I must admit that Gingoog City is not for tourists who look for a very progressive environment. Gingoog is the only city in Misamis Oriental which ironically is the fastest growing province in Mindanao, southern Philippines.

To top it all, the beauty of Gingoog lies in its residents. Gingoog has virtually a zero crime rate and most of its residents are simple people who just want to go on with their daily lives and nothing else as long as they can feed their families. The lasses there still exude that oh so rural charm only Philippine hospitality can offer.

Of course, there are some exciting times of the year when Gingoog livens up. This is during Catholic fiesta celebrations which are common in the country. (Each place in the country has its own patron saint and elaborate dining is held on that day.) Here in Gingoog, residents gladly welcome visitors to their homes and let them dine for free. One will surely experience how Filipino food tastes.

Currently, the mayor of Gingoog is Ruthie Guingona. She is the wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona and she has been governor of Misamis Oriental before being in this position. She must know how politics work in her city.