It was a typical day great for an extreme adventure -- Luzon is partly drought by rains -- while Mindanao is scorching hot. Though the environment seems to defer the heat and pushes us (my college friends) to go on an extreme adventure taking advantage of the best weather there is.
And so the day comes.
July 11, Thursday - Me and my friend are ready to surprise our college buddies (and we call it "kolokoys" which stands for people who have insane/crazy mentality) of my presence. Oh, they don't actually know that I booked myself a flight to catch up.
We left our place in Laguna at around 5:30 AM and we head over to NAIA terminal 3 and arrived at exactly 6:15 AM. As we were about to check-in, the couple who is responsible for the adventure saw us as we lineup. Oh yeah, they were shocked. But I'm most shocked with her guy as we know whose going to depart Manila to Japan anytime from then.
As we go over the meetup point, I revealed myself to them stating that I will be at the same flight as them. The plane departed at exactly 8:10 AM and we arrived at Laguindingan airport at exactly 9:20. Not bad, eh?
ARRIVAL IN MINDANAO
And so we arrived at the infamous and new Laguindingan airport situated in Misamis Oriental. We planned for a much more convenient tour package including visa vis airport, hotel, Camiguin and others. We were attended by Eldan Meschavez, the chairman of Cagayan De Oro transport.
He took good care of us as we head over to our hotel, named HOTEL CONCHITA. Strategically located in the heart of Cagayan De Oro city, fronting Cogon Market. The hotel is very nice, and I have no question as the hotel staff and officers are easy to talk to. Oh, primary dialect is Bisaya, specifically Cebuano. (Good thing I equipped myself with slight bisaya and I know and understand what they say)
The schedule we had is quite intact, we arrived at the hotel at exactly 11:30 AM, (so we traveled for how many hours! That's how far Laguindingan airport to CDO city proper) we checked-in at the hotel, dropped our bags, head over to Ron's, a very cheap restaurant who offers "Ihaw-ihaw" with Lechon Manok and etc. We ate at approximately 30 mins then head over the hotel again just to change clothes because first up is we're gonna challenge the wild water rapids as we do the WHITE WATER RAFTING, very famous in the city of CDO.
1ST DAY: EXTREME ADVENTURE - WHITE WATER RAFTING
We were picked up at the hotel by a waiting jeepney which would take us to the starting point of the beginner's level of the white water rafting.
Well, if most of the readers know, white water rafting has their levels -- mainly Beginners, Advance and Expert. Although, it will all go through the same rapids, the only difference will be the span of the rafting. Example; Beginners level will span for at least 3 hours.
As soon as we arrived at the starting point, the guides discussed some safety measures and precautions regarding the adventure. They even told us the geographical slate of the place, indicating that downstream, the right side will always be Bukidnon and left will always be CDO. The guides also taught us on how to properly hold the paddle, and how to properly paddle. Also, some tips on how to survive when you fell down the raft. And it brings a lot more tension as we go along.
Then we're advised to go inside the raft, held are paddles, properly locked our feet to maintain our body balance. Then, we're off!
The rafting took us 3 hours, with very witty guides. I also met Rambu, a guide of ours whose playing bass for their band. So I need to introduce myself to him. We had no dull times as we laughed our way, taunted each other, and took some energetic high fives indicating we're a great team! You can see our photos below.
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| KOLOKOYS |
We head home and made us very hungry. We then left the area and took us again at the hotel, seeked for food and gone to sleep. Our wake-up call is around 3:00 AM the next day as we're going to prepare to depart for Camiguin Island to chase the first RORO trip going there.
2ND DAY: DEPARTING FOR CAMIGUIN ISLAND
Our tour guide instructed us to wake up on or before 3:00 AM, as we are trying to chase the first RORO trip going to Camiguin Island at Balingoan port located in Misamis. It is a 2-hour land trip so we are obliged to sleep during the travel.
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| Balingoan Port |
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| Inside Balingoan port |
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| Barya catchers |
We arrived in Balingoan port, then boarded the RORO and we're off to Camiguin Island. The deep blue sea as we cross it is far the best scenery I've ever seen this 2013. The air that soothes each and every soul reminds us that the Philippines should never be taken for granted and our weakened body is rejuvenated with its unending marvels. Then we saw the great island of Camiguin, and soon arrived at Benoni port.
I also observed at the port that there are a lot of multicabs waiting, and as for our guide, tourists can rent the multicab for as low as P1500, taking you to various tourist spots popular in Camiguin.
The island is right small, and you can tour around the island for a span of 6 hours. Though we are chasing around the next RORO going back to Balingoan, we have to wrap ourselves up at around 2:00 PM. So we rushed and tried to explore the likes of the Ardent Hot Springs, the famous White Island (the best!), the very popular Sunken Cemetery, and the Katibawasan falls. How can I describe it? Just browse through the pictures below.
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| Benoni Port, Camiguin Island |
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| Ardent Hot Springs, Camiguin Island |
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| Going to White Island, Camiguin |
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| Sunken Cemetery, Camiguin Island |
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| Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin Island |
3RD DAY: CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY TOUR
And the 3rd day comes, and its the last day for me and my buddy. Our flight is at 2:10 PM, and so we rushed to get our breakfast, to at least experience a bit of the city tour. We took our breakfast at around 7:00 AM, and we were picked up by a Manileno by the name of kuya Dick.
We embarked on a land trip which will approximately last for 2 hours, and we first head to Makahambus Cave. It is a very small cave which is historically, used by Filipinos to run in the water.
Right after, we took off to Jatico Adventures, were extreme rides are available. This includes zipline, the big swing, airsoft, etc. Then that will be our last destination for me and my friend as we bid our farewells to each other.
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| Small bats sleeping |
BUT WAIT.. THERE'S MORE!
As promised by kuya tata, he and his wife took us to the Divine Mercy Church, which in particular, somewhat resembles the church we visited in Southern Cebu. Then again, we just took pictures of it, thrown some peso into the wishing well and prayed for guidance.
As we disembarked kuya tata's car, and I then handed over a piece of my calling card, then he said: "Molde ikaw sir? Molde rin ako eh". And of course I was shocked! Literally, CDO is a hometown of some Cebuanos, particularly our bloodline. I never thought that I'll be meeting someone who has the same bloodline as I do in CDO. Anyways, I always thought of having to meet some cousins over there, but due to time constraints, destiny can't coupe up with it. Next time, maybe.
AAAAAND, if you want a manually made expenses for CDO, just click here.
Thanks for viewing guys! Enjoy CDO!
#ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines
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