Cagayan de Oro

Philippines

Cagayan de Oro, often abbreviated CDO or CdeO and sometimes just called "Cagayan", is known as the "City of Golden Friendship." It is the capital of the Province of Misamis Oriental and the "Gateway of Northern Mindanao."

The city is on the northern coastline of Mindanao in the southern part of the Philippines, with Macajalar Bay to the north, the municipality of Tagoloan to the east, Lanao del Norte to the south, and the municipality of Opol to the west. The Cagayan River splits the city into two, the Poblacion (downtown area) being on the eastern side of the river. CDO serves as the regional center of Northern Mindanao (Region X), and is the region's most populous highly-urbanized city. According to the 2015 Census, the city has a population of 675,950.

Cagayan de Oro has a tropical climate, with the average temperature the whole year round being 28°C (82°F). The highest recorded temperature in the city was 39°C (102°F) in June 1998. Cagayan de Oro receives a relatively even amount of rain throughout the year. The driest month is April, while July is the wettest. The wet season in the city starts in June and ends in November, while the dry season starts in December and ends in May. However, the difference in seasons is not very noticeable in the city; there are sunny and rainy days throughout the year and the rain is usually strong but brief (you will notice the season if hiking or driving on dirt roads in the highlands inland from Cagayan de Oro as it gets muddier). Although the city is also outside the typhoon belt, it has been hit by a few tropical systems, most notably Tropical Storm Sendong (international name Washi) in December 2011.

Roman Catholicism is the city's dominant religion, with almost 80% of the population being Roman Catholics. There are also a large number of Seventh Day Adventists, Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestants and Muslims in the city.

Cebuano (Bisayan), Tagalog and English are the city's main languages. Other ethnic dialects in the city include Hiligaynon, Ilonggo, Maranao, and Waray. It is very easy to travel, shop and meet locals using English, especially in shopping malls where there are many other foreigners. English is used for the majority of street and road signs, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting around if you don't understand any Bisaya. However, you might have difficulty conversing with people in the local markets or on public transport in English.

Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

  • Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral. A Gothic-inspired cathedral and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, since it houses the cathedra (seat) of the Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro. The present-day cathedral was constructed in 1946, after being destroyed during World War II. Inside the cathedral are centuries-old stained glass windows, while outside its main entrance is a wooden cross from 1888, erected by Augustinian Recollect missionaries.
  • Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene, Claro M. Recto Avenue (next to Gaisano City Mall and across from Centrio Mall. A shrine dedicated to the Black Nazarene located in the heart of the city. The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church decided to move the replica statue of the Black Nazarene to Nazareno Parish Church, so that Nazarene devotees from Mindanao do not have to travel to Manila for their annual pilgrimage.
  • Santuario Eucaristico, R.N. Pelaez Boulevard, Kauswagan (near the National Highway intersection, +63 88 880 2969. Formerly the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Holy Eucharist, Santuario Eucaristico is a shrine dedicated to St. Peter Julian Eymard, Apostle of the Eucharist. Along the rear, semi-circular wall of the shrine are intricately-designed Mosaic Stations of the Cross, while above the secondary entrances/exits are stained glass windows depicting the Stations of the Eucharist. These stained glass windows are based on the Stations of the Holy Eucharist at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. They are the only one of their kind in the Philippines.
  • Carmelite Church, Seminary Hill, Camaman-an (next to Carmelite Monastery. The area surrounding the monastery is also the residence of several religious orders, including the Discalced Carmelites, as well as the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Carmelite Church contains an image of the Santo Niño, or Holy Child which is said to be miraculous.

Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral. A Gothic-inspired cathedral and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, since it houses the cathedra (seat) of the Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro. The present-day cathedral was constructed in 1946, after being destroyed during World War II. Inside the cathedral are centuries-old stained glass windows, while outside its main entrance is a wooden cross from 1888, erected by Augustinian Recollect missionaries.

Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene, Claro M. Recto Avenue (next to Gaisano City Mall and across from Centrio Mall. A shrine dedicated to the Black Nazarene located in the heart of the city. The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church decided to move the replica statue of the Black Nazarene to Nazareno Parish Church, so that Nazarene devotees from Mindanao do not have to travel to [[Manila]] for their annual pilgrimage.

