The Puerto-Sayre flyover is a P362 million project, which should be completed by next month, August 2011. The flyover will be 195 lineal meters long and is foreseen to greatly improve traffic congestion in the area. The flyover is located in Puerto, specifically the Bukidnon-Cagayan highway junction, which is regularly congested with traffic from motorists and buses travelling to and from the city to Bukidnon and Agusan.

With the structure completed, motorists from the city going eastbound to Butuan or Agusan will simply pass through the flyover while vehicles from Bukidnon will be able to smoothly pass through the underpass.

The First Type in Mindanao

The permanent two-lane flyover features pre-fabricated materials, which makes it the first of its kind to be built in Northern Mindanao. Of the total project price, P200 million is funded by the French Government, while the rest is funded by the government as part of the country’s Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project.

Prior to the construction of the flyover, a P10 million road widening project was also done on the area to prepare the road for the construction. The road widening project was started in January of this year. As of June 2011, the flyover was already 73% complete, so its completion should be expected by August of this year.

Other Flyovers in the City

Aside from the Puerto-Sayre flyover, there are also two other flyovers under construction in the city today. These are located at CM Recto Avenue and Masterson Road, Macanhan, Carmen. These flyovers, however, are funded by the local city government and contracted to UKC Builders Inc.

The flyover in CM Recto will allow motorists from the east to easily breeze through without the need to stop at the C.M. Recto junction, which is known for its traffic jams, especially in the late afternoons. The overpass in Carmen, on the other hand, will also decongest the amount of traffic that usually swells in the Macanhan and Lumbia junction, right at the foot of Masterson Avenue.

Indeed, with the Puerto-Sayre flyover as the first project – and the two other structures in C.M. Recto and Carmen to follow – Cagayan de Oro is set to see numerous improvements within the following months until next year. Aside from these three awaited structures, there are more things to expect in the city, from the new Ayala operated Centrio Mall to the new Paseo Del Rio Complex at the Rodelsa Circle.

Don’t forget to check other articles from CDOkay for more information about further developments in the City of Golden Friendship.

-Justine B. Raagas-

The Sweet Shop is a small air conditioned café located at the right side corner of Park Café – which is at Plaza Divisoria, right in the middle of the city.

With its see-through glass walls, clean white chic interiors, wrought iron chairs and scrumptious pastry displays, The Sweet Shop is a saccharine heaven in the bustling city, where you can sit down and indulge in sugary bliss, unmindful of the sweltering heat and the busy world outside – even for just a couple of minutes.

Here are some delectable goodies to check out at The Sweet Shop:

• Vanilla Vanilla Cupcakes – Cupcakes have become more and more popular lately. However, they’re usually available only for bulk orders. The Sweet Shop allows you to enjoy cupcakes anytime of the day –and you can order as many or as little as you like. Their delectable cupcakes are decorated with sweet and colorful frosting, making it a perfect hit among kids!
• Carrot Cake With Crème Cheese – Another favorite cupcake from The Sweet Shop is their carrot cake, which is topped with cream cheese and a carrot-like icing design.
• Chocolate Oblivion Torte – A bestseller among customers. The Chocolate Oblivion Torte is an overload of chocolates that melt right in your mouth.
• Raspberry Walnut Rugelach – For people craving something new other than cupcakes and cakes, the Rugelach is a crescent-shaped pastry filled with delicious raspberry and walnut goodness.
• Chocolate Chip Rugelach – Another Rugelach version, this pastry is filled with chocolate chips.
• Banana Tea Bread –For those who want something more simple, their banana tea bread is a good choice. It’s perfect with coffee!
• Sugar Cookies – The Sweet Shop sells sugar cookies that come in a number of shapes and colors, such as gowns and dresses, bags and the like. These should be instant hits with the kids.
• Strawberry Shortcake – Fresh strawberries and cream in between and over two slices of cake. This delicacy is a heaven among all other sweets!
• Toblerone Cheesecake – Another twist to the famous cheesecake, the Sweet Shop’s Toblerone Cheesecake is simply delicious. It’s a baked cheesecake delicacy filled with delicious Toblerone chocolate.

These are just some of the delights that you can expect to find at The Sweet Shop. Their pastries and cakes vary daily and weekly, so you might find something new once you visit. Enjoy their delicacies with juice or coffee from 10 in the morning till 10 in the evening everyday!

