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

Emmanuel Pelaez, former vice president of the Philippines under Diosdado Macapagal’s administration, was born in Medina, Misamis Oriental to Gregorio Pelaez Sr. and Felipa Neri.

After finishing his primary education with highest honors in Cagayan de Misamis (now known as the city of Cagayan de Oro), Emmanuel Pelaez went on to with his secondary education at the Ateneo de Manila High School. He eventually received his Associate in Arts from the University of the Philippines Junior College in Cebu City. In 1938, Emmanuel Pelaez received his degree in law from the University of Manila and within that year, he also managed to top the Bar examinations.

While working to earn that degree, he worked as a senate clerk at the Journal Division for a year, starting from 1934 to 1935. After that, he went on to work as a debate reporter for two years and as a court translator for a year.

Several years after receiving his law degree, Emmanuel Pelaez started his law practice while also serving as a professor at the University of Manila from 1946 until 1963. He represented the province of Misamis Oriental in the senate when he was voted as congressman in 1949. His term lasted from 1949 to 1953. During those times, he was adjudged by the Congressional Press Club as one of the Ten Outstanding Congressmen. In addition to this, the League of Women Voters of the Philippines also hailed him as one of the two Most Outstanding Congressmen, while the Philippine Free Press recognized him as one of the Ten Most Useful Congressmen.

His achievements in the Lower House of Congress paved the way for a higher designation - the senate. During his term as a senator from 1953 to 1960, he was chosen as the Most Outstanding Senator by the Senate Press Club and the League of Women Voters of the Philippines.

Eventually, in 1961, Emmanuel Pelaez was voted to serve as the Vice President of the Philippines under President Diosdado Macapagal. In addition to his duties as the vice president, Emmanuel Pelaez also performed other functions as the country’s Foreign Affairs Secretary. In 1963, he was named Man of the Year by the Examiner. A year after that, he was hailed as the Most Outstanding Alumnus during the University of Manila’s Golden Jubilee Celebration.

The former vice president ended his political career after a failed assassination attempt in 1982. After politics, he focused on Bible studies and even became board chairman and president of the Bible Society.

Emmanuel Pelaez died on July 27, 2003 in Muntinlupa City.

(Sources: philstar.com and Wikipedia.org)

-by Mara Tismo

Arribatel’s facility is strategically located near Cagayan de Oro’s bustling business hub. It can be spotted along the Rosario Arcade Strip in Limketkai Center, the prime commercial and shopping destination of Kagay-anons. Arriba is surrounded by several amenities like groceries, upscale coffee shops, 24-hr restaurants, as well as gym and spa facilities.

The establishment has been active in the global outsource industry since it was established in 2005. Arriba Telecontact Inc’s chief executive officer, Elpidio M. Paras, is one of the major players in the city’s technological development and progress. Being one of the region’s business pioneers, Paras is a strong advocate of the awareness and empowerment of information and communications technology throughout the country’s southern industrialized region.

Apart from Arriba Telecontact, Paras is also busy overseeing other ICT-related business ventures. He is responsible for founding Parasat Cable TV, a multi-system cable TV operator in Mindanao and Visayas. Apart from this, he also owns Cable 21 Technologies, Paramedix Inc and Syntactics Inc.

-by Mara Tismo

Ian Quirante

On April 24th 2009, a rising industrial rock band called Switch had their first album launch at Saguijo, Makati City, Philippines. The 15-track LP is called Visceral. It has received acclaim from various local and international music magazines. Currently under Sonic Shape Records, the band performed at the event alongside acts like Cebu’s The Ambassadors and Faspitch and Manila’s Intolerant and Nyctinasty.

Formerly based in Cagayan de Oro City, Switch started out as a solo and experimental project by musician and professional artist Ian “IQ” Quirante in 1998. The band played a few local gigs here and there, inviting fellow musicians to play as sessionists. He then recorded his heavily electronic-influenced tracks at local and home studios. A song called “For You Only,” which was rerecorded and included in Visceral, is still being played over the radio.

When IQ decided to move to Manila to study Fine Arts at UP Diliman, he continued his music ventures there as well. By saving up money from paintings he sold, he was gradually raising a band of keyboard synthesizers and other electronic gadgets that proved to be very significant, as Switch became one of the most unique, and probably the loudest, electronic act in the Metro music scene.

Following some disagreements with the band’s guitarist, Sidney Acurantes, IQ replaced the latter with a fellow Kagay-anon, guitarist and lyricist Wilbert Tan, who is currently playing guitar for the Ram Chaves band. Due to a physical condition, Neil Pagulayan, who plays the synthesizers and adds samples to their live performances, was temporarily replaced by Yna Amparo.

Since then, Switch has reintroduced the Pinoy music scene with the industrial genre, equipped with an electronic setup (Macbooks and keyboard synths included) and openly political/religious/social issues-influenced lyrics.