Santuario Eucaristico, R.N. Pelaez Boulevard, Kauswagan (near the National Highway intersection, +63 88 880 2969. Formerly the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Holy Eucharist, Santuario Eucaristico is a shrine dedicated to St. Peter Julian Eymard, Apostle of the Eucharist. Along the rear, semi-circular wall of the shrine are intricately-designed Mosaic Stations of the Cross, while above the secondary entrances/exits are stained glass windows depicting the Stations of the Eucharist. These stained glass windows are based on the Stations of the Holy Eucharist at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. They are the only one of their kind in the Philippines.

Carmelite Church, Seminary Hill, Camaman-an (next to Carmelite Monastery. The area surrounding the monastery is also the residence of several religious orders, including the Discalced Carmelites, as well as the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Carmelite Church contains an image of the Santo Niño, or Holy Child which is said to be miraculous.

Sendong Memorial, Gaston Park Sadly Cagayan de Oro doesn't have any large parks like those found in other countries. However, the parks CDO does have to offer are still worth visiting nonetheless, especially for those wanting to take a break from the noise and chaos of the rest of the city.

  • Gaston Park. A circular park named after Segundo Gaston, a former pre-war Municipal Mayor of Cagayan de Oro, and is a favorite place to unwind for many Kagay-anons, especially during Sundays. This was the site of the first Spanish settlement established in 1622 and was the main plaza during the era, even becoming an execution ground for Spanish criminals. During the Philippine-American War, Gaston Park was a training ground for local soldiers, and on April 7, 1900, became the site of the Battle of Cagayan de Misamis. After World War II, cherry blossoms were planted in the park as a gift from the Japanese Government. In 2000, a National Historial Institute marker, now commonly referred to as the Siete de Abril marker commemorating the battle in 1900, was placed at the park, and this can now be found at its northwest section facing City Hall. There is also another marker donated by the Cagayanons of America, Southern California Chapter, located in front of the Archbishop's Palace. At the southwest corner of Gaston Park across from St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is the Sendong Memorial, dedicated to the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong. The park was renovated in 2015, its worn-out grass being replaced by concrete and pavers. A musical fountain that lights up with different colors was also installed at the park's center.
  • Du-aw Kagay-an Park. The park was proposed by Mayor Pablo Magtajas after 120 Kagay-anons returned home from the United States and Canada in August 1987, a year following the end of Martial Law. It is also the place where the Birhen sa Kota sa Cagayan de Oro (Our Blessed Lady of the Holy Rosary) was said to have appeared, saving the early settlement from invaders. Every August during the City Fiesta, the park serves as the endpoint of the fluvial parade, which begins from Macabalan Pier.
  • Plaza Divisoria. It was built in the early 1900s as a town divider (hence the name Divisoria) or fire breaker after a great fire that almost burned down the entire town. The park is dedicated to local and national heroes.
  • Vicente de Lara Park. Situated in front of the Provincial Capitol of Misamis Oriental with age-old mahogany trees that provide a therapeutic canopy for the promenades. The park is a popular jogging area during the morning. This is also the site of the Press Freedom Monument and a Sculpture of the Province of Misamis Oriental.

Gaston Park. A circular park named after Segundo Gaston, a former pre-war Municipal Mayor of Cagayan de Oro, and is a favorite place to unwind for many Kagay-anons, especially during Sundays. This was the site of the first Spanish settlement established in 1622 and was the main plaza during the era, even becoming an execution ground for Spanish criminals. During the Philippine-American War, Gaston Park was a training ground for local soldiers, and on April 7, 1900, became the site of the Battle of Cagayan de Misamis. After World War II, cherry blossoms were planted in the park as a gift from the Japanese Government. In 2000, a National Historial Institute marker, now commonly referred to as the Siete de Abril marker commemorating the battle in 1900, was placed at the park, and this can now be found at its northwest section facing City Hall. There is also another marker donated by the Cagayanons of America, Southern California Chapter, located in front of the Archbishop's Palace. At the southwest corner of Gaston Park across from St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is the Sendong Memorial, dedicated to the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong. The park was renovated in 2015, its worn-out grass being replaced by concrete and pavers. A musical fountain that lights up with different colors was also installed at the park's center.

