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-

Co-owners of the village are G&P Builders Inc, one of the top contractors in Northern Mindanao, and M&M Consolidated Inc, both of which brought to life the vision of Gen. Menzi that revolved around these three concepts: Community, Legacy and Greeneries.

Village residents can enjoy the facilities and amenities of Menzi Orchard, including a clubhouse with swimming pool, picnic areas, entrance gate with 24-hr security, view deck, basketball court, children’s playground and plant nursery.

There are also future developments for Menzi Orchard such as the chapel, village museum, leisure park and the orchard groove.

It opened its gates to the public in 2008 with a simple ceremony that brought together realty brokers, invited guests and Ruben Paras, the G&P Builders Inc president, who delivered an opening speech thanking M&M Consolidated Inc for collaborating with the company and making the project possible. Their joint venture’s arm is JCA, which is headed by Edward Argayoso.

Since it is the former Silver Saddle Ranch of Gen. Hans Melchior Menzi, where he stabled his 16 horses, M&M Consolidated chief executive officer Onofre Grino told the press that the Orchard would serve as a legacy of his late friend and boss, Gen. Menzi.

According to Grino, 60% of the profit goes to G&P Builders and 40% goes to M&M Consolidated, which then benefits the Menzi Scholarship Foundation, aiming to expand the partnership’s scholarship trust fund.

The richness of nature and the luxury of country living will not only be beneficial to the residents of the village, but will likewise extend to the students who deserve the right to an academic education through the Menzi Scholarship Foundation.

-by Rose Anne Quirante-

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.

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)

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-

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)

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)

Whether they’re at home, in the office or elsewhere, people are often tuned in to their favorite radio stations. And in Cagayan de Oro, people never run out of choices. The city is home to a wide range of radio stations.

One of the oldest existing radio broadcast stations in Mindanao, the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), also known as DXCC, is found almost within the center of the city. This radio station has been around since 1952. It is acknowledged as the 2nd broadcasting facility built in Mindanao.

Several of the city’s broadcast facilities (AM stations) are affiliated with the country’s major broadcast networks. A few of these include DXIM Radio ng Bayan, DXIF Bombo Radyo, and DXCO Radio Pilipino Corp.

Ten of the city’s FM stations are also affiliated with major broadcasting networks. Some of these FM stations are DXKB Killer Bee, DXKS Love Radio, DXBL Mellow Touch, Home Radio, and DXLX Campus Radio. All of these radio stations are broadcasted with a power of 10KW.

In addition to these radio stations, the city also has four of television stations under major broadcasting networks. These stations are the RPN TV 5, ABS-CBN, RMNTV, and the ABC TV. DXDD, a local television station, is managed and operated by the COC-Phinma group.

-by Mara Tismo-
(Photo taken from skyscrapercity.com)

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)

Summer is coming! And for most people who have nothing to do this summer, it is the only time they can spend their time doing whatever they want. When school is out, the kids hit the beaches and party goers stay up all night hanging out at local hotspots. One common thing that they all share during the season is that they tend to eat - a lot.

Despite summer being an outdoor kind of season, there are still people gaining extra weight from it. Let’s find out why.

For outdoor activities in the summer, people tend to engage in several social gatherings including reunions, parties, grills, outings and picnics. These events spell FOOD: barbecue, salads, cakes and especially ice cream.

As delectable as these foods may sound, they still contain calories upon calories. What people do not realize, however, are its effects, which they only notice after the season ends as they are preoccupied with the thought of having so much fun all summer.

Summer is also a time for the family to get together, which is why when there are busy family schedules ahead, the best way to dine is to go to fast food restaurants instead of cooking real food at home.

Exercise, you say? Whoever would want to drag themselves out of bed at 6am when school is out? Besides, waking up earlier than that would be a drag when you just had a night out.

The summer heat also makes you crave for something sweet, which is why we turn to soft drinks, iced tea and other calorie-filled beverages.

So, is it impossible to avoid summer weight gain? Not really. All it takes is discipline, like most all weight loss practices.

First off, you need to map out your daily meals. When scheduled to go on a barbecue picnic, eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and veggies before that.

Control what you eat. Chips are readily available during summer outings; be sure to know when to stop eating as you won’t notice that you have already eaten too much.

You can also replace all your sweetened drinks with plain water. This will keep you hydrated through the scorching heat of the summer and will save you money as well.

Summer is supposed to be a fun season. Enjoy it the best way you can, without risking too much of your weight – or your health.

-by Rose Anne Quirante-
(Photo taken from buckscountytaste.files.wordpress.com)