Cagayan De Oro Day 3

Despite threats of the gloomy weather, it was like fiesta upon reaching the Cogon market; drivers and bystanders were greeting us while offering transport services to different locations in CDO. We took a 10 min taxi ride from Metro Hotel to the Cogon Market so that we can catch the bus to Balingoan Port. Our local friend negotiated with the locals and we were led to a Starex service unit to Balingoan port for Php 1500.00 for 5 people. It seems pricey, but it was worth it since most of us were able to nap The impending rain drops was threatening our Camiguin island tour, but we carried on anyways. before our Camiguin Island tour and avoided bus stops. It was a good decision after passing by more than 5 bus stops and seeing other buses parked on the roadside. The driver knew the route and it was as if we were riding the train.

Upon reaching the port, we were too early for the "ro-ro" that will transport us across to Camiguin Island (Roll on/Roll off ferry boat that carries cars and passengers). Other passengers were also waiting for the incoming ferry. The terminal fee was Php20.00 and Php 170.00 for the ferry ride per head. We boarded Star Ferry Boat at about 11 in the morning. The boat was pretty in pink and the seats were comfy enough for our 2 hour ride across the Bohol Sea.  The sea and the breeze, we munched on some peanuts and local spanish bread back from Balingoan port.

Drivers and bystanders greeted us again at Benoni port, and we were really grateful for our local friend's presence. We were also mindful of choosing because the multicab drivers have their own system of queuing for passengers also. Camiguin is a small island, our local driver/guide agreed to tour us around the island for Php 1500.00. As a local resident, "manong" knows the way around the island and talked while he drove. Our first stop led was to Katibawasan Falls. The road to the falls was elevated and sometimes led to off road pathways; though seemingly undeveloped, we felt lucky. It was as if we discovered a treasure island that is uncommercialized and unexploited by the mass.

Before entering, we noticed small "karinderias" (local canteens) selling piles of golden brown Kiping for P20.00 each. It was made of sweet potato, crispy, and served with sweet coconut jam. It was so sweet that it invited a bypassing bee and pet chickens of the locals, the chickens scrambled with every droppings.

Besides the mossy walkway, the trees, vines and shrubs naturally framed the top view of the water falls. A winding staircase led down to a small pool. We took a quick deep after changing in a public shed, I shivered as I took careful steps across the rocky and sandy ground of the pool. I was careful with my steps since the area is mossy and avoided unwanted foot injury. There was a precaution line that warned tourists of the deepness of the area where the water falls. Mr. DQ was 6"2' and was not able to reach the ground with his toes and kept his dream of showering directly below the falls to wait. The falls led to a controlled river-like structure that was regulated by a boulder of rocks. We climbed all the way up the winding staircase again to reach the entrance area, each step was worth the pool below. Entrance fee was P5.00 per head. 

Manong drove us to Paras Beach Resort where our friend reserved a room for 6. Look, mountain view from our left, the pool and sea on the right. Poor Mr. DQ, who helped me carry my sportsbag earlier from the staircase of the falls. We checked in early and left our baggages in the room, some changed their wet shirts before proceeding to the rest of the tour. I did some quality check by jumping on the bed and squishing the pillows - I didn't want to leave.

We continued our tour, Manong took us to the Walkway to the Old Volcano that caused the 1871 eruption. It also included Stations of the Cross, which that leads to the top of the mountain. Manong told us that it was a long way up and we did not go far. Most tourists get a photo opp of the first station. Entrance fee was P5.00. Karinderia and souveneir shops are found infront of the site that sold refreshments, shirts and of course grotto souveneirs. On our way to the Holy Cross, we passed by the sunken cemetery. The cross floated amidst the sea and the only visible structure from the sunken cemetery, one can cross the sea from the shore via small boat while a local pulls the rope towards the cross for a fee, we were content to see it from afar. From our pictures, it is better to go see it in the morning when the sun does not shine against the viewing spot. Bystanders will offer to take your picture with the cross, we took our own pictures. According to manong, a tip of P20-50 will be sufficient.