Du-aw Kagay-an Park. The park was proposed by Mayor Pablo Magtajas after 120 Kagay-anons returned home from the United States and Canada in August 1987, a year following the end of Martial Law. It is also the place where the Birhen sa Kota sa Cagayan de Oro (Our Blessed Lady of the Holy Rosary) was said to have appeared, saving the early settlement from invaders. Every August during the City Fiesta, the park serves as the endpoint of the fluvial parade, which begins from Macabalan Pier.

Plaza Divisoria. It was built in the early 1900s as a town divider (hence the name Divisoria) or fire breaker after a great fire that almost burned down the entire town. The park is dedicated to local and national heroes.

Vicente de Lara Park. Situated in front of the Provincial Capitol of Misamis Oriental with age-old mahogany trees that provide a therapeutic canopy for the promenades. The park is a popular jogging area during the morning. This is also the site of the Press Freedom Monument and a Sculpture of the Province of Misamis Oriental.

Ciy Museum of Cagayan de Oro

  • Museo de Oro, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Avenue. Exhibits artifacts dug from Huluga Cave, and a repertoire of Bukidnon and Maranao cultures that have survived the ravages of time.
  • Museum of Three Cultures, Capitol University. It houses a gallery of Maranao antiquities from Tugaya, Lanao del Sur; a gallery of ethnohistory which shall display Cagayan de Oro history, Butuan archaeological artifacts, lumad arts and crafts from the Hiligaynon and Manobo cultures, and a treasure of Christian lowland artefacts of Northern Mindanao; and an art gallery and coffee shop promoting the local visual arts of Mindanao.
  • City Museum of Cagayan de Oro, Fernandez Street (across from Gaston Park and near the Archbishop's Palace. The museum was opened in 2008, but the water tower was completed in 1922, and survived World War II. It houses photos of people who contributed to Cagayan de Oro over the years, and life and events from yesteryear.
  • La Castilla, Liceo de Cagayan University, R.N. Pelaez Boulevard. A museum of Philippine household heirlooms and antiques. This is the Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez family memorabilia administered by Liceo de Cagayan University.

Museo de Oro, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Avenue. Exhibits artifacts dug from Huluga Cave, and a repertoire of Bukidnon and Maranao cultures that have survived the ravages of time.

Museum of Three Cultures, Capitol University. It houses a gallery of Maranao antiquities from Tugaya, Lanao del Sur; a gallery of ethnohistory which shall display Cagayan de Oro history, Butuan archaeological artifacts, lumad arts and crafts from the Hiligaynon and Manobo cultures, and a treasure of Christian lowland artefacts of Northern Mindanao; and an art gallery and coffee shop promoting the local visual arts of Mindanao.

City Museum of Cagayan de Oro, Fernandez Street (across from Gaston Park and near the Archbishop's Palace. The museum was opened in 2008, but the water tower was completed in 1922, and survived World War II. It houses photos of people who contributed to Cagayan de Oro over the years, and life and events from yesteryear.

La Castilla, Liceo de Cagayan University, R.N. Pelaez Boulevard. A museum of Philippine household heirlooms and antiques. This is the Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez family memorabilia administered by Liceo de Cagayan University.

  • Cagayan de Oro Tourism Showhouse. Showcases the products from Cagayan de Oro and the province.
  • MacArthur Memorial Marker, Barangay Macabalan (near Cagayan de Oro Port. The monument commemorates two historical events.
  • Plaza de Los Heroes, Masterson Avenue, Upper Carmen. A memorial park dedicated to the heroes of the Three Battles of Cagayan de Oro during the Philippine-American War.
  • Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, Malasag Hill (off the National Highway, near the Marco Hotel. This is in a reforested area in Malasag Hill. This 7-hectare village has replicas of tribal houses in the region and a panoramic view of Macajalar Bay. It is owned by the government and managed by the Philippine Tourism Authority. The views are well worth the short drive up the hill.
  • Macahambus Hill, Cave and Gorge. An underground cave with a circular gorge. The ravine is thick with various species of plants and huge trees. It is the site of the historical battle between Kagay-anons and American soldiers during the Philippine-American War (1900).
  • Catanico Falls, Barangay F.S. Catanico. The falls contain huge boulders, rapids, cascading falls and a natural pool.
  • Kagay-an Resort, Barangay Taguanao. Previously called Lawndale Spring, it is usually packed with families and groups on weekends lounging in the cold springs.
  • High Ridge, Aluba. It is open to the public for outdoor picnics, and known for its commanding view of downtown Cagayan de Oro.
  • Monigue Cave, Barangay Mambuaya. The cave entrance is flowing water from an underground stream.
  • Macahambus Adventure Park, Barangay Lumbia.

