Escapade in the City of Golden Friendship

By : RT - CPA

I was excited when it came to me that I would be spending seven weeks in Cagayan De Oro (CDO)City.

My company arranged for an accommodation in Pryce Plaza Hotel. There were several weekends when I stayed in CDO; but too bad most of these weekends I spent there alone. Nevertheless I knew I would have a great time here. I was right.

As a first-timer in CDO almost everybody asked me to try out the famous white-water rafting. So I did try it, not just once but twice, and both experiences were excitingly unforgettable. My regret was not being able to try the advanced version of rafting as my colleagues wanted the beginners version. Again, they were both fun.

When I am out-of-town, I always look for spa and massage parlors and most of the time I do find a hard time looking. Of course the hotel offers spa but it is much cheaper if you can see one in the city. In CDO, I found it difficult not to look for a spa but to choose which spa 'coz there are a lot. Amazingly, the rates are competitive and I didn't feel that I was not in Manila. A personal favorite is Bodyline where the therapists are graduates of TESDA under the government's free education program.

Night-life was likewise enjoyable, contrary to my expectation. The Ket Kai strip is as lively as the Malate area in Manila where you can see restaurants and coffee bars for chilling and relaxation. Not to mention a lot of good-looking boys and girls hanging around the area. *wink*

Not so far from the Ket Kai strip is the equally-famous Divisoria which is a popular hang-out during Fridays and Saturdays because of the performing live band. Also in Divisoria is the Park Cafe which is a personal favorite due to the cheap beers it serves and also because it is near the bazaar of cheap clothes along the street (yes, the street is closed to vehicles because of the stalls). Similar to the Divisoria in Manila (where I live nearby), you can still haggle and have a good deal.

With just one "rela" (short for motorela, the main mode of transportation in the city) ride, you will reach the bars and clubs. Cagayanons' favorite are Pulse and Eleven 50 (e50, as the locals call it). Pulse offers live band, while e50 offers disco and house music and a dance floor. I remember spending the night until 2:00 or so in the morning and still people keep coming in.

Truly my stint in CDo is an unforgettable one and I won't think twice going back. Any sponsor out there? :)