Misamis Oriental - Sauntering Around Cagayan de Oro City

After surviving the ziplines in Dahilayan Adventure Park and being stunned by Manolo Fortich’s vast pineapple plantations, I went back to Cagayan de Oro City to check out of my hostel. Since I haven’t really been around the city and I still have a couple of hours to burn before my flight back to Manila, I took a leisurely walk around the busy city and checked on some of its interesting sites.

Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol


Cagayan de Oro City is the capital of the Province of Misamis Oriental. It is where the provincial capitol building is located, the province’s seat of government. Sadly, basketball courts were awfully placed in front of the building which blocks the grandeur of the capitol building.

Vicente de Lara Park

In front of the capitol building is the Vicente de Lara Park, named after a former governor of the province. It is used to be known as McArthur Park (named after American soldier Douglas MacArthur), a popular venue for early morning jogging, a place where friends and families converge to chill out or simply venue to have an evening stroll.


It features in the center, a stunning Heritage Monument of Misamis Oriental designed by national artist Eduardo Castrillo. This monument honors the rich cultural heritage of the province of Misamis Oriental.


You can also find here the Press Freedom Monument, designed by Eduardo Castrillo as well. It was built in tribute for the Filipino journalists killed in pursuit of press freedom in the Philippines.


Cagayan de Oro City Hall


The Cagayan de Oro City Hall is the seat of government of the city and is among one of the old structures that survived Japanese and American attacks during the World War II.

Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral


Located on the right side of the city hall, the Cathedral is the seat of Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. The original church built was in 1845, but was destroyed during the war. The wooden cross in front of the church was the only one left after the it was destroyed. Inspired by Gothic architecture, it was rebuilt after the war.

City Museum

The City Museum is located adjacent to the Archbishop's Palace in front of Gaston Park. Administered by the City Government, the museum is housed in a restored water tower built in 1921. It is said that this water tower is the oldest public structure in the city as it has withstood the bombings during the war. The city government has been recognized by the National Museum of the Philippines for its "adaptive reuse of a heritage structure" by converting the water tank into a museum.


There are several old photos and memorabilia inside the museum that tells the rich history and culture of Cagayan de Oro.







Gaston Park


Gaston Park is located in front of the cathedral. Well known for its water-dancing fountain, it is a favorite place for many Kagay-anons to relax and spend some time with their families. Too bad the fountain was not opened when I was there.


A tour around the city made me more acquainted with Cagayan de Oro’s rich cultural heritage. It was indeed a cultural, historical and religious tour around the city.

This is a part of my Solo Northern Mindanao Adventure that happened last August 6-8, 2011. Misamis Occidental is the 31st province on my list and a part my 7th solo trip.
Map By: Wikipedia	Cagayan de Oro City Arrival and Dinner at Divisoria Night Market Sauntering Around Cagayan de Oro City How To Get There, Accommodations, Transportation, Expenses, Itinerary and Contact Details

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