Our fourth stop was the Guiob Old Church Ruins, towards the sea was a cliff. Amidst the ruins and the knee-high shrubs, there is one well-maintained loo station. For P2.00, the polite caretaker showed up after use and even gave us receipts. The walls of the church ruins ere evidently made from corals and rocks found from the sea. We even brainstormed if the cliff was submerged by the sea and corals grew after 1871 volcanic eruption nearby that submerged the place, or the place was indeed made from the corals.  It was about 20 min drive from the resort, the old bell tower was still recognizable, the new light house is visible from where the old convent was. Nearby was a more than a century-old tree, I wondered how many wars and sunken ships it had witnessed. On our way, we passed by Tres Marias - the 3 sister mountains found at the middle of 2 mountains.


Being the water-loving girl that I am, my insides were tingling with excitement on our way to the cold spring. Some ways are off road again, but I didn't mind as I was already daydreaming of going to the hot spring after the cold one. We reached Sto. Nino Cold Springs and quickly walked to the edge of the natural pool. Our friends jumped into the cold pool. Mr. DQ was not comfortable of swimming with the fishes and I was hesistant to jump into a deep pool as I could not tell due to the clarity of water. We stayed at the edge and discovered a natural fish spa by slowly deeping our legs into the pool. Obviously, we were the invaders of the natural spring. Fishes swam away when agitated so it was important to keep still. It was tickling but it was a treat after a day's walking around the island. I could not deep my feet to long in a cold pool, so I took breaks. There was even a small crab that emerged from a hole on the edge of the pool - good thing we did not sit on it! A local from the outside approached us and asked if we would like some refreshments and even rice meals. We decided to have an early dinner consisting of coconut juices, 1/4 kilo pork adobo and a bowl of rice. The coconut is a bit on the sour taste already; nevertheless, we still scraped the coconut meat out of the fruit. The rice was soft and sticky, adobo pork meat was a little tough but aromatic. For a price of Php 250.00, it was a quick fix for our hungry bellies.

  

There's nothing like a nature-inspired spa trip to cap off the day. As the sun set, we were travelling the off road to Ardent Hot Spring. It was dark when we reached the hot spring and I was careful of the slippery path towards the hot spring. There is a change area, some tables, sheds, and even villas for rent. It was packed, it was almost past their bed time but the kids area are still full of lively children. The adult area consisted of two areas, some people are cooped up from where the water came from. Not much difference to the other side where the water was deeper. I entered the wrong entrance to the pool - my toes couldn't reach the bottom of the pool and hanged on rock formations towards the 5-foot swim area haha, so much for my fear of murky waters. I hanged unto Mr. DQ and tried to reach the bottom, the water was a bit murky yet the calming for tired muscles. The water was naturally warm, not hot. We placed our belongings on the rock staircases infront of the pool and took turns in looking out. Couples, families and barkadas were enjoying the warm pool, some were picnicking in the designated area. We thought of eating onsite, but were concerned on our way back since the service was only for 12 hours. We decided to go back to the resort and eat later. 

On our way back, I couldn't see the sides of the road due to darkness but this was negligible to manong's experience. We tipped Php 100.00 for manong since we enjoyed the trip with him. We enjoyed night pool swimming under the moon light, the water was still as the night since other guests were not back yet. While waiting for our late dinner, I enjoyed chilling on the hammock, while Mr. DQ and friends went for the billiards and table tennis for free. We feasted on our dinner next to the sea. The bulalo soup warmed our spirits, lechon kawali again for the "young at heart", chopseuy was average, sweet and sour lapu-lapu was fresh. After washing up from our room, we ordered cocktails from the clubhouse. I had a screwdriver; refreshing and harmless, but I was tipsy on our way back to our room. Cable TV was available available at the clubhouse and the concierge area, where guests could also sit and chat away. We were beat from the day's touring around Camiguin, we finished our drinks in our air-conditioned room and dozed off under our warm comforters, dreaming of the next day's agenda - White Island.

Cagayan De Oro Day 2

I must admit, it really is an effort to step out of one's comfort zone. So from the city touring and mall strolling, Mr. DQ and I met with our local friend and 2 more others from Manila after picking up Innova service unit from Avis. Thank goodness that the caretaker went out of his working hours to assist us as early as 7 in the morning. Yes, we rented the car for about Php 4k per day with Php 1.6K downpayment that will be returned upon return of the service unit. The car included insurance and diesel gas. The mileage was only a little over 4 km; lucky us, we are the one who about to wear it out haha.

