Cagayan de Oro may be the happiest city in the Philippines. The "City of Golden Friendship," as it is known, is home to a very friendly and welcoming Filipino community. Cagayan de Oro's accessible location also makes it the "Gateway to Northern Mindanao".
Cagayan de Oro City is Mindanao's business, trade, information technology, and adventure tourism hub. In fact, it has established itself as the premier convention center for Visayas and Mindanao. Those planning conventions or similar events can choose from a variety of facilities, including large convention halls and low-cost training centers. As the city of Golden Opportunities, it is regarded as Northern Mindanao's regional growth capital and the focal point of investment in the region. It also serves as a transit point for agricultural and industrial products from neighboring provinces.
Visitors can purchase a variety of things at the various shopping malls, gift and souvenir shops, and specialist stores. The Kamuyot or Mindanao Silk, local purses, decors and furnishings, clay pots, and world-class stoneware products are just a few of the many options available.
Cagayan de Oro, whether in tourism, tradition, culture, or politics, is a city of hidden gems that lives up to its name.
Cagayan de Oro’s Gems
The General Douglas McArthur Memorial, Lim Ket Kai Centre, Del Monte Philippines Cannery, the old Plaza Divisoria, Liceo de Cagayan University's La Castilla Museum, and Xavier University's Folkloric Museum are all worth seeing. They are also famous for whiterafting, a famous thing to do when you visit CDO. Cagayan de Oro is the Philippines' Whitewater Rafting Capital. It is the only city in the country where rafting is available all year. Rafting on the Cagayan River is a rewarding and exhilarating experience due to the river's depth, inclination, and rock formations.
Aside from these amazing spots, the food is also one of the things that you can explore in Cagayan de Oro. The culinary heritage of a particular region begins with home cooking, and Cagayan de Oro does not fall short in this regard. You can certainly plan a food trip in CDO all day long.
If you're the sort of traveler who prefers to eat their way across the place, Cagayan de Oro is definitely a must-see destination.
Here are the must try restaurants in Cagayan de Oro
Kagay-anon Restaurant
Kagay-anon Restaurant is one of the oldest and best restaurants in CDO. They serve traditional Cagayanon cuisine. Their specialties include ostrich salpicao and Cagayan-style pinakbet (i.e., vegetables are not overcooked). Other must-order items include sizzling bangus fillet, sweet and sour pork, baked clams, sinuglaw, grilled tuna belly, kinilaw,liempo, and more.
Panagatan
Panagatan is well-known throughout Cagayan. Panagatan is a seafood restaurant that serves grilled squid and fish, steamed shrimp, and kinilaw. There are also bilao specials for groups. The original Panagatan branch is located along the National Highway, about 20 minutes from the city center. It is open air and has fantastic views of the ocean, especially at night. It also has branches in SM Downtown and Ayala Centrio Mall for those staying in the city proper.
Cucina Higala
Cucina Higala is considered the best restaurant in CDO by locals. It has received TripAdvisor awards on multiple occasions. Cucina Higala has a beautiful old ambiance and serves delicious local fare, particularly northern Mindanao heritage cuisine. Sinuglaw (Cagayan's signature dish), surol (chicken soup in coconut milk), humba, and kare-kare are among the recommended dishes. You can be certain that there will be no leftovers when you're finished. Adding to that is the friendly and accommodating staff, your food trip will be a happy stop you won't want to end.
Circa 1850
Circa 1850 is a sister company to Sentro 1850, one of the popular restaurants in Cagayan de Oro. Circa 1850 was founded a few years ago to promote healthy eating. The restaurant itself is made of recycled wood and bricks and has a European design. The food is made with organic ingredients sourced from local farmers. Pasta with shrimp, shrimp scotch eggs salad, beefsteak tomato, and bistecca fiorentina are some of their best-sellers. The food is generously portioned, and the prices are reasonable.
Bigby’s Cafe and Restaurant
This is one of the city's most popular locally owned restaurants. It serves worldwide cuisine and is a blend of fine dining and casual dining. Must-try platter items include Belly Buster (baby back ribs, chops and smoked pork belly), and Fisherman’s Platter (fish fillet, squiggly rings, and grilled shrimps). The portion size is generous, and the price is in the middle. This is a good option for a large gathering. At Cagayan, Bigby's may be found in a few malls. They serve both Filipino and American cuisine, which is made and served by a friendly crew. This is the place to go if you want a great eating experience.
Gracia’s Fastfood
In Cagayan de Oro, Gracia's is a well-known caterer and canteen concessionaire. They are well-known for their wonderful, home-cooked meals that are also reasonably priced. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a great wooded décor. It was a nice spot to eat as it was cozy and relaxing. Despite the fact that it was fast food, the food was tasty and filling. Pancit Bihon, Fried Chicken, Humba, Rice, and Banana were all good. They also have a diner on Cagayan de Oro's Masterson's Avenue.
Redtail Shrimps
In Cagayan de Oro, Redtail Shrimps has two locations: the first is in Papa Juanitos Square, beside CCF at Limketkai Center, in front of Robinson's supermarket, while the second is along Don Apolinar Velez Street in the Divisoria district, directly across Sentro 1850. Redtail Shrimps, known for its plastic-eating gloves, apron, and tasty seafood dish, is now more accessible within a walkable distance in the downtown area. Medium Spicy Redtail Style Shrimps with creamy seafood chowder on the side are one of their best sellers. Lunch and dinner are the best times to dine, with prices ranging from 350 to 400 pesos.
If you want to extend your food trip in CDO aside from the restaurants, several food parks are also evident in this wonderful province. Truly a place that can settle your stomach. If you fell for CDO’s gem, you may want to check out Vista Residences’ The Loop North Tower at Lim Ket Kai Center which is also near amazing food hubs. Purchasing real estate in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental is a wise investment choice in the Philippines because it is both an economic and tourist hub. Vista Residences guarantees that The Loop Towers is well-prepared to meet the demands of its residents. Don’t hesitate to visit Cagayan de Oro, a city rich in culture and heritage.
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Vista Residences is the condominium arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. that offers ready for occupancy and pre-selling condominium projects in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Ortigas, Baguio, Cebu, and CDO that are strategically located within major cities, in close proximity to premium universities, transit-oriented locations, and developed business districts.
Purchasing a condo provides a convenient and luxurious lifestyle that everyone deserves. A condo in CDO with a strategic location is an excellent lifelong investment that will provide you with financial freedom as well as a significant appreciation rate in value, allowing you to turn your investment into an income-generating instrument.
For more information on Vista Residences, email info@vistaresidences.com.ph, follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
