Discover Divisoria: The Heartbeat of Cagayan de Oro

• HelloKumusta
  [koo-MOO-stah]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pah-AH-lahm]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoHindi
  [hin-dee]
• Please/You're welcomePaki
  [pah-kee]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sah-lah-MAHT]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya
  [pah-SEN-syah]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [kah-moo-stah kah]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [mah-BOO-tee ee-KAHW]
• Do you speak English?Nagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles?
  [nag-sah-sah-LEE-tah kah bah ng een-GLEHS]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-dee koh mah-een-teen-dee-hahn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleasePakipakita sa akin ang menu, pakiusap
  [pah-kee-pah-KEE-tah sah ah-KEEN ahng MEH-noo pah-kee-oo-sahp]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-dee AH-koh koo-mah-KAH-een ng KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Mabuhay!
  [mah-BOO-high]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko nang magbayad, pakiusap
  [GOOS-toh koh nahng mahg-bah-YAHD pah-kee-oo-sahp]

• Help!Tulong!
  [too-LOHNG]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [loo-MAH-yoh kah]
• Call the Police!Tawag sa Pulis!
  [tah-WAHG sah POO-lees]
• Call a doctor!Tawag sa doktor!
  [tah-WAHG sah DOK-tor]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [nah-wah-WAH-lah AH-koh]
• I'm illMay sakit ako
  [mahy sah-KEET AH-koh]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko bumili ng...
  [GOOS-toh koh boo-MEE-lee ng]
• I'm just lookingNagmamasid lang ako
  [nag-mah-MAH-seed lahng AH-koh]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mahg-KAH-noh EE-toh]
• That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal
  [mah-SYAH-dohng mah-HAHL]
• Can you lower the price?Pwedeng babaan ang presyo?
  [pwed-ENG bah-BAHN ahng PREH-syoh]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [ah-NOHNG OH-rahs nah]
• It's one o'clockAlas-una na
  [ah-LAHS-oo-nah nah]
• Half past (10)Alas-dyes y medya
  [ah-LAHS-dyes ee med-yah]
• MorningUmaga
  [oo-MAH-gah]
• AfternoonHapon
  [HAH-pohn]
• EveningGabi
  [GAH-bee]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [kah-HAH-pohn]
• TodayNgayon
  [NGAH-yohn]
• TomorrowBukas
  [BOO-kahs]
• 1Isa
  [EE-sah]
• 2Dalawa
  [dah-LAH-wah]
• 3Tatlo
  [TAHT-loh]
• 4Apat
  [AH-paht]
• 5Lima
  [LEE-mah]
• 6Anim
  [AH-neem]
• 7Pito
  [PEE-toh]
• 8Walo
  [WAH-loh]
• 9Siyam
  [SEE-yahm]
• 10Sampu
  [SAHM-poo]

• Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang...
  [nah-SAH-ahn ahng]
• What's the address?Anong address?
  [ah-NOHNG ah-DREHS]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [PWEH-deh moh ah-KOHNG ee-pah-KEE-tah sah MAH-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod na (bus)?
  [kah-EE-lahn ahng soo-SOO-nod nah]
• A ticket (to ...)Isang ticket (papunta sa ...)
  [EE-sahng TEE-ket pah-POON-tah sa]

Divisoria's history is intertwined with the early settlement patterns of the Cagayan de Oro region. Established as a trading hub due to its strategic location along the Cagayan de Oro River, Divisoria became an essential stop for traders and merchants during the Spanish colonial period. The development of local commerce laid the groundwork for the neighborhood’s future as a bustling center of economic activity.

During the Spanish colonial era in the 16th century, Cagayan de Oro, including Divisoria, was part of the larger province of Misamis. The establishment of the town as a center for Christian evangelization and governance led to the construction of significant structures such as churches and government buildings, shaping the cultural landscape of Divisoria. The influence of Spanish architecture can still be seen in the neighborhood's heritage buildings.

Divisoria, like much of Cagayan de Oro, experienced significant turmoil during World War II. The Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945 brought about changes in the local economy and daily life. The neighborhood was affected by military activities, and many local businesses were repurposed to support the war effort. This period left lasting impacts on the community and its infrastructure.

Following World War II, Divisoria underwent a period of reconstruction and urbanization. The neighborhood became known for its bustling markets and commercial activities, attracting vendors and shoppers from surrounding areas. The growth of small businesses, particularly in retail, significantly contributed to the economic resurgence of Cagayan de Oro in the latter half of the 20th century.

Today, Divisoria is recognized as a vibrant commercial district within Cagayan de Oro. Known for its markets, shops, and street vendors, it reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the city, showcasing a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and modern Filipino influences. The area continues to be a focal point for trade and commerce, drawing both locals and tourists alike, while preserving its historical significance.

Divisoria is conveniently located in the heart of Cagayan de Oro. From the Laguindingan Airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service that typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. If you are coming from other neighborhoods, jeepneys and multicabs are the most common forms of public transportation. They are affordable and widely available, especially from the city center, which is only a short ride away.

Divisoria is a bustling area best explored on foot. However, if you need to travel further, jeepneys and tricycles are available for short distances. They are affordable and provide a local way to navigate through the busy streets. For those preferring a more personal mode of transport, consider renting a bicycle or using ride-sharing apps for a quick ride.

While Divisoria is generally safe for tourists, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit streets. Areas such as the market during late hours may attract pickpockets, so keep your belongings close. As a rule of thumb, always exercise caution and trust your instincts.

In case of an emergency, you can dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance services. Local hospitals and clinics are available for medical assistance. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are scattered throughout Divisoria, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or conservative areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and avoid discussing sensitive religious topics. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers and be courteous. Don’t engage in loud conversations on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly hello. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food delicacies but avoid eating in public transport. Don’t refuse food or drink offered by locals as it is considered impolite.

To experience Divisoria like a local, visit the vibrant markets early in the morning when they are bustling with activity. Engage with vendors to learn about their products and negotiate prices. Try local delicacies from street vendors, such as 'lechon' (roast pig) and 'kwek-kwek' (quail eggs). Also, take time to explore the small shops that offer unique handmade crafts and souvenirs. Lastly, don't hesitate to ask locals for directions or recommendations; they are usually very friendly and helpful.