The iconic phrase “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” wasn’t made up for no reason. The Philippines has been known to for having limitless colorful festivals throughout the year and it is probably one of the best reasons why one should visit and explore our humble country. And, HIGALAAY Festival in Cagayan de Oro City is probably one of the festivals you might want to experience. For those who don’t have any clue, Higalaay Festival (formerly known as Kagay-an festival) is celebrated annually every 28th of August, celebrating the feast day of St. Augustine– patron saint of the city.
One of the best ways to explore Cagayan de Oro is through your tummy. For almost 2 decades, Bigby’s has been the top choice to celebrate moments and through the years it has also produced top and awarded CDO food brands such as Missy Bon Bon, MBB Frozen Factory, Boy Zugba, and recently The Nest catering to the ever growing food options in CDO.
I highly recommend that for you to get the most out of your Higalaay festival experience is to immerse yourself to an unforgettable local dining experience and get a taste of CDO’s best signature dishes by signing up to the BEST OF CDO FOOD TOUR!
What to expect on the Food Tour? Here are the dishes/desserts that will be served on the food tour and a little brand tidbit per stop:
FIRST FOOD STOP: Bigby’s Cafe and Restaurant
Branch: Centrio Mall
Bigby’s was first introduced in CDO in December 8, 1998 and now has 7 branches across the archipelago. The menu, the interior design and service style were created to position the concept midway between fine dining and fast-casual dining.
Tagline: Come Home to Bigby’s!
Signature dishes:
CDO Sinuglaw
- the award winning “sinugbang baboy” and “isdang kilawin” recipe with a twist by adding “dilis” toppings
- Urban Life nominee as one of the best Filipino dishes
- CDO Sinuglaw is a certified Bigby’s favorite
- Finger-licking goodness of premium cut smoky barbecued pork ribs,
- Another Bigby’s favorite
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Bigbys/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigbys
SECOND FOOD STOP: Missy Bon Bon
Branch: Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center (Flagship Store)
Missy Bon Bon Bread shop opened its kiosk in CDO in December 2009 launching its first line of breads and gelato. In April 2010, it opened its flagship store in Limketkai Center. Missy Bon Bon is a hip, cozy, and relaxed world-class bread shop serving healthy, natural, and freshly-made bread onsite with unique fusion interpretations of local bread products, gourmet comfort food and custom gelato mixes.
Signature Dishes/Desserts
Gelato
- Creamier, smoother and silkier than any ordinary ice cream.
- A sweet filled bun that won the hearts of every Kagay-anons, now with 3 flavors Durian, Yema and Chocolate bun.
- Awarded as the Urban Life - Mindanao Gold Star Daily Award 2016’s Best Delicacy of the Year.
Website: http://missybonbon.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MissyBonBonBreadshop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissyBonBonPH/
THIRD FOOD STOP: Boy Zugba Kusina Bisaya
Branch: Corrales Ave. - Ramon Chavez St., Cagayan de Oro
Boy Zugba Kusina Bisaya opened in Corrales Ave. - Ramon Chavez St., CDO in February 8, 2015. It serves the best Kagay-anon home-cooked meals that a city has to offer, but up scaled a bit to create a new dining experience. Boy Zugba boasts an array of grilled food items, as well as meals that we normally see in karenderias or eat at home.
On Tuesdays, 7PM is the Trivia Night (hosted by James Tubeo) and Fridays, 7PM is the TGIB or Tara Go It’s Beernes” with stand up comedians and a guest band.
Signature Dishes:
Bandihadong Karne
- All your favorite meat in one bandihando
- Liempo, pork BBQ and the Cheezzy Chorizo
- Organic-fed meat stuffed with cheese
Dessert: “What’s your plan, Leche Flan?”
Website: http://boyzugba.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/boyzugba/
Twitter Hashtag: #BoyZugba
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boyzugba/
LAST FOOD STOP: The Nest
Address: Corrales Ave. - Ramon Chavez St., Cagayan de Oro
Brands: Maison de Bonbon and Giuseppe Pizzeria & Sicilian Roast
The Nest welcomed its first batch of patrons in June 2016, bringing the best of renowned European culinary masterpieces that won the hearts of every Kagay-anon. The Nest, carrying two brands, Maison de Bonbon and Giuseppe, delivers the finest of both French and Italian Sicilian cuisines.
The Nest embodies the best aspects of globalization by bringing the sumptuous food of Europe to the dining tables of the inherently sunny people of Cagayan de Oro, be it the families looking to bond through opulently-served entrees, or the individuals that yearn to unravel from work by being fed food bursting with zest and flavor.
The Nest embodies the best aspects of globalization by bringing the sumptuous food of Europe to the dining tables of the inherently sunny people of Cagayan de Oro, be it the families looking to bond through opulently-served entrees, or the individuals that yearn to unravel from work by being fed food bursting with zest and flavor.
It is a sanctuary in the midst of the noisy, fast-paced, and bustling streets of Cagayan de Oro.
Highlights/Must-try:
Highlights/Must-try:
Maison de Bonbon Cafe and Restaurant
Burger Américaine
- U.S beef burger patty on a sesame bun with crisped bacon slices, sautéed Shiitake mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, melted gruyere cheese & fresh green lettuce. Served with seasoned salt French fries.
Giuseppe Pizzeria & Sicilian Roast
Salsiccia Siciliana
- Pizza with tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms and Sicilian sausages.
- Pizza with four Italian cheeses
- Folded pizza with spinach, ham, sausage, mushrooms, bell pepper, and black olives.
Website: http://thenestcdo.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheNestCDO/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thenestcdo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenest.cdo/
Register here: http://bit.ly/cdofoodtour or call 0917 632 3007 for inquiries. A Best of CDO Food Tour Representative will reach out the soonest.