Cagayan de Oro Tourism Showhouse. Showcases the products from Cagayan de Oro and the province.

MacArthur Memorial Marker, Barangay Macabalan (near Cagayan de Oro Port. The monument commemorates two historical events.

Plaza de Los Heroes, Masterson Avenue, Upper Carmen. A memorial park dedicated to the heroes of the Three Battles of Cagayan de Oro during the Philippine-American War.

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, Malasag Hill (off the National Highway, near the Marco Hotel. This is in a reforested area in Malasag Hill. This 7-hectare village has replicas of tribal houses in the region and a panoramic view of Macajalar Bay. It is owned by the government and managed by the Philippine Tourism Authority. The views are well worth the short drive up the hill.

Macahambus Hill, Cave and Gorge. An underground cave with a circular gorge. The ravine is thick with various species of plants and huge trees. It is the site of the historical battle between Kagay-anons and American soldiers during the Philippine-American War (1900).

Catanico Falls, Barangay F.S. Catanico. The falls contain huge boulders, rapids, cascading falls and a natural pool.

Kagay-an Resort, Barangay Taguanao. Previously called Lawndale Spring, it is usually packed with families and groups on weekends lounging in the cold springs.

High Ridge, Aluba. It is open to the public for outdoor picnics, and known for its commanding view of downtown Cagayan de Oro.

Monigue Cave, Barangay Mambuaya. The cave entrance is flowing water from an underground stream.

Macahambus Adventure Park, Barangay Lumbia.

Higalaay Kagayan Festival 2014

Himugso (Cebuano for birth) is a week-long event in June commemorating Philippine Independence Day on June 12, Cagayan de Oro's Charter Day on June 15, and the birth of national hero Jose Rizal on June 19. The celebration, which started in 2015, is a time when Kagay-anons show civic and national pride, with a number of activities being held such as a Freedom Run, Flag Raising Ceremony on the three aforementioned dates, and a tour of the city.

The Higalaay Festival (formerly the Kagay-an Festival) is held every August in honor of Cagayan de Oro's patron saint, Saint Augustine of Hippo. The highlights of the festival include the Agro-Trade Fair, Miss Cagayan de Oro, Higaonon Street Dancing, Civic-Military Parade, Fluvial Parade along the Cagayan River and Halad sa Lambagohan. There are also cultural shows, competitions, celebrity concerts, and sales in the city's malls.

  • Whitewater Rafting a 14 rapids along Cagayan de Oro River. The rainy months of September and October are good for intermediate and professional levels (rapids range from class 3 to 4). The rest of the year especially during the dry season is good for novice or amateur rafters.
  • Macahambus Adventure Park rappel and zip-line across trees a hundred feet above ground.
  • Mapawa Nature Park ideal for horseback riding, biking, zipline and nature trekking.
  • Cock-Fighting look for the arena along the National Highway in Gusa. The steep-walled concrete arena thunders with hundreds of shouting fans placing bets, as carefully bred and trained roosters in beautiful fighting form do what they're born to do. Warning: seeing these magnificent and spirited creatures transformed into a limp piece of chicken by the flash of a steel blade may make you become a vegetarian. If not, the losing birds are for sale by the kilo and are rumored to have a distinctive flavor.
  • Videoke coin-operated video karaoke machines found in virtually every roadside bar in and around the city. Don't even come to the Philippines unless you know the words to at least one song you're willing to get up and sing like it's your one big shot at fame. The playlist is extensive (from Beatles to Nirvana with plenty of Bon Jovi and Gloria Gaynor in between) so no excuses.

Whitewater Rafting a 14 rapids along Cagayan de Oro River. The rainy months of September and October are good for intermediate and professional levels (rapids range from class 3 to 4). The rest of the year especially during the dry season is good for novice or amateur rafters.

Macahambus Adventure Park rappel and zip-line across trees a hundred feet above ground.

Mapawa Nature Park ideal for horseback riding, biking, zipline and nature trekking.

