Charlie Fleming returns to Cagayan De Oro, shares childhood memories

Charlie Fleming is back in her hometown, Cagayan De Oro City!

In the “Sparkle Under the Sun” segment aired on “24 Oras” on Friday, the Kapuso star took viewers on a heartfelt homecoming to the “City of Golden Friendship,” where she visited her grandmother’s home, which she described as one of the places closest to her heart.

The actress was overjoyed as she reunited with her grandmother after four months, sharing stories about growing up in the family home and celebrating fiestas together.

“This is the place where we all really come together. Especially mga fiesta, which is also my Lola's birthday. Kasi may ganun 'yung Lola ko. Sinasabay niya 'yung fiesta tsaka birthday niya, which was just a few weeks ago,” Charlie shared.

“This is where the memories are made and syempre, talagi natin i-share-share 'yung mga memories na 'yan,” she added.

Charlie also revisited locations tied to her childhood, including a park where one of her old photos was taken when she was five years old.

While reflecting on the changes in the area, she said the place continues to hold many of her “core memories.”

She also showcased some of Cagayan de Oro’s historical landmarks, including the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral and the City Museum of Cagayan de Oro.

“It started here in 1622. It was a chapel first,” shared Region 10 Master Tour Guide Milo Dahilan Jr.

During her visit to the cathedral, Charlie also talked about one of the biggest crosses situated in front of the church.

“This was erected here in 1888. Probably it was when the Jesuits came here,” Dahilan added.

Aside from the cathedral, the Sparkle star also visited the City Museum of Cagayan De Oro, which was once a water tower in 1922.

Among the City Museum’s highlights is the Higaunon Prayer Table, a handcrafted centerpiece that showcases the rich indigenous culture and heritage of the region.

“The indigenous people, the Higaunon area, binibless nila ito. So, we offer coins for your safe arrival,” Dahilan shared.

Dahilan also shared the origin of the name “Cagayan de Oro,” which is linked to the river and traces of gold dust once found in the area.

Charlie likewise explored eco-tourism destinations such as Sinulom Falls, which comes from the root word sulom, meaning black ants.

“So, etymology wise, Sinulom comes from the root word sulom which means the black ants. They're like gathering," said Kim Enovio of the CDO City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office.

"Dati parang people gather here to get a source of water pero ngayon para din tayo mga black ants that get together to enjoy the wonderful falls," Charlie also said.

Charlie also visited the Bulaw Cold Spring and crossed a 200-meter hanging bridge.

“As a professional side quester, I think this is one of the best side quests that I've ever done. It's really just exciting,” Charlie shared.

Charlie also highlighted Mindanao’s cacao industry by harvesting cacao pods and tasting traditional sikwate made from locally produced tablea.

“So that's what home really feels like, knowing that something won't change and there's always something that you can come back to,” she said. —Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News