Fun for Every Kagay-anon: Discover Free Culinary Games for Kids (and Kids-at-Heart!)

As someone who grew up in Cagayan de Oro, I’ve always been drawn to two things: good food and simple joys. Whether it was a plate of sikwate and puto or biko on a rainy afternoon or helping my Nanay in the kitchen during special celebrations, food has always been a part of my fondest memories. That’s why I got excited when I discovered something worth sharing with all of you, especially the parents, teachers, and fellow foodies in our city. 

I recently came across CulinarySchools.org, and what caught my attention was their collection of free culinary-themed online games designed for kids—but honestly, some of them are fun even for us adults! If you’re looking for an educational and entertaining way to pass the time or give your kids a screen-time activity that’s not all just cartoons, this is worth checking out. 

Try “Chef Slash” – A Cut Above the Rest!

One of the games I personally enjoyed is Chef Slash. It’s a clever puzzle game where you slice food items (like cheese, fish, and vegetables) into equal parts using a limited number of cuts. It may sound easy, but it really makes you think! It’s perfect for developing problem-solving and spatial skills—and yes, it’s a bit addictive in the best way.

This game isn’t just about slicing food; it’s about precision, timing, and logic. Whether you're 8 or 38, it's a fun challenge that keeps you coming back for more.

Enjoy Baking Games

This one made me smile the most. I have been observing my aunt bake cakes, and it looks very tiring, requiring a lot of work. But in Sweety Cooking Chocolate Cake, you get to design your dream cake by choosing cake layers, frosting, and fun decorations. Whether your style is a minimalist chocolate drip or a colorful explosion of sprinkles, this game lets you be as creative as you want, without the cleanup!

Why CDO Families Will Love It?

In a time when many of us are still balancing home life, school, and work (sometimes all at once), it’s refreshing to find a free and safe online resource that encourages creativity and learning. These culinary games can help spark interest in cooking, develop basic motor skills, and even teach kids about following instructions and time management. For teachers here in CDO, these games can be a great supplemental activity during online or blended learning. For parents, it’s a fun alternative to purely entertainment-based screen time. And for us adults who just want a little break? Well, it doesn’t hurt to try designing a virtual donut or two. 

Try It Yourself – It’s Free! 

Whether you're in Bulua, Carmen, Lapasan, or uptown CDO, I invite you to explore these fun games with your family. Visit CulinarySchools.org and pick a few titles to try. You’ll find everything from food-themed puzzles to time-management challenges that are perfect for all ages. Let’s support educational content online, especially those that bring a mix of kalipay (joy), learning, and a sprinkle of culinary flair into our homes. 

Happy playing, and maybe you’ll discover the next little chef in your family! 

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Pueblo de Oro Unlocks Golden Opportunities in Cagayan de Oro with New Residential Offerings

Renowned as the 'City of Golden Friendship,' Cagayan de Oro continues to establish itself as a key player in both regional and national progress. With a flourishing economy, rich multicultural heritage, and well-planned communities, the city remains at the forefront of sustainable urban development. Strategically positioned along the deepwater harbors of Macajalar Bay, it has emerged as a commercial gateway, an innovation center, and a model for growth in Northern Mindanao.

Economic Prospects

Cagayan de Oro boasts a dynamic and resilient economy, driven by agro-industrial enterprises, trade, and service industries. As the commercial and logistics hub of Region X, the city plays a vital role in the distribution of high-value agricultural goods, supported by modern manufacturing and food processing facilities. An efficient logistics network enables smooth transport of goods across the country and beyond. Recognized as one of the Philippines' Next Wave Cities, Cagayan de Oro is gaining prominence as an emerging hub for information technology and business process management (IT-BPM). The city’s highly skilled workforce, advanced infrastructure, and investor-friendly climate make it an attractive destination for outsourcing and technology-driven industries. Additionally, Cagayan de Oro thrives as a tourism hotspot, offering breathtaking natural attractions and adventure activities such as world-class whitewater rafting and eco-tourism destinations like Dahilayan Adventure Park and Mapawa Nature Park.

Infrastructure Projects

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in Cagayan de Oro’s rapid development, with major projects shaping its future. Laguindingan Airport, located just outside the city, has significantly improved connectivity for both domestic and international travel, with expansion plans in place to accommodate increasing passenger and cargo volumes. The Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road aims to ease traffic congestion while enhancing accessibility to industrial zones and ports. This 12-kilometer roadway facilitates faster transportation, boosting the city’s trade competitiveness. Meanwhile, the Mindanao Railway Project, which includes Cagayan de Oro in its route, is set to revolutionize transportation in Mindanao, further stimulating economic activity across the island.

