city’s lush green mountains. Situated in an area that is about 10 minutes away from Limketkai Center and other major business establishments, Alegria offers secure and tranquil homes.

A 360-hectare real estate for mixed use development, Pueblo de Oro is between the downtown area and the Cagayan de Oro Domestic Airport. Established in 1995, the township project is owned by Louis Berger International. Its Morning Mist Village is beside establishments such as SM City and Xavier University High School and Grade School.

Teakwood Hills, the newest subdivision developed in Barangay Agusan, was inaugurated last September of 2007. It is owned and manned by A Brown Company Inc, the same company that formed another uptown subdivision - Xavier Estates. Considered as the east side version of Xavier Estates, Teakwood Hills offers a breathtaking view of the sea and mountains.

Mayor Jaraula’s The Golden Mile flagship project was initiated in an effort to bring in more investors and tourists into the city. The initial phase of the project involves the construction of a 600 meter long walkway that extends from the City Hall to the 5th bridge of the city.

The idea behind the Golden Mile Project is to come up with a mixed use development that would become part of the city’s central business district. The goal of turning the area into Cagayan de Oro’s central business district would be consummated right after the completion of a 30-storey condotel designed by Korean proponents. The proposed location for the structure is at the posterior area of the amphitheater. In order to ensure the plausibility of the project, the city government recently purchased the substantial land area, which was formerly owned by the Chaves family. Fortunately, after selling their land, the Chaves family also made contributions for the separate amphitheater project.

This project complements Mayor Constantino Jaraula’s River Bank protection project that involves the construction of a kilometer long boulevard, extending from Toribio Chaves Street to JR Borja Street. The project’s main goal is to promote the city’s biggest asset, the Cagayan de Oro River. The River Boulevard was conceptualized as a part of the mayor’s efforts to enhance the tourism-related activities along the river. A budget has been set aside to include the construction of a walking bridge, a café station, a high rise fountain in the middle of the river, as well as a multi-level rotunda building housing a museum and a mini-library.

The construction of the River Boulevard Project has begun, as is evident in the ongoing pile driving happening behind the City Tourism Hall. Contrary to what most Kagay-anons believe, the River Boulevard Project is to be completed first before they start with the construction of a new Legislative Building.

-by Mara Tismo-

Nowadays, there are a lot of job opportunities in Cagayan de Oro City. After all, it is becoming one of the most highly industrialized cities in Northern Mindanao. It is playing host to many foreign businesses and outsourcing companies. This is a great opportunity for Kagay-anons, especially when it comes to establishing a career.

Sadly, though, not everyone can get the job due to many reasons. One of these reasons is that they did not make a good first impression. First impressions, especially during interviews, are crucial in landing a job. Probably one of the best ways to make a good impression is if you know how to dress appropriately for an interview.

Even though the most important elements during an interview are your conduct, interpersonal skills and ability to articulate intelligence, understand that during an interview, your outfit will also play a strong supporting role. Your clothes can tell so much about you, so here are some things to consider:

-Wearing appropriate attire during an interview can support your image as a person who takes the job interview process seriously and someone who understands the nature of the industry you want to be a part of.
-Some industries will judge your attire more critically. For them, the image presented and customer contact is critical.
-Your attire should be noticeable enough as being appropriate and not as something that is center stage.
-It is a compliment to the person you meet if you dress up nicely.
-There are some companies where their employers and employees dress casually for the job. Unless you are specifically told to do so, dress up for an interview with the appropriate business outfit.
-An interview or a business function is not a social event, so never dress for a party or a date.

Kagay-anons are very well known for their exceptional English communication skills. It is no wonder then that big time outsourcing companies like Sticky Media Solutions, Convergys and eTelecare visited the city recently in hopes of hiring Kagay-anons for their company. So if you want to be a part of big companies like eTelecare, Convergys and Sticky Media, dress up for your job interview appropriately. After all, in cases like this, “first impressions do last.”

(Photo taken from careercenter.nd.edu)

Imagine waking up to the singing of birds, feeling the early morning breeze as the day begins, and thinking of happy thoughts as you stroll along grassy fields found in your own backyard. You can experience all these small wonders when you live in Alegria Hills, the first Ayala Land community in Mindanao, and specifically located in Cagayan de Oro City.

Now that summer is almost here, there are even more reasons to do some rest and relaxation in Alegria Hills as it opens its gates to families and friends for a day of fun under the sun. Children and adults alike will enjoy kite flying, biking, painting and a barbecue party near the recently completed Alegria Hills Chapel in the Grove. In addition, families can also enjoy guided tours around the subdivision.

Alegria Hills provides wide open spaces and clear, blue skies that are perfect for children who love kite flying. The rolling hills around the area can also be great for biking, walking or simply taking in the natural beauty the Hills has to offer. Roadways can also be found around the site, which have been designed in accordance to Ayala standards.

In addition, the community offers its homeowners and future residents lovely views of the cityscape and the Macajalar Bay, as well as the scenic undulating terrains. With panoramic views as far as the eyes can see, art lovers and enthusiasts can enjoy the painting sessions set around Alegria Hills. There are also art lessons provided for children so that they can practice their hands in making pieces of art.

There are plenty of activities in the Hills that can keep people busy and entertained the whole day. Alegria Hills, which takes its name from the Spanish word “alegria,” meaning joy and merriment, is Ayala Land’s first ever residential offering in Mindanao. Ayala Land is one of the major players in Philippine real estate. This property developer has had several projects around the entire country, including malls, offices and suburban areas.

-by Gillian Abonitalla-
(Photo taken from cagayandeororealestate.ph)