CAGAYAN DE ORO
Unless you are visiting your girlfriend's family, Cagayan de Oro, does not register very high on most Philippines' travel itineraries. It's also worth noting that the island of Mindanao also has a U.S. Travel Advisory in effect due to Muslim militia groups located on the southwest side of the island. I've always enjoyed visiting here for the local experience and the last time I visited coincided with the town's "Thanksgiving" celebration.
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Uncle Ruben is the go to "Master Pig Roaster" it's a spectacle to go from the deep belly pig oink (which may be the most terrifying noise I've ever heard and gives you nightmares at 3am) to eat crispy fried pata and watching each step of the process unfold.
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One day we all piled into a jeepney and head to a private pool to celebrate Uncle Roy's birthday.
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Despite no set of activities each day seemed to quickly pass. I enjoyed spending time at one of Coffeeworks cafes, even in the oppressive heat, and dining at one of the Filipino chain restaurants in the Limketkai Center or Centrio Mall. There are several sole proprietorship restaurants along Corriales Avenue. Filipinos tend to be a very social culture so many are out and about enjoying the city life. The city has been under rapid development with a new mall opening every two years.
A shuttle service connects a new airport that's about 20 miles / one hour with the city center for about 200 PHP. There are also night ferries from Cebu and Bohol. Taxis are relatively cheap - less than 200 PHP - for a ten minute ride. There's quite a variety of accommodation - the Tune Hotel is centrally located and on the airport shuttle route and the Limketkai Luxe is a highend option a few blocks away.
A shuttle service connects a new airport that's about 20 miles / one hour with the city center for about 200 PHP. There are also night ferries from Cebu and Bohol. Taxis are relatively cheap - less than 200 PHP - for a ten minute ride. There's quite a variety of accommodation - the Tune Hotel is centrally located and on the airport shuttle route and the Limketkai Luxe is a highend option a few blocks away.
For additional Cagayan de Oro photos see FLICKR ALBUM.