-Justine B. Raagas-

Red Fern Spa is different from all the other spas in Cagayan de Oro because they offer traditional massage services. One of their most popular services is the Tuob Binisaya + Traditional Hilot. They also have ear candling services. Ear candling is an alternative and safe health treatment that removes earwax. With the use of a candle’s warmth and smoke, hardened earwax is removed without any pain o discomfort. These are just two of the unique services that you’ll get to experience at the White Spa Party.

For an affordable Php400, you’ll get a one hour and 15 minutes relaxing and rejuvenating massage experience and free photo shoots. In addition, if you wear white, you’ll get the chance to win exciting prizes and freebies, like a lifetime discount. Students who will present a valid ID will be given a 10% discount.

For more information about registration and reservation, check out The White Spa Party FB page here. You may also want to check out all the other unique and relaxing Red Fern Spa services through this link.

-Maia Fortich-Poblete-

Registration started last June 25 and will end today, July 22, at the SM City ground floor area and Style N’ Motion along Pabayo-Gomez Sts.

The top three finishers will receive cash rewards, while gift certificates will also be handed out as special awards. Recognition will be given to the youngest/oldest runner, the most number of runners from the private sector and other similarly significant awards.

For those who would like to catch up with the registration, or who would simply like to witness this worthwhile endeavor, you may check out the Wellness Fun Run FB page by clicking on this link. You may also want to send the organizers as email through WellnessRun2011@yahoo.com.

It’s never too late if you want to have fun and help out a good cause!

-Maia Fortich-Poblete-

If you missed that special world class performance by a very talented Filipino artist, Rodelsa Hall’s Office of Cultural Affairs has more shows lined up for the rest of the year, up to February of 2012.

August

The next performance on Rodelsa’s stage will feature a musically inclined and talented family of four. On August 9 at 7:30 in the evening, Rodelsa Hall is proud to present the Kabayao Family Quartet, a family act headed by Mr. Gilopez Kabayao, an acclaimed violinist; his wife Corazon, pianist; and his daughters Farida and Sicilienne, both following the footsteps of their father as violinists.

The Kabayao family will also give a lecture to students on August 11. This is in line with their goal of acquainting today’s youth with classical music.

September

There are two events to watch out for in the month of September.

On September 2, 7:30 in the evening, you can sit and listen to the beautiful, sensitive music of Ms. Carmencita Sipin-Aspiras. She was trained in playing the piano in Vienna and is already making a name for herself in the United States.

A much awaited annual event will take place from September 30 to October 2. Students, local guests and foreign delegates will once again get together for the 14th Cine Europa Film Festival. This will be the fourth consecutive year for Liceo University and Rodelsa Hall to play host to the film festival. Tickets will be out sometime in the 2nd week of August.

November

Following the Cine Europa is another festival recognizing the different works and accomplishments of filmmakers. On November 18 and 19 will be the Cinefiesta Film Festival: A Celebration of Regional Films.

January

Last year, these two brilliant musical artists performed with acclaimed cellist Victor Coo. In January 2012, Kagaya-anons will witness another night of superior display of musicality and wonderful music from the duo of violinist Joseph Esmilla and grand pianist Rudolf Pelaez Golez.

February

Another set of two performances will heat things up in Rodelsa Hall in February. First up is the highly anticipated performance of the Philippine Ballet Theater on February 24 to 26. Those interested in watching this stage performance will have to constantly check in with the Office of Cultural Affairs early next year though, since this schedule may be changed without prior notice.

Then on February 29 at 7:30 in the evening, the stage will be graced by highly acclaimed classical pianist, Yin Chu Jou. She comes from Taiwan but stayed for a time in Cebu City and graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Music.

Performances to Watch Out For

It’s still early in the year to get news about the next Liceo University Annual Play, which will likely be held in February 2012 (back in February of this year, Rodelsa Hall presented the play Romeo & Juliet). This is a noted Rodelsa Hall event that is awaited not only by the students of Liceo, but also by the rest of the theater-loving Kagay-anons. As the year approaches its last quarter, we may finally have some news about next year’s annual play.

