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Fashion trends come and go, and sometimes they even come back after many years. For this reason, it can be hard for fashion conscious men and women to keep up with the latest trends.

The city of Cagayan de Oro is filled with stylish people who give importance to keeping up with the latest look. Since the summer season is on its way, people can expect to find summer fashion to be the popular taste within the next couple of weeks.

If you, however, don’t have a clue about getting updates on the latest craze, read on for ideas in finding what is in.

Fashion magazines can always do the trick. They are usually filled with information and articles about what’s hot and what’s not. Even non-fashion ones like celebrity magazines contain details on the newest styles.

It can also help to search for fashion-related websites. The Internet is a bevy of information for just about anything, including local fashion trends. Sometimes, it is the major fashion authorities that set the latest styles - and once they do, the minor designers tend to follow. Thus, it can help if you check out the major fashion-oriented websites.

You may also consider what celebrities are wearing. TV and movie figures are known to be trendsetters. Watch updates about social events and look at actors or actresses who are wearing the hottest outfits, purses, shoes and jewelry. Sometimes, it only takes a few pictures for people to copy the look of famous entertainment types.

And, last but not the least, is the option of looking at stores in malls and shopping centers.

Before the rainy season ends, many stores in Cagayan de Oro already begin to stock their shops with the newest shoes, blouses, shirts, dresses and accessories – even those designed for the summer season. So, if you want to be a trendsetter yourself, you can go to the nearest shopping district and get ahead in new fashion before summer officially begins.

-by Gillian Abonitalla-

Basamanggas Resort in Jasaan

The summer season is almost here and people are beginning to hit the hottest beaches to get that perfect tan and engage in various summer activities. Even Westerners travel to tropical countries to enjoy diving spots and exotic beaches, which the country is best known for.

In Cagayan de Oro, guests will enjoy frolicking under the sun since the City of Golden Friendship has a wide range of beach hotels and resorts fit for their summer vacation adventures.

Here are some of the Kagay-an beach resorts offering the best services:

-Apple Tree Resort and Hotel. Located in Opol, Misamis Oriental, this resort hotel has 37 guest rooms classified into Suite (P4,000), Lanai (P3,000), Deluxe Family (P2,300) and Deluxe (P1,800). Each room comes with a complimentary breakfast that is good for two persons. Guests can also access the hotel swimming pool for free.

-Cha-Li Beach Resort. This resort has 26 hotel rooms, 10 bungalows and 6 cabanas. The Deluxe Cabana (single/double) costs P2,850, the Superior Bungalow (single/double) costs P2,450, the Standard Bungalow is P1,850, the Superior Hotel Room (single/double) is P1,850 and the Standard Hotel Room is P1,550. Situated in Cugman, Cha-Li’s Club Room costs P1,950 and is good for three persons.

-Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort. Consisting of 21 rooms, it is located in Mantangale, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. Here are its accommodation rates: Presidential Suite (with complimentary breakfast) – P5,000, Standard (with complimentary breakfast) – P2,200 and Economy – P1,500. The Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort is one of the best spots for diving – and learning how to dive – in the whole region.

Guests can also visit Basamanggas Resort in Kimaya, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, or head off to Duka Bay Resort in Medina, Misamis Oriental. Both resorts offer world class amenities at affordable rates and packages.

Duka Bay

Apart from going to beaches, vacationers can also go whitewater rafting or river trekking in the mighty Cagayan River.

Whether to the river or the beach, there is something fun to do in the summer in Cagayan de Oro, the Philippines’ “Gateway to Northern Mindanao.”

-by Rose Anne Quirante-
(Photos taken from cagayandeorodev_files_wordpress, skyscrapercity.com, farm1.flickr.static.com, and media-cdn.tripadvisor.com)

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-

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)