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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.

One of the best things about Cagayan de Oro is its location. The city is probably one of the most accessible places in Mindanao. It is located along the coastline and is near lots of other towns and cities. Three of the most accessible towns from Cagayan de Oro are Ozamis, Tangub and Dipolog.

Ozamis

Aside from Cagayan de Oro, Ozamis is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mindanao. Even local Kagay-anons themselves often go to Ozamis to relax and enjoy. Most tourists who are heading to the Zamboanga Peninsula often make stopovers in Ozamis to have a taste of colonial Spain at the Mount Manlindang National Park, or to simply take in the breathtaking view of the Panguil Bay.

For those who are planning to visit Ozamis, it is best to do so during the cold months of November, December or March. Another place to visit in Ozamis is the Fort Santiago, a structure built in stone by the early Spanish colonizers. Ozamis visitors can also enjoy the city’s line of shops and restaurants.

Tangub

Tangub City is best known as the Christmas Capital of Mindanao. People in this small part of Misamis Occidental celebrate the Christmas season for 60 festive days. In Tangub city, the yuletide season starts on the very first week of December and ends just after the first week of February.

However, the city is filled with huge Christmas arches and lanterns almost all year long. And by huge, I mean 25 to 30 feet high lavishly decorated lanterns! The yuletide revelers will definitely love Tangub, especially at night when all of the city’s Christmas arches are lighted. According to the folks in Tangub, a typical arch is made up of about 100 to 250 bulbs. Every year, just before, or maybe even months before, December, a team of electricians, designers, and carpenters gather to make sure the city is well-lit during the city’s 60-day long Christmas celebration.

The city’s giant or life-sized “belens” (Nativity scene) also draw in huge crowds during its 60-day Christmas celebration.

Surely, there are a whole lot more reasons why most people visit Tangub. However, the city’s massive display of tantalizing Christmas lights is probably one of the main reasons why a lot of travel enthusiasts set their sights on Tangub every year.

Dipolog

The city of Dipolog is the capital of Zamboanga del Norte in the northwest Zamboanga Peninsula region. This small first class city is known for its famous beaches along the Sulu Sea, as well as for its stunning view of the countryside.

Since it has all the necessary resources, the city has also become known as the “Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines.” This might also be one of the more plausible reasons why Dipolog has emerged as the wealthiest city per capita among the other cities in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

-by Mara Tismo-
(Photo taken from misoccnews.blogspot.com)

The month of March is recognized worldwide as the Women’s Month. An increasing number of organizations all over the world are now joining or starting campaigns that help to raise awareness regarding several issues, including women and gender equality, violence, racial prejudices, as well as other issues concerning the rights and welfare of women all over the world.

The thriving city of Cagayan de Oro is one of the cities actively campaigning to raise awareness regarding these issues. In fact, the city has been joining the Ensler’s campaign for years now. With the participation of a handful of lady Kagay-anons, the city regularly presents a variety of activities that embody the essence of the Women’s Month. One of the main highlights of the campaign for awareness is the staging of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues.

This year, 2010, the V-Day movement continues with several activities focusing on relevant issues related to women. Once again, The Vagina Monologues will be brought to life by different lady Kagay-anons.

For several years, the V-Day movement, which stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina, has been growing at a rapid pace in a total of 130 countries all over the world. The V-Day movement aims to raise and distribute funds to several international programs, organizations and grassroots that are dedicated to stop violence against women.

by Mara Tismo

The Divisoria Night Cafe

The blossoming city of Cagayan de Oro is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Some of the reasons may be the city’s rich eco-tourism and bustling nightlife. Apart from this, the city’s growing economy has also caught the attention of numerous businessmen around the country. Thanks to these businessmen, the city’s dining, shopping and entertainment scenario has become more lively. In addition to the city’s Limketkai Center, Gaisano Mall, and Ororama chain of stores are SM City, Makro and Robinsons. A number of coffee shops, bistros, dessert venues, spa salons and bars are sprouting all over the city like mushrooms. All these new establishments provide both local Kagay-anons and foreign visitors a suitable place to dine and unwind.

Club 1150 (Photo taken from http://huhlexwong.multiply.com/calendar/item/10084)

Kagay-anons are also looking forward to the addition of new hang-out spots such as the Pacific Island and the Ayala Mall. Once finished, these malls and shopping venues will provide the locals, as well as the visitors, additional venues where they can shop, in addition to the city’s already thriving shopping hot spots.

During the weekends, the streets of Divisoria are closed as the people gather around the city’s famous night café and market to enjoy music, cheap but delicious food and to scout for the best bargains. Aside from this, the city is also home to Mindanao’s most exciting bars and clubs. People from neighboring towns and provinces often flock to the city to enjoy its thriving nightlife.

As the city continues to attract foreign investors with its location, its friendly people and entertainment choices, more establishments are expected to rise within the city, bringing in more fun, new faces, and more earning opportunities.

-by Mara Tismo