This was the last day of Laguindingan airport's operation, we fetched our friends from Manila to get their things since they signed up for white water rafting in 1st Rafting Adventure. Hey look, PAGASA headquarters (Philippine Athmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services and Administration) was just across the airport. Our friends hanged out for a while since one of them works as a meteorologist. Together with our local friend, I didn't only feel homey in CDO, I also felt that the good weather was on our side.

I know, I know. Rafting was not my sort of thing... yet. Mr. DQ and I opted to go joy riding and see local sites such as the Gaston Park and Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, Gaisano Mall, Nazarene Parish Church, other local government structures. Just like in any other local churches in the country, lost souls are found in the area asking for alms. Some may get assertive by your tugging your shirt and tap your arms, please avoid giving alms because it is against the law and it has been advised by the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) to refrain from doing so. 

We found it interesting that CDO has its own version of Divisoria and Recto like in Manila. At the back of my mind, it's a bit comforting to say: "Oh, it's just like in Manila", only the place looks different and it tickles your curiosity to go and see beyond. Apparently, "Divisoria" means "divider" in English and the divider was built as an urban divider or a firebreak. Not sure why Recto is still connected to Divisoria at this part of the country though. Nonetheless, we saved Plaza Divisoria tour for later's night market experience.

  

When we met up with our friends, traces of adrenalin rush were still evident from their sun-kissed faces. According to our friends, the division of rafting were classified as beginner, advanced, expert, and so on. For beginners, the rate is Php 700. They signed up for advanced stage for Php 1k each person, which includes the service ride to the area and safety wear. It was the first time for our local friend to go rafting, and same for the meteorologist. From their experience, the advanced stage is mellow enough for healthy newbies and the guide was very experienced. I will definitely try this when I come back to CDO.

We set course to Bukidnon to visit Del Monte Plantation in Camp Phillips and its well-known clubhouse- The Bungalow, and Dahilayan Adventure Park. Though slightly hungry, we settled for the meaty tuna sandwiches that our local friend prepared earlier since we are headed for The Bungalow's famous steak. It's a 2-hour drive that includes going up the mountain roads. The service unit's air-conditioning was working fine, but we chose to roll down the windows to take in some fresh air. As soon as we saw the giant pineapple, we entered Camp Phillips and saw these cute and neat housings within the area. The air indeed smelled of pine and pineapple. Our local friend says that the housings were for the employees and that the place is guarded by military to ward off leftist from the mountains, but it is open for civilian's and locals.

Just infront of the pineapple plantation, the Bungalow clubhouse was literally a wooden bungalow surrounded by nature. As dreamy as the willowy tree, the large circular driveway leads to the entrance. It felt like I was about to visit my local friend's granny for some good ol' home cooked meal. I'll write a separate review for the details; my personal favorite was the stewed beef for it's gooey sauce and melt in your mouth meat pieces. Although they were ironically out of pineapple juice, I enjoyed the mango version and it reminded me of my grandma's old wooden house back in Manila.

The air grew cooler as we went onwards to Dahilayan Adventure Park, some parts were already off road but it didn't matter - the grandeur of the fields was mejestic. As a local resident, my reaction was: "Seriously, no one thought of shooting a cowboy film here?" My handy dandy headband turned out to be useful to keep out my hair from constantly slapping into my face. Thank God for a slightly gloomy weather, no rain.

The weather in Dahilayan was comparable to Tagaytay. No entrance fee to enter the park. There is, however, a range of prices for the corresponding thrill ride. Dahilayan offers shuttle ride service from Divisoria Plaze for Php 350.00 per head on saturdays.  Our friends went for the Drop zone. The caretakers strapped them up and lifted them to as high as 120 feet for an impending free fall. If any comfort, the man-made pond will catch the impact of your fall, in case of emergency. According to them, the stress and thrill was rooted to the cord pulling that will lead to the drop of thrill seekers. Spoiler alert: The hilarious thing was that the cord initially appeared to not work due to repetitive pulling, keep calm and pull again. The rates were Php 500.00 for single and Php 750.00 for a pair. When I finally decided to try ziplining for P500.00 single ride to Asia's longest zipline of 840 m, it was past 5pm and the park was finishing up with the customers, who signed up before 5pm. I noticed a peculiar trick that they used for big-boned people - plastic fins for windbreak. See other packages here.

