LakbayLoyd

Friday, April 2, 2010

CAGAYAN DE ORO - The City Of Golden Friendship

One of the most memorable of my Mindanao trips was when I went to Cagayan De Oro. True to its name, Cagayanons are among the friendliest people I met and mingled with.

Being the gateway to any destinations in Region 10, Cagayan De Oro won't be missed out of your travel itenerary. The city's tourist magnets are a must-see before visiting Iligan and its majestic falls, the food basket of Mindanao - Bukidnon, the volcanic island of Camiguin, or simply the rest of Northern Mindanao.

Cagayan De Oro attractions :
- Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village
- Macahambus Adventure Park
- White-water rafting
- or simply enjoy the open spaces and parks for cheap and delicious food, exciting nightlife, and meeting new friends

Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village

Roaming the city on foot

BUTUAN CITY - By Accident

Long before Cebu Pacific upgraded its fleet and offered low fares, I had the convenience of flying with Philippine Airlines getting 75% off on its regular fares. While others pay as much as P10,000, I pay only P1,800 for a round trip ticket anywhere in in Mindanao and P1,200 to any destination in Luzon and Visayas. That was the best part. The worst part is that I was always a chance passenger.

For this trip, originally I was holding a ticket to Cagayan De Oro but the flight was full. Never wanted to spoil my vacation, I chose to take the Butuan flight instead. Immediately, I asked approval from the PAL ticket office manager. It took awhile before my trip pass was signed, and I was being called thru the PA system to board the plane immediately. That caused the Butuan flight to be delayed for 15 minutes. ha ha ha

With my Canon camera's limited capability, I was only able to take a few good shots. Most photos were either over-exposed or out of focus.

Agusan Del Norte Provincial Capitol

Butan City Plaza and Cathedral

Get Charmed With CAMIGUIN ISLAND

Not so long time ago, digital cameras were considered prized commodity so I used to have a very reliable Canon still camera which I take along with my trips. I decided to scan and save soft copies of memorable photos taken from my travels some few years back.

The first of the series is my picture collection from Camiguin Island. An island on the northern tip of Mindanao. To get there, from Cagayan De Oro City, take the bus to Balingaoan Port. Then take a ferry to either Benoni or Mambajao Port, both are towns of Camiguin. A tricycle is enough for you to see the entire island for one day.

Map of Camiguin Island

View of the island from the ferry

Mambajao Cathedral

Mt. Hibok-hibok

Old Catarman Ruins

Sunken Cemetery

Katibawasan Falls

From different parts of the island

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Discover BALER For A Day

I was once asked by a colleague if I have been to Baler. ‘I was only able to watch the movie. But what’s in Baler exactly?’ I asked. ‘Why not come and see for yourself.’, he insisted. Having that motivation in mind, I decided to hit the bus to Baler from Cubao via Genesis Transit at 4:00 am one Saturday morning. The trip would usually take more than 8 hours, but thanks to SCTEX – it was shortened by one hour.

Upon entering Aurora province, the Sierra Madre Mountains welcomed me with the breathtaking vast green mountain scenery – perfect for mountain climbing and nature trekking. These rainforests are the only few of the remaining rinforests in the country and mostly of ancestral domains.

I finally reached Baler at 11:00am. Not having any clear plans in mind, I decided to go somewhere which interested my eyes. I instinctively walked towards the nearby Pasalubong Center from the bus terminal – where I was able to meet the owner herself, Baby. Surprised that I went to Baler alone with no business other than sight-seeing, cultural exposure and picture-taking, Baby thought I should meet Noli Guerrero, an artist and indigenous culture advocate, who could provide me with information about Baler’s culture and history. Baby then took me to Noli who likewise got surprised about my agenda or me having no agenda at all in coming to Baler. After a very rich discussion about Baler's history and culture, he insisted I should see some attractions but with a company. He asked one of his artist-students, Elias, to go alongside and take me in and around the town.

We toured Baler the whole afternoon on a tricycle for only P150. We went to Cemento Beach with a great view of the islets of Dimadimalangat, climbed the top of Ermita Hill, walked around the town proper visiting the adjacent historic Baler Church, Dna. Aurora Quezon’s old house, the Baler Museum, the Provincial Capitol, the Manuel L. Quezon Monument and finally, Sabang Beach – where the Aurora Surfing Cup is being held every year. I checked-in at Bay’ Inn which is located along Sabang Beach - a single aircon room costs P900 . That same evening, Noli and his company invited me for a drink at the nearby Bahia De Baler KTV Bar (the only upbeat bar in town with acoustic singers) and again, enlightened me with historical, cultural and environmental significance of Baler focusing on the preservation of indigenous culture of the Ilongot and Dumagat tribes. He also told me how he abhors the fraudulent and indirect destruction of the town’s heritage by some cold-blooded town officials.

I left Baler the following morning and took the 10:00am bus to Manila.

There are still many things I need to learn and discover about Baler. That one-day experience may be significant enough but I wanted more - enough reason why I definitely should go back there.