In my younger years, I often found myself wondering why my city was called such. Back in the 1970s, people in Cagayan de Oro City Philippines knew each other. Well, almost. In my young and seemingly innocent mind, that was the reason I had. Every time I walked the streets of Divisoria, I would meet people I knew. Someone would always stop by to chat with me. A few would even call out my name. I enjoyed those walks.

When my family moved to Manila, I had to adjust to almost everything; the people, the places, the culture. Suddenly, I was in an entirely new environment. There were no more afternoon walks in Divisoria. In short, I missed my home: Cagayan de Oro City Philippines.

We lived in Manila for 12 years. I don't know how I would have survived if I didn't spend my summers here in Cagayan de Oro. At the end of every school year, my sister and I would always try to find a way to come home. Even when we started working, we always found a way to spend our summers in Cagayan de Oro City Philippines.

Manila was not bad. In fact, I learned a lot there. I formed lasting friendships. I have endless memories and a thousand and one meaningful experiences. But it isn't quite like my hometown. There's nothing like Cagayan de Oro City Philippines where the people smile at you in the streets, no matter what time of day.

Although traffic in Cagayan de Oro City is not really free flowing, it is nothing compared to the terrible chaos in Manila roads and highways. If I leave home 30 or 45 minutes before a meeting, I can still get to the venue on time. In Manila, you'll have to leave at least an hour and a half or two before an appointment.

There's no fresh air in Manila. Cagayan de Oro City Philippines, though not entirely pollution-free, is way, way cleaner.

More than the sights and attractions; more than the excitement of the weekly night cafes; more than the thrill and adventure of White Water Rafting, Cagayan de Oro City Philippines is proud of the friendly Cagay-anon. The simple charm of the Cagay-anon is the secret behind the city's golden glow.

My young and innocent mind was right all along, Cagayan de Oro City Philippines is really the ?City of Golden Friendship? because its people are simply friendly.