Cagayan de Oro: The City of Golden Friendship

• HelloKumusta
  [koo-MOO-stah]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pah-AH-lahm]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoDili
  [dee-lee]
• Please/You're welcomePalihug
  [pah-lee-HOOG]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sah-lah-MAHT]
• Excuse me/SorryPasayloa ko
  [pah-sai-LOH-ah koh]
• How are you?Kumusta ka?
  [koo-MOO-stah kah]
• Fine. And you?Maayo. Ug ikaw?
  [mah-YAH-oh. oog ee-KAHW]
• Do you speak English?Kahibaw ka ug English?
  [kah-HEE-bao kah oog ENG-lish]
• I don't understandDili ko kasabot
  [dee-lee koh kah-sah-BOT]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko makakita sa menu, palihug
  [GOOS-toh koh mah-kah-KEE-tah sah MEH-noo, pah-lee-HOOG]
• I don't eat meatDili ko mokaon ug karne
  [dee-lee koh moh-KAH-ohn oog KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Tagay!
  [tah-GAI]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko mobayad, palihug
  [GOOS-toh koh moh-bah-YAHD, pah-lee-HOOG]

• Help!Tabang!
  [tah-BAHNG]
• Go away!Lakat!
  [lah-KAHT]
• Call the Police!Tawag sa pulis!
  [tah-WAHG sah POO-lees]
• Call a doctor!Tawag sa doktor!
  [tah-WAHG sah DOK-tor]
• I'm lostGuba ko
  [GOO-bah koh]
• I'm illSakit ko
  [sah-KEET koh]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko mopalit...
  [GOOS-toh koh moh-PAH-leet]
• I'm just lookingNagtan-aw lang ko
  [nag-tan-AW lahng koh]
• How much is it?Tagpila ni?
  [tahg-PEE-lah nee]
• That's too expensiveMahal kaayo
  [mah-HAHL kah-AH-yoh]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede pa ba isubo ang presyo?
  [pweh-deh pah bah ee-SOO-boh ahng PREH-syoh]

• What time is it?Pila na ang oras?
  [PEE-lah nah ahng OR-ahs]
• It's one o'clockAlas uno na
  [AH-lahs OO-noh nah]
• Half past (10)Alas napulo ug tunga
  [AH-lahs nah-POO-loh oog TOONG-gah]
• MorningBuntag
  [BOON-tahg]
• AfternoonHapon
  [HAH-pohn]
• EveningGabii
  [gah-BEE]
• YesterdayKagahapon
  [kah-gah-HAH-pohn]
• TodayKaron
  [KAH-ron]
• TomorrowUgma
  [oog-mah]
• 1Usa
  [OO-sah]
• 2Duha
  [DOO-hah]
• 3Tulo
  [TOO-loh]
• 4Upat
  [oo-PAHT]
• 5Lima
  [LEE-mah]
• 6Unom
  [OO-nom]
• 7Pito
  [PEE-toh]
• 8Walo
  [WAH-loh]
• 9Siyam
  [see-YAHM]
• 10Napulo
  [nah-POO-loh]

• Where's a/the...?Asa ang...?
  [AH-sah ahng]
• What's the address?Unsa may address?
  [OON-sah mahy address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede pa ba nimo ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [PWEH-deh pah bah NEE-moh ee-pah-KEE-tah sah MAH-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Kanus-a ang sunod (sakyanan)?
  [kah-NOO-sah ahng soo-NOHD sah-KYAH-nahn]
• A ticket (to ....)Usa ka tiket (padulong sa ....)
  [OO-sah kah TEE-ket pah-DUH-loong sah]

Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Cagayan de Oro was inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Higaonon, Bukidnons, and Manobos. These tribes had their own distinct cultures, languages, and traditions. They lived in harmony with nature, practicing subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing.

In 1622, Spanish missionaries arrived in the area and established the settlement of Cagayan de Misamis, which would later become Cagayan de Oro. The Spanish influence brought Christianity to the region, and many indigenous people were converted. The construction of churches, such as the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, began during this period.

During the Philippine-American War in 1900, Cagayan de Misamis was the site of a significant battle. Filipino revolutionaries, led by General Nicolas Capistrano, engaged American forces in what became known as the Siege of Cagayan de Misamis. Although the battle ended in an American victory, it demonstrated the local resistance against foreign rule.

Cagayan de Oro, like much of the Philippines, was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. The city experienced hardship, with many residents becoming guerilla fighters. The Battle of Macajalar Bay in 1945, which saw the liberation of Cagayan de Oro by Filipino and American forces, was a turning point in the city's history.

After World War II, Cagayan de Oro underwent significant reconstruction and development. The city's strategic location and natural resources contributed to its growth as a commercial and economic hub in Northern Mindanao. Infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of bridges and highways, facilitated trade and commerce.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Cagayan de Oro earned the moniker 'City of Golden Friendship' due to its reputation for hospitality and friendly residents. The city continued to grow, with the establishment of educational institutions like Xavier University and the development of various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

Cagayan de Oro is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and festivals. The city celebrates the Kagay-an Festival every August, commemorating the feast day of St. Augustine. The festival features street dancing, parades, and various cultural activities that highlight the city's rich history and traditions.

In recent years, Cagayan de Oro has continued to expand, becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the Philippines. However, this rapid development has also brought challenges, including urbanization, traffic congestion, and environmental concerns. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues while maintaining the city's cultural and historical identity.

Cagayan de Oro is accessible by air, land, and sea. The Laguindingan Airport, located approximately 45 minutes from the city center, handles daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major Philippine cities. For land travel, buses from Manila, Davao, and other cities in Mindanao are available. If you prefer sea travel, ferries from Cebu, Bohol, and other islands dock at the Macabalan Pier.

Getting around Cagayan de Oro is convenient with various transportation options. Jeepneys are the most common mode of public transport, covering numerous routes within the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also available. For a more local experience, you can try the motorela, a unique form of tricycle. Car rentals are an option for those who prefer more flexibility in their travel.

The official currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in the city, and most major international cards are accepted. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, hotels, and various money changers in the city.

Cagayan de Oro is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing. Certain areas, like the Divisoria Night Market, can get crowded, so stay vigilant. It is advisable to avoid walking alone late at night in less-populated areas. Always use registered taxis or ride-hailing services for transportation.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The JR Borja General Hospital and Northern Mindanao Medical Center are the main hospitals in the city. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police station is also accessible for any safety concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a polite 'hello' or 'good day.' A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cagayan de Oro like a local, visit the local markets such as Cogon Market for fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals, who are friendly and often eager to share stories about the city's culture and history. Don’t miss the whitewater rafting experience on the Cagayan de Oro River, a popular activity among both locals and tourists. For a unique culinary experience, try the pastel de Camiguin, a sweet bun filled with yema.