The Story Behind ItsChada
Ka pachada ba kaayo!
That’s what we say here in Cagayan de Oro when something takes our breath away. Pachada – it’s our word for beautiful, extraordinary, worth talking about. It’s the feeling you get when you stumble upon a hidden waterfall, taste the perfect bowl of binaki, or watch the sun set over the Mindanao Sea.
That’s what this blog is all about.
A Love Letter to CDO and Beyond
I’m Mike Abonitalla, and I’ve called Cagayan de Oro home my entire life. I’ve watched this city grow from a sleepy southern town into the vibrant, buzzing metropolis it is today – the beating heart of Northern Mindanao. And honestly? I’m still discovering new things to love about it.
Before I became obsessed with sharing stories, I was obsessed with connections. Back in the ’90s, when the internet was just arriving in the Philippines, I was one of those crazy early adopters who couldn’t stop tinkering. I opened one of the country’s first cybercafés right here in CDO – back when “going online” meant something truly special.
That pioneering spirit never left me. Today, I’m a digital marketing strategist, running ThriveSME and ThriveWhiz Digital, helping brands tell their stories across the Philippines, the U.S., and beyond. But what started as web design and hosting in the ’90s has evolved into something more meaningful: creating connections between people, places, and experiences.
Why This Blog Exists
ItsChada.com was born from a simple desire – to celebrate everything extraordinary about our city and our island. This is for our kababayan scattered across the world who miss the taste of home. For curious travelers planning their next adventure. For anyone who believes that the best stories are the ones shared.
We’re honored to be recognized as one of FeedSpot’s Top 100 Best Philippine Lifestyle Blogs (#52 in 2022), but what matters most is the community we’re building – one story at a time.
What You’ll Find Here
Our mission is straightforward: discover, experience, and share. We’re documenting the pachada moments in Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao – the hidden gems, the local flavors, the people who make this place special. And when we venture beyond our shores, we bring that same curiosity and appreciation for what makes each place unique.
Daghang salamat for being here. Whether you’re planning your first visit to CDO, rediscovering your roots, or just curious about life in Northern Mindanao, we hope our stories inspire your next adventure.
Hinaut ma lingaw ra mo sa among storya.
Ready to explore? Reach out through our contact page – we’d love to hear your stories too.