-Jay Daphne Bual-

The Fashion Institute of the Philippines booth.

Check out FIP-CDO at #1 San Agustin cor. Rizal Sts, or call them at (088) 857-4884

The Oro Fashion Designers' Guild displayed several wedding gowns...

Awesome wedding gowns from the OFDG...

Look how beautiful the back details are!

Gowns by Alma Mae Roa of Cameron's and Mark Yaranon of Iconic Fashion...

Gowns by Gil Macaibay and Joshua Guibone

Wedding Cakes by Dicky Go (Contact #: 0917-7249331/FB:dolce vita catering by dicky go)

Cakeistry CDO by Awi G. Chaves (Contact #: 0922-8589938/09209212154)

Cakeistry CDO is located at C-10-10 New Super Highway, Kauswagan, CDO

D&C Unlimited by Corinne Bollozos

D&C's specialties are desserts and cocktails

Yummy treats from D&C Unlimited. Contact them through 0922-8578926

Jannina's Cakes & Pastries

Jannina's offers dessert buffets for all occasions and events. Call them at (088) 880-1811 or (08822) 740-413/0949-3612713

Shutterbug Creative Lounge

Shutterbug's Save-the-Date Videobooth Contest. Call them at 0917-7003108/0922-8964108/0922-8604052, or check out www.shutterbugpartyphotobooth.com

Blues Marquez Photography (www.bluesmarquez.com)

Happy Kasalan, CDO!

-Text & Photos by Maia Fortich-Poblete

A History of the Golden Friendship Park

The whole park was built in the early 1900s and has been an integral part of Cagayan de Oro’s downtown. During that time, a huge fire almost burned the whole downtown area; hence, the Plaza was created to serve as a fire break to prevent another huge fire from burning the whole downtown. Today, the Plaza serves as a park that functions as a venue for different activities.

Plaza Divisoria is surrounded by plenty of establishments, shops and offices. During the weekend, the whole Plaza is closed down and transformed into the Night Market and Night Café – where the streets are filled with food displays, as well as stalls selling every kind of merchandise you can think of. In the middle of the plaza are masseurs of different kinds with their plastic chairs, offering their massage service for as low as PHP 50. These weekend nights are crowd drawers, and families from all over Cagayan de Oro flock together to eat, buy or just hang out.

The park has seen a number of renovations and improvements over the years, and the children’s playground is the newest among them.

Playground in the Golden Friendship Park

Today, there is all the more another reason for parents to take their kids to Plaza Divisoria, and that is because of the new playground that has recently just been constructed.

The playground is erected on the plaza island near the Divisoria Kiosk, right in front of Columbia Computer Center, Rika Pharmacy and Nova Rosa Parlor. On the other side of the playground, you will find the numerous DVD stalls. The playground is adequately sized and is designed with a small tower, some bridges, decks, tunnels and slides that kids will certainly enjoy. Now, parents can sit back and enjoy a quick foot massage or shop for bargain clothes and shoes while their little kids run around and play.

Once your kids are done playing, you can take them to a number of fastfood or snack areas in the vicinity. Right in front of the playground is McDonald’s and Mang Inasal, while on the opposite side is Cinnamon Bakeshop. Jollibee is located in the next block, so you can always grab a quick bite once your kids are tired from all the running around and playing.

-Justine B. Raagas-

Red Planet Hotels

Red Planet Hotels Limited is an emerging Asian company that specializes in hotel investments. From its first hotel investment in Thailand, it now has hotels in five countries in Asia, including:

*  China

*  Bangladesh

*  Indonesia

*  Philippines

*  Thailand

Today, Red Planet has fifteen hotels under development in three Asian countries including the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. These developments will total to 2,484 rooms once finished.

TuneHotels.com

For this project, Red Planet Hotels Limited has partnered with Tune Hotels.com and operates under a franchise agreement with the company. Tune Hotels.com is part of the private investment company Tune Group. The Tune Group of Companies is owned by Tony Fernandes, who is also the founder and CEO of AirAsia.

Tune Hotels is a chain of “limited service” hotels that provide 5-star experience at 1-star price. The “limited service” model is basically a no-frills business model (also applied by AirAsia), which eliminates many traditional hospitality services and add-ons in order to keep operational costs low, thereby making hotel rates more affordable.