Cock-Fighting look for the arena along the National Highway in Gusa. The steep-walled concrete arena thunders with hundreds of shouting fans placing bets, as carefully bred and trained roosters in beautiful fighting form do what they're born to do. Warning: seeing these magnificent and spirited creatures transformed into a limp piece of chicken by the flash of a steel blade may make you become a vegetarian. If not, the losing birds are for sale by the kilo and are rumored to have a distinctive flavor.

Videoke coin-operated video karaoke machines found in virtually every roadside bar in and around the city. Don't even come to the Philippines unless you know the words to at least one song you're willing to get up and sing like it's your one big shot at fame. The playlist is extensive (from Beatles to Nirvana with plenty of Bon Jovi and Gloria Gaynor in between) so no excuses.

Centrio Mall

Cagayan de Oro has a plethora of shopping malls and supermarkets catering to all types of shoppers, from cheap and cheerful to upscale. They are a hive of activity during Friday nights, weekends and holidays as family and friends spend quality time together at restaurants or just malling (window shopping and wondering around aimlessly in malls). Most of the malls are along Claro M. Recto Avenue.

Centrio Mall, Claro M. Recto Avenue at Corrales Avenue (across the street from Gaisano Mall. Daily 10AM–9PM. From early November to early January, Centrio holds the Magical Nights of Lights, a music and light show located in the garden where thousands of strobe lights are synchronized to well-known Christmas songs.

Gaisano City Mall, Claro M. Recto Avenue at Corrales Extension (across from Centrio Mall.

Limketkai Mall, Limketkai Drive (across from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines. Daily 10AM–8PM.

SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown Premier, Claro M. Recto Avenue at Osmeña Street (former Coca-Cola plant. Daily 10AM–9PM. Has a large-screen format theater, a wide variety of restaurants, shops, an SM Supermarket, and a Sky Garden on the 5th floor.

SM City Cagayan de Oro, Masterson Avenue at Gran Via Street (uptown CDO, before Primavera Residences. Every August and December, SM City Cagayan de Oro holds two Pyro Musical Fireworks shows.

Robinsons Cagayan de Oro, Rosario Crescent at Florentino Street, Limketkai Center (west side of Limketkai Center, near Malberry Suites.

Savemore Market.

* Savemore Market Kauswagan, Butuan-Cagayan-Iligan Road (across from McDonald's and near the Rodolfo N. Pelaez Boulevard intersection. 08:00–20:00 daily.
* Savemore Market Capistrano, Capistrano Street.

Shopwise Hypermarket, 2nd Level New Expansion Wing, East Concourse, Limketkai Center. Daily 9AM–8PM.

Puregold Hypermarket, Claro M. Recto Avenue (site of the old Ororama Megacenter. Daily 9AM–9PM.

Ororama.

* Ororama Supercenter, Mayor J.R. Borja Street at Mortola Street (near Cogon Public Market and Xavier University, +63 88-8574481. Daily 8AM-9PM.
* Ororama Carmen, Ipil Street, Carmen (across from Carmen Public Market.

If you're looking to buy fruits, vegetables, meat and fish at prices cheaper than those in the supermarkets, check out CDO's public markets. Although they're noisy, crowded and chaotic, you do get a real taste, literally and figuratively, of everyday life in a Philippine marketplace.

  • Cogon Public Market. The largest of the city's markets covering a number of blocks. Cogon Market is also the terminal for jeepneys going to far-flung barangays to the south of the city, and those going to Bukidnon.
  • Carmen Public Market.

Cogon Public Market. The largest of the city's markets covering a number of blocks. Cogon Market is also the terminal for jeepneys going to far-flung barangays to the south of the city, and those going to Bukidnon.

Carmen Public Market.

  • Mrs Labada Laundry station., 68 Toribio Chave-Pabayo streets, +63 8822 71-2969. 8AM-8PM. Minimum 2 kg of washing. per kg.
  • YouLaba Coin-Op Laundry Station, Chaves St. corner Pabayo St., +63925-700-5842. 8AM-8:30PM. "Do it yourself" coin-operated laundry station.

Mrs Labada Laundry station., 68 Toribio Chave-Pabayo streets, +63 8822 71-2969. 8AM-8PM. Minimum 2 kg of washing. per kg.

YouLaba Coin-Op Laundry Station, Chaves St. corner Pabayo St., +63925-700-5842. 8AM-8:30PM. "Do it yourself" coin-operated laundry station.