Cultural Tapestry

Cagayan de Oro is distinguished by its deep-rooted culture of warmth and camaraderie. More than just a title, the ‘City of Golden Friendship’ lives up to its name, as Kagay-anons are known for their genuine hospitality, making visitors and new residents feel welcome. Festivals play an integral role in the city’s identity, reflecting its vibrant communal spirit and religious traditions. The Kagay-an Festival, held every August in honor of Saint Augustine, features lively parades, street performances, fluvial processions, and artistic showcases, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Food also plays a significant part in Cagayan de Oro’s cultural experience. The city offers a delightful mix of traditional Mindanaoan cuisine alongside Tagalog and Visayan specialties. Local favorites include pastel (a sweet bun with various fillings), sinuglaw (a blend of grilled pork and ceviche-style fish), and cashew-based delicacies. Residents and tourists alike enjoy these treats at food fairs, culinary events, and weekend markets, fostering a thriving local food economy.

Residential Landscape with Pueblo de Oro

Pueblo de Oro offers a wide range of housing solutions for young professionals and families to expatriates and retirees.

As urbanization accelerates, Cagayan de Oro provides diverse housing options for various socio-economic groups, from young professionals and families to expatriates and retirees. Leading the way in residential development is Pueblo de Oro (PDO) Development Corporation, a key player under the Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP) Group. 

The 400-hectare Pueblo de Oro Township in Cagayan de Oro features an all-weather championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II.

With over three decades of expertise, Pueblo de Oro has developed the 400-hectare Pueblo de Oro Township, master-planned by Louis Berger International. This community features residential subdivisions catering to different market segments, the first Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered IT ecozone in Mindanao, an all-weather championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, a 40-hectare urban rainforest, commercial hubs anchored by SM Supermalls, and premier educational institutions like Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. 

Spanning 3.8 hectares and connected to the western side through Camarahan Pahiron Road, Familia Verde offers affordable options with flexible financing schemes. .

Pueblo de Oro has recently expanded its offerings with the second phase of Familia Verde, a thoughtfully designed community spanning 3.8 hectares. Accessible via Camarahan Pahiron Road, Familia Verde provides affordable yet quality housing options with flexible financing schemes, enabling hardworking Filipinos to achieve homeownership. 

The two-storey townhouses in an elevated topography come equipped with efficient spaces for living, dining, kitchen, and service areas.

The two-story townhouses are designed with practical living spaces, ample natural surroundings, and provisions for two to three bedrooms, ensuring a comfortable and adaptable lifestyle. Another standout development is La Aldea del Rio, a 4.3-hectare residential enclave designed for family-oriented living. Featuring Modern Asian townhouses with designated parking slots, this community provides easy access to key locations, including the Pueblo de Oro Golf & Country Club and Lumbia Airport. Residents also benefit from well-planned amenities such as a multi-purpose hall, a basketball court, a children’s playground, landscaped parks, and walking paths, fostering a vibrant and connected neighborhood.

Setting the Benchmark for Community Living

The City of Golden Friendship has a residential terrain that mirrors its rapid urbanization and growing population.

Pueblo de Oro sets the benchmark for community living with Familia Verde and La Aldea del Rio by creating value-for-money homes in ideal locations that ensure a better quality of life for its residents. For more information, contact 088-858-8976 or 0917-102-8736 or visit www.pueblodeoro.com.

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SM Prime Widens the Landscape in Renewable Energy

As part of its net-zero commitment by 2040, one of Asia’s leading real estate and property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), partnered with global integrated energy company TotalEnergies for the installation of a 2 Megawatt-peak (MWp) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Rooftop project in Pasay City. 

The partnership venture aligns with SM Prime’s efforts in expanding its renewable energy portfolio and affirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in various urban settings.

Designed with a power yield of 3,000 Megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity annually, the solar partnership project has over 3,672 PV panels installed and is expected to provide huge cost savings for SM Prime. Located at the MOA Square in the Mall of Asia Complex, the solar installations are expected to reduce the building’s carbon footprint by about 1,430 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.

More than 3,600 solar panels were installed on the roof of MOA Square in the Mall of Asia Complex. 

More than 3,600 solar panels were installed on the roof of MOA Square in the Mall of Asia Complex. "SM Prime is proud to work alongside TotalEnergies on this project. This partnership is our commitment to sustainability and achieving Net Zero by 2040. We are also taking a proactive stance in supporting the Department of Energy’s (DOE) target of reaching 35% renewable energy by 2030. Together, we’re driving meaningful change towards a more environmentally conscious future," said John Nai Peng Ong, SM Prime Chief Finance Officer. 

“We are thrilled to announce the successful deployment of solar rooftop installations at the Mall of Asia in the Philippines, marking a significant achievement in both environmental and economic sustainability for SM Prime,” said Elodie Renaud, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Asia. 

For the past few years, SM Prime continues to grow its partnerships with key clean energy players, leveraging its relationships and earned experiences to drive its environmental stewardship campaign. Capitalizing on these partnerships has provided for SM Prime huge economic, environmental, and social dividends. 