The hotels will provide guests with the basic necessities such as five star beds and power showers; but other services, including air conditioning, toiletries, entertainment packages (television), Wi-Fi, towels, hairdryers, daily room cleaning, breakfast and hotel insurance is optional and are available as add-ons. Since most people do not make full use of these amenities (not everyone uses hairdryers or toiletries or Internet connection), guests can simply choose from items that they need. This allows them to save by not having to pay for services that they do not need.

Despite being “limited service” in nature, Tune Hotels will still provide the basic essentials that any traveller would need:

*  A five star bed

*  Clean bathrooms and power showers

*  Clean rooms and environment

*  24-Hour Security

*  Convenient Locations

Tune Hotels currently operates ten hotels so far – with seven branches in Malaysia, two branches in Indonesia and one branch in England. It has recently entered a partnership with Red Planet Hotels Limited and other strategic partnerships and is set to open a number of hotels in Asia and the United Kingdom.

Tune Hotel In Cagayan de Oro

Tune Hotel in Cagayan de Oro is set to rise in C.M. Recto Avenue, right beside the old Coca-Cola plant. The property was acquired last May 2011 and construction is already set to start. The tentative month of opening will be in October of next year. The hotel will have 162 rooms and a total floor area of 4,452 square meters. It will also house a retail area that will be available for lease.

For more information, check out http://www.tunehotels.com/ and http://www.redplanethotels.com/.

-Justine B. Raagas-

However, the fire did burn a few of the city’s best food establishments to the ground; one of which was Barkadahan Grill. This fastfood restaurant has been one of the most prosperous food chains around the city; not only because it’s strategically located at the heart of the city, but also because of its appetizing menu, affordability and great service. The food chain is known for serving a wide variety of grilled dishes (including chicken, pork and fish), soups, burgers and sandwiches, as well as desserts.

Having gained a number of loyal consumers, a lot were dismayed when news of the establishment being burned to the ground was aired in the local news. So to catch up with the demands of their loyal customers, Barkadahan Grill has now relocated to the Divisoria Arcade, the new building complex located near Dunkin’ Donuts, just a few steps away from where Barkadahan Grill was originally built.

The new Barkadahan Grill at Divisoria Arcade.

The new Barkadahan Grill branch opened last June 18, 2011, a Saturday. Although the new branch appears to be a bit smaller, the establishment has easily bounced back from the incident after only a few weeks. The business is now back to serving its regular and new customers. They still serve the same delectable dishes: chicken Inasal, kinilaw, pork BBQ, grilled squid and their bestselling desserts (shakes, Buko Pandan and Buko Halo-Halo).

If you haven’t checked out their new location yet, you can visit them right at the ground floor of the Divisoria Arcade building. It’s located right at the back of Jonie’s Sizzlers and Roasts, and just several steps away from the La Favorita Ice Cream cart.

-Mara Jayne Tismo-

(Photo by Mara Jayne Tismo)

Just recently, the Market City in Agora formally opened its doors for business. Who would have thought that this new complex, might I add — a complex with pristine and spacious hallways, was formerly the chaotic Agora Market?

In order to serve its purpose efficiently, the new market complex is designed to facilitate order, which is a big leap from its former state. There is now a clear partition that sets apart the dry goods from the wet market section.

At its current state, the new public market still has a lot of vacant stalls available for interested tenants. However, the complex is now inhabited by several popular tenants, including the ff:

• Prito Paborito
• Mang Inasal
• La Ilongga
• Lechon Manok ni Sr. Pedro
• Vjandep Pastel
• Dunkin Donuts
• Karen’s Bakeshop
• Orbitz
• Rose Pharmacy

Another of the complex’s biggest tenants is the Ororama chain of stores. Ororama opened its TLP (Total Lower Price) store at the Market City’s southeast corner. Ororama is one of the oldest surviving privately owned businesses in the city and having them inside the complex greatly signifies the growing business ties between the public and private sector.

Aside from the clear partitions set between the wet and dry sections, the new complex also boasts of well guarded and impressively clean comfort rooms. However, let’s just hope it stays that way. After all, it’s only for the good of the consumers – the Kagay-anons.

-Mara Jayne Tismo-

(Photo by Mara Jayne Tismo)