While on our way home, we lost our way among the off road paths. Luckily, we asked a local "ate" ( assuming the wisdom of a maiden, not necessarily older sister) and headed back to CDO town proper. The mountains and unending fields looked like a cropped out picture from The Legends of the Fall movie. I have no pictures to justify this, you must see for yourself. After a quick fix up from the Metro Hotel, we visited Divisoria night market near Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan. Beggars were pretty assertive as we ate our way along stalls of chicken proven - a stick consisting of 4 pcs fried chicken intestine. It was sinfully good, especially when dipped in sweet and sweet and spicy sauces. Besides the frying woks, rice wrapped in banana leaf was also sold and eaten along with the chicken proven for a complete street meal fix. Filipino local street foods like fishball, squidball, kwek kwek, and balot were also available.

In the plaza, we were greeted by the "manangs" from lines of food stalls that were full of Filipino and local CDO food like varieties of pansit, adobo, "kinilaw" raw meat in vinegar. People ate on temporarily allocated plastic tables and monoblocks right on the street. Be careful of your belongings, it's night time and some may be tempted. Our food tripping led us to a 5 min. motorella ride to Inilog Grill, it's amazing that we fit in for a group that consisted of a 6'2", and 3 over 5'5" people. Our 2 lady friends settled for the right and left wing seat of the driver. 

The grill have non-smoking area and live band. If you don't mind eating in the dark with black lights on, this is the spot to chill with your friends. They had NBA replay on one side, the other one has the local drama series on. We were still hungry and feasted on pork sisig, calamares, lechon kawali, kalderetang kambing (goat), rice per head and 2 buckets of mixed varieties of SanMig lights. In addition to the fun vibe of the place, quirky reminders were found at the last page of their menu. Though I wasn't able to try ziplining and rafting, I was able to experience CDO on a relaxed tone; we were able to do as we please on our own phasing.

Cagayan De Oro Day 1

Getting There:

At 2 AM in the morning, mists of rain were sprinkling down my pair of ragged vans way back from college days. I wondered how this pair has withstood all through my wanderings, and then I started to wonder where our taxi service might be. I called MGE taxi about 10 in the evening for a service meet up at McDo – infront of Binondo Plaza at 2AM, I was advised that they will try to send out a taxi. The operator called at about 1AM in the morning and provided the unit number. We waited for about 30 mins and jumped into a passing taxi to NAIA Terminal 3 for Cebu Pacific local flights.

In the name of love and adventure, Mr. DQ and I headed to the south for Cagayan De Oro (CDO). We made sure to arrive 2 hours before the flight to avoid any unwanted delays. We did not have check-in baggages and had no problem getting to the plane, except for the long lines. We were able to have a quick bite at Cinnabons and even took some vain pictures while waiting for our boarding time. 

The plane departed 15 mins ahead of schedule and landed earlier at Lumbia Airport. This is quite a catch since we landed a day before the airport’s last operation day. All flights to CDO are now directed to Laguindingan airport. There are some who do not agree to the transfer of the airport; nonetheless, it push through. In a way, it's has been an opportunity to be part of history.

Going Places Day 1:

We took a 25 min. taxi ride to Limketkai mall for P250.00 and had big breakfast meal at McDo. It’s like we never left Manila, but time travelled back to the 90s because the place was not included to the recent McDo remodelings. The muffin was smaller and it was as if they scraped the insides. Hot chocolate and the sausage tasted same when in Manila. Mr. DQ has an impeccable taste for coffee, the verdict: it needed sugar and cream. “Angkongs” (Chinese Grandpas) over our right, having coffee and reading the morning paper. The Mcplay place was empty on a school morning. Pretty lax vibe in the area, so we decided to take a morning walk along the area to San Vicente Park.

