Janurary 13, 2010 Development Continues in Mindanao Despite Terrorism

Ayala Land has announced an investment of 4.5 Billion pesos in construction of the largest mall in Mindanao in Cagayan De Oro. The development has already been aproved by the city of Cagayan. The mall will rival a similar project in Davao city. Constantino Jaraula, the mayor of Cagayan said the mall will be a destination for all of Mindanao and will be in the heart of the city. He thinks that the mall will highlight Cagayan has a "haven" for investment. Click here.

When I was in Cagayan I walked the streets in the heart of the city. There is a large market one block from the Jollibee. Any American visting Mindanao will probably end up at the Jollibee at some point. They serve the closest thing to an American Hamburger in Mindanao, however there are sevearl resturants like McDonalds who also serve a burger. In the mall closest to the Cagayan Airport, there is a Pizza Hut. I really wanted to eat there, not for the Pizza but for the fresh vegatables on the Salad bar, but instead it was decided by my companions to eat at a chicken resturant. I had two pieces of dark meat chicken with rice, the young man taking the order offered "garlic rice" but his accent was so thick that in the noise of the resturant I thought he said "garlic fries." I was so excited to get a treat of garlic french fries! But when the order arrived at our table I saw the rice!
Just outside of the restaurant was a kiosk selling Christian music. While my companions ate I decided to check it out. By far the most CD's were of Praise and Worship leader Don Moen. The Philippinos love to sing Praise Music.

In the heart of the city where the mall is going to be built there were many shops and street vendors. On one street, near the Jollibee, live animals were being sold, along with much fruit and vegatables.