Cagayan De Oro's native delicacies:

  • Jamon Cagayan de Oro (Pork ham) sold by Slers, Oroham and Pines.
  • Chicharon (Pork rind or skin) sold by Slers.
  • Fely's Homemade Cheese Sticks
  • Fely's Homemade Assorted Flavored Peanuts
  • Cashew Nuts from Lumbia district.
  • Lechon Manok a rotisserie chicken sold roadside, salty but delicious. They're everywhere, quality varies, buy from the one with the most customers in line.
  • Lechon Baboy a whole pig roasted over coals on a bamboo spit, stuffed with lemongrass. Ask a local friend how to arrange one day in advance. Much cheaper in Cagayan de Oro than in Manila.
  • Malunggay Pastel Bread.
  • Turrones de Mani

Jamon Cagayan de Oro (Pork ham) sold by Slers, Oroham and Pines.

Chicharon (Pork rind or skin) sold by Slers.

Fely's Homemade Cheese Sticks

Fely's Homemade Assorted Flavored Peanuts

Cashew Nuts from Lumbia district.

Lechon Manok a rotisserie chicken sold roadside, salty but delicious. They're everywhere, quality varies, buy from the one with the most customers in line.

Lechon Baboy a whole pig roasted over coals on a bamboo spit, stuffed with lemongrass. Ask a local friend how to arrange one day in advance. Much cheaper in Cagayan de Oro than in [[Manila]].

Malunggay Pastel Bread.

Turrones de Mani

  • Bigby's Café & Restaurant. A restaurant chain that has its roots in Cagayan de Oro, Bigby's specializes in international cuisines, with each of its branches displaying memorabilia from around the world.
    * , G/F Centrio Mall (Centrio Garden, +63 88 880-0822. Daily 10AM–9PM.
    * , 4/F SM CDO Downtown Premier, +63 88 859-1204. Daily 10AM–9PM.
    * , G/F SM City Cagayan de Oro, +63 88 859-1358. Daily 10AM–9PM.
  • Café Laguna- Robinsons Cagayan de Oro. Fine dining and Filipino cuisine.
  • Country Side Steakhouse, Limketkai Center. Grilled beef or steak.
  • Dadang's Seafoods Restaurant, 3 National Highway, +63 88 858-6670. Km. Kauswagan. Filipino seafood cuisine.
  • Kagay-anon Restaurant, Limketkai Center (across from the entrance to Limketkai Center's north concourse. Filipino cuisine and ostrich meat.
  • La Tegola, Archbishop Hayes St. Italian restaurant, quiet and comfortable. A favorite of foreign visitors wanting a great Italian meal and a good bottle of wine.
  • Vienna Kaffehaus Don A. Velez St. European and western-style dishes.
  • Sentro 1850, Don Apolinar Velez Street (near Divisoria, +63 8822 731-850. Daily 11AM–10PM. Great foods ranging from Asian to Western-style dishes. mid-price.
  • 99 Ranch Eat all you can, Tomas Saco 8th Street, +63 88-856-1356. Daily 11AM–10PM. For you get pork hamonada, roast beef kilawin, sisig, chop suey, chicken nuggets, tapioca, chocolate cake, soup and iced tea. per person.
  • Lugawan Bulaluhan Restaurant, Capistrano Street. Daily 8:30AM-5PM. Batchoy, Gato, Lugaw, Zeki, soft drinks.
  • Yakimix, G/F Cagayan Town Center, Captain Vicente Roa Street at Antonio Luna Street (near Centrio Mall, +63 88 859-1159. A Japanese, Korean and Chinese buffet restaurant with all you can eat promos.

Bigby's Café & Restaurant. A restaurant chain that has its roots in Cagayan de Oro, Bigby's specializes in international cuisines, with each of its branches displaying memorabilia from around the world.

* , G/F Centrio Mall (Centrio Garden, +63 88 880-0822. Daily 10AM–9PM.
* , 4/F SM CDO Downtown Premier, +63 88 859-1204. Daily 10AM–9PM.
* , G/F SM City Cagayan de Oro, +63 88 859-1358. Daily 10AM–9PM.

Café Laguna- Robinsons Cagayan de Oro. Fine dining and Filipino cuisine.

Country Side Steakhouse, Limketkai Center. Grilled beef or steak.

Dadang's Seafoods Restaurant, 3 National Highway, +63 88 858-6670. Km. Kauswagan. Filipino seafood cuisine.

