Dreaming of Europe at La Tegola Cucina Italiana, Cagayan de Oro

As I sat in an empty seat of La Tegola Cucina Italiana, an Italian Restaurant in downtown Cagayan de Oro City, I couldn’t help but gaze on the beautiful paintings and memorabilia of Italy inside the restaurant. I felt a bit of sadness and excitement. Europe is everybody’s dream. It is my dream. Italian Map on display at La Tegola Cucina Italiana It is a dream set to become a reality, two years in the making. I could almost see the Eiffel Tower of Paris, the Colosseum of Rome,... Read More

My Year End Dive at Agutayan Island Marine Sanctuary

I went to Cagayan de Oro the day after Tropical Storm Sendong lashed the city. From the airport, the situation seemed normal and calm but as I came close to the city proper, the disaster brought by the storm became perceptible. As the jeepney passed the bridge crossing the brown and murky Cagayan River in Carmen District, I saw communities along the river totally washed out. People covered with mud, barefooted and wearing the saddest faces I’ve ever seen, were everywhere.... Read More

Vienna Kaffeehaus: A Taste of Austria in Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City may not be a popular food tripping destination but believe it or not, the city harbors some great themed restaurants that will surely satisfy your cravings, among them is my favorite Vienna Kaffeehaus. This Austrian inspired restaurant located along Don A. Velez-Chavez Street in CDO’s Divisoria district offers a taste of Europe with it’s European ambiance and wide array of delectable Austrian and Viennese inspired dishes developed and made from... Read More

Nature and Adventure at Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin

In 2004, the lakwatsero in me traveled down south, on my first foot steps to Mindanao, to experience the rare adventure and witness nature at its best, at Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin. Here is the account of my travel. Day 1: On the Road to Camiguin Camiguin is so called “the island born of fire”, it is a volcanic island on the north-eastern part of Mindanao… the island is blessed with nature’s gift and warmhearted people. From Manila,... Read More

Travel Guide: Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, the capital of Misamis Oriental, is the gateway to Northern Mindanao. It is one of the places in the Philippines where I want to live. A place where adventure, nature and city living intersect in a rich blend of diverse culture and art. CDO as what this city is popularly called, is home to half a million inhabitants. This typhoon-free city is the regional and shopping capital of Northern Mindanao, with a very active and vibrant nightlife. The Night Cafe and... Read More