At present, the band is aiming to have a full live setup, taking a shot at recruiting a drummer and bass player, as Quirante did a test drive of the effort in his hometown last January 2, 2010 at a small show at Mandex bar. Because of the absence of Tan, he invited emo-ambient group K9’s Bam Roa to play guitar, together with drummer Jedi Dela Cruz, and this writer as the bassist.

-by Rose Ann Quirante

The world is filled with dozens of unique wildlife habitats. Wildlife preservation centers all over the world are taking great measures to breed and preserve endangered species so that one day, when their numbers have increased, they will be returned to the wild. People from all over the world are working hand-in-hand to make a difference in the efforts to protect our wildlife and their habitat.

Even in the Philippines, many wildlife preservation programs are set up to preserve the different kinds of endangered species. A nature park such as the Mantianak Zoo and Nature Park in Misamis Oriental is just one of the wildlife preserves found in Mindanao that takes care of giant tigers. Tourists from all over the country visit the park to view the giant tigers that are rarely seen in the Philippines. Aside from this, the park also features other wildlife animals like monkeys, birds, and reptiles among others. Donated to the government as a tourist attraction, the area is rich in natural resources and is therefore conducive for wildlife preservation. It will only be a matter of time before animal preservation programs will recognize this place and fund its potential for the breeding and preservation of rare giant tigers.

There are also other wildlife parks in Misamis Oriental like the one Ostrich and Crocodile Farm in Opol.

Wildlife preservation is an important factor in our efforts to save the ecosystem. However, this does not involve just the wildlife as taking care of our natural resources is the most basic factor in saving Mother Nature. After all, our wildlife needs wide open spaces, rich natural resources and an unpolluted area in order to survive.

In an age where global industrialization is threatening our ecosystem, the need to save Earth starts now.

-by Jessica Jane Villegas

Being a high school student in a Montessori school is pretty sweet. We get to do cool things that not a lot of teens out there do every day in their schools. We have awesome and totally not scary teachers who are fun, and we get to go to different places for field trips to explore other cultures. Like last 2008, we had an amazing time in Beijing and we got to see the Great Wall of China and some other great historical sites.

It’s pretty much a home away from home at the Abba’s Orchard School, where

Entry to Abba's Orchard Farm in Baungon, Bukidnon

We also have simple “household” chores like the occasional tidying up of the classrooms, preparing meals for everybody, not forgetting to feed the farm animals, watering the crops, buying the groceries, washing the dishes, and other similar chores. Sounds like a lot, huh? We’ve got our schoolwork, too. So we’re really booked up, but we still find time for the extra-curricular activities in school like scuba diving, soccer, painting, photography and such. It’s really fun!

One of the many different things done in the school is farming and it is a mandatory activity at the Abba’s Orchard school; that is why we are called the Erdkinder, which means “earth children.” We make sure not to harm the environment with pesticides and other harmful chemicals. After all, we only have one Earth and so far, it doesn’t look good anymore with global warming and all the scary things popping out in the news these days.

Established in 1998 in Bukidnon, Abba’s Orchard follows the principles and ideals of Dr. Maria Montessori. It now has six campuses in the Philippines, including the Mckinley Hill campus that started operating last November 2009. Our school is the only educational institution in the Asia-Pacific region that is trained and equipped to follow and apply the Montessori curriculum.

-by Sherlaine Yap

Here is another story, this time about a different legend. In 1622, two Spanish Recollect missionaries, Fray Juan de San Nicolas and Fray Francisco de la Madre de Dios, missionaries who resided in Caraga, heard of a peaceful community of natives in Mindanao who resided in Cagaiang. The two priests embarked from Butuan to Camiguin.
They sent a message to Datu Salangsang, the chief of Cagaiang, appealing for permission to enter his land. At first, the chief turned down the request, but the priests approached the chief’s grandmother, Doña Magdalena, and asked her to persuade her grandson. The negotiation was successful.

Another appealing fact that we have to think about is that Salangsang’s grandmother was a Bol-anon — of Visayan descent! So if you’re a Kagay-anon and wondering about your origin, you better think about the possibility that we can be Visayans. Another possibility we have to consider is that there were intermarriages between the lumads and the Visayans long before our Spanish conquerors stepped on our shores.

In the one of the Fray’s accounts, Cronicas de Recolletos, he stated that the community of Cagaiang differed from the people from Caraga and Butuan, for they were more passive than the other dwellers of Mindanao. They also noted that these people dressed and talked like the Visayans as compared to the other tribes in the island. They were also well developed in their social organization skills, including their material items. Afterwards, Himologan would be deserted and the people moved to a new settlement called Cagaiang, which is now our city of golden friendship, Cagayan de Oro. Now how about that?

