We looked at Cagayan de Oro City through AmericanLola’s eyes a while back, but as we can all appreciate, a new set of eyes can bring a different perspective. With that in mind, let’s have a second look at CdO, this time through the eyes of Mike Farrell. Mike has been living in Cagayan de Oro City for twelve years now, and is currently residing in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro.
Let’s have a look at my questions and Mike’s answers:
1. What City do you live in? Gusa, Cogayan de Oro
2. How long have you lived in this City? Twelve years
3. Can you give a price range of housing in the area that would be appropriate for a foreigner? Low end? High end? P4,000 _P35,000 depending on how high you want to live on “snob hill”.
4. What kind of amenities do you have in town? Malls? Fitness Centers? Swimming Pools? Movies? Restaurants? All of the above.
5. In general, how would you consider the cost of living in your city? How much is the price of a Lechon Manok? P100. The size fluctuates with the market price.
6. How are the roads in your area? On-roads are great, difficulty lies wilth how far off-road you choose to travel.
7. Are there many foreigners living in your area? Is there any kind of get togethers for foreigners? The permanent number is 100 plus. We have a weekly get-together of about 30+. There are two other “gatherings” per week that attract 30+., whith some overlapping.
8. How are the government offices in your area? Things like getting adriver’s license and such, how much of a hassle? All offices are located here. I have never had a problem wlth any one of them.
9. What types of transportation are mostly used in your city? Tricycles? Jeepneys? Taxis? I drive my own van, taking my children to school. Pass on the question.
10. How is the weather in your area? Lots of rain? Mostly sunshine? When it rains, it rains, and when the sun is shining, it is shining.
11. How is the drinking water? Can you drink tap water in your area, or do you need mineral water? I/we drink tap water. Water is delivered because we have been “borrowed” a hot water dispenser, and I appreciate immediate hot coffee.
12. How about electricity? Do you have many brownouts? Can you give us the cost of electricity in your area? Seldom brownouts. Although in the past, when they were replacing lines, they were more frequent.
13. Do you have good beaches in your area? Define “good beaches”. I live seven minutes from the waterfront. We travel 20 minutes to enjoy beach parties with other ex-pats.
14. Is your City served by an airport? If so, are the number of flights adequate? It only requires one flight to get me to where I am going. That said, CDO airport does not operate at night. A new “international” airport has been under construction for several years. Too many promises made have been unkept. Therefore, I cite nothing.
15. Are imported goods and such readily available in your local stores? Do you feel a need to make trips to a bigger city to buy such items? If so, where? Tourists come to CDO to buy. IF they know what they are doing, I will take them to the local marketplace. Otherwise they can pay triple the price on “snob hill”.
16. “Area Friendly?” I have five children. Jeepney, Motorella. tricicab, etc. I have never been concerned about their safety or welfare. I DID teach them to look bother ways before crossing a street. (They are only half Fillipino.)
Hi Bob/Mike when you refer to snob hill isthat the xavier estates area.I looked at houses there 2 years ago . It is like being on another planet once you go throug those secruity booms . Yes imean booms .Each residential area is seperate from the next with security booms.Once you go through those booms yoy would not know where you were on gods earth. I enjoyed my vist to cdo but i got the impression there were more than 100plus expats.The people in general very friendly and helpfull.
Hi bob I need information for vigan it's possible.
regards
Hi Mike! Maybe we've seen each other and didn't know it! 🙂 Good review! Yeah, 'snob hill' is pretty out there, and growing fast. Reminds me of some exclusive subdivisions in Manila.
HI Frank – Like you, I have to think that CdO has well over 100 expats in town, but that was the figure Mike gave, and since he lives there…. well….
Hi zois – I don't know anybody in Vigan, but I'll keep trying to find somebody.
Hi AmericanLola – Thanks for dropping by!
Speaking of CDO, I found out that the name of that British pub type place has changed. It is now called Kingstone Lodge and has a restaurant and 15 units that can be rented.
Hi AmericanLola – Thanks for sharing that! Gotta keep promoting the guy, it sounds like he has a wonderful place! 😆
Hi Bob- Can Mike explain where exactly is "Snob Hill" and why it got its name?
Hi Bob- Here is a ling to Tony Kings place: http://www.kingston-lodge.com/
It's between the SM mall and Lumbia Airport on the same side as both.
Hi Guys . Kingston lodge looks value for money with agood priced menu to match.Will give it anoht stay over when next in town.Jim thanks for web site address. Was this place in bussiness December 2005 . My ony vist to cdo. Ido not rember seeing this place nor any one mentioning it.
Hi Frank,
I first visited the former place it was then called Kings Haven in November 2005. This was to become a Korean School in 2006 and a new place called Kingston Lodge was built adjacent to the former.
This new place was opened the middle of this year so it is all brand new and a very good standard.
Tony King the owner knows what the visitor requires whilst in CDO whether short or long term and the Lodge reflects this in its decor and amenities and of course its menu.I know Tonys builder he also built my house in Talakag.
Hi Jim – When Mike mentions "Snob Hill" I think he is referring to the area up around SM where Xavier Estates is.
Thanks Jim understood.
As a little point of interest about CDO. I'm well acquainted with the patriarch and current "ruling son" of a very influential family here in the Philippines. These are "old Filipinos' who are in the pretty wealthy class (they own dozens of TV and radio stations as well as many other businesses.)
Thye have extensive property holdings including homes in places like Baguio and Cebu but when they want to relax or have family affairs they "retreat" to CDO … pretty good testimony to me of CDO's virtues and one reason it's on my potential settling down places.
Hi Dave Starr – Yep, I do believe that places like CdO and other remote spots make for a wonderful retreat.
hey Mike i have been thru Gusa many of times .and i lived in bon-bon for 3 weeks in feb-06..CDO is to crowed for me and to many relitives too hee hee…Phil
🙂
Hi Bob,
I work for a specialty French wine company based in Manila and I plan to visit Cagayan de oro to look for a distributor or client who appreciates uniqueness and quality.
I'm hoping that I can find someone interested to re-sell our brands of wines there. I would really appreciate it if you could recommend someone. Thanks in advance.
William
Hi William R. Siapno – I have sent you a private e-mail with some information that I believe will be helpful to you.
do you know SLERS Industries Inc.? how delicious are their products? they do not sell hams and other processed meats here in davao city. actually, i am going to take my "on the job training" in their plant factory (SLERS) this summer. can you give me some informations on how to get to their plant and are there any boarding houses nearby where me and my friend can live? i would really appreciate if you'd reply to this message. thank you!
Hi Bob,
What a great site. My Phil finance, Vilma and I will be coming to CDO for two weeks begining the 10th of April. The main reason for the visit will be a vacation but I'm also interested in business opportunities in CDO. Since you've lived there for such a long time, I would apprecdiate any advise you can give.
Respectfuly,
Bill Watt
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hello bob,i just want to ask regarding the cost of doing business in davao city since u currently living in davao city. how does it affect the economic condations in Davao?
Hi gemacris – The cost of doing business in Davao would, I would say, be pretty comparable to doing business in other parts of the Philippines.
I know the above ‘interview’ is now pretty old, but can you give some specific details about cost of living in CDO? I know people have different standards of living, but some indication as to rent, electricity, food, travel (local), TV, internet, water and so on would really be useful. How much does a foreigner need per month to live reasonably comfortably in CDO? Minimum.
Thanks in advance.