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How to Find a Good Lawyer in Cagayan de Oro

Post on August 12th, 2010 by admin

There are many lawyers in Cagayan de Oro City, but when looking for a good one, it can be hard to choose from the multitude of attorneys out there. Some lawyers may not even be worth hiring. This article will guide you on finding the perfect lawyer who can help you with your legal needs.

The Internet

The World Wide Web provides information on just about anything, including the best lawyers in town. In addition, you can get the information you need with just a few mouse clicks.

Another good thing about the Internet is that you can find lawyers that specialize in a specific field. For instance, if you’re looking for an attorney for real estate issues, you can make an online search about real estate lawyers that operate in your area.

You might also want to visit online forums, especially ones where the members are residents of your area. These forums give you access on rants as well as positive reviews straight from people’s minds. Start a thread about good lawyers in your locality. Most of the time, users are willing to answer questions.

Ask Around

Ask people who have experienced hiring attorneys. Family members, close friends and business peers are good sources of information. Gather feedback – both negative and positive – as well.

Also, consider getting a lawyer to suggest an attorney that focuses in a field wherein you need legal representation.

Hire a Smart Lawyer

Of course, you wouldn’t want an incompetent lawyer who can’t handle your legal situation. You’ll need an intelligent lawyer who can work in an efficient and prompt manner, as he or she will represent you and work on your behalf. Don’t go for mediocrity and hire a lawyer with so-so services. Otherwise, you will suffer.

Arrange an Initial Interview

Discuss things with a lawyer before hiring him or her. Ask questions and get an idea about his or her experience, knowledge, personal style and trustworthiness. You can also determine the lawyer’s level of professionalism through his office. Check if the office staff is helpful and polite, and if it’s difficult to set up a meeting.

Know About Fee Structures

If you’ve found a prospective lawyer, understand how things work and how much his or her legal services cost. Since lawyers are billable, closely monitor the work they do for you so that you won’t be overcharged.

Don’t be Afraid to Fire your Lawyer

Remember that there are other legal experts out there and that you can always fire your lawyer if he or she isn’t performing well. Besides, it’s good to have a well-established relationship with a couple of lawyers. This will also allow you to tell your current attorney that you have other options. If their performance isn’t meeting your needs, move on to another legal professional.

Follow this guide to get a proficient legal expert represent you. To start off your search, here’s information on some of Cagayan de Oro’s law offices:

-Cabanlet Law
3/F Metrobank Bldg, Pabayo-Abejuela Sts.
+63 88 22723590

-Jaraula Evangelista Apita & Layug
2/F Jaraula-Brinas Building, Carmen
+63 88 8586185

-Mateo G. Delegencia Law Office and Associates
Press Club Bldg, Velez St.
(08822) 724926:726260

-Sapalo Velez Bundang & Bulilan Law Offices
Mezzanine, H. Canoy Bldg, 140 C. Pacana St.
+63 8822 722408

by Gillian Abonitalla

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Turquoise Turkish Restaurant Cagayan de Oro

Post on August 12th, 2010 by admin

The City of Golden Friendship is now slowly embracing international food cultures. Apart from American, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai-inspired restaurants scattered around the city, there is a unique place that has not totally been recognized by some food lovers – Turquoise Turkish Restaurant, located at the ground floor of SM City Cagayan de Oro.

Owned by the Delkilics (composed of Mahamod, Banu, Rizal, Fatima and Saime), a Turkish family from Malatya, Turkey, the restaurant serves authentic Turkish cuisine. This kind of food may be a little unfamiliar or too exotic for the Kagay-anon taste, but nonetheless, it invites them to engage in a unique dining experience. At first, the restaurant was not readily accepted by many due to the unfamiliarity and, probably, the shyness of those who are uncertain of the quality and taste of the food, which leads them to worry that it would be a complete waste of time and money.

Yet, with the introduction of the shawarma several years back (Oro Shawarma), it comes as no surprise that the shawarma is one of the restaurant’s featured dishes. However, there is more to Middle Eastern cookery than shaved meat with vegetables wrapped in pita bread. What makes Turkish food distinct is basically its blend of the best spices and sauces mixed with meats and vegetables.

Here are just some of the foods that Turquoise Turkish Restaurant serves:

•Abagannush – a light appetizer that is made of grilled eggplant, combined with tomatoes, olive oil, salt and garlic all wrapped in soft pita bread.
•Ayran – a refreshing homemade yogurt beverage that is served cold.
•Kebap or simply kebab – skewered meat much like the conventional barbeque. What makes this dish unique is its preparation; kebabs are skewered beef, lamb or chicken that is marinated in powdered bell pepper, olive oil, milk, thyme and other spices for 24 hours. The kebab comes in three kinds: Alexander Kebab (beef shawarma), Adana Kebab (ground beef mixed with various spices) and Castle Kebab (spicy grilled and marinated ground beef wrapped in pita bread).
•Turkish rice – soft and delectable rice cooked with Turkish ingredients.
•Chicken cutlets
•Yogurt with mango jam – a very light dessert made with homemade mango jam.
•Baklava – Turkish dessert made of sheets of dough that is loaded with sugar syrup, butter, pistachios, hazelnuts and walnuts.
•Turkish delight – another dessert made of a special ingredient that is exclusively grown in Turkey.
•Acili Ezme – a tomato dip that has a spicy and sour taste.
•Mezze Istanbul – a combination of boiled potatoes, egg, mayonnaise, carrot and beans.
•Turquoise Cheesy Kofte – a large meatball dish with mozzarella cheese filling.
•Inegol Kofte – a smaller version of the meatball dish that is shaped like cocktail hotdogs.

