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.