In 2022, SM Prime secured a long-term deal with AboitizPower for its clean energy supply. Under the agreement, AboitizPower will provide reliable and responsibly-sourced energy from Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal Power Plants, and PV Sinag’s Power Plants, operated and managed by AboitizPower subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI). 

The following year, SM Prime signed a memorandum of agreement with Citicore Renewable Energy Company (CREC), wherein SM Prime will source 90 megawatts (MWac) from CREC’s upcoming Lumbangan Solar Power Plant in Tuy, Batangas. 

Apart from contributing to the DOE’s 35% renewable energy goal by 2030, all these partnerships are aligned with the energy department and Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) policy of expanding the adoption of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) in the energy industry. 

To date, SM Prime currently sources at least 50% of its electricity utilization from clean, renewable energy. 

 SM Prime supports the Philippine government’s aim to increase the country's renewable energy supply component to 50% by the year 2040. It remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

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Velmiro Uptown CDO Celebrates Clubhouse Blessing and Turnover Ceremony

Exciting news for residents and future homeowners of Velmiro Uptown CDO! The modern community in Cagayan de Oro City by Cebu Landmasters Incorporated (CLI) recently celebrated a momentous occasion – the blessing of their clubhouse. This key milestone marks the official completion of the amenity center, offering residents a dedicated space for connection and enjoyment. 

Blessing the Path to Community

The event, held on May 4, 2024, commenced with a mass followed by a heartfelt blessing ceremony officiated by Father Nathan Lerio, Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier. This act signified the importance of fostering a strong and positive atmosphere within the Velmiro Uptown community. 

 

Building Not Just Houses

The ceremony also featured a speech from Mr. Franco Soberano, Executive Vice President and COO of CLI. He emphasized the company's core value: building not just houses, but thriving communities. The clubhouse represents this commitment, providing a space for residents to gather, socialize, and build lasting connections. 

Partnership for Progress 

CDO City Councilour Girlie Balaba, representing City Mayor Rolando Klarex Uy, also graced the event. Councilour Balaba expressed gratitude to CLI for their partnership in the development of Cagayan de Oro City. Velmiro Uptown's presence not only offers modern living spaces but also contributes to the city's overall growth. 

Celebrating a Milestone 

The event included a symbolic house turnover ceremony, another significant step for the development. This act marked the official handover of a house to a homeowner, signifying the ongoing progress and the realization of Velmiro Uptown's vision. 

A Special Offering for Residents 

Following the ceremony, CLI offered a heartwarming gesture – free house blessings to residents whose homes were yet to be blessed. This act highlights CLI's commitment to the well-being and comfort of their residents, extending beyond the walls of the clubhouse. 

The blessing of the Velmiro Uptown CDO clubhouse signifies more than just the completion of an amenity. It represents CLI's dedication to fostering a vibrant and supportive community for its residents. With this new space, Velmiro Uptown residents can look forward to a more enriching and connected living experience.

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PLDT, Smart enable digital farming for women farmers in Bukidnon

Women leaders and farmers in Bukidnon received technology support from PLDT and Smart. 

Women leaders and farmers from the Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers Cooperative (MARBFC) in Bukidnon Province recently received a technology and connectivity package from PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), through the coop’s partnership with Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA). 

“We at PLDT and Smart are thankful for this opportunity to help empower the women farmers of Bukidnon, through digital technology and capacity building. This is perfectly aligned with our advocacy to help improve the quality of life of Filipinos through technology, particularly in the communities where we operate,” shared Smart Mindanao Relations Head Judee Chaves. 

Part of the PPSA’s GrowHer project, this initiative capacitates women farmers in North Luzon and Mindanao in using technology tools for their farm businesses. “We are very lucky to have this opportunity. GrowHer has enabled us to impart new learnings to other farmers not just in our locality but also in nearby farming communities in Bukidnon,” said Evangeline Frasco, MARBFC General Manager. 

Each partner farmer received a smartphone, a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi device, and Smart Prepaid load cards that they can use to access more agriculture-related information online and wider markets through e-commerce.“Technology will be a huge help for farmers and members of our cooperative to learn about the latest farming strategies. Additionally, with these smartphones, we can now do online selling, transact more efficiently and coordinate with buyers,” shared Amelita Nieze, MARBFC leader. 

Under PPSA’s GrowHer program, selected women farmers undergo capacity building on digital entrepreneurship, focusing on social media marketing and e-commerce, which they are expected to cascade to their co-farmers and coop members. For cooperative trainer Dessie Canto, digital technology now plays an important role in farming. “We should not be left behind in using new technologies. Through PLDT and Smart’s connectivity support, we can easily train MARBFC members and farmers,” she added. These engagements with the PPSA and coops like MARBFC are part of the PLDT Group’s efforts to promote inclusive technologies that can help boost livelihood opportunities among farmers. This is also in line with the Group’s efforts to help the country achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially UNSDG No. 1 (No Poverty) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). 

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