-by Mark Anthony Daposala

First on the list is Limketkai Center. Considered as the biggest shopping center in Mindanao, it houses various shops that cover almost everything - from fashion to electronic devices, to home needs and great food chains.

Another inviting and relaxing place to go to is SM City-Cagayan. This is definitely the place for those who are searching for affordable but good quality apparel. It also houses popular retail stores such as Ace Hardware, National Bookstore, Watsons and Surplus Shop.

Loretos Grill and Restaurant Family KTV come next on the list. If you’re looking for a place where you want to have quality, comfortable and relaxing moments with your family, then this is definitely the place you can go to. They serve sumptuous meals in their restaurant and people can enjoy and have fun singing their favorite songs. Situated at Tomas Saco Street, the place is very accessible to all kinds of land transportation in Cagayan de Oro City.

Up next is Xavier Sports and Country Club. It has modern and fully-equipped sports centers where individuals can have fun while enjoying their favorite sports. Some of the sports facilities that people can find inside the premises of Xavier Sports and Country Club are a bowling alley, swimming pool and tennis court. In addition to this, the sports club has a restaurant where people can dine after an exciting and enjoyable day of fun and sports.

The last hot spot is the Gardens of Malasag and Eco-Tourism Village. It features tribal houses and provides a relaxing view of the Macajalar Bay. There’s a large picnic area and nature lovers will really love the environmental feel of the place.

These are some of the relaxing and inviting places that one can visit in Cagayan de Oro City. Choose which one suits you best and head over there right now!

-by Mark Anthony Daposala

Philippine Real Estate particularly in Cagayan de Oro city in Mindanao, guarantees properties for sale or for lease that were perfectly made and marked at a reasonable prices that surely fit to your budget. It is considerably a one stop source for your dream homes and lots for secured investments.

Here in Cagayan de Oro particularly CDO Real Estate provides the best homes to live in with the comforts and conveniences it gives and an assurance of security and peace because of its well-gated subdivisions. This is also your opportunity to get the best investment in choosing a lot for secure business investment. CDO Realty has lots of properties for sale or for rent to meet your needs. Prices are cost-effective that truly fit to your budget. In addition, CDO real estate also offers variety property listings of lots for sale, house for rent, land, farms, resorts, beach front for sales, apartments for rent and condominiums.

No wonder, Cagayan de Oro is a safe and a secure place to start a new beginning together with your love ones for this place is known as “City of Golden Friendship”, meaning the people are friendly and very accommodating as well. Progressive as it is and it’s among of those places that offers its most picturesque in Mindanao. By looking in its surroundings, truly CDO as it’s so called; a city in bloom, in blossom and in boom.

If you’re planning where to settle in or relocate your homes choose CDO land a perfect place for a perfect home sweet home; a place to be!

One of the finest hotel is superb situated in the very heart of Cagayan de Oro City. Essentially, keeping hectic program will simply appreciate Cagayan de Oro Hotels that have numerous entertainment and first class conveniences that includes outdoor swimming pools, hanging bridge, bar and restaurants and overlooking bay and city. Every hotels have well-furnished rooms that come with an array of modern amenities including a comfortable suite, well appointed business centre and provides a comfortable retreat from the bustling city life.

These are the brief summary list of hotels you desire:

• Cha-li Beach Resort - Cugman, CDOC
• Coconut Bay Resort - Baloy, CDOC
• Country Village Hotel - Villarin St Carmen, CDOC
• De Luxe Hotel - Cogon, Discovery Hotel & Restaurant -LimKetkai Drive, CDO
• Dynasty Court Hotel & Restaurant - Tiano Corner Hayes St, CDO
• Garden of Malasag Echo Tourism Village - Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City
• Grand City Hotel - A. Velez R.N. Abejuela Sts., CDOC
• Hotel Conchita - Guillermo-Yacapin Ext. Sts. CDO
• Hotel Koresco - Pueblo De Oro Golf Estates, Airport Road, Lumbia, CDOC
• Lauremar Beach Resort - Opol, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
• Mallberry Suites - Florentino St., CDOC
• Maxandrea Hotel - JR Borja St. CDO
• Middleton Apartelle - Carmen, CDOC
• Park View Hotel - T. Neri St., Cag. De Oro City
• Pryce Plaza Hotel - Carmen Hill, CDOC
• Ridgeview Chalets - Xavier Estates, CDOC
• The VIP Hotel - Velez St, CDOC
• Casa Crystalla - Pabayo - Chavez Sts. CDOC
• Fort Santiago Pensionne - 2nd- 19th Sts., Nazareth Subdivision, CDO
• Natures Pensionne House - Hayes St.,CDO
• Vines Pensionne House - Aguinaldo St., CDO

The entire hotels invite you to share its relaxed rhythm of life and yet far enough to enjoy its peaceful environment. You will surely admire its exquisite cuisine while discussing business or exchanging casual conversation with your folks and friends. So, enjoy more and spend less!