Kagay-anon Restaurant, Limketkai Center (across from the entrance to Limketkai Center's north concourse. Filipino cuisine and ostrich meat.

La Tegola, Archbishop Hayes St. Italian restaurant, quiet and comfortable. A favorite of foreign visitors wanting a great Italian meal and a good bottle of wine.

Vienna Kaffehaus Don A. Velez St. European and western-style dishes.

Sentro 1850, Don Apolinar Velez Street (near Divisoria, +63 8822 731-850. Daily 11AM–10PM. Great foods ranging from Asian to Western-style dishes. mid-price.

99 Ranch Eat all you can, Tomas Saco 8th Street, +63 88-856-1356. Daily 11AM–10PM. For you get pork hamonada, roast beef kilawin, sisig, chop suey, chicken nuggets, tapioca, chocolate cake, soup and iced tea. per person.

Lugawan Bulaluhan Restaurant, Capistrano Street. Daily 8:30AM-5PM. Batchoy, Gato, Lugaw, Zeki, soft drinks.

Yakimix, G/F Cagayan Town Center, Captain Vicente Roa Street at Antonio Luna Street (near Centrio Mall, +63 88 859-1159. A Japanese, Korean and Chinese buffet restaurant with all you can eat promos.

  • Brewberry Café, Don Apolinar Velez Street at Toribio Chavez Street (beside Sentro 1850. .
  • Bo's Coffee - Don A. Velez St. A Cebu-based coffee shop.
  • Taza - Limketkai Center. Locally owned coffee shop.
  • Kofitricks Café, Yacapin-Velez Sts. A coffee shop, and Pinoy and Indian cuisine (Wi-Fi zone).

Brewberry Café, Don Apolinar Velez Street at Toribio Chavez Street (beside Sentro 1850. .

Bo's Coffee - Don A. Velez St. A Cebu-based coffee shop.

Taza - Limketkai Center. Locally owned coffee shop.

Kofitricks Café, Yacapin-Velez Sts. A coffee shop, and Pinoy and Indian cuisine (Wi-Fi zone).

  • The Site - Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center. Popular among yuppies.
  • Loreto's Grill and Restaurant - Tomas Saco St., Nazareth.
  • Pulse Formerly Xcite, it is in front of the Dynasty Court Hotel.
  • The Beat Club Adjacent to Pulse, it has several billiard pools.
  • Club Mojo Disco bar back at Ralps.
  • Backyard - Chaves St.
  • Karumata - Dolores and Pabayo Sts. When you're sick of the DJs and the bands playing cover tunes, there are serious artists and original musicians in Cagayan de Oro, and you might share them a beer that you won't see at the shopping malls and beach resorts.
  • Zaks Retro Bar - Velez St.

The Site - Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center. Popular among yuppies.

Loreto's Grill and Restaurant - Tomas Saco St., Nazareth.

Pulse Formerly Xcite, it is in front of the Dynasty Court Hotel.

The Beat Club Adjacent to Pulse, it has several billiard pools.

Club Mojo Disco bar back at Ralps.

Backyard - Chaves St.

Karumata - Dolores and Pabayo Sts. When you're sick of the DJs and the bands playing cover tunes, there are serious artists and original musicians in Cagayan de Oro, and you might share them a beer that you won't see at the shopping malls and beach resorts.

Zaks Retro Bar - Velez St.

Cellular service in urban areas of Cagayan de Oro is generally fine by Philippine standards, as long as you have a 4G LTE smartphone/tablet or pocket WiFi that can take advantage of faster speeds. However the further you are from a cell tower, the weaker the signal will be, especially in mountainous areas. Globe, Smart and TM (Touch Mobile, an MVNO owned by Globe) prepaid LTE SIM cards can be purchased at carrier stores in shopping malls, 7-Eleven outlets, cellphone stores found throughout the city, and even in local neighborhood sari-sari stores. The Globe and Smart prepaid LTE SIMs cost, while the TM ones are . More Kagay-anons use either Globe or TM over Smart, and Globe has noticeably faster LTE speeds than Smart. It's another advantage if you have a device compatible with the 700MHz LTE band (which both Globe and Smart support), as it has a longer range and better indoor coverage compared to higher-band frequencies. Phone calls can also get choppy or drop out at times and text messages sometimes take a while to send because of the lack of towers to cope with the large number of subscribers.

