Plaza Divisoria
Because of the sick days, I managed to visit just a few places in CDO. I didn't book a river rafting tour because I was by myself. Giving myself a high five after conquering a raging river is not as fun as doing it with friends. I decided to walk around Plaza Divisoria the day I felt much better, and right before I left for Camiguin.
There were monuments that were dedicated to national and local heroes alike in Plaza Divisoria. The monuments were a good reminder of how we, as Filipinos, should not forget the past and how much blood was shed to free our country from oppressors. Plaza Divisoria is flanked by numerous restaurants and businesses.
St. Augustine Cathedral
The Philippines never runs out of European-style churches that date back more than a hundred years. Churches here are like Buddhist temples in other parts of Southeast Asia, they are omnipresent even in the most far-flung areas and the smallest of town.
I decided to visit the St. Augustine Cathedral because of its historical significance in CDO's history. The old church was constructed in 1634.
The numerous wars from invading Spanish and Maranao armies led to the burning and reconstruction of the cathedral over several decades. After World War II, the church was rebuilt yet again following Gothic-inspired architecture.
What caught my attention were the beautifully made stained glass windows inside the church. Too bad I got sick. I wanted to explore more of Cagayan de Oro and other places outside the city, maybe next time.