Truly, Turkey has some exotic and exquisite cooking. It not only boasts of its special ingredients, but also its preparation; and Turquoise Turkish Restaurant is certainly the place to get that authentic Turkish dining experience.

The Turquoise Turkish Restaurant also operates in Davao City.

by Rose Anne Quirante

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Vintage Auto Collecting and the Golden Vintage Car Club

Post on August 12th, 2010 by admin

Although vintage car collecting and restoration are not something new to the world, they have only recently been introduced in the city of Cagayan de Oro. Without people like Marcelino Garcia Jr, who is the president of the Golden Vintage Car Club and owner of a car shop in Sitio Balongis, Balulang, Kagay-anons would still be oblivious to it.

The Golden Vintage Car Club was established by Garcia with the aim of spreading the word about classic car collecting – his hobby – and in the process, influence others to engage in such a leisurely pursuit. He also wanted to promote his auto shop – one that repairs vintage vehicles. Starting out small, the club has grown and welcomed 15 members coming from Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro and other neighboring cities. Some of the cars that its members collect are as old as 60 years.

The business of restoring classic cars close to its original condition has not been that profitable as of late, considering that it has just been introduced to the city. However, collecting and preserving old vehicles as a pastime is considered priceless, according to Garcia.

The club president owns a 1968 Skylark, which he purchased for Php100,000, and a 1965 Ford Mustang, which he purchased for Php20,000. He said that a lot of repairs were needed in his Mustang, so much so that the total budget reached Php200,000.

Another member of the club, architect Jefferson Javier, also shares the same fervor for vintage cars. The grandson of the late Dr. Alfredo Reyes takes pride in his 60 year-old Chevrolet Styline De Luxe, which still has the original paint, engine and interior. The Chevy that was initially bought by his grandfather after the war is the only kind in the city.

Other vintage automobiles from club members include a yellow Austin Mini Cooper, which is owned by Pacs Pizzaro; Armando Salada’s 1974 black Volkswagen Hot Rod; and Dave Agudo’s 1950s Roadmaster bike.

The cars that can be considered vintage are those that are at least 30 years old.

To further endorse the passion that he and the rest of the members of the club share, they hold a vintage car exhibition every year, showing off some of the cars that have been modified and restored to its classic condition. Usually, the event is held at the SM City parking lot. Apart from the exhibition, there are local live performers who take the stage to welcome, entertain and invite car enthusiasts, guests and passersby to the show; and a motorcade as well as games/raffles to add more excitement to the show. This 2010, the club will host its 3rd exhibition in August, in time for the Kagay-anon Festival.

Aside from car exhibits, the Vintage Car Club also sponsors The Golden Friendship Motor Show. The most recent motor fete was celebrated last December 5th and 6th 2009, likewise held at the SM City parking lot.

At present, the Golden Vintage Car Club, headquartered in Lapasan’s A & G Arcade, is inviting more members, those with or without cars, to join in on the effort to preserve and promote priceless cars in Cagayan de Oro and its neighboring areas.

by Rose Anne Quirante

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CDO: The Gateway to Northern Mindanao

Post on August 12th, 2010 by admin

There are many reasons why numerous investors have graced the city of Cagayan de Oro. One of the most obvious reasons however, is its current status as a “veritable goldmine” for those who are looking for a new and fast developing tourist and investment destination.

The city is often dubbed as the “Gateway to Northern Mindanao” due to its excellent transportation facilities and location. In geographical terms, the city is strategically nestled in between the mountains and plateaus of Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon to the south, and the central coastline of the Macajalar Bay to the north. The city’s east and west borders are abuzz with the industrial activities of its neighboring towns and the silently progressing municipality of Tagoloan.

In addition to its location, the city of Cagayan de Oro also boasts of several advantages in terms of weather and climate. The city is free from typhoons all year round. Although the city may sometimes experience heavy rains, the climate is generally conducive for business and activities all year round.

Although the city recently went through a power crisis, Cagayan de Oro boasts of having cheap and abundant power supply in general. The city’s cheap and abundant source of power is also complimented by its broad manpower and consumer base, making it a perfect location for new investments.

Apart from all these advantages, the city also has a highly efficient educational system, several modern telecommunication facilities, and adequate infrastructure. To top it all off, the city is also located near several international seaports.

The city of golden friendship also serves as the primary trade and service center of Northern Mindanao, which practically means that the city is a prime destination or location for cost-effective land, air, and sea transit.

Due to its current status, the city has become home to one of the most conducive economic climates in Mindanao. The city is favored by a number of tourists and investors due to its metropolitan culture that is complimented by the warmth of the local Kagay-anons. This combination of urban living, traditional Kagay-anon culture and Filipino hospitality encourages the economic growth and overall progress of Cagayan de Oro City.

Mara Jayne Tismo

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