Globe and Smart switch off cellular signals - sometimes without prior notice - near areas where events are held for security reasons. These include the Nazareno procession in January and various events as part of the city fiesta in August. However, areas that aren't close to these events regularly don't have cell signals as well. On numerous occasions, the signals only come back hours after the events have ended.

Many public places in Cagayan de Oro offer free Wi-Fi connectivity, including shopping malls, cafes, restaurants, as well as parks and government offices. For example, Centrio Mall offers free Wi-Fi access for one hour, while Gaston Park has unlimited Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi speeds are slower during peak times and weekends. There are also some establishments that charge you for using their Wi-Fi, although at a reasonable rate.

Sudden downpours are a regular occurrence; in the wet season, it rains almost every afternoon and evening. Most of CDO is low-lying and flood-prone, even in the uptown areas, and the city lacks an adequate drainage system. Limketkai Center and Claro M. Recto Avenue between the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) and SM CDO Downtown Premier are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

Before going around during the wet season, pay close attention to the weather forecasts on the internet and television, as even a localized thunderstorm can grind the city to a halt.

Air pollution is a worsening problem in Cagayan de Oro. On most days, a thick layer of smog can be seen hanging over the city. Some of the contributing factors include the increasing number of private vehicles on the roads (especially diesel-powered SUVs and pickups), the continuing use of black-belching jeepneys, open burning of garbage such as plastics and tyres, and the use of charcoal or wood for cooking. If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, wearing a good facial mask (preferably an N95 mask) when outdoors is highly recommended.

Blackouts (or brownouts as they're more commonly referred to in the Philippines) are an all-too-common occurrence in Cagayan de Oro, especially between March-June. Sometimes these may last just a few minutes; other times these can last for more than half a day. It always pays to have some flashlights and a powerbank handy to charge your devices in case the lights go out. Reliable flashlights can be purchased at hardware stores like ACE Hardware or Handyman, while powerbanks can be found at gadget shops in the malls. Check the website of the Cagayan Electric Power & Light Company (CEPALCO) for blackout schedules.

According to the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD), tap water in the city is "safe to drink." Most locals, however, rely on either bottled water or water filtration systems for their drinking needs, as brown sediment can occasionally be seen in the tap water. Many areas in the city experience low water pressure, especially in the mornings, and water supply can be turned off, sometimes without prior notice, due to repairs or other incidents. It's a good idea to check COWD's website regularly for any water interruption announcements, and to stock up on water just in case.

In the event of an emergency, dial 911. 911 calls are not free and are only available to Globe subscribers with at least worth of credits.

Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Capitol Road (across from Centrio and Gaisano City Malls.

JR Borja General Hospital, Carmen (near Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Polymedic General Hospital, Don Apolinar Velez Street (between Jollibee and New Dawn Pensionne.

Polymedic Medical Plaza, National Highway, Kauswagan (near McDonald's.

Capitol University Medical City, National Highway, Gusa.

Maria Reyna–Xavier University Hospital, Hayes Street.

Madonna and Child Hospital, JV Serina Street, Carmen.

Sabal Hospital, Don Apolinar Velez Street (next to 7-Eleven and across from Vicente de Lara Park.

Maternity-Children's Hospital and Puericulture Center, Gaerlan Street (across from Gaston Park.

  • Cagayan de Oro Social Hygiene clinic City Health street. Phone +63-8822 721189 M-F 08:00-16:00 (free STD and HIV testing).

Cagayan de Oro Social Hygiene clinic City Health street. Phone +63-8822 721189 M-F 08:00-16:00 (free STD and HIV testing).

  • Generika Drug Store Pabayo-Chaves Street.

Generika Drug Store Pabayo-Chaves Street.

  • Bureau Of Immigration Cagayan de Oro office.Ground floor. Ymca Building. Julio Pacana Street.

Bureau Of Immigration Cagayan de Oro office.Ground floor. Ymca Building. Julio Pacana Street.

Cagayan de Oro has two local English language newspapers: Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro and the Mindanao Gold Star Daily. National newspapers such as The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin and Manila Times are also sold in the city. Newspapers can be purchased at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Cham's, and from newspaper sellers along the roads and sidewalks. However, the price of the newspapers can vary from one newspaper seller to another.