The roads are small scaled, just enough for two opposite directed cars. Instead of jeepneys like in manila, the roads are dominated by motorellas and jeepneys are mainly seen on main roads. These motorellas are like tricycles, the driver sits infont and 6-8 passengers could fit in behind, even 2 small persons on both sides of the driver. It’s advisable to take the motorellas if you are going around the town since they can pass through the small roads.

It was a day after Independence Day, San Vicente Park was still adorned with flowers and banderitas from yesterday’s event. The sun was still mild and locals were jogging around, while elders sharpening their chess skills. We were the only ones who were taking pictures and thus were the only tourists haha. We tried to blend in but failed to do so due to the height difference and huge backpacks.

Across San Vicente Park is a provincial Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, about 2 storeys high and about half the size of the main branch in Manila. We also passed by the city prison and coincidentally saw the transferees right infront of us, all seated in a jeepney sized carrier and one accompanying policemen on the passengers area. Everyone was calm. It looked more like a school service than a prison service. There’s one by standing policeman at the entrance. I’ve never been this close to a prison; the towers are made of wood and are only 2-storey high. Although there is a grassy perimeter between the inner prison and the outside world, I could see through the prison since only chicken wirings of about 6 feet high was holding them in. They seem to be having a retreat rather than being imprisoned inside a grassy since some are in civilian clothes. They live in shanty-like structures; one even called my attention and asked for alms. We also passed through the local Department of Science and Technology (DOST), local telephone company and the local RMN broadcasting station. It was a busy morning, jeepneys and motorellas are a few steps away, but the delight of fresh air was still sweet to inhale.

 

Our bags were getting heavier as we walked, Metro hotel was just a few blocks away. Thankfully they take early check-ins. It was a good thing that we asked our local friend to reserve for us; as soon as we got there, lack of parking space indicated that the hotel was packed. It’s a two-storey building with a small café and concierge. Nice and Neat was my first impression of the room, it did not have a view but it’s okay since we’ll be out most of the time. As long as it has air-conditioning, hot shower and sit-worthy toilet, I’m happy. 

The newly opened Centrio mall was a block away from Metro hotel, so we checked it out. Upon entering, it was as if we were back in Manila. It is a 4-storey mall filled with restaurants and branded retail stores. I dare say that locals have a healthy purchasing power; locals were not just hanging around,  they were shopping. We had a hard time choosing where to have our first lunch in CDO, we were in circles and decided to try Bigby’s. For the second time, I saw this inviting local bakeshop chain – Missy Bon Bon, it was integrated to Centrio's Bigby’s. It reminded me of Goldilocks bakeshop from its blue and yellow color theme. It’s too early to haul in pasalubong, so I just took note of the prices. They have pastels, cakes, bread, and even gelato varieties.

I’ll write another review for Bigby’s. For now, let me just say that I dared to order strawberry shake on a budget trip since it was 30% cheaper than the normal price in Manila. It was sweet and refreshing! We were full and happy with the ambiance, service, binggo game, and of course the food. I will definitely come back to get hold of the elusive CDO Sinuglaw.

                

Mr. DQ and I were tempted to have a movie date but reminded ourselves to enjoy the outside world, we can do movie dating back in Manila. After a stroll in Centrio’s open grounds and had doughnuts. Although the size and ambience is comparable to Greenbelt in Makati, it is sill a local mall; for example, Dunkin Donuts in this area only sell the popular flavors. We went back to the hotel for a quick nap before meeting our local friend. We met our friend at Limketkai mall and had a local cuisine dinner at Kagay-anon restaurant. I especially liked the Guso (seaweed in vinegar) and ostrich salpicao.

Silly me, I forgot the rechargeable batteries at home for camera use and had to buy a set for tomorrow’s use. Surprisingly, stores are closed by 8 o’clock p.m., so we called it a day since we lacked sleep from the early flight. We walked back to the hotel and came across a small chain of convenient store – Chams. We were desperate and bought them even if the price is a bit off the normal range. Cable TV was a savior. We did not have any problem in using Tagalog, but having a local friend surely had its advantages, specially when ordering and haggling.