CDO Day Tour

Many would think that there are no attractions to see in the downtown area of Cagayan de Oro (CDO), but they could be wrong. Imagine that every place has its own charm may it be a city hall or a public park. Each site is rich in history and unique wonders. In fact, most of these places could be reached on foot from our accommodation.

Here’s my list of sites that you perhaps visit when you plan to stay at the urban areas of the city.

City Hall

It is also known as the Executive House. The structure was erected in 1940 and its location is where the Casa Real once stood. It used to be the headquarter of the Spanish Colonial administration. Cagayan de Misamis (the old name of CDO) was the capital of the Segundo Distrito de Mindanao (2^nd District of Mindanao) during that period.

Location: Along Capistrano St.

Admission: free

Gaston Park

The park was named after the municipal mayor of CDO, Segundo Gaston. It was actually the main plaza of the city during the Spanish colonial period. Furthermore, it used to be the training ground of local patriots during the Philippine-American war. This is where the battle of Cagayan de Mesamis took place.

The military forces of Mindanao lead by General Nicolas Capistrano made a clandestine attack before the sunrise of April 7, 1900. General Capistrano together with other Filipino soldiers had fought against the 40^th Regime of the US battalion under Major James Case. Hundreds of Filipinos died for the country’s freedom. Hence, the place is dedicated to all the Filipinos in Cagayan de Mesamis who lost their lives for the independence of our beloved country.

Location: A few distance from the City Hall

Admission: free

St. Augustine Cathedral

The church was built in 1624 by Fray Agustin San Pedro, popularly known as El Padre Capitan. Both the church and convent were destroyed by fire; thus, Fray Pedro de Santa Barbara with the assistance of affluent supporters of CDO, created the new church. It was opened to the public in 1780. However, the structure didn’t stand long and in 1841, a new structure was then built using materials made of concrete.

Location: A few distance away from Gaston Park

Admission: free

City Museum of CDO

The museum was once used as the water tank during World War II. It was constructed in 1921 and completed after a year. It became the reservoir of the local fire department for several years. The water tower made it through the bombings during the war and the impact of many earthquakes. It was renovated by the city mayor, Constantino G. Jaraula in 2008. And on December 1 of the same year, it was inaugurated as the city museum of CDO.  Today, the site is considered the city’s oldest structure made of concrete.

The museum has 3 levels connected by a spiral staircase. The ventilation was not working when we visited the place. Taking photos is not allowed but the curator present that day allowed us to take some.

 The gallery on the 1st level

 The gallery on the second floor

The exhibit on the 3rd level

Location: Few steps from St. Augustine Cathedral

Admission: You can donate

Golden Friendship Park

Also known as Divisoria, was constructed in 1902. The park has five major areas: the cry of freedom monument, monument of the national hero, Jose Rizal, the monument of President Ramon Magsaysay & Andres Bonifacio, and Kiosko Kagawasan. Along this stretch, you can see the City Tourist Assistance Center, where you can ask other sites to explore and its directions. You can also have the city map with no extra charge. Many locals said that the place used to be lively particularly at night. Many bars and evening stores were along R.N. Abe Juela St. and T. Neri St.

Schedule: Opens at 8am-5pm, Mon to Fri
Location: City Tourist Assistance Center is between BDO and Jollibee

Admission: Free

Limketkai Shopping Mall

It is one of the pioneering huge shopping malls in CDO. This shopping complex has two levels giving you a wide selection of local stores, restaurants or food chains, and other important establishments. 

What interests me about this place are the stores nearby that put their mark on the history of the city: Starbucks and McDonald’s. According to many, Starbucks in front of Limketkai Mall is the first branch in Mindanao while McDonald’s across it, is the first store outside Metro Manila. It’s very interesting to know that, isn’t it?

Starbucks in front of Limketkai Mall

Island Souvenirs is the best place to buy your premium souvenir items with reasonable prices. It is located right in front of the mall entrance. The store sells colourful bag tags, baller Ids, wrist bands, ref magnet made of rubber, shirts in real cotton fabric, bull caps, and many more. And of course, who would miss taking your photo of the store’s very own diorama-The ‘I heart’ plus the name of the place where the store can be found.

How to get here: From City Tourist Assistance Center, take a jeepney along R.N. Abe Juela St. with Lapazan route. It take 5-10 minutes to reach the place.

Fare: 7.50 / head

Admission: free attraction

Next Topic: CDO's White Water